Good morning, Traverse City.

Project Feed the Kids celebrated its five-year anniversary by providing free lunches and surpassing 500,000 meals for local families in need.

The nonprofit operates six coolers that deliver 3,000 meals every week—proceeds from weekend sales at J&S Hamburg South supported the milestone.

Traverse City writer Howard Lovy, known for his long journalism career, released a new book with Interlochen Arts Camp roots; he conceived a fictional story about older musicians facing viral fame during a half marathon training run (where music sparked his idea) and later filled in the back story.

The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution this week to form a steering committee — starting with an in-depth needs assessment — to plan a new jail project with 250 beds and modern facilities for inmates with physical or mental health needs.

The committee will guide future steps in the project.

Chairman Austin Lowes of the Sault Ste.

Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians made two trips to Washington D.C. earlier this year to fight federal reorganization that may cut funding for the tribe’s K-8 school, health services, and resource management — he testified before the House Appropriations Committee and the tribe joined other Michigan tribes in withdrawing from federal talks over the fast-tracked Line 5 tunnel permit.

Native American women face a higher risk of dying from childbirth and related complications than other women, according to statistics from the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion—figures that show a longstanding gap in outcomes.

Efforts to revive traditional cultural practices are being explored to help improve birth results.

More people became registered doulas since Medicaid started paying for these services, giving Indigenous families more options for traditional birth care.

Lawmakers backed new maternal care bills that include doula training funds and expanded midwifery services—aimed to help moms and babies.

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.

Christian McBride Live in Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Alluvion — Ticket information not provided — Experience the dynamic sounds of eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride and his new project, Ursa Major.