Community Calendar

Crime has always captured our imaginations, whether in non-fiction books or mass media. But how do these true stories come together? Where do crime writers get their ideas? Step into the research and writing process with NYT bestselling author and award-winning newspaper reporter Mardi Link, as she shares some of her behind-the-scenes discoveries.

Free Event. Sponsored by Alden District Library and Friends.

Join us for part four of a five-part conversation series hosted by Derenda Lefevre of Open Your Eyes To Access (OYETA). These conversations will focus on centering disability stories, the history of disability in our communities, and provide opportunities for non-disabled people to learn about disability, ableism, and what it means to embrace accessibility and equity in our community spaces. Refreshments will be served and documentation for continuing ed hours are available upon request.

#4 Disability Justice: Our fourth conversation will explore our shared language, disability etiquette, the characteristics of an ableist culture and its antidotes, the future of accessibility, and celebrate disability culture.

The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County (LWVLC) is presenting an important community forum on voting integrity – “Election Security: Understanding How the System Gets It Right.” Sarah Lutz, City Clerk for the City of Traverse City, will be the lead panelist. Lutz and local election workers will address how elections work and how voters can have confidence that every eligible vote is counted accurately.

The forum will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at noon, in the lower-level Community Room of the Leelanau County Government Center, 8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suttons Bay, MI.

Nothing is more fundamental to our democracy than free and fair elections. This forum will provide a clear, nonpartisan look at the safeguards built into Michigan’s election system, how the process works at the local level, and the many checks and balances in place to ensure accuracy and integrity. Attendees will hear directly from the City Clerk of Traverse City and local election workers who help to administer elections and protect the voting process in our community.

Participants will gain a better understanding of how votes are counted, how ineligible votes are prevented, and what steps citizens can take to support transparent, trustworthy elections. The forum will also offer an opportunity to ask questions and engage in a respectful, fact-based discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch.

Presentation discussing the Bath School Bombing of 1927

Join us for the 2026 Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Summit: Against the Current.

On May 14–15 in downtown Traverse City, creatives from across the region will gather for two days of connection, learning, and shared momentum. In a culture driven by productivity and profit, the arts move differently, traveling upstream to protect what is human, inclusive, and deeply rooted in community.

Through inspiring keynote sessions, practical workshops for arts workers, live performances, hands-on experiences, and structured opportunities to build real relationships, you will find meaningful exchange across disciplines and counties.

Register today for a meaningful experience with others like you from our creative community.

Enjoy the company of fellow book lovers while discussing “Crow Mary” by Kathleen Grissom.

Free Event.

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

REGISTER BY: May 13th
CLASS FEE: FREE! ​
FORMAT: in-person

As the artist in residence at Good Hart Artist Residency this May, JANHAVI KHEMKA will share her artistic journey, inspirations, and personal experiences. She will discuss how she has adapted to communicate with the world as an artist who is deaf and showcase her work independently. This presentation will offer a unique glimpse into her creative process and how she’s overcome challenges to share her art with others.

Janhavi will then guide participants in creating unique textures using wood objects, resulting in dynamic prints without the need for a press machine. Enjoy complimentary food and beverages while you unleash your creativity!

Space is limited, Pre-Register to secure your spot.

Please note: the workshop is located in our lower level art studio accessible by stairs only.

Appropriate for ages 15 and up.

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“Life on the Car Ferries.”
Presented by: Tim Foster
Mills Community House & ZOOM

Ever wonder what it was like to work on the car ferries? Or how about living on one? Join us on May 14th for our upcoming Benzonia Academy Lecture as Tim Foster takes an in-depth look at what it was like to live and work on the boats.

*Please note the start time change to 7 pm, starting with our May Benzonia Academy Lecture through our September Benzonia Academy Lecture.*

Presenter: Tim Foster

A native of Evanston, IL., Tim now resides in Frankfort. He has a lifelong interest in the Great Lakes. He is on the board of the SS City of Milwaukee National Historic Landmark in Manistee and the Benzie Area Historical Museum. He enjoys building scale models and spending time outdoors.

This presentation is part of the Benzie Area Historical Society’s Benzonia Academy Lecture Series, held on the second Thursday of each month. Admission is by donation, with a recommended $5 donation.

To learn more about the May 14th lecture, visit the Benzie Area Historical Society’s website, benziemuseum.org, Instagram, or Facebook page; call the Museum at (231) 882-5539; or email info@benziemuseum.org.

Join the professional advisors from CENTENNIAL WEALTH ADVISORY at Benzonia Public Library. This program will cover Building a Retirement Roadmap, Investing with Confidence, Tax-Efficient Strategies, and Protecting Your Financial Legacy.

It is FREE to attend and you will leave with the information needed to take the next steps toward your financial wellness!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Email info@cen-wealth.com or call (231) 995-9575 Ext. 107 with the following information:
Attendee name(s), phone number, and email address

Take a virtual walk with Carolyn Henne, botanist for the Manistee National Forest for more than 20 years, through the native plant garden at Chittenden and the only wildflower sanctuary in the National Forest system, Loda Lake.