Community Calendar

Date: Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 10 am–3 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Skill: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

This workshop is designed to harness the power of soft pastel while interpreting and painting from your own favorite landscape photos. There will be a comprehensive review of this marvelous medium and its related materials, tips, and techniques. Through lecture, demonstration, and handouts, Barbara will help students create studio landscapes that are dynamic, filled with light, and full of personal expression. She will share tips from her many years of plein air painting, as well as review the fundamentals. This is a fun and relaxed workshop with lots of personal attention and encouragement along the way. Students should bring to class several landscape photos that they have taken themselves, along with the Supply List items. This Workshop is for Soft Pastel, not Oil Pastel. Prior art experience is helpful.

Objective: Skill Development

Outcome: Improved Technique

This artisans’ group has been creating art and contributing to the community for over 40 years. Newcomers are always welcome! For more info, email taartisansguild@gmail.com.

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 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.

Navigational/GPS Charting is a 4-hour class. Students will learn how to interpret a nautical chart and navigate on the Great Lakes using basic coastal piloting techniques. You will also learn about basic GPS and navigational skills, and how to use computer electronic charts.

Class will meet on Tuesday, May 19 from 5 – 9 pm at the American Legion Hall at 1231 Hastings St., Traverse City. Cost is $20. Plotting tools and iPads will be provided for use during the class.

Register by May 15 by going to this Eventbrite link.

Date: Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 10 am–3 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Skill: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

This workshop is designed to harness the power of soft pastel while interpreting and painting from your own favorite landscape photos. There will be a comprehensive review of this marvelous medium and its related materials, tips, and techniques. Through lecture, demonstration, and handouts, Barbara will help students create studio landscapes that are dynamic, filled with light, and full of personal expression. She will share tips from her many years of plein air painting, as well as review the fundamentals. This is a fun and relaxed workshop with lots of personal attention and encouragement along the way. Students should bring to class several landscape photos that they have taken themselves, along with the Supply List items. This Workshop is for Soft Pastel, not Oil Pastel. Prior art experience is helpful.

Objective: Skill Development

Outcome: Improved Technique

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.

9:30am social time & 10am meeting held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden. Topics of discussion will be plans for upcoming programs, book sales and activities.

Anyone interested in supporting the library is always welcome.

Held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden. 231-331-4318.