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NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • october 30 - november 05, 2023 • Vol. 33 No. 43 Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 1

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CONTENTS

letters We Have to Stop What makes transportation now our biggest greenhouse gas emissions problem?

We know that gasoline produces more power for the same weight than wood. But we can compare these energy sources using a common-to-both heat/energy unit, the BTU. The average American car, driven an average number of miles, burns about 480 gallons of gasoline a year. That means— comparing BTUs, how powerful each source is—that it would take about nine hardwood face cords (4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 16 inches deep), to provide the same amount of energy as those 480 gallons, gasoline being almost unimaginably more carbon dense than wood.

Although combustion releases energy, it does not destroy matter. It rearranges it.

Nearly all the carbon in the gasoline exits the tailpipe as CO2. Thus, in a year, the engine burns the equivalent (in BTUs) of a 72-foot long, 4-foot high stack of hardwood. That’s a lot of heavy wood. The total CO2 emitted out the tailpipe is about 4 tons. Many estimates and measurements are higher. Trucks and fuel-inefficient cars will emit more than four tons in an average year.

Grand Traverse County has 38,000 households and well over 30,000 registered cars and trucks. Which means they put— again, a very conservative estimate—120,000 tons of CO2 into the air. Altogether, we Americans drive over three trillion miles a year, which puts a billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Every year.

Yes, our planet’s climate and atmosphere change. It’s a living earth, with interconnected biological, chemical, and physical systems.

But it’s ludicrous to believe that it’s OK for us to very suddenly—in Earth’s timeframe— put massive amounts of a known climatechanging substance into our atmosphere.

We have to stop doing this.

Remembrance and Repercussions I’ve known people whose hideously tattooed identification numbers on their inner forearms were a constant reminder for the rest of their lives of the atrocities they witnessed in the custody of Nazis.

I’ve known an immigrant couple who died prematurely, leaving their only child orphaned, as a result of having endured Mengela’s hideous experiments on German youth who refused to support the Nazis.

I’ve known a mentally ill homeless woman with an earlobe savagely ripped apart by Nazis when they stole her earrings before tattooing her forearm and sending her to a concentration camp.

I’ve met an elderly German couple who risked their own lives to hide their neighbors, a young Jewish couple, from the Nazis.

I’ve heard personal tales from European immigrants who hid in the forests as Nazis set fire to their homes, who passed by the savaged bodies, some cut in half by machine gun bullets, of dead women hanging from their windows and lying in the streets as they themselves fled. Of seeing a little French boy who found a button from a Nazi uniform and offered it to a Nazi soldier who then murdered him with a bullet to the forehead.

I write on behalf of all the now-dead survivors of Nazi atrocities and their descendants, and of my Jewish friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, living and dead, from MSU and now Traverse City, my hometown for the past 45 years.

The individual or organization that emblazoned Hitler’s image on the jumbotron at the U of M/State game must be punished for committing and/or facilitating this hate crime.

Barbara Hutchinson Kan | Traverse City

Ron Tschudy | Echo Township

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50 Voices of the North......................................10 Damm.Good.Food..........................................14 Meet the Mayors............................................16 LIFT Teen Center.............................................18

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Top Ten..........................................................4 Spectator/Stephen Tuttle..................................6 Weird............................................................8 Guest Opinion/Lewis.........................................9 Dates..........................................................21 Nitelife.........................................................25 Astro..............................................................26 Crossword...................................................26 Classifieds.................................................27

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this week’s

top ten THE ICEMAN IS COMING!

Wow, November crept up on us! It’s already time for the return of the Iceman Cometh Challenge on Nov. 4, the pointto-point mountain bike race that draws more than 5,000 riders from around the world for a 30-mile trek through the northern Michigan wilderness. The racers start at Kalkaska Airport and finish at Timber Ridge in Traverse City; drivers, keep in mind that road closures abound during the race window. Choose from a variety of races: the Meijer Slush Cup ($50-$85), which is open to ages 10 and up plus a tandem category and starts at 8:45am; the Sno Cone (free) for the “littlest shredders” under age 10 with rides at 3pm and 7pm; the Junior Iceman Cometh Challenge ($70) for young riders ages 9-18 at 12:30pm; and the Pro/Cat 1 Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge ($125) at 3pm. A big old party follows at Timber Ridge! Register and get more information at iceman.com.

A spirited market Get in the festive spirit at the Iron Fish Holiday Artisan Market Nov. 4-5 from 1-5pm at the Iron Fish Distillery barn in Thompsonville. Enjoy cocktails while you shop from the talents of 25 local crafters from the regions of Benzie, Manistee, Grand Traverse, and beyond. To top it off, receive complimentary gift wrapping! More details at ironfishdistillery.com.

4 Hey, read It!

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch

Jane Austen fans, gather ’round to hear the true tale of Lydia Bennet, the much maligned youngest daughter of the Bennet family, in her own words.

Where Pride and Prejudice painted Lydia as a flighty, reckless teenager, The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch clears the air. For one thing, Lydia is a powerful—if under-trained—witch, so all manner of trouble follows her about through no fault of her own. For another, her next-eldest sister and best friend, Kitty, is actually…well…a barn cat. (And that devil Wickham really is a demon, which certainly explains a lot.) Last but not least, Georgiana Darcy is very much in need of some clever spellwork to counteract a strange and complicated hex…if only her prideful big brother will allow it. Author Melinda Taub offers a delightful homage to Jane Austen’s most popular work, giving voice to the ebullient, irreverent, and positively enchanting Lydia.

5 MEALS AND MOMENTS FROM THE LOST KITCHEN

T

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tastemaker: Applesauce Inn Bed & Breakfast’s Pumpkin Souffle

Built on a former apple orchard just outside downtown Bellaire, Applesauce Inn Bed & Breakfast draws guests in for its charming rooms and relaxing spaces (complete with a coffee and hot chocolate bar). It’s the gourmet breakfast spread, though, that’ll have you hooked, and the crowning glory is the Pumpkin Souffle. Made from a mixture of fluffy whipped egg whites, pumpkin puree, and house pumpkin pie sugar—spiked with cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and clove—these delicate little morning treats are carefully baked until golden brown and finished with confectioner’s sugar and a Mellowcreme pumpkin. Tuck in alongside the day’s homemade menu, like local breakfast sausage and farm-fresh veggies, and we promise you won’t leave hungry! Can’t make it in on the weekend? Sign up for seasonal High Tea on Wednesdays. Find Applesauce Inn Bed & Breakfast at 7296 M-88 in Bellaire. Reserve online at applesauceinn.com or call (231) 533-6448.

4 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

he National Writers Series is excited to host Erin French, owner and chef of the Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine. Her new offering Big Heart Little Stove is your new go-to inspiration for cooking thoughtful and meaningful, yet refreshingly simple meals. With more than 75 recipes and her favorite hospitality “signatures,” Erin French—author of the New York Times-bestselling memoir Finding Freedom—invites readers to bring a piece of her beloved restaurant, The Lost Kitchen, home with them.

With guest host Cara McDonald, a writer and the executive editor of MyNorth.com and Traverse Northern Michigan magazine.

EVENT SPONSORS: The Little Fleet and Farm Club

Join the livestream on Wednesday, November 8 at 8 pm. In-person tickets at City Opera House are sold out but NWS still has a number of virtual tickets available. To be put on the in-person waiting list, please email office@nwstc.org.

For tickets, visit NationalWritersSeries.org

Stuff We Love: SHINING UP THE JEWEL OF THE NORTH

6 LOCAL MUSIC TO OUR EARS The Music House Museum in Williamsburg is known not just for an impressive collection of historic instruments, but also for their concert series featuring local artists. This Saturday, beloved duo Pico and Chown (aka Miriam Pico and David Chown) take the stage performing classic songs and original pieces. Miriam Pico is a singer-songwriter known for her charming, folksy tunes and is also the creator and teacher at Little Bird School of Song, a bilingual music and movement class for children ages 0-5. Pianist and music educator David Chown has been performing professionally for more than 30 years, and he runs Lookout Music Recording Studio in Traverse City. Catch the show on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 7pm. Tickets are $25 via MyNorth Tickets. Find the Music House Museum at 7377 US 31 N in Williamsburg, and visit musichouse.org/upcoming-events to learn more.

Cheboygan just got a big boost thanks to a grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation. Consumers chose the Cheboygan Area Arts Council, the nonprofit connected with the historic Cheboygan Opera House, from more than 100 applicants for its annual Prosperity Award. The Arts Council will be putting $250,000 in grant funding toward “the Jewel of the North” to make the 120-yearold building accessible for attendees and performers of all physical abilities. (For the history buffs: The Cheboygan Opera House was originally built in 1877, rebuilt due to fires in 1888 and 1903, and restored and reopened in 1984 after two decades of closure. Today, it is one of seven remaining Victorian opera houses in the state.) The Opera House offers year-round programming with music and stage performances, book readings and signings, and other cultural and educational activities. Learn more about the grant and Cheboygan Opera House events at theoperahouse.org.

Bridge repair in charlevoix The iconic blue bascule bridge in Charlevoix will be getting a glow up this fall and winter. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $6.3 million into the bridge and 20,000 pounds of structural steel, along with upgrades all around. That’s good news for the bridge, but tough news for drivers traveling to or through the city on US-31. The project starts Monday, Oct. 30, and is expected to wrap up in May of 2024. (Yep, that’s at least half a year of work!) In November and December, the bridge will have one lane open in either direction. In 2024, cars will shift back and forth between the west and east halves of the bridge, and there will be nighttime bridge closures, with traffic detoured on US-31, M-66, M-32, and US-131. Stay up to date on the closures by visitings MDOT’s construction site: mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/construction

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bottoms up Espresso Bay’s Seasonal Fall Blends Don’t let the Basic Witch PSL elude you—but this time skip the Starbucks line and head to Espresso Bay for one of their seasonal fall blends. For Halloween sipping, opt for the Witch’s Brew (chocolate and caramel), the Magic Pumpkin (decadent pumpkin creme brûlée), or Dem Bones (chocolate, mint, and vanilla). If you’re seeking more traditional fall flavors, try Autumn Harvest (caramel drizzled pecans and pumpkin spice), Caramel Apple, or Caramel Hazelnut Fudge. And that’s just what you can pick up to take home…there’s a whole slew of lattes, cold brews, and mochas on the menu that will hit the spot when it comes to that perfect autumnal sip. Any and all options pair perfectly with one of the store’s pastries, like a Pumpkin White Chocolate Bar or Pumpkin Cream Pie. Find the flagship Espresso Bay location at 202 E. Front St. in Traverse City, or shop your favorite coffees online at espressobay.com.

Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 5

OUR CHAOS REALITY

spectator By steven Tuttle Science and math have their chaos theory that posits, among other things, that the smallest changes can create unpredictable and major disruptions elsewhere. The example most often used is the tiny amount of extra wind created by the flapping of a butterfly’s wings in Africa might so disrupt airflow that the end result could be tornadoes in Texas. Of course, that’s just a theory.

The disruptions we’re currently experiencing around the globe are no theory but our own chaos reality. And confusion aplenty has been sown.

Israel, attacked for the umpteenth time in their 75-year history, finds itself being criticized for aggressively defending itself. This time,

RESTAURANT & BAKERY

History tells us the land has been occupied

by Jews since at least 1500 BCE, or more than 2,000 years before Muhammad was born and Islam existed. Britannica.com tells us Philistines, who most historians now believe were Greek, also lived in the area. The words Palestine and Palestinian, both derivatives of Philistine, did not yet exist. Once it did, there was no map identifying Palestine that did not include what is today Israel.

There would be no conflict in the region if Israel’s neighbors—Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon—had accepted the Jewish people’s historical claim to a little piece of land not much bigger than New Jersey and simply left them alone. Instead, they and their allies have undertaken an endless series of statesponsored military and terrorist assaults all with the stated intent of driving Israel into the sea.

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6 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Most discouraging, there is no sign of it ending any time soon, and Putin and China’s Xi have been getting chummy in what would be a dangerous alliance.

Meanwhile, because wars in the Middle East and eastern Europe are not enough, civil wars continue to percolate with ongoing death and destruction in Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Mali, and South Sudan.

The disruptions we’re currently experiencing around the globe are no theory but our own chaos reality. And confusion aplenty has been sown. it’s the terror organization Hamas carrying out the butchery. Their plans are spelled out pretty clearly in their organization’s charter, which calls for the obliteration of Israel and an Islamic state in its place.

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destructive game of cat and mouse. Russian executives and military leaders who oppose the war keep mysteriously falling out of tall buildings, and Ukraine just wants more killing machines from everybody.

Somehow, in the face of a glaring history, some American politicians on the left who call themselves progressive have decided, in a fit of antisemitic ignorance, that Israel is the villain. While it would be easy to sympathize with Arabs and their children trapped in Gaza, they have tolerated being controlled by Hamas since their last election 17 years ago.

Standing “in solidarity with the Palestinians” is just fine until you remember you’d have to support a Palestinian homeland where Israel already exists and where Jews have lived for 3,500 years.

We still have Putin’s war in Ukraine not going especially well for either side as the toll of treasure and blood keeps growing. Cities in eastern Ukraine are taken, taken back, retaken, and taken back again in a deadly and

Here in the States, there hasn't been much we can do to help out anybody in any war anywhere because we have not had a functional Congress or, at least, a functional House of Representatives. The game of Speaker Roulette has only just recently been won.

The GOP has gone so far off the rails they can no longer see the tracks, having attached themselves at the hip to an election-denying, insult-spewing, truth-avoiding petty tyrant facing 91 felony counts in four separate cases.

Kevin McCarthy needed 15 ballots to win the job but lasted only seven months, falling victim to his own deal-making to win the seat in the first place. He was the first sitting Speaker to be voted out of office, in his case by the petulant wing of his own party. Steve Scalise was next, surrendering his chances after a single ballot. Jim Jordan was next, managing to get fewer votes in each of his three ballots before he stepped out of the line of failure.

Next up was Tom Emmer of Minnesota, another election-denier nominated by secret ballot in the GOP caucus. Emmer lasted only hours before abandoning his bid to be replaced by Mike Johnson of Louisiana as the final victim…er, I mean nominee..and now Speaker of the House.. It’s mind numbing.

Democrat progressives, who have never seen a budget they couldn’t break or an extreme cause they couldn’t support, aren’t much better. That small band of the loudest and most extreme members focus on fringe issues that generate heat but impact few while infecting the public debate on most everything else. Their near-abandonment of Israel is just the latest in a string of reactions based on their knees jerking wildly.

We’d do better picking 435 people off the street at random.

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CANNABIS

I had never consumed cannabis and knew nothing about its culture when I applied for a grasstender position at Dunegrass Co. back in 2021. However, COVID was still making its rounds, and I was in desperate need of a change of pace from working in the corporate coffeeshop world. When I got the job, I was nervous because I was going into the cannabis industry completely blind. I was constantly answering the question, “If you don’t smoke, why did you even apply?” My answer was always the same: I simply wanted to learn more about cannabis.

Having grown up being taught that cannabis is a drug that will have a seriously negative impact on your life, I knew I had to unlearn a lot of things. The biggest one was that it does not turn you into a lazy bum. I learned that there are different ways that it can affect you depending on your preferences. There is an uplifting sativa, a relaxing indica, and a great best-of-both-worlds hybrid.

From there, I learned about different cannabinoids other than THC and their effects, like CBD, CBN, CBG, THCA, etc. I’ve heard stories from customers about how CBN helped with their insomnia. I’ve heard customers rave about CBG and how it’s the only thing that helps their chronic pain. I’ve heard about chemotherapy patients that use RSO and it’s the only thing that helps.

I have become a huge advocate for cannabis use since starting at Dunegrass Co., and I’ll shout from the rooftops how it can help with so many ailments. One of my favorite things about grasstending is helping first-time customers find a product that fits their needs and then seeing them return to buy that same product because they loved it so much.

I don’t consume much cannabis myself, but I know its benefits and I’ve seen the results. My personal goal in this industry is to educate as many people as I can about the science behind cannabis, and with northern Michigan becoming more accepting of its use, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the industry.

—Kara Andersen, supervisor at Dunegrass Cadillac

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Recurring Theme It's happened again. On Oct. 15, as an EasyJet flight prepared to travel from the Spanish island of Tenerife to London after a three-hour delay, the pilot announced that the flight would depart in about 20 minutes.

"And that's when the incident happened with the defecation," said passenger Aaran Gedhu, according to CNN Travel. Gedhu saw two people visit the forward restroom before an unpleasant odor permeated the cabin and word spread that someone had pooped on the bathroom floor. "Obviously, the plane was in an unsanitary state. So they had to get external cleaners out from the airport to clean it," Gedhu said. After the cleaning was complete, the pilot announced that passengers would have to disembark -- which took another 30 minutes. Another passenger, Kitty Streek, said: "We obviously can't prove whether the person simply had an accident or if they had done this out of anger for the delayed flight ... but nobody wants to be stranded in another country."

And yet, they were: Gedhu was lodged in a hotel overnight before taking a "rescue" flight the next day.

If It Ain't Broke ...?

A restaurant in Tokyo, Abe-chan, recently revealed the secret behind its popular pork skewers, Oddity Central reported. The skewers are dipped in a sauce jar that hasn't been cleaned in more than 60 years and is covered on the outside with a hardened goo.

Each day, cooks pour new sauce over the previous day's sauce, as they have throughout three generations of owners -- a practice they say contributes to its rich flavor. Experts said as long as the concoction is heated, there shouldn't be any bacterial growth.

That Bugs Me! As Volaris flight 221 prepared to leave Guadalajara International Airport on Oct. 6, passengers and crew were delayed by an infestation of mosquitoes in the cabin, ABC7-TV reported. The flight was headed to Mexico City, and crew members and passengers tried for two hours to eradicate the pests, swatting them and spraying bug repellent. Finally, passenger Elizabeth Corona said, the insects settled down when the cabin lights were turned off.

My Strange Obsession Fox News reported on Oct. 17 that Rowan Sturgill of Lexington, Kentucky, has documented her mother, Beth's, obsession with Diet Coke on TikTok: "This isn't even half of it, I'm not kidding," Rowan captioned her video. Beth's decor includes a soap dispenser labeled with Diet Coke and a wall full of images related to the no-calorie drink.

Her Christmas ornaments are dominated by the soda, and an entire wall of her home is dedicated to a shrine of sorts comprised of bottles and cans of various sizes and shapes. One friend posted that it's like being in an "alternate reality" when they're at the Sturgills' house.

8 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

The Passing Parade On Oct. 15, as a child stood near a canal in Cape Coral, Florida, a Dodge Challenger left the road nearby at a high rate of speed and plunged into the canal nose first, NBC2TV reported -- fortunately just missing the child. "I can only imagine how he's feeling," said Lorraine Holder, who lives on the canal

and had a home security camera trained on the water that captured the incident. The car's airbags deployed, which made it difficult to get the driver out, but a Good Samaritan helped him escape before it sank completely.

No injuries were reported.

News You Can Use People in London have been perplexed by a bale of hay hanging from the Millennium Bridge, a modern structure that spans the River Thames, Sky News reported on Oct. 18. The bridge is undergoing maintenance that will reduce its headroom. When social media lit up with questions, the City Bridge Foundation, a charity that benefits crossings over the Thames, came to the rescue: "In accordance with ancient tradition (and the Port of London Thames Byelaws), a bundle of straw is dangled from the Millennium Bridge to warn shipping of work under the bridge (we're not making this up, honest)."

At night, workers hang a white light to warn ships. Work is expected to be completed by Nov. 5.

Least Competent Criminals Three Florida men were arrested on Oct. 14 in Pompano Beach, Florida, after a hapless kidnapping attempt, KMOV-TV reported. Raymond Gomez and brothers Jonathan Arista and Jeffry Arista grabbed a man outside his apartment in Plantation, Florida, and drove him to a home nearby -- but then realized they had the wrong guy, police said. They threatened him with an electric drill and a firearm and attempted to waterboard him before deciding he might be able to lure their intended victim to them.

The kidnappers drove him to his place of business, where the other man was, but the original victim phoned in a bomb threat (to get an immediate response), and the suspects were arrested. They face life in prison.

Bright Idea Japanese milk producer Seki Milk has devised an entertaining solution to a growing problem, Oddity Central reported on Oct. 11.

The company did research showing that 65% of students weren't finishing their milk at lunch, so it partnered with a manga studio to produce an original comic series and print it in white on its glass milk bottles. As they drink, kids are compelled to finish the beverage so the artwork is revealed. The company says Milk Manga encourages healthy behavior and reading, and gets kids thinking about food loss.

It's a Dirty Job Ryan Smith, 41, who transports bodies for a funeral company in Omaha, Nebraska, was arrested on Oct. 6 after he broke into the home of a deceased person he had moved, The Smoking Gun reported. Investigators said that when Smith initially went to the apartment, there was a "very real life size" sex doll on the bed near the body. Later, Smith called the property manager and said the sheriff had asked him to remove the doll "to collect swabs for biopsy." The property manager denied Smith entry to the home, but he later suspected Smith was inside the unit, which had been secured with a deadbolt and chain. The manager watched as Smith left with his shirt untucked and trousers in "disarray," then called police. The sex doll showed evidence of recent use, and she was confiscated for DNA testing. Ryan was relieved of his job.

NATURE’S GIFT: WHY OUTDOORS PEOPLE ARE HAPPIER guest opinion

by KATE LEWIS Recently, I had the privilege of attending the MI Outdoors Summit, hosted by Land of the Outsiders, in northern Michigan.

Among the discussions that unfolded, one question reverberated with resounding affirmation: Are outdoors people happier?

While it might seem like there’s a simple and obvious conclusion, the reality is backed by both data and the profound effects of nature on the human psyche and nervous system.

I’ve lived in lots of different places: the woods of Pennsylvania, busy and bustling London, seaside towns on the Atlantic Ocean, and the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

The opportunity to be outside is always present. I always knew the outdoors were important, but I didn’t really understand until I felt a special connection to northern Michigan 10 years ago, shortly after relocating to Traverse City from Boulder, Colorado.

Historically, my daily bicycle commute involved rushing to meet speed or calorieburning goals. However, on one particular

bathing,” is now a global trend in eco therapy. Forest bathing involves immersing oneself in nature, among the trees, to achieve a profound sense of tranquility and well-being. Science backs this trend, showing how being in nature positively affects our psyche and nervous system.

Something special happens to our minds and bodies when we engage in outdoor activities. The endorphin rush experienced during activities like running, hiking, or cycling isn’t just a transient feeling; it can lead to long-term improvements in mood and mental well-being. The outdoors offers a space for exerting energy, which, in turn, results in an uplifting mental state.

So, what’s the call to action in light of this realization? It’s an invitation to challenge ourselves to take up something new, to step out of our comfort zones, and to disregard the weather as a barrier during shoulder seasons. It’s an encouragement to explore new trails, lose ourselves in the woods, and, most importantly, join the movement

The outdoors has the power to transform lives and bring happiness, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve and protect this exceptional corner of our world for current and future generations. morning, everything changed. It was a normal day doing the same routine preparing for the four-mile trek into work.

It was a quiet late August morning, when the sun shifts farther to the east and you can feel the season changing to the alwaysanticipated local’s summer. The focus shifted from destination to experience, and as I pedaled at a leisurely pace, I felt the morning air on my face, heard the waves roll onto the beach, and witnessed the bay bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn.

The simple beauty of this place changed the way I saw things and made me fall in love with this region and my new community.

It was a moment of serenity, a profound sense of contentment that really solidified my connection to northern Michigan. In that moment, the worries, stresses, and concerns that usually weighed on my mind disappeared.

There is something special about this place, and in that moment, it truly became my home. This transformation marked a turning point in my life, sparking a career in helping to make outdoor experiences accessible to all and advocating for their protection, preservation, and most importantly, their use.

The happiness that being outside provides is not just anecdotal; it is rooted in concrete evidence. One compelling piece of evidence is the increasing number of doctors prescribing time outdoors as a remedy for a host of mental health issues. The healing power of nature, often referred to as “forest

to advocate for the outdoors. The outdoors has the power to transform lives and bring happiness, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve and protect this exceptional corner of our world for current and future generations.

As someone who has experienced this transformation firsthand and dedicated herself to advocating for the outdoors, I can attest to the profound effects that nature has on our well-being. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity, a source of solace, a space for renewal. Michigan, with its abundant natural resources, is a testament to the immense potential for growth and happiness that the outdoors offers. So, let’s embrace the call to action, discover the joys of the great outdoors, and in doing so, help shape a happier, healthier future for the north and beyond.

P.S. Some of my favorite fall activities include hiking the trails at the Commons followed by a brew at Earthen Ales, biking the Leelanau Trail with a stop at Farm Club, and walking the Boardman Lake Loop Trail taking in all the wonders of wildlife and bursts of color around the lake.

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Kate Lewis resides in Leelanau County and serves as the director of communications for Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails. You can typically find her biking on a trail, paddling on the water, hiking in the woods, exploring northern Michigan with her kids, or dancing at a Phish show.

Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 9

50 VOICES OF THE NORTH

By Northern Express Staff What makes northern Michigan special? Why do folks move here…or stay here to put down roots in the community? What might our future look like in the next decade, for better or for worse?

These are the questions we asked 50 people from across the region. We talked to retirees, nonprofit directors, business owners, teachers, municipal leaders, and more to find the answers. And along the way, we found countless new reasons to love, enjoy, protect, and invest in this beautiful place we call home.

What originally drew you to northern Michigan and/or why have you stayed?

Anna Dituri, President of Up North Pride and Traverse City Planning Commission Board Member | Traverse City Traverse City has been my home my entire life. In recent years, the region has become a destination for bachelorette parties, weddings, and vacations. I’ve watched it become an ideal place for retirees to live seasonally. I dream of policies and planning that supports viable lifelong residency opportunities for those of us born and raised here. We’re just as important to the makeup of this community, and without us, northern Michigan would not offer the same experience. It’s disappointing and disheartening to watch your neighbors deprioritize a sustainable way of life for those of us from here.

Amanda Holmes, Executive Director of Fishtown Preservation Society | Leland I was born and raised in Wexford County but went to high school at Interlochen Arts Academy. When my parents visited, we’d explore Leelanau County, and one fall day, they decided to retire here. I considered Leelanau home, too, even as I traveled, studied, and worked elsewhere.

My husband and I have been permanent residents since 2004. Everything I do here further attaches me to this place, but especially my work as the executive director of Fishtown Preservation Society. I do worry about the pressures of growth on the small towns, farms, and special places like Fishtown.

JT Olio, Chief Architect at Storj Labs | Traverse City Everywhere will be severely affected by climate change, but northern Michigan will be less affected than others. After downloading the geospatial climate projections

10 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

out through 2090 from leading research institutions, my wife and I narrowed in on three areas in the U.S., rented a van, and explored them. We concluded that the Traverse City area is a top-tier “climate haven,” and is perhaps one of the best places in the United States to raise a small child. We are building an ultra-efficient home and are proponents of affordable housing initiatives. We can’t believe how perfect everything is here.

Paul Gunderson, Executive Director of Gaylord Chamber of Commerce | Gaylord In 1982 my wife Robin, our six-monthold daughter Melissa, and I moved to Gaylord. I started my new job as general manager of a newspaper production facility. Fast track 41 years in the future, we’re still here and we love northern Michigan.

The people are so honest, friendly, and caring.

There has been a lot of change in Gaylord since 1982.

Our community has grown both in population and geographic size. For the most part that growth has been for the better. Just like most places in northern Michigan, we have a housing and staffing shortage due to growth.

But in the end, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Susie Janis, Community Volunteer | Traverse City My intense love of northern Michigan started because it is my birthplace. I left as a young adult, then returned to raise our family. Huge growth changes had occurred while closely maintaining its Hallmark welcoming feel. The beautiful mix of generations living and working here has allowed me to personally grow, interact, and expand my knowledge base. I often state that TC is like a suburb of a major city with every amenity sized to fit our needs!

Brian McComb, D.O., Chief Medical Officer for the South Region of Munson Healthcare | Manistee When I first moved to northern Michigan, it was the natural beauty that drew me here. I of course still love that part, but I have grown to love the people. The sense of community and the “hometown” feel is amazing. When you add the seasons, the natural beauty, the myriad of fun things to do, and the incredible people, you have a special place. I am proud to call northern Michigan my home.

Elise Crafts, Founder of Placecraft | Traverse City I moved to Traverse City from Kalamazoo for work. My interview team suggested I check out Haserot. I was nibbling a sandwich from the general store on the beach when they called to offer the position. I took it, my toes wiggling in the creamy sand. Years later, my prior firm in Kalamazoo offered me another job and I nearly moved back. I missed the energy and creativity of a city with a diverse community of people. But I stayed, and today am proud to support our community inclusivity so everyone can be here, wiggling their toes in the sand.

William McKenzie, Left Coast Holdings CEO | Manistee I moved to northern Michigan to grow cannabis. The farmland here grows amazing food that nourishes American families, and now we’re able to cultivate cannabis in that same soil. Things have changed a lot since we moved here in 2020, some for the better, some for the worse. I think overall the area is developing nicely, and I look forward to being a part of that growth.

Courtney Sumpter, Founder of Northern Michigan Equine Therapy | Boyne City I have put my roots firmly into northern Michigan for many reasons: the pure beauty, supportive community, and ability to create a therapeutic equestrian facility in my own backyard. I am blessed to serve the community and those in need both physically and emotionally, while adding my passion for the healing nature of horses. I love hard work and having the ability to utilize the land and soil to its full potential.

I have been able to raise my family in a safe environment while enjoying nature’s best. Northern Michigan has made my dreams come true!

Michele Howard, Executive Director of Traverse Area District Library | Traverse City A handsome boyfriend lured me to his hometown of Traverse City in September 1990. We finally made our permanent return in the fall of 1999. I fell in love with the year-round natural beauty and outdoor recreation and the wonderful sense of community found in TC. In 24 years, many things have changed for the better! A few of my top items are the amazing TART Trails, the vibrant downtown, the network of nonprofits,

50 VOICES OF THE NORTH

the food culture, and more arts and entertainment opportunities. If I could change one thing, I’d wish for more snow! (And housing.)

Mark Randolph, District Manager Kalkaska County Conservation District | Kalkaska In 1985, I looked at a map of Michigan for a place to settle. I chose an area with lakes, rivers, lake effect snow, and no cities: a nearly blank triangle between Traverse City, Gaylord, and Charlevoix, where there were ski hills and small towns I’d never seen or heard of. I felt this would be a good place to live and recreate. I swim, hike, bike, and ski at a moment’s notice. Traffic increased as the area has grown in the decades since, but the lakes, rivers, hills, and trails still welcome those who seek wilderness and beauty.

Camille Colatosti, PhD, Provost of Interlochen Center for the Arts | Interlochen I have been an educator for more than 30 years.

When, in 2018, an amazing position became available at Interlochen Center for the Arts, I was thrilled to apply and honored to be invited to serve. At Interlochen, I have the privilege of working with amazing colleagues and incredible students, who are focused and passionate about their art. They are young people full of potential, dedicated to a life’s purpose, who inspire me every day.

It is a magical place, and I am so honored to be here.

Karen Simpson, Elk Rapids Village Council President | Elk Rapids We moved Up North from downstate originally for a better quality of life, and we could work remotely. It is much easier here to make family, health, and wellness a priority. Now my kids and grandkids are here for the same reasons. Great schools, outdoor recreation, access to natural resources, and endless activities and entertainment. I feel optimistic about our future here. With thoughtful strategy and strong state investment in rural communities, we can continue to offer this amazing northern lifestyle to others.

Alicia Rutkowski, Head of Digital for Branded Bills | Traverse City My husband and I were a part of the urban exodus in 2020, leaving Los Angeles to call Traverse City home. It felt like a bit of a gamble, but we had a good gut feeling which has been confirmed many times. The pace here just feels good—you can find peace walking through the woods and sitting on a quiet beach, or you can enjoy community at numerous venues and events year-round. I am grateful to be a part of the area’s growth and believe that thoughtful development will keep our bustling sanctuary a unique place to live.

Julie Rubsam, Executive Director of HeadWaters Land Conservancy | Gaylord For almost 20 years, my family made frequent trips to Michigan from our home in

northwestern Indiana. We greatly enjoyed our visits and made wonderful memories.

A couple of years ago, I had an opportunity to relocate to northern Michigan for a new job and I jumped at the chance. It has only been two years, but I honestly cannot imagine living anywhere else. The wild places of northern Michigan have captured my heart and touched my soul. There are an infinite number of places to lose yourself in the natural world, each one as enchanting as the next.

Kathy Morin, Executive Director of Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau | Cadillac My experiences in northern Michigan first began as a child traveling to many parks, lakes, and the family cabin. Sleeping Bear and Hartwick Pines were always (and still are) favorites. After many years of living around the state for education and work opportunities, I wanted to move back “home,” and it has been home (again) for the past 15 years.

I love my job and am passionate about promoting the Cadillac area. I appreciate the laid-back vibe we have here. As a family we enjoy four seasons of outdoor recreation opportunities, and there’s no shortage of things to do!

Katie Jones, Executive Director of Friends of The Garden Theater | Frankfort I spent my summers in Northern Michigan growing

What are you especially optimistic or concerned about for Northern Michigan's future in the next 10– 20 years?

Rev. Dr. Wendy von Courter, Unitarian Universalist | Buckley As we look ahead to the next two decades, I’m full of optimism. Recent years have been polarizing, and that has harmed us all. One of my Unitarian forebears, Francis David, wrote, “We need not think alike to love alike.” I think as a community we’re moving toward that understanding. I see people coming together to impact how we are going to live here, together, regardless of differences of opinion on national governance. We all care about housing, safe drinking water, local policies and economies, and the health and well-being of all of our children. That’s hopeful!

Sally Van Vleck, Innkeeper, Yoga Teacher, and Longtime Pe ac e/E nv ironmenta l Activist | Traverse City My main concern in the near future for northern Michigan is the polarization of people and lack of diversity. We need to improve our communications skills, to listen deeply to each other even (and especially) when we disagree, and seek peaceful conflict resolution when differences arise in all areas, including our schools. An attitude of

"We are privileged to live here. With one of the planet’s largest concentrations of fresh water, surrounded by the Great Lakes, northern Michigan is one of a kind because it provides us with the world’s most beautiful wonders.

People are kind and friendly, and we are surrounded by nature and good energy."

—Fabiola McFarlin, Northwestern Michigan College Student and Great Lakes Maritime Academy | Cadet Traverse City

up. The dunes, woods, and lakes were all my playground. The nature and all that it offers is what brought me back. As a mom of three littles now, it is a gift for them to experience the beauty of northern Michigan and all the outdoor activities that come with it on a regular basis.

Paul Beachnau, Executive Director of Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau | Gaylord I grew up in Gaylord, went to Michigan State University, and upon graduation was offered a job back in Gaylord.

I have never wanted to leave.

With my job I have gotten to travel quite a lot. The beauty of northern Michigan and the lifestyle is as good or better than the many places I have visited. Our abundance of high quality outdoor recreation at our small lakes, hiking and biking trails, wildlife, and being surrounded by the Great Lakes is as good as it gets. Throw in the fact that we are a mere three hours from a “big city” experience, and northern Michigan can’t be beat—anywhere!

respect for all opinions is essential so that everyone feels welcome and valued. Our goal should be a diverse community based on peace and mutual understanding. With greater diversity and many different viewpoints, our community will be enriched, strong, and resilient.

Candy Crowley, Former CNN Anchor/Author | Glen Arbor From a discouraged optimist: An expanded economy, fueled by continued population growth, will force changes in the literal and political landscape, the infrastructure (roads, bridges, transit, schools), and the cost of living. Most troubling—a widening income/wealth gap between the rich and everyone else will change the Up North culture. My optimism is in the tenacity of conservation groups, the reach of federal/ state parks, and all the Up North OGs. Suzannah Tobin, Architect | Traverse City I am optimistic that people who live in and around Traverse City will step up. I know people feel

frustrated and powerless. One of the great things about living here is how easy it is to get involved and make a difference. This area has a rich history of citizens who have protected what they believe is valuable. It “recently” happened at a critical period in the 1970s/80s, and I think we are living in a similar moment. We have an incredible opportunity to shape the future. We can all pick something that matters to us and start right now!

Larry Mawby, Founder of MAWBY | Suttons Bay Northern Michigan is becoming a climate change refuge area, attracting people from all over who find this a good place to live, avoiding droughts, wildfires, hurricanes. This is both a blessing and a curse for us living here. We will have to adapt to climate change, and the influx of people will bring with themselves new skills, new resources, and new needs. While I am concerned about our ability to absorb those coming here, I am optimistic that we can adapt and will thrive with the input of new people and ideas.

Holly T. Bird, Co-executive Director of Title Track Michigan | Traverse City I am most concerned about the state of our water and environment. We have the amazing privilege of living next to and with some of the most beautiful bodies of water, the Great Lakes. Along with that privilege comes a huge responsibility to care for and protect the lakes and all the water that flows from it. Currently, our Great Lakes are at great risk from oil pipelines, pollution, and indiscriminate taking. I am optimistic that the citizens of our state also recognize that water is life—meaning, we cannot live without clean, drinkable water—and will join in the efforts to protect our greatest source of pride and life.

Sam Bailey, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance Strategic Initiatives Manager | Harbor Springs Like many areas, northern Michigan is facing systemic challenges like housing, childcare, and climate change. In my role, I have the fortune of meeting many of the individuals and organizations working to address these issues. The energy, passion, and ingenuity they bring to these challenges is inspiring and a cause for optimism. However, I am concerned when local stakeholders resist change. As time goes on, it’s undeniable that our communities are going to change and evolve. It’s our responsibility to ensure that change truly benefits the entire community by taking an active role in shaping the future.

Yarrow Brown, Executive Director of Housing North | Traverse City I am concerned about the affordability of everyone being able to live here. I am also concerned that if we don’t plan ahead and consider ways to concentrate the growth near our existing urban centers or create new growth areas, we will see a huge impact on our economy, community, and natural resources. I am also concerned about raising my daughter in a region that is 90 percent caucasian. I hope we can continue to be welcoming,

Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 11

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open minded, and a place where everyone can afford to live. I hope we can continue to work together to embrace the changes, to not live in fear, and to protect our natural resources.

Kate Redman, Project Director and Cofounder of Commongrounds Cooperative | Traverse City Growth and change are inevitable in our special region where many would like to live. It is said “America is great because America is good; if America ever stops being good, it will stop being great.” I hope our region stays good: that it stays a place where people care and work for each other and our community, not a cloistered, exclusive enclave accessible only to the wealthiest or luckiest. Let’s support growth that preserves our natural resources and quality of life while remaining welcoming, affordable, and accessible for a diverse community of existing residents and newcomers alike.

Nick Nissley, President of Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City I’m optimistic that northern Michigan will continue to develop the new blue economy, an economy that is focused on preserving, protecting, and enhancing our region’s water resources. I believe that NMC and our Great Lakes Water Studies Institute will play a leadership role sustaining the Great Lakes for future generations.

Bey Alejandro, Grand Traverse Academy teacher/coach/trainer | Traverse City I am concerned about the rapid development that Grand Traverse County is experiencing and how it will affect housing for low-mid income families, transportation, road systems, and quality of schools.

Having lived in multiple areas in this country, both rural and metropolitan areas, I understand the effects of population growth, and to be honest, it typically affects communities in a negative way. I feel Traverse City can only grow so much before it gets overpopulated.

Being a person of color, I love seeing the diversity that Traverse City is experiencing; however, with more people, there is always a cost to quality of life for everyone in the community.

Jill Sill, Executive Director of Norte Youth Cycling | Traverse City I am optimistic about our region’s focus on physical activity, social connections, and community as they relate to individual and collective wellness. It is empowering to see families, schools, employers, businesses, and local non-profits working collaboratively.

At Norte Youth Cycling, we are the connector between people and places. We directly benefit from built environments such as TART Trails and Palmer Woods.

These initiatives are enhancing our region and making northern Michigan an appealing place to live and visit. At every turn, there are opportunities to work together, to strengthen social connections, and to build community.

David “DJ” Jones, Executive Director of Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation | Petoskey We live in an incredibly beautiful area, a place where people want to live, work, raise their families, visit, and vacation. Yet the lack of affordable housing options available to our local workforce remains a deep concern in Emmet County and throughout our region. We understand that there is no single solution to the housing crisis—the solutions are varied and equally complex. When I see the growing number of partners, both public and private, that are working to create innovative solutions to our housing crisis, I’m optimistic for the future.

Trevor Tkach, President/CEO Traverse City Tourism | Traverse City My optimism and concern is wrapped into one issue: population growth. We are already recognized as a desirable destination

12 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

by many. More recently we have seen a significant influx of retirees. Further, we are destined to be a destination for many climate migrants. Growth will happen here; we can’t stop it.We need to continue to prepare for it. We must continue to welcome everyone; it’s at the core of who we are. While growth will create challenges, it will also create tremendous opportunity.

Senator John Damoose | Harbor Springs Like so many places throughout our country, northern Michigan is facing some serious challenges that will take years to address—from affordable housing to mental health to building a year-round economy.

But, even in the midst of such struggles, we must take a moment to count our blessings. As long as we remain diligent, northern Michigan will always be a place of respite, where we can take a breath—and a break—from the intensity of life in other parts of our country. Even as we strive to tackle the major issues, let us all derive great comfort from the region we affectionately call “God’s Country.”

Michael Sutherland, Owner of TCTowBoat. com | Traverse City There didn’t seem to be this much whining going on in Traverse City 20, 30, 40 years ago. Owning businesses was fun, and we all helped each other. We have grown into a culture that is more isolated and less communal. Copycat businesses pop up daily, and cutthroat competition for the tourist dollar has become cannibalistic. Leadership at the government level is ill defined as well. It seems to be a CYA culture, where no one wants to lose their job or piss anyone off. We just need to figure out how to silence the whiners and elect government officials willing to put their careers at stake for what made Traverse City so special in the first place.

Casey Cowell, Principal at Boomerang Catapult | Traverse City Over $22 million has already been raised for the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center that will be built at the Discovery Pier campus. This will make Traverse City the go-to for everything freshwater—research, technology, innovation, commercialization, policy. We have top-tier regional academic talent partnering with NMC and its standout water studies faculty, students, and facilities. We can also leverage existing local nonprofit expertise from 20Fathoms and water-focused organizations to attract state, national, and global interest. This is powerful for the future of our own freshwater resources and freshwater systems everywhere, and the innovation and implementation of products and services focused on fresh water can be a huge economic generator for our region.

Julie Clark, TART Trails CEO | Traverse City I’m optimistic about the significant role northern Michigan can play in addressing some of the most pressing challenges we face, including climate change, community health, housing shortages, and long-standing issues of inequity and exclusion. While it’s clear that these complex problems won’t be solved overnight, our region is blessed with an abundance of remarkable individuals and organizations who possess the creativity and capacity for solution-oriented approaches.

If we continue to invest in and prioritize the well-being and sustainability of our community’s physical and social infrastructure, I believe northern Michigan will be a national example of resilient and inclusive communities.

What makes Northern Michigan special to you?

Mark Wilson, Traverse City Commissioner and Owner of New Leonard Media | Traverse City Northern Michigan holds deep significance for me due to its natural beauty, ancestral ties, and my citizenship in the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians. The region’s pristine landscapes, the

fresh water, and lush forests captivate, offering a connection to my ancestors, whose perseverance allowed our children to thrive here today. Kchi-Wiikwedong (around the big bay) is a spiritual homeland, intertwining rich traditions and a strong sense of community. The blend of Anishinaabek heritage with migrated cultures makes northern Michigan unique, embracing the past and present. This place is not just geography but a profound part of my identity.

Benjamin Maier, Artist | Leland Traverse City is truly home. I was born here, got married, started a family here, built a business. I went searching in my 20s to cool places: Aspen, Denver, Maine, Bozeman. I have enjoyed exploring the country and world over the years, but Traverse is just the place. If you get that, you get it; if you don’t, you won’t understand. What makes our area one of a kind has always been the natural beauty, the land, the water. The older I get, it’s also the community, people living intentional lives here, and the willingness for people to come together and support each other.

Kat Paye, CEO of The Festival Foundation | Traverse City What makes northern Michigan a magical place is the outdoors. The trees, trails, and breathtaking West Grand Traverse Bay! The cherry orchards which still produce the best tart and sweet cherries in the region. Our region is known as the Cherry Capital of the World, as it produces 70 percent of the nation’s tart cherries. The peninsulas and the rolling orchards take you into deep trail systems for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring. We have an all-season playground that I am blessed to live and work in daily.

Kevin Rhodes, Artistic Director & Principal Conductor for Traverse Symphony Orchestra | Traverse City In my field of classical music, it is usually a given that one has to be in an urban center to be able to work in our industry. While bigger cities have lots to offer, living in them for many decades can be tiring. The TC area is an incredible anomaly in that it combines unsurpassed natural beauty with a well above average interest in the arts in a community that feels in all the best ways, like a village. This combined with world class eateries and an incredible orchestra (if I do say so myself) makes TC a dream.

Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of Traverse City Light and Power | Traverse City Northern Michigan is more than just a beautiful landscape; it’s a breeding ground for innovation and leadership, especially in clean energy resiliency. I’ve witnessed our region’s capacity to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions. We’re not just creating a cleaner, brighter future for our children here; we’re setting an example that has the potential to influence change worldwide. This synergy of natural beauty, community, and innovative spirit makes northern Michigan truly one of a kind.

Jürgen Griswold, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Board Member (youth representative) | Ellsworth For a 17-year-old boy, northern Michigan is the greatest place to grow up. Its beautiful scenery and water make it into a natural playground and allow a range of activities throughout the seasons. From skiing to golfing to swimming, this part of the state is a great place to be.

On top of this, the small towns located only a few minutes apart create a network of people willing to help each other at any given time. Personally, I would not want to live anywhere else, because right here I can truly experience the meaning of community.

50 VOICES OF THE NORTH

Christine Crissman, Executive Director of The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay | Traverse City Without a doubt, northern Michigan is exceptional because of its healthy waters and natural areas. No where else can you stand at the top of the tallest sand dune in Michigan overlooking one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the world, or paddle 55 miles through 14 interconnected lakes and rivers, or watch thousands of birds take refuge on their migratory journey each spring and fall. The unprecedented magnificence and splendor of our water and land provides limitless opportunities to explore and enjoy the remarkable landscape I am fortunate to call home.

Matthew Kacergis, Executive Director of Great Lakes Center for the Arts | Bay Harbor After first coming Up North as a camper at Interlochen Center for the Arts more than two decades ago, I feel so grateful to be a part of the arts and culture community here.

Artists who come here are inspired by the region’s natural beauty and warm, supportive audiences—and they always want to return. There’s truly no other place on earth like northern Michigan.

Maureen Hautz, Charlevoix County Community Foundation Senior Youth Advisory Council Member | Boyne City Northern Michigan has always been special to me because of the unique childhood I had from living in Boyne City. I’ve always had more freedom living in a small town. After school, I can go skiing at Boyne Mountain, jump in Lake Charlevoix after sports practices, or study at my favorite coffee shop. Northern Michigan has all of my favorite places surrounding my hometown. The life I live in Michigan can be as simple as visiting Lake Leelanau or as fancy as stepping back in time on the porch of the Grand Hotel.

Kevin Kline, CEO Cherry Capital Airport | Traverse City Born and raised in Saginaw, northern Michigan has always been special to me. I joined Cherry Capital Airport in late 2002, moving with my wife and our two sons. Having lived in Grand Rapids, Teterboro, New Jersey, and St. Louis, Missouri, we felt fortunate coming back to our Michigan roots. We welcomed our third son in 2007. We continue to make memories with our families and friends. We enjoy cherry blossoms, cherry picking, bonfires, lake life, apple picking, visiting our vineyards, downhill skiing, ice skating, and fishing. We are fortunate to live and raise a family where we vacationed as children.

Amy Millard, Executive Director of Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce | Mackinaw City Northern Michigan holds a special place in my heart—it’s home. I grew up here, moved away, and then returned after 30 years. Northern Michigan offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. The crystal-clear lakes and miles of shoreline, rolling hills, and fall foliage are beautiful. Outdoor enthusiasts can find an abundance of opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, golfing, boating, fishing, and access to miles of trails. Four distinct seasons make for extraordinary experiences.

And the small-town charm, hospitality, and friendliness of the people give it a strong sense of community spirit.

Jack Baird, Traverse City Central High School Junior | Traverse City Northern Michigan is where I grew up, and I’ve seen many seasons change and enjoyed much of what they have to offer, such as sailing on the inland lakes in the summer or skiing down the snow-covered mountains in the winter. Having the four seasons makes Michigan a true delight to experience. It has a lot to offer, but only if you take advantage of what is there.

Glen Chown, Executive Director of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy | Traverse City Surrounded by 21 percent of the planet earth’s surface freshwater, there is no more beautiful place to live than right here in northern Michigan. We are also blessed with a relatively stable climate compared to other regions. Moreover, our globally-unique fruitbelt agricultural landscape provides us with access to an abundance of fresh, locally grown food by skilled farmers who are our neighbors. I must say that I love living in a community where people don’t take northern Michigan’s beauty for granted and are willing to put their money where their hearts are in protecting our land and water for future generations.

Mary Bevans Gillett, Convener/Director of Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network | Traverse City I love the term “terroir.”

Terroir is the combination of unique characteristics rooted in place that can’t be reproduced elsewhere. Isn’t that what northern Michigan is all about? The natural beauty is breathtaking—but it’s more. It’s the synergy of passions, people, purpose, and place. Whether it’s the arts or business, agriculture or healthcare, food or learning, we come together in a creative dance unique to northern Michigan.

There’s an entrepreneurial spirit here and a willingness to roll up our sleeves together to build community. Infused by nature, powered by people, inspired by creativity and art—that’s our terroir.

our talented kitchen staff creates a week long menu with recipes from each cookbook November 6-12 Sofreh by Nasim Alikhani

A joyous celebration of one of the world’s great cuisines, “to sit at the sofreh” refers to setting the table with a spread of delicious, soul-satisfying Persian food to be shared with family & friends.

December 4-10th Joe Beef: Surviving the Apocalypse

by Frédéric Morin, David McMillan, and Meredith Erickson You'll want to have this book in your kitchen, whether it's the end of the world or not. The second publication from the renowned Joe Beef restaurant in Quebec focuses on doing it yourself & living in style.

January 8-14th Xi’an Famous Foods by Jason Wang

From the iconic noodle shop in New York City, Xi’an Famous Foods transports you to Xi’an’s street markets through Chinatown’s kitchens. Giving us the vibrant flavors of Western China with a dose of humor & drama.

February 5-10th Trullo by Tim Siadatan

A London-based chef presents Italian cuisine with a British twist. Trullo's ambiance is unassuming yet confident, perfect for communal dining.

February 25-March 2nd Traverse City Restaurant Week

Our three-course menu features a carefully curated selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all at an unbeatable value.

April 8-14th Aloha Kitchen by Alana Kysar

A stunning journey through a cuisine that is commonly oversimplified & mischaracterized; the food of Hawaii wears its complex history on its sleeves, showcasing its multi-ethnic representation through its unique cooking.

May 6-12th Anniversary Week

Join us as we celebrate our anniversary with a menu comprised entirely of our favorite Cookbook features from the past 30 years!

229 East Front Street Traverse City, MI 49684 (231)941-8888 www.amical.com Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 13

Bronco Burger Bronco Burger

The Foundry's new Elk Rapids location

DAMMM. GOOD. FOOD. (AND THAT’S A QUOTE) The Foundry expands, with locations in East Jordan and now Elk Rapids

By Geri Dietze The Foundry Craft Grillery celebrated its Elk Rapids opening this summer in the space previously occupied by American House Pizza and, before that, Siren Hall. Here you’ll find upscale bar food in generous portions, with craft cocktails, wine, and brews—all in a no-nonsense industrial environment that creates its own fun, invites lingering, and caters to all ages.

The venue might be new to Elk Rapids, but its sister location in East Jordan has been prospering since 2019. The originallynamed Foundry Bar and Grill was the creation of Andre Bushell and Loren Akerman, two suits who left careers with Fortune 15 companies to put their energies into the restaurant business. (Before coming to EJ, the pair began in Traverse City with a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise, the largest barbecue chain in the nation, headquartered in Texas.)

The 2020 COVID lockdown offered an unexpected, but ultimately valuable, learning curve; by 2023, the Foundry was named Business of the Year by the East Jordan Chamber of Commerce.

The East Jordan venue, in the space previously occupied by Blue Smoke, pays homage to East Jordan Iron Works, the local foundry which dominated the shore of Lake Charlevoix’s south arm since 1883.

To wit: Interiors are industrial with rustic elements along with historical photos and memorabilia reflecting the town’s historic past.

(Now that the foundry, renamed EJ USA, Inc., opened its state-of-the-art greenfield facility just 14 miles away in Elmira, East Jordan finds itself with an enormous stretch

of undeveloped lake frontage and unlimited opportunities. Get ready for your close-up, East Jordan!)

The Name Says It All A name change was in store for the Foundry Bar and Grill as well. It was changed to Foundry Craft Grillery to indicate a seriousness of purpose and a dedication to excellence.

“We decided to put on our big boy pants,” Bushell says of their commitment. “We use the term ‘craft’ consistently, in our drinks, our food, and our guest experiences, [and] we take pride in what we do.”

With the rapid growth and success of the East Jordan venue, Bushell and fiancé Kelsi and Akerman and wife Leah set out to expand the brand. They were joined by another entrepreneurial couple Adam and Nichole Earle, owners of two Firehouse Sub locations in Traverse City and Gaylord, and the group turned their focus to the Foundry Craft Grillery in Elk Rapids.

“It was a great summer and one of our best openings yet,” explains Bushell. He says there were “no problems” in getting the new space up and running or in building staff to upwards of 70 in the high season, 30 in the slower months. Expanded seating accommodates “170, comfortably,” and other upgrades include a garage-style door linking the dog-friendly patio to the rest of the space, industrial and rustic design elements, thought-provoking art, and wall murals painted by Nichole Earle.

From the Kitchen We dare you not to find something to love on this menu. It’s a big, sophisticated spin on the standards, with bold flavors and

14 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Fish Tacos Fish Tacos

ample portions. Of course, house-made is expected, from local, regional, and in-state suppliers.

Pretzel Bites make a great warm starter, with beer cheese for dipping. Garlic Cheese Curds are a big favorite. (“The best” says more than one patron.) Also try the Cod or Pulled Chicken Street Tacos; Pig Iron Fries topped with smoked pulled pork, three cheese sauce and roasted red peppers; or the Molten Beer Cheese Sliders, with roasted jalapeños, caramelized onions, bacon jam, and white cheddar on pretzel buns. And don’t forget the seven variations of chicken wings, one for every day of the week.

Flatbread pizzas, fresh and handcrafted, are the perfect vehicle for toppings from the traditional—like Nothing but the Meat and Margherita—to the inventive BBQ Chicken with smoked bacon and blue cheese

crumbles.

Burgers are crafted from Zeeland’s Michigan Craft Beef. Channel your “inner ironworker” with a burger of the same name, featuring double patties topped with caramelized onion, garlic aioli, cheddar, and bacon. (Bushnell indicates that it is the most popular item on the menu.) But the Bronco looks pretty good too: fresh patty topped with crispy onions, mac and cheese puck, bacon, and house BBQ. For those who are really serious, try the Spicy Jaaam: a halfpound patty with sweet jalapeño bacon jam, hickory smoked bacon, hash browns, and fried egg.

Sandwiches include buttermilk chicken, served two ways; Popeye’s Choice with creamy pesto chicken and white cheddar; and Da Reuben, a gutsy take on the classic with Michigan sourdough piled with corned

Bloody Mary

beef, white cheddar, sauerkraut, and crispy onions smothered with stone-ground Dijon honey mustard.

For dinner, try the Foundry Mac with corkscrew-shaped Cavatappi pasta, three cheese sauce, chicken, smoked bacon, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese crumbles.

Pan-seared Atlantic Salmon with Korean glaze and Chicken and Waffles raise the bar when it comes to comfort food. If you really want the Foundry dinner experience, try the Foundry Poutine, a Canadian-inspired dish—think crispy fries and cheese curds topped with grilled steak and smothered with fresh beef gravy.

Elevated bar offerings are also the standard now, and you can expect the Foundry to take craft to the next level.

Fine selections from close-to-home small brewers, vintners, and distillers, plus the best offerings from the big guns both nationally and internationally, are all in stock.

Foundry craft cocktails change for the seasons; some fall offerings have included the Apple Cider Hot Toddy with Jim Beam, hot cider, lemon, and honey; the Maple Old

Da Reuben

Fashioned, with Three Chord Rye from New York state; and the Drunken Pumpkin, with pumpkin vodka, pumpkin cream, and Kahlua.

Living Up to Their Motto Does that all sound good? We think so— and Foundry patrons do too.

Bushell says the Foundry’s motto, soft expletive included, came about organically.

“We were just in the kitchen, and someone looked at the food and said, ‘That looks damn good,’” explains Bushell. And the phrase has stuck ever since.

Although a number of businesses in Elk Rapids close for the season come wintertime, both Foundry locales will stay open yearround. “Both [places] are awesome, smalltown gems,” Bushell says.

He adds that community is important to the ethos of the Foundry, and the partners are pleased that patrons have been so welcoming. They’re paying it forward for the shoulder season with plenty of activities to entice local customers. In addition to weekday happy hours, musical entertainment, karaoke, and trivia, look for

Korean Glazed Salmon

fundraisers (Toys for Tots, 22-2-NONE for veterans, for example) and other planned events to benefit the communities.

“We’re always looking for ways to give back locally,” Bushell concludes.

Find Foundry Craft Grillery at 151 River St. in Elk Rapids and 101 Main St., Ste. B in East Jordan. foundrycraftgrillery.com

Hand Crafted Cocktails

Pretzel Bites

The Foundry's East Jordan location

Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 15

Amy Shamroe, 2024 Mayoral Candidate

Tom Mair, 2024 Mayoral Candidate

Richard Lewis, Mayor from 2022–2024

Jim Carruthers, Mayor from 2016–2022

MEET THE MAYORS The past, present, and future leaders of Traverse City

By Kiersten Gunsberg and Jillian Manning It’s that time again; the beaches have long been empty, heaters are back in action, and Election Day is soon approaching. This year, Traverse City residents will elect their 91st mayor (fun fact: from 1940-2000, it was the City Commission who chose TC’s mayors) after Mayor Richard Lewis announced in June that he won’t be running for a second term.

On the ballot to fill his spot are former County Commissioner Tom Mair and Mayor Pro Tem Amy Shamroe. Northern Express caught up with the candidates, plus Mayor Lewis and former Mayor Jim Carruthers, to learn about what the role means to them and what it takes to succeed.

Amy Shamroe, 2024 Mayoral Candidate Amy Shamroe describes herself as “Traverse City born and raised.” For the last eight years, she’s served as a City Commissioner, (and as Mayor Pro Tem since 2017), working with the Traverse City community on projects like the redesign of Eighth Street and the completion of the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, which opened last summer.

She says her cumulative experiences are why she’s ready to step into the role of mayor this fall. “We have seen a lot of changes to the composition of the commission over my terms,” says Shamroe. “But I have been proud to offer consistent leadership through them all.”

She notes that her civic accomplishments, which include several years as a Traverse City Light & Power board member, will be especially beneficial as TC gears up for big

changes like the implementation of a fresh master plan and the recent appointment of Elizabeth Vogel, who will take over the City Manager position this January. “Traverse City has a lot of engaged citizens, and having spent years in public service already has allowed me to get to know so many people from many parts of the community and build relationships with them,” says Shamroe.

As for the issues she’s ready to tackle if she’s elected, Shamroe will continue to support the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program that incentivizes developers to build affordable housing in the area, which she acknowledges is lacking.

She’d also support the potential renewal

and what we have for the foreseeable future, and I just don’t see how we can lose it,” explains Shamroe.

No matter what the election brings, Shamroe sees Traverse City as a vibrant contrast to the one she remembers growing up in. “I am amazed at what so many have done to make it the place it is today,” she says, pointing out the growth of local businesses, nonprofits, and arts and culture scenes during the last few decades. “It is a delicate balance, but it creates something magical, and as we go forward we need to protect that magic.”

Tom Mair, 2024 Mayoral Candidate Last fall, Tom Mair shared conversations

“At the end of the day, you know through the dialogue, discourse, joy, disappointments, you help to make your home a better place.”

—Richard Lewis, Mayor of Traverse City

of TIF 97 “if it includes revenue sharing with taxing jurisdictions.” The concept was put in place nearly three decades ago to concentrate funds into improving the downtown district and is set to expire in 2027. Opponents of TIF 97 want to see more money allocated to the general fund so it can be used outside of downtown proper. Still, Shamroe says that without TIF, projects like the recent bridge repairs would have had to come from the general fund anyway. “While I will advocate to those in Lansing for better cost-sharing solutions, this [TIF] is what we have today

16 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

with old and new friends during their annual neighborhood block party. Getting to know his neighbors both near and far from his street’s stop sign—and hearing out their requests for him to throw his hat in the ring this November—is what ultimately motivated this year’s run for mayor.

Mair says his compassion, empathy, and leadership skills make him an excellent candidate. Leading up to this campaign, his experience includes working in counterterrorism, sitting on several local workforce and community committees, including

Networks Northwest, and serving as a Grand Traverse County Commissioner representing TC’s west side.

At the top of his list if he wins the race this November is addressing the city’s increasing demand. “Traverse City is on the map not just for the people who are residents, but really to the entire state of Michigan,” says Mair. “It is a shared gem.”

That’s why a priority of his campaign is upgrading existing infrastructure— especially the city’s water and sewer systems—to match both seasonal and yearround populations. “I am concerned that we are so focused on growth that we have ignored that we are not prepared for further growth until we renovate the infrastructure,” he says.

While Mair supports funding infrastructure upgrades, he’d like to reign in spending by creating fewer contracts between the city and outside consultants, citing the $100,000 Healthier Drinking Culture study as something he, as a resident, “didn’t support spending time and tax dollars on.”

He also doesn’t support the possible renewal of TIF 97. If the city does decide to go forward with the renewal, Mair would advocate for “starting over with a brand new, up-to-date contract.” He also wants Traverse City to “think hard” about the TIF’s original purpose and whether it’s still relevant. As he explains it, “It was to give financial aid to downtown areas that had declining real estate values along with empty storefronts.”

As those real estate values—and rent— are hitting all-time highs, Mair wants to address the city’s housing gap by proposing partnerships with nonprofits to purchase land for housing that could be offered at or below $1,000 per month. For those

who qualify for Michigan State Housing Development Authority housing vouchers, he notes that the out-of-pocket cost would be even less. While Mair says that “truly affordable” housing is an issue that extends far beyond the city limits, “that doesn’t excuse us from not trying harder.”

Richard Lewis, Mayor from 2022–2024 As his two-year term winds down, Mayor Richard Lewis is quick to emphasize that the progress made during his tenure can’t be solely credited to him. It has been, as he puts it, a collective effort by the City Commission and staff along with the county, plus support from community organizations like Traverse Connect, Norte, and Safe Harbor. Together, they’ve “moved the needle further on several fronts.”

Those fronts include approving the construction of a new Senior Center, which broke ground in September. The 18,000-square-foot facility will triple the old space, allowing for more programming and resources like Meals on Wheels.

Mayor Lewis lauds the approval of green policies—like the one passed this summer that requires electricity in all new city buildings and renovations to be powered by renewable resources—as a meaningful step towards carbon neutrality goals. He adds that another highlight was working alongside the city to adopt a PILOT ordinance to provide

more affordable, attainable, and workforce housing options.

Still, like many in the city limits, Mayor Lewis acknowledges that addressing the challenges faced by the city’s unhoused population is an ongoing priority “where we have lots of work left.”

While he reflects on the steps made during his term, he hopes that as city voters elect a new mayor, they’ll also vote “yes” on Prop 1. The proposal would allow the use of Brown Bridge Trust Fund money to go towards the purchase—and protection—of over 500 acres adjacent to Brown Bridge Quiet Area.

As for his successor, Mayor Lewis encourages them to treat everyone, especially during commission meetings, with “respect, dignity, patience, and charity,” even in moments of disagreement. As a reminder, he emphasizes that each City Commissioner holds equal status, with the mayor serving as a facilitator of meetings rather than a singular authority.

Ultimately, he hopes the next mayor will find joy in their role, recognizing that the collective effort of the commission will shape the future of Traverse City. Of the role, he concludes, “At the end of the day, you know through the dialogue, discourse, joy, disappointments, you help to make your home a better place.”

Jim Carruthers, Mayor from 2016–2022 Before Richard Lewis took office in 2022, Jim Carruthers had held the office for three terms (six years) and had served on various city boards for over two decades.

Though he opted not to run in 2021, that doesn’t mean he’s lost touch with local politics. “I have people every day who are pushing me to run again, to get back involved,” Carruthers admits. While that’s not in the cards, he’s able to call upon a wealth of experience when it comes to giving advice for this November’s candidates.

“You have to engage,” he says. “You have to be willing to listen. You have to be able to go out of your comfort zone on many levels and deal with folks. You’re the spokesperson for Traverse City—you need to step up and be there and shake the hands and hug the babies and all that kind of stuff. But you also have to be there on the main stage, advocating for Traverse City…”

Carruthers notes that the job is a nonpartisan position and that the mayor has to hold to that, especially where polaropposite politics come into play. “I had plenty of people come up to me during my tenure saying, ‘We don’t agree on the national level politics, but locally, we really appreciate what you’re doing.’”

Speaking of that tenure, Carruthers says he’s most proud of the work he did around climate change during his time in office.

“[We are] building a much better outlook for our climate crisis by making Traverse City a 100 percent renewable energy city, building more solar and wind,” he says. “We need to change our ways and habits of how we live and generate power to be more green and show communities that it can be done. We can actually be the innovators and leaders in the effort nationwide and worldwide.”

As for the biggest issues the next mayor will have to tackle? Carruthers points to managing the city’s sewer systems and stormwater runoff, building stronger relationships with the Grand Traverse County Commission, and affordable housing as his top concerns.

He also hopes whoever wins the election is committed to listening to city residents about issues big and small.

“The commissions that I was involved with, we really supported the public coming in and communicating with us,” Carruthers says. “I’m not saying this commission doesn’t, but I think a lot of people feel blocked out. … You have to be open minded to all the citizens.”

To learn more about the upcoming mayoral election in Traverse City, visit traversecitymi. gov/government/elections/elections.html or contact the City Clerk's office.

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Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 17

"TOGETHER, WE CAN BE REALLY POWERFUL" Leelanau County’s LIFT offers safe spaces, outdoor activities, and connection points for local teens

long workshop to make fun beverages with baristas.

Other day trips saw LIFT teens attending the Wheatland Festival in Remus and the ArtPrize Festival in Grand Rapids.

Sometimes, the events are centered around an activity, like a beach day where teens could get out on the water with clear-bottom kayaks, paddleboards, and hydrobikes.

High school students on a field trip to learn about the Native American and Indigenous Studies program at Central Michigan University.

Middle school students making smoothies.

By Ren Brabenec What started as a humble effort to create a safe space for teens in Leelanau has become a county-wide movement.

Leelanau Investing For Teens (LIFT) is an organization whose mission is “dedicated to empowering local youth to discover their strengths by investing in their evolution, autonomy, and character.” From its soft launch in 2014 at the home of founder Rebekah TenBrink to its official founding in 2017 to its far-reaching impact today, the organization has touched the lives of over 1,000 middle and high school students.

Throughout the expansion, the underlying theme has always been to bring teens in, give them a safe space for fun and meaningful activities outside of school and home life, and provide them with mentors, friends, and allies.

“We advocate for Leelanau’s youth by providing programming that’s both fun and educational,” says TenBrink. “Sometimes it’s

A poster at one of LIFT’s suicide awareness events.

a rock climbing excursion, other times it’s a beach trip. Sometimes it’s bringing mentors in for life skills sessions, arts, cooking, or tutoring. Sometimes, it’s just being someone the teens can talk to.”

Then Versus Now As a free out-of-school program for 6th through 12th graders, LIFT has grown since 2017 to provide daily activities for middle schoolers at Suttons Bay, Northport, and Glen Lake schools all year. For high school teens, LIFT meets them where they are, assisting with homework, chaperoning field trips, helping to host school socials, organizing weekend events, and checking in with teens at school.

2017 wasn’t that long ago, but a lot has changed on a societal level since then, and LIFT aims to support teens with whatever they need. “LIFT has shifted and grown a lot in recent years,” says TenBrink. “In the beginning we just wanted to create a safe space for students where they could interact

18 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

with other teens and adults, where they could engage in fun, safe, and meaningful activities.”

The organization has taken on a new role in Leelanau seven years later, TenBrink says.

“Now it’s more of a community movement. We have adults from across the county who volunteer. We interact with middle and high school students in school, after school, and throughout the summer. Sectors of the county now have permanent programming for teens, and we aim to take that permanency county-wide in the coming years.”

As an example of that lasting impact, 2023 marked the second summer LIFT was able to provide full-time, five-days-perweek programming for teens, including transportation from teens’ homes to scheduled activities and then back home at the end of the day.

Supported by the Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce, activities included day trips, like taking students to the coffee side of Leelanau Distillery & Coffee Shop for a day-

Putting Students First Much of LIFT’s programming includes student-led initiatives centered around what students say they need most from the organization. Olli Craker, a 17-year-old senior at Suttons Bay High, has been with LIFT for over a year, citing the community support offered by the organization as her main reason for becoming so involved.

“I love that I can interact with other people my age and go do activities I wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to do,” says Olli, noting the rock climbing, skiing, paintballing, and MMA training she’s gotten to do through the program. “I’ve also made friendships I wouldn’t have made without LIFT,” she says.

Those are no small feats. Gen Z is often called “the loneliest generation,” with 73 percent feeling lonely sometimes or always, according to a Cigna survey. Mental health concerns are at the forefront for this generation, as are negative side effects of too much time on social media.

Olli sees those issues and others up close and says she worries for her peers in a modern landscape rife with incentives for unhealthy habits and patterns.

“Teens are very susceptible to influence, so it’s important to ensure that influence is positive, not negative,” she says. “Too many of my peers are influenced to use drugs, vape, and engage in other activities that are bad for them. But LIFT provides an alternative, a positive influence and a safe place that can put students on better, healthier paths.”

Olli plans to attend Western Michigan University for graphic design and acting after graduation, but until then, she’s happy to spend her free time with her LIFT community. “I enjoy every moment I’m there with them,” she says.

Lilly Gmoser-Duhamel, a 12-year-old student at Northport, got involved with LIFT programming one year ago after having lunch with Alana Slanec, LIFT’s Northport Program Coordinator.

“I have met new friends and had new experiences that I never would have had without LIFT,” says Lilly. “Some things I have most enjoyed were the end of the school year party when we played volleyball.”

Like Olli, Lilly also thinks about kids her age who don’t have the support they need to cope with unhealthy circumstances.

“There’s too much technology in our faces,” Lilly says. “And there are some households where kids don’t feel safe.

But LIFT gets kids outside and into new experiences they wouldn’t experience otherwise. We’re not zoning out in front of our phones when we’re doing something with LIFT.” Creating a Bright Future On the surface, the events and activities hosted by LIFT are fun, engaging, healthy

Founder Bekah TenBrink with three LIFT participants.

Your Northern Michigan

Connection

activities for Leelanau’s youth. But there’s also a deeper meaning behind the programming.

“Our students often come to us with what’s on their mind, leaning on LIFT staff for whatever they need support with,” says TenBrink. “We’re not their parents, and we’re not their teachers. That makes a difference.

Our students have our confidence, which means we sometimes hear firsthand what’s going on in their lives.”

LIFT trains each volunteer, mentor, and staff member to show up for teens, even when life at school or home is challenging.

“We’re trained to listen and support teens first and foremost,” says TenBrink. “But we also know where to send students for help during especially hard times.”

As the organization expands, more volunteers are needed, and TenBrink encourages folks in the county to sign up, whether they have a specific skill or can just help out with chaperoning events. And if you happen to be a safe driver, all the better.

“A critical roadblock right now is transportation,” TenBrink explains.

“Leelanau’s rural nature means many teens simply don’t have a way to get to our events, meetings, or after-school sessions. We have one vehicle that seats seven teens, and volunteers do show up for us to provide transportation, but as we expand across the county, we need help with vehicles and volunteer drivers to ensure the simple act of getting to an activity or event is not what’s preventing a teen from being involved.”

Still, TenBrink feels all those growing pains are just a sign of big things to come.

And while today’s LIFT programming and needs look quite different from 2014’s afternoon pizza parties at the TenBrink house, the message and mission are the same.

“There’s a continued understanding and realization of the importance of working together for our youth,” TenBrink tells us. “Together, we can be really powerful.

Positive change in the community is very real, but we all have to work together. It’s about showing up for students every day and putting in the work to ensure their future is a bright one. It’s our future too, after all. And we have to create it together.”

Lilly Gmoser-Duhamel

Cherry Capital Airport tvcairport.com

It’s Time For You To Fly!

Olli Craker

Learn more at liftyouthsb.com.

Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 19

ADVERTISEMENT

Northern Michigan waterways benefit from projects led

by GVSU students and grads

Michele Coffill

“They used burlap instead of the plastic sheet because burlap naturally degrades over time,” he said. “They will test to see if it eliminates EWM and fosters a natural plant community.”

Grand Valley State University graduates and students are making significant strides in improving the health of Lake Leelanau and conducting pivotal tests on the Boardman River to explore the possibility of reintroducing a fish species.

Grand Valley State University

At the Boardman River, another project is underway, led by Dan Mays, a Grand Valley graduate and lead biologist for the tribe. Mays is investigating the suitability of water conditions for the possible reintroduction of the Artic Grayling. “Dan is eager to work with AWRI on this and other special projects.

It’s a great association to have that connection,” Luttenton said. Nick Vander Stelt worked on the study as a GVSU student and now also works for the tribe.

There are more possibilities for students to work on water projects in northern Michigan, according to Mark Luttenton, interim director of GVSU’s Annis Water Research Institute, located in Muskegon.

“We have good connections between Grand Valley and the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College,” Luttenton said.

“This creates great potential and extraordinary opportunities for students to witness the whole ecology of the Great Lakes system.”

Additionally, AWRI is exploring the idea of bringing one its research vessels north to Traverse City in the summer, for K-12 educational trips and broadening the scope of their educational outreach.

For more information about these projects and the collaborative efforts of Grand Valley State University in northern Michigan, please visit gvsu.edu/traverse.

One noteworthy endeavor involves Grand Valley graduate student Anna Briem, who has been involved in data collection at Lake Leelanau. These efforts aim to enhance our understanding of the effectiveness of a new method to control Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), an invasive plant species.

Nick Vander Stelt conducts research on the Boardman River to see if it would be conducive to reintroduce the Grayling. It’s among the collaborative projects with partners GVSU and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

GVSU Traverse City Regional Center will host the Forum of Northern Michigan on November 30th, which includes a screening of the GVSU documentary, “Climate SISU”. More information is found online at gvsu.edu/traverse.

S! S E

O

UR

REC

Luttenton said this project, sponsored by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Lake Leelanau Lake Association, involved placing a sheet of burlap on the lake’s bottom to see if it prevents EWM.

Upcoming Event

Y HAPP

H

Join us at Traverse City Golf Performance Center for an indoor golf happy hour!

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1, 5-7PM 6270 Secor Road

Beer and wine provided by Farm Club and Mawby. Appetizers from Folgarelli’s.

Closest to the pin and longest drive contests. $10 entry ENTER TO WIN: 1 year TC GOlf Performance Center membership $299 value Putter from Detroit Putter Company and more!

20 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Recess is brought to you by

oct 28

Saturday

15TH ANNUAL TC ZOMBIE 5K RUN: 9am, Right Brain Brewery, TC. Walk, creep, crawl. Costume prizes, music, post-race refreshments & more. Benefits T.A.R.T Trails. $35-$25. events.bytepro.net/ZombieRun-5KWalkRun ----------------------------LAKE ANN UMC CRAFT SHOW: 9am-3pm, Lake Ann United Methodist Community Center. Bake sale & bazaar, silent auction, knit & crocheted items, stained glass, jewelry, baby items, Petoskey stones, Leland Blue stones & much more. Free. lakeannumc. com/about-5-1 ----------------------------SKI SWAP BENEFITS LOCAL SKI TEAMS: 9am-2pm, Crystal Mountain, Mountain View in Lodge, Thompsonville. Sell or buy used skis, boots, snowboards, poles, helmets, goggles & bikes. Also accepting clean & lightly used ski & snowboard outerwear. 25% of the proceeds benefit local high school ski teams (& their co-ops) & the Crystal Community Ski Club. Drop off your equipment on Thurs. & Fri., Oct. 26-27 from 9am-3pm at the lower level of the Crystal Center, or Fri., Oct. 27 from 1-8pm at Mountain View (in Lodge). Unsold equipment must be picked up after the sale from 2-4pm. crystalmountain.com/event/ski-swap ----------------------------DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY TRICK OR TREATING & PARADE: 10am-12pm, Downtown Petoskey. Line up at Central Elementary School beginning at 9:45am. The parade will start at 10am & march from Central Elementary down Howard St. to Pennsylvania Park in downtown Petoskey. The streets will be closed for the Trick or Treat.

----------------------------DOWNTOWN TC HALLOWEEN WALK: 10am-11:30am, Downtown TC. Participating stores throughout the Downtown district will be handing out candy. This includes the 100, 200 & 300 block of Front Street as well as friends on State Street including Formative Fitness, Kultura Group, Playa Bowls, & Lilies of the Alley. Keep an eye out for Old Town Playhouse at the J. Smith Walkway between Kilwins & Pangeas and Live Well Acupuncture & Massage in front of Chase Bank. downtowntc.com/downtown-halloween-walk ----------------------------HALLOWEEN FOR ALL: 10am-1pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Join Dennos Museum & Arts for All for a sensory-friendly Halloween event. Free. Dennosmuseum.org/Events ----------------------------MICHIGAN LEGENDS & LORE: 10am, Bellaire Public Library. Storyteller Jen Strauss will present this program with time afterwards for participants to learn how to write their own personal stories. Register online. Free. bellairelibrary.org ----------------------------OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in art for all ages. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/openstudio-october-28 ----------------------------VOLUNTEER TREE PLANTING: 10am2pm, Brown Bridge Quiet Area, TC. Help improve local habitat by joining GTCD staff in planting native seedlings. Volunteer tree planting will occur on two days: Fri., Oct. 27 & Sat., Oct. 28 from 10am-2pm. A limited amount of extra shovels will be available; bring your own if possible. Meet at the Brown Bridge Quiet Area Canoe Landing Parking area. The planting areas are a short walk (up to ten minutes) from the trailhead. Please register. Free. natureiscalling.org/events ----------------------------NOT SO SPOOKY STORY TIME: 10:30am,

Benzie Shores District Library, Frankfort.

Children, toddlers & their caregivers are invited to join for a special story time with bats, ghosts & monsters. Miss Kaitlin will share her favorite hallo-reads & a spooky craft.

Costumes encouraged. Free. benzieshoreslibrary.org ----------------------------COMMUNITY ART PROJECT: 12pm-2pm, Betsie Valley District Library, Benzonia. Celebrate the completion of BVDL’s Community Art Project, Fall In. Local artist Marie Wohadlo designed the “Fodomosaic” Fall In, a colorby-number mural project that the community helped complete. There will also be another project that you can work on & help create.

Free. betsievalleydistrictlibrary.org/newsevents/community-art-project-open-house ----------------------------FALL FIDO FEST: 1pm-4pm, The Village at GT Commons, Historic Front Lawn, TC. Enjoy shopping & dog-friendly activities including a pet costume contest, dog agility course, & more. Hosted by The Village TC & Contigo Dogs. Free.

----------------------------FESTIVAL OF STORIES - GARY & JACKIE - OLD TIME MUSIC: 1pm, Bellaire Public Library. Enjoy a combination of classic & original folk songs that bring you humor, personal stories, insights & audience participation.

Free.

----------------------------IN-STORE BOOK SIGNING & READING: 1pm-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. With Scott J. Couturier, author of “I Awaken in October” & “The Box.” horizonbooks.com ----------------------------2ND ANNUAL LITTLE MONSTER BASH: 2pm-6pm, The Ellison Place, Gaylord. Kids get to pick out a pumpkin, & enjoy indoor trick or treating, a petting zoo, cider & doughnuts, a costume contest & games. $5. eventbrite. com/e/the-little-monsters-bash-2-6pm-the21-monsters-bash-8pm-12am-tickets715541252147?fbclid=IwAR1jrjxg7rb401pKtGr2Snn3eGv6XjQG9KSVav5OOUOdc8gqne9dxN8jrkA ----------------------------HALLOWEEN AT IPL: 2pm-4pm, Interlochen Public Library. Enjoy spooky fun, crafts & ghostly goodies. Dress up is encouraged. 231-276-6767.

Free.

----------------------------THE SHINING - BOOK TO BIG SCREEN: 3pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Free showing of the movie “The Shining.” Part of the Friends of Benzie Shores District Library’s Book to Big Screen program. Read the book by Stephen King & then watch the screening of Stanley Kubrick’s film based on the book. benzieshoreslibrary.org ----------------------------CEDAR TRUNK OR TREAT & COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN MOVIE: 5pm, Downtown Cedar. Head to downtown Cedar for a trunk or treat & then to the Solon Township Hall to watch “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” 231-499-5980. Free.

----------------------------I LOVE THE ‘80S TO DEATH MURDER MYSTERY DINNER: 6PM-10PM, GT RESORT & SPA, ACME. Dress for the ‘80s & join fellow detectives & suspects in solving a thrilling murder mystery set in the ‘80s. Your dinner will be inspired by flavors of the ‘80s as the menu takes you back in time. $125. eventbrite.com ----------------------------“STEEL MAGNOLIAS”: 7pm, Cadillac Elks Club. Join the women of Chinquapin, Louisiana, at Truvy’s Salon, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. $11. cadillacfootliters.com/tickets ----------------------------STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT: 7pm, The Boathouse on Lake Charlevoix, East Jordan. Enjoy laughter with TC’s Funny Lady, Marti Johnson, along with Chris Young, Detroit’s “That’s Funny” Comedian. General

Oct/Nov

28-05 send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

More than 5,400 men and women as well as 300 children in 77 age divisions will take part in the Bell’s Iceman Cometh events on Sat., Nov. 4. The main event, the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge, is around a 30-mile point-to-point cross-country mountain bike race from Kalkaska (starts at Kalkaska Airport) to TC. Additionally, the Meijer Slush Cup and Sno-Cone events (starting at Timber Ridge Resort) add an 8-mile course for beginning riders as well as a race for children 10 and under. $0-$125. The SRAM Ice Cycle EXPO is held on Fri., Nov. 3 at the GT Resort. For more info, visit iceman.com.

admission & VIP ticket options. Stigg’s BBQ available for purchase along with Cellar 1914 wine & local beer options. $25. eventbrite.com/e/stand-up-comedy-night-tickets728574785797?utm_experiment=control_ share_listing&aff=ebdsshios ----------------------------THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. A cast of 15 power-house vocalists featuring songs by The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson & more. $57-$64. cityoperahouse.org/ node/528 ----------------------------THRILLER NIGHT HAUNTED CORN MAZE: 7pm-9pm, Jacob’s Farm, TC. Jacob will release creatures from the barn to take over his maze. Arrive by 7pm to see the release.

Bring flashlights. Spooky but kid-friendly. $20 + fee. jacobsfarmtc.com/livemusic ----------------------------INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION DAY: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, DeRoy Center for Film Studies. Presented by the Film and New Media Division. This is a unique showing of animation available only for this screening. See films from Australia, China, Iran, India & the United States in celebration of International Animation Day. Free. interlochen.org/events/international-animation-day-2023-10-28 ----------------------------MARIAN OR THE TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. A gender-bending, patriarchy-smashing, hilarious new take on the classic tale. This is an adult play with adult situations & language. $23. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/ pop-up-studio-theatre/marian.html ----------------------------HALLOWEEN EVENT - 21+ MONSTER BASH: 8pm, The Ellison Place, Gaylord.

Costume contest, DJ, full bar/signature cocktails. Pre sale tickets available at Johnson Oil Office & Jim Wernig. $10. eventbrite. com/e/the-little-monsters-bash-2-6pmthe-21-monsters-bash-8pm-12am-tickets715541252147?fbclid=IwAR1jrjxg7rb401pKtGr2Snn3eGv6XjQG9KSVav5OOUOdc8gqne9dxN8jrkA

oct 29

Sunday

BOO AT THE BARN: 12pm-3pm, Sea2stableINC, 6477 E. Hillside Dr., Cedar.

Hosted by Sea2StableINC. Compete in the costume contest, check out the horses in their costumes, learn about the organization via horse presentations, enjoy pumpkin painting, a cornhole tournament & much more. Free. sea2stable.com ----------------------------“STEEL MAGNOLIAS”: 2pm, Cadillac Elks Club. Join the women of Chinquapin, Louisiana, at Truvy’s Salon, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. $11. cadillacfootliters.com/tickets ----------------------------MARIAN OR THE TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD: 2pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. A gender-bending, patriarchy-smashing, hilarious new take on the classic tale. This is an adult play with adult situations & language. $23. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/ pop-up-studio-theatre/marian.html ----------------------------SPOOKY TRICK-OR-TREAT WALK: 2pm5pm, Ghost Farm, 5010 Pierce Rd., Kingsley.

For young ghouls & goblins. Family-friendly fun. Cash only at gate. $6. hauntedtraverse. com/spookywalk ----------------------------TRUNK-OR-TREAT: 4pm-5:30pm, Faith Reformed Church, TC. Go to the back parking lot for candy, games, popcorn, & a petting zoo. Wear a costume & bring something for collecting candy. No alcohol, weapons, or pets on the premises for everyone’s safety.

947-7082. Free. facebook.com/events/29 5373953433262/?acontext=%7B%22eve nt_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 21

NUTRITION

CHIROPRACTIC

COLD LASER

Welcoming New Patients for In-person & Telehealth Visits Our mission at Authentic Health is to facilitate healing by serving the whole person nutritionally, structurally, and energetically, using nutritional therapy, chiropractic care, and cold laser.

DR. JILL BALLA, D.C. AuthenticHealthLLC.com

231-633-9393 Dr. Jill Balla is a highly qualified chiropractor with a passion for therapeutic nutrition.

22 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

oct 30

monday

oct 31

tuesday

TOT HALLOWEEN PARADE: 11am, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Bring your tots in costume!

The parade route winds around the inside of the library, & each department will have a table along the way with tricks & treats. Free. tadl.org/events ----------------------------AUTHOR EVENT & WRITING WORKSHOP: 11:30am, NCMC Library, Petoskey.

Featuring Shaelynn Long, author of “Fury’s Fate,” an urban fantasy novel. Shaelynn is also a current English instructor at NCMC. Lunch provided. Pre-register. ncmich.libcal. com/calendar/library/furysfate ----------------------------NE MICHIGAN LOCAL MEET-UPS FALL SERIES: 5pm-7pm, C.R.A.V.E., Gaylord.

Held in collaboration with Gaylord’s Remote Worker Meetup. Free appetizers. Make new connections & win some swag. Free. northeastmichigan.org/get-connected/local-meetups-fall-series.html

BOO ART FEST: 9:30am4:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Drop-in for a variety of Halloweenthemed projects aimed at artists aged 2-10 including mask making, gourd monster crafting, & window painting.

Reserve your spot. Free with Museum admission. greatlakeskids.org ----------------------------DOWNTOWN HARBOR SPRINGS TRICK OR TREATING: 1pm, Downtown Harbor Springs. Visit your local businesses on Main St. following the school parade for trick or treating.

----------------------------TECH TUESDAY - CYBER SECURITY: 3pm, Glen Lake Library, Empire. Learn how to best manage the many security risks present in our daily digital routines. Steve Stanton of Leelanau Computer Repair will present an overview of best practices: detecting & avoiding email scams, preventing viruses & malware, password protections, & more. Free. glenlakelibrary.net ----------------------------ELLSWORTH TRUNK OR TREAT: 5pm6:30pm, Ellsworth Community Park. The Ellsworth Farmer’s Exchange will be providing a hay-ride to the Fire Hall where a haunted house awaits. The Banks Township Fire Department will be passing out fire protection items to parents & candy to kids. Local churches, organizations & businesses will be providing activities & displays under the heated pavilion. There will also be pumpkin painting, a photo booth, music, games & more.

----------------------------MACKINAW CITY TRUNK OR TREAT: 5pm-7pm, Old School Park, Mackinaw City.

----------------------------SALVATION ARMY HARVEST TRUNKA-TREAT: 5pm-8pm, The Salvation Army Traverse City. Games, treats, food & prizes.

Come as you are or as your favorite character. Free. centralusa.salvationarmy.org/ traversecity/events/harvest-trunk-a-treatevening-of-family-fun-october-31-at-the-salvation-army ----------------------------TRICK OR TREATING IN DOWNTOWN GAYLORD: 5pm-7pm, Downtown Gaylord.

NOV 01

wednesday

NOV 02

thursday

DAY OF THE DEAD: 6:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. PCL staff member Cruz Paniagua shares stories & customs of her Mexican heritage. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org ----------------------------INTERLOCHEN WOMAN’S CLUB MEETING: 11am, Interlochen Public Library. Fred Goldberg from Senior Benefits Solutions will speak on changes in Medicare. Business meeting at 11am; luncheon (provided) at noon; program at 12:30pm. Free.

----------------------------“MAKE IT FOR THE HOLIDAYS”: 2pm, Disability Network Northern Michigan, TC. Enjoy making a snow globe. Register. disabilitynetwork.org/events/make-it-for-the-holidays-inperson-and-zoom ----------------------------NOVEMBER RECESS: 5-7pm, TC Golf Performance Center. After-work happy hour for adults. Drinks, food, prizes & networking. Attendees will be able to test their swing & try their hand at TCGPC’s golf simulators. Catering by Folgarelli’s Market, beer from Farm Club, & wine from Mawby. Win prizes for games Closest to the Pin & Longest Drive.

Door prizes include a flex performance membership to TCGPC, Antrim Dells free green fee, “Grand River” putter from Detroit Putter Company, & a golf course map designed by local artist Tyler Moss. $10. traverseticker. com/recess ----------------------------PETOSKEY FREE FILM SERIES: 7pm, Carnegie Building, Petoskey. Featuring “A Nightmare Before Christmas.”

----------------------------AN EVENING WITH ANIMATOR & SHOW CREATOR JULIA POTT: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, DeRoy Center for Film Studies. This creator of the hit animated series Summer Camp Island will share her work & career in a live Q&A about her experiences in the animation industry, including her time as a writer on Adventure Time. Free. interlochen.org/events/evening-animator-andshow-creator-julia-pott-2023-11-01

SHARED ABUNDANCE: 6:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Jeff Smith & other staff from Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities will discuss the book that highlights the importance of locally grown food. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org ----------------------------NMCAA’S LAUNDRY PROJECT: 8:3011:30am, TC Laundry, Garfield Plaza, TC. Free laundry service for those in need. Call 947-3780 with questions.

----------------------------COFFEE @ 10, PETOSKEY: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey.

This lecture is focused on the fall exhibition “Art + Place + Community: 10 Years of Good Hart Artist Residency (GHAR).” Sue Klco, cofounder of GHAR will discuss her experience hosting creative people & connecting them with the community through partnerships with area non-profits such as Crooked Tree Arts Center. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-petoskey/coffee-10-sue-klco-good-hartartist-residency ----------------------------POLLINATE 2023 CONFERENCE: 10am3pm, Chateau Chantal Winery & Vineyard, TC. Join GTCD & partners from across the state for Pollinate 2023, an inclusive conference for women & non-binary professionals

in agriculture & natural resource conservation. Featuring guest speakers followed by networking sessions & a site-specific tour.

Register. $25 for each date. natureiscalling. org/events ----------------------------CWIB LUNCHEON - WOMEN’S BUSINESS SHOWCASE: 11:30am-1:30pm, Grand Unity Event Center, Petoskey. Featuring up to 30 women owned or women led businesses.

Includes a buffet lunch from Sweetwater Catering. $35 CWIB members; $40 all others. petoskeychamber.com/events/details/ cwib-luncheon-november-2-2023-women-sbusiness-showcase-30179 ----------------------------MAKE IT BENZIE - CHAMBER OFF THE CLOCK NETWORKING: 5-7pm, Iron Fish Distillery, Thompsonville. Enjoy craft cocktails, a tour of the new facilities, raffles, an update on Chamber operations, & more.

Register. $5. business.benzie.org/events/ details/benzie-area-chamber-off-the-clockevent-16453 ----------------------------GT SKI CLUB ANNUAL FALL BENEFIT DINNER: 6-10pm, Jacob’s Farm, TC. Dinner, silent auction, cash bar & more. $95/ticket. gtskiclub.org ----------------------------OTSEGO COUNTY UNITED WAY - POWER OF THE PURSE: 6-10pm, Big Buck Brewery, Gaylord. GA: $60. otsegounitedway.org/ power-of-the-purse ----------------------------“STEEL MAGNOLIAS”: (See Sat., Oct. 28) ----------------------------2023 INTERLOCHEN ANIMATED TV PITCH COMPETITION: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Dendrinos Chapel & Recital Hall.

Students from across disciplines at Interlochen Center For the Arts compete live on stage before a panel of industry judges for the honor of best animated TV show pitch. Free. interlochen.org/events/2023-interlochen-animated-tv-pitch-competition-2023-11-02

NOV 03

friday

24TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY ARTIST MARKET: 9am4pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Discover a unique variety of artful gifts in a festive marketplace. 30 artists will have work on display in the Museum’s Sculpture Court & Milliken Auditorium Lobby. Free admission. shop.dennosmuseum.org/2023-holiday-artist-market ----------------------------FRIENDS OF TADL FALL BOOK SALE: 9am-6pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Browse thousands of quality used books.

Half-off for friends of the library all weekend; membership sign up available on site. Free. tadl.org/friends ----------------------------PETOSKEY RESTAURANT WEEK: Nov. 3-12. Enjoy special pricing & specials from area restaurants with some establishments offering two for one pricing. petoskeychamber.com/petoskey-restaurant-week ----------------------------LUNCHEON LECTURE: “HABITAT FOR HUMANITY”: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. Executive Director Sarah Ulrich & Senior Development Officer Kyle Ulrich will talk about how Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity is tackling the issue of affordable home ownership. Register. $15; includes a buffet lunch. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5392145 ----------------------------VEGMICHIGAN - TC – NOV. MONTHLY MEETUP: 1pm, Oryana, Tenth St., TC. Sampling of Seasonal Sweets: Oryana offers an array of home baked, vegan cookies, cakes,

& pies. Sample the many vegan baked goods available through this local grocery co-op.

Free. meetup.com/traverse-city-vegmichigan-meetup/events/296722015/?utm_ medium=referral&utm_campaign=sharebtn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_ source=link ----------------------------FAMILY FUN DAY WITH LEGOS: Suttons Bay Bingham District Library. Drop by the library between 3:30-5:30pm for fun with Legos.

There will be lots of Legos to build with & some Lego activities. Snacks will be provided. Your creations will also be displayed in the library. Free. sbbdl.org ----------------------------LEELANAU CONSERVATION DISTRICT’S ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER: 6:30-9pm, The Leland Lodge. Buffet dinner, silent auction, presentation from Lake Leelanau Lake Association on Eurasian watermilfoil control, & more. $30. leelanaucd.org ----------------------------“STEEL MAGNOLIAS”: (See Sat., Oct. 28) ----------------------------“NETWORK”: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Harvey Theatre. After learning that he is about to be fired for low ratings, longtime UBS anchor Howard Beale launches into an irate on-air rant. Beale’s tirade earns him a popular & successful new career as the “angry prophet of the airwaves.”

Based on the 1976 Academy Award-winning film of the same name. $24 adult; $19 child through college. interlochen.org/events/network-2023-11-03 ----------------------------JERSEY NIGHTS: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. A Night Celebrating Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. This high-energy group brings hits “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” “Let’s Hang On,” “Oh What a Night” & more. $45$64. cityoperahouse.org/node/544 ----------------------------MARIAN OR THE TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD: (See Sat., Oct. 28)

NOV 04

Saturday

ICEMAN COMETH CHALLENGE: Over 5,400 men & women as well as 300 children in 77 age divisions will take part in the Bell’s Iceman Cometh events. The main event, the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge, is around a 30mile point-to-point cross-country mountain bike race from Kalkaska (starts at Kalkaska Airport) to TC. Additionally, the Meijer Slush Cup & Sno-Cone events (starting at Timber Ridge Resort) add an 8-mile course for beginning riders as well as a race for children 10 & under. $0-$125. The SRAM Ice Cycle EXPO is held on Fri., Nov. 3 at the GT Resort. For more info, visit iceman.com.

----------------------------24TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY ARTIST MARKET: 9am-4pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Discover a unique variety of artful gifts in a festive marketplace. 30 artists will have work on display in the Museum’s Sculpture Court & Milliken Auditorium Lobby. Free admission. shop.dennosmuseum.org/2023holiday-artist-market ----------------------------ART & CRAFT SHOW: 9am-3pm, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, TC. Featuring dozens of local artists & crafters with original, handmade goods. Includes woodwork, jewelry, watercolor, fine art, maple syrup, needlework, wool work, baby items, sewing, crochet goods, dog items, & much more. There will also be a silent auction. bethlehemtc.org/artand-craft-show

FEATURING

Katie Smith FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 • 7:30 PM

$25 ADV $30 DOOR

HELLO DARKNESS MY OLD FRIEND A TRIBUTE TO THE END OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

A.S. LUTES • METAL BUBBLE TRIO • HEARTH & HYMN SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 • 7 PM • $18 ADV / $25 DOOR

E HAV WE NDAY 0 U T1 S L NF T & BIG E RK TICK ETWO N

TUE

S 7–9 TRIVI PM A

TO-GO ORDERS AVAILALBLE 231-252-4157

Sun-Tues: noon-10pm (closed Wed) Thurs: 4-10pm • Fri-Sat: noon-11pm Kitchen open until 9pm Sun-Thurs and 10pm on Fri & Sat

DRINK SPECIALS (3-6 Monday-Friday):

$2 well drinks, $2 domestic drafts, $2.50 domestic bottles, $5 Hornitos margarita SUNDAY - $6 Ketel One Bloody Mary & $4 Mimosas

DAILY FOOD SPECIALS (3-6pm):

Mon- $1 chips and salsa Tues- $1 enchiladas Thurs - $5 fried veggies Fri - $5 hot pretzels w/ beer cheese

221 E State St. - downtown TC

cajun. low country. steak.

it’s fine. open 7 days • 11:30 am - 9:00 pm sunday brunch • 10:00 am booking parties

420 n saint joseph, suttons bay • northcountrykitchen.com •

Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 23

FRIENDS OF TADL FALL BOOK SALE: 9am-6pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Browse thousands of quality used books.

Half-off for Friends of the Library all weekend; membership sign up available on site. tadl.org/friends ----------------------------40TH HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR: 10am-3pm, Shanty Creek Resort, Grand Ballroom, Bellaire. shantycreek.com ----------------------------OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Free drop-in arts & crafts for the whole family. New ----------------------------TREETOPS TRIFECTA: Treetops Alpine Ski Area, Gaylord. Today includes the 5K at 10am & the 1K Hill Climb at 4pm. 5K: $50; 1K Hill Climb: $35; 5K + 1K Hill Climb: $70.

The Trifecta (all 3 races: 1K Hill Climb, 5K & Half Marathon) is $120. greatlakesendurance.com/michigan-races/treetops-trifecta/ race-information/592-treetops-trifecta.html ----------------------------VALLEY OF THE GIANTS HIKE: 10am, 6985 Scharmen Road, TC. Join the Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter of the North Country Trail Association on a jaunt through the enchanted forest. This will be an easy to moderate, out & back hike of 5 miles. Much of the hike is in a very steep valley with 22 Creek running through the bottom. Bring good hiking shoes, rain gear if weather threatens, water & a snack. Free. Find ‘Hike through the Valley of the Giants’ on Facebook.

----------------------------AUTHOR ROBERT VAN DELLEN: “REFLECTIONS ON LITERATURE”: 11am, Cadillac Wexford Public Library, Cadillac. Presented by Friends of the Cadillac Wexford Public Library. Free. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/upcoming-programs ----------------------------ODAWA CASINO HOLIDAY GIFT & CRAFT SHOW: 11am-5pm, Odawa Casino, Ovation Hall, Petoskey.

----------------------------PETOSKEY RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Fri., Nov. 3)

ZONTA CLUB OF PETOSKEY’S 51ST ANNUAL FASHION SHOW: SOLD OUT: 11am2pm, Bay Harbor Yacht Club, Lange Center.

“Wise, Wonderful, Women” will present its full runway show & highlight the latest fall & winter fashions from more than 30 retailers in the Petoskey-Harbor Springs area, & include an elegant lunch, entertainment, a silent auction & a gift basket raffle. Michelle Chenard will perform live music & the DJ will be Parker Marshall. Zonta Club of Petoskey supports organizations that improve the status of girls & women. $100. zontapetoskey.com ----------------------------ALL ABOUT BIOCHAR: Noon, Antrim Conservation District, 4820 Stover Rd., Bellaire.

Koffi Kpachavi from the Grand Traverse Conservation District will visit the Antrim Conservation District to speak about Biochar, how it is made, & its benefits as a soil amendment.

Free. antrimcd.com/events.html ----------------------------HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET: 1-5pm, Iron Fish Distillery barn, Thompsonville. Enjoy cocktails while you shop from the talents of 25 local crafters from the regions of Benzie, Manistee, Grand Traverse & beyond. Complimentary gift wrapping. ironfishdistillery. com/eventbrite-event/holiday-artisan-market ----------------------------“STEEL MAGNOLIAS”: (See Sat., Oct. 28, except today’s times are 2pm & 7pm.)

COMEDY FOR COMMUNITY: Truck Stop, Cadillac. NMCAA’s Homeless Prevention Program’s Annual Fundraiser. Featuring Kim Cook opening & comedian Brian Atkinson from Grand Rapids. Dinner is included, along with a silent auction. Doors open at 6pm; dinner at 6:30pm; & show at 7pm. $35/person. eventbrite.com/e/supporting-our-communitythrough-comedy-tickets-676902512637?aff= oddtdtcreator ----------------------------GLCO PRESENTS ECHOES FROM THE MUSIKVEREIN CONCERT: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Join the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra for Echoes from the Musikverein: Music from Vienna’s Golden Concert Hall. Featuring guest

piano soloist Michael Barrett in Mozart’s Piano Concert No. 19. In addition, 14-year-old violinist Eeva Rintala of Boyne City & winner of GLCO’s 2023 Charles F. Davis Young Artist Competition will be performing Beethoven’s Romance No. 2 with the orchestra. Complimentary tickets are available for Veterans, active service members & students 18 & under by calling 231-487-0010. $35, $45, $65. glcorchestra.org/concerts ----------------------------“NETWORK”: (See Fri., Nov. 3) ----------------------------MARIAN OR THE TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD: (See Sat., Oct. 28)

NOV 05

SUNDAY

TREETOPS TRIFECTA: 9am, Treetops North Resort, Gaylord. Today includes the Half Marathon. $90. The Trifecta (all 3 races: 1K Hill Climb, 5K & Half Marathon) is $120. active. com/gaylord-mi/running/distance-running/ treetops-trifecta-2023 ----------------------------PETOSKEY RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Fri., Nov. 3) ----------------------------FREE BUFFET DINNER FOR VETERANS & ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: Noon-3pm, TC Elks Lodge #323. $15 charge for NON Veterans & guests.

----------------------------FRIENDS OF TADL FALL BOOK SALE: (See Sat., Nov. 4, except today’s time is noon-4:30pm.)

----------------------------HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET: 1-5pm, Iron Fish Distillery barn, Thompsonville. Enjoy cocktails while you shop from the talents of 25 local crafters from the regions of Benzie, Manistee, Grand Traverse & beyond. Complimentary gift wrapping. ironfishdistillery. com/eventbrite-event/holiday-artisan-market

“NETWORK”: (See Fri., Nov. 3, except today’s time is 2pm.)

MARIAN OR THE TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD: (See Sat., Oct. 28, except today’s time is 2pm.)

----------------------------CADILLAC FOOTLITERS AUDITIONS: 6-8pm, Cooley Annex Building, Cadillac.

For “Noises Off.” sites.google.com/cadillacfootliters.com/noises-off-hub/?fbclid= IwAR0vq743Aju3KOCwMFVdnmv8mfw JF3V_3CnTyevynyorCqhavh_Gyqnl6b0

ongoing

GHOST FARM OF KINGSLEY HAUNTED TRAIL: Fridays & Saturdays, 7-11pm, Oct. 7 - Oct. 28. Ghost Farm, 5010 Pierce Rd., Kingsley. Non-scary walk for little ones at 7:15pm. As full dark falls, the scaring begins on The Ghost Farm. hauntedtraverse.com ----------------------------GREAT DECISIONS: COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CURRENT WORLD AFFAIRS: Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Join for an eight week series to discuss current affairs topics that are timely & important talking points for our society. Discussion Topics for 2023 are, in order: Energy Geopolitics, War Crimes, China and the US, Economic Warfare, Politics in Latin America, Global Famine, Iran at a Crossroads, & Climate Migration. The discussions will be led by local education professionals. You are expected to attend all 8 weeks of discussion, or as many as are left in the series. The discussions will be held every Weds. from 1-3pm on Sept. 20 through Nov. 8. Once you have registered, please obtain a copy of the Great Decisions Briefing book. tadl.org/great-decisions ----------------------------HAUNTED BLUFFS: Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort, Gaylord. Held on Fridays & Saturdays through Oct. 28. alpenbluffs.com

NORTHERN EXPRESS

OTHER: Sewing, Alterations, Mending & Repairs. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248 ___________________________________ COTTAGE FOR RENT: Traverse City 1BR Cottage; Fully Furnished; Includes All Utilities; New Appliances; W/D; A/C; Cable; Very Nice; Quiet Setting; No Pets; $1,700 per month; (231) 631-7512. ___________________________________

CLAS SIFIE DS

Employment Specialist Trainee. Candidate must have reliable transportation and some computer literacy. Previous office experience a plus. Training provided to the right candidate. To apply you must be 55 and over, be unemployed and meet SCSEP program eligibility. For information call AARP SCSEP at 231-252-4544. ___________________________________

COORDINATOR FOR LUCE COUNTY 911 AND EMERGENCY MGT.: Application packets containing job descriptions, preferred education, and qualifications may be obtained from the Luce County Clerk's Office, Luce County Courthouse 407 West Harrie Street, Newberry, MI 49868 or by email at mikeaho4824@gmail.com. Position open until filled. ___________________________________

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN IS HIRING FOR WINTER: Full time and part time positions are available in all areas of the Resort! Come see us and interview with hiring manager during our Job Fairs: Thursday, October 26 from 3-6pm Wednesday, November 8 from 3-6pm Saturday, November 18 from 10am2pm All full and part time staff receive great benefits including discounts and FREEE SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING. https:// w w w. c r y s t a l m o u n t a i n . c o m / e m p l o y e e benefits/ ___________________________________

AARP SCSEP SEEKS EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST TRAINEE: AARP Foundation SCSEP in Traverse City seeks an

AKC Doberman Puppies: European bloodlines, 5 gen pedigree, I health guarantee. Parents DNA tested, no Z factor.

24 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Bred for size and confirmation.

Great family pets and protectors.

989-717-2604. Sandy __________________________ PAID PART-TIME JOB TRAINING FOR SENIORS AGE 55 +: Paid Part-Time Job Training Positions Available for Seniors Aged 55 and over. Applicants must be unemployed, seeking work and meet program eligibility. Clerical, Customer Service, Retail, Stocking. To learn more call the AARP Foundation SCSEP Program, 231-252-4544. Serving the Grand Traverse region and other Michigan counties. ___________________________ DRIVER FOR OMISH: Amish driver, 85 cents plus gas per mile long distance driving 15 passenger van. Call (989) 9649461.

easy. accessible. all online.

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska ENCORE 201, TC 10/28 -- The Heat Above, 7-9; 11/3 -- DJ Ricky T, 9 11/4 -- DJ Ricky T - 90's Night, 8 FRESH COAST BEER WORKS, TC 11/3 -- Dags and Timmah, 7-10 KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC 11/2 -- DJ Leo, 9:30 KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING 10/30 -- Trivia, 6 10/31 -- Open Mic, 6 11/4 -- Sean Kelly, 7-8 LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC 10/30 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9, BARREL ROOM 11/3 -- Ted Alan & Ron Getz, 5-7, TASTING ROOM MAMMOTH DISTILLING, TC 11/3 -- Clint Weaner, 7-10

THE ALLUVION, TC 10/30 -- Funky Uncle, 6-8 11/1 -- Swingbone North Live Recording & Concert, 7-9 11/2 -- Jazz feat. Rob Smith, 6-8 11/3 -- Djangophonique ft. Katie Smith, 7:30-9:30 11/4 -- Metal Bubble Trio, A.S. Lutes w/ his band, & Hearth & Hymn Present "Hello Darkness My Old Friend", 7-9 THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 10/28 -- Halloween Party: Wes Anderson Themed w/ DJ, 7-11 11/1 -- DJ Dusty Staircase, 4-11 THE PARLOR, TC 10/28 -- Slim Pickins, 8-11 10/31 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11 11/1 -- Wink Solo, 8-11 11/3 -- Levi Britton, 8-11 THE PUB, TC

10/28 -- Luke Woltanski & The Fridays, 9

MARI VINEYARDS, TC 10/31 -- Chris Smith, 4-6

11/2 -- Steve Clark, 8-11 11/3 -- Rolling Dirty, 8-11

MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC 11/1 -- Trivia Night, 7 SPARKS BBQ, TC 11/3 -- John Richard Paul, 8-10

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 10/28 -- One Hot Robot / Spooktacular Halloween Party, 8-10 10/28 -- Spooktacular Halloween Party w/ One Hot Robot, 8

Antrim & Charlevoix BARREL BACK RESTAURANT, WALLOON LAKE 11/2 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6-9

MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 10/28 -- Costume Karaoke Contest w/ T-Bone, 8

FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE

RED MESA GRILL, BOYNE CITY 10/31 -- Pete 'Big Dog' Fetters, 6-9

10/28 -- Ghostly Hoedown: Music & Karaoke w/ Nick Vasquez, 7-10 10/30 -- Trivia, 6:30

JAX NORTHSIDE, CHARLEVOIX Wed -- Trivia Night, 7-9

SHORT'S BREW PUB, BELLAIRE 10/28 -- Halloween Party w/ Bootstrap Boys, 8-10:30

10/29 -- Tilt Think Comedy Collective Presents: Comedy Mixtape #7, 7-9 Tue -- Open Mic Night, 7-9 Wed -- Jazz Show & Jam, 6-8 Thu -- Trivia Night, 7-8 11/3 -- Fiddle Vine, 8-10 THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, PATIO, TC

10/28,11/4 -- The Timebombs, 6:30-9:30

11/3 -- The Truetones, 6:30-9:30

TOP OF THE PARK PLACE HOTEL, TC 10/28,11/3,11/4 -- Jim Hawley, 7-10 TRAVERSE CITY COMEDY CLUB, TC 11/3,11/4 -- Comedy w/ Erin Jackson, 7:15-9 TRAVERSE CITY WHISKEY CO. 10/28 -- Ben Richey, 6 UNION STREET STATION, TC 10/28 -- Soul Patch, 10 10/31,11/1 -- Parker Marshall, 10 11/2 -- DJ 1 Wave, 10 11/4 -- DJ PRIM, 9 11/5 -- The Biggs, 7-9

Otsego, Crawford & Central ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD 10/28,11/4 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6 11/3 -- Rick Woods, 6

C.R.A.V.E., GAYLORD 6-9: 10/28 -- Brad Corpus, 6-9 11/3 -- Kenny Thompson, 6-9

nitelife

Oct 28 – nov 5

edited by jamie kauffold Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

Emmet & Cheboygan

BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY 10/28 - Brew Beats: Analog Groove Sessions w/ DJ yakob, 6:30-9:30 11/4 - Two Track Mind, 7-9, ROOT CELLAR

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BAY HARBOR 10/28 -- Jessica Dominic, 7:30-10:30

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY 10/28 -- Chase & Allie, 2-6, PATIO 11/4 -- Tyler Parkin, 2-6

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 10/28 -- The Shouting Bones, 7-10 11/1 -- PubStumper's Trivia, 6:30 11/3 -- Adam Hoppe, 7-10 11/4 -- Sydni K, 7-9

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY 10/28 -- Monster Mash Dance Party w/ DJ Franck, 9 Tue -- Trivia Night, 7-9 11/3 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30

ODAWA CASINO RESORT, VICTORIES, PETOSKEY 10/28 -- Halloween Bash w/ DJ, 7 11/3 -- The Blitz, 9

DIXIE SALOON, MACKINAW CITY 10/28 -- Pete 'Big Dog' Fetters, 8

10/28 -- Serita's Black Rose, 3-6 10/29 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 4-6

RUSTY SAW, BRUTUS 10/28 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6 THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 10/28 -- Spiders from Mars Halloween Party w/ The Intoxitones, 8-11 11/2 -- Musicians Playground 'Open Mic', 6-8 11/3 -- Lee Fayssoux, 8-11 11/4 -- Dede Alder w/ Songwriter Showcase, 8-10 WIGWAM INC., INDIAN RIVER 11/3 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 8-11

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee LITTLE RIVER CASINO RESORT, MANISTEE 10/14-15 – Rebel Line, 9pm-1am 10/21 – Michael Ray, 8-10:30

NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA 10/14 -- Chief Day w/ Trillium Groove, Thirsty Perch Blues Band, Barefoot Music, & Ted Bounty & The Bounty Hunters, noon-10

Leelanau & Benzie DICK'S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU Sat. -- Karaoke, 10-1 DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT 10/29 – Loose Change, 3-6 FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH Thu -- Trivia Night, 7 Fri -- Open Mic w/ Andrew Littlefield, 7 FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR 10/29 -- Hallowine w/ Patrick Niemisto & Norm Wheeler, 2-6

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 10/28 -- Matt Gabriel, 6-8 11/3 -- Ashley Pyle, 6-8 11/4 -- Brian Koenigsknecht, 6-8

SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY 11/3 -- Friday Night LIVE w/ Kevin Paul, 5-8

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 10/28 -- Luke Woltanski, 5-8 11/2 -- Open Mic Thursdays, 6-8:30 LAKE ANN BREWING CO. 10/28 -- The BooneDoggies, 6:30-9:30 11/3 -- Blair Miller, 5:30-8:30 11/5 -- Kid's Open Mic Hosted by 11/2 -- Trivia Night, 7 11/3 -- Pat Niemisto & Andre Villoch, Chris Winkelmann, 3-5:30 6:30 STORMCLOUD BREWING, FRANKFORT 11/4 -- The Dune Brothers, 6:30 10/28 -- Tai Drury, 7-9 11/4 -- Lynn Callihan, 7-8

Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 25

lOGY

OCT 30- NOV 05

BY ROB BREZSNY

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Who would have guessed

that elephants can play the drums really well? On a trip to Thailand, Scorpio musician Dave Soldier discovered that if given sticks and drums, some elephants kept a steadier beat than humans. A few were so talented that Soldier recorded their rhythms and played them for a music critic who couldn’t tell they were created by animals. In accordance with astrological omens, I propose that you Scorpios seek out comparable amazements. You now have the potential to make unprecedented discoveries.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): How many

glowworms would have to gather in one location to make a light as bright as the sun? Probably over a trillion. And how many ants would be required to carry away a 15-pound basket of food? I’m guessing over 90,000. Luckily for you, the cumulative small efforts you need to perform so as to accomplish big breakthroughs won’t be nearly that high a number. For instance, you may be able to take a quantum leap after just six baby steps.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the 17th century,

John Milton wrote a long narrative poem titled Paradise Lost. I’ve never read it and am conflicted about the prospect of doing so. On one hand, I feel I should engage with a work that has had such a potent influence on Western philosophy and literature. On the other hand, I’m barely interested in Milton’s story, which includes boring conversations between God and Satan and the dreary tale of how God cruelly exiled humans from paradise because the first man, Adam, was mildly rebellious. So what should I do? I’ve decided to read the Cliffs Notes study guide about Paradise Lost, a brief summary of the story. In accordance with astrological omens, I suggest you call on similar shortcuts, Libra. Here’s your motto: if you can’t do the completely right thing, try the partially right thing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian

novelist Shirley Jackson wrote, "No live organism can continue for long to exist under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids dream."

Since she wrote that, scientists have gathered evidence that almost all animals dream and that dreaming originated at least 300 million years ago. With that as our inspiration and in accordance with astrological omens, I urge you to enjoy an intense period of tapping into your dreams. To do so will help you escape from absolute reality. It will also improve your physical and mental health and give you unexpected clues about how to solve problems.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn

writer Kahlil Gibran believed an essential human longing is to be revealed. We all want the light in us to be taken out of its hiding place and shown.

If his idea is true about you, you will experience major cascades of gratification in the coming months.

I believe you will be extra expressive. And you will encounter more people than ever before who are interested in knowing what you have to express. To prepare for the probable breakthroughs, investigate whether you harbor any fears or inhibitions about being revealed—and dissolve them.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): November

is Build Up Your Confidence Month. In the coming weeks, you are authorized to snag easy victories as you steadily bolster your courage to seek bigger, bolder triumphs. As much as possible, put yourself in the vicinity of people who respect you and like you. If you suspect you have secret admirers, encourage them to be less secretive. Do you have plaques, medals, or trophies? Display them prominently.

Or visit a trophy store and have new awards made for you to commemorate your unique skills—like thinking wild thoughts, pulling off one-of-a-kind adventures, and inspiring your friends to rebel against their habits.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): I’m glad we

have an abundance of teachers helping us learn how to be here now—to focus on the present moment with gratitude and grace. I love the fact that books on the art of mindfulness are now almost as common as books about cats and cooking. Yay! But I also want to advocate for the importance of letting our minds wander freely. We need to celebrate the value and power of NOT always being narrowly zeroed in on the

here and now. We can’t make intelligent decisions unless we ruminate about what has happened in the past and what might occur in the future. Meandering around in fantasyland is key to discovering new insights. Imaginative ruminating is central to the creative process. Now please give your mind the privilege of wandering far and wide in the coming weeks, Pisces.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): "Our bodies

sometimes serve as the symbolic ground where order and disorder fight for supremacy," writes storyteller Caroline Kettlewell. Here's good news, Aries: For you, order will triumph over disorder in the coming weeks. In part through your willpower and in part through life's grace, you will tame the forces of chaos and enjoy a phase when most everything makes sense. I don't mean you will have zero problems, but I suspect you will have an enhanced power to solve problems. Your mind and heart will coordinate their efforts with exceptional flair.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I recently endured a three-hour root canal. Terrible and unfortunate, right? No! Because it brought profound joy. The endodontist gave me nitrous oxide, and the resulting euphoria unleashed a wild epiphany.

For the duration of the surgery, I had vivid visions of all the people in my life who love me. I felt their care. I was overwhelmed with the kindness they felt for me. Never before had I been blessed with such a blissful gift. Now, in accordance with your astrological omens, I invite you to induce a similar experience—no nitrous oxide needed. It's a perfect time to meditate on how well you are appreciated and needed and cherished.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Unless you are very unusual, you don’t sew your clothes or grow your food. You didn’t build your house, make your furniture, or forge your cooking utensils. Like most of us, you know little about how water and electricity arrive for your use. Do you have any notion of what your grandparents were doing when they were your age? Have you said a prayer of gratitude recently for the people who have given you so much? I don’t mean to put you on the spot with my questions, Gemini. I’m merely hoping to inspire you to get into closer connection with everything that nourishes and sustains you. Honor the sources of your energy. Pay homage to your foundations.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega has had a modest but sustained career. With nine albums, she has sold over three million records, but is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She has said, "I always thought that if I were popular, I must be doing something wrong." I interpret that to mean she has sought to remain faithful to her idiosyncratic creativity and not pay homage to formulaic success. But here's the good news for you in the coming months, fellow Cancerian: You can be more appreciated than ever before simply by being true to your soul's inclinations and urges.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): "Everything in the world has a hidden meaning," wrote Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis. Did he really mean everything? Your dream last night, your taste in shoes, your favorite TV show, the way you laugh? As a fun experiment, let's say that yes, everything has a hidden meaning. Let's also hypothesize that the current astrological omens suggest you now have a special talent for discerning veiled and camouflaged truths.

We will further propose that you have an extraordinary power to penetrate beyond surface appearances and home in on previously unknown and invisible realities. Do you have the courage and determination to go deeper than you have ever dared? I believe you do.

26 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

“Jonesin” Crosswords "Repartee Report"-injecting some humor. by Matt Jones

ACROSS 1. Giraffe's striped cousin 6. Jack squat 10. Window attachments?

14. "American Idol" runner-up Clay 15. Spanish blossom 16. Great Lake near Ohio 17. Untouchable Ness who now only focuses on silly people?

19. Bettor's giveaway 20. "Got it," from the days of beatniks 21. Car care brand 23. Arch with a double curve (by golly!)

25. French friend 26. The splendor of fading roses?

32. Air Force student 33. Burr in "Hamilton" 34. Vocal affirmation 36. "Touch of ___" (1958 Orson Welles film noir) 37. NATO alphabet vowel 38. ___ the crack of dawn 39. "Steal My Sunshine" group 40. Building girder 41. Like neon or xenon 42. How to say "Thanks for activating the lights" in German?

45. 180-degree turn, slangily 46. Stadium once used by the Mets 47. Earlier in the day 52. Upper level 55. Coffee containers 56. Voting bloc that's cool, Daddy-O? 59. Head of Notre Dame?

60. Taylor of "Mystic Pizza" 61. Charcuterie arrangement 62. Sites for some animal relocations 63. School founded by Henry VI 64. Dog that didn't return for the "Frasier" reboot, understandably

DOWN 1. Quaker bit 2. Fuzzy fruit 3. Actor Tamiroff of "Touch of (36-Across)" 4. Fluffy's temporary place while the family's out, maybe 5. Keen perception 6. Gridiron gp.

7. Shawkat of "Arrested Development" 8. "Let's Make a Deal" option 9. Design school student, often 10. Block-dropping game 11. Neighborhood 12. Statement of charges 13. Offer at retail 18. Olympic fencing sword 22. Prophetic sign 24. Cancels 26. Gestured goodbye 27. "Let It Go" performer Menzel 28. Flashy parrot 29. Cologne brand named after a Musketeer 30. Blood bank's "universal donor" 31. Be nostalgic 32. Cartoon fan's souvenir 35. T, on the NYSE 37. Like some commands or speed limits 38. Took down a bowler?

40. Mike and ___ (fruit-flavored candies) 41. Minutes played, in hockey stats 43. Hospital professionals 44. Spring melt 47. "The Simpsons" lawyer Lionel 48. Cookie that's kosher and vegan 49. Commandment preposition 50. Walking pace 51. Scandinavian capital 53. "___ no idea!"

54. Bank opening?

57. Article in Der Spiegel?

58. China's Mao ___-tung

Mike Annelin Enthusiastic & Experienced

231-499-4249 | 231-929-7900 NEW

ING

CE

RI WP

T LIS

NE

10563 S W Bay Shore Dr $800,000

Four turn-key cottages on West Bay with 95’ of direct private frontage.

One of a kind sound investment opportunity. These cottages have been remodeled and well-maintained. The property is comprised of a two-bedroom cottage, a loft/efficiency cottage, and two onebedroom cottages. Non-conforming use with a strong rental history. Multiple decks, sidewalks, a large patio and fire pit for gatherings, plus fantastic views of Power Island.

8589 Underwood Ridge $890,000 • MLS# 1913570

INCREDIBLE price for this Old Mission Peninsula, Underwood Farms 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with top-of-the-line stainless kitchen appliances, main floor bedrooms, built-in living room cabinetry, an expansive basement, a gorgeous outdoor concrete patio with lush gardens and trees on a private, one acre lot. 500’ shared East Bay frontage. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this your dream home!

Michael D. Harrison 231-633-2549 231-929-7900

Create Here • Explore Here • Live Here D

SOL

WEST SIDE LIVING!! Positioned in the popular Tyler Hills neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Traverse City, this ranch-style home, with main floor living, offers an open concept floor plan, three bedrooms, two baths, spacious living room, main floor laundry, two covered porches and a partially finished walk-out lower level. The spacious lower level includes a fourth bedroom, 3/4 bath and a family room perfect for entertaining family and friends.

2257 Tyler Hills Drive, Traverse City • $465,000 • MLS# 1915942

Northern Express Weekly • october 30, 2023 • 27

28 • october 30, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly