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Marijuana

Mecca Unlike most other northern Michigan towns, Kalkaska has gone all in on marijuana.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • december 09 - december 15, 2019 • Vol. 29 No. 47

THE LITTLE FLEET'S ANNUAL

holiday market local makers, mulled wine, holiday tunes Add a little bit of body text

SAT, DEC. 14 2 - 6PM

Ceramicist Susannah Tisue brings her love of painting, printmaking, and the Jonathan Simons makes cherry wood utensils with handsome color and grain— transformative process of reduction firing in each of her high-fired porcelain pieces. durable, smooth, His company, Jonathan’s createsand designs They are crafted onand thestrong. thick side, taking the durabilitySpoons, of porcelain creating sturdy, rustic with a refined sensibility. with the wares hand and purpose in mind.

“If father you see valueme in well-made and carefully objects, then ourofceramics “My taught that ideas come from the considered desire for usefulness.

In all my work bring delight your home and tablewith for years come. ” I strivewill to balance tactileto and aesthetic qualities utilitytoand purpose. ”

In The Village at Grand Traverse Commons 231.932.0775 | sanctuary tc.com 2 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

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a work by Professor Martha C. Nussbaum titled, “Anger and forgiveness, resentment, generosity, justice.” Chapter two speaks directly at the impetus behind Ms. Keyes Rogers petulant upbraiding of the “x, y, z” generations. In her study, Professor Nussbaum deploys the writings of Aristotle, specifically his discussion regarding “slighting “and “down-ranking.” The Greek word for this is “oligoria.” The professor conjoined the two senses into the English language words “status-injury.”

There is little doubt the author of this opinion piece was severely afflicted with status-injury. Nevertheless, within the cultural and political milieu in which Ms. Keyes Rogers travels, slighting and downranking are the favorite word weapons of choice when her political enemies need to be humiliated or demeaned. So, I will conclude with the modified words of the apostle Paul: “For whatsoever a woman soweth, that shall she also reap.”

Steve Redder, Petoskey

He’s No Commander In Chief The president is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Services and receives advice on military affairs from Department of Defense Military Branch Service Chiefs.

He is interjecting himself in military affairs that should be left up to professionals in arms. The president does not understand what it means to be Commander in Chief.

The Commander in Chief should never publicly criticize (via Twitter) a commanding officer concerning a disciplinary matter involving Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The UCMJ is a guide for good order and discipline in the military.

Compliance with the UCMJ is mandatory for all military personnel. The origin of the UCMJ is the “Articles of War,” which dates back to 1775. The Commander in Chief undercut the Navy’s authority to use the UCMJ as written. His comments put good order and discipline in jeopardy. This opens the door for troops to refuse lawful orders they disagree with.

The Commander in Chief has denigrated war heroes, combat veterans (Capt. John McCain, Capt. Robert Mueller, Gen. James Mattis, Gen. John Kelly), an active duty military member (Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman) and a Gold Star family (Capt. Humayun Khan). This is conduct unbecoming of a Commander in Chief.

I am a 25-year Air Force veteran and I have been deployed to the war zone three times. I served under five presidents and I supported the Oval Office and the White House. I did not let my political preference interfere with my duties. My dedication is to my country not the person in the Oval Office, regardless of political party.

I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and not a person or political party.

Willie Jones Jr., MSgt, USAF, Ret., Traverse City Revisiting OK Boomer I am a quagga mussel encrusted -somewhat woke -- relic of the Truman era who, unlike the mid-life passage mentor who hashed out this mean girl beat down (Mary Keyes Rogers’ “OK, Boomer” column in the recent issue), is an “Okay, Boomer.”

Accordingly, I would like to recommend

Expand Bottle Bill On November 2, 1976, voters passed the Michigan Beverage Container Act (nicknamed “The Bottle Bill”) in a statewide referendum. The Bottle Bill put a ten-cent deposit on all empty bottles of beer and carbonated soft drinks.

Since then, sales of bottled water have increased tremendously yet there is no deposit for water bottles. One dollar in 1976 had the same buying power as $4.44 in 2019.

A new bill should be presented that includes water bottles and increases the deposit to 44 cents. I encourage all readers to contact their state legislators to sponsor a bill that increases the deposit on beer and carbonated beverages and include water bottles.

S. B. Morkert, Petoskey Impeachable Overwhelming evidence has been provided by the impeachment inquiry that Donald Trump withheld taxpayer approved funds meant to protect Ukraine from a Russian invasion in order to force Ukraine’s President Zelensky to publicly announce an investigation of one of Donald Trump’s major political opponents in the upcoming 2020 presidential election.

It appears that many of the same politicians who considered Bill Clinton’s lying about sex to be impeachable behavior do not now find Trump’s behavior, which put our national security at risk, to rise to that level.

Of course, dictators can never be found guilty of crimes against the state, because they are the state. We can now face the fact that we are in the process of losing our republic, or in the alternative that some have suggested: “Just get over it.”

Bob Ross, Pellston No Taxpayer Charging Stations I was appalled by Frank W. Hawthorne’s letter in the 11/25 issue. He expects the State of Michigan to pay for his and his wife’s fuel for their trip to Lansing? Sure, I’d like free gasoline for my car too. 997 of 1,000 cars and trucks on the road are gasoline or diesel powered. 3 out of 1,000 are electric.

80 percent of commercial trucks are diesel powered; the rest use gasoline. As long as you install 333 free gas and diesel pumps at rest areas alongside the one charging station, I’m

all for it. There might be a bit of a wait for the charger as it takes 8+ hours to recharge an electric vehicle; just topping it off for another 70 miles takes 30-45 minutes.

About 70 percent of Michigan’s electricity comes from coal and natural gas, with coal providing nearly 40 percent. After natural gas, nuclear power is the next largest source. Electric energy is no “cleaner” than petroleum and less clean than biodiesel.

Electricity is predominantly a “fossil fuel” and always will be.

If we’re serious about the environment, we should be converting to biodiesel vehicles, not electric vehicles. Biodiesel is a renewable resource, it’s 95 percent cleaner than gasoline, vehicles running on biodiesel get more miles to the gallon than gas-powered vehicles, the distribution network for biodiesel is already in place, and biodiesel is a lubricant, extending engine life.

Not only is the funding of electric charging stations an unreasonable expenditure of tax dollars, it is a reckless use. Representative Triston Cole (District 105) is to be commended for his fiscally moderate stance against using taxpayer funds for the installation and operation of charging stations.

Climate change is real, but not irreversible.

Our approach to mitigating it has to be sensible.

CONTENTS features Crime and Rescue Map......................................7 Marijuana Mecca.............................................10 Down on the Farm.........................................12 A Breath of Fresh Aire....................................14 North Peak Brewing Company...........................16

dates................................................20-23 music

Four Score.....................................................25 Nightlife.........................................................27

columns & stuff Top Ten...........................................................5

Spectator/Stephen Tuttle....................................6 Modern Rock/Kristi Kates................................24 Film................................................................26 Crossword...................................................28 Advice..........................................................28 Freewill Astrology..........................................29 Classifieds..................................................30

David G. Laakso, Fennville Beware Radiation Sickness Are radio frequency technologies and products like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, tablets, and smartphones the tobacco of the digital age?

Sadly, as with tobacco products and other toxins, we may only acknowledge the truth after thousands of unsuspecting consumers die or suffer catastrophic illnesses because they accepted industry propaganda and government and political complacency (complicity?) as a means of rationalizing risky behavior.

There is a history of lax oversight by government agencies. History is repeating itself in terms of the safety of smartphones and related devices, saying -- or practically shouting -- that consumers need to educate themselves and take preventative action.

We don’t say you must give up your precious and convenient smartphones. There are sensible solutions for protecting yourself, your loved ones, and especially the most vulnerable -- your children.

There are hundreds of references that point to independent studies and court cases that back them up, as well as countries around the world that are taking action to protect unsuspecting consumers from themselves and perhaps a looming epidemic of health problems directly attributable to exposure of radio frequency, electromagnetic fields, and electromagnetic radiation, which back 50 years ago they called “radiation sickness.”

Again, as with tobacco, the harmful effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation are not immediately apparent, but the effects are cumulative and compound over time. How much time? No one knows for certain, but some independent researchers suggest that within 10 to 15 years we will begin feeling the impact of harmful effects of daily exposure to electromagnetic radiation. This will only get worse with the ubiquitous exposure to radio waves and electromagnetic radiation, whether you use the devices or not. Some of you may scoff at this, but don’t say you were never informed.

Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase 135 W. State St. 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, Michele Young, Randy Sills, Todd Norris For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 838-6948 Creative Director: Kyra Poehlman Distribution: Dave Anderson, Dave Courtad Kimberly Sills, Randy Sills, Roger Racine Matt Ritter, Gary Twardowski Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold Reporter: Patrick Sullivan Contributors: Amy Alkon, Rob Brezsny, Ross Boissoneau, Jennifer Hodges, Michael Phillips, Jillian Manning, Craig Manning, Steve Tuttle, Kristi Kates, Janice Binkert Copyright 2019, 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.

John Kurczewski, Indian River

Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 3

this week’s

top ten Committee Wants to Get Recall Back on Track

While Rep. Larry Inman spent the week in Grand Rapids standing trial in federal court on bribery charges, some of the embattled representative’s constituents were busy trying to jump-start a recall campaign against him.

In late November, a group that turned in 13,859 signatures calling for Inman’s ouster learned that the state’s Bureau of Elections had deemed them invalid over a typo in the petition language. The Inman Recall Committee decided to push back, and they’ve asked the Michigan Court of Appeals for emergency relief to be able to proceed with the recall.

They argue that throwing out the petitions over a technicality denies citizens their constitutional rights and they’ve asked the appellate court to order the Bureau of Elections to validate the signatures in time for a January deadline to print ballots for the March 2020 election.

Meanwhile, Inman faces more immediate trouble: he is standing trial in U.S. District Court on charges that he attempted to solicit $30,000 from a union in exchange for his and other representatives’ votes on a prevailing wage law.

festival of trains The Festival of Trains is back at Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC from Dec. 14-31. With nearly 6,000 visitors each year, the Festival is one of the largest fundraisers for TC charities. See the massive O-gauge model train layout, along with HO-, S- and G-gauge layouts. There is also a kids layout, where they can operate the controls. It is open Mon. – Sat., 10am6pm and Sun., 10am-4pm. Special hours on Dec. 31: 10am-4pm. A Swap Meet takes place Dec. 14-15 and Santa will visit on Dec. 21. Closed on Dec. 25. Admission is $5 with 4 and under free. A Festival Pass is $30 with unlimited visits/ household; includes two adults and up to three children. Find ‘Festival of Trains 2019’ on Facebook.

4

Hey, read it!

Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas, in a hospital wing, and one young doctor was sure he’d seen everything.

This winter, celebrated author Adam Kay is prescribing his season’s readings with an extra dose of saline. “Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas,” Kay’s long-awaited followup to his debut memoir, “This is Going to Hurt” (2017), expertly compiles 20-odd Christmas tales, ranging from heartwarming to horrifying, to straight-up hysterical — all in acknowledgement of NHS hospital’s superhero staff.

As Kay is quick to remind us, it’s the millions of men and women in scrubs who are the makers of true Christmas miracles. So, this year, let’s all do them all a solid and save the absurdity for 2020.

2 tastemaker

GREAT LAKES POTATO CHIPS’ PURPLE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CHIPS

What’s black and white and read all over?

Yes, of course, it’s Northern Express. But what’s crunchy and salty and purple all over? The answer may surprise you: It’s purple potato chips from Great Lakes Potato Chips.

The new, limited-release chips are the result of a 10-year project by the Michigan State University Potato Research and Development Department and Michigan-based Iott Seed Farms. The Blackberry potato resulted from crossing Michigan and Minnesota purple potatoes, resulting in a non-GMO potato high in antioxidants, boasting great chip flavor – and yes, a super cool color.

The purple potato chips are part of the celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary.

Great Lakes Potato Chips was founded in 2009

by Ed Girrbach and his son Chris. The chips are prepared with just three ingredients: potatoes, sea salt and sunflower and/or canola oils. Stores in Michigan and surrounding states will carry the purple potato chip; they’re also available online at greatlakespotatochips.com.

4 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

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6

Another Roundabout Planned for GT County

The state plans to address one of the region’s most dangerous stretches of road by adding a left turn lane on part of M-37 south of Traverse City and constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Blair Townhall Road.

The Michigan Department of Transportation plans to undertake the work in 2021.

There were 28 crashes at that intersection from 2013 until 2018. Eight of those crashes resulted in injury and one person died.

“I’m grateful to MDOT for making the decision to widen M-37 and address the safety concerns at the M-37/Blair Townhall Road intersection,” said Nicole Blonshine, Blair Township supervisor. “I look forward to our roadways becoming much safer for everyone.”

The left-turn lane and roundabout are expected to reduce the likelihood of two kinds of dangerous crashes that are now common there, rear-end crashes and side-angle crashes that occur when one vehicle attempts to turn in front of another.

PLAN FOR GLEN LAKE, CRYSTAL RIVER WATERSHED IN THE WORKS A meeting focused on protecting the Glen Lake/Crystal River watershed and groundwater is set for Dec. 12 at the Empire Township Hall. Glen Lake Association Watershed Biologist Rob Karner said a plan for cooperation among four townships and the association will be unveiled for the first time at the meeting.

“We are not trying to make it like it was 30 or 50 years ago but take stock of where it is today and not lose what we’ve got,” he said.

The 7:30 p.m. meeting, which is open to the public, will include a presentation by Tony Groves from the business consulting firm Progressive AE, who worked on the plan along with officials from Kasson, Empire, Glen Arbor and Cleveland townships and members of the lake association.

Karner said it was important the plan be reasonable and enforceable, yet still protect the waters. He also noted there will be additional public meetings this summer when seasonal residents will be able to attend.

Stuff we love chef abra berens special dinner event Abra Berens will return to

Chef Northport for a special dinner event at Willowbrook Mill Dec. 15. The co-founder of Northport’s Bare Knuckle Farm has found praise from the likes of Bon Apetit magazine for her cookbook Ruffage: A Practical Guide to Vegetables. She started cooking at Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor before moving to Ireland to train in the garden-focused kitchen at Ballymaloe Cookery School. In 2009 she co-founded Bare Knuckle Farm, where she farmed and cooked for eight years. She then opened a café at Local Foods in Chicago before returning to Michigan to join the team at Granor Farm in Three Oaks. The dinner at Willowbrook will start with a variety of appetizers, followed by a multi-course meal, paired with beverages from Big Little Winery and Earthen Ales. Tickets for dinner and a copy of the book are $125, and available at MyNorthTickets.com. The event will benefit World Central Kitchen, founded in 2010 by celebrity chef José Andrés to provide meals in the wake of natural disasters.

8 BAVARIAN TO THE CORE.

Bottoms up Snowbelt Brewing Co.’s Pie Pants Cider

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Imagine if two favorite area ciders – Tandem’s Smackintosh and Left Foot Charley’s Cinnamon Girl – had a love child. That baby would have bright, tart notes of apple paired with the perfect amount of holiday spice, begging to be enjoyed alongside a Christmas feast or a slice of pie. Enter Pie Pants (ABV: 6.9%) from Snowbelt Brewing Co. in Gaylord. Apples from King Orchards in Central Lake are combined with a blend of cinnamon and brown sugar for a slightly sweet – but not overly sugary – finish. Fill up a growler to share with friends and family or enjoy a glass in the cozy, laidback atmosphere of Snowbelt’s taproom. If you’re imbibing at the brewery, be sure to ask for the trademark cinnamon sugar rim that will make you feel festive and fancy all at once. Find Pie Pants at Snowbelt Brewing Co., 132 W. Main St. in Gaylord. Call (989) 448-7077 or visit snowbelt.beer.

Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 5

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We know, for a fact, it is illegal to solicit or receive information from a foreign national or government to influence a federal election.

We know that because it’s written in black and white in the statutes.

We know, for a fact, President Donald Trump asked the newly elected president of Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son Hunter at a time the senior Biden was a declared presidential candidate leading Trump in the polls.

We know that because the requests are contained in the transcripts of the call released by the White House.

We also know, for a fact, the president sent off his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, to push for an announcement of an investigation of the Bidens in exchange for which we’d release $391 million in military aid previously approved by Congress and the Ukrainian president would get a meeting with Trump.

Making things worse, we’ve now heard testimony that Trump didn’t care if Ukraine launched an actual investigation; they just had to announce they were planning one.

So, we’re actually left with one of four options here.

First, you believe Trump committed a crime in soliciting help from Ukraine, he should be impeached by the House, convicted by the Senate and removed from office.

Second, you believe Trump committed a crime, but it does not rise to the level of an impeachable offense. This is an especially troublesome position for Republicans who were gung-ho to impeach Bill Clinton because, during his deposition in a civil suit, he lied about his philandering. Most would consider that a lesser offense than asking a foreign government to intercede in our elections.

Third, you don’t believe he did anything wrong despite the president having given us the evidence himself. You have to willfully ignore both the statutes and Trump’s own words to accept that position.

Fourth, you believe Trump broke the law, but you just don’t care.

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6 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

MO-SA 9-8 SU 12-5

Since impeachment is only an accusation – a trial would be held in the Senate requiring a two-thirds majority for conviction – both the obstruction and emolument issues are also ripe for investigation.

Has the president done enough to merit impeachment?

President Andrew Johnson was impeached for his dismissal of Secretary of War Edward Stanton. The Senate fell a vote short of convicting him on the first two of the 11 counts and then gave up since they weren’t going to change anyone’s vote.

Richard Nixon most certainly would have been impeached and convicted had he not resigned. We now know the Watergate fiasco

This is neither a hoax nor a coup nor a witch hunt; the president’s own recklessness has led him to this moment.

We know that because Trump tells the Ukrainian president he’s sending Giuliani three separate times in the aforementioned transcripts of their phone call.

HAVEN COLLECTION

of the Constitution that prohibits a president from making money because of his position.

The invitation to Ukraine to get involved in our election is the current focus of the House of Representatives but it’s hardly the only incident they could investigate. Robert Mueller identified 10 separate occasions in which the president obstructed or attempted to obstruct justice. Then there is the emolument clause

and cover-up weren’t his only issues; he’s on tape ordering underlings to break into the Brookings Institute, “blow the safe,” and destroy documents about the Vietnam War inside. It was a carnival of high crimes and misdemeanors in a single sentence.

Bill Clinton was impeached not because of any policy or issue but because his personal behavior was abominable. He was sued by Paula Jones for what amounted to sexual assault and during that deposition lied about his repugnant behavior with Monica Lewinsky. (He settled the lawsuit with Jones before it came to trial.)

Trump, by the way, has his own civil suit problems. A woman claiming Trump sexually assaulted her is suing him for defamation because he publicly called her a liar. So far, the courts have determined the suit can go forward despite a blizzard of attempts by the Trump lawyers to have the case dismissed.

It’s easy here to argue Trump was just trying to make another deal; he’d give Ukraine the money we’d already promised and a White House visit in exchange for the appearance of some dirt on Joe Biden.

Unfortunately, seeking such assistance was illegal and is certainly worthy of him being accused of wrongdoing – the point of impeachment. (There was no dirt on Biden and no investigation was announced or undertaken.)

As the process moves forward it will be interesting to note which members of Congress deflect, obfuscate and float schools of red herrings and which engage in actual fact-finding.

This is neither a hoax nor a coup nor a witch hunt; the president’s own recklessness has led him to this moment. Some deals can’t be made … and no laws should be broken by our president.

Crime & Rescue FAMILY INJURED IN MONEY DISPUTE A 29-year-old Kaleva man assaulted his mother and father with a shovel and a knife amid an argument over money, police said.

Manistee County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home in Maple Grove Township at 11pm Dec. 3. A 67-year-old man had suffered cuts to his arms and chest and his 56-year-old wife had suffered cuts to her hands.

The couple defended themselves using a hammer, causing injuries to their son, who was taken to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City for treatment. The mother and father were taken to Munson Manistee for treatment.

POLICE SEEK DAMAGED TOYOTA Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for the driver of a red 2002 Toyota Corolla with right front-end damage.

Such a vehicle left the road, crashed into a porch and drove off Nov. 29 at 1:53am, Lt. Brian Giddis said. The crash happened at a residence on County Road 633 near Old Maple Trail in Blair Township.

Investigators were able to identify the year, make and model of the vehicle from debris left at the scene following the crash. Anyone with information should call the sheriff’s office at (231) 995-5000 ext. 5940.

by patrick sullivan psullivan@northernexpress.com

PURPORTED GROPER CHARGED A man accused of groping a woman at a bar faces criminal sexual conduct charges.

A woman reported to police that she had been inappropriately touched while hanging out at a Cheboygan County bar in September.

State police identified the suspect as 39-yearold Gabriel Jones.

Jones was arraigned Dec. 3 on a charges of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and he faces up to two years in prison if he is convicted.

0Emmet County Sheriff’s deputies arrested an Alanson man who apparently really wanted kids to stay off of his lawn.

Someone called 911 on the evening of Nov. 24 to report that kids were running through his yard and that if anyone came to his house, he would shoot them.

Deputies responded to a Little Traverse Township address and found a man outside of his house armed with a crossbow and a 50-caliber rifle.

Deputies arrested the man, 59-year-old Steven Henry Muller, and prosecutors charged him with nine felonies, including two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, and possession of a firearm while under the influence.

MAN STRUCK BY SNOWPLOW State police determined that a man who was struck by a plow truck in Houghton Lake was walking in the road while wearing dark clothing.

Troopers were called to M-55 near Byron Avenue Dec. 4 at 6:05pm where a 44-year-old Roscommon man had suffered significant injuries.

The man had been walking in the outside lane, headed west, when the truck came from the opposite direction; the driver swerved to avoid the man, but the pedestrian was struck by the snowplow.

The man was taken to Grayling Munson.

Police said they do not suspect drugs or alcohol were involved.

WINDOW PEEPER SENT TO PRISON A 63-year-old Gaylord man will spend 22 to 30 years in prison for a conviction of indecent exposure by a sexually delinquent person.

State police arrested 63-year-old Michael Dean Estes after he confessed to skulking around the Michaywe neighborhood near Gaylord after dark and “pleasuring himself” in front of at least 14 different homes.

ARRESTS FOLLOW FENTANYL SALE Undercover officers arrested two metro Detroit men after an alleged sale of fentanyl.

Traverse Narcotics Team arranged to meet a 29-year-old Warren man to purchase the drug on Dec. 4. That suspect and a 30-year-old Detroit man travelled north to Traverse City to sell the undercover officer 30 grams of fentanyl, police said.

The men were arrested in a traffic stop after the sale and each face drug charges, including conspiracy to deliver fentanyl, a 20-year felony.

REPORT: DEATHS WERE MURDER-SUICIDE An autopsy determined that the manner of death in the case of two corrections officers who died in their Kingsley home of gunshot wounds was murder-suicide.

Grand Traverse Sheriff’s deputies said that while the women were drinking at their home, Tara Kelley shot Angelina Winn multiple times, killing her. Kelley then shot herself.

The women worked at Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee.

Troopers began the investigation when they received a complaint in May about a man who was window peeping in that neighborhood. Estes received such a severe sentence because he had previous convictions, including one for aggravated indecent exposure.

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Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 7

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WHY UKRAINE MATTERS opinion

bY Jack Segal Amidst the clamor of the House impeachment hearings, an unexpected group of heroes emerged. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) and White House experts demonstrated the quality of people who anonymously manage our foreign policy in Washington and who represent our country in more than 160 diplomatic missions.

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Through their calm demeanor, their depth of knowledge and most of all, their patriotism, these diplomats and experts who had been unknown to the American public (and, it seems, the president), described their day-to-day work that underlies America’s foreign policy.

Marie (“Masha”) Yovanovitch, our former ambassador to Ukraine, was forced out. Her “crime?” She was carrying out our longstanding policy of pressuring Ukraine to tackle the endemic corruption that has strangled that country since independence. She and current interim Ambassador Bill Taylor provided detailed accounts on what happened over the past year as Ambassador Kurt Volker, EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland and Energy Secretary Rick Perry tried to refocus our policy on White House political aims.

The “three amigos” manufactured a parallel U.S. strategy to remove Ambassador Yovanovitch and to pressure Ukraine to investigate the alleged corrupt acts of former Vice President Joe Biden, his son, Hunter, and Burisma in Ukraine. Vital U.S. military aid for Ukraine was halted temporarily as leverage against Ukrainian President Zelenskiy until Zelenskiy delivered on these blatantly political demands. While U.S. military aid was at the center of the impeachment debate, the political drama around that aid unfortunately diverts the American people from the real stakes for the U.S. in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has, since 2014, orchestrated a broad-based effort to weaken Ukraine, bring it back under Russian control and prevent it from ever joining NATO or the European Union. To that end, Putin instigated a supposedly Ukrainian-led separatist movement in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. While we might want instinctively to respond to Russian aggression, U.S. interests in Ukraine and our involvement in Ukraine’s war with Russia need to be carefully modulated.

While President Trump has now begun to provide anti-tank weapons and badly needed training to Ukraine’s army, he wisely has not hinted at a broader commitment to Ukraine’s defense. That is prudent policy. We have imposed sanctions on Russia for its aggression and Putin desperately wants those lifted. But we don’t have to place ourselves between Russia and Ukraine.

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Today, about six million of Ukraine’s 44 million people live in separatist-controlled provinces and Crimea. After orchestrating the “separatist” movement, Russia engaged with the previous Ukrainian government to negotiate a settlement aimed at recognizing Russia’s absorption of Crimea and granting autonomy to the separatist region.

The political negotiations between Russia and Ukraine – known as the Minsk Process – were led by France, Germany and Belarus. That process failed, but it did create a mechanism that now seems ripe for revival since the election of Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky is walking a political tightrope. He must try to keep President Trump on his side

while opening a dialogue with Russia’s Putin.

Zelensky also must satisfy the demands of millions of younger Ukrainians who originally took to the streets in 2014’s Revolution of Dignity, calling for closer ties with Europe. That generation has lived their entire lives as citizens of an independent Ukraine. They are not going to be easily persuaded to cede influence over any part of their country to Russia.

One promising sign is that recent surveys conducted in the separatist region show a wide range of attitudes among the six million Ukrainians caught in the war zone. Unlike bloody ethnic conflicts in the Balkans, the divisions within Ukraine’s separatist regions are not sharply drawn. Some people want more autonomy and they want Russian as their official language. Few define themselves solely as Russian. Most want friendly ties and free access to the rest of Ukraine.

That’s enough latitude for diplomats to find a solution to this conflict – one that has already killed more than 13,000 Ukrainians (and the 298 passengers and crew of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17). What would not be helpful is any further bumbling interventions by the “three amigos.”

Professional diplomats have demonstrated their ability to navigate through the complexities of Ukrainian-Russian relations without getting the U.S. trapped in the middle. We need to let them continue to do that job unhindered.

What should be done: First, we should support and praise Germany’s and France’s leadership of the Minsk 2 process aimed at a negotiated settlement. Both Ukrainian and separatist troops need to withdraw from the front lines.

President Putin is likely to have some tough demands. He can increase economic pressure against Ukraine by manipulating natural gas and oil shipments that are crucial to Ukraine’s economy. He may try to force Zelensky to agree that Ukraine will not seek membership in NATO. This would not be welcomed by young Ukrainians who see their future as a part of Europe and NATO. It may also be strongly opposed by the Ukraine lobby in the U.S., congressional hawks and by “experts” who want to use Ukraine to antagonize Putin.

But the U.S. has other important goals in this conflict. A stable Ukraine, even in Russia’s shadow, might over time naturally gravitate toward a position between Europe and Russia that could serve everyone’s interests. To get out from under our sanctions, President Trump needs to make clear to Putin that any settlement requires Russian withdrawal from Ukraine’s territory – nor should the U.S. further complicate this dangerous situation with extraneous political demands on Ukraine.

Zelensky needs time to institute reforms needed to get out from under Ukraine’s stifling corruption. Allowing Russia and Ukraine to find a way to get along might ultimately demonstrate to Russia that an independent Ukraine is not a threat to Russia. Beyond that, if Zelensky and Putin can agree on some form of a solution, the U.S. should not stand in the way.

Jack Segal is the former U.S. Department of State director for Ukraine (1996-97) and National Security and Defense Council director for Ukraine (1998-99). He teaches diplomacy to graduate students at Norwich University in Vermont and lectures at Northwestern Michigan College, Ferris State University and Rhein/Waal University in Germany.

Ewwwww David Paul Wipperman, 61, of Largo, Florida, was taken into custody Nov. 21 in response to a road rage altercation a few weeks before, the Tampa Bay Times reported. According to arrest reports, during the incident, Wipperman left his truck and approached a woman driving a Kia sedan.

She rolled down the window and apologized to Wipperman, who then spit the food he was chewing into her face, and some of it went into her mouth, the report said. Next, he allegedly opened her driver’s side door and began screaming at her, pointing his finger in her face. He was charged in Pinellas County with felony battery and burglary of an occupied vehicle and held on $12,500 bail.

Picky, Picky In Boca Raton, Florida, a robber approached a Wells Fargo bank branch teller with a very specific request on Nov. 18, reported WPLG. Sandy Hawkins, 73, entered the bank that morning and told the teller, “This is a robbery.

I have a weapon,” and put his hand in his waistband to indicate a gun, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff ’s Office arrest report. The teller started counting out $100 bills, eventually totaling $2,000, the affidavit said, but Hawkins explained that was too much money, and he only wanted $1,100. Authorities said the teller made the adjustment, then slid the bills through the window to Hawkins, who left the bank. When detectives caught up with him the next day, he told them, “I will make this easy” and showed them a note he had written, which read, “Give me $1,100. Now, No Alarms, Hope to get caught.” He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on robbery charges.

Bright Ideas -- Elementary and middle school students in Bandung, Indonesia, have been spending too much time with their smartphones, according to Mayor Oded Muhammad Danial, who has come up with a clever distraction. In mid-November, authorities began distributing 2,000 baby chicks in cages with signs that read: “Please take good care of me.” AFP reports the students will be required to feed their pets before and after school and can keep them on school premises if they don’t have space in their backyard. Danial said the chick project, dubbed “chickenisation,” is part of a larger endeavor by President Joko Widodo to broaden students’ education. “There is an aspect of discipline here,” said Danial.

-- Eighth-graders in the Payatas district north of Manila in the Philippines have come up with a way to help rid city streets of dog feces and maybe even lower local construction costs.

The “bio-bricks” they’ve developed are made of 10 grams of poop, which the students collect and air-dry, and 10 grams of cement powder, Reuters reported on Nov. 20. The students say their bricks can be used for sidewalk pavement or small structures, such as backyard walls.

They admit the bio-bricks have a faint odor, but assert that it will fade with time.

Compelling Explanation In Bainbridge Township, Ohio, a 60-yearold man called police on Oct. 22 after firing two warning shots into his backyard, WOIO reported. The unnamed man told officers he was trying to scare an animal away, but when asked if it might have been a bear, he said, “It ain’t no ... bear because it was jiggling my doorknob.” The homeowner went on to tell police the animal had to be Bigfoot because it was 7 feet tall, and it comes to his home every

night because neighbors feed it bananas. He also speculated that a woman who was missing from the area was taken by the “creature.”

However, officers found no large animal tracks in his yard and suggested he call again if he witnesses anything suspicious.

Multitasking As college student Morgan Taylor got her nails done in a High Point, North Carolina, salon on Nov. 20, she was shocked when one of the nail technicians spread out a tarp on the shop floor and began butchering meat with what appeared to be a kitchen knife. “I asked them what it was, because just seeing them unload flesh and bones was a little bit shocking,” Taylor told WFMY. “They said it was deer meat, and they were splitting it up between the workers to take home. It had already been skinned; they were sectioning it.”

Taylor reported the shop to the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners, which told WFMY its “inspectors have not received a complaint within memory of butchering in a cosmetic shop.” It declined to comment further on the open investigation.

Wait, What?

Zhang Binsheng, 30, of Harbin, China, finally sought a doctor’s attention after three months of struggling to breathe through his nose, Metro News reported in early November. Zhang told doctors at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University that he couldn’t sleep and also had a constant smell of decay in his nostrils.

X-rays revealed Zhang had a tooth stuck in his nostril. The tooth, which Zhang had lost when he was 10 years old after a fall from the third floor of a mall, had somehow rerooted and continued to grow in his nasal cavity. It was removed in a brief surgery, and Zhang is said to be recovering.

Weird “Science” Beware medical advice derived from Instagram, we always say.

“Metaphysicalmeagan,” who boasts nearly 10,000 followers on the social media site, is advocating a new “ancient Taoist practice that has been around for a while”: perineum sunning. “Many of you have been asking about the benefits of this practice,” she writes, “30 seconds of sunlight on your butthole is the equivalent of a full day of sunlight with your clothes on!” She goes on to say she has experienced energy surges, better sleep and more creativity, reports IFLScience.com, along with myriad other improvements. Scientists point out that while sunlight and taking some time to relax are healthful, “there is no evidence that (sunlight) has to be taken as a suppository.”

Great Art! A Japanese man who goes by the name Kiwami Japan on YouTube has chronicled his novel approach to fashioning a very personal engagement ring, the Mirror reported on Oct. 25. For 365 days, the man collected his fingernail clippings, which he then ground into a fine powder and mixed with water in a pan. After compressing the mixture, he baked it in an oven for 90 minutes, which resulted in what looked like a lump of dark clay. The substance was packed into a diamond-shaped mold and then mounted into a four-prong silver ring (which he also made himself). The finished ring features a dull black “stone.”

Social media followers were unimpressed, but you can’t say he didn’t put a little bit of himself into the ring.

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Marijuana Mecca

Unlike most other small northern Michigan towns, Kalkaska has gone all in on marijuana. As the first legal recreational weed hits Michigan this month, the village is rapidly transforming.

By Patrick Sullivan For weeks, in a shopping plaza near the southern limits of the village of Kalkaska, workers have been busy transforming a former Forest Area Federal Credit Union branch into a marijuana store.

The Village of Kalkaska wants to be a mecca for marijuana, and as recreational marijuana goes on sale legally for the first time in Michigan this month, the flurry of activity from one end of the village to the other proves just how determined the town is to accomplish that goal.

What’s happening at the Forest Area shows how fast things are changing.

“The person who owns [the building] now just walked into the credit union and said, ‘I would like to buy it, and I will pay you this much money for it,’ and it was sold that week,” said Harley Wales, Kalkaska’s village president. “That’s the kind of money that we’re dealing with.”

By the end of the year, Wales expects Kalkaska will be home to 14 licensed marijuana growers and one large marijuana transportation company. By early next year, at least three and as many as five marijuana stores will be in business, licensed to sell medical and recreational weed. There will also be three licenses available for people to open micro-boutiques, sort of like microbreweries for pot, where people can smoke house-grown marijuana on site. And Kalkaska is home to Michigan’s first recipient of a recreational marijuana event license.

Wales envisions Kalkaska playing host to outdoor music festivals that feature pot tents instead of beer tents.

ONE STOP SHOPPING At that shopping plaza on the edge of town, currently home to a Family Fare, a Family Dollar, and a Family Farm & Home, the credit union branch won’t be the only marijuana business.

A high-end retail pot business is getting ready to open there, too. And in the strip mall next to Family Dollar, plans are moving

ahead for someone to open up a business under a “consumption” license, which means it would be a venue where people could go to smoke pot.

While giving Northern Express a tour of Kalkaska’s burgeoning pot empire, Wales noted how the consumption spot will be a great location for such a place, given that two provisioning centers are opening up in the same plaza — and because there is a hotel next-door.

“Potentially then, this could be someone coming to the hotel, getting on their app, buying weed and having it delivered there, being able to consume it, and then go play in the pool,” Wales said.

Wales said the village government has gone out of its way to accommodate the new businesses. They help the newcomers find suitable locations, navigate the bureaucracy, and get licensed. In two instances, the village sold real estate it owned to accommodate marijuana businesses — a storage building near downtown and a vacant lot on the outskirts.

They’ve even established a marijuana ombudsman position.

“I don’t think anybody else has done that,” Wales said. “We’re here to make sure that everything is done correctly and that it’s done to the higher bar that we’ve set, and it has been very productive.”

not saying it’s not a conservative area. It’s a very gun-toting, conservative area. However, they are also open-minded people.”

Wales also said that it has helped that the village has been extremely transparent in its pro-marijuana policy and that people with concerns can quickly get their questions answered.

Wales said he administers the village’s website, the town’s Facebook page, and the Downtown Development Authority’s Facebook page, and he said he answers questions from residents almost immediately.

Moreover, everyone understood that Kalkaska needed an economic stimulus.

Marijuana turned out to be one that looked promising and that most of the population could get behind. Village politics had been promarijuana even before Wales took over, after all.

“Our last industry was the oil industry, and before that, it was the lumbering industry back at the turn of the century, and so these people are starved for what’s next. And this was an opportunity for the village, kind of early on, prior to me, making that stance that this was going to be a direction that they would like to go with,” Wales said. “Since, in the last few years, and with recreational taking over, we really made it perfectly clear, we are open to the industry, and we’re feeling the benefits of that.”

GUN-TOTING, OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE Why has Kalkaska embraced marijuana while so many other northern Michigan towns have rejected it or, at the very least, struggled with how to put limits on it?

Wales said he believes it is for the same reason someone like him could get elected village president of Kalkaska. Wales is an openly gay man who won election last year following a predecessor whose right-wing ideology stirred controversy and made national news.

“I think that the history of the town, the open-mindedness that the village has shown to other subjects, like me getting elected … it kind of gave them the laser focus on where they did and didn’t want to go,” he said. “I’m

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND So far, while the marijuana industry has taken over Kalkaska, it’s done so quietly, almost behind the scenes, taking over vacant buildings once home to oil businesses in the two industrial parks or refitting shuttered businesses behind darkened windows, getting ready to open retail locations once the state issues the licenses they need.

“I still get asked every day, ‘When are those marijuana people coming to town?’

And then I have to share with them that we have 15 or 20 businesses already, and you just don’t see them,” Wales said. “That’s how we planned it. All the large operations and growers are back in the industrial park, out of people’s vision, in the area where you

10 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

would expect to see a pole barn with no lights on.”

Gradually, residents will start to notice bigger changes as those publicfacing businesses open, like the stores, the consumption venue, and the micro-lounges.

But Wales’ biggest vision could also have the biggest public impact.

On Dec. 17, Wales and some other village officials will travel to Lansing to make a pitch to win a $3.1 million state grant to remake Railroad Square, the mostly vacant land that sits across Cedar Street from the row of historic buildings that make up Kalkaska’s now-struggling downtown.

The would-be remade square would offer a focal point for the village and serve as a center for gatherings of all different sorts, and Wales hopes that it is a catalyst for reinvestment in downtown businesses. But he also sees it as an ideal venue for outdoor festivals, the kind that would pair well with the marijuana event licenses.

That means concerts with pot tents.

The event license will require that a pot tent be limited to people over age 21 and that the facilities are separate, closed-off, and basically out of sight.

Wales said he understands that some of the village’s more conservative, more traditional residents might be concerned about a concert taking place downtown that features a tent where people can smoke marijuana, but he doesn’t expect that to generate significant opposition to Kalkaska’s pro-pot policies. The rules will be the same as they are for beer tents: consume responsibly and get a designated driver.

“I think it’s really going to be dependent on the way that it’s pulled off, just like everything to this point has been. And the fact that people are tolerating it now, it’s because it’s not in their face, so, it’s still not going to be in their face,” Wales said.

“Nobody’s going to see anyone walking around with a joint or bubbling a bong downtown. It’s confined to a space. … It will be in a corner somewhere where the venue is set up away from people’s vision.”

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A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE Kalkaska’s marijuana boom isn’t without its problems, however; it’s prompting some serious growing pains.

Properties in the industrial parks that could have been bought for a couple hundredthousand dollars only a few years ago are now listed for millions of dollars — and even those are disappearing fast.

Likewise, Kalkaska is on the cusp of facing one of those problems that’s a mixed blessing for a booming community: a housing shortage.

Wales said he bought his house a decade ago, during the economic crash, for $20,000.

Houses like his are going for four times that these days. But Kalkaska’s housing shortage is becoming more acute in more expensive ranges, too. There’s a shortage of homes available for the better-paid managers and owners of the new businesses who want to live in Kalkaska.

That shortage has been further aggravated by a new medical pavilion Munson Medical Center opened in Kalkaska this fall; it brought even more higher-wage jobs to the village. Rather than a low-income housing problem, Kalkaska now has a middle-income housing shortage.

That’s the kind of problem Wales and anyone in his spot wants to have, though.

He sees a transformed downtown in the future, and envisions Kalkaska becoming a destination, not only for snowmobiling, fishing, and access to outstanding mountain bike trails but also for the marijuana.

Those micro-licenses, for instance, could represent opportunities for talented marijuana growers to be able to offer particular strains that are only available at their location. Just as people today travel to Michigan on the hunt for a unique beer from a small, out-of-the-way brewpub, Wales said he sees people in the future visiting Kalkaska in search of the interesting pot strains only available at those micro-grows.

The most tangible, immediate affect from all of this for Kalkaska, however, is what it means for village coffers. Each business must pay thousands an annual license fee to the village; many pay twice, because there is a separate fee for businesses that grow or sell medical and recreational marijuana. It adds up to close to $400,000 annually for the village.

Wales said the first thing the village will do with the money will be to hire another police officer for the small village police force.

Beyond that, the village will look at what new needs arise from the new reality.

Boosted property values, an increase in visitors, and a better local economy will pay additional dividends, Wales said. There have also been some other unexpected benefits.

One of the new marijuana businesses

made a $13,000 donation to the village so that the police department could acquire and train a drug-sniffing dog.

That gift was unexpected, Wales said. He and other village officials didn’t know what to make of it at first, and consulted the village attorney.

“It was a big huge surprise, and we we’re really taken aback because we’ve never had anybody throw money at us before,” Wales said. “[The attorney] said actually, in larger municipalities, it’s fairly common for a business to come to town, and as a good-will gesture for the town, to make some type of donation.”

The village council accepted the donation with the caveat that it would not be considered a “quid-pro-quo” transaction and that the donor should not expect favorable treatment.

Since the donation was accepted and the dog joined the force this fall, its already been responsible for two drug busts.

It’s also perhaps the first drug-sniffing dog in northern Michigan that’s been trained since marijuana has been legalized. Therefore, it was not trained to sniff for pot.

“PROGRESSIVE AND SUPPORTIVE” Optimism aside, Wales said all the pieces are not yet in place. The village has yet to lure someone there to open a marijuana testing facility. Under the recreational marijuana law, the drug must be rigorously tested for potency and to make sure it doesn’t contain toxins.

Meanwhile, Wales is also investigating the possibility of Kalkaska becoming home to a marijuana credit union. That’s because, while marijuana remains illegal under federal law, traditional banks are unavailable to marijuana businesses.

Despite all that, Tom Beller thinks Kalkaska’s marijuana policies are great.

Beller owns Real Leaf Solutions, and he was among the first businesses in the state to receive a recreational marijuana license. The other businesses were in Ann Arbor.

Beller is primarily in the business of growing and processing marijuana, but his recreation event license will allow him to stage concerts and special events to introduce new marijuana strains. (Beller’s business does not sell retail marijuana.)

Beller is from Metro Detroit, but he moved to Kalkaska three years ago to get into the marijuana business, and he’s overseeing a large growing operation.

“I can only speak to my experience here, but from what I’ve read and heard from associates in other communities, some communities are very open, but Kalkaska has been great,” Beller said. “They’ve been very progressive and supportive of us and what we’re doing here.”

The BergaMOT hOLIDaY COnCerT Thursday, December 19 Tickets: $22, $15 Named “The hottest emerging music talent” (People), this indie-folk duo celebrates the holiday with songs and stories of hope and inspiration. Hear favorites like “O Holy Night,” “White Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells” and more.

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Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 11

DOWN ON THE FARM Charles Eisendrath has lived large as an international journalist, professor and inventor.

For him, it all pales to life on his cherry farm near East Jordan.

By Al Parker Noted journalist, college professor, inventor and Charlevoix County cherry farmer Charles Eisendrath didn’t set out to write a book.

“I’d been writing these essays and putting them away in a box,” he explained in a recent telephone interview from Ann Arbor. “I thought there might be 75 pages or so, but there were 350 pages. They were originally intended as sort of a personal history to be shared with friends and family, but a friend suggested I see if they could become a book.”

He took his boxed collection of essays – 23 in all written between 1983 and 2018 – to Heather Shaw at Mission Point Press in Traverse City and asked two questions: if they were any good and if they could be a book.

Yes and yes were her answers; the collection of lyrical, poignant writings was eventually transformed into Downstream From Here: A Big Life in a Small Place, in bookstores across northern Michigan and at Amazon.

“These essays explore a variety of human love that doesn’t ask anything in return, but sometimes receives it anyway, although in ways you need to learn how to feel,” writes Eisendrath in the book’s introduction.

Eisendrath’s special place is Overlook Farm, 146 acres on Lake Charlevoix near

East Jordan, where he has returned during every one of his 78 years. There he grows cherries and finds peace.

The Yale graduate’s resume is impressive.

As a Time magazine foreign correspondent, he covered wars and upheaval in northern Ireland, Biafra and Chile, where he found himself smack in the midst of the violent 1973 coup that toppled Salvador Allende and his Marxist democracy and installed General Augusto Pinochet.

In one essay, Eisendrath details the

mine. I wrapped up the week’s coverage, arranged for a replacement to come from the Rio de Janeiro bureau and asked for R&R leave.”

His boss refused his request.

“I felt that there was no need to honor his judgment – let alone abide by it – and decided to depart anyways, leaving word that I could be reached at a farm in northern Michigan. Three days later, Julia, the boys and I were on a plane headed home, bound for Traverse City and then East Jordan.”

The Yale graduate’s resume is impressive. As a Time magazine foreign correspondent, he covered wars and upheaval in northern Ireland, Biafra and Chile thick atmosphere of danger and deceit in turbulent Chile the way a heavy January snow blankets the Charlevoix countryside.

“It was scary,” he recalled.

Along with his wife and two sons, Eisendrath made it out of Chile to the relative safety of Argentina.

“I found that I couldn’t trust my reflexes, even in Buenos Aires,” he wrote. “The city was calmer than Santiago, for sure, but still dangerous for young American families like

12 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

After his time at Time, Eisendrath became director of the Livingston awards for Young Journalists and the KnightWallace Fellows at the University of Michigan. These programs bring American journalists and a handful of international reporters to Ann Arbor each year for an eight-month paid sabbatical. The writers audit classes at the university, travel abroad to places like Brazil, Turkey and Russia and attend seminars in a house donated by

former “60 Minutes” anchor Mike Wallace.

Alumni of the fellowship and the awards make up a glamorous list of journalists, including Charlie Gibson, John Broder, Molly Ball, Thomas Friedman, Christiane Amanpour, Evan Osnos, David Remnick, Michele Norris, Ira Glass and John U. Bacon.

Eisendrath took over the once-bankrupt program and transformed it into one of journalism’s most prestigious fellowships with a $60 million endowment and an annual budget of more than $2 million.

But on his current book tour, Eisendrath notes that most of his readers are less interested in his days of derring-do as a foreign correspondent or his success at U of M. Rather, they are more excited about his quiet life at Overlook Farm and the Charlevoix County neighbors who have helped him more than a few times over the years.

“Within three miles of Overlook farm live three men who symbolize what you don’t see until something takes your consciousness by the elbow and gently leads you to another world located inside your mental planet,” he wrote about Glen Seagraves, Bob Howard and Glen McCune.

“Picture the flames signaling Moses that this was no ordinary bush. You look at neighbors differently, you listen for a special voice.”

Seagraves receives special attention in the book.

“I’ll start with Glen Seagraves, who charged $10 an hour for designing a little part that went into several million GM cars and trucks manufactured during the 1970s and into the 1990s,” wrote Eisendrath. “It was the small plastic gizmo on steering columns that activated trouble blinkers. Doesn’t look like much, but legions of high-priced, fancily educated engineers of the (then) biggest corporation in the world reached out to somebody in overalls whose sole engineering credential was a pinstripe cap.”

Seagraves never asked for a percentage of the royalty, which would have meant big bucks.

“Nah,” Eisendrath quoted Seagraves as saying. “I’m paid by the hour ... things like that don’t take long.”

Eisendrath goes on, saying Seagraves identifies with old machinery, especially steam-powered rigs and is the unofficially official chief mechanic of the Buckley Old Engine Show.

“Strolling the lines, Seagraves works his tobacco chaw, carries his long-spout brass oiling can like a stethoscope and hoists kids to bottom rungs of black iron ladders so they can feel hugeness by climbing it,” wrote Eisendrath.

Eisendrath has known Bob Howard since they were boys. Howard later became famous in the Charlevoix area for machining the metal banks for a salmon/ lake trout lure called “The Stinger.” A heavy smoker, he was also noted for being able to make just about anything a guy might need.

In describing his third neighbor, Glen McCune, Eisendrath focuses on his prowess with wood. The former teacher restores shotgun stocks and canoes, carves 300-pound deer doors, 600-pound bear bedsteads and stunning cherry wood platters.

“McCune’s interest departs with the objects,” wrote Eisendrath. “Leaving only a scrapbook reflecting the admiration of others. His masterpiece? It is a lifestyle framed by a homestead that reflects it all in peacocks squawking from roofs, cages for recovering raptors, a rescued printing press from the 1890s and road kill hanging from trees before being fed to his various winged creatures and the peregrine falcons and redtailed hawks used for hunting.”

Eisendrath fostered his own interest with certain objects. Back in the 1970s, Eisendrath developed an obsession with barbecue grills, sketching them by the dozens. All were versions of grills he had seen and used in his travels in the Middle East, North Africa, southern France and Argentina.

“The Weber, for example, is a wonderful smoker,” he said. “But it’s a primitive grill and adjusts the heat by partially putting out the fire and has no means of changing the distance between the coals and burgers.

Other grills raise and lower the coals while leaving the burgers in place. None had a system for eliminating flareups. Worst of all, none used the best fuel for grilling, wood.

Even a journalist could do better.”

So, in 1977 Eisendrath took his doodles to a welder in East Jordan, who agreed to take a stab at building a prototype. The project moved along nicely until mid-July when Eisendrath visited the man and found his grill parts shoved aside like scrap.

“It was cherry time, when machines broke down at just the wrong moment and had to be welded back in shape right then, overtime included, because picking follows a schedule that determines which orchards make money that year,” he wrote in an essay. “Disappointment continued when the harvest rush was over, for my welder had lost interest and I had run out of summer.”

But the intrepid inventor was undeterred and took his project to a bumper shop in Ann Arbor.

“I took $800 in small bills, ones and fives, and filled a Kroger bag,” he said.

“Then I went to this guy’s shop and dumped the bag on a table in from of him. That got his attention.”

The car guy agreed to do the welding; eventually two prototypes were made.

“When a friend came for a football game, he asked to see what I’d been up to,” recalled Eisendrath. “I took him to see the two grills, one for Ann Arbor and one for the farm, and damned if he didn’t buy one on the spot.”

Eisendrath had no plan to turn his grills into an international business but was interested in obtaining a patent.

“I wanted to patent an invention because of my grandfather,” he said. “He’d held two – a candle-imitating light bulb and, of all things, a crocus. For me, a grill would do.”

The business took off after Eisendrath received a phone call from James Beard, the most famous chef/critic in the nation at the time. Beard paid full price for a grill and his ensuing review of the invention – “Brilliantly thought out and wellconstructed.” – sparked a torrent of interest in Eisendrath’s grill.

For two weeks the tiny East Jordan post office delivered orders by the box load.

Today, Eisendrath’s oldest son Ben owns and operates Grillworks, Inc. with grills operating in 50 nations.

Eisendrath’s essays detail his lifelong love affair with Charlevoix County, its waters, its creatures, its boats, its lifestyle and its people.

But with almost seven decades under his belt, he also has some things to say about the value of America’s frontier grittiness – and why that spirit has endured.

“Much that is happening in America these days smacks of losing touch with our essential greatness, part of which is the frontier appreciation of collaboration. It is knitted into our national fabric and worn on battlefields around the world,” he wrote. “I would bet a new set of mapling equipment that experiences like mine seem normal, not only in little places like East Jordan, Michigan, but also in small parts of big cities where people build things together.

Instances of the frontier spirit at work are scattered across America like rescue lights in the gloom of a blizzard after dark.”

Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 13

A BREATH OF FRESH AIRE

Choral group performing holiday music and more

By Ross Boissoneau

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There’s just no stopping the music in the Petoskey/Gaylord area, especially this time of year.

The more than 80 members of the Little Traverse Choral Society are poised to share their gift with the community this week at two concerts: Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Petoskey United Methodist Church at 7:30pm, and the following day at First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Springs at 3pm. The program will feature Schubert’s “Mass in G Major” as well as a number of holiday selections.

Music director Chris Hodges said he has enjoyed the challenge of leading a large ensemble whose members hail from across the north.

“We have over 80 singers this season, though that number fluctuates a little in the spring with some snowbirds that leave the area in January,” he said. “We have singers from as far north as Cheboygan and Mackinaw City and as far south as Gaylord.”

Which is where he hails from as well. The former director of the vocal music instructor at Gaylord Middle School and high school is now the Gaylord High School principal.

But he never lost his appreciation for vocal music, so when a friend told him the Little Traverse Choral Society was looking for a director, he applied and got the job.

Hodges’ hiring has been much to the delight of the singers, which range in age from 16 to 80-plus.

“We love our current director,” said Carol Bosché, a member of the group and president of the board. “He’s a really good fit. He’s very patient but demands quality. He also has a knack for picking music that is challenging.”

When Bosché moved to the region seven years ago from downstate, one of her prerequisites for deciding where to live was being able to participate in a choral group.

She’s not alone in that – longtime member Jean Fought says she felt the same way.

“Choral singing has always been a part of my life, and when we moved north in the late 60’s I was not disappointed,” said Fought.

“Petoskey had a community orchestra and chorus led by professionals.”

Fought said she has seen the Little Traverse Choral Society grow from 16 to its current size. It evolved from a previous iteration, the Little Traverse Chamber Singers, which saw 16 vocalists singing around a piano in a private home in 1986.

It became the Little Traverse Choral Society 30 years ago.

“I have had the privilege of not only singing with the group 29 of those years, but also (was) an active part of its leadership,” she said.

The group rehearses every Tuesday night at Petoskey High School. Hodges said weather occasionally necessitates canceling rehearsal. Given the broad geographic spread of the membership, singers are allowed to miss three rehearsals as excused absences.

And no, the group has not tried to Skype rehearsals – at least not yet.

While the group performs demanding pieces, there is no audition process. It’s not even mandatory that singers read music, though Hodges said most do.

“While it is best if singers can read music, there are several in the group that are phenomenal at learning by ear,” he said.

Hodges said it is exciting for him to be able to lead a group with such a wide range of experience in pieces ranging from contemporary to classics from centuries past.

“It’s all over the place,” he said of the musical selections.

While this week’s performance will include several holiday favorites – “The cool side of Yuletide, with modern takes on Christmas carols,” he said – its repertoire focuses squarely on classical vocal music.

Fought said that’s one of the things that draws her and others to the choir.

“That is our passion and throughout 30 concert seasons, we have remained true to that conviction,” she said. “From madrigals to Randall Thompson, Bach, Schubert, opera choruses, Bernstein, Lauridsen, and even a little PDQ Bach thrown in, we have sung it.”

After its December concerts, the group will next perform in April. Hodges comes up with a list of songs and potential theme for the concert, which the organization’s music committee then considers.

“They also give me feedback about the music we have performed in the past to help me in the selection process,” he said.

The group is funded by singers paying a small fee, by donations from the community, and support from various groups, especially the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Tickets for the upcoming shows are available from choral group members or at the door. Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for students; children 12 and under are free. For more information on the group, visit LittleTraverseChoralSociety.org.

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Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 15

NORTH PEAK BREWING COMPANY MICROBREWS AND MENUS IN HARMONY

By Janice Binkert From its inception as the Big Daylight Candy Factory in 1904, the historic threestory yellow brick landmark on West Front Street in Traverse City is now home to North Peak Brewing Company – one of the first microbreweries in the area. Today, the culinary experience that its restaurant offers has advanced to a point where it is as big a draw as its craft beer.

“When people come in here, they expect a good quality beer, but the quality of food they get is sometimes unexpected – we tend to ‘wow’ people with it,” said Mike Lloyd, general manager and partner of North Peak, as well as regional manager for its management company, Mission Restaurant Group.

In spite of his range of job responsibilities, North Peak has a special place in Lloyd’s heart.

“This is my baby – I’ve been here for 20 years,” he said.

Traverse City natives Greg Lobdell and Jon Carlson are the majority owners in North Peak (and several other restaurants, including Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin on Old Mission Peninsula). Lloyd said it’s part of their incentive program for general managers who have been with the company for a long time to give them ownership in the restaurants that they run.

A PLACE WORTH PRESERVING Lloyd said the group likes to buy and renovate buildings that have a history and mean something to the people in the community.

“This is a beautiful building in a perfect

location and we felt it was worth preserving.

The concept was originally more about the microbrewery and getting in at the base level of what was then a booming industry was key,” he said.

Through the years, North Peak has become “much more than a microbrewery,” said Lloyd.

“We’re very proud that our culinary experience has evolved to what it is now here…,” he said. “People come in for the food and the beer and we offer both of them at a very high level.”

Lloyd and his coworkers also visit other restaurants in the group to see how they’re doing certain things – what’s working and what’s not.

“The owners give us encouragement and the leeway to do what we think is best for the business, and we all work in conjunction to put the best product out,” he said.

The owners support investing in the properties, as well, said Lloyd. “(T)hey always make sure that the building is in top shape, inside and out,” he said. “They believe in investing in their properties to keep them up to standard – we’re continually trying to evolve and be a better version of what we are.”

The industrial, vintage look of North Peak’s interior is underscored by exposed aluminum spiral ductwork running across its high ceilings and by its zinc bar and tabletops.

“The zinc requires a little extra care, but we wanted that uniqueness,” said Lloyd. “We also wanted the warmth and coziness that comes from all of the wood doors, trim, booths, chairs and barstools … giving the space that northern Michigan feel.”

16 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

The original brick walls – accentuated by special lighting – and tall, mullioned windows add to the distinctive atmosphere.

BEER BEYOND THE BAR North Peak’s culinary concept was based on having food that would go well with beer. About 50 percent of the dishes on the menu also include a beer component – usually Diabolical IPA if not otherwise noted – and those items account for about 80% of all sales.

“We’re very proud of how incorporating our beer really gives you a different kind of flavor that you can’t get anywhere else,” said Lloyd. “If you put the right beer in with the right recipe, it creates a very unique flavor, and that has proven to be one of the keys to our success.”

Two of the most popular starters are the cheddar fondue (white cheddar cheese, brown mustard and Siren Amber Ale, accompanied by jumbo Bavarian pretzels) and the beer-steamed mussels (mussels, roasted garlic, Cajun sausage, tomato beer broth and brewhouse bread).

North Peak’s pizza dough is made with ale; baking the pizzas on a granite slab in a more than 500-degree hearth oven forms a thin, crisp crust. Perennial pizza favorites include the white chicken (grilled chicken breast, béchamel sauce, baby spinach, sundried tomatoes, feta and mozzarella) and the wild mushroom (shiitake, cremini and portabella mushrooms, herb-infused olive oil, parmesan and cracked black pepper), but the Thai shrimp (grilled shrimp, peanut sauce, roasted red peppers, cashews, sliced scallions and mozzarella) is gaining popularity.

A recent addition to the salad menu is the protein bowl (more like a meal with its healthy and tasty combination of quinoa, baby spinach, cucumber, grape tomatoes, carrots, pickled red onions, toasted almonds, dried cherries, feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette). As for entrées, the Honey Porter-marinated hanger steak (with white cheddar mashers, curried haystack onions and fresh seasonal vegetables) and the herbed fish and chips (ale-battered Great Lakes walleye with pub fries, tarragonginger tartar sauce and kale slaw) get high marks from customers, as do the Diabolical chicken (thyme-rubbed, ale-braised chicken with white cheddar mashers and fresh seasonal vegetables) and spicy chicken pasta (chicken, peppers, onion, spinach and cheddar Chablis sauce over penne).

Sandwiches and burgers are top picks for both lunch and dinner. The basic Peak burger (grilled natural Angus beef raised with no steroids, hormones or antibiotics) comes with lettuce and tomato, but for a small fee can be topped with a number of extras, such as various cheeses, smoked bacon or mushrooms. Other tasty hand-helds include the house-made vegetarian black bean and portobello patty (with provolone, arugula and basil pesto sauce on a ciabatta roll) and the herbed Monte Cristo sandwich (eggbattered and griddled sourdough layered with Michigan-raised turkey, smoked bacon, Muenster cheese and cherry apple butter).

Need a good reason to take that old adage “Life is short – eat dessert first” seriously?

Check out the decadent house-made black and tan brownie (with a cheesecake layer and a generous drizzle of hot fudge, topped with vanilla malt and chocolate stout ice

creams that are made exclusively for North Peak by Moomers of Traverse City) or the seasonal fruit cobbler.

GOOD TIMES AND GOOD CAUSES For every season or holiday, North Peak offers a special menu, among them are Barbecue & Brew, Burger & Brew, Pasta & a Pint (on now, see sidebar), Oktoberfest and St. Patrick’s Day. “We’re always trying to highlight not only our microbrews, but also the culinary side of our operation,” said Lloyd.

The biggest day of the year for North Peak happens on St. Patrick’s Day. “The Irish parade starts and finishes here,” said Lloyd. “Many people come and have a beer and a meal at North Peak and then go downstairs to Kilkenny’s – which also belongs to our restaurant group – for Irish music.”

Every beer served on tap at North Peak is brewed on the premises.

“We make a variety of styles – ales, lager, stouts, Belgian tripels and session beers [lower alcohol] – a bit of everything – we don’t have any limitations,” said Lloyd. “We hope that every time you sit down at the bar or come in to eat, you’ll find one of them that you like.”

There are five beers on tap that never change: Northern Light, Diabolical IPA, Siren Amber Ale, Boardman Nut Brown and Downstream Cream Milk Stout, but the seasonal selections are continually rotating.

“There’s always something new to try,” said Lloyd. “We also have our own wines and a full bar, carrying all of the Civilized Spirits brand liquor that Jolly Pumpkin makes as well as other beers and wines and the popular liquor brands. But for obvious reasons, we emphasize our microbrews.”

NORTH PEAK’S TEAM SERVES GROUPS BIG AND SMALL The clientele this approach attracts is a mix of young and old, families, business people, large and small groups. “We try to provide a little of everything for everybody,” said Lloyd.

North Peak takes pride in how big groups are treated. Lloyd says they “do big groups better than almost anybody else.”

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS?

Do you have a friend or family member who loves beer? The large retail area by the host stand at North Peak is very popular.

“Our merchandise makes great Christmas gifts,” said Mike Lloyd, general manager and partner of North Peak Brewing Company.

The merchandise includes a full line of shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, bike shirts, glasses, coasters, bottle openers and many other signature items.

If that special someone would prefer a liquid gift, North Peak also makes an award-winning retail beer line, which can be found at grocery stores, party stores or at the restaurant.

“Whether it’s a party of two or a party of 50, the time standards and service standards are still the same,” he said. “We’ve got systems in place and we’ve got people who are good at what they do – everyone from the dishwasher to the culinary staff to the servers and the rest of the front of the house team.”

The “great, experienced and loyal” team is what makes North Peak’s a long-term success, he says.

“Seventy percent of our employees have been here for over 10 years, and many of the people who opened this space in the very beginning are still here, too,” said Lloyd. “We train them properly, treat them with respect, and they respect us in return.”

The owners’ continual investment in the business make North Peak “a good place for all of us to work,” said Lloyd.

“Jon and Greg really invest the money back into the business to keep us on top of the industry and make sure we have everything we need to be successful,” he said. “We’re confident in what we do and we continue to strive every day to improve – menu-wise, service-wise and atmosphere-wise – to keep things fresh, consistent and interesting for our guests.”

North Peak is also committed to the Traverse City community.

“We do everything we can, anytime we can, for local causes,” said Lloyd. “We regularly make food for the Community Meals program at local churches for those in need; we participate in the Polar Plunge, which is a fundraiser for Special Olympics; and otherwise try to help out wherever there is an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of our community. We are happy to give back, because people of this town have always been good to us, too – their support for us has been one of the biggest factors in our success.”

NatioNal Writers series

Battle of the Books Grand Traverse is celebrating five years! Here’s a mighty, NWS thank you to sponsors, loyal volunteers, coaches and the nearly 300 kids who will compete in 2020.

Don’t miss the championship battle on March 15 at the City Opera House.

NationalWritersSeries.org • BattleoftheBooksgt.com

North Peak Brewing Company is located at 400 West Front Street in Traverse City serving lunch and dinner. Open Monday through Thursday, 11am-11pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am-12am; and Sunday 12pm-10pm. For more information, call (231) 941-7325, visit northpeak.net or check them out on Facebook or Instagram.

PASTA & A PINT LIMITED TIME!

Sunday through Thursday nights from now until Dec. 19, North Peak is offering its Pasta & a Pint event, featuring special pricing on each of four pasta entrées: Cajun seafood pasta (shrimp, mussels, kale, onions, bell peppers and red chili cheddar sauce), orzo chicken salad (grilled chicken breast, baby spinach, field greens, feta cheese, Greek olives and grape tomatoes), potato dumpling beef stew (braised beef tips, fresh vegetables and house-made potato dumplings) or baked rigatoni (roasted cauliflower, asiago cheese, vodka cream sauce, bacon, and fried haystack onions), all served with Parmesan garlic toast. And the bonus? A pint of North Peak’s fresh, handcrafted beer is included in the price of each of these pastas ordered!

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Happy New Year

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Buy now and Save! Purchase a complete pair of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses and receive 30% off. Current eyeglass prescription is required.

This offer includes designer frames and prescription sunglasses. *some restrictions apply see store for details. Offer also valid at Midland and Mt Pleasant locations.

New Year’s Eve CELEBRATION 8pm-1am | Governors’ Hall $99 per person Our Midnight in the Mitten celebration features an 8-course strolling dinner and Michigan beverage pairing stations. Music from the Blue Water Kings helps you dance the night away, as we lead up to a champagne toast at midnight. Room packages available.

December 15 // Sun 3pm Adults $15 // Students $5

CHRISTMAS UP IN NORTHPORT

Plan your New Year’s Eve experience at: grandtraverseresort.com/newyearseve Owned & Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians

TICKETS 231.386.5001

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Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 19

dec 07

saturday

december

4TH ANNUAL VILLAGE TREE DECORATING: 11am, Recreation Center, West Central Ave., Mackinaw City. An afternoon of tree trimming, Santa Claus & more.

07-15

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CHRISTMAS IN KALKASKA HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW: 9am-3pm, Kalkaska Middle School.

Featuring hand crafted items, free breakfast with Santa plus kids’ crafts/activities, & more. 231-7151804. christmasinkalkaska.webs.com

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send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

HOLIDAY SELF-CARE WITH YIN AND TONIC: 9am, 812 S. Garfield Ave., Suite K, TC. Join Wendy in a 75 minute Yin practice as Samantha, a licensed massage therapist, kneads & soothes your tired muscles as you stretch. Donation. eventbrite.com

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Karen-L-Dixon Color Pencil Portaits

Drawings are created from your photographs.

Give yourself or someone special a New Years’s gift to remember.

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19TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: Cadillac Garden Club sponsors 4 area homes decorated in the Christmas spirit. Houses will be open from 10am-3pm & can be toured in any order. Contact Brinks Art and Framing, 112 S. Mitchell Street, Cadillac to purchase tickets. $15/$20. cadillacgardenclub.com

---------------------CHRISTMAS IN ATWOOD: 10am-3pm. Free kids activities, Santa & more.

---------------------GIRLS IN AUDIO TECH: 10am-2pm, NMC University Center, TC. Open to 7th-12th grade girls to explore careers in Audio Technology (Live Sound, Studio Recording, Digital Audio).

Register. Free; lunch provided. nmc.edu

---------------------HOLIDAY ART SHOW: 10am-4pm, Almira Town Hall, Lake Ann. Featuring 14 artists. Find on Facebook.

---------------------HOLIDAY MERCHANT OPEN HOUSE & HOT COCOA CONTEST: Downtown Charlevoix. Featuring holiday sales, snacks, giveaways & more.

A free movie, “How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World,” will be shown at 2pm at Charlevoix Cinema III. Please bring a canned good to benefit the Food Pantry. The Hot Cocoa Contest will be held from 12-5pm at downtown businesses. Follow the “Cocoa Trail.” charlevoix.org

---------------------MANISTEE JINGLE BELL JOG 5K: 10am, 550 Maple St., Manistee. runsignup.com/Race/ MI/Manistee/ManisteeJingleBellJog5K

---------------------MANISTEE’S OLD CHRISTMAS WEEKEND: Dec. 5-8. Featuring the Victorian Sleighbell Parade with horse drawn entries, bagpipers, reindeer meet & greet & carolers dressed in Victorian style attire. manisteesleighbellparade.com

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TOY HARBOR CREATIVE & QUALITY TOYS SINCE 1984

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OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS AT THE LIGHTHOUSE: 10am-4pm, Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Northport. The keeper’s apartment will be decorated as it would have been in the Christmases of yesteryear & the keepers’ stories will be told. $5/person & State Park Recreation Passport. Find on Facebook.

---------------------SUTTONS BAY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL: 10amnoon: Help the Friends of the Suttons Bay Bingham District Library decorate for the holidays (cookies, caroling, crafts, letter to Santa).

1:30pm: Free movie for the kids at The Bay Theatre. Featuring “The Polar Express.” 5pm: Caroling at the corner of M-22 & Jefferson. 5:15pm: Santa makes his arrival on the firetruck to light the village tree. Follow Santa to the VI Grill.

Share your wish list with him by the fire. Luminary lined streets; most stores open until 8pm.

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10TH ANNUAL LIGHT UP THE NIGHT & SOUP COOK-OFF: 11am-7pm, Downtown Bellaire. Featuring a free kid’s movie, ornament making, “Soup Cook-Off” with 10+ participating restaurants, visit with Santa after the “Parade of Lights,” community tree lighting, caroling, live Nativity, turkey bowling & more.

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THE ALPHABET EXPERIENCE: 11am & 3pm, City Opera House, TC. Parallel 45 puts

20 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

Christmas in The Village runs Dec. 13-15 at The Village at GT Commons, TC. Along with visiting Santa, you will decorate cookies, enjoy carriage rides, a Christmas coloring station, as well as the 2nd Annual TC Holiday Books and Music Festival, which is held on Sun., Dec. 15 in The Mercato. More than 30 authors from throughout northern MI will sell and sign copies of their books, and six local music acts will perform and offer signed copies of their CDs. thevillagetc.com on 26 micro-plays—for every letter of the alphabet—performing all 26 in under one hour.

Plus, the show order is determined by the audience. No two shows are alike. $19.50; 12 & under, $14.50; premium, $28. cityoperahouse. org/the-alphabet-experience

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WINTER MINDFULNESS HIKE AT KEHL LAKE: 11am. Look for clues that tell you about the current inhabitants of the woods. Learn concepts of “Mindfulness in Nature.” Free. leelanauconservancy.org

---------------------AUTHORS SIGNINGS: Horizon Books, TC. 12-2pm: Karen Reeser will sign her picture book that tells the story of a fir tree, a boy, & the Mackinac Ice Bridge, with illustrations by Tajin Robles. 2-4pm: Cindy L. Hull will sign her book “Human Sacrifice.” horizonbooks.com

---------------------FARMLAND 5K & FREE FOR ALL BIKE: 1154 Rasho Rd., TC. Run at noon; bike at 1pm. A turf grass course awaits you with knee high barriers including straw bales, fallen logs, wood fence & stone fence. Cyclists will take to the running course for six laps on any bike you choose. 5K Run: $40; Free for All Bike: $40; Farmland Run & Bike Combo: $55. runsignup.com/farmland5k

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EAST BAY BRANCH LIBRARY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 1pm, East Bay Branch Library, TC. Miriam Pico & David Chown will perform carols. Appetizers, cookies & punch will be served. Free. tadl.org/eastbay

---------------------ELSA & ANNA AT THE FILLING STATION: 1pm, The Filling Station Microbrewery, TC. A benefit for Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Join Queen Elsa & Princess Anna for a sing-along & photo op event. $5 per person. grandtraverselighthouse.com

ENCORE WINDS HOLIDAY CONCERT WINDS OF DECEMBER: 3pm, First Congregational Church, TC. Enjoy TubaChristmas in the lobby at 2pm. The Grand Traverse Show Chorus, under the direction of Jill Watson will be joining Encore as guest performers during the concert. $15 adult, $10 senior, $5 student, free for 12 & under. encorewinds.org

---------------------ELK RAPIDS OPEN HOUSE: 4-7pm. Visit with Santa, take a free horse drawn sleigh ride, decorate cookies, mail your wish list to the North Pole, listen to carols & warm yourself by the fires burning brightly on River Street. Free.

---------------------HALLIE’S BOOK RELEASE: 4-6pm, Warehouse MRKT, TC. “The Thunderstorm Party” will be sold, with proceeds benefiting Hallie’s Hearts Endowment. warehousemrkt.com

---------------------HOLIDAYS ON OLD MISSION: New Peninsula Community Library, TC. Santa will arrive, courtesy of the Peninsula Township Fire Department. Stop by between 5pm & 7pm to enjoy caroling, crafts, cookies & to visit Santa. Free. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org

---------------------AMICAL’S COOKBOOK DINNER SERIES PRESENTS “RICH TABLE”: amical, TC. James Beard nominees Sarah & Evan Rich share their unique take on modern American cuisine from their Michelin starred restaurant in San Francisco. Call: 941-8888 for reservations. amical.com/richtable

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HOLIDAY PARTY/BABY PANTRY BENEFIT: 5:30-8pm, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Benzie Democrats’ annual Holiday Party, with roast turkey, stuffing & your potluck dish to share.

Donations to St. Philip’s Baby Pantry welcome.

Free. benziedemocrats.com

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THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: 5:30-8:30pm, New Hope Community Church, Williamsburg. A 45 min.outdoor walking tour through fire lit woods with live sets, actors, animals & a story. Free.

KIDS COOKIES & CRAFTS: 1pm, Elk Rapids District Library. Kids of all ages are invited to decorate holiday cookies & wreaths. Free. elkrapidslibrary.org/news-events/kids-cookies-and-crafts

“ELF THE MUSICAL”: 2pm & 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Adults: $28; youth: $15 (plus fees). mynorthtickets.com

------------------------------------------MERCHANTS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 6-9pm, Harbor Springs. Enjoy shopping spe-

cials & the Petoskey Steel Drum Band performing Christmas music.

---------------------15TH ANNUAL JINGLE BELL JAM: 7pm, American Legion, River St., Manistee. Held right after the Sleighbell Parade. Four bands, live rock & roll, & a great cause. Cash donation or new toy. Find on Facebook.

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

DARREN MCCARTY SLAPSTICK COMEDY TOUR: After 26 Depot Cafe, Cadillac. Dinner service, 5-6:30pm; show, 7pm. 231-468-3526. $40 each or 2 for $75.

---------------------“BACHELOR MOTHER”: 7:30pm, The Glen Lake Church, Glen Arbor. Presented by the Glen Arbor Players. A comedy full of mistaken identities & a little romance, all happening at Christmas time. Free.

---------------------BLISSFEST COMMUNITY DANCE: 7:30pm, First Presbyterian Church, Petoskey. Squares, contras & more. Music by Harbor Hoedown. All dances taught. No partner necessary. $5/person, $7/couple, $10/family. blissfest.org

---------------------LEELANAU COMMUNITY CHOIR CONCERTS: 7:30pm, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Leland. Free.

---------------------NORTHWEST MICHIGAN BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER”: 7:30pm, Northport Performing Arts Center. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. An experience in the Land of Sweets. Adults, $20; students, $5. mynorthtickets.com

---------------------REV. ROBERT JONES, SR.: 7:30pm, Red Sky Stage, Bay Harbor. This blues musician, historian & storyteller has been performing professionally for nearly 30 years throughout the United States, Canada & Europe. $15 advance; $20 door. redskystage.com

---------------------WINTER JAZZ ENSEMBLE SHOWCASE: 7:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Presented by NMC Jazz Bands & Vocal Jazz Ensemble. $13 adults; $8 students & seniors. mynorthtickets.com

---------------------WINTER SONGS & CAROLS: 7:30pm, Grace Episcopal Church, TC. Manitou Winds presents a mix of music & spoken word. Join the ensemble & special guest, soprano Emily Curtin Culler. Free. manitouwinds.com/upcoming-performances

---------------------LAITH AL-SAADI: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee. Held after the 31st Annual Sleighbell Parade in Manistee. In 2016, Laith Al-Saadi won a spot in the finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” He brings his blend of blues, soul & classic rock. Show opener by Onekama-native Cousin Curtiss with his original music & harmonica playing. Cousin Curtiss at 7:40pm; Laith Al-Saadi at 8pm. $20-$35. mynorthtickets.com

dec 08

sunday

MANISTEE’S OLD CHRISTMAS WEEKEND: (See Sat., Dec. 7)

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

DOWNTOWN COCOA CRAWL: 11am-2pm, Downtown TC. downtowntc.com

---------------------THE ALPHABET EXPERIENCE: (See Sat., Dec. 7)

---------------------OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS AT THE LIGHTHOUSE: (See Sat., Dec. 7)

---------------------SUTTONS BAY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL: Noon3pm: Cookie Extravaganza at The Friendship Center. 2:30pm: Community Choral Concert at Suttons Bay Congregational Church.

---------------------AUTHORS SIGNINGS: Horizon Books, TC. 1-2pm: Linda Gottweld & Sadie the Dog will sign their book “Once Upon a Shelter.” 2-4pm: Angela Crandall will sign her latest book, “Destiny of Light.” horizonbooks.com

GTHC HOLIDAY HIKE: Group hike, ski or snowshoe at Muncie Lakes State Forest Pathway at 1pm, followed by optional dinner at Peegeo’s at 4pm. Supply Rd. east to Rennie Lake Rd., south to Ranch Rudolph Rd., east to the North Country Trail crossing near the yellow End of Pavement sign. RSVP: detour42@gmail.com by Dec 7.

Free. facebook.com/GTHikers

---------------------“ELF THE MUSICAL”: 2pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Adults: $28; youth: $15 (plus fees). mynorthtickets.com

---------------------C.A.R. MEETING: 2pm, VFW Cherryland Post 2780, TC. Following the meeting, you will make ornaments to deliver to the Veterans at the Medilodge of TC. Please bring a dozen cookies to share. Thelma Paul, a bugler with Bugles Across America, will perform. For info, email: legrandetraversesociety@gmail.com

---------------------LEELANAU COMMUNITY CHOIR CONCERTS: 2:30pm, Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Free.

---------------------FAMILY EVENT WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS: 3-5pm, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Also enjoy holiday story time with Benzie Shores Library, holiday arts & crafts, a hot chocolate bar, & activities with Cognition Discovery Center. Free. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

---------------------HOLIDAY BAND CONCERT: 3pm, East Jordan Middle/High School, Community Auditorium. Featuring the Jordan Valley Community Band. Free will donation.

---------------------JAZZY CHRISTMAS: 3pm, Central United Methodist Church, TC. An afternoon of Christmas favorites performed with a jazzy twist featuring the Central Christmas Combo, Trillium Singers, Voices 4 & Sashay. The free will offering will support the Homeless Outreach in TC.

---------------------EMPIRE AREA COMMUNITY CENTER ANNUAL EMERGENCY FUND AUCTION: 3:30pm, Empire Township Hall. Proceeds benefit people in the area who fall upon hard times. 231-326-6120.

SAMPLES | LIVE MUSIC | SANTA & MRS. CLAUS

VISIT

DOWNTOWN

SHOP

FRANKFORT

MAGIC

SATURDAY,DEC.14•NOON-6PM COME ENJOY HOLIDAY SHOPPING & FUN IN BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN FRANKFORT

FREE SHOWING OF A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS AT THE GARDEN THEATER AT 2 P.M. & 3 P.M. FREE GIFT WRAPPING IN THE LOBBY

---------------------“CHRISTMAS LIGHT”: 4pm, Bellaire High School Auditorium. This concert of seasonal music will be presented by the Antrim County Community Choir. 231-331-6587. Free will offering.

---------------------TEEN STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP: 5-8pm, Gaylord Area Council for the Arts, Gaylord. Learn to cut glass, wrap & solder to make tree ornaments. For teens: 7th-12th grades.

Register. 989-732-3242. $5.

---------------------AMICAL’S COOKBOOK DINNER SERIES PRESENTS “RICH TABLE”: (See Sat., Dec. 7)

---------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 7) ---------------------LEELANAU COMMUNITY CHOIR CONCERTS: 7pm, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Glen Arbor. Free.

dec 09

monday

MARVELOUS ART WITH MRS. MCLAREN: 4pm, Benzonia Public Library. Holiday Greeting Card Art for grades K-6. Free. benzonialibrary.org

---------------------MOVIE BENEFITS PEDIATRIC PATIENTS IN MI: State Theatre, TC. A screening of “Jumanji: The Next Level” will benefit Hospice of Michigan’s Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Program for Children.

Pre-Glow Party from 5-6pm at the Corner Loft, TC. Film at 6:15pm. $50. jumanji4anchors.com

---------------------GT HUMANISTS PRESENT ISIAH SMITH ON PATRIOTISM: 7pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. A talk examining patriotism through the lens of history & music, using personal anecdotes & social commentary. Free. gthumanists.org

---------------------OTP STUDIO THEATRE AUDITIONS FOR LOVE, LOSS & WHAT I WORE: 7pm, Old

ANET & OLLIES BAYWEAR BETSIE BAY FURNITURE IN TO W BIRCH & MAPLE THE BOOKSTORE THE CORNER TOY STORE CRESCENT BAKERY CRYSTAL LAKE ADVENTURE SPORTS DINGHY’S RESTUARANT FRANKFORT HARDWARE FRANNIE’S FOLLIES THE GARDEN THEATER THE HOTEL FRANKFORT & RESTAURANT HULL'S OF FRANKFORT KILWINS OF FRANKFORT LYNN & PERRIN MERCANTILE CO. PETALS & PERKS POSH BEAUTY BAR FANTASTIC H O L I DA STORMCLOUD BREWING CO. Y SUNBEAMS OF PROMISE

ENTER PRIZES

DEALS

SPONSORED IN PART BY

DOWNTOWNDEVELOPMENTAUTHORITY

Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 21

Town Playhouse, Schmuckal Theatre, TC. Based on the book by Ilene Beckerman. This play has roles for seven women who can play ages from 30-65. oldtownplayhouse.com/getinvolved/auditions.html

dec 10

tuesday

GET CRAFTY: EDIBLE ORNAMENT FOR BIRDS: Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. From 11am-noon & 2-3pm. greatlakeskids.org

JOSH DAVIS IN CONCET: Michaywe Clubhouse, Gaylord. Presented by GACA & Farmhouse Music. Buffet dinner begins at 5pm; concert at 7pm. Call 989-732-3242 for more info.

Tickets available at GACA, Saturn Booksellers or online at www.farm-fest.com. $50 for dinner & concert; $30 for concert only. gaylordarts.org

GRAND TRAVERSE MUSICALE HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND PROGRAM: First Congregational Church, TC. Holiday Bazaar: 12:30pm; program: 2pm. Traverse City Central H.S. ChoralAires under the direction of Tamara Williams.

Free. gtmusicale.org

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FREE URBAN WOOD UTILIZATION WORKSHOP: 5:30pm, Governmental Center, 2nd floor, TC. Hosted by the City of Traverse City.

Featuring Doug Peterson of the Urban Wood Network. Learn about the potentiality of the Urban Forest. RSVP: 922-4778.

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

TC SALESFORCE ADMIN GROUP MEETING: 6pm, Britten Banner, TC. For Traverse City Salesforce pros. A new Salesforce Admin Trailblazer Community Group is kicking off. Food by Dickies BBQ. You’ll have a chance to win some SWAG. Bring your favorite Admin tip or trick to share during introductions. RSVP at https://lnkd.in/eneKqBE Free. trailblazercommunitygroups.com

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OTP STUDIO THEATRE AUDITIONS FOR LOVE, LOSS & WHAT I WORE: (See Mon., Dec. 9)

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

WINTER WONDERLAND: 7:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Presented by NMC Concert Band. $13 adults; $8 students & seniors. mynorthtickets.com

dec 11

wednesday

25 CENTS CLASSIC MATINEES: 10:30am, State Theatre, TC. The Shop Around the Corner: It’s a Wonderful Holiday! stateandbijou.org/calendar

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

GT BAY AREA STROKE CLUB ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY: 2:30-4:30pm, The Presbyterian Church, TC. Please bring a holiday dish to pass & a gender-neutral gift valued at $10 or less. The gifts will be given as prizes for the 36-year annual tradition of playing holiday Bingo. munsonhealthcare.org/services/stroke/ support-for-survivors

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Better Living Homes (new & custom) 231.421.9500 • Cindy at 843 Woodcreek Boulevard cindy@betterlivinghomestc.com Woodcreek (pre-owned) • 231.933.4800 Lyndsay at 501 Woodcreek Boulevard www.woodcreekliving.com Conveniently located on South Airport Rd, a quarter mile west of Three Mile in Traverse City

22 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

INTERACTIVE STORYTIME: 11am, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Featuring “That’s Not My Reindeer, & That’s Not My Snowman” by Fiona Watt. A craft or activity will follow. greatlakeskids.org

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

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

• Outdoor pool • Community lodge • Community activities • Pets welcome • City water and sewer • Snow removal, lawn & home maintenance services available • New, pre-owned & custom homes from the $70’s to the $100’s

thursday

YOGA FOR EVERY BODY TUESDAY TUNE-UP: 8am, 812 S. Garfield Ave., Suite K, TC. Class is suitable for every body & class size is limited to 8 (please sign up on Eventbrite prior to class).

Bring your mat. Donation based class.

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

COMMUNITY FEATURES

dec 12

HOLIDAY AFTER HOURS: 5-8pm, Otsego Resort, Gaylord. Live music, food & giveaways.

Grand prize drawing: Two Red Wings tickets.

Bring a toy donation to benefit Toys for Tots - Otsego County. $10 members. gaylordchamber.com

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

ELLSWORTH WOODEN SHOE HOLIDAY FESTIVAL: 6pm, Banks Township Hall, Ellsworth.

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

AUTHOR PRESENTATION: 7pm, Horizon Books, TC. Featuring local speaker & Igniting Courage Podcast Host Anne Bonney. horizonbooks.com

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

PETOSKEY FILM SERIES: 7:30pm, Petoskey District Library, Carnegie Building. Featuring “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice.” Donations appreciated. facebook.com/petoskeyfilm

HORIZON BOOKS, TC EVENTS: 5-8pm: Patty Steele will sign her book “The Gift of Second Chances.” 5-8pm: Artist Appearance: See Dale DeVries’ northern MI photographs, poster size.

5:30-7:30pm: Karin Beery will sign her book “Practically Married” & more. horizonbooks.com

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

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

LADIES’ SHOPPING NIGHT: 5-9pm, Downtown TC. A tribute to the ladies. Join the restaurants & merchants of Downtown TC for a night of specials, food & refreshments while you holiday shop. downtowntc.com/ladies-shopping-night

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“A CHRISTMAS STORY”: 6:30pm, Suttons Bay High School Auditorium. A play based on the classic Christmas movie. $5 student, $7 adult.

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

“HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS”: 7pm, The Market at Cadillac Commons. Presented by the Cadillac Footliters. $14 online; $15 door (if still available). cadillacfootliters.com/tickets

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

“ELF THE MUSICAL”: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Adults: $28; youth: $15 (plus fees). mynorthtickets.com

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

“MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET”: 7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Presented by the Little Traverse Civic Theatre. Thurs., Dec. 12 is Pay What You Can Night. $15 adults; $12 student (18 & under). ltct.org/seasonevents/2019/12/12/miracle-on-34th-street

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

“THE NUTCRACKER”: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s holiday ballet. The Interlochen Arts Academy Ballet Company presents the timeless story of Clara, her enchanted Nutcracker, & their journey through the Land of Sweets. $32 full, $14 student. tickets.interlochen.org

dec 13

friday

2ND ANNUAL CHRISTKINDLMARKT IN THE VILLAGE OF BAY HARBOR: 10am-8pm. Comparable to an old time German holiday market full of handmade gifts from area artisans, German food & spirits.

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

COFFEE WITH VETERANS: 8-9:30am, NMC, Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant, TC. Complimentary coffee & conversation for any veteran in the community. nmc.edu

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

ACORN ADVENTURERS PROGRAM: 10am, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. A mix of guided & self-guided outdoor activities that allow young explorers & their grown-ups to explore, engage with, & experience the outdoors.

For children under the age of 4. Free. natureiscalling.org/acorn-adventurers

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

DISCOVER WITH ME: 10am-noon, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Kids will enjoy the winter themed sensory table. If there is snow, you might bring some inside. greatlakeskids.org

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

EMPTY THE SHELTERS: 10am-5pm. Hosted by the BISSELL Pet Foundation at over 100 participating organizations, including Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, Harbor Springs.

Adopt a pet for $25 (excluding puppies) & BIS-

SELL Pet Foundation will sponsor the remaining cost. All adult cats are free today. No adoptions past 4:30pm. ltbhs.com

---------------------DEC. COFFEE HOURS W/ STATE SEN. WAYNE SCHMIDT: 11am-noon: Cafe Sante, Boyne City. 2-3pm: State Street Coffee Co., Cheboygan. For constituents throughout the 37th Senate District. senatorwayneschmidt.com

---------------------LUNCHEON LECTURE: NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. Learn about author, traveler & grandfather Tom Renkes’ solo kayak trip along Lake Superior. Lunch, 11:30am; program, noon. Reservations 231-348-6600. $12, includes lunch.

---------------------VETERAN INFORMATION COFFEE TALK: 2-4pm, Interlochen Public Library. tadl.org/interlochen

---------------------HOLIDAY MARKET & STUDIO OPEN HOUSE: 3pm, Moraine Shop & Studio, Suttons Bay. Shop from featured local artists. Join in the creating with make-and-take jewelry projects. Free. shop-moraine.com/events/holidaymarket-amp-studio-open-house-1213

---------------------THE NORTH POLE HOLIDAY FESTIVAL: 4pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey. Take a photo with Santa, make crafts & enjoy a chili cook off between local restaurants. Additional samples or full bowls of chili may be purchased at the door.

Guests will vote for best chili. $5/person. facebook.com/events/656326291519264

---------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: 5-7pm, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Featuring live music, mini tunnel tours & shopping specials. thevillagetc.com/christmas-in-the-village-2018-2-2

---------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 7) ---------------------RELAX BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS: 6pm, Elk Rapids Library, porch. Enjoy an hour of guided breathwork, relaxation exercises & meditation.

Call 231-264-9979 to register. Free. elkrapidslibrary.org/news-events/relax-before-the-holidays

---------------------VILLAGE OF ALANSON DOWNTOWN MERCHANT OPEN HOUSE: 6-8pm. Featuring Santa, the Petoskey Steel Drum Band & more. Free.

---------------------“A CHRISTMAS STORY”: (See Thurs., Dec. 12) ---------------------“HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS”: (See Thurs., Dec. 12)

---------------------SWINGSHIFT AND THE STARS: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Dancing competition for nonprofits, live swing band, desserts & coffee. Nonprofits benefitting: Bethany, Single MOMM, Spark in the Dark, Upbound at Work, Communities in Schools, Norte, Traverse City Christian School, TC Tritons Rowing. $25 & up. swingshiftandthestars.org

---------------------“ELF THE MUSICAL”: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Adults: $28; youth: $15 (plus fees). mynorthtickets.com

---------------------“HOW GRINCHY MET THE WHO”: 7:30pm, Grand Traverse Circuit, TC. Presented by MashUp Rock & Roll Musical. $20-$25; student price of $15 on 12/14. mashuprockandrollmusical.com

---------------------“MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET”: (See Thurs., Dec. 12)

---------------------“THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Thurs., Dec. 12) ---------------------BENZIE COUNTY COMMUNITY CHORUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT SERIES: 7:30pm, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Beulah. “Carols and Lullabyes,” a choral concert for the Christmas season. Freewill offering. benziechorus.org

---------------------PETOSKEY FILM SERIES: 7:30pm, Petoskey District Library, Carnegie Building. Featuring “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice.” Donations appreciated. facebook.com/petoskeyfilm

---------------------WINTER SONGS & CAROLS: AN ENCORE: 7:30pm, The Leelanau School, Glen Arbor.

Manitou Winds presents a mix of music & spoken word. Join the ensemble & their special guest, soprano Emily Curtin Culler. Free. manitouwinds.com/upcoming-performances

---------------------THE OAK RIDGE BOYS DOWN HOME CHRISTMAS: 8pm, Leelanau Sands Casino, Showroom, Peshawbestown. Celebrate the holiday season with The Oak Ridge Boys, who were recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. $28-$80. startickets.com/events/ item/the-oak-ridge-boys-down-home-christmas

dec 14

saturday

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Tour the Perry Hannah House, now the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, TC decorated for the holiday season from 4-7pm.

Please bring non-perishable food items for the Father Fred Food Pantry or unwrapped Toys for Tots See 31 Christmas trees of all themes, enjoy live music by TC Celtic, a holiday centerpiece floral design program by Derek Woodruff, & Christmas carols with Rick Harkert.

---------------------2ND ANNUAL CHRISTKINDLMARKT IN THE VILLAGE OF BAY HARBOR: (See Fri., Dec. 13)

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

MFD CLASSIC MOTORS ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS CARS & COFFEE: 8-11am, MFD Classic Motors, TC. Race Car Santa will collect toys & gifts for children & teens. Slot car races, candy, hot chocolate & coffee. Please bring a gift unwrapped. If you cannot make the event, please drop off gift any time.

---------------------CRAFT FAIR & COOKIE WALK: 9am-4pm, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Interlochen. A wide variety of crafts from over 20 craft artists. Christmas cookies will be sold by the pound. Have lunch while you shop with 8 varieties of soup, bread & your choice of cookie. Proceeds will be donated to local community & international charities.

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

free children’s activities, horse drawn wagon rides & a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus. Free.

“HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS”: (See Thurs., Dec. 12)

HOLIDAY CRAFTS FOR KIDS: 11am-2pm, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Featuring a variety of supervised nature-inspired craft projects suitable for ages 3 – 16. $5. grassriver.org

“MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET”: (See Thurs., Dec. 12)

------------------------------------------HOLIDAY PARTY & CRAFT WORKSHOP: Benzonia Public Library. 11-11:15am: Holiday Carols. 11:15-11:45am: Hilarious Puppet Show & Stories with audience participation. 11:45am1pm: Ornament & Craft Workshop plus Festive Photo Booth. Free. benzonialibrary.org

---------------------MILK & COOKIES WITH SANTA: 11am, Bellaire Public Library. For K-5 students & their families. Santa will read a story by the fireplace.

Free. bellairelibrary.org

---------------------SHARE THE LOVE: 11am-1pm, Subaru by the Bay, Petoskey. There will be adoptable animals, holiday photos with your pet, & anyone who stops by will receive a free dog toy. ltbhs.com

---------------------SIT-N-SIGN W/ CHILDREN’S AUTHOR: 11:30am-1:15pm, Saturn Booksellers, Gaylord. Denise Brennan-Nelson will sign her book “Leopold The Lion.” Story times will be at noon & 12:30pm. saturnbooksellers.com

---------------------FAMILY HOLIDAY MEMORIES: 12-2pm, Benzonia Public Library. Video recordings will become part of the Remembering Benzie Oral History project. The Remembering Benzie interns will host a holiday memory video workshop. Free. benzonialibrary.org

---------------------HOLIDAY WORKSHOP FOR KIDS: Gaylord Area Council for the Arts, Gaylord. Make tin Christmas ornaments, fingerprint holiday cards & more. All school aged children. Drop in anytime between 12-3pm. Free. gacaevents.weebly.com

---------------------CHRISTMAS IN KINGSLEY: 1pm, Village of Kingsley. Enjoy a reindeer trail, chili cook-off, tree lighting, visit with Santa, & Lights of Love segment honoring loved ones & military personnel who have passed away. 231-263-7778. Free.

HOLIDAY SELF-CARE WITH YIN AND TONIC YOGA: (See Sat., Dec. 7)

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

TRINITY LUTHERAN ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE: 9am, Trinity Lutheran Church, TC. Featuring over 20,000 cookies. For special orders contact 941-3487 or dford1050@gmail. com, contact the church at 946-2720. tctrinity.org

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

------------------------------------------“SHOP, DROP & JINGLE” HOLIDAY SOIREE & MARKETPLACE: 10am-5pm, Twisted Fish Gallery, Elk Rapids. Free. twistedfishgallery.com/event/shop-drop-jingle-holiday-soiree

---------------------25 CENTS KIDS MATINEES: 10am, State Theatre, TC. “The Grinch.” stateandbijou.org/calendar

---------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: 10am-7pm, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Meet Santa, enjoy cookie decorating, music in the halls, carriage rides, a Christmas coloring station & more. thevillagetc.com/christmas-in-the-village-2018-2-2

------------------------------------------EMPTY THE SHELTERS: (See Fri., Dec. 13)

GIFTS TWICE GIVEN BENEFIT: Ward and Eis Gallery, Petoskey. This gallery will donate 20% of purchases on Sat., Dec. 14 & 21 to Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan to support essential services for women, children & families.

231-347-2750.

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

HOLIDAY MRKT SHARE: 10am-3pm, Warehouse MRKT, TC.

---------------------MAKE-A-GIFT SERIES: HOLIDAY “MOCKTAILS” CLASS: 10am-noon, Interlochen Public Library. For adults. Sign up: 231-276-6767. Free.

---------------------25 CENTS KIDS MATINEES: 10:30am, Bijou By the Bay Theatre, TC. “The Grinch.” stateandbijou.org/calendar

---------------------CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY: 11am-2pm, VFW Auxilary #2780 Cherryland Post, TC. Enjoy

“FROST”: 2pm & 7pm, TC Central High School Auditorium, TC. Presented by Design Dance Company.

“HOW GRINCHY MET THE WHO”: 2pm & 7:30pm, Grand Traverse Circuit, TC. Presented

by Mash-Up Rock & Roll Musical. “How Grinchy Met the Who” is a reimagined parody of both the beloved Christmas classic & the psychedelic rock opera “Tommy,” with a little extra of The Who sprinkled in. $20-$25; student price of $15 on 12/14. mashuprockandrollmusical.com

---------------------“THE NUTCRACKER”: 2pm & 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s holiday ballet. The Interlochen Arts Academy Ballet Company presents the timeless story of Clara, her enchanted Nutcracker, & their journey through the Land of Sweets. $32 full, $14 student. tickets.interlochen.org

---------------------“ELF THE MUSICAL”: (See Fri., Dec. 13) ------------------------------------------LITTLE TRAVERSE CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENTS: “BRIGHTEST AND BEST OF THE SEASON”: 7:30pm, Petoskey United Methodist Church. Adults $15; students $5; children under 12 free. littletraversechoralsociety.org

---------------------MAY ERLEWINE & THE MOTIVATIONS HOLIDAY DANCE PARTY: SOLD OUT: 8pm, Leelanau Community Cultural Center, Old Art Building, Leland. May will take a break from her Americana & folk roots to front The Motivations - a party funk band. $20 advance; $25 door. mynorthtickets.com

dec 15

sunday

RECOVERY YOGA: 9:30am, Running Fit, downtown TC. A 50 minute, all-levels class designed to enhance recovery for your athletic performance. Classes will build strength,& more. Must register. Donation based class. eventbrite.com

---------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: 11am-4pm, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Meet Santa, enjoy music in the halls, face painting, cookie decorating & more. thevillagetc.com/christmasin-the-village-2018-2-2

---------------------FREE CHRISTMAS BUFFET: Blue Pelican Inn, Central Lake. Held at 11:30am, 1pm & 2:30pm. Donations to the Central Lake Community Food Pantry appreciated. Reservation recommended: 231-544-2583.

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

2ND ANNUAL TC HOLIDAY BOOKS & MUSIC FESTIVAL: 12-4pm, The Village at GT Commons, The Mercato, TC. Held in conjunction with Christmas in the Village. More than 30 local authors from throughout northern MI will sell & sign copies of their books. There will also be performances by six local musical acts, offering signed copies of their CDs.

---------------------“MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET”: 2pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Presented by the Little Traverse Civic Theatre. $15 adults; $12 student (18 & under). ltct.org/season-events/2019/12/12/miracle-on-34th-street

---------------------“THE NUTCRACKER”: 3pm, Great Lakes Center for the Performing Arts, Harbor Springs.

Featuring the ballet dancers of CTAC’s School of Ballet. $30 adults, $5 students. crookedtree. org/events/petoskey

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

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CHRISTMAS UP IN NORTHPORT: 3pm, Northport Performing Arts Center. Featuring The Village Voices & Northport Community Band. Includes the traditional sing-along that finishes the concert. $15 adults; $5 students. northportperformingarts. org/events/christmas-up-in-northport

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LITTLE TRAVERSE CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENTS: “BRIGHTEST AND BEST OF THE SEASON”: 3pm, First Presbyterian Church, Harbor Springs. Adults $15; students $5; children under 12 free. littletraversechoralsociety.org

“THE NUTCRACKER”: 3pm & 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Performing Arts, Harbor Springs. Featuring the ballet dancers of CTAC’s School of Ballet. $30 adults, $5 students. crookedtree.org/events/petoskey BENZIE COUNTY COMMUNITY CHORUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT SERIES: 3pm, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Beulah. “Carols and Lullabyes,” a choral concert for the Christmas season. Freewill offering. benziechorus.org

---------------------BOYNE MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 5-9pm, Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls. Enjoy horse drawn sleigh rides, a bonfire & s’mores, more.

---------------------THE CHRISTMAS MAGIC PARADE: 5:15pm, Downtown Beulah.

---------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 7)

------------------------------------------WINTER SOUNDS: 5pm, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Thompsonville. Enjoy an outdoor holiday performance from Benzie Central Chamber Choir. Arrive early to allow for a 1/4 mile hike to the amphitheater. $10 suggested donation. crystalmountain.com/event/winter-sounds

---------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 7)

---------------------BENZIE COUNTY COMMUNITY CHORUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT SERIES: (See Fri., Dec. 13)

Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 23

Foals and Natives Gallop Onto Tour Indie rock bands Local Natives and Foals are getting together for a co-headlining North American tour next spring, set to kick off on May 18 in Phoenix, Arizona at The Van Buren. The trek, promoting Foals’ two latest albums, Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Parts 1 and 2, and also Local Natives’ fourth album Violet Street, will follow a set of scattered concert dates for the bands in Europe, the U.K. and Japan.

Fellow indie-rockers Cherry Glazerr will open most dates; Foals will also step out for a couple of solo concert outings during the tour schedule…

Taylor Swift was just honored last week at the 2019 American Music Awards in Los Angeles with the Artist of the Decade award, noting her “impact on music” and her prior performances on the AMA shows (she’s won more AMAs than any other artist this decade and was nominated for five awards this time around, as well.) She also performed live at the event, alongside additional performances from Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Thomas Rhett, Shania Twain and Camila Cabello…

A soundtrack has been released for the new Bruce Springsteen biopic/performance movie Western Stars, as produced by Ron Aniello with Springsteen himself. Titled

MODERN

Foals

ROCK

BY KRISTI KATES

the same as the movie, the soundtrack features all of the live performances from the Western Stars movie as performed by Springsteen.

The accompanying music underscores the film’s plot of following the musician as he performs said album, adding interviews with Springsteen as he talks about his life, rock and roll and “the American Dream.” Fathom Events premiered the movie back in late October and it can currently be seen at selected venues. The soundtrack is also out now…

Phil Elverum (The Microphones) and Canadian indie-rocker Julie Doiron first recorded a joint album a decade ago as Mount Eerie. Mount Eerie is back with a second album called Lost Wisdom Pt. 2.

Weaving their voices together in a way unlike many other duos you’ve heard, the pair have put together a broken-folk/rock effort, eight tracks in all, with titles like “Love Without Possession,” “Belief Pt. 2,” and “Widows.”

They have a knack for both harmonies and call-and-response vocals that are garnering them plenty of critical acclaim for this set, which is in outlets now…

LINK OF THE WEEK Lana Del Rey brought out fellow singer Lucy Dacus as a special guest during her recent performance at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom; Dacus, who served as opening act for Del Rey’s show, joined for a duet of

“Night Shift.” Check out the performance at https://youtu.be/Hpr41-DhwEo …

THE BUZZ Country diva Reba McEntire has announced her 2020 tour dates, which will kick off in Evansville, Indiana, and will include a stop in Grand Rapids on May 9…

Crossover violinist Damien Escobar will be performing at the Royal Oak Music Theater on December 10…

Jeezy will be taking the stage at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on December 13, with Queen Naija and L’il Durk in tow…

Madball will be in concert at the Magic Stick, also in Detroit, on December 15… 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.at modernrocker@gmail.com.

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24 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

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by kristi kates

Florida Georgia Line – The Acoustic Sessions – BMX

TRAVERSE CITY

SUNDAY & TUESDAY-THURSDAY 12:30 • 3:15 • 6 • 8:30 PM MONDAY 12:15 • 3 • 9:15 PM

With little fanfare, Florida Georgia Line took some of their biggest hit tunes and re-recorded them in casual, basic acoustic versions, eight songs in all that have proved to be a big hit with their listeners. The band released a couple of acoustic one-off singles early last summer; the fan response encouraged them to record more. Now, you can snag these informal takes on FGL tunes like “Stay,” “Sippin’ on Fire,” “Dirt,” “Talk You Out of It” and “Cruise,” all recorded with crisp production values and campfire-friendly vocals.

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Blake Shelton – Fully Loaded: God’s Country – Warner Bros. Nashville

Shelton is an interesting mix of traditional good ol’ country boy and kindly coach (with bonus dad jokes) of aspiring talent on NBC’s “The Voice.” A settled relationship with pop star Gwen Stefani has also shifted Shelton’s sound to a more mainstream tone. Five new tunes are shuffled in here with some of his previously recorded tracks, with the standouts depending on which side of his musical persona you enjoy most. The most obviously likeable tunes are “God’s Country,” the playful “I’ll Name the Dogs” and his duet with Stefani, “Nobody but You.”

IN CLINCH PARK

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The Farm Hands – Memories of Home – Pinecastle

Having already snagged more than 30 awards for their traditional blend of bluegrass music, The Farm Hands are constantly on the road touring, all the better for having their songs be buffed to a full polish by the time they get into the studio. Their experience and longevity are in full evidence here, from opener “Stop and Smell the Roses” to the set’s closing tune, “Southern by the Grace of God.” All of the beats are firmly in-pocket and the playing is deft and expressive, with especially impressive instrumentals.

Luke Combs – What You See is What You Get – Sony Nashville

For more downright country country, see Combs – this is the kind of country music that pays homage to beer, trucks and women, in that order. Opener “Beer Never Broke My Heart” solidifies that approach (and that of the album title), although by track five Combs is crying in that same beer in “Moon Over Mexico.” The rest of the tunes are somewhat interchangeable, from “Blue Collar Boys” to “Even Though I’m Leaving,” but if you like the standard Nashville sound, you’ll probably be fine with this.

Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 25

The reel

by meg weichman

knives out frozen

2

A caffeinated jolt to a sleepy genre, Knives Out is a gloriously old-fashioned whodunit that also very much belongs in the here and now.

With its ensemble cast, this manor-set murder mystery is a fresh take – like the recent remake of Murder on the Orient Express – on a familiar genre.

Director Rian Johnson follows up his controversial Star Wars outing – the critically revered and fanboy reviled Last Jedi – with a film that in some ways goes back to his roots.

Many cineastes first fell in love with Johnson’s work in the high school neo-noir movie Brick, but here he switches Sam Spade out for Hercule Poirot, and the results are simply outstanding.

This is a call back to old school Hollywood filmmaking at its finest. Is it any wonder he’s married classical Hollywood podcasterin-chief, Karina Longworth of “You Must Remember This?”

It’s rare to see something so sublimely enjoyable across so many demographics. It’s one big delightful romp that tells a suspenseful story of biting class conflict with crackling wit. This is pure pop culture pleasure, snarking along as it surely wins you over.

Subversive and smart, absolutely nothing is predictable in spite of its traditional opening.

A wealthy old patriarch, Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead (by the maid no less, who drops a tray no less) the morning after his 85th birthday party, seemingly a victim of an unexpected suicide.

In the first of many winks at the audience, it is revealed the victim wasn’t just any old generic rich old white man, but in fact a world-famous mystery writer a la Agatha Christie. The police are brought in to look into his suspicious death further at Thrombey’s lavish estate. Lieutenant Elliott played by Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out) and a cop (Noah Segan) – who happens to be a Thrombey superfan – interview the family members, each of which seems to have wanted Thrombey dead.

The way the interviews are edited is a complete and total riot. You have eldest daughter Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis), who used her father’s money to start a real estate company while still professing herself to be “self-made.” Then there’s her dullard husband (Don Johnson), whose philandering was about to be revealed.

You have hapless middle son Walt (Michael Shannon), who “runs” Harlan’s publishing company, but mostly begs Thrombey to let him do more. And Joni (Toni Collette), the wife of Thrombey’s deceased son who is a New Age influencer running a Goop-esque lifestyle/ skincare brand and may have been cheating Harlan out of support money for her co-ed daughter Meg (Katherine Langford). Finally

013’s Frozen was more than a movie, it was a phenomenon. It was the song that you couldn’t get out of your head. The dress your daughter wouldn’t take off.

It brought the world the gift that was John Travolta’s “Adele Dazeem” meme and even a new queer icon. It was also the movie that for some parents may have felt like an eternal winter of its own reigning over their homes. A sequel was inevitable. And while sequels are rarely as good as the original, this enchanting tale does have quite a lot to offer.

It’s a darker story, but more insightful and mature. It grows with its fans a bit, confronting change and personal growth in a touching fashion as Anna and Elsa venture north to an enchanted forest and toward a voice that is calling Elsa. But try as they might, the songs this time around just felt like pale imitations, i.e., “Let it Go” wannabe “Into the Unknown” is fine but forgettable. It’s the stunning landscapes – dusted in a golden fall palette of beautiful jewel tones – and pivotal action sequences that leave the lasting impression here. With its mix of pluses and minuses, this likeable sequel certainly won’t disappoint its legions of fans or any families looking for quality entertainment.

there’s Chris Evans’ black sheep playboy, who may arrive to the scene late, but definitely hits the ground running.

But it’s not just the police conducting the interviews. Enter Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) the last of the gentleman detectives, whose fame and intoxicating southern “Foghorn Leghorn” drawl precedes him. He’s there to look into the case, but he doesn’t exactly know why, having been hired anonymously by an envelope of cash.

And the last piece of the puzzle is Harlan’s nurse Marta. A hardworking and kind young woman whose immigrant family is from Paraguay, Brazil or Uruguay … the Thrombeys certainly can’t remember, or rather don’t really care. Marta proves to be of particular interest to Blanc after he discovers she’s so honest and good-hearted she can’t lie without vomiting.

All the familiar clichés are flipped. Namely, the film reveals early on exactly how Thrombey died and at whose hand, but it’s at that moment that film is just getting started. And you won’t really know where it’s going, leaving you guessing until the very end. It’s that perfectly plotted and brilliantly designed.

The set designs are their own marvel. The mansion with its painstaking details is a character in and of itself with all its different patterns, textures and artifacts.

charlie’s angels

W

hile I don’t think this was a reboot anyone was clamoring for, Charlie’s Angels is a property that could use some modern redemption. And this film really does make you think about how far we’ve come since 1976 — if not in terms of actual sexism experienced by women, at least in some attempts at better representation in the media. Cheeky and fun, Charlie’s Angels makes some modern updates but never patronizingly so. In this freely feminist and empowering piece of escapist entertainment, you’ll feel the sisterhood stronger than ever before. We have the basic starting point of three gorgeous women working for a private crime-fighting organization.

There’s the two pros: bad girl Sabina (Kristen Stewart) and the tightly-wound Jane (newcomer Ella Balinska). And serving as the audience surrogate into this world of international intrigue is Elena (Aladdin’s Naomi Scott). She’s an engineer working on a green energy source that will change the world. But after discovering a bug in the system that can be used to weaponize the device and kill humans, Elena finds her life threatened and is on the run with the Angels to stop the device from getting in the wrong hands. Even if it’s nothing groundbreaking, the film is certainly better than its connection to Charlie’s Angels movies of yore would have you believe.

Everyone in this stellar all-star cast is working at full capacity and clearly having a blast. I would’ve loved to have been at that cast wrap party. De Armas, who you may recognize from Blade Runner 2049, is a true breakout. Craig once again shows his gift for comedy; not since Logan Lucky have I seen this notoriously stoic actor having this much fun.

Knives Out is a film that is satisfying beyond measure. Not only in the way it so deviously comes together but also in what it has to say.

This is also one of the many class-conscious films to come out this year (like Parasite, but way more fun!) Thrombey’s family is shown to be a group of privileged monsters that believes inheritance is a birthright, and when their comfortable life is put at risk, boy, do they react. It’s entitlement gone amuck.

This film, along with the similar crowd-pleasing Ford v Ferrari are two of this year’s most welcome blasts from a time when Hollywood made original movies for adults. But as wonderful as Ford v Ferrari is, Knives Out oneups it when it comes to sheer entertainment factor. It truly is a cut above.

Meg Weichman is a perma-intern at the Traverse City Film Festival and a trained film archivist.

26 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

ford v ferrari

B

ased on the true story of the Ford Motor Company getting into the racing car business, and getting into it in a big way, Ford v Ferrari brings together car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and hot-headed live wire driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as they work with Ford to beat Ferrari at racing’s most prestigious and grueling event, the 24 hours at Le Mans. Far, far, far from being just a “car-racing movie,” this is a film with a little bit of everything and something for everyone. You've got a Hollywood-couldn't-have-dreamed-itup true story, some of the most thrilling (aka no CGI) car-racing sequences ever committed to celluloid, comedic moments, great bromantic chemistry, stirring emotion, a touching family story, 1960s mid-century cool, the timeless allure of American mavericks, and nostalgic appeal for the American dream.

A true stunner of a vehicle to roll off the Dream Factory’s assembly line, with its big stars, big production value, this is the embodiment of what Hollywood does best — the kind of exhilarating storytelling that transcends generations. This is prestige Hollywood filmmaking that is popular popcorn entertainment as much as it is awards season bait.

nitelife

dec 07 - dec 15 edited by jamie kauffold

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska

ACOUSTIC TAP ROOM, TC 12/7 -- Rob Coonrod, 8 12/13 -- Andre Villoch, 8 12/14 -- TC Celtic’s Dane & Rick, 8 FANTASY'S, TC Mon. - Sat. -- Adult entertainment w/ DJ, 7-close GT DISTILLERY, TC 12/7 -- Jeff Brown, 7-9 12/13 -- Abigail Stauffer, 7-9 12/14 -- BLT, 7-9 HOTEL INDIGO, TC 12/7 -- Zeke Clemons, 7 12/13 -- Ted Alan, 7 12/14 -- Ron Getz, 7 JOLLY PUMPKIN, TC 12/10 -- Ugly Sweater Party, 4-9 KILKENNY'S, TC 12/6-7 -- Risque, 9:30 12/12 -- 2Bays DJs, 9:30 12/13-14 -- Strobelight Honey, 9:30 LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC 12/9 -- Open Mic Night w/ Rob

Coonrod, 6-9 12/13 -- Jim Moore, 6-8 PARK PLACE HOTEL, TC BEACON LOUNGE: Thurs,Fri,Sat -- Tom Kaufmann, 8:30 RIGHT BRAIN BREWERY, TC 12/7 – GT Art Bomb Preview Night, 6:30-11 SAIL INN BAR & GRILL, TC Thurs. & Sat. -- Phattrax DJs & Karaoke, 9 THE DISH CAFE, TC Tues, Sat -- Matt Smith, 5-7 THE LITTLE FLEET, THE YURT, TC 12/7 -- The Laurel Premo Trio, 6:30-9:30 12/13 -- The True Falsettos, 7 THE PARLOR, TC 12/7 -- 6th Anniversary Prohibition Party w/ Jimmy Olson, Blair Miller, Chris Sterr, & Joe Wilson & Friends, 7 12/10 -- Jimmy Olson, 8 12/11 -- Rob Coonrod, 8

12/12 -- Chris Smith, 8 12/13 -- Blue Footed Booby, 8 12/14 -- Jim Hawley & Co., 8 THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 12/7 – Aaron Johnson, 8 12/9 -- Big Fun Jam Band, 6-8:30 Tue -- TC Celtic, 6:30 Wed -- Jazz Jam, 6 12/12 -- 1000 Watt Prophets, 8 12/14 -- Scott Pellegrom Duo, 8 UNION STREET STATION, TC 12/7 -- Broom Closet Boys, 10 12/8,12/15 -- Karaoke, 10 12/9 -- Chris Smith, 10 12/10 -- TC Comedy Collective, 8-9:30; then Open Mic/Jam Session w/ Jimmy Olson 12/11 -- DJ Prim, 10 12/12 -- DJ JR, 10 12/13 -- Happy Hour w/ Sydni K.; then Skin & Marshall Dance Party 12/14 -- TC Guitar Guys, 10

Emmet & Cheboygan BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY 12/7 -- The Real Ingredients, 8-11 12/8 -- Owen James - Second Sunday Solo Set, 6-9 12/12 -- The Motivations Winter Dance Party, 8:30-11 12/14 -- Chris Sterr, 8-11 12/15 -- Charlie Millard Solo, 6-9

LAKE STREET PUB, BOYNE CITY Wed – Mastermind’s Trivia, 7-9 SHORT'S BREWING CO., BELLAIRE 12/7 -- Charlie Millard Band, 8-10:30

12/13 -- The Cloudbuilders, 8:30-11 12/14 -- The Marsupials, 8:3011 STIGG'S BREWERY & KITCHEN, BOYNE CITY 12/7 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7 12/12 -- Blair Miller, 5-8 12/13 -- Under the Moon, 6 12/14 -- Something Great, 7

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 Sat. – Karaoke, 8

Leelanau & Benzie BIG CAT BREWING CO., CEDAR 12/11 -- Dennis Palmer, 6:308:30

LAKE ANN BREWING CO. 12/10 -- The Jameson Brothers, 6:30

DICK’S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU Sat. — Karaoke, 10-2

LEELANAU SANDS CASINO, PESHAWBESTOWN BIRCH ROOM: 12/14 -- TC Guitar Guys, 8 SHOWROOM: 12/10 -- 45th Parallel Polka Band, noon 12/13 -- The Oak Ridge Boys Down Home Christmas, 8

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 12/7 -- Snack Fivecoate, 7-9:30 12/8 -- Cheryl Wolfram, 3:305:30 12/13 -- Luke Winslow-King, 6:30-9:30 12/14 -- Steve Leaf, 7-9:30 12/15 -- Blake Elliott & Elizabeth Landry Holiday Show, 4-6

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

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 12/7 -- Dale Wicks, 6-9 12/12 -- Open Mic w/ Jim & Wanda Curtis, 6 12/13 -- Maggie McCabe, 6-9 12/14 -- Daniel Farrow, 6-9 STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT 12/7 -- A Brighter Bloom, 8-10 12/13 -- Blake Elliott & Elizabeth Landry, 8-10 12/14 -- Serita's Black Rose, 8-10 THE CABBAGE SHED, ELBERTA 12/12 -- Open Mic Night, 8

Otsego, Crawford & Central

Antrim & Charlevoix ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS 12/7 -- Escaping Pavement, 8-11 12/14 -- Ugly Sweater Party w/ Abigail Stauffer, 8-11

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY 12/13 -- Annex Karaoke, 10

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

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LEARN TO CURL CLASSES AND LEAGUES www.eatdrinkcurl.com • 231-226-2121 Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 27

the ADViCE GOddESS Crouching Tiger, Hidden Camera

Q

“Jonesin” Crosswords "Save IT Till the End"--those last two. by Matt Jones

ACROSS 1 “Anaconda” singer Nicki 6 Bot. or ecol.

9 Earth-shaking event 14 Singer with three albums named after ages 15 PC key beside the space bar 16 Detach 17 Salad ingredient that’s fuzzy on the outside 19 ___ di pepe (tiny pasta variety) 20 Shoo-___ (favorites) 21 Raise crops 22 Barn-roof adornments 23 Drug buster, for short 25 Much of Mongolia 28 Titular host of NBC’s “Game of Games” 30 It can cause a row 31 Geometry calculations 33 Belt loop puncher 34 False pretense 38 Busy spot for Finnish travel 42 “Bonanza” role 43 Linseed product 44 “I have ___ / the plums ...” (poem line spoofed in memes) 45 Big ___, California 46 De-lumps, as flour 48 Obi-Wan or Luke, e.g.

53 It’s got 14 points on Malaysia’s flag 56 Not just some 57 Aquatic barrier 59 Nutritional amt.

60 Anniversary gift before wood 61 Dwyane Wade’s team for most of his career 63 Singer Cleo or Frankie 64 1099-___ (bank-issued tax form) 65 Decline slowly 66 Beginning 67 “Evil Dead” hero 68 Puff pieces?

DOWN 1 “___ Whoopee” 2 Menzel of “Frozen 2” 3 Bygone documentaries 4 “Thrilla in Manila” victor 5 “Bring the Funny” judge Foxworthy 6 “Lord of the Rings” villain 7 Get on up 8 “Addams Family” cousin 9 Eighth note, in the U.K. 10 “The Last of the Mohicans” character 11 “___ kettle of fish” 12 Baseball Hall of Famer Ralph 13 Are real 18 Boil over 24 Reunion group 26 “Field of Dreams” state 27 “The Burning Giraffe” painter 29 Acronymic 1992 single by The Shamen (from “Boss Drum”) 31 “That feels good!”

32 “Can’t Fight This Feeling” band ___ Speedwagon 33 Feel unwell 34 Petty arguments 35 Great series of wins 36 “___ you kidding me?”

37 ___ Dew (PepsiCo product) 39 Grammatical subject 40 Welsh stand-up comedian Pritchard-McLean 41 Court judge 45 Evil computer system in “The Terminator” 46 Dagger holder 47 “Big-ticket” thing 48 Jiggly dessert 49 Aquafina competitor 50 Leary of the “Ice Age” series 51 “Fame” actress Cara 52 Goofy smiles 54 “It’s ___!” (“I’ll see you then”) 55 Hotel postings 58 Alfa Romeo rival 61 “Paper Planes” rapper 62 “Last Week Tonight” airer

28 • december 09, 2019 • Northern Express Weekly

: I have a new roommate, and she’s uncomfortable with the cameras in the common areas (living room and kitchen).

This became an issue for her after I saw video of her being careless with my furniture and texted her and asked her to stop. My last roommate had no problem with the cameras, which I got after my home was broken into.

My current roommate knew the deal when she moved in, but now she’s very uncomfortable and complains about this constantly, saying it’s affecting her mental health. She wants the cameras either removed or turned off when she’s home.

— Annoyed

A

: Sure, Socrates said at his trial, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” This reflected his love of the pursuit of wisdom, not a desire to be under constant surveillance by his roommate and get random texts like “No sandals on the couch, dude!”

Consider why your roommate might take issue with living in a two-person police state.

Privacy, as explained by legal scholar Alan Westin, involves people’s right to choose what information about themselves gets released to others. Our longing for privacy comes out of our evolved concern for protecting our reputation — others’ perception of the sort of person we are. This became vital when ancestral humans started living cooperatively, improving their chances for survival by sharing food, work, and defense against the elements and murderous strangers. Having a rotten reputation could get a person booted from their band and made to go it alone — not a good thing at a time when “getting dinner” meant outracing and bludgeoning a rodent.

Our reputation has a guard dog, and it’s an emotion that gets a bad rap: shame. Contrary to popular belief, shame is not “unhealthy” or “toxic.” Cross-cultural research by evolutionary psychologist Daniel Sznycer suggests that shame is actually a social status management tool that helps us avoid being downgraded by others. Sznycer and his colleagues explain that the desire to avoid the feelbad of shame motivates us to “conceal damaging information” about ourselves and often deters us from behaving in icky, dishonest, or unfair ways so we preserve our social standing.

The need to guard our reputation makes us behave differently when we have an audience.

Knowing we are on camera removes a measure of freedom from us — freedom to relax and be ourselves. Consider, for example, the mealtime

BY Amy Alkon

version of “Dance like nobody’s watching”: “Eat lunch like a member of the Donner Party.”

Yes, your roommate knew about the cameras before she moved in. But a good deal of social science research finds that we’re pretty bad at predicting how we’ll actually react to things.

Also, we can’t just choose to power down the reputation-driven anxiety we feel when we know we’re being watched. Ultimately, it seems fairest to turn the cameras off when she’s home or only have them in the entryways and outside windows. The cameras should be for safety purposes — so you can alert the cops when a burglar has popped in — not so you have indisputable proof that your roommate has been chipping away at your leftover Chinese takeout.

Between A Lock And A Hard Place

Q

: My upstairs neighbors, a lesbian couple, are my best friends. We have keys to each other’s apartments and just walk in and out. I love this, but I don’t want them walking in when I’m with a guy. If I call them to tell them I have plans and it’s just a hookup, I’ll get disapproving looks and lectures about how I won’t be able to handle it, will be miserable, etc.

How can I keep them from walking in and also keep them from knowing what I’m up to?

— Downstairs Neighbor

A

: There are things your friends don’t need to know about you, and “Who wears the Jimmy Carter mask when you’re in bed?” is one of the biggies.

You can hang some item on your doorknob — a little charm, an elastic bracelet, etc. — to signal to your neighbors, “Um, now is not a good time!” (and, of course, let them know this new code). To solve the other part of your problem — unsolicited opinions about your sex life — consider using “strategic ambiguity.” Organizational communications researcher Eric Eisenberg points out that clear communication is not always in our best interest. Sometimes, being purposely vague, leaving room for “multiple interpretations,” is ideal, reducing conflict and preserving relationships.

Basically, you need to pair a clear message about when it’s a bad time to come in with an unclear message about why. This transforms a sign that would’ve meant one particular thing — I’ve ordered in from Tinder Eats — into a sign that could mean any number of things: I’m sick. I’m napping. I’m on a phone call. I’m spread-eagled over a mirror trying to decide whether Martin, my mole, is cancerous.

aSTRO

lOGY

DEC 09 - DEC -15

BY ROB BREZSNY

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

How did humans figure out that a luxurious fabric could be made from the cocoons of insect larvae? Ancient Chinese sage Confucius told the following story. One day in 2460 B.C., 14-year-old Chinese princess Xi Ling Shi was sitting under a mulberry tree sipping tea. A silk worm’s cocoon fell off a branch and landed in her drink. She was curious, not bothered. She unrolled the delicate structure and got the idea of using the threads to weave a fabric. The rest is history. I foresee a silk-worm’s-cocoon-falling-in-your-cup-of-tea type of event in your future, Sagittarius. Be alert for it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “It is the soul’s duty to be loyal to its own desires,” wrote Capricorn author Rebecca West. “It must abandon itself to its master passion.”

That’s a high standard to live up to! But then you Capricorns have substantial potential to do just that: become the champions of devoting practical commitment to righteous causes. With that in mind, I’ll ask you: How are you doing in your work to embody the ideal that Rebecca West articulated?

Is your soul loyal to its deepest desires? Has it abandoned itself to its master passion? Take inventory—and make any corrections, if necessary.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I would never try to talk you into downplaying or denying your suffering. I would never try to convince you that the pain you have experienced is mild or tolerable or eminently manageable. Who among us has the wisdom to judge the severity or intractability of anyone else’s afflictions? Not I. But in the coming months, I will ask you to consider the possibility that you have the power— perhaps more than you realize—to diminish your primal aches and angst. I will encourage you to dream of healing yourself in ways that you have previously imagined to be impossible.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): “You owe it to

us all to get on with what you’re good at,” wrote Piscean poet W. H. Auden. In other words, you have a responsibility to develop your potential and figure out how to offer your best gifts. It’s not just a selfish act for you to fulfill your promise; it’s a generous act of service to your fellow humans. So how are you doing with that assignment, Pisces? According to my analysis, you should be right in the middle of raising your efforts to a higher octave; you should be discovering the key to activating the next phase of your success—which also happens to be the next phase of your ability to bestow blessings on others.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “Nobody knows really what they’re doing,” says Aries comedian Conan O’Brien. “And there are two ways to go with that information,” he continues. “One is to be afraid, and the other is to be liberated, and I choose to be liberated by it.” I hope you’ll be inspired by O’Brien’s example in the coming weeks, Aries. I suspect that if you shed your worries about the uncertainty you feel, you’ll trigger an influx of genius. Declaring your relaxed independence from the temptation to be a know-it-all will bless you with expansive new perspectives and freedom to move.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Creativity expert

Roger von Oech tells us, “Everyone has a ‘risk muscle.’ You keep it in shape by trying new things. If you don’t, it atrophies. Make a point of using it at least once a day.” Here’s what I’ll add to his advice. If your risk muscle is flabby right now, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to whip it into better shape. Start with small, modest risks, and gradually work your way up to bigger and braver ones. And what should you do if your risk muscle is already well-toned? Dream and scheme about embarking on a major, long-term venture that is the robust embodiment of a smart gamble.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Many people

engage in laughably feeble attempts to appear witty by being cynical—as if by exuding sardonic irony and sneering pessimism they could prove their mettle as brilliant observers of modern culture. An example is this lame wisecrack from humorist David Sedaris: “If you’re looking for sympathy you’ll find it between s--- and syphilis in the dictionary.” I bring this to your attention in the hope of coaxing you to avoid indulging

in gratuitous pessimism during the coming weeks. For the sake of your good health, it’s important for you to be as open-minded and generous-spirited as possible. And besides that, pessimism will be unwarranted.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “You can shop online and find whatever you’re looking for,” writes pundit Paul Krugman, “but bookstores are where you find what you weren’t looking for.”

That’s a good principle to apply in every area of y o u r life. It’s always smart to know exactly what you need and want, but sometimes—like now—it’s important that you put yourself in position to encounter what you need and want but don’t realize that you need and want.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Bachianas Brasileiras

is a nine-part piece of music that blends Brazilian folk music with the compositional style of Johann Sebastian Bach. The poet Anne Sexton relied on it, letting it re-play ceaselessly during her long writing sessions. My painter friend Robin sometimes follows a similar method with Leonard Cohen’s album Ten New Songs, allowing it to cycle for hours as she works on her latest masterpiece. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to select a new theme song or collection of theme songs to inspire your intense efforts in behalf of your labors of love in the coming weeks. It’s a favorable time to explore the generative power of joyous, lyrical obsession.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “I’ve spent my life butting my head against other people’s lack of imagination,” mourned Virgo musician Nick Cave, who’s renowned for his original approach to his craft. I’m bringing this to your attention because I suspect you will be endowed with an extra fertile imagination in the coming weeks. And I would hate for you to waste time and energy trying to make full use of it in the presence of influences that would resist and discourage you. Therefore, I’ll cheer you on as you seek out people and situations that enhance your freedom to express your imagination in its expansive glory.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A scholar counted up how often the Bible delivers the command “Fear not!” and “Don’t be afraid!” and similar advice. The number was 145. I don’t think that approach to regulating behavior works very well. To be constantly thinking about what you’re not supposed to do and say and think about tends to strengthen and reinforce what you’re not supposed to do and say and think about. I prefer author Elizabeth Gilbert’s strategy. She writes, “I don’t try to kill off my fear. I make all that space for it. Heaps of space. I allow my fear to live and breathe and stretch out its legs comfortably. It seems to me the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back.” That’s the method I recommend for you, Libra—especially in the coming weeks.

ScORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Isaac Newton

(1642–1726) was one of history’s most influential scientists and a key contributor to physics, astronomy, mathematics, and optics. His mastery of the nuances of human relationships was less developed, however. He had one close friendship with a Swiss mathematician, though he broke it off abruptly after four years. And his biographers agree that he never had sex with another person. What I find most curious, however, is the fact that he refused to even meet the brilliant French philosopher Voltaire, who reached out to him and asked to get together. I trust you won’t do anything like that in the coming weeks, Scorpio. In fact, I urge you to be extra receptive to making new acquaintances, accepting invitations, and expanding your circle of influence.

Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 29

NORTHERN EXPRESS

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Books & Music Festival Sunday, December 15 • 12 - 4 pm

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Presented by the Traverse City Authors, Mission Point Press and the National Writers Series Northern Express Weekly • december 09, 2019 • 31

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12/5/19 5:39 PM