Almanac

NorthSky Nonprofit Network is sponsoring a professional development session for nonprofit organizations, "Developing an Evaluation Plan," on Thursday, May 23, from noon to 2pm at the Northwestern Michigan College University Center campus. The session will be led by Freya Bradford, NorthSky Consultant and Evaluation Project Manager and will cover how to get started with evaluation planning.  The workshop fee is $12. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. Registration is required by contacting www.northskynonprofitnetwork.org or 929.3934.

Individuals considering self-employment or in the beginning stages of starting a business will have access to a wide variety of helpful information at a business start up workshop being offered on Thursday, May 23 from 5:30 to 7:30pm in the Parsons-Stulen building on NMC's Aero Park Campus.  There is no charge to attend but pre-registration is required by contacting Sharon Gordon at 922.3780 or sharongordon@nwm.cog.mi.us.

Wigglers Storytime will be held on Friday, May 24 at 11:30am at the Suttons Bay Bingham Fire Station.  The station is located at 210 St. Marys Avenue in Suttons Bay Village.  For more information call 271.3512.

The Leelanau Community Cultural Center at the Old Art Building is hosting a one-day Plein Air Painting Event and Exhibit on Saturday, May 25 from 10am to 4pm, artists will be seen painting in and around picturesque Leland capturing images of historic Fishtown, views of orchards and vineyards, spectacular terrain, and beautiful beaches.  Plein air artists from the region and beyond have been invited to participate in this event.

A reception and sale of paintings “fresh off the easel” will take place from 6:00 to 8:30 pm and is open to the public.  Artists will donate 40% of their art sales to the Old Art Building.  Prizes for best of show and people’s choice will be awarded. There is no ticket charge for the reception although donations are greatly appreciated.

Meet a Park Ranger at Esch Beach on Sunday, May 26 at 8:30am for a bird walk where you will meet the National Lakeshore's feathered residents/friends.  Park Ranger-led programs will be provided at no charge.  Participants need only purchase the Park Entrance Pass or have an Annual Pass displayed in their vehicle to join in the fun.  Please call 326.5135, ext. 328, to make reservations or ask questions, or visit their website at www.nps.gov/slbe. 

Spend an evening outdoors with a Park Ranger on Sunday, May 26 at 7pm at the Platte River Campground Amphitheater.  Hear a 45-minute program and the many unique adaptations of owls that make them effective nocturnal predators.  Park Ranger-led programs will be provided at no charge.  Participants need only purchase the Park Entrance Pass or have an Annual Pass displayed in their vehicle to join in the fun.  Please call 326.5135, ext. 328, to make reservations or ask questions, or visit their website at www.nps.gov/slbe. 

Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails announces the 19th annual Smart Commute Week from May 31 through June 7.  Join in the week's festivites and reap the many benefits of smart commuting-save on gas and parking, increase your physical activity, and build comaraderie with others in the community-to name a few.  For information on The Challenge visit http://traversetrails.org/programs/smart-commute/the-challenge/.  For more information in general visit www.smartcommutetc.org or call 941.4300.

Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District on Saturday, June 1 from 9am till noon at the former Brown Bridge Quiet Area boat launch to create habitat along the Boardman River and prepare the bottomlands for recreational use by removing invasive plants and establishing hiking trails.  For more information call 941.0960 or visit www.natureiscalling.org.