Cover photo: Author Tricia Frey (right) with Christine Stapleton and her border collie “Light”. Stapleton purchased a signed copy of Frey’s new book about her Sheltie, called “Sheldon’s Journey”, during a November program of Near and Farr Friends held at the Onekama Township Hall.
From staff reports
ONEKAMA ‒ This month marks the Near and Farr Friends’ eighth year of community programs hosted by the Portage Lake Association as part of its ongoing activities. Programs will take place twice a month this winter and spring at the Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main Street.
Speaker presentations will be held every third Thursday of the month beginning at 2:30 p.m. . Games will take place 2:30-4 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. On game day, participants are encouraged to bring a friend and a favorite game or learn to play a new game. They are also invited to continue their games at the historic Blue Slipper Tavern until 7 p.m. The tavern is located at 8058 First St.
All are welcome to attend programs, especially newcomers or those returning to the area, according to the NAFF organization. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated.
Attendees are invited to gather afterward at the Blue Slipper Tavern to share social time with others. The tavern is open daily, 3-11 p.m., except Wednesdays and Sundays. The menu includes sandwiches, soup and “favorite” beverages.
Immediately below is the complete schedule of January-May programs.
– January 19. Nurse Practitioner Laurie Porter, of the Emergency Department at Munson Manistee Hospital, will speak about common emergencies that senior citizens experience: what to do to prevent them and how to handle them when they do occur.
– February 2. Game Day with Ransom Notes, a new game, and Oh Hell, an old and familiar one.
– February 16. Jessica Sam Steinberg, a member of the Little River Band, will speak about the issues of Indigenous people through US history from a woman’s viewpoint. Organizers stated: “This should be a very informative and important presentation for all to hear.”
– March 2. Game Day with the card game euchre (always a favorite), led by Dawn and Greg Bower.
– March 16. Tyler Dula, a conservation technician with the Manistee Conservation District, will discuss wildlife and forestry concerns in Manistee County. Near and Farr Friends suggested: “If you love living in the midst of the forests around us and watching the many wildlife species outside your door or on your walks in conservancy wooded areas, this program is for you.”
– April 6. Game Day with Upwords, as well as other word games participants wish to bring.
– April 20. Dave and Fran Wallace and Ted Lawrence will share their knowledge and memories of two of their neighborhoods on the shores of Portage Lake: Red Park and Wick-a-te-wah. Anyone interested in the area’s history will find this a program not to miss.
– May 4. Game Day.
– May 18. Recent and future changes at Munson Manistee Hospital will be the topic. “Our local hospital is critical for our health and safety,” stated the Near and Farr Friends. “Bring your questions and concerns for this presentation.”
Those not already on the Near and Farr Friends’ email list may be added by emailing their name and appropriate email address to: nearandfarrfriends@gmail.com.
Postings and updates about programs and Game Days can be found by visiting the Calendar page of the Freshwater Reporter website, https://freshwater-reporter.com.
To learn more about Near and Farr Friends and their activities, follow them on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/portage_lake_association “like” and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/PLAOnekama/, and/or join their Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/147760669837
The Portage Lake Association describes itself as “a group of volunteers dedicated to making the Onekama area a great place to live, play and stay.”
