Community Calendar

The AAUW–Traverse City branch invites you to a free, open-to-the-public general meeting as we welcome longer days and a hint of spring. Join us in the Janis Room at the NMC Dennos Museum Center for a meaningful evening of connection and conversation.

Continuing our Women Matter focus, featured speaker Jessie Houghton, Chief Academic Officer for Traverse City Area Schools, will share insights on education, leadership, and the impact of women in our community.

Refreshments will be provided by our STEM group, and all are welcome. We hope you’ll join us!

Free and open to the public.

AAUW Mission:
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, philanthropy, education, and research. For more information, click here.

Come to the museum and join an informal tour of our current exhibitions with one of our docents. Tours are free with museum admission and will begin at 12:00 PM. Please meet by the front desk a few minutes before the tour begins.

This informative session is a deep dive into the voting process in Michigan. Learn the year-round safeguards, steps, and teamwork that make our elections possible, accurate and secure.

Perfect for anyone curious about what happens before, during, and after you cast your vote.

Topics of discussion will be plans for upcoming programs, book sales and volunteer opportunities. Anyone interested in supporting the library is always welcome.

9:30am social time & 10am meeting held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden. 231-331-4318.

Creative Wellness Monthly Gathering
Facilitators: Carol Hohle & Meridith Mulcahy

Time: 1:30 pm–3 pm

Registration Deadline: N/A

Location: Meet at the GAAC front desk, then follow the fun—we may head to locations like Pine Street Studio or Thoreson Farm Studio during the summer. (Reserve Pinestreet Classroom as permanent option)
Skill: All Skill Levels
Cost: $10 member/ $12 nonmember
Min/Max: N/A
Time to Set Up: 15 minutes
Time to Clean Up: 15 minutes

This group will gather once a month to share and learn more about the value of creativity in our daily lives. Over a warm mug of brewed tea/coffee (or ice tea/lemonade in the summer!), come connect with others, share ideas, find inspiration, and practical tips to lead a more creative and whole-hearted approach to life. Each month, in addition to checking in with one another, we will explore different practices (journaling, stitching, collaging, photography) that may pique your creative curiosity.

Each week the group will meet at the front desk of the Glen Arbor Art Center and will move to locations such as Pine Street Studio, the GAAC Classroom, the GAAC grove or Thoreson Farm.

This light-hearted and informative program about the rich heritage and traditions of the Mennonite Amish people is presented by Carmen Yoder.

Join us for pie and coffee while Carmen, who grew up in a Mennonite family, shares fascinating stories and lively discussions that unpack the history, traditions, language and culture of the Amish.

Free Event. RSVP not required but appreciated. Contact Alden District Library 231-331-4318.

Sponsored by Alden District Library and Friends. Held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden.

MARCH 24, 26 & 31, 2026
6 - 8pm each day
REGISTER BY: March 22nd
CLASS FEE: $125, or $112.50 for members​
FORMAT: in-person

All supplies are provided.​​

Carving in ceramics involves removing clay from a leather-hard piece to create texture, depth, and patterns. Key techniques include incising (drawing fine lines), relief carving (removing background areas to make designs stand out), and carving through glaze layers.

This workshop provides clear, practical guidance for executive directors and board members on core governance roles and responsibilities. The focus is on how boards and staff work together, where accountability sits, and how to avoid common points of confusion. Participants will leave with shared language and tools they can use right away.

Executive directors are encouraged to attend with at least two board members to support shared understanding and application. Each organization may send 2–3 participants; additional board members are welcome as space allows. Please register early to secure your spots.

Facilitator: Cindy McSurely
Cindy McSurely is a nonprofit consultant with over 20 years of experience in the arts and culture sector, including leadership roles as a Development Director and Executive Director. As a consultant, she focuses on governance, nonprofit administration, and organizational strategy, helping organizations strengthen leadership and build practical systems. She is currently serving as a Transition Director/Interim Executive Director for an arts organization preparing to hire its first paid Executive Director—her second time leading this type of transition. Cindy serves as President of the Michigan Music Alliance, Vice President of NWMIARTS, Co-President of the Kiwanis Club of Petoskey, and as a Steering Committee member and mentor with Leadership Little Traverse.Audience: Who is this for?

This session is designed for:

Art & culture professionals / administrators
Board members

Presented by Don La Barre
Historian for the Michigan History Center & Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Join historian Don La Barre as he examines the early to mid-20th century history of Rockport Quarry and Stone Plant, focusing on its growth and technical development.

La Barre will explore how the quarry operated during its most active decades, including the methods used to extract and process stone, the machinery and technology that powered production, and the innovations that improved efficiency and output. The presentation will also highlight how the plant adapted to changing industrial demands and economic conditions during this period. Through an overview of mining practices, changes in national trends, and operational milestones, the audience will gain insight into how Rockport Quarry functioned as a key industrial enterprise in its era.

Today, Rockport is a public recreation area that stretches along the Lake Huron and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary coast and is managed by Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources. Its 4,237 acres offers hiking trails, sinkholes, mountain biking, and a boat launch to visitors. It is also a designated dark sky preserve.

A presentation to talk about everything you want to know about Ranked Choice Voting.

What it is,
How it works,
Who uses it,
The benefits,
And efforts to bring it to Michigan.
For those not able to attend in person, please click here to register to join us online via Zoom.