Events Calendar

The Petoskey Film Theater will be showing the film "Made in Dagenham" on Wednesday and Friday, April 13 and 15, 7:30 pm at the Petoskey District Library, Carnegie Building (old library). Donations are appreciated.

This film is based on the true story of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant (in England), where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination and fought for equal pay.

Who would think a movie about an automakers strike could be so entertaining and even moving? "Made in Dagenham" is simply brilliant. Rita O'Grady (Sally Hawkins) finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the limelight when she becomes the leader of a strike by the women who sew the upholstery for a Ford factory in Dagenham, England -- a strike that, thanks largely to the efforts of management and unions alike to dismiss it, turns into a struggle over equal pay for women. But because of a smart and subtle screenplay, understaded direction, and above all outstanding performances by the entire cast -- also featuring Rosamund Pike, Miranda Richardson, and Bob Hoskins -- "Made in Dagenham" never stops being about people, even as its political scope widens.

Every step is grounded in human relationships, among the striking women, between Rita and her husband, between the wife of a factory manager and a floor worker. The movie skillfully balances issues of class and gender equality and makes you care deeply about them -- and about these people struggling for basic fairness. And it's funny, sad, and genuinely stirring. Simply a marvelous movie, not to be missed.

For more information on upcoming films call the PFT Movie Hotline at (231) 758-3108. To receive weekly email updates send an email to petoskey.film.theater2@gmail.com.

Gather your friends, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone interested in a night of music, food, and tons of wine, all to benefit the community.

A committee formed by Char-Em United Way is planning an Instant Wine Cellar party for Friday, April 15, 7:00 pm at Stafford's Gallery in Petoskey. There will be a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar featuring drinks from Short's Brewing Company and Bayside Beverage. Musical entertainment will be provided by Northern Michigan's own Boyne River Remedy.

Entry to the party is a bottle of wine or six-pack of craft beer or $15. Throughout the evening guests can purchase raffle tickets giving them a chance to win assorted prizes including the grand prize of an instant wine cellar created from the donated beverages. Second prize is 99 bottles of beer from Short's Brewing Company; other prizes consist of fine wines and accessories, wine tastings, and dinners.

"We hope to get a wide variety of wines and beers from the area. What's unique about the Instant Wine Cellar is that you don't know which beers or wines you may win but you know that they came from your friends and new people you meet at the event," said Crystal Jewell of the planning committee.

You don't have to a be a wine connoisseur to enjoy the fun. Local wine and beer vendors have teamed up to offer suggestions within a $10-20 range that can be purchased to donate at the party. Anyone not sure what to bring can visit the Grain Train, Esperance, Lake Street Market, The Fort, and Gurney's for their expert advice and a list of ten various beverage items. Lake Street Market in Boyne City is offering an extra bonus for customers that come in looking to buy wine for the event.

"We're happy to offer a 15% discount on any of the wine purchased for this event. Just mention that you need a bottle of wine for the instant wine cellar party," said Liz Glass, co-owner of Lake Street Market.

All proceeds from the Instant Wine Cellar party will stay locally to support Char-Em United Way's Volunteer Connections program. Volunteer Connections promotes volunteerism in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties and has referred 200 volunteers to more than 100 opportunities hosted by 50 non-profit agencies.

For more information, contact United Way at (231) 487-1006 or info@charemunitedway.org, visit our website at www.charemunitedway.org or find us on Facebook.