Upcoming Events: Afternoon Tea, Michigan Movies, Firefighter’s Ball, Maura Talks Township and More

Here’s a roundup of upcoming events around the Old Mission Peninsula…

Peninsula Insights, Jan. 15 – Township Supervisor Maura Sanders

This month’s presentation of Peninsula Insights will feature guest speaker Maura Sanders, Peninsula Township Supervisor, who will share with OMP residents her vision and plans to make the Township Board more accessible, transparent and responsible. The event will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., at Peninsula Community Library, 2893 Island View Road.

Maura graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000 and served in the Marine Corps with her husband, Todd, also a Marine Corps officer. She is the mother of two daughters and has been stationed in more than seven states, including Italy, before moving to the OMP in 2013. She served on the Park Commission in 2014, was elected to the Township Board in 2016 and re-appointed in 2023. She was elected to serve the Township as supervisor in 2024.

Looking ahead to February 19, Peninsula Insights will feature a presentation from the Traverse City Curling Club. Meeting times are 7 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more info or to suggest a speaker, contact Brit Eaton, (231) 499-4438, [email protected], or David Tucker, (810) 348-3695, [email protected].

Here:Say Presents, Jan. 15 – Dave Murphy Tells His Story

If you’re familiar with “The Moth,” a New York-based nonprofit organization that celebrates the art and craft of storytelling, we have our own “Moth”-like group right here in Traverse City called Here:Say. This week on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., one of our own will tell his story during an event titled “Down to the Wire,” where speakers will talk about a time in their lives where it all came down to a last-minute decision.

Dave Murphy, an OMP resident who currently sits on the Peninsula Township Parks Committee (and was instrumental in bringing the Pelizzari Natural Area to life), will tell his harrowing story that took place on Christmas Day of 2023. “A foolish stunt by a nearby hiker caused me to spin to look, I lost my footing and went over a cliff,” he recalls. “I’m very fortunate to have survived. My story on the 15th will involve the hike, fall and rescue.”

The Alluvion is located at 414 E. 8th Street on the second floor. This event takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 15; the doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. There’s a $10 entry fee at the door. Free parking is available after 4 p.m. at the Governmental Center on Boardman Avenue.

Michigan Movie Mania, Jan. 23 – Peninsula Community Library

Guess what? You don’t have to go into town to see a movie with your friends! The next “Michigan Movie Mania” will take place on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Peninsula Community Library. This month’s movie is “Jerry & Marge Go Large” (PG-13), which tells the true story of an Evart, Michigan couple who set out to save their small town when they find a loophole in the Massachusetts lottery. Snacks and activity bags are included!

Watch for upcoming announcements for “Michigan Movie Mania,” a series hosted by the library about movies set and/or filmed in our beautiful state of Michigan. The library is located at 2893 Island View Road on the Old Mission Peninsula.

Men’s Breakfast, Jan. 25 – OMP United Methodist Church

The next Men’s Breakfast will take place on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 8 a.m., at Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church. This is a community event, and men of all ages are welcome. Bring a friend, and have a delicious breakfast with your friends and neighbors. The church is located at 16526 Center Road on the Old Mission Peninsula.

“A Proper Afternoon Tea,” Jan. 26 – Mission Proper on the OMP

We all need something delightful and charming in our lives right about now, right? This event is for all of us. Mission Proper will host “A Proper Afternoon Tea” on Sunday, Jan. 26, with seatings at 1:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. This elegant gathering promises to be a delightful experience filled with tradition and charm.

Guests will enjoy a sparkling aperitif upon arrival, followed by a lovely selection of tea sandwiches, delicious treats, and the cozy ambiance of Mission Proper. As a special treat, the event will feature Tessa Nico, 2024 Cherry Queen, as the guest of honor.

The cost is $65 per person. Tickets are limited, and reservations are encouraged. Secure your seat here and experience an afternoon “steeped” in tradition and joy.

Locally owned, Mission Proper is located at 13795 Seven Hills Road on the Old Mission Peninsula. If you haven’t checked them out yet, stop by! They are known for their warm atmosphere, exceptional coffee and dedication to creating moments of connection within the OMP community. For more info and hours of operation, visit their website here or contact owner Jen Kuhar, [email protected].

Firefighters Ball, Feb. 15 – Peninsula Twp. Fire Department

Hey, what are your plans for Valentine’s weekend? Here’s the perfect date night for you. The Peninsula Township Fire Department is hosting the first ever Grand Traverse Firefighters Ball at the Park Place Hotel on Feb. 15, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. The cost is $50 and includes food (with a vegetarian/vegan option), a cash bar, dancing, an MDA “Fill the Boot” Donation Table, a silent auction, great music, and hotel room options. Dress to impress. If you’re a firefighter, Firefighter Class A uniforms are encouraged.

If you have silent auction items to donate — calling all local businesses, artists and other folks — please contact Pam VanderMey, (231) 492-7654, [email protected]. Thank you!

Our Peninsula Firefighters L5096 extends a special thank-you to groups who helped sponsor the event and made it happen, including Traverse City Firefighters L646, Grand Traverse Metro Firefighters L5288, Cedar Professional Fire Fighters IAFF L4953, and Manistee Professional Firefighters L645.

Proceeds will go towards Burn Camp and the local peer support team Northwest Michigan Peer Network, which offers mental health services for first responders. In her Weekly Note on Dec. 6, Township Supervisor Maura Sanders wrote about the importance of this group and the story of one of our own firefighters, Cobey Taylor, who is currently the president of the group.

The Park Place is located at 300 East State Street in Traverse City. The event is limited to 200 people, so get your tickets early by clicking here or scanning the QR Code below.

Also Read…

Supervisor’s Weekly Note: Shoreline Regulations, PDR News and a Ride-Along