this week’s
top ten We’re Going Gray — Fast Much of northwest Lower Michigan is getting grayer, and we’re not talking about the folks who quit coloring their hair when pandemic restrictions shuttered salons in 2020. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey reports that 33.3 percent of the people living in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties were age 60 or older. In 2010, that 60+ population was 25.3 percent. Considering that region’s overall population decreased in that same period — from 109,708 to 107,916 — the rapid increase in the over-60 crowd is not only significant but concerning, says Northern Lakes Economic Alliance in a recent report. The group, whose aim is to provide resources to communities and entrepreneurs to create and retain jobs in Antrim, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan counties, contends that rapidly aging communities pose serious challenges to local communities and economies, playing a part in driving labor shortages and housing challenges, and increasing demand on industries like health care, retirement communities, restaurants, and recreation, “These demographic trends warrant a serious examination by community leaders,” the report urges. “In order to maintain our vibrant economy, our workforce needs to be maintained. The COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in work-from-home options may have contributed to last year’s population growth, but that does not mean new residents entered our local workforce. Our leaders need to explore avenues for attracting young professionals and families to the area.” To read the full report, visit northernlakes.net.
2
tastemaker Raven Social’s Penne Rosa
For the ultimate in upscale comfort food, look no further than Raven Social in downtown Cadillac. Opened in September 2016 by restaurant-power couple Chuck and Connie Freiberg, Raven Social combines a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy with classic European prep. The result is Euro-fusion flavor in a relaxed Up North atmosphere. And for a frigid autumn evening out, the Penne Rosa is exactly what executive chef Steve Gorski suggests you order. A modern take on the traditional alfredo, Gorski begins with a sauce-gripping base of penne noodles, which he drenches in a decadent garlic-Parmesan cream. Topped with a portion of thin-pounded chicken breast that’s hand-battered and seared up to crispy perfection, then finished with a drizzle of “Rosa” sauce — that’s a tomato-based sauce spiked with cream and basil — and flakes of fresh Parmesan. Pasta enlightenment, achieved. $19.95 at Raven Social, 119 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac. (231) 444-6396. Follow “Raven Social Cadillac” on Facebook.
4 • november 08, 2021 • Northern Express Weekly
Fun Run, Pancakes & Fall Drinks Down on the Farm Work up an appetite with a 9am fun run at Jacob’s Farm in Traverse City on Saturday, Nov. 13. Jacob’s A-maze-ing 5K & 10K includes an off-road adventure across the farm and through a portion of its 10-acre corn maze. Fun-run tickets also get you free entry to the farm’s Flapjack & Flannel Festival following the race, 1pm–6pm, where you can refuel with a stack of pancakes and wash ’em down with water … or fall-focused beverages from Mammoth Distillery, Blackrocks Brewery, Silver Spruce Brewery, Right Brain Brewery, Stone Hound Brewing, Cheboygan Brewing, Earthen Ales, Left Foot Charley, and Blake’s Hard Cider. Enjoy live music by the Drew Hale Band, Jack Pine, and Stonefolk, too. Search Jacobs A-maze-ing 5k for race registration or Flapjack Flannel for festival tickets at Eventbrite.com.
4
Hey, read it Out of the Corner of Your Eye
If you weren’t lucky enough to be one of the legions of seventh- or ninth-grade science students Richard Fidler inspired over 31 years, thank your lucky stars the former Traverse City teacher has so far spent his retirement authoring some of our favorite books on nature and local history. His latest, “Out of the Corner of my Eye: Seeing Things That Matter,” is an immersive capture of the essence and beauty of living things, filled not only with his usual mind-opening (and often mind-blowing) revelations about the inner workings of the natural world but also poetry, narratives, his own pencil drawings, and a more personal glimpse of the author himself. A treat for fans and soon-to-be fans alike.
5
Insanely Good!
Baked French Toast
203 S. Cedar - Kalkaska
