Parks seeking candidates
The Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee is seeking candidates to fill two vacant seats: a southwest Michigan representative and a committee member at large. Applicants should have experience using the state parks and recreation system and involvement in outdoor recreation and natural resources or related affiliations.
Members will assist the committee in advising and making recommendations to the DNR on state parks policy, provide guidance on state park matters, seek development of a broad variety of programs and more.
For more information, contact Barbara Graves at 517-284-6136.
Fish races
The 7th Annual Fish Races will be held Thursday, Sept. 7 at Camp Fish Tales in Pinconning. Proceeds from the event, which will include pari-mutuel betting (or pool betting) on wooden fish, will go toward Camp Fish Tales’ programming, scholarships and camp maintenance.
Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 5:30 p.m., and the game begins at 6:30 p.m. Each heat will feature six fish racing on a custom track. To attend and place bets, you must be at least 18 years old. Admission includes an outdoor dinner and bets.
Tickets can be purchased at campfishtales.org or by calling 989-879-5199.
Volunteers needed
AuGres Community Events, ACE, is looking for volunteers as it prepares for the annual holiday Christmas in the Park. The Christmas in the Park event, usually held the first week of December, takes place at the City of Au Gres Riverfront Park, and features locals decorating Christmas trees and placing them on lots around the campground.
The group also decorates the campground’s entrance with lights and Christmas ornaments, and they welcome donations to supplement their holiday decorations. Mail donations to ACE at 3004 E. Midshipman Dr., Au Gres, MI 48703.
To become a volunteer or for more information, contact Borushko at 989-989-385-2455 or wpborushko@charter.net. ACE can also be found on Facebook.
Writers workshop
Mid-Michigan Writers will host Gateway to Writing Saturday, Oct. 14. The “Keep Your Readers Turning the Pages” event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northeast Arts Center, 3233 Grove St. Road, Standish.
Featured speakers are Michigan writers Dario Ciriello and Diane Hammond.
The event will feature an in-depth discussion of the art, craft and magic of writing fiction, from the viewpoint of two successful and lifelong practitioners. The course will cover how to choose and craft a compelling story, plot versus seat-of-the-pants writing, develop complex characters, manage viewpoint, and effectively use dialogue.
The cost includes lunch and materials. Preregistration is required. The deadline for registration is Oct. 11.
For more information, call 989-482-9005 or 989-846-6546. Send check or money order to Mid-Michigan Writers, PO Box 924, Standish, MI 48658.