Go Volunteer!!!!

With the winding down of summer and the beginning of another school year, I bring to all the YP’s, blog readers, and every other cool person that reads this blog, a September Blog full of updates, info, stories, and did someone say, “Volunteering?”  I have to give a shout out to Courtney over at MyNorth for the idea of writing this month’s blog about all of the fun ways to volunteer in our community.  There are several opportunities to volunteer littered all over this blog, so be sure to read through all of the updates. 

I want to first share an experience I had on the morning of Thursday, September 8th.  I decided to volunteer for the Day of Caring that is put on by the United Way of Northern Michigan, which by the way, this was year 21 of this event.  So I walk into the Dome at the Park Place Hotel to register and the TC West High School Marching Band is just jamming away with their drum line and then joined by the rest of the band.  Then the Coast Guard walked up the center aisle with the American Flag and the Coast Guard Flag.  The band of course played our national anthem, but the feeling I was overcame with was priceless.  To see the 4 Coast Guard Officials and hearing the band play an incredible National Anthem was absolutely breathtaking.  I had no idea what was going to happen this morning and to be greeted by all of that followed by a great breakfast was amazing.  Every person in the Dome was apart of a team.  We all broke after breakfast and headed out to our destination to volunteer for 3 or 4 hours.  My team from Traverse City State Bank went out to Acme to the TART Trail Trailhead where we met staff from Grand Traverse County and cleared away over grown trees, brush, and dead limbs making the trail extremely friendly to bikers even if they are 7 feet tall.  For me personally, it was one of the best mornings of the summer. 

As most of us know, the Young Professionals of the Chamber volunteer a good amount each month whether at the State Theatre, Business After Hours, or other events that call on us for assistance.  Volunteering is such a great way to meet new people or hang out with people you already know while helping out a great cause.  We have so many nonprofit organizations in Grand Traverse County that need volunteers all of the time, and especially with fall coming and schools back in session, volunteering opportunities will be available for sure. 

So you are not left in the dark wondering how is volunteering fun, let me tell you about a few events that require fun volunteers. 

1.      A great volunteering opportunity is at the State Theatre/Bijou by the Bay that is coordinated by the YP Volunteer Committee.  You do not only get to volunteer, but you get free movie passes and free popcorn, which for me is a win-win situation.  You even get lucky and stay and watch the movie playing.

2.      The YP’s participated in the Beer tent for the Cherry Festival, which I am sure you know consists of a free beer or 2 for sure.  Volunteering and receiving free beer is almost as good as a piece of freshly baked cheesecake from my kitchen, (yes I make incredible cheesecakes!) 

3.      Looking into the future, it is always a great time had by all volunteering for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving.  Yes it may be a little on the cooler side with that white stuff falling all around you, but you get a free long sleeve shirt, and you get to see everyone’s smiling faces and different costumes and hats worn on a day we give Thanks.

4.      How do you feel about the Zombie Run at Right Brain Brewery?  A great Halloween tradition might I add takes place this year on October 29^th.  You of course get a free shirt, plus great laughs at all of the dead zombies around you, plus my favorite, beer from the guys and gals at Right Brain Brewery. 

Those are just a few events that will be taking place in Traverse City.  There are so many more, and you do not have to look far to become more involved in the community.  Freedom Builders, Michael’s Place, TCAPS, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, Habitat for Humanity, Women’s Resource Center, Traverse City Junior Golf Association, Reining Liberty Ranch, TART Trails, Rotary Charities of Traverse City, and so so so many more. 

The YP’s are partnering with the Northwest Michigan Chapter of Junior Achievement USA to bring a professional mentoring program to Traverse City this fall that will help develop professional skills of high school students in the area.  What a phenomenal way to use your extra time by assisting the next generation develop skills that you wish you would have had when going off to college or starting your career.  This is an incredible way to give back to a community that has the potential to be the best in the state.  I highly recommend everyone to get involved in this program if you have the opportunity.  Please contact Erika Wiltse at wiltseer@tcaps.net to volunteer your talents and time. 

The Volunteer committee will be meeting at the Workshop Brewing Company at 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 13^th to discuss upcoming group volunteering opportunities. If you have any ideas for the YP’s to volunteer at any upcoming events, please bring them or just come to socialize and have a happy hour drink with friends!

Well my blog readers and YP’s, I challenge you to get more involved in our community, meet people, and change lives.  We are only on this place we call Earth for a short time.  Volunteering, and bringing joy to others is refreshing, rewarding, and heartwarming knowing you gave something that is very important to everyone: TIME.  If you know of any volunteering events, please reply to this post and list them.  I would love to help get the word out to make sure our area is NEVER short of volunteers. 

SEPTEMBER MYNORTH.COM FEATURE:   Our Friends at MyNorth.com have out done themselves again with an incredible piece for the month of September.  This article includes great ideas for wine tasting, fishing, harvest stompede, farm stands, and so much more.  I have to say this article is a "must read" for the month of September.  7 Things To Do On A September Northern Michigan Vacation 

September Updates

 

City of Traverse City Update
 

Seeking Volunteers! The City is currently looking for volunteers to serve on various boards and committees. If you are interested in becoming involved with your local government, visit http://www.traversecitymi.gov/news.asp?aid=406.

 

 

Traverse City Community Giving Catalog – For those looking to sponsor a park bench, flowers in a park or even a biker rack, check out the City’s giving catalog! http://www.traversecitymi.gov/downloads/gift_catalog_2016.pdf

 

Elections Inspectors Needed! If you are interested in being a part of the Election process and working in a precinct on Election Day, please complete an application and the City Clerk’s Office will be in contact with you - http://www.traversecitymi.gov/electionworker.asp. Election Inspectors typically work from 5:45 a.m. until roughly 10:00 p.m. on Election Day and are paid for their time.

 

Grand Traverse County Update

Have hazardous waste or pesticides? The last household hazardous waste and pesticide collection of the season will be Saturday, October 1 in Kingsley. Many common products used in and around the home contain ingredients that, when handled and disposed improperly, can cause harm to humans and the environment. These items, called household hazardous waste (HHW), will be accepted for safe disposal through the Grand Traverse County RecycleSmart program. Examples of hazardous waste include paint, cleaners, automotive products, pesticides, fertilizers, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, nail polish and remover, and pool chemicals. To make an appointment or get additional information, visit www.recyclesmart.info or call the RecycleSmart hotline at (231) 941-5555. Appointments are required for the event.

 

Grand Traverse County Volunteer Opportunities: Grand Traverse County has numerous volunteer opportunities - whether serving on a committee, assisting a department on a regular basis, or volunteering for a particular project or event.  Examples include:

Boards and Committees – serve on a board or committee – current vacancies include Building Authority and Economic Development Corporation with many other appointments ending at the end of 2016

Commission on Aging – serve Senior citizens – Baskets of Bounty, NMC BBQ, office, reception work, mailings

Emergency Volunteer – assist in the event of a public health emergency

Information Desk – answer phones and provide directions to those seeking City and County government information – call 231-922-4797 for more information

Learning Partners – mentor/tutor students with school work and social skills

Senior Center – serve Senior citizens – decorating, fundraising, gardening, party planning, programming, public relations, nutrition, office, travel

Volunteer Services – assist Probate and Family Courts

TCAPS Update

TCAPS Receives 11 Boxes of School Supplies from Traverse City State Bank

Traverse City State Bank recently delivered a generous gift of school supplies to TCAPS to help students and classrooms start the year off right. The donations were collected as part of a bank program where in exchange for a dress down day on Friday, employees have the option to donate cash or materials at any of their five locations. For the month of August, TCSB employees were collecting school supply donations. As part of a partnership with TV 7&4, the opportunity to donate was extended to the community as bank customers and anyone interested in donating were encouraged to drop items off on the last day of the drive. In total, 11 boxes of supplies, from notebooks to backpacks, to cleaning supplies were donated to benefit local schools.

 

Make a Difference in the Life of a Child: Become A TCAPS Volunteer

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) offers opportunities for community members to share their time and talents with local students and schools by becoming a volunteer. From serving as youth athletic coaches to being a young learner’s reading buddy to helping mentor high school students developing their first resume, there are a number of ways to get involved. Adult volunteers are background checked and placed in a school site that is convenient for the volunteer. Volunteers may choose the day, time, and activity that most suits their interest and ability. One hour, once per week during the school day is desirable and makes a significant impact. Learn more: http://www.tcaps.net/volunteer/.

 

TCAPS Spanish Students Give Back Over the Summer

TCAPS Spanish students visited Mexico over the summer and spent time volunteering at an orphanage. They also donated bikes, sports supplies, craft supplies, and more to help the children who live there. Students also learned about the local migrant population that supports the area’s agricultural community, and wanted to give back by hosting a district-wide school supply collection. So many school supplies were donated that students decided to give the donations to the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD), where they could be distributed to support migrant student programs throughout the region.

 

Calendar Reminders

Student Count Day                                October 5^th

2016-17 District Calendar

TCAPS Board Coffee Conversation—September 22^nd

The TCAPS Board of Education will host its monthly Coffee Conversation on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at Horizon Books in downtown Traverse City from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

TC Patriot Game—September 9^th

The 5^th annual Traverse City Patriot Game, the annual crosstown football game between Traverse City Central High School and Traverse City West Senior High School will take place on September 9, 2016, at Thirlby Field. Student Senate leaders from TC Central and TC West chose Veteran to Veteran as the recipient of the proceeds raised through the sale of commemorative game day t-shirts. T-shirts are available for purchase at participating car dealerships and at each school. T-shirts cost $10 for adults, $5 for students – except for XXL and XXXL sizes, which are $7 each. This year fans of TC West will wear blue and TC Central will wear red. The Veteran to Veteran program is part of The Little Collaborative and helps Veterans work their way through the difficulty of leaving active duty and returning to civilian life through the mentorship of other Veterans. More information about the event is available at: www.TCPatriotGame.com.

Used Instrument Sale—September 10^th

Do you have an instrument to buy or sell? On Saturday, September 10, 2016, the Traverse City Music Boosters will host the annual “Used Instrument Sale” at Traverse City West Middle School (3950 Silver Lake Rd.) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Little Theater. Cash or check only. 15% of each sale will be used to support the TC Music Boosters’ scholarship program and classroom mini grants. Instruments for sale may be dropped off between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (appraisers will be available). Unsold instruments can be picked up between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. For additional information, call the TCAPS District Music Office at 933-7570.

Traverse City Area Public Schools Launches New Early Childhood Programs

Friends First and Preschool Preview are two new TCAPS programs designed to help young learners grow. Socialization at an early age is an important developmental tool for children as they start to build their sense of self. As children begin to interact with others, they learn about sharing, setting boundaries, problem-solving, and caring for others.

Friends First is a new program for children ages 18 months to 2 ½ years old and their parent or caregiver. The Friends First program will offer participants a setting to interact with other children and families under the direction of a certified teacher. Participants will have the opportunity to play with toys, read stories, and make new friends. The program will be offered on the third Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cherry Knoll Elementary School (1800 Three Mile Road N.) and Long Lake Elementary School (7600 N. Long Lake Road). The cost of the program is $100 and it will run through May 19^th.

Preschool Preview is a new program for children ages 2 ½ to 3 ½ years old and their parent or caregiver. Children will be encouraged to paint, use blocks, participate in circle time, use sensory tables, and use their creative ideas in the dramatic play area. Activities are led by a certified teacher. The monthly Friday playgroups will begin October 21^st from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cherry Knoll Elementary School (1800 Three Mile Road N.) and Long Lake Elementary School (7600 N. Long Lake Road). The cost is $125 and the program will be held the third Friday of each month through May 19^th.

To register, contact 231-933-1792 or email isaacdi@tcaps.net. Space is limited, so register today.

TCAPS and Munson Healthcare Launch ImPACT Concussion Screening and Management Program

TCAPS, in partnership with Munson Healthcare, has launched the use of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) concussion screening and management program. ImPACT is a scientifically validated, computerized concussion management tool that is used by thousands of high schools, colleges, universities, and professional teams, to help qualified healthcare providers better manage the injury. Implementation of ImPACT at TCAPS will begin as a pilot program during the 2016-17 fall sports season, with a focus on those sports with the highest risk of injury due to concussions, including 7^th - 12^th grade football, and 9^th - 12^th grade soccer, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, hockey, skiing, and cheerleading. Funding for the program is provided by Munson Healthcare Foundations. The program is part of an ongoing partnership between TCAPS and Munson Healthcare, which provides experienced athletic trainers to TCAPS sports programs. More information: www.impacttest.com.

Updated District and School Websites—Coming Soon 

TCAPS is preparing to launch updated district and school websites in early September. The updated sites will include standard menu bars at the top of each page, making navigating each school site more consistent. They will also offer features intended to better serve our families and staff including an alert system that will pop up on all website pages with important information, like school closures due to inclement weather. The alert system is RSS enabled, so parents and staff will be able to subscribe to the feed to receive direct alerts.

Traverse City Film Festival: Just Great Movies!

I'm deep in the fun of the TCFF (Traverse City Film Festival), which is celebrating its tenth year of movie awesomeness. No doubt there are better ways to describe the TCFF than "movie awesomeness," but it's really one of those things you have to experience to understand just how great this festival is for our city. 

I've volunteered at eight of the ten festivals, and I'm proud and excited to be a part of this event every year. My husband and I are managers at the City Opera House for our second year (if you recall, we are also managers there during the Winter Comedy Festival). While we normally manage the concessions stand, we are hospitality managers this year and get to help the film, venue, and festival sponsors to their seats for each film. I like being in the front-of-house and working more with the patrons who come to the movies, but I do miss nibbling on popcorn non-stop...

The TCFF is an extraordinary event. This year, the festival is touting over 160 films (not including multiple screenings of films!) playing at ten venues around Traverse City non-stop from 9 a.m. until midnight for five days. Oh, and that doesn't count Opening Night or all the movies that played in nearby towns before the festival started. Or the months of planing that went into making this years' event happen. WHEW! Just thinking about that kind of orchestration exhausts me.

The festival is so much more than just movies, though. They have a free all-day festival for kids, late-night movies outside on a giant screen at the Open Space, international and local musicians, parties galore, free movies, a film school, conversation panels with awesome people, and for cryin' out loud MOVIES ON A BOAT. I don't care who you are, you will find something to get geeked about at this festival (and plenty of eco-friendly ways to navigate it).

One of my favorite parts about TCFF are the film makers, actors, directors, musicians, producers, and other special guests coming to Traverse City to participate in panel discussions, Q&As after movies, or just to sit town and chat with locals in restaurants or waiting for films to start. There is something indescribably special about watching a great movie and then having a conversation with someone who helped the film come together. Maybe it's the inherent human need we all have to connect and understand each other that makes meeting these people so special to me; I can honestly say it never gets old. I love their stories, and I love the art they create and share with the world. The Film Fest makes these experiences possible for hundreds (probably thousands) of people every year, and that's truly remarkable.

I also love chatting with the patrons about what movies they loved, where they live and how far they traveled to get here, and about their experience at the festival. I know many locals that take the whole week off work to either volunteer and make things happen or watch loads of movies and orchestrate their schedules to squeeze in as many films as possible.

Me, I'm a volunteer through-and-through. I like making things happen and I always make new friends (or get to see lots of familiar faces when people come to see the movies). There is great camaraderie at all the festival venues, and since the very first festival I've loved being a part of everything TCFF stands for and what it gives back to the people in this town. If you're interested in being a part of all this goodness, shifts are still available...and we'd love to have you volunteer! Please sign up!

Already I've seen two wonderful movies, but truth be told, I'm a documentary person. We have tickets to see two documentaries this year and I'm so excited for them! I'm missing a few films I'd like to see due to either working my regular job or working my volunteer position (yes, it is an exhausting week for everyone), but I've faith that these films will be available sometime soon. Oh, that's another perk of having a local film festival: foreign, experimental, and/or indie movies make it to our local library and video rental stores when they're released, and everyone in town wants to see them! People recognize titles from the TCFF and want to see films they otherwise wouldn't get the chance to see (because of schedule conflicts or sold-out shows), and that's really cool. There is a fantastic sense of community built into these films and the power they have to bring disparate groups of people together.

Ok, I think that's enough blabbering. The facts are this: TCFF is awesome. Movies are awesome. You are awesome...so you should volunteer, or watch some great movies, or chow down on popcorn, or do all of the above. Just make sure you come check out this amazing festival in Traverse City...and enjoy the show!

Fighting Invasive Species: YP Cindy Evans Goes Garlic Mustard Pulling

The Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network hosted a volunteer Garlic Mustard Pull event in Traverse City on May 28th from 4-7pm. When I came across the flyer a few weeks back I thought this would be a great event to sign my family up for as a way to be active and enjoy the natural surroundings, but also educational for my son (5) and my daughter (8) to learn about invasive species and why it’s important to care for our natural resources.

Of course, my kids were more excited about the free dinner offered afterwards that was garlic-mustard themed, catered by Oryana. They were both intrigued by the fact we would eat the very plant we would hunt for all day. 

Aside from my family, there were eight other community volunteers who gathered at the Boardman River Nature Center and listened to the quick presentation on where we were going and what we were looking for. Our guide, Chris, showed us how to identify the garlic mustard and how to pull it. Our goal was to pull the garlic mustard plants by the roots and place them in trash bags to be disposed of either in a landfill or used for animal and human consumption in various ways.

At first glance you wouldn’t realize that the garlic mustard doesn't belong: it looks s like any other wild flower you would see in the woods and is very attractive. But as we walked further into the area, it was easy to see how large and established these plants had become. Chris explained that as the garlic mustard grows and reseeds it leaves no room for the trillium or the other native plants to grow on the woodland floor.

He was right. As we came to well-established garlic mustard areas, there were no other plants surviving. Once we pulled the larger plants in a small area the land looked very barren underneath. By pulling them now, before the seeds were developed, we would make a difference in the next year. Each plant alone will develop hundreds of seeds that would be dispersed and cause spreading. My kids made this into a competition to see who could pull the most to fill a trash bag first. It wasn’t long and we had a pile of extra large trash bags full of these pesky plants. They do have a garlic scent to them as you pull and break the leaves, which I think possibly helped keep the mosquitoes at bay.

We spent a solid two hours pulling garlic mustard by the root and bagging it. In the end, we didn’t feel like we had won the battle. Once one spot was cleared there was another one just as large if not larger up ahead. It would have taken many more hours and a larger army of volunteers to have completed the small area we were working on. 

Chris, our guide, assured me that our few hours of effort really did make a difference. He and the Conservancy’s many partners have been out daily for weeks pulling garlic mustard and other invasive species and will continue to be out doing this very tedious job. I can’t imagine doing this for 8+ hours a day, every day: it’s hard work! 

I was not aware that this type of effort and dedication was being put forth in our community to maintain our beautiful natural areas. I have always enjoyed hiking and viewing our trails and woodlands, but ignorant to the efforts that are being taken so that I can enjoy those activities. I have heard about invasive species but didn’t realize what a true threat they could be until I saw it for myself. It would be devastating to no longer see the beautiful trillium on a walk through the woods. 

My 5-year-old son said, "These garlic plants are going to be endangered with me in the woods!” I hope that with this opportunity he has learned not just that garlic mustard is an invasive species, but the importance to care for our land and that even one person can make a difference. He may be small, but he pulled hundreds of plants and enjoyed talking our guide’s ear off about plants and animals.

The dinner we were served when we returned was excellent. The bread, soup, and salad from Oryana were all made with garlic mustard. Katie from the Invasive Species Network spoke to the group about all their efforts and programs and educated us on some facts about invasive species as we all enjoyed dinner. They were very appreciative of the volunteers help and sent us all home with free tee shirts and field guides. 

My son was studying the field guide pictures of the invasive plants on our way home so he could be prepared to identify and pull others in the future. I told him he isn’t allowed to pull plants from other people’s yards and that he should always ask an adult first. I hope that conversation registered with him, if not I can see myself explaining why my son was pulling plants from our neighbors yard and having to replace their flower beds. This could cost me more than I thought! 

Traverse City has so many opportunities to get involved or volunteer that it isn’t hard to find an event to participate in. There are countless organizations that are deserving and no short supply of causes. As a group, the YPs are active and make a difference--one member at a time!

-- Cindy Evans, TCYP Guest Blogger

YP Volunteer Event: Habitat for Humanity Demolition!

WOW! What a weekend! It might've been cold and rainy out on Saturday morning, but while the rest of the town was moping about the weather, an active group of YP and Habitat for Humanity volunteers were up early and ready to work.

A group of us helped a team of Habitat folks take apart a home out on the Old Mission Peninsula that will be town down and rebuilt. All the things we took apart--trim, cabinets, sinks, doors--and everything left in the house that we hauled out ended up in a garage ready for an estate sale. Some of our team spent the day pulling of aluminum siding to scrap, and given the constant downpour outside, let's just say I was totally content to stay inside and pull trim off of walls and remove nails.

The garage was STUFFED with stuff four or five hours later. There were some real gems hidden in that house if you've got the eye for that kind of thing. I all but went ballistic when we came across an original Sega Genesis (complete with Mortal Kombat and Sonic the Hedgehog games)! I'm not sure when the estate sale is, but I may consider driving back up the peninsula specifically to own that Genesis...

I had a great time working with my fellow YPs. We had a lot of hours together this past Saturday morning, and I learned more about all the people there that I don't get to see in passing at the meetings. It's amazing how close I feel to people when I work with them on a great cause, like Habitat for Humanity. There's nothing like sitting on the floor pulling out nails with someone to bring you together, right? And I'm pretty sure we all felt bonded after removing a shelf from an upstairs closet and saw a really old and nasty bagel (with peanut butter) slide off the shelf onto the floor. I mean, those are the things that build friendships, people.

The homeowner graciously cooked everyone up some brats and hot dogs for lunch, complete with potato chips and chocolate chip cookies. How could we not have a good time?! The sun came out for a brief few moments, as did a beautiful Leonberger dog named Bella, who pretty much stole all of our hearts. I may or may not have given her potato chips to show my affection, but I'm pretty sure all she really wanted was a hot dog. Maybe next time, Bella.

There are more YP volunteer opportunities coming up in the next few weeks, so if you're interested in doing good with good folks, keep your eyes and ears open for announcements about upcoming opportunities on our Facebook page. Thanks to everyone who braved the crappy weather to join us, and a big thanks for the Habitat crew for showing us the ins and outs of demolition! (Some of these photos came from the Habitat GTR Facebook page...check 'em out!)

Recap: Winter Comedy Arts Festival

This past weekend was the Traverse City Winter Comedy Arts Festival, and I've never seen our little downtown so populated in the winter! This was the festival's fourth year, and it was an incredible success. Streets were closed downtown to make way for all sorts of wonderful activities--a full ice bar, a ferris wheel, ice skating rink, massive sledding hill, zip line, nearly a hundred ice sculptures--and the entire weekend was a BLAST. There were kids, grandparents, dogs, babies pulled in sleds...and everyone was bundled up in layer upon layer of winter gear to keep warm. But, with all the fun going on downtown, I doubt too many people were paying attention to the cold.

The festival consists of two main parts: free events on Front Street, and an impressive line-up of comedians from all across the country. Comedians this year included some big names: Rosie O'Donnell, Fred Willard, Michael Ian Black, Tig Notaro (my new favorite comedian), Tim Meadows, Stephen Lynch, and many other hilarious up-and-comers. Now that we're halfway through February (and hopefully halfway through our winter), this town really needed some laughter to warm us up. The festival definitely delivered!

My husband and I dedicated our Friday night and entire day on Saturday to manage the concessions stand at the City Opera House. We love volunteering at the Opera House for the Film Festival, and the Comedy Festival holds an equally-fond place in our hearts. People come to the Comedy Festival to have a good time, and volunteering helps us contribute to that good time and make it even better. Plus, if we're lucky, we get to catch the shows! I was thrilled to get the opportunity to catch Michael Ian Black...he has been a long-time favorite of mine, and his stand-up act was hilarious.

The other great perk to volunteering is working with a fantastic crew. All the volunteers that put the festival together work hard and help make it such an impressive event. We always end a festival with new friends of all ages, and with fond memories of our volunteering experience. If you volunteered for the festival this year, thank you!

Unfortunately for my hubby and I, volunteering full-time as managers means that we don't get the opportunity to check out all the awesome activities on Front Street until Sunday, but there was plenty going on downtown the whole weekend. The ferris wheel is always a favorite of mine during the festival. How crazy are we Michiganders for wanting to ride a ferris wheel in winter?! We did miss out on playing the frozen putt-putt course and riding the zip line, which was sad. However, the zip line ran right outside the City Opera House, so we were able to watch kids and adults ride on it all day long...pretty awesome.

That's what I love about this town: we have some weird and crazy things going on all throughout the year, and it keeps life exciting no matter what the season. There are a lot of things I know I wouldn't get the chance to experience if TC didn't allow so many different activities and events to take place in our town, and for that I am very thankful. I can't wait to see what incredible winter adventures we'll experience before summer comes!

You, Me, and NMC! - Annual Drive

Hi everyone! Sorry for the short hiatus on my postings (thank you to John for being a trooper and getting content out this last month! You're the best!). I was pretty busy getting married, which was fantastic, beautiful, and also something I am very happy to tuck away in the "memories I will keep forever" file in my brain instead of stressing about it. But, now I'm back!

Last year I had the opportunity to participate in the Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Annual Fund donation drive through my employer. Essentially it's a time when community members come together and gather funds through a series of telephone fundraising nights. We reach out to former NMC alumni and people in the area to give to NMC and help bolster scholarship funds, make higher education more affordable, and retain valuable educators in our town.

I am excited to be apart of my employer's fundraising team again this year for the 2013 annual campaign, called You, Me and NMC! My Northwestern Bank colleagues and I were invited to an campaign kick-off event this week at NMC's Great Lakes Maritime Academy. I was already excited about meeting other campaigners at the kick-off event, but I truly relish any chance to visit the Maritime Academy. I mean, look at this place!

The NMC Maritime Academy sits right at the base on West Bay, close to downtown and shining like a true gem. If anyone else who's lived in TC for many years remember the old Maritime Academy building (essentially a giant beige brick that sat, literally, right alongside the road and obscuring the panoramic view of the water), then I hope you feel the same pride and awe that I do every time I pass the Maritime Academy now. It is positively breathtaking. As a resident of TC I am thrilled that so much consideration was given to the beauty of the views and scenery of this prime location in TC. Don't believe me? Check out these views...straight from Lobdell's restaurant where we had dinner for the kick-off event.

I mean, it's decent (!!!). Oh, yeah, and the food was delicious, too.

Sara Noverr Harding and Bill Marsh Jr., the co-chairs for the campaign this year, spoke about the annual fund and this year's mission to reach out to everyone in the community who has been affected by NMC in some way. As it turns out, this is pretty much everyone in the area. NMC is a school, but it is so tightly woven into our region that it's hard to not have it impact life up here. I volunteer weekly at the Dennos Museum Center, located on the NMC campus; Sam is starting his MBA through the NMC University Center next month; I am looking to take classes on web design and gardening through their Extended Education program. So, NMC certainly makes a difference in my life!

Sara Noverr Harding and Bill Marsh Jr.

Additionally, there was a great video about this year's campaign that highlighted student stories and the mission behind both NMC and the annual fund. It was informative and well-done (I wish I had a link to share it with you). Plus, some of the students that were featured in the video made it to the kick-off event and we could chat with them and hear their stories one-on-one, which really helps put a face to what we'll do during our telethons. Realizing that the small actions we make and the little bit that we can give of our time, money, or resources impacts people living in my hometown is why I participate in the annual campaign. I was glad we could meet some of the people who benefit directly from what we do!

If you'd like to get involved in the annual fund campaign, you can click here and learn more. Or, if you'd simply like to share your story about NMC (if you're feeling creative, see if you can even do it in six words)! I am looking forward to getting to know my Northwestern Bank colleagues through the campaign and helping NMC in the process. Here we go!

Part of my NW Bank team...woo!