Good morning, Traverse City.

The Women’s Resource Center turns 50 and has long helped survivors of domestic violence and abuse — Tina Talbot shared her story and will speak with Judge Rosemarie Aquilina at 4:30 p.m. on Wed., May 21 at the City Opera House to ask for tougher laws.

More than 15 veteran service organizations gathered in Traverse City Saturday to offer veterans information about available benefits—VFW Cherryland Post 2780 and Michigan District 13 hosted the event with groups such as Veterans in Crisis, Mid-Michigan Honor Flight and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The fair is part of VFW Day of Service, a series of community projects that will continue throughout May.

Peninsula Community Library will dedicate a new walking trail in memory of Lori Brickman, a former board member who served from 2017 until her passing in 2024.

The Lori Brickman Memorial Walking Trail will circle the library and is funded entirely through donations (construction starts next week).

Today, the State of Michigan sets sail with 51 maritime cadets from Great Lakes Maritime Academy and a culinary intern as the ship embarks on a training expedition; the journey splits into two phases — one ending mid-July and one running into August — where cadets learn ship operations to qualify as engineers and mates.

Today, Traverse City commissioners are hearing public comments on a draft budget for July through June that calls for new police and fire department hires + uses a general fund surplus to support $88.4 million in spending, with $33.5 million in enterprise funds and $25.5 million in general funds.

Each spring, summer and fall, road crews work on projects from sealing cracks to complete repaving – methods that last 1 year for crack treatment up to 26 years for concrete reconstruction – as reported by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The repair data guides maintenance schedules statewide to keep roads durable.

The Downtown Development Authority board met Friday with consultants from Progressive Companies to update its 'Imagine Rotary Square' initiative—reviewing decision options for the public space at the corner of Union and State streets downtown.

The agency will soon seek public input—planning next steps for the Rotary Square project.

Traverse City Counter Day

11 a.m. — Young Supply Company — Free cheesesteak lunch — Enjoy mouth-watering cheesesteaks during this local community event.

Cherry Capital Comic Con 2025

5 PM – 5 PM — Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — Ticket prices vary — Northern Michigan's premier comic book and pop culture festival featuring panels, artists, and collectible vendors.

Bayshore Marathon VIP Experience

5:30-8 a.m. — Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center & Library — Complimentary access — Upgrade your race day with exclusive amenities and snacks to fuel your run.

Music Mondays at Blush Rooftop Terrace

4-6 p.m. — Alexandra Inn — Free entry — Unwind with live acoustic performances and craft cocktails while enjoying stunning rooftop views in Traverse City.

Northwest Michigan Art and Culture Summit

12 PM – 9 PM — City Opera House — Cost info not provided — Explore the vibrant arts and cultural scene at this community-centric summit across multiple venues.

The Big Run Celebration

6-8 p.m. — Hull Park — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a fun 4-mile run followed by a community party with food and drinks.

Romantic Dances with Four Hands

7-8:15 p.m. — Music House Museum — Ticket prices not listed — Experience an evening of enchanting romantic music performed by acclaimed pianists Hyemin Kim and Michael Coonrod.

Unlocking Creative Potential for Business Growth

11 AM – 1 PM — Traverse City Country Club — Tickets required — Discover how creativity can drive innovation and leadership in business.

Black Star Farms Paella Night

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms — Check event page for pricing — Savor the delightful aromas of freshly prepared paella right on the patio.

Michigan's Mac & Cheese Festival

5-10 p.m. — Turtle Creek Stadium — All-inclusive tickets — Savor 30+ mac & cheese varieties with live music and family-friendly activities.