Good morning, Traverse City.

Serra Subaru of Traverse City donated $48,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters through Subaru’s 'Share the Love' campaign to support local youth mentorship programs — the donation will expand mentor recruitment, training, and essential resources for children and families.

Mary Vollink, office manager and volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army's Traverse City chapter, received the 2024 Distinguished Service Award for 40 years of community service—she was honored at a luncheon held at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa attended by over 200 people.

Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm opened today in Frankfort—letting visitors meet over 60 alpacas and five miniature donkeys six days a week and explore on-site boutiques, while the season runs until October 31.

Local nonprofit ACME—offering job training and day programming for residents—received the 2024 Economic Impact Award from Traverse Connect, while Grand Traverse Industries earned a Business and Community Achievement Award at Wednesday’s Distinguished Service luncheon.

The Watershed Center invites residents to join its Adopt-a-Stream program— a volunteer initiative to monitor local water quality by collecting samples from wadeable streams.

The event will take place on June 8 at Mitchell Creek Meadows in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

County commissioners voted 8-1 last Wednesday to task Partners in Architecture with turning a design concept for a new 911 dispatch and emergency operations center into buildable plans at the LaFranier Road campus — Commissioner Ashlea Walter voted against the measure.

Traverse City Light & Power will conduct overhead line maintenance on Munson Avenue from May 27th to May 30th, closing the westbound right lane from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day between East 8th Street and Airport Access Road—drivers and pedestrians are advised to use alternate routes while access to homes and businesses remains open.

State lawmakers proposed House Bill 4369 to ban ingredients like Red 40, Blue 1, and Titanium dioxide from school lunches to help lower risks of attention disorders—lawmakers worry that high costs and third-party vendor issues could affect meal quality while the bill sits in committee.

Last spring, reporter Sally Barber discovered a striking wildflower bloom at the edge of her yard that led her to track similar blooms across northern Michigan.

She now shares her growing observations as she documents the region’s natural beauty.

Spectators in Traverse City will watch an exciting race at the Bayshore as buses bring fans to the cheering sections on the peninsula and others join the finish line celebration at the Traverse City Central grandstand.

In the women's marathon, competitors include a metro Detroit runner who finished second last year, a Johns Hopkins University graduate from a three-time champion team, and a South Dakota State University athlete making her marathon debut — all set to race in the upcoming event.

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.

Father's Day Celebration on the Farm

Fun-filled day for Dads — 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Myrtle & Maude's — Free root beer floats — Celebrate Father's Day with vintage finds, barbecue, and family games.

Black Star Farms Estate & Wine Tour

11 AM – 1 PM — Black Star Farms Winery and Inn — Cost info not provided — Experience a guided tour featuring stunning vineyards, historic barns, and the unique wine cave.