Good morning, Traverse City.

Cherryland Cares awarded $15,000 to eight nonprofits during the last quarter + Big Brothers Big Sisters received funds for group mentoring 50 middle schoolers in Grand Traverse County, while others will use grants to cover utility, food, and senior needs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan named Steve Niergarth and Rachel Roe as the 2025 Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year.

The celebration is held today from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Filling Station in Antrim, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties.

Morgan Stanley announced on Jan.

28 that financial advisor Jason Idziak (since 2002) has been promoted to managing director at its Traverse City wealth management office.

Jason P. Tank of Front Street Wealth Management explained that tax refunds are expected to reach record levels this season because a retroactive tax bill passed last July created new breaks starting in 2025.

Residents planning finances should review how these changes may affect their returns.

Blood banks face a severe shortage and Versiti urges local donors to help replenish supplies.

The center especially needs O positive and O negative blood—businesses, churches, and individuals are encouraged to host drives as weather conditions limit travel.

Community donors participated in a blood drive at the Leelanau County studio offered in partnership with Versiti and used the blood bus to donate.

Additional drives will be held at Hagerty Insurance today and at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, Mesick High School, and Elk Rapids High School on Friday.

Special Olympics Michigan is hosting the 2026 State Winter Games over three days at local venues including Grand Traverse Resort & Howe Ice Arena, Schuss Mountain, and Shanty Creek Resort.

The event features over 1,100 participants and an opening ceremony emceed by Logan Bott (a local athlete).

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.

Tai Chi with Josh

12-1 p.m. — East Bay Branch Library — Free entry — Discover the gentle art of Tai Chi in a community-friendly setting.

Alluvion Jazz Series: Bill Sears Quintet

7-9:30 p.m. — The Alluvion — Ticket info available — Experience a deep jazz night featuring the phenomenal Bill Sears and his quintet.

Antrim Writers Series - Poetry Writing Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Grass River Natural Area — $10 — Experiment with words during an engaging poetry workshop with Teresa Scollon.

Puppy Pals LIVE

2-4 p.m. — City Opera House — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy an action-packed show featuring rescued dogs performing spectacular stunts.

Light the Darkness: A Midwinter Festival of Art

5-7 p.m. — City Opera House — Free entry — Experience a vibrant marketplace of creativity with juried artistry and live performances.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Kirkbride Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical evening of music by Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by a talented string quartet under candlelight.