Almanac

People of all skill levels are invited to play. Free Event. Sponsored by Alden District Library and held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

People of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome!

For more info, contact Sue Archer at 231-944-0013.

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

Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Time: 10 am–12 pm
Registration Deadline: Sunday, July 31, 2025
Location: Thoreson Farm
Ages: 6+
Come make a Michigan memory out at Thoreson Farm and create a functional ceramics mug! In this parent/adult and child workshop, students will be guided step by step on how to create one or two Michigan-themed slab mugs. Students will also be shown different surface techniques to make their mug as unique as Northern Michigan. What a great souvenir!! No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided.

All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. After kiln firing, your mugs will be available for pick up at a later date.

Every Wednesday May 7th, 2025 - Oct 29th, 2025, Except the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Free lessons at 11:30am. Lunch (bring your own) and bridge talk at Noon. ACBL-sanctioned bridge game for $5.00 begins at 12:30pm. For more details, contact Lou Slyker at 248-770-6152 or ljslyker@gmail.com Sponsored by Alden District Library and held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support groups for families and individuals living with a mental health challenge. Groups are confidential, free and no registration is required.

Email info@namigt.org or call 231-944-8448 for more information.

Elevate your next gathering with handcrafted mocktails! Join Jack Lankford at the R.B. Annis Botanical Lab and Community Garden at Interlochen Center for the Arts for a fun and interactive class on crafting delicious non-alcoholic drinks that are perfect for any occasion. Learn how to make flavorful syrups, balance ingredients like a pro, and mix crowd-pleasing mocktails that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to up your beverage game, this class will give you the tools to create stunning, alcohol-free drinks that everyone can enjoy. Cheers to great flavors and great company!

Jack Lankford, a Traverse City local, is passionate about crafting unique, flavorful experiences—both in the community and in a glass. As an experienced mocktail maker and educator, he has taught hands-on classes at Interlochen Center for the Arts, guiding participants through the art of syrup making, herbal and floral infusions, and crowd-pleasing drink recipes. Jack believes that great drinks bring people together, and his workshops are all about creativity, connection, and fun.

Registration Fee: $20

Looking to practice your French language skills, but don't have anyone to talk to? Please plan to join us every first Wednesday for a casual conversation group. All levels are welcome!

Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 3, 2024
Location: Thoreson Farm (outside only)
Why is nature writing important? When we understand more about the natural world, we will likely understand new things about ourselves. Join this one-day writing workshop to broaden your innate knowledge and writing repertoire. We’ll start by reading and reflecting on famous nature writing works, including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

Then, for inspiration, we’ll read and reflect on nature writing. This year we will explore works from Joy Harjo, Ted Kooser, Mary Oliver Li-Young Lee, Annie Dillard, Willa Cather, and John McPhee. Reconnect to your natural surroundings via writing. First, we will take gentle hikes in the meadow, hills, and woods surrounding Thoreson Farm. Then, using nature as our prompt, our writing will follow in whatever form seems best for you.

Come join the Benzonia Public Librarians for an afternoon of art, crafts, science and fun for families to do together!

We will have hands-on activities and printed instruction sheets for you to take home so you can continue the fun on your own! Lots of STEAM activities that don't require devices will be available to enjoy.

Date: M/T/F August 11, 12, and 15, 2025
Time: 1 pm–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 7, 2025
Location: Thoreson Farm
Learn to throw pots with lids and perfect your handle-making skills. In this class we will learn to throw small lids off the hump and practice several handle techniques