Dec 15, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has received its highest-ever ranking for short-term study abroad by the Institute of International Education, notching the No. 10 spot in the nation.
All nine institutions ahead of NMC in the category of community college academic study abroad participation have much higher enrollments, averaging 17,000 students. As a percentage of fall enrollment, NMC’s 50 students who traveled in 2022 ranks first among community colleges in the nation, with nearly 2 percent of students participating in a study abroad experience.
Rankings are for the first travel season (spring/summer 2022) following COVID-19. Countries NMC students traveled to in 2022 were Colombia, France, Spain and the United Kingdom. In 2023 53 students traveled to Guatemala, Morocco, Iceland, Spain and Portugal.
NMC’s previous highest rank was 17th in 2015. Currently, 65 students are slated to travel to Brazil, Costa Rica, Ireland, India and Switzerland in May 2024.
Twenty-five of those students will travel with a complimentary passport. In February, NMC was one of only 40 institutions nationwide to win a $4,000 grant, also from IIE, which covered 25 free passports. Required for travel beyond North America, passports typically cost $160 and are valid for 10 years.
Studying abroad is one type of experiential learning opportunity. In its strategic plan, NMC’s goal is that every credential-seeking student have at least one experiential learning opportunity before graduation.
To help students with the cost of studying abroad, NMC also offers the Global Opportunities Scholarship, established by former president Timothy J. Nelson and his wife Nancy Johnson. Most students are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship that typically covers about 25 percent of the cost.
For more information, visit nmc.edu/study-abroad
Release date: December 15, 2023
For more information:
Jim Bensley
Director of International Services and Service Learning
(231) 995-2527
jbensley@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Dec 14, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Foundation (NMCF) and NoBo Mrkt are pioneering a new partnership that aims to bring a fresh wave of opportunities to NMC and its students.
For the first time, the NMCF is embarking on impact investing in a local business with the goal of increasing innovation in Northern Michigan and creating new community partnerships with benefits for NMC students. Thanks to a specifically designated and generous gift, the NMCF will invest $50,000 into NoBo Mrkt, a cafe and beverage bar located in the Commongrounds building, 414 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
This membership investment, set to become a part of the NMC Foundation’s portfolio, offers the Foundation 5% equity in NoBo Mrkt as a safety net for the investment.
In impact investing, investors seek to achieve measurable positive impact on society or the environment as well as financial returns. In the case of the NMCF and NoBo Mrkt, the desired impact is increased innovation in northern Michigan and new community partnerships with benefits for NMC students, such as paid internships, business opportunities for NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute students and graduates, and much more. NoBo Mrkt’s founding chef, James Thomas III, is a GLCI alumnus who also received the Michigan Reconnect scholarship for students 25 and older.
Additionally, the NMC Foundation has adopted an Impact Investments provision. It allows the Foundation to invest up to $500,000 or 0.5% of the portfolio’s assets, whichever is less, in impact investments which support NMC’s strategic goals and diversify its portfolio.
“I believe this investment will help provide great opportunities to enhance learning for GLCI students and benefit the local economy. Our foundation board saw this as a win-win,” said Jayne Mohr, NMCF Board chair.
About NMC Foundation:
The NMC Foundation mobilizes generosity to advance learning for a global community. The foundation was founded in 1981 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in support of Northwestern Michigan College. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, the foundation is a leader in resourcing learning, innovation, and community transformation.
About GLCI:
NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute is American Culinary Federation-accredited and offers certificates and associate degrees in culinary arts, with specialties in baking/pastry and culinary-maritime. Located at NMC’s Great Lakes campus, GLCI’s facilities include baking, introductory and advanced kitchens, and Lobdell’s teaching restaurant.
About NoBo Mrkt:
NoBo Mrkt is a new, innovative community space that operates at the intersection of food and entrepreneurship. Its mission is to strengthen local food markets in the Grand Traverse region by fostering a culture of support to new and evolving “foodpreneurs.” Together with the Grand Traverse Foodshed Alliance, NoBo Mrkt will provide community, entrepreneurship and mentoring opportunities based on inclusion and equitable opportunities for the Grand Traverse region.
Release date: DECEMBER 13, 2023
For more information:
Jennifer Hricik
Interim Director of the NMC Foundation and AVP of Resource Development at NMC
jhricik@nmc.edu
(336) 264-0808
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Dec 12, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
The final mobile food pantry for 2023 will be held on Tuesday, December 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (car line up starts at 11, distribution starts 11:30 a.m.). Hop in the line in the Maple Lot on the Front Street Campus and drive through the distribution loop. Food will be loaded into your trunk. All students and their families are encouraged to participate. Each recipient receives approximately 7-10 days of fresh fruit and produce on a first come, first serve basis.
No car? No problem! You’re welcome to “walk through” and receive goods in a carry-able way. Feel free to bring a backpack or other reusable bags!
As a college, we recognize that so many students live paycheck to paycheck. Our mobile food pantry is specifically designed for students to supplement income with fresh, healthy foods and free up limited funds to go towards other expenses.
Mobile food pantries at NMC are offered in conjunction with grant funding and a partnership with Feeding America West Michigan. Distribution throughout 2923 has been wholly funded by grant funding with 3,500-5,000 pounds of fresh food were distributed to an average 110 families each month during the academic school year.
The Food Pantry program is currently seeking donations to continue the program in 2024. Each mobile pantry costs up to $875 to offer. Sponsors and donations can be sent to the NMC Foundation with the designation “Food Pantry” or “Mobile Food Pantry”.
Dec 12, 2023 | Student News
Class of 2024—have you applied to graduate? If not, now is the time!
After you register for your last semester of classes, apply to graduate! All students are required to submit this application to receive their credential. The graduation application is available in NMC Self-Service. Select “Apply to Graduate” under the “Student Records” tab to submit your application.
If you have any questions, email records@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-1049.
Dec 11, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Esports varsity Valorant team beat the previously undefeated Butler University, 2-0 on December 6 to win their divisional playoff championship in the NACE Starleague Varsity Plus Division.
Watch a recording of the competition here.
Dec 7, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
Law enforcement agencies from UP to metro Detroit will gain new officers
EDITORS: Media coverage of the graduation is welcome. It will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Cherryland VFW Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Drive, Traverse City.
TRAVERSE CITY — Students in NMC’s first 16-week condensed Police Academy program will graduate Saturday and head immediately to jobs around the state, exiting an enrollment- to- employment pipeline that will ultimately improve community safety in Michigan.
Nine of the 10 graduates are employed, or sponsored, recruits whose tuition was paid for through the Michigan Public Safety Academy Assistance Program, established a year ago to help address the critical, statewide need for additional police officers. Law enforcement agencies are eligible for up to $20,000 per recruit for tuition and other training costs, plus $4,000 in salary.
Thanks to that and changes to NMC’s structure which condensed the Academy from two semesters to one, eight agencies are now gaining an additional officer: police departments in Traverse City, Manistee and Farmington Hills, sheriff’s offices in Grand Traverse, Manistee, Antrim and Benzie counties, and the Escanaba Department of Public Safety.
“That creates a potential police officer for us in literally half the time,” said Grand Traverse County Sheriff Mike Shea, who will attend graduation to support his recruit, Andrew Bankey. “We will be able to have that officer in a patrol car the week after he graduates. It is going to help immensely.”
Shea expects Bankey to be on the department’s schedule the week of Dec. 15. He also plans to sponsor at least two and possibly three recruits in NMC’s Academy starting in January. The combination of the state assistance program and NMC’s shorter structure means Shea’s hiring picture is much brighter than a year ago.
“I’m cautiously optimistic that we have turned a corner, at least locally,” said Shea, who graduated from NMC in 2005 himself. “Between people in the hiring process and/or being sponsored, I believe we will have all of our current vacancies accounted for.”
When Connor Rischel graduates Saturday, Manistee Police Chief Josh Glass will fill one of his three current vacancies. Rischel is the first sponsored recruit Glass has had in his 20-year career. Like Shea, Glass said the 16-week schedule made it possible.
“It gets the person up and running and impacts the services we provide our community,” he said. “Not as many people are entering our profession.”
Glass praised the Police Academy curriculum under the leadership of Director Gail Kurowski, who has led a shift to scenario-based training, which simulates real-world situations. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), sets a minimum threshold for such training that NMC far exceeds.
“Whenever possible, we will teach the MCOLES training modules with scenario-based instruction,” said Kurowski, who expects another class of ten, eight of whom are sponsored, to start in January.
“Based on my experience, I certainly would promote or advocate for sending students to NMC’s academy,” Glass said.
NMC is also the only academy in Michigan to offer drone certification to students. NMC can also meet another practical need for recruits.
“One of the big draws for NMC is that they have housing available. That’s a big deal in northern Michigan,” Glass said.
For more information on NMC’s program, visit nmc.edu/police.
Media coverage of the graduation is welcome. It will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Cherryland VFW Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Drive, Traverse City.
Release date: December 7, 2023
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
Day-of graduation contact:
Gail Kurowski
NMC Police Academy Director
gkurowski@nmc.edu
(517) 256-8772 (mobile)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Dec 6, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
Gala to Give 2023 was a success! The roaring 20s never looked so good! Thank you to everyone who attended and supported us last year. This year we have hopes to make another Gala to Give happen!
If you weren’t able to attend last year, let us fill you in—Gala to Give was created to celebrate students, faculty/staff, alumni, and even community members with music, fundraising and networking! The weather was cold, but it was warm inside the Hagerty Center as over 300 people showed and had a great night!
This year we are aiming to celebrate everyone with a fun night to dress up, converse with new people, and celebrate all of the accomplishments throughout the past year. In order to make this happen again we need your help. We are requesting your input to help us decide if we should put on another Gala to Give. We would love to host this special event, but need your help in order to do so! Please take one moment to let us know your thoughts.
Thank you, and happy holidays!
– The Gala to Give committee
Dec 4, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Visual Communications department invites area non-profit groups to submit graphic design, art direction and new media projects for consideration as pro bono class projects during the spring 2024 semester.
Part of the Visual Communications curriculum, the class project is free to the non-profits selected. The goal is a real-world assignment that allows students to interact with clients and exposes them to the commercial printing and production worlds, including film and new media production, creative advertising, graphic design and packaging. Projects will be completed by the end of the spring semester in April 2024.
Potential projects could include logos, brochures, ad campaigns, packaging, graphic design, branding, posters, infographics, announcements, invitations, film, motion graphics, animations, exhibition design, TV commercials or anything relating to visual communications, commercial art, illustration and film or web design. The department is especially interested in conceptually-driven projects that will offer the students substantial opportunity for interaction with the client and process.
Please include the following in your submission:
- Description, tone and purpose of the design work requested, as well as the targeted audience you identify being associated with this work / your organization.
- List out EACH piece (logo / brochure / short film, etc.) that make up the ideal whole of your project. Other pieces may be identified by your student team or elements may be excluded based on their contracted plan or suggested in place of ones on this list.
- Ideal completion date between February 28 and April 25. All projects will be completed by April 30. Feel free to stagger dates individual elements might be due.
- Ideal time for mid-way progress check meeting in March.
- Budget: While there is no fee for the services students will provide, organizations must provide funds for printing / production expenses. NMC is happy to coordinate printing / production and get quotes under all budgets, and the students should be included in this step as it gains them experience in obtaining production quotes.
Please submit project consideration requests to instructor Caroline Schaefer-Hills at cschaefer@nmc.edu by January 5.
Release date: December 4, 2023
For more information:
Caroline Schaefer-Hills
Visual Communications chair
(231) 995-1334
cschaefer@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Dec 4, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Beautification Consortium’s How Might We 5000 (HM-5000) has already been making its rounds through NMC’s campuses asking the question, “How might we beautify/renew NMC’s campuses, grounds and buildings (inside and out) to create a sense of belonging and community?” If you see the whiteboard that is making its way around the Front Street Campus, please provide your input. Input is open to all students, employees, alumni and community members.
There have been many innovative, interesting and unexpected suggestions since the HM-5000 made it’s debut in North Hall two weeks ago. Traveling through East Hall and the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center has upped the ante with even more intriguing input from the NMC community. The HM-5000 is continuing it’s journey through campus to the Health Science Building, followed by the Les Biederman Building and then the Osterlin Building. The HM-5000 will only be able to spend a couple days in each building before relocating on so that way we can visit all the buildings on NMC’s campuses before the semester ends.
Your efforts are welcome and appreciated.
Thank you from the NMC Beautification Consortium!
For more information, contact Todd Haines at thaines@nmc.edu.
Dec 4, 2023 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Advocates for Benzie County is sponsoring several listening sessions to hear residents’ needs and concerns regarding higher education access in Benzie County. As the group has been promoting the sessions, NMC wanted to ensure that our students and employees have also heard about the sessions. The dates, times, and locations are listed below.
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- Monday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m., Frankfort (City Hall)
- Tuesday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m., Benzonia (Mills Community House)
- Thursday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m., Honor (The Gathering Place)
- Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m., Lake Ann (United Methodist Community Center)
- Wednesday, Dec. 13, 12 p.m., Frankfort Rotary (Hotel Frankfort) (NMC President Nissley Presenting)
- Thursday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m., Eagles Club of Interlochen
- Thursday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m., United Methodist Church in Elberta
- Tuesday, Jan. 23 7:30 a.m., Benzie Sunrise Rotary (Lucky Dog Bar) (NMC President Nissley Nick Presenting)
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the NMC Presidents Office at nmcpresident@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1010 with any questions or concerns.
Dec 1, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
On Nov. 29, Damon Livingston of the NMC Esports Varsity team won the NJCAA-E Madden ’24 National Playoff Championship. He defeated Harrisburg Area Community College 3-0 in the best of 5 series. This is the first league or playoff championship for the NMC Esports Varsity program.
Watch a recording of the competition here.
Dec 1, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Nov 30, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is seeking community input to its Master Planning process through mid-January via a survey and public meetings.
Regional community members, neighbors, visitors, current and former employees, current and former students, business partners, and any other guests who observe or interact with NMC’s five Traverse City campuses including Front Street, Aero Park, Great Lakes, University Center and Rogers Observatory are encouraged to take the survey to inform the next steps in the process.
The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete and responses are requested by Jan. 12, 2024. Responses will help the planning team assess needs and opportunities and refine the short and long-term vision for physical campus spaces. In addition,
NMC is hosting two open public forums to gather input on a new Facilities Master Plan.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13, 2023, 6–7:30 P.M.
Location: NMC Great Lakes Campus, 715 E Front St, Traverse City, MI
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24, 2024, 6–7:30 P.M.
Location: Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106/107, NMC Front Street Campus, 1701 E Front St, Traverse City, MI
The survey link and more information are also available on the Facilities Master Plan webpage (nmc.edu/facilities-master-plan).
Release date: November 30, 2023
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 28, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
Aby Kowalske
(Download a high-resolution photo) 
Gabby Paryani
(Download a high-resolution photo) TRAVERSE CITY — NMC students Aby Kowalske and Gabby Paryani are among seven Michigan students who will travel to Washington, D.C. for the National Student Leadership Academy as a part of Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG).
Accompanied by NMC Employment Readiness Specialist Lisa Baldyga, they will join around hundreds of other students from across the country at the Academy Nov. 30–Dec. 2. They will attend leadership training sessions, engage in experiential learning and advocate for their communities and youth.
Students applied and wrote an essay about why they should be chosen, as well as submitted letters of recommendation. In 2021, NMC became the first college in the state of Michigan to offer a Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program.
NMC students between ages 16–24 are eligible to match with student mentors in their field, get paid work experience or job shadowing opportunities and internships and other beneficial career opportunities Financial assistance with job equipment such as tools or work boots, uniforms, bus passes or gas cards for transportation to work is also available
Release date: November 28, 2023
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 27, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
Spring textbooks will be available on Dec. 1. Stop by the NMC Campus Bookstore or check them out online at bookstore.nmc.edu. Looking to use financial aid for your books? Spring financial aid will be available Dec. 11–Feb. 1.
Fall textbook rentals are due back by Tuesday, December 19.
Books that have been purchased can be sold back during December 11-15.
Nov 16, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
November 16, 2023
New state scholarship dollars could cut tuition in half or more for eight short-course NMC health care programs, all in high hiring demand and some offering signing bonuses at Munson Healthcare.
In January, skills/short term training programs including practical nurse, phlebotomy technician, pharmacy technician, eldercare certificate, medical assistant, hemodialysis technician, medical coding and billing and medical scribe will become eligible for funding from two existing scholarships, Michigan Achievement and Michigan Reconnect.
The Michigan Achievement Skills scholarship offers up to $2,000 per year for two years to 2023 high school graduates. The Michigan Reconnect short-term training program offers $1,500 to students 21 and over who don’t already have a college degree.
Gina Stein, Munson Healthcare manager of talent acquisitions operations, said the region’s largest employer welcomes the new scholarships.
“There’s a lot of competition for the current workforce,” she said. “Anything we can do to provide additional scholarships or tuition reimbursement would be key.” Tuition reimbursement is available for benefited roles at Munson, which start at 20 hours. The Reconnect funds could also help entice former healthcare workers who retired or left during Covid to return in new roles, she said.
Elizabeth Sonnabend, program manager for NMC Extended Education and Training, said enrollments in the programs could increase significantly. State funding has dwindled since 2020–21, when 72 students were enrolled, almost triple current numbers.
“I expect these numbers will go up for 2024 again, now that students can get the majority of the costs covered,” she said. Tuition for most of the eligible programs ranges between $1,800-$,3800.
The newly-eligible programs also align with NMC’s strategic goal of offering more courses and credentials in short formats as well as online, which both employers and students say they need. The medical coding and billing and medical scribe programs are completely online. Except for Practical Nursing and Eldercare, coursework for the other four programs is offered online, prior to an in-person externship. Most programs are self-paced and require 300–600 hours to complete. Tuition covers access for a year.
Also in 2024, eligible students ages 21-24 will begin receiving reimbursement for a portion of this fall’s tuition and fees. Last month, Michigan Reconnect temporarily expanded its age eligibility to 21 and up. Some 70 NMC students have already applied to take advantage of it. An additional 29 potential new students have applied. The 21- to 24-year-old cohort has until November 15, 2024, to apply for Reconnect before it reverts to its original 25 and older age requirement.
“The money is there, waiting to go to you to support students,” said Sarah Szurpicki of Office of Sixty by 30, urging students to apply. That office oversees Michigan Reconnect and Achievement, which both were created to help reach the goal of 60 percent of Michiganders earning a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030. It now stands at 50.5 percent.
In fall 2023, NMC disbursed $1.7 million in aid programs administered by the State of Michigan and $1.9 million in federal Pell grants. With the expansion of Reconnect to ages 21–24 expansion, it seems likely that state aid could top Pell grants by the end of the year.
Nov 13, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
The Audio Tech Club is hosting a fundraiser to raise money for their upcoming road trip to recording studios throughout Michigan.
On November 20–21 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., chili, hot cocoa and baked goods will be available for purchase in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Proceeds benefit the Audio Tech student group’s upcoming trip.
Nov 11, 2023 | Student News
Students interested in transferring to earn a degree in the humanities, natural or social sciences at the University of Michigan can learn more on Monday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Learn about Transfer Bridges to Michigan, the Go Blue Guarantee and connect with a university representative on campus.
Transfer Tuesday follows the next day on the November 14 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come meet University Center Representatives from Davenport, Grand Valley State, Ferris State and Central Michigan University to learn about continuing educational opportunities after NMC in the Traverse City area.
