Nashville Getaway

Our Nashville Getaway is coming up!  Check out our itinerary below.  For pricing and more information, download the brochure!

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012
Departure will be from the parking lot of the K-Mart Store in Acme, located on M-31 just north of M-72 at 5:00 a.m. sharp.  A second pickup will be made in Cadillac at the Wal-Mart store on Boon Road at 6:00 a.m.  A morning rest and snack break will be made enroute to Nashville.  Feel free to bring any snacks or drinks you desire; small coolers that fit under the seats of the coach will be allowed.  The coach will stop along the route for rest breaks and a lunch stop.  All coaches are equipped with restrooms and are air conditioned for your comfort while traveling.  This year the WTCM Music City Weekend tour returns to the Gaylord Opryland Resort for our accommodations, as guests you will be treated to the elegance, charm and true spirit of the South.  The Gaylord Opryland Resort has added a new indoor pool, spa and health club facility for guests’ enjoyment.  This evening’s dinner at The Santa Fe Cattle Company is included in the tour.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2012
Today begins with an included breakfast buffet at the Cascades Restaurant in Opryland Hotel.  We will then have a guided tour of Nashville.  Some of the sites visited will be Music Row, downtown Nashville, Millionaires Row, the home of the Tennessee Governors Mansion and several stars, the bi-centennial mall, centennial park, Vanderbilt University and much more.  Following the tour lunch will be included at the Opry Backstage Grill then a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House.  You’ll see examples of the damage caused by the flood of 2010 and the beautiful restoration of this historic building.  Tonight you will be treated to a dinner cruise on the world’s grandest showboat – The General Jackson!  Take a musical journey with us as we cruise the Cumberland River.  Explore the history of music in the State of Tennessee, through the songs that gave a voice to America with the music from the bluegrass and instrumentals of the Smoky Mountains to country music from Middle Tennessee to the blues and soul of Memphis in West Tennessee.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012
Every year we try to include new and exciting things on the WTCM Nashville Tour and 2012 is no exception.  We will depart the Opryland Hotel early to have breakfast at the home of one of Country Music’s legends, The Fontanel Mansion is a 27,000 square foot log home on 136 acres of pristine land formerly owned by Country Music Hall of Fame® member Barbara Mandrell. Nashville’s only country music mansion tour, the Mansion gives visitors a sneak peek into the lives of country music greats by providing a truly interactive experience.  Following breakfast and the tour we will return to downtown Nashville for some free time to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, do some souvenir shopping get some lunch and just do your own thing.  After this wonderful afternoon we make our way back to the Opryland complex.  Reserved seats await for the longest running continuously broadcast radio program in the world The Grand Ole Opry.  You’ll see over 20 Country Music acts perform live on stage.  Each show is packed with a variety of entertainment from Country Music Hall of Fame members to new rising talent, comedy, gospel, bluegrass and clog dancers.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010
All too soon our weekend in this exciting and entertaining city has come to an end.  We depart this morning and head for home.  Stops will be made where lunch and an evening meal may be purchased.  The estimated arrival back in Traverse City should be around 11:00 p.m.  You’ll return with fond memories of a fun-filled weekend in Music City, USA – Nashville, TN.

Your Music City Weekend Tour Includes…
Round trip transportation From Traverse City in the comfort of a deluxe charter coach.
A mid-morning break with coffee and snacks enroute to Nashville
3 nights lodging at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville
2 breakfasts at the Cascades Restaurant in the Gaylord Opryland Resort
Dinner at The Santa Fe Cattle Company the night of arrival in Nashville
A guided tour of  Nashville
A ticket for the Delta Flatboat tour of Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Reserved seats for dinner and cruise on the General Jackson Showboat
Breakfast, admission and tour of Fontanel Mansion
Lunch at the Opry Backstage Grill
Reserved seats for the Saturday evening performance of the world famous Grand Ole Opry
Complete baggage handling service
Escort services of a Parrott’s Tours representative

Tour Cost
Per Person
Single Occupancy    $935.00
Double Occupancy   $735.00
Triple Occupancy     $655.00
Quad Occupancy     $615.00

Payment Schedule:  A $100.00 per person deposit is due with your reservation form to guarantee your reservation on this tour.  The balance of payment is due in full by March 9, 2012.

Cancellations:  You have the right to cancel you reservation prior to March 9, 2012 and receive a full refund.  Cancellations made March 10, 2012 through March 30, 2012 will forfeit the $100.00 per person deposit.  Cancellations made March 31, 2012 through April 10, 2012 will forfeit 50% of the tour cost per person.  Cancellations made 48 hours or less prior to departure will not be granted a refund unless a replacement can be found.  Parrott’s Tours and WTCM Radio, Inc. reserve the right to cancel this tour if less than 35 persons have made paid deposits prior to March 10, 2012.  In the unlikely event that this tour is cancelled, all monies paid will be refunded to the tour participants.

Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive

The Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive is going on now through February 12th.  Drop off your donations at the corner of Garfield and Centre Streets in Traverse City (The Garfield Plaza).  Hours are Monday – Friday 8 am to 6 pm, and Weekends 9 am to 5 pm.  You can also donate at:

Traverse City:  Fox Motors on US 31 South, Edson Farms, Remerica Real Estate, Leathers by David, Agave Mexican Grille, Fast Signs, Glen’s Chums Corners, Oleson’s at 3-Mile and Hammond, Tom’s in Acme.

Kingsley:  Kingsley Baptist Church at Northland Foods

Kalkaska:  Glen’s, Northland Foods and Save-A-Lot

Keep it tuned for WTCM 103.5 and 93.5 for updates!

Paper Angels 2011

It says something about Americans that in the midst of our most challenging economic times, the desire to help the less fortunate increases, and generosity grows.  This year, WTCM’s Paper Angels campaign is striving to bring Christmas to even more foster children and families.  If you can contribute, contact Child and Family Services in Traverse City at 946-8975 extension 1046, or in Petoskey call 347-4463.  Paper Angels – gifts from the heart are priceless.

Deer Camp Recipes

Lou Guerrini’s Venison Roast:

Approx. 4-5 lbs. 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 to 1 jar of peppercinni peppers(seeded and stemmed), 1pkg of Zesty Italian Salad Dressing(Good Seasoning), 1tsp of Italian Seasoning, 1pkg of Lipton Dry Soup mix, and 1clove of garlic chopped. Place roast in a crock pot & add all the ingredients on top of roast. dump at least half of the remaining juice from the jar of peppercinni’s. Cook on high for 6 hrs, then shred with a fork. At this time all the fat has fallen off and you can remove it easily. cook two more hrs. If you have a larger roast, add more Italian Salad dressing to taste. This recipe is foolproof.

Michael Romanack’s Venison Fajitas:

Really simple…season steaks with Lawry’s seasoned salt (or you could marinate in a pkg mix); then grill them. Then fry onions & green peppers in butter. Slice steaks thinly hot off the grill, place on warmed tortilla shells with peppers & onions, add shredded cheese, sour cream & salsa. Roll up & Voila! Fit for a king!

Randy Kruger’s Venison Roast:

Placed in Crock Pot… cover the whole thing with a jar of Dill Pickles, and if you wish, some pickled pepper rings. Put on the lid and set the crock pot for high and let it cook…it’s that simple…

Mark Romanack’s Favorite Venison Recipe:

Cut strips of lean venison into pieces 1 inch wide, by 2 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick. Marinate these pieces in a mixture of olive oil, a splash of vinegar, the juice of half a fresh lime and a couple cloves of fresh garlic for at least 24 hours. Take the marinated pieces of venison and place a jalapeno ring on each, then fold the meat in half and wrap a half slice of bacon around the chunk of meat. Use a tooth pick to secure the bacon in place and grill over charcoal or a gas grill until the bacon is starting to get crispy.  In place of the jalapeno, you can substitute onion or banana peppers for the less hardy among us. Can be used as a appetizer or as a whole meal. Goes great with spanish or cajun rice and cold mexican beer spiked of course with the other half of that lime!

Grilled Venison Backstrap

Section of venison backstrap (any size) carefully trimmed of all fat (could substitute good cut of round)
Olive oil
Black pepper (or your favorite steak seasoning)

Brush backstrap with olive oil and sprinkle liberally on all sides with pepper or steak seasoning
Let sit in cool area or refrigerator for one hour (some prefer to marinade the meat in oil for 6 hours first, but this is not usually necessary)
Sear backstrap on HOT part of grill turning with tongs until all sides are nicely browned (almost blackened)
Move to cooler part of grill (indirect heat) and cook in closed grill (approx 300 degrees) until internal temp reaches Medium Rare (Can do this in 300 degree oven if needed)
Use meat thermometer in thickest part of meat to check (DO NOT OVERCOOK)
Remove, let stand 5 minutes, then slice and serve to those you wish to impress.

Never Better Venison Stew

Ingredients:
1-2 lb cubed venison-carefully trimmed of all fat
2 cups flour
4-6 cups of beef broth(Amount will vary, enough to mostly cover the meat and vegetables)
5 medium potatoes-peeled and cubed
1 medium onion-peeled and diced(more might be better)
1 small can mushrooms
2 cups frozen green beans
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 cup diced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Cornstarch(to thicken the liquid)

1) Season flour by adding garlic powder and black pepper
2)  Coat venison cubes in seasoned flour and quickly brown in HOT oiled skillet, may discard the rest of the flour..  (Try not to eat all the meat at this point!)
3) Transfer contents of skillet to slow cooker
4)  Add vegetables and broth and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours (or longer), stirring occasionally to keep from sticking
5)  Remove approx 1/2 of the liquid to a sauce pan and thicken it on stovetop with cornstarch (Instructions will be on package)
6)  Gently stir liquid back into stew and serve to grateful guests!

Note: Can be done in 275 degree oven instead of slow cooker or on stovetop on low  but need to stir more frequently and cooking times will vary.

Adopt A Soldier For Christmas

The Adopt a Soldier for Christmas Program

Packaging at CLG November 12, 2011 @ 9 am

Questions:  Marilyn Dear (947-1387), Pam Kritcher (947-0967) or Bensie Benghauser (947-3108)

Suggestions:

Please select an item from one of the 4 groups below

1)  Sports Item – baseball gloves with baseballs, footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, hackie sacks, etc.

2)  Video Games – small, handheld video games (if you send something battery operated, then send MANY extra batteries)

3)  Games – board games, decks of cards, etc.

4)  Music – CD’s or DVD’s

Fill in as much as you want of the following:

Food items – packaged to have a long shelf life and would not be damaged by heat.  Snack containers, cans of pudding, applesauce, fruit.  Also, crackers and peanut butter, Pringles, mixed nuts, packaged cookies  (Home baked cookies become stale due to shipping time).

Drink Mixes – Kool Aid, Gatorade, hot chocolate mix, tea, instant coffee, etc.

Personal Hygiene Products – Non-aerosol (pump-only).  Cannot be alcohol based.  Stick or Roll-On Deodorant, shaving products & soap (pump, liquid or gel only), Sunscreen lip balm, disposable razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, antibiotic ointment, imodium (chewable), pain reliever.

Candy, chewing gum
Beef Jerkey (no pork products allowed)
Books and Magazines
Letters and photographs
Alcohol-Free Wipes – in re-sealable package (Sam’s Club carries by the case)
Household Batteries -  battery-operated items must ship with batteries taken out (send extra)
Pairs of black socks
Hand warmers
Toys (yo-yo, tennis balls, puzzle books, etc.)

***Religious material may be sent for the use of that individual only – not for distribution***

Items that cannot be sent in Care Packages to Soldiers overseas:

1)  Hair Spray – no form of hair spray is allowed
2)  Nail polish or nail polish remover
3)  Cigarette lighters or matches
4)  Cologne/perfume
5)  Antibacterial gel or hand-sanitizer products
6)  Alcohol-based products of any kind
7)  Pork products of any kind
8)  Bars of soap

PLEASE ENCLOSE A CHRISTMAS CARD OR LETTER TO YOUR SOLDIER – YOU ARE FREE TO SHARE AS MUCH ABOUT YOURSELVES AS YOU WISH.

Important:  Bring items unwrapped.

Goodwill Inn Under Pantry

The Goodwill Inn Under Pantry needs your help!

The Goodwill Inn provides housing to individuals and families in need. It’s estimated that about 80% of those who stay at the Inn are in need of clean, new undergarments. Through this endeavor, we are able to provide the basic undergarment needs to vulnerable people in the community, providing them with dignity.

Please give what you can…drop your donations of new, still wrapped or tagged items at:

Goodwill stores – TC South Airport, TC attended donation site at Chums Corners, Gaylord, Petoskey, Cadillac
Huntington Bank, Cherryland
Huntington Bank, Front St
WTCM Radio, Traverse City
L’eggs Hanes Bali Playtex Outlet Store – Horizon Outlet
Digestive Health Associates

And listen to WTCM 103.5/93.5 for updates over the next couple of weeks!

2011 Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive

Join us February 11th through the 20th for the Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive!

HOURS: 8a-6p Monday-Friday, 9a-5p Weekends

WHERE: Garfield Plaza and Fox Grand Traverse

ADDITIONAL DROP LOCATIONS: Village Markets in Rapid City and Elk Rapids, BP Stations in Suttons Bay and Lake Leelanau

THEME: Fill the Pantry, Warm a Heart!

MAJOR SPONSORS: WTCM, WCCW & Z-93, Meijer, Fox Grand Traverse, The Homestead, Dan & Pam Devos, The Garfield Plaza Merchants, TCRV, Tri-Gas

FOOD DRIVE PARTNERS: On Saturday & Sundays folks will be collecting food at the Pay & Save and Glen’s in Frankfort and the Leelanau Christian Neighbors will be collecting food at four locations in Leelanau County. Food collected during those drives will stay in those local areas.

NEEDS: No- perishable food, toiletries, diapers, etc. PLEASE NO EXPIRED FOOD!

ITEMS MOST NEEDED: Evaporated Milk, Low sodium canned soups, Peanut Butter, Rice, Tomato Sauces, Whole Wheat Pasta, Canned fruit, Kidney and Navy Beans, Pork and Beans, Stews and Chili’s, Canned Tuna and Chicken packed in water, hot and cold unsweetened cereals, toothpaste, toilet paper and bar soup, diapers!

CASH: All cash raised during the food drive will be matched up to $75,000. You can donate on-line at FATHERFRED.ORG; just click the can, mail checks to: Father Fred, PO Box 2260 TC 49685 or drop off your cash or check to the Meijer Trucks on Garfield Ave. Yes, we do offer tax receipts!

ALSO: The Traverse City North Stars will offer fans a buck off each ticket with a donation of canned goods at the 4 North Stars games during the Food Drive!

WTCM Nashville Trip 2011 Contest Rules & Sponsor Locations

Contest period runs 1/10/2011 through 2/20/2011

Participants may obtain entry cards at participating advertisers listed on wtcmi.com and broadcast over the air.  All entries must be individually postmarked no later than midnight on 2/20/2011. Winner will be chosen and announced over the air on 2/23/2011.  Participants must be 21 years of age to qualify.  Participants may enter as often as desired, as long as each entry is individually postmarked.  Winner responsible for all applicable taxes

Pick up an entry form at these locations:

 

 

Ellen’s Equipmet, McBain
Don’s Auto Clinic, Cadillac
Honor, Onekama, Frankfort Building Supply, all stores
Ebel’s Hardware, Falmouth
Riemer Eye center, Cadillac, Ludington & Manistee
Bay West Antiques, TC
Square Deal Country Store, TC
Old Mission Tavern, Old Mission peninsula

Debra Hall Remerica Real Estate, TC
Wilderness Meats & Deli, Alanson
The Hofbrau, Interlochen
Members Credit Union, all locations
Hermann’s European Café, Cadillac
Bridal Expressions & Your Sister’s Closet, Cadillac
Brink’s Custom Framing, Cadillac
Shay Station Coffe & Wine Bar, Cadillac
Saturn Gems, Cadillac

Country Cottage Décor, Cadillac
L & J Meat Market, Lake City
Lodi Trading Company, Kalkaska
R.O.I. Weatherization, Lake Leelanau
Roy’s General Store, TC
Jet’s Pizza, Petoskey
Redmond Automotive, TC
Boon Street Auto Wash, TC
Just Trucks, Grawn
Outback Steakhouse, TC
Robbie’s Dry Cleaners, Benzonia
Peacock Limited, Baldwin
Manistee Ace Hardware, Manistee

Ace Hardware, TC
l.e.m. products.com
Carelinc Home Medical, Cadillac, Reed City, Manistee
Goodwill Stores, all locations
Watson Benzie & Manistee Chrysler. Benzonia & Manistee
New Beginnings Thrift Shop, Harbor Springs
Brakes By The Bay, Harbor Springs
Taylor Insurance Agency of Evart & Farwell
Seven-Eleven Stores in Traverse City
Northern Lights Family Outfitter, Levering
Alfie Embroidery, TC
Little Traverse Disposal, Harbor Springs
Coyne Propane, Cadillac
Williams Chevrolet & Honda Service Departments, TC
Eastfield Laundry, TC

Paper Angels

How big is your heart?  Today’s Country Music WTCM and Child and Family Services are once again teaming up to provide children in the foster care system a Merry Christmas through our Paper Angels campaign, and we’d like to invite you to join us!  We’re asking you to contact the CFS office nearest you and adopt a Paper Angel child this Christmas.  You’ll be given a wish list for that child.  Then…go shop!  It’s your chance to give something that’s so much more than a gift.

In Traverse City, call 946-8975 (ext. 1046).  For the Harbor Springs office, call 347-4463.

WTCM Presents: “The Legend of Michigan’s Dogman” Halloween Party!