Alden Thursday Evening Stroll Information

The Downtown Alden Business Association produces the Thursday Evening Strolls each year beginning in late June and continuing into early August.  These “Strolls” occur every Thursday (weather permitting) beginning at 7 PM and continuing until 9 PM.  There is Live Musical Entertainment each week along with assorted other fun activities for the entire family.

Popper the Clown will be making her balloon creations and local favorite Crazy Richard will be doing what he does best!

These events take place right in the heart of downtown Alden* and on the sidewalks of the downtown shopping district.  In fact, many of the Alden merchants and eateries stay open during the Strolls as well.

*Alden is located on the eastern shore of Torch Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world!

Below is a schedule of the Live Entertainment scheduled for this Summer…

June 28^th

Happy Time Banjos

July 5^th

Keith Scott Blues Band

July 12^th

The 3 B’s

July 19^th

The Mark Saunders Band

July 26^th

Knuckleheads

August 2^nd

Sweetwater Blues Band

August 9^th

Sunshine String Band

For more information, please contact DABA Member Doug Hickman on 231.676.3300, or at doughickman@charter.net, or visit www.VisitAlden.com.

ALDEN DAYS!!

This is a reminder that Alden Days happen this weekend, July 28^th and 29^th. The Alden Run is the kick-off to this event and occurs on Saturday morning beginning at 8:00 AM.  Hundreds of runners participate in this annual event and fun is had by all!

Downtown merchants and Eateries will be putting out their finest wares and deals abound all weekend!

There is also a Beef Roast at the Alden Tennis Court Park on Saturday beginning at Noon and continuing until 5 PM.  This event is put on by the Alden Firefighters.

Alden is located on the eastern shore of Torch Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world!

For more information, please contact Doug Hickman (DABA Member) at 231.676.3300, or email to doughickman@charter.net

ZUMBA Fitness classes with Shawn Barrera-Leaf

www.zumba.com

ZUMBA Fitness: When participants see a Zumba class in action, they can’t wait to give it a try. Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring! There’s no other fitness class like a Zumba Fitness-Party. It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students.

ZUMBA Toning 

ZUMBA Toning: When it comes to body sculpting, Zumba Toning raises the bar (or rather, the toning stick). It combines targeted body-sculpting exercises and high-energy cardio work with Latin-infused Zumba moves to create a calorie-torching, strength-training dance fitness-party. Students learn how to use lightweight, maraca-like Toning Sticks to enhance rhythm and tone all their target zones, including arms, abs, glutes and thighs. Zumba Toning is the perfect way for enthusiasts to sculpt their bodies naturally while having a total blast.

You can reference my email sbleaf@aol.com and phone number 231.499.5027 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231.499.5027      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for further inquiries for interested participants.

All Classes are held at the Alden Community Center. For prices please call Shawn!

Any exposure I can get around the area will be beneficial. Thanks again and I really appreciate your help!!

Shawn Barrera-Leaf
Certified ZUMBA and ZUMBA Toning Instructor
231.499.5027 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231.499.5027      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

HELENA TWP. PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS FOR JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2012

Tuesdays, 10-11 am  April 3-May 8  Stretch for Balance  Billie Sherriff, American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia-Certified Bodywork Therapist.  . MAKKO-HO full body stretches and a gentle head, neck and shoulder routine.  Enjoy more flexibility and feel grounded & balanced.  Bring a mat if you have one. Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231/331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to sign up.

Friday, April 6, 1 pm:  File of Life/Hospice Care presented by Tina Lamont.   We will discuss the Five Wishes document and File of Life folders for  emergency responders.  Also included will be discussion on Hospice care:  what it is, how to access it and how to determine when it is time for help.  Free.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 to sign up.

Monday, April 9, 1 pm:  Crocheting with Marge Baldwin  1 p.m.
No matter what your skill level, you will be comfortable in this class.  Bring hook and thread or yarn; materials also available to purchase.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231/331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to sign up.

Thursday, April 12, 1 pm: Basic Computer Skills (How do you turn this thing on?) with
Gina DeWildt   Class limit:  10  Bring your laptop if you have one.  No fee but you must pre-register for this class; call 231/331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231/331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.

Tuesday, April 17, 6 pm: Digital Photography  (third Tuesday of each month)  Lisa Lirones, instructor.
$5 materials fee per class—bring with you.  Become Lisa’s Friend on Facebook and find out immediately of any schedule changes.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231/331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to sign up.

Thursday, April 19, 1 pm:  Basic Computers Part 2:  (Now What Do We Do?) with Gina DeWildt  Class limit: 10   Bring your own laptop if you own one.  No need to have attended previous class.  No fee but you must pre-register for this class; call 231/331-4318.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.

Tuesday, April 24, 10 am: Quilts and Needlework Here and There with Roberta Amstadt
Presentation of traditional and art quilts from around the world featuring the latest examples of quilting and needlework trends.  Everyone is welcome; free of charge.  Presented by Torch Area Artisans Guild and Helena Twp. Library.  Refreshments will be served.  8751 Helena Road, Alden; 231/331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231/331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Wednesday, April 25, 10 am:  Great Start socialization playgroup now includes Helena Township Library as one of its monthly scheduled meeting places.  They utilize the gym space and the children’s section of the library for their get-togethers, which encourage skill development in preschoolers.  Great for home-school families.  Free of charge.  8751 Helena Road, Alden; 231/331-4318.

Thursday, April 26, 1 pm:  Basic Computer Skills Part 3 with Gina DeWildt
Class limit: 10  Bring your own laptop if you own one.  No need to have attended previous class.  No fee but you must pre-register for this class; call 231/331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231/331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.


Monday, April 23, 1 pm:  Scarf-Tying with Mary Ann Stimpson
Join Mary Ann for a creative demonstration.  Bring scarves of different shapes so you can practice the techniques.   Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231/331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to sign up.

Sunday, April 29, 3 pm:  Art of Creating Bronze Figures with Scott Nelles
Power point presentation by local area bronze artisan highlighting how it’s done.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231/331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to sign up.

Monday, May 7,  7 pm:  Building a Community:From Isolation to Interdependence discussion and book signing with Richard O”Dell  “It has become increasingly urgent, given the increasing fragility of planetary life, that we...build an interdependent community that strives to sustain life and increase happiness.” – author’s quote.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 to sign up.

Thursday, May 10, 7 pm:  Which eReader is right?  Brian Boettcher will discuss various devices including the kindle, iPad and Nook  (which he will bring to the presentation),  models of each device, its pros and cons.   Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 to sign up.

Tuesday, May 15, 6 pm: Digital Photography  (third Tuesday of each month)  Lisa Lirones, instructor.
$5 materials fee per class—bring with you.  Become Lisa’s Friend on Facebook and find out immediately of any schedule changes.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231/331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to sign up.

Thursday, May 23, 10 am:  Great Start socialization playgroup now includes Helena Township Library as one of its monthly scheduled meeting places.  They utilize the gym space and the children’s section of the library for their get-togethers, which encourage skill development in preschoolers.  Great for home-school families.  Free of charge.  8751 Helena Road, Alden; 231/331-4318.

Thursday, May 31, 7 pm:  How do I use my eReader?  Brian Boettcher returns to  present  this class on the how-tos and features of various devices.  When you call 231/331-4318 to sign up, tell us which device and model you have.  8751 Helena Road, Alden; 231/331-4318.

Basketry Classes; Wed. at 3 pm; presented by Dorothy Walter.  Join any time.   Materials fee, but class is free.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 to sign up.

Mah Jong:  Tuesdays, 1 to 4 pm No limit on participants. All levels.  Come and learn or come and play.  Helena Twp. Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden.  Call 231/331-4318 to sign up.

December 2011 Alden Events

December 2011 Alden Events

Thursday, December 2^nd    the Helena Township  hosts the  “Off  The Wall Film Series” featuring AS GOOD AS IT GETS- 1997, PG-13, Quirky, sentimental, touching dramedy about an acerbic, reclusive author played by Jack Nicholson who lets a stressed-out single mom/waitress, a gay neighbor and his dog into his life.  A themed meal will be served at 6 pm for each film which will start at 7 pm. Bring your own beverage.  Reservations required for the meal by calling the library at 231-331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231-331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting two days in advance. You may also volunteer to bring parts of the meal in in lieu of a donation Library. The film is held at the Community Center located at 8751 Helena Road in Alden. Donations are accepted and appreciated to offset costs. For more information contact Nancy Ludwa at 231-377-7034 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231-377-7034      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or aldenlib@torchlake.com.

On Saturday, December 3^rd the Alden Men’s Club will hold their Holiday Brunch with guests included the Alden United Methodist Church at 10:30 AM. Contact Larry Fields at 231-322-2787 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231-322-2787      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for more information.

Sunday, December 4^th the Torch Area Artisans Guild will hold the Annual Children’s Christmas Party from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the Helena Township Community Center.  The party includes crafts, refreshments and of course, a visit from Santa.  The Community Center is located at 8751 Helena Road.  This is free to the public. For more information call Dorothy Walters @ 231-331-6583 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231-331-6583      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

On Wednesday, December 7^th the Juniper Garden Club will hold an Luncheon and Auction  at the Torch Riviera at 12:30 P.M. For more information contact Dandy Bodenbender at 231-331-4476 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231-331-4476      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

On Wednesday, December 7th at 4:00 pm and each subsequent Wednesday in December, a Basketry classes will be held at the Helena Township Community Center. A variety of basket styles will be explored. Join any time. Materials fee, but class is free.  Dorothy Walter, instructor.   8751 Helena Road, Alden.  For more info, call Helena Township Library at 231-331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231-331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

On Thursday, December 15^th  the Helena Township hosts Books ‘N Brie Book Club at 3:30 P.M. at the Helena Township Library. Each month a different book will be discussed.  For more information and a list of the books to be discussed, contact the Library at 231-331-4318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231-331-4318      end_of_the_skype_highlighting oraldenlib@torchlake.com.  The Library is located at 8751 Helena Road in Alden.

On Saturday, December 17^th  the Alden Men’s Club will hold their monthly breakfast meeting at the Alden United Methodist Church at 8:00 AM. Contact Larry Fields at 231-322-2787 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            231-322-2787      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for more information.

November 2011 Alden Events

November 2011 Alden Events
Thursday, November 3rd  the Helena Township hosts the  Off the Wall Film Series featuring LE CONCERT- 2009, PG-13, Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language film, uplifting comedy follows fallen Russian maestro Andrey Filipov who seizes a chance to reunite his orchestra and reclaim his life 30 years after politics cut short his music career. A themed meal will be served at 6 pm for each film which will start at 7 pm. Bring your own beverage.  Reservations required for the meal by calling the library at 231-331-4318 two days in advance. You may also volunteer to bring parts of the meal in in lieu of a donation Library. The film is held at the Community Center located at 8751 Helena Road in Alden. Donations are accepted and appreciated to offset costs. For more information contact Nancy Ludwa at 231-377-7034 or aldenlib@torchlake.com.

Tuesday, November 8th from 6-8 pm local artist and photographer, Lisa Lirones will help you master that new digital camera.  Get to know important settings to get the most out of your picture taking and explore new ideas through lighting and perspective.   Taking location photos in the summer; bring your camera. Held at the Helena Township Public Library, 8751 Helena Road, Alden, MI 49612. You can call to register at 231-331-4318.

Thursday, November 10th the Helena Township hosts Books ‘N Brie Book Club at 3:30 P.M. at the Helena Township Library. Each month a different book will be discussed.  For more information and a list of the books to be discussed, contact the Library at 231-331-4318 or aldenlib@torchlake.com.  The Library is located at 8751 Helena Road in Alden.

On Tuesday, November 15th  there will be a Community Blood Pressure and Foot Care Clinic at the Helena Township Community Center with reservation times available beginning at 9:00 a.m.  The clinic is provided by the Northwest Michigan Community Health Agency. The blood pressure clinic is free to the public.  The Foot Care Clinic is $15.00.  Reservations are required.  Call the Library at 231-331-4318 for reservations and more information

Saturday November 19th The Torch Area Artisans Guild will hold its annual Christmas Craft Show at the Helena Township Community Center. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m. The Community Center is located at 8751 Helena Road. A wide variety of local craftsman offer their wares for sale to the public Refreshments are also available.  Contact Dorothy Walter @ 231-331-6583 for more information.

Saturday November 19th The Friends of Helena Township Library will hold a Book Sale at the Community Center from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.  For more information contact Linda Bicum at 231-322-2811. The Library is located at 8751 Helena Road in Alden.

Saturday, November 26th Alden’s Holiday Illumination of the Community.  The official “Lighting of Alden” begins at 4:00 p.m. downtown.  The town will be officially lighted for the holidays along with a carol sing, refreshments, and a visit from Santa at open shops.  There is no cost to the public.  Sponsored by Downtown Alden Business Association, Alden Volunteers, Helena Township, and the Alden Historical Society.  For more information contact Harvey Bartel at 231-331-4845.

October 2011 Alden Events

October 2011 Alden Events
ALDEN HERITAGE DAYS:
Saturday, October  1st  Alden will host Heritage Day featuring craftspeople and artisans demonstrating their wares and skills throughout the various shops.  The day begins at 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and will include a wide variety of displays.  Refreshments will be offered in some shops.  For more information call Harvey Bartel at 231-331-4845.
  
The Sprig’s and Sprouts will hold an Apple and Bake Sale at the Alden United Methodist Church from 10:30 – 4:00.  For more information contact Tracy Morrison at 231-264-6365.


From 8:00 to Noon, The South Torch Lake Fire Department will hold a Heritage Pancake Breakfast and Open House at the South Torch Lake Fire Hall. For more information contact Jesse Lane at 231-409-6876. 

Sunday, October 2nd  A Classic Car Show downtown will feature automobiles from many Northern Michigan car clubs.  The automobiles will be displayed between 11:00 and 4:00 in downtown Alden.  For more information call Dave and Joyce Looman at 616-928-1298.

On Thursday, October 6th The Helena Township Off the Wall Film Series starts the season with a new movie each month.  A soup dinner served at 6:00 p.m. Bring your own beverage. Register by calling the library at 231- 331-4318 but no reservation is needed for movie only at 7:00 p.m. The film is held at the Helena Township Community Center in Alden at 8751 Helena Road in Alden and admission is free but donations are welcomed.  Optional: email your soup recipe to aldenlib@torchlake.com . Movies to be announced at a later date. 

On Thursday, October 13 the Helena Township hosts Books ‘N Brie Book Club at 3:30 P.M. at the Helena Township Library. Each month a different book will be discussed.  For more information and a list of the books to be discussed, contact the Library at 231-331-4318 or aldenlib@torchlake.com.  The Library is located at 8751 Helena Road in Alden.

On Saturday, October 29th the Alden Men’s Club will hold their monthly meeting breakfast meeting at 8:00 am at the Alden United Methodist Church.  Contact Larry Fields at 231-322-2787 for more information. 

Sunday, October 30th: There will be a chili cook-off fund raiser to benefit “With a Little Help From My Friends” a local non-profit animal rescue group.  Local restaurants compete for the best chili award.  Event includes a silent auction and bake sale and is held at the Helena Township Community Center east of Alden @ 8751 Helena Road from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Contact Heather Knust at 231-322-6041 for more information.

Monday, October 31st: Alden hosts its annual Halloween celebration in the downtown Tennis Court Park.  The celebration includes a costume parade for the children at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by costume judging, prizes and refreshments.  For more information call Jesse Lane at 231-409-6876.