Good morning, Traverse City.

For nearly 60 years, most of the roughly 30 eighth-graders from Norris Elementary in 1961 have met regularly in Greilickville — Ted Smith said they keep their strong bond by putting people before things.

Downtown Traverse City once measured its vitality by looking at empty storefronts but now judges its health by new restaurants, entertainment venues and public plazas—The Dandy is a soon-to-open breakfast-and-lunch spot leading this change.

Traverse City Area Public Schools announced Lydia Henion as its new Indigenous Education Coordinator who will lead the longtime program to boost cultural awareness and Indigenous student achievement—an initiative that will support local students.

In Grand Traverse County, Barney Road from Gray to Cedar Run will close to through traffic at 7 a.m. Monday, Sept.

15 for culvert replacement — work that will run through October. Ridge View Court remains closed and a lane on Hammond Road between Carlisle and Four Mile is also shut for a turn lane installation.

Traverse City voters will decide if Brown Bridge Trust Fund money will be used to improve parks while city commissioners will review 10 proposals—7 for investments and 3 for better access.

The list includes items like picnic tables, trash cans, playground equipment, and sports amenities.

At Friday’s hearing at Northern Lakes Community Mental Health in Traverse City, families, advocates, and service partners expressed both thanks and frustration as gaps in coordination, staffing—and communication pushed people into emergency rooms.

Interim CEO Dr. Curtis Cummins said two finalists will interview next week in Houghton Lake and that a new chief may be appointed this fall after the center earned a three-year accreditation.

This fall, TherapyCorps will offer free mental health support for local children, youth and families through one-hour weekly sessions with licensed volunteer therapists—these therapists will receive a small stipend for continuing education expenses.

Each year, leaf peepers seek out the best spots in northern Michigan to view the changing colors before the snow falls—tourism officials in the Little Traverse Bay region will welcome visitors as the season unfolds.

Women in Tech Meetup

5-7 p.m. — Earthen Ales — Free entry — Connect with fellow women in tech for community support and light snacks.

Detroit Red Wings Training Camp

8-9:30 a.m. — Centre Ice Arena — Free entry — Witness the Red Wings gear up for the season at their first Training Camp session.

Northern Lights 5K Fun Run

8-10:30 p.m. — Munson Medical Center — Registration fees apply — Celebrate community wellness with a glowing 5K run for a great cause.

Live Music by Jakob Abraham

Live Music by Jakob Abraham — Evening — Leelanau Wine Cellars Tasting Room — No cover charge — Savor your favorite wine while enjoying the sounds of live music by Jakob on the bay.

YMCA Classics Under the Lights

6-9 p.m. — Turtle Creek Stadium — Free entry — Enjoy classic cars under the lights with live music and a chance to win in raffles.

TCLEG Fall Family Fest

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Mt. Holiday — Free entry — Enjoy family-friendly activities and support a local clinic in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Live Music Sundays at Suttons Bay Ciders

5:30-8 p.m. — Suttons Bay Ciders — Enjoy local talent — Relax with cider while listening to the melodic sounds of Chris Smith.

Uncork Up North

6-10 p.m. — Hagerty Insurance Agency — Enjoy sampling wines and exquisite local flavors in a chic atmosphere.

October Outdoor Craft and Vendor Show

10 AM – 3 PM — The Village at Grand Traverse Commons — Free entry — Enjoy a day of shopping on the historic front lawn with local vendors.

Currents of Thought: Ice, Water, and Interdisciplinary Insight

5-6 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Limited to 55 attendees — Explore the intersection of art and science in understanding changing water landscapes.