Good morning, Traverse City.

Traverse City Area Public Schools are introducing a new English curriculum to reverse a decade-long drop in third-grade reading proficiency—from about 50% to almost 40%—with teachers reporting encouraging early results.

Traverse City officials are inviting nominations for the Coast Guard Guardian Award that recognizes leadership, service and community dedication.

The award is open for Coast Guard members and families (with at least six months at Air Station Traverse City).

Adoption Options, sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus, features adoptable pets every Friday from humane societies across northern Michigan.

This week, shelters in Traverse City, Cheboygan, and nearby areas present animals like Hershey, Lola, and Rufus for families looking for a new friend (contact details available at each shelter).

Frozen Foot Race

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee applicable — Kick off the 2026 race season with a chilly 5-mile run through Traverse City.

Kevin Rhodes Plays it Forward

7-8:30 p.m. — Traverse City Philharmonic — $100 per ticket — Enjoy a benefit concert featuring Maestro Rhodes while supporting the TC Phil and community programs.

Ice Wine Festival

11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn — Free entry — Enjoy wine tastings, an ice sculpture luge, and outdoor activities like snowshoeing and S’mores.

Left Foot Charley Wine Dinner

6-11:59 p.m. — Modern Bird — Check website for pricing — Indulge in a five-course meal featuring exquisite wines from Left Foot Charley with winemaker Bryan Ulbrich.

An Evening with T.J. Klune

7-8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Tickets from $21 — Celebrate captivating storytelling with bestselling author T.J. Klune, known for his rich fictional worlds.

Singer Songwriters Showcase

7-9 p.m. — City Opera House — $25, $20, Students $10 — Experience original songs from talented singer-songwriter students and the Popular Music Ensemble.