In honor of World Mental Health Day, Northern Michigan University Wellbeing Promotions is gearing up for its second annual Mind Over Miles 5K at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9. The event encourages attendees to open conversations surrounding mental health and reduce the stigma around receiving help. Participants will run or walk a scenic loop through NMU’s campus, starting and finishing at the Wildcat Statue near Jamrich Hall. A new addition to this year’s event is the Cats to 5K training program, which invites faculty, staff and students to prepare for race day together. With beginner and intermediate options, the

The Finlandia Art Gallery and Finlandia Foundation National (FFN) are pleased to present Northern Tier, an exhibition of oil paintings by Finnish American artist Eric Aho. The exhibit will be on display from September 18 to November 13, 2025, at the Finlandia Art Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.  A reception for the artist will take place on Thursday, October 9, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with an artist talk beginning at 7:20 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Aho will also be participating in Finlandia Foundation’s first

Tuesdays & Fridays, October (3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31), 2025. 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities for preschool age children and a loving adult. Preschool age children. Siblings welcome.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

Fridays, October (3, 10, 17, 24, 31) 2025. Noon – 1:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Heritage Room.  In partnership with several area organizations, this hour-long event offers a safe space to pause, reflect, and build meaningful connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness in our world. Each week, a different organization takes the lead, with experienced educators and leaders facilitating. This rotating format ensures diverse perspectives and practices while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles.  For more information and to check on the status of the program, call

Fridays, October (3, 10, 17, 24), 2025. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Meet other LEGO enthusiasts and build LEGO projects with the library’s LEGO blocks. Family friendly, children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

Northern Michigan University’s Siril Concert Series will present a “Beethoven and Banjos” concert featuring classical and folk music from Iceland at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The featured artists will also present two free events earlier that day in the same location: a music appreciation presentation at 11 a.m., followed by a masterclass at 1 p.m. Beethoven and Banjos is an annual project organized by the Northwoods Music Collaborative that blends classical and traditional styles into innovative performances. The program integrates musicians from around the world to create new music and fresh interpretations of older works.

Saturdays, October (4, 11, 18, 25), 2025. 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays geared towards babies through preschool with a loving adult.  Older siblings and older children are welcome.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.