Good morning, Traverse City.

Last quarter, Cherryland Cares donated $15,000 to support nonprofits including the Leelanau County Cancer Foundation, Goodwill Northern Michigan Food Rescue, 5Loaves2FishNMI, and Acme Christian Thrift Store and Food Pantry.

The organization funds these grants with monthly electric bill round-ups from its members.

Liz Younglove from Pine River Area Elementary was named this week’s Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education winner—she received a $2,000 check from Lottery commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.

Her nomination highlighted her creative way of teaching Michigan history through projects like maple syrup construction.

Food banks and senior service providers in the northwest Lower Peninsula are bracing for increased demand because the USDA told Michigan officials to hold off on November SNAP payments—Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that benefits will be paused until further notice.

Cherry Capital Airport officials are seeking development partners to generate revenue from about 40 acres along South Airport Road; they extended an exclusive listing agreement (with Landmark Commercial Real Estate Services and broker Max Goldman) to market the land for future use.

County officials are reviewing 81 grant applications from more than 80 groups that asked for a share of $500,000 from marijuana tax sales; the requests total over $4.8 million.

They will announce soon which projects get funding—supporting local programs that need money.

Mental health therapist Nicole Ball explains that it is okay not to be okay and says that sharing feelings can help people get support.

She owns Mental Wellness Counseling, a practice serving Traverse City, Manistee, and Cadillac.

NMC's Chamber Singers & Grand Traverse Chorale Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $15 Adults, $10 Seniors/Students — Experience a captivating night of choral music featuring Randall Thompson's 'Frostiana' and empowering compositions.

Young Chefs Dinner

8:00-10:30 p.m. — The Cooks’ House — Ticketed event — Celebrate the culinary talents of young chefs from Traverse City with an evening of fine dining.

Toast The Season - Weekend 1

11 AM – 5 PM — Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail — $75/person — Celebrate the holiday season with curated wine pairing and festive gifts at Northern Michigan's beloved event.

Bell's Iceman Cometh Challenge

8:45 a.m. — Kalkaska Airport to Timber Ridge — Registration required — Conquer the rugged 30-mile race through the scenic landscapes of Michigan.

Joe Hill: King Sorrow Book Talk

7-8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket with book purchase — Engage in a chilling conversation about Joe Hill's latest novel, King Sorrow, followed by a Q&A and signing.

Nathan Graham and Noah Guthrie Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of soulful Americana music with two rising stars in the genre.

Traverse City Light Parade

5:30-9 p.m. — Downtown Traverse City Association — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with Santa’s arrival, a tree lighting, and a vibrant light parade down Front Street.