Almanac

The Benzie Community Band, under the direction of Bandmaster Tim Willson, presents its third summer concert on the front lawn of the Benzie Area Historical Society in Beulah, MI.

You won't want to miss this chance to come early, tour the incredible collection of historical artifacts in the museum, enjoy some cookies and popcorn, and then relax on the lawn, with the music of the Benzie Community Band.

Local bagpiper, Pete Deneen, will be a featured artist, as well as the many talented local musicians of Benzie County, playing rousing marches, showtunes, and wind ensemble standards. Bring your lawn chair, and your music-loving friends and family to this free outdoor concert. All are welcome!

Just steps from the bonfire circle, guests can peer into the cosmos at Leelanau’s own Lanphier Observatory. Featuring a 14-foot Celestron telescope and guided by local expert Norm Wheeler and Leelanau faculty member Elizabeth Wolterink, these stargazing nights offer breathtaking views and constellation storytelling for curious minds of all ages.

Summer 2025 Schedule (10 PM–Midnight, weather permitting):

June: 25, 26

July: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 30, 31

August: 6, 13, 14, 20, 21

Admission: Adults $5 | Students $4

Location & Access:
All guests may park in any Leelanau School lot and walk the scenic boardwalk across the Crystal River to reach the bonfire circle or Lanphier Observatory. Adventurous visitors may also walk in along the beach. The observatory is easily spotted nestled between the lakeshore and trees.

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LONG LAKE - A Farmers Market will be held at Haywood Park, due east of the Long Lake Township Hall at 8870 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, Michigan 49685 near the Bocce Ball Courts. The Market will be open Thursdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm from June 5th to October 2nd.

We are excited to create a community-based market that celebrates the historic agricultural traditions of Long Lake Township while providing opportunities for Long Lake residents and the surrounding community to buy and sell locally grown and produced products.

If you would like to participate, please email us at welcome@longlaketownship.com, call us at (231)946-2249, or stop by the township hall. Also, we will continuously be accepting vendor applications. If you are interested in being a vendor, please visit the township website or stop by for more information and an application.

9:30am social time. Regular meeting begins at 10:00 am during which we will discuss plans for upcoming programs and activities, as well as, volunteer opportunities.

Anyone interested in supporting the library is always welcome. Held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden. 231-331-4318.

Help us restore and protect the incredible dune and forest ecosystems of the Maple Bay Natural Area and the connected Petobego State Game Area through invasive plant removal! Native wildflowers, mushrooms, trees, and shrubs that rely on this healthy habitat are currently under threat of being displaced by aggressive invasive plants, such as spotted knapweed.

GTRLC will supply gloves and any tools necessary for the work session. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, healthy habitats, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No prior experience necessary - just come ready to learn something new! This activity is moderately strenuous, with volunteers often bending and kneeling to pull or dig out plants. Porta johns are available at the parking area.

Location: Maple Bay Natural Area Please meet us at the main trailhead for Maple Bay Natural Area.

Explore the connection the Anishinaabe, Grand Traverse Bay's ancestral residents, have to the Bay. Tera John, a Knowledge Carrier and Story Keeper from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, will be our guide as Manitou sails across the waters that have been a vital resource since time immemorial.

June 19, July 17, August 14, 10 am - noon aboard the schooner Manitou

Purchase tickets in advance online or by calling our office at 231-941-2000

The Friendly Garden Club’s 41st Garden Walk will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Visit five gems of the Silver Lake area. Advance tickets are $15 and can be purchased at: www.mynorth.com and several local garden centers.

Tickets on the day of the walk are $20 and can be purchased at The Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 or at any of the featured gardens along the walk. For more information, visit www.friendlygardenclub.org.

Story Time - Penguin Theme (baby-age 5) and Kids’ Crafts: Balancing Buddies (ages 6-12). Free Event.

Sponsored by Alden District Library and held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

Join us at Crooked Tree Arts Center – Petoskey every Thursday from 10:00 - 11:00 AM in the Gilbert Gallery for Coffee @ Ten! Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries from Roast & Toast while attending engaging lectures and presentations by experts from a wide range of fields. These weekly events are designed to inspire curiosity, promote community connection, and support lifelong learning. Free and open to the public – all are welcome!

Learn more and view the full schedule at: https://crookedtree.org/article/ctac-petoskey/lecture-series or call 231-347-4337.

Better Together Activity Club Summer Days welcomes disabled adults 18 and up, along with their family, advocates, and caregivers to join in some summer fun activities.

Bring your lunch and beverages, and join us this week Tuesday and Thursday for our "Creator's Workshop! You are welcome to wear your pajamas!