Community Calendar

People of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome! For more info, contact Sue Archer at 231-944-0013.

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

Every Wednesday May 6th, 2026 - Oct 28th, 2026, Except the 3rd Wednesday of each month and July 29. 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.

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.

Paddle Safety class, a three-hour class offered on Wednesday, May 27, from 6-9 pm at the American Legion Hall 1231 Hastings St., Traverse City.

Topics will include weather conditions important to paddlers, info on life jackets, prevention of hypothermia, types of kayaks, important paddle and safety equipment, and planning a safe day trip.

Course will be taught by John Chase, a certified ACA instructor, personal trainer, author and speaker.

Cost of the class is $15 and preregister by May 25 by going to Eventbrite link: traversecityflotilla.eventbrite.com

Come on out for Live Music at the Vineyard, where the vines set the stage and the good times come naturally.

At French Valley, we’re pouring wine, beer, and cider in a space that’s made for everyone—families, friends, and anyone looking to kick back and stay awhile."

International Affairs Forum | Giles Press Freedom Lecture
May 28 | 6pm reception | 7 pm event
Milliken Auditorium, in person and online
Free for students & educators
Tickets & details at TCIAF.com

Veteran international correspondent Deborah Amos brings decades of reporting from global conflict zones to northern Michigan for this inaugural lecture. A longtime voice on National Public Radio, Amos has covered the Middle East, migration, and the human consequences of war with depth and clarity.

Her work exemplifies the courage, rigor, and integrity at the heart of the Giles Press Freedom Lecture. In conversation, Amos will explore the evolving challenges facing journalists today—from disinformation and declining trust to increasing threats against press freedom worldwide.

The Giles Press Freedom Lecture is supported in part by a gift to IAF from the late Robert & Nancy Giles. Bob was a two-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, editor, and author who served our community as a former IAF Advisory Board member. Nancy was a psychologist and a tireless mental health education advocate. The Giles were lifetime champions of an open worldview, education, press freedom & journalistic integrity.

Round up the family and head out to Coy Mountain, located at 9011 Valley St. in Alden, to enjoy a romp in the woods and reading a good book along the way.

A new story will be placed each month and covers about a 1/2-mile portion of the trail, and is open from dawn to dusk. The storybook for the month of May is “My Little Book of Wood Ducks” by Hope Irvin Marston.

Join Miss Anne for a fun hour of stories, friendship, and crafts! Each week will have a different theme with several stories, a craft and time to play with friends both new and old. Free Event

The Oliver Art Center invites everyone to unleash their inner fashionista at its Spring Fever fashion event on May 30th from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Tickets are $35 ($31.50 for OAC members) and can be purchased via the OAC website: www.oliverart.org

Local boutiques will unveil their hottest trends and Michigan artisans will showcase handcrafted wearables, handmade jewelry and accessories. The spring-themed gathering will include a luncheon, beautiful art on the walls of the Beck gallery, and door prizes.