The Traverse City Philharmonic is pleased to welcome Andrew Buthker to the board of directors as its new treasurer. Buthker is a certified public accountant at Plante Moran, member of the Economic Club of Traverse City, member of the Estate Planning Council of Grand Traverse, past member of the Grand Valley State University Planned Giving Advisory Committee and volunteers at Project Feed the Kids and Oak Heart Lodge.
The Curiosity Place, powered by The Great Lakes Children’s Museum, is one of 14 organizations nationwide chosen to participate in Contina Impact and Third Plateau’s grant-funded 10-week Evaluation Lab program. This initiative aims to strengthen the program evaluation capacity of arts and culture organizations across the United States. Through this initiative, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum is expected to gain hands-on training, expert guidance, and peer support to enhance its ability to track, analyze, and articulate the effectiveness of its programs.
Walstrom Marine of Harbor Springs announced Tom Ervin will be transitioning from his role as president, staying actively involved with the company as a strategic adviser and supporting its continued growth. Since taking the helm in 2016, Ervin guided the company, expanding its brand portfolio, services, and geographic reach across Michigan. His leadership was instrumental in key acquisitions, including Traverse Bay Marine and Grand Bay Marine in Traverse City, as well as Algonac Harbour Club on Lake St. Clair. Now a new leader is being sought with Ervin remaining as president until then to ensure a smooth transition. Walstrom Marine was founded in 1946 by Ward Walstrom Sr. and Paul Griffeth when they acquired Melching Garage and Boat Works in Harbor Springs. Since then, Walstrom Marine has grown into a leading marine group, offering sales, service, storage, and marina facilities across nine locations throughout the state.
This year’s award winners for Kalkaska Citizen of the Year are Dave and Sharon Stockford, former longtime educators in Kalkaska Public Schools, and three local potato farms — Elmaple Farm, Iott Seed Farms, and Jenkins Potato Farm — have been collectively named Kalkaska Business of the Year. Award winners were selected through a community nomination process facilitated by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and the Kalkaska Awards Committee.
The Citizen of the Year Award was established in 1970 to honor a Kalkaska area community member for their exceptional service and commitment to the local community while the Business of the Year Award was established in 2005 to honor a local business for their outstanding service.
Award winners will be honored April 22 at a sold-out luncheon in downtown Kalkaska.