Community Calendar

“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 us for HOPE Blooms Festival – a FREE family-friendly Spring celebration and Community Open House! Bring the kids! Invite your friends! We cannot wait to welcome you and your family! There will be a GIANT red kettle bounce house, fun and unique kids’ games, face painting, FREE FOOD (thank you Jimmy John’s of Traverse City for sponsoring the food!), refreshments, and ice cream served out of our Emergency Disaster Services Canteen!

Grab your HOPE Blooms Passport for adults and kids when you arrive and visit ALL of the program stations to receive your stamp. When ALL the stamps are completed, turn in your passport and adults receive 10 tickets for drawings of incredible prizes, and the kids will receive a ticket for a free ice cream and a prize of their choice from the prize table!

All Media are welcome to contact Sue Brown for more information and to schedule interviews. Keep up to date with this event and our programs by following us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsatraversecity

Boat America, an 8-hour class, is a boater safety class for novice recreational boaters age 12 and older. The class is being offered in Elk Rapids. Topics covered include boating safety and safety equipment, emergency procedures, navigation rules and aids, and boating regulations. The class will meet on Saturday, May 16 at the Harbor Pavilion in Elk Rapids.

The class will meet from 9 am to 5 pm with a lunch break at noon. You must attend all 8 hours to get your boater safety certificate. Cost is $15 to cover cost of book and boater safety certificate. Pre-register by May 14 by going to

Eventbrite link: here

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

Got a broken toaster? A wobbly bike wheel? A moth-eaten sweater? Don’t toss it—bring it to Traverse City Repair Café and give it a second life.

This free community event pairs attendees with skilled volunteers to help repair household items—from small appliances and clothing to bicycles and furniture. You bring the item. We provide the tools. Our volunteers bring the know-how.

Join Brad Von Blon for a meander through the Offield Family Working Forest Reserve to enjoy spring wildflowers.

For more information about upcoming Little Traverse Conservancy events, click here.

Construction Hike for Hope events bring the construction community together to raise awareness about mental health and create opportunities for connection and support. Since 2009, AFSP’s Hike for Hope events have united friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors to raise funds for suicide prevention. These funds support AFSP’s education programs in schools and workplaces, resources for those who have lost loved ones, advocacy for critical mental health legislation, and scientific research.

Come roller skate with us! Bring your own skates or rent from us and get ready to have fun!
Two sessions: 12-2pm, 3-5pm

$5 Admission/ $5 skate rental

Tickets available to purchase in-person. Cash, credit, and tap to pay accepted.

**If you need rental skates, make sure to arrive early; popular sizes rent-out quickly.

Helmets are recommended, but not required.

Hangry’s concession will be available throughout the event.

Come hang out with us every Thursday and Sunday from 3–6 PM for live music at Dune Bird Winery.

Come have fun with us at French Valley! Enjoy live music, locally crafted drinks, kid-friendly options, and tasty snacks for the whole family.