Photo of coffee beans by Merve Sehirli Nasir, Unsplash.com
Edited news release
ONEKAMA – Near and Farr Friends has announced its 11th year of programs and games for the community.
“Attendance continues to build with new and repeat residents,” organizers stated in their news release.
In addition to their regular schedule, the group will offer a series of seven forums this year focused on the topic of “Aging Well in Onekama,” with various invited speakers.
The series is made possible by a collaboration with First Congregational United Church of Christ of Onekama. Pastor Alison Young obtained a grant to provide the community with this opportunity.
A catered lunch will follow each forum on aging, to begin at 11 a.m. in the lower level of the church, located at the corner of Spring and Zosel Streets.
Of the seven forums to be offered this year, five will take place in winter and early spring and two will be held in the fall.
The stated goal of the forums was included in the group’s announcement: “They will culminate with the public determining the most needed service for us to age well in the Onekama area.”
Other speakers and games included in the regular NFF schedule also begin at 11 a.m. and take place at the Onekama Township Hall, in the church or at a place of business, as indicated in the following schedule. Those interested in receiving weekly notifications of upcoming speakers and games may email: nearandfarrfriends@gmail.com.
Schedule of 2026 Activities for Near and Farr Friends
Jan. 23
11 a.m. Aging Well Forum at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Spring and Zosel. The topic is exercise and home safety to prevent falls, presented by Tonya Evans. Catered lunch to follow. Program and catered lunch take place in the church’s lower level.
Feb. 6
11 a.m. Game Day with Dawn at the Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St. (M-22).
Feb. 13
11 a.m. Learn about the variety of coffee drinks made by the barista at Lake & Latte. Meet inside the café at 4850 Main St. (M-22).
Feb. 20
11 a.m. An Invasive species expert will explain why public parks are impacted by invasives on our properties. Held at the Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St. (M-22).
Feb. 27
11 a.m. Aging Well Forum at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, corner of Spring and Zosel. The topic is “10 things I wish my patients knew” by Carol King, MD. Program and catered lunch take place in the church’s lower level.
March 6
11 a.m. Game Day with Dawn at Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St. (M-22).
March 13
11 a.m. Dave Maylen’s Magic Show at Onekama Township Hall
March 20
11 a.m. Mark Fedder, of the Manistee County Museum, will present “Ethnic Communities in the Early Days of Manistee” at the Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St. (M-22).
March 27
11 a.m. Aging Well Forum at First Congregational United Church of Christ, at the corner of Spring and Zosel. Topics are understanding Medicare, long term care and cost savings options, presented by Volunteer Counselor Fran Wallace. Program and catered lunch (following the presentation) take place in the church’s lower level.
April 3
11 a.m. All about the Manistee County Commission’s work, presented by Karen Goodman, Manistee county commissioner. Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St. (M-22).
April 10 & April 17
To Be Determined
April 24
11 a.m. Aging Well Forum at First Congregational United Church of Christ, at the corner of Spring and Zosel. Topic is end-of-life care presented by Hospice of Michigan speaker Ashley Gutowski. Program and catered lunch (following the presentation) take place in the church’s lower level.
May 1
11 a.m. Author and resident John Wemlinger at the Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St. (M-22).
May 8 & 15
To Be Determined.
May 22
11 a.m. Aging Well Forum at First Congregational United Church of Christ, at the corner of Spring and Zosel. Topic is bank issues, scams and other topics for seniors presented by Jackie Reamer, education and training manager, West Shore Bank. Program and catered lunch (following the presentation) take place in the church’s lower level.
