Northern Express

NORTHERN

express northernexpress.com

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • DECEMBER 31 - January 06, 2019 • Vol. 28 No. 52

Sunday Brunch 9am - 2pm Mimosas/Bloodies $5 Omelette/Crepe Station Prime Rib baked goods Stations rotate: pastas, broiled fish, bacon, sausage, potatoes... and so much more! www.apachetroutgrill.com 2 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

was the spelling lesson of Democrat = rat.

Bullying a group of people and hiding behind the Bible to justify it is not acceptable.

Lesson not taken, Doug.

Greg Surma, Interlochen

Our simple rules: Keep your letter to 300 words or less, send no more than one per month, include your name/ address/phone number, and agree to allow us to edit. That’s it.

Email info@northernexpress.com and hit send!

Think About It Why would 15 Saudi Arabian nationals take the responsibility, on a whim, without any knowledge or authority, of the Saudi Crown Prince; travel to a foreign country, tools in hand; murder and then butcher a United States resident, Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, knowing full well of the international condemnation, humiliation, and violation — without thought of betrayal or the strict and harsh system of Saudi justice and fatwas standards — facing them (death, beheading, whipping, crucifying, and stoning) if it were not for the knowledge and direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman? “Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t” doesn’t work.

William Heino, Bourbonnais, Illinois Taking Issue I would like to respond to two letters that appear in the Dec. 17 issue of Northern Express. First, to Scott Korljan, regarding comments about Rev. William Myers. Who cares? And second, to Doug Wickstrom (not that such a dumb statement is worthy of a response but … ), really? Let’s play with words a bit more shall we? So the middle of the word “Republican” contains the word “pub.”

Maybe we should meet there to discuss? Oh, but please don’t choose a “pub” on the “left” side of the road. That may be foolhardy.

Tom Speers, Fife Lake Let’s Innovate In the Nov. 10 issue, Northern Express asked “How Much Northern Michigan Trash Gets Recycled?” Burning is not the only solution. Looking on Facebook, I found several posts about building houses from recycled plastic. Norway is building roads from recycled plastic.

Ron Stetson, Traverse City Unheeded Lesson I was at first angered, but upon reflection was saddened by the letter from Doug Wickstrom in the Dec. 17 issue.

Unfortunately the Catholic church at one time declared left-handed people to be servants of the devil based upon quotations in the Bible. Thankfully it was discovered that biological variations are the actual reason for it.

The part of the letter that I found sad

Open Letter to Snyder Gov. Snyder, I read that you will decide the fate of the lame duck bills passed by the Republican majority based on what you perceive are the wishes of the citizens of Michigan. I hope that is true. With this last election, voters told you they want change.

Hear them. Let that be your legacy.

Citizens voted in a new governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. If there needs to be changes to these official’s duties, they should come from the people who elected them. Changing these executive’s powers, prior to them being installed, is a manipulation of the citizens’ wishes.

Michigan’s future is tied to our environment and tourist industry. Bills have been floated to favor industry and more deregulation, imperiling our waterways and tourist spots. You were elected by promising a better future for all Michiganders. Many have been left out while corporations have benefited. There are other bills designed to keep the powers that be in power and allow the rich to buy the government they want.

Didn’t this last election say citizens want a government that works for them?

You have proven in the past that you will stand against party politics, an admirable and democratic approach. Please let your legacy be doing that again at this critical time. Many are watching.

Carol Medland, Alcona Twp. Democracy in the Balance What is at stake when you consider all the false and misleading statements, voter suppression, and the Russian-directed misuse of our social media is the integrity of our country. Trump has made 6,420 false or misleading claims since Oct. 30, according to factcheck.org. What is more disturbing is that his base does not seem to care.

Voter suppression continues across the United States. Twenty-four Republicancontrolled state governments over the past decade passed voter restrictions for the 2018 elections. In Georgia, 750,000 voters were purged from the rolls in the past two years.

In North Carolina, the Republican-controlled Legislature pased a law that reduced voting locations by 20 percent. Under Texas’ voter ID Law, people with a gun permit can vote, but not people with a student I.D. In North Dakota 5000 Native Americans living on a reservation were initially barred from voting because a new law wouldn’t accept P.O. boxes as valid addresses. In Dodge City, Kansas, which is 59 percent Hispanic, the only voting place was outside of town, a mile from the nearest public transportation. The Voting Rights Act ensured voting rights for all Americans regardless of race, religion, or region, but it was gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013, giving the states more discretion.

To add another “slap in the face,” lame duck Republican state legislatures in Michigan and Wisconsin are voting to limit the authority of newly elected Democratic governors and attorney generals. When will Congress be concerned with the integrity of our democracy?

Meet CONTENTS Northern features Seen Like nothing you’ve seen before A real-time, 24/7 online feed of social media posts we love from throughout northern Michigan Incorporating Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter An endless scroll of posts, accounts, friends and hashtags we follow

Crime and Rescue Map......................................7 Cleaning Up Blair Township.................................10 The Bionic Woman.........................................12 The DIY Novelist...........................................15 An Anti-Racism Seminar for White People.........16 A Man. A Shirt Collar. And a Dream.................17

dates................................................18-19 music Nightlife.........................................................21 FourScore......................................................22

columns & stuff Top Ten...........................................................4

Spectator/Stephen Tuttle....................................6 Weird...............................................................9 Modern Rock/Kristi Kates................................20 Film................................................................23 Advice Goddess...........................................24 Crossword...................................................25 Freewill Astrology..........................................25 Classifieds..................................................26

Also now available: secure one of the top three positions for your company (ask us at info@northernexpress.com) Check out Northern Seen at northernexpress.com Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase 129 E Front Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 email: info@northernexpress.com www.northernexpress.com Executive Editor: Lynda Twardowski Wheatley Finance & Distribution Manager: Brian Crouch Sales: Kathleen Johnson, Lisa Gillespie, Kaitlyn Nance, Mike Bright, Michele Young, Randy Sills, Todd Norris For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 838-6948 Creative Director: Kyra Poehlman Distribution: Matt Ritter, Randy Sills, Kirk Hull, Kimberly Sills, Gary Twardowski, Kathy Twardowski Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold Reporter: Patrick Sullivan Contributors: Amy Alkon, Rob Brezsny, Ross Boissoneau, Jennifer Hodges, Kristi Kates, Molly Korroch, Blair Yaroch Al Parker, Michael Phillips, Todd VanSickle, Steve Tuttle, Meg Weichman Copyright 2018, all rights reserved. Distribution: 36,000 copies at 600+ locations weekly. Northern Express Weekly is free of charge, but no person may take more than one copy of each weekly issue without written permission of Northern Express Weekly. Reproduction of all content without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Ron Dykstra, Beulah

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 3

this week’s

top ten crooked tree arts NYE celebration Perfect for families, the “Midnight at 9,” Times Square-style ball drop on Mitchell Street is part of the Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey’s NYE celebration. There will also be live music, magic shows, dance and pottery workshops, karaoke, arts and crafts and more at both CTAC and across the street at the Petoskey District Library. Activities begin at 5pm. Admission buttons: $10 adults, $5 students. crookedtree.org

4 Leelanau County Hermit Update When Traverse City author Chris Miller read an obit of the once-renowned Leelanau County hermit that was republished in the Dec. 15 Northern Express as part of a look back at the 1918 flu epidemic, something seemed off.

The death of Roch Tybushewsky, it seems, had been greatly exaggerated.

Miller said he recalled from research he conducted for his book, Traverse City State Hospital, published in 2005, that the recluse was not only alive but in the state hospital during the 1920s. Miller checked into it and discovered that Tybushewsky actually died in 1931.

Miller doesn’t know why the man’s death would have been wrongly reported 13 years earlier. He guessed it might have been due to the pandemonium surrounding the flu epidemic and the fact that when Tybushewsky was admitted to the asylum, he might have seemed to vanish from Suttons Bay. Miller said he attempted several years back to locate the hermit’s former lair and finally concluded that Tybushewsky’s hole in the ground was likely swallowed up when M-22 was widened decades ago.

Hey, read it!

Hey, kiddo

For the literary lads and lasses on your list this year, the staff at Local Flavor Bookstore in Boyne City recommends thinking a little more out of the book, if you will. From celebrated authorillustrator Jarret J. Krosoczka, comes “Hey, Kiddo,” a graphic novel-memoir and 2018 National Book Award finalist. The son of an absent father and a chronically incarcerated mother, “normal” for Krosoczka meant making his own breakfast at the tender age of three and often waking to an empty house. Geared for a young adult audience, “Hey, Kiddo” employs a vivid tri-panel layout to chronicle Krosoczka’s unconventional childhood, his search for his father, and ultimately, his own evolution as a successful artist.

Simultaneously graceful and chaotic, “Hey, Kiddo” builds on the author’s own experiences to remind us that love has infinite forms. We’re not crying; you’re crying.

5 WHERE BIG DREAMS START SMALL Owned and Operated by Professional Dancers

2 tastemaker

Named "Best Dance Studio in Traverse City"

taproot tacos

There’s something about stepping into Taproot that gives you all the feels. The combination of earthy décor, farm-to-table deliciousness, mouthwatering craft ciders, and exceptionally inventive cocktail menu get us every time. As do their tacos. In particular, their veggie taco, which could challenge the heart of any carnivore. Upon two warmed corn tortillas sits a hearty layer of roasted squash marinated in a sweet chili and adobespiced marinade. The sweetness mingles with the heat in a perfect yin-yang flavor balance.

The squash is topped with shredded lettuce, crunchy pepitas, pickled red onion, and dollops of creamy chévre cheese. Add avocado (because why wouldn’t you?) for a small upcharge.

Then grab a cup of the soup of the day (lucky you if it’s mushroom and chestnut topped with potato chips) and a pint of cider, and those feels will feel even better. Find it all at Taproot Cider House: 300 E. Front St., Traverse City. 231-943-2500, www.taproottc.com.

4 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

Four spacious studios at our studios new state-of-the-art facility Four spacious at our state-of-the-art facility Classes offered for Boys and Girls Ages 18mo-Adult Beginner - Advanced Classes include: Levels Mommy & Me (18 months & up) Home of the Award Winning Company Dance Traverse Ballet * Tap * Jazz Creative Movement (Ages 2 & up) Studio Hours Contemporary * Lyrical * Hip Hop * Musical Theater Dance Exploration Monday - Saturday • 9 AM - 9 PM Pre-Ballet Pilates * Cecchetti OW Located in the E Hip Hop • Tap

N

Preferred Outlet Center roll facility Enthe Full dance wearModern store within • Jazz es! formerly r Class

Pointe • Ballet

fo

ing

Horizon Outlet Center

xpa Adult P nded rogram

Guy's Classes EnrollGraded NOW for Winter Semester!

231-941-4244 Cecchetti Ballet Examinations

3811 Marketplace Circle • Preferred Outlet Center

Traverse City Register online at danceartstraverse.com Pilates • Zumba • Cardio Hip Hop www.danceartstraverse.com 1015 S Garfield • 231.941.4244 Open HouseAvenue August 16th & 17th from 10:00 to 4:00. Come Join Us! Musical Theater

8.15.223045.tcaps

Named "Best Dance Studio in Traverse City"

6

Lame Ducks Push For Recycling

Lame duck legislators are looking to fund recycling programs in Michigan.

The bill, which waits for Gov. Snyder’s signature, would see the creation of a $69 fund to clean up hazardous waste and for other environmental projects, including recycling, said Matt Flechter, recycling market development specialist with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The bill means $15.18 million for recycling programs.

The bill is funded by diverting money away from the School Aid Fund, however. Snyder originally proposed paying for the programs by increasing the state’s landfill tipping fee from 36 cents per ton to $4.75 per ton.

Northern Express looked at the state of recycling programs in northern Michigan and across the state in the Dec. 8 edition.

stuff we love State-Recognized Recreatin’ Raise your paddles and salute the state of Michigan; it has designated its first official water trails — designated waterway routes the DNR will manage to create and ensure great recreational opportunities.

The state has named only eight, but that covers 540-plus miles that flow through more than a dozen counties. The Chain of Lakes Water Trail, which meanders more than 80 miles in Antrim and Kalkaska, is the only Up North waterway to make the list. “Outdoor recreation-based tourism is experiencing major growth right now,” says Paul Yauk, the DNR’s state trails coordinator. “Designating these rivers as official water trails shines an even brighter light on some incredible natural resources. We fully expect that offering – and expanding – water trail opportunities in Michigan will encourage more outdoor recreation and healthier lifestyles, and also serve as regional destinations that will give a boost to local economies.”

Mid-January Resolution Maintenance Resolving to lose weight, exercise more, and stay better focused at work seem mild compared to what personal growth guru Jen Sincero promises on the dust cover of her third book, “You Are a Badass Every Day.” Readers of this slim volume, we are told, will “uncover immediate tips and tricks to reveal what’s holding you back, stay motivated, bust your excuses, strengthen your almighty intuition, create and hone new habits, take powerful action toward your goals, overcome challenges, bring more joy, calm and flow into your life, and succeed like you ain’t (sic) never succeeded before.”

Local fans of Sincero’s get a chance to see whether she delivers on that lengthy promise when the author helps kick off the National Writer’s Series 2019 Winter lineup at 7pm Wednesday, Jan. 16, at City Opera House in Traverse City. www.cityoperahouse.org

8 THE BEST IN DOWNHILL, CROSS COUNTRY GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND WINTER APPAREL.

THE FINEST SKI TUNES AND CUSTOM BOOT FITTING, PERIOD. From novice to racer, our professional technicians will get the job done.

231-946-8810 800-346-5788

890 Munson Ave. • Traverse City donorrskihaus.com

Celebrating 61 Years!

Bottoms up Amaro Pazzo Amaro, a centuries-old Italian herbal liqueur, is experiencing a rebirth of popularity in America. And if you ask us, the timing couldn’t be better for Long Road Distillers version, released just this month. Its Amaro Pazzo (57 proof, 28.5% ABV), made with Michigangrown red winter wheat and blended with a special coffee blend concocted by its Grand Rapids neighbor Madcap Coffee, is — as the ancient Romans intended — an ideal way to say goodbye to gluttony (read: your holiday indulgences) and wake up to the New Year.

Remember: The name Amaro means bitter, and alone, is intended as an aperitif. Amaro Pazzo’s proprietary blend of herbs and spices — think: wormwood, gentian, chicory, orange peel, myrrh, and more — are nothing if not strong and restorative. But if the bitter and complex finish that follows its initial pop of sweet and citrus proves too medicinal for you, as it did for many on our staff, we highly recommend ringing in 2019 with Long Road’s own cocktail Siciliano: 1.5 ounces each of Amaro Pazzo, sweet vermouth, and a strong cold brew, stirred into one ounce of Long Road Bar Syrup, then strained into a glass, topped with 1 ounce of club soda and garnished with an orange peel. Try some at Long Road’s new tasting room in Boyne City, 118 Water St. (231) 459-4393, www.longroaddistillers.com

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 5

THREE NON-TRUMP STORIES FROM 2018 spectator

by Stephen Tuttle That was an interesting year, wasn’t it? Here are three stories that went under-reported and under-appreciated, and did not involve Donald Trump. * NASA The United States no longer has a manned space program. Embarrassingly, we have to hitch a ride with the Russians to get to the International Space Station and back. But our space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has not been idle.

In November, we landed an unmanned spacecraft on Mars for the eighth time. Our recent lander, InSight, is functioning fine, looking for clues to the formation of the so-

Pennsylvania has been invaded by lanternflies that are sickening vineyards and have started heading south into apple orchards.

They arrived from China along with another little bug that is destroying Florida orange crops, the source of 80 percent of our orange products. The same menace has now been found in other states’ citrus, including California lemon groves.

There are at least a half-dozen additional destructive bugs that now have a foothold here.

Our defenses against these invaders were weakened after 9/11, when our focus turned to terrorists and invasive bugs became a secondary priority. The main culprit is thought to be the ubiquitous wooden pallets used in shipping almost everything. They are supposed to

Once those invasive insects get here, they have an all-theycan-eat buffet, without fear, having left their natural predators far behind. We do not yet have pesticides or biological solutions specific to the newly arrived trouble. lar system and water under the surface, and one of our rovers is still wandering around up there. Fourteen satellites now orbit Mars, including six that are still operational, four of ours, one from India, and one from the European Space Agency.

TRAVERSE CITY DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

It’s quite an accomplishment for all involved.

Then there’s the Voyager program. Voyager 1 and 2, twins, were launched in 1977 on ambitious missions to explore the rings and moons of Saturn and Jupiter. Their operational lifespan was expected to be about five years. They carried 8-track tapes, stateof-the-art at the time, to store data. (Some of you will have to Google that.)

Providing comprehensive medical and surgical dermatologic care, as well as cosmetic procedures including laser, Botox, filler and microneedling treatments

Now in their 41st year, both are still partially functional — most systems have been shut down to save power — and sending and receiving data from earth. It takes 17 hours for those messages to be delivered, each way, traveling at the speed of light.

Voyager 1 is now 13.2 billion miles from earth. Voyager 2 took a detour to get our first good views of both Neptune and Uranus before heading into the unknown, and it is now 11 billion miles from home.

By comparison, the sun is only 93 million miles away.

Laurel Leithauser MD, FAAD, FACMS

Anthony Van Vreede, MD, FAAD

Both of our physicians, Laurel Leithauser, MD and Anthony Van Vreede, MD are board-certified dermatologists.

Dr. Leithauser is also a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and skin cancer specialist.

www.tcskinsurgery.com (231) 486-0230 • 1225 West Front Street, Suite C, Traverse City

6 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

No human-built machines have ever gone farther into space. It’s almost incomprehensible. *Bugs We are in the midst of an ongoing invasion, but these illegal immigrants are of the sixand eight-legged variety.

New York and other parts of New England are seeing their ash and hemlock trees systematically killed by insects from Asia. The people of Poughkeepsie, New York, believes 90 percent of their ash trees are now infected by the emerald ash borer and will have to be cut down before they die and dangerously fall. Another Asian import, the Hemlock Woolley Agelgid is wreaking similar havoc on hemlock trees.

be fumigated, but there is no way even a fraction of a percent of them can be inspected.

Once those invasive insects get here, they have an all-they-can-eat buffet, without fear, having left their natural predators far behind.

We do not yet have pesticides or biological solutions specific to the newly arrived trouble.

Estimates of annual damage from the invaders range from $30 billion to $50 billion.

That doesn’t even include the threat to humans from disease-carrying bugs. * Flint water Flint’s lead water pipes and connections are methodically being replaced, and tap water there now meets or exceeds federal limits for lead. Thousands of residents continue to use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, their trust in government one of many casualties during their water disaster.

Meanwhile, the appointed chief medical officer for the state’s Department of Health, Dr. Eden Wells, was planning to leave government with the new year and new administration taking office. Instead, the department created a brand new civil service job called “advisory physician,” at nearly $180,000 annually, just for her. The civil service designation will make it difficult for incoming governor Gretchen Whitmer to fire her. And why would Whitmer want to do that?

Maybe because Wells has been bound over for trial on charges of involuntary manslaughter, obstruction of justice, and lying to law enforcement for her involvement, or lack thereof, in a Legionnaire’s Disease outbreak that killed 12 people and sickened another 79 during the Flint water crisis. The newly created job is as tainted as Flint’s water was.

Let’s hope 2019 brings us more NASA-like success stories, fewer creepy bugs, and way, way less creepy political absurdity.

Here’s hoping yours is healthy and happy.

Crime & Rescue MAN LOSES IT AFTER DOG HIT Leelanau County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man after he assaulted a woman who ran over his dog in the Village of Omena.

A 48-year-old Northport woman was headed north on M-22 at 5:30pm Dec. 17 when she struck a dog that ran out in front of her car, deputies said. The woman stopped at the scene of the accident, and a 49-year-old Omena man approached her car and started pounding on the driver’s side window, prompting the woman to drive off.

The woman called 911, but the man approached her again, this time in a 2002 Volvo, which he used to ram the back end of the woman’s car. The woman drove north on M-22, and the man attempted to pull alongside her car; the woman stopped abruptly, and the man continued northbound.

A short time later, a homeowner on East Tatch Road reported seeing the Volvo make a U-turn, strike a tree and speed off; deputies soon found the suspect and pulled him over and discovered he was intoxicated. The suspect was arrested for drunk driving, assault with a dangerous weapon, and leaving the scene of a crash.

The dog was determined to be fine and was left at the suspect’s home. The woman was not injured.

EJECTED DRIVER KILLED A driver who lost control on ice was killed after he was ejected from his car when he struck a tree.

Manistee County Sheriff’s deputies said the deceased 25-year-old Manistee resident, Russell Rivord, was not wearing a seatbelt.

Deputies responded to the crash at the intersection of 9 Mile and Big Four roads in Bear Lake Township at 11pm Dec. 21.

CAREGIVERS CHARGED AFTER DEATH Two caregivers for a man confined to a wheelchair neglected the man and pocketed his $4,000 per month VA disability and Social Security benefits.

In August 2017, 66-year-old Howard Quick was admitted to Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord; he was unable to communicate and was septic, malnourished, and covered in wounds — one that exposed bone tissue — state police said. Quick died 12 days later.

Hospital staff alerted Adult Protective Services, who launched an investigation with the state police.

Quick’s caregiver, Shawn Winkleman, and his girlfriend, Ashley Robinson, originally claimed Quick had been left in the care of another person for two weeks in West Virginia; investigators got search warrants for cell phone and banking records and armed with the new information, they confronted the couple, who recanted the original story.

Winkleman, 35, now faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, vulnerable adult abuse, embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, and being a four-time habitual offender. Robinson faces an embezzlement charge.

by patrick sullivan psullivan@northernexpress.com

HANG UP CALL LEADS TO ARREST A 911 hang-up call led to the arrest of a 36-year-old woman on drug charges.

A 32-year-old Traverse City man called central dispatch and hung up at 5:15pm Dec. 15.

Dispatchers called back and eventually were able to reach the man, who told them he might have been given a bad drug and was not feeling right.

Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s deputies checked on the man, who said that a woman had stolen his car. Deputies later spotted the car, pulled it over, and learned that the woman who was driving it was wanted on a misdemeanor failure to appear warrant. They searched the car and discovered five grams of suspected methamphetamine.

The 36-year-old Blair Township woman faces charges of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine.

STRANGLER SENT TO PRISON A 32-year-old Boyne Falls man who strangled a pregnant woman was sentenced to up to five years in prison.

Ernest William Alex Sulkowski, Jr., was sentenced Dec. 14 in 33rd Circuit Court in Charlevoix County to 20 to 60 months in prison following a guilty plea to assault by strangulation.

Last July in Boyne City, Sulkowski grabbed a pregnant woman from behind and started to strangle her, causing her to nearly lose consciousness, according to a press release from Prosecutor Allen Telgenhof.

The woman suffered broken teeth, and her neck appeared swollen following the attack.

Sulkowski is a former mixed martial arts fighter and trainer.

ONE MAN STABBED, ANOTHER ARRESTED A 23-year-old Lake City man was stabbed, and a 24-year-old Cadillac man was arrested by police following an incident in Cadillac.

Cadillac Police were called to the intersection of Howard and South Mitchell streets at 2:18pm Dec. 19 to investigate a stabbing.

The victim was taken to Munson Cadillac, and officers got a description and name of the suspect. The suspect was found walking with another person on Oak Street near Hobart Street, and he was arrested on a charge of attempted murder.

ASSAULT REPORTED AT RESORT An Orlando, Florida, man faces sexual assault charges following an alleged attack at Boyne Highlands.

Emmet County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the Bartley House on the property of the resort at 12:30am Dec. 11 to investigate a sexual assault complaint. Boyne Highlands security learned of the complaints, and they asked deputies to investigate, according to a press release from Sheriff Pete Wallin.

The next day, prosecutors charged 24-yearold Caesar Joel Bonds-Carrera with nine counts, including first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

Snow Motel in Cadillac with a woman. Police from across the region who form the Emergency Response Team were called in to surveil and arrest him.

That happened when investigators spotted Oxford and the woman leave a room and get into a vehicle; as officers approached, Oxford fled on foot.

Officers followed Oxford on a foot chase, and although he was carrying a handgun throughout the chase, police never fired at him. He was finally tackled near the Cadillac Inn and taken to jail.

He faces charges including assault with intent to murder, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a felon, and being a three-time habitual offender.

FUGITIVE ARRESTED AFTER STAKEOUT Wexford County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a man who fled police in a chase through Cadillac and who was overheard vowing he would not go back to prison.

Shane Michael Oxford, a 25-year-old fugitive from Cadillac, led police on a chase that ended at 8pm Dec. 14 when he crashed his vehicle through the metal gates at the city water treatment plant and then into the yard of a Haring Township residence, where he fled on foot.

Through the weekend, deputies looked for Oxford and learned that he vowed not to be arrested, according to a press release.

Investigators also believed that he might have been armed.

Oxford was tracked down staying at the Sun and

emmet cheboygan charlevoix

antrim

otsego

Leelanau

benzie

manistee

grand traverse

wexford

kalkaska

missaukee

crawfor D

roscommon

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 7

IT’S NOT ME. IT’S YOU. opinion

bY Mark Pontoni

Happy Hour!

1/2 OFF ALL ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

Mon-Fri (Cantina Only) 3pm-6pm & 9pm to close

Back in February 2015, I wrote a blog post entitled, “Divorcing Friends: It’s not you … it’s me.” In that post, I explained why I had to unfriend some folks on Facebook: It had become unbearable to attempt discussions with people who willingly used false information and consistently invoked inaccurate sources when we debated. Like a high school romance gone bad, I was willing to accept the blame for the breakup … as long as I didn’t have to hang with that person again.

Nearly four years later, the country is in far worse shape than I could have imagined back then. We suffer daily the effects of the darkest day in American history, when we somehow decided to put an unstable, unintelligent, lying, treasonous criminal in the White House. We still don’t even know how bad it’s going to get — we just know it’s going to get a lot worse before we can begin the long process of healing that will commence the day Donald Trump and Mike Pence are in the country’s rearview mirror.

Lansing, Mt. Pleasant and two locations in Traverse City.

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER

Performing Arts Series

MADCAT MIDNIGHT BLUES JOURNEY SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 • 7:30 pm CTAC-PETOSKEY THEATER

Tickets on sale NOW!

Since that February day in 2015 when I told so many “It’s not you … it’s me,” I have come to realize that I was wrong. Very wrong. It is, in fact, you. If you still support Donald Trump after all he has done to destroy our country’s reputation abroad, after his nonstop efforts to put our economy on the brink of yet another disastrous crash, after all he has done to divide us as a people, and after all he has done to give permission for people in red hats to demean their fellow Americans, you are the problem.

Nowhere is this more obvious than when we observe the events going on in Lansing in the weeks since the midterm elections. Under the “leadership” of those who believe what Trump is doing to our country is good medicine, the Michigan Republicans are attacking democracy, women, public education, and the will of the people. A few proposals still alive at press time could: a) Weaken the powers of the newly elected secretary of state and attorney general. b) Take away authority from the State Board of Education, on which Democrats took seats in November. c) Severely limit the odds of citizen initiatives making it to the ballot (presumably because the people of Michigan keep wanting to do things that Republicans can’t stand, like making voting easier).

An eclectic, electric quartet featuring a blend of blues, roots and Americana music CASH BAR AVAILABLE

www.crookedtree.org 231-347-4337

8 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

d) Ban doctors from prescribing medications to women via online examinations.

Because Trump has given permission to hate, to lie, and to dismantle the fundamentals of a democratic society, lightweights like Lee Chatfield, Tristan Cole, and other Republicans in our state are taking full advantage. The people of Michigan overwhelmingly elected a Democratic governor (53 to 43 percent)

and Secretary of State (52 to 44 percent).

We elected a Democratic attorney general.

We overwhelmingly approved an end to gerrymandering (61 to 38 percent).

Since the 2018 midterm election, however, Republicans have looked into the eyes of the voters and spit into our faces. This is Trump’s America.

I am confident that the institutions that have kept our country going since the late 1700s will be able to endure and then repair the Trump Tragedy. What we might not be able to repair, however, is the damage Trump and his soulless followers are doing to our youth.

Northern Michigan is an economically fragile region. Building a robust economy that lessens our dependence on minimumwage tourist jobs has never been easy. And as Trump, Chatfield, Cole, and their ilk continue to push their agenda of intolerance, young people who know better are going to look for better options.

Bridge Magazine has done a series of articles about why our youth are fleeing the Great White North. I encourage you to seek them out. When I talk to students about their post-high school plans, a large majority of them want out of northern Michigan.

While many crave an education and careers in more diverse communities, many also cite the hopelessness of the political climate in our state, and specifically in our area, as reasons to bail. They openly talk about how pointless it is to hope for change in our area when elected officials work in opposition to fairness, respect, and tolerance.

When it comes time to assign blame for this damaging exodus, remember that if you support Trump, if you vote for politicians like Chatfield and Cole, or if you tolerate repression of the free exchange of ideas, you are to blame. You have created, and now you maintain, a climate that is unacceptable to many of our best and brightest. They will take with them the talent and resources we need to develop genuine economic growth.

If you’ve fallen for Trump’s lies or for Chatfield’s lunacy that hatred and intolerance are what Jesus wants, you are writing tickets out of town for the very people who have a fighting chance improve the lives of all of us in northern Michigan. When they’re gone, you’ll still have your Confederate flags, your MAGA hats, and your pictures of aborted fetuses.

But what you won’t have is the talent needed to preserve our environment, grow our economy, and lead people to build a society which truly believes all men are created equal.

And this time, it’s not me. It’s you.

You can read more of Mark Pontoni’s thoughts on education, politics, sports, and family (and his Feb. 2015 “divorcing friends” blog post) at www.thegrumblings.com. https://thegrumblings.com/2015/02/01/ divorcing-friends-its-not-you-its-me/

5 4 3 2 1

DITCH THE NETFLIX FOR ONE NIGHT AND COUNTDOWN AT TREETOPS!

Mystery Solved On Jan. 25, 71-year-old Alan J. Abrahamson of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, went for his regular pre-dawn walk to Starbucks. What happened on the way stumped police investigators until March, reported The Washington Post, and on July 13 they made their findings public.

Images from a surveillance camera show Abrahamson walking out of his community at 5:35 a.m. and about a half-hour later, the sound of a gunshot is heard. Just before 7 a.m., a dog found Abrahamson’s body, lying near a walking path. Police found no weapon, no signs of a struggle; he still had his wallet and phone. Investigators initially worked the case as a homicide, but as they dug deeper into the man’s computer searches and purchases over the past nine years, a theory developed: Abrahamson had tied a gun to a weather balloon filled with helium, shot himself, and then the gun drifted away to parts unknown. A thin line of blood on Abrahamson’s sweatshirt indicated to police that “something with the approximate width of a string passed through the blood on the outside of the shirt,” the final report says. As for the balloon, investigators said it would likely have ascended to about 100,000 feet and exploded somewhere north of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean.

People Different From Us Metro News reported on Feb. 20 that travelers “remained silent” for 20 minutes while a fellow passenger on a Ural Airlines flight from Antalya, Turkey, to Moscow used the air vent above her seat to dry a pair of underwear.

Witnesses reported that the woman showed no shame and that “everybody was looking with interest and confusion.” Debate raged later, however, after video of the woman was posted online, with one commenter speculating that “maybe the takeoff was sort of extreme, so now she has to dry those.”

New World Order Taisei Corp., a construction company based in Tokyo, announced in December 2017 that it would use autonomous drones called T-Frends to combat karoshi, or overwork death, reported The Independent.

The drones hover over desks of employees who have stayed at work too long and blast “Auld Lang Syne,” a tune commonly used in Japanese shops getting ready to close. A company statement said: “It will encourage employees who are present at the drone patrol time to leave, not only to promote employee health but also to conduct internal security management.” Experts are skeptical: Scott North, professor of sociology at Osaka University, told the BBC that “to cut overtime hours, it is necessary to reduce workloads.”

Wait, What?

-- Ikea took advertising in a whole new direction with its print ad for a crib. The ad, which appeared in the Swedish magazine Amelia, invited women who think they might be pregnant to urinate on the paper to reveal a discounted price. “Peeing on this ad may change your life,” the ad read at the top of the page. “If you are expecting, you will get a surprise right here in the ad.” Adweek reported that the agency behind the gimmick adapted pregnancy test technology to work on a magazine page.

-- Police in Mainz, Germany, responded

to an apartment building after cries were heard from within one unit early on Feb. 17, The Associated Press reported. When they arrived, officers found two men, the 58-year-old tenant and a 61-year-old visitor, “hopelessly locked up” with a mannequin dressed as a knight and a large remotecontrolled car. The men were too drunk to explain how they had become entangled, and one officer remarked that “the whole thing would have remained a funny episode” if the younger man had not become “more than impolite.” He now faces a charge of insulting officers.

Armed and Frustrated Linda Jean Fahn, 69, of Goodyear, Arizona, finally succumbed to a frustration many wives suffer. On Dec. 30, 2017, as her husband sat on the toilet, she barged in and “shot two bullets at the wall above his head to make him listen to me,” she told Goodyear police when they were called to the scene. Fahn said her husband “would have had to be 10 feet tall to be hit by the bullets,” ABC15 in Phoenix reported, but officers estimated the bullets struck about 7 inches over the man’s head as he ducked. She was charged with aggravated assault.

News That Sounds Like a Joke In Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat, drivers of black cars faced high costs to repaint their cars white or silver after President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov banned black vehicles because he thinks the color white brings good luck. Police began seizing dark-colored vehicles in late December 2017, and owners had to apply for permission to repaint and re-register them.

The average wage in Ashgabat is about $300 a month (or 1,200 manats); one Turkman told Radio Free Europe that he was quoted 7,000 manats for a paint job, but was told that the price would rise within a week to 11,000 manats. “Even if I don’t spend any money anywhere, I will be forced to hand over pretty much my entire annual salary just to repaint,” the unnamed man said, adding that his black car had already been impounded.

Just. No. Words.

If you’ve been wondering whatever happened to Barney the Dinosaur, the Daily Mail had the answer for you. David Joyner, 54, romped inside the big purple suit for 10 years on the 1990s “Barney & Friends” show on PBS. Today, he’s a tantric sex guru in Los Angeles who says he can unite a client’s body, mind and spirit through tantric massage and unprotected sex. Joyner credits his tantric training with helping him endure the 120-degree temperatures inside the Barney suit. While “surprised,” Stephen White, former head writer on the show, said he sees Joyner’s new vocation as the “’I love you, you love me’ deal, but different. I don’t judge or anything, but that’s a side of David I didn’t know.”

Compelling Explanation A woman claiming to be on a mission from God led a Kentucky State Police trooper on a chase at speeds up to 120 mph on Feb. 10, stopping only when another trooper pulled in front of her car. According to the Elizabethtown (Kentucky) News-Enterprise, Connie Lynn Allen, 52, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, told officers that she was Mother Mary, en route to pick up Baby Jesus, and that God had given her permission to speed.

HOURS OF FESTIVITIES EXQUISITE DINNER BUFFETS MAGNIFICENT PARTIES

(BAD YOU DON’T HAVE TICKETS YET)

EPIC FIREWORKS SHOW

TREETOPS.COM

RESERVE NOW: 855-854-0892

x

x x

x

NEW YEAR, NEW BABY ON THE WAY!

Meet the newest addition early with an HD ultrasound.

x

c ti g ele Oferin

D/4 ve 3

D ult DH

rasounds

231-944-9094 • PreciousMomentsHD.com 1501 Cass St. #F - Traverse City Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 9

By Patrick Sullivan When Nicole Blonshine won the position of Blair Township supervisor in 2016, one of the Republican’s first goals as leader of the growing, partly rural area south of Traverse City was to start earning the area some positive press.

She did things like organize a cleanup effort for Hoosier Valley — long an illicit dumping ground for old appliances, mattresses, and garbage — and reinstate township junk drop-off days. Since then, Blonshine has collected clips and posted them on a wall in the township hall devoted to good press.

The positive energy and its effect is in stark contrast to the roughly eight years before Blonshine took office, when articles about Blair Township often focused on bickering between public officials and allegations of wrongdoing lobbed back and forth.

Blonshine said that she set out to be a different kind of leader for the township. It hasn’t been easy. In between when Blonshine agreed to an interview with Northern Express and the day the interview took place, a sudden heart event nearly took Blonshine’s life. She said she’s now focusing on lifestyle changes and learning how to do her job without internalizing the day-to-day stress.

Northern Express: Tell me about yourself.

Nicole Blonshine: I am 49 years old, almost 50. I’m a native of Traverse — Traverse City specifically, and a 30-plus years Blair Township resident. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Scott; we have one daughter, Meagan, and we have one grandchild, Jaylin. Recently we purchased a large chunk of property and a small hobby farm out on County Road 633, and we started farming — cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, a little bit of field corn, hay fields. And I am currently the Blair Township supervisor.

BLAIR TOWNSHIP Supervisor Nicole Blonshine set out to be a different kind of rural township official.

Express: And now you are the first elected female supervisor of Blair Township.

Blonshine: Yes. Express: How did that come to be? It doesn’t seem like the most likely place for a woman to get elected to lead.

Blonshine: I never actually had thought of that, being the first elected female township supervisor. When I retired from fire and EMS in 2015, even though Scott and I had bought the property and the farm down the road, I just missed being involved with this community. I knew that I couldn’t go back to fire and EMS, I mean, I was aging out.

That career, really, as much as I loved it, it took its toll on me, mentally, physically.

And I looked at the other candidates that were running for office — I had been approached by numerous people — and the more I thought about it, I thought it’s a good way to get me back involved with this community, keep working on my vision, my ideas, and serving. I believe that I was put on this world to serve others. So, I campaigned really, really hard and did a lot of door-knocking. I estimated about 1,500 houses I knocked on doors and met people face-to-face, and I won.

Express: You don’t seem like the typical rural township supervisor, which I guess I see as an older, gruff, stoic, quiet man. You seem engaged, open, and out there, trying to recruit the participation of the community.

Blonshine: I am.

Blonshine: I did. On Nov. 24, I was at my gym doing my morning workout. Approximately 25 minutes after my workout, I felt some chest pressure. I called 911, was transported to the hospital and was emergently treated for a cardiac clot. I spent almost five days in the hospital; a couple trips to the cath lab.

And I’m being treated with medication, and I start cardiac rehab on Thursday.

Blonshine: I don’t think that it was really a decision. That’s me, so I think it comes naturally.

I believe in people. I love people. I believe in teamwork. I believe in this community.

Blonshine: The prognosis is positive. Some lifestyle prevention things that I’ll be working on. It’s funny, because we’re hobby farmers, and we raise pigs and cows, and that’s part of my diet elimination, the red meats.

Express: You used to be an EMT and a volunteer firefighter, right?

Blonshine: I was actually a full-time paramedic firefighter for Blair Township.

I started in the early ’90s as a volunteer and continued my education — went from the emergency medical technician level up to the paramedic level, through firefighting school, and I was hired full-time. I retired out of Blair Township in 2015 after almost 25 years.

Express: You must have been one of the first female full-time firefighters in the township.

Blonshine: I was. And I remained the only full-time female through my whole tenure. I also served as the union president.

10 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

Blonshine: I learned that I’m strong. I learned that women in a nontraditional emergency services role can be successful. I was wellrespected by my male partners and coworkers. Most of them are still here today in full-time capacity, and most of them I helped to train, actually.

Express: I understand you recently had a bad health scare. What happened?

Express: What’s the prognosis?

CLEANING UP

Express: What did you learn being the only female on the department?

Express: Was that a conscious decision to approach this differently?

Express: Not long after you were elected, you launched a project to clean up some of the illegal dump sites in Hoosier Valley, and you recruited volunteers, and you made a very public campaign of it.

Blonshine: In the past, Blair Township has done Hoosier Valley cleanup days. We’ve also done township cleanup days, and that was something that, almost 10 years prior to me coming into office, the township no longer hosted these cleanup days. It was something that was taken away from the community.

Express: And you noticed that, when you went out into the woods?

Blonshine: Oh, yes. Not only in Hoosier Valley but in areas throughout the township. Garbage and junk accumulating — couches and chairs, mattresses. TVs, stoves, refrigerators. I mean, you name it. Household garbage. It just really started accumulating everywhere throughout the township.

Express: That’s a problem, especially in a place that’s already trying to fight an image problem.

Blonshine: It is a problem. And the image that you mentioned, that’s one of the things near and dear to my heart, because Blair Township is an incredible community, with amazing people, and I think sometimes people get overwhelmed with their current situation in regards to garbage or blight. It’s very expensive to dispose of. When the township would try to do enforcement campaigns, then we would notice dumping sites down in Hoosier Valley. So, bringing back township cleanup day and doing Hoosier Valley cleanup day was near and dear to my heart. Neighbors helping neighbors. I’ve helped numerous residents clean up myself, and every time I go someplace to help somebody clean up, a neighbor will notice it, and I see neighbors starting to talk.

Express: How did Hoosier Valley cleanup day go?

Blonshine: Hoosier Valley cleanup day was an amazing turnout with volunteers — at least 25 to 30 volunteers with trucks and trailers.

It was incredible. Our first Hoosier Valley cleanup was incredible. We had Sen. Wayne Schmidt come and help us clean up, even.

Express: I noticed this summer you appealed to residents to give input about the parks and recreation plan, which hadn’t been updated since 2011, and you haven’t been eligible for grants for all these years. How has that gone?

Blonshine: Amazing. We just put out a survey. We have received, I believe it was 265 responses to the survey. I think it represented three percent of our population, and for a parks and rec survey, the planner I was working with said that was pretty huge.

We just had our first public meeting last week and it went great. We have the parks and rec plan available for review — it’s on our website [www.blairtownship.org], it’s on our Facebook page, it’s available here [at the township office]. We’ll be having a public hearing in January, on the second Tuesday, at our board meeting in January.

And then we’ll be adopting it, and we’ll have it filed by the filing deadline on Feb. 1, and we will be grant-eligible.

Express: What kinds of things to people want?

Blonshine: Overwhelming support for a community center, which has been one of my visions. A community garden — we actually have a community garden in place, and we still have lots of room for residents interested in having a garden plot.

New bathrooms out in the township park.

Increased walking trails. More pavilions.

Safe walkability for the children around Blair Elementary School. And we’ll start looking at future land acquisition. We have a whole east side of Blair Township where we don’t have any parks or parkland. We have a beautiful park right outside of township hall, but we are on the far west corner of Blair Township. Perhaps a dog park, that was another huge response from people.

Express: How concerned are you about the potential groundwater contamination over near the site of the tire fire of the mid-1990s?

Blonshine: I actually fought the tire fire.

I was a firefighter here at that time. It was amazing. Thirty-one days I think we spent there … But we have been cleared.

The DEQ has cleared the well sites in the area; there was some concern when they first discovered the PFAs contamination throughout the state of Michigan, because our groundwater runs southeast, so that

would be the Blair Elementary School area, and we have a couple subdivisions over there. But the wells were all tested; there’s no contaminant danger. There were nine wells that tested with a trace, but nothing above the state contamination levels. We do have a municipal water system through that area, and it’s funny, the municipal water system is still a sore spot with a lot of township residents, but the municipal water system was tested as well, and no trace of contamination [was found], so I’m not worried about the PFAs ground contamination.

Express: There must be a lot of excitement about the new life that’s bound to be brought to the baseball field formerly known as Wuerfel Park.

Blonshine: We’re very excited about Traverse City Baseball coming. John and Leslie Wuerfel, I love them. They’re personal friends of mine. I will remain grateful forever that they brought Wuerfel Park to the township.

But now we’re going to really see it explode.

The Wuerfels focused on baseball and baseball only. The Whitecaps organization, they are interested not only in baseball but in community events. Chum’s Village is exploding right now in development. I think people are seeing the potential.

Express: What are some of your biggest goals?

What would you most like to accomplish?

Blonshine: Blair Township is prospering right now. I want to continue that momentum that’s happening. The development that’s happening in our area is huge. We have the VA clinic coming in, which is going to serve so many people across northern Michigan.

They’ll no longer have to drive to Saginaw.

And the fact that they’ll be driving right here into Blair Township is just amazing.

We have Blain’s Farm & Fleet, which is a family owned, family operated business.

So, it’s not the typical big box store. This is a family-owned business out of Wisconsin.

I am so excited to have them coming into our community. The first time I met with the owner and management team of Blain’s I felt like I made new friends instantly.

They are going to be a huge asset to Blair Township. That being said, part of my goal is to make Blair Township one of the most desirable in the Grand Traverse area to live, work and play. I want it to be a welcoming community, which it is. I want to keep that momentum going.

Made in Michigan Yooper Chooks at Diversions!

Express: Do you plan to run again in 2020?

Blonshine: A month ago I would have told you, “Oh, absolutely. Absolutely.” Looking forward to 2020 and running again because I will have had four years in office, and I’ve learned so much, just in my first two years in office. And I have a lot more learning to do, but I figure in four years I should have it down pretty well. And then this cardiac event happened. It put some things in perspective. And maybe not even total perspective yet, because I am still dealing with the shock of surviving a major cardiac event that statistically kills people. And I know my stress level was pretty high just before this even happened. My blood pressure was a little bit high. My plan is, though, to run again in 2020. I just really need to learn how to not take everything so personally and literally let it impact my heart. Literally things break my heart when I see the drug epidemic, when I see neighbors fighting with neighbors, when I see co-workers not always getting along, it literally breaks my heart. So, I need to learn how to manage my sensitivity and realize that I can’t fix things overnight.

Chooks for the Whole Family!

DIVERSIONS

104 E FRONT ST ~ TC ~231-946-6500 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @ DIVERSIONS HATS Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 11

The Bionic Woman

If a working single mom can make time to train for triathlons — and the most elite tri in the world — you can probably commit to three 30-minute workouts a week. The secret, she says, is small steps and short commitments.

By Clark Miller Manistee chiropractor, single mom, and endurance athlete Dr. Christa Johnson doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions. For the past 20 years, the commitment has been the same: Push her body as hard as she can every day.

Johnson started out as a runner. In 2008, she moved up to triathlons, including Ironman races, in which competitors swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles.

“Then you get a trophy, and after a day off,” she says, “you start training for the next race.”

IRONMAN AS A FAMILY SPORT Johnson’s first triathlon ago changed her life. “I was never a couch potato. I ran crosscountry one year in high school and wasn’t that good. And I was on the equestrian team at Michigan State once year.”

“But by the time I was 26, I was struggling with my health — including a knee injury,” she said.

Instead of giving up, though, she signed up for a triathlon in Louisville, Kentucky. “I hadn’t run for two years, and my family was terrified — especially my dad. But I had fun and finished with a great time.”

That day she realized that racing might be a way to rebuild a family fractured by divorce 34 years earlier.

Her parents showed up (with current spouses in tow) to support her. Since then, her double sets of parents — and now her young son — have become her crew. On race day, they drive her to the swim starting line, usually well before sunrise. They carry her bike to the transition area. They cheer her on.

They feed her.

That day the temperature in Louisville hit 96 degrees. Her confidence waned. Could she make it?

“I ran up to them during that race,” she

said. “I was so happy to see them that I jumped up on the curb, patted my mom on the butt, and told her she was going to have to get moving if she wanted to see me at the next point. Then I really started running. At that moment, I realized I was going to finish the race.”

Even her father, who had misgivings about the safety of endurance sports quickly changed his mind. Johnson can recall the exact moment when that happened.

“He turned to me after Louisville and said, ‘Have you signed up for the next race?’”

DISCOVERING THE INNER BEAST Johnson has gone on to compete in many events, including the Texas Ironman, the Boston and New York marathons, the KalHaven 33.5 Ultra Trail Run in Kalamazoo, several races in northern Michigan, the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon, Xterra World Championships, and earlier this year, the famous Ironman World Championships on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kona meant the most to her.

“Very few people even dream of getting into Kona,” she said. “It’s that hard. It’s more exclusive than about any other race, including the Boston Marathon. Only the top one percent of the top one percent get to compete.”

Johnson savored the experience.

“During my swim, I looked at the fish, the other competitors, and the coral. I felt better than in any other race. The only unexpected thing was a torrential rainstorm for three or four miles during the run.”

IRON-MAN, NOT IRON WOMAN Early on in her sports career, she learned that endurance athletes — especially men — can be tough to win over.

“It’s an interesting dynamic with

12 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

MAMILs,” she said. (The acronym stands for middle-aged men in Lycra.)

“They don’t like to be ‘chicked,’ that is, passed by a girl. But they also kind of look out for me, and now that I have some accolades, they don’t seem to feel as bad when I pass them.”

SAFETY There have been moments when Johnson had second thoughts about the costs of always trying to reach higher. She recalls watching a high-performance athlete train years ago.

“I’d see her on an inside bike trainer for hours, sweat flying everywhere,” Johnson said. “She told me some athletes who go to Kona have to get some of their intestines removed afterwards. That was due to the amount of time blood was routed to their big leg muscles while racing 140.6 miles. Parts of their intestine would die. Why would anyone do that?”

Years later, she rethought it all.

“I began wondering if triathlons would help me prove something to myself,” she said.

OVERCOMING LETHARGY Johnson still trains hard, but she thinks there are sensible, safe ways to help all us get into better shape.

For many people, getting started is the big problem.

When her chiropractic patients ask her how they can overcome inertia, she’s ready with an answer.

“I tell them to just commit for a short while,” she said. “Everyday you live, start with little steps. There are lots of ways to be active outdoors or in a gym.”

She continues to train as often as possible. “Sometimes I train with my son,” she said. “Whether it’s five minutes or five

hours of working out, it doesn’t matter. The point is to get exercise.”

She knows that’s not always easy. “I understand. In fact, I don’t necessarily want to go out and train when it’s cold and windy.”

But her empathy reaches only so far.

“You have to move to be healthy,” she said. “The obesity rate in Michigan is around 34 percent. I’ve never seen anyone who’s come to my practice with a valid excuse not to exercise.”

Lifelong learning classes enrolling now!

Art Fitness Cooking Recreation Business Tech + MORE!

231.995.1700

nmc.edu/ees

for Christmas!

Payments starting at $59/mo2 with $0 down, or financing as low as 1.99%1

3938 Rennie School Rd. Traverse City 231.943.5858 www.natureandmerv.com

Piaggio and Vespa Scooters as low as $1999 Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 13

ed kriskywicz

construction design, inc.

231-723-9552

www.cdihomedesigns.com design, build...

Enjoy!

ed@cdihomedesigns.com

231-723-9552

ed@cdihomedesigns.com

Out-of-the-Ordinary furniture, clothing, home decor, jewelry and more all presented in an antique farmer’s co-op potato warehouse.

How Fun is That!

www.cdihomedesigns.com

Monday thru Saturday 10-6 Sunday Noon-4 314 S. Otsego | Gaylord 989.731.0330 oldspudwarehouse.com

14 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

The DIY Novelist

Clockwise from top left: Tanya Anne Crosby’s newest title, a historical fantasy novel entitled “A Winter’s Rose,” was released Dec. 31.

Cari Noga’s most recent novel, “The Orphan Daughter,” hit shelves in May 2018.

Three authors who took writing and publishing their novels into their own hands

Marina Call published her debut novel, “Eastbound, I Think,” in 2013. She published a second addition in 2018, which is available at some local bookstores.

By Anna Faller

to make sure that every book I put out has the biggest impact it can. And then, of course, the rest of it is up to the readers.”

Still, Crosby’s experience isn’t necessarily the norm. As Noga is quick to clarify, selfpublishing costs ultimately depend on the book’s intended format: “With self-publishing, a writer is responsible for all costs. [My first novel] was largely text [as opposed to images] that I published as an e-book and in paperback. Therefore, my production costs [were] much lower than a writer publishing a full-color, hardcover children’s book.

Set a budget and decide your goals.”

Also worth considering: The selfpublishing market remains unfortunately fickle, especially for first-time authors. “There are definitely biases against digital publishing, so you will still run into that,” Crosby says.

“While the self-publishing stigma has lessened in recent years,” Noga says, “traditionally published books are still much preferred by brick and mortar bookstores, so that should be factored into decision-making.”

This would be a good spot to introduce Noga’s second novel and explain why/how she went the traditional route this time.

Luckily, it’s not so much the medium that determines a book’s success, but rather, its audience: “Most readers don’t care who publishes the book as long as they can get it in their preferred format [e-book, audio, paperback, etc.] at a reasonable price,” Noga says. “Ultimately the choice depends on your goals, personality, and ambition as a writer as well as connections, timing and luck.”

“I think [there could] be more of a partnership [between bookstores and digital publishing],” adds Crosby, “but there are still some biases, it seems. It’s definitely a challenge but it’s not insurmountable.”

So, would they do it again? “I probably would never sell another book to New York,” says Crosby.

“I’m enjoying the process much too much. I really love the fact that there isn’t a gatekeeper there. It’s just my fans, just my readers who are making the decision about what I write next.”

With 12 solely self-published titles, and another 20 published under her own input, Tanya Anne Crosby is a true digital convert.

“If this is something you’ve always wanted to do,” says Crosby, “there is no reason not to pursue it. There are [no longer] gatekeepers.

The people who are actually putting their money down, who are buying your books are your judge and jury, and there’s something kind of amazing about that.”

For many of us, the New Year represents a fresh start, a clean slate, square one on the path to doing all the things we said we’d do last year, but never quite got around to — “new year, new you” and everything, right?

For the multitudes of closet lit nerds among us, those New Year’s dreams often involve writing a book. And while a commitment to cranking out the Great American Novel, or simply a few thousand words a day is, for most folks, shorter-lived than January itself, northern Michigan authors Tanya Anne Crosby, Cari Noga, and Marina Call have made that dream a reality.

But more uniquely still, these three authors didn’t stop at “The End.” Rather than pursuing representation of a literary agency or a contract from a traditional publishing house, each have taken a less conventional route by self-publishing at least one novel.

Though it might sound daunting, the process of publishing a completed manuscript today requires little more than a few cursor strokes.

With hundreds of thousands of writers turning to online platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Createspace, or others to distribute their work, the digital publishing market is becoming increasingly popular.

And, rightfully so. An author has only to pay a fee; create an online profile; enter details like title, description, and the like; and upload a manuscript and cover art to make a book available for purchase digitally and/or in print (depending on the self-publishing platform). Beyond the possibilities of reaching audiences around the world and on demand, self-publishing offers two other highly attractive perks: Self-published authors maintain their own copyright and keep a majority of their royalties — from roughly 70 to 100 percent, depending on the publishing platform they use.

Tanya Anne Crosby, a bestselling author who splits her time between Charleston, South Carolina, and Traverse City, has seen both sides. Her debut novel, Angel of Fire was published by Avon Books, now part of HarperCollins, in 1992. Her fourth book, Once Upon a Kiss, was even the catalyst for Avon’s Romantic Treasure imprint. But in 2013, she launched her own independent publishing label, OliverHeber Books, “I can’t say [self-publishing] is the same experience for everyone,” says Tanya Anne Crosby. “I’ve been in this business for 30 years,”

she says, “so the process of writing prior to [self-publishing] was not something I had to learn. Instead it kind of came along with me.

I understood the importance of hiring a good editor, and a good cover person. I understood all of these concepts already, so [the process of writing the book] was not something I had to learn by trial and error.”

Cari Noga experienced more of the learning curve. Although she was already the published author of a 2005 non-fiction cycling guide, “Road Biking in Northern Michigan,” her first and only self-published novel, “Sparrow Migrations,” was the product of a fictional draft she penned during National Novel Writing Month. Known as NaNoWriMo, the annual event challenges people to commit to writing a 50,000 word manuscript between Nov. 1 and 30. Publishing the manuscript, Noga says, was more of a serendipitous surprise: “When I [first] embarked on writing [that novel], I didn’t have publication as a goal. I simply wanted to finish it, so eventually publishing it was like icing on the cake.”

Even sweeter: “Sparrow Migrations” was a semifinalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest in 2011.

So, why not just take the traditional route?

Well, it depends. “I wanted to understand the publishing process,” says Marina Call, who published her debut novel, Eastbound, I Think, in 2013, and a second edition this spring. “[Self-publishing] has been a great way to experience the magical process that starts with an idea or character, [and ends with] seeing your book on the shelf.”

For Crosby, traditional publishing was

never an option. “It’s a different market entirely,” says Crosby. “I wanted control over my covers, over the process, the editing, all of it. And if there are failures,” she continues, “I like knowing what happened and determining what I can do to fix it.”

Noga took a longer route to self-publishing, starting first with submitting her book to literary agencies. “I didn’t succeed via the traditional route of looking for an agent who finds you a publisher,” she says, “and, thanks to print-on-demand publishing and e-books, self-publishing [at that time] was becoming better quality and much more affordable.”

Still, all three authors are careful to emphasize that publishing independently is a whole-author investment, both mentally and monetarily: “The trade-offs,” says Noga, “are simple: With self-publishing, you pay up front and keep control — of your rights and decisionmaking and timeline [which is generally much faster]. With traditional publishing, you get paid up front but relinquish control.”

Call, however, wasn’t about to let waiting for an agent match rain on her parade: “I had been working on [my] book for a while,” she says, “and did not want to wait years before readers could experience [it]. I was ready to bring my novel to life and felt that selfpublishing was the best choice.”

Crosby warns, however, that a self-published author’s effort is still far from over once she hits the “publish” button. “I think a lot of people just think that once you upload the book, you just wait to see if it failed,” says Crosby, “but that’s just not true. I use every avenue available to me

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 15

COMING TO TRAVERSE CITY An Anti-Racism Seminar for White People

By Clark Miller Could the dearth of people of color in northern Michigan mean we let down our guard against institutionalized and individual acts of racism? A series of twoday workshops beginning in January at Neahtawanta Research and Education Center will tackle those issues with help from instructors from Allies for Change, a downstate justice group.

There is a difference between these two types of racism.

African American writer and political activist Eldridge Cleaver cited the bombing of a black church (an act that killed five children) as an example of individual racism.

He defined as institutionalized racism the deaths of hundreds of black babies in Montgomery, Alabama, each year due to poor nutrition, inadequate shelter, and lack of access to medical care.

Whether outright violence or malign neglect, the results are the same.

The Northern Express interviewed Rev. Jody Betten of New Waves United Church of Christ to find out more about Doing Our Own Work: An Anti-Racism Seminar for White People. The church is sponsoring the series with the Neahtawanta Research and Education Center in Traverse City, where the series will be held.

Northern Express: What is an example of institutionalized racism here in Northern Michigan?

Rev. Jody Betten: One that comes to mind is when people need to hire someone. If the name on the resume suggests an African American or Muslim is applying, that sometimes works against hiring that person.

Express: You’ve said workshops like Doing Our Own Work are necessary. In what way?

Betten: Yes. My perspective is that we’re always going to have to work on this.

Otherwise we won’t understand how race influences culture.

Express: Your frame of reference is as a Christian. What about those who don’t have that religious context? Surely, they, too, can work to understand and combat institutionalized racism.

Betten: I agree. It’s about our shared humanity. I want everyone to feel safe and secure. To the extent that people don’t have that, we have work to do. To a large extent, we white people have the power.

Express: Racial and religious hate crimes are on the rise in recent years. Why? Betten: As a pastor, I don’t declare political alliances. But to the extent that any leader engages in the type of vitriol and stereotyping as Trump does, it doesn’t help us. But I don’t want to stereotype the conversation. I want to open the conversation. Let’s explore it

16 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

together. The workshop is about identifying racism as it happens.

Express: Do you see positive developments currently?

Betten: The “gift” of the current administration is that we have a whole lot more people saying this is not right, it’s not the way our country should go. And I look at the recent elections, where women and people of color are calling the shots at the national level more than ever. Maybe that’s a sign we’re moving in the right direction and that white people are realizing they don’t have to be in control to get it right.

Express: Racial injustice is not solely a blackwhite issue. It has many hues.

Betten: Yes, and I sometimes wonder why members of [the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians] and the Hispanic community [Up North] seem so hidden, at least to me.

Express: We don’t hear much about it, but activists for the Hispanic community say recent arrests here by ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have pushed people underground. They’re scared.

Betten: Yes. They don’t want to stand out.

Express: It seems pretty easy to feel like you’re not a racist when there are so few people of color in your town and region.

Betten: Pretty much no one wants to live in a racist way. But racism is in the air. We need to ask what keeps [people of color] from being my neighbors, from being involved. When you’ve lived alongside African Americans in Chicago or Grand Rapids, for example, and then you come here, it can be a little jarring.

Express: White folks willing to pay to attend an anti-racism seminar seem unlikely to be racists. Might this be a case of “preaching to the choir?”

Betten: That’s quite possible. But it’s an opportunity to learn more. We can get complacent and think we’re doing good things but still not think how policies affect other communities. The purpose here is to explore how our whiteness contributes to the status quo. I believe that change happens when we’re challenged with new information.

Allies for Change explains the program this way: “At this time in our nation, we are witnessing an alarming resurgence of white supremacy and state-sanctioned violence. It is imperative that those of us who are white do the deep work required to claim and embody an anti-racist identity, understand the privilege we carry, and interrupt racism where we live, work, study, and volunteer.”

For information about Doing Our Own Work: An Anti-Racism Seminar for White People, contact Rev. Jody Betten at 616-706-3549 or at pastor@newwavesucc.org.

THURSDAY

Trivia nite • 7-9pm

FRIDAY FISH FRY

A Man. A Shirt Collar.

And a Dream.

All you can eat perch $10.99 FOR ALL Sporting Events!

Daily 4-7 Friday 4-9 Sunday All Day

231-941-2276 121 S. Union St. • TC. www.dillingerspubtc.com

231-922-7742 121 S. Union St. • TC. www.dillingerspubtc.com

FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

Just in time for the New Year, Petoskey’s Anthony Pickarski has something to teach us all about tenacity and resolve.

Family Dining & Pizza

By Ross Boissoneau Blame it on Obama. No, not any kind of political or policy problems. But when Anthony Pickarski saw the 44th President at a news conference in 2012, he was taken by the president’s attire: a dark suit, white dress shirt, and a striking blue tie that really grabbed his attention.

“I thought to myself, ‘What could be done to accentuate his blue tie around the collar?’” said Pickarski.

Pickarski has no background in fashion; he worked for Consumer Power and as a weighmaster. His preferred attire is a T-shirt and jeans. But that didn’t stop him. Instead, he put on his thinking cap and came up with the idea of adding a pattern of small cutouts around a man’s shirt collar that he thought might accentuate and add flair to the traditional business uniform. He told his wife, Linda, what he had in mind, and she told him what had to be done: He first needed a pattern so that the design could be created on a shirt collar.

Pickarski said the drafting courses he took in high school helped him design the patterns. After that, it was off to the local Salvation Army thrift store to purchase three men’s white dress shirts.

Next, he had to find a seamstress with the right machine and the experience to actually cut the patterns in the collar. A half-dozen phone calls later, he found one who would make him a prototype — though she told him that she would only do it on a small scale, and not to expect any more.

Given his lack of knowledge of the world of fashion and design, Pickarski said he knew it would be important to protect himself and his creation. So he decided to apply for a patent.

He called the Bar Association of Michigan, which referred him to a law firm in Lansing.

An attorney there told him that applying for a patent was no simple matter. He would have to provide exact information, and the drawings have to be spot on, no variations.

That sent him on his way to a professional familiar with patent drawings, which were then submitted three times before they were accepted by the patent office. Once accepted, however, Pickarski was granted a patent for his design approximately six months after filing, which, he says, according to his lawyer, is unprecedented.

So now he’s rolling in the dough as his design is taking the industry by storm, right?

Not exactly. He’s contacted numerous clothing companies and manufacturers with regard to

HAPPY HOUR:

231.369.2821 WE’RE OPEN 2012

g r votin you fo st!

Thank st Breakfa us Be

ALL YEAR!

5026 US 131 South Boardman, Mi

his idea, but he’s not yet found one eager to manufacture his shirts — at least, not without a hefty financial commitment on his part.

“Pacific Marketing in California said with $2,500 down and another $8,000 later, it would make a prototype,” said Pickarski.

Another company was reluctant to return his originals until he threatened legal action.

Among the companies he’s contacted: Philip Van Huesen (New York City), Haggar Clothing (Dallas), Gitman Brothers Shirt Company (Pennsyvania), Gittmen Company (New York City), and Puella Clothing (Los Angeles). He was also in contact with a fashion magazine editor from MR magazine, William Buckley, who advised him to contact Calvin Klein.

Pickarski has checked into crowdfunding possibilities and has even been encouraged to contact the ABC television program Shark Tank to see if any of the investors there would be interested in working with him. But he’s not a fan: “They say, ‘We’re gonna do this.’ You don’t see what happens behind the scenes.

The way they treat people, I’m not going to listen to some of that. It wouldn’t be pleasant.”

But don’t get the idea Pickarski has given up. He continues to try to find a manufacturer interested in his novel design, and recently he’s made contact with Michigan Fashion Pro in Lansing and with Oasis in Beverly Hills.

“I also made contact with Alphi Apparel in Canada. They’re one of the ‘biggies’ when it comes to shirt manufacturing in the world. I am waiting to hear back from company CEO Alan Knopp, who will be getting back with me upon his return from Asia,” said Pickarski.

“I don’t like the word ‘no.’ I’ve met a lot of interesting people. It’s been kind of a wild ride, and I remain optimistic.”

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 17

dec 29 OFF-SEASON

SPECIALS!

WEDNESDAYS: DATE NIGHT 2 for 1 Entrees of 25% off your total bill *not available for take-out* THURSDAYS: PASTA NIGHT 2 pasta dinners & a bottle of wine for $48 Open Weds - Sun @ 5:30 Weeknight special not available Jan 2 4566 W. MacFarlane Rd 'Burdickville' trattoria-funistrada.com • reservations* 231-334-3900

Keep Winter

Bright

Support your mental and emotional well-being with these natural products:

CBD Oil Ashwagandha Vitamin D B-Complex

saturday

29-06

-------------

26TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: Carnegie Library, TC. Presented by the Northern Michigan Railroad Club with proceeds benefitting the Great Lakes Children’s Museum. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., 12-4pm. $5/person; $30/family, festival pass.

----------------------

send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

SNOWSHOES, VINES & WINES: 12-5pm, Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay. blackstarfarms. com/snowshoes-vines-wines

---------------------THE HOLIDAYS AT BOYNE HIGHLANDS, HARBOR SPRINGS: Featuring the Holiday Rail Jam, Snowman Making Contest & much more. boynehighlands.com

----------------------

HEIKKI LUNTA PARTY: 7:30pm, Treetops Resort, Gaylord. Party of the Snow Gods. The weekly celebration carries on the tradition of asking for abundant snowfall. Enjoy a big bonfire, entertainment by Tommy Tropic, s’mores, hot chocolate, a tube-pulling contest, & more.

Free. treetops.com

----------------------

FRESHWATER CONCERT: WILLY PORTER: 8pm, Freshwater Art Gallery, Boyne City. Guitar virtuoso Willy Porter has opened for Tori Amos, Paul Simon, Jethro Tull, Sting, & Jeff Beck.

231-582-2588. $30 advance. freshwaterartgallery.com/concertCalendar.php

dec 30

sunday

26TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 29)

-------------

SNOWSHOES, WINES: (See Sat., Dec. 29)

VINES

&

----------------------

VIRIDIAN STRING TRIO CONCERT: 7-8:30pm, The Music House Museum, Williamsburg. $15 adults, $5 students. musichouse.org/upcoming-events

---------------------HEIKKI LUNTA PARTY: (SEE SAT., DEC. 29)

dec 31

monday

NYE TORCHLIGHT PARADE: 6pm, Nub’s Nob, at the bottom of the green chair lift, Harbor Springs. nubsnob.com

-------------

26TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 29)

---------------------TC NYE CHERRYT BALL DROP: 10pm, Front St., Downtown TC. Featuring a massive illuminated cherry that is lowered to signify the coming year. There will also be live music & entertainment. $3.

----------------------

COUNTDOWN TO NOON: Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Activities will be held from 10am-3pm. Museum admission. greatlakeskids.org

----------------------

SNOWSHOES, VINES & WINES: (See Sat., Dec. 29)

----------------------

E. E. th th St. St. T.C. T.C. - | oryana.coop - | oryana.coop

dec/jan

25 CENT KIDS MATINEES: 10am, The State Theatre, TC. Featuring “Elf.� stateandbijou. org/calendar

NEW YEAR’S BRIDGE DROP – DOWNTOWN CHARLEVOIX: Family activities start at 1pm & include horse drawn wagon rides, s’mores, hot cocoa & a snowman contest in East Park, & a free family movie - “Incredibles 2� - at Charlevoix Cinema III. Fireworks will be held at 9pm & midnight. The best place to view them is East Park. The Memorial Bridge will be dropped at midnight to welcome in 2019. bridgedrop.com/festival

18 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

New to winter trail sports? Check out the 10th Annual Winter Trails Day at Timber Ridge Resort, TC on Sat., Jan. 5 from 10:30am-2pm. Enjoy FREE trail access, introductory ski lessons, fatbike demos and guided rides, guided snowshoe hikes and free equipment rentals. Register: https://traversetrails.org/event/wintertrailsday/ Check out other northern MI trails on this day as well, including Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls, and try free snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. https:// www.boynemountain.com/

NYE @ BOYNE MOUNTAIN: Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls. Featuring a NYE Family Splashtacular Special, Family Dinner Buffet, Stein Eriksen’s Dinner Party, Children’s Celebration & Pizza Party, Snowflake Lounge Party, Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Extravaganza, Great Snowball Race & Family Dance Party. boynemountain.com

----------------------

FAMILY FUN NYE CELEBRATION: 5-10pm, Otsego County Sportsplex, Gaylord. Enjoy swimming, skating, games & a ball drop. $5/ person or $20/family. ocsportsplex.com

----------------------

NYE @ SHANTY CREEK RESORT, BELLAIRE: Summit Village: Kids Night Out in Bellaire Room, 6-10pm; family fun & dinner show in Lakeview Hotel’s Grand Ballroom; dining in Lakeview Restaurant; fireworks over Summit Mountain at midnight. Schuss Village: Ivan’s: 9pm. $10 cover at door. Cedar River Village: Watch the Times Square show at The River Bistro; enjoy games & dinner from 5-11pm. shantycreek.com/event/new-years-eve

----------------------

NYE AT CTAC, PETOSKEY: 5pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Alcohol-free celebration featuring performances & workshops

by CTAC instructors, area artists & organizations, & a “Midnight at 9,� Times-Square style ball drop on East Mitchell St. The outdoor festivities begin at 8:30pm & are free. $10 adults; $5 students. There will also be activities across the street at the Petoskey District Library. crookedtree.org

----------------------

NYE AT TREETOPS RESORT, GAYLORD: Featuring a Family NYE Party, two Grown-up Parties, bonfires & fireworks at midnight. treetops.com

----------------------

NYE @ BONOBO: 6pm. A $35 ticket includes transportation from The Little Fleet, TC to Bonobo Winery on Old Mission Peninsula & back to The Little Fleet, as well as Bonobo party arrival perks, small bites, live music & more.

----------------------

SIPS N’ GIGGLES FEATURING DAVID DYER: 8pm, ECCO, TC. David is a nationally headlin-

ing comedian who is a regular on Bob ‘n Tom radio & has written for NBC’s Jimmy Fallon & ABC’s Politically Incorrect. $20 advance, $25 at door. lpwines.com

----------------------

ROARIN’ 20’S NYE CELEBRATION: SOLD OUT: 9pm, 123 Speakeasy, TC. Prohibition-Era celebration includes a seven course meal, photo booth, gift bag & more. $50. mynorthtickets. com/events/roarin-new-years-eve

----------------------

NYE @ GT RESORT & SPA, ACME: 5-11pm: Romantic NYE Dinner at Aerie Restaurant: SOLD OUT. 9pm-1am: NYE Guest Celebration: Governors’ Ballroom. 6pm-1am: Kids’ NYE Party: Health Club/Indoor Water Playground: For children 6-12. Includes crafts, games, swimming, balloon drop & toast at midnight. grandtraverseresort.com

----------------------

NYE @ CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE: 5-11pm: Dinner at The Thistle Pub & Grille & buffet at The Wild Tomato. 6pm: Family Fun Party & Buffet in Hudson Bay, upper level of the Crystal Center. 8pm-1am: Adult Party: Northwest Territories at the Crystal Center.

Featuring live music by Strobelite Honey, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails & dancing, & champagne & fireworks. 11:45pm: Torchlight Parade, starting at the top of Cheers. Fireworks over the mountain at midnight. crystalmountain.com

----------------------

THE HOLIDAYS AT BOYNE HIGHLANDS: 9:30pm, Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs.

Featuring the Torchlight Parade & fireworks, Zoo Bar NYE Party, NYE Teen Party & much more. boynehighlands.com

jan 01

tuesday

1-1 RUN: 9am, Stafford’s Pier Restaurant, Harbor Springs.

Bring a donation to the Harbor Springs Food Pantry.

-------------

THE FROZEN RABBIT 5K RUN/WALK: 11am, GT County Civic Center, Norte Wheelhouse, TC. Presented by Running

wednesday

HOW BIG IS THE SOLAR SYSTEM?: 10am-3pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Find out how big the Solar System is with some astronomical activities (STEM based). greatlakeskids.org/news-events

---------------------ARTFUL AFTERNOONS: 1pm, Gaylord Area Council for the Arts, Gaylord. Held on Wednesdays. Make new friends while learning about art history & culture. Free. gaylordarts.org

jan 03

thursday

STEM WINTER WOODS: 10am-3pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Participate in STEM activities inspired by an evergreen forest. greatlakeskids.org/news-events

---------------------CLUB DAY & HOBBY GROUP: 1:30pm, Golden Fellowship Hall, Interlochen. Club Day features both classic & new games. Hobby Group invites painters, crocheters, knitters & other hobbyists. 922-2080. Free.

---------------------DETOX YOGA FLOW: 6pm, Press On Juice, TC. This class involves a lot of twists & poses that are focused to help eliminate toxins from the body. Bring your own mat. Donations appreciated. eventbrite.com

---------------------POTLUCK & OFF THE WALL MOVIE NIGHT: 6pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Dinner, 6pm; movie, 7pm. Call the Alden District Library to sign up for the potluck: 231331-4318. Free.

---------------------“SECTION HIKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL”: 7pm, Tribal Outpost of the GT Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, Benzonia. Presented by the Benzie Audubon Club & Doug & Sally Cook. Free. benzieaudubon.org

jan 04

friday

WINTER BREAK PROGRAM: 10am-3pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Winter STEAM: Explore winter-themed art projects.

Paint, print, color & glue.

Make one to display & one to take home. greatlakeskids.org/news-events

---------------------BLISSFEST FOLK & ROOTS MINI-CONCERT SERIES: 7pm, Red Sky Stage, Petoskey. Featuring The Real Ingredients & A Brighter Bloom.

Tickets: $10 advance; $15 night of. redskystage.com

---------------------HEIKKI LUNTA PARTY: (See Sat., Dec. 29) ---------------------FIRST FRIDAYS FOR FOODIES: Featuring Flour Girl Artisan Pizzeria. 11am, Crooked Tree Arts Center Kitchen, Petoskey. Enjoy this informal class/demonstration. Free. crookedtree.org

WINTER TRAILS DAY, TIMBER RIDGE: Timber Ridge Resort, TC. Free trail access, introductory ski lessons, fatbike demos, guided snowshoe hikes & use of equipment rentals for those new to winter trail sports. All levels welcome. Warm up fireside after with cocoa & cookies. Register. traversetrails.org/event/wintertrailsday

----------------------

------------------------------------------THE VILLAGE @ GT COMMONS, TC INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 10am-2pm. Held inside the Mercato. Enjoy local fresh produce, eggs, farm fresh cheese, local meats & more.

art

“JUST GREAT ART”: City Opera House, TC. Presented by the Plein Air Painters of Northwest MI. Runs through Jan. 2; Mon.-Fri., 10am5pm. cityoperahouse.org

SNOWSHOES, VINES & WINES: (See Sat., Dec. 29)

----------------------

BASEMENT ART SHOW: VIDEO/FILM ART: 6pm, Studio Anatomy, TC. Featuring a free screening from participating videographers with some Q&A. a-peeldesign.com

----------------------

------------------------------------------MADCAT MIDNIGHT BLUES JOURNEY W/ PETER “MADCAT” RUTH: 7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center Theater, Petoskey. “Bringing seasoned stage presence & improvisational exuberance to standard & obscure blues tunes, folk & jazz melodies, & original music.” $25 member, $35 non-member, $10 student. crookedtree.org

---------------------3 FACES OF THE KING: 8pm, Leelanau Sands Casino, Peshawbestown. Celebrate the Birthday of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Starring Elvis Tribute Artists Shawn Klush & Cody Ray Slaughter. $35, $25, $15. leelanausandscasino.com

jan 06

sunday

WINTER TRAIL DAYS, BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT: (See Sat., Jan. 5)

-------------

CANCER FREE-DOMS SUPPORT GROUP: 12:15pm, West Side Community Church, TC. For all of those affected by cancer. Learn about individual resources, emotional support, treatment research & review, hugs, recipes, love & support.

Held every other Sun. Free. Find on Facebook.

ongoing

FRIENDS OF IPL HOLIDAY BOOK SALE: Interlochen Public Library. Gift quality, good as new books. Held through Jan. 7. tadl.org/ interlochen

---------------------FRIENDS’ 14TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY MITTEN TREE: Donate new mittens, scarves & hats.

Accepted through Jan. 7 at Interlochen Public Library to benefit those in need within the Interlochen area. tadl.org/interlochen

---------------------“FISHTOWN IN LIGHTS”: Leland. Fishtown’s shanty rooftops are lit in celebration of the first twelve years of saving Fishtown — nightly through Jan. 6 from 5-10pm.

---------------------RANGER-LED SNOWSHOE HIKE: Saturdays, 1pm, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire. Meet at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center. Snowshoes will be loaned at no charge to participants who do not have their own. Reservations required: 231-326-4700, ext. 5010.

---------------------SNOWSHOE SUNDAYS: Sundays, 12-5pm, Rove Estate Vineyard & Tasting Room, TC. Bring your showshoes or skis. roveestate.com

Wed - Closed

GAYLORD DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 10am-2pm, The Alpine Plaza, main hallway, Gaylord.

Thurs - closed

Fri Jan 4 - Buckets of Beer starting at $8 (2-8pm)

Skin & Marshall Dance Party (no cover) Sat Jan 5 -Skin & Marshall Dance Party (no cover)

Sun Jan 6- KARAOKE (10PM-2AM) 941-1930 downtown TC check us out at unionstreetstationtc.net

NORMAN KLINE PAINTINGS: Martha’s Kitchen, Suttons Bay. Runs through Jan.

WINTER MEMBER EXHIBITION: Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Runs through Jan. 4. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

---------------------HIGHER ART GALLERY, TC: - LOCAL ARTIST SPENCER MCQUEEN: Spencer presents his show “You’re So Yourself.” An opening reception will be held on Fri., Jan. 4 from 6-8 pm. Runs through Feb. 8.

- BIG GROUP / SMALL WORKS ART SHOW: Runs through Jan. Over 40 artists, with nearly 200 small, affordable original works to choose from. higherartgallery.com

For Traverse City area news and events, visit TraverseTicker.com

---------------------DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - PANGNIRTUNG WEAVINGS FROM THE DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER’S COLLECTION: Runs through Jan 20. Featuring weavings from the Inuit art collection, by the artists of the Pangnirtung Weaving Cooperative.

- HOMAGE: INSPIRED BY OUTSTANDING CANADIAN WOMEN: Runs through Jan. 20.

This exhibition features 40 framed neckpieces created as a celebration & tribute to Canadian women, past & present by jewelry artist Donald Stuart.

- THE ART OF: THE OTHER TRAVERSE CITY: Runs through Jan. 20. Local photographer Alan Newton will focus his lens on the opioid crisis affecting the TC region & beyond.

Featuring about 11 portraits of people who are addicts in recovery, emergency responders, judges, families who have lost children, & others, along with their written stories based on interviews conducted by Newton.

- VISIONS OF AMERICAN LIFE: PAINTINGS FROM THE MANOOGIAN COLLECTION, 1850-1950: Runs through Jan. 20. From the Detroit Institute of Arts, this exhibition features 40 works by late-19th & early-20th century artists capturing American life, culture & identity in that time. Here:Say Storytelling & the Front Street Writers have produced & recorded short stories to accompany these artworks. Hours: 10am-5pm, Mon.-Sat.; 1-5pm, Sun.; & 10am8pm, Thurs. dennosmuseum.org

CELEBRATING THE PERSONALITIES OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN express

express

NORTHERN

jan 02

----------------------

Tues - Closed

northernexpress.com

northernexpress.com

FEAST! Spring RestauranTour Issue

express northernexpress.com

20 FASCINATING PEOPLE Shane Bagwell Zander Cabinaw Dave Caroffino Rick Clark George Colburn Brian Confer Rod Cortright Karl Crawford Kim Diment Anabel Dwyer B Kareem Bill Koucky Karin Reid Offield Stan Otto Mitch Roman Jerome Rand Nate Rook Sarah Shoemaker  Maya Tisdale Nancy Vogl

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • august 20 - august 26, 2018 • Vol. 28 No. 34

express

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • JUly 16 - juLY 22, 2018 • Vol. 28 No. 29

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • may 14 - may 20, 2018 • Vol. 28 No. 20

Painting by David Krause. See page 5.

NORTHERN

THE DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE GLOBAL PEACE DANCE: 3pm, Llama Meadows Eco Farm, Benzonia. Featuring a potluck dinner & Rumi Cafe, where you can share poetry, songs, chats, music, stories, dance, comedy, etc. RSVP: 231-651-0370.

WINTER TRAIL DAYS, BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT, BOYNE FALLS: Offering those new to snowsports the chance to try snowshoeing & cross-country skiing for free. There will be a half-hour group lesson. Everything is free. Reservations required: 231-549-6088. boynemountain.com

Mon - Ladies Night - $1 off drinks & $5 martinis with Jukebox

BOYNE CITY INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-noon, City Hall, Boyne City.

Dec. 29 features live music by Indigo Moon.

Jan. 5 features live music by Dwain Marten.

NORTHERN

----------------------

jan 05

saturday

NORTHERN

Fit & Norte. Dog friendly. Stopping at Downtown TC location of Running Fit for a game of pick up sticks. Hot chocolate & cookies at end. $5; 12 & under free. elgruponorte.org

northernexpress.com

Ingredients adventures in the unfamiliar

food foraging meatless in northern michigan nws fall lineup + more NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • august 13 - august 19, 2018 • Vol. 28 No. 32

Michael Poehlman Photography

Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.

231-947-8787 northernexpress.com

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 19

TUNE-YARDS RELEASE “MANGO” AND MORE Tune-Yards, currently wrapping up its tour with David Byrne (Talking Heads) and U.S. Girls, has been busy in the studio as of late, releasing not only its new single, “Mango” (their collaboration with Lakeith Stanfield), but also having tracks remixed by the likes ET.PATXKEISHH, Suzi Analogue, Sylvan Esso, and the aforementioned Girls.

The resulting remix EP, …Creep…Remixes, will be rolled out gradually, with new tracks arriving every other week from Tune-Yards’ label, 4AD Records …

Major-league video-gamer Ninja has teamed up with Astralwerks Records to release his own curated Ninjawerks album, a collection of electronica tunes that dips into Ninja’s own fondness for gaming music.

Three tracks from the compilation will be released as singles, including Alesso’s “Tilted Towers” (an ode to Fortnite), Tycho’s bubbly “Jetty,” and 3Lau’s “Game Time,” on which Ninja himself makes an audio appearance.

Ninjawerks Volume 1 hit outlets last week …

Mixmaster and producer Illenium took part of his set at EDC Orlando to pay homage to Halsey’s latest power-anthem single, “Without Me,” building a remix of his own to capitalize on all of the song’s

MODERN

Tune-Yards

ROCK

BY KRISTI KATES

emotional swells and guitar riffs. “Without Me,” currently sitting on the Billboard Hot 100, is already being boosted even more by the remix, which Illenium said he did simply because he’s a “huge fan” of Halsey …

The Decemberists, which released its most recent album, I’ll Be Your Girl, this past spring, spent the majority of the summer and fall on the road but is winding down 2018 with an unexpected EP release called Traveling On, a collection of outtakes from the band’s …Girl recording sessions. Five songs will be included on the EP, including “Tripping Along,” “Midlist Author,” “I Will Not Say Your Name,” and the title track.

Traveling On will arrive in outlets Dec. 14 …

LINK OF THE WEEK Less than a day’s drive from northern Michigan you’ll find Gulf Shores, Alabama, the location for the 2019 Hangout Music Festival, which has confirmed its dates (May 17-19) and many of the performers on its bill: The 1975, Khalid, The Lumineers, Travis Scott, and Diplo, among others. Get your tickets and all the information at www. hangoutmusicfest.com …

THE BUZZ Taylor Swift’s show at Detroit’s Ford

Field on Aug. 28, 2018, was just one of the many that contributed to her breaking the record for the highest-grossing U.S. tour since 1990 …

Frankenmuth rock band Greta Van Fleet is making some big strides on the national music scene, notching several secondary category nominations in the upcoming Grammy Awards …

Grand Rapids old-school musicians Hank Mowery and guitarist Junior

Valentine have teamed up for the track “Sugar Coated Love”…

Local boy-turned-Nashville breakout musician Billy Strings just wrapped up a couple of Michigan shows in a brief return to his home state … and that’s the buzz for this week’s Modern Rock.

Comments, questions, rants, raves, suggestions on this column? Send ’em to Kristi at modernrocker@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 • 5-7PM Winter Getaway Recess

Prizes include:

• $500 United Airlines Gift Card • $150 facial & product gift card to TC Studio • Overnight stay with two lift tickets at Crystal Mountain Resort $10 cover charge for chili bar, beer/wine/soda, and great networking!

See you at Cherry Capital Airport!

Presented by Caliber Home Loans

20 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

nitelife

dec 29 - jan 06 edited by jamie kauffold

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska

ECCO, TC 12/31 -- Sips n' Giggles Featuring David Dyer, 8 FANTASY'S, TC Mon. - Sat. -- Adult entertainment w/ DJ, 7-close GT DISTILLERY, TC Fri. – Younce Guitar Duo KILKENNY'S, TC 12/28-29 – Soul Patch, 9:30 12/31 – One Hot Robot, 9:30 1/3 – 2Bays DJs, 9:30 1/4 -- Risque, 9:30 1/5 – Brett Mitchell, 9:30 Tue -- Levi Britton, 8 Wed -- The Pocket, 8 Sun. -- Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 7-9 LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC 12/31 -- Open Mic Night w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9 PARK PLACE HOTEL, TC BEACON LOUNGE: Thurs,Fri,Sat — Tom Kaufmann, 8:30

RARE BIRD BREWPUB, TC 12/29 -- Distant Stars, 10 12/31 -- PRIM Dance Party, 10 SAIL INN BAR & GRILL, TC Thurs. & Sat. -- Phattrax DJs & Karaoke, 9 STATE STREET MARKETPLACE, TC 1/4 -- Brett Mitchell, 8-11 STUDIO ANATOMY, TC 1/4 -- Parking Lots, J. Marinelli & Big Tin Live, 9 THE DISH CAFE, TC Tues, Sat -- Matt Smith, 5-7 THE HAYLOFT INN, TC Thu -- Roundup Radio Show Open Mic Night, 8 THE LITTLE FLEET, TC Wed -- Tiki Night w/ DJ, 3 THE PARLOR, TC 12/29 -- John Sanger, 8

1/2 -- Rob Coonrod, 7:30 THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 12/31 -- Charlie Millard, 8 Tue -- TC Celtic - Traditional Irish Music, 6:30-9 Wed -- Jazz Jam, 6-10 1/3 -- Seth Bernard, 7 1/4 -- Blair Miller, 8 1/5 -- Brett Mitchell, 8 UNION STREET STATION, TC 12/29 -- DJ Deacon Jonze, 10 12/30 -- Head for the Hills Live Show, then Karaoke, 5 12/31 -- Jukebox, 10 1/4 & 1/5 -- Skin & Marshall Dance Party, 10 1/6 -- Karaoke, 10 WEST BAY BEACH HOLIDAY INN RESORT, TC 12/29 -- DJ Motaz @ View, 10 12/31 -- The Funkamatics & DJ Motaz @ View, 9 Thurs. – Jeff Haas Trio & Laurie Sears, 6-8:30

Otsego, Crawford & Central ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD Sat -- Live Music, 6-9

SNOWBELT BREWING CO., GAYLORD 1/4 -- Shawn Butzin, 8

TOP OF THE HILL, LEGENDS: 12/31 -- NYE w/ Straight Shooters, 9:30

TREETOPS RESORT, GAYLORD HUNTER'S GRILLE: 12/31 -- NYE w/ Charlie Reager, 9:30

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee COYOTE CROSSING, CADILLAC 12/30 -- Inland String Band, 8-11 LITTLE RIVER CASINO RESORT, MANISTEE

EVENT CENTER: 12/31 – Risque, 9 RIVER ROCK SPORTS BAR & GRILLE: 12/30 – Risque, 10

Emmet & Cheboygan BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY 12/29 -- The Drift, 8-11 12/30 -- BB Celtic & Traditional Irish Session Players, 6-9 1/4 -- Sydney Burnham, 8-11 1/5 -- Jon Archambault Band, 8-11 1/6 -- Brett Mitchell, 6-9 BOYNE HIGHLANDS, HARBOR SPRINGS MAIN DINING ROOM: 1/5 -- Darby Bell, 6 SLOPESIDE LOUNGE: 12/29 -- Dos Hippies, 9 1/3 -- Pete Kehoe, 6 1/4 -- Charlie Reager, 9 1/5 -- Chris Calleja, 9

ZOO BAR: 12/31 – The Remedee, 9 1/6 – Yankee Station, 4:30

MICHAEL'S TAVERN & STEAKHOUSE, INDIAN RIVER Wed -- Dos Hippies, 6-8

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY 12/29 -- Charlie Don't Surf, 10 12/31 – Jakey Thomas & Distant Stars, 9:30

NUB'S NOB, HARBOR SPRINGS PUB: 12/29,12/31,1/5 -- Pete Kehoe, 3-6 12/30 -- Mike Ridley, 3-6 1/1 -- Patrick Ryan, 3-6

DOUGLAS LAKE BAR, PELLSTON 12/31 -- Doug Thomas Trio, 9 KNOT JUST A BAR, BAY HARBOR Mon,Tues,Thurs — Live music LEO’S NEIGHBORHOOD TAVERN, PETOSKEY Thurs — Karaoke w/ DJ Michael Willford, 10

THE SIDE DOOR SALOON, PETOSKEY 12/31 – Black & White NYE Party w/ The Pistil Whips Sat. – Karaoke, 8 THE GRILLE AT BAY HARBOR Nightly Music

Leelanau & Benzie CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES @ THE CRYSTAL CENTER: 12/31 -- Adult NYE Party w/ Strobelite Honey, 8 DICK’S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU Sat. — Karaoke, 10-2

LUMBERJACK'S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Fri & Sat -- Phattrax DJs & Karaoke, 9

THE 231 BAR & GRILL, THOMPSONVILLE 12/29 -- Tim Thayer, 7

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 12/29 -- Mike Struwin, 6-9 12/31 -- NYE Party w/ Barefoot, 6 1/4 -- Blake Elliott, 6-9 1/5 -- The Lofteez, 6-9

THE BLUEBIRD RESTAURANT & TAVERN, LELAND 12/31 – NYE Party w/ Soul Patch, 9

STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT 12/31 -- Maddy Sharp, 7:30-9:30 1/4 -- Escaping Pavement, 8-10 1/5 -- Chelsea Marsh, 8-10

LEELANAU SANDS CASINO, PESHAWBESTOWN 12/29 -- Funkamatic, 9 12/31 -- Sierra Shame, 9 1/5 -- 3 Faces of The King, 8

THE CABBAGE SHED, ELBERTA Thu -- Open Mic Night, 8-11 TUCKER'S, NORTHPORT 12/31 -- Broom Closet Boys, 9:30 VILLA MARINE, FRANKFORT Tue -- Open Mic, 8-11

Antrim & Charlevoix BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT, BOYNE FALLS 12/31 -- Snowflake Lounge NYE Party w/ DJ Michael Willford, 9 CELLAR 152, ELK RAPIDS 12/29,1/4 -- Jeff Brown, 8-10 12/31 -- NYE Party w/ Dos Hippies, 7-10

ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS 12/31 -- Capybara, 10 LAKE STREET PUB, BOYNE CITY Thu -- Poker Karaoke w/ DJ Lang, 8-11 SHORT'S BREWING CO., BELLAIRE 12/29 -- Seth Bernard, 8:30-11 12/30 -- Afro Zuma, 8:30-11 12/31 -- 3 Hearted, 9-11:30

1/1 -- The Real Ingredients, 8:30-11 1/4 -- Luke Winslow King, 8:30-11 1/5 -- Oh Brother Big Sister, 8:30-11 TORCH LAKE CAFÉ, CENTRAL LAKE 1st & 3rd Mon. – Trivia, 7 Weds. -- Lee Malone Thurs. -- Open mic Fri. & Sat. -- Leanna’s Deep Blue Boys 2nd Sun. -- Pine River Jazz

Send us your free live music listings to events@traverseticker.com

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 21

DOWNTOWN

TRAVERSE CITY

FOURSCORE by kristi kates

Emily Blunt

New Year,

New Beautiful

Invisalign for adults and teens.

Smile

SUNDAY & TUESDAY 12n • 3 • 6 • 8:45 PM MONDAY 12:15 • 3:15 • 6:15 • 9:15 PM WEDNESDAY 1 • 4 • 7 PM THURSDAY 12:15 • 3:15 • 6:15 • 9 PM •••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••

HOLIDAYNR

WEDNESDAY 10:30 AM

Experience the Schulz Ortho Difference 231-929-3200 | SCHULZORTHO.COM Invisalign and custom esthetic braces treatment. Call for free consultation.

TRAVERSE CITY

A Very Merry Movie Christmas - 25¢ Classic Matinee

SMALLFOOTPG

The Hold Steady – Stay Positive (Deluxe Edition) – Vagrant

If you’re a vinyl collector and a Hold Steady fan, make this your next purchase. This 10th anniversary reissue of the band’s standout Stay Positive set is jampacked with, well … loads of jams, broken down into three LPs that bring together the original album, three never-before-released tunes (the best of the bunch being the affecting “Ballad of the Midnight Hauler”), and a mini collection of rarities that are uber-tough to find anywhere else.

THURSDAY & SATURDAY 10 AM - 25¢ Kids Matinee

THE ROOMR

FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS - $3 or 2 for $5

231-929-3200 • 4952 Skyview Ct.

CHARLEVOIX

231-237-0955 • 106 E. Garfield Ave.

DOWNTOWN

IN CLINCH PARK

Twenty One Pilots – Trench – WEA/Fueled

by Ramen

Nominated for Six Golden Globes!

It’s taken a couple of years for the Pilots to circle back around from the massive breakthrough of the band’s 2015 set, Blurryface, but that caution has served it well on this new effort. The band has put down more solid foundations here, with more focus on its serious side, and that’s a good thing.

While first impressions might have positioned them as a radio-rawk band, once you hear tunes like the solid alt-pop of “My Blood,” the swaggering “Chlorine,” and The Killers-esque “The Hype,” you’ll be even more intrigued.

Christian Bale Amy Adams

www.schulzortho.com

SUNDAY & TUESDAY - THURSDAY 12:30 • 3:30 • 6:30 • 9:20 PM MONDAY 12n • 3 • 6 • 9 PM 231-947-4800

RÜFÜS DU SOL – Solace – Reprise

Aussie band RÜFÜS decamped to Venice, California, to focus on writing tracks for its third album, and that location and the surrounding area clearly filtered into the its audio sensibilities. You can sense the long beats of the West Coast highways and stretches of beach in both the albums rhythms and droning choruses. Opener “Treat You Better” leans heavily on thick bass riffs and counterpoint drums, while “No Place” and “All I’ve Got” showcase RÜFÜS’ skills with house music.

Young the Giant – Mirror Master – New Elektra

More downtempo than previous efforts and shorter all around — some of the tracks are more like jingles than actual songs — Mirror Master comes across mostly as an interesting experiment for the band, in which it doesn’t dig too much into other sounds, but rather rearranges its usual methods of writing and puts emotions at the forefront, as evidenced on tracks like the growing pains of “Oblivion” and the reassurance of “Darkest Shade of Blue,” which offers personal insight into depression.

22 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

I

The reel

2018 Best Of “Awards”

t has been a heck of year for movies. We saw the triumphant return of the rom-com, major gains in representation, some actually decent studio comedies, great movies that resonated strongly with critics and audiences, and so many films that made us laugh and cry and think. So on that note, I’ve once again put together a list of “awards” honoring some of my very favorite moments, performances, and lesser seen films from 2018.

Best End Credits: Paddington 2 With apologies to the Marvel-verse, the best end credits surprise didn’t come from any superhero movie this year. Just when you thought Hugh Grant’s performance as the vain and odious actor Phoenix Buchanan couldn’t get any better, he busts out a tap dancing musical number to “Rain on the Roof ” from Follies with his fellow pinkstripe-clad prisoners as well as some guards that is sheer delight. And it’s not only a perfectly grand and lovely surprise finale to the film but also embodies the refreshingly wonderful world of Paddington, where even the bad people can be good and redeemed.

Best Animal Performer: Olivia the Westie A true star was born this year, and it wasn’t Lady Gaga. Rather I’m talking about a new animal star, but again, I’m not talking about Bradley Cooper’s dog, Charlie, in A Star is Born. (While he delivered some heartbreaking moments, I firmly believe wasn’t really acting. He was just playing with his dad!) But anyway, back to this year’s breakout animal performer, a 15-pound West Highland white terrier known as Olivia.

Olivia first burst on to the scene this year with a very brief role in Netflix’s Insatiable, before going on to stealing scenes in Game Night, playing Bastian, the prized dog of Jesse Plemons’ creepy neighbor and one of the film’s comedic centerpieces. From there, she went on to Widows starring as Viola Davis’ dog. And Olivia brought it as much as Davis did, serving as an important companion as Davis mourned and does business, and is even threatened when a nefarious figure places Olivia in his dangerous grip. FUN FACT: On her “cheat days” Olivia enjoys hot dogs and cheddar cheese.

Best Parental Speech: Eighth Grade Last year Michael Stuhlbarg gave one of the all time great monologues as he consoled his son in Call Me By Your Name. And while this year’s best parental heart-to-heart lacks the emotional grandeur and eloquence, it can leave just as much of a mark on your heart. As Kayla (Elsie Fisher) faces the last days of eighth grade, things are clearly bothering her. But instead of interrogating her, her supportive father (New York indie mainstay Josh Hamilton) gives her a pep talk that basically boils down to just how proud he is to be her dad. It’s adorable, beautiful, and real, relying on the quiet tenderness and heartbreaking honesty that’s characteristic of the film as a whole — the things that make Eighth Grade such a profoundly relatable gem.

Overlooked Award: Hearts Beat Loud This film never took off like it should have, ’cause seriously, it’s such an exuberant joy.

The perfect little indie, this father-daughter story has fantastic music (with some serious cred), an incredible cast (including Nick Offerman, Toni Colette, and Ted Danson), and just beams with love. Sure it’s more on the lightweight end of the spectrum, but I’ll be darned if this film about loss, family, love, and moving on didn’t move me in a million different little and wonderful ways. Plus, it’s

by meg weichman

the favourite

A

pitch-black tragicomedy from the bracingly inventive mind of Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster), the early 1700s set is the polar opposite of a stuffy period piece. Based in true history, the key word being based, The Favourite takes us inside the reign of England’s Queen Anne (Olivia Coleman). But unlike your adaptations of your Elizabeths or your Victorias, this queen wails and flails, is constantly in pain, often confused, always craving attention, has 17 pet rabbits, and sits around eating cake, despite being terribly afflicted with gout. But she has Sarah Marlborough (Rachel Weisz) — her closest confidante, lifelong friend, and maybe something more — to keep her in check and make sure she doesn’t go out looking like a badger.

And for all intents and purposes, the Duchess of Marlborough is basically running the country, stepping in for Queen Anne when it counts. Sarah is in about as perfect a situation as can be, masterminding a war with France and enjoying the Queen’s near undivided affections. But all that changes upon the arrival of her fallen cousin Abigail (Emma Stone) at court, and through some cunning happenstance, Abigail soon makes herself indispensable to the queen. Both vie for Queen Anne’s love, and what transpires between the two is savage, spewing venomous insults and trading biting barbs. They can be petty, jealous, and treacherous, and while their schemes often sting, it is a wickedly wonderful thing.

currently streaming on Hulu (along with Minding the Gap, but I’ve already made too many pleas for people to watch that film in this particular publication this year).

Best Shot: Widows In one of the more criminally under-seen movies of the year, Oscar-winner Steve McQueen does more with a single shot than most filmmakers can do with an entire film. It’s a short sequence, maybe only two minutes, yet it encompasses the very essence of Widows and everything this very smart and very entertaining film has to say about race, power, sex, and class. It starts when political dynasty scion Jack Mulligan (Colin Farrell) gets into the backseat of his chauffeured car after a campaign event on the South Side of Chicago and begins to rant about his opponent and the community he represents. But instead of taking us inside the car, we focus on the black man driving the car and the way the neighborhood changes as we move in just a handful of blocks from the run down vacant storefronts and empty graffitied lots to the beautifully manicured mansion where Mulligan resides. It’s a damn fine piece of filmmaking that will blow you away.

Best Foreign Language Film that Isn’t Roma: Shoplifters When it comes to foreign language films this year, Roma is definitely getting the lion’s share of the mainstream press and buzz.

But the Palme d’Or-winning Shoplifters is certainly no also-ran. Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda’s compassionate, humane, and character-driven story of a loving family that shoplifts and does other petty crime to get by reveals its mysteries slowly and quietly, culminating in a heartrending ending that will steal you heart.

Best Swan Song: Old Man and the Gun It wouldn’t be a year-end wrap for me if there wasn’t an award that somehow involved Robert Redford. So it should come as no surprise that the Best Swan Song Award goes to Robert Redford’s self-proclaimed supposed final role in front of the camera in David Lowery’s “mostly true” story, The Old Man & the Gun. Hollywood outlaw Robert Redford finds the perfect final role in that of kindly gentleman bank robber Forest Tucker, and with a trademark twinkle in his eyes, gives us a beautiful and tender performance in a film that is sweet, smart, and full of feeling. Which is all to say that this low-key treasure is a wonderful and wistful ode to his storied career and innate charms.

roma

O

scar-winner Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity) is the director of Roma, and you’re probably familiar with his varied filmography that spans fantasy franchise fare, art-house hits, and space blockbusters, moving through styles and genres with the most magical of ease. And Roma is the culmination of his remarkable and masterful career, a film that embodies both his intimate, artistic storytelling with his epic and wondrous filmmaking. A true quotidian epic, Roma is a domestic drama that follows the everyday lives of a fairly average upper middle class family in Mexico in the 1970s and becomes something extraordinary — an exquisite and deeply felt look at relationships and the human experience, and a masterpiece of technique, vision, and emotion. Most of the story focuses on Cleo (sublime newcomer Yalitza Aparicio), one of the live-in maids for the family.

You see this young indigenous woman’s rhythmic routine, her duties (cleaning up Borras the dog’s excrement in the too small garage, doing the laundry, etc), the love she gives the family’s four kids (tucking them in at night), and how she spends her day off. And you realize she is the quiet force that the family revolves around and relies on, especially as their seemingly easy lives and her own are thrown into tumult. With some of the most beautifully cinematography ever put to screen (the depth of field at work is truly wild), you could throw every grandiose adjective you can think of at this film and it earns them all. And when it’s all over, you might cry, not necessarily because you’re sad, but because all that emotion has to go somewhere when you’ve just been given a piece of a person in cinematic form.

green book

S

ometimes a film comes along that, while not without it’s shortcomings, is so heartfelt in its charms, so enjoyable in its journey, and so needed in this moment, you give yourself over to its irresistible pleasures. Green Book is such a film. And with its rich characters, fantastic performances, and classic storytelling, I’d be hard-pressed to name a more purely pleasant film this year. A mix of a buddy comedy, a road movie, fish-out-of water antics, and old school Hollywood “message movies,” it’s based on a true story so tailor made for Hollywood, the dream factory couldn’t have even made it up. It follows two diametrically opposed men turned unlikely friends on a 1962 road trip through the Jim Crow-era South. Set to embark on a concert tour in the deep South, the black, classically trained pianist Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), was in need of driver who could also double as bodyguard of sorts. The man for the job? Tony “Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), a rough-around-the-edges, Bronx born and raised, Italian American. Touching, sweet, and inviting, Green Book is a crowd-pleaser. It’s unabashedly feel-good. And those needn’t be dirty words. This is a film that was a joy to watch. It’s humanity made me feel more connected, and in a world of so much cynicism (myself included), watching this felt like its own little weird act of rebellion. Bottom line: You’ll definitely laugh, you might cry, and you’ll enjoy the ride.

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 23

NORTHERN MICHIGAN FUNNEST DECK DINING LARGE PARTIES WELCOME! Live Music Every Friday and Saturday Night

989.732.5444

Lunch and Dinner 5 Blocks east of I 75 Open at 11am daily Dine in and Carry Out

alpinetavernandeatery.com

Downtown Gaylord

S. Otsego & Second St Look us up on Facebook!

the ADViCE GOddESS Foul Pay

Q

Gaylord’s Premier Caterer

• Weddings • Graduation Parties • Corporate Events • Family Reunions • From cocktails to dessert, tableware to tents, let us take care of every detail so that your gathering is fun and stress-free for you and your guests.

Book your Event Now!

Contact Patty Binette @ 989-350-5024 • otsegograndeventcenter.com • Gaylord, MI

6 BLOCKS EAST OF I-75 IN DOWNTOWN GAYLORD

PASTA

PIZZA PUB

FAST. FRESH. CASUAL . CRAVEGAYLORD.COM 24 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

: I went out with a feminist who was all into women’s empowerment, but when the bill came, she made no effort to chip in. Please explain this type of feminism. Is it somehow possible that she didn’t notice the check?

— Incredulous

A

: It is possible that she didn’t notice the check. It’s also possible that she likes to take time off from complaining about paternalistic behaviors to sample the ones that work best for her.

While this appears to be a glaring example of self-serving selective feminism, research suggests there’s sometimes a more charitable explanation for absurdly contradictory beliefs and behavior. Though most people believe that there’s a single consistent you (or me) with stable beliefs and preferences, this actually seems to be an illusion. In fact, if there’s one thing that’s consistent about humans, it’s how inconsistent we all tend to be (and — it gets better — how consistent we are in vigorously denying that).

Cognitive scientist Colin Martindale theorized back in 1980 that we have a number of “subselves” — sub-personalities with varying beliefs and priorities -- that go active or sink into the background depending on the context at hand. In other words, whichever goal is front and center in your mind — like “Fight patriarchal oppression!” or “Take this totally adorbs patriarchal oppressor home to bed!” -drives how you think and behave.

BY Amy Alkon

To suss out where this woman is coming from, you need more information, and to get that, you’ll need further interaction — on the phone or, even better, in person. (Action reveals character.) Sure, she could be a hypocrite riding the patriarchal free dinner train — or maybe she finds it icky to split the check and figured she’d get the next one. It’s also possible she’ll reciprocate with a home-cooked meal — because you picked a place where the water alone costs $11 and she’s busy completing a dog walking internship while moonlighting as a freelance field hand.

Keeping It Rio

Q

: This girl I’ve been dating for two months is soon going to Brazil for three months!

We aren’t officially committed, so it seems unfair to ask her to be monogamous. We plan to stay in touch, but I don’t want to hear about her with other dudes, and selfishly, I don’t want to stay home, all celibate like some war bride.

— Realistic Or Cracked?

A

: It’s very considerate of you to suggest three months sexually off leash, as she is traveling to the ancestral homeland of male supermodels, where a chunk of the GNP is dependent on Carnival — a weeklong drinking, samba, and sex fest.

The problem is jealousy, one of our guard dog emotions. Evolutionary psychologist David Buss explains that jealousy rises up automatically to help us fend off “potential mate poachers” and prevent a mate from “defecting.” Because it’s set on “auto,” it can be hard to override.

Research by neuroscientist Michael Gazzaniga suggests Martindale was right. Gazzaniga’s findings also led him to the conclusion that our mind has a janitor of sorts — a psychological one he calls “The Interpreter” — that tidies up in the wake of our inconsistencies by creating justifications for them. These, in turn, allow us to view ourselves as consistent and rational —instead of laughably hypocritical, like a feminist who, when the check comes, stares skyward, all “Wow! That is one of the most well-preserved examples of the early-’90s popcorn ceiling!”

That said, though you don’t have a committed relationship with this woman — let alone an “open” one — you might be able to make use of a psychological tactic of people in sexually open relationships. It’s called “compersion” — taking pleasure in your partner’s getting pleasure, even if it’s from some other, uh, provider. Granted, this is probably about as realistic for most people as their Ubering to a party via unicorn.

However, it dovetails nicely with my fave quote about love, from sci-fi writer Robert Heinlein: “Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”

However, again, more charitably, everybody these days is confused about who’s supposed to pay on dates (and when and what it all means). For example, a woman will chip in on the first date because she earns a living, too! — or because the prospect of sex with the dude is akin to “Would madam enjoy her Caesar salad with a light dusting of E. coli?”

Float the idea of planned cooperative ignorance, and ask her to think on it for a few days. (People often have more reasoned responses to hotbutton issues when they aren’t expected to reply pronto.) Also, it doesn’t hurt that she’s the one wintering where stone-sober women are tempted to stop men on the street with “Excuse me, but would you mind if I licked black beans off your ridiculously chiseled abs?”

aSTRO

lOGY

DEC 31- JAN 06

BY ROB BREZSNY

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): What themes and instruments

do people least want to hear in a piece of music? Composer Dave Solder determined that the worst song ever made would contain bagpipes, cowboy music, tubas, advertising jingles, operatic rapping, and children crooning about holidays. Then he collaborated with other musicians to record such a song. I suspect that as you head into 2019, it’ll be helpful to imagine a metaphorically comparable monstrosity: a fantastic mess that sums up all the influences you’d like to avoid. With that as a vivid symbol, you’ll hopefully be inspired to avoid allowing any of it to sneak into your life in the coming months.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In Canada, it’s

illegal to pretend to practice witchcraft. It’s fine to actually do witchcraft, however. With that as our inspiration, I advise you to be rigorous about embodying your authentic self in 2019. Make sure you never lapse into merely imitating who you are or who you used to be. Don’t fall into the trap of caring more about your image than about your actual output. Focus on standing up for what you really mean rather than what you imagine people expect from you. The coming months will be a time when you can summon pure and authoritative expressions of your

PIScES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the eighteenth

century, Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father who played a key role in getting the United States up and running. He wasn’t happy that the fledgling nation chose the bald eagle as its animal symbol. The supposedly majestic raptor is lazy, he wrote. It doesn’t hunt for its own food, but steals grub obtained by smaller birds of prey. Furthermore, bald eagles are cowardly, Franklin believed. Even sparrows may intimidate them. With that as our theme, Pisces, I invite you to select a proper creature to be your symbolic ally in 2019. Since you will be building a new system and establishing a fresh power base, you shouldn’t pick a critter that’s merely glamorous. Choose one that excites your ambition and animates your willpower.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): No one has

resisted the force of gravity with more focus than businessman Roger Babson (1875–1967).

He wrote an essay entitled “Gravity - Our Enemy Number One,” and sought to develop anti-gravity technology. His Gravity Research Foundation gave awards to authentic scientists who advanced the understanding of gravity.

If that organization still existed and offered prizes, I’m sure that researchers of the Aries persuasion would win them all in 2019. For your tribe, the coming months should feature lots of escapes from heaviness, including soaring flights and playful levity and lofty epiphanies.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The night parrots

of Australia are so elusive that there was a nearly six-decade stretch when no human saw a single member of the species. But in 2013, after searching for 15 years, photographer John Young spotted one and recorded a 17-second video. Since then, more sightings have occurred. According to my astrological vision, your life in 2019 will feature experiences akin to the story of the night parrot’s reappearance. A major riddle will be at least partially solved. Hidden beauty will materialize. Long-secret phenomena will no longer be secret.

A missing link will re-emerge.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Millions of years

ago, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and North and South America were smooshed together. Earth had a single land mass, the supercontinent Pangea. Stretching across its breadth was a colossal feature, the Central Pangean Mountains. Eventually, though, Europe and America split apart, making room for the Atlantic Ocean and dividing the Central Pangean range. Today the Scottish Highlands and the Appalachian Mountains are thousands of miles apart, but once upon a time they were joined. In 2019, Gemini, I propose that you look for metaphorical equivalents in your own

CANCER (June 21-July 22): 2019 will

be an excellent time to swim in unpolluted rivers, utter sacred oaths near beautiful fountains, and enjoy leisurely saunas that help purify your mind and body. You are also likely to attract cosmic favor if you cry more

than usual, seek experiences that enhance your emotional intelligence, and ensure that your head respectfully consults with your heart before making decisions. Here’s another way to get on life’s good side: cultivate duties that consistently encourage you to act out of love and joy rather than out of guilt and obligation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Here are four key

questions I hope you’ll meditate on throughout 2019: 1. What is love? 2. What kind of love do you want to receive? 3. What kind of love do you want to give? 4. How could you transform yourself in order to give and receive more of the love you value most? To spur your efforts, I offer you these thoughts from teacher David R. Hawkins: “Love is misunderstood to be an emotion; actually, it is a state of awareness, a way of being in the world, a way of seeing oneself and others.”

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Most living things

begin in the absence of light,” writes Virgo author Nancy Holder. “The vine is rooted in the earth; the fawn takes form in the womb of the doe.” I’ll remind you that your original gestation also took place in the dark. And I foresee a metaphorically comparable process unfolding for you in 2019. You’ll undergo an incubation period that may feel cloaked and mysterious. That’s just as it should be: the best possible circumstances for the vital new part of your life that will be growing. So be patient. You’ll see the tangible results in 2020.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Many plants that

modern Americans regard as weeds were regarded as tasty food by Native Americans. A prime example is the cattail, which grows wild in wetlands. Indigenous people ate the rootstock, stem, leaves, and flower spike. I propose that we use this scenario to serve as a metaphor for some of your potential opportunities in 2019. Things you’ve regarded as useless or irrelevant or inconvenient could be revealed as assets. Be alert for the possibility of such shifts. Here’s advice from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”

ScORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The slow,

gradual, incremental approach will be your magic strategy in 2019. Being persistent and thorough as you take one step at a time will provide you with the power to accomplish wonders. Now and then, you may be tempted to seek dramatic breakthroughs or flashy leaps of faith; and there may indeed be one or two such events mixed in with your steady rhythms.

But for the most part, your glory will come through tenacity.

Now study this advice from mystic Meister Eckhart: “Wisdom consists in doing the next thing you have to do, doing it with your whole heart, and finding delight in doing it.”

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian polymath Piet Hein wrote a poem in which he named the central riddle of his existence. “A bit beyond perception’s reach, / I sometimes believe I see / That life is two locked boxes / Each containing the other’s key.” I propose that we adopt this scenario to symbolize one of the central riddles of your existence. I’ll go further and speculate that in 2019 one of those boxes will open as if through a magical fluke, without a need for the key. This mysterious blessing won’t really be a magical fluke, but rather a stroke of well-deserved and hardearned luck that is the result of the work you’ve been doing to transform and improve yourself.

“Jonesin” Crosswords "Birthday Holiday" by Matt Jones

ACROSS 1 Palestinian president 6 Indira Gandhi’s son 11 Actor Shepard of “Idiocracy” 14 Ben Stiller’s mom Anne 15 Edit out 16 Brand of pads 17 Scottish singer born 12/25/1954 19 Pince-___ glasses 20 Do, for instance 21 Island instrument 22 Porgy’s love 24 Conversation 26 Dish with peanut and lime garnish 29 It’s been alternately called a “cash point” or “bankomat” 30 One who takes things the wrong way?

33 “___ Lang Syne” 34 Not so puzzling 35 Cold storage?

36 Canadian world leader born 12/25/1971 39 Juan ___ de LeÛn (Fountain of Youth seeker) 40 Did penance 41 Put ___ signal 42 Citrus soft drink introduced in the 1960s 43 Scott Joplin song 46 Hang on the line 48 “An Inconvenient Truth” presenter 50 Princess who became a general 51 High point 53 Tahiti, e.g.

54 Stationery store purchase 56 American actress born 12/25/1949 59 “Many years ___ ...”

60 “Washington Journal” network 61 “___ ear and out the other” 62 Blow away 63 Actor ___ William Scott 64 Knight’s mount

DOWN 1 Dresden Dolls lead vocalist Palmer 2 1984 marathon gold medalist Joan 3 Not a big chicken 4 “The Little Mermaid” heroine 5 Enclosure to an ed.

6 Need a bath 7 Obama education secretary Duncan 8 It’s somehow National Soup Month, for short 9 Line on a weather map 10 Perturbed 11 Longtime Dolphins coach 12 Prop for Paul Bunyan 13 W’s successors?

18 Bela of monster roles 23 Completely fake 25 Speak before a crowd 26 2000 Alejandro IÒ·rritu drama “Amores ___” 27 Baseballer Felipe, Matty, or Jesus 28 Promising words 31 Where 100 is 4 32 Midler of “Beaches” 34 Word before artist, clause, or room 35 Best-case 36 Soup du ___ 37 Up to this point 38 Opens a bottle 39 Okra portion 42 CrËme de ___ (strawberry liqueur) 43 Tanner of ‘70s-’80s tennis 44 Garfield’s girlfriend 45 Got overexcited over niche pop culture, with “out” 47 Hockey pucks, e.g.

49 Gargantuan 51 Strong ___ ox 52 Loretta played by 56-Across 54 Print maker 55 Id’s counterpart 57 Upscale hotel amenity 58 Circumference-to-diameter ratios

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 25

NORTHERN EXPRESS

CLASSIFIEDS OTHER LELAND TOWNSHIP ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Leland Township, MI is accepting proposals for a Zoning Administrator.

Deadline is noon on 1-15-19 to submit. A bidder’s conference is set for 1-4-19, 10:30 AM, at the Leland Township Office. You will need to RSVP to attend. For further information contact Michael Collins at lelandtrustee@gmail.com. No telephone calls will be accepted. https://www. leelanau.cc/lelandtwp.asp HEALTH OFFICE SPACE Health clinic with available rooms to lease. Rooms are 12’x12’ available by the day or month. Separate entrance, waiting area, restroom. www.8thStHealth.com GALLYS - HOLIDAYS ANNOUNCEMENT FYI...

Gallys will be closed the week of Christmas. See you after the New Year!

BUYING OLDER MOTORCYCLES / ROAD & DIRT BIKES Used ATV’s Snowmobiles, Antique Boat Motors,Buying In Any Condition 810-775-9771 SHORES EAST BAY CONDO $850/mo.2bd,2ba furn.condo: kitchen,jacuzzi,patio,parking & beach. 231-922-5053 TURN KEY SNOW REMOVAL and Landscape & Supply Company Retiring.

Snow removal, Landscape & supply company.

Design,construction, nursery garden center, bulk supplies and maintenance. Complete outdoor service. We are the only complete supply & service. 5 acres available, company is booked through 2019. Sales exceed cost.$389,00 equipment,stock, employees included blsofboyne@gmail or 231-675-0300.

NO SNOW OR RUST - SOUTHERN REAL ESTATE Deeded RV & CABIN LAND WWW.LAKEHARTWELLLAND.COM WWW.LAKERVLAND.COM 980.254.5653

COLDS COUGH FLU have you down try Dry Salt Therapy @ Urban Oasis Salt Spa Urban Oasis Salt Spa 231 938-6020 Traverse City

REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SERVICE Scott Lowe - Advanced Appraisal 25+yrs experience “I Value Your Real Estate” Serving the 5 Co GT Area appraisaltc@gmail.com 231-645-7043 State License #1201000666

UPHOLSTERY AND SEWING Need to upgrade pillows, curtains or furniture for the holidays? I can make bags and unique gifts too. Call Marcie for quality sewing and upholstery in TC at 231342-0962.

ART SALE 50 year collection of contemporary art. Regional artists from USA. No reasonable offer refused. Quality items glass, clay. 2 & 3 dimensional. Charlevoix 231-348-5906 anytime

WANTED OLDER MOTORCYCLES Any Makes Models.Also Used ATV’s & Snowmobiles Running Or Non. 810-775-9771

SEWING, ALTERATIONS, Mending & Repairs.

Maple City, Maralene Roush 231-228-6248 PIANO LESSONS Piano lessons available for all ages, styles and levels. Elk Rapids,Mich.

248-648-9741 BMI POLE BUILDINGS “Your Barn, Your Way, Your Price” Call 989-916-8668 McLaren.brad@ gmail.com SHARED POTTERY STUDIO Space at Lealanau Studios Best deal for a shared studio! Kiln and wheel available to monthly renters. WiFi, heat, water included. Start for as little as $110 per month. Email kdeibler@gmail.com.

COTTAGE FOR RENT 1BR, Fully Furnished, Very Nice, Includes All Utilities, Washer/Dryer, Completely Equipped, Month-to-Month, Traverse City; $1,175 Per Month, 231-631-7512.

COLDS COUGH FLU have you down try Dry Salt Therapy @ Urban Oasis Salt Spa Urban Oasis Salt Spa 231 938-6020 Traverse City SAVE ON YOUR NEXT PRESCRIPTION! World Health Link. Price Match Guarantee!

Prescriptions Required. CIPA Certified. Over 1500 medications available. CALL Today For A Free Price Quote. 1-855-972-1693 Call Now! FREON R12 WANTED: CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans.

(312) 291-9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com

easy. accessible. all online.

MASSAGE Massage $45 hour at Bodies in Motion. Denise 941-232-2265. Gift cert. avail.

Log on to submit your classified!

northernexpress.com/classifieds

Easy. Accessible. All Online.

26 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

Northern Express Weekly • december 31, 2018 • 27

FOUR DAYS OF PRIZES, PROMOTIONS & GIVEAWAYS DECEMBER 30

DECEMBER 29

PETOSKEY

PETOSKEY

4PM–9PM $34.95

12PM–11PM Win $50–$500 Cash

DECEMBER 31

DECEMBER 31

PETOSKEYNEW

12PM–10PM YEAR’S EVEParty Win $50–$250 Free Slot Play

DECEMBER 31

PETOSKEY

8PM–4AM | $20 Cover Charge Champagne toast at midnight!

Must be 21 or over.

DECEMBER 31

PETOSKEY

MACKINAW CITY

10:30PM–1:30AM With a performance from The Rhythm Kings!

11AM–1PM 10:30PM–12:30AM

JANUARY 1

JANUARY 1

PETOSKEY & MACKINAW CITY

PETOSKEY

12:30AM–3AM $9.95

Keep an eye on your newsletter for great new offers to start out the new year.

No discounts apply.

VISIT ODAWACASINO.COM FOR FULL EVENT LIST.

877.442.6464 |

28 • December 31, 2018 • Northern Express Weekly

| odawacasino.com