Northern Express - Special Double Issue - December 23 & Jan 05, 2024
HOLIDAY DOUBLE ISSUE IS HERE!
Welcome to the Holiday Double Issue, where we dive into health, wellness, holiday events, and other happenings Up North. Please note: This is our last issue of 2024. The next issue will be on newsstands the first weekend of January. Happy New Year to all!
Your Northern Express News Team
Cherry Festival Planes
[In response to the letter from Tim Keenan, President of Veterans for Peace Traverse City, in the Dec. 16 issue.] The planes that fly over the Cherry Festival do not start wars. They are used to end wars. If we didn’t have them, we’d all be living under Communism.
Ken Schoenberg | Harbor Springs, Michigan
City
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Need to keep a full house busy this holiday season? Here are a few of our favorite pastimes for all ages. Ski with Santa on Christmas Eve at Crystal Mountain. Drive through the holiday light display at the 20th annual Sparkle in the Park in Bear Lake. Sign up for winter sleigh rides and guided snowshoe hikes at Gaylord’s Treetops Resort (running Dec. 26-30 and Dec. 27-28 respectively). Dance the night away with dueling pianos at Gypsy Distillery in Petoskey (Dec. 26) or a selection of local performers on the stage at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs (Dec. 2631). Take a lantern-lit hike along the Cadillac Heritage Trail on winter Fridays starting Jan. 3. Or stay cozy inside with ARTventure, the annual winter member exhibition at Oliver Art Center in Frankfort and Christmas in the Village Arts Building with the Northport Arts Association.
Yoga for Health Education in Traverse City is teaming up with Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to host a fundraiser for the preservation of Elberta Beach and Betsie Bay, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 3-4. Friday begins at 8:30am with Yoga with Weights, followed by many different classes until 7:45pm. These include Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga, Slow Flow, Beginning & Beyond, Chair Yoga, and many others. Saturday starts with Sunrise Flow at 7:30am, and features various classes until noon. $10/one class; $15/two classes; $25/unlimited classes. yogaforhealthtc.com/specialevents
Hey, watch It! Like Water for Chocolate 4
More than three decades after the novel and made-forTV movie first delivered the magical realism of Laura Esquivel to readers and viewers, HBO has brought the story back for modern audiences with Como Agua Para Chocolate, or Like Water for Chocolate. The Spanish language miniseries is all about love, family, duty, womanhood, magic, and cooking. Tita de la Garza has loved Pedro Múzquiz since they were children, but their romance has always been starcrossed. With nearly every obstacle in their path—from the Mexican Revolution to Tita’s cruel mother to the minor inconvenience of Pedro being forced to marry Tita’s sister, Rosaura—Tita and Pedro’s love affair spans decades and countless trials. All the while, Tita is cooking up magic (literally) with dishes that will make your mouth water and send you running to the kitchen. Catch all episodes now streaming on Max.
Does it get any more decadent than a piping hot bowl of cheesy pasta? Gilchrist Farm Winery & Restaurant in Suttons Bay is cranking out Mac ’n’ Cheese Bucatini ($21) just in time for cozy season, and trust us when we say it’s pure pasta perfection in a bowl! This elevated take on everyone’s favorite comfort food starts with homemade bucatini—a thicker spaghetti noodle—which chefs toss in a peppery bechamel sauce spiked with fouryear aged cheddar from Boss Mouse Cheese and The Cheese Lady’s Leelanau Raclette. It’s topped off with browned butter breadcrumbs and a touch of brightening lemon zest, and just begs for a glass for Bonnie Bubbly. Holiday food coma: commence! Grab a bowl at Gilchrist Farm Winery & Restaurant at 417 N Saint Joseph St. in Suttons Bay. gilchristfarmwinery.com
A Polish Christmas Dinner 6
Love Polish food? Missing traditions? Tired of cooking around the holidays? Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay has just the thing. Estate Chef John Korycki will be putting on a Polish Christmas Dinner on Friday, Dec. 27, at 6:30pm. The menu features dishes inspired by Wigilia, the traditional Christmas Eve supper in Poland. The five-course meal will include recipes from the chef’s own family, with dishes like Kluski z Makiem (Polish poppy seed noodles with sauteed scallops), Gołąbki (mushroom and rice-stuffed cabbage rolls), and Naleśniki (spiced caramelized apple crepes). And don’t worry—there will also be plenty of kielbasa and sauerkraut! Tickets are $65 + fees at mynorthtickets.com; suggested wine pairings will be available at an additional cost. Learn more at blackstarfarms.com/events.
The Christmas Bird Count
Is there a partridge in your pear tree? Have you seen two turtle doves, three French hens, four calling birds, six geese a-laying, or seven swans a-swimming? We ask because each year, the National Audubon Society does a Christmas Bird Count! The count was established in 1900, when scientists and bird watchers were concerned about over-hunting and declining bird populations. For the count’s 125th anniversary, tens of thousands of people will count the birds in their backyards, parks, and forests now through Jan. 5. You can join in with several organized counts happening in northern Michigan, including Traverse City, Lake Leelanau, Petoskey, Beulah, Manistee, Cadillac, Grayling, and the Straits of Mackinac. Learn more at audubon.org/ community-science/christmas-bird-count/join-christmas-bird-count.
Ready to go all in on the final week of festive fun? Head to Kilkenny’s Irish Pub in Traverse City, where they have their Christmas Bar Pop-up running through Jan. 4, 2025. The bar is decked out in true Griswold Christmas fashion, from tinsel and twinkle lights to cozy spots to curl up with eggnog served up in a moose mug. Other signature cocktails for the pop-up include Mele Kalikimaka, Hallelujah, Where’s the Tylenol?, Exterior Illumination, Uncle Lewis’ Old Fashioned, Sh*tter’s Full, and Aunt Bethany’s Jell-O Shots. Per the Kilkenny’s team, “Attendees are encouraged to don their best movie-themed attire—bonus points for ugly sweaters or Cousin Eddie robes! No cats, dogs, or squirrels allowed.” Guests must be 21+. Visit the wonderland at 400 W. Front Street in Traverse City. kilkennyspub.com
Need something to make your cocktails shine this holiday season? We’re all in on the Harvest Cream ($29.99) from Traverse City Whiskey Co., a rich bourbon cream liqueur made with the distillery’s own XXX Straight Bourbon and seasonal notes of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon. This treat made its debut in November 2023 and has become a gifting staple. TC Whiskey experts say it’s best served neat or on the rocks. We happen to like it for a spin on Irish coffee—a little caffeine pick-me-up and the smooth finish of the liqueur. Or try the Harvest Creamsicle with 1.5 oz. Harvest Cream, 1 oz. XXX Straight Bourbon, 2 oz. orange juice, and 1/2 oz. maple syrup. Shop and find more recipes at tcwhiskey.com, or visit their Stillhouse at 201 E 14th St. in Traverse City.
TC Whiskey’s
Pictured: Tufted Titmouse by Michele Black/Great Backyard Bird Count
Photo by TC Whiskey Co
Fresh IS closer than you think.
spectator By steven Tuttle
Christmas can be a solemn symbolic celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, or it can be a purely secular event, or it can be a combination of both. The real beauty of Christmas is we can celebrate however we choose or not at all.
It was commonly believed the first Christmas celebrations occurred in 336 CE, a holiday declared by Emperor Constantine, the first Christian head of state, who had declared Christianity to be the official and only religion of the realm. It was also a reaction to the excesses of a pagan ritual known as Saturnalia, a two-week-long bacchanal that needed a more honorable alternative.
pagan custom usually tied to the changing of the seasons. Gifts around late December were especially meaningful as a form of gratitude for a gradual return of longer daylight. For Christians, of course, the first Christmas gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Our gift-giving “right jolly old elf” didn’t show up until about 700 years ago courtesy of St. Nicholas, the Greek patron saint of children. The Dutch converted that—and the tradition of giving gifts or sweets to children and the poor—to Sinterklaas, who they brought with them to the New World and became our Santa Claus.
Not everybody, not even a majority of the world, celebrates Christmas.
However, subsequent texts have been found from as early as 200 CE indicating Dec. 25 as Jesus’ birthday.
The truth is there is no definitive proof of Jesus’ birthday, and many, if not most, Christian scholars think, if the descriptions in the Bible are even close to being accurate, he was most likely born in the spring (sheep would have likely been sheltered in that part of the world in winter, not wandering around in fields).
Whatever the reality of the birthday, religious ceremonies had begun almost immediately, but it took a while before any of what now passes for modern celebrations of Christmas took hold.
For example, according to nychristmastrees.com, the first record of a Christmas tree was in Freiburg, Germany, in 1419. Erected by the local bakers’ guild, it was decorated with candles and called the Paradise Tree. History.com tells us the first records of a tree in what would become the United States was constructed, appropriately enough, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It was essentially a wooden pyramid made of planks and boards serving as a community tree provided by the German Moravian Church. First put up in 1747, it was also the first illuminated tree in the U.S., though candlelit trees would become a serious fire hazard in the ensuing years.
The idea of a tree caught on, and the first cut live trees also began showing up in German communities in Pennsylvania. In addition to candles, trees were frequently decorated with fruits, nuts, sweets, and strings of popcorn and cranberries. Fancier ornamentation also started in Germany, but the first glass baubles didn’t show up until the early 1800s.
Giving gifts during the celebrations predates Christmas by several centuries, as it is an old
Our politicians have yammered on about an alleged “war on Christmas” for years and years as long as it generates campaign contributions and division. There is no such war, but Christmas was attacked in the distant past. It was partially banned in England from 1643 until 1660, during which time it was required to be marked by solemnity, not celebration.
American Puritans, who escaped religious persecution in England and then the Netherlands only to create their own here, banned Christmas in Massachusetts from 1659 through 1681, claiming the “disorderly conduct” of Christmas celebrations had become “offensive to God.” Celebrations or displays could result in a five-shilling fine.
Quirky holiday laws became somewhat normal. In Arkansas in 1838, they created a law that said if you had a debt that came due on Dec. 25, you had to pay it on the 24th. It might have been an odd response to an 1837 Louisiana law that allowed bills due on the 25th to be paid on the 26th. Lots of our bigger cities have ordinances prohibiting real Christmas trees in high rise buildings or those with multiple dwelling units for obvious reasons.
Our friends down in Mexico have a rule we rather like: All companies must pay a Christmas bonus equal to at least 15 days of pay, and it must be paid before Dec. 20.
Not everybody, not even a majority of the world, celebrates Christmas. There are now about 8.2 billion people on the planet and about 2.6 billion are Christian, so the religious ceremonies do not extend beyond that. It is not clear how much of the nonChristian world celebrates the secular parts of Christmas, though History.com estimates that for at least four billion people, Dec. 25 is just another day.
Worship, celebrate, both or neither, let’s choose to go forth safely and joyfully.
HAPPINESS AND ITS DISCONTENTS
Guest opinion
by Greg Holmes
How happy were you this year? 2024 was a difficult year for many of us to feel good about, as there were a plethora of difficult things that impacted our lives.
Think about what we went through last year. Take climate change as an example. Images of forest fires, flooding, and severe weather offered dramatic evidence of the devastating impact of changing climate. To make the situation worse, the leaders of the world, like Nero before them, fiddled about and did next to nothing as the Earth burned. In October, a United Nations report concluded that countries had basically made “no progress” toward their previously agreed upon goals of lowering greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.
Another major stressor with long-term consequences was last year’s election. The political posturing in the 2024 election could be charitably summarized as an ugly mess. Civil discourse? Forget about it! What we witnessed was over a billion dollars spent on viscous, often vulgar attacks on opponents. Lies and false promises were commonplace, often enabled by the “news” media.
Continuing
become when life takes a difficult turn for the worse. It can even become more troublesome once you begin to realize how dependent your happiness is on having the outcomes you expected.
No one likes to lose, but what we really lose by focusing too much on negative news and outcomes are the feelings of wonder and the awareness of the miracles that surround us. Continuing to consume an “unbalanced” emotional diet of negativity is, in effect, a way of practicing your unhappiness.
This process, if corrected, will influence the second component of happiness, which is an overall feeling of contentment, or how you feel about your life in general. Yes, there will be ups and downs and times when suffering and loss are unavoidable. However, at the same time there are plenty of good things that go unnoticed.
“unbalanced” emotional diet of negativity is, in effect, a
And then there was the seemingly neverending geopolitical conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, and the deadly, unresolved war in the Middle East. Who among us was not affected by the nightly videos of children and families that were ravaged by war?
There are plenty of national and international problems that often can have a powerful impact on our feelings of wellbeing. But much closer to home many of us also struggled with personal issues, whether it be illness, loss of a loved one, or other forms of trauma. My heart goes out to those of you who have suffered any personal challenges in 2024.
It’s unlikely that any of the national and international issues mentioned above will change significantly for the better in 2025. In addition, many of us will continue to suffer stress from personal problems, the “ups and downs” of our lives. Given these probabilities, how is it possible for one to be happier in 2025?
What we do know about happiness is that it is basically an emotional state comprised of two components. The first component is feelings about what is happening to you in the here and now. For example, imagine how you feel when your favorite sports team wins a big game, or how happy you are when your child does well in a performance at school.
Now imagine the opposite outcomes and how angry and dark your moods can
your unhappiness.
Not having an awareness of these good things can lead to further complications when we look back on our lives. Instead of a feeling of overall satisfaction and contentment, we often feel regret as we painfully realize that we missed out on important things.
The reasons that we don’t know what we have until it’s too late are basically two-fold. First, we don’t fully appreciate what we do have, whether that’s our life, our health, our family, etc. Most of us take these important people and things for granted, focusing instead on less important things in our daily lives.
We take life for granted and put things off because of a semi-conscious belief that we will be able to do them again some other day. Did you miss the magnificent full moon rise this past October, the “Hunter’s Moon”? No worries! You can always catch it next year…if indeed there is a next year.
Second, something very few of us think about is that sooner than later there will not be a next year, no chance to see the full moon rise, walk on the beach, or hug those we love. By continuing to put things off, opportunities will be lost, buried under the heavy weight of regret.
Perhaps we can learn from the people of Bhutan, who are some of the happiest people in the world. Why are they so happy? It’s because they are taught to think about death, sometimes as many as five times every day. Realizing that we will die can have the effect of greatly increasing our appreciation and gratitude for the life we have in the present.
Greg Holmes lives and writes in Traverse City.
Community Resolutions
Local leaders look to 2025
By Art Bukowski
Regardless of your profession, there’s something special and refreshing about the promise of a new year. Northern Express asked local civic leaders within our 13-county coverage area about their resolutions for the coming year.
Marcus Peccia, Cadillac City Manager
Amy Shamroe, Mayor of Traverse City
In 2025, I look forward to working as a city with our surrounding governments and nonprofit partners on addressing the issue of housing and homelessness in our community in very impactful ways. The work done this year to bring different entities to the table to work on solutions together has been so important and laid a good foundation for moving forward. This year we must continue that work and focus on finding/creating more housing options to assist people at a variety of income levels. Through public/ private partnerships, caring neighbors, and a broad lens on the issue, I am confident the city and the region will do great things.
Craig Ardis, Mayor of Lake City
Lake City’s 2025 resolution is full of many redevelopment opportunities. We set up a request for proposals to market our current city hall to redevelop into mixed use, boutique hotel, condos, etc. This property sits on the lakeshore right downtown, on the most beautiful setting which will be a huge economic boost to the city. We are breaking ground in the spring to develop a $2 million park right in the middle of downtown adjoining the proposed mixed use city hall redevelopment. Any developers or investors interested in partnering with these projects or have interest in learning more about our future economic develop projects feel free to contact the City
Mark Heydlauff, Charlevoix City Manager
Infrastructure. The cornerstone of local government is the services it provides residents, businesses, and visitors. I look forward to prioritizing ongoing maintenance, updated technology, and future major projects to provide the opportunity for more and better housing, business growth, and thoughtfully developed public spaces. I think it is best for local government to focus on the issues it is uniquely suited to address. Ensuring reliable and sustainable infrastructure is right in our wheelhouse to support the ingenuity of private businesses and developers in our community. Happy New Year from Charlevoix the Beautiful!
JoAnn Holwerda, Mayor of Frankfort
The City of Frankfort is dedicated toward housing solutions for our families. We want to expand our efforts with homes built by our land trust and partner with Homestretch for a Phase II expansion of Lake & Main Project. Capital improvements will continue with our Michigan Avenue Project and Lake Michigan Beach Restroom Project. Planning efforts will involve a design to reconstruct Main Street, enhancing walkability. Our fire department is working on procuring funding to purchase a new ladder truck. Fiscally, we will continue to maintain budget control with focus on reducing the unfunded retirement pension liabilities.
Perhaps one of the most important priorities in the city of Cadillac from an economic development perspective is to create the right environment for commercial, industrial and retail businesses to be able to stay here and be prosperous, as well as the right environment for them to expand. For that to happen we need to have housing, and housing is an enormous priority for our community. We’re on the cusp of seeing some great projects. We’re also very engaged with environmental issues. The City of Cadillac is very proud to be making some tremendous progress with groundwater cleanup and other matters.
Ty Wessell, Chair, Leelanau County Board of Commissioners
My hopes for the Board of Commissioners: civility, thoughtful decision-making, responsible finance management, collaboration, and reduced partisanship. I resolve to be the kind of commissioner that our community deserves. I will promote civil discourse and fact-based decisions, doing our collective best to forge community partnerships, keep stable tax rates, support affiliated agencies, promote excellence in county services, protect what we have, and demonstrate respect at board meetings. I look forward to 2025. I will work to find common ground and widen the circle. Following Churchill’s maxim, I will do my best and do what is required.
Heather Forbes, Mayor of Grayling
My resolution as an elected leader and resident of the City of Grayling would be to foster solidarity and promote growth within our community. I recognize the importance of unity, cooperation, and mutual support in achieving sustainable growth and fostering a sense of belonging. Considering the challenges we face, both individually and collectively, it is essential to come together to strengthen our ties, support one another, and create an environment where every member can thrive. When people feel they are part of a united, caring group, they are motivated to contribute their time, talents, and resources for the collective good. This creates a more harmonious environment to stimulate both economic and social prosperity in the community.
Jeff Dontz, Chair, Manistee County Board of Commissioners
For 2025, Manistee County will commit to maintaining a path of growth, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public services to improve the quality of life for all residents. The county will prioritize economic development, to include affordable housing and daycare availability for all residents. We will work with all the communities to try and create solutions to enhance infrastructure and safety for residents and tourists. This reflects our dedication to transparent governance, collaboration in our decision-making, and ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving county for all.
of Lake City to learn more.
New Year’s Up North
By Rachel Pasche
Staying up to ring in the New Year? Welcome 2025 with a ball (or other object!) drop, a staycation at a resort, festive fun at a local restaurant or bar, or a dinner party that’s sure to wow. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to celebrate the end of one year and the start of another.
Countdown Drops
1. CherryT Ball Drop
Traverse City is ringing in the new year with the 15th annual CherryT Ball Drop, a rocking event that draws thousands to Front Street to watch the 600-pound cherry descend. Though it’s a free event, donations are recommended, and all proceeds go towards Project Feed the Kids. The event runs from 10pm until shortly after midnight.
2. Great Turtle Drop
If you’re in the mood for a more whimsical drop, Mackinac Island’s Great Turtle Drop gathers a festive crowd. Several hotels and inns on the island are open, as well as two restaurants for dining options. The Turtle Drop starts at 11:50pm on New Year’s Eve.
3. Muskegon Ball Drop
With 12,000 estimated attendees, street vendors, a live DJ, and plenty of open bars, the Muskegon Ball Drop is a party that’s not to be missed. Last year was this event’s inaugural year and saw a surprising turnout and was a huge success; the Lakeshore Legacy Project (the group that puts on this and other events) expects this year to be an even more festive celebration. The party starts at 8pm and continues after the ball drops at midnight. Those attending are encouraged to bring a hat, gloves, or coat for donation.
4. Bridge Drop
Charlevoix hosts a day chock-full of family fun to ring in the New Year, starting with a free children’s movie at the Charlevoix Cinema III theater (bring a non-perishable item for the food pantry!), then horse-drawn wagon rides, events in East Park, and bar and restaurant specials. The night concludes with the bridge—illuminated of course— dropping for a countdown at midnight.
Parties, Bashes,
and Masquerades
5. Crooked Tree Arts Center & Petoskey Library Is your resolution to engage your crafty side more? Crooked Tree Arts Center and Petoskey District Library are hosting an artsy extravaganza in downtown Petoskey including a host of craft projects, workshops, glow games, video games, live music, bonfires, DJs, dancing, chili and hot cocoa tents, and a ball drop at 9pm on Mitchell Street. Arts and crafts will take place inside the Crooked Tree Arts Center, live music and games are at the library, and the Bidwell Plaza will host the food and drink tents, bonfires, and dancing. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
6. Gypsy Distillery’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ring in 2025 with a masquerade ball at Gypsy Distillery in Bay Harbor. Don your finest black, gold, silver, or sparkles for the event, and don’t forget your mask! DJ ODZ will be working the turntables all night, and at midnight a confetti cannon will signify the start of 2025. The party starts at 8pm and goes until 12:30am. Tickets are $10 and include shuttles from High Five Spirits in downtown Petoskey to the distillery. eventbrite.com/e/ gypsy-distillerys-nye-masquerade-party-tickets-1096469633189
7. New Year’s Eve Party at Dixie Saloon in Mackinaw City
Not up for making it to Mackinac Island? The Dixie Saloon is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with live music, dancing, a champagne toast, and food and drink specials until 1am.
8. The Karma Taproom Black Tie Party in Gaylord Feel like dressing up? Karma Taproom is hosting a black-tie New Year’s Eve event, though the dress code is encouraged, not required. Those attending can expect food, drink, and shot specials, plus discounts if they ask Karma employees to call them a taxi home. The party kicks off at 8pm.
Ringing In at a Resort
9. Party at the Top of the Tower at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
For a sky-high start to 2025, head to the tallest building in northern Michigan. The festivities start on the 17th floor of the resort and end with fireworks from the tower at midnight. Guests can enjoy DJs, dancing, drink specials, and a memorable kick-off to the New Year. Attendance is first-come, first-serve to the first 200 guests; must be 21+.
10. New Year’s Eve Party at Treetops Resort in Gaylord Treetops promises entertainment for all at their New Year’s Eve party. Laser tag, face painting, photo booths, a live DJ, and dancing to keep the fun going all night, then a balloon drop and fireworks display to greet the new year with verve. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for kids, and include N/A beverages. There will be a cash bar for guests over 21. treetops.com/events/2025-nye-family-party
11. New Year’s Eve Party at Garland Resort in Lewiston
The Garland Resort is throwing a New Year’s Eve celebration complete with a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Live music by The Ones and Twos will keep the party grooving, complimentary snacks are included, and there will be a cash bar for drinks. Guests can reserve tables of 10 people for larger parties, or be seated on a firstcome, first-served basis. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $40 at the door. Call to reserve your tables/tickets. (877) 442-7526
12. New Year’s Eve Party at Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is a hot spot for 2025 celebrations and activities for all ages. Whether dining at one of the restaurants, joining the family party and dinner, or enjoying some live music après ski, there are plenty of ways to feel festive. The Vista Lounge will have live music from 2–5pm and again from 8:30–12:30pm. Don’t miss the Torchlight Parade down the mountain starting at 10pm, or the fireworks that follow immediately after! More information, tickets, and registrations can be found online. crystalmountain. com/event/new-years-eve-celebration
13. NYE Through the Decades at Shanty Creek Resort
Bring the family for an all-ages shindig at the Grand Ballroom in the Lakeview Hotel. The theme is “NYE Through the Decades,” and guests are encouraged to come in costume and prepare to dance the night away. The dinner includes buffets, appetizers, carving stations, and kid’s options. Adults tickets are $65, kids 6-12 tickets are $40, and kids under six eat free. There’s also a dinner at the Lakeview Restaurant, and a party at Ivan’s, as well as fireworks over Summit Mountain until 11pm. shantycreek.com/event/ new-years-eve
Dinner Parties
14. NYE Wine Dinner at Black Star Farms
Prefer something elegant to close out the year? Black Star Farms is hosting a fourcourse dinner prepared by their in-house chefs, with an optional wine pairing menu. The dress code is formal, black-tie optional. The dinner begins with a sparkling wine reception and is hosted at large feasting tables for an old-fashioned feel. The dinner starts at 6:30pm and runs until 9:30pm. Tickets start at $150. mynorthtickets.com/ events/black-star-farms-new-years-eve-wine-dinner-12-31-2024
15. NYE at The Parlor in Traverse City
The Parlor in downtown TC is hosting its third annual NYE dinner, which includes four courses and a glass of bubbly. There are two seatings: 5–7pm and 8–10pm. Tickets are $75 each and sell out early! mynorthtickets.com/events/nye2024-dinner-12-31-2024
Awesome!
A Laysan albatross named Wisdom, who lives at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, laid what experts believe to be her 60th egg recently, her first in four years. Wisdom is 74 years old, the Associated Press reported on Dec. 6. Laysan albatrosses mate for life; Wisdom's mate, Akeakamai, has not been seen for several years, and Wisdom started stepping out with another male. "We are optimistic that the egg will hatch," said Jonathan Plissner, supervisory wildlife biologist at the refuge. Eggs typically incubate for about two months.
Fake Santa
Visitors at the Great Hall in Winchester, Hampshire, England, are demanding refunds after the quality of the Santa stand-in was not up to their expectations, the Guardian reported on Dec. 10. Comments included that he had a "blatantly fake beard" and "cheap red suit" and called the whole experience a "shambles." "He wasn't very talkative at all -- he didn't seem very jovial. It ruined the experience," said dad Matthew Fernandez, 38, who brought his three children. His children were "in tears regarding the situation and said they knew he was a fake." The Hampshire Cultural Trust said this year's experience is different from last year's and they would offer refunds to customers who had not visited yet.
Sign of the Times
An unnamed woman in Chongqing, China, landed the grand prize of $1,380 after she managed to avoid using her mobile phone for ... one hour, MSN reported on Dec. 3. A local business organized the "public welfare challenge" aimed to spotlight the issue of smartphone addiction. The winning participant showed up in her jammies and had to lie perfectly still, without benefit of distractions like books or movies. Out of 10 contestants, she was the only one who prevailed.
Eyes All Over
Ever feel like you're being watched? Someone in Bend, Oregon, has been putting googly eyes on public artwork in local roundabouts, reported the Sacramento Bee on Dec. 8. At least eight statues and sculptures have been "enhanced" so far, and city officials are none too pleased. "While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art," read a Dec. 4 post on the city's Instagram page. It seems the adhesive used by the googly bandit can damage the artwork; the city claims to have spent $1,500 on repairs so far. However, the comments on the city's post were decidedly pro-whimsy: "These googly eyes give me the hope to move forward each day," read one. Others included: "Let us have some fun," "Googly eyes keep my mental health in a good place," and the hard-to-argue-with "LONG LIVE GOOGLY EYES!"
That's Commitment
And you thought your commute was tough. International student Guangli Xu, 28, currently in his final semester at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, went viral in early December after posting a video on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) documenting his weekly commute. That is, his weekly 5,468-mile commute. Xu told SBS Mandarin that the trip
from his hometown of Dezhou in China's Shandong province to Melbourne and back -a journey he made 11 times between August and October -- costs about $1,500, which ends up being comparable to what his cost of living would be if he stayed in Melbourne full-time. "But I think the money is better spent.
Claus Canceled?
The debate about a War on Christmas may be something of an annual tradition in American news media, but a recent letter from Vitaly Borodin, head of Russia's Federal Project on Security and Combating Corruption, names Santa Claus himself as the key figure in an international Christmas conflict. According to Newsweek, Borodin's letter to Russia's Prosecutor General, first reported by the Russian news outlet Meduza, calls St. Nick a "foreign agent" and expresses concern that the jolly old elf is replacing Father Frost (also known as Ded Moroz), the country's traditional Christmas figure. Borodin has at least one notable supporter in Mikhail Ivanov, deputy of the Bryansk regional parliament, who told the Russian outlet Life, "Santa Claus has become not so much a symbol of Christmas as a symbol of commerce and mass production." Ivanov has called for Santa merchandise to be replaced with that of Ded Moroz all over Russia. Someone's getting coal for Christmas.
Bad Habit
A mafia investigation in Italy recently yielded 24 arrests, but one suspect stands out among the rest: Sister Anna Donelli. The BBC reported on Dec. 4 that a sting operation by the Italian police caught the nun using her position as a volunteer at a prison, which gave her "free access to the penitentiary facilities," to relay messages and info between the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia and its incarcerated members. Donelli will surely have company as she awaits trial; the police operation, which involves hundreds of officers, is ongoing across northern Italy.
Issss That You Ssssnoring?
Here's some news to help you replenish your stock of nightmare fuel. The Indian Express reported that a man in Stellenbosch, South Africa, found a surprise under his bedroom pillow when he returned home in late November: a live cape cobra. The man immediately called Stellenbosch Snake Removals, who posted a video clip on Nov. 24 on Facebook of the removal by expert snake wrangler Emile Rossouw. The company called the highly venomous snake "by far our most dangerous cobra," and said "with the Black Mamba it accounts for the majority of fatal snake bites in South Africa." Sleep tight.
Saving Santa Ho-ho-ho-no: One of Santa's helpers had to be rescued off the side of a building, reported USA Today on Dec. 10. Firefighters were called to the scene of the Holiday Extravaganza in Norwalk, Connecticut, when a man dressed as Santa Claus got stuck 60 feet off the ground. The man was rappelling down the 13-story building when part of his costume became entangled in the rigging. The rescue crew pulled him to safety through a 6th-floor window; no injuries were reported. (Had it been the real Santa, of course, the reindeer would have flown to his rescue right away.)
1 > I can’t imagine a faster growing industry and business than yours in northern Michigan right now. The aging population!
Ha. Yes, it’s booming. I can tell you we get multiple new clients every single week, and especially given our territory of all of northern Michigan.
2 > Before we get into your fascinating and rare certification, one more question about growth: I assume Comfort Keepers is hiring?
Oh yes. We’re constantly building our care team and the interesting thing is the range of people we’re able to hire and train: everything from people right out of high school or those going into nursing or even people who just got experience caring for their own family members.
3 > And you can accommodate all of those?
We match our caregivers’ skills and interests and schedules to our client needs. Some clients just need errands or light cleaning, and others need that full medical care. And some caregivers are full-time, some are just stay-at-home moms looking to work a few hours a week. It runs the gamut.
4 > So how did you end up in northern Michigan?
I grew up in Leland, but had been working at a hospital in Denver for 20 years. During COVID, I decided to relocate back to be closer to family. I had intended to stay in a hospital setting, but I had the pleasure of meeting the Owner of Comfort Keepers, Leslie. I was immediately intrigued by their mission and so impressed by how they treat their staff and clients, so I joined the company!
5 > What prompted you to take that big step to attend such a challenging program at the Cleveland Clinic — and to go for three certifications at once?
I am now certified by the Cleveland Clinic in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence, but it’s been a journey. At first, I tried to solve some of our clients’ needs by referring them to local providers, but quickly found there just
Specialized Nursing Care Now Available
Jennifer Biggs is on the cutting edge of senior care, with Cleveland Clinic certifications that are exceedingly rare around northern Michigan. We wanted to hear more about the company’s growth, her certifications, and why you or your loved ones are likely to be a Comfort Keepers team member or client at some point in life!
wasn’t enough expertise in those areas, but a great need. And I learned the Cleveland Clinic had created these certifications, so I went for it.
6 > You sure did. You told me it was the biggest challenge of your career!
Yes. You may select one or two or try to earn all three, and I chose all three, which was a major undertaking and had me in school full-time for eight months. And they have a reputation of not certifying anyone unless they are very worthy, so I really had to earn it.
7 > And I’m assuming it’s rare to have even one of these certifications, much less three, particularly here in our region?
I’ve met a few professionals with one of them, but I’ve never met anyone with all three, so yes. It’s been a game changer for our clients, honestly.
8 > And please explain a few examples of how this might apply to someone.
Sure. Last week I had a client who has severe cardiovascular disease and has not managed it well. With that disease, your body gets overloaded with fluid, and your legs swell. Then there’s typically weeping of some extra fluid and it can form wounds. Typically that goes on and can get infected, particularly if nobody notices it. So after one consultation with me, I got them into a cardiologist to manage the excess fluid with medication, we healed the wounds on her legs, and she’s on a healthy path. Now if someone has diabetes, they can’t feel their feet very well due to neuropathy, so they can have sores they don’t even realize, and that brings another set of problems. So you learn and can really, really help people change their lives quickly.
9 > OK. How about a non-wound situation?
Incontinence is really common. But aging adults have grown to believe that being a little incontinent with
sneezing or experiencing urgency is to be expected. It honestly tends to get swept under the rug with primary care physicians and there’s shame and stigmas associated with it. But those issues can lead to wounds, and again, clients won’t tell anyone about. So I can go in, do a consultation, review their medications and diet and a lot of times drastically improve or cure the problem completely for them.
10 > You sound passionate about it.
I really am. People suffer in silence with this, and it just isn’t something they should have to live with. I say let’s get it out in the open. I had one client who wasn’t leaving the house because the problem had gotten so bad. I was able to get one medication changed for her, and now has zero issues at all. I want people to know I’m here to help them because they don’t have to spend their lives in pain or shame.
11 > But not all Comfort Keepers clients need your level of care, correct?
Not at all. When we take on a new client, our director does an intake and decides whether or not nursing is needed. When I’m involved, I do a holistic assessment of the client and set up an appropriate care plan.
12 > And for those who don’t need nursing care?
My mom just needed someone with light cleaning and a ride to appointments. That’s the beauty of our services: They can range from three hours a week running errands to full-time care with nursing support.
13 > I can tell you love your job!
It’s just glorious teamwork here, with thoughtfulness and real concern for the seniors we’re serving. I’ve never experienced this many positive relationships in my career. It’s what drew me in to begin with.
Floating into Wellness
A deep dive into float therapy
By Abby McKiernan
Imagine weightlessly drifting in a cocoon of warmth and silence, your body freed from gravity and your mind gently untangling its knots. This serene escape is what float therapy offers—and why it’s gaining popularity as a wellness practice in the region.
To understand the appeal, we spoke with two local businesses specializing in the art of floating: Solitude Float & Wellness Spa in Traverse City and Willoway Spa in Petoskey.
The Basics: How Float Therapy Works
At its core, float therapy is a simple yet transformative process. The therapy begins with a specialized tank or pod containing about 10 inches of water mixed with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. This high concentration creates buoyancy so strong that it mimics the experience of floating in the Dead Sea. The water’s density, at approximately 1.275 gm/m³, ensures that floating is effortless— allowing your body to completely relax.
The whole process begins with a shower to remove oils or lotions that might interfere with the water’s chemistry. Once in the tank, clients can float for 60 or 90 minutes, with the water and air temperature perfectly matched to skin temperature. This temperature match eliminates sensory input, creating an environment that feels like floating in space. Afterward, clients shower again, and the tank undergoes a thorough cleaning cycle to prepare for the next user.
Inside the Tank: What to Expect
The experience inside the float tank is
highly individualized. Some people find it meditative and introspective, while others see it as purely physical relief. Sarah Lee Sullivan, CEO of Solitude, shares that clients often describe the sensation as “being completely weightless” or experiencing a womb-like calm. Others emerge feeling deeply refreshed and describe the session as “a reset for the body and mind.”
The experience is also customizable. Clients can choose complete silence and darkness to heighten the sensory deprivation or opt for soft lighting and bring their own music. For those worried about balance or discomfort, tanks include floating headrests and handrails for support, ensuring that the session is as relaxing as possible.
Common Misconceptions
Many first-timers hesitate to try float therapy, with claustrophobia being the most frequent concern. Both spas address this with thoughtful design. Solitude’s pods are spacious enough to accommodate individuals up to 6-feet-5-inches tall, and the lid can remain open for those who prefer it. Willoway emphasizes that the buoyancy created by the saltwater means there’s no need to consciously float—the water does all the work.
Another misconception is that the experience might feel isolating or even dull. Both businesses counter this, explaining that floating allows the brain to focus on healing and restoration. Many clients report feeling more connected to their bodies and minds after a session.
The Benefits: Body and Mind Float therapy offers an impressive range of physical and mental benefits. Sullivan categorizes these into two main areas. On the physical side, floating can decrease chronic pain, lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and enhance muscle recovery. The staff at Willoway adds that the magnesium in the Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin, aiding in detoxification, strengthening the immune system, and improving skin health.
On the mental side, floating is a proven stress reliever and can significantly reduce anxiety. Sullivan highlights that floating provides a distraction-free environment where clients can enter a state of mindfulness, quieting their thoughts and increasing focus. Both businesses tout that regular float therapy can alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall well-being.
Why People Float
The reasons people turn to float therapy are as varied as the benefits themselves. Sullivan says she sees a diverse clientele, including veterans managing PTSD, seniors seeking relief from inflammation and joint pain, and professionals looking for mental clarity.
Sullivan shared the story of a veteran who found relief from PTSD through floating, calling it a life-changing practice. In fact, Sullivan herself found float therapy when she was struggling with insomnia and high anxiety and credits the practice with restoring her sleep and overall mental peace.
At Willoway, the most common reasons clients float are to alleviate physical pain, improve sleep, and achieve deep relaxation. Athletes also benefit from floating. Both spas mention that it aids muscle recovery by reducing blood lactate levels and alleviating soreness. Others use floating as a way to disconnect from daily stressors and tap into a meditative state.
One client at Willoway, a healthcare worker, describes how weekly floats have alleviated shoulder tension caused by long hours of patient care. Another client shared, “For the first time in over a year, I’m not in pain.” Many clients, they say, leave the tank feeling like a new person, with comments like, “Best sleep I’ve ever had.”
The Cost of Relaxation
At Solitude, a 60-minute float costs $79, with first-time clients receiving a $10 discount. Membership options are also available, reducing the cost to as low as $49.75 per float. Willoway offers a 60-minute session for $75 and a 90-minute session for $100, providing options for those who want a longer experience.
Both spas emphasize that memberships or package deals offer the best value for regular floaters, making it an accessible addition to a wellness routine.
Visit their websites (solitudefloatspa.com and willowayspa.com) or book a session to experience the magic of floating for yourself. You might just find it’s the weightless escape you’ve been looking for.
Photo courtesy of Solitude Float & Wellness
Redefining Healthcare in Northern Michigan
Table Health opts for direct primary care, expands to mental health services
By Hanna Lee-Kleb
In an era when healthcare can feel impersonal and rushed, Table Health of Traverse City is hoping to redefine the patient experience in Up North.
Founded in 2018 in Traverse City by Dr. Jill Butryn, MD, and Christa Kiessel, Table Health operates on a direct primary care (DPC) model that aims to eliminate traditional insurance barriers and emphasize transparency, authenticity, and value. The practice has since expanded to a second location in Petoskey in 2022, and has continued to grow to offer primary care, wellness services, and most recently, mental health care.
A Name and a Mission
The name “Table Health” is intentionally rich with symbolism, representing inclusivity, collaboration, and community. As Kiessel envisioned, the “table” is central to life in many forms: the dining table, where families and friends gather to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. The boardroom table, a place where peers convene to make impactful decisions. And the exam table, the starting point for patient-doctor relationships.
“We wanted to create a healthcare experience that fosters personal connections and ensures that every member feels valued, seen, and heard,” Butryn explains.
From the outset, Table Health sought to address the frustrations that both patients and providers face in traditional systems.
“We were feeling like it was getting harder and harder to really do medicine well,” Butryn says. “By removing the constraints of insurance, we created a model that allows for more personalized and accessible care.”
What does “removing the constraints of insurance” mean? In 2020, Table Health shifted to Direct Primary Care (DPC), which provides members with a different approach to healthcare. Instead of working with an insurance provider and paying copays and deductibles for primary care, patients pay a monthly fee that covers comprehensive care, from annual exams to urgent health needs.
Members pay $57-$99 per month for a Primary Membership, which offers access to an annual health assessment, unlimited primary care visits, discounted rates on labs, and more. Patients ages 0-39 pay $57 per month, while patients age 40+ fall into the higher price tiers. There is an initial sign-up fee of $100-$200.
The Table Health team believes their
model enables longer appointments, fewer patients, and stronger relationships.
For Dr. Vince WinklerPrins, MD, FAAFP, a primary care physician at Table Health, the difference is profound. “Time is the magic sauce,” he says. “With fewer patients and longer visits, I can truly get to know my patients and understand their stories.”
Transparency is another cornerstone of the DPC model. “In a traditional practice, it’s nearly impossible to tell patients how much their visit will cost,” WinklerPrins explains. “At Table Health, patients know exactly what they’re paying for. It removes so much stress and confusion.”
Expanding to Mental Health
Recognizing the critical role of mental health in overall well-being, Table Health launched its Mental Health Membership in 2024. This program offers behavioral health services tailored to individuals, families, and groups.
Sessions are usually offered virtually through teletherapy, but in-person sessions are available upon request at the Traverse City location. Individual memberships run $348 per month, working out to $87 per session for weekly therapy visits. Family
memberships are $696 per month, with the ability to schedule two sessions per week rotated among family members.
“The flexibility of this model is what excites me the most,” says Ali Fitzgibbon, LMSW, a mental health clinician and therapist at Table Health. “I can work with individuals or families, address specific concerns, or provide ongoing support. It’s all about meeting people where they’re at.”
Common challenges such as anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder are addressed by the mental health team, who also work closely with primary care providers.
“The collaboration is seamless,” Fitzgibbon says. “I can coordinate directly with physicians, ensuring patients receive holistic and integrated care.”
Fitzgibbon also notes how the model supports families and adapts to their needs. “Sometimes I’ll work with a parent on managing stress, and then we’ll transition to family sessions if that becomes necessary,” she says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to have the flexibility to address everything from individual challenges to more complex family dynamics. We’re really helping patients find balance in their lives.”
WinklerPrins highlights the impact of
integrating mental health into the DPC model. “I recently worked with a patient struggling with severe depression. Together with one of our therapists, we’ve been able to provide comprehensive support that’s helping him turn his life around.”
Fitzgibbon agrees the integration of mental health services into the broader healthcare model is a game-changer. “We don’t work in silos here,” she says. “If I’m working with someone who also sees one of our primary care doctors, I can communicate with them directly, ensuring the patient’s care is coordinated and cohesive.”
Patients First
The end goal is that the collaboration between care providers creates an environment where patients feel fully supported.
“It’s not just about treating symptoms— it’s about empowering people to take control of their mental and physical health,” says WinklerPrins. “That’s what makes this model so powerful.”
Table Health’s philosophy is rooted in treating patients as whole individuals. “We look at all facets of their care,” Fitzgibbon
says. “By working together, we address their needs more effectively.”
Table Health also offers services like wellness coaching, nutrition counseling, and functional medicine ($185-$550 per appointment). A Wellness Membership is $85/month (plus a $85 sign-up fee) that includes one wellness visit per month, which could be a bodywork/ massage appointment or a nutrition visit. Additional services—like a grocery store tour with a registered dietician ($160)— are available à la carte.
The feedback from members speaks
volumes. “[Patients are] amazed by how simple, transparent, and personal the experience is,” Butryn says.
Word is getting out, and with growth rates of 30-40 percent annually, Table Health shows no signs of slowing down. Butryn remains committed to expanding where there is need, always guided by the principle of putting the patient at the center.
“It’s about building relationships and creating a different experience—one that treats patients as individuals, not numbers,” Butryn concludes.
Dr. Jill Butryn Ali Fitzgibbon
Dr. Vince WinklerPrins
Spa-lidayShopping Expert-approved products for skin, hair, nails, and more
By Brighid Driscoll
Winter can be a drag. A beautiful drag, but a drag nonetheless. Nights come early, days come late, and it’s easy to fall into a monotonous routine. So this year, find something that makes you feel good. Whether that’s a cozy activity at home or dedicated time spent outside, now is a chance to pursue pleasure. Bonus points if it makes you look good too.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of favorite products from local spas that will make you look and feel good. Spa directors from Grand Traverse Resort, Crystal Mountain, the Inn at Bay Harbor, and Boyne Mountain told us about some of their personal favorite products and what their guests have been loving.
SPA GRAND TRAVERSE
Dr. Dennis Gross Dr X SpectraLite FaceWare Pro ($$$): Red and blue light offer easy skincare benefits. Red light penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating collagen production, reducing fine lines, and improving texture and elasticity. It also promotes cell regeneration, enhancing skin tone and reducing inflammation. Blue light targets surface bacteria, making it effective for treating acne by reducing breakouts and calming irritated skin. This mask combines the power of both. Spa Director Dawn Olsen says, “It is a little bit more expensive—it retails around $455—but it is one of the best masks on the market.”
Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel Pads ($$): A TikTok-loved product that’s been touted as lazy girl skincare, these peel pads exfoliate for brighter and smoother skin that absorbs and holds moisture better. “This one is phenomenal,” says Olsen. “They are so incredibly easy to use. They have a gentle, regular, and extra strength version, depending on what your skin can handle. The pads work in two steps. The first step has all the exfoliating properties, and the second step soothes the skin afterwards.” The pads use alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) to exfoliate the skin by loosening dead skin cells. AHAs work on the surface, improving texture and brightness, while BHAs clear pores and reduce acne. They cost around $90.
CRYSTAL SPA
Amenity Pass ($$): A great way to treat yourself and get out of the house is to take advantage of Crystal Spa’s annual Spa Pass. Vice President of Retail and Wellness Services Stephanie Scott says the pass is sold through the holidays and is able to be used next year. “It’s a punch card for eight, two-hour amenity visits. You can come in for two hours Monday through Thursday and enjoy the steam room, infrared sauna, pool, and we have a fitness center. They could use the outdoor hot tub, sit and lounge with tea and snacks near the fireplace. Normally it’s $320, but during the holidays it’s $160.”
Heated Lash Curler ($): Spa products don’t have to be spendy. Scott says their Chella heated eyelash curlers have pleasantly surprised guests with how much impact the small product makes. “I just watched a young lady at our open house get completely wowed by how much her eyelashes popped by using this very safe curling wand.” The heat helps lift and hold lashes more effectively than a standard curler. There’s a rechargeable version for $37 and a battery operated one for $20.
THE SPA AT INN AT BAY HARBOR
Naturopathica Calendula & Tremella Body Butter ($$): Tremella is a fascinating ingredient gaining popularity in health and beauty products. It’s a mushroom known for having various health benefits, including enhancing skin hydration. It works similarly to, and some say stronger than, hyaluronic acid by pulling moisture into the skin. Rich in antioxidants and other plant compounds, it also boosts skin elasticity and reduces inflammation. Calendula, a flower known for its soothing skin benefits, is also included in this body butter. “It’s a body butter, so it’s really rich, but it really fortifies the skin’s barrier,” says Spa Director Kari Strange. “The tremella can hold nearly five times its weight in water, and it’s really great for dry or cracked skin too. We have it out at the spa all the time and are using it ourselves.” The body butter retails for $48.
Dazzle Dry Maintain Nail & Cuticle Oil ($): Along with dry and cracked skin comes dry and brittle nails. Preventing hangnails is made easy with some dedicated moisture. “We can’t keep this nail and cuticle oil on our shelf right now,” says Strange. “It’s made from 19 plant oils and is super moisturizing. This helps keep your nails flexible so they’re less prone to breakage, and keeps them healthy. It helps keep polish on them too.” Find the oil at the spa for $20.
Eminence Skincare ($$): “What comes to mind right away is our Eminence organic skincare line. It’s from Hungary, and we’ve tried to pair another facial line up against that line and none of them can compete,” says Spa Director Gretchen Bush. Eminence uses handpicked, organic ingredients in their products. Because there are no harsh chemicals, Eminence works for various skin types to achieve radiant skin. Their environmental responsibility extends to eco-packaging and tree-planting initiatives, making them a favorite among conscious consumers worldwide.
Vital Body Therapeutics Muscle and Joint CBD Cream ($$): CBD in skincare helps relieve pain by interacting with the skin’s endocannabinoid receptors, reducing inflammation and calming irritated nerves. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it great for soothing muscle soreness, joint pain, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Applied topically, CBD targets specific pain without entering the bloodstream, offering natural relief while also moisturizing and calming the skin. (And no, it won’t get you high.) “Their muscle and joint relief cream is amazing,” says Bush. “It reduces any pains or soreness that I have. Like many people I hold a lot of stress in my shoulder and neck area. It helps so much, and I sleep like a baby.” Find it for $54.
THE SPA AT BOYNE MOUNTAIN
MAY THE PARSNIPS BE WITH YOU IN 2025 Inside the Ingredients
By Nora Rae Pearl
This holiday season we know one thing for sure: The snow has arrived and it is here to stay ...at least for a while. For winter cooking, let us look to the parsnip. One of their little-known secrets is that as the weather gets colder, they get sweeter. Let that be a metaphor for us in 2025; to let the cold (and the parsnips) build us up.
Enjoy parsnips during the peak of their sweetness with these recipes you’ll want all winter long. Be sure to shop local for this root vegetable at local markets like the Grain Train Co-op in Petoskey, Edson Farms Natural Food Store in Traverse City, or Boyne City’s Winter Market.
PARSNIP BLOOD ORANGE BUNDT CAKE
Who knew parsnips were the secret ingredient to your new favorite spice cake?
To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a large bundt pan. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the flour mixture until no dry spots remain. Fold in the parsnips. Spoon into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 42 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan before turning out to cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, juice and zest of 1 blood orange, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add enough milk to thin the frosting to a thick glaze. Spread over the cooled cake. Sprinkle over the crystallized ginger. Enjoy.
WINTER WHITE PARSNIP SOUP
A delicious take on one-sheet wonder soup, with parsnips to add a subtle minty flavor.
Soup Ingredients
• 1 large cauliflower, broken into medium florets
• 1 pound parsnips, peeled
• 2 medium yellow onions
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
To make the soup: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the parsnips, onions, and potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Combine with the cauliflower on a large parchment lined baking sheet. Drizzle over olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast until starting to brown and vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside a few pieces of cauliflower. Place the remaining vegetables in a blender with the warmed vegetable broth. Blend until smooth. Add a splash of broth if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately. Add a cauliflower garnish to each soup.
WHAT’S THE RUSH?
By Anna Faller
For most of us, the term “urgent care” conjures images of a multi-use walk-in clinic. It’s where you could get a sprain wrapped at night, get tested for mono and strep throat in college, or refill that important prescription you forgot to pack on holiday.
In all of these cases, you’d be right. Urgent cares and their services, though, especially in the wake of COVID, have since grown to meet community needs far beyond on-the-spot cold and flu treatment.
The Urgent Care Association, a trade association for urgent cares around the country, reports that 200 million patients are seen at urgent care offices each year, with more than a quarter of U.S. adults visiting one in 2023.
“We see a lot in urgent care,” notes Amber Davenport, Regional Clinical Director of WellNow Urgent Care, a chain which just opened its doors in Traverse City this year. “We do a lot in first-line evaluation and can manage the majority of illnesses and injuries that come through the door.”
Northern Express sat down with representatives from two of TC’s urgent
Answering your four top questions about urgent care
care centers—WellNow’s Davenport and Dr. Jacob Szafranski, medical director for Munson Healthcare’s two locations in Traverse City—for some insight on available services, how to make the most of your urgent care visit, and what developing industry trends could mean for the future of local healthcare.
What Do They Treat?
Per Szafranski and Davenport, urgent care addresses acute, but not life-threatening, health issues that can be treated quickly.
“You can’t always walk into [other offices], and they might not have some of the tools [we do]. There’s a specific role we’re trying to fill, and there’s definitely a need for it,” says Szafranski.
That “non-life-threatening” piece is key, as there are certain medical circumstances an urgent care isn’t equipped to handle. Conditions requiring complex imaging (think: CT scans or MRIs), extensive lab work, or specialized monitoring, for instance, aren’t always available. Instead, says Szafranski, the patient in question would be triaged to a more appropriate department.
One of these is the emergency room,
which should be your immediate destination if you’re experiencing a life-threatening medical concern. That includes, but isn’t limited to: chest pain or shortness of breath, which could point to cardiovascular or respiratory distress; severe trauma or head injuries with loss of consciousness; uncontrolled bleeding; or classic signs of a stroke, like sudden weakness, numbness, or changes in speech.
The other point of care here is referral to a general practitioner. Knowing when to contact a GP, though, can sometimes feel tricky, as there’s often overlap between routine and urgent care services. Per Szafranski, that distinction is clouded further when we factor in the everclimbing cost of health insurance and that some clinic clients lack access to primary care entirely.
Though the latter situation isn’t unique—in fact, it’s prevalent nationwide— it is a potential obstacle to ensuring patients receive the best course of treatment.
“ There are certain elements of healthcare you’d be missing without a primary doctor,” he notes. “Things like vaccinations, health maintenance, and [disease] screenings are
all outside the urgent care scope.”
Consequently, he stresses that chronic conditions and those that need multiple follow-up visits are best addressed in a general care setting. Diabetes is a prime example of this, as are high blood pressure or cholesterol, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disease, and bone or joint issues, like arthritis.
Outside of those boundaries, though, urgent care sees just about everything else!
Mild infections, like conjunctivitis (aka, pink eye) and urinary tract infections are common complaints, Szafranski says, as are minor lacerations, foreign body removal for eyes and ears, rashes, stomach bugs, and various musculoskeletal injuries.
With cold and flu season ramping up, both practitioners also report a recent uptick in respiratory illnesses, like bronchitis, influenza, and COVID-19.
Pertussis, aka whooping cough, is also on the statewide rise, with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reporting upwards of 830 cases in 2024 (that’s up from about 600 annually from 2017-2019), as is mycoplasma, also called “walking pneumonia.”
Is It Faster?
It’s no secret that expedient treatment is also a primary draw for most walk-in clinic visitors. Just how speedy, though, is dependent both on patient acuity, as well as when you seek care.
Though none of the aforementioned clinics is ever objectively slow, Szafranski does note that certain time frames tend to see less traffic than others.
“Our slowest time is typically around dinner, which is when people are often occupied driving home or eating a meal,” he says. Conversely, late evenings and early mornings are consistently peak urgent care hours, as are weekends and holidays.
Seasonality is also a key factor here, as the population of Traverse City, and by extension, local urgent care needs, more than doubles with the summer influx, culminating around the National Cherry Festival.
Per Davenport’s estimation, which puts recent WellNow patient averages at around 30 to 40 per 12-hour day, this means that TC’s clinics combined could easily be diagnosing and treating thousands of patients each week in the summer.
More bodies to heal, though, means longer wait times. Both centers prioritize timely care, with the majority of patients received in a matter of minutes—in fact, WellNow has set its bar to complete treatment in less than 45. This is in contrast to similar ER queues, which can average up to two-and-a-half hours per visit.
Are They Fully Staffed?
As for staffing to meet those surges?
So far, shortages are a non-issue, though
both providers stress that they’re always on the lookout for more high-quality staff. On the ground, this breaks down to one clinician onsite at WellNow, while Munson’s locations staff three or four providers, many of whom are contingent from other sectors within the healthcare field.
“[Urgent care] is similar to many other industries in that there are certain job types that are more difficult to fill, but we’re very fortunate to have a strong cohort of providers [in northern Michigan],” says Szafranski. Thus, word of mouth is a key funnel, he adds, especially in our tight-knit region. WellNow also utilizes an accredited fellowship program to attract staff.
The shift-style framework of urgent care is another draw for many applicants, as it offers a balance outside the office that similar departments, like trauma, can’t. Per Davenport, this not only makes for happier staff, but also better-equipped clinicians.
“We have set hours and set shifts, so when you’re off, you’re off,” she says. “We think it’s really important for our providers to be able to take a day, reset, and then be at their best when they’re seeing patients.”
Can You Access Urgent Care from Home?
As we look to the winter months and 2025, our sources unanimously point to telehealth as the next “big thing” in the medical field.
The service, which was first introduced locally at the onset of the pandemic, headlined by Munson’s “Ask a Nurse” hotline, has since become a pillar of regional healthcare, both for its convenience and virtually limitless patient capacity, especially
for those in more rural locations.
As our providers underscore, Traverse City represents a key medical zone for much of the northwest Michigan region with patients traveling from dozens of out-of-town hubs, some as far as Cadillac and Alpena.
To better meet that demand, both Munson and WellNow also offer a selection of urgent care services virtually, including phone consultations and real-time meetings, though these sessions are often limited to a finite set of eligible symptoms like coughs, rashes, and UTIs. Munson is even equipped to provide care in Florida—a handy tool for “snowbird” travelers.
“Urgent care is so needed in northern Michigan,” adds Davenport. “We really want to be there for the local community, and by providing access to these clinics and extended hours, we’ve been able to [do that].”
Find WellNow Urgent Care at 3570 N. US-31 South in Traverse City. (231) 401-1166. wellnow. com. Munson Healthcare has two Traverse City urgent care offices: one inside the Foster Family Community Health Center at 550 Munson Ave., (231) 935-8686, and the other at Urgent Care West, 3074 N. US-31 South. (231) 929-1234. munsonhealthcare.org.
Davenport
Szafranski
Todd McMillen Certified Picture Framer
Saturday
2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: Creekside Community Church, gymnasium, TC. Modern & antique trains travel around tracks, tended by engineers from the Northern Michigan Railroad Club (NMRRC). Runs Dec. 21-31 with the NMRRC hosting their annual swap meet as part of the event on Saturdays & Sundays. Santa will visit on the first day of the Festival - Dec. 21 from 1-3pm! Hours for the Festival are Mon. through Sat. from 10am-6pm; Sun. from 1-4pm; with special hours of 10am-4pm on Dec. 24 & Dec. 31. It will be closed on Christmas. Admission is $6 for ages 5+; 4 & under, free. greatlakeskids.org/join-us-for-the-2024-festivalof-trains
CODING FOR CHRISTMAS WITH SHELLY: 10am, Interlochen Public Library. No experience is necessary. Help light up the Christmas tree with your ideas, create new dance moves with code, or even program a car to follow along. Free. 231-276-6767.
MITCHELL CREEK MEADOWS: THE DON & JERRY OLESON PRESERVE CONSERVATION CENTER TOUR: 10am, 2846 3 Mile Rd. N., TC. This tour will include an inside look at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s new conservation hub & office space, including the McMullen Family Conservation Center, the Bob and Pauline Young Family Stewardship Workshop, & the native plant greenhouse & goat barn. Must register. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforce-sites.com/es/event/ home/conservationcentertour122124
SATURDAY BOOK SHOWDOWN: 10am, Petoskey District Library, Children’s Program Room. It’s a battle of two books. Two books will be read & only kids can decide who wins! A new twist on story time with a voting component. For ages 3-7. Free. petoskey.librarycalendar.com/event/saturday-book-showdown-1006
BILL O. SMITH BOOK SIGNING: Noon2pm, Horizon Books, TC. Smith is the author of five picture books for children, including four from his “chickadee” series. horizonbooks.com/event/bill-o-smith-booksigning-1
BOOK SIGNING WITH DAVID KENNY: Noon-3pm, Blue Vase Book Exchange, Interlochen. David will sign his new novel “Long Winters North” & hold a Q&A session. Free. DavidKennyBooks.com
PHOTOS WITH THE GRINCH!: Noon4pm, The Katydid, downtown Petoskey. Mix it up this year & have your photo taken with The Grinch. Bring your own camera; he hasn’t got the time or desire to supply film.
HOLIDAY EVENT: “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Enjoy a two man adaptation of this holiday classic. Free. tadl.org/event/holiday-event-christmas-carol-19109
SANTA CLAUS AT KILWINS: 1-5pm, Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen, 1050 Bayview Rd., Petoskey. Santa will be spreading holiday cheer with his sleigh parked right outside the store. Children can tell him their holiday wishes while enjoying a complimentary cup of hot chocolate, made at Kilwins. Free.
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“THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON”: 2pm & 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Christmas is a time for magic, traditions, & watching too many original TV holiday rom-coms. Now you can enjoy the sugar rush of six Christmas shows at once, LIVE on stage. Dis-
guised royalty, evil city slickers, movie stars & more have a snow-bound meet-up at a charming inn to find the connections they crave in this hilarious parody. Adults: $33; youth under 18: $20. oldtownplayhouse. com/performances/mainstage/the-holidaychannel-christmas-movie-wonderthon.html
COMPANY DANCE TRAVERSE & DANCE ARTS ACADEMY PRESENT
“THE NUTCRACKER”: 2pm & 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. The performance has a cast of 164 children & adults to tell this Christmas Story of Clara & the events that take place at the family Christmas Party. $30. 29469. danceticketing.com/r/events
CTAC SCHOOL OF BALLET PRESENTS:
“THE NUTCRACKER”: 3pm & 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Enjoy this dynamic & beautiful show with original choreography. $10-$40. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey-ctac-school-ballet/ ctac-school-ballet-presents-nutcracker-0
HOLIDAY MUSIC: CHERRY CAPITAL
MEN’S CHORUS: 3pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Enjoy holiday music to get in the spirit. Free. tadl.org/event/holiday-music-cherrycapital-mens-chorus-16604
SANTA VISITS/CHRISTMAS TREES:
3-6pm, Jordan Inn, East Jordan. Visit with Santa while you enjoy free cookies & hot cocoa. The Lions Club of East Jordan will also be selling Christmas trees.
LIGHTING OF THE BRIDGES: 6-8pm, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Join as the bridges of the boardwalk are lit up with colorful lights & lanterns for one night only. Enjoy a quarter mile winter stroll around the boardwalk to see the lights & then warm up with a campfire & hot cocoa at the pavilion. Inside the Center will be a variety of holiday crafts to make. This is an “open house” style event. Snowshoes are available for rent if there is deep snow. $5/person. grassriver.org
THE HAUNTING OF EBENEZER: 6pm, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. An acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. These sixteen original Americana songs guide a listener through Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting & transformation. The band, playing folk instruments & singing in harmony, embraces the ghosts & regrets, the love & joy that has made “A Christmas Carol” such a beloved & enduring holiday tradition. $20 for Oliver Art Center members, or $25 for non-members. hauntingofebenezer.com
YULETIDE FULL MOON PARTY: 6-8pm, Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary, TC. Yuletide crafts, intention setting, mini ritual, tarot readings & more. Free. blessedbetea.com
BLISSFEST WINTER SOLSTICE GATHERING FEAT. ARMCHAIR BOOGIE & DIG A PONY: Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. An annual celebration of the return of the light featuring multiple musical performances, a raffle, beverages, & seasonal merriment. Enjoy Dig a Pony: A Beatles Tribute, & Armchair Boogie, a nationally touring newgrass act whose sound ranges from lightning-fast bluegrass to fiery funk to soulful folk & more. Doors, raffle & mingle at 6:30pm; music at 7:30pm. $12$50. blissfest.org
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Yuletide sounds with the full TC Philharmonic & Jeffery Cobb’s NMC choruses in a traditional holiday experience. Students & first-time attendees can receive 50% off single ticket purchases. Call 9477120. $27-$65. tcphil.org/concerts/homefor-the-holidays
GOOD ON PAPER - IMPROV SHOW: 8pm, TC Comedy Club. A popular show of hilariously improvised scenes based on audience suggestions. Menu & full-bar available. Doors open at 7pm. $18/person. mynorthtickets.com/events/good-on-paperimprov-december-21-12-21-2024
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CANDLELIGHT: CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON STRINGS: 8:30pm, Kirkbride Hall at GT Commons, TC. A live, multi-sensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. $45-$60.50. feverup. com/m/255702
Sunday
2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
--------------
PHOTOS WITH THE GRINCH!: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
COMPANY DANCE TRAVERSE & DANCE
ARTS ACADEMY PRESENT “THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Sat., Dec. 21, except today’s times are 1pm & 5:30pm.)
HOLIDAY MUSIC: PETER BERGIN: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Local pianist/vocalist Peter Bergin will share his musical talents for the holiday season. Free. tadl.org/ event/holiday-music-peter-bergin-pianistvocalist-16520
CTAC SCHOOL OF BALLET PRESENTS: “THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Sat., Dec. 21, except today’s only time is 3pm.)
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: (See Sat., Dec. 21, except today’s time is 3pm.)
FREE CONCERT: 4pm, Trinity Church, Northport. Enjoy a concert of choral & instrumental music, followed by refreshments. facebook.com/TrinityChurchUCCNorthportMI
TCTC JINGLE BELL 5K RUN/WALK: 5:30pm, Park Place Hotel & Conference Center, TC. A nighttime holiday run that tours favorite neighborhood streets bordering downtown TC that are adorned in holiday lights & decorations. Wear your festive holiday costumes & enjoy cookies & hot cocoa afterwards. Free for Traverse City Track Club members. $20. runsignup.com/Race/Events/ MI/TraverseCity/JingleBellRun
dec 22 dec 23 dec 24
HOLIDAY MUSIC: TLC HANDBELL CHOIR: 3pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Welcome back the TLC Bells Choir, a family favorite to ring in the holiday season. Free. tadl.org/event/holiday-music-tlc-handbellchoir-16519
“CHRISTMAS TOGETHER”: 6pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Enjoy a concert with Cheboygan’s Agee Family to benefit the Cheboygan County Salvation Army. Consider donating to the Red Kettle Campaign &/or bringing dry food items to replenish their food pantry. Free; donations encouraged. theoperahouse.org
monday
2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
tuesday 2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
SKI WITH SANTA: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Give Santa a friendly wave before his trip around the world! Santa will hit the slopes beginning at 10am. crystalmountain.com/event/santa-ski
The only reason to have a blue Christmas season is if you’re heading to Freshwater Art Gallery & Concert Venue in Boyne City for Two Nights of the Blues with “Detroit’s Queen of the Blues” Thornetta Davis (Band) on Sat., Dec. 28 at 8pm, and Larry McCray (Band) whose “Blues Without You” was voted Blues Rock Review’s #1 album of 2022, on Sun., Dec. 29 at 8pm. Tickets are $45 for each show. Call to reserve: 231-582-2588.
wednesday
TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER: 1-3pm, East Jordan Cornerstone Church, corner of Fourth & Esterly. Free.
thursday
2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
friday
2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
READER CHEF, JR. COOKING CLASSES: 11am, Interlochen Public Library. For ages 10-16. Kids will learn a new recipe & be able to cook the meal from start to finish. Class size is limited to 12 kids per class. Registration required: 231-276-6767. Free.
A COMEDY SHOW: THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS: 8pm, City Park Grill, Petoskey. Catch Brian, along with some of Michigan’s funniest local comedians, as they bring their unique stories & hilarious ideas to the stage. $15. wineguysgroup. com/event/a-comedy-show-the-prodigalson-returns-at-city-park-grill-friday-december-27/?instance_id=13387
saturday
2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
HEALTH & WELLNESS: BE HEALTHY, BE ACTIVE
FAMILY COOKING CLASS: 10am, Interlochen Public Library. Learn how to create delicious, fresh, scratch-made meals that are easy to prepare & won’t break the bank. Registration required: 231-276-6767. Free.
WINTER FAMILY FUN DAY: 3-5pm, Interlochen Public Library. Games, activities, crafts, & pizza. 231-276-6767.
MICHIGAN RATTLERS: SOLD OUT: 7:30pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. These lifelong friends & Michigan natives perform their “heavy-hearted” folk rock. Their newest record, “Waving From A Sea,” portrays aging & finding a place in the world. $37-$67. greatlakescfa. org/events/detail/michigan-rattlers-2024 ----------------------
SIMPLY DELICIOUS WITH CHEF TOM: 10am, Kingsley Branch Library. Learn cooking tips & techniques, discover global cuisine & spices, build your personal cooking skills & menu repertoire, & sample delicious eats! Free. 231-263-5484.
A COMEDY SHOW: THE PRODIGAL SON: (See Fri., Dec. 27)
FRESHWATER CONCERTS PRESENTS TWO NIGHTS OF THE BLUES: 8pm, Freshwater Art Gallery & Concert Venue, Boyne City. Tonight features the Thornetta Davis Band at 8pm, & the Larry McCray Band on Sun., Dec. 29 at 8pm. $45 tickets for each show. 231-582-2588.
sunday
2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
FRESHWATER CONCERTS PRESENTS TWO NIGHTS OF THE BLUES: (See Sat., Dec. 28)
monday
HAPPY NOON YEAR!:
11am-12:15pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Enjoy crafts, games, & a dance party when the clock strikes noon! Fancy dress or pajamas are encouraged but not required. tadl.org/event/happy-noon-yearfamilies-18858 ----------------------
2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
tuesday
2024 FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: (See Sat., Dec. 21)
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COUNTDOWN TO NOON “FUN-RAISER”: The Curiosity Place, GT Mall, TC. Doors open at 10am to get your wiggles out in the galleries & to craft party accessories. The Countdown begins at noon sharp. Following the ball drop you can finish up crafts before saying goodbye at 12:30pm. Admission for children over 1 is $13 members; $15 nonmembers. This also includes a GLCM Countdown Kit stuffed with a party hat & New Year’s crafts. Adults is $3 members & $5 nonmembers. Children under 1, free. greatlakeskids.org/countdown-tonoon-at-the-curiosity-place
NYE AT CTAC, PETOSKEY WITH PETOSKEY DISTRICT LIBRARY: 5-9pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey & Petoskey District Library. Inside CTAC enjoy face painting, pottery & dance workshops, magic shows, silent disco & speed painting. Admission includes a pizza buffet from Mancino’s. Outside will be dancing & DJ Michael’s festive tunes on the Bidwell Plaza, cookies, coffee, cocoa, Little Bay Gourmet chili, & the “Midnight at 9” ball drop on East Mitchell St. The Petoskey District Library will be open from 6-9pm to host free activities. Outside will be s’mores kits for roasting over the fire pits. Tickets are $10 adults & $5 kids; free for ages 2 & under. Tickets grant admission to all indoor activities at CTAC. Outdoor activities are free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ new-years-eve-arts-center-petoskey-districtlibrary-2025
NYE AT CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE: A Family Party runs from 6-10pm in Northwest Territories in the Crystal Center & features a dinner buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, party favors, live entertainment, & kids goody bag. The Family Glow Light & Torchlight Parade begins at the top of Cheers to Lou at 10pm. From 9:15-9:40pm Buck Chairlift will be accessible for parade participants. Must register in advance. Fireworks will immediately follow the Torchlight Parade. crystalmountain. com/event/new-years-eve-celebration
TC NYE CHERRYT BALL DROP: Front St., downtown TC. A giant glowing cherry will be descending onto the city, lighting up the night & ringing in 2025. The celebration begins at 10pm & wraps up just after you cheer in the New Year! thefestivalfoundation.org/p/our-events/cherryt-ball-drop2
wednesday
NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE: 11am, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Thompsonville. Enjoy fresh air & a brisk hike through this sculpturefilled forest. An Art Park guide will lead the way, providing insight into the park & the artwork. Snowshoes recommended (depending on conditions). Tour is the cost of
SOUNDS: NMC, & artist Michigan Katrina dence & her view at 2025. stone-sights-and-sounds-tickets-179733 & calling taught. at 6:30pm. under.
YEAR!: Traverse McRoom, games, when the Fancy but not tadl.org/event/happy-noon-year-
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CuMall, TC. wiggles accessosharp. finish up 12:30pm. memincludes party memunder greatlakeskids.org/countdown-to-
PETOCrooked Petoskey Dispainting, shows, Admission inOutfestive coffee, “MidSt. The from will be pits. ages all inactivities are crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ new-years-eve-arts-center-petoskey-district-
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general admission. $10 adults; kids free. michlegacyartpark.org
friday
WINTER LANTERN LIT
HIKE: These self-guided hikes are held every Fri. between 6-9pm through the winter season along the scenic Heritage Nature Trail at the Carl T. Johnson Center, Cadillac, as the weather allows. Snowshoes are available to borrow on a first come, first serve basis. Also enjoy a bonfire & hot chocolate. cadillacmichigan.com/area-events/?imgoingevent=winter-lantern-lit-hikes-along-the-cadillac-heritage-trail
SKY INTO STONE: SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: 4pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. An immersive sound experience & artist talk featuring recordings of Lake Michigan by sound artist Jonathan Harris & Katrina Bello. Katrina was an artist-in-residence at the Tusen Takk Foundation in 2023 & her solo exhibition “Sky Into Stone” is on view at the Dennos Museum through Jan. 5, 2025. $10/person. simpletix.com/e/sky-intostone-sights-and-sounds-tickets-179733
saturday
BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY DANCE: 7:30pm, Littlefield/Alanson Community Hall, Alanson. Music by The Johns, & calling by Cynthia Donahey. All dances taught. No need to bring a partner. Potluck at 6:30pm. $10; $5 students; free for 12 & under. blissfest.org
helping hands
FRIENDS OF IPL HOLIDAY MITTEN
TREE: Donate new or hand-made mittens, scarves, socks & hats to The Friends Holiday Mitten Tree at Interlochen Public Library through Jan. 6. The items will be donated to local schools. 231-276-6767.
art
“CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE ARTS BUILDING”: Northport Arts Association. A Special Holiday Art Exhibit. Runs through Jan. 4. Open Tues. through Sat., noon4pm. Closed Dec. 24-25 & Jan. 1. northportartsassociation.org/events-exhibits
ANNUAL SMALL WORKS SHOW: Higher Art Gallery, TC. Featuring over 200 small, original works of art made by over 65 artists. Runs through Jan. 4. higherartgallery. com/exhibitcalendar
OUTDOOR GALLERY EXHIBIT: MARGO BURIAN + ORDINARY MAGIC: Glen Arbor Arts Center. Leelanau County artist Margo Burian’s collages have been chosen for display in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s 2024-25 Outdoor Gallery exhibition, an annual, invitational exhibit. Burian’s collages are rooted in the idea of Ordinary Magic, or delight. They were reproduced on five, 5-foot-square, weather-resistant aluminum panels created by Image 360 of TC. Runs through April 20, 2025. Check web site for hours. glenaborart.org
FREE OPEN STUDIO TUESDAYS: Noon4pm, Boyne Arts Center, Boyne City. Bring your paints, fiber arts, written arts, sculpting, jewelry, cards, drawing, or other portable mediums. Create & share.
ANTHONY STANCO QUINTET
Get ready for an electrifying night! Join us for the live recording of Anthony Stanco’s new album at The Alluvion, featuring his star-studded ensemble from the album “Stanco’s Time” Anthony Stanco, TRUMPET • Randy Napoleon, GUITAR Xavier Davis, PIANO • Rodney Whitaker, BASS Joe Farnsworth, DRUMS
HIKE: Legacy Thompsonville. brisk sculpturelead the & the (decost of
MON–FRI
3PM–5PM
$5 SLIDERS • $3 CHICKEN TINGA TACOS HALF-OFF ALL DRINKS
TUESDAY
RON’S RANDOM BURGER & BEER $15
WEDNESDAY
DATE NIGHT PASTA FOR 2 + A GLASS OF BEER OR WINE $25
THURSDAY
REMY’S FUNKY FLAT BREAD & BEER $15
13512 PENINSULA DR, TRAVERSE CITY
ENCORE 201, TC
12/21, 12/27, & 1/3-4 -- DJ Ricky T, 9
12/28 -- The Fabulous Horndogs, 7-9:15; DJ Ricky T, 9:15-2
12/31 -- DJ Ricky T & DJ JR, 8
IDENTITY BREWING CO., TC
12/26 & 1/2 -- Beyond Trivia, 7-9
KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC
12/20-21 -- The Broom Closet Boys, 9:30 Mon -- Team Trivia, 7-9
Tue -- The Will Harris Trio, 8 Wed -- The Pocket, 8 Thu -- DJ Leo, 9:30
12/27-28 -- Scarkazm, 9:30 12/31 -- The Ampersands, 9:30
KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING
12/21 -- KDJ, 7
12/24 & 12/31 – Open Mic Night, 6-8
12/26 – Trivia Night, 6:30-9
12/28 – KDJ, 6
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM:
12/23 & 12/30 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9
TASTING ROOM:
12/21 -- Winter Solstice Party w/ Jazz Cabbage, 5-7:30
12/27 & 1/3 -- Jeff Socia, 5-7
LIL BO, TC Tues. – Trivia, 8-10 Sun. – Karaoke, 8
MAMMOTH DISTILLING, TC
12/31 -- The Keylowz, 8
MARI VINEYARDS, TC
12/26 -- Haiven Sellers, 3-5
12/27 -- Jim Hawley, 4-6
MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC
6-9: 12/27 -- Jesse Jefferson 12/28 -- Ben Richey
1/3 -- Derek Boik
NORTH BAR, TC 7-10:
12/21 -- Brett Mitchell
12/25 -- Jesse Jefferson
12/26 -- Drew Hale
12/27 -- Luke Woltanski & John Piatek
12/28 -- Chris Sterr
1/4 -- Mal & Mike
OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS:
12/21 -- Matt Mansfield, 5:30
12/27 -- Bauer Jones, 6:30
12/28 -- Jesse Jefferson, 6
1/3 -- Rhythm Theory, 6 1/4 -- Jeff Socia, 6:30
SORELLINA'S, TC SLATE RESTAURANT:
Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8
Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9
THE ALLUVION, TC
12/21 -- Bob James & DiSimone
Family Holiday Concert: SOLD OUT, 7:30-9:30
12/23 -- Funky Uncle - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30 12/26,1/2 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8
12/30 -- Big Fun - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30
1/3 -- Molly - Full Band Show, 7:30-10
1/4 -- Super Nuclear Presents: A Trip to Space with BoneHawk & Angel of Mars, 8-10:30
THE HAYLOFT INN, TC
7:30-11: 12/20-21 -- DanceMix
12/27-28 -- Sandy & The Bandits
THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 12/25 & 1/1 -- DJ Dusty Staircase, 3-11
Antrim & Charlevoix
12/31 -- DJ Wolinski, 8
THE PARLOR, TC 8-11:
12/21 -- Luke Woltanski & John Piatek
12/24 -- Jesse Jefferson
12/27 -- Empire Highway
12/28 -- Rhett & John
THE PUB, TC
12/21 – Rhett & John, 8-11
12/23 & 12/30 – Karaoke Monday w/ DJ ShawnyT, 8-11
12/25 – Zeke Clemons, 7-10
12/26 -- David Martón, 7-10
12/28 – Luke Woltanski & John Piatek, 8-11
THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC
12/21 -- Jazz North - Funky Jazz, 7 12/26 & 1/2 -- DJ Trivia, 7
12/27 -- Sean Kelly, 8
12/28 -- Sean Miller Duo, 8
12/31 -- Open Mic w/ Host Zac Bunce, 6:30
1/4 -- Nick Veine, 8
TURTLE CREEK CASINO & HOTEL, WILLIAMSBURG
12/21 – Twice Shy, 9-1
12/27 – DJ Mr. Markis, 9-1
12/28 – Risque, 9-1
12/30 – Ron Getz, 3-7
12/31 – The Family Tradition Band, 9-1
UNION STREET STATION, TC
12/21 -- G-Snacks, 10
12/26 -- DJ 1Wave Ladies Night, 9 12/27 -- Leanna & Ivan, 6; DJ Prim, 10
12/28 -- Drew Hale, Levi Britton, Mallory Ramage Trio, 10
12/31 -- Soul Patch & Rolling Dirty, 9 1/2 -- DJ 1Wave, 9 1/3-4 -- Skin Kwon Doe, 10
BLACK STAR FARMS, SUTTONS BAY
BISTRO POLARIS, 6-8:
12/21 -- Zach Meyers
12/28 -- Nick Veine
1/4 -- Audrey Mason
BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU
TASTING ROOM:
12/21 & 12/28 -- Lipstick & Dipstick, 2:30-5
1/3 -- Bryan Poirier, 5:30-8
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN
SLOPESIDE TENT NEAR CRYSTAL
CLIPPER CHAIRLIFT, 3-5:
12/27 -- Jason Locke
12/28 -- Meg Gunia
12/29 -- Christopher Winkelmann
12/30 -- Rhett & John
12/31 -- Bill Frary
1/1 -- Dominic Fortuna
1/2 -- Chris Smith
1/3 -- Two Feet
1/4 -- Jesse Jefferson
VISTA LOUNGE:
12/26 -- Jim Hawley, 2-5; Barefoot, 8-11
12/27 -- Bill Frary, 2-5; Bill Frary & the Frequency, 8-11
12/28 -- Christopher Winkelmann, 2-5; Johnny P Band, 8-11
1/5 -- Vinyl Record Crate Dig w/ DJ Franck & DJ Yokob, 1-5
FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE
12/21 -- James Robnett, 6:309:30
12/27 -- Nick Vasquez, 6:30-9:30 12/28 -- Todd Aldrich, 6:30-9:30 12/29 -- Eric Dane Jaqua, 6-9
JUNCTION BAR & GRILL & EVENT CENTER, WALLOON LAKE
12/28 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band, 8
MAMMOTH DISTILLING, CENTRAL LAKE
12/30 -- Eve of the Eve Party w/ Shady Hill Band, 8
MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY
8:
12/23 -- Ugly Christmas Sweater Karaoke Party w/ DJ T-Bone
12/27 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band
12/28 -- Yulemas Ball w/ SAXU4IA
SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE
12/22 -- Steve Leaf & Co. Present Weezer's Blue Album Live, 8:30
SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS
12/23 -- Holiday Trivia, 5:30
Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee
BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY
2-6:
12/21 & 12/30 -- Michelle Chenard
12/28 & 12/31 -- Chris Calleja
12/29 -- Chase & Allie
CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY
12/27 -- A Comedy Show: The Prodigal Son Returns, 8-9:30; Annex Karaoke, 9:30
12/28 -- A Comedy Show: The Prodigal Son Returns, 8-9:30
12/31 -- DJ Frank & Friends, 10
GYPSY DISTILLERY, PETOSKEY
12/21 -- Elisabeth Christie, 2-4
12/26 -- Dueling Pianos, 6-8
12/28 -- Ty Parkin, 2-4
12/31 -- Masquerade Party w/ DJ ODZ, 8
1/4 -- Matt Gabriel, 2-4
NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 7-10:
12/21 – Brett Harfert
12/23 -- Donald Benjamin
12/26 -- Laura Fullford
12/27 -- Lee Fayssoux
12/28 -- Sydni K
12/30 -- Shouting Bones
1/3 -- Michelle Chenard
1/4 -- Mike Ridley
NORTHLAND BREWING CO., INDIAN RIVER
WARMING HUT, 6:
12/27 -- Two Track Mind
12/29 -- Rhett & John
NUB'S PUB, HARBOR SPRINGS
12/30 -- Mike Ridley, 3-6
POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS
12/21 -- Christmas Crooner Music
Christmas Show, 6:30-9:30
12/23 -- Pat Niemisto & Chris Skellenger, 6:30-9:30
12/26 & 1/2 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
12/27 -- Drew Hale, 6:30-9:30
12/28 -- Empire Highway, 6:309:30
12/29 -- Mike Moran & Ryan McGee, 6:30-9:30
12/31 -- The Dune Brothers, 6:309:30
ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH
12/21 -- Blake Elliott, 5-8
12/26 & 1/2 -- Open Mic Night, 6-9
12/27 -- Aaron Dye, 5-8
12/28 -- Barefoot, 5-8
12/29 -- Chelsea Marsh, 2-5
12/30 -- Haiven Sellers, 5-8
12/31 -- Kirk's Jammin' NYE w/ Open Mic, 6
STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT
12/21 -- Evan Burgess, 7-10
12/28 -- Jakob Abraham, 7-9
12/29 -- Luke Woltanski, 7-9
12/30 -- Maddy Sharp, 7-9
12/31 -- Tim Jones, 7-9
SWEET’S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Mon. – Music Bingo, 7 Fri. – Music Bingo, 8; Karaoke, 10 Sat. – Karaoke, 8
w/ Mister Tim, 5-8
12/22 -- Holiday Music w/ Charlie Millard, 1-3
12/26 -- The Real Ingredients, 5-8
12/27 -- Serita's Black Rose, 5-8
12/28 -- M-119 Band, 5-8
12/29 -- Sugarbush, 5-8
12/30 -- Ty Parkin & The Old Souls, 5-8
12/31 -- Underleaf Band, 5-8
1/4 -- Chris Michels, 5-8
THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN
12/26 & 1/2 -- Musicians Playground Open Mic, 7
12/28 -- Silverfox Supernova, 8
12/31 -- The Lonely Pines, 8 1/4 -- Ben Dratnol, 8
THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS SLOPESIDE LOUNGE: 12/21 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6
LITTLE RIVER CASINO RESORT, MANISTEE
12/21 – The Rock Show, 9-1
12/31 – Onager, 10-2
9-1
-- Fire & Seed Winter
Community Celebration w/ Morgan Leigh Kelsey, Tom Wall, & Brenna Harm, 3-8
-- Jane Amstutz, 6
Leelanau & Benzie
Otsego, Crawford & Central
RAY'S BBQ, BREWS & BLUES, GRAYLING
BREWING CO.,
lOGY
DEC 23- DEC 29
BY ROB BREZSNY
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Since 1985, musician David Gilmour has led Pink Floyd. The band has sold over 250 million records. He's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in both the UK and the US. But my favorite thing about Gilmour is that he's a passionate activist who has crusaded for animal rights, environmentalism, poverty, and human rights. A few years ago, he auctioned off 120 of his guitars, raising over $21 million for an environmentalist charity. In accordance with astrological omens, I propose we make him one of your inspirational role models in 2025, Capricorn. May he mobilize you to use your stature and clout to perform an array of good works that are of service to your world.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Steve Jobs, founder of Apple computers, said, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” I propose that you make this one of your mottoes in 2025. More than ever before, you will have exceptional power to transform the environments you share with others. You will have an enhanced ability to revise and reinvigorate the systems and the rules you use. Don’t underestimate your influence during the coming months, Leo. Assume that people will be listening especially closely to your ideas and extra receptive to be affected by you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): will give you four related terms to describe your key motif in 2025: 1. Your Soul’s Code. 2. Your Master Plan. 3. Your Destiny’s Blueprint. 4. Your Mission Statement. All four are rooted in this epic question: What is your overarching purpose here on earth, and how are you fulfilling it? The coming months will be a time when you can make dramatic progress in formulating vivid, detailed visions of the life you want to live. You can also undertake robust action steps to make those visions more of a practical reality. I encourage you to write your big-picture, long-range dreams in a special notebook or a file on your tech device. Keep adding to the text throughout the coming months.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): People in India were the first to discover diamonds buried in the earth. Most historians believe it happened in the 4th century BCE. For the next two millennia, India remained the only source of diamonds. Finally, new stashes were found in Brazil in 1725 and in South Africa in the 1870s. Let’s use this 2,000- year gap as a metaphor for your life. I suspect that far too many months have passed since you have located a fresh source of a certain treasure or bounty you crave. That will change in 2025. Here come long-delayed blessings!
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In my vision of your life in 2025, you will dramatically enhance how togetherness works for you. Below are four questions to help guide your explorations and breakthroughs. 1. Is it feasible to change yourself in ways that enable you to have a more satisfying relationship with romantic love? 2. Will you include your intimate relationships as an essential part of your spiritual path—and vice versa? 3. What work on yourself can you do to heal your old wounds and thereby make yourself a better partner and collaborator? 4. Can you help your best allies to heal their wounds and thereby become better partners and collaborators?
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In Japanese, the word for “frog” sounds similar to the word meaning “to return.” That’s one reason frogs have been lucky in some circles of Japanese culture. They symbolize the blessing that occurs when travelers return home safely, or when health is restored, or when spent money is replenished. I bring this to your attention, Sagittarius, because I suspect 2025 will be a time when satisfying and enjoyable returns will be a key theme. Consider keeping the likeness of a lovable frog in your living space.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian author Virginia Woolf extolled the virtues of cultivating a supple soul that thrives on change. She pledged to be relentless in her commitment to be authentically herself and not succumb to groupthink. I recommend you make these two of your featured themes in 2025. To inspire your efforts, I will quote
her radical perspective at length: “Movement and change are the essence of our being; rigidity is death; conformity is death: let us say what comes into our heads, repeat ourselves, contradict ourselves, fling out the wildest nonsense, and follow the most fantastic fancies without caring what the world does or thinks or says.”
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): In 1992, two friends promised each other that if either of them ever won the lottery, they would share it with the other. Twenty-eight years later, that's exactly what happened. In 2020, Thomas Cook bought a ticket that turned out to be the winner of the Powerhouse jackpot in Wisconsin. He called Joseph Feeney with the good news. After paying taxes, both men were $5.7 million richer. am not predicting the exact same sequence for your future, Pisces. But like Cook and Feeney, I expect you will glean pleasing rewards generated from seeds planted in the past.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 2025, I would love for you to specialize in making new connections and deepening your existing connections. I hope you will summon extra creativity and panache as you regularly blend your beautiful energies with others’ beautiful energies. I predict you will thrive on linking elements that should be linked but have never been before. What do you think, Aries? Does it sound fun to become a playful master of mixing and combining? Would you enjoy generating splashy unifications that serve your dreams?
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Confidence is 10 percent hard work and 90 percent delusion,” declared Taurus comedian Tina Fey. But I believe you will disprove that assessment in the coming months. The work you do will be unusually replete with grace and dynamism. It will be focused and diligent work, yes, but more importantly, it will be smart work that’s largely free of delusion. That’s why I’m inclined to revise Fey’s formula for your sake. In 2025, your brimming levels of confidence will be primarily due to your fine, conscientious, effective work.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the 1960s, a Swedish journalist tried an experiment. He wanted to see if art critics could distinguish between abstract paintings made by skilled artists and those created by a four-yearold chimpanzee whose pseudonym was Pierre Brassau. Surprise! Many of the critics treated all the paintings with equal respect. One even gave special praise to Pierre Brassau, describing his strokes of color as having "the delicacy of a ballet dancer." I'm authorizing you to unleash your inner Pierre Brassau in the coming months, Gemini. Be an innocent rookie, a newcomer with great instincts, an exuberant amateur who specializes in fun experiments. Do you know what beginner's mind is? You approach every experience with zero assumptions or expectations, as if you were seeing everything for the first time. For more, read this: wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoshin
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Ohio’s Cuyahoga River used to catch on fire regularly. The cause was pollution. For a hundred years, industries had poured their wastes into the waterway. The surface was often dotted with oil slicks. But after a notorious river fire in 1969, the locals decided to remedy the situation, aided by the newly established Environmental Protection Agency. Today, the Cuyahoga still isn’t 100% clean, but it’s far better. It hosts kayaking, fishing, and paddle boarding. I propose we use its rehabilitation as a symbol for you in 2025. You will have welcome opportunities to clean up messes that have lingered for far too long. Please take full advantage of these cosmic invitations to sweep karmic debris out of your life.
“Jonesin” Crosswords
"Reverse Routes" --if you switched them... by Matt Jones
ACROSS
1. "___: The Hands of Fate" ("MST3K" classic)
6. Helpers, briefly
11. Relay section
14. Dangly throat thing
15. Antique photo tone
16. "___ just figured it out"
17. Portable brain?
19. Outburst
20. Bigger than big
21. 1967 spelled-out #1 hit
23. Jackie's second married name
25. Microscopic
26. Arouse, as curiosity
29. Little kid
30. Progressive character
31. Color in the AtlÈtico Madrid logo
32. Haunted house noise
33. Spock's home planet
36. "Annabel Lee" poet
37. Keep up
39. Raw mineral
40. Certain ticket buyers
42. 1,000-plus-year realm, for short
43. "Hook" sidekick
44. ___ de parfum
45. Feeder user
46. "People tell me ..."
47. H.S. exams
49. Glow
51. Wedding cake specification
53. Bagel varieties
57. Live mascot of the Bulldogs
58. Dub some DJ turntablism over a Pixar movie?
60. "I finally made it through ___ school" ("Like a Surgeon" opener)
61. Actress Watts
62. Catherine who played Moira Rose
63. "___ XING"
64. Eye-related
65. "Grand" mountain
DOWN
1. G.H. ___ (name on champagne bottles)
2. Converse competitor
3. "Sister Act" group
4. Someone wise beyond their years, it's said
5. Nicole Kidman's role in "Moulin Rouge!"
6. Hazardous fireproofing material
7. Sun. lecture
8. Budget airline that filed for bankruptcy in late 2024
9. Fork points
10. Sinks under pressure
11. Your future?
12. Boot out
13. California art museum, with "the"
18. Eggs in a lab
22. Dispensary unit
24. Placated
26. Largest of the Three Bears
27. Polo shirt producer
28. Line up for first dibs using the plus sign?
30. A good time (hopefully had by all)
32. City transit
33. "La ___ en rose"
34. Measure of coverage
35. ___-do-well
37. "Rugrats" father
38. Skilled at sculpture, perhaps
41. "The ___ of Us"
43. Encase, as a sword
45. Bird in a Monty Python sketch
46. Summer complaint
47. Baffle
48. "Shucks, stop it!"
49. Quickly review
50. Agcy. spawned by the Manhattan Project
52. "Money ___ object"
54. Medieval defense feature
55. Word on Dutch coins
56. Bridge section
59. "What ___, made of money?"
NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE
IS HIRING NMC has multiple new opportunities within our Foundation team. We are seeking a Manager of Alumni Relations ($63,323.00 starting salary), and a Major Gifts Officer ($69,716.00 starting salary). Both positions are full-time, yearround, with a full benefits package including paid holidays, paid tuition, and 160 hours of paid time off each year. NMC is an EOE nmc.edu/nondiscrimination https://www. schooljobs.com/careers/NMC
NOW HIRING: FINANCE DIRECTOR
The Leelanau Conservancy is seeking a part-time Finance Director to join our collaborative team and direct the organization's financial operations. Flexible hybrid schedule. https:// leelanauconservancy.org/about-us/work/
NOW HIRING: CREATIVE MEDIA
SPECIALIST We are seeking a fulltime Creative Media Specialist for our
team; with expertise in graphic design, photography, videography, & digital media to support our conservation mission. https:// leelanauconservancy.org/about-us/work/
COMPUTER PROBLEMS?: I can fix your computer, tablet, tv and phone. I'll show you how to use it. If it can't be fixed I can help you replace it with the right device for you. I'll come to your home or office. Call Janes Downer, Advent Tech. Your high tech handyman. 231-492-2087
Sewing: Sewing, Alterations, Mending & Repairs. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248
