Community Calendar

Join staff member Claudia to learn about long-term care, what you need to know but didn't know to ask. Claudia is a volunteer through the MI Long Term Care Ombudsman Program hosted by the Area Agency on Aging.

This exciting event takes place during NFL Super Bowl weekend, and we can’t wait to heat up downtown with a cozy celebration of community, flavor, and fun!

Stroll between participating businesses anytime from 1–5 p.m. to sample a variety of soups — from hearty stews and creamy chowders to flavorful bisques — or enjoy a comforting coffee, tea, or punch provided by local retailers and restaurants.

Sat. Feb 7, Blissfest Traditional Community Dance, 7:30 at Littlefield/Alanson Community Building on US31N in Alanson. Music will be provided by Peacemeal, with Cynthia Donahey calling.

All dances taught (circles, contras, squares and more). No need to bring a partner. Perfect for families.

Potluck at 6:30. Bring table service and dish to pass. $10, $5/student, 12&under free.

Laughter is alive at Full Tilt Comedy's Comedy Lab! Come see what our students are working on at this experimental monthly show. Improv, stand up, new teams, new formats... anything goes!

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)

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.

Join us for the an evening of thoughtful conversation and community connection. Housing expert Ryan Kilpatrick of Flywheel Momentum will share insights on today's most pressing issues, as we explore the future of housing in Benzie County. Don't miss this opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and add your voice to this important discussion.

A cozy spread of snacks and hot drinks will be provided. A kid's activity corner will also be provided for families who want to attend with children.

Free, no RSVP necessary.

For more information email us at info@housingtrustofbenzie.org.

“The History of Crystal Highlands.”
Presented by: Anne Rogers
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 4 pm
Where: Mills Community House & ZOOM

High on a glacial moraine above Crystal Lake’s north shore is Crystal Highlands, a community that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. In the early part of the 20th century, after the logging era, orchards and farms were established in the cut-over lands. In the early 1970s, Jim Kelly and Jack French acquired 550 acres of farmland with a vision to create a resort community while preserving the area's ecology. This is the story of that community.

Presenter: Anne Rogers

Anne is a volunteer in the Benzie Area Historical Society Archives. Born in Southern Indiana, she spent her childhood summers on the north shore of Crystal Lake, with happy memories of weekly visits to the library right here in the Mills Community House. She has been roaming the trails in Crystal Highlands since its inception and still lives there today. After rewarding careers at The Dow Chemical Company in Midland and Cargill in Minneapolis, Anne is happily retired and volunteers at the Benzie Area Historical Society Archive and the Piping Plover team in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

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, and the recommended donation is $5.

To learn more about the February 12th 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 Kingsley Folk School at Kingsley Branch Library for a relaxed, no-prep storytelling community circle. Inspired by NPR’s The Moth, the Everyone Has a Story series invites you to simply show up and share—no scripts, no pressure. Just real moments from your life, told in the moment.

Together, we’ll listen, laugh, reflect, and connect with neighbors through the power of spontaneous storytelling.

Participants are welcome to speak for up to 5 minutes, or simply come to enjoy the stories and the sense of community.

This gathering happens on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Kingsley Branch Library.

Event is free and open to all, with no registration required.

For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, please call the Library at 231-263-5484 or follow us on Facebook.