In 1975 a group of nine passionate women founded the Women’s Resource Center of Traverse City.  The initial purpose was to establish a support network, develop relationships and provide paths to employment and leadership. The organizers soon became aware of the issue of domestic violence and sexual assault against women, and many of them had their own stories to tell. This episode features a conversation with the organization’s Executive Director Juliette Schultz and long time board member, Jane Hayes.  This spring the Women’s Resource Center will commemorate 50 years of protecting, sheltering and empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and why their mission remains critical at this pivotal time in history. 

In the the summer of 1975, Gerard Grabowski came to Traverse City for the Grand Traverse Nordic Ski Camp. He and several teenage Nordic skiers stayed at the home of Ted and Shirley Okerstrom and rollerskied through the town. That experience inspired his lifelong love of Nordic skiing. He skied his first 50K in 1977 when the North American Vasa started at the Cherry Capital Airport. Years later he skied for the Northern Michigan University Nordic team. In the winter of 1984, he and friends skied several Nordic ski marathons that were part of the Worldloppet, an international sports federation of cross-country skiing marathons, founded in June 10th 1978 in Uppsala, Sweden. Thank you to Crystal Mountain for sponsoring this episode.

Letting your voice be heard means many things.

It can be speaking up in a meeting. 

Being the first to speak

Defending your rights. 

Being confident in your value and what you have to offer. 

Asking questions to keep the conversation going. 

Speaking with curiosity instead of judgment.

Speaking clearly and concisely.

Contacting your elected officials.

And voting in our elections.

This episode of the Traversecityist presents voices of our region reading the words of noted Americans.

What do you remember learning in United States or Michigan History classes?  Matthew Fletcher explains the timeline of events that occurred after the signing of the Declaration of Independence up to the present time. Fletcher is the Harry Burns Hutchins Collegiate Professor of Law at the University of Michigan. He teaches and writes in the areas of federal Indian law, American Indian tribal law, Anishinaabe legal and political philosophy, constitutional law, federal courts, and legal ethics. He also sits as the Chief Justice of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, the Porch Band of Creek Indians and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Matthew is also the author of The Eagle Returns, The Legal History of the Grand Travers Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. This interview was recorded on July 17, 2024.

This is the third in a series, entitled, “The Artists.” Agnes Su is a 14 year old singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and folklorist based in northern Michigan. The Traversecityist sat down with Agnes to learn about her inspirations for songwriting, her independent study of folk music history, her weekly program on WNMC, the clothes she makes for her performances and her upcoming benefit concert at the Commongood Bakery. She’ll begin her freshman year this fall at Interlochen Arts Academy’s acclaimed singer-songwriter program.

This is a the second in a series entitled, “The Artists.”

The V Gallery in Omena, celebrated their grand opening on Friday, May 24 with a curated exhibit featuring over 20 artists. 

How does this new exhibit represent the evolving culture of northwest lower Michigan?

Writer, Patrick Sullivan offers his take on the show. To listen to the full episode visit the “exclusive content” tab on our website.

In the Anishinaabe way of life, the women are called to work for the health of the water. Members of the Anishinaabe community spoke with the Traversecityist about their sacred relationship with water, and how there is a growing body of law that incorporates Anishinaabe values and culture.

This is the first in a series entitled “The Artists,” a sort of  cultural survey profiling emerging and established regional artists from diverse backgrounds and identities, representing all disciplines.

Kevin Summers is an interdisciplinary artist. His experience of growing up in Traverse City included a series of prolific moments in his creative growth and development.  Will his latest work, Piggery Pete’s Perchten Parade, part-social sculpture and part-performance art piece, become a new Traverse City tradition?

In Traverse City, there are many individuals who have harnessed their passions and resources, resulting in strong communities, big and small. Those communities help us power through the winter.

Meet The Handstanders; Jamey Barnard, Yali Rivlin, Casey Chinnock, Trevor Hobbs, and John Storms Rohm.  Together these five northern Manistee County residents have created a new regional sound that they describe as fun, raw, expansive, and in the moment. They just released their first single, Happiness, available on Spotify and iTunes. Their first album is coming soon.