Almanac

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 storybook is “Tidy” by Emily Gravett, and covers about a 1/2-mile portion of the trail.

Free Event. Sponsored by Alden District Library and Friends, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

For our September meeting, the Grand Traverse Humanists will welcome Dr. Robert Brook with a presentation called "The IQ of AQI: Air Quality and Health."

Dr. Brook is a professor of medicine and the Director of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Wayne State University. His research has focused on studying the adverse effects of environmental pollution on cardiovascular health, particularly the effects of air pollution. He is the current chairperson of the World Health Organization report on improving air quality indices.

The final program of the season welcomes North Sky Raptor Sanctuary and winged guests.

Something To Smile About: Mixed Media Paintings By Carol C Spaulding

Leelanau County artist Carol C Spaulding brings Something To Smile About, a small group of new mixed media paintings, to the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Lobby Gallery. The exhibition runs September 2 - December 17.

Working intuitively, Spaulding combines cut-paper collage with exuberant painting. She creates lively compositions in a bright, uplifting palette, full of expressive lines, inserting an array of delightful marks and icons. “I like to begin with an open mind and a playful attitude,” Spaulding said.

Something To Smile About may be viewed in the Lobby Gallery or online, GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS.

The GAAC is open:
Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3 pm
Saturday and Sunday, noon - 4 pm

Dean Transportation is hosting a hiring event in Traverse City this Tuesday, Sept. 16, where participants can explore rewarding employment opportunities as school bus drivers and attendants for routes supporting Northwest Education Services.

Attendees will learn about Dean’s family-driven culture as well as its comprehensive benefits, paid training and flexible scheduling. For Traverse City-area positions, Dean is offering starting wages up to $27.50 per hour for school bus drivers and $22.50 per hour for attendants. Pay periods run weekly and a sign-on bonus is included.

Dean will be holding on-the-spot interviews and making job offers to qualified candidates.

Who should attend:
The events are free and open to all individuals with or without prior experience. Applicants must pass all necessary background checks among other pre-employment testing.

When:
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where:
880 Parsons Road
Traverse City, MI 49686

Important note:
Job seekers are encouraged to bring a valid driver’s license.

More information:
Call the Traverse City Operation Center at 231-922-5960 for directions or answers to any questions or visit deanjobs.com for more information. Applications may also be submitted through the Dean website.

Help plant native plugs at Misty Acres! Volunteers will learn about and take an active part in the Conservancy’s ongoing habitat restoration projects by assisting with planting native plugs grown in GTRLC’s very own greenhouse.

GTRLC will supply all materials necessary for the workday, and teach you everything you need to know to properly plant our native species. No prior experience is necessary! This is a moderately light, family-friendly activity, though volunteers should be prepared for digging and kneeling.

What will volunteers be doing:
Learning about our ongoing restoration and greenhouse projects
Digging and dibble bar usage
Removing and handling native plugs from their containers

What should I bring?
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can handle some mud
Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort

Meet at Misty Acres Farm, NOT the natural area trailhead. The gate to the property will be open when you arrive.

This is a free program being presented by Torch Area Artisans Guild and held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden. Sponsored by Alden District Library, 231-331-4318.

This artisans group has been creating art and contributing to the community for over 40 years. Newcomer's are always welcome!

For more info, email taartisansguild@gmail.com Sponsored by Alden District Library and held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

Help us give this beloved trail some TLC! We will tackle problem areas across several trail sections at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve, ranging from erosion to unsustainable routes and blind corners.

GTRLC will supply all tools necessary for the work being done. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, and trail building and maintenance. No prior experience necessary! This will be a somewhat strenuous event, so come prepared to hike up to two miles and swing hefty trail tools. There are no restrooms or drinking water available onsite at this property.

Volunteers will be :
Re-grading the trail bed with hand tools
Building new sections of trail and re-routing sections that need improvement
Trimming vegetation to open sight lines
Other preserve maintenance tasks, including invasive species management, installing signage, etc.

Location: Please meet us at Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve. A maps link to this location can be found here.

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance
Sturdy, close-toed shoes that can handle some mud
Wear long pants
Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort
A pair of work gloves - we will have extra

Date: September 15, 16, and 19 2025
Time: 1–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Location: Thoreson Farm
Learn new techniques or refresh your skills in surface decoration using sgraffito, slip trailing, and overglaze brushwork. The instructor will provide tiles and extruded pieces. Students are welcome to bring their leather-hard pieces to decorate.