Association of Lifelong Learners

FFNMLF presented an $800 grant to Association of Lifelong Learners (ALLL) as part of their third quarter grant awards. The money will be used to purchase equipment to livestream presentations and hearing assistance devices.

ALL produces more than 250 programs each year that are attended by more than 2,500 people. These programs provide educational and learning opportunities outside of the normal academic environment. The new video streaming technology will help reach more people that currently are unable to participate in programs due to driving distance, specifically the nine senior citizen centers located outside the local Alpena area. The new technology will also improve the quality of programs being attended by providing improved visual presentations and hearing assistance to those who need this type of assistance.

For more information, visit www.associationoflifelonglearners.org or call 989-358-7207.

Pictured from left to right are FFNM Legacy Foundation Secretary Kathy Brown, and Girls on the Run Sunrise Side Council Director Cathy Goike.

Girls on the Run Sunrise Side

FFNMLF presented a $1,500 grant to Girls on the Run Sunrise Side as one of their third quarter grant recipients. The money will go toward program expenses.

The 10-week after school program is designed for girls in 3rd through 8th grade to teach them confidence, community service, and healthy habits. Biweekly sessions are led by trained volunteer coaches that guide and mentor the girls through fun and uplifting lessons that incorporate running practices. The program concludes with a celebratory 5K event.

Girls on the Run Sunrise Side is currently offered in 15 schools in Alpena, Presque Isle, Cheboygan, and Montmorency counties. Their goal is to have 250 girls participate in the 2020 program. For more information on how you can participate, volunteer, or make a donation to Girls on the Run Sunrise Side, contact Cathy Goike at 989-358-7970.

Scouts BSA

Pictured from left to right are FFNMLF President Michael Mahler, and ALL Board President Richard Bremmer.

FFNMLF presented a $1,500 grant to Scouts BSA Troop 78 and Cub Scout Pack 3078 as part of their third quarter grant awards. Scouting opportunities have been offered in Alpena at the First Congregational United Church of Christ since 1910. Recently, the Boy Scouts of America has become inclusive of both boys and girls and is now known as Scouts BSA. A local group of dedicated parents and volunteers are committed to continuing to offer Scout meetings and leadership opportunities to the Alpena and surrounding communities. Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at the First Congregational Church of Christ and new scouts are welcome.

For more information, call Stacie at 989-255-8148 or visit their Facebook page Alpena Troop 78 and Pack 3078.

Thunder Bay Folk Society

FFNMLF presented a $1,500 grant to the Thunder Bay Folk Society as part of their third quarter grant awards. The money will be used toward the expenses of the 6th Annual Thunder Bay Folk Fest that was held September 27 to 29 at the Alpena Antique Tractor showgrounds. The Thunder Bay Folk Society has been bringing musical talent from multiple genres from across the state of Michigan. Music genres include 60s folk/rock, bluegrass, country, faux-grass, blues, and dance tunes. They also provide educational art and music workshops for all ages, a mind/body tent devoted to movement and meditation classes, kids events, food and craft vendors and on site camping.

The 7th Annual Thunder Bay Folk Fest is scheduled for September 25 to 27, 2020. Tickets will be available spring 2020. Find out about upcoming events, tickets, and how to support the Thunder Bay Folk Society at thunderbayfolkfest.org.

Pictured from left to right are FFNMLF Treasurer Eileen Budnick and Thunder Bay Folk Society President Bonnie Bartz.

Your Child Reads

FFNMLF presented a $1,500 grant to Your Child Reads of Alcona and Iosco Counties as one of their third quarter grant recipients. The funds will be used to purchase books for the program participants. Your Child Reads, in partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, provides age appropriate literature to children newborn to five years old in Alcona and Iosco counties. Each registered child receives a free book in the mail every month.

The committee is well on their way of reaching their 2020 goal of 500 children in Alcona and Iosco counties. Parents may sign their child up at any library in Alcona or Iosco counties or online at www.imaginationlibrary.org.

All books are free of charge to the children thanks to generous contributions from the local businesses and communities. To find out more about the program and how to support it, contact Phyllis Rhodes at 989-362-3006.

Pictured from left to right are Your Child Reads committee member Denise Bearre, Your Child Reads Chairperson Phyllis Rhodes, and FFNM Legacy Foundation Secretary Kathy Brown. Headquartered in Alpena, Michigan, the FFNMLF serves Greater Alanson, Cheboygan, Gaylord, Lewiston, Oscoda, Mio, and Alpena areas. Applications are available at www.ffnmlegacyfoundation.com.