Community Calendar

Virtual presentation by Chris Gillcrist through the National Museum of the Great Lakes about history of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Mr. Gillcrist will explore a brief history of shipping on the Great Lakes that lead up to the impressive Edmund Fitzgerald.

Topics of discussion will be plans for upcoming programs, book sales and activities. Anyone interested in supporting the library is always welcome.

9:30am social time & 10am meeting held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden.

Join us three times a year to discuss nonfiction books concerning mental and physical wellness. Facilitators for the discussions will be professional mental health providers courtesy of Head and Heart Therapeutic Services and Open Space Counseling.

This month's book is The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

The Annual Artist Guild Member Salon Show is one of our most anticipated exhibitions of the year—an expansive, energetic display celebrating the talent and diversity of Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Artist Guild Members. This special membership category is designed for individuals who identify as practicing artists, whether emerging, mid-career, or established.

This year’s Salon Show will feature 120 artists and more than 200 works of art spanning every medium—painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, fiber, printmaking, mixed media, and more. True to the historic “salon” style, the gallery walls will be filled floor-to-ceiling, creating an immersive viewing experience that reflects the breadth and vitality of our region’s creative community.

The exhibit rotates annually between CTAC–Traverse City and CTAC–Petoskey, offering Guild Members across Northern Michigan the opportunity to participate. The Salon Show showcases not only the artistic range within our membership, but also the depth of connection between artists, audiences, and the arts ecosystem they help sustain.

Visitors can expect a vibrant, community-centered exhibition that shines a spotlight on the artists who contribute so much to CTAC year-round—as instructors, exhibitors, mentors, and makers.

Come celebrate the talent, passion, and creative spirit of our Artist Guild Members in this extraordinary annual showcase.

Show will be on view 1:00am - 4:00pm daily from January 16 thru February 21, 2026!

"Between Us" explores connection, distance, and everything that exists in the in-between. This exhibition invites artists to reflect on how we reach for one another — and ourselves — across emotional, physical, and imagined spaces. Whether through intimacy or absence, care or tension, humor or vulnerability, the show looks at the invisible threads that link us and the quiet gaps that keep us apart.

Show will be on view 1:00am - 4:00pm daily from January 16 thru February 21, 2026!

Kentucky singer/songwriter Joan Shelley has a warm and mellifluous voice which she applies to songs that evoke both American and British folk traditions. With melodies that are often quiet but full of drama, her observant music often bears a dark and bittersweet quality as on releases like 2015’s Over and Even, the album that marked the beginning of a long collaboration with guitarist Nathan Salsburg (the two are now married). i.am.james will open the show.

A shy hobbit discovers his true potential in this play presented by OTP youth performers. Bilbo Baggins unexpectedly joins a group of dwarves on an epic quest to reclaim a stolen treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Their travels take them through dangerous lands, facing trolls, goblins and giant spiders. Along the way, Bilbo finds he is brave, a good friend, and ultimately plays a pivotal role in the battle for the treasure.

Come visit Alden District Library and see Karen Movsesian’s collection of vintage Pyrex dishware.

The display can be viewed during normal library hours. Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9:30a-5p, Tue 9:30a-6p, Sat 9:30a-2p.

The library is located at 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318. Free Event.

The Benzie Bee Guild is hosting a community workshop titled “So You Want to Get Into Bees?” on January 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Grow Benzie.

This beginner-friendly event introduces participants to the art and science of beekeeping and highlights the vital role honeybees play as pollinators. The workshop will be led by Sharon Jones, a Bee Mistress with 46 years of hands-on experience.

The Benzie Bee Guild’s mission is to educate the public about honeybees and provide accessible, hands-on mentorship through its classroom bee yard. A suggested $15 donation supports the Guild’s educational programs.

We would appreciate your help sharing this event with the community through your calendar or announcements. Please let us know if you need additional details or photos.

Thank you for supporting local education and environmental stewardship.

Sincerely,
The Benzie Bee Guild

Join TART Trails for a fun, family-friendly day of winter trail activities at the 16th annual Winter Trails Day at Timber Ridge Resort.

We’re teaming up with the Record Eagle, Vasa Ski Club, Brick Wheels, NMMBA, Suttons Bay Bikes and Timber Ridge Resort to offer FREE trail access, and FREE fat tire bike, cross country ski and snowshoe demos!

There will be a limited number of cross-country skis, snowshoes and fatbikes to try out on the trails. TART volunteers and members of the Vasa Ski Club will provide free introductory ski lessons, TART volunteers will lead snowshoe hikes and NMMBA volunteers will provide fat tire bike demos.

Spots are limited; click here to register for events.