Community Calendar

Free, peer-led mental health support: NAMI Connection Group. Held Wednesdays, 5pm Online (see website for zoom link) and at Child & Family Services, 3785 Veterans Dr.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 9:30 am–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm (outside only)

Do you want your plein air paintings to look more lively and intriguing? In this workshop, learn how to infuse your plein air paintings with brushstrokes, texture, and light. We will begin by examining brushstrokes made by impressionist painters, the likes of Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, and Norwegian-American Jonas Lie. Students will explore brushstrokes in terms of size, direction, thickness, and speed. Learn how to manipulate the elements of the brushstroke to get unique effects in painting. In this workshop, students will understand how brushstrokes are used to convey color, contour of objects, and texture. In addition, students will also be introduced to the idea of broken color and color transference that happen with elements in the landscape.

Date: M/T/F August 17, 18, and 21, 2026
Time: 1 pm–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: All Skill Levels (students ages 16 and up are welcome)

Learn to use the clay extruder to produce forms that can be altered, joined, or carved to create one-of-a-kind pieces, such as vases, boxes, and other functional or sculptural work. Demos and examples of other potters’ work will be used to inform and inspire your studio work.

NOTE: Finished pieces are normally ready for pick up within 2-4 weeks.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork

Free, peer-led mental health support groups:

*NAMI Family Support (Mondays at 6pm. Online and in-person at HBA, 3040 Sunset Ln. See website for zoom link.)

*NAMI Connection Group (Mondays at 6pm. Online, see website for zoom link)

Torch Area Artisans Guild (TAAG) meets every Tuesday from 10am to noon. We have been creating art and contributing to our community for over 40 years. We are quilters, embroiderers, knitters, weavers, painters, potters, jewelers and more; all artists welcome!

Newcomers are invited to visit our meetings, contact us by email at taartisansguild@gmail.com or view our page at www.facebook.com/TorchAreaArtisansGuild.

Sponsored by Alden District Library with meetings 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.

Wake Up North is a nonprofit organization that teaches kids how to wakesurf.

On August 18th, we are hosting a surf session on Long Lake from 5-7 pm, and we have three (3) seats available for kids between the ages of 11-15.

Reservations required by emailing surf@wakeupnorth.com.

Every Wednesday May 6th, 2026 - Oct 28th, 2026, Except the 3rd Wednesday of each month and July 29. 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.

Free, peer-led mental health support groups: NAMI Family Support and NAMI Connection Group.

Both held Wednesdays, 12pm at Christ Church, 430 Fair St. (See website for zoom link)

Free, peer-led mental health support: NAMI Connection Group. Held Wednesdays, 5pm Online (see website for zoom link) and at Child & Family Services, 3785 Veterans Dr.