Northern Express - March 27, 2023

A Fire Fight

If you drive on South Airport from Veterans Drive to Division, looking at the left side of the road when passing the section after Burger King, do you notice the trees standing like soldiers waiting for a fire fight?

What about when driving through our state forests?

Ron Stetson | Traverse City

an hour to pick up kids from school with exhaust fumes coming out of the cars, and it isn’t even very cold or hot (yet). This causes more carbon emissions than if we were actually driving the car! And then let’s complain about gas prices.

Sylvia Jania | Harbor Springs

Know Nukes

I am no climate-change alarmist. As Prof. Richard Lindzen said, anthropogenic climate change “will be remembered as the greatest mass delusion in the history of the world.” Nevertheless, I advocate reducing use of fossil fuels to generate electricity, conserving these natural resources for other uses.

In her opinion column “Turbines and Hot Air” (March 18), Cathye Williams espouses wind turbines to generate electricity. But wind turbines are a poor alternative. They kill some endangered birds and bats. Wind farms require huge swaths of land, causing habitat destruction. They are ugly, noisy, and can depress nearby property value. Wind turbines and their storage batteries need rare-earth minerals currently mined and refined in China and Africa, often in unethical work environments. Off-shore wind farms may be a threat to whales.

Without subsidies, wind farms are poor investments. Warren Buffet admitted: “We get a tax credit if we build a lot of wind farms. That’s the only reason to build them. They don’t make sense without the tax credit.” (US News May 2014)

Nuclear power is a better alternative. Mark Lynas, a climate-change activist and author, said, “nuclear is the only zero-carbon source we’ve got that works everywhere all the time. We all know that wind and solar are intermittent…” He also said nuclear energy has geopolitical benefits. “With nuclear, you can stockpile fuel so that you have energy security for years at a time, without worrying about Middle Eastern despots and Russian dictators.”

Nuclear energy requires much less land than wind—1/360th the land area per unit electric power, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. Surprisingly, nuclear power has a similar or smaller carbon footprint than wind (and solar) per unit of electricity. (OurWorldinData.org.)

Economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors favor nukes over wind.

Neal Stout | Charlevoix

Local Letters

The St. Patrick’s Day & Beer Issue is the first in my memory that offered no locally oriented letters or commentary.

I do not understand the recent policy change. Those communications were the most attractive aspect of Northern Express for me. The “if you cannot say anything nice we do not want to hear from you” is a Bigfoot on the neck of freedom of speech. A case of we will print what we want you to know.

Please reconsider your policy choice in this sense. I am as interested in opposing views as I am my own. It makes you pause and think about it.

Keep Northern Express interesting. If people lose interest in your publication, it could affect your finances.

Bob Wallick | Cross Village

Letters to the Editor Policy

Northern Express is a communitycentered paper that covers local people, places, entertainment, and news. We invite letters to the editor that also address issues in northern Michigan, whether that’s local politics, changes in your community, art and education, or hot topics like housing, tourism, or the environment (just to name a few). If it touches northern Michigan, it is something we want to share. We also welcome letters “in conversation” with any stories, columns, and other letters published in Northern Express

Turn off the Car

One simple change we can all do now to lessen the drastic situation we will soon find ourselves in with climate change is to stop running cars while parked. So many people idle cars and go grocery shopping; I sit parked next to cars waiting for half

Letters must be civil, 300 words or fewer, and submitted no more than once per month per person. Letters will be edited for clarity, and letters or portions may be omitted due to space or issues with questionable facts/citations or privacy. We do not print letters that have been sent to or published in other media. To have your letter included, please provide your full name and city of residence in northern Michigan.

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A Flannel Affair

Bust out the flannel one more time before spring is here to stay for the Wexford County Historical Society’s Lumberjack Social. No foolin’...though this event takes place on April 1, it’s a serious tradition. An evening of live music, line dancing, silent and live auctions, raffles, and appetizers (plus a cash bar) awaits, but instead of black tie, you can stay comfy in your buffalo plaid. (Just leave the axe at home, please.) The woodsy party benefits the historical society, a nonprofit committed to the preservation and presentation of the history and culture of Wexford County, and its 5,000-squarefoot museum housed in the former Cadillac Public Library. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased at Horizon Books, Brinks Custom Framing, and the Cadillac Elks Club—the latter of which is where the party will be held at 6pm. Get more details at wexfordcountyhistory.org.

Main Street Lanes

Kids of all ages can bowl down Main Street in Harbor Springs on April Fool’s Day—no joke! Harbor Springs will close down the street on Saturday, April 1, from noon to 2pm to knock down some pins, no matter the weather. Enjoy hot chocolate and donuts from Johan’s, a bowling card from Northern Lights Recreation, a freebie from Rocking Horse Toy Co., ice cream from Harbor Ice Cream Soup & Sandwiches, and plenty of bowling fun.

Hey, watch It! Shadow and Bone

A war-torn country. A young woman with the power to summon the sun. A ragtag (and immensely loveable) group of criminals. It’s all in Shadow and Bone , which just returned to Netflix for its second season. Adapted from the works of bestselling author Leigh Bardugo, the fantasy series offers a Tolkien-esque clash of good, morally gray, and evil set in a world where magic is science, war is commerce, and you can only trust yourself. (And the occasional thief with a heart of gold.)

No spoilers: When mapmaker Alina Starkov discovers she has the power of the foretold savior of her homeland of Ravka, she also learns just about everyone wants her gift, her loyalty, or her life. What ensues is a quest to tame her power, survive several kidnapping and assassination attempts, and unite an embattled Ravka. While there’s no shortage of danger, the main cast of characters offers just the right amount of sweetness and humor to offset the (frequent) impending doom. Now streaming on Netflix.

This week, we’re ready to risk it for the biscuit…or for a breakfast sandwich from Gold Baby Biscuits, that is. Established in 2019 by bakers Alicia Manson and Lyndsey Egli, this pop-up powerhouse features a rotating menu and even a few take-and-bake options of biscuit-y goodness. Right now, we’re after The Delicatessen. It starts with a signature crumbly biscuit (the recipe remains a secret), which they’ve stacked with paper-thin pastrami and pillowy scrambled eggs. To finish, the whole shebang is topped with Tillamook Swiss and a drizzle of Russian dressing, before it’s wrapped, still piping hot, to go. Get your hands on The Delicatessen ($11)—and maybe a side of chocolatey breakfast cake—at Gold Baby Biscuits’ weekend pop-up every Sunday from 10am-1pm at Pleasanton Brick Oven Bakery at 811 Cottageview Dr. in Traverse City. Be sure to preorder, as items sell out fast! Find each week’s menu in their Instagram bio: @goldbabybiscuits, and order online at gold-babybiscuits.square.site.

6 Ready Those Easter Baskets!

Easter is coming—we’ve seen the bunnies hopping around!—and many local spots are offering egg-themed fun for the family. Here are a few: Cedar hosts its first annual Easter Eggstravaganza at 11am April 8, with an egg hunt and appearance from the Easter Bunny. That same day, Downtown Traverse City offers the Bunny Hop, Scavenger Hunt, and Story Time with participating downtown businesses and Horizon Books. Eagle-eyed egg hunters should head to Frankfort’s Mineral Springs Park (3,000 eggs; 10am on April 8), Charlevoix’s East Park (4,500 eggs; 2pm on April 8), or Cheboygan’s Washington and Major City parks (10am on April 8). Need more Easter Bunny photo ops? Try Grandpa Shorter’s in Petoskey April 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 for a chance at a picture—smiling, not screaming—for the mantel. Or make it a meal at kid-friendly Easter brunch spots like Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay or Boyne Falls at Boyne Mountain Resort.

Watch Out for Invaders

Spring is here—cue the trumpets! But while we’re thrilled about the return of warmer days, we’re not so stoked about the reawakening of invasive species. Whether it’s balsam wooly adelgid, spotted lanternflies, autumn olive, or a smear of rock snot, we don’t want it around! The Michigan Invasive Species Program—a team up between the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development—has recently released their Michigan Invasive Species Program 2022 Annual Report, and in addition to a lot of helpful info about what the state is doing to mitigate these pests, you’ll also find a list of invasive species in the area and ways to help spot, report, and remove them. Head to michigan.gov/invasives to read the report and learn what you can do to stop the spread. (Or better yet, contact your local conservation district and see how you can get involved in the fight!)

Stuff We Love: Anniversaries Celebrated in the Great Outdoors

The Leelanau Conservancy turns 35 this year, and in those three-plus decades, they’ve preserved over 16,000 acres and created 28 natural areas. While some of us at that age were worried about how much closer that brought us to the big four-oh, the conservancy is embracing its youthful energy with their “35 Miles for 35 Years” challenge. Throughout 2023, hikers, bikers, skiers, SUPers, and paddlers are invited to explore and log 35 miles of adventure within the conservancy’s trail systems and waterways. (Keep in mind: The Leelanau Conservancy has about 28 miles of trails, so you’ll need to double up on your favorite segment to get across the finish line.) You can join the challenge for free, and when you’ve completed your 35-mile journey, you can submit your log sheet to receive a commemorative patch and sticker. Sign up, get your log sheet, and even send pictures of your adventures by heading to leelanauconservancy.org/trailchallenge.

bottoms up Bloom Wildcraft’s Drift Tea

With spring in the air, we wanted something soft and light to help us wind down our day. (Bonus points if it could be organic.) We found the perfect cup with Bloom Wildcraft’s Drift Tea, a soothing blend of herbs like lemon balm, holy basil, and valerian, plus a bright note of hibiscus. It also contains catnip—though you won’t get all goofy like your feline friends— and hops, which help give this tea a signature all its own. The tea is literally meant to help you drift off to sleep, and we found its effects calming and its flavor warm and gently earthy. Drift comes from the Traverse City-based Bloom Wildcraft brand, which produces natural teas, spices, and body care products. Find them online and place an order for a 34-gram tin of loose leaf ($19.99) at bloomwildcraft.com, or enjoy a cup at local coffee shops like Mundos Roasting Co.

DISCOURAGING TO BE ON THE BACK BURNER

spectator

By Stephen Tuttle

The realities of climate change seem to have moved to many back burners. It’s not as if the causes and effects have suddenly disappeared.

First, let’s take a moment to acknowledge not every weather anomaly is related to climate change. We’ve always had droughts, floods, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, heat waves, and cold snaps. What is obviously becoming different is the scope, frequency, severity, and duration of extreme weather events. (Climate is the prevailing conditions over broad areas for an extended period of time, while weather is what’s happening in your backyard right now. Climate impacts weather.)

California has become a pretty good microcosm of how extreme weather patterns can become. After the driest sustained period in some 1,200 years, California was at least

about a third full. NASA has projected the drought/storm/flood cycle will continue as our changing climate becomes more severe…and not just in North America; this is a global issue.

Argentina and parts of Uruguay are struggling with record-breaking heat 12-18 degrees above normal as their summer has extended well beyond its typical February end. England, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, and the rest of western Europe just experienced their hottest years since they’ve been keeping records. According to a European Union report, the agriculture sector of western Europe is now at risk.

We’ve always had droughts, floods, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, heat waves, and cold snaps. What is obviously becoming different is the scope, frequency, severity, and duration of extreme weather events.

temporarily rescued with inches of rain and, in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, feet of snow. According to the National Weather Service, the central Sierra Nevada has already received nearly 56 feet of snow so far this year, the seventh snowiest on record, and the season is not yet over. About 25 percent of that snow fell in three brief but brutal recent storms. Farther south came the rains in multiple inches in the same storms which gave birth to destructive and deadly flooding.

The storms also brought some much needed, if temporary, relief to the drought-stricken area. The National Integrated Drought Information System had listed 71 percent of California in “severe drought” but has now lowered that to 46 percent. Lake Shasta, a primary source of growers’ irrigation and a major contributor to hydroelectric power, has risen to nearly 45 percent capacity from just 33 percent a year ago. San Francisco’s main reservoir providing residential water is now 80 percent full.

But much of that water on drought-hardened ground quickly ran off to create floods, and areas devastated by previous wildfires became prone to mudslides and landslides.

Not every watershed, home, or farm out west received such a bounty of snow or rain. While the mountains and coastal areas received historic precipitation, inland the aquifers are not being recharged and are slowly drying up. And the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tells us even all this moisture will not end the ongoing drought and refill reservoirs and recharge groundwater without aboveaverage precipitation for years.

Plus, the Colorado River watershed—which provides water for agriculture, industry, and millions of households in seven states— experienced lesser snow and rain events. Lake Mead mercifully stopped receding and gained a few feet back but is still only

It isn’t only food supplies in danger. According to research published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Greenland ice is melting twice as fast as it did just a decade ago. And research funded by NASA and published in the journal Nature found that Antarctica ice is now melting at an accelerating rate due to warmer water undercutting ice shelves.

Additionally, NASA research shows glaciers receding faster than predicted, and projections presented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) predict many glaciers—including those on Mt. Kilimanjaro, those near Mt. Everest, and more than one in Alaska—will be either gone completely or shrunk beyond recognition by 2050.

The melting ice sheets and glaciers are major contributors to the inexorable rise in sea levels, which put most everything on any saltwater coast at risk of a slow-motion inundation. Relocation of indigenous villages in coastal Alaska have already occurred for this very reason.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)—which includes hundreds of scientists from several of the group’s 195 member countries— studies all available climate science research. Their most recent report was no more encouraging than previous efforts. Climate scientists have told us for years that if temperatures rise an average of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), we will have reached a tipping point from which recovery will be very difficult. Temperatures have already increased 1.2 degrees Celsius. At the current rate, we will reach 1.5 degrees Celsius sometime in the 2030s.

Yet, the world has once again increased the very greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, that continue to artificially and negatively impact climate. We created the problem, keep making it worse, and seem unwilling to stop. It’s discouraging.

guest opinion

by Karen Mulvahill

While sexist or racist remarks can get one fired these days, why does it still seem okay to make fun of old people? I find this especially strange because this is a demographic that every one of us—if lucky—will eventually occupy.

It came to my attention when noticing all the age-related jokes about President Biden being made by late-night and other comics. According to Stephen Colbert, “Biden will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Shamble Palooza, sponsored by Velcro shoes.”

Jimmy Kimmel says, “Which is more dangerous, Joe Biden having classified documents in his garage, or Joe Biden having the keys to a Corvette?”

And Kal Penn suggests that Biden approved a recent oil drilling venture because, “when you’re that age, that’s the only kind of drilling you can do.”

So, old people can’t walk, drive, or (crudely) have sex. Here in northern

cognitive decline. Ageism also exacerbates social isolation and loneliness and reduces access to employment, education, and health care, all of which impact health.”

This constant parade of negative stereotypes about age is belied by a look at the current crop of politicians elected by our populace. Apparently, as recently as the last election, many voters had no problem electing older politicians. Forty-nine senators are older than 70; sixteen are above 80. Seventy-four of our representatives are over 70; twelve exceed 80. Our Supreme Court justices receive lifetime appointments and, just a few years ago, four of the nine were older than 70.

There are clearly potential benefits that accrue with age, such as experience, knowledge, and wisdom. But just as one should not employ negative stereotypes concerning old people, neither should we assume age automatically confers positive attributes. Not every old person is wise.

There are clearly potential benefits that accrue with age, such as experience, knowledge, and wisdom. But just as one should not employ negative stereotypes concerning old people, neither should we assume age automatically confers positive attributes. Not every old person is wise.

Michigan, one doesn’t have to look far to see vibrant, brilliant, energetic people in their seventies, eighties, and nineties. Yet the stereotypes persist.

The World Health Organization and the UN cited ageism as one of the four action areas of the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), “a global collaboration, aligned with the last ten years of the Sustainable Development Goals, to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live.”

A study published in The Gerontologist, the official journal of the Gerontological Society of America, looked at Facebook groups devoted to older people. What it found was that most of these groups had been created by people in their 20s. “Descriptions of all but one of these groups focused on negative age stereotypes,” a 2014 article found. “Among these Descriptions, 74% excoriated older individuals, 27% infantilized them, and 37% advocated banning them from public activities, such as shopping.”

Ageism is a problem that has serious health repercussions. According to an article published in The Lancet, “Ageism impacts all aspects of older people’s health. For instance, it shortens their lifespan, worsens their physical and mental health, hinders recovery from disability, and accelerates

As in any demographic subset, there is great diversity. Still, it would be useful to remember such people as Arthur Rubenstein, who performed one of his greatest concerts at 89. Or John Glenn, who spent 11 days in space at age 77, while a U.S. Senator. How about Harry Bernstein, who was 96 when he published his first novel? Or Grandma Moses, who didn’t even start to paint until she was 75, then kept at it until she died at 101. Minarou Saito sailed solo and around the world at 77. The list goes on…

As far as our politicians are concerned, I believe there are too many in the older demographics, not because I am ageist, but because I believe a diversity of representatives that match the diversity of the people they serve would produce politicians likely to have a better understanding of a broader variety of issues.

When it comes down to voting for president, I look at values and commitments. Would I rather have an 80-year-old who believes in mitigating climate change or a 50-year-old who favors more coal plants?

Choose wisely, and not by age.

Karen Mulvahill is a writer living in northern Michigan.

Goals

Donald Matthew Santacroce, 65, really wants to go to federal prison. To that end, on March 6, he entered a Wells Fargo bank branch in Salt Lake City and handed the teller a note: "Please pardon me for doing this but this is a robbery. Please give me $1. Thank you." According to KSL-TV, the teller handed over a dollar and asked Santacroce to leave, but instead he sat down in the lobby and waited for police to arrive. During his wait, he mentioned that it was a good thing he didn't have a gun, because the police were taking so long. At that point, the manager ushered employees into a locked back room. The arrest report noted that Santacroce said that "if he gets out of jail, he will rob another bank and ask for more money next time" so that he'll be sent to federal prison.

Bonfire of the Vanity Plates

Maine's vanity plate free-for-all is at an end. The state's review process for custom license plates was effectively ended in 2015, after which residents could -- and did -- put nearly anything on the tags, including profanities. Lawmakers have now had enough: The state is reestablishing a review process and recalling hundreds of "inappropriate" plates, NBC Boston reported. But resident Peter Starostecki wants to know: What's inappropriate about soy products? The state recalled his plate, "LUVTOFU," because it "could've been seen as a reference to sex instead of admiration for bean curd," as NBC put it. Starostecki is one of 13 motorists to appeal their plates' recall so far, all of which have been denied. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said vehicle owners can still express themselves -- but that they should do so with bumper stickers, not state-issued tags. "We have a public interest in keeping phrases and words that are profane or may incite violence off the roadways," she said. So, Maine motorists, consider yourselves safe from tofu-induced road rage. For now.

It Was a Cuticle Emergency

Pop quiz: If you crashed your car into a building, what would you immediately do? Maybe call emergency services? See if anyone was hurt? We're betting you wouldn't answer with "get a manicure next door to the place I just destroyed," but that's what an Ontario woman did earlier this month. Per CTV News Toronto, which obtained security footage of the incident, a Jeep plowed into the storefront of Guilty Pleasurez Dezzert Cafe on March 3, shattering windows and destroying merchandise. Thankfully, the bakery -owned by siblings Tanvir and Simran Bawa -was not yet open for the day, and no one was inside. Tanvir rushed to the scene after getting a frantic call from the pair's mother, while his sister got the news from a worker at KC's Nails and Beauty Shoppe, the nail salon next door to Guilty Pleasurez. The employee told Simran that the driver was inside KC's, getting her nails done. Tanvir told CTV that he spoke to the driver: "I was like, 'Are you OK?' ... and she's just giggling. She's like, 'Yeah, I'm fine.'" His sister added, "I'm telling you, this whole time, not one single apology from them. ... This is pretty much my bread and butter." Simran said the bakery had sustained "serious structural damage," but that their insurance

provider was requiring the shop to stay open for the time being -- despite the shattered glass and a front door that doesn't fully open. In the kind of understatement only Canadians can pull off, Simran said, "It's not been the most pleasant time."

All the Cool Cats Are Doing It

If you saw the phrase "cocaine cat" trending recently, here's why: A wild cat that was captured in Cincinnati tested positive for exposure to cocaine, NPR reports. In events only recently made public, a big cat named Amiry escaped from his owner's car during a police stop in January. Soon after, local dog wardens started getting calls about a possible leopard stuck in a tree. Responders retrieved Amiry, brought him to a shelter and called in an expert. Per NPR, "The expert suspected Amiry was actually a serval: a long-legged, big-eared wild cat that is native to sub-Saharan Africa and illegal to own in Ohio." A DNA test confirmed that hunch -- and also found narcotics in the cat's system. (After an incident last year involving a monkey on amphetamines, the shelter now tests all "exotic" animals that come through its doors.) Amiry is currently living at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. He suffered a broken leg during his ordeal, but is recovering well, says lead trainer Linda Castaneda. "Amiry is young and very curious," she said. "He is exploring his new space and eating well." No charges have yet been filed against Amiry's former owner, but the case remains open.

Lookin' For Love

Sometimes, even the self-appointed top bachelor needs a little help. Robert Siegfried, 43, of Janesville, Wisconsin, was tired of dating apps and decided to try a new tactic, reports WISC-TV. He took out a billboard featuring a photo of himself; next to that are the all-caps words "DATE ROBERT" in what some might call a desperate shade of red, followed by "Wisconsin's #1 Eligible Bachelor." The sign states that Robert is "looking for a local, honest woman." Said lucky lady can reach him at the number plastered on the billboard. If you do reach out to Robert, you might want to ask him about the restraining order that was put in place against him last year, according to online court records, which is set to last for four years. Meh, that's probably nothing to worry about. Get dialing, ladies!

Free the Torsos!

-- According to Berlin's local government, everyone will soon be allowed to go topless at the city's public pools, regardless of gender. Up till now, women who bared their breasts at Berlin pools were asked to cover up or leave, and were sometimes even banned, reports NBC. After a local woman filed a discrimination complaint with a government office for equal treatment, the Berliner Baeder-Betriebe (which runs the city's public pools) decided to update its policies. Doris Liebscher, the head of the office involved, praised the decision because "it establishes equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female or nonbinary, and because it also creates legal certainty for the staff at the Baeder-Betriebe."

Spring Break Getaways and Activities in NoMi

No passport, airfare, or wristband necessary

By Rachel Pasche

Northern Michigan may not be the tropical spring break location we all dream of, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its fair share of getaways and entertainment options. In fact, springtime is usually a great way to experience places (or stays) you’ve had on your list for a while, as the crowds are gone, rates are lower, and things are just starting to pick back up after a long winter.

So cozy up in a treehouse, treat yourself to a spa getaway, or unwind in a yurt—there are plenty of ways to make the most of your Northern Michigan spring break.

An Arboreal View for the Adventurers

Tree House Ridge

Many of us harbored the childhood fantasy of spending the weekend in a tree house, and now visitors of Tree House Ridge in Thompsonville can do so (and do it comfortably).

Father and son duo Fred and Jess Knoll completed construction of the first tree house in 2021 “after realizing they possessed the skills to create a Treehouse Masters style of building on their own property,” Ashlee Knoll, Jess’ wife, says, referring to the Animal Planet TV show that featured jawdropping homes in the trees.

A second structure followed, and the two tree houses on the ridge now boast air conditioning and heating, laundry units, restrooms, fireplaces, kitchenettes, large balconies, and handicap accessibility. The surrounding environment is incredibly peaceful, with stately oaks and nearby access to hiking, biking, golf, and more at Crystal Mountain Resort. “It’s so quiet there, you can hear the birds and really enjoy nature. It’s very relaxing and refreshing to step away from things for a bit,” Ashlee says.

The treehouses are great for families looking to get away, groups of friends seeking a unique weekend trip together, and couples hoping for a quiet weekend to reconnect. Each unit can sleep four people comfortably, with two queen beds, plus the option for an additional guest or child on a loveseat. The starting rate for a night in one of the treehouses is $275. Visit treehouseridgemi.com to book.

A Step Back in Time for the History Lovers

Bay View Inn Petoskey

The Bay View Inn, part of the Stafford’s family of properties, is a historic hotel that continues to serve visitors and locals alike. The building that houses the inn was originally built as a home in 1886 by John Wesly Howard, expanding and changing names over the years—it adopted its current name in 1935—but continuing to serve as a summer destination. Today it remains the oldest “summer hotel” north of Grand Rapids.

The Victorian country inn has been lovingly kept and restored over the years, retaining its glamor from the late 19th century. The stately home is just north of Petoskey, where guests can soak in the vast tranquility of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, enjoy the local shops and restaurants downtown, or explore the wineries, trails, and nature preserves in the area.

For $289, the Bay View Inn offers a spring break special that includes a two-night stay, daily breakfast, and $40 towards a Stafford’s restaurant. Visitors can also opt for add-on packages to make their stay more special or to commemorate a celebratory getaway, such as the Romance Package with a bouquet of flowers, bottle of bubbly, and chocolate-covered strawberries or the Wine Lovers Package with a bottle of wine and cheese tray. Head to thebayviewinn.com/lodging-packages for more details.

A Retreat for the Outdoorsy Types

The Yurt at Spruce Hill

Nature isn’t difficult to come by in Northern Michigan, but fully immersing yourself in the beauty of the area is easy to do in style and comfort at the Yurt at Spruce Hill.

This cozy space is crafted with newly finished wood and features amenities including a wood stove and large skylight. The yurt is set on Spruce Hill Farm on the Leelanau Peninsula, where guests can mingle with some of the local residents, including chickens, ducks, goats, dogs, cats, and even a horse who enjoys attention from people. You’ll also have an ideal home base to explore the Leelanau area, whether that’s sipping local wines and ciders or hiking some of the stunning natural areas.

Visitors have access to private hiking trails on the farm property that offer a great way to get outside without needing to hop in the car. If the weather permits, a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and picnic table are available outside for guest use. (An indoor kitchenette provides ample materials for whipping up something to eat in the yurt, too.) Rates start at $136 nightly, offering an inexpensive way to try something new. Learn more about the yurt and the farm at facebook.com/sprucehilldairy.

A Family Outing for the Kids

Local Scavenger Hunts and Free Movies

If you’re looking for something to keep the little hands and minds of your kids busy, Traverse City Tourism has created a Northern Michigan Scavenger Hunt Pass that’s the perfect project for the break. You and the kids can explore lighthouses, tunnels, murals, trails, parks, and more, earning points along the way for each location or activity you check off, which can be redeemed for a free slice of pie at the Grand Traverse Pie Company. Download the pass here: traversecity.com/things-to-do/kids-activities/scavenger-hunt.

Just need the kiddos to sit still for a few hours? The State Theatre offers free movies throughout the week of March 24-30, the lineup for which will be posted to their website at stateandbijou.org. The Vogue Theatre in Manistee also has a few free movie showings that week, though tickets are limited to six per group on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are available in person starting 24 hours before the showtimes, which can be found on their website, voguetheatremanistee.org/spring-break.

A Spa Staycation for the Luxury Travelers

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Looking for a way to unwind during your spring vacation? For those in need of a little springtime self-care, Spa Grand Traverse is running a series of spring specials intended to rejuvenate and refresh the body. First up are the Spring Spa Days, which run from March 26 to April 9. Choose from a 50-minute facial, massage, or mani/pedi for just $69 plus tip.

Then there are seasonal specials, which include a rain shower ritual, sugar and salt scrub, tropical superfoods facial, and a citrus and chamomile massage. And that’s all in addition to an extensive spa menu that treats guests head to toe. Whether you opt to get those feet flip-flop ready or give your skin a little TLC, you’ll leave feeling better than when you came in.

If you want to make a getaway out of your spa day, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is running a spring break special, offering rooms starting at $169 per night (with a twonight minimum) and giving guests $100 of resort credit to use during their stay. The resort campus has plenty to keep guests of all ages occupied: an indoor water playground and pool for the kids, hot tubs, tennis courts, shops, an entertainment center, large fitness facility, and several restaurants. They’re also in the midst of a $10 million renovation of the hotel side of the property (not the 17-story tower), so you could be the first to stay in a brand-new room. Book at grandtraverseresort.com.

The Secret to an Affordable Spring Break

Go two hours south to Grand Rapids

By Lynda Wheatley

There are two things, as a parent, I am not: 1) Patient. 2) Willing to pay peak prices for anything. While I salute those parents willing to spend 20+ hours in a car with their kids or shell out triple-the-average airfare to fly the fam to a sunnier state for spring break, I am not one of them. When our family wants warmer climes in winter, we simply elect to fly when half the region doesn’t, saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to the same toasty destinations.

That’s why, almost every year since 2019, we’ve spent some of every school break exploring Grand Rapids.

Just two hours away—equivalent to 45 or fewer “How many more minutes?” inquiries from the backseat—the state’s second-largest city is one of the Midwest’s most affordable to visit yet has a robust and ever-changing array of opportunities for kids and their parents to play. Here’s what hot in this cool “southern” city over the North’s spring break:

TIME & SPACE TRAVEL

Age 8 and under Got tots? Steer them to the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, a small-scale recreation of the city, circa 1890s, living large underneath the Grand Rapids Public Museum. They can poke around 11 shops stocked with old artifacts from grocery goods to guns, pedal a high-wheeler bicycle, watch an antique press print out a souvenir, and more.

For $4 or less per person, you can tack on one of many younger-kid-friendly shows projected daily over spring break in the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, part of the GRPM. Two stellar picks: Space School or the hide-and-seek-style Starlight Safari, where lions roar, wolves howl, and birds screech as viewers search for elusive creatures hiding in the nighttime sky.

And don’t forget to take a spin on the 1928 Spillman Carousel, one of only three of its kind made and featuring 52 painted wooden and bejeweled horses, two chariots, and a menagerie of other animals. The carousel ride and all three

floors of exhibits are included in museum admission: $12 for adults, $5 for students, free for kids under age 2. grpm.org

LEARN & PLAY THE ALASKAN WAY

Age 8 and under Thursdays through Sundays before March 30, folks with young fans of the PBS cartoon Molly of Denali should splurge on the $10 per person admission fee to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Molly and crew are part of a special traveling exhibit that lets kids fly a bush plane, drive a snowmobile, care for sled dogs, ice fish, and more. No worries if Molly’s back in Alaska by time you arrive; the museum boasts ongoing interactive and sensory fun. Blasting off in rocket boats, dressing up in costumes, experimenting with centrifugal force, building with blocks and Legos, plus special events—like a 5pm–7pm family dance party March 30—also await. grcm.org

KILLER BERRIES & QUEEN Age 8+

Kids who love witches, wizards, potions, or…well, creatures that kill, will adore the interactive Power of Poison exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. They’ll search a Colombian jungle for lethal plants and creatures, get their mitts on an enchanted book, use an iPad to solve deadly mysteries, and learn about some of history’s most notorious poisoners—and the potential toxic plants and animals have in the development of life-saving drugs.

Kids and teens who like to rock (and their 1970s-born parents) will love The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love, playing 4pm March 25 and 26, and 4pm daily March 31–April 9 in the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. Laser lights and 10 of Queen’s greatest hits played oh-sofabulously loud for 37 minutes almost makes up for not seeing them live. $4 per person with museum admission. grpm.org

Altitude Trampoline Park

Blandford Nature Center's flying squirrel

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Grand Rapids Public Museum Power of Poison exhibit

Grand Rapids Public Museum carousel

Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

All Ages (For Most* Families)

You might have super cool artsy kids willing to chill while watching Vincent Van Gogh’s art and inspiration come alive inside VR glasses and on two-story projections swirling over the walls and floor of a 20,000-square-foot room.

But if you’re like us*, you have super cool artsy kids who are utterly captivated for 30 solid minutes—then escalate from whispering “Mom, I’m hungry” to making fart noises on their forearms while you mouth “I’m so sorry” at the glaring people around you.

Still, Van Gogh, The Immersive Experience Grand Rapids is a more-than-worthwhile splurge for a family of four with mature littles, preteens, or teens (using the $21.90 per person Family Bundle). Tickets for adults (13–64) are $34.90 each; $54.90 for adult VIP. vangoghexpo.com/grand-rapids

GET WILD INSIDE & OUT

All Ages

A visit to the Blandford Nature Center is a deal in any season: Just $3 per person gives you access to 264 acres of wild indoor and outdoor fun. The Wildlife Center and Interpretive Center lets kids get nearly nose to nose—and beak—with formerly injured, now resident owls, hawks, flying squirrels, turtles, and even a porcupine. Outside, 4 miles of gorgeous trails (think: a meandering creek, ponds, wetlands, boardwalks, a bicentennial barn) are open dawn to dusk.

There’s also an on-site working CSA farm with sheep to pet and a playground, plus a historic village with a sugarhouse, log cabin, schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop. The village will host live demonstrations 10am–3pm March 31; but every weekend brings a special event to Blandford, from maple sugaring (through March), blacksmith 101 classes, family yoga, and more. blandfordnaturecenter.org

FAMILY ART-MAKING & GAPING

All Ages

Every Tuesday from 12pm to 6pm and Thursday night from 5pm to 9pm, admission to the Grand Rapids Art Museum is free. But for families, Saturdays reign supreme. That’s when GRAM offers drop-in art workshops for families, free with museum admission ($10 per adult, $6 per kid 6–17, free for those under 5).

Saturday, April 1, you’ll learn to make Polaroid transfers, shooting a photo with a Instax camera, then creating a transparent version and mounting it. But if you can’t make the workshop, our selfie-loving littles in awe of two current exhibits, both focused on vast photography collections: Presence, “a riveting exploration” of the human experience through major historic and personal life events, and Make a Picture, images captured by Michigan photographers. artmuseumgr. org

BIG-AIR ENERGY BURN

All Ages

The secret to a near-silent ride home: Giving your kids the freedom to literally bounce off the walls at Altitude Trampoline Park, perfectly situated a few miles north of downtown GR, just west of US-131. Head over between 10am and 1pm any weekday— perfect post-hotel-checkout timing—for the best deal: One parent and any kid under age 2 jump free when you buy one Junior Jam ticket for $8.99. (At other times, 60-minute jump tickets are $14.99 for all except kids age 4 and under, whose tickets are $11.99 each.)

All jumpers must purchase jump socks— basically puffy hospital socks with non-skid dots on the soles—but at less than $4 per pair and reusable as many times as you remember to pack them for the next visit, a wise investment.

Bonus: Reasonably priced pizza, juice, water, and snacks are sold on-site, so you can easily stuff your tuckered-out tots or teens upon exit, ensuring at least two hours of backseat nap or chill time while you drive home. altitudegr.com

Van Gogh, The Immersive Experience Grand Rapids Blandford Nature Center's goats

Express Yourself

Nine art workshops to unleash your creative side this spring

By Alexandra Dailey

Spring break is upon us in northern Michigan, and if you’re taking the staycation route rather than jet-setting to other locales, consider trying your hand at one of the many creative and art-focused activities—from fused glass to pottery to wooden signs—taking place between March 25 and April 9.

Charlevoix Circle of Arts:

Crafting with Carol

March 25, 11am-12pm

Want to keep the kiddos busy over break? Join Carol Torres for her Easter Sock Gnomes workshop for kids ages eight and up ($25).

“Crafting with Carol is a new class series at Charlevoix Circle of Arts,” says Erika Kilkenny, administrative assistant for the nonprofit. “Each month, Carol Torres, local educator and maker, gives adults and children the opportunity to create a fun and seasonal project from start to finish.”

Under Torres’ guidance, attendees will create a gnome perfect for the spring and Easter seasons, with all materials provided for bringing your little garden friend to life. (If any adults want to make an Easter gnome, Carol is hosting a class on March 27 just for the “big kids.”)

“Being creative, building and learning new skills, and working with your hands is inspiring, brings people together, and is even therapeutic,” Kilkenny says of the class. To register for either workshop, visit charlevoixcircle.org.

ClaySpace TC: Pottery Workshops

Week of March 27

During the week of spring break, ClaySpace TC is kicking off a new session of pottery classes for all ages. From kids to adults, anyone can try their hand at wheel throwing, hand-building, or a full “try-it” class to gain exposure to various clay techniques and approaches.

Sessions range from six to eight weeks, with a price tag of $225-$250. While the cost is a bit of a commitment, the two-hour sessions come with a 25 lb. bag of clay, glazes, and firings for your work. For some classes, you also get access to six hours of additional open studio time each week to practice your craft.

So, if you’re looking for a new spring hobby, consider signing up—ClaySpace TC is ready for tots, juveniles, and adults. Learn more at clayspacetc.com.

Northport Arts Association: Llamas and Tigers and Sloths, Oh My!

March 27-30, 1-4pm

Instructor and artist Lisa Westling takes youth artists on a fun and creative journey exploring unique animals. This four-day workshop is open to individuals of all skill levels between the ages of seven and 12. Participants will learn about each animal’s characteristics and habits to better inform their work. Then, using a variety of methods and materials, they’ll create their very own llama, tiger, and sloth-themed work of art. Registration is $30/person and can be paid online at northportartsassociation.org.

Hang Workshop: Make-and-Take Workshop

March 30, 11am-12:30pm

Join Traverse City’s Hang Workshop, which specializes in home décor classes, for a spring break make-and-take workshop. You can choose between 17 wood sign designs featuring birds, bikes, flowers, and all things spring to paint and decorate however you want. All supplies, instruction, and hanging hardware are included in the $10-$55 fee (depending on the size of your chosen sign). Hang Workshop also offers private reservations for groups of eight or more for other arts and crafts categories, including tumbler making, wreath making, and paint pours. Make sure to pre-register at hangworkshop.com.

Gaylord Area Council for the Arts: Creative Crowd Open Art Studio

March 31, 1-3:30pm

Gaylord Area Council for the Arts welcomes artists of all ages and experience levels to enjoy an afternoon of creativity, support, and networking with their Creative Crowd Open Art Studio. The goal of the weekly offering is to encourage artists to come together and share their work in a safe setting where skills can be honed and knowledge can be shared. RSVPs (and donations) are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.

During spring break, Gaylord Area Council for the Arts will also offer Funday Monday on March 27, where you get to try your hand at a new art form (free, donations recommended), and a Kids’ Art Class on March 30, where youths age eight to 13 get an hour of art time with various media and mediums ($5). Learn more at gaylordarts.org.

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Tinker Studio: Linocut Printmaking & Mixed Media Embellishment

April 1 & 10, 10am-12pm

Tinker Studio is hosting a two-part workshop ($100) the first two Saturdays in April focusing on the art of linocut printmaking and mixed media.

“In this introduction to linocut printmaking, we will break down the steps to creating successful linocut prints, including creating a simple drawing with design focusing on positive and negative space, transferring this image to the printing block, breaking down good carving technique, and finally inking and printing,” says Elizabeth Burbee-Patterson, one of the family-owned studio’s team members. “Printmaking lends itself to some freedom, and ‘happy accidents’ often result in some of the most successful elements of the prints.”

After this experience, you’ll have several beautiful prints to keep or share. All materials are provided. Sign up at tinkerstudiotc.com/events.

Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey: Figure Drawing Drop-in

April 5, 5:30-7:30pm

FHave you ever thought of giving the art of figure drawing a try? If so, here’s a drop-in class that’s perfect for first-timers or seasoned artists. Join CTAC instructor Egan Franks Holzhausen in an activity that develops your skills in observation, gesture, proportion, positive and negative space, and rendering form. Easels are provided, but attendees need to bring their own drawing supplies. Figure Drawing is offered every other Wednesday in conjunction with North Central Michigan College’s Life Drawing class. $15/person; attendees must be 18 and up. Visit crookedtree.org to sign up.

Up North Arts, Inc.: Fused Glass Jewelry Making Class

April 8, 10:30am-12:30pm

Artist Susan Molnar will lead a fused glass jewelry-making class geared toward ages 14 and up this April.

“Fused glass and clay classes have always been a favorite of our members,” says Chris Fisher, program director at Cadillac’s Up North Arts, Inc. “These media can be molded and shaped into something so different from their original form. The process is both challenging and rewarding.”

Attendees will make three to five dichroic glass pieces that can be used for buttons, earrings, bracelets, money clips, etc. All skill levels are welcome; no prior glass-cutting or fusing experience is required. Get details at upnorthartsinc.com.

Creation Station: Walk-In Studio

Business hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm

If taking a class at a specified time doesn’t fit into your plans, consider checking out downtown Cheboygan’s Creation Station. Sharing the same location as Right Brain Toys, you can find unique gifts and cool activities and games to try, as well as explore one of the many projects they have available, like pottery painting, picture frame decorating, and more. Here’s how it works: Come anytime during business hours, choose your project, and Creation Station staff will set you up with supplies and instructions. For more information, visit creationstationmi.com.

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50 Years of Feeding a Community Oryana

marks five decades in Traverse City

By Kierstin Gunsberg

The year was 1973. A McDonald’s hamburger was just 28 cents, the Vietnam War was heavy on the hearts of young men and their mothers, and David Bowie’s music was blowing minds across the country. It felt to many that the world was on the cusp.

On the cusp too was American food culture, which, like many things in the early ’70s, was shifting gears from the status quo. While sodium-crammed TV dinners and canned veggies had become kitchen staples, a small group of nutrition-conscious northern Michiganders had begun meeting up in a quaint community room called the Blue Flame on the corner of Traverse City’s Front and Union. Together, they’d formed a buyers club where they’d go in on ordering quality ingredients that were often hard to find in what was then small-town TC.

Bulk orders of whole grains, peanut butter, brown rice, whole wheat flour, and even herbs would arrive, shipped up from the newly established People’s Food Coop over 200 miles away in Ann Arbor. And while the club had to shift its pickup locations all over downtown, the volunteers knew that wherever and whenever their goods landed, they’d be tasked with a hasty unload, lugging 50-pound bags of flour by the armful for the club members to then

redistribute amongst themselves.

“We would weigh out what we wanted to buy into [smaller] bags,” recalls one of those original buyers club members, Joan Costley. “I felt it was a wonderful way to help encourage healthy food and less packaging.”

It was also a ton of work, a true labor of love, and, as founding member Jackie Shinners puts it, “an idealistic vision that natural foods were key to living a healthy life.”

The club wasn’t far off in that healthy lifestyle belief though. Health experts and consumers alike eventually discovered what people like Shinners and Costley already knew: a good life is a balance of many things, and wholesome foods are definitely one of them.

Inspiration from Mother Earth

Before long, the club was growing into a full-fledged food co-op where members not only chose which products were offered, but often produced them too. In need of a name for their little operation, Shinners “came across a brief story of the goddess Oryana, also known as Mother Earth, who came to symbolize life-sustaining abundance. I offered the name, and we thought the story was apt and voted to officially become the Oryana Food Cooperative.”

At that time, they couldn’t have known that those big ol’ bags of dry ingredients

would one day be small potatoes compared to the 16,000 pounds of bulk sold monthly by Oryana or the nearly 9,000 pounds of organic apples they moved through the fall of 2022.

Since those earliest days, Oryana has moved locations several times, finally settling into their 10th Street location in 1997, where they established the Lake Street Cafe alongside their beloved breakfast and lunch hot bar. Bulk ingredients are still a mainstay of Oryana, where shoppers can gather up containers full of everything from olive oil and lentils to cricket powder and chamomile flowers.

But the independent grocer is also now a go-to for sustainable home and personal products, locally roasted coffee, and organic meat and produce grown right here in northern Michigan through partnerships with farms like Leelanau’s solar-powered Meadowlark Farm.

“Partnering with Oryana for almost 30 years has been an integral part of our financial health and stability,” says Jennifer Tutlis of Meadowlark, whose farm provides the store with potatoes, green curly kale, sunflower bunches, rainbow cherry tomatoes, and more. “When we first started selling to the co-op, there were two other local farms offering local vegetables. … To see how many farms are now represented on

the shelves at Oryana is wonderful.”

Through their association, Tutlis says Meadowlark has been able to connect with families who qualify for their “solidarity” CSA program, which provides fresh organic fruits and veggies to low-income families.

Finding a Second Home Oryana’s growth looked like it was about to hit its stride in 2015, when their plans to expand into a second location in Acme’s vacant Williamsburg Dinner Theater had east-side members excited for a closer-tohome co-op. Less than a year later though, the plans were halted.

Unlike corporate grocers with a few bosstypes making calls, the co-op model means that every member (you pay a nominal annual amount to be considered one) owns a stake in the business. It also means that the profit margins are a lot smaller, so with Oryana raising less than half of the one million dollars expected through memberowner donations, the board voted to stop the expansion, with those who had donated receiving their money back in full.

Just a few years later though, Oryana competitor Lucky’s Market shuttered its doors in the Buffalo Shopping Complex on Traverse City’s west side, leaving an opportunity for the co-op to (successfully) bid on the property. The acquisition in

Oryana’s first official storefront opened in 1974 on Front Street in downtown TC.

In Oryana’s earliest days, club member Joan Costley grew alfalfa sprouts to sell within the store and to local eateries.

March of 2020 came at a time when general manager Steve Nance acknowledged that looming supply chain issues made local food resources like the ones Oryana works with even more pertinent.

Not Just Surviving, but Thriving

Where some retailers might have had to start fresh rallying a customer base, former Lucky’s shoppers were primed to embrace Oryana West. “I approach shopping there as an experience, not a task,” says Hali McRoberts, one of those former Lucky’sturned-Oryana-West shoppers who says that the calm atmosphere rivals the more commercial experience of shopping at other nearby grocery stores.

McRoberts says that even if she doesn’t shop exclusively at Oryana, they offer things under one roof that other places don’t, like an olive bar and a wide selection of food that meets her dietary needs. As for working the cost that comes with the co-op’s model of locally and sustainably sourced products into her budget: “I shop sales as often as possible. I save my member points for larger purchases, and stack them with Owner Appreciation Month discounts.”

Since Oryana emerged as its first incarnation five decades ago, health foods are no longer hard to find Up North, but customers agree Oryana’s grocery co-op model of community owned and community sourced is still unique in the Grand Traverse

region, one that’s “reducing carbon output, supporting local farmers and keeping me healthier,” says Evan Dalley, who shops for staples for himself and his children at the 10th Street location.

Plus, Dalley says, “It’s 100 percent child friendly. They have the little kid carts that the kids can push themselves. I don’t know of anywhere else that does that. And each kid gets one free piece of fruit to snack on while they’re shopping or for later.”

So—in addition to building in that next generation of shoppers—what’s next for Oryana? Nance alludes to the possibility of a third location to accommodate their growing numbers, but when and where that third location could be is still undetermined. Until then, the co-op is implementing community cooking classes (both virtual and in-person), offering free personal health tours to shoppers looking to change their diet, and exploring the idea of electric vehicle charging stations.

For the founding members of Oryana, looking back at the last 50 years is a way of appreciating how Oryana’s moving forward. Reflecting on the past, Jackie Shinners says, “I’m most proud of the fact that it has not only survived, but grown and thrived due to a willingness to adapt to the needs of the community.”

Learn more at oryana.coop/oryanacelebrates-50-years.

In 2016 Oryana began their Lake Street Cafe expansion, which added much needed seating for noshing on tofu wraps and local beef burgers.

Against the odds in 2020, Oryana West opened its doors. The second location was a successful boost to the co-op's traffic which today totals nearly 3,000 daily shoppers combined between both markets.

Providing Meals—and Hope—in the Face of Crisis

Project Feed the Kids has served over 200,000 free meals to NoMi children in the last three years

By Deb Dent

Tiffany McQueer and her husband, Jason, the owners of J&S Hamburg South in Traverse City, both grew up in poverty.

“I can remember my widowed mother going to food pantries and eating day-old food we would get in huge, black garbage bags,” Tiffany says. “We grew up knowing what it was like to go without.”

But, she adds, despite the difficult situation at home, her mother always found a way to go outside of herself and help the community around her. Even as a child, Tiffany found this very inspiring. “We had a huge garden, [and] she would give out veggies to people in need. We grew up watching her help others even though we didn’t have much.”

Pandemic Origins

The McQueers bought J&S Hamburg South in 2014, building the restaurant up over the next six years. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, they shut down the restaurant and could only offer take-out. Their sales dropped by 80 percent, and they were worried about the business surviving. Tiffany says they needed something else to focus on, something that would help them get through to the other side.

It was at that point that she and Jason started to notice school buses bringing food directly to the doorsteps of local students during the week. “We wondered who was feeding on the weekend, so we wanted to.”

That’s when the idea of Project Feed the Kids was born. The program, which packages free and healthy meals for schoolaged children and families, served as a beautiful way for them to honor the memory of their parents while bringing some muchneeded hope to their community.

On April 1, 2020, Project Feed the Kids was officially launched. With the help of their children and staff, the McQueers packed up 81 meals that first weekend. They would stand outside of the restaurant and hand them out to families who needed lunches for their children. Within an hour, all the meals were completely gone.

“We had so many messages and calls asking if we had more meals. The very next week, we packed 500 meals,” Tiffany says.

Instant Growth

At that time, she didn’t realize how much need there was in the community, or how much the program would grow in just a short amount of time. The McQueers eventually added a cooler outside their restaurant for the meals so people could just come and grab them when it was convenient.

With a heart to help, their youngest child, London, wanted to “feed her friends” in their hometown of Kingsley too. The family started to pack even more lunches and designated a pick-up time at Kingsley Elementary. Soon, they had a second cooler location outside of The Rock of Kingsley Youth Center.

Diane Walton, the founder and executive

director of the center, says that when the cooler gets stocked, there is a considerable increase in traffic with people of all ages stopping by to pick up a free lunch. “The Rock is known for being supportive and working with others, so providing a place for the cooler and the power to keep it operating is something we can do for Project Feed the Kids and our community,” Walton says.

The McQueers were also starting to see

an influx of families in need of meals making the trip into Traverse City from Kalkaska, so they decided to add a third cooler downtown in the Railroad Depot near the National Trout Memorial.

Both the Kingsley and Kalkaska coolers are within walking distance of schools, so the students can walk over and grab their meals themselves. The coolers are open 24/7, and during school breaks and summertime,

Project Feed the Kids now packs

The coolers for Project Feed the Kids hold hundreds of meals for children in multiple northern Michigan communities.

the McQueers are always sure to pack extra meals to keep children fed and help as many families as they possibly can.

A local mom who has benefited from the free food program, who wished to stay anonymous, shared the following with Project Feed the Kids: “When I was trying to leave a rough relationship and had no money, waiting on a EBT card, your cooler; was what fed my son on many occasions and allowed me to save money to leave this toxic environment and get into my own place with my little boy. I cannot even begin to thank you for this.”

Future Opportunities (and Challenges)

Approximately one year after they

packed their first meal, Project Feed the Kids was officially made into a nonprofit. Now, as they reach their third anniversary, they serve approximately 2,000 children a week with the help of partners like GoGo Squeez, Costco, and Maxbauer Meat Market. The McQueers and their volunteers have prepared more than 200,000 meals since the start of the program.

“We started with one single-door cooler, now we have three big coolers, working on our fourth and fifth cooler in Benzie and Buckley. And with a brand-new distribution center [and] storefront this year, we are growing very quickly,” Tiffany says.

The lunch bags consist of four items:

a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a juice drink, a bag of pretzels or chips, and a GoGo Squeez applesauce or a piece of fruit. The food, along with the bags the meals get packed in, equates to about 10,000 items per week to make the service a reality.

Tiffany shares that each meal costs about $2.50 to produce, but with the rising cost of food lately, she notes that it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the demand, especially as more families need help from Project Feed the Kids. To help offset the costs, the McQueers host a variety of events throughout the year to raise money for the program, including an adult prom, a spring carnival, and a pig roast in the fall.

Project Feed the Kids is also dependent on volunteers to help them pack the lunches up each week. Nancy Walton, along with her husband Kent, are two such volunteers. They were so impressed with the mission of the program that they offered to participate in the weekly Thursday morning gatherings and help prepare the bagged meals.

“It’s an amazing ministry of love,” Nancy says. “Without Tiffany and Jason’s vision, these children [and] families would be hard pressed to support their grocery and nutritional needs. What a gift they are to our community.”

Learn more about the nonprofit at facebook. com/projectfeedthekids2021.

Less than a year later, in March 2023, Project Feed the Kids hit the 200,000 meals milestone.

Project Feed the Kids packaged their 100,000th meal in June of 2022.

By Craig Manning

Chris Roxburgh is northern Michigan’s Aquaman.

While you might not immediately recognize his name, you’ve probably seen Roxburgh’s photography, spotted his book on the shelves of a local bookstore, seen him on TV, heard him on the radio, or read his quotes in a newspaper article. In the past five years, Roxburgh has built a reputation locally and around the state for finding and photographing some of the most mindblowing underwater sites throughout the Great Lakes, from shipwrecks to longsubmerged automobiles.

But how did this nautical explorer become one of Michigan’s go-to underwater authorities, what are his most treasured accomplishments, and what’s still on his diving bucket list? Northern Express sat down with Roxburgh to get the answers to these questions and more.

The Origin Story

“I grew up in Leelanau County, so I’ve been swimming in Lake Michigan since I was five years old,” Roxburgh says. “But it wasn’t until five or six years ago that I really learned about how many shipwrecks we have around here. And then I knew I wanted to start diving.”

Up North Aquaman

Chris Roxburgh takes on deep-lake dives to give the rest of us a glimpse at

The spark of inspiration came one winter day when Roxburgh was out paddleboarding off the shores of Northport with a friend. Suddenly, without even trying to, the two found themselves gliding over a shipwreck. The shallow-water wreck, later identified as the George Rogers, had sunk in 1914, but had for years eluded local shipwreck enthusiasts because it was closer to shore than anyone anticipated.

A week later, Roxburgh went back to the site with a wetsuit and a GoPro. He wasn’t certified at the time as a scuba diver, but he still spent enough time in the 34-degree water to capture the first photographs and video ever taken of the long-forgotten tugboat. When he posted those assets on Facebook, they got a huge response from the local community. Between the thrill of finding the wreck and the dopamine rush of the social media engagement—not to mention the beguiling excitement of the dive itself—Roxburgh knew instantly that he’d just found a new passion.

“That first wreck inspired me to get certified for scuba diving and started the path to where I am today,” Roxburgh says. “And I found I was a natural at it. I was diving 200-foot deep wrecks within two years, which is not very common for people to do. Most new divers take years to get deeper.”

The Hero’s Journey

Since that first dive, Roxburgh has become a bona-fide underwater expert, with dozens of dives under his belt and a whole lot of photographic and video evidence to tell the tale. In fact, it’s Roxburgh’s knack for capturing the look and feel of underwater wonders that has proven to be his biggest superpower—perhaps more so even than his natural talent for diving.

“My first three dives [as a certified scuba diver], I made the news,” he recalls. First, shots he captured of an underwater sinkhole in West Grand Traverse Bay landed him a series of guest spots on local TV and news talk radio shows throughout northern Michigan. Everyone wanted to hear his story.

On his second dive, Roxburgh hit upon what would linger as one of his greatest claims to fame: Photographing a submerged, zebra-mussel-covered 1979 Ford Pinto in the waters of Old Mission Bay, off Haserot Beach. That discovery, quickly dubbed the “mussel car” as it went viral on social media, caught the attention of MLive, Detroit Free Press, Autoweek, and other major publications throughout Michigan and beyond.

Roxburgh’s third dive was a freediving session out near Power Island, where he

“came across the Great Lakes Stone Circle.” That landmark is essentially an underwater Stonehenge—a series of stones organized in a circle some 40 feet beneath the surface and thought to be at least 10 millennia old. One of the stones even has a carving of what appears to be mastodon, the elephant-like species that went extinct approximately 10,000 years ago. The site was first discovered in 2007 by Mark Holley, a professor at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), but Holley didn’t disclose the location. Roxburgh “re-found” the landmark and got another feature in the Detroit Free Press for his trouble, plus a chance to be involved in a History Channel show.

Coverage for Roxburgh, his adventures, and his photography have continued to reach far beyond northern Michigan in the years since. In 2021, Roxburgh was spotlighted in an article published by Outside magazine, focused on the role that he and other scuba divers play in locating and cleaning up submerged plastics and other trash. And in January, he appeared in Smithsonian Magazine in a story about the Keuka, a lumber barge turned “floating speakeasy” that sank in Lake Charlevoix in August 1932.

In 2020, Roxburgh also published a book of his photographs, titled Leelanau Underwater: Exploring Shipwrecks in Leelanau County and the Manitou Passage.

what’s beneath the waves

Divers circle the Cornelia B. Windiate, a schooner that sank near Presque Isle in 1875.

When asked to name his favorite dives, Roxburgh quickly rattles off three, all in the waters of Lake Huron off the shores of Presque Isle. Each of those dives explored a major shipwreck—the SS Florida, the Cornelia B. Windiate, and the Kyle Spangler, respectively—and all three took Roxburgh 200 feet or deeper beneath the surface.

“Those wrecks are just really unique and beautiful,” Roxburgh says. “The SS Florida, for instance, was the second largest wooden freighter ever built in her time, measuring 270 feet long, and then she was in a collision

in 1897 with the George B. Roby, which was the largest wooden freighter. So, we can imagine how big of an accident that would have been; just these huge, huge freighters smashing into each other. And then I also love diving old schooners like the Kyle Spangler, which still has both masts standing with the crosstrees in place.”

The Next Adventure For a diver like Roxburgh, the story is never over. Instead, there’s just the next dive, and the one after that. Fittingly, he’s got a

checklist on his computer where he keeps track of wrecks and other sites he still wants to dive, a fair few of which he’s planning to hit this year.

A big item on the to-do list is a return trip to Presque Isle, where Roxburgh plans to dive the wreck of the SS Ohio. That 200-foot wooden freighter sank in over 200 feet of water after a collision in September of 1894, but wasn’t found until 2017.

Also on the agenda for the year are dives of the steamer Uganda, which sank in the Straits of Mackinac in 1913; and the USCGC

Mesquite, a steel United States Coast Guard vessel that served in the Pacific during World War II before being assigned to the Great Lakes and ultimately ran aground and sunk in Lake Superior in 1989, not far from the Keweenaw Peninsula.

But naming a few bucket list dives isn’t easy for someone like Roxburgh, who would probably dive every shipwreck in the Great Lakes if he could just find the time.

“There are a lot of wrecks on the list,” Roxburgh says with a laugh. “I’ll probably dive 40 shipwrecks this year.”

The so-called "mussel car," a Ford Pinto found in the waters of Grand Traverse Bay.

Another look at the SS Florida, this time from the bow. The Keuka was a barge turned "floating speakeasy" that sank in 1932 in Lake Charlevoix.

The SS Florida, a package freighter that sank near Presque Isle in 1897 after a collision with another freighter that cut the Florida nearly in half.

lOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Sometimes, I give you suggestions that may, if you carry them out, jostle your routines and fluster your allies. But after trying out the new approaches for a short time, you may chicken out and revert to old habits. That’s understandable! It can be difficult to change your life. Here’s an example. What if I encourage you to cancel your appointments and wander out into the wilderness to discuss your dreams with the birds? And what if, during your adventure, you are flooded with exhilarating yearnings for freedom? And then you decide to divest yourself of desires that other people want you to have and instead revive and give boosts to desires that you want yourself to have? Will you actually follow through with brave practical actions that transform your relationship with your deepest longings?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If there will ever come a time when you will find a gold bullion bar on the ground while strolling around town, it will be soon. Similarly, if you are destined to buy a winning $10 million lottery ticket or inherit a diamond mine in Botswana, that blessing will arrive soon. APRIL FOOL! I was exaggerating a bit. The truth is, I suspect you are now extra likely to attract new resources and benefits, though not on the scale of gold bullion, lottery winnings, and diamond mines.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Do you have a muse, Libra? In my opinion, all of us need and deserve at least one muse, even if we’re not creative artists. A muse can be a spirit or hero or ally who inspires us, no matter what work and play we do. A muse may call our attention to important truths we are ignoring or point us in the direction of exciting future possibilities. According to my astrological analysis, you are now due for a muse upgrade. If you don’t have one, get one—or even more. If you already have a relationship with a muse, ask more from it. Nurture it. Take it to the next level.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Dear Valued

Employee: Our records show you haven't used any vacation time over the past 100 years. As you may know, workers get three weeks of paid leave per year or else receive pay in lieu of time off. One added week is granted for every five years of service. So please, sometime soon, either take 9,400 days off work or notify our office, and your next paycheck will reflect payment of $8,277,432, including pay and interest for the past 1,200 months. APRIL FOOL! Everything I just said was an exaggeration. But there is a grain of truth in it. The coming weeks should bring you a nice surprise or two concerning your job.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Sagittarian poet and artist William Blake (1757–1827) was a hard-working visionary prophet with an extravagant imagination. His contemporaries considered him a freaky eccentric, though today we regard him as a genius. I invite you to enjoy your own personal version of a Blake-like phase in the coming weeks. It's a perfect time to dynamically explore your idiosyncratic inclinations and creative potentials. Be bold, even brazen, as you celebrate what makes you unique. BUT WAIT! Although everything I just said is true, must add a caveat: You don’t necessarily need to be a freaky eccentric to honor your deepest, most authentic truths and longings.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Some of my friends disapprove of cosmetic surgery. I remind them that many cultures throughout history have engaged in body modification. In parts of Africa and Borneo, for example, people stretch their ears. Some Balinese people get their teeth filed. Women of the Indigenous Kyan people in Thailand elongate their necks using brass coils. Anyway, Capricorn, this is my way of letting you know that the coming weeks would be a favorable time to change your body. APRIL FOOL! It’s not my place to advise you about whether and how to reshape your body. Instead, my job is to encourage you to deepen and refine how your mind understands and treats your body. And now is an excellent time to do that.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I invite you to make a big change. believe it’s crucial if you hope to place yourself in maximum alignment with current cosmic rhythms. Here's my idea: Start calling yourself by the name "Genius." You could even use it instead of the first name you have

lOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries-born René Descartes (1596–1650) was instrumental in the development of modern science and philosophy. His famous motto, "I think, therefore I am" is an assertion that the analytical component of intelligence is primary and foremost. And yet, few history books mention the supernatural intervention that was pivotal in his evolution as a supreme rationalist. On the night of November 10, 1619, he had three mystical dreams that changed his life, revealing the contours of the quest to discern the "miraculous science" that would occupy him for the next 30 years. I suspect you are in store for a comparable experience or two, Aries. Brilliant ideas and marvelous solutions to your dilemmas will visit you as you bask in altered states of awareness.

used all these years. Tell everyone that from now on, they should address you as "Genius." APRIL FOOL! I don't really think you should make the switch to Genius. But do believe you will be extra smart and ultra-wise in the coming weeks, so it wouldn't be totally outrageous to refer to yourself as "Genius."

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your body comprises 30 trillion human cells and 39 trillion microbial cells, including the bacteria that live within you. And in my astrological estimation, those 69 trillion life forms are vibrating in sweet harmony with all the money in the world. Amazing! Because of this remarkable alignment, you now have the potential to get richer quicker. Good economic luck is swirling in your vicinity. Brilliant financial intuitions are likely to well up in you. The Money God is far more amenable than usual to your prayers. APRIL FOOL! I was exaggerating a bit. But do believe you now have extra ability to prime your cash flow.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You have done all you can for now to resolve and expunge stale, messy karma—some of which was left over from the old days and old ways. There may come a time in the future when you will have more cleansing to do, but you have now earned the right to be as free from your past and as free from your conditioning as you have ever been. APRIL FOOL! I lied. In fact, you still need to spend a bit more time resolving and expunging stale, messy karma. But you’re almost done!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Businessman

Robert Bigelow hopes to eventually begin renting luxurious rooms in space. For $1.7 million per night, travelers will enjoy accommodations he provides on his orbiting hotel, 200 miles above the Earth's surface. Are you interested? I bet more Geminis will be signing up for this exotic trip than any other sign. You're likely to be the journeyers most excited by the prospect of sailing along at 17,000 miles per hour and witnessing 16 sunsets and sunrises every 24 hours. APRIL FOOL! In fact, you Geminis are quite capable of getting the extreme variety you crave and need right here on the planet’s surface. And during the coming weeks, you will be even more skilled than usual at doing just that.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to become the overlord of your own fiefdom, or seize control of a new territory and declare yourself chieftain, or overthrow the local hierarchy and install yourself as the sovereign ruler of all you survey. APRIL FOOL! I was metaphorically exaggerating a bit—but just a bit. do in fact believe now is an excellent phase to increase your clout, boost your influence, and express your leadership. Be as kind you can be, of course, but also be rousingly mighty and fervent.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In his poem "The Something," Charles Simic writes, "Here come my night thoughts on crutches, returning from studying the heavens. What they thought about stayed the same. Stayed immense and incomprehensible." According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you Leos will have much the same experience in the coming weeks. So there’s no use in even hoping or trying to expand your vision. APRIL FOOL! I lied. The truth is, you will not have Simic's experience. Just the opposite. When your night thoughts return from studying the heavens, they will be full of exuberant, inspiring energy. (And what exactly are “night thoughts?" They are bright insights you discover in the darkness.)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Supreme Deity in charge of the world may not be Jehovah or Allah or Brahman or Jesus's Dad. There's a good chance it's actually Mammon, the God of Money. The devoted worship that humans offer to Mammon far surpasses the loyalty offered to all the other gods combined. His values and commandments rule civilization. I bring this to your attention, Virgo, because now is an excellent time for you to deliver extra intense prayers to Mammon. From what I can determine, this powerful Lord of Lords is far more likely to favor you than usual. (PS: I'm only half-kidding. I really do believe your financial luck will be a peak in the coming weeks.)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It's an excellent time to give up depleted, used-up obsessions so you have plenty of room to embrace fresh, juicy passions. I hope you will take advantage of the cosmic help that's available as you try this fun experiment. You will get in touch with previously untapped resources as you wind down your attachments to old pleasures that have dissipated. You will activate dormant reserves of energy as you phase out connections that take more than they give.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): "The best revenge is not to be like your enemy," said ancient Roman philosopher Marcus Aurelius. I'm tempted to advise every Scorpio to get a tattoo of that motto. As fun as it may initially feel to retaliate against those who have crossed you, it rarely generates much redemptive grace or glorious rebirth, which are key Scorpio birthrights. I believe these thoughts should be prime meditations for you in the coming weeks.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Sometimes love can be boring. We may become overly accustomed to feeling affection and tenderness for a special person or animal. What blazed like a fiery fountain in the early stages of our attraction might have subsided into a routine sensation of mild fondness. But here's the good news, Sagittarius: Even if you have been ensconced in bland sweetness, suspect you will soon transition into a phase of enhanced zeal. Are you ready to be immersed in a luscious lusty bloom of heartful yearning and adventure?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): What shall we call this latest chapter of your life story? How about "Stealthy Triumph over Lonely Fear" or maybe "Creating Rapport with the Holy Darkness." Other choices might be "As Far Down into the Wild Rich Depths That I Dare to Go" or "My Roots Are Stronger and Deeper Than I Ever Imagined." Congratulations on this quiet but amazing work you've been attending to. Some other possible descriptors: "I Didn't Have to Slay the Dragon Because I Figured Out How to Harness It" or "The Unexpected Wealth I Discovered Amidst the Confusing Chaos."

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It's sway-swirlswivel time for you, Aquarius—a phase when you will be wise to gyrate and rollick and zigzag. This is a bouncy, shimmering interlude that will hopefully clean and clear your mind as it provides you with an abundance of reasons to utter "whee!" and "yahoo!" and "hooray!" My advice: Don't expect the straightand-narrow version of anything. Be sure you get more than minimal doses of twirling and swooping and cavorting. Your brain needs to be teased and tickled, and your heart requires regular encounters with improvised fun.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): When I was growing up in suburban America, way back in the 20th century, many adults told me that I was wrong and bad to grow my hair really long. Really! It's hard to believe now, but I endured ongoing assaults of criticism, ridicule, and threats because of how I shaped my physical appearance. Teachers, relatives, baseball coaches, neighbors, strangers in the grocery store—literally hundreds of people—warned me that sporting a big head of hair would cause the whole world to be prejudiced against me and sabotage my success. Decades later, can safely say that all those critics were resoundingly wrong. My hair is still long, has always been so, and my ability to live the life I love has not been obstructed by it in the least. Telling you this story is my way of encouraging you to keep being who are really are, even in the face of people telling you that's not who you really are. The astrological omens say it's time for you to take a stand.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The dirty work is becoming milder and easier. It's still a bit dirty, but is growing progressively more rewarding. The command to "adjust, adjust, and adjust some more, you beast of burden" is giving way to "refine, refine, and refine some more, you beautiful animal." At this pivotal moment, it's crucial to remain consummately conscientious. If you stay in close touch with your shadowy side, it'll never commandeer more than ten percent of your total personality. In other words, a small amount of healthy distrust for your own motives will keep you trustworthy. (PS: Groaning and grousing, if done in righteous and constructive causes, will continue to be good therapy for now.)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): "‘Tis the good reader that makes the good book," wrote Gemini philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. “In every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakably meant for his ear." In the coming weeks, a similar principle will apply to everything you encounter, Gemini—not just books. You will find rich meaning and entertainment wherever you go. From seemingly ordinary experiences, you’ll notice and pluck clues that will be wildly useful for you personally. For inspiration, read this quote from author Sam Keen: "Enter each day with the expectation that the happenings of the day may contain a clandestine message addressed to you personally. Expect omens, epiphanies, casual blessings, and teachers who unknowingly speak to your condition."

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Traditional astrologers don't regard the planet Mars as being a natural ally of you Crabs. But suspect you will enjoy an invigorating relationship with the red planet during the next seven weeks. For best results, tap into its rigorous vigor in the following ways:

1. Gather new wisdom about how to fight tenderly and fiercely for what's yours.

2. Refine and energize your ambitions so they become more ingenious and beautiful.

3. Find out more about how to provide your physical body with exactly what it needs to be strong and lively on an ongoing basis. 4. Mediate on how to activate an increase in your willpower.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I won't ask you to start heading back toward your comfort zone yet, Leo. I'd love to see you keep wandering out in the frontiers for a while longer. It's healthy and wise to be extra fanciful, improvisatory, and imaginative. The more rigorous and daring your experiments, the better. Possible bonus: If you are willing to question at least some of your fixed opinions and dogmatic beliefs, you could very well outgrow the part of the Old You that has finished its mission.

saturday

EARLY SPRING BIRD WALK: 9am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Find out who the first birds to show up in the spring are. Walk with an experienced birder. Pre-register. $5/person. grassriver.org

I SEE YOU NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIST

EXPERIENCE: Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. GLCM is presenting a 4th installation to the new, multi-sensory, Anishinaabeg Art Experience. Two sessions will be offered in celebration of the Spring Equinox: 9:3011:30am & 12-2pm. The artist, ishKode’s will share their evolution as an artist, including music & film from child to youth to adult. Free with Museum admission; reservations highly recommended. greatlakeskids.org

INSPIRATION DAY: 10am, InterQuilten, TC. Quilting & sewing inspirations shared at InterQuilten’s Inspiration Day. Demonstrations, discounts, show-n-tell. Free for newcomers. Call to reserve your seat: 922-6766. Free. interquilten.com

OPEN STUDIO: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in for arts & crafts activities for the whole family. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-petoskey/open-studio-march-25

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE

THEATRE: The State Theatre, TC. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” “Dunkirk The Dark Knight.” See website for full schedule. Free movies all day. stateandbijou.org

STORYTIME WITH A PARK RANGER: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center, Empire. Join park rangers inside the auditorium at the Visitor Center. 10-10:30am: Younger children can learn about “The Legend of the Beaver’s Tail” & “Build a Beaver.” 10:45-11:30am: Older children will hear a story about the importance of the Great Lakes, & take part in an activity demonstrating water usage. Free, but must have a park entrance pass or annual pass. For questions, call 231-326-4700, ext. 5010. ----------------------

31ST ANNUAL MARVAC RV & CAMPING

SHOW: 11am-8pm, GT County Civic Center, TC. Cherry Capital RV is showcasing some of their most popular units. Includes motorhomes, teardrops, travel trailers, 5th wheels & more.

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RETRO DAY: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Show off your retro gear! The best dressed male & female will win a Crystal Mountain Swag Bag. Meet at the DJ tent on the Crystal Center patio at 2pm. DJ CDX will also be throwing it back to your retro favorites. Take part in the On-Slope Scavenger Hunt & Parking Lot Party (meet in Lot H between the Lodge & Crystal Center) for lawn games, dancing & more from 12-4pm. crystalmountain.com/event/retro-weekend

SATURDAYS AT THE LAKESHORE: 1pm, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center, Empire. Discover new areas of the National Lakeshore by joining park rangers on a guided hike to some of their favorite places. Meet at the Visitor Center for an intro, & then car caravan a short distance to begin the hike. Dress for the weather for this 1.5-2 hr. hike. The distance will be about 2.5 miles on mostly flat trails. Free, but must have a park entrance pass or annual pass. For questions, call 231-326-4700, ext. 5010.

DUNE FORMATION POP-UP PROGRAM: 1-3pm, Dune Center, 6748 S. Dune Highway, Glen Arbor. Pop in to learn about how

the dunes were formed. A ranger will guide you through interactive activities. Free, but must have a park entrance pass or annual pass. For questions, call 231-326-4700, ext. 5010.

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COMEDIAN DUSTY SLAY: 7:30pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Seen on the Netflix comedy series The Standups, The Tonight Show w/ Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, & Comedy Central. Stand-up comedian Dusty Slay grew up poor on Lot 8 of a mobile home neighborhood in Opelika, Alabama, with a love for classic country & rock & a career history peppered with jobs like waiting tables & selling pesticides. $25, $35. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/dusty-slay

COMEDY W/ STEWART HUFF: 7:308:45pm, Traverse City Comedy Club, TC. Enjoy this storyteller at heart, who brings his clever material & personal wit. Huff was a finalist in the 2006 Boston Comedy Festival & the 2016 Critics Choice of the Best Comedy at the Orlando Fringe Festival. $25-$30. mynorthtickets.com/events/comedy-wstewart-huff-3-24-2023

NEIL DIAMOND LEGACY: 7:30pm, The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee. This tribute show celebrates Neil Diamond’s extraordinary career with a concert with insights to both the music & the man. Not an imitation but a celebration of this artistry with vocalists & an all-star live band playing all the big hits. $30. ramsdelltheatre.org

NEWBERRY & VERCH: 8-10pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Incorporating traditions of home & hearth (his Missouri Ozarks & her Ottawa Valley of Canada) in their music, Joe Newberry & April Verch have also toured across North America, Europe, & the U.K. Their CD “Going Home” was released to wide acclaim. $20-$30. simpletix.com/e/newberry-verchtickets-112521

sunday

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE THEATRE: The State Theatre, TC. “The Sea Beast,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Slaughterhouse 5.” See website for full schedule. Free movies all day. stateandbijou.org ----------------------

31ST ANNUAL MARVAC RV & CAMPING

SHOW: 11am-5pm, GT County Civic Center, TC. Cherry Capital RV is showcasing some of their most popular units. Includes motorhomes, teardrops, travel trailers, 5th wheels & more. ----------------------

ARTIST TALK: 12:30pm, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Join Nik Burkhart & Marti LiddleLameti, the artists represented in the exhibition “Reverberations” currently on view, for a discussion on their work. Free. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org ----------------------

WOMEN’S ULTIMATE FRISBEE WORKSHOP: 2-4pm, Eastern Elementary School, TC. Learn how to throw, offense & defense movement, spirit of the game, & general rules. Free. facebook.com/TraverseCityUltimate monday

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE THEATRE: Free movies all day at The State Theatre, TC. “Sing 2,” “Singing in the Rain,” “LaLa Land.” See website for full schedule. stateandbijou.org

The Cadillac Pop Culture Convention will be held at the Wexford Civic Arena, Cadillac on Sat., April 1 with doors opening at 11am. Visitors can get their pictures with a variety of cosplay groups such as Great Lakes Garrison, Mandalorian Mercs, the Cherryland Ghostbusters and the USS Septarian. Featuring more than 30 northern Michigan vendors. Play tabletop and card games with tournaments hosted by Wargames North. Free. facebook.com/ CadillacPopCultureCon

WHERE DO I START?: 6:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Alison LeJeune, professional organizer, demonstrates ways to manage space in any size home. 231223-7700. Free.

Tuesday

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE THEATRE: Free movies all day at The State Theatre, TC. “The Addams Family,” “The Shining,” “Get Out.” See website for full schedule. stateandbijou.org

PIPING UP FOR THE PLOVERS: 11am, Cannery, Glen Haven. Join in a guided beach walk to learn about these unique birds. During the beach walk, see the nesting grounds of the piping plovers & learn how to help protect them. Dress for the weather & plan to spend an hour outside & walk .5 miles in the sand. Free, but must have a park entrance pass or annual pass. For questions, call 231326-4700, ext. 5010.

GREAT DECISIONS DISCUSSION GROUP:

1:30pm, Leelanau Township Library, Northport. 2023 Great Decisions with the Foreign Policy Association. Pick up a briefing book at the library & join for a deep dive into foreign affairs. leelanautownshiplibrary.org/

DISABILITY NETWORK NORTHERN

MICHIGAN WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP:

12-1pm, TC Disability Network office, 415 E. Eighth St., TC. Topics that will be focused on are healthy boundaries/relationships, stress management & frustrations. Free. disabilitynetwork.org/events/womens-groupmarch-meetings

REMOTE WORKERS MEETUP: 5-7pm, El

Patron Grill, Gaylord. There will be brief introductions before social hour. Everyone will cover their own food/beverage bill. meetup. com/nmiremote/events/lfhrbtyfcfblc

wednesday

GLCL DIGITAL DEMO: 6pm, Kasson Township Hall, Maple City. The Glen Lake Library will host a tour of their various digital collections. The demonstration will cover the resources available via the library’s website, glenlakelibrary.net; the Michigan Electronic Library, or MeL; electronic books & audiobooks from the Up North Digital Collection; Kanopy streaming video; Transparent Language; & more. 231326-5361. ----------------------

STORYTIME WITH A PARK RANGER: (See Sat., March 25)

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE THEATRE: Free movies all day at The State Theatre, TC. “Shaun the Sheep Movie,” “Parasite,” “V for Vendetta.” See website for full schedule. stateandbijou.org

thursday

ADULT COLORING PARTY: 5-7pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Friends of PCL host an evening of wining, dining & signing your masterpieces. Admission is a wish list item from the Budding Artist’s Tree in the PCL lobby. 231-223-7700.

PIPING UP FOR THE PLOVERS: (See Tues., March 28)

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE THEATRE: Free movies all day at The State Theatre, TC. “Shaun the Sheep Movie,” “The Lego Movie,” “The Batman.” See website for full schedule. stateandbijou.org

friday SELF-GUIDED LANTERN LIT HIKE: 6-8pm, Kids Creek Park, TC. Grand Traverse Conservation District staff will greet you with hot cocoa before you explore this natural area. Meet at the trailhead between Kohl’s & Michael’s. Register. Free. natureiscalling. org/events/self-guided-lantern-lit-hike-atkids-creek-park-1

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STORYTIME WITH A PARK RANGER: (See Sat., March 25)

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COMEDY W/ ROB JENKINS: 7:45-9:15pm, Traverse City Comedy Club, TC. Rob is known for his quick wit & sharp words. A Detroit native & resident of Lansing, he has performed at the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, & Laughfest where he was a participant in the Best of the Midwest Comedy Competition. $25-$30. traversecitycomedyclub.com

saturday

SATURDAYS AT THE LAKESHORE: (See Sat., March 25)

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DUNE FORMATION POPUP PROGRAM: (See Sat., March 25)

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SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE THEATRE: 10am, The State Theatre, TC. “Curious George.” See website for full schedule. stateandbijou.org

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ART IN THE CASTLE: 11am-5pm, Castle Farms, Charlevoix. A juried fine art fair featuring award winning artists from the Midwest. There will also be live music by Vickie Dischler & Randy Lear. $5 admission. Wine & food available for purchase. artinthecastle.com

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CADILLAC POP CULTURE CONVENTION: 11am, Wexford Civic Center, Cadillac. Visitors can get their pictures with a variety of cosplay groups such as Great Lakes Garrison, Mandalorian Mercs, the Cherryland Ghostbusters and the USS Septarian. Featuring more than 30 northern Michigan vendors. Play tabletop & card games with tournaments hosted by Wargames North. Free. facebook.com/CadillacPopCultureCon

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BOWLING DOWN MAIN STREET: 12-2pm, intersection of State & Main streets, Harbor Springs. Get a free hot chocolate & donut for the kids at Johan’s; Northern Lights Recreation will give away a free bowling card to all participants; Rocking Horse Toy Co. will give away a freebie; & Harbor Ice Cream Soup & Sandwiches will have free ice cream for all kids.

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AUTHOR KENT WILCOX: 1-3pm, Cadillac Wexford Public Library. This author of “The Lost History of Washington and Lee: New Discoveries” will discuss the challenges of researching & writing a non-fiction history book & his own story behind the story. Ages: Adult & teens 14+. Free. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/upcoming-programs

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“DISNEY’S FROZEN KIDS”: 2pm & 5pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Presented by the Young Company. Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven, & all of your favorite characters as they embark on an ice-filled journey of self-discovery,

camaraderie, & the real meaning of true love. oldtownplayhouse.com/calendar -------------------

GOOD ON PAPER COMEDY IMPROV:

7-8:30pm, Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay. This six-person group has been turning audience suggestions into completely improvised comedy scenes for over ten years. Every show is brand new. $15-$31. mynorthtickets. com/events/good-on-paper-comedy-improvat-black-star-farms-4-1-2023

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

BLISSFEST PRESENTS: TRADITIONAL COUNTRY DANCES: 7:30-10pm, LittlefieldAlanson Community Building, Alanson. All dances will be taught & Traditional County Dances include Contras, Squares, & Waltzes. Today is “Harbor HoeDown” with caller Larry Dyer. $7/person; $10/couple; $15/family.

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

COMEDY W/ ROB JENKINS: (See Fri., March 31, except today’s time is 7:30-9pm.)

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

RALPH VOTAPEK, PIANO: 7:30pm, Historic Barns Park, Cathedral Barn, TC. The TSO welcomes living legend of the piano & Michigan Grand Dean of piano teaching, Ralph Votapek, for a solo concert. $45.50. traversesymphony.org/concert/ralph-votapek

sunday

PARADISE EMERGENCY SERVICES PANCAKE BREAKFAST: 8am-2pm, Kingsley Area High School. Pancakes, butter, maple syrup, sausage, eggs, pie, coffee & milk. All proceeds will go to the Paradise Emergency Services Auxiliary for help with funding new equipment. $5/person; $15/family. fb.me/e/3ichKFYoC --------------------

ART IN THE CASTLE: (See Sat., April 1) ------------------

GARDENING BASICS: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Nate Walton, Consumer Horticulture Educator from MSU Extension will talk about gardening basics. After the program, grab some seeds from the Seed Library & get started on your garden. Free. tadl.org/gardening

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

RALPH VOTAPEK, PIANO: (See Sat., April 1, except today’s time is 3pm.)

monday

TCNEWTECH PITCH & NETWORKING EVENT: City Opera House, TC. Select startups will be allowed 5 minutes to present their pitch & 5 minutes of questions & answers from the audience. The audience is made up of technology-minded people. Cash bar & networking at 5:30pm; investor pitches at 6pm; & winners announced at 7pm. tcnewtech.org

tuesday

COFFEE & CONVERSATION AT THE CHAMBER: 8-10am, Harbor Springs Area Chamber office, 118 E. Main St., Harbor Springs. Enjoy conversation & connections with chamber staff & other members. Free.

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

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library. Stories, songs, & active fun. Free. sbbdl.org

thursday

OFF THE WALL MOVIE NIGHT & POTLUCK: Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Potluck dinner, 6pm; movie, 7pm. Call 231-331-4318 for movie details & to sign up for the potluck. Free.

PERCUSSION CONCERT: PADDLE TO THE SEA: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Presented by the Interlochen Arts Academy percussion students. $15 adult; $12 child through college. interlochen.org/events/percussionconcert-paddle-to-sea-2023-04-06

friday

FIRST FRIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN CHARLEVOIX: 4-8pm, Downtown Charlevoix. Happening the First Friday of each month from February through May. Enjoy a cocktail trail, shopping, & fun ac tivities. You could also win Downtown Dol lar Gift Cards for coming out for the events. Free. downtowncharlevoix.com/first-fridays

nifer Campbell. Coffee courtesy of Cuppa Joe TC. Free. tadl.org/event/coffee-copnobo-style

DOWNTOWN BUNNY HOP SCAVENGER

HUNT & STORY TIME: 10am-noon, Downtown TC businesses & Horizon Books, TC. Kids will be provided a card full of fun items to find around participating businesses downtown. Each business will be provided with stickers to give to kids who find an item on their list. Once completed, kids can turn the card in at the front of Horizon Books for a chance to win the “Downtown Easter Basket” with Downtown TC business goodies. There will also be story time at Horizon Books with the mayor from 12-1pm. Free.

EAST JORDAN LIONS CLUB EASTER FUN & GAMES: 10am, East Jordan Elementary gym. Games, candy & prizes. Only school age children 5-12 can receive prizes. Children under 5 can still participate in games & receive candy. The Easter Bunny will be there too.

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

FRANKFORT EASTER EGG HUNT: 10am, Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort. Hunt for

Thursday July 27 | 7:30

DRINKS, DESSERT, AND DISCUSSION

Wednesday August 2 | 7:30

THE FOUNDERS VOCAL CONCERT

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

A Festival Introduction

Robert Nordling, host

AN EVENING WITH ANDY BENINGO: 7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Presented by Little Traverse Civic Theater. Beningo is hailed for his clean & “every man” style, & has performed for Fortune 500 com panies, on cruise lines, & in some of the top comedy clubs in the country. He has been named one of the 40 Best Up and Coming Comedians in the country. $25 adults; $20 students. ltct.org/andy-beningo

Classical Music

ON ISLAND TIME

Saturday July 29 | 7:30

OPENING NIGHT

BENEFIT

Ying Li, solo piano

Monday July 31 | 4:00

BRASS ON THE GRASS

Popular Favorites with the Metallurgy Brass Quintet

Monday July 31 | 7:30

NEW AND NEXT

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

Contemporary Classical

2023

JULY 27 - AUGUST 5

Programs and artists subject to change.

Presented by

10am-noon, Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC. Stop by for

The Festival Chorus

Kevin Simons, conductor

Thursday August 3 | 2:00

CHAMBER MUSIC

AL FRESCO

Light Classics with the Donegal Bay Woodwind Quintet

Thursday August 3 | 7:30

MOZART ONLY

Overture, Don Giovanni; Piano

Concerto No. 20; Symphony No. 40

Meet the People Behind the Stories. Featuring David Zeman, Pulitzer Prize winning editor from Bridge magazine; lian Manning, editor of the Northern Express;

The Festival Orchestra - Robert Nordling, conductor; Ying Li, piano

Friday August 4 | 2:00

Robert Nordling, guide

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG: Old Town Playhouse, TC. Cornley University Drama Society’s newest play, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” a 1920s murder mys tery, where things are about to quickly go from bad to utterly disastrous. With an un conscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, & actors who trip over everything (including their lines), these accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call. Adults, $28; youth under 18, $15 (plus fees). oldtown playhouse.com/performances/mainstage/ the-play-that-goes-wrong.html

Tuesday August 1 | 7:30

CHAMBER MUSIC WATERSIDE

Music of Bach, Coleridge

Taylor, Joplin

Wednesday August 2 | 3:00

THE ST JAMES JAZZ

ENSEMBLE

KIDS IN CONCERT!

The Dorothy Gerber Strings Program

David Reimer, director

Saturday August 5 | 7:30

BAROQUE, NATURALLY

Beethoven Symphony No. 6; Vaughan-Williams “Flos Campi”

er, editor of the Glen Arbor Sun. Ed Ronco, news director at Interlochen Public Radio, WN_XesWkDOwQyOo4TuBpLOZEQ Free.

Happy Hour Jazz Standards

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

COMEDY W/ BOB ZANY: 7:45-9:15pm, Traverse City Comedy Club, TC. Bob has appeared on over a thousand national TV shows. He can currently be seen on Showtime in Billy Gardell’s Road Dogs. His film credits include Joe Dirt with David Spade & Stephen Soderberg’s The Informant playing Matt Damon’s attorney. $30-$35. mynorthtickets.com/events/comedy-wbobzany-4-7-2023

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

COMEDIAN DAVE LANDAU WSG DEREK

RICHARDS: 8pm, City Opera House, TC. Dave’s laid-back demeanor & dark style of comedy landed him on Comedy Central’s “This is Not Happening” & AXS.TV’s “Live at Gotham” five times. He was also a finalist on season 8 of “Last Comic Standing” on NBC. cityoperahouse.org/node/465

saturday

SATURDAYS AT THE LAKESHORE: (See Sat., March 25)

COFFEE WITH A COP: 10am, Traverse Area District Library, Atrium, TC. Chat & have a cuppa with the new North Boardman Team - TCPD Officer Justin Nowland & Social Worker Jen-

The Festival Orchestra & ChorusRobert Nordling, conductor Young Soloist Competition Award Winner

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE 10am, The State Theatre, TC. “Hop.” Free. See website for full schedule. stateandbijou.org

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

SPECIAL STORYTIME & SMART MONEY

GAMES: 10:30am, Interlochen Public Library. Presented in partnership with Michigan Financial Wellness Network’s Smart Money MI Kids Read program & TBA Credit Union. Geared toward kids 4-10 years old; siblings welcome. 231-276-6767.

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

“SWIMMING” WALK + TALK: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. GAAC Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal leads a conversational walking tour of the “Swimming” exhibit, & talks about selected works on April 8 & May 13. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/ events-all --------------------

CEDAR EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA: 11am, Cedar Softball Fields, behind Fire Station. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt & meet the Easter Bunny. Free.

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

FAIRGROUNDS EGG SCRAMBLE: 11am1pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey.

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

HARBOR SPRINGS EASTER EGG HUNT: Harbor Springs. The hunt starts when the police siren goes off at 11am sharp. Main Street will be closed like the Farmers Market for this event between State & Traverse. --------------------

THE SALVATION ARMY EASTER EGGSPERIENCE EGG HUNT & FAMILY FUN

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE THEATRE: Free movies all day at The State Theatre, TC. “Shaun the Sheep Movie,” “The Lego Movie,” “The Batman.” See website for full schedule. stateandbijou.org

friday SELF-GUIDED LANTERN LIT HIKE: 6-8pm, Kids Creek Park, TC. Grand Traverse Conservation District staff will greet you with hot cocoa before you explore this natural area. Meet at the trailhead between Kohl’s & Michael’s. Register. Free. natureiscalling. org/events/self-guided-lantern-lit-hike-atkids-creek-park-1

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

STORYTIME WITH A PARK RANGER: (See Sat., March 25)

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

COMEDY W/ ROB JENKINS: 7:45-9:15pm, Traverse City Comedy Club, TC. Rob is known for his quick wit & sharp words. A Detroit native & resident of Lansing, he has performed at the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, & Laughfest where he was a participant in the Best of the Midwest Comedy Competition. $25-$30. traversecitycomedyclub.com

saturday

SATURDAYS AT THE LAKESHORE: (See Sat., March 25)

DUNE FORMATION POPUP PROGRAM: (See Sat., March 25)

northwestmifoodcoalition.org/

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

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE THEATRE: 10am, The State Theatre, TC. “Curious George.” See website for full schedule. stateandbijou.org

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

ART IN THE CASTLE: 11am-5pm, Castle Farms, Charlevoix. A juried fine art fair featuring award winning artists from the Midwest. There will also be live music by Vickie Dischler & Randy Lear. $5 admission. Wine & food available for purchase. artinthecastle.com

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

CADILLAC POP CULTURE CONVENTION: 11am, Wexford Civic Center, Cadillac. Visitors can get their pictures with a variety of cosplay groups such as Great Lakes Garrison, Mandalorian Mercs, the Cherryland Ghostbusters and the USS Septarian. Featuring more than 30 northern Michigan vendors. Play tabletop & card games with tournaments hosted by Wargames North. Free. facebook.com/CadillacPopCultureCon

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

BOWLING DOWN MAIN STREET: 12-2pm, intersection of State & Main streets, Harbor Springs. Get a free hot chocolate & donut for the kids at Johan’s; Northern Lights Recreation will give away a free bowling card to all participants; Rocking Horse Toy Co. will give away a freebie; & Harbor Ice Cream Soup & Sandwiches will have free ice cream for all kids.

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

AUTHOR KENT WILCOX: 1-3pm, Cadillac

Wexford Public Library. This author of “The Lost History of Washington and Lee: New Discoveries” will discuss the challenges of researching & writing a non-fiction history book & his own story behind the story. Ages: Adult & teens 14+. Free. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/upcoming-programs

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

“DISNEY’S FROZEN KIDS”: 2pm & 5pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Presented by the Young Company. Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven, & all of your favorite characters as they embark on an ice-filled journey of self-discovery,

camaraderie, & the real meaning of true love. oldtownplayhouse.com/calendar

GOOD ON PAPER COMEDY IMPROV:

7-8:30pm, Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay. This six-person group has been turning audience suggestions into completely improvised comedy scenes for over ten years. Every show is brand new. $15-$31. mynorthtickets. com/events/good-on-paper-comedy-improvat-black-star-farms-4-1-2023

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

thursday

-

OFF THE WALL MOVIE NIGHT & POTLUCK: Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Potluck dinner, 6pm; movie, 7pm. Call 231-331-4318 for movie details & to sign up for the potluck. Free.

nifer Campbell. Coffee courtesy of Cuppa Joe TC. Free. tadl.org/event/coffee-copnobo-style

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

DOWNTOWN BUNNY HOP SCAVENGER

OFF-SEASON

SPECIALS!

BLISSFEST PRESENTS: TRADITIONAL COUNTRY DANCES: 7:30-10pm, LittlefieldAlanson Community Building, Alanson. All dances will be taught & Traditional County Dances include Contras, Squares, & Waltzes. Today is “Harbor HoeDown” with caller Larry Dyer. $7/person; $10/couple; $15/family.

WE ARE CLOSED FOR A SHORT BREAK * OPEN AGAIN 4/4

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

PERCUSSION CONCERT: PADDLE TO THE SEA: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Presented by the Interlochen Arts Academy percussion students. $15 adult; $12 child through college. interlochen.org/events/percussionconcert-paddle-to-sea-2023-04-06

friday

HUNT & STORY TIME: 10am-noon, Downtown TC businesses & Horizon Books, TC. Kids will be provided a card full of fun items to find around participating businesses downtown. Each business will be provided with stickers to give to kids who find an item on their list. Once completed, kids can turn the card in at the front of Horizon Books for a chance to win the “Downtown Easter Basket” with Downtown TC business goodies. There will also be story time at Horizon Books with the mayor from 12-1pm. Free.

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

EAST JORDAN LIONS CLUB EASTER

TUES: DATE NIGHT

COMEDY W/ ROB JENKINS: (See Fri., March 31, except today’s time is 7:30-9pm.)

Buy one entree, get one 1/2 off (Ends Tues 4/25)

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

RALPH VOTAPEK, PIANO: 7:30pm, Historic Barns Park, Cathedral Barn, TC. The TSO welcomes living legend of the piano & Michigan Grand Dean of piano teaching, Ralph Votapek, for a solo concert. $45.50. traversesymphony.org/concert/ralph-votapek

WED: APRIL SPRING CHICKEN!

Featuring fun new poultry recipes & 15% off bottles of wine (Ends Wed 4/26)

sunday

FIRST FRIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN CHARLEVOIX: 4-8pm, Downtown Charlevoix. Happening the First Friday of each month from February through May. Enjoy a cocktail trail, shopping, & fun activities. You could also win Downtown Dollar Gift Cards for coming out for the events. Free. downtowncharlevoix.com/first-fridays --------------------

THURS: PASTA SPECIAL

FUN & GAMES: 10am, East Jordan Elementary gym. Games, candy & prizes. Only school age children 5-12 can receive prizes. Children under 5 can still participate in games & receive candy. The Easter Bunny will be there too.

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

FRANKFORT EASTER EGG HUNT: 10am, Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort. Hunt for over 3,000 eggs. Free.

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

2 pasta dinners & a bottle of wine $59 (Ends Thurs 4/27)

* Sorry specials not available for take-out * Some restrictions may apply

Open Tues - Sat @ 5:30 4566 W. MacFarlane Rd 'Burdickville' trattoria-funistrada.com

PARADISE EMERGENCY SERVICES PANCAKE BREAKFAST: 8am-2pm, Kingsley Area High School. Pancakes, butter, maple syrup, sausage, eggs, pie, coffee & milk. All proceeds will go to the Paradise Emergency Services Auxiliary for help with funding new equipment. $5/person; $15/family. fb.me/e/3ichKFYoC --------------------

AN EVENING WITH ANDY BENINGO: 7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Presented by Little Traverse Civic Theater. Beningo is hailed for his clean & “every man” style, & has performed for Fortune 500 companies, on cruise lines, & in some of the top comedy clubs in the country. He has been named one of the 40 Best Up and Coming Comedians in the country. $25 adults; $20 students. ltct.org/andy-beningo

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

FREE DROP-IN FAMILY ART: 10am-noon, Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC. Stop by for an art activity for all ages. crookedtree.org/ class/ctac-traverse-city/free-drop-family-artapril

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

ART IN THE CASTLE: (See Sat., April 1)

reservations 231-334-3900

GARDENING BASICS: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Nate Walton, Consumer Horticulture Educator from MSU Extension will talk about gardening basics. After the program, grab some seeds from the Seed Library & get started on your garden. Free. tadl.org/gardening

2022-2023 Season

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

RALPH VOTAPEK, PIANO: (See Sat., April 1, except today’s time is 3pm.)

Where community comes together

monday

TCNEWTECH PITCH & NETWORKING EVENT: City Opera House, TC. Select startups will be allowed 5 minutes to present their pitch & 5 minutes of questions & answers from the audience. The audience is made up of technology-minded people. Cash bar & networking at 5:30pm; investor pitches at 6pm; & winners announced at 7pm. tcnewtech.org

tuesday

COFFEE & CONVERSATION AT THE CHAMBER: 8-10am, Harbor Springs Area Chamber office, 118 E. Main St., Harbor Springs. Enjoy conversation & connections with chamber staff & other members. Free.

MAINSTAGE THEATRE APRIL 7 — 22 tickets: 231.947.2210 OldTownPlayhouse.com

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

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library. Stories, songs, & active fun. Free. sbbdl.org

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Cornley University Drama Society’s newest play, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” a 1920s murder mystery, where things are about to quickly go from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, & actors who trip over everything (including their lines), these accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call. Adults, $28; youth under 18, $15 (plus fees). oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/mainstage/ the-play-that-goes-wrong.html

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

COMEDY W/ BOB ZANY: 7:45-9:15pm, Traverse City Comedy Club, TC. Bob has appeared on over a thousand national TV shows. He can currently be seen on Showtime in Billy Gardell’s Road Dogs. His film credits include Joe Dirt with David Spade & Stephen Soderberg’s The Informant playing Matt Damon’s attorney. $30-$35. mynorthtickets.com/events/comedy-wbobzany-4-7-2023

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

COMEDIAN DAVE LANDAU WSG DEREK

RICHARDS: 8pm, City Opera House, TC. Dave’s laid-back demeanor & dark style of comedy landed him on Comedy Central’s “This is Not Happening” & AXS.TV’s “Live at Gotham” five times. He was also a finalist on season 8 of “Last Comic Standing” on NBC. cityoperahouse.org/node/465

saturday

SATURDAYS AT THE LAKESHORE: (See Sat., March 25)

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

COFFEE WITH A COP: 10am, Traverse Area District Library, Atrium, TC. Chat & have a cuppa with the new North Boardman Team - TCPD Officer Justin Nowland & Social Worker Jen-

JOURNALISTS SPEAK: WHY LOCAL MEDIA MATTERS: Meet the People Behind the Stories. Featuring David Zeman, Pulitzer Prize winning editor from Bridge magazine; Victoria Alfonseca, editor of GTB News; Jillian Manning, editor of the Northern Express; John Elchert, publisher of the Leelanau Enterprise; Mardi Link, a reporter for the Traverse City Record Eagle; and Jacob Wheeler, editor of the Glen Arbor Sun. Ed Ronco, news director at Interlochen Public Radio, will moderate. Held via Zoom at 10am. Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_XesWkDOwQyOo4TuBpLOZEQ Free. leelanauindivisible.org

SPRING BREAK FEST AT THE STATE THEATRE: 10am, The State Theatre, TC. “Hop.” Free. See website for full schedule. stateandbijou.org

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

SPECIAL STORYTIME & SMART MONEY GAMES: 10:30am, Interlochen Public Library. Presented in partnership with Michigan Financial Wellness Network’s Smart Money MI Kids Read program & TBA Credit Union. Geared toward kids 4-10 years old; siblings welcome. 231-276-6767.

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

“SWIMMING” WALK + TALK: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. GAAC Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal leads a conversational walking tour of the “Swimming” exhibit, & talks about selected works on April 8 & May 13. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/ events-all

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

CEDAR EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA: 11am, Cedar Softball Fields, behind Fire Station. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt & meet the Easter Bunny. Free.

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

FAIRGROUNDS EGG SCRAMBLE: 11am1pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey.

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

HARBOR SPRINGS EASTER EGG HUNT: Harbor Springs. The hunt starts when the police siren goes off at 11am sharp. Main Street will be closed like the Farmers Market for this event between State & Traverse.

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

THE SALVATION ARMY EASTER EGGSPERIENCE EGG HUNT & FAMILY FUN

EVENT: 11am-1pm, The Salvation Army Community Center, 1239 Barlow St., TC. Featuring crafts, egg hunts (egg hunts happening every 30 minutes), a family photo booth, an ice cream truck, bounce houses, food, fellowship, & more. Free. centralusa. salvationarmy.org/traversecity/events/thesalvation-army-easter-eggsperience

WALK AND TALK THROUGH SWIMMING, A FERAL HOUSEWIFE: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Glen Arbor Arts Center Gallery Manager Sarah BearupNeal leads a conversational walking tour of the SWIMMING & A Feral Housewife exhibits. Bearup-Neal talks about how the exhibiting artists interpreted the SWIMMING exhibition’s theme, both literally & symbolically; tools & materials used; as well as other insights into their creative process. A Feral Housewife is a selection of collages by Leelanau County artist Mary Beth Acosta. Acosta uses vintage images to build her smart, funny stories about bigfinned cars, labor-saving devices, & the mid-century womanhood. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/events-all

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

CRYSTAL RIVER OUTFITTERS RECREATIONAL DISTRICT’S 2ND ANNUAL DISTRICT WIDE EASTER EGG HUNT: M22 Glen Arbor, 6298 W Western Ave., Glen Arbor. 1pm: Face painting & crafts. 3pm: Easter Egg Hunt. Meet the Easter Bunny. crystalriveroutfitters.com

CHARLEVOIX EASTER EGG HUNT: 2pm, East Park, Downtown Charlevoix. Come downtown early to do an Easter-themed scavenger hunt. Pick up scavenger hunt sheets at the Chamber office.

MADE IN MICHIGAN FUNDRAISER: 7-9:30pm, Cadillac Elks Lodge. Benefits Gopherwood Concerts. Live music by various musicians. $10-$20. mynorthtickets. com/events/made-in-michigan-fundraiser-4-8-2023

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

COMEDY W/ BOB ZANY: (See Fri., April 7, except tonight’s time is 7:30-8:45pm.)

ongoing

BELLAIRE WINTER FARMERS MARKET: Fridays, 9am-12pm. Mar. 31 - May. 12. Held at 3 locations: Bee Well Mead & Cider, Short’s Brewing Co., & Terrain, Bellaire.

BOYNE CITY MARKET AT THE PAVIL-

ION: Saturdays, 9am-12:30pm. Apr. 1May. 27. Veterans Park Pavilion, Boyne City. Shop local produce, baked goods, artisan foods & crafts at this free indoor market every Sat.

art

COLLABORATIONS TAKE 2: March 26 –April 29, Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. Featuring art by Barbara Bushey & Dawn Swaim. An opening celebration will be held on Sun., March 26 from 1-4pm. The gallery is open Thurs. through Mon., 1-4pm, & closed Tues. & Weds. jordanriverarts.com

FIBER ART & WATERCOLOR PAINTINGS DISPLAY BY PATTY CLARK: Alden District Library. April 1-28. 231-331-4318.

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

“HIDDEN FOREST”: Higher Art Gallery, TC. Enjoy the paintings of Mexico based artist Fran De Anda. Based on ancient myths & archetypes, De Anda develops concepts such as transformation, death,

alchemy, the sacred, & the profane. Runs April 1-29. higherartgallery.com

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

ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY: REGIONAL

IMAGES THROUGH THE LENS : The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee. An exhibition of community photography. Runs through April 22. ramsdelltheatre.org/art

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

ANNUAL YOUTH ART EXHIBIT 2023: Runs through April 15 at Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC. Celebrating the work of K-12 art students & educators from throughout the Grand Traverse region. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-traverse-city/youth-art-exhibit-2023-traverse-city

“CHARLEVOIX CREATIVES COLLECTIVE – TOOLS OF CREATIVITY”: Featuring artwork by six local artists who are members of the Charlevoix Creatives Collective, an artist group that meets weekly at Charlevoix Circle of Arts. Member artists include Jennifer Carroll, Mary Duggan, Shayla Johnson, Kathie Libert, Ruby Smith & Sharon Smithem. Runs through April 8 at Charlevoix Circle of Arts, which is open Mon. - Fri., 11am-4pm; & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org

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

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETO-

SKEY:

- SPECIAL NEEDS ARTISTIC MOVEMENT: Held in the Dance Studio, this class provides the special needs community a chance to expand their artistry & movement creativity while giving the example that the arts are for everyone. This dance & movement class is designed for teens & adults. It includes basic to intermediate dance education, & is held on Mondays & Fridays from 1-2:30pm through May 12. Register. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/special-needs-artistic-movement

- EMERGING ARTISTS 2023: A COLLECTION OF NCMC STUDENT WORKS: Held in Atrium Gallery through April 15. Work in glass, metals, ceramics, painting, drawing, photography, illustration, video, & more will be on display. This exhibition is organized by NCMC faculty. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/emerging-artists2023-collection-ncmc-student-worksopens-march-14

- YOUTH ART SHOW 2023 - PETOSKEY: Work by students working throughout CharEm ISD fill the galleries in this annual showcase. Runs March 18 - May 4. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ youth-art-show-2023-petoskey-opensmarch-18 ----------------------

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:

- “A RICH HISTORY: AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS FROM THE MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART”: This exhibit highlights the growing legacy of important African American artists from the Muskegon Museum of Art’s permanent art collection & features over 75 years of artistic excellence. Runs through April 2. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm.

- “US”: Teresa Dunn’s solo exhibition is a collection of her recent narrative painting series that brings voice to stories that people of color, individuals with complex cultural identities, & immigrants shared with her about their daily experience in America. Runs through May 28. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm.

- “VITALITY AND CONTINUITY: ART IN THE EXPERIENCES OF ANISHINAABE, INUIT, AND PUEBLO WOMEN”: This exhibit celebrates some of the critical roles Anishinaabe, Inuit, & Pueblo women fulfill in their families, their communities, the art world, & beyond. Runs through May 19.

Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org

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

GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:

- A FERAL HOUSEWIFE: Held in the Lobby Gallery. An exhibition of collages by Leelanau County artist Mary Beth Acosta. Runs through April 21. Acosta uses simple, familiar tools & a range of recycled, vintage papers to create collages about midcentury housewives, big-finned cars, & labor-saving appliances that were promoted as drudgery-busting machines that would revolutionize the modern home. A video interview with Acosta about her materials & methods can be seen as part of the online version of this exhibition: glenarborart.org/ events/exhibit-a-feral-housewife

- “SWIMMING”: Featuring exhibitors Margo Burian, Barbara Bushey, Nancy Crisp, Royce Deans, Sheila Stafford, Melonie Steffes, Kimberly Stoney, Michelle Tock York, & many others. Runs March 31 -

June 1. An opening reception takes place on March 31 from 5-7pm. glenarborart.org/ events/exhibit-swimming

OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT:

- REVERBERATIONS: WORK BY NIK BURKHART AND MARTI LIDDLE-LAMETI: This exhibition runs through March. The Oliver Art Center’s hours are Mon. - Sat., 10am-4pm. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

- ANNUAL REGIONAL STUDENT ART EXHIBITION: Runs April 7-28. More than 350 artworks in all media from area elementary, middle, & high schools will be on display. The artwork will be juried by artist & educator, Brianne Munch. Certificates of Excellence & awards will be presented during the Opening Reception on Fri., April 7 from 5-7pm. Oliver Art Center is open Mon. through Sat., 10am-4pm. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska

ACOUSTIC TAP ROOM, TC

7-9:

3/25 -- Adam Sleder

3/31 -- Chelsea Coy

ENCORE 201, TC

3/25 -- The Fabulous

Horndogs, 7; DJ Ricky T, 10

3/31-4/1 & 4/8 -- DJ Ricky

T, 9

4/7 -- Tyler Roy, 7:30-10; Drew Hale, 10

FANTASY’S, TC

DJ

KILKENNY'S IRISH PUB, TC

3/24-25 – E Quality, 9:30

3/29 – The Pocket, 8-12

Thu -- Ladies Night with DJ

Leo, 9:30

3/31-4/1 – J Hawkins, 9:30

4/5 – The Pocket, 8-12

4/7-8 – E Quality, 9:30

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC

BARREL ROOM:

6-9:

3/27 & 4/3 -- Open Mic w/

Rob Coonrod

TASTING ROOM:

5-7:

3/31 – Billy and the Kid

4/7 – Rhett & John

LIL BO, TC

Tues. – Trivia, 8-10

Weds. – Aldrich, 9

Sun. – Karaoke, 8

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, TC

3/25 -- Chris Smith, 8-11

MARI VINEYARDS, TC

3/30 -- Jason Locke, 3-5

3/31 -- Randy Hall, 4-6

MIDDLECOAST BREWING

CO., TC

6-9:

3/31 -- The Duges

4/7 -- Zeke Clemens

PARK PLACE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER, TC

Fri.-Sat. -- Jim Hawley & Jeff Currie on keyboard, 7-10

ROVE ESTATE VINEYARD & WINERY, TC

5-8:

3/31 – Drew Hale

4/7 – Chris Smith

SORELLINA'S, TC

SLATE RESTAURANT:

Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8

Fri. & Sat. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9

THE PARLOR, TC

3/25 -- Mallory Brooke & Michael Hunter, 8-11

4/1 -- Slim Pickins, 8-11

4/7 -- Blair Miller, 7-10

4/8 -- Old Mission Fiddle Vine, 8-11

THE PUB, TC

3/31 -- Blair Miller, 7

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC

3/25 & 4/8 -- StoneFolk, 7-9

3/28 & 4/4 -- Open Mic & Musical Talent Showcase, 7

3/29 & 4/5 -- Jazz Show & Jam, 6

3/31 -- Bobby Brooks, 7-9

4/1 -- Andrew McQuillen, 8

4/7 -- Jamie Drake, 8

THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC

Tues. – Trivia, 7-9

TRAVERSE CITY COMEDY CLUB, TC

3/24 -- Comedy w/ Stewart

Huff, 7:45-9

3/25 – Comedy w/ Stewart

Huff, 7:30-8:45

3/31 -- Comedy w/ Rob

Jenkins, 7:45-9:15

4/1 – Comedy w/ Rob

Jenkins, 7:30-9

4/7 -- Comedy w/ Bob Zany, 7:45-9:15

4/8 – Comedy w/ Bob Zany, 7:30-8:45

UNION STREET STATION, TC

10:

3/25 -- The Brother James Band

3/29 -- Parker Marshall

3/31 -- Nocturnal Lights

4/6 -- 1Wave DJs Pink Moon

Dance Party

Otsego, Crawford & Central

BENNETHUM'S NORTHERN

INN, GAYLORD

3/28 -- Michelle Chenard, 5-8

nitelife

BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY

6:

3/29 -- Open Mic Nite w/

Host Charlie Millard

4/1 -- John Piatek

4/8 -- Peter Allen Jensen

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY

2-6:

3/25 -- Chris Calleja

4/1 -- Tyler Parkin

4/8 -- Lou Thumser

BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD

6:

4/1 — Michelle Chenard

Emmet & Cheboygan

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY

3/31 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30

HIGH FIVE SPIRITS, PETOSKEY

3/31 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 8-10

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BAY HARBOR

3/25 -- Sean Bielby, 7-10

ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES, 9:

4/7 — Michelle Chenard

One of northern Michigan’s most well known musicians, songwriter and performer Michelle Chenard has been voted Best Solo Performer, Best of the Best and #1 in Singer/Songwriter charts several times. Take your pick of where you want to hear her perform! She’ll be at Café Sante in Boyne City on Sat., March 25 at 7pm; Bennethum’s Northern Inn, Gaylord on Tues., March 28 at 5pm; The Noggin Room Pub, Petoskey on Fri., March 31 and Sat., April 8, both at 7pm; and Big Buck Brewery, Gaylord on both Sat., April 1 and Fri., April 7, both at 6pm.

BEL LAGO VINEYARD & WINERY, CEDAR

3/25 -- Matt & Brian, 4-6

3/31 -- Bill Brott, 5-7

BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU

TASTING ROOM:

3/31 -- Andre Villoch, 5:30-8

DICK'S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU

Sat. -- Karaoke, 10-1

FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH

Fri -- Open Mic Night Hosted by Andy Littlefield, 6-8

FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR

One-man-band experience Aldrich blends vocals, foot percussion and acoustic guitar to create his own soundscape filled with folk, rock, pop and blues influences. Besides finding him at Lil Bo in TC every Weds. at 9pm, you can also catch him at Short’s Brew Pub in Bellaire on Sat., April 1 from 8-10:30pm.

Leelanau & Benzie

3/30 -- Steve Page

4/6 -- Live Music

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE

3/25 -- Mike Struwin, 5-7

LAKE ANN BREWING CO.

3/25 -- Silver Creek Revival, 6:30-9:30

Thurs. -- Trivia Night w/ Host Tom Kaspar, 7-9

3/31 -- StoneFolk, 6:30-9:30

4/1 -- Drew Hale, 6:30-9:30

4/8 -- Tim Jones & Friends, 6:30-9:30

SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY

4/7 -- Friday Night LIVE w/ Brett Mitchell, 5:30-8:30

SOUL SQUEEZE CELLARS, LAKE LEELANAU

3/30 -- John Piatek, 4

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH

3/25 -- Blake Elliott, 5-8

3/29 & 4/5 -- Comedy Hive Open Mic, 7-8:30

3/30 & 4/6 -- Open Mic Night w/ Jeff Louwsma, 5:30-8:30

3/31 -- Luke Woltanski, 5-8

4/1 -- Barefoot, 5-8

WILLOWBROOK MILL, NORTHPORT POPPY'S POPUP NIGHTCLUB:

3/25 -- Open Mic Night

Sat. -- Live DJ

3/31 -- Jon Archambault Band

THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN

4/7 -- Electric Soul, 8-11

THE NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY

7-10:

3/25 -- Holly Keller

3/31 & 4/8 -- Michelle

Chenard

4/1 -- Dogwood Rhythm

4/7 -- Mike Struwin

4-6:30:

Antrim & Charlevoix

BIER'S INWOOD BREWERY, CHARLEVOIX

4/6 -- Open Mic Hosted by John Eaton: Sign-up at 6:15pm; Music at 7pm

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM

Thurs. -- Sean Bielby & Adam Engelman, 6-9

CAFE SANTE, BOYNE CITY

3/25 — Michelle Chenard, 7

ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS

3/25, 4/1 & 4/8 -- Winter Music Series, 7-10

HELLO VINO, BELLAIRE

4/7 -- David, 6:30-9:30

PROVISIONS WINE

LOUNGE, BOYNE CITY

6-8:

Hosted by Dolce, Sandy & George, 7-11

3/25 -- Peter Allen Jensen

3/28 -- Nelson Olstrom

SHORT'S BREW PUB, BELLAIRE

4/1 -- Aldrich, 8-10:30

THE WHI-SKI INN, BOYNE FALLS

3/25 -- James Robnette, 7-10

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Opening Early! 9am-6pm

• Limited Special Record Store Day Releases

• Additional New Vinyl Collections

• Deals on Equipment, Speakers, and Merch

“Jonesin” Crosswords

ACROSS

1. Pastime

6. Ballpoint brand

9. "His 'n' ___" (1994 Pulp album)

13. Sci-fi character with a Swahili last name

14. In a lazy manner

16. Roasting appliance

17. "Shameless" TV star who has never won the award she shares her name with (or even been nominated)

19. Volcanic outflow

20. ___! at the Disco

21. Neighbor of Peru

23. "Thor: Ragnarok" role

25. Immovable pileup

27. Rocky Mountains grazer

28. "Ode to Joy" symphony

30. Raptors, on a scoreboard

31. Exterminator's targets

33. Sculptures and such

34. Puts on a show

36. ___ Nas X

37. Novelist featuring Navajo detectives who never won the award he shares a name with (or wrote a play)

42. Source of milk for Roquefort cheese

43. Actress Skye of "La Brea"

44. "Blargh!"

46. Architect who lived to be 102

49. Freelancer's bill (abbr.)

50. Veer off course

52. "Pass"

53. Pro taking part in amateur events

56. October's gemstone

57. Area of Manhattan near Soho

59. Moving news channel feature

61. Indie rock band ___ Kiley

62. "Star Wars" film series actor who has never won the award he shares his name with (or even been nominated)

66. Scandinavian capital

67. Spotless

68. Ronstadt of songdom

69. "America ___" (John Michael Higgins game show)

70. "Ghosts" network

71. Bad guy's look

DOWN

1. Palette selection

2. Resistance unit

3. Meet unexpectedly

4. Lane ___ (clothing chain)

5. Knitter's purchase

6. Italian almond cookies

7. Check-in requirements, maybe

8. Hasbro kids' game with no mention of weapons (unlike the adult version)

9. Greeting on Univision

10. Gets away from

11. Nauseate

12. Makes snide comments

15. Dance that always gets some letters

18. Dashboard gauge

22. Experts on diamonds?

23. "... sat ___ tuffet"

24. Unflattering gossip

26. Ryan of "La La Land"

29. Out of kilter

32. Sturdy tree

35. "Evita" narrator

36. "Dancing with the Stars" judge Goodman

38. "Born," in some announcements

39. With "The," 1983 song for The Cure where "We move like cagey tigers"

40. Movie with the bit "... and don't call me Shirley"

41. Bracketology org.

45. Former Senate Minority Whip Jon

46. Opening lines

47. Actress Tomei

48. Cheesesteak capital

49. "Soon, OK?"

51. Brings to port

54. Smartphone screen image

55. Movie with the song "Naatu Naatu"

58. Heckler's chorus

60. Feels a bit off

1015 Hannah Ave. Traverse City 231-947-3169 RPMRecords.net

"SORRY, NOT A WINNER" --IT'S A MAJOR AWARD...by Matt Jones

Introducing the official Traverse City Horse Shows Visitors Guide

Connect with participants at one of the premier equestrian events in North America

15,000 of the most affluent visitors from 46 states and 29 countries

• 5,000 copies handed to every participant in their registration packet, and on-site during all 12 weeks of competition

• 5,000 copies inserted into June 26 issue of Northern Express

• All full-page advertisers receive two tickets to Traverse City Horse Shows

The Visitors Guide Is Your Access

• Glossy-cover guide on-site for all 12 weeks; 10,000 copies printed and distributed

• Content includes profiles of key competitors, map of the facility, introduction to equestrian sport, and more

• Half page: $550 (7.25 x 4.67 inches)

• Full page: $900 includes two tickets (7.25 x 9.5 inches)

• Inside front/back cover page: $1,500 includes two tickets

• Back cover showcase: $2,500 includes two VIP passes info@traverseticker.com

Traverse City Horse Shows Is A Stunner

• World-class equestrian competition

June 7-September 17

• $7 million in prize money for world-class hunters, jumpers, and Olympic athletes

• The average visiting party is 8.9 members, spending $6,577 per day including housing, shopping, dining and more

• 34% have an annual household income of $500,000+

• $128 million in direct, non-horse related economic impact on the region via shopping, dining, supporting local businesses

• Average stay in the area of 33 days per visiting party

NEW LISTING! Unique Northern Michigan lakefront home.

NEW LISTING!

120 feet of private frontage on all sports Spider Lake. Largest part of Spider Lake, sunshine on the beach all day, sandy bottom. Quality construction, perfectly maintained. Open floor plan w/ soaring vaulted pine ceiling w/ a wall of windows looking out to the lake. Floor-to-ceiling, natural Michigan stone, wood burning fireplace w/ Heatilator vents. Built in bookcases in separate area of living room for cozy reading center. Finished family room w/ woodstove. Detached garage has complete studio, kitchen, workshop, 1 ½ baths & its own deck. 2 docks, large deck on main house, patio, lakeside deck, bon-fire pit & multiple sets of stairs. Extensively landscaped w/ plants & flowers conducive to all the wildlife that surrounds the area. (1791482) $570,000.

Woodsy setting with a beautiful view of Duck Lake & the westerly sunsets. Shared Duck Lake frontage within a very short walking distance at the end of the road. Large wrap-around multi-level decks in the spacious yard that backs up to a creek. Open floor plan. Master with cozy reading area, 2 closets, slider out to deck. Maple crown molding in kitchen & hall. Hickory & bamboo flooring in main level bedrooms. Built in armoire & dresser in 2nd bedroom. 6 panel doors. Finished family room in walk-out lower level. MLS#1798048 $220,000.

Forest Lakes Recreational Area, quality-built ranch style 4 BR, 3 bath home w/ large, private, wooded lot on a quiet cul-de-sac. Cathedral ceilings, skylights, very well maintained. Top quality kitchen features oak flooring, Quartz counters, Sub-Zero fridge, Wolf gas range & drawer microwave, Bosch dishwasher, Mouser cabinets, farm sink & Scotsman clear icemaker. Living rm has brick, gas f/p. Updated bathrooms. LL fam rm w/ gas stove, walks out to patio, loads of storage space. Huge deck w/ covered gazebo. Miles of state land trails can be accessed w/in 150 yards. Vandervoight Lk at the end of Rd, Spider & Arbutus Lks, VASA trail, Mount Holiday, Ranch Rudolph, Brown Bridge & Boardman River are all close by. (1909281) $525,000

Marsha Minervini

Thinking of selling or buying?

Making What Was Old New Again

Thinking of selling?

Call now for a free market evaluation of your home.

Making What Was Old New Again

231-883-4500

www.marshaminervini.com

231-947-1006 • marsha@marshaminervini.com

NORTHERN EXPRESS CLASSIFIEDS

RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY CLASSES. 2023 SPRING SCHEDULE FOR 5 BOATER SAFETY CLASSES OFFERED BY THE TRAVERSE CITY COAST GUARD AUXILIARY. CLASSES START MAY 1ST. PRE-REGISTER EARLY TO diannewalk48@gmail.com

BIKE TOUR GUIDES. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is hiring summer bike tour guides to provide heritage tours in Sleeping Bear Dunes.$15/hr.up to 8 hours/week Contact phsbpark@gmail.com

OTHER: Sewing, Alterations, Mending & Repairs. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231-228-6248

COTTAGE FOR RENT: Traverse City, 1BR Cottage, W/D, A/C, Fully Furnished, All Utilities Included, Cable TV, Very Nice, Quiet & Clean, Month-to-Month to One Year, No Pets, $1,600 month; 231-631-7512.

IUOE LOCAL 324: Please contact Derek Warnke at 314437-0767 if you were a member of local 324 and worked with Stanley "Augie" Krolik between 1950-1985.

GREAT LAKES HOME CARE UNLIMITED: Want to

make a difference in someone's life and be part of a amazing team of rock star in home caregivers? Call today 1-888-242-4759 or Go online and apply www. glhcu.com

HOPE NETWORK- NOW HIRING $17/HR & $1,000 BONUS. Help those experiencing a mental health crisis by joining our direct care team. Benefits start on day 1! Paid training provided- no experience needed. All shifts available full and part time. Contact Dana at 616-2607266 or dgrummet@hopenetwork.org

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TC REQUEST

PROPOSALS 2023: Mission Committee of the Presbyterian Church of TC is seeking local organizations to submit proposals to receive grant monies. Our goal is to establish funding & in-service relationships with the organizations (even those in developmental stages) which address needs in our community. Deadline April 30, 2023: https://forms.gle/sZ3mAiHNvHThs3LQ6

DOWNTOWN ROOMS FOR RENT: THE WHITING. Downtown rooms for rent on a month to month basis. Rents starting at $400/mo, includes all utilities. Single occupancy, no pets. 231-947-6360. www. thewhitinghotel.com

CRYSTAL BRUNCH

ENJOY A BOUNTIFUL EASTER BRUNCH Sunday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wild Tomato. Chef-made omelets, Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict, carving stations, farmer’s market salad bar, oysters on the half shell, desserts and more. Details at crystalmountain.com/easter

THOMPSONVILLE, MI