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.

February YP Blog, Updates, Stories, and Highlights.

            Happy February from the YP Blog and Blogger Adam Rhoades.  This is the first official blog I have ever written.  The blogs will have a fun new format with a slew of information and updates from TCAPS, Grand Traverse County, Garfield Township, and City of Traverse City.  We will also have guest bloggers, new business highlights as well as a ton of other random, funny, intriguing, and grasping information. 

            Here is a small tidbit about myself.  I grew up in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, which is 5 minutes from Toledo, Ohio.  I majored in Marketing and Professional Golf Management at Ferris State University.  I met my wife Kaitlin at Ferris State who grew up in Suttons Bay.  We spent 4 years away from Michigan in Austin, Texas but then moved back to Traverse City a few years ago.  I currently work at Traverse City State Bank and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.  I still try to grow the game of golf teaching golf lessons at The Crown Golf Club when the ground is not snow covered.  I became involved in the Traverse City Young Professionals late summer last year, and it has been very rewarding meeting some amazing people.  To everyone who reads this, I highly recommend you get involved as much as you can especially if you plan on living in the area the rest of your life.  The network you grow personally and professionally is priceless. 

            I am not sure if there is a correct format for blogs, but I have decided that each week I will share something with you that is relevant to what is going on in the community.  And of course I would love feedback.  This month I wanted to focus on the importance and lack of affordable housing.

We all know that the big talk in the past 6 months or so has been the housing market in this area and the lack of affordable housing available especially to young professionals who are new to the area, have been here a while or even want to move back “home.”  This topic of conversation has affected my wife and me since we moved back to the area in 2012.  We were used to living in Austin, where you could find a great place to live at an affordable price that was not far from downtown.
 
When we first moved back we had to move in with her mom for 6 months then move in with her dad for another 5 months before we became very lucky and found a top floor of a triplex next to the airport.  We searched high and low for any housing options even living in Northport after fixing up an old farmhouse that her grandparents own and commuting to Traverse City to work.  After renting our small little place for over 2 years, we were needing a house with the hopes of expanding our family.  We searched and found a few places, made a few offers, but they all needed so much work that we would not be able to afford them.  We even placed an offer on a condo before that fell through the floor.  The whole process that should be a great step in life became deflating and hopeless. 

After looking through what must have been hundreds of listings and emails, my wife and I found a great place in a great location, which would put us closer to her parents.  The process to get the house that we are in was crazy.  We looked at the house at 7:00am, put in an offer 30 minutes later, and quickly found out there was another offer.  We were bummed of course because the house had not even been on the market for 24 hours.  We offered more than listing price knowing the place needed a good amount of work, but we were ready for the renovation project.  We wrote a letter, we emailed the listing agent, and even starting talking to the seller begging him to take our offer telling him our story and how his house fit us perfectly.  After putting in an offer beginning of August, we finally closed on the house October 5^th. 

We had high hopes of moving in after doing some small renovations to our new house, which was built in the mid 40’s, but that quickly changed when we started taking up the carpet and taking down the wall paper and walls.  We ended up renovating for 3 months nonstop with a ton of help from friends and family to officially move in December 31.  Needless to say, we have continued working on the inside of the house since we have moved in finishing projects and other cosmetic items.

I wanted to share my story with you to stress how important affordable housing is in any growing city.  There have been several instances in the past few years where we had intentions of leaving the area due to the lack of housing.  I believe the success to a strong economy, you need to offer affordable housing to professionals who are new to area and to also attract new professionals and potential business owners. 

There are several developments occurring in the area, but the one that has the most impact on the YP’s is the Pine Street building.  The huge benefit of the new Pine Street development is the amount of money it will bring to local businesses especially during the winter and spring months.  It also gives us the answer to the question of where is all the affordable housing the area so badly needs.  

Dr. Brandon Larabee

I would like to introduce to you Dr. Brandon Larabee, who is opening a brand new chiropractic practice here in Traverse City.  Here is a small write up about Dr. Brandon and his practice.  He is one of our new Young Professionals of Traverse City. 

 

Pathways Chiropractic is opening with a mission to empower others to achieve their optimal potential through chiropractic care. Owner Dr. Brandon Larabee believes that a well-functioning nervous system is necessary for living a happy, healthy life. He explains, “Chiropractic adjustments reduce stress in the spine. As a result, clear pathways of communication are restored between the body and the brain.”

A focus at Pathways Chiropractic is to make regular adjustments easily accessible. He says you can expect most visits to last about 10 minutes from door to door. What makes care here so quick? “We work with intent and efficiency, so that seeing a chiropractor fits easily into people’s lives rather than being a destination,” says Dr. Brandon. One aspect of Pathways Chiropractic’s system that makes it so efficient is an open adjusting area. Dr. Brandon chose this design so he can provide adjustments quickly without compromising the quality of his care. He says, “An open adjusting area also reduces anxiety for those receiving a first time adjustment, allows parents to keep a close eye on their children, and promotes camaraderie among members.” Dr. Brandon is confident that his office will foster a wellness-oriented community where people can find natural solutions for living better. 

 

The office is located in Suite C at 1001 Bay Street in Traverse City. The building is parallel to West Grandview Parkway about halfway between North Division Street and Tom’s Food Market, facing the base of West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. Pathways Chiropractic will be opening on February 15, 2016. Until then, check them out at www.pathwaysofmi.com or call (231) 714-4112 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Traverse City Area Public Schools Update

TCAPS Recommendation to Board of Education about Possible Building Closures —January 25^th On Monday, January 25, 2016, TCAPS will make a recommendation to the Board of Education about three elementary school buildings with K-5 enrollment of less than 200 students. TCAPS has been exploring redirecting the overhead expenses of maintaining these buildings as a potential option to help preserve TCAPS’ comprehensive and award-winning academic and extracurricular student programming, while keeping class sizes in check, providing adequate compensation for staff, and remaining financially responsible with the community’s investment in its schools. After the recommendation is presented, there will be opportunities for the Board to discuss the recommendation at committee and full board meetings during the month of February. The Board of Education is then expected to take action on the recommendation at their meeting on March 7, 2016. Learn more about the effort to examine buildings with less than 200 K-5 students here: www.tcaps.net/strategic-financial-planning.

Board of Education Coffee Conversation—January 28^th

On Thursday, January 28, 2016, the Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education will host its monthly Coffee Conversation from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Horizon Books (243 E. Front Street). The January Coffee Conversation topic is “Low Enrollment Buildings.” Time will also be allotted at the meeting for attendees wishing to discuss other topics of interest with board members. The next Coffee Conversation will be held on Thursday, February 25^th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Traverse City Central High School Presents Footloose

Traverse City Central High School will present Footloose the Musical beginning Thursday, January 28, 2016 and running through Sunday, February 7, 2016. Thursday-Saturday evening performances start at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday matinee performances begin at 3:00 p.m. at the newly renovated Central High School auditorium (1150 Milliken Dr.). General admission is $17, $12 for students, and $12 for seniors over 60. Tickets are available at: www.mynorthtickets.com.

2016 TCAPS Preschool Enrollment Fair – February 13, 2016 – 10 AM – 12:30 PM: Families wishing to enroll their child in preschool next year are invited to attend TCAPS’ preschool enrollment fair to learn more about TCAPS preschool programs, tour a classroom and/or complete the registration process. The fair will be held at Eastern Elementary School (1600 Eastern Ave.). For more information, please call 231.933.1759 or visit: http://www.tcaps.net/programs/preschool. 

Traverse City Central High School Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations for 2016 Induction Class

Nominations are being accepted for the Traverse City Central High School Hall of Fame’s 2016 induction class. The nominator is required to provide a completed nomination form, photo of the candidate, and three letters of support for the candidate. Nominations must be received at the TC Central principal’s office by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016. Hall of Fame application: http://tinyurl.com/CHSHallofFame.

Grand Traverse County Update

January 2016

Easling Pool Open

Easling Pool at the Civic Center Park is open under Grand Traverse Bay YMCA’s management. “Y Central” at the Civic Center will feature a fitness facility in the former meeting room. For more information, contact the YMCA at 231-486-6357. 

Camping Reservations

Reservations for camping on Power Island-Bassett Island this summer are being taken by the Parks and Recreation Department. The number of campsites have increased from four to ten, with five sites on Bassett Island and five on Power Island. Call 231-922-4818 or visit http://www.grandtraverse.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Power-Island-Bassett-Island-8.

Winter Parking Ordinance

The Winter Parking Ordinance prohibiting the parking of motor vehicles on public roadways and shoulders of roads in Grand Traverse County from December 1 to March 31 between the hours of 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 8:00 a.m. and during snow emergencies is in effect. Violators are subject to fine plus prosecution costs.

Garfield Township Update

·         Personal Property Exemption affidavits are due February 10, 2016 for any business with less than $80,000 true cash value of personal property. You can find the form 5076 at your local Assessing Department.

·         Planet Fitness has begun the necessary steps to ensure a March 2016 opening. You can obtain a membership starting February 3rd right next to Aldi's.

·         Jimmy Johns has begun the process to open in part of the building that now houses Family Video on South Airport.

·         Lucky's will be submitting plans to the Planning Department, but we have no time frame on their opening.

·         Dick's Sporting Goods are in the process of getting building and zoning permits but have not been approved yet.

·         Fit Body Boot Camp will be going into the old Bedroom Company building on Division within the next three months.

·         Boardman Lake revamp is complete as well as the new Brookside Commons. There will be a Grand Opening on 1/29/16 starting at 11am at Boardman Lake and 12:30 at Brookside Commons. These are affordable, energy efficient, workforce housing close to town! Go take a look and refer new TC residents!

·         We just closed on additional parkland on Keystone Road to become part of the BVNP, and provide access to the land we own on the east side of the river. We just finished a conceptual park plan on how to develop this land, and will implement pieces of that as budget allows. Planned improvements include covered picnic pavilions, more nature trails, playgrounds, dog park, a bridge to connect both sides of the park across the river, and maybe  a ropes course, zip line and/or 4-season toboggan run.

·         Also in the BVNP, we just received another Trust Fund grant to revamp the area near the Boardman YMCA (which we own), including additional parking, a small boat (kayak/canoe) turnaround, float-on kayak launch, vault toilets and changing area and reconstruction of the pickleball courts.

·         We completed a concept park plan for the trailhead area to the Miller Creek Nature Preserve near Aldi. Not a lot of people know about this so the plan is intended to improve awareness and draw people in. This one includes seating areas, berming and landscaping to buffer South Airport traffic, maybe a hill slide and a fishing pond.

·         Buffalo Ridge Trail should (finally) be under construction in the spring. Bids are due on Thursday (we rebid it due to high bid responses to the first bid).

·         Tree cutting at the Commons has started and the park will be closed while they are in there. We are implementing a hazardous tree removal plan to get rid of fall hazards. Unfortunately nearly 500 trees have to go.

If you are interested in being appointed to a Garfield Township Board Committee please send a letter of interest to Judy at jbattle@garfield-twp.com

City of Traverse City Update

The City is continuing recruitment for various Traverse City Boards and Committees! Currently, the Election Commission and the Local Officers Compensation Commission have vacancies waiting to be filled. The Traverse City Light and Power Board and Joint Planning Commission have expiring terms, giving interested individuals a chance to interview for the positions.   Individuals who would like to learn more about these boards, or would like to apply should visit www.traversecitymi.gov/boards.asp or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 231-922-4480.

Elections Inspectors Needed! If you are interested in being a part of the Election process and working in a precinct on Election Day, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 231-922-4480. Election Inspectors typically work from 5:45 a.m. until roughly 10:00 p.m. on Election Day and are paid for their time.

Employment Opportunities with the City! The City of Traverse City has the following employment opportunities available: Traverse City Police Patrol and Vehicle Equipment Technician (Mechanic). Visit the City’s website at www.traversecitymi.gov/employment.asp for more details.

Input Needed – Parks & Recreation Master Plan – The Parks and Recreation Commission and staff has completed the draft Recreation Plan for 2016 – 2021.  This plan will be the basis for possible improvements to parks and programs and for grant applications during the five year time period.  The plan will be available for viewing until February 4, 2016.  Comments can be directed to the Parks and Recreation Office at 625 Woodmere Avenue during the comment period.  A copy of the plan can be found at www.traversecitymi.gov/parksplan.asp.

Overnight Parking in Traverse City – As a reminder, folks should not park overnight on the streets of Traverse City during the winter months, through April 14. Those who do park on the streets overnight may be towed at their own expense. 

TC Chamber Happenings

February 3 – YP Lunch & Learn (West Bay Beach) 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

February 17 – Business After Hours (Visions at CenterPointe) 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

February 18 – YP Morning Brew (Chamber of Commerce) 8-9 a.m.

February 23 – YP Volunteering at the State Theatre 5:15-7:15 p.m.

March 10 – Leadership at the Movie

For more fun and detailed information visit the chamber website:  tcchamber.org