Almanac

Every Wednesday May 7th, 2025 - Oct 29th, 2025, Except the 3rd Wednesday of each month. 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.

National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support groups for families and individuals living with a mental health challenge. Groups are confidential, free and no registration is required.

Email info@namigt.org or call 231-944-8448 for more information.

Programs focused on Genealogical issues. This month they will talk about:

Topic to be determined, please check back

Kara Lynch, a Food Safety Educator with MSU Extension, will be here to present information about cottage food law and the best practices around selling honey and maple syrup.

The Great Lakes, Great Plants Symposium returns this fall with a fresh lineup of lectures, tours, and immersive experiences celebrating horticulture, design, and the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Designed for professionals and plant lovers alike, this two-day symposium includes inspiring talks, a rare plant auction, guided garden tours, and exclusive bonus experiences.

This year’s programming focuses on Gardening in the Midwest, Wild Designs, and Art in the Landscape, offering practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and plenty of inspiration.

To see the full schedule of events and purchase tickets, please visit the ticket link below.

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LONG LAKE - A Farmers Market will be held at Haywood Park, due east of the Long Lake Township Hall at 8870 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, Michigan 49685 near the Bocce Ball Courts. The Market will be open Thursdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm from June 5th to October 2nd.

We are excited to create a community-based market that celebrates the historic agricultural traditions of Long Lake Township while providing opportunities for Long Lake residents and the surrounding community to buy and sell locally grown and produced products.

If you would like to participate, please email us at welcome@longlaketownship.com, call us at (231)946-2249, or stop by the township hall. Also, we will continuously be accepting vendor applications. If you are interested in being a vendor, please visit the township website or stop by for more information and an application.

Join the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy in removing invasive species at the St. Clair Lake-Six Mile Lake Nature Preserve! This property plays a key role in protecting water quality and hosts diverse wildlife species and distinctive plant life that are currently under threat of being displaced by aggressive invasive plants. In order to manage this preserve and maintain its important ecosystem functions, we will focus on removing invasive autumn olive shrubs.

GTRLC will supply gloves and tools. We will teach you everything you need to know about invasive plant ID, proper removal, and the importance of managing these invasive plant populations. No prior experience necessary! This is a moderately strenuous activity with volunteers often bending and kneeling to cut and pile plants. There is no access to restrooms or drinking water on this property.

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance
Sturdy, close toed shoes that can handle some mud
Bring a re-usable water bottle and some snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort
A pair of work leather gloves, if desired

Location: Please meet us at the parking area for St. Clair Lake-Six Mile Lake Nature Preserve. A link to our exact meeting location can be found here.

Learn diverse dance styles and make new friends in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced dancer, everyone is invited to join the fun.

Designed for dancers of all ages and skill levels, our Social Dance Classes offer an opportunity to learn new dance styles and enjoy the camaraderie of other dance enthusiasts. Each week, you’ll explore a different dance genre such as salsa, waltz, swing, or tango. Under the guidance of one of Interlochen’s skilled instructors, you’ll learn the steps and techniques—all while connecting with others and gaining confidence on the floor.

The classes emphasize the joy of moving to the music, sharing laughs, and creating memorable moments. Come dance with us and experience the delight of social dancing.

Date: Thursday, September 25, and Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 12:30 pm–4:30 pm
Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 21, 2024
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom

Join us for a transformative two-day experience where we’ll use mixed media art to challenge and change the way we see ourselves through our self-image and mindset.

On Day 1, you’ll use a selfie as a starting point to bring out the stories and inner dialogue you carry. Through painting, collage, and personal symbolism, you’ll give shape to those doubts, fears, and insecurities.

On Day 2, we’ll step into self-compassion. You’ll transform your artwork, layering over your Day 1 creation with words, colors, and images that speak to your true worth. By the end, you’ll have a powerful, positive self-portrait that reflects your inner resilience and the beauty of your unique journey.

End Results:

A tangible piece of self-expression that embodies self-acceptance and personal growth
Insightful techniques to confront and rewrite negative self-narratives
A nurturing and empowering experience that helps foster self-love and resilience

Help the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy collect native seeds at the Maple Bay Farm! During this activity, volunteers will learn about and take an active part in the Conservancy’s habitat restoration projects. We will focus on collecting a variety of native species that will later be used to restore and enhance other GTRLC properties.

GTRLC will supply all materials necessary for the workday. We will teach you everything you need to know to properly identify, collect and clean seeds from native pollinator species. No prior experience is necessary! This is a moderately light, family-friendly activity, though volunteers will be traversing uneven terrain. There are restrooms and water available on site.

Volunteers will be:
Learning and identifying native plants
Collecting seeds following established sustainability guidelines
Cleaning seeds to assist with proper storage and weighing

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can handle some mud and wet ground
Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort

Please meet us at the Maple Bay Farm. A maps link to our meeting location can be found here.