$10,000 Total Awards
July 23, 2023
More information: 989-745-6096 https://www.artisanvillage.org/event/2023-great-northern-art-explosion/
*** FOR ABOVE EVENTS ***
Limited Preferred Seating: $20/person Call (231) 599-1111 option 3 for Tickets
General Admission is FREE
SUNDAY, JULY 16TH | PINE RIVER JAZZ BAND
SUNDAY, JULY 30TH | FOGHORN JAZZ
SUNDAYS @ 5:30 PM | TRIVIA NIGHT
MONDAYS @ 7 PM | KARAOKE & OPEN MIC
TUESDAYS @ 7 PM | DOMINIC FORTUNA
WEDNESDAYS @ 7 PM | LEE MALONE
THURSDAYS @ 7 PM | NICK VASQUEZ
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS @ 8 PM
LEANNA COLLINS & IVAN GREILICK PLEASE
Recently, a representative from Enbridge spoke at the Luncheon Lecture series at North Central Michigan College (NCMC). The topic was the proposed Line 5 tunnel project under the Straits of Mackinac. While I’m glad to see our local center for higher education take on controversial topics like this, I’m concerned that a major corporation was given the floor to speak to a topic they have a vested financial interest in promoting. The company’s understandable bias in moving the project forward should have disqualified them as an appropriate speaker in this venue.
I did not attend the luncheon lecture but did express my concerns beforehand. I encouraged NCMC to cancel the event and reschedule with a speaker with no financial interest in the tunnel. What would have drawn me to the event would have been a speaker or panel who could have broadened my perspective on the complexities and ethics of investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure in these times. How refreshing it would be to move beyond the brittle debate of pro and con and into a genuinely thoughtful and respectful conversation.
Higher education is a place for creative thinking and lively, constructive dialogue. It is also a place to model openness and flexibility in addressing the concerns of the community.
When I read the piece on how Traverse City had lost her vibe [July 3 issue], I had several feelings about it. As an actual local of the area, I am fiercely protective of my town, what it has been, and what it has become.
I agree that there was an era of nostalgia for people who visited here and received a break from the bigger cities from which they came. People have moved here in the tens of thousands because they used to visit here, fell in love with it, and wanted to be a part of it. And with that come expansion, growth, and change. Do we really expect to see less crowded streets, cheaper prices, and a lack of infrastructure for a place that has become increasingly popular due to the word of mouth and advertising of this town? It is borderline exploitation, but the writer of this article is much a part of the problem, not the solution.
I, as a local, embrace the changes that have happened to our town. We are absolutely the best culinary destination in Michigan. We compete with any major city in the state. We offer amazing food from top quality chefs, markets providing quality to-go options, and bars, restaurants, breweries, and wineries are providing a crafted experience for the people that come to visit.
To expect Traverse City to be anything other than what it is is naïve. It has always been a vibrant, unique place to visit. It should not be stuck in some sort of time warp. For those that miss the good old days, I feel for you, since I was here for all of it. However, why not embrace what Traverse City has become? Because you created it, not us.
Joseph Black | Traverse CityI believe there is no issue worth fighting against more than poverty, be it globally or local.
As someone who has lived in Traverse City just two years short of a decade, I’ve had ample time to walk around the town and see many things. The thing that kills me most, however, is whenever I see one of Traverse’s many impoverished locals. Very few of us in town go out of our way to help them, and very few systems are in place to give them assistance. For those living in poverty, this needs to change.
I believe that we should support local institutions like Safe Harbor, who go out of their way to provide shelter for the homeless. We should establish many more places like Safe Harbor and build better systems dedicated to raising them up—offering jobs, giving them proper homes, making sure they have food, and developing stability for those necessities.
Traverse City needs to support its communities to the best of its abilities, and no community is in greater need than those living in poverty. Let’s find ways to support them. Building up Traverse City starts with building up its people—that’s what I believe.
What’s the Point of Public Comment?
To All Commissioners: Are you aware of how your deafness to public comment sends a hopeless message to me and other citizens?
After an overwhelming negative reaction to the proposed zoning changes at the Park Place open house and the June 6 Planning Commission meeting, the plan was passed. I’ve heard that a city commissioner told the Planning Commission to just pass the plan as is, and presumably he will push it through in the same manner, unmoved by citizen concerns.
How can the city expect people to keep showing up to “open houses” and engage in so-called listening sessions when your actions show us that these meetings are merely perfunctory, and you have your outcomes already decided regardless of taxpayers’ wishes? I thought that a city commission might craft a plan based on citizen input. The city puts out calls for us to show up and present our ideas and our criticisms to shape the policies that they will implement. It seems in this case, the listening sessions are merely a sedative to lull us into thinking that our concerns are taken seriously.
When people buy into an older established neighborhood, they have the expectation, the right to expect that zoning will protect the neighborhood and their investment. They buy into that neighborhood because it represents the values and quality of life that they identify with. They don’t expect zoning changes to snatch that away from them. Did you commissioners not get any of that sentiment from your constituents? Perhaps some immediate recalls are in order to get their attention!
Doug Kimble | Traverse CityCapitalist or Anti-Socialist?
In “Travel Warning for Anti-Socialist Behavior in Michigan” (July 10), David Bessmer sarcastically recommends that Michiganders and visitors to our state who are “anti-socialists” abjure “socialist activities” such as visiting public parks and lakes. According to Bessmer, “anti-socialists” believe resources held in common, that is, resources such as waterways and state parks open to the public, are “theft of both private property and taxpayers’ money.” This allegation is a strawman. Resources held in common (air, waterways, oil, gas, etc.) are as old as the law itself and consistent with free market principles. The Romans asserted that the air, running water, the sea, and the sea shore were “common to all.”
In Principles for a Free Society: Reconciling Individual Liberty with the Common Good, Richard Epstein writes, “A fully matured legal system is not one in which all resources have passed from primitive commons to private control. Many natural resources take a form in which their value is maximized only by leaving them, in whole or in part, in some form of commons.”
Bessmer also argues that a true capitalist should forgo benefits of such governmental programs and agencies as police, fire protection, the Coast Guard, libraries, social security, and Medicare. But any free society depends on government enforcement of laws to protect life, liberty, and property. Government exercising essential governmental functions is not socialism.
Concerning non-essential functions that governments have assumed, such as retirement planning (social security) and healthcare (Medicare), Bessmer has a point that such programs smack of socialism. Though opposed, I have been forced to pay for these programs my entire working lifetime. There is no opt-out for capitalists. Now I am retired. Bessmer seems to believe I should forgo the promised benefits to remain true to my beliefs. Now that is truly “theft of taxpayer money.”
Neal Stout | Charlevoix MI
The Housing Problem
How about we stop building 5,000-20,000-square-foot houses or multistory hotels downtown?
Find some land close to the new BATA station and build some tiny houses at 500900 square feet.
Editor: Jillian Manning
Finance Manager: Libby Shutler
Distribution Manager: Roger Racine Sales: Lisa Gillespie, Kaitlyn Nance, Michele Young, Todd Norris, Abby Walton Porter, Caroline Bloemer For ad sales
Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 838-6948
Creative Director: Kyra Cross Poehlman
Distribution: Joe Evancho, Sarah Rodery Roger Racine, Gary Twardowski Charlie Brookfield, Randy Sills
Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold
Contributors: Emily Burke, Alexandra Dailey, Deb Dent, Anna Faller, Al Parker, Stephen Tuttle Copyright 2023, all rights reserved. Distribution:
Food trucks and a farmers market? Sounds like a perfect combination for a summer night out on the town! Boyne City is hosting its annual Food Truck Rally Thursday, July 20, from 5-9pm at Veterans Park (207 N. Lake Street in Boyne City). Food and beverage vendors come from across northern Michigan, including Short’s Brewing, BC Pizza, Sabores y Colores Tacos, Mitten Licken Donut Co., Snickerdoodlz, Bee Well Mead & Cider, Walloon Lake Winery, and many more. The Third Degree—a Petoskey-based band playing classic rock covers alongside their own original songs—will provide live music for the event. The $10 entry fee gets you one drink ticket and a custom koozie. (A $5 donation is recommended for ages 13-20, and kids 12 and under are free.) Proceeds benefit the Boyne City Farmers Market, which operates Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer at Veterans Park. For more details, visit boynecityfarmersmarket.org.
Forging for Peace Project blacksmiths return to the Glen Arbor Arts Center on Sunday, July 23, from 11am-3pm to help raise funds for nonprofits focused on peacemaking. Following in the footsteps of German blacksmith Alfred Bullerman, Scott Lankton and fellow blacksmiths are making the first Peace Nails in Michigan, marked with a dove, the international symbol of peace. With a donation of $100 or more to a Forging for Peace charity or nonprofit, you will receive a handmade Peace Nail. Learn more at lanktonmetaldesign.com/forging-for-peace.
Acclaimed author and journalist Laura Kay is at it again in her third novel, Wild Things. When we first meet Eleanor “El” Evans, she’s living every romcom protagonist’s nightmare: She’s been stuck in the same dead-end job for years, merely tolerates her petty roommate, and is irrecoverably in love with her friend, Ray—a cool and confident lesbian—who is oblivious to El’s heartache. So, when another friend, Will, inherits a countryside cottage (which they charmingly dub Lavender House) and convinces their group to renovate it, El jumps at the chance for some much-needed change. Keeping her feelings hidden from Ray, though, is a challenge she wasn’t quite expecting, especially when El is sleeping next door! Is a once-in-a-lifetime shot at love worth the risk of losing everything? (No spoilers here, but we promise a happy ending!) Witty, warm, and totally relatable, this read is feel-good fiction at its best.
Everyone knows Oryana Community Coop is the go-to in Traverse City for healthy and delicious food, whether you’re doing your weekly grocery run or popping into the 10th Street Café for lunch. But we hadn’t tried out their catering before, and now we’ve found a whole new reason to love the shop. We needed a vegan cake to impress some guests, so we called up the catering department for their bakery special order menu. In a word, the Dark Chocolate Raspberry Raw Pie was divine. Dusted with coconut shavings and sans any animal-product ingredients, this torte-like dessert was just as rich, creamy, and chocolatey as we hoped it would be. The $40 cake served six hearty helpings with plenty of leftovers. (Oh darn!) Best of all, we didn’t even have to turn on the oven. To get yours, call Oryana Catering at (231) 3462822 Monday through Thursday (72-hour notice required) or visit oryana.coop/oryana-cafe/ catering-menu.
Bay Harbor is the type of community that looks like it was painted with an artist’s brush, what with the harbor’s turquoise waters and the stunning homes that line the shore. It’s no surprise that for more than 20 years, they’ve been bringing artists from across the country to the Bay Harbor Arts Festival, which runs July 22-23 this year. Juried fine artists and green market artisans alike will mix and mingle on the Marina Lawns along the waterfront, offering something to suit every creative sensibility. Festival goers will also enjoy live music from Kanin Elizabeth and Make Believe Spurs, along with fun activities like the Cottage Pottery Travel Studio (which allows kids and adults to create their own piece of art) and Wingin It Fairy Hair—the sparkly hair equivalent to face painting. The festival runs 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Get all the details at bayharbor.com.
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s Youth Wellness Initiative (YWI) has found that teens in the fivecounty region continue to struggle with mental health. The YWI is made up of high school students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties, and the 14 YWI participants distributed a survey to their peers—collecting data from 530 students at 20 schools in the region. Their key finding is that “high school students in northwest lower Michigan are experiencing significant mental wellness challenges today, including anxiety and depression.” Other findings indicated many students do not have anyone to talk to about their mental health concerns and that they are reluctant to seek help. The YWI has recommended school districts pursue more mental health education opportunities, counselor or therapist support in schools, and finding ways to get students outside, as the majority reported time in nature helped them de-stress. To learn more about the survey and results, visit gtrcf.org/
It’s our Great Outdoors and Camping issue, and there are some of us out there who love the great outdoors, but the camping…not so much. However, we do think we could get on board with glamping—aka glamorous camping— especially when we don’t have to hike
10 miles to our campsite. Enter: Under the Stars Mobile Glamping. This NoMi business brings the campsite to you with their bell tent rentals. (They also offer luxury picnics and indoor slumber party setups!) May through October, you can book one of their waterproof canvas tents, which comes with bedding and pillows, ambient lighting, area rugs, and custom décor. If you still want to sleep in your own bed, opt for the lounge rental, which swaps nighttime gear for seating and cocktail tables. Pricing starts at $300 depending on the size of the tent, number of people, and whether you want an overnight or lounge setup. Delivery is free within a 40-mile radius of Wolverine. Start planning your adventure at www.underthestarsglamping.us
“Honey Flow” is almost here! Harvest of the sticky goodness begins in the next couple weeks and goes through late fall The honey bees had a great spring and early summer season in over 250 pollination locations across Northern Michigan. Hilbert’s Honey Co specializes in raw honeycomb that comes straight from our hives, to our packing facility, then to your table Get your sweet fix at our 5 Mile location in Traverse City, on our website and many local businesses
“Treat yourself” takes on all new meaning when your pre-dinner drink gives back to the community. Enter: the Kick Your Knees Up ($15) cocktail at Trattoria Stella in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. A longtime staple of their curated beverage menu, this summer sipper starts with Michigan gin—lately, it’s Mammoth’s gorgeously floral version—shaken with house lime cordial and thyme-infused water. To finish, it’s served in a coupe glass and arrives ice cold with a fresh sprig of thyme and a splash of Northwoods Soda’s hand-crafted tonic. As an added bonus, a dollar from each pour is donated to Norte Youth Programs, a local nonprofit that supports healthy kids through cycling. (You can also contribute minus the booze with the Spoke of Genius mocktail!) Enjoy a cocktail with a cause at 830 Cottageview Dr. in Traverse City. stellatc.com
Time for our semi-regular unofficial update on how the climate versus humans fight is progressing. We humans have thus far avoided a knockout blow, but we are way, way behind on points.
Let’s start with our normal advisory: Climate is weather patterns existing over a wide area for an extended period of time. Weather is what’s happening in our backyard right now. Climate impacts weather; weather does not impact climate.
The National Weather Service (NWS) maintains temperature records based on land monitoring, ocean buoys, and atmospheric satellite readings plus less technical data going back to 1850. They’ve recorded all-time high daily temperatures this month in half a dozen states, including Florida and Arizona. (As a former Phoenix resident, I can testify summer heat there was already borderline intolerable.)
According to the University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer, which compiles global temperatures, July 6 of this year was the hottest day ever recorded for our planet at 63 degrees Fahrenheit. That doesn’t sound all that hot until you consider that includes nighttime temperatures and the fact that it is currently winter in the southern hemisphere. It broke a two-dayold record which had broken a one-dayold record, so it seems there is a pattern.
(And, yes, for those nitpickers out there, about 125,000 years ago, in between ice ages, scientists believe temperatures were at least one degree Celsius warmer than they are today. They also believe sea levels were a whopping 30 feet higher than they are today. But accurate, contemporaneous record-keeping did not exist back then.)
Both Florida and Arizona are included by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information as states being at risk of being uninhabitable by humans within 50 years if we don’t dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Florida’s problems will be threefold. First, it will get very hot. Second, sea level rise will inundate coastal areas, as is already happening during high tides. Third, and more troubling, that sea level rise is already starting to leach into their groundwater through the porous limestone on which much of south Florida rests. That will keep getting worse until potable water becomes scarce.
Southern Arizona has a more straightforward, two-pronged issue. First, it just keeps getting hotter and hotter. A record 425 people died in extreme heat there last year, and the state is on pace to equal or surpass that this year. The heat puts enormous strain on their already
fragile power grid, and air-conditioners running 24/7 actually make things hotter, especially at night. And they will ultimately run out of water. The aquifer on which the greater Phoenix metro area sits has at least 10 percent less water than was previously thought according to hydrologists at Arizona State University. That water is being accessed seven to 10 times faster than it is being recharged. And, as we’ve noted before, they’ve already been forced to reduce their allotment of Colorado River water.
Other climate news isn’t so encouraging, either. According to the World Meteorological Organization, an arm of the United Nations, the world’s glaciers are now melting and receding at an accelerated rate. European glaciers lost at least three feet of thickness in just the last year, and Antarctic sea ice is at the lowest levels on record.
NOAA also reports sea levels rose twice as fast in the last decade than they did in the previous decade, faster even than their computer models predicted. Some coastal areas, especially on the East and Gulf Coasts, will be flooded within the next half century.
Despite our efforts, or at least talking about efforts, greenhouse gasses continue to increase at record levels according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Carbon dioxide levels are nearly 150 percent more than before industrialization, nitrous oxide almost 125 percent, and methane, the worst of all the greenhouse gasses in creating climate upheaval, a whopping 262 percent increase. The industrialized world keeps talking about less while producing more, including here in the U.S.
There are glimmers of progress and hope. Solar and wind technology have advanced sufficiently, and the policy group Energy Innovations says either tech could economically replace all but one of the country’s 210 coal-fired plants. Toyota has announced new advances in lithiumion batteries, and, even better, they are developing a solid state battery that will power a vehicle for more than 700 miles, take less time and energy to recharge, be less destructive in the manufacturing process, and include many recyclable components.
Even more promising in the long term, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility (NIF) became the first to create fusion ignition that produced more energy than the experiment used, a first, tiny step toward nearly endless, safe, clean power.
We are moving forward…it’s just that climate change keeps moving faster.
BRAND NEW CLUBHOUSE • RESTAURANT • PRO SHOP
JACK & JILL GOLF SCRAMBLES
BIKE CART & GOLF CART RENTALS
DAILY DRINK & FOOD SPECIALS
LIVE MUSIC ON WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
Here at a higher latitude, we don’t mess around when it’s summertime. We’re outside, in the water, at the campground, and among the trees as often as we can be. During the peak of summer, the sun is visible for almost 16 hours of the day, giving you extra time to squeeze in as many outdoor activities as possible.
One of our favorite spots to soak up the sun is just over the bridge, where you can set up a campsite on the north edge of the city at Marquette Tourist Park within walking distance (2.3 miles) of downtown Marquette and our Dunegrass location. Electric and water hook-ups can be found at most sites, tents and RVs are welcome, and hot showers are also available.
After your site is set up, we recommend a bike ride at Marquette Mountain Trails / Noquemanon Trail Network. Most people know these trails as the “South Trails” or “North Trails,” but no matter what you call them, you’ll have plenty of routes to choose from for a day cruising along the coast or finding the path to a waterfall in the woods.
If you’re looking for a more low-key outing, along the shores of Lake Superior sits Hidden Beach. This beach offers amazing night sky views, and summer is a great time to spot shooting stars or sometimes even northern lights. Park at Tahoe East Shore Trail, which takes you from Incline Village all the way to Sand Harbor. Enter from the trailhead and make the short hike north to the beach. There is a fee to park, but it’s an incredibly beautiful trail and one of our favorite places to wind down after a busy day.
However you like to explore, don’t forget to stop by a Dunegrass location near you. There, you can pick up your pre- or post-activity provisions while also getting details on some of our favorite local places for an Up North adventure. Visit our website, dunegrass.co to plan your excursions.
TWINBIRCHGOLF.COM • KALKASKA, MI 23 24
TAKE 3
SUN, OCT 1, 2023 - 7PM
BLKBOK
SAT, OCT 7, 2023 - 8PM
BROADWAY BOUND: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
SAT, OCT 7, 2023 - 2PM
DISNEY LIVE: WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR
TUE, OCT 17, 2023 - 7:30PM
ICA MUSICAL THEATRE SHOWCASE
THUR, OCT 19, 2023 - 7:30PM
ICA CHAMBER MUSICAL SHOWCASE
FRI, NOV 10, 2023 - 8PM
COMEDIAN LEWIS BLACK
SAT, NOV 11, 2023 - 8PM
PETE THE CAT GOES TO HOLLYWOOD
2 32 4
THE BROADWAY TENORS: TIS THE SEASON
THUR, DEC 7, 2023 - 7:30PM
ICA SINGER-SONGWRITER SHOWCASE
FRI, FEB 9, 2024 - 8PM
BROADWAY BOUND: FUNNY GIRL
SAT, FEB 10, 2024 - 2PM
THE STEP CREW
SUN, MARCH 10, 2024 - 7PM
ARTRAGEOUS
SAT, APRIL 20, 2024 - 8PM
ICA SPOKEN WORD SHOWCASE
THUR, APRIL 25, 2024 - 7:30PM
THE MOTH
FRI, APRIL 26, 2024 - 8PM
BROADWAY BOUND: SIX THE MUSICAL
www.dunegrass.co Scan
SAT, NOV 25, 2023 - 11AM & 1:30PM
OR 231.941.8082
JULY
JULY 23, 30, World Youth Symphony Orchestra & AUG. 6
JULY 20
JULY 21
JULY 22
JULY 23
JULY 24
JULY 27
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Five for Fighting
Donny Osmond
The Temptations & The Four Tops
AUG. 3-6 High School Musical Production Ragtime
AUG. 9 Dark Star Orchestra - Grateful Dead Tribute
AUG. 10 Train (LIMITED TICKETS)
AUG. 11
Lindsey Stirling (LIMITED TICKETS)
AUG. 17 The Lone Bellow Trio with Drew Hale
AUG. 18 The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
AUG. 19 The Beach Boys
SEPT. 1 Brandi Carlile (SOLD OUT)
For the full lineup visit: interlochen.org/tickets
But it wasn’t his job. Still, Beirut Report journalist Habib Battah got his hands dirty on a recent flight from Paris to Toronto, Canoe reported. “An hour into the transatlantic flight ... I kept smelling something gross and couldn’t figure it out,” Battah wrote on Twitter. While investigating, he discovered a large, “wet to touch” stain on the floor around his seat. The strap of his backpack, which was under the seat, was soaked in it, and a flight attendant only gave him some wipes to clean it up before “casually (noting) a passenger had hemorrhaged on a flight before ours,” Battah said. He said the Air France staff were shocked because a crew had removed the seats after the previous flight’s incident, but apparently hadn’t cleaned the bloody carpet. “This is not a customer service issue -- it’s a BIOHAZARD,” Battah wrote. “There is fresh human blood on your aircraft.”
Oops
The Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Croydon, Australia, a private girls’ school, recently had egg on its face after drone footage captured the suggestive shape of a new garden bed on the campus, The Sydney Morning Herald reported on July 5. The garden was designed by an architectural firm; a school staff member said that as they considered chairs for the garden, they “sent a drone up to take pictures. At a certain angle from up high, the garden ... took on a phallic shape which was unintended and unexpected. As a result, the architects made some alterations which were completed within 72 hours of the drone pictures.” One unidentified former student said, “The immediate response was laughter ... Photos have been circulating among the school as memes, saying ‘oh good morning’ and various kinds of jokes.”
The Golden Age of Air Travel
On July 2, as an American Airlines flight prepared to depart Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, one passenger had a massive change of heart about her trip, The Dallas Morning News reported. The woman rose from her seat and headed to the front of the plane, yelling and pointing toward the back, “I’m telling you, I’m getting (expletive) off, and there’s a reason why I’m getting (expletive) off, and everyone can either believe it or they can not believe it. ... That (expletive) back there is NOT real. And you can sit on this plane and you can die with him or not. I’m not going to.” The TikTok user who posted a video said the outburst delayed the flight by three hours, as passengers were forced to deplane and reboard; the woman was not arrested and, in fact, got back through security. American said the passenger was “met at the gate by law enforcement and removed from the flight.”
Alef Aeronautics has announced that the Federal Aviation Administration has cleared the startup’s flying car, the Model A, to fly for purposes including research, development and exhibition, United Press International reported. The California company calls its invention a vehicle takeoff and landing aircraft, or VTOL, which can drive and park
like a normal car. While it is not certified (yet) for public road travel, the company says the FAA’s OK will place it closer to “bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute ... This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars,” said CEO Jim Dukhovny.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Chandler, Arizona, taxidermist Rachel Lewis, 38, has found her niche in the world of preserving dead animals: She makes piggy banks out of stillborn piglets. Metro News reported that Lewis, a former hairdresser, took a taxidermy class four years ago and just came up with the piggy bank idea in May. “Most of my specimens I get from local farms around me,” Lewis said. “I feel like they get to live a second life ... it’s kinda cool.” She called her process “laborintensive,” involving hollowing out the insides and adding a pork ... er, cork plug. “I have a larger pig that I plan on doing as a piggy bank, too,” she said. She also hopes to make objects with jewelry boxes and “secret stash” compartments.
Inexplicable
Michael Banks, 36, told Brevard County (Florida) sheriff’s deputies that he decided to go “car surfing” after he left a Home Depot store on July 5 in Merritt Island, Click Orlando reported. Banks allegedly climbed on top of a van, then jumped from it onto a Nissan truck, an SUV, a Jeep, another SUV and a sedan, causing damage to each vehicle in the neighborhood of $1,000. He faces two counts of criminal mischief and was held at the county jail.
The Greater Muscatine (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce and Industry is apologizing after a controversial Fourth of July parade entry drew heated responses, KCRG-TV reported. The entry consisted of a man on horseback, leading a woman on foot dressed in Native American attire. The woman had a rope tied around her hands. “The group (submitting the entry) stated that their intention was to pay homage to the Cherokee Nation on how unjustly they were treated,” read a statement from the GMCCI, but “the entry does not represent our community.”
Recent Alarming Headline
Carol Dillin of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is trying to get to the bottom of a nighttime visitor that keeps banging on her back door, waking up her family. KFORTV reported on July 6 that Dillin’s security cameras have captured a flying object that may be a bat or a large moth; all of her attempts to block or scare the animal away, including plastic owls and a scarecrow, have failed. “I thought somebody was hitting baseballs against the house. Then it started sounding like basketballs,” Dillin said. Micah Holmes of the state wildlife department said his money is on a moth. “This is a good year for moths because it’s been pretty wet,” he said. “This is the time of year they’re out and trying to mate.” Meanwhile, Dillin has decided to take the ultimate step: “We have a guy coming Friday morning to give us an estimate” to close off the porch, she said.
by Julia Parton
I had a wonderful childhood living on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. The neighborhood was full of kids of all ages growing up together as good friends. There was the Grand Traverse Bay to swim in, beautiful beaches to enjoy the sunshine by day and bonfires in the warm summer evenings, and plenty of vast woods and orchards to explore.
I’ll never forget that charming time in my life, nor the house where I grew up. Quite by chance, I had a breathtaking walk back in time.
things I hadn’t thought about in years! The rooms were the same; no walls added or taken down. As we walked through the main living area of the house, the only difference I clearly saw was that the knotty pine paneling had been painted. The fireplace mantle my dad built was still intact, and I thought back to the many magical Christmas Eves I had spent by that fireplace with our lighted tree in the far corner. The same place we first had a color television and the same big room where I got in trouble for breaking the lamp.
in such a perfect little house with so many wonderful memories.
Five years ago, my husband and I took a trip north in the Traverse City area. I very much wanted to show him the place I had lived as a child on Peninsula Drive. We made the time during our vacation getaway and drove along the winding road I had traveled hundreds of times. There were so many new homes added in all those years, but the shoreline looked just the same to me. I remembered that familiar smell of summer and the beach. There were boats on lifts seemingly in the same places and docks leading out from the sand.
As we approached my old address, my heart skipped a beat. There was my house, still the same pale yellow color with white trim, same wooden garage door with windows in it, same unpaved driveway. It looked just as if time had stood still for 50 years. That little house held a mystery, and I anxiously wondered if it had ever been uncovered!
We sat at the end of the driveway and admired the house, as I pointed out which room was behind each window. As I was eagerly reminiscing with my husband about my first home, a gentleman walked out of the house and asked if he could help us. My husband explained I had lived in this house years ago. Unbelievably, though we were complete strangers, he invited us inside to see the house. We graciously accepted his offer, but I never dreamed what was inside that door.
We walked in the very familiar to me kitchen entrance. It seemed as if I was walking into my house as a child again. In all the years, hardly a thing in that house had changed, other than the paint colors. The cabinets were the same. The table sat in the same place, and it took me back to sitting there on dark winter mornings, wondering if there would be school since it had stormed the night before. I remembered the donuts my mom made so often for our entire neighborhood full of kids. I remembered the Sunday night summer ritual of making popcorn for the Walt Disney Show. It was crazy how memories flooded my mind of
As we went up the stairs to my old bedroom, my mind raced to the long-kept mystery spot in my former address, hoping to see that long lost treasure.
As kids, we played on those stairs and had discovered a knot hole in the paneling that was just the right size to drop things like marbles, game pieces, and most notably, my great grandmother’s 100-year-old thimble! My mom never let us forget that fateful day the thimble dropped to the bottom, and although several attempts to retrieve it were made over the years, it never saw the light of day again.
It was a tight space with a far drop. Using a flashlight at exactly the right angle, it could be seen laying there waiting to be rescued. Unless it was discovered after my family moved away, it remains in its resting place of over 50 years ago.
To my disappointment on an otherwise completely exciting trip down memory lane, the thimble will be forever lost. Sadly, the knot holes were all filled on the staircase before the paneling had been painted. I told the thimble story to the current owner, and I think he was just as curious as I was wondering if it was still there!
What a fun day being in my childhood home and to have had things remain familiar from so many years past. How wonderful to regain so many memories that were so long forgotten! I still think back to that day, and it reminds me how very blessed I was as a child, growing up in such a perfect little house with so many wonderful memories.
In my mind, that old thimble holds the legacy of that address!
Julia Parton grew up on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. Now living in Florida since her retirement, she enjoys writing about her life as a child in Michigan
I still think back to that day, and it reminds me how very blessed I was as a child, growing up
For many of us, it just wouldn’t be a Michigan summer without a few days (or weeks) spent sleeping under the stars, even if that comes with dozens of mosquito bites. But, where do we go to get off-grid, and how can we enjoy those places safely?
Northern Express sat down with a few local experts—Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Superintendent Scott Tucker; Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson; and Huron-Manistee National Forest’s Recreation Program Manager Connor Landeck—to talk unsung camping spots, modern amenities, and up-to-date safety tips for another summer spent in the great outdoors.
For those looking to rough it in the wilderness (or a wilderness-adjacent location), camping falls into a handful of categories:
For starters, there’s classic tent camping (also called car camping, as you usually drive yourself and your gear to a campsite). This is the type of old-school excursion wherein campers sleep in a tent but also have access to a campground and a host of basic amenities. Remove the campground, and you have dispersed camping, which as Tucker of Sleeping Bear Dunes explains, “is just you and your backpack.” Finally, there’s van or RV camping, which also involves a contained campground, but replaces the tent and sleeping bag with the luxuries of a trailer or motorhome.
However you choose to enjoy the outdoors, Michigan has a slice of forest for everyone—and they’re filling up at record speed. In fact, since the onset of the pandemic and corresponding rise in outdoor recreation, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports a whopping 30 percent uptick in park and camping attendance, with an all-time “campnight” high of site reservations in 2021.
Now sitting at 94 percent total occupancy—up from about 90 percent preCOVID—those numbers show no signs of decreasing. Ron Olson of the DNR, however, also notes a significant shift in outdoor accommodation trends, with just 30 percent of this year’s users opting for tent-camping opportunities. “The rest are using cabins, campers, or other pop-up devices to visit [our sites],” he explains.
Further, campgrounds throughout the state have noted a recent spike in demand for full RV hookups (including water, electricity, and sewage). The trouble is that many state park campgrounds—both in Michigan and throughout the U.S.—haven’t been renovated for several decades, and as such, aren’t always equipped to accommodate increased camper sizes.
In response, the DNR has increased RV facilities at various sites—notably, Wilderness State Park in Emmet County—and they are piloting a few alternative lodging projects, including tiny houses, all-weather yurts, and even a safari tent.
Waterfront access also drives tourism, which has pushed campgrounds throughout the state to spearhead ADA-compliant updates, like toilet guard rails and wheelchairaccessible tent pads.
“It’s a standard that’s nationwide,” says Connor Landeck of Huron-Manistee National Forest. “Every national forest needs to have more accessible recreation opportunities.”
From here, it’s up to the campers’ discretion to choose a location that fits their needs. (But be sure to make your reservations
This year’s hot topics for Michigan campgrounds: ticks, fire, and RV hookupsSunrise over Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR.
early, as many of Michigan’s most popular sites book up six to nine months in advance.)
Within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Tucker recommends the popular mainland D.H. Day and Platte River campgrounds for casual stays, both of which offer restroom and vehicle access (though only the former has electric hookups).
“I’ve met visitors in the D.H. Day Campground who have been camping there for 50 years,” says Tucker. “There’s a little romance and a family tradition piece that sets [them apart].” These spots are also centrally-located and offer easy mainroad access, making day trips and other excursions a cinch.
For the more adventurous camper, North Manitou Island—accessible by a ferry trip from Leland—offers just eight designated campsites with a maximum of four people each, as well as 22 square miles of permit-required wilderness camping. Meanwhile, hiking into the White Pine Campground (near Honor) offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Other off-grid opportunities our experts recommend include Pere Marquette’s Bowman Lake Campground, as well as the Wakeley Lake Area (Grayling) and Indian Lake Campground (White Cloud), all of which offer dispersed campsites and endless recreation, including hiking, boating, and fishing.
If staying close to home is more
your style, state parks in Traverse City, Interlochen, and Cadillac have all recently undergone renovations.
Before you lace up your boots, ensuring that you’ve prepared for a range of conditions is critical. In fact, says Tucker, “Most of our safety issues in the parks come from [people] not being ready for the elements.”
This means pre-downloading offline maps, stocking up on water for day hikes (Landeck recommends at least four liters), and packing essentials like sun block, bug spray, and warm clothes for evening temperature fluctuations, which, even in the summer, can dip into 40s.
Tucker also encourages campers to familiarize themselves with their venue. This starts with the fun stuff, like day-trips and meals, but also extends to knowing and abiding by the regulations your camp enforces.
Tick prevention is another biggie, as populations of these pesky critters have continued to rise in recent years. To avoid bringing unwanted guests back to camp, Landeck recommends frequent tick checks as well as sealing socks and pant legs.
For dispersed camping, or even lengthy day hikes, he lets us in on the secret of Permethrin insect repellent, which can
remain potent on treated clothing for a whopping 30 to 50 washes. For best results, he recommends spraying clothing and gear—but not skin!—at least four hours before venturing out.
And if you suspect you might have been bitten? Don’t wait—consult your physician immediately. “There’s plenty of diseases ticks carry and can spread, so [being able] to detect that there might be an issue with a tick bite is super important,” Landeck says.
Once you’re settled in (and tick free), safety is the next step. This includes the obvious—like wildlife-proofing food and toiletries—as well as staying up to date on increased risk factors for the season. With temperatures steadily on the rise and drought looming in parts of the state, fire safety is at the fore.
For starters, says Olson, DNR officials are asking campers to only build fires with purpose, and if the conditions are dry or windy, to seek out alternatives, like portable stoves. If you do go the campfire route, flames should be contained to mineral soil or your campground’s insulated fire pits (which also safeguard kids from burns).
Active fires should always be closely monitored, and once you’re through, should be extinguished with water and stirred until
completely cool. Off-grid campers should also be aware of areas with flammable vegetation, including downed trees, brushlogging, and dry grass.
“Those are all things that can easily catch on fire, so that consideration of where you’re camping is [equally] important,” Landeck adds.
Firewood is another element that comes with its own set of rules; the key points are to leave yours at home and only purchase kiln-dried firewood within 50 miles of where you’ll burn it to avoid introducing unwanted critters.
And remember: Aerial fireworks (including bottle rockets, Roman candles, and sparklers) are always prohibited in Michigan state parks.
As a final note, all three representatives highlight “leave no trace” principles. This means packing out all your gear, minimizing wildlife contact, and being respectful of your campsite neighbors.
“There’s a balance in encouraging one family’s version of camping so that it doesn’t impact another,” says Tucker. “[Visitors] have a responsibility to ensure that this lakeshore will be here in 50 years so that you can come back here with your grandkids. That’s really what it’s about.”
Paddle TC, the sister company of TC Watersports, has been renting kayaks and offering guided tours since 2015.
“I was born and raised in northern Michigan … and I’ve always liked anything that has to do with water, jet skis, boats, kayaking, [or] paddleboarding,” says owner Jeff Bensley. He worked for a jet ski rental in high school and college and went on to be a teacher, but eventually the water drew him back. “I always had this passion,” he adds.
Paddle TC offers two guided water tours: one that takes you down the Boardman River (aka “A Hull of a Ride”) and another that explores the quiet beauty of Cedar Lake (“A Loon-E Escape”). Both tours are a kayak-bike combo and usually last two or three hours.
Bensley says the Boardman River tour is the most popular, giving folks the ability to
By Jillian ManningSkip the magic carpet ride: Local kayak guides can show you the world…or at least the watery part of it. From the urban landscape of downtown Traverse City to quiet inland lakes to an island wilderness, these guided tours show you a slice of northern Michigan you haven’t seen before, even if you’ve lived here your whole life.
see the sights around town, grab lunch, and enjoy an afternoon on the water. But it’s the Cedar Lake tour he waxes poetic about.
“No one really knows about [the lake], and it’s actually the closest lake to downtown,” Bensley says. “It’s gorgeous— that emerald green color is really cool.”
Much of Cedar Lake falls within the bounds of nature preserves protected by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and the Leelanau Conservancy, including Cedar Run Creek Natural Area and DeYoung Natural Area. (According to the Leelanau Conservancy, Cedar Lake has the greatest amount of shoreline protected of any inland lake in Leelanau County.)
The Loon-E Escape offers a chance to see plenty of wildlife, according to Bensley, including the loons the tour was named for. The Boardman tour, meanwhile, is known
for birds and fish—the latter especially during the salmon run in August and September.
It’s the wildlife and beauty of our waterways that Bensley says makes the trip worth it, whether you’re a visitor or a local.
“Just get outside and explore something that [you] haven’t seen before,” he advises. “My cousin had a bachelorette party for family … it was all the cousins and all the aunts and uncles, and they all did the Boardman River trip. … And at the end, my aunt was like, ‘You know, I grew up here, and I don’t think I’ve ever been down on the Boardman.’”
Bensley says that having a guide, even if you’re familiar with the area, offers a variety of benefits, from getting better instruction on kayaking techniques to keeping you on the right track to providing local knowledge about our waterways.
“I think the more people that we get using the resource and the more people that see the resource, the more people that want to take care of the resource,” Bensley says of his approach to inspiring guests to connect with northern Michigan’s rivers and lakes.
He says a kayak trip helps people be “a little more mindful of how they’re treating it and how they’re dealing with their trash and how they’re dealing with the environment and their impact. … I feel like we get a ton of people that might not be as mindful about how to treat the river until they go down the river and think, ‘Wow, that was really awesome. We definitely need to preserve these resources.’”
Paddle TC also offers a kayaking and brewery tour, stand-up paddle board yoga, and several biking tours. Learn more at paddletc.com.
Like Bensley, Ian Ruddy of Explore TC couldn’t stay away from the water. He’s been into kayaking for over a decade—specifically sea kayaking—and wanted to find a way to build a career around his favorite activity.
“I was working in an office environment prior to starting this business, and it was kind of getting to me—I gained a bunch of weight and was generally not not the most satisfied with life,” Ruddy says. “When I was working in my office job, I was thinking about the things that had made me the happiest over the past while, and one of the activities that I had picked up was sea kayaking.”
Explore TC opened in late 2020, and the
business makes use of those sea kayaks— which are longer and narrower and better at navigating open water—for its Power Island guided tour. The tour starts at the Bowers Harbor boat launch, hugs the coast of West Bay along to Neahtawanta, and then cuts across the water to Power Island. Round trip, the tour is about seven miles and takes s ix hours, including lunch on the island.
Why Power Island? “There’s the trail system out here, and there’s tons of little lookouts all over where you can get great scenery,” Ruddy says. “There’s a beach all the way around it on the south side; there’s a lot of sand. The north side is a little bit rockier, but it’s actually really great for kayaks because
a lot of the powerboats don’t go there.”
Ruddy says Explore TC also offers custom tours on nearby lakes like Torch and Skegemog, as well as Lake Michigan. (Ruddy especially recommends paddling around Arcadia Bluffs and Sleeping Bear Dunes.)
Another favorite spot is around Mission Point Lighthouse, especially in the fall, which Ruddy says is the perfect time for a color tour by water.
Explore TC starts all trips out with some safety protocol, though Ruddy says most folks who go on the tours have some experience kayaking. He also emphasizes proper instruction, and says that he sees folks learning better technique on the way
out to the island and having a “night and day difference” on the way back for better speed, control, and confidence.
As for who should be out on the water, Ruddy says anyone who wants to appreciate the beauty of northern Michigan.
“I would encourage people to reflect on why they live here,” he says when discussing why locals should consider picking up a paddle. “This is a huge tourist destination for a reason—it’s because we have so many local natural wonders, and if you’re not participating in it and taking advantage of the place that you live, why are you living here?”
Learn more about Explore TC’s tours at explore-tc.com.
By Deb Dent
Thomas Koch, owner of Polish Countryside Kitchen in Cedar, was born and raised in Hamtramck, a little city just a few miles outside of downtown Detroit— or as Koch likes to refer to it, “the jelly to the doughnut of Detroit.” His Polish grandmother and grandfather, lovingly called Babcia and Dziadek, lived right down the street from his childhood home. They believed the best things in life consisted of three things…family, tending to their garden, and great food!
His grandfather maintained their garden, while his grandmother cooked up Polish dishes with all the fresh ingredients. These experiences allowed Koch, from a young age, to learn all about cooking and gardening and to witness first-hand the value of hard work
He says he was blessed growing up surrounded by family and great food. “I’ve had a love for the same things most of my life because it’s what my childhood was made of. I can still taste the love in every bite.”
The Food Truck
With the knowledge he gained as a boy watching his grandfather, along with his own passion for the art of gardening, Koch grew up to run several community gardens in the Hamtramck/Detroit area. Eventually he and his wife, Kathleen, decided to move north and acquire their own farm in Cedar.
It didn’t take them long to realize how rich the community was with Polish culture. Given Koch’s heritage, along with his wife’s ties to Polish culture with her family owning a Polish import store in downtown Hamtramck for over 50 years, they knew the town was a perfect fit for them. Within two years of their move, they purchased a storefront and opened up a second location of her family’s Polish Art Center in downtown Cedar.
Soon after their opening, the Kochs saw a definite need for a Polish dining experience in the area. They never imagined it would be them, given how busy they were between
the farm, their growing family, and the store, until their food truck idea started to become a reality.
Koch says that it was his wife who was the real driving force behind the decision to take the leap. “We saw [a used food truck] for sale a few winters ago in Lake Leelanau. She mentioned it to me, and I didn’t really take her seriously, and then when I had to go downstate for work, I came home to a food truck!” He says Kathleen always saw the joy that cooking and connecting with people brought Koch, so she knew it was meant to be.
Koch officially opened the Polish Countryside Kitchen food truck last summer in the space right behind his wife’s store.
“It is actually a really great location,” he says. “We have several picnic tables that we set up with umbrellas, and you will hear the sound of Polish folk music in the background as you play a game of cornhole. The view from the food truck looks across at the country farm stand owned by the Williams Orchards. We see often that people waiting for their meal to be ready head over to pick up some fresh local produce as well.”
The Menu
Koch says that by far the most popular dish that they sell is the Polish Platter. It gives you a sampling of most of the items the food truck serves: Polish sausage, stuffed cabbage, pierogi, dill potatoes, sauerkraut, and a slice of rye bread.
According to Koch, they raise all the pork they serve at their food truck themselves, and they also render all their pork lard, which is the only cooking oil that he uses. The food truck had a pork burger on the menu for a while which was a big hit, and they are currently working on a breaded pork chop special, which includes Polish style pork and beans with a side of country patè. (It’s his wife’s favorite dish.)
The goat burgers are also something that seem to do very well on the menu. The meat is also processed from their farm, and it’s served “burger style,” with a beet horseradish spread,
grilled onions, and pepper jack cheese, topped with a slice of tomato on a butter bun. Koch says that they sell out every week.
“If anyone knows me though, I do like to have a few surprises throughout the season and last year we offered a few weeks of cutlets, smoked ribs, and half chickens smoked and then deep-fried in Mangalitsa pork lard,” Koch adds.
He also admits to loving a great Coney dog, so he offers a Polish veal casing hot dog topped with homemade chili, onions, and mustard. He says that the customers really seem to enjoy them. “I have customers that come for lunch and then come back for dinner the same day.”
There is one item though that the customers hesitate to try, but always love it when they do: kiszka, aka blood sausage. “I serve it with crisp purple cabbage with onion, tomato, and rye bread,” Koch tells us. “If my six-year-old is there, she will tell you that is her favorite thing to eat, along with the apple pancakes we serve.”
Koch acknowledges that while the first year in business in 2022 was definitely a challenge for the family—especially with the arrival of their third child thrown into the mix—they learned a lot and just felt lucky to be able to work together as a team.
“It is a fairly spacious truck compared to most,” Koch says, “but it definitely took some getting used to working in a small space.”
He also tells us that the set-up of the truck allows him to really be able to interact with the customers, which he loves. “When you walk up to the window to place your order, I am right there,” he says. “Most cooks working off in the kitchen don’t get that opportunity. I always have been a people person; without that connection it wouldn’t be as fulfilling to me.”
Find Polish Countryside Kitchen at 8994 S Kasson in Cedar. They’re on Facebook (search Polish Countryside Kitchen), and more info about the family farm can be found at polishheritagefarm.com.
Northern Michigan is a prime region for all things camping. Campgrounds big and small are easy to come by, whether you’re sojourning in a tent, RV, or hammock. (There are also cabins, lodges, and yurts for those who need more than the bare necessities.)
When it comes to gear for your trip, look no further than Traverse City’s own Backcountry North. A small independent retailer run and staffed by passionate outdoors people, the outfitter first opened in 1978 and was originally located on Union Street—now Dillinger’s Pub—but moved to its current location on East Front Street a few years later. The business also has a second location on US-31 near Grand Traverse Mall, built in 2012, to provide more space and accommodate a larger selection of watercraft and apparel. (Plus, they have a dedicated indoor installation bay to service roof racks and cargo boxes.)
According to general manager Cory Smith, one unique fact about their downtown location is that “the building itself has been several businesses over the century, but the original ‘Mclellans’ tile mosaic is still present under the rubber mat at the building’s entrance.”
Just as they are keeping history alive, Backcountry North also wants to help keep you alive in the great outdoors! That means getting the right gear for the right person to make sure your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.
Backcountry North carries a wide array of outdoor tools and gear, including backpacks, hammocks, kayaks, socks, and footwear, and brands like The North Face, Smartwool, Patagonia, Fjallraven, KÜHL, and more. Below, Smith shares some of his favorite items for this summer’s camping season.
Northern Express: What’s this year’s best camping clothing item?
Smith: There are so many great new products in the clothing department that it is difficult to narrow it down to just one item, but if I had to pick one item that stands out above the rest, it would be the Outdoor Research Foray II jacket. [The women’s version is called the Aspire II.]
The Foray jacket is a fully wind- and waterproof jacket that has zippers running full length down both sides of the body, allowing it to be worn as a jacket, a vest, or a poncho. This high degree of adaptability not only makes it the perfect jacket for our changing seasons here in northern Michigan but also for a variety of activities. While designed with the hiker in mind, the Foray jacket is equally at home watching the Friday night football game, playing a round of golf, or going out on a winter snowshoe hike.
NE: What’s your favorite new camping tool or piece of gear?
Smith: Based on frequency of use, my two favorite pieces of outdoor equipment are my Benchmade Bugout knife and my Helinox Sunset Chair.
The Benchmade Bugout is a folding knife that travels with me almost everywhere. It is amazing how much utility I find in having it with me every day. Weighing in at only 1.8 ounces, it weighs less than a set of car keys, so there is no reason to ever leave home without it.
A Helinox Sunset Chair is also something that always comes with us when we go anywhere. The Sunset Chair is a folding camp chair that folds up about the size of a rolled beach towel and assembles into a full high-back chair that is remarkably comfortable to sit in. Portable chairs aren’t a new thing by any means; however, it is very difficult to find a chair that is comfortable enough to sit in for extended periods of time and small enough to fit into a backpack or beach tote at the same time.
NE: What’s an under-the-radar item that everyone should have when they go camping?
Smith: A headlamp. Headlamps have many advantages over flashlights; they are lighter, take up less space, are hands-free, and are always pointed in the right direction. Headlamps have come a long way over the years. Most modern headlamps are fully waterproof and use LEDs instead of bulbs, which allow them to be extremely bright while using less power to extend battery life.
My favorite headlamp is the Black Diamond Storm; it packs 450 lumens of light into a small waterproof package that is well suited to any outdoor adventure. It can be paired with a rechargeable battery pack
or use AAA batteries so it is equally at home during power outages, everyday tasks such as walking the dog, or on long adventures where recharging may be impossible. The Storm also has red/blue/green lighting modes that allow you multiple color options to check maps, track game, or dig into your backpack without forcing your eyes to readjust to the darkness.
NE: When it comes to tents, what’s your go-to brand or style for summertime in northern Michigan?
Smith: At the present time I have to call out Nemo as my favorite tent option. They have a new material called OSMO that is significantly more durable and water resistant than regular nylon, while being made from 100 percent recycled and PFAS-free material.
When picking out a tent, I like to talk about “habitability.” I look for things like vertical walls and lots of headspace that allow the occupants to sit up in the tent and play cards or read a book. Double doors and vestibules so each occupant has their own place to stow gear and boots—and won’t disturb the other in the middle of the night if they have to go to the bathroom—and lots of interior pockets to keep things organized.
I also look for tents that have mesh interior walls for breathability, but that don’t go all the way to the ground to prevent those outside from seeing in (think for changing purposes). Lastly, keep in mind that a two-person tent is sized for two people; not two people and
their equipment. If you plan to keep your backpacks or anything else inside the tent with you, make sure you account for that when considering your options.
NE: What equipment would you recommend to a novice camper who may only have the basics in their arsenal?
Smith: When I am planning for a trip, I always plan on being self-sufficient. A well thought-out first aid kit is a must. It doesn’t need to be large and comprehensive, but it needs to have the things to get yourself out of a situation should you find yourself in one. I usually start out with an Adventure
Medical Kits Ultralight .7, and then add in super glue, dental floss, a sewing needle, a small disposable BIC lighter, nail clippers, a quality set of precision tweezers, and a 2-inch replacement hip belt buckle that will fit any pack. (If yours breaks on the trail, it is a big problem if you don’t have a spare.) I find this combo works well for most medical and gear repair situations. Outside of that, a headlamp, bug repellent, and a good lightweight knife are three things that have tons of utility in any camping situation.
NE: What’s something many campers— new and experienced—forget at home that
they should make sure is on their packing list?
Smith: The keys to your cargo box! We get individuals in the shop several times a week throughout the summer that have traveled here on vacation and forgotten the keys to their cargo box or bike rack back at home. Thankfully, we are equipped at our US-31 location to help out those who find themselves in this unfortunate situation and in most cases are able to unlock and get replacement keys for Thule and Yakima products the same day.
For those out on the trail: A pillow. It is easy to cut weight by leaving a pillow at home when packing for a backpacking trip. Pillows
are bulky and can be heavy. As such, many leave them home and either go without or use a rolled up jacket or sweatshirt instead. I have always viewed a backpacking trip as a vacation, and when I am on vacation, sleeping well is one of the goals. There are lots of great small packable pillow options out there that are just as comfy as your pillow at home and won’t take up a ton of space in your pack.
Find Backcountry North at 227 East Front Street or 2820 N US-31 South in Traverse City, or visit them online at backcountrynorth.com.
Whether you’re a hiker, mountain biker, or just an outdoorsy person who enjoys a shady stroll, northern Michigan forests offer a lush, living cathedral of peace in a sometimes hectic world.
But what’s the current health of that wooded sanctuary that we enjoy? Northern Express reached out to a pair of local forestry experts for answers.
Ellie Johnson is the District Forester for Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie counties. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, she graduated from Clarion University in 2016 with a degree in Environmental Biology, then worked in several states before earning a Masters Degree in Forestry Resources. She moved to northern Michigan in 2021.
Daniel Schillinger is a registered forester, certified arborist, and owner of Schillinger Forestry and Northern Michigan Tree Doctor. After working as a forester for the Grand Traverse and Leelanau Conservation Districts for several years, he left the public sector to establish Schillinger Forestry in 2007. He serves private landowners and public entities across several counties in northern Michigan, including Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, and Wexford.
Northern Express: When it comes to the overall health of our forests, where are we now?
Johnson: In northwest Michigan, we’re at the intersection of loss and opportunity. Many of our oldest trees in the second growth forests including paper birch, sugar maples, and oaks are in senescence, or
on the downward slope of maturity. This is due to numerous natural factors that are exacerbated by human actions. Trees do succumb to old age, but alterations to local hydrology, drought conditions, and changing weather patterns can be physically taxing on a tree. Shifting seasonality— climate change—impacts a tree’s ability to create and maintain a leafy canopy, which in turn impacts photosynthetic rates and therefore long-term health.
However, losing trees frees up resources and space for forest regeneration. Inflated deer populations can be detrimental to young trees, but dedicated landowners can interplant and protect young trees in their forest to increase diversity and ensure future canopy coverage.
Schillinger: From a timber products perspective, growth of raw timber in the forest far exceeds harvest levels. Last I checked, growth was well over double harvest by volume. The greatest loss of forest cover is by far land use change, or development.
In terms of species diversity I think our diversity is declining, mainly due to exotic forest pests—emerald ash borer, beech bark disease, oak wilt, hemlock wooly adelgids, etc. Also, in my opinion, our northern hardwood, beech, [and] maple forests are having trouble regenerating naturally, and the main reason for this is white tail deer browse. With few predators, a declining number of deer hunters, and people making the huge mistake of feeding deer, we are seeing unprecedented levels of forest regeneration damage.
We as foresters and arborists work daily
to mitigate the effects of these problems. These [are] issues we battle on a forest-byforest case in the woodlands and a tree-bytree level in the urban-suburban landscape.
NE: How has the tree cover in your area changed over the last decade or so?
Johnson: I’m not seeing much tree cover change in my area. There has been an increase in farms going out of production and beginning the process of reverting back to farmland, and there has simultaneously been an increase in property parcelization and development.
Schillinger: There are losses from development, yet forests are expanding edges and reclaiming unused “vacant” land. When we lose a tree or species of tree in the forest, there are other species willing to fill the gaps in short order, especially if they can grow past the deer browse. Forests are certainly resilient and showing this in spades, but we are definitely seeing unprecedented levels of exotic pest and disease damage as well. If a significant pest comes along which only attacks maple trees, this will be a significant problem for our forests.
NE: What species or areas are at risk, either from disease, insects, or human development?
Johnson: Hemlocks, particularly along the Lake Michigan shoreline, are at risk of hemlock wooly adelgid infestation. This is an invasive insect that, if left untreated, will kill a hemlock in four to 10 years.
Oak wilt is a non-native fungal disease that impacts the vascular layers of oak trees, fatal to the red oak group, and can
kill a mature tree in a matter of weeks. There is no treatment for this disease, only preventative measures.
Beech bark disease is an insect-fungal complex where invasive beech scale feeds along the trunk and branches of beech trees and opens up the vascular layers to further infection from Nectria fungus species. Beech trees with heavy scale infestations are likely to suffer from canopy snap in wind storms.
Asian longhorned beetle is an invasive insect not yet detected in Michigan, but it’s one we should be on the lookout for because its favorite host tree is maples.
Schillinger: Most ash trees are dead from emerald ash borer, with the exception of those folks who invested in saving their ash trees with insecticide injections. Beech bark disease is slowly killing our beech trees. Research says only 1 percent of beech trees will remain after beech bark disease moves through.
Oak wilt is lethal to red oak trees, yet it’s easy to avoid getting if landowners follow the rules to keep it out of their property. This problem has the most support locally and the most average landowners doing “neighborhood watch” type activities making sure their neighbors do not injure or prune their red oak trees from April 15 through July 15 of any year. This public awareness and action has been neat to see over the last few years.
NE: What steps are being taken to protect our forests?
Johnson: There is a lot being done to both preserve and conserve our forests. A lot of land in my service area, both wooded
and otherwise, is protected in perpetuity by the federal government, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with 71,199 acres, and land conservancies such as the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy with 46,000-plus acres and Leelanau Conservancy with 14,000 acres.
However, the majority of land in my area is in private ownership, and thankfully, my community is active in managing their forests. My role is to be a free resource to offer technical assistance to private landowners, and I’m happy to report I’m a very busy person. Folks ask me great questions covering a variety of topics—forest health, climate resiliency, wildlife habitat, timber production, reforestation.
Schillinger: I could write you a 100-page treatise on this question alone. Way more is being done than the average person knows about or sees on a daily basis. My advice would simply be for your readers to seek qualified professional advice when making management and planting decisions. There are free resources like the local conservation districts and MSU Extensions where owners can start their quest for knowledge.
NE: How can the average person help?
Johnson: Educate yourself on what good management for your property would look like and take action! Your local conservation district and MSU Extension can help with this. Join your local conservation district, land conservancy, or other group on events like tree plantings and invasive plant control. Donate to groups like Crosshatch and Conservation Resource Alliance. Become involved with creating public policy that reflects environmental stewardship with groups like Citizens Climate Lobby.
Schillinger: Plant only native trees, shrubs, plants. Don’t feed wildlife. Don’t hire the cheapest option when planting or
trimming trees. Seek professional advice when dealing with significant trees or forest problems. Buy American-made products. This comment is not meant to be political— all of the forest pests killing trees came from other countries, especially Asian countries. Buying cheaper, imported products has increased the amount of imported forest invaders hiding in wooden shipping crates.
NE: What will the next 10 years look like for our forests?
Johnson: It’s hard for me to predict what the next decade will look like because there are so many unknown factors. Climate change projections show a continued trend of milder winters and sporadic, heavier precipitation events. Air quality will continue to be impacted as fire season in western and northern forests becomes longer and more severe. We will lose many old trees due to increased drought conditions and other climate factors, and some southern latitude species naturally, and with human assistance, will expand northward. My three districts will address this idea with the Assisted Tree Range Expansion Project.
[ATREP is a project focused on supporting the resilience of northern Lower Michigan’s forests by planting tree species that are projected to be better adapted to our future climate.]
Continuing to show up for your community and your environment will make all the difference as we face an uncertain future. There’s a strength in showing up together.
Schillinger: I see species diversity declining as the exotic pests move through, though I do expect tree species which normally grow in southern Michigan will slowly migrate up here with warming climates and available forest canopy gaps. With this, I still see the acreage of forests growing, but they will be temporarily less diverse.
By Emily Burke
I didn’t have what I would call an “outdoorsy” childhood, even though I grew up on Old Mission Peninsula surrounded by freshwater and forest. The closest I ever came to a camping trip was a giggle-fueled night in a friend’s backyard tent.
But one summer in high school, I was assigned a book for summer reading that changed my bearing, setting me on a course that would form the basis of both my personal and professional identities.
An Idea Takes Root
A Walk in the Woods, authored by the acclaimed Bill Bryson, is a chronicle of Bryson’s own thru-hiking attempt on the Appalachian Trail (AT), a footpath that winds from Georgia to Maine. At the time I first read it, I had never heard of backpacking, let alone thru-hiking, but the idea of constant motion in hushed, verdant forests, of having nothing on my to-do list but walking for months on end, took up residence in my over-scheduled, anxietyriddled brain. The trail became a symbol of escape, and soon, most of my dreams about the future revolved around that 18-inchwide swath of dirt.
I applied early decision to a school in New Hampshire, a choice that, looking back, I now realize was almost entirely based on
the simple fact that the trail ran through town. When I didn’t get in and went to school in central North Carolina instead, I took weekend trips to the mountains just to feel the slip of the clay under my trail runners, to see the dappled sunlight through a tunnel of rhododendrons. I took field ecology classes and planned for a career where I could be outside on trails. I was convinced that I would take to the AT after college, but like many post-grads, the pressure of starting a career got to me, and I delayed.
Until 2015. That January, I found myself back in Traverse City, living with my mom, sleeping through the dark, gray mornings to avoid facing what I perceived as failure. I had dropped out of my PhD program in wildlife behavioral ecology after just one semester, and I felt ashamed and embarrassed. When I started looking at master’s programs in a related field and found one in an Oregon town along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)— the west coast’s answer to the AT, running from Mexico to Canada—I knew that the time was now.
I would walk the 1,718 miles from the Mexican border to grad school.
When I look back on the first few months of that year, I mostly remember the chaos of the preparation. Resupply boxes addressed to far-flung dots on the map—filled with Clif bars, maps, and dehydrated mashed
potatoes—took over the spare bedroom in my boyfriend Andrew’s apartment. (I had convinced him to come with me at this point.)
I agonized over gear choices. Should I spend the extra $200 for a sleeping bag that was 6 ounces lighter? I stayed awake at night, half-worried and half-excited, thinking about the unknowns. Would my body handle being at extreme altitude for weeks on end; would we find water in the desert; would we be able to navigate fording raging rivers of glacial melt in the Sierra Nevada?
And because I was unemployed at the time, I went on long training hikes almost daily, my pack filled to the brim with all my new gear, eyes squinting against the falling snow.
The first few days on trail were physically and emotionally intense. By lunch on the second day, I was huddled under a stunted oak tree, weeping with the enormity of the task I had set for myself—of the terror that I couldn’t do it, that I would fail at a large endeavor for the second time in a row—and the physical discomfort in the form of blisters, chafing, sunburn, and the unrelenting desert heat.
Yet after a long cry, I got up and started walking, mostly because there really is no other choice when you’re in the middle of the wilderness.
Over the course of the next three and a half months, as we slowly made our way up
the spine of California, I experienced more lows, but they were always balanced with the kind of bliss that comes only (at least for me) from the combination of endorphins, constant fresh air, and being disconnected from the “real world.”
We were rained and hailed on for three days straight after we passed through the town of Tehachapi, but waking up to an incandescent, peaches-and-cream sunrise, the vastness of the Mojave spread out before us, on the fourth day made it worth it. We ran out of food on a 10-day stretch in the heart of the Sierra that, once the snow and altitude were factored in, turned into 12 days. But while looking for a place to sleep around dusk on the eleventh day, we happened upon a campfire tended by a friend we had met hundreds of miles earlier, gratefully accepting his extra Snickers bars and tuna packets.
Once, Andrew slid 500 vertical feet down a mountainside during a snowy traverse in the northern Sierra, but later that day we got to watch a bear forage for grubs in a downed pine log for what felt like an hour; it never knew we were there. The highs always followed the lows, the beauty born from the beast.
When we reached southern Oregon and I stopped to start my Master’s program there, Andrew continued, reaching the end of the trail at the Canadian border in late
August. In the years after, I completed my graduate degree and launched my career in conservation, and we moved back to Michigan, got married, and bought a house in Leelanau County. But the mountains were never far from my mind, and every year I dreamed of hiking from southern Oregon to Canada to finish the trail.
After a dashed attempt in 2020 when the trail closed because of the pandemic, in late July of 2022, I was finally standing at the trailhead outside of Ashland, Oregon, embarking on a solo 930-mile journey, backpacking alone for the first time. I was nervous to be in the wilderness by myself for weeks on end, but I found that I felt deeply comforted by the Douglas fir forests I had tramped through for two years during my master’s work studying barred owls.
It was, in fact, incredibly empowering to be a solo female who was completely independent: I relied on nothing but my wits, my experience, and my body to climb mountains, walk across lava fields, ford icycold rivers, and escape a too-close call with
a wildfire. I felt powerful—something that our patriarchal society does not often allow women to feel—and I felt, for perhaps the first time since I was a young child, finally free of the expectations and obligations thrust on me by others and then, by extension, by myself.
“The trail provides” is an oft-quoted refrain in the long distance hiking community. During my first hike, it gave me a sense of success when my professional confidence was flagging, and on my second, it imbued me with a feeling of unwavering self-assuredness, of knowing with absolute certainty that I can do it on my own.
To be clear, the trail is not a silver bullet; not everyone’s story is as “lost to found” as Cheryl Strayed’s Wild may lead us to believe. But the simplicity of doing nothing but walking all day, every day through stunning beauty for months on end necessitates, by its very nature, a new perspective. And this new outlook can translate into a rearranging of your idea of your place in the world.
A place that feels a little less like you’re lost in the wilderness.
Introducing
the glenda from papillio
BY BIRKENSTOCK
MADE IN PORTUGAL
ADJUSTABLE BACKSTRAP
NATURAL FIBERS
NATURAL LEATHER SUEDE
There are many practical guides for backpacking long trails—I likely wouldn’t have had the confidence to embark on this journey without Yogi’s Pacific Crest Trail Handbook , for one—but here are a few of the more salient things I’ve learned first-hand:
• Ignore others’ fear-mongering. In many ways, American culture perpetuates the myth that the wilderness is a scary place—the idiom “out of the woods” is just one example—but in reality, as long as you’re prepared, in reasonable physical shape, and know how to properly assess risks, backpacking is probably safer than many other routine activities (like driving).
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• Deserts get really cold at night. Bring gloves!
• For longer trips, buy shoes one or two sizes larger than normal. Most peoples’ feet swell.
• Speaking of shoes, learn what the footprints of your hiking partners look like.
• The risk of sunburn is much more serious at high elevations, especially when hiking on reflective snow. Reapply often, even in weird places like the rims of your nostrils.
• Don’t get so focused on making miles. Take the time to swim in a trailside lake, nap in a meadow, and have a leisurely lunch at that epic viewpoint. That’s what you came for after all, right?
a wildfire. I felt powerful—something that our patriarchal society does not often allow women to feel—and I felt, for perhaps the first time since I was a young child, finally free of the expectations and obligations thrust on me
“The trail provides” is an oft-quoted refrain in the long distance hiking community. During my first hike, it gave me a sense of success when my professional confidence was flagging, and on my second, it imbued me with a feeling of unwavering self-assuredness, of knowing with absolute
To be clear, the trail is not a silver bullet; not everyone’s story is as “lost to found” as may lead us to believe. But the simplicity of doing nothing but walking all day, every day through stunning beauty for months on end necessitates, by its very nature, a new perspective. And this new outlook can translate into a rearranging of
A place that feels a little less like you’re
There are many practical guides for backpacking long trails—I likely wouldn’t have had the confidence to embark on this journey without Yogi’s Pacific Crest Trail Handbook , for one—but here are a few of the more salient things I’ve learned first-hand:
• Ignore others’ fear-mongering. In many ways, American culture perpetuates the myth that the wilderness is a scary place—the idiom “out of the woods” is just one example—but in reality, as long as you’re prepared, in reasonable physical shape, and know how to properly assess risks, backpacking is probably safer than many other routine activities (like driving).
• Deserts get really cold at night. Bring gloves!
• For longer trips, buy shoes one or two sizes larger than normal. Most peoples’ feet swell.
• Speaking of shoes, learn what the footprints of your hiking partners look like.
• The risk of sunburn is much more serious at high elevations, especially when hiking on reflective snow. Reapply often, even in weird places like the rims of your nostrils.
• Don’t get so focused on making miles. Take the time to swim in a trailside lake, nap in a meadow, and have a leisurely lunch at that epic viewpoint. That’s what you came for after all, right?
"Where GATHERINGS become a FIESTA" ->=<
LOCATED INSIDE THE BAR OF NITTOLO'S 5PM - 10PM (SUNDAY TO THURSDAY) -->=<
FEATURING:
CRUSTED BREAD WITH TOMATO PUREEOLIVES - PAPRIKA GARLIC MAYO 3.95
1. SALMON & SCALLOP TARTAREAVOCADO - SAMBAL - COCONUT-LIME 9.95
2. POTATO - FRIED - SMOKED PAPRIKA AIOLI - BALSAMIC 6.95
3. DATE SALAD - GREENS - SHERRYMARCONA - CRISPY SERRANO HAM 6.95
4. CROQUETTE - CHEESE - POTATO - SALSA 6.95
5. MUSSELS - SAFFRON CREAM - CHORIZO - TOAST 9.95
6. OCTOPUS - CAST IRON - ROASTED PEPPER MAYOPICKLED CABBAGE 9.95
7. OXTAIL - RIOJA - POTATO PUREE - TARRAGON 8.95
8. PRAWN - TOMATO - SPICY PEPPER - LEMON 6.95
9. SEA BASS - CEVICHE - CAVAPINEAPPLE - AVOCADO 11.95
10. CHEESE - ASSORTMENT - QUINCE 8.95
11. CALAMARI - FRIED - SWEETY DROP PEPPERSVALENCIA SAUCE 8.95
12. JAMON IBERICO- ASSORTMENT - MUSTARD - APRICOTS 11.95
13. PAE LLA - SAFFRON RICE - PRAWNMUSSELS - CALAMARI 11.95
14. DESSERTS (FEATURED DAILY)
WILL BE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
saturday
WAUGOSHANCE TRAIL RUN: 50K, MARATHON & HALF MARATHON: The 50K & marathon start at 7am in Cross Village. Participants are bused to the start from Mackinaw City School. The half marathon starts at 8am at Wildnerness State Park. Participants are bused from Mackinaw City High School. greatlakesendurance. com/michigan-races/waugoshance.html
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TRIWALLOON: FULL: 7:30am, Walloon Lake. Offering a sprint distance triathlon, duathlon, & aquabike. For more info & to get on the wait list, visit web site. triwalloon.com
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BEAR RIVER CRAWL 5K: Bayfront Park, Petoskey. 5K Run, 8am; 5K walkers with strollers & dogs, 8:10am. $25 before July 7; $30 July 8-14; $40 day of race. nmsportsmed. com/events/bear-river-crawl-5k-10k-run
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FRIENDS OF FISHTOWN 5K: 9am, Fishtown, 201 W. River St., Leland. $40; $45 virtual. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Leland/ Fishtown5K?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCY n8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw
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GREAT LAKES EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL
II: Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg, July 12-16. CS 3*, World Championship Hunter Rider, USHJA National Hunter Derby, Premier Hunter/Jumper 6/Equitation. traversecityhorseshows.com/events
PLATTE RIVER CLEAN SWEEP: 9am-2pm, Veterans Park, Honor. Become a Benzie River Steward at this 15th annual volunteer river cleanup. The event begins at Veterans Park at 9am for check-in. Registration required. Email info@benziecd.org or call 231-882-4391. Participants should bring a boat, life jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen & water. Picnic lunch immediately following. benziecd.org/home/platteriver-clean-sweep-2023
“FORM AND FEATURE” OPENING RECEPTION: 10am-5pm, Tamarack Gallery, Omena. See the new exhibit “Form & Feature,” a show of landscape paintings by Amy Falstrom & new ceramics by Laurie Shaman. Both artists will be onsite to discuss their artwork & answer questions. Free. tamarackartgallery.com/exhibitions
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“HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD”: 10am, State Theatre, TC. $1. stateandbijou.org
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37TH ANNUAL PETOSKEY ART IN THE PARK: 10am-5pm, Pennsylvania Park, Petoskey. Featuring more than 100 booths, with items ranging from pottery to jewelry, from paintings to photographs, & much more
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ELK RAPIDS ARTS & CRAFT SHOW: 10am, River St., Downtown Elk Rapids. More than 60 artisans & crafters displaying & selling their work. Pet-friendly, family-friendly. elkrapidschamber.org/arts-crafts-show
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GAYLORD ALPENFEST: Gaylord, July 1115. Live music, carnival, art tent, car show, Fun Run, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Doppellauf (Half Marathon + 5K), & much more. gaylordalpenfest.com
MIDSUMMER ART & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-5pm, Gypsy Farms, Petoskey. Fine art & craft show with live music & an outdoor cocktail garden.
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NORTHERN MICHIGAN CREATIVE CRAFTERS CRAFT SHOW: 10am-3pm, GT County Civic Center, Howe Arena, TC.
Presented by Armstrong Acre Creative Design LLC. Featuring a wide range of mediums, including paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodworking, & more. For more info, email: armstrongacrecd@gmail.com. Free.
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SHAY DAYS: Shay Park, Harbor Springs. Today includes live model steam trains, crafts & games, electric trains, Log Hewing Demonstration, & “In Shay’s Day” Walking Tours. Donation. harborspringshistory.org/ events/?action=evrplusegister&event_id=85
TADL YOGA FOR FAMILIES: 11am, Traverse Area District Library, front lawn, TC. Join friends from Just Bee Yoga + Well-Being for a short yoga class. Bring your own mat, if you prefer. Otherwise, blankets will be provided. Free. tadl.org/events
CHARLEVOIX VENETIAN FESTIVAL: Charlevoix, July 15-22. Today includes Aquapalooza with live music by Lazo & Exodus, “Cornetian” Corn Toss, & volleyball. venetianfestival.com
UP NORTH BUSKER FESTIVAL: East Jordan. Today includes Lake Side Elite, Chet Mitchell Variety Entertainer, Jewls Magic Show, Crazy Richard & Friends, Manny Mayhem, Celestial Dance Hoops into Fire Finale, & much more. mcusercontent.com/ b822566bc95bd3d4cc1633223/files/d2ab6ae7-78d9-29e3-1f86-8a9d37e040d1/ Busker_Festival_Schedule_2023_PDF.pdf
WATER CARNIVAL: Noon-4pm, True North Vineyard Church, Williamsburg. Featuring a giant slip n’ slide, water bounce house, foam machine, pie eating contest, food, corn hole tournament, & a visit from the ice cream truck. Bring your bathing suit & towel. Free. eventbrite.com/e/water-carnival-tickets673189336427?aff=oddtdtcreator
BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Author Dr. Barrett Rollins will sign his book “In Sickness.” horizonbooks.com/event/sicknessbarrett-rollins-book-signing-0
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THE NEED FOR TREES: 1pm, Platte Plains Trail-Bass Lake Trailhead, Sleeping Bear Dunes Trail Head, Honor. Join Anishinaabe historian Eric Hemenway for a stroll to find out the Anishinaabe connection to trees. Free. nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details. htm?id=4E8463D5-D9AD-6C71-8D23C5BE7AF4545B
SUMMER BLUES FEST: 3pm, Shady Lane Cellars, Suttons Bay. Food trucks, music & wine. The blues lineup will feature Keith Scott Blues from 3-6pm & Crosscut Kings from 6:30-9:30pm. $15/person. shadylanecellars.com/event-home/events ----------------------
BENZIE BEE GUILD: APITHERAPY: 6pm, Grow Benzie Bee Yard, Benzonia. Join the Benzie Bee Guild to learn about healing ways from bees. Hosted by longtime beekeeper Sharon Jones of Sleeping Bear Farm. Free. growbenzie.org/events-calendar/event-one85gaw-ptjse-w6nmc-m7ngj-ex55w-87pbhj4fn5-5em43-9slt4-c3jhp-e34ma-2s74r
“GET BACK WITH SWITCHBACK”: 7pm, Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall, Elk Rapids. Performed by Brian FitzGerald & Martin McCormack. Door opens at 6pm. $20 advance; $25 door.
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THE TIME BEFORE EUROPEANS & AMERICANS ON TURTLE ISLAND: 7pm, DH Day Campground Amphitheater, Glen Arbor. This talk will be presented by Anishinaabe historian Eric Hemenway. Free with a valid park entrance pass. nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=DF7AB964DCB7-3A74-ED58AA874EFBC75C
Round up the family for the Tour de TART, a family-friendly bicycle ride that benefits TART Trails. Head to Darrow Park in TC on Fri., July 21 any time between 4pm and 6:30pm, where you will begin riding to hit the TART and Leelanau trails. Enjoy two food stops along the 17-mile ride, a bayside meal in North Park in Suttons Bay where the ride will end, along with local wine and microbrews, and then a bus ride back to TC. You can also choose a 25-mile route to celebrate 25 years of TART Trails! Cost is $40; $20 for ages 12 & under. Register. Find ‘Tour de TART’ on Facebook.
BENZIE COMMUNITY CHORUS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 7:30pm, The Mills Community House, Theatre, Benzonia. $20 per person. benziechorus.org
“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”: 8pm, Bay View Association, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. The story of an unkind prince who has been magically transformed into an unsightly creature as punishment for his selfish ways. bva. booktix.net/view/46/b51bb4f82afeeb94
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MUSIC IN MACKINAW: STEEL & WOOD - BLUEGRASS: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Roth Performance Shell, Mackinaw City. Bring lawn chairs. Free.
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MUSIC OF THE NIGHT - A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER: 8pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. In this musical revue created for the Center, hear favorites from Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sunset Boulevard, & more. Tickets range from $57 - $112. greatlakescfa.org/ events/detail/music-of-the-night
36TH ANNUAL RIDE AROUND TORCH: 8am, Elk Rapids Cherryland Middle School. Presented by the Cherry Capital Cycling Club. A 26, 40, 63, or 100 mile bicycle tour primarily along the scenic shores of Torch Lake. This is a recreational social tour. Ride fees range from $40-$75. cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org/content.aspx?club_ id=87045&module_id=461732&page_id=22
CHARLEVOIX VENETIAN FESTIVAL: Charlevoix, July 15-22. Today includes Beach Bash Basketball, Disc Golf Doubles, & “Worship on the Water” with Stephen Stanley. venetianfestival.com
GREAT LAKES EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL II: (See Sat., July 15)
MIDSUMMER ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., July 15)
$145,100 CSI3* GRAND PRIX: 2pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. Enjoy Olympic-caliber show jumping at the $145,100
Grand Prix. Equestrian performances, food & drink options, & a variety of family-friendly activities. This week’s event is dedicated to supporting Hospice of Michigan Foundation. Gates open at noon. GA tickets, $15. eventbrite.com/e/145100-fei-3-grand-prix-tickets599190403627?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
DANIEL ADAM MALTZ, FORTEPIANO: 3pm, Cheboygan Opera House. Daniel Adam Maltz is a fortepianist based in Vienna, Austria. Daniel is devoted to performing on these historical instruments utilizing the vast range of tones & colors familiar to the composers. $30; $25 Veterans; free for students. theoperahouse.org/tickets
THE SACRED EARTH TRIBE PRESENTS
THE DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE: 3:30pm, Llama Meadows Eco Farm, Benzonia. These dances blend chants with live music & simple movements into a living experience of unity, peace & joy. Love offering of $7-$10. facebook.com/thesacredearthtribe
SUNDAY MUSIC IN THE PARK: 4-6pm, Marina Park, Harbor Springs. Featuring the Rivertown Jazz Band.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: THE SLEEPING GYPSIES: 7-10pm, Claude Shannon Park, Gaylord. Bring a chair.
BENZIE COMMUNITY CHORUS SUMMER
CONCERT SERIES: 7:30pm, The Mills Community House, Theatre, Benzonia. $20 per person. benziechorus.org
WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHES-
TRA: ERINA YASHIMA, CONDUCTOR: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. Under Yashima’s baton, the ensemble will perform Florence
Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E Minor and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “The Rock,” Op. 7. $26 adult; $19 child through college. interlochen. org/events/world-youth-symphony-orchestra-erina-yashima-conductor-2023-07-16
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VESPER: REAL-LIFE SOUNDTRACK: 8pm, Bay View Association, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. Enjoy familiar melodies & heartwarming stories. GA, $14.50. bva. booktix.net/view/33/42d741f33590bcd5
CHARLEVOIX VENETIAN FESTIVAL: July 15-22. Today includes the Kling Youth Tennis Clinic, Cottage Croquet Tourney, & Charlevoix Pool Party. venetianfestival.com
TADL STORYTIME WITH MISS ROSIE: 11am, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays & fun. This program is geared toward preschool aged children & their families & caregivers. Free. tadl.org/events
TADL STEM MONDAY: 4pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Learn about STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) concepts with hands-on STEM experiments to create a layered experience for all learners. This program is primarily designed for ages 6-12, though younger learners may attend with a caregiver. Free. tadl.org/events
TADL TEEN ESCAPE ROOM: Traverse Area District Library, TC. Find the clues, solve the puzzles, & break the code before time runs out. Ten seats will be available for the first session which will run from 5:30-6:30pm. If
these seats fill, there will be a waitlist available for a second session from 6:30-7:30pm. Must register in advance at the link. Free. tadl.org/event/teen-escape-room-13
FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - JAMMIN’ MONDAYS ON BETSIE BAY: 7-9:15pm, Waterfront Park Amphitheater, Elberta. Featuring two-time Grammy winning powerhouse blues/rock guitarist the Paul Nelson Band.
BENZIE COMMUNITY CHORUS SUMMER
CONCERT SERIES: 7:30pm, The Mills Community House, Theatre, Benzonia. $20 per person. benziechorus.org
tuesday
ELK RAPIDS GARDEN CLUB GARDEN WALK: 10am-4pm, Elk Rapids. Tour six magnificent gardens around Torch & Elk Lakes. $15 in advance; $20 day of walk. elkrapidsgardenclub.com
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PEEPERS PROGRAM: “CREEK QUEST”: 10-11am, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. An adult-accompanied program for early learners ages 3-5 years old, of all experience levels with the natural world. This nature program includes stories, crafts, music, & discovery activities. Register. $5/child. natureiscalling.org/preschool-peepers-program
TADL SUMMER CLUBHOUSE & SNACKS AROUND THE WORLD DAY: 10am, Traverse Area District Library, front lawn, TC. Play games, grab a craft kit to go, enjoy snacks & more. The Tuesday Clubhouse features a different cultural snack food each week. This week: the food of the Middle East,
featuring food from Habibi Middle Eastern Coney Island. Free. tadl.org/events
TEA PARTY & SIGNING W/ AUTHOR CARRIE PEARSON: 10-11am, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Carrie is the author of “Real Princesses Change the World.” RSVP required. Free. mcleanandeakin.com ----------------------
CHARLEVOIX VENETIAN FESTIVAL: July 15-22. Today includes the Junior Sailing Regatta, bingo, Charlevoix Township Fire Dept. Open House, 3-on-3 Soccer Tournament, & Venetian Rhythms with the Charlevoix City Band. venetianfestival.com
OUTDOOR STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library. Please bring a blanket for your family to sit on. Geared towards children pre-K to grade 2 & their caregivers. Free. sbbdl.org
“PROTECTING OUR NATIONAL PARK SITES AND ALL OUR RELATIONS”: 1pm, Leland Township Public Library, Leland. Presented by Kira Davis, Great Lakes Senior Program manager in the National Parks Conservation Association’s Michigan Field Office in Suttons Bay. Kira leads NPCA’s work to protect & enhance the parks of the Great Lakes region, including Sleeping Bear Dunes, Isle Royale & Pictured Rocks. Free.
TADL TEENS - A VAGUE GUIDE TO CREATIVE WRITING: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Learn a bit about creative writing. Luca will pass along a few writing skills & then give you a prompt so you can practice your new knowledge. You will then group up to critique your writing. Feel free to bring writing you are currently working on to have that critiqued too. Free. tadl.org/events
BAY VIEW’S BIG READ: 2:30pm, Bay View Association, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. Featuring the author of “Guardians of the Trees,” Kinari Webb. A panel discussion will be held at 2:30pm under the tent (free). The keynote takes place at 8pm in Hall Auditorium. This memoir is about a woman spearheading a global initiative to heal the world’s rainforest & the communities who depend on them. Tickets required. $15 for members who pre-register; $20 for non-members & everyone who purchases tickets at the door. bva. booktix.net/view/43/7e38564c5cdfbf5d
ECSTATIC DANCE: WATER THEME : 7pm, behind building at 10781 E. Cherry Bend, TC. Free-form dancing for all bodies. Intentionally sequenced music allows for full expression, opening, & release. Held every 1st & 3rd Tuesday. This time dance with & for water. Donation: $1-$20. nomiecstatic.dance
QUEER TALES BOOK CLUB: 7pm, Traverse Area District Library, Nelson Room, TC. Chat about books that are by &/or about LGBTQ+ people. This month’s book is “A Psalm for the Wild Built” by Becky Chambers, & a bonus book of “Grandad’s Camper” by Harry Woodgate. You can get them through TADL or MeLCat. Free. tadl.org/node/7277
CONRAD TAO & CALEB TEICHER: COUNTERPOINT: 8pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Enjoy a tap prodigy & a piano virtuoso. $82, $72, $57, $42, $37. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/counterpoint
MUSIC IN MACKINAW: STRAITS AREA CONCERT BAND: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City.
TUESDAY NIGHT MOVIES IN THE PARK: 9:30pm, Zorn Park, Harbor Springs. Featuring “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Free.
GREAT LAKES EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL III: Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg, July 19-23. CSI
2*, USHJA National Hunter Derby, Premier Hunters/Jumper 6/Equitation. GA, $15. traversecityhorseshows.com/ events
NCMC HARRIS GARDEN TOUR: 10am, NCMC, Petoskey. Led by NCMC President Dr. David Roland & his wife Heidi Finley. Learn about the College’s Harris Gardens & a few of the 26 sculptures by internationally renowned artists. Register. Free. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5201062
IPL’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM WITH PATCHWORK PEARS PERFORMERS: 10:30am, Interlochen Public Library. Featuring wacky comedy, stories, juggling, music & mime. 231-276-6767. Free.
SUMMER NATURE PROGRAM: QUEENS & KINGS OF WILD THINGS: 10:30am, Old City Park, Boyne City. Listen to the story “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, where the main character Max lets his imagination run free. Explore the park in search of natural treasures to make your crowns & let your imagination run free.
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TADL STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 11am, GT Area Children’s Garden, behind Traverse Area District Library, TC. Best for ages 2-6 with an adult. Bring a blanket. Free. tadl.org/events
CHARLOTTE ROSS LEE CONCERTS
IN THE PARK: STORY & JAMES: Noon, Pennsylvania Park, Gazebo, Petoskey. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free.
BASKETRY WITH DOROTHY WALTER: 1-4pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. 231-331-6583. $5.
CHARLEVOIX VENETIAN FESTIVAL: July 15-22. Today includes the 3 Club Golf Tournament, Sailing Regatta, Tiki Tent with Galactic Sherpas, Venetian Rhythms with Pinter Whitnick, Miss Charlevoix Coronation with Little River Band, & much more. venetianfestival.com ----------------------
TADL TEEN SCAVENGER HUNT: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, Teen Services, TC. Solve thought-provoking questions, follow their clues, & push your limits as you quietly race against other teams of 2-3. Free. tadl.org/events ----------------------
AFTERNOON CHILL: 4-6pm, Comfort Keepers, Harbor Springs. Enjoy drinks, appetizers & conversation.
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TADL NATURE MAKERS: 4pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Enjoy science fun with science education organizations & groups from the region each Weds. This program is best suited for ages 6-12. Free. tadl.org/events
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EVENING ON RIVER STREET: 6-9pm, Downtown Elk Rapids. Enjoy food from local restaurants, kid’s activities & live music by Drew Hale.
BENZIE COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT: 7pm, Benzie Area Historical Museum, Benzonia. Free. benziemuseum.org
ELLSWORTH CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE: 7pm, Ellsworth Community Square, next to Banks Township Hall. Featuring Bruce Walker & the Originals. Bring a chair or blanket.
TOTALITY! SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024 W/ KEVIN DEHNE: 8pm, Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City. This presentation is about the total solar eclipse that will cross over the heart of the United States on April 8, 2024. midarkskypark.org/ about/waterfront-event-center
july
CHARLEVOIX VENETIAN FESTIVAL: July 15-22. Today includes the Charlevoix Farmers Market, Kids Day/ Arnold Carnival, Tiki Tent with Lou Thumser, Venetian Rhythms with Sweet Tea Trio & Easton Corbin, & more. venetianfestival.com
JULY MEET UP ABOARD THE DISCOVERY: 8am. Join Startup Grind Traverse City for a morning of coffee, connection & inspiration aboard The Discovery. Discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship & explore innovative solutions. Free; register. startupgrind. com/events/details/startup-grind-traversecity-us-presents-july-meet-up-aboard-thediscovery/?mc_cid=2444603494&mc_ eid=d64314065b
NMCAA’S LAUNDRY PROJECT: 8:3011:30am, TC Laundry, Garfield Plaza, TC. Free laundry service for those in need.
FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC WEXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: 9am-6pm, Cadillac Wexford Public Library, Cadillac. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/upcoming-programs
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES: 10am, Helena
Township Community Center, Alden. Story Time for ages 0-5. Kids’ Crafts: Make a Twirligig (for ages 6-12). 231-331-4318. Free.
GREAT LAKES EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL III: (See Weds., July 19)
TADL SUMMER CLUBHOUSE - SPECIAL GUEST: DRUMMUNITY: 10am, Traverse Area District Library, front lawn, TC. Play games, grab a craft kit to go, find a new book, enjoy snacks & more. At 11am Drummunity joins to create a circle of fun drumming sounds. Free. tadl.org/events
THE FRIENDLY GARDEN CLUB’S 40TH ANNUAL GARDEN WALK: 10am-5pm, Historic TC. This year marks the 100th anniversary as a garden club. The theme is “Celebrating History and Gardens.” $15. thefriendlygardenclub.org
SUMMER READING EVENT WITH LEELANAU 4-H: 10:30am, North Park Pavilion, Suttons Bay. This week’s theme is All Together Now with ANIMALS! Leelanau County 4-H will bring along live animals. For all kids, preschool through 8th grade. Free. sbbdl.org
LUNCHEON LECTURE: “MICHIGAN INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION”: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. Edward Woods III, executive director, & Steven Terry Lett, former chairman of the commission will explain the redistricting process, how it changed Michigan’s political landscape & why the commission continues to receive accolades as a national model for redistricting. Register. $15. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5270023
TADL TEENS - ALL TOGETHER NOW: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Grab a snack & read a book, color, play a game, talk or just hang out. Free. tadl.org/events
ANNUAL LIGHTKEEPER RALLY & CRIB
CRUISE: Leland. Hosted by the North Manitou Light Keepers (NMLK). Held for people to connect & rally around ongoing efforts to restore & appreciate the North Manitou Shoal Light (the offshore lighthouse known as the “Crib”). 4pm: Lightkeeper Rally at Main Street Gallery. Gather with fellow lightkeepers & learn about restoration & developments for the Crib. Light food & drinks served. 6:30pm: Crib Cruise in Fishtown. $50. Evening cruise to the Crib, cruise around Crib, & NMLK members discuss the Crib’s history & future. northmanitoulightkeepers.org/cribcruise
ART & MOUNTAIN CLIMBING WITH PAUL SINCLAIR: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Hear TC resident Paul Sinclair talk about his adventures climbing mountains & how those experiences influenced his art & life. Register. Check out the display of Sinclair’s artwork hanging in the McGuire Community Room during the month of July. Free. tadl. org/event/paulsinclair
ST. CLAIR LAKE - SIX MILE LAKE NATURAL AREA COMMUNITY PADDLE: 6pm, St. Clair Lake DNR Boat Access Site, 9400 Six Mile Lake Rd. Grab your paddleboard, kayak or paddle craft of choice for an evening paddle with Paddle Antrim, Little Traverse Conservancy, & Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy through the St. Clair Lake Six Mile Lake Natural Area. Free; waiver required. paddleantrim.com/event/st-clairlake-six-mile-lake-natural-area-communitypaddle-3
HARBOR SPRINGS STREET MUSIQUE: TRAD: 6:30-8:30pm, Downtown Harbor Springs. Featuring Dr. Goodhart, Hannah Graham, Alex Teller, Ben Kolk, & face painting.
“FROM VIENNA WITH LOVE”: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Celebrating elegant music favorites from Vienna: waltzes, polkas & quadrilles by Strauss, Lehar, Delibes, & more. The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, led by Maestro Libor Ondras, will be joined by local vocalists Amy Joy Cross (soprano) & Jamie Beth Platte (mezzo-soprano) in opera arias & duets. Tickets include an optional pre-concert talk at 6pm by Libor Ondras, as well as a post-concert reception. The concert is free for veterans, active service members, & students 18 & under by calling 231-487-0010. $35-$65. glcorchestra.org
ART RAPIDS CONCERT IN THE PARK:
SETH BERNARD & MARK LAVENGOOD: 7pm, Elk Rapids Day Park, Deborah Wentworth Memorial Pavilion. Enjoy modern folk & bluegrass. Bring a chair. Free. artrapids. net/free-concerts-in-the-park-2023
CONCERTS ON THE LAWN FEAT. GOLDEN VOICES - FRANK SINATRA TRIBUTE: 7pm, GT Pavilions, Grand Lawn, TC. Free. gtpavilions.org/news-events/2023-concertson-the-lawn
LAKE CITY MUSIC IN THE PARK: BLUE WATER RAMBLERS: 7-9pm, 115 E. John St., Lake City.
MICHAEL BRENNAN: “RIVER SACRED –UNCOVERING THE CRYSTAL”: 7pm, Glen Lake Library, Program Room, Empire. Glen Arbor resident Michael Brennan will share readings & photographs from his limited-edition chapbook, a personal exploration of the Crystal River. glenlakelibrary.net
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THE SOUND GARDEN PROJECT: BLUE QUARTET: 7pm, Interlochen Public Library. Free. interlochenpublicradio.org/the-soundgarden-project
UPBEAT CADILLAC MUSIC SERIES: PAUL NELSON: 7-9:15pm, 100 S. Lake St., Cadillac.
TC PIT SPITTERS VS. KENOSHA KINGFISH: 7:05pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. northwoodsleague.com/traverse-city-pit-spitters/schedule
FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. These Rock & Roll Hall of Famers have sold more than 100 million records, inspired the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys,” & charted seven more number-one hits, including “Walk Like A Man,” “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” & “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” $53-$106. interlochen.org/events/frankie-valli-four-seasons-2023-07-20 ----------------------
FUNNY BUSINESS COMEDY W/ BILLY RAY BAUER FEAT. TIM FINKEL: 9pm, Odawa Casino Resort, Victories, Petoskey. $5. odawacasino.com
7/17, 7/31, 8/14
a unique approach to Funk Fusion, paying tribute to legends like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, and modern day greats like Butcher Brown and Lettuce. Tons of special guests, too. Ouch, say Uncle!
7/24, 8/7, 8/21
a heady and original mix of jazz, funk, klezmer, world music, and a hint of bluegrass—played by local greats on the piano, mandolin, dobro and steel, bass and drums—plus drop-in guests all the time, all adds up to some seriously Big Fun!
The Plate Scrapers + Slim Pickins /// 6 pm, $10
Jordan Hamilton + Abigail Barbara /// 6 pm, $10
Distant Stars + Lipstick Jodi /// 8 pm, $10
Michael Hudson-Casanova /// 7 pm, $10
Kerrville Folk Festival Songwriters on Tour /// 7 pm, $25
Robinson & Rohe /// 7 pm, $20
Field Report /// 7 pm, $10
Over 45 artists are coming to Northport to paint plein air throughout the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula on July 21 and 22. The opening reception will be filled with fresh, hot off the easel paintings of various media and styles. Come support the arts and find your next one of a kind piece of art.
July 22, 6-9pm
FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC WEXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY USED BOOK
SALE: 9am-5pm, Cadillac Wexford Public Library, Cadillac. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress. com/upcoming-programs
COFFEE @ TEN, TC: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Carnegie West Gallery, TC. Artist talk & demo with Royce Deans & Angela Saxon. These artists will dive into their “New Works” exhibit. Free. crookedtree.org/event/
ctac-traverse-city/coffee-10-royce-deansand-angela-saxon ----------------------
GREAT LAKES EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL III: (See Weds., July 19)
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THE SCARROW FRIDAY FORUMS: 10am, Bay View Association, Voorhies Hall, Petoskey. “The Art and Science of Scoring Films.” The Education & Performing Arts programs have teamed up to bring Grammynominated composer & keyboardist Scott Healy. Free.
RAIN GARDEN WORKSHOP: 10:30am1:30pm, Ottawa Stadium, Harbor Springs. Learn the techniques & benefits of constructing a working rain garden. Enjoy presentations & hands-on planting. Brings your gloves, trowel, & dress for the weather. Register. Free. watershedcouncil.org/raingardenottawastadium.html
TADL STORIES ON THE FRONT LAWN: 11am, Traverse Area District Library, front lawn, TC. Family story time in the fresh air. This program will last about 30 minutes & is geared toward families with young children. Free. tadl.org/events
CARHARTT, INC. PRESIDENT TO SPEAK AT ECONOMIC CLUB OF TC MEETING:
11:30am, TC Golf & Country Club. Carhartt, Inc. President and COO Linda Hubbard is the first non-family member to head up the manufacturer of premium workwear, outdoor apparel & footwear founded in Detroit in 1889. Under Hubbard’s leadership Carhartt launched a women’s apparel line, & expanded into direct-to-consumer channels, including Carhartt.com & the company’s retail stores. Register in advance. tceconclub.com
CELESTIAL HOOPS WORKSHOP: Noon, Richardi Park, Pavilion, Bellaire. Celestial Hoops will present a free kids hula hoop workshop. bellairelibrary.org
CHARLEVOIX VENETIAN FESTIVAL: July 15-22. Today includes the Bridge Street Block Party, Kid’s Zone, Car Show, “Peaches ‘n Cream” Corn Toss, Venetian Art Auction, Venetian Rhythms with the Pine River Jazz Big Band, Redline Airshow & Flag Jump, “Night Sky” World Class Fireworks, & more. venetianfestival.com
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CHARLOTTE ROSS LEE CONCERTS IN THE PARK: THE PINTS: Noon, Pennsylvania Park, Gazebo, Petoskey. Free.
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TADL LUNCHTIME TAI CHI: Noon, Traverse Area District Library, front lawn, TC. Enjoy this systematic & gentle form of exercise & stretching. Free. tadl.org/events
MEET & GREET WITH AUTHOR KATHERINE REAY: 1-3pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Katherine is the author of “A Shadow in Moscow.” mcleanandeakin.com
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OTP YOUNG COMPANY PRESENTS “DISNEY’S NEWSIES JR.”: 1pm & 7pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. The tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy & leader of a band of young newspaper sellers in 1899 Manhattan. When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsies expense, Jack rallies young workers from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions & fight for what’s right. Prices include fees - Adults: $21; Youth under 18: $12. oldtownplayhouse. com/young-company/performances/disneysnewsies-jr.html
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TOUR DE TART: Family friendly bicycle ride for all ages. Begin any time between 4pm &
6:30pm from Darrow Park. Enjoy two food stops along the 17-mile ride, a bayside meal at North Park in Suttons Bay, local wine & microbrews & then a bus ride back to TC. Return bus service begins at 6pm & the last bus departs at 9pm. There will also be a 25th Anniversary Tour de TART Route. See web site for details. $20 12 & under; $40 adults. events.bytepro.net/2023TourdeTART
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AFTER-HOURS GALLERY VISIT: 5-8pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center. glenarborart.org
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MINI MAKERFEST: 5-7pm, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Enjoy engaging activities with members of the STEAM/Maker Alliance, the Grand Traverse Conservation District, & other area STEAM organizations. Free. natureiscalling.org/events
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KARAOKE NIGHT: 5:30-7pm, Arts for All of Northern Michigan, 1485 Barlow St., TC. Enjoy singing & dancing. Light snacks will be available. Ages 9 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Free. artsforallnmi.org/events
MANTON MUSIC SERIES: SAM CRONKHITE: 6-8pm, Railroad Park, Manton.
FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC IN THE PARK: 6:308:30pm, Marina Park, Harbor Springs. Featuring Michelle Chenard. Bring a blanket or chair. Free.
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DOWNTOWN GAYLORD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 7-10pm, Claude Shannon Park, Gaylord. Featuring The Accidentals. Bring a chair. Free.
EAST JORDAN MUSIC IN THE PARK: 7-9pm, Memorial Park Bandshell, East Jordan. Enjoy country by Union Guns.
NWS: RELATIONSHIP EXPERT NEDRA GLOVER TAWWAB: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Nedra is the author of “Drama Free,” a book on understanding & moving past family struggles. She’ll talk with guest host Madison Meter about how to identify dysfunctional family patterns & choose the best path to breaking the cycle & moving forward. $20 GA; $5 student. cityoperahouse. org/node/517
SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERT: BLAKE ELLIOTT & THE CURRENT LOVE: 7-9pm, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Amphitheater, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. $15 advance; $20 at door; 12 & under are free. crystalmountain.com/event/summer-soundsjuly/2
TC PIT SPITTERS VS. KENOSHA KINGFISH: 7:05pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. northwoodsleague.com/traverse-city-pit-spitters/schedule ----------------------
EPIC EAGLES: 7:30pm, Cheboygan Opera House. Rock with the sounds of Canada’s definitive Eagles Tribute band, the Epic Eagles. The Eagles are known for many iconic songs, including “Hotel California,” “One of the Nights,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” & “Desperado.” $30; $25 Veterans; $15 students. OR buy tickets to this event AND the Dean Young Country Music event on Sat., July 22 for a discounted price: $50 adults; $40 Veterans; $20 students. theoperahouse.org/tickets theoperahouse.org/tickets
RICKY SKAGGS & KENTUCKY THUNDER
WSG JACK SCHNEIDER: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Carrying 15 Grammy Awards & much more, Skaggs is an icon of the country & bluegrass genres. He has 12 number-one hits on Bill-
board’s Country Chart, including “Crying My Heart Out Over You” & “Highway 40 Blues.” Kentucky Thunder is an eight-time IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year winner. $48 - $63. interlochen.org/events/ricky-skaggskentucky-thunder-2023-07-21
BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS: 8pm, Bay View Association, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. This band who fused their horn section with rock, jazz & blues has been touring for over 50 years. Their second album self-named “Blood, Sweat & Tears” received the Grammy Award for “Album of the Year” in 1970, beating out the Beatles’ “Abby Road.” They went on to receive 10 Grammy nominations & won 3. Tickets start at $25. bva.booktix.com/view/40/673cf7dfe3eee661 ----------------------
MUSIC IN MACKINAW: PETER BERGIN: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City.
WARRANT: 8pm, Odawa Casino, Ovation Hall, Petoskey. This glam metal band had five albums reach international sales of over 10 million from 1989-96. They are known for hits “Heaven,” “Cherry Pie,” & many more. $30. odawacasino.com/entertainment ----------------------
MOVIES IN THE PARK AT DARK: 9:30pm, Pennsylvania Park, Petoskey. Featuring “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Free.
saturday
PAUL MCMULLEN MEMORIAL 5K: 8:30am, 398 Chestnut St., Cadillac. The course will feature live music. $20. runsignup.com/ Race/MI/Cadillac/PaulMcMullenMemorial5k RunWalk?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8o tSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw
CHARLEVOIX VENETIAN FESTIVAL: July 15-22. Today includes the Drenth Memorial Foot Race, Ryan Shay Mile, Street Parade, Venetian Rhythms “Rockin’ the Townhouse” with Union Guns, Venetian Lighted Boat Parade, Spectacular Harbor Fireworks, & much more. venetianfestival.com
JEFF DRENTH MEMORIAL 5K & 10K: Charlevoix. Includes 1 mile, 5K & 10K races that benefit Charlevoix High School crosscountry teams as well as a scholarship honoring legendary coach Pete Spieles. The 5K & 10K races start at 9am at the corner of Park Ave. & Grant St., two blocks west of downtown. The Family Mile starts at 10am on Bridge St. at the stoplight. venetianraces.com ----------------------
15TH ANNUAL BOCCE TOURNAMENT: 10am-5pm, The Village at GT Commons, Historic Front Lawn, TC. Only four-player teams. $60 per team. Bring your own
food & beverage along with picnic blankets or lawn chairs. Casual bocce: If you join just to toss a couple of bocce, there will be plenty of room after the first few games are over. Register. fareharbor.com/ embeds/book/thevillagetc/items/311843/ calendar/2023/07/?flow=no&full-items=yes
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23RD ANNUAL BAY HARBOR ARTS FESTIVAL: 10am-5pm, The Village at Bay Harbor, along the waterfront on Marina Lawns. Featuring artists from across the country. There will be live music by Kanin Elizabeth on Sat., July 22 from 1-4pm, & live music by Make Believe Spurs on Sun., July 23 from 1-4pm.
GREAT LAKES EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL III: (See Weds., July 19)
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KALKASKA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: 10am-5pm, Railroad Square Park, Kalkaska. OPEN STUDIO: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in art for all ages. Free. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/open-studio-july-22
BOOK SIGNING WITH MICHIGAN AUTHOR KATHRYN RANKIN COVINGTON: 10:30am-1pm, Tinker Studio, TC. Meet the author & pick up your signed copy of “The Ripple of Stones.” tinkerstudiotc.com
COASTAL CARAVAN ART FAIR: 11am7pm, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Juried art fair with free admission & free hot dogs. There will also be a kids’ craft tent & other family activities, from trying out the ceramics studio to exploring new wellness programs. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org/coastal-caravanart-fair
COFFEE W/ THE AUTHORS: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Join author Jerry Dennis & artist/illustrator Glenn Wolff, both of TC, in a conversation about working collaboratively. Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC gallery manager, leads the discussion. Dennis & Wolff have worked together for more than 30 years. They’ve published nine books about the natural world stories, myths, natural histories, fly fishing, & wooden canoes. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/events-all
FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC WEXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: 11am-1pm, Cadillac Wexford Public Library, Cadillac. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/upcoming-programs
MINDFUL ME FOR KIDS: 11am, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Join Emily Kotz from 4-H/MSU Extension for a kids program on mindfulness. This program aims to promote mindful practices in youth that lead to improvements in managing goals, developing a sense of self, time management, stress
management, emotional regulation, & mindful eating practices. Free. tadl.org/events ----------------------
OTP YOUNG COMPANY PRESENTS “DISNEY’S NEWSIES JR.”: (See Fri., July 21, except today’s times are 2pm & 7pm.)
BOOK SIGNING: 3-5pm, Horizon Books, TC. Author Abra Berens will sign her book “Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit.” horizonbooks.com/event/pulp-abraberens-book-signing
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GENE RANTZ PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT & WET PAINT SALE: 6-8pm, Northport Arts Association, Northport. Up to 50 artists paint for two days & then sell their original paintings on Sat. at the Wet Paint Sale; reception starts at 6pm. Gallery Exhibit continues July 23 - Aug. 6. $20. northportartsassociation.org
THE NEIL DIAMOND LEGACY: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Not an imitation but a musical celebration of the artistry with vocalists & an all-star live band playing all the big hits such as “Cherry, Cherry,” “I’m A Believer,” “America,” “Hello Again,” “Sweet Caroline,” & many more. $32; student, $28. cityoperahouse.org/node/469 ----------------------
DEAN YOUNG COUNTRY MUSIC: 7:30pm, Cheboygan Opera House. Dean Young is the lead singer for the Epic Eagles. Enjoy an evening with Dean (backed by his Epic Eagles bandmates) as he showcases his original country music, as featured on the album “Makin’ a Life.” Tickets are $30 adults; $25 Veterans; $15 students. OR buy tickets to this event AND the Epic Eagles concert on Fri., July 21 for a discounted price: $50 adults; $40 Veterans; $20 students. theoperahouse.org/tickets
DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. Experience the music of three beloved ballets. The ensemble will perform Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite, Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, & selections from Act III of Giuseppe Verdi’s Macbeth. $52-$69. interlochen.org/events/ detroit-symphony-orchestra-2023-07-22
ARTURO SANDOVAL: 8pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval is the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, 10-time Grammy Award winner, Emmy award recipient, & six-time Billboard award winner. $107, $92, $77, $62, $47. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/arturo-sandoval ----------------------
MUSIC IN MACKINAW: JUST FOLKIN’ WITCHA: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City.
SGT. JUSTIN HANSEN MEMORIAL PATRIOT RUN: 8:30am, Rodes Field, Kingsley. Featuring a 5K Fun Run & Kids Quarter Mile Fun Run. $25, $10. runsignup.com/Race/MI/ Kingsley/SgtJustinHansenMemorialPatriotR un?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOn KQ3vCO8buOw ----------------------
5K WINE RUN: 9am, French Valley Vineyard, Cedar. Besides walking or running this 5K, also enjoy the amazing scenery & landscape & a pour of wine. Find ‘French Valley Wine Run 5k’ on Facebook. $35; $50 after July 12; $25 ages 1-20. ----------------------
INDIAN RIVER KAYAK BIKE BIATHLON: 9am, Burt Lake’s DeVoe Beach. 2.24 miles of kayaking on the Inland Waterway & 11.68 miles of bicycling on the North Central State Trail. $80. runsignup.com/Race/MI/IndianRiver/IndianRiverBiathlon
23RD ANNUAL BAY HARBOR ARTS FESTIVAL: (See Sat., July 22) ----------------------
CRUISE-IN CAR SHOW: 10am-2pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey. Free. facebook.com/events/426958149536044
GREAT LAKES EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL III: (See Weds., July 19)
KALKASKA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: (See Sat., July 22) ----------------------
FORGING FOR PEACE PROJECT: 11am3pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center. The Forging For Peace Project blacksmiths return to the Glen Arbor Arts Center Forge. These northern Michigan artists & craftsmen use the ancient art of blacksmithing as part of a worldwide project to raise funds for non-profits focused on peacemaking. Free. glenarborart. org/events-page/events-all
$77,300 CSI2* GRAND PRIX: 2pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. Enjoy Olympic-caliber show jumping at the $77,300 Grand Prix. Featuring equestrian performances, food & drink options, & family-friendly activities. This week’s event is dedicated to supporting Interlochen Center for the Arts. Gates open at noon. $15 GA. eventbrite.com/e/77300-fei-2-grand-prixtickets-599192509927?aff=odcleoeventsin collection ----------------------
HEADSTONE CLEANING: 2pm, Crystal Lake East Cemetery, Frankfort. The Benzie Area Historical Society is offering this program with historian Jane Purkis to train volunteers in the correct methods of cleaning cem-
etery gravestones. Bring a cleaning kit: bucket, gallon or two of water, stiff natural brush, stiff sponge, old toothbrush, trowel, trash bag, & plastic or wood scraper. 231-882-5539.
SUNDAY MUSIC IN THE PARK: 4-6pm, Marina Park, Harbor Springs. Enjoy the Sunshine String Band. Bring a blanket. Free.
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FIVE FOR FIGHTING: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Wsg Interlochen Arts Academy singer-songwriters. Bringing his unique falsetto voice, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Five for Fighting is known for his brand of piano-based soft rock. Enjoy favorites like “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” & “100 Years.” $46-$62. interlochen.org/events/five-forfighting-2023-07-23
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WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: JADER BIGNAMINI, CONDUCTOR
WITH DSO SIDE-BY-SIDE: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. See classical artists of tomorrow with some of the nation’s finest musicians as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performs with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra. $26 adult; $19 child through college. interlochen. org/events/world-youth-symphony-orchestra-jader-bignamini-conductor-dso-sideside-2023-07-23
FREE CHILDREN’S DENTAL FAIR: Copper Ridge parking lot, TC. United Way of Northwest Michigan has partnered with Delta Dental to borrow a large dental bus & park it out front of their new building in Copper Ridge, TC to host a four-week long “pop-up clinic” to help alleviate some of the backlog of young children waiting to be seen by a dentist. Hours are Mondays, 9am-3pm & TuesdaysFridays, 8am-3pm from July 11 - Aug. 4. Services are provided on a walk-in basis only. unitedwaynwmi.org
HARBOR SPRINGS COMMUNITY BAND: Mondays, Harbor Springs waterfront, next to Pier Restaurant, 8pm. Free outdoor symphony band concerts.
JORDAN VALLEY COMMUNITY BAND: Thursdays, 7:30pm, Memorial Park Bandshell, East Jordan.
BICYCLE MUFFIN RIDE: Fridays, 9am1pm, Darrow Park, TC. Join the Cherry Capital Cycling Club for their weekly Muffin Ride from TC to Suttons Bay & back. The ride is 33 miles round-trip & includes a stop at a bakery or coffeehouse in Suttons Bay. cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org ----------------------
BLOOMS & BIRDS: WILDFLOWER WALK: Tuesdays, 10am through Sept., Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents to find & identify the unique wildflowers at Grass River Natural Area. Along the way look & listen for the birds who call Grass River home. grassriver.org
GUIDED WALKING HISTORY TOURS OF TRAVERSE CITY: Tours are at 10am on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays through Labor Day. They are about two miles long & take a little more than two hours. They begin at the Perry Hannah Plaza at the corner of 6th & Union St. near downtown. Groups of six or more can schedule tours at other times. walktchistory.com
DOUGHERTY MISSION HOUSE TOURS: Held Weds.-Sun., 10am-4pm, June 10 –Aug. 26. Docent led tours of the 1842 Rev.
Dougherty Mission House, TC built by the Odawa & Chippewa with Chief Agosa. Explore the House, summer kitchen, carriage shed, icehouse, demonstration gardens & trail through the 15 acres. Visiting exhibit features the Inns of Old Mission. Discover where Old Mission Peninsula earned its name. doughertyoldmissionhouse.com
ALAN MACIAG EXHIBIT AT MARI VINEYARDS, TC: Plein Air painter Alan Maciag exhibits gorgeous Michigan landscapes. Runs through Sept. twistedfishgallery.com/ event/alan-maciag-exhibit-at-mari-vineyards-with-twisted-fish
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BOATS AND HARBORS EXHIBITION: Main Street Gallery, Leland, July 10-16. This exhibition is held as part of the Art of Summer series celebrating the artists of Main Street Gallery. Mixed media artist Michelle Sider’s work will be included alongside fellow artists Rick Koehler, Neil Walling, Tobin Sprout, Malcolm Chatfield & more. mainstreetgalleryleland.com/visit
JORDAN RIVER ARTS PRESENTS FARMER, FARMHERS & FARMS: Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. This exhibition celebrates local farms with works in a variety of media. Runs through Aug. 5. Regular gallery hours: 1-4pm, Thurs.-Mon. jordanriverarts.com/farmers-farmers-and-farms
“GREAT BODIES”: Higher Art Gallery, TC. Group exhibit - 32 artists - celebrating the life giving, fresh bodies of water throughout Michigan. Runs July 7 - Aug. 5. higherartgallery.com
SUMMER SALON: Runs June 30 - Sept. 2 at Charlevoix Circle of Arts. 4th annual salon-style exhibit showcasing regionally inspired work by local & area artists. Gallery is open Mon. through Fri., 11am-4pm, & Sat., 11am-3pm or by appointment. charlevoixcircle.org/exhibits-2023
OLIVER ART CENTER PRESENTS SUMMER MEMBER SHOW: Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Featuring a wide variety of work in all mediums. The show runs through July 28. Oliver Art Center is open Mon. - Sat., 10am4pm. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org
CHARLES CULVER PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION: On display throughout downtown Bellaire, mid-June through Oct. Each piece of art will display a QR code to access an audio presentation providing history & background of the particular piece. bellairelibrary.org/programs/charles-culver-public-art-display-2023
“SUMMER’S PALETTE,” THE MAGIC THURSDAY ARTISTS’ 10TH ANNUAL SHOW & SALE: City Opera House, TC. The show runs through July & Aug. from 10am3pm weekdays & is open during evening events. Featuring original paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, gouache & acrylic by artists Sue Bowerman, Lori Feldpauch, Linda Goodpaster, Ruth Kitchen, Dorothy Mudget, Joyce Petrakovitz, Marilyn Rebant & Laura Swire. cityoperahouse.org
PARTS OF THE PROCESS - SHANNY
BROOKE ART EXHIBIT: Twisted Fish Gallery, Cottage Gallery, Elk Rapids. Taking us on her emotional journey, painter Shanny Brooke explores the creative steps that emerge when processing the loss of a loved one. This selection of paintings is an intimate glimpse into Shanny’s journey of healing & insight. The exhibit runs through mid-July with viewings: Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm. Free. twistedfishgallery.com/event/parts-of-the-process-openingreception-with-artist-shanny-brooke
“YOUTH INNOVATION IN RURAL AMERI-
CA”: Raven Hill Discovery Center, East Jordan. Community-based youth design projects by local students. Runs through Oct. 7. miravenhill.org
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:
- MICHIGAN SUMMERS: WORKS BY JULIA DUFAULT MCGRATH: Held in Atrium Gallery. Julia includes colorful & texture-filled watercolor & mixed-media paintings that capture the beauty of Michigan Summers. Runs June 17 - July 22. Hours are Tues. through Sat., 10am-5pm. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/michigansummers-work-julia-dufault-mcgrath
- ANIMAL - VEGETABLE - MINERAL: PAINTINGS BY NANCY ADAMS NASH: Held in Bonfield Gallery. Enjoy new paintings from Nash, as well as select works from the past. Runs through Sept. 2. CTAC hours are Tues. - Sat., 10am-5pm. crookedtree.org/event/ctacpetoskey/animal-vegetable-mineral-paintingsnancy-adams-nash-opens-may-25
- TRISHA WITTY: PILGRIMAGES IN PAINT, A RETROSPECTIVE 1988 TO PRESENT: Runs through Sept. 2 in Gilbert Gallery. Retrospective exhibition highlighting Trish Witty’s paintings from the past 35 years. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ trisha-witty-pilgrimages-paint-retrospective1988-present-opens-may-25
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:
- GREAT LAKES PASTEL SOCIETY: 2023 MEMBERS JURIED EXHIBITION: Runs July 8 – Aug. 25 in the Cornwell Gallery. Featuring 65 works by 58 artists working throughout the Great Lakes region. Works were reviewed & selected by guest juror & judge of awards, Kathleen Newman. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-traverse-city/great-lakes-pastel-society2023-members-juried-exhibition-opens-july-8
REFLECTIONS BETWEEN CONVERSATIONS: Held in Carnegie East Gallery. This exhibit is showcasing 2D & 3D artwork by Rufus Snoddy & Glenn Wolff, who are friends & teaching colleagues in the Art Department at NMC, & have often collaborated on public art. Runs July 8 - Aug. 5. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traversecity/reflections-between-conversations
- ROYCE DEANS & ANGELA SAXON: NEW MONOTYPES: Held in Carnegie West Gallery. Showcasing new work by artists & collaborators, Royce Deans & Angela Saxon. The prints celebrate the collaborative energy of the two local artists. Runs July 8 - Aug. 5. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-traverse-city/royce-deans-andangela-saxon-new-monotypes
DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:
- A NEW PERSPECTIVE: LANDSCAPES FROM THE DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER: Runs through Sept. 3. Hours are Tues.Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org
- JERRY’S MAP: This exhibition is comprised of over 4,000 individual eight by ten inch panels. Its execution, in acrylic, marker, colored pencil, ink, collage, & inkjet print on heavy paper, is dictated by the interplay between an elaborate set of rules & randomly generated instructions. Runs through Sept. 3. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org
- LUSTER: REALISM & HYPERREALISM IN CONTEMPORARY AUTOMOBILE & MOTORCYCLE PAINTING: Runs through Sept.
3. This is a traveling exhibition comprised of over 55 paintings by 15 leading photorealists & hyperrealists who specialize in automobiles & motorcycles as their primary subject of choice. Featuring dazzling paintings that encompass a broad range of vintage vehicles, recent classics, off-road vehicles, exotics & more. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org
GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:
- “THE BIRDS ARE WATCHING”: Runs through Aug. 25 in the Lobby Gallery. Mixed media constructions by Jessica Kovan.
glenarborart.org/events/exhibit-the-birdsare-watching
- 2023 MEMBERS CREATE: An exhibition of work by 49 GAAC members. Runs through Aug. 10 in the Main Gallery. glenarborart.org/ events/exhibit-2023-members-create ----------------------
THREE PINES STUDIO, CROSS VILLAGE:
- PHOEBE MOLL & JOANN CONDINO
SHOW – ART OF THE TABLE: July 15-25. Enjoy work by Phoebe Moll, ceramist, & Joann Condino, fiber artist. Phoebe’s farmhouse inspired functional ware filled with earth tones is complemented by Joann’s Italian rooted woodblocked linens. An Artists Opening will be held on July 15 from 2-5pm. threepinesstudio.com/ events/phoebe-moll-joann-condino-show-artof-the-table
- ROBERT SCUDDER SHOW - FARM TO TABLE: July 15-25. Oil paintings by Robert Scudder. An Artist Opening will be held on July 15 from 2-5pm. threepinesstudio.com/ events/robert-scudder-show-farm-to-table
BELLAIRE FARMERS MARKET: Fridays, 8am-noon, ASI Community Center & Park, Bellaire.
BOYNE CITY OUTDOOR FARMERS MAR-
KET: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-noon through Oct. 14. Veterans Park, Boyne City. Shop local produce, artwork & artisan foods at over 50 vendors. There will also be live music & kids activities. The July 15 market will feature live music by Eliza Thorp. The July 22 market will feature live music by Lee Dyer. boynecityfarmersmarket.org
CADILLAC FARMERS MARKET: Tues. & Fri., 9am-3pm. 117 W. Cass St., Cadillac. Featuring 60 vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, live music & more. cadillacfarmersmarket.org
DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY FARMERS
MARKET: Fridays, 8:30am-1pm through Sept. 29. Howard St., between Mitchell & Michigan streets, Petoskey.
ELK RAPIDS FARMER’S MARKET: Next to Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, on US 31 by the swan. Every Fri. through Oct. 6, 8am-noon. Local growers & producers from all around northwestern Michigan. elkrapidschamber.org/farmers-market
FRANKFORT FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, June 10 – Sept. 9. Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 Main St., Frankfort.
HARBOR SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm through Oct. 14. Corner of State & Main streets, Harbor Springs.
OLD TOWN EMMET FARM MARKET: Sat., 9am-2pm through Oct. 7 at Friendship Senior Center parking lot, Petoskey. Special events throughout the season include donation based cookouts, Christmas in July, food trucks on site, & more. Follow the Facebook page for the schedule: @oldtownemmetfarmmarket.
SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET: Sat., 7:30am-noon; & Weds., 8am-noon. Parking lot “B” at southwest corner of Cass & Grandview Parkway, TC. dda. downtowntc.com/farmers-market ----------------------
THE VILLAGE AT GT COMMONS OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Village at GT Commons, The Piazza, TC, Mondays from 1-5pm. Farm fresh eggs, fruits & veggies, meats, honey, maple syrup, & more. facebook.com/events/643530983769466/64 3530997102798/?active_tab=about
From acclaimed relationship expert and bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace, comes Drama Free, a road map for understanding and moving past family struggles—and living your life, your way.
With guest host Madison Meter a local storyteller, comedian, and hospitality and marketing specialist. You can find her onstage with the Tilt Think Comedy Collective.
LITERARY SPONSORS: BDAI (Before, During, and After Incarceration); Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority
July 21 at 7pm, Virtually or City Opera House
ENJOY A CASH BAR AND LIVE MUSIC AT 6 PM FOR DETAILS, visit NationalWritersSeries.org
BONOBO WINERY, TC PATIO, 6-8:
7/15 -- Chasing Denver
7/21 -- Andrew Lutes
BRADY’S BAR, TC
6:30-9:30:
7/16 – Blair Miller
7/23 – Timothy Michael Thayer
CHATEAU CHANTAL, TC
Thu -- Jazz at Sunset w/ Jeff Haas
Trio w/ Laurie Sears & Watercolorist
Lisa Flahive, 7
DELAMAR, TC
7/21-22 -- 1Wave DJs, 2-9
ENCORE 201, TC
7/15 -- Equality Show Band, 7; DJ
Ricky T, 10
7/20 -- Blair Miller, 8-10
7/21-22 -- DJ Ricky T, 9
JACOB’S FARM, TC
6-8:30:
7/16 – Ras Marco
7/19 – Zie
7/20 – Drew Hale Band
7/21 – Ryan Curtis
7/23 – Round Creek String Band
KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING
7/17 -- Trivia, 6-8
7/18 -- Open Mic, 6-8
7/20 -- The Fridays, 5
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC
BARREL ROOM:
7/17 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9
TASTING ROOM, 5-7:
7/15 – Mountain Gloom & Mountain
Glory
7/22 – Weston Buchan
LIL BO, TC
Tues. – Trivia, 8-10
Weds. – Open Mic Night w/ Aldrich, 9-11
BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY
ROOT CELLAR, 7:
7/15 – DJ Franck
7/22 – Peter Allen Jensen
BIÉRE DE MAC BREW WORKS, MACKINAW CITY
7/15 -- Owen James Quartet, 7
7/16 -- Mike Morter, 5
7/21 -- The North Carolines, 8-10
7/22 -- The Mighty Hiawathas, 7
7/23 -- Mary Kenyon, 5
BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY
PATIO:
7/15 -- Michelle Chenard, 2-6
7/21 -- Yankee Station, 4-7:30
7/22 -- Chase & Allie, 2-6
CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY
7/21 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30
CROOKED VINE VINEYARD & WIN-
ERY, ALANSON
7/15 -- Pete Jackson, 2-5
7/16 – Randy Reszka, 1-4
DIXIE SALOON, MACKINAW CITY
7/14-15 & 7/21-22 – Pete Big Dog
Fetters, 8
DOUGLAS LAKE BAR, PELLSTON
6-9:
7/16 – The Significant Others
Sun. – Karaoke, 8
MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC
7/21 -- Craig Jolly, 5:30-8:30
NORTH BAR TC
7/15 -- Craig Jolly, 1-4
RED MESA GRILL, TC
7/21 -- Mateo, 6-9
ROVE ESTATE VINEYARD & WINERY, TC
7/21 – 5th Gear Band, 5:30-8:30
SORELLINA’S, TC
SLATE RESTAURANT:
Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano,
5-8
Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9
TC WHISKEY CO.
7/21 -- Silverstiles, 6-8
THE ALLUVION, TC
7/20 -- The Plate Scrapers wsg Slim Pickins, 6-10
THE COIN SLOT, TC
7/15 – Parking Lot Dance Party
w/ Skin Kwon Doe, Zeb K, Waverunner & Mr. Markis, 7-11:30
7/19 – BYO Vinyl, 8
7/21 – Parking Lot Dance Party
Part 3 w/ Skin Kwon Doe, DJ Zeb K, Odawa, Marshall Law, J West The Intellect, The Coalition, Takeheart & more, 7-11:30
THE LITTLE FLEET, TC PATIO:
7/14 – Funky Uncle, 6:30-10
7/21 – Slow Tako
THE PARLOR, TC
7/15 – Rolling Dirty, 6-9 on patio; Empire Highway, 9-12
7/18 – Jesse Jefferson, 8-11
7/19 – Wink, 8-11
7/23 -- Mike Ridley
GYPSY DISTILLERY, BAY HARBOR
7/20 – Wife Island, 7 INN AT BAY HARBOR
CABANA BAR, 3-6:
7/16 – Sean Bielby
7/21 – Adam Engelman
7/23 – Ron Getz
MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BAY HARBOR
7:30-10:30:
7/19 – The Shouting Bones
7/20 – SAXA4IAv
7/21 – Jessica Dominic
NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY
7:30-10:30:
7/15 – Adam Hoppe
7/19 – Michelle Chenard
7/20 – Dogwood Rhythm
7/21 – Mike Ridley
7/22 – Holly Keller
NORTHLAND BREWING CO., INDIAN RIVER
BACKYARD:
7/20 -- Michelle Chenard, 6:30
NUB’S NOB, HARBOR SPRINGS
7/19 – Open Mic Night, 7-9
ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY
7/20 – Jimmy Olson, 8-11
7/21 – Rhett & John, 6-9 on patio; Drew Hale, 9-12
7/22 – Bryan Ruby & Trent Ingram, 6-9; Jazz Cabbage, 9-12
THE PUB, TC
7/15 – Nick Vasquez, 4:30-7:30
7/16 – Nick Vasquez, 8-11
7/19 – Tyler Roy, 8-11
7/20 – Steve Clark, 8-11
7/21 – Jimmy Olson, 4:30-7:30
7/22 – Les Dalgliesh, 1-4; Empire Highway, 8-11
7/23 – Drew Hale, 4:30-7:30; Nick Vasquez, 8-11
THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO.,
7/15 -- Jazz North, 8-10
7/18 -- Open Mic, 7-9
7/19 -- Jazz Show & Jam, 6-8:30
7/20 -- DJ Dance Party, 9-11
7/21 -- Chris Karl, 8-10
7/22 -- Stonefolk, 8-10
THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC PATIO, 6:30-9:30:
7/15 – Styleguides
7/20 – Family Jam
7/22 – True Tones
TOWNLINE CIDERWORKS, WILLIAMSBURG
7/21 -- Larz Cabot, 6
UNION STREET STATION, TC
7/14-15 -- Cosmic Knot, 10 7/16 -- Skin Kwon Doe, 10 7/17 -- Jukebox, 10 7/18 -- USS Open Mic Comedy, 8-9:30; then Karaoke
7/19 -- Producer AJ, 10
7/20 -- 1Wave DJs Late Night Dance Party, 10-2
7/20 -- DJ 1Wave, 10
7/21 -- One Hot Robot, 10
7/22 -- Happy Hour w/ USS Comedy; then The Timebombs
7/23 -- DJ Fasel, 10
BEL LAGO VINEYARD & WINERY, CEDAR
7/18 & 7/23 -- Larry Perkins, 5:30-
7:30
7/22 -- Dominic Fortuna, 4-6
BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU TASTING ROOM LAWN:
7/16 -- Bryan Poirier, 4:30-7
7/19 -- Luke Woltanski, 5:30-8
7/23 -- Jim Hawley, 4:30-7
BROOMSTACK KITCHEN & TAPHOUSE, MAPLE CITY
5:30-8:30:
7/18 -- Jim Hawley
7/19 -- Dennis Miller
7/20 -- Andre Villoch
CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY
7/16 -- Loose Change, 2-4:30
7/20 -- Luke Woltanski, 5-7:30
7/23 -- Rigs & Jeels, 2-4:30
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE
BARR PARK, 6-8:
7/21 -- Jason Locke
7/22 -- Brady Corcoran
7/23 -- Doc Probes
LEVEL4 LOUNGE, 8:30-10:30:
7/15 -- Meg Gunia
7/19 -- Jim Hawley
7/20 -- Dave Barth
7/21 -- Brady Corcoran
DICK’S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU
Sat. -- Karaoke, 10-1
DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT
3-6:
7/16 – Luke Woltanski
FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR
7/17 -- North Coast, 4-7
7/20 -- Keith Scott, 4-7
7/23 -- Sav Buist’s Songbird Sundays, 3-6
FURNACE STREET DISTILLERY, ELBERTA
7/15 & 7/21 -- Evan Kielty, 6-9
7/16 -- Billy & The Kid, 6-9
7/20 -- Kubota Dragon, 6-8
7/22 -- Blair Miller, 6-8
GOOD HARBOR VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU
TASTING ROOM:
7/19 -- Loose Change, noon-3
HOP LOT BREWING CO., SUTTONS
BAY 5-8:
7/17 -- Chris Smith
7/19 -- Eric Nassau
7/21 -- Rolling Dirty
7/22 -- The Shouting Bones
IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE
7/15 – Johnathan Fiene, 6-8
7/16 – Feral Cats, 6-8
7/17 – Mike Struwin, 6-8
7/21 – Keith Scott, 6-8
7/22 – Matt Gabriel, 6-8
7/23 – Monte Pride, 5-7
JODI’S TANGLED ANTLER, BEULAH
Fri. – Karaoke, 9-1
LAKE ANN BREWING CO.
7/15 -- The Daydrinker Series w/ Jon & Will, 3-6; then Stonefolk, 7-10
7/18 -- New Third Coast, 6:30-9:30
7/19 -- Andre Villoch, 6:30-9:30
7/20 -- The Wallens, 6:30-9:30
7/21 -- Happy Hour w/ Eric Nassau,
3-6; then Chloe Kimes Band, 7-10
Symphony Orchestra, 4-5
7/17 – The Duges, 5:30-8:30
7/18 – Luke Woltanski, 5:30-8:30
7/19 – Bill Frary, 5:30-8:30
7/20 – Wink, 5:30-8:30
7/22 – The Make Believe Spurs, 1-4; Monte Pride, 5:30-8:30
7/23 – Jabo, 3-6
SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY
7/21 -- Friday Night LIVE with Brett Mitchell, 5:30-8:30
SOUL SQUEEZE CELLARS, LAKE LEELANAU
7/21 -- The Fridays, 4
STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT 6-8:
7/18 -- Stonefolk
7/20 – Archipelago Project
7/23 – Adrian + Meredith
STREETSIDE GRILLE, SUTTONS BAY
7/16 -- DJ Trivia w/ Short’s Brewing Co., 4
SUTTONS BAY CIDERS
4:30-7:
7/16 – Brady Corcoran
7/23 – Loose Change
THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS, 6-9:
7/15 -- Randy Reszka
7/22 – Timothy Michael Thayer
THE UNION, NORTHPORT
7-9:30:
Sun -- Waterbed feat. Jimmy Olson & Matt McCalpin
Thu -- Blake Elliott & Friends
OVATION HALL:
7/21 -- Warrant, 8 VICTORIES, 9:
7/20 -- Funny Business Comedy w/ Billy Ray Bauer feat. Tim Finkel
7/21 -- Bluewater Kings Band
POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS
7/15 – M-119 Band, 4-8
7/16 – Jackie Pappas, 2-5
7/22 – Ty Parkin, 4-8
7/23 – Peter Allen Jensen, 4-6
RUDBECKIA WINERY/BURNT
MARSHMALLOW BREWSTILLERY, PETOSKEY
7/15 – Terry Coveyou, 5-7
7/16 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 2-4
7/22 – Dr. Timothy Jay Pickett, 5-7
7/23 – Lee Anne Whitman, 6
THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN
8-11:
7/15 -- Flylite Gemini Duo
7/20 -- Mike Arnold
7/21 -- Lori Cleland & Hannah Graham
7/22 -- The Pints
WALLOON LAKE WINERY, PETOSKEY
7/20 -- The Marsupials, 7
7/23 – Blair Miller
FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH
7/19 -- Open Mic Night w/ Andrew Littlefield, 7
7/21 -- Eliza Thorpe, 6-9
7/22 – The Daydrinker Series w/ Chris
Skellenger & Paul Koss, 3-6; then Chloe Kimes Band, 7-10
ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH
7/15 – Eric Nassau, 1-4; Troy Graham, 6-9
7/16 – Jabo, noon-3; Benzie Area
BIER’S INWOOD BREWERY, CHARLEVOIX
7/20 -- Open Mic Night Hosted by John Eaton: Sign up at 6:15; Music at 7
BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM
Sat,Thu -- Adam & The Cabana Boys, 7
BRIDGE STREET TAP ROOM, CHARLEVOIX
Wed -- Chris Calleja & Adam Engelman, 6-9
FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE
7/15 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6:30-9:30
7/18 -- DJ Bingo, 7-9
7/19 -- Chris Karl, 6:30-9:30
7/21 -- Nick Vasquez, 7-10
7/22 -- Rick Woods, 7-10
LAVENDER HILL FARM, BOYNE CITY
7/21 – Lavender Moon, 11am-2pm; Owen James, 6-7:30
MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BELLAIRE
7:30-10:30:
7/15 & 7/22 – Steve Dawson
7/21 – Matt Mansfield
MAMMOTH DISTILLING, CENTRAL
LAKE 7-10:
7/20 – Matt Mansfield
7/21 – Steve Dawson
PEARL’S NEW ORLEANS KITCHEN, ELK RAPIDS
7/20 – Pete Big Dog Fetters, 6
TWO K FARMS CIDERY & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY
4:30-6:30:
7/15 – Blair Miller
7/20 – Sam + Bill
7/22 – Liz Landry
VI GRILL, SUTTONS BAY
Sat. – Karaoke, 9
SHORT’S BREW PUB, BELLAIRE BEER GARDEN:
7/15 -- Steve Brown, 7-9:30
7/17 -- Vinyl Beat Lounge w/ DJ Franck, 6:30-9
7/21 -- Eric Engblade, 7-9:30
7/22 -- Les Older, 7-9:30
SHORT’S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS
7/15 -- Matt Mansfield, 6:30-9:30
7/16 -- Mulebone, 6-9
7/21 -- Blair Miller, 6:30-9:30
7/22 -- Botala, 6:30-9:30
7/23 – Randy Reszka, 6:30-9:30
STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN, BOYNE CITY
7/21 – Peter Allen Jensen, 7
ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD 7/20 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7 BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD 7/15 -- Don Rivers & Friends, 6-10 7/22 -- Adam Hoppe, 6-9 C.R.A.V.E., GAYLORD 6-9:
-- Nelson Olstrom
BY ROB BREZSNY
CANCER (June 21-July 22): The sometimes overly clever author Oscar Wilde said, “When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers.” I reject that warped view of reality and assure you it will have no bearing on your life in the coming weeks. If you formulate your prayers with care and discernment, they will lead you to rewards, not problems. Maybe not the exact rewards you imagined, but still close to your hopes and helpful in the next chapter of your life story. (PS: No sloppy, lazy, careless prayers, please. Be precise and clear.)
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A Libran writer I know received many rejection notices when he launched his career. I was amazed at how undaunted he was. In fact, he was the opposite of undaunted. He taped copies of his rejection notices to his bedroom wall. Seeing the evidence of his failures motivated him. It drove him to improve his writing and churn out even more articles. It fueled his search for a wider array of publications that might host his work. During the fourth year of this approach, luck and fate turned in his favor. Within the next eight months, 12 of his pieces appeared in print. My muses tell me, Libra, that you need to hear this story right now.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The cartoon character Bart Simpson is one of the stars of The Simpsons animated TV show. According to him, “Life is a paradox. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.” While that principle may sometimes be true, I believe you will be exempt from it in the coming weeks. In fact, I suspect you will be as free as it’s possible for a human to be of grueling contradictions, frustrating oppositions, clashing truths, and paralyzing contraries. There’s a good chance you will also outwit and avoid annoying incongruities and silly arguments. Congratulations in advance, Scorpio! Take full advantage of this phase of simple clarity.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The dragon has appeared in the myths and legends of many cultures. Europe, China, and Mesoamerica are just a few places where the fire-breathing flying reptiles have fascinated the human imagination. In some traditions, they are dangerous and predatory. In China, though, they have been harbingers of good fortune and symbols of great power. Emperors claimed the dragon as their special emblem. In assigning the dragon to be your soul creature, Sagittarius, I am drawing from Chinese lore. What would you like to accomplish that would benefit from you having access to fierce, dynamic, indomitable energy? Call on the dragon for help and power.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “There is a world of people who will love you for who you are,” writes author Cheryl Strayed. “A whole, vibrant, fucked-up, happy, conflicted, joyous, and depressed mass of people.” In the coming months, one of your prime tasks is to specialize in communing with these folks. Make it your intention to surround yourself more and more with interesting, imperfect, ever-changing life-lovers who appreciate you for exactly who you are—and who inspire you to grow more and more into the full idiosyncratic glory of your authentic self.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): What psychic or prophet is most popular with a-list celebrities? can assure you it’s not me. Few of my millions of readers are world-famous. What about the planet’s most scientifically accurate astrologer? Who might that be? It ain’t me. I don’t regard astrology as a science, and I mistrust those who say it is. In my view, astrology is a mythopoetic language and psychospiritual system that nurtures our souls and helps liberate us from our conditioning. We shouldn’t try to get “scientifically accurate” information from it. Now I encourage you to do what I just did, Aquarius. Have fun telling people who you are not, what you don’t believe in, and which goals you aren’t interested in pursuing.
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): To come up with your astrological reports, I study the positions of the sun, moon, and planets in relation to your sign. That’s the technical part of the work, the framework within which I unleash my intuition and imagination. To augment this work, I meditate and pray, asking higher powers to guide me in providing useful information for you. I often consult books written by my favorite astrology writers. (Currently reading Steven Forrest’s
The Elements Series.) I also ask my deep mind to slip me info that might not be accounted for by traditional factors. How about you, Pisces? How do you do the work that you love and care about? Now is a good time to take inventory and make necessary adjustments.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your deep psyche will soon well up with extra creativity and fertility. I hope you will eagerly tap into these gifts. You should assume that you will be more imaginative and ingenious than usual. You will have an enhanced ability to solve problems with vigor and flair. In what areas of your life would you love to gently erupt with a burst of reinvention? Which of your habits might benefit from being cheerfully disrupted? Give yourself permission to change whatever bores you.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): My teacher Paul Foster Case said the color yellow is midway between warm, exciting red and cool, calming blue. “Yellow has an equilibrating influence,” he wrote. “It stimulates the finer functions of the brain, is of assistance in developing alertness and discrimination, and helps to establish emotional balance.” According to my astrological analysis, Taurus, you should emphasize this hue in the coming days. If you call on yellow to help strengthen the qualities Case describes, you will place yourself in sweet alignment with cosmic rhythms.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Because I enjoy joking with you, I am slightly tempted right now to give you one of the following nicknames: Fidgety, Twitch, Jittery, Quivers, or Shakes. But I will take a more serious tack. Let’s instead see if we can influence you to slow down, stabilize your rhythm, get really steady and secure, and stand strong in your foundational power spot. Would you consider adopting any of the following nicknames? Anchor, Unshakeable, Sturdy, Rock Solid, Staunch, Steadfast, Resolute.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo theologian Bernard McGinn defines mysticism as “the consciousness of the immediate presence of God.” In other words, people having a mystic experience are filled with a visceral sensation of the divine intelligence. It’s not just an idea or concept; it’s a deeply felt communion infused with intimate tenderness. You Leos will be more likely than usual to have such contact in the coming weeks—if you want it. If you don’t want it, or don’t believe it’s real, or don’t think it’s possible, well, then, you can of course resist it. But why not give it a whirl? There’s nothing to lose, and it could be fun.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Here’s a parable for you. Once upon a time, there was a woman who could read the future in the night sky. She regarded the planets and stars as her divine informants. On one moonless evening, she took a walk down a dirt road near her home. It was so dark she could barely see two feet ahead of her. Oops! She should have brought a flashlight. Lost in wonder, she gazed up at the heavenly bodies, watching and listening for revelations they might have for her. Then one of the lights, the planet Saturn, whispered, “Stop and look down, friend.” The woman turned her eyes from the sky to the ground just in time to find she was two strides away from stepping into a deep, muddy hole. What’s the moral of the tale? Here are some possibilities. 1. Sometimes the heights provide useful information about the depths. 2. Soaring visions may help you tune in to practical details. 3. To become aware of important facts you’ve overlooked in your daily rhythm, consult your higher mind.
“HORSES OF FIRE” Book Signings with A.D. Rhine: Come celebrate the publication of HORSES OF FIRE (Dutton/ Penguin-Random House), a historically-rooted myth retelling of the Trojan War in which Troy’s strong yet misunderstood women take center stage. Both co-authors will be signing books from 1-3pm at Horizon Books in Traverse City on July 25 and at McLean & Eakin in Petoskey on July 26. www.adrhine.com
TOUR GUIDE WANTED DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY: Walking Tour Guide. Few nights/week. Kind Reliable Outgoing. Call for more info.
WANTED: OLD WOODEN DUCK, FISH, GOOSE DECOYS: Paying cash for old, wooden duck & fish decoys. Call or text 586-530-6586.
COME JOIN OUR TEAM OF “BABY BRAIN BUILDERS”: NMCAA Early Head Start Classroom at TCHS-Discovery is searching for a Family & Center Specialist/Director 20.6221.81, EHS Teachers 19.93-21.14 and EHS Classroom
Aide 13.73 for our year round classroom of 8 where we will provide 30 hours a week of responsive caregiving to infants and toddlers. Benefits EOE. For more details and to apply visit www.nmcaa.net
EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST TRAINEE OPPORTUNITY: AARP Foundation SCSEP seeks an Employment Specialist Trainee for our Traverse City office location. To apply, you must be 55 and over, be unemployed and meet program eligibility. Candidate must have reliable transportation, some computer literacy and a willingness to learn on the job. For information call the AARP Foundation SCSEP office at 231-252-4544.
PAID PART-TIME WORK TRAINING FOR SENIORS AGED 55+: Positions are waiting to be filled in Traverse City for qualifying seniors age 55 and over who are unemployed and seeking work. Applicants must meet program eligibility. Get paid while you train on the job. To learn more contact the AARP Foundation SCSEP office at 231-252-4544.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR TECHNOLOGY? ASK BUCHAN TECH...: 20+ years experience, call (231) 598-8324 or visit my website www.BuchanTECH.com
SEWING: SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS Maple City, Maralene Roush 231-228-6248
MR.GETITDONE: Got a task, powerwashing, hauling junk, moving, leaves piles, if I can’t I can tell you who can 231-871-1028
NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE IS HIRING NMC is seeking a Graphic Coordinator to join our talented Public Relations, Marketing, & Communications team! Full-time, year-round, with an excellent benefits package valued at up to $78,899.00. An Associate’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience are required. NMC is EOE www. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Enthusiastic & Experienced
231-499-4249 | 231-929-7900
Michael Harrison
231-633-2549
231-929-7900
West side, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath colonial completely updated with beautiful details. Open floor plan on main level with spacious living area and stainless kitchen appliances. Bay window, front porch, and back deck offer plenty of seating inside or out. Mature trees provide privacy and shade. Primary suite offers a walk-in closet and remodeled full bath with soaking tub. Huge bonus space above garage could be used as a forth bedroom or family room. The finished basement is an ideal game room, workout area, or home theater. Move-in ready! 5742 Village Drive in TC • $525,000 • MLS# 1913334
10 miles from downtown Traverse City sits this meticulously maintained 3 BR, 2 BA ranch style home. Built in 2013, this well cared-for home showcases an open floor plan, main floor living, hardwood flooring, granite counter tops, full unfinished basement, two covered porches, manicured lawn, beautiful landscaping and is situated near the end of a cul-de-sac. This adorable property is sure to impress the most discerning buyer. MLS# 1911983 • $375,000
