Global Cheddar & Wine Tasting Workshop
January 26 and April 26, 2024 • 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Black Star Farms Suttons Bay

Join us in a fascinating exploration of the cheese known as Cheddar. From England to Vermont, this popular cheese has many different styles. While falling into the same category, they are vastly different in taste, texture, and age. Our expert from Leelanau Cheese Company will guide you on a journey showcasing Cheddar’s unique style perfectly paired with Black Star Farms wine.

This is your chance to stimulate your tastebuds with the magic of wine and cheese pairing while learning about this special cheese produced in many countries worldwide.

Families join us every Saturday, 10 am-12 pm at Interlochen Public Library. Enjoy using the library’s traditional LEGOs and giant LEGO blocks to create! Also, explore our STEAM kits without having to check them out! For more info, call the library at 231-276-6767.

Our chef-educator, Chris Mushall, will create a wonderfully entertaining and educational afternoon of food and fun. All cooking classes are approximately four hours concluding in a sit-down meal where guests get to enjoy all they have created.

Class begins at 12:30pm, please arrive 10 minutes before the class so we may check everyone in and get started on time. Consider bringing an apron and your favorite knife (we will have extras if needed).

As part of the class, you will receive some “tokens” for wine. Please note you must be over 21-years of age to enjoy any wines. If you’d like to purchase more wine than the standard pours you may do so in the Tasting Room. Wine may be enjoyed while preparing the dishes or after the active part of the class while dining on your creations.

Different Cooking Classes Include:

2/3/2024 French Cuisine – Explore classic French continental cuisine with coq au vin, pôchouse, Beef Bourguignon, and more.

2/24/2024 Spain & North Africa – Experience a delicious blend of Spanish cuisine with North African influences. Explore the mountains and the sea! This menu will feature homemade Sangria and other wine pairings you’re sure to enjoy.

3/2/2024 Coastal Italian – Explore the five fishing villages of the Ligurian coasts by preparing seafood, Cioppino, pestos, and hand-rolled pastas.

3/9/2024 Piedmonte Italy – From the North of Italy, enjoy famous Piedmontese staples of black truffle, risotto Milanese, polenta, and more.

4/13/2024 Hand Made Pasta & Sauces – Learn the classic art of rolling your own fresh pasta, while pairing homemade sauces with a variety of Chateau Chantal wines!

4/27/2024 Piedmonte Italy – From the North of Italy, enjoy famous Piedmontese staples of black truffle, risotto Milanese, polenta, and more.

5/18/2024 Spring Into Summer – This class will dive into the beautiful flavors of the season in Northern Michigan while learning to recreate a meal perfect for any backyard summer gathering.

Our classes are offered January into June. While not required, a stay in our B&B offers a 10% discount on our cooking class.  Check for B&B reservations here: www.chateauchantal.com/reservations

In celebration of Earth Day, please join FLOW (For Love of Water), Michiganders for a Just Farming System (MJFS), Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action (MiCCA) and VegMichigan for a screening of “The Smell of Money” at the Old
Town Playhouse in Traverse City on April 27, 2024 from 6-9 pm.
“The Smell of Money” is a David vs. Goliath tale of one woman’s battle against one of the world’s largest pork companies to reclaim her right to clean air, clean water and to protect her beloved community.
The evening is FREE to attend and will include tabling with local partners, food, a cash bar, and a guest panel discussion led by Carrie La Seur from FLOW after the film.

Featured April 27 @ 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Training
Watershed Council Office: 426 Bay Street, Petoskey, Michigan
Join us for our spring Volunteer Stream Monitoring training! We will start with a short presentation at our office and have pizza for lunch, before heading out to the Bear River for the field portion of the training. Register for the training HERE. 

🥣🎨 Why is Empty Bowls our favorite event? It’s more than just a gathering—it’s a heartwarming experience that brings our community together in so many ways:
👩‍🎨 Artists: Creative minds come together to craft beautiful bowls, each one a masterpiece filled with love and purpose.
🎶 Entertainers: Our event is not just about food; it’s about creating memories. New this year, inspired by the first Empty Bowls event held by a high school art class in Southeast Michigan over 34 years ago, the Coalition is partnering with area artists to provide live demonstrations and art available for purchase. Local entertainment will be showcased – including a presentation by Michael Sincic, a local watercolor artist who is blind.
🍽️ Restaurateurs: Local restaurants generously donate their delicious soups, showcasing the culinary talent of our community.
💙 Donors and Ticket Holders: Your support keeps our mission alive. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of those in need. The cost for the event is $27 in advance or $33 at the door for adults, children 6-13 is $15, and children 5 and under are free.
🙋‍♀️ Volunteers: Dedicated individuals who lend their time and effort to ensure the success of our event and our mission everyday, spreading kindness with every gesture.
🌾 By supporting Empty Bowls, you’re not only helping your neighbors in need – including veterans, seniors, children, and families; but you’re also backing our local farmers. With your support, we’re able to invest in fresh, locally sourced produce and proteins, keeping our funds within the farm community and supporting family farmers.
📅 Mark your calendars for April 28, from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. at Howe Arena and join us for a day filled with compassion, connection, and delicious food. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and continue to spread love throughout our community.
See you there! 🌟

TICKETS HERE

This workshop is for all adults curious about the impact their own adverse childhood experiences & other traumatic events during childhood has on their adult lives .

It will help you recognize the impact trauma has had on you, help you feel empowered to take positive steps towards healing, understand and manage overwhelming emotions, understand and modify problematic patterns of behavior, develop a strength-based understanding of your life story, seek trauma-focused assessment and treatment (if needed), & take care of yourself.

Sessions are in-person weekly at 6pm-8pm starting April 8 through May 6.

No Cost to residents of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, & Presque Isle Counties. Out of area cost is $50.

Register HERE. or visit our website for more details.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool, helping one develop a different relationship towards stress and the ability to more skillfully navigate through life’s inevitable challenges. This practice of moment to moment awareness and waking up to one’s life with clarity and deeper insight untaps essential inner resource for living a happier and more balanced life… with greater contentment, inner peace and ease.

MBSR or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is a highly structured, eight-week, evidence-based program that offers secular, intensive mindfulness training to assist people with a host of stress-related physical, emotional and psychological conditions. It is a practical approach, which uses a combination of mindfulness meditation, body awareness, yoga and the exploration of patterns of behavior, thinking, feeling and action. This 8-week structured class and full day mindfulness retreat, along with ongoing practice, trains attention and cultivates awareness, helping us to utilize of our inner resources and providing us with the positive coping tools we need to become strong and resilient in both body and mind.

MBSR was developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in the late 1970s by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and is now offered in medical centers, hospitals, and clinics around the world as the gold standard for mindfulness training. Since its inception, there has been a tremendous amount of research coming out of Harvard, UCLA, Stanford, UW-Madison and many other institutions providing insight into, not only how MBSR is helpful and how MBSR works, but also how it actually can change our brains for the better through positive neuroplasticity. You will find a plethora of this research at the American Mindfulness Research Association or www.goamra.org

Mindfulness as defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn is: Paying attention in a particular way, to what is actually happening in the present moment, on purpose and with an attitude of curiosity, kindness and without judgment.

Reduced Rate Options and Financial Assistance are always available! Classes fill quickly and early registration is recommended to secure a space in the upcoming spring class beginning April 23.

Register online HERE or call 231-342-9634

Ethanology Distillation Spirits Dinner
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
The Cooks’ House

Join us as we welcome Ethanology Distillation where we will be presenting five courses paired with their amazing spirits. Geri and Nick will be here to talk about Ethanology’s philosophy, distilling, and the products they produce.

Nature Journaling Series: How to Start a Nature Journal

Connect with the natural world on paper! During this 3-part series, you will slow down and nurture your connection with the outdoors. Each week will focus on a different theme including: how to start your nature journal, sketching observations, mapping and storytelling. Afterward, you will leave with the tools to confidently continue your nature journaling experience!
This first session’s theme is learning how to start a nature journal. Participants can sign up for a single class or the whole series! This program is geared toward an audience of 16+.

When: Wednesday, May 1, 15 and 29 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Where: Oleson Pavilion behind the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
Registration: $25/class or $60 to register for all three classes in the series. All supplies are included. Registration is required. Please click HERE to register.

Yoga every THURSDAY at 9:30 am. Drop ins & all levels welcome!

Bored Kids? We Can Fix That.
Keep your kids occupied during early release days with our four-part bike repair program next semester! Our Chief Mechanic, Tyler Wituszunski, will lead in-depth, hands-on repair lessons covering brakes, derailleurs, bearings, and more. Sign up for all 4 sessions by February 28 and we’ll even hit you with a $30 rebate.

Check out all the courses and dates! Open to 6th to 12th graders.

All the deets are HERE.

THIS WEEK:
Collage Night with Jennifer Nowak
This popular program is back! Join special guest artist Jennifer Nowak for a relaxed night of creativity at CTAC.

Free Play: Studio Sessions is a new program designed for adults who want to engage in creative activity through playful explorations of artistic media and ideas in a relaxed, supportive, and social environment.
Pre-registration is preferred, but drop-ins are welcome as space allows. (231) 347-4337, boxoffice@crookedtree.org

Supplies are included.
Cash bar with beer, wine, and soda available.

SKILL LEVEL: All levels.
All are welcome and encouraged to join. No previous experience is needed.

Families join us every Saturday, 10 am-12 pm at Interlochen Public Library. Enjoy using the library’s traditional LEGOs and giant LEGO blocks to create! Also, explore our STEAM kits without having to check them out! For more info, call the library at 231-276-6767.

This workshop is for all adults curious about the impact their own adverse childhood experiences & other traumatic events during childhood has on their adult lives .

It will help you recognize the impact trauma has had on you, help you feel empowered to take positive steps towards healing, understand and manage overwhelming emotions, understand and modify problematic patterns of behavior, develop a strength-based understanding of your life story, seek trauma-focused assessment and treatment (if needed), & take care of yourself.

Sessions are in-person weekly at 6pm-8pm starting April 8 through May 6.

No Cost to residents of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, & Presque Isle Counties. Out of area cost is $50.

Register HERE. or visit our website for more details.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool, helping one develop a different relationship towards stress and the ability to more skillfully navigate through life’s inevitable challenges. This practice of moment to moment awareness and waking up to one’s life with clarity and deeper insight untaps essential inner resource for living a happier and more balanced life… with greater contentment, inner peace and ease.

MBSR or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is a highly structured, eight-week, evidence-based program that offers secular, intensive mindfulness training to assist people with a host of stress-related physical, emotional and psychological conditions. It is a practical approach, which uses a combination of mindfulness meditation, body awareness, yoga and the exploration of patterns of behavior, thinking, feeling and action. This 8-week structured class and full day mindfulness retreat, along with ongoing practice, trains attention and cultivates awareness, helping us to utilize of our inner resources and providing us with the positive coping tools we need to become strong and resilient in both body and mind.

MBSR was developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in the late 1970s by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and is now offered in medical centers, hospitals, and clinics around the world as the gold standard for mindfulness training. Since its inception, there has been a tremendous amount of research coming out of Harvard, UCLA, Stanford, UW-Madison and many other institutions providing insight into, not only how MBSR is helpful and how MBSR works, but also how it actually can change our brains for the better through positive neuroplasticity. You will find a plethora of this research at the American Mindfulness Research Association or www.goamra.org

Mindfulness as defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn is: Paying attention in a particular way, to what is actually happening in the present moment, on purpose and with an attitude of curiosity, kindness and without judgment.

Reduced Rate Options and Financial Assistance are always available! Classes fill quickly and early registration is recommended to secure a space in the upcoming spring class beginning April 23.

Register online HERE or call 231-342-9634

Join us for a walk along the Pete’s Woods trail within Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve! Volunteer leader Paula Dreeszen will highlight the blooming wildflowers during key periods in spring.

The Basics~
A 1.5-mile rolling hike on the beloved loop trail at Pete’s Woods. Known for its dazzling display of spring wildflowers, Pete’s Woods is a fantastic place to see a variety of spring ephemerals that our region has to offer! Come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes, water and a snack.

What should I bring?|
Consider bringing your camera or binoculars
Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance
Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort

Registration is required as updates or cancellations will be communicated with registered participants via email. If you’re completing registration for multiple people, please register each individually. Thank you for your interest in joining us! If you have any questions, please contact us at (231) 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org

REGISTER HERE.

Yoga every THURSDAY at 9:30 am. Drop ins & all levels welcome!

Thursday, May 9, 5:30-7:30pm

THE MINDFUL POUR

Spend an evening with a substance abuse professional exploring moderation tools, led by Table Health clinician, Joanna Heinz, MA, LPC, CAADC. Learn what constitutes problematic drinking, define moderation, tools, navigating social situations, and helpful supplements and medications. Leave feeling more confident and in control! Mocktails and program materials are included in the ticket price. Sign up HERE.

In this blended course, adults will learn how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges in youth. Complete a 2-hour self-paced online course, then participate in two in-person instructor-led workshops.

Our in-person portion is divided between two evening classes: Thursday, May 9th, and Tuesday, May 14th, from 6-8:30pm.

Details regarding the online precourse will be sent to you soon after registration.

Once this course is fully complete, a certification is available from the National Council of Mental Health.

REGISTRATION HERE.

MOM & ME GUIDED HIKE
Friday, May 10, 2024, 10:00 AM 11:30 AM
Grand Traverse Conservation District, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI, 49685
Description: Join a District naturalist for a guided hike on the Natural Education Reserve to celebrate Mother’s Day! We will explore spring flora and fauna as we walk through different natural areas.

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Please click HERE to register.

Come celebrate Mother’s Day with your daughter, son, sister, step mom, bonus mom or with a friend!!!

Learn the art of creating a papier-mâché, pressed-floral lantern.

Treat yourself to a special day, the Friday before Mother’s Day, class is open to ALL! This workshop ticket would make a fabulous and unique gift for that special Mom in your life OR just make it and gift it to her!

Sips and Snacks provided.

You will also recieve 10% off shopping after the workshop.

Little Hurricanes: Paper Marbling
Colors in Motion! We will marble papers that can be used for cards, art, and books.

Free Play: Studio Sessions is a new program designed for adults who want to engage in creative activity through playful explorations of artistic media and ideas in a relaxed, supportive, and social environment.
Pre-registration is preferred, but drop-ins are welcome as space allows.

REGISTER HERE.

Supplies are included.
Cash bar with beer, wine, and soda available.

SKILL LEVEL: All levels.
All are welcome and encouraged to join. No previous experience is needed.

Families join us every Saturday, 10 am-12 pm at Interlochen Public Library. Enjoy using the library’s traditional LEGOs and giant LEGO blocks to create! Also, explore our STEAM kits without having to check them out! For more info, call the library at 231-276-6767.

SPRING ART MARKET

Saturday, May 11
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Engage with 25 talented artists selling work in a range of media from painting, printmaking, illustration, mixed media and ceramics to glass, wood, fiber, and jewelry. Take a museum stroll with Mom and enjoy a pianist playing in the galleries. Create a Mother’s Day card with our docents. There is fun for all with free admission to the museum & free parking!

Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour with the director, a Mother’s Day card-making project, and live art demonstrations by NMC faculty and students during this free day at the museum.

Spring Art Market | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Card Making Project | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Pianist in the Galleries | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Coffee & Cookies in the Galleries |12:00 – 2:00 PM (or as long as they last)
Special behind-the-scenes tour with the Director | 2:00 – 2:30 PM
Printmaking & Ceramic Demos throughout the day

Pete Farmer: Farmer Foot Drums
Date: Saturday, May 11
Time: 11am
Location: GAAC Gallery

Pete Farmer, founder and owner of Farmer Foot Drums, will join GAAC for a family-friendly program filled with interactive songs in conjunction with our By Hand exhibition in GAAC’s Main Gallery. Participants will get to see and try out several of Pete’s hand-built instruments during an instrument petting zoo following his performance.

THE BLUE LANTERN TEA ROOM
Presented By: Old Art Building
Location: Old Art Building
111 S. Main St
Leland, MI 49654
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Price: $30
(231) 256-2131
meg@oldartbuilding.com
Website
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check the event website for the most updated information.

TICKETS HERE.

The Old Art Building came into being in 1922 as the result of planning and fundraising done by the Walter T. Best Women’s Club, led by Allie Mae Maro. Allie Mae was the widow of Walter T. Best, also known as Edward Maro “Price of Magic.”

In 1923 Allie Mae opened her own business, The Blue Lantern Tea Room which offered lunch as well as afternoon tea. Those who knew Allie Mae knew her to be a generous hostess and a great supporter of arts and culture in the region. She and her husband had toured on the Lyceum circuit before his passing and had been known to host salon entertainments in their estate home on Lake Leelanau.

Drawing from all of this rich history, The Old Art Building is pleased to introduce the Blue Lantern Tea Room program monthly through the winter. We offer the intimate salon-style interaction with artists along with refreshments and tea to be enjoyed in the sunlit ambiance of this historical space.

Sunday, February 11: SOLD OUT  “Classical Guitar” — Matthew Cochran and students from Interlochen Arts Academy. Renowned solo guitar composer/performer Matthew Cochran brings students from his studio to “air out” new compositions and talk about the inspiration and discipline it takes to bring a new composition to life.

Sunday, March 10: “Bon Appetit” — An Operatic Biography of Julia Child. Indulge in what is arguably the world’s most famous chocolate cake while getting the story straight from the baker’s mouth. An actual transcript of Julia baking her cake is masterfully set to music and sung by nationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Lindsey Anderson.

Sunday, April 14: “She Does Shakespeare” — Women actors shake up Shakespeare. Area actresses take their stab at famous scenes and monologues intended exclusively for men. We will be joined by actor/writer Shelby Lewis who has a wealth of experience in adapting The Bard for modern audiences. She and the actors will address the challenges and delights of reimagining these familiar words for women.

Sunday, May 12: “Spring Madrigals” — A selection of seasonal vocal music from Leland Public School Honors Choir. It’s May! Time for flower crowns, strawberries and cream, and a flourish of spring madrigals, performed by the youthful voices of the Leland Honors Choir.

Monoprinting with Mom

Experiment with textures and ink with monoprinting at the Boardman River Nature Center! Whether you’re a seasoned printmaker or a curious beginner, you’ll create something completely unique.
Participants will have the opportunity to create and take home three 9×12 prints and 5 charming greeting cards.

This workshop is recommended for ages 10+.

When: Sunday, May 12 from 6:00 – 7:30pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center’s Community Room, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $35/person. Registration is limited and required. Please click HERE to register.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool, helping one develop a different relationship towards stress and the ability to more skillfully navigate through life’s inevitable challenges. This practice of moment to moment awareness and waking up to one’s life with clarity and deeper insight untaps essential inner resource for living a happier and more balanced life… with greater contentment, inner peace and ease.

MBSR or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is a highly structured, eight-week, evidence-based program that offers secular, intensive mindfulness training to assist people with a host of stress-related physical, emotional and psychological conditions. It is a practical approach, which uses a combination of mindfulness meditation, body awareness, yoga and the exploration of patterns of behavior, thinking, feeling and action. This 8-week structured class and full day mindfulness retreat, along with ongoing practice, trains attention and cultivates awareness, helping us to utilize of our inner resources and providing us with the positive coping tools we need to become strong and resilient in both body and mind.

MBSR was developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in the late 1970s by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and is now offered in medical centers, hospitals, and clinics around the world as the gold standard for mindfulness training. Since its inception, there has been a tremendous amount of research coming out of Harvard, UCLA, Stanford, UW-Madison and many other institutions providing insight into, not only how MBSR is helpful and how MBSR works, but also how it actually can change our brains for the better through positive neuroplasticity. You will find a plethora of this research at the American Mindfulness Research Association or www.goamra.org

Mindfulness as defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn is: Paying attention in a particular way, to what is actually happening in the present moment, on purpose and with an attitude of curiosity, kindness and without judgment.

Reduced Rate Options and Financial Assistance are always available! Classes fill quickly and early registration is recommended to secure a space in the upcoming spring class beginning April 23.

Register online HERE or call 231-342-9634

Nature Journaling Series: How to Start a Nature Journal

Connect with the natural world on paper! During this 3-part series, you will slow down and nurture your connection with the outdoors. Each week will focus on a different theme including: how to start your nature journal, sketching observations, mapping and storytelling. Afterward, you will leave with the tools to confidently continue your nature journaling experience!
This first session’s theme is learning how to start a nature journal. Participants can sign up for a single class or the whole series! This program is geared toward an audience of 16+.

When: Wednesday, May 1, 15 and 29 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Where: Oleson Pavilion behind the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
Registration: $25/class or $60 to register for all three classes in the series. All supplies are included. Registration is required. Please click HERE to register.