May 14 Thursday
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.
Internationally acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist Richard Gilewitz will appear live on The Platform at the Chalfonte Theatre on Thursday, May 14, 2026, as part of his album release tour supporting his tenth studio recording, GILEWITZ. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7:00 p.m., featuring two 45-minute sets.
Tickets for the Elk Rapids performance are $25 general admission, $20 for Elk Rapids Cinema members, and $12.50 for youth ages 18 and under.
May 15 Friday
Mystery unfolds at Magnolia Place Assisted Living when four sassy seniors try to outsmart an evil nurse. Why are residents moving to "the dark side," what IS that mysterious pill, and what happened to Doctor Head? As the Senior Citizen Pageant and a chance to cruise the Caribbean approach, hilarity ensues for these golden gals as they piece together clues.
May 16 Saturday
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026Time: 9:30 am–3:30 pmRegistration Deadline: Wednesday, May 13, 2026Location: Glen Arbor Arts ClassroomSkill: Beginner to Intermediate
Whether this is your first time dabbling with watercolor or you’re a curious intermediate, this one-day overview of watercolor offers a strong foundation for building your own studio practice. Together, we’ll look at an array of watercolor artists and their unique styles. Learn about paint brands, brushes, and papers. Practice color mixing and techniques for achieving texture and layers. Then you’ll be guided through an abstract landscape exercise to practice your skills and explore techniques. Expect plenty of demos and guidance that will help you understand watercolor to create beautiful works of art.
Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement
Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork
May 17 Sunday
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.
May 18 Monday
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)
May 19 Tuesday
Date: Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, 2026Time: 10 am–3 pmRegistration Deadline: Thursday, May 14, 2026Skill: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
This workshop is designed to harness the power of soft pastel while interpreting and painting from your own favorite landscape photos. There will be a comprehensive review of this marvelous medium and its related materials, tips, and techniques. Through lecture, demonstration, and handouts, Barbara will help students create studio landscapes that are dynamic, filled with light, and full of personal expression. She will share tips from her many years of plein air painting, as well as review the fundamentals. This is a fun and relaxed workshop with lots of personal attention and encouragement along the way. Students should bring to class several landscape photos that they have taken themselves, along with the Supply List items. This Workshop is for Soft Pastel, not Oil Pastel. Prior art experience is helpful.
Objective: Skill Development
Outcome: Improved Technique