Good morning, Traverse City.

The Traverse Bay Sunrise Rotary Club distributed 2,300 backpacks (600 more than previous years) filled with school supplies yesterday to help local students prepare for the new school year.

Grass River Natural Area (6500 Alden Hwy) offers August events including a weekly Wildflower Walk, a free Family Playgroup for kids under five on Aug.

20, and art classes, author sessions, writing workshops and a Fungus Foray from Aug. 13 to Aug. 29; visit grassriver.org for details.

Gregory Stock, author of Generation AI (The Transformation of Human Being), will speak about artificial intelligence Sunday at the National Writers Series event in Traverse City.

Legacy Aviation will graduate a class of aviation mechanics on Friday as the program aims to fill a 27 percent job shortage.

Some students have already accepted offers from companies like Air Wisconsin, and enrollment for next August's class remains open.

Michigan DNR is inviting public feedback on a 10-year upgrade plan for Interlochen State Park that includes restoring the Pines Nature Trail.

Public comments will be accepted until Sunday, Aug. 23 + the input from local visitors will guide future improvements.

Officials measured 1,986 E.coli colonies per 100 mL at Senior Center Beach (far exceeding safe levels) and advised residents to avoid wading, swimming, fishing, or boating.

Lindsay McLaughlin, executive director of the Traverse City Track Club, said many residents hesitate to begin running despite clear benefits and urged locals to try running at their own pace.

Ikebana Pop-Up Exhibit

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — The Dennos — Admission required — Explore unique floral arrangements in the sculpture court and galleries.

ABBA The Concert - ABBA Tribute

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Kresge Auditorium — Starting at $32 — Experience the electric performance of ABBA's greatest hits with joy and nostalgia.

Joe Bonamassa and Gov’t Mule Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Interlochen Center for the Arts — Sold Out — Experience an electrifying night of blues rock with two legendary acts taking the stage.