Community Calendar

IRRC Launches 2025 Summer Community Read:
A Season of Connection, Renewal, and Shared Wisdom

LANSING, MI — The Immigrant and Refugee Resource Collaborative (IRRC) invites readers across mid-Michigan to take part in its 2025 Summer Community Read, a seasonal invitation to explore powerful stories of hope, care, and wisdom. This year’s selections center around the question:

“What’s the smartest habit you’ve got that others could learn from?”

The featured teen/adult title, “The Immigrant Advantage: What We Can Learn from Newcomers to America about Health, Happiness, and Hope” by Claudia Kolker, celebrates the traditions and practices that families cultivate that help communities thrive. For younger readers and families, the IRRC has selected “In Our Garden” by Pat Zietlow Miller — a beautifully illustrated children’s story about kindness, belonging, and shared growth.

Books are available now at local libraries and independent bookstores. Readers are encouraged to engage with the texts over the summer and join an author’s visit, and series of storytelling and community events in the fall. These books celebrate everyone - whether you are new to Greater Lansing or have lived here for generations. Afterall, everyone has something to teach us about health, hope, and happiness.

“This is more than just a reading initiative,” said IRRC organizers. “It’s a chance to rediscover the strength and wisdom in our communities and learn from each other’s everyday practices of care and resilience.”

Participants can request a free Companion Guide through the IRRC website and are invited to share photos or reflections by emailing irrcmidmichigan@gmail.com.

Let’s read, grow, and connect—together.

In partnership with community organizations across the region.

Now through October 31, families are invited to enjoy the Story Walk Trail at Hidden Lake Gardens! This 0.4-mile trail, full of twists, turns, gentle hills, and scenic views, is located near the Picnic Area, just west of the conservatory. Along the way, little ones can follow signs that bring a delightful children’s story to life.
This year’s featured book is Sip, Pick, and Pack by Michigan author Polly Cheney. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this educational tale introduces children to seeds, plants, and pollinators in a fun and engaging way. Copies of the book are available for purchase in the Daffodil Gift Shop.

Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation, so we’re helping to gather food and personal supplies for those of our community in need. Items especially in need are listed on our Event Calendar. Drop off donations at GLADL - donations will be delivered to the GL SDA Food Bank, and will be distributed through the Food Bank and GLEAP.

Ages 13+
Embellish a black and white photo using embroidery floss and yarn to give the picture a whole new look.
https://gladl.libcal.com/event/14176507

Now through October 31, families are invited to enjoy the Story Walk Trail at Hidden Lake Gardens! This 0.4-mile trail, full of twists, turns, gentle hills, and scenic views, is located near the Picnic Area, just west of the conservatory. Along the way, little ones can follow signs that bring a delightful children’s story to life.
This year’s featured book is Sip, Pick, and Pack by Michigan author Polly Cheney. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this educational tale introduces children to seeds, plants, and pollinators in a fun and engaging way. Copies of the book are available for purchase in the Daffodil Gift Shop.

Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation, so we’re helping to gather food and personal supplies for those of our community in need. Items especially in need are listed on our Event Calendar. Drop off donations at GLADL - donations will be delivered to the GL SDA Food Bank, and will be distributed through the Food Bank and GLEAP.

Join us for an afternoon of fun and friendly Switch gaming! Feel free to bring your Switch to play between your turns! All skill levels welcome!
https://gladl.libcal.com/event/14287855

Now through October 31, families are invited to enjoy the Story Walk Trail at Hidden Lake Gardens! This 0.4-mile trail, full of twists, turns, gentle hills, and scenic views, is located near the Picnic Area, just west of the conservatory. Along the way, little ones can follow signs that bring a delightful children’s story to life.
This year’s featured book is Sip, Pick, and Pack by Michigan author Polly Cheney. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this educational tale introduces children to seeds, plants, and pollinators in a fun and engaging way. Copies of the book are available for purchase in the Daffodil Gift Shop.

Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation, so we’re helping to gather food and personal supplies for those of our community in need. Items especially in need are listed on our Event Calendar. Drop off donations at GLADL - donations will be delivered to the GL SDA Food Bank, and will be distributed through the Food Bank and GLEAP.

All Ages
Lincoln Brick Park
Join us for a Big Tree Hunt guided walk and workshop, presented by ReLeaf Michigan. Experts from ReLeaf Michigan will discuss ReLeaf Michigan's Big Tree Hunt contest and join us on a guided walk to start the search! Look for big trees, learn how to measure trees and how to submit your measurements for the contest.