Good morning, Traverse City.

The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College will host A Taste of Success on April 25 at 6 p.m.—the in-person event features dishes from eight countries made by college students and will fund scholarships and program support.

A Michigan State University study has identified northern Michigan, including Traverse City, as an afterschool desert that leaves 750,000 young people without needed programs.

Local education leaders such as Traverse City Area Public Schools and the Michigan Afterschool Partnership are working with state legislators and community groups (with Rotary Charities awarding a $10,000 grant for a feasibility study) to secure funding and resources for expansion.

Michigan National Guard troops cleared roadways blocked by trees and debris, and Antrim and Alcona counties were added to the state emergency order.

Trucking restrictions were lifted to speed fuel and supplies to storm-impacted areas while neighbors helped remove debris.

At Tuesday night’s meeting, the Blair Township Planning Commission approved the site plan for a proposed Meijer store on US-31 in Chums Corner that will be about 160,000 square feet and include a drive-thru pharmacy, garden center, and gas station.

The project will move to the township board on April 22 at 6:00 p.m.—it faced mixed public feedback over potential impacts on local businesses and traffic safety.

UpNorthLive is teaming with Versiti to host a blood drive on Thursday, May 8 at its Leelanau County studio at 8513 East Traverse Highway (M-72 West) in Traverse City where donors can give whole blood from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and double red blood from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; this drive is UpNorthLive's 11th since 2020 and follows events that collected 214 pints to help save 642 lives.

Up North Lake and Cottage Show

12-6 p.m. — Traverse City Civic Center Skate Park — Admission fees may apply — Explore over 100 exhibitors offering everything for home improvement dreams.

A Celebration of Author Patrice Gopo

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Kirkbride Hall — Free entry — Celebrate award-winning author Patrice Gopo with a special presentation and refreshments.

Education Concert featuring Larry McCray

7-9 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Get tickets — Enjoy an evening with Larry McCray as he brings his distinctive blues rock sound to Traverse City.

Leighann Lord Live Stand-Up Comedy

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Traverse City Comedy Club — $20 entry — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Leighann Lord, a standout in comedy heard on XM-Sirius Satellite Radio.

Mari Vineyards Wine Run 5k

8:30-10:30 a.m. — Mari Vineyards — Registration fee applies — Run, walk, and sip in the scenic charm of northern Michigan's finest vineyard.

The Porch - AA Meeting

6-7 PM — 1010 S Garfield Ave — Free entry — Discover support for alcohol addiction and connect with others on the recovery journey.

Good Friday Fish & Seafood Dinner

6-8 p.m. — Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms — Check website for cost — Meet Chef John Korycki as he presents a delightful seafood dinner with a touch of Italian flair.

The Tweed Tones Live Performance

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Cellar 152 — Free entry — Enjoy the soulful sounds of a two-piece band blending Chicago blues and early jazz.

Easter Brunch at Black Star Farms

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Inn at Black Star Farms — Check website for details — Indulge in a delightful Easter brunch with delicious offerings and included drinks.

A Water Trail Documentary Screening

7-9 p.m. — The Alluvion — Ticketed event — Celebrate Earth Day with a documentary screening & powerful performance about water conservation.