Community Calendar

People of all skill levels, including beginners are invited to play.

Free Event.

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

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.

Public art is one of the most visible expressions of a community’s identity—but the work behind it can feel surprisingly isolated. This Caffeinated Conversation brings together arts commissioners, arts councils, municipal leaders, and public art advocates for a candid exchange of ideas, challenges, and opportunities.

Facilitated by Caitlin Early, the session will explore how public art takes shape across different communities—from murals and installations to policy, partnerships, and planning. What’s working? Where are the sticking points? How do we advocate for public art as essential infrastructure?

This is a peer-driven discussion, not a presentation. Expect practical insight, honest conversation, and the chance to connect with others doing similar work across the region.

Facilitator: Caitlin Early
Caitlin Early (she/her) is the Campaign & Development Officer at TART Trails, and is the curator of their trailside public art program Art on the TART. She also serves on the Traverse City Arts Commission.

Audience: Who is this for? This session is designed for:

Art & culture professionals / administrators
Arts councils / commissions
Public art advocates

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.

“Universal Health Care – What is It? What does it mean for me?” is the topic of the next public forum planned by the League of Women Voters of Northern Lower Michigan (LWVNLM).

It will be held Wednesday, October 21 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Charlevoix Public Library conference room.

Participants can attend either in person at the library or by Zoom.

Speakers are: Laura Ford, PhD, RN, CNP, Professional Senior Instructor at Western Michigan University; and William Wadland, MD, MS, Professor Emeritus Past Chair Department of Family Medicine Michigan State University Associate Dean.

Register for the forum at https://www.lwvnlm.org/october-2026-forum.

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.

The story is placed along a 1/2-mile portion of the trail, and trail is open daily from dawn to dusk.

The storybook for the month of October is “The Honeybee” by Kristen Hall. Sponsored by Alden District Library.

Too much to do and too little time? You are not alone! Join us for this interactive workshop to explore tools and strategies to help your organization tighten its strategy and focus on what is most important. Learn how to identify what matters most, align your Board and staff around your top priorities, and develop a strategic screen to stay on track. Explore how to reduce mission drift, increase community impact, and prevent employee burnout and turnover.

Facilitator: Colleen Masterson-Bzdok
Colleen Masterson-Bzdok has over 20 years of experience working with northern Michigan nonprofits as a staff member, board member, volunteer, funder and consultant. She is passionate about helping leaders and organizations improve their culture, align their work around what is most important and maximize their impact in the communities they serve.

Audience: Who is this for? This session is designed for:

Art & culture administrators

Must register for event. Not a member - join at https://nwmiarts.org/members/become-a-member.html

Come to Alden District Library during the month of October to enjoy a display of 3D printed creations made by Candace Flanagin of Dragoncore 3D.

The display is free to view during library hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9:30-5:00; Tue 9:30-6:00; and Sat 9:30-2:00.

Library is located at the Helena Township Community Center: 8751 Helena Road in Alden. (231)331-4318.

FUSED GLASS FOR BEGINNERS
REGISTER BY: October 20
CLASS FEE: $60, or $54 for members​

FORMAT: in-person

Discover the exciting art of fused glass in this beginner-friendly class! Perfect for those with little or no experience, this hands-on workshop introduces the basics of glass fusing in a fun and supportive environment.

Students will learn about glass compatibility, cutting techniques, design principles, and safe studio practices while creating their own unique fused glass project. Choose from a variety of colorful glass pieces to design a decorative plant take or small wall/window art.

Projects will be kiln-fired after class and will be ready for pickup once firing is complete the following week.

No experience is necessary. All materials and tools are provided—just bring your creativity!