Good morning, Traverse City.

OHM Advisors & the City of Traverse City Water and Wastewater Maintenance Division will begin field testing in Central, Old Towne, and Midtown neighborhoods this week for the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study.

Volunteers gathered on Friday at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City and placed 2,200 American flags to honor fallen heroes for Memorial Day.

The event showed the community's effort to remember those who served.

At Linwood Cemetery in Long Lake Township, members of Robert Finch Camp No. 14 installed two bright white marble gravestones to honor two Union Army privates who fought in the Civil War during a ceremony Tuesday ahead of Memorial Day—marking the previously unmarked graves with verified historical significance. This work preserves local heritage and provides a lasting tribute to soldiers whose identities were confirmed through careful research.

Michael Shea took part in a simulation event in Traverse City hosted by a local nonprofit to highlight the challenges faced by those leaving incarceration.

He received a mock identity card and a list of tasks (including court appointments, counseling, and finding housing) that mirror real parole requirements.

Susan Odgers, a Traverse City resident since 1987 who has used a wheelchair for 49 years, teaches at Northwestern Michigan College – she is also a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, the Michigan Press Association, and the president of Michigan Writers.

Farmers in 12 northern Michigan counties suffered heavy losses from an ice storm that hit from March 28 to March 30, and nonprofit groups are partnering+ with local leaders to help save the 2025 growing season.

The coordinated aid supports producers, consumers and agritourists still coping with the storm's damage.

Sundrop Montessori will work with Gahagan Nature Preserve to offer outdoor classes for first through third-grade students starting next fall.

The preserve will add new classrooms and a learning center— and homeschooled students will join once a week.

Grass River Natural Area has opened a 0.4-mile accessible boardwalk — featuring two new overlooks, an accessible dock and a kayak launch — so visitors using wheelchairs, canes and walkers can safely enjoy the scenic views.

The area will renovate another half mile of boardwalk at the end of summer and plans a ribbon-cutting ceremony next year.

Dee Berry (a certified registered nurse anesthetist) became the first Indigenous president of the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists and works to expand access to quality anesthesia care in rural communities.

She aims to remove non-compete clauses and limit unlicensed providers (to reduce treatment delays) so all residents receive timely care.

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.

Paint Grand Traverse 2025

10 AM – 8 PM — Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse City — Check event details for entry cost — Celebrate art in nature at this annual plein air painting festival.

Ladies Night Dance Party with 1Wave DJs

9 PM - 2 AM — Union Street Station — Entry not specified — Dance the night away with great music and vibrant energy at this exciting weekly event.