Benzie Area Christian Neighbors Director of Development Kelly Ottinger joins us to chat about this Saturday’s 6th annual “BACN/Bacon Cook-Off” fundraiser, involving a whole lot of delicious…you guessed it…bacon!

The Grand Traverse Region’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore has a new location, on Rice Street just off Cass in Traverse City — and you’re invited to their Grand ReOpening!  Executive Director Wendy Irvin and Resource Development Manager Sue Cronover join us to talk about the celebration this Friday, starting promptly at 9am with a ribbon cutting presentation and leading into a day full of fun.

Veteran Service Officer for the Grand Traverse County Veterans Affairs Office, Lucas Clark joins us to discuss changes to VA benefits, why a veteran might be initially unwilling to look into what they’re entitled to receiving, and why it’s incredibly important to get a second opinion if former soldiers are told they’re not eligible for help.

Kirk Jones, Sean Dye, Mark Stoltz, Jamey Barnard, Doug Albright and Jonah Powell — Members of beloved zydeco band K. Jones and the Benzie Playboys, joins us live in-studio for a performance ahead of their Thursday Concert on the Lawn at Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Music headlines this week include a recently-unearthed album from a jazz legend, raising awareness for pancreatic cancer with Aretha Franklin’s estate, and Elvis’ new job as a secret agent for Netflix.

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, Beth Barbaglia joins us to talk about their upcoming “Classics Under The Lights Car Show & Fundraiser” September 7th at Pit Spitters Park in Traverse City, with all proceeds going to help fund initiatives like their Safety Around Water and financial assistance programs.

Public Information Officer for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bob Wheaton joins us to discuss recently proposed changes on the federal level that could impact families in Michigan receiving SNAP benefits, commonly referred to as food stamps.

Our favorite genius Jeffery Ford joins us to explore the literal and figurative walls we build, and the changes you experience simply by the power of being open. 

Preparing for a sunflower garden, a blackberry plant that’s not producing, replanting Japanese Irises, when your soil is calcium deficiant, and the best time to plant white pine seedlings.

On this week’s Community Coffee Break, brought to you by Mental Wellness Counseling, we speak with Program Director for the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center Dr. Amelia Siders, along with Detective Sergeant Chris Piskor of the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office, about what a typical day in the life of a detective looks like — specifically, when investigating allegations of crimes against children.