Welcome to Alden!

Visit Alden Today!

2015-10-16T12:55:00.001-04:00

The Alden Volunteers invite you to apply to the Alden Depot Arts Festival to be held in the Alden Depot Park on the shore of beautiful Torch Lake.

2015-08-24T13:40:00.003-04:00

HARVEST DAYS! Sat Oct 4th & Sunday the 5th

2014-10-02T15:29:00.001-04:00

HARVEST DAYS Saturday October 4th & Sunday the 5th Downtown Alden!

DABA, The Downtown Alden Business Association, is announcing that Alden Harvest Days will happen on Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th in beautiful Downtown Alden...on the eastern shores of Torch Lake. Saturday activities include... Local Artisans in some of the Shops from 10:30 - 3:00 A Farmers' Market at Tennis Park from 11:00 - 4:00 Sales in many of the stores from 10:00 - 5:00 Sprigs & Sprouts Apple & Baked Goods Sale from 10:00 - 4:00 Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Station from 7:00 - 11:00 Sunday Events include... Sales continue in many of the Stores from 10:00 - 5:00 Vintage Car Show Downtown from 11:00 - 4:00 (weather permitting) For more information, please contact Harvey Bartel on 231.645.1251

The Annual Alden Sidewalk Sale is happening Saturday, August 30th, Sunday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st!

2014-08-22T13:34:00.002-04:00

Alden Sidewalk Sale Announcement

The Annual Alden Sidewalk Sale is happening

Saturday, August 30^th, Sunday, August 31^st and

Sunday, September 1^st in beautiful downtown

Alden. All of the stores are participating with

Special sales and offers! Hours are 10 AM – 5 PM

each day.

Alden is located on the eastern shores of Torch Lake,

Only minutes from anywhere in Northern Michigan.

For more information, contact Harvey Bartel at

231.645.1251

The annual "Alden Harvest Days" are scheduled for Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th.

2013-10-03T17:11:00.000-04:00

The annual "Alden Harvest Days" are scheduled for Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th.

The list of scheduled activities are

Saturday, October 5th

Pancake Breakfast at the South Torch Lake Fire Association Fire Hall 7 AM - 12 PM

Sales in many of the Downtown Alden stores (all day)

A Farmers' Market at the Tennis Park 11 AM - 4 PM

Artisans in several of the stores demonstrating and selling their wares.

Sprigs and Sprouts Daycare is having a Bake Sale from 10 AM - 3 PM

Pumpkin Carving Demonstration at Alden's Mill House

Sunday, October 6th

Sales continue in many of the stores

An Antique Car Show from 10 AM - 3 PM (No charge to enter)

For more information, please contact Jan Schilling @ janisschilling@gmail.com

Alden Sidewalk Sale-Saturday August 31st & Sunday September 1st

2013-08-23T09:39:00.000-04:00

The Downtown Alden Business Association (DABA) is announcing that the Alden Sidewalk Sale will be held on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st in Downtown Alden. Daily hours are 10:00 AM - 5 PM. All downtown stores and businesses will be participating in this event with sales and promotions town-wide.

Alden is located on the southeast side of beautiful Torch Lake and is only a short drive from most anywhere in the North.

For more information, please contact Doug Hickman on 231.676.3300 during the day only (thanks).

Upcoming Events in Alden!

2013-06-11T15:47:00.003-04:00

Upcoming Events in Alden!

Father's Day Strawberry Social

Sunday, June 16th

12 Noon - 4 PM

At the Alden Depot on the eastern shores of Torch Lake

Thursday Evening Strolls

Starting Thursday, June 27th through Thursday, August 15th

Live Bands 7 PM - 9PM

Other entertainment on the streets of Alden, too!

Thursday Farmer's Markets

Beginning Thursday, June 27th from 4 PM till 8 PM in East Park.

This "afternoon" Farmer's Market features several dozen local Farmers and happens at the perfect time for people to shop on their way home from work.

These Markets will continue into the Fall.

These events are produced by DABA, the Downtown Alden Business Association.

For more information on any of the above Alden events, please contact Doug Hickman on 231.676.3300 during the day.

Coming Events at Alden District Library.

2012-12-28T11:54:00.000-05:00

Coming Events at Alden District Library. Please call 231/331-4318 to sign up. Contact Sue at aldenlib@torchlake.com for more information. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Off the Wall Movie Thursday, January 3. Dinner 6 pm, movie 7 pm; optional donation or bring food for dinner. Win-Win, rated R, starring Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Jeffrey Tambor. Disheartened attorney (Giamatti), moonlights as a wrestling coach and stumbles across a star athlete through questionable business dealings while trying to support his family.

Cruising Down the Rhine on a Riverboat Sunday, January 13, 2 pm. Presented by Ray and Nancy Ludwa. This travelogue will feature the benefits and highlights of riverboat cruising as well as a photographic presentation of the various ports along the Rhine and details of what travelers can see and do in each port. Refreshments served.

Off the Wall Movie Thursday, February 7. Dinner 6 pm, movie 7 pm; optional donation or bring food for dinner. The Hedgehog,not rated. (French with subtitles) Paloma...has decided to kill herself on her 12th birthday as her appointment with death approaches, Paloma finally meets some kindred spirits…[who] inspire Paloma to question her rather pessimistic outlook on life.

Beginning Again in Papua New Guinea Sunday, February 17, 2 pm. Presented by Catherine Frerichs, who taught at a university there in 2011-2012, where she grew up as the daughter of missionaries. This experience enabled her to develop her own adult perspective on the country and its people. The presentation will provide an overview of the country, its beauty and current challenges, with an emphasis on education. Refreshments served.

Joe Mariage presents the History of Rapid City Sunday, March 3, 2 pm. Refreshments served.

Off the Wall Movie Thursday, March 7. Dinner 6 pm, movie 7 pm; optional donation or bring food for dinner. Monsieru Lazhar, Rated PG-13. (French subtitles) Algerian immigrant is hired to replace an elementary school teacher who died tragically. While the class heals, nobody is aware of his painful former life. Optional donation or bring food for dinner.

Book Sale Monday, March 4 to Friday March 8. 10 am to 5 pm.

Off the Wall Movie Thursday, April 4. Dinner 6 pm, movie 7 pm; optional donation or bring food for dinner. The Seven Samurai , 1954, not rated. The film depicts the story of a veteran samurai who gathers 6 other samurai to help him protect a village from bandits. Optional donation or bring food for dinner.

Bee Keeping Sunday, April 7, 2 p.m. presented by Heather Miller. [insert description]

Off the Wall Movie Thursday, May 2. Dinner 6 pm, movie 7 pm; optional donation or bring food for dinner. Good Will Hunting, Rated R, Starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. A touching tale of a wayward young man who struggles to find his identity, until one day he meets his soul mate who opens his mind and heart. Optional donation or bring food for dinner.

"Alden Holiday Illumination" Night!

2012-11-15T10:28:00.001-05:00

The Downtown Alden Business Association (DABA) proudly announces that our "Alden Illumination" will take place on Saturday, November 24th at 5:30 PM in Downtown Alden.

Activities include...Caroling, Gifts for the Kids, Refreshments, A Visit from Santa and the Illumination of the Alden Christmas Tree.

This is a fun family event!

Alden is located on the southeastern shores of beautiful Torch Lake only a short drive from most northern Michigan towns.

For further information, please contact DABA President Pro-Tem Harvey Bartel at 231.645.1251

"Alden Heritage Days"

2012-09-22T09:03:00.001-04:00

The Downtown Alden Business Association (DABA) is proud to announce that "Alden Heritage Days" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October7th in Alden located on the shores of beautiful Torch Lake in Antrim County.

Saturday Events

Local Artisans in some of the Stores (10:30-4)
Farmers' Market and Craft Booths (10-2)
Pumpkin Painting & Kids' Events (Noon-4)
Sales in Many of the Stores (All Day)
Sprigs & Sprouts Apple & Bake Sale (10:30-4)
Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Hall (7-11)

Sunday Events

Sales Continue in the Stores (All Day)
Vintage Car Show (11-4)

Alden is located on the southeastern shores of beautiful Torch Lake just a short drive from anywhere in Northern Michigan.

For more information, please contact Doug Hickman on 231.676.3300 days only...please!

ALDEN DEPOT ARTS FESTIVAL

2012-08-23T10:09:00.001-04:00

ALDEN DEPOT ARTS FESTIVAL

Juried Show of Art & Fine Crafts

Saturday, August 25 from 10:00am to 5:00pm

The Alden Volunteers invite you to apply to the Alden Depot Arts Festival to be held in the Alden Depot Park on the shore of beautiful Torch Lake.DATE: Saturday, August 25 from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Registration and set up Friday 5:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday 7:00am to 9:30am. Register and receive your booth assignment prior to setting up. Registration will take place at the Alden Depot. Staff will be wearing Alden Volunteer Badges.MEDIA: This is a juried show open to selected crafts and fine art. NO BUY/SELL ALLOWED.
JURYING: Applicants will submit three pictures: one of current work, one of work in progress and one picture of booth setup. Label each picture with the artists name and description of the work. Applications will be juried as they are received. Jurying will be done by Roberta Amstadt and Babs Young.
RULES: A list of rules is enclosed with your application. The committee has the right to exclude any exhibitor not abiding by the rules, to remove any work considered inappropriate or not consistent with the rules. No refunds to accepted artists.BOOTH FEE: Booth size is 11’x12’ and the cost is $120.00 per space.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by July 1, 2012. Late applications will be assessed an additional $20 to be considered. All applications will be juried. It is to your advantage to APPLY EARLY, notifications will be sent out after jurying. Applying early increases your chance of becoming an exhibitor and getting your space preference.
SASE: Enclose a business size, self-addressed, stamped envelope with TWO first class stamps for the return of jury results and photographs.
FOOD: There will be food on site as well as information on local restaurants within walking distance.ADVERTISING: We are committed to timely print ads in local and regional newspapers, calendar of events, internet, public announcements and craft magazine publications.CONTACT: www.visitalden.com, or Bob or Barbara Widmer, e-mail: rwidmer2@aol.com , phone: 231 377 6305 .

2012 Alden Sidewalk Sale on September 1 & 2

2012-08-23T10:06:00.003-04:00

The Downtown Alden Business Association is sponsoring the 2012 Alden Sidewalk Sale on September 1 & 2. All Alden stores are participating with fabulous End-of-Summer deals! Shopping hours are 10 AM - 5 PM each day rain or shine!

Our Alden restaurants and bars are also whipping up some great specials to commemorate this event.

Alden is located on the eastern shore of beautiful Torch Lake, less than 30 minutes from almost anywhere in northern Michigan!

For more information, please contact Doug Hickman at 231.676.3300 (days only please).

Alden Days Parade 2012!

2012-07-31T13:39:00.002-04:00

2012-07-24T09:13:00.001-04:00

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.

2012-07-23T18:43:00.000-04:00

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

2012-07-18T08:48:00.000-04:00

Gnome takes up residence at Alden’s Mill House-By Priscilla Miller

When a large section of a 92 foot pine tree,blew down during a storm, and damaged the roof of the Alden Mill House, owners Colleen Richmond and Joy Moglovkin, had no choice but to have the tree cut down. Colleen had an idea however, she wanted to do something that would honor her parents,Gino and Joy Moglovkin, founders of the Mill House. She had all but a 12 foot section of the tree removed and then began looking for someone who could do chain saw carving.

She consulted Dave Hilberg of East Jordan, owner of The Wood Butcher, explaining to him, that for 20 years a gnome garden statue sat in the front yard of the Mill House and then two years ago, someone decided to walk off with it. Colleen showed Hilberg a gnome figurine she had, and asked if he could duplicate it using what remained of the old tree.

Hilberg fired up his chain saw and went to work. Three days later, his work was complete. Hilberg, who has been carving for ten years says, “It’s the first time I’ve ever done a gnome. It was a real challenge, but I had fun doing it and a real feeling of satisfaction, when I saw how pleased Colleen was with the carving.”

Employees of the Mill House, chipped in and secretly commissioned Hilberg’s wife Wendy to carve a magnigicent chair, complete with lumbar support for Colleen, so now she can sit in comfort and admire the as yet, unnamed gnome. Colleen says,“I’ve had several suggestions, but I’m leaning toward naming it Gnomeo.” Several other carvings by the Wood Butcher and his wife, are also on display in the Mill House gardens, but the giant gnome, is the center of attention, as tourists stop to admire it, and pose for photos next to it.

Antrim County breast cancer mortality rate drops from 1st in the state to 33rd. in just two years

2011-10-27T09:48:00.001-04:00

Pat, shown here with ACHT co founder Dee Lynch, stresses the importance of being your own advocate. "You know your body better than anyone, don't be afraid to have that mammogram. Detecting and treating breast cancer early, is key to survival."

Three women, three lives, forever changed by breast cancer.
by Priscilla Miller

In 2009 Antrim County, had the unwelcome distinction of having the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the State of Michigan. Last year that number dropped to 12th in the state and this year, it’s down again, to 33rd. Credit for this decrease in breast cancer deaths, may very well be attributed to the combined efforts of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, Munson Hospital, and the Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention, an all volunteer, 501c3 organization.

This unique partnership between the public, and private sector, provides uninsured, and under insured Antrim County residents, with free mammograms. It’s driving force, is an extensive education program, which emphasizes, the importance of breast health, and stresses awareness of the importance of early detection, in the prevention of breast cancer deaths.

Within the last 12 months the following three women, had their lives altered forever by breast cancer. All sought and received assistance, from the the Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention.

Pat, underwent surgery for thyroid cancer, while still in her twenties. Eleven years ago, she discovered a lump during her monthly breast exam. When nothing showed up on the mammogram that followed, Pat who was living in the Detroit Metro area at the time, should have been relieved, but she says, “I figured I knew my body, better than anyone, and I knew something wasn’t right, so I got a second opinion. It’s so very important to be your own advocate. If I hadn’t, gone for that second opinion, I wouldn’t be here today, because an ultrasound revealed not one, but two tumors.” She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on her right breast, followed by eight rounds of chemotherapy. The biopsy on the tumors produced surprising and extremely rare results, because each tumor contained a different types of cancer cell. In reality, Pat had been simultaneously stricken with two forms of breast cancer.

Pat moved to Bellaire in 2010. While having her annual mammogram at the Smith Family Breast Center, in Traverse City, this past July, she says, “I knew something was wrong, when the technician came back into the room to take additional views and then told me to sit down, that someone would be in to talk with me.” Within minutes her worse fears were realized, the biopsy results confirmed that once again, at the age of 55, she had breast cancer.

Pat had implicit faith in the surgeon who had performed her first mastectomy. In September, she traveled down state, where her surgeon performed another mastectomy and reconstruction, of her left breast. According to Pat, ACHT helped with gas cards for her trip there, with lodging for her follow up visit to the surgeon, and with co pays for medical services and prescriptions. She also has peace of mind, knowing if she needs help with anything, or just needs to talk, someone from ACHT, is only a phone call away.

Over the years, Ila, a 77 year old Mancelona resident, had undergone several breast biopsies, so when another lump appeared she wasn’t overly concerned, because a mammogram taken just six months earlier of the same breast, had been diagnosed as scar tissue from a previous biopsy.

She underwent a biopsy of the lump and a few days later, heard the words, every woman fears. This time, the biopsy results indicated that she had breast cancer. A lumpectomy followed, but when her Oncologist told her she had to undergo 20 radiation treatments, at the Biederman Cancer Treatment Center, in Traverse City, Ila didn’t know what she was going to do. As a senior living on a fixed income, she couldn’t afford the gas for the 77 mile round trip, to Traverse City, each day.

In desperation, she went to the County Building in Bellaire, seeking assistance, only to be informed there were no programs available that could help her. An office clerk there, suggested she contact Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention’s cofounder, Dee Lynch, and gave her the number. Ila says, “When Dee said, they could help me, I was so relieved to know, that someone was concerned about me and really cared. They provided gas for all twenty visits to the treatment center.”

Thanks to early detection, Ila’s cancer is now in remission and says, “I take life, one day at a time. They said they could help me, and they did. I thank God, for those wonderful people. I don’t know what I would have done without their help.”

Last October, 48 year old Tonda, discovered a lump in her breast. With a family history of breast cancer, (her maternal grandmother had it.) Tonda knew she needed a mammogram, but didn’t have the insurance to pay for it. A girlfriend told her, to call Dee Lynch, with the ACHT.

Tonda says, “they were amazing!” In no time at all, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, saw to it that she had her mammogram, biopsy and a lumpectomy. Five months of chemotherapy followed, then three months of radiation. During this time ACHT provided gas cards for trips to the doctor and treatment facilities. She, says, “it was really nice knowing I could call ACHT, anytime of the day or night, with questions or concerns.”

Recently, Tonda told her mother, “I’ve lost a year of my life.” Her mother corrected her saying, “No, you have gained the rest of your life.” Tonda recommends that “anyone living in Antrim County, who needs a mammogram and doesn’t have insurance can call the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, at 1-800-432-4121. That call, can save your life.” For information on ACHT, go to www.antrimcountyhightea.org

The History of Labor Day

2011-09-03T10:02:00.002-04:00

The History of Labor Day

Labor Day: How it Came About & What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Source: http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm

Sleeping Bear Dunes Voted 'Most Beautiful Place in America'

2011-08-17T09:47:00.002-04:00

Sleeping Bear Dunes Voted 'Most Beautiful Place in America'

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, tucked in the northwest corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, is Good Morning America's No. 1 Most Beautiful Place in America. (Sabrina Parise/ABC News)

Depot Museum looking for loan of military memorabilia

2011-08-13T18:17:00.000-04:00

At a recent meeting of the Helena Township Historical Society, members decided the exhibit at Alden’s Depot Museum for 2012, will be on the U.S. Military, with a special focus on local members of the armed forces. The society is asking residents who either personally served, or had ancestors that served, to consider loaning any military memorabilia or artifacts, to the museum’s exhibit. Anyone willing to participate may contact Paul Delange at 231-377-7333

Free Model Train Show Starts August13th.

2011-08-13T14:39:00.001-04:00

All Aboard – Alden

The Alden Depot Museum will host its annual
“Model Train Show and Swap Meet” from 10am to 4pm, August 13^th and 14^th. This FREE show will continue each weekend there after from1pm – 4pm, Saturday and Sundays, through Labor Day.

Featured are displays and running model trains from N- gauge to large Lionel Standard Gauge. It is a great opportunity to spend some time reliving the past and enjoy watching the children or grandchildren’s eyes light up as they see and hear the wonderful world of model trains.

Anyone interested in selling, running or displaying their trains, is invited to call for more information.

Contact Paul DeLange at 231-377-7333 or E-mail at ddelange@juno.com

The Alden Run July 30, 2011 #2

2011-07-30T13:50:00.003-04:00

The Alden Run July 30, 2011 #1

2011-07-30T13:49:00.003-04:00

Alden Mens Club Rummage Sale #2

2011-07-30T13:48:00.004-04:00

Alden Mens Club Rummage Sale #1

2011-07-30T13:47:00.002-04:00