Good morning, Traverse City.

An editor with the Record-Eagle recalled how moving to Suttons Bay eight years ago sparked her passion for covering local stories and producing a 12-part podcast series on area musicians.

She shared her first open mic experience at Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern in Northport+ and urged neighbors to stay warm by joining community gatherings+ this season.

The Zonta Club of Traverse City is hosting its annual Festival of Trees at Grand Traverse Mall to raise funds for local women and families; a preview party will be held tomorrow night and events include Foodie Friday on November 7 (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), Sleigh Bell Saturday on November 8 (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), and Holly Jolly Sunday on November 9 (12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

Lydia Craig Aulisi from Suttons Bay Schools earned her degrees at Northwestern Michigan College, Macalester College and George Mason University.

She now works in workplace research at Fidelity Investments — her job has taken her from Washington to Raleigh.

Ten individuals in Northwest Michigan will be awarded $5,000 in housing assistance from the new Make Your Home program run by Traverse Connect — each recipient has either accepted a local job offer or is already employed, and the program will work with partners like the Alliance for Economic Success, Charlevoix Area Chamber, Networks Northwest, Manistee Area Chamber and Petoskey Regional Chamber to boost local talent.

Mancelona Public Schools thanked local voters on social media Wednesday after Tuesday’s election, when voters in Antrim and Kalkaska counties were asked to renew the operating millage with Headlee restoration and to create a sinking fund for school improvements— the Ironmen message expressed gratitude for the community’s investment in students, staff, and the school.

Mancelona Public Schools posted a thank you note on social media Wednesday afternoon to local voters after Tuesday’s Election Day as they voted on proposals to renew the operating millage with a Headlee restoration — and create a sinking fund for school repairs and security improvements.

The Bell's Iceman Cometh Challenge will return this weekend for its 36th year with over 6,000 participants and 10,000 spectators following a new route from Kalkaska to Traverse City.

The race starts at the Kalkaska Airport runway and ends at Timber Ridge Resort, and it is expected to boost the local economy by $6 million over two days—volunteers and sports groups are providing thousands of support hours.

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.

Traverse City Turkey Trot

8:45 a.m. — St. Francis High School — Kids under 3 free — Celebrate Thanksgiving with the 18th Annual Turkey Trot featuring a fun 5K run/walk and 5-mile race.

2025 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off

10 AM – 5 PM — Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail — Ticket sales begin October 1st — Experience the ultimate pairing of seasonal wines with inventive Mac & Cheese dishes from top chefs.

Dennos Brand Refresh Presentation and Q&A

2-3 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Community members gather to learn about the Dennos brand updates and engage in a Q&A session.

Visible Mending Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Materials provided — Learn creative sewing techniques while mending garments or making soft-sculptures from scrap fabric.