October 11, 2011, 5:34 a.m.
Volunteer

connections

Fight poverty as a navigator. Char-Em United Way is looking for community members who are willing to share their networks and experience with those who are struggling to improve their lives. We call these volunteers "Navigators." One-on-one relationships are the best way to help people move out of poverty. Why become a Navigator? Research shows that relationships make the difference when people move out of poverty. Here is what it takes to become a Navigator:  A few hours per month, often via phone contact. A six-month commitment during which you: Connect him/her to the resources needed to find help; Guide, encourage and inspire; Help another adult on the journey to move out of poverty. To volunteer for this opportunity or to see more volunteer opportunities go to the Char-Em United Way website: http://tinyurl.com/volunteerconnections or call (231) 487-1006. Nonprofit agencies that wish to post volunteer opportunities can register for free at: http://tinyurl.com/volunteerconnections-agency.



Births

A son, Connor Edward Browe, was born to Nathan and Kelly Browe of Charlevoix at 10:48 a.m. Oct. 5, 2011, at Charlevoix Area Hospital. Connor weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long at birth. Grandparents are Bruce and Kathy Reid of Charlevoix, and Ron and Lauri Browe of Atwood. Great-grandparents are Janice Kotowich of East Jordan, and Ted Browe of North Carolina.

A daughter, Valerie Jane Jaroneski, was born to Christopher and Samantha Jaroneski of East Jordan Oct. 6, 2011, at Charlevoix Area Hospital. Valerie weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces at birth. She has a sister, Abigail Jaroneski. Grandparents are Leo Jaroneski, Pat Jaroneski, Rachel Sornson and Chuck Sornson, all of Clarkston. Great-grandmother is Ida Bailey of Waterford.

A daughter, Vivian Elizabeth Disbrow, was born to Wallace Disbrow Jr. and Elizabeth Kantzer of Central Lake Oct. 7, 2011, at Charlevoix Area Hospital. Vivian weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces at birth. Her siblings are Mia and Maxwell Disbrow. Grandparents are Wallace and Susan Disbrow of Central Lake, and Sherman and Gretchen Kantzer of Logansport, Ind. Great-grandparents are Bonnie Lewis of Bellaire, and Jean Harter of Central Lake.



Meetings

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12

BNI-Business Before Breakfast, meets 7-8:30 a.m. every Wednesday at the Petoskey United Methodist Church. Visitors welcome.

Harbor Springs Kiwanis Club meets 8 a.m. for breakfast the second and fourth Wednesday at Stafford's The Pier Restaurant. Visitors welcome.

Petoskey Duplicate Bridge Club meets noon Wednesdays at 2144 Cemetery Road, Petoskey¿ (behind Lowe's). All players welcome. Visit www.petoskeybridgeclub.com or call (231) 881-0829 for information.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Northern Lower Michigan meets 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Petoskey Club, 555 W. Mitchell, Petoskey.  All are welcome as this group is open to consumers, family members and advocates for mental health services.   

THURSDAY, OCT. 13

Petoskey No. 1 BNI will meet 7-8:30 a.m. Thursday at Petoskey United Methodist Church. For further information, call (231) 526-6449.

Northern Michigan Sewing Guild meets 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Petoskey. For more information, contact Bonnie Willinson, president, at (231) 548-5780.

Writer's group meets 6 p.m. Thursday at the Charlevoix Public Library.

Petoskey Duplicate Bridge Club meets noon Thursday at 2144 Cemetery Road, Petoskey. All players welcome. Visit www.petoskeybridgeclub.com or call (231) 881-0829 for information.

Boyne City Kiwanis meets at 7 a.m. Thursday at Robert's Restaurant in Boyne City.