For the Community, By the Community Podcast

Traverse City Police Chief Jeff O'Brien retired this month, after 32 years as a full-time police officer, and 40 years of service to the TCPD. In this edition of the "For the Community, By the Community" podcast, 9&10's Bill Froehlich sat down with the chief to talk about his career, his efforts in what's known as "community policing", and how he feels about the future of the department. Congratul...

In this month’s “For the Community, By the Community” podcast, 9&10’s Bill Froehlich stopped in at Cherryland Electric Cooperative. He talked with Cherryland’s leadership: the retiring Tony Anderson, and incoming CEO Rachel Johnson. Together, they explore the role of an electric utility in the community, how the community relies on Cherryland and its line workers to keep the lights (and the air co...

Spring is here, and April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. For the latest edition of our “For the Community, By the Community” podcast, 9&10′s Bill Froehlich sits down with the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center. The CAC helps children who are victims of physical or sexual abuse, or who have been witness to domestic violence. Prevention Coordinator Melissa Socia tells us all about the CAC’s m...

Two Northern Michigan communities are hiring, thanks to funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This is the fourth year for the Community Development Fellowship program. Ten communities across the state are getting financial support to hire an extra employee to help with growth and development. It’s run by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), whic...

September is National Recovery Month. First established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration over 30 years ago, organizations and nonprofits all over the nation now honor Recovery Month in different ways each year. Addiction Treatment Services of Traverse City is hosting their very first Porch-A-Palooza on September 27th. This all-day event is aimed at building connecti...

Community Impact Partners of Traverse City are closing a final chapter on their legacy this year. The nonprofit’s popular singing and dancing competition, Swingshift and the Stars, announced this will be their final season. After 15 years of raising of money for local groups throughout the community, they’re looking back on their hard work with pride. This month, we’re talking with co-founder Judy...

The people of Ukraine still need help in every way possible. One nonprofit organization known as the Orphan Grain Train, has partnered up with Living Hope Lutheran Church in Farwell to collect and distribute items in need right now. This month, we’re talking with Tom Pirnstill, a trustee of the church overseeing this important operation.

Last month honored Mental Health Awareness Month. However, this is one topic that’s discussed year round. A fitness center concluded their own special event a few weeks ago to help spread awareness and raise money for mental health programs. This month, we’re talking with Kim Denton, owner of Clare Family Fitness about the importance of exercising your physical and mental health.

We are finally into May, a time when many people are looking to move. Affordable housing is already an ongoing issue here in Northern Michigan and the prices of some utilities, such as heat, can cause even more of a financial burden on families. The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency in Traverse City wants to help alleviate some of that stress. They were recently awarded a grant for the Ho...

This month we are highlighting a very widespread birthday celebration. The First Presbyterian Church in Cadillac celebrates 150 years this year. They’re doing so through their “Be the I in Kind Campaign.” For 150 days, members of the church are encouraged to pay it forward by performing 150 random acts of kindness. We spoke to Pastor Michael Horlocker of The First Presbyterian Church in Cadillac t...

It’s only March, but 2022 has already proven to be an extremely busy year for the Cherryland Humane Society. Everything changed completely for volunteers at the nonprofit in January when they took in over 160 dogs at once from a home in East Bay Township. This proved to be one of the single largest animal seizures in Grand Traverse County Animal Control history. Nearly two months later and the neg...

We are now in the holiday season and if you or someone you know need a source of encouragement, that’s where Project Christmas comes in. Their mission is to share the spirit of Christmas with those in need through a collaborative community wide effort. Now in their 33rd year, they serve up to 1,000 families every year in Wexford and Missaukee Counties with gifts and a meal around the holiday seaso...