Northern Express - March 18, 2024

Easter Brunch

Sunday, March 31 | 10am - 3pm

Celebrate Easter at Artisan with a Spring-inspired three-course brunch. Book your table today!

artisantc.com

GVSU degree opens doors for recent physician assistant graduate

Michele Coffill Grand Valley State University

Hannah Wilson said earning a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from GVSU’s Traverse City Regional Center has opened lots of doors, including the doors at a middle school.

Wilson is the primary care provider for a health clinic that opened in January at Traverse City West Middle School through a partnership between Northwest Michigan Health Services and Traverse City Area Public Schools.

Wilson said the initiative breaks down barriers as students who are sick or injured can be seen at the clinic and, if appropriate, then go back to their schools or classrooms. It’s the first such clinic in the area.

“We hope this clinic helps keep kids in school who need acute care,” Wilson said. “It also breaks down financial barriers as parents would not have to leave work to pick up their children for health care appointments.”

The clinic, now open to students who attend Traverse City Area Public Schools, also staffs a behavioral health specialist and community health worker.

Hannah Wilson

Wilson worked for Northwest Michigan Health Services in Benzie County before moving into this position. She said working with children and adolescents has been a career goal.

“I’ve always wanted to work in adolescent health care. This is such an impressionable age and there is so much preventative medicine you can do. And it’s an age when they can begin to take care of themselves with some counseling and education,” she said.

There are opportunities for Wilson to work with TCAPS teachers on health education\presentations.

“Because this is a grant-funded position, we need to present evidence-based projects that include pre- and post-surveys,” she said. “I have the opportunity to partner with health teachers, if it supports their curriculum.”

Wilson earned a master’s degree in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said working at

clinical rotations during that period was challenging, with schedules shifting and rotations occasionally adjusting at the last minute due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, Wilson said that the benefits of attending Grand Valley in Traverse City outweighed the challenges posed by the pandemic..

“It’s really been great, overall, to be able to stay at home and go to school and be able to train in these communities and learn the health system,” she said. “I have worked in other areas, and while that’s important, doing rotations in this area was beneficial to learn the little nuances about the local health system, such as which specialist does what.”

Wilson and her husband own a farm in Kingsley that features strawberries the public can pick.

“Because GVSU has a center in Traverse City, everything worked out. My husband is a full-time farmer, I wouldn’t have been able to finish my degree and clinicals if I lived somewhere else,” she said.

GVSU Allied Health Sciences in Traverse City

A bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences at Grand Valley prepares you for a career in the health care field or for graduate health-related programs at GVSU. Take the next step by visiting gvsu.edu/tchealth.

Teaching American History

Stephen Tuttle’s article “Patriarchy and Racism” is a must read for all Michiganders. Our country’s history is what it is and deserves to be taught the way it really happened. To teach American history without mentioning struggles to improve the nation is simply wrong.

We are a diverse nation, and our diversity is what makes us strong. Teaching whitewashed American history is a disservice to all Americans. There are young people who do not know of Rosa Parks or what she did and why. She is an important figure in American history.

We all can say slavery in our nation was despicable and no one here today is responsible for it; therefore, no one should feel uncomfortable learning about it. Skilled professional teachers could do that if agenda-minded parents would let them do their jobs.

Teachers wear many hats. In today’s environment, they put their lives on the line in the classroom to protect their kids. Yes, your kids are their kids when they are in school, and they are cared for as so. Some parents expect good grades to be given instead of being earned through hard work. Teachers educate future leaders, managers, and politicians. Knowledge is power and freedom. Intellect is the strongest asset a person can possess. It can never be taken from you. The more you know, the more you can achieve.

Knowing the past can prevent us from repeating disastrous mistakes. Learning the history of Black Americans as well as white Americans should not be a separate thing. It is all American history together. If our history is taught in its entirety, including the good and the bad, there would be no reason for these kinds of debates.

Willie Jones Jr., MSgt, USAF Retired Traverse City

Price Gouging at the Pump

We keep paying more at the pump, while the oil and gas executives and shareholders get richer and richer with record-breaking profits quarter after quarter.

While the Democrats sponsored and passed a bill to protect us from price gouging at the pumps, all Republicans, including Congressman Jack Bergman, voted against these protections. Interestingly, Bergman also gets lots of money from these corporations…hmm.

Rev. Steven B. Thompson | Benzonia

Weird Winter

In response to Mr. Tuttle’s March 4 column, “Playing Catch Up,” I feel compelled to agree and add my concerns.

Locally, we have had one of the warmest and truly weirdest winters I have ever known. Indeed, it has been several years since the snowbanks have consistently been so tall that it required inching out into the intersections to check for traffic.

This change has ripple effects, both immediate and long term. Many northern Michigan winter tourist attractions such as skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding races, and winter festivals have been canceled or dramatically curtailed. Early closings of

ski resorts in turn affect hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Further, drought due to lack of snow will affect local farms struggling to stay productive, ultimately leading to higher prices for consumers. Predictions are that where we typically have snow and ice there will one day be rain and mud. According to Bridge Michigan, mosquitos are already emerging in Michigan, one month earlier than usual.

These predictions are only a fraction of what climate scientists warn of what is to come, and frankly, what I have read has left me deeply concerned for our future, especially for my grandchildren.

There are some positives in this picture that should give us hope and motivate each of us to be more responsible consumers. According to the Energy Information Administration in a January 2024 report, 40 percent of U.S. electricity is emissionfree for the first time. In recent polls, 64 percent of those polled think developing clean energy should be a high or very high priority. I have hope that more candidates who are serious about climate change will be elected and legislation that leads to the transition to emission-free energy will become reality.

Gretchen Fisher Gladieux | Traverse City

Cherry-Picking Climate Data

A letter writer in the March 11 Northern Express argues that global warming is due to natural causes and not human activity. One of his sources is Steven Koonin’s Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t, and Why It Matters. Koonin isn’t a climate scientist; a review of his book in Scientific American is entitled “A New Book Manages to Get Climate Science Badly Wrong.” Another source is an article in The Wall Street Journal by Danish author Bjørn Lomborg. Lomborg is a political scientist whose work has been panned by multiple reviewers in academic journals, as well as by the Danish Committees on Scientific Dishonesty.

The point the letter writer takes from these sources is this: The fact that the total global area that burns each year is declining implies that climate change has not increased wildfire risk. What reputable sources say is that the annual decrease in global burned area is due to the fact that vastly increasing agricultural activity decreases the amount of grassland available for burning. This does not negate the assertion that wildfire risk has substantially increased in the rest of the globe, especially forested areas.

Finally, the letter writer says that during the “Medieval Warm Period” (roughly 950 to 1250) the earth was warmer than it is today. This has been refuted by multiple sources. While some regions were warmer, others were cooler; it was a regional phenomenon. Overall, the earth is warmer now than it was then.

Science is a process, not a set of facts etched in stone, so there will always be challenges to generally accepted theories. Some of these challenges raise interesting and useful questions, while others are based on cherry picked or misunderstood data. The ones cited in the letter appear to be in the latter category.

Tom

| Elmwood Township

top ten this week’s

The Butterflies and the Bees

How much do you know about pollinators and native plants? The Wexford Conservation District is ready to up your knowledge game with their Pollinator Habitats Workshop on Wednesday, March 20, at 6:30pm. The workshop will cover which native and introduced plants attract pollinators, as well as help participants think about planting designs to bring pollinators to your yard. Along the way, you’ll learn about the needs of our buzzing, flying friends (hint: skip the chemical-filled pesticides this spring!) and how to control invasive plants that could thwart your efforts toward establishing a pollinator garden. The workshop is held at the Wexford Conservation District office: 7192 East 34 Rd. in Cadillac. Registration is $5; call (231) 775-7681, ext. 3, at least two days prior to the class to secure your spot.

With warmer days just around the corner, we’re looking for light, bright dishes to tide us over until our own goodies are growing in the garden. To soothe that craving, we’ve been indulging in the Lemon Tahini Cauliflower from Artisan ($16), located inside Delamar Traverse City. The chefs get the cauliflower just right—not too crunchy, not too soft—and then toss the veggies in a lemon-tahini vinaigrette that includes maple syrup from Sleeping Bear Farms. Walnuts, capers, and Riesling-soaked golden raisins finish out the plating. Though it’s on the appetizers menu (and available in Delamar’s poolside Cozy Cabanas), this vegan and gluten-free dish is almost a meal on its own and is made to be shared. Brave the road construction and go order a plate at 615 East Front Street in Traverse City. artisantc.com

Staking her claim as “a woman of a certain age” who’s been through some “stuff,” award-winning songwriter, singer, and pianist Kit Holmes lands at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee for Women’s History Month on Friday, March 22, at 7pm. Holmes shares her mix of pop, jazz, blues, Americana, folk, and rock with a lot of humor, grace, and authenticity. Tickets, $25. ramsdelltheatre.org/event/kit-holmes-music

Hey, read It! The Book of Love 4

What would you do if you materialized in your high school and learned you’d been dead for a year? These are the circumstances under which we meet teens Laura, Daniel, and Mo in Pulitzer Prize finalist Kelly Link’s novel The Book of Love. Turns out, the kids’ totally unassuming teacher, Mr. Anabin—who’s been hiding some dark sorcery—not only knows what caused their collective demise, but also why they’ve been summoned back. Now, with a curious fourth in tow and a shapeshifting devil hot on their heels, the three teens strike up the ultimate bargain to partake in a series of magical trials in exchange for a second chance at life. The catch? Only some of them will survive, and not a soul can know their secret. Can this unlikely trio uncover the truth before losing each other—and everything else—forever?

Celebrate the Spring Equinox (early this year: March 19) with the Day of Dance at the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. This full-day event is all about movement, with workshops, free-form dance classes, improv work, walks on the grounds of the park, and even some meditative sessions. The equinox finishes with an “ecstatic dance” from 7-10pm. According to event organizers, “This is a space to connect with ourselves, listen to our bodies, and move through whatever is happening in our lives at the moment. It’s a space to free the body to move without judgment.” Tickets are $88 for the whole day; $33 for the dance only. Lunch and dinner will be provided for full-day attendees, with organic and vegan meals available. Visit nomiecstatic.dance/home to learn more, and get tickets at mynorthtickets.com

Transformational Libraries

Over the past two years, the American Library Association (ALA) has offered more than $7 million in grants to small and rural libraries through their Libraries Transforming Communities program, which aims to “increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities.” Of the 465 libraries across 45 states that have received funding through the program, three are right here in northern Michigan: Bellaire Public Library, Central Lake District Library, and Interlochen Public Library. Bellaire Public Library is a two-time recipient of the grant; in 2023, the funds helped them install automatic doors, and in 2024, they plan to use the $10,000 grant to purchase assistive technology and improve access for patrons with disabilities. See what else they’re up to at bellairelibrary.org.

Stuff We Love: What’s Behind the Orange Cones

This road construction season promises to be one for the ages, so we’re starting something new here at Northern Express Each week, you’ll find a little orange cone next to one of our Top 10s. That icon means that business is in the middle of one of northern Michigan’s big construction zones, like the Grandview Parkway reconstruction, the Interlochen State Park renovation, or Charlevoix’s bascule bridge upgrade. While it might be a little extra difficult to reach these places, trust us—they’re worth the trip! If you want to see your favorite local restaurant, bar, or retailer profiled, drop us a line at info@ northernexpress.com. We can’t promise to fit everyone in, but we’ll do our best to send good vibes to all the businesses out there who are adjusting to the changes in traffic.

SPRING BREAK

DEALS

Staycation

Modern Bird’s Heartbreaker Bottoms Up

There’s a new dessert cocktail at Modern Bird in Traverse City, and it’s releasing our inner sweet-treat fantasies (eat your heart out, Pat Benatar!). Enter: the Heartbreaker ($15). Crafted in homage to both romance and the dessert menu’s rotating flavors, this velvety post-dinner drink combines Oma’s Vodka, infused with local cherries, and hibiscus tea backed by Crème de Cassis with amaretto almond liqueur and fresh lime juice. Finished with a frothy layer of egg white and garnished with candied hibiscus flowers, this “right kind of sinner” is like biting into a tart, juicy cherry. Pair it with the dark chocolate pavlova with coffee whipped cream and toffee crumble, and consider your dessert dreams sufficiently made. Find the Heartbreaker at Modern Bird at 541 W. Front Street. (231) 421-5046; modernbirdtc.com

ENCYCLOPEDIAS OF WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS

spectator

By steven Tuttle

“Women’s history is women’s right—an essential, indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.”

Gerda Lerner, a founding member of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and one of the first to seriously study women’s history as an academic endeavor, said the above some time in the late 1960s. It is no less true now than it was then, and when Women’s History Month was named officially as March in 1987, it was a bit late given that women’s history mirrors all of human history.

This comes to mind as Caitlin Clark, a basketball player for the University of Iowa, creates her own history, laying waste to basketball scoring records for men and women and being criticized for it in the process.

Women have been making discoveries and breaking records for a long time, often unrecognized and uncredited by their male peers or the world at large.

million records mostly in the 1960s.)

Women have also been responsible for far less lighthearted inventions.

Stephanie Kwolek, a research scientist at DuPont, helped invent not just one but two life-saving fabrics still in use today. Kwolek was primarily responsible for the creation of bullet-resistant Kevlar in 1965 which is still saving lives, and she was also involved in the creation of fire-resistant Nomex, still in use.

For example, Margaret E. Knight, a prolific 19th century inventor, created a machine in 1867 that cut, glued, and folded paper in a way that resulted in the first flat-bottom paper bags not dissimilar to what still exists today. A machinist, a man who shall remain nameless lest he receive more attention, saw the prototype of Knight’s machine being built, copied the details from memory, and then patented the device himself. When Knight claimed “patent interference,” the man claimed no woman could possibly understand such a complicated machine, much less construct one. Knight, of course, proved otherwise and won her case and her patent in 1871.

Mary Anderson invented the first automobile windshield wipers in 1902, though they had to be operated manually. The automotive industry didn’t see the need for such a device, especially one invented by a woman, and she never profited from her invention, even when a version of it was automated in 1917.

Sometimes the invention was a little quirky. Bette Nesmith Graham invented something many of you reading this will have never seen or used, nor will you immediately recognize her connection to pop culture. Ms. Graham was a typist always looking for a better way to correct inevitable mistakes. In 1956 she invented something called Liquid Paper, a white paint-like substance you could use to cover and type over mistakes. Yes, “type” because there were tools at the time called typewriters… Google them.

(Her connection to pop culture? Ms. Graham’s son Michael Nesmith was the guitarist for a pop band called The Monkees that was reasonably popular, selling 76

Then there was Hedy Lamarr. A stunning actress during Hollywood’s so-called Golden Age (1927 – 1960 according to Classical Hollywood), Lamarr was also an inveterate tinkerer and inventor. Together with musician George Antheil, Lamarr created something called frequency hopping to prevent military radio signals from being jammed. When the idea was presented to the U.S. military, they suggested Lamarr should instead use her beauty and celebrity to sell War Bonds. The invention, for which Lamarr and Anthiel received multiple patents, would have saved Allied lives in the remainder of World War II. It was the seed that grew into today’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS among many applications.

If you have ever had an x-ray or received any kind of radiation-related diagnostic experience or treatment, you should pause for a moment and acknowledge Marie Curie.

Curie and her husband Pierre discovered polonium and radium and then discovered (and named) radioactivity, for which they received the Nobel Prize in physics in 1903. You’d think that would have been enough, but Marie Curie became one of only two people in history to receive Nobel Prizes in two separate disciplines when she won for chemistry in 1911 after having managed to isolate radium.

Regrettably, the dangers of radiation were not widely understood during Curie’s time. While radiation has saved countless lives in medical applications since, it has also been used to kill and destroy. Curie herself, having worked with radium unprotected for years, died of radiation-induced leukemia in 1934.

We created a Women’s History Month because women’s contributions to our lives and accomplishments in every field of endeavor had been ignored, stolen, or diminished. The above list was literally plucked at random from what could be, and should be, an entire series of encyclopedias of women’s contributions to our daily lives.

Women have their own history month because we’ve never acknowledged their history has been the world’s history from the beginning.

CHAMPIONS, NOT PILLAGERS

Guest Opinion

by Cathye Williams

During his State of the Union address, President Biden reminded us of his administration’s commitment to confronting the climate crisis and saving the planet from it. He and Congress already made a good start by enacting the Inflation Reduction Act, the most sweeping legislation so far to address global warming by phasing out fossil fuels and building a clean energy infrastructure and economy.

Surveys conducted by Pew Research Center in 2022 and 2023 show that twothirds of U.S. adults say that the country should prioritize developing renewable energy sources over expanding the production of oil, coal, and natural gas, and the same share favor the U.S. taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The Pew surveys on climate issues showed stark and not surprising differences between Democrats and Republicans. While Republicans under age 30 are more aligned with the national trend, with twothirds wanting clean energy prioritized, overall 58 percent of Republicans favor more exploration of coal, oil, and gas. In contrast, nine in 10 Democrats and Demleaning Independents want development of alternative energy sources prioritized.

To do this, we need the Inflation Reduction Act and its funding to stand and not be siphoned off by a fractured and increasingly troubled House majority. We need other measures as well. The Inflation Reduction Act created many incentives for development of clean energy and has led to a boom in big renewable projects. We need to upgrade and expand regional transmission grids to get all that cheap, clean power from site source to everywhere it’s needed.

One big step in that direction is the recently introduced Building Integrated Grids With Inter-Regional Energy Supply (BIG WIRES) Act. This law will require that each region of the country increase the amount of electricity it’s able to exchange with neighboring regions, with new connections and better, more efficient wires.

Electrical utilities and transmission developers (not the government or taxpayers) would pay for these upgrades. But while bearing the costs, they would also benefit from importing cheaper clean electricity from their neighbors, and would therefore need fewer new local power plants and other infrastructure.

Regions that would build and sell solar and wind power to their neighbors would benefit from the revenue and the jobs created (Citizens Climate Education February 2024). According to a 2024 MIT study, the cost and benefits of these

projects would have the net effect of saving the country between $330 million and $2.5 billion per year.

Even more encouraging, the report estimated that connecting all of that new solar and wind power to the grid would reduce our climate pollution by about 73 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. That’s not bad for a single bill that climate advocates hope will be part of a larger comprehensive permitting reform package to speed up our clean energy transformation.

The authors at MIT also noted that if this law had been enacted when Winter Storm Elliott hit in 2022, eastern states would have experienced 58 percent fewer power blackouts. In short, the BIG WIRES Act would lower carbon pollution, energy costs, and outages—a win-win-win!

During his administration, Biden’s predecessor did nothing to promote clean energy, and indeed rolled back over 100 Obama era environmental protections, 30 of which impact carbon pollution. If allowed to stand, or in the absence of the new legislation, these rollbacks risk adding 1.8 gigatons of CO2 equivalent cumulatively to the atmosphere by 2035 (New York Times September 2020). That’s to say nothing of the economic drag of carbon pollution—the cost of environmental disasters, poor health outcomes, premature death, and lost productivity.

It is also worth noting that the Inflation Reduction Act—this job-creating, economy-boosting, planet friendly bill— was passed in the Senate and House with zero Republican votes. This despite the fact that the bill has strong support (68 percent) among voters (Yale Climate Communication Program, August 2023).

Who are the Republicans representing?

Perhaps the wealthy and powerful oil and gas lobbies? The same fossil fuel companies that sow doubt and misinformation about global warming, though they’ve known the truth for decades? The same companies that are heavily subsidized to keep prices low and production high? The same companies whose executives and shareholders watch their profits swell as their products continue to damage the planet?

Our air, land and water—our sources of life—need champions, not pillagers. We need people in power who will move us forward to a strong clean energy economy, not roll us back.

Remember this as November draws near.

Cathye Williams is a local climate activist. She writes from the northern corner of Manistee County.

The Modern OB-GYN

How two local doctors approach care, technology, and access

By Anna Faller

The field of medicine is in constant flux, and women’s health is no exception. In the last three decades alone, we’ve developed technologies for breast cancer detection, approved emergency contraception, and implemented critical research to decrease deaths from heart disease.

In other words, obstetrician gynecologist (OB-GYN) services aren’t just for pregnant people. They’re part of a comprehensive field that can help keep patients healthy through each stage of life.

Discourse surrounding reproductive health, however, is still largely hush-hush. To kick-start the conversation, Northern Express sat down with two providers from Bay View Obstetrics & Gynecology in Petoskey—Dr. Kara E. Cockfield, M.D. and Dr. Deanna Angers, D.O.—for expert insight on high-tech treatments, modern health concerns, and advice for being proactive in an ever-changing medical landscape.

Advocating & Expanding Access

With more than three decades of

experience between them, Drs. Angers and Cockfield are dedicated to representation in healthcare.

“Though we’re learning more things all the time, I feel like women are largely undervalued in society,” Angers notes. “We need people to advocate for us. That really appealed to me.”

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, 37 percent of “active physicians” in the U.S. are women, as are 47 percent of residents and fellows. Just over half of practicing OB-GYNs are women, with 82 percent of residents in the pipeline. (The office at Bay View, from the front desk to phlebotomy, is entirely female!)

Though both doctors were originally attracted to the nurturing aspects of the field, they stayed for its complexity and the opportunity to make lasting connections with patients.

“I get to see women throughout the different parts of their lifespan,” Cockfield says. “To see patients grow their families or become moms is really empowering, and I feel really privileged that I’m able to do that.”

Over the years, Cockfield and Angers

have also seen technological advancements change the healthcare game.

It all starts with preventative basics, like annual exams, as well as baseline imaging, including ultrasounds, hysterosonograms (that’s an image of the entire pelvis), and even 3-D ultrasounds for those who’d like a full view of their growing fetus. Through use of robotic instruments, providers can also perform more complex procedures, including ablations to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove abnormal tissue, hysterectomies, and even Botox to support bladder function.

Other newer gadgets include a colposcopy machine, which Angers describes as a “fancy camera” that creates microscopic maps of the cervix, as well as the MonaLisa Touch laser, which promotes vaginal health and lubrication.

On the horizon, Angers highlights genetic screenings—which can be crucial for catching cancerous genes, like the insidious BRCA or Lynch Syndrome (a common form of colorectal cancer)—as well as implementing genetic testing for babies as a standard of care.

“Just increasing access to [those technologies] has been awesome,” Angers adds.

Menopause & Anxiety

Modern advancements aside, both physicians agree that women’s health deserves more space in the spotlight, and, in a region where a significant percentage of the population is over 50, menopause is a prime example.

Symptoms range from the telltale night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness (“the big three,” Angers says), to loss of libido, brain fog, and fatigue. Cockfield also notes that as production of estrogen dwindles further, the resulting imbalance can cause other longterm complications, like bladder prolapse, sleep disruption, and even osteoporosis.

At Bay View, treatment for menopausal discomfort starts by determining the patient’s stage. To address early symptoms, like hot flashes, Cockfield recommends considering breathwork and meditation, which help lower heart rate. Certain vitamins and supplements can also mimic the effects of estrogen, while hormone replacement and bioidentical therapies are also available by prescription.

From there, the patient and provider collaborate to choose a course of treatment, all the while adjusting for variables like side effects and existing health conditions. “You want to anticipate and prevent complications. Not every answer is the same for everybody, so we try to make it an all-encompassing conversation,” Cockfield says.

Anxiety is also an undersold issue, especially for younger patients.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 31 percent of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Though it’s a condition that also affects countless men, hormone fluctuations—in particular those that accompany pregnancy, postpartum, menopause—often play a critical role. Further, Cockfield observes that while mental health awareness is on the upswing, treatment catered to women’s needs largely has yet to enter public discourse.

“I haven’t seen any great push of good ideas to help women deal with [anxiety], so that’s something I deal with every day,” she adds.

Lack of information—or even misinformation—is another biggie, especially when considering complex conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

These disorders are neither new nor novel. In fact, they each affect about 10 percent of people of child-bearing age. But they are tricky to spot, as both come with a long list of symptoms, and can permanently affect fertility.

The problem, says Cockfield, arises when patients fail to collaborate with medical professionals, and instead refer to the internet as their primary source of information. “Google can lead you astray,”

The Challenges of Rural Healthcare

she says. “I think just being aware of what’s normal and addressing that with your doctor is important for [care].”

Prevention & Persistence

When it comes to taking charge of your healthcare, both doctors underscore the power of preventative action.

“Not everything is within our control, like our age, genes, and those kinds of things,” Cockfield notes. We can control our habits though—in particular, the basics, like a balanced diet, daily movement, and getting adequate sleep. “I think everyone knows that those factors are important, but you’d be surprised to what extent they can keep you out of the doctor’s office,” she says.

Routine gynecological visits are another key piece of foundational care. Touching base with your gyno not only encourages a healthy lifestyle but also opens the floor to topics we might not know how to approach on our own, like cervical cancer screenings, contraception options, or the best age to start getting mammograms.

“It’s all about setting up an appointment when you’re healthy so that you have a baseline [for your body]. Then, if there is something you’re concerned about, we can be there for you, too,” Angers says.

And if your concerns are being dismissed, both doctors encourage their patients to voice them louder. In other words: don’t take no for an answer, especially if you’re experiencing something that’s changed or is atypical for you.

“If you have a concern, ask about it. There are no wrong or silly questions when it comes to the preservation of your own health,” Angers concludes.

Bay View is one of just a handful of obstetrics and gynecology groups between the West Branch area and the southern U.P. Consequently, many patients travel hours for the care they need, which can be both inconvenient and even dangerous for those with critical conditions.

On the bright side, the rise of telemedicine has also allowed Bay View to reach patients whose local communities lack specialized healthcare resources.

“We’re really just trying to move with the needs of the community and grow with them in whatever ways they need,” Angers says.

But that doesn’t mean everyone can access care. Fewer specialized practices means there are fewer OB-GYN physicians overall in the region. Per Angers, demand for OBGYN services remains high, as an increasing percentage of the population seeks care outside of their fertile years. Bay View’s partners, for instance, carry full caseloads, which equates to more than 20 patients per day.

But that’s not the only factor contributing to shortage of OB-GYNs; the Association of American Medical Colleges found that OB-GYN applicants in states with strict abortion laws have dropped more than 10 percent following the overturn Roe v. Wade.

Cockfield says that the ruling hasn’t had a significant effect on reproductive care in Michigan—for now. Instead, she highlights lack of professional autonomy, and in some cases, salary cuts, as two primary deterrents for students considering a medical career.

Petoskey, though, is a popular location and historically, hasn’t struggled to fill open positions. “Thankfully, we’ve had enough of a demand of [providers] who’ve decided to pursue a career here that we’ve had the luxury of taking new doctors in as we need them,” Cockfield says.

•

Dr. Kara E. Cockfield

Dr. Deanna Angers

Beyond the Ballot

Meet the League of Women Voters chapters of northern Michigan

By Kierstin Gunsberg

It was the spring of 1919, and president of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) Carrie Chapman Catt was chomping at the bit. Even as the organization was celebrating its 50th anniversary, it still hadn’t completed its mission of equal voting rights for women. NAWSA had made headway, sure, having already won the right to vote in a handful of states, but the endgame was a constitutional amendment guaranteeing all women across the country that right.

Now, at NAWSA’s St. Louis convention, Catt steadied herself against the crowd to stress the importance of convincing the all-male U.S. Congress that after stepping into men’s jobs throughout World War I, women had proven time and time again that they were fully capable of making decisions equal to their male counterparts.

“Let us raise up a League of Women Voters,” Catt rallied, proposing that this nonpartisan league would “use its utmost influence to secure the final enfranchisement of the women of every state.” The league, strong in numbers, would then be equipped to “reach out across the seas”' to help women around the world establish their rights in an uprising of

Robin Jordan, President

Express: When did your league get its start, and how did it get off the ground?

Jordan: The groundwork started in 2017 with four women sitting around a kitchen table talking about how to support informed voting. We had become aware of the dis- and

mis-information during the 2016 election campaign season, and we all felt the need to do something. The LWV seemed like a good fit

We put the word out, and 35 people came to our first organizational meeting. We went through the required process of mentorship [and] … LWV Northern Lower Michigan (LWVNLM) was officially recognized in 2019 after a two-year mentorship.

Express: What encouraged you to join the LWV, and when did you join?

Jordan: We appreciated that the League is nonpartisan. We don’t talk politicians or political parties, and honestly, it’s refreshing. Supporting voting rights, protecting democracy—these are American issues, not partisan ones. The League founders firmly believed that being nonpartisan would protect the organization from being mired in party politics of the day, and that still holds true. Our state and local mentors strongly impressed that principle upon us.

Express: What have you gained from your experiences with the organization?

Jordan: I’ve learned a lot about both the voting process and how government works! My background is in healthcare, not politics, and it’s a bit shocking to look back and realize

empowerment through equality.

So was the beginning of the League of Women Voters (LWV), which was established just a year later in 1920, preceding women’s suffrage finally being established that same year.

For Catt and other members of the LWV, ratification was just the beginning. Now that women could line up at elections, the LWV focused on educating these new voters on their rights and responsibilities through voter registration drives, candidate forums, and the publication of voter guides, providing nonpartisan info on candidates and ballot measures.

Over time, the LWV’s membership has grown (and now includes members of all genders too!), and so have its efforts, taking on social and civic issues beyond a woman’s right to vote, including working alongside Civil Rights activists to push for legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, leading environmental protection initiatives, and advocating for healthcare reform and immigration policies.

A century after its launch, the LWV has over 750 chapters across the country, with four right here in northern Michigan. Northern Express caught up with the Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Manistee, and Petoskey chapters to find out more about their current efforts, goals, and impacts.

how little I knew about how local, state, and national government works and its impact in our daily lives. I’ve learned firsthand by working elections that the multiple checks and balances in the voting process keep voter fraud extremely rare. It’s not possible for hordes of unregistered people to vote, or for a person to cast multiple ballots and go undetected.

Express: What kind of impact is the league making on the lives of women in northern Michigan?

Jordan: Our broad goal is to engage community members in issues pertinent to our everyday lives to help support informed voting, to promote citizen engagement in local government, and to encourage all eligible community members to vote. Based on the growth of our local League and attendance at our public forums, I believe we’re having some success.

Express: What issues is your league currently focused on, both locally and nationally?

Jordan: Leagues at all levels are focused on protecting and expanding voter rights to ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.

In Michigan with the passage of Proposal 2, the Michigan LWV has supported the dissemination of information on our expanded voting rights and voting security in communities across the state. The Michigan LWV has also focused on supporting the National Popular Vote, which … applies the concept of “one person, one vote” to our presidential elections, making every voter, in every state, have an equal vote in every presidential election.

Locally, many of our members have trained as poll workers and have been invited to participate in elections in our threecounty service area. Local election clerks have appreciated our nonpartisan position and willingness to support their efforts.

We also provide public forums on topics of local interest. For example, in March, we have a public forum titled “Surviving Near the Poverty Line in Northern Michigan” based on the Michigan ALICE report and local service agency data.

Another example is our 17-person Observer Corps program. LWVNLM members regularly attend local government meetings and report on meeting transparency and conduct, and the issues discussed. It’s part of citizen engagement and support of good government.

League of Women Voters Northern Lower Michigan (Petoskey area)

Members of the National Woman Suffrage Association march for voting rights in 1917. Photo courtesy of League of Women Voters of the United States.

League of Women Voters of Leelanau County

Tricia Denton, President

Express: When did your league get its start, and how did it get off the ground?

Denton: Having begun as a discussion group and evolving into a unit of the LWV Grand Traverse Area in 2008, The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County became the 391st League in America in June, 2013. LWVLC’s first President, Vina Mikesell, was instrumental in this League’s early development.

Express: What encouraged you to join the LWV, and when did you join?

Denton: It was the one stop shop for all the issues I’m passionate about—politically active but not partisan! A wonderful space to engage with others to create the communities we all deserve, for our children, our elders, all above the fray of the whims and polarization of partisan politics.

Express: What have you gained from your experiences with the organization?

Denton: Confidence and genuine sense of purpose, and knowing that I have contributed in ways that will have a positive impact for generations.

Express: What kind of impact is the league making on the lives of women in northern Michigan?

Denton: Years of education and advocacy leading to policy that provides for senior services millage, early childhood millage, and water protection through time of transfer well and septic inspection program. When [we] care for our eldest and youngest community members and our environment, it’s good for all of us! Leelanau County consistently has [the] highest voter turnout in the state.

Express: What issues is your league currently focused on, both locally and nationally?

Denton: Voting rights, always! Publishing of the Equal Rights Amendment, shutting down Line 5, supporting transition to clean energy, and reduction in single use plastics and of solid waste through composting, recycling, and organic waste diversion from landfills.

League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area (LWVGTA)

Christina Schlitt, Co-President

Express: When did your league get its start, and how did it get off the ground?

Schlitt: In 1960, when the Grand Traverse Area League received a Provisional Charter from LWV. At the start, women immediately began educating members and the community about voting rights and how to become an informed voter. The members also learned how to advocate on issues.

[Today,] LWVGTA produces an informational brochure called “They Represent You.” The publication includes election dates, government officials and voter information. The League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area includes five counties: Antrim, Benzie, Crawford, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska. The League speaks with one voice based on our principles and positions.

Express: What encouraged you to join the LWV, and when did you join?

Schlitt: The voter service activities that the League is so active in facilitating for members and voters. They include voter guides (printed and online before elections), candidate forums, voter education about election laws and voter rights, voter registration and getting out the vote.

I joined my local League in Grosse Pointe at the turn of the century and led the voter service efforts and then became president. I later joined the state board as VP of Membership, then became

League of Women Voters Manistee County Nancy

Behring, President

Express: When did your league get its start, and how did it get off the ground?

Behring: The Manistee League began in 2006 with an ad in the local newspaper asking for people interested in forming a local League to come to a meeting, and it took off from there!

Express: What encouraged you to join the LWV, and when did you join?

Behring: I had actually joined a League in Illinois years ago after a friend took me to a meeting. I was so impressed with how knowledgeable and friendly the members were, and I realized how little I knew about how our government functioned, especially at the state and local levels. I wanted to be someone who knew what was going on.

Express: What have you gained from your experiences with the organization?

Behring: I have made so many good friends throughout the years and have enjoyed working with people who are curious, thoughtful, and serious about important issues and helping others learn how they can make a difference in our democracy. It’s also given me an opportunity to take on various leadership roles.

Express: What kind of impact is the league making on the lives of women in northern Michigan?

Behring: The League provides a place to meet others who care about important issues affecting voters, a place to learn, a place to serve, and a place to lead. I would invite anyone who’s interested to attend a League meeting in your community and discover the opportunities that fit your time, talents, and interests.

Express: What issues is your league currently focused on, both locally and nationally?

Behring: Our national focus this important election year is “Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy,” so we will all be focused on voter education and engagement. Our League will be hosting Town Hall presentations on Michigan’s new election laws, registering voters, and holding candidate forums so that voters can hear and ask questions of those running for elected office.

In addition, before each election we provide nonpartisan information on the state and local candidates and any ballot issues on VOTE411.org, our electronic voter guide. The State League also provides a printed Voter Guide on all the statewide elections, which are distributed throughout the state.

We will continue to advocate for the passage of the National Popular Vote, which would ensure that the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote nationally also wins in the Electoral College. There are bills supporting this in our state legislature this session.

president. When we retired, my husband and I moved north and transferred to the Grand Traverse Area league, and [I] currently serve as co-president.

Express: What have you gained from your experiences with the organization?

Schlitt: Enhanced leadership skills, involvement in advocating for and against issues to improve the rights of voters. The camaraderie with members and the community and other good government organizations to defend democracy. Observing the legislative process at all three levels and hopefully help bring sunshine to the government bodies and their work.

Express: What kind of impact is the league making on the lives of women in northern Michigan?

Schlitt: In the process of educating voters and our membership, we encourage women to become involved in government through running for office or volunteering on local boards. The League is a trusted source of information and many people count on us for information—and again at all three levels.

If we can become more involved in government entities, we can influence positive support for our communities and families through: healthcare; pre-K [through] community college [education]; good common sense voting laws to support the democratic process; environmental issues to help address the climate change emergency; common sense firearm safety laws; DEI (diversity,

equity, and inclusion) support for the traditionally underserved communities; and redistricting for fair and equitable elections—to name a few issues.

Express: What issues is your league currently focused on, both locally and nationally?

Schlitt: This is a big election year, and many new voting rights were voted on through Proposal 2 of 2022. Last year, the legislature developed statutes to practically apply the constitutional amendment. We are now working with our clerks to educate voters.

For example, in-person early voting is new to our state and voters have many questions. We are conducting town halls to educate the public and sharing the information in-person and virtually. We also advocate on issues many of which are listed above, which is very important to our membership.

We hold monthly programs that inform our community on issues of importance and interest. They are broadcast through TACM, Spectrum channel 189, and our Facebook page. Past recordings can be found on our website, lwvgta.org

The Legacy of Marian Gyr

Environmentalist, patriot, and local icon

By Ross Boissoneau

You could say Marian Gyr took the road less traveled, but you’d need to apply that saying both literally and figuratively.

She was a fierce advocate for numerous causes, going her own way despite whatever the prevailing winds were. A world traveler, she lived in Europe and Canada as well as here in northern Michigan. And when she passed away at the age of 97 in 2019, she’d logged thousands of miles afoot across the roads of Benzie and Leelanau counties— plus Switzerland, Canada, and beyond.

“She walked everywhere,” says longtime family friend Keith Schneider. “You’d find her miles from anything walking.”

Her son Jack, who owns Field Crafts in Honor and lives in Empire, says people that knew Marian and saw her out walking invariably offered her a ride—which she would cheerfully decline. That was simply a part of who she was and who she had long been.

Jack says in the family’s early years, Marian taught school about five miles from their home in Brighton. Her husband would drop her off at school on his way to his job at the University of Michigan, then she’d walk home in the afternoon—no matter the season or the weather. “She had a certain amount of tenacity,” he says in an understatement.

Even when she was slowed down by degenerative hips and landed in a wheelchair, Marian didn’t give in. Following hip replacement surgery—both hips—she returned to walking. Jack says she had been withering away, but after the surgeries she recovered so well it was as if she’d been given a new lease on life, or at least on walking. “It was something to watch. The muscle atrophy went away. She got healthy.”

Blazing a Trail

Indeed, throughout her life Marian was a tireless advocate for health and fitness, as well as the environment and the public interest. She saw the potential for all those to come together in a publicly-accessible trail where once the rail lines had transported people to and from the region.

For two years, she walked (of course) door to door, espousing the virtues of a nonmotorized trail connecting Benzie County. She believed a trail was more valuable than privatizing the land and giving those who bordered it a little more property.

That attitude wasn’t always welcome, and a number of people opposed the creation of a public trail. “A group of homeowners objected to it over property rights,” recalls Schneider. “They filed a lawsuit to impede the development.”

“Some people put pontoon boats on top of the railroad trails to claim them,” Jack adds with a laugh.

No matter. Marian and other proponents were tireless in their efforts, and the first mile of the Betsie Valley Trail was opened in 2000; the trail hosted a grand opening in 2003. Schneider says as a compromise, some portions of the trail were not paved.

For her efforts, she is recognized as one of the “Trailblazers” individuals whose efforts led to the creation of the 22-mile trail that runs from Frankfort through Elberta and Beulah to Thompsonville. It also stands as the first such partnership between a county and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Working for a Better World

Marian’s dedication to the outdoors was matched by her desire for peace, having served as a U.S. Marine during World War II.

“She was her own person always,” says Jack.

“She was a Marine stationed stateside working on planes,” Jack explains. Rather than go to officer school, Marian opted for mechanics, attending Aviation Machinist School and working on airplane engines. By her own admission a proud grease monkey, she served in the military from 1943 to 1946. “She was a real Rosie the Riveter,” Jack notes.

Marian was not a contrarian, but she would champion her beliefs despite what anyone else might think. She saw herself as a patriot, which meant supporting her country when appropriate and protesting when she disagreed. Fast-forward some 25 years from then and she and her husband, John, were at the forefront of the protests against the Vietnam war.

Marian and John met in Switzerland

when she studied abroad for a year on the G.I. Bill following the end of WWII. John had been a teenage prisoner of war due to his family’s Resistance activities in the Netherlands. The two fell in love and got married, eventually returning to the states and settling in Brighton. They had six sons: Kim, Jack, Duff, Kaj, Walt, and Drew.

At the height of the Vietnam War, the two traveled to Washington D.C. to protest. “I went to Washington with both of them and picketed in 1968,” says Kim.

Dismayed by the ongoing conflict, Marian and John moved to Canada, where they lived for more than a year. “I can remember we spent my 11th grade year in Alberta,” Kim says. “It was on the western border of the Canadian Rockies.” (No surprise: Marian made sure the family trekked up and down the mountainsides.)

After returning to Ann Arbor, Marian found a church that appealed to her: The Society of Friends, better known as the Quakers. The denomination’s belief in pacifism and living simply reflected her own beliefs. She carried those values with her throughout the rest of her life.

Leaving an Impression

Today, Marian’s family is spread far and wide. Jack and his wife Maggie Sprattmoran live in Empire. Kim now resides in Traverse City after spending many years in Europe. Duff has lived in France for more than 30 years, while Kaj is a resident of Nelson, British Columbia. Sons Walt and Drew predeceased Marian, as did her ex-husband John. Even though they had divorced years prior, when John was taken ill, she traveled to Switzerland to care for him. She lived in Switzerland for two years, returning to the area after John died.

She wouldn’t take any guff, says Schneider, “but she was not mean-spirited. She was a measured person and was very charismatic.”

“She was an inspiration to me,” says Kim simply.

Jack concurs. “The first thing that comes to mind is a lot of energy,” he says.

Sarah Jane Johnson is another longtime friend of the family. “She and my mother were best of friends,” Johnson says. “They were both veterans—classic Greatest Generation. My mom was the librarian in Benzonia and Marian volunteered there.

“She was a pretty unique woman, a true eclectic,” she continues, noting that Marian was “pretty darn liberal” but still openminded. “She had strong opinions and was not shy about expressing [them].”

Jack’s wife Maggie Sprattmoran says Marian believed in putting her energy, finances, and life force into things she believed in. She didn’t have a lot of time for those things she found unnecessary or superfluous. “I cleaned out her apartment when she died,” says Sprattmoran. Among her possessions: A change of sheets, a towel cut in half, one pair of shoes, three pairs of socks, two pairs of pants, three shirts, a table, chair, and bed, and a piano.

Though Marian was minimalist in the way she lived, Sprattmoran says she was quite the opposite in the way she loved. “I think I felt more loved by her than I ever had in my life,” she says.

Today Marian is honored in various ways, including a sign on the Betsie Valley Trail noting her contributions (as well as those of Mark Mandenberg, another person instrumental in creating the trail). “She was a well-respected, important figure in this community,” says Schneider.

Beyond that, she was a citizen of the world who passed on her enthusiasm for life to her family and friends.

“We look at life as offering some challenges, and you can either overcome them or play it safe,” says Kim. There’s no doubt which way Marian Gyr chose to live her life.

Marian Gyr loved to be outside, whether she was walking, enjoying the beach, or paddling along the nearest river.

Marian later in life with several of her (now grown) boys.

From the Hands of the Artists

Creative duo serves up artisanal vegetarian pies at Make Believe

Pizza

By Geri Dietze

Is it easy for an artist to switch mediums? In the case of Make Believe Pizza, absolutely. Em Randall is a self-taught northern Michigan artist with a solid following in and outside of Michigan; now, with musician husband Jack Senff, she’s taken their creativity into the kitchen.

The pandemic had something to do with the birth of Make Believe Pizza, in that it gave the pair the time to tinker with their dough recipe, but the origins go back about 14 years, when they first started to think about opening a shop together.

“The dream has shifted and morphed over time, but it…always circled back to pizza. We both very much believe in pizza—no pun intended. When the pandemic hit, there was actually the time…to experiment with the dough recipe,” explains Randall. The winning recipe uses “high gluten flour with a two-day fermentation process, [which] gives it a really

Cue the mouth watering: Here's Make Believe's Sausage Onion pizza.

nice structure and flavor.”

After sharing the product with family and friends and sponsoring a donation-only pick up from their home, the pair enjoyed a fivemonth summer pop-up experience in 2023 at Bubbie’s Bagels of Traverse City, where the pies would sell out in minutes.

Going Brick and Mortar

That experience spurred the search for a permanent brick and mortar shop. An early location failed to materialize, but a shout-out on social media connected them with West Side Beverage on West Front Street in Slabtown. The space proved to be a good fit and the partnership indicative of the kind of small-town, word-ofmouth dynamic that can make things happen.

Both Randall and Senff have restaurant/ pizza/coffeehouse experience, and their goal is to make meals for people who enjoy healthy, flavorful food. “We just want to make good

pizza for good people. That’s really it. There are no lofty ambitions for anything beyond or bigger than that for now,” Randall says.

Make Believe Pizza will be a two-person operation with no plans to add employees.

“Our whole business model is built around us being able to have a livable work life, take time off, and generally feel comfortable in our work environment.”

Senff concurs. “We obviously hope to make some money doing this, but Make Believe is really just an extension of our personal and creative lives,” he explains. “Like Em said, our main goal is to make good food. That’s really it.”

A Rotating Menu

A Make Believe pie is “east-coast inspired,” Randall says, “but it’s definitely its own thing.” That means a thinner crust with a nice chewy “good bread” outer edge. Slices are generous—six pieces in every 16-

inch pie—with enough heft for one-handed enjoyment. Randall says the “sauce is super simple,” with “nice tomatoes with nothing much added. [It’s] fresh and bright.”

Expect a small menu with weekly and biweekly changes. Randall indicates that the only constant on the menu is the Plain Red, their cheese pizza with mozzarella, fresh basil, herbs, and parmesan.

The shop is vegetarian, so expect whole dairy products as the standard: whole milk mozzarella and American Grana, or superaged parmesan. But vegans can opt for homemade cashew mozzarella, and walnutbased parmesan, of which Randall and Sneff are “very proud.”

Plant-based pepperoni, tempeh “bacon,” and house-made black bean “sausage” are as flavorful as the real thing. In fact, Randall estimates that 80 percent of their customers are non-vegetarian or non-vegan—the “meat

eaters who like vegetables and good pizza.”

A pop-up favorite from summer 2023 was the Sausage Onion, with that black bean “sausage” and thin sliced onions. Or look for the Panzanella, with olive oil, mozzarella, ramp cream cheese, artichokes, slow-roasted tomatoes, croutons, and parsley. And the Mushroom Olive, with roasted mushrooms, green olives, fresh garlic, herbs, and parmesan, will surely be on the menu.

Now with their own space, Randall also sees an opportunity for experimentation, from pizza to sides to dessert. “I’m really looking forward to playing around with our dessert offerings more, seeing what nonsense I can get into in that department.”

Find Make Believe Pizza inside West Side Beverage at 912 West Front St. in Traverse City. The shop uses an online ordering system to place preorders at makebelievepizza.com.

From the Pizza Oven to the Studio

Em Randall is a well-known area artist and muralist. Her work has the crisp, clean lines of graphic art and the brightness of layered gouache with a dreamy, folksy sensibility that looks easy to appreciate but has layers of emotional depth.

“My method is to take a concept that feels really giant in my head and…whittle it down to a single image or feeling,” she says.

The results are cryptic and gently experimental. Double images, a repeated theme in her work, are deeply thought provoking, and far more compelling than any Rorschach test. “I think I’m just fixated on the imagery of duality,” Randall tells us. “There is something about symmetry that [speaks] to all of us. Even though a lot of the doubles in my work are nearly the same, I like to make sure I tweak something subtly to make them a bit ‘off’.”

Look also for works in triptych form (three hinged pieces) and interactive pieces that are clever, but never simple. “They were a big challenge but a big reward to work on,” Randalls says of the process. “There is something about that tiny magic of discovery, and being able to really be a part of a piece in a physical way, that touches on some sort of tender internal wonder.”

She continues, “I think my work is often interpreted as being ‘light’ in subject matter, but the concepts themselves don’t feel that way to me. So getting to mix in these almost playful mechanics with what can often feel like heavy concepts is like a physical representation of how I feel about almost everything.”

And yes, feminism plays a role. “I don’t know if I can pinpoint it precisely, it’s not something that I intentionally set out to do. All of my work though comes from a really personal place—feelings of anxiety and nervousness, grief, festering on a memory, creating simpler images to eclipse and make sense of the webbed ones, [which] all comes from me being a woman, living on this planet, at this time. There’s no doubt that it greatly shapes my work.”

To experience Randall’s work, including the stunning Thirty Pieces of Wood project, visit emrandall.com.

The spicy Buffalo Tempeh pie with green onions.

Gotta love those Nuggies, bread bits tossed in garlic butter and parmesan.

Anatomy of a Fall

by JOSEPH BEYER

If I had tried to convince you last week that Anatomy of a Fall was worth 2 hours and 32 minutes of your time, you may have ignored the rec. That’s because we, the American movie culture, don’t often venture outside our comfort zone when it comes to European films with occasional subtitles.

But maybe now, hot on the heels of five Oscar nominations including Best Picture and a win for Best Original Screenplay (more on that later), I can convince you not only to watch it, but to pay particular attention to how much it owes to our home state of Michigan.

As conceived by director Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, Anatomy of a Fall is a maddeningly ambivalent whodunnit. And for audiences worldwide, the tension of an unsolved murder is proving easily translatable and relatable, especially in a film that is almost one-third English. The film requires you to talk to someone, anyone, who might have seen it in hopes of connecting with your own point of view of the story.

Led by actress Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall is a masterpiece of perceptions and realities. Her on-screen plight as a wife accused of murder is riveting as she fights within a performative French justice system and fails to follow an attorney desperate to defend her.

In Triet’s methodical and logical hands, the film lures you into a state of alluring hypnosis where everything and nothing is true simultaneously. Filled with marital truths that are so raw and unforgiving, Anatomy of a Fall is also a strangely relatable story with an exacting script that pulls you in like a black hole.

Performances from actors Swann Arlaud (Sandra’s only friend and confidante after the mysterious death of her husband) and Milo Machado-Graner (her son and now key witness in the trial of his father’s murder) will also shake you.

That's Sporting

The 2024 Iditarod race in Alaska got off to a messy start, Sporting News reported on March 7. On the first day, musher Jesse Holmes went mano-a-mano with a moose that became aggressive toward his dogs on the trail. Holmes punched the moose in the nose and went on his way. Soon after, Dallas Seavey and his dogs came upon a moose -it's not clear whether it was the same one -that was "threatening and belligerent." When the moose got entangled with his dogs, Seavey dispensed with the heroics and shot it. As per the Iditarod's rules, Seavey then stopped for about 10 minutes to field-dress the moose, but he was later assessed a twohour penalty at the next checkpoint because "the animal was not sufficiently gutted by the musher." A third musher, Wally Robinson, ran across the moose carcass in the dark, on a trail curving through woods. Race Marshal Warren Palfrey confirmed that "we are making sure that every attempt is made to utilize and salvage the moose meat." So there's that.

Clothing Optional

But the excellence of the film is not the only reason we’re choosing to write about it this week. Triet has not been coy with clues, and within the title itself you’ll find another international blockbuster that inspired it.

Anatomy of a Murder became a best-selling novel just in time for judge, attorney, and famous fly fisherman John D. Voelker (pen name Robert Traver) of the Upper Peninsula to pay his long overdue bills. The struggling writer took a real life murder trial from his storied past and turned it into a page-turner that sold four million copies in over 20 languages worldwide.

When controversial Austrian director Otto Preminger finally grabbed the movie rights in 1958, he knew he had the most compelling courtroom drama of his time in his hands. He rushed to produce it in Ishpeming, Marquette, and Big Bay to ensure “authenticity.”

The film infused over $500,000 to a region desperately in need of jobs, and it was the first Hollywood movie ever produced entirely on location. Anatomy of a Murder premiered for locals of the U.P. secretly before debuting officially from Columbia Pictures at the United Artists’ Theatre in Detroit. From there it became a sensation and went on to become one of the most referenced crime films of all time. It was nominated for seven Oscars, winning none.

German writer/director Triet has been open about the homage she owes to Preminger’s opus, and fans of the 1959 film will find several visual overlaps she plays with deep within the tightly crafted narrative. After watching Anatomy of a Fall, as a Michigander you’ll be rewarded for following Triet’s lead and taking in the other film, too.

To be clear, Anatomy of a Fall is wholly original and not an adaptation of the Voelker/Traver drama. But they share similar tensions and attention to undeniable realities, exploring the duality of good and evil in the world and how uneasy it is to accept.

Looking for something light and airy to do at the end of April? Set your GPS for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the Crafton Ingram Lanes, where Balls Out Bowling will return on April 28, according to WTRF-TV. The Pittsburgh Area Naturalists are hosting the event, which requires nudity (except women are allowed to wear bottoms). Participants must be 18 or older, and sexual activity is not permitted; harassment will result in being ejected from the bowling alley. And leave your cellphone at home; no photos or videos allowed. You won't have anywhere to carry it anyway!

The Passing Parade

As the last remaining Hooters restaurant in West Virginia prepared for demolition, residents of Kanawha City gathered on Feb. 23 for a candlelight vigil, WCHS-TV reported. The event, which started as a joke, got international attention, and hundreds of people showed up. "It's a lot of memories going down with that building," said Noah Collins of Rand, West Virginia. Tearful former Hooters employees reunited for one last time. "I started out coming in to get a job and it became so much more because I met so many lifelong friends and my co-workers," said Danielle Hughart. "This building right here was a legitimate iconic figure to the Kanawha Valley," declared co-organizer Leo Browning. The corporate office sent a box of calendars to distribute to those who attended the vigil.

Smooth Reaction

Dr. Krisztina Ilko, 33, a junior research fellow and director of studies at the University of Cambridge Queens' College in England, lives in a medieval tower, the Independent reported. But on Feb. 29, Ilko became trapped in her bathroom for seven hours after the wooden door locked behind her and wouldn't budge. She couldn't signal or yell for help because the tower walls are thick, and there are no windows in the bathroom. However, she kept her cool and McGyvered the door open using an eyeliner (to push down the door's latch) and a cotton swab (to pull the locking mechanism away from the door frame). "When ... the door

opened, it was exhilarating because I didn't think it would work," Ilko said. Since the incident, she's had the lock removed.

Police Report

In Kennesaw, Georgia, police responded to the Heritage Park Town Homes on Feb. 21 after a Toyota Corolla "rammed through the pool fence ... and (she's) in the middle of the pool," said the 911 caller. Fox5-TV reported that the driver suffered some sort of medical emergency and was unconscious when officers arrived; they were able to break a car window and get her out of the car. She was taken to a hospital and was expected to make a full recovery, according to Cobb County Police. The pool cover was so strong that the car didn't sink; a tow truck removed it from the cover later in the day.

The Putnam County (Florida) Sheriff's Office was flooded with calls on March 2 after two low-flying F-15 jets from the Florida Air National Guard caused sonic booms, News4Jax-TV reported. "It destroyed my friggin' house!" one caller exclaimed, while others thought a bomb had dropped. "I have major damage, they flew right over my house. The lights were blown off the walls, there's glass everywhere," said another. The National Guard issued a statement saying they were aware of damage sustained by the sonic booms and had established a contact number for residents who had damage claims.

Delusions of Grandeur

For Connor James Litka, 21, of Bloomington, Indiana, it was "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Litka arrived at a Porsche dealership in Louisville, Kentucky, on Feb. 21 and tried to buy a car with a fake $78 million check, WAVE-TV reported. When he was rebuffed, he searched around the back entrance to the showroom, looking for car keys. Salespeople summoned police, who charged him with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. Turns out Litka tried the same stunt the day before at a Land Rover dealership, where he presented a $12 million check.

Oopsy Anne Hughes, 71, was standing outside the Best One shop in Tonteg, Wales, where she works, when the electric security shutters started raising, catching her coat and leaving her dangling upside down 7 feet in the air. The incident from March 4 was caught on CCTV, Sky News reported; she hung in the air until a shopkeeper helped free her as the shutter was lowered. "I'm learning to live with the fame," Hughes said. "I'll never hear the end of it." She was uninjured in the mishap.

Cheeky

Rawiya Al-Qasimi, a female reporter, was covering an event in Riyadh on March 4 when a Saudi Arabian robot called Android Muhammad unexpectedly slapped her posterior during a live shot, the Daily Star reported. Al-Qasimi pushed the robot's hand away and rebuked him. Before the untoward touching, Android Muhammad introduced himself, saying, "I was manufactured and developed here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a national project to demonstrate our achievements in the field of artificial intelligence." Ironically, had he been a real man, he might have faced jail time for his inappropriate behavior.

Saturday

CELTS & KAYAKS: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Featuring Kayaks on the Snow Race, On-Slope Scavenger Hunt, Slush Cup, & more. Get decked out in St. Patrick’s Day attire & receive $10 off your lift ticket. crystalmountain.com/event/celts-kayaks

LEAPIN’ LEPRECHAUN 5K: 9am, Lake Ave., Old Town TC. The course takes you on a scenic route over the Boardman River & through residential neighborhoods with a short trip on the TART Trail. An after-party will be held at Brady’s Bar. Wear your green! $35; prices increase after March 14. runsignup.com/Race/ MI/TraverseCity/LeapinLeprechaun5K

NORTHERN MICHIGAN REGIONAL HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW: 9am-4pm, NCMC, Community Resource Center, Petoskey. Visit with more than 50 home & outdoor vendors showcasing kitchen & bath materials, home improvement ideas, & outdoor kitchens & patio furniture. $5; under 17 are free. hbanorthernmichigan.com/homeshow-exhibitor-information

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ST. PATRICK’S 5KRAWL: 9am, The Greenhouse - Willow/Primos, Cadillac. After the race join inside The Greenhouse for awards. Proceeds benefit the Cadillac Firefighters charity fund. $30. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Cadillac/ SaintPatricks5krawl

HELLO MARCH CRAFT SHOW: 10am-2pm, Harvest Barn Church, East Jordan. Entry fee by donation; proceeds benefit East Jordan Care & Share Food Pantry. 989-884-4335.

KIDS CODING CLUB: 10am, Bellaire Public Library. Register: 231-533-8814. For ages 5-18. Free. bellairelibrary.org

MARDI GRAS AT NUB’S NOB: Nub’s Nob, Harbor Springs. Featuring the Fat Tire Boogie, Crazy Kids & Mogul Muncher’s Silly Slalom, The Dorie Sarns Challenge, Silly Slalom, Soaker Cup, & costume judging. nubsnob.com/ mardi-gras ----------------------

NATURE DRAWING & JOURNALING: 10am, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Artist & educator Penny Krebiehl will lead this guided journal & drawing workshop, gathering at the library before heading outdoors to explore & document nature. Dress for outdoor weather, & bring your own drawing supplies. You will then meet back at the library to share your work. All ages are welcome. Free. glenlakelibrary.net/events

OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in art for the whole family. New projects are offered each week. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/openstudio-march-16 ----------------------

SPRING EQUINOX SOIRÉE: 10am-noon, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Prepare for warmer days & the new growing season. Learn about the importance of pollinators & native flowers while making seed balls, building bug motels, & learning about the process of making honey. Registration required. $10 per person. natureiscalling.org/events

2ND ANNUAL MICHIGAN AURORA CHASERS WORKSHOP: Noon, Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City. Registration required. Free. midarkskypark.org

CARNIVAL WEEKEND: PARTY THROUGH

THE DECADES: Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls, March 15-17. Today includes an 80’s Party with DJ T-Bone, DJ Sam Hauxwell, DJ Bill Da Cat, & DJ Lee Blossom; & a 90’s Party with DJ Bill Da Cat, along with a photo booth. boynemountain.com/annual-events/ carnival-weekend

MAPLEFEST: Noon-3pm, Grass River Cen-

send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

RETRO DAY: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Wear your neon, ringer tees, huge jeans & vintage sweaters. DJ CDX will be playing your retro favorites on the Lodge Patio from noon-4pm, & there will be an on-slope scavenger hunt. Find the disco balls hidden around the mountain & bring one back to the Park at Water’s Edge for a prize. crystalmountain.com/event/retro-weekend

ter, Pavilion, Bellaire. See sap being boiled to syrup on the evaporator. See the process of making maple syrup. Ask staff questions & hike on the trail to see where they tap trees, hang buckets & lines, & collect the sap. Free. grassriver.org

TADL BAR-COOKIE CRAWL: Noon, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Make your favorite bar cookie recipe. Show it off at the Bar-Cookie Crawl. If you’re not baker, just join to taste & vote. Find details at the web site. Free. tadl.org/cookie

CASS ST. PUB CRAWL: TC. Blue Footed Booby plays at North Bar from 1-5pm. Drew Hale plays from 3-6pm, followed by Blue Footed Booby from 7:30-10:30pm at The Parlor. Steven Paul & Friends play from 5-8pm at The Pub. Find ‘Cass St. Pub Crawl’ on Facebook.

“OUR TOWN”: 2pm & 7pm, Cadillac Community Auditorium, Cadillac High School. Presented by Cadillac Footliters. This Pulitzer Prize winning drama has universal themes of family, love, marriage & death. GA: $11. cadillacfootliters.ludus.com/index.php

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: 2pm & 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. The classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, & the Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. $20-$33. tickets.oldtownplayhouse.com/TheatreManager/1/online?event=0

SLUSH CUP: 2pm, The Highlands at Harbor Springs. Ski over the pond! highlandsharborsprings.com/events/slush-cup

THE SOUND OF MUSIC MUSICAL: 2pm & 7pm, Peterman Auditorium, Elk Rapids High School. Performed by Elk Rapids High School students. 231-633-1047. $12/adult; $7/students/children. erschools.com/district/services/ event-tickets

“ANYTHING GOES” PRESENTED BY TRAVERSE CITY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL: 7pm, TC Central High School Auditorium. This Tony award winning musical has a cast of 40 students. It also features a pit orchestra of 23 student musicians, as well as professional musicians Joshua Wagner (trumpet) & Jeanmarie Riccobono (clarinet). Eight stu -

dents serv e as the tech crew. $20-$25. tcaps. booktix.com

TRUE SELF PROM: 7-9pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Presented by the NMC Pride student group. Music provided by students from the Audio Technology department. Dress semiformal. Light refreshments provided. Everyone 18+ is welcome. $5/person; free for students. tinyurl.com/trueselfprom ----------------------

DOWNTOWN SOUND PERFORMING ARTS

SERIES: BLACKTHORN: 7:30-9pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. In a rich tapestry of Celtic music, Blackthorn’s show is a unique variety of tunes & tempos. $30 members; $40 non-members; $10 students. crookedtree.org/downtownsound

THE KNOCKABOUTS: 7:30pm, Cheboygan Opera House. Enjoy this folk music trio from Marquette who plays a wide variety of traditional, contemporary & original music based in Celtic traditions. $30 adults; $25 Veterans; $15 students. theoperahouse.org/tickets

DIVINE DIVAS - TINA TURNER: 8pm, Odawa Casino Resort, Ovation Hall, Petoskey. A tribute to Tina Turner. $40-$50. odawacasino.com/ entertainment

Sunday

CARNIVAL WEEKEND: PARTY THROUGH THE DECADES: Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls, March 15-17. Today includes skiing & snowboarding, Slush Cup, Party through the 2000’s at Spring Break Slush Cup with DJ, & more. boynemountain.com/annual-events/carnival-weekend

“ANYTHING GOES” PRESENTED BY TRAVERSE CITY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL: (See Sat., March 16, except today’s time is 2pm.)

STORIES FROM THE WORLD OF THE

IRISH: 2pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Local Bardic Storyteller Jim Ribby will perform poetic Irish stories from the middle ages to late 1900’s. 231-3314318. Free.

TO-GO ORDERS AVAILALBLE 231-252-4157

Sun-Tues: 12-9pm, Thurs: 4-9pm, Fri-Sat: 12-10pm Kitchen open ’til

DRINK SPECIALS (3-6 Monday-Friday):

$2 well drinks, $2 domestic drafts, $2.50 domestic bottles, $5 Hornitos margarita

DAILY FOOD SPECIALS (3-6pm):

Fri - $5 hot pretzels w/ beer cheese

221 E State St. - downtown TC

march

monday STORYTIME ADVENTURES: 1:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Featuring “The Wonkey Donkey” by Craig Smith. greatlakeskids.org

POST-ST. PATRICK’S DAY WALK/RUN FOR NORTE: 6pm, Fleet Feet, Downtown TC. Walk, run, or roll an easy 5K to celebrate & promote being active & outdoors as spring approaches. Help support Norte’s youth cycling programs. Donations are greatly appreciated. norteyouthcycling.org/calendar/post-st-patricks-day-walkrun-for-norte

SEED GUILD SPRING SEED SWAP & POTLUCK: 6pm, Grow Benzie Event Center, Benzonia. Grow Benzie’s Seed Guild is hosting a Community Seed Swap & Potluck. Join to share seeds, meet fellow gardeners, & hear expert advice from featured speaker Craig Schaaf of Golden Rule Farm. Free. growbenzie.org/events-calendar/ewm7n2n2t7f3pnt32ldy-ghyt8-pwwjr

“EYE OF THE WIND”: 7pm, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Featuring local filmmaker James Weston Schaberg for a screening of his 2023 documentary film, “Eye of the Wind,” a stunning presentation of aerial photography. The film demonstrates the art of quietly capturing bird’s-eye views without noisy propellers or burning fossil fuels. glenlakelibrary.net

tuesday

KID’S CRAFT LAB: COLORFUL EGGS: 10:30am, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Use a salad spinner to dye a couple of hard-boiled eggs to take home for Easter or eat for lunch. Sign up at the front desk when you arrive. Make your reservation on web site. greatlakeskids.org

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library, lower-level Community Meeting Room. Preschoolers of all ages are invited to join for stories, songs & active fun. Free. sbbdl.org

PETOSKEY CHAMBER CONNECTING WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON: 11:30am, The Talcott, Walloon Lake. Kalin Sheick will be the featured speaker with her topic “The Sweetwater Story - How to Pivot & Consistently Create New Ideas in Your Small Business.” Register. $35 CWIB members; $45 all others. petoskeychamber.com

STORYTIME ADVENTURES: (See Mon., March 18)

TECH TUESDAY: GOOGLE DRIVE: 3pm, Leelanau Township Library, Lower-level Community Room, Northport. Join for a presentation on how to use Google Drive. Bring your mobile device or laptop with login info & your questions. Free. leelanautownshiplibrary.org ----------------------

FROM PUBLICATION TO THE PUBLIC: A LIBRARY BOOK’S PATH TO THE READER: 5pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. The LWVGTA will present a free program focused on how a library book gets to the reader’s hands with discussion of the process of publication, process of library selection, censorship & book banning efforts. Michele Howard, director of TADL; Stephie Luyt, elementary library coordinator for TCAPS; & Karrie Zeits, a governmental law attorney, are the speakers. lwvgta.org

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS FORUM - AI & GLOBAL COOPERATION: WHAT’S HAPPENING & WHAT’S NEXT: 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. In-person & online event with Joshua Meltzer, Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Develop-

ment Program at the Brookings Institution, & co-lead of the Forum on Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence. 7pm program; 6:00pm reception. $15 in-person ticket, $10 online livestream, free for students and educators. tciaf.com/eventmarch-2024

NCTA GRAND TRAVERSE CHAPTERMARCH MEETING: 7pm, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Denise DeKett will share her exciting adventure through the jungles, mountains, caves & temples of Southeast Asia. Free. meetup.com/grand-traverse-chapter-northcountry-trail-association/events/298888982

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QUEER TALES BOOK CLUB: 7pm, Traverse Area District Library, Nelson Room, TC. Chat about books that are by &/or about LGBTQIA+ people. Reading is not required, & everyone is welcome. Held the third Tuesday of the month. This month’s book is “Self-Made Boys” by Anna-Marie McLemore. Free. tadl.org/event/ queer-tales-book-club-self-made-boys-12116

SWEETWATER EVENING GARDEN CLUB

SPEAKER & MEETING: 7pm, Acme Township Hall, Williamsburg. The guest speaker will be Nate Winkler from the Conservation Resource Alliance of Traverse City. Nate is a biologist with vast experience in areas such as management of fish habitat projects, dam removals, & road/stream crossing replacements to restore biotic connectivity to streams & rivers. 9389611. Free.

mar 20

wednesday

CHILLIN’ WITH THE CHAM-

BER: 4-6pm, Harbor Springs Area Chamber office, 118 E. Main St., Harbor Springs. Find out about the sponsor’s business & what’s happening around town. Free.

DEATH CLUB: 6pm, Identity Brewing Co., TC. Facilitated conversation on death, life, & everything in-between. Humor & deep thoughts encouraged. By donation. eventbrite.com/e/deathclub-tickets-856988524747?aff=oddtdtcreator

PLACE: TRUTH & RESTORATION: 6:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Night 2: Screening of the film “Doctrine of Recovery,” a documentary on the restoration of the sacred feminine as a “Doctrine of Recovery” for a planet in crisis. Panel discussion to follow. Free. Find “PLACE: Truth & Restoration (night 2) on Facebook.

HERE:SAY PRESENTS: “UNDERDOG”: 7pm, The Alluvion, TC. Scheduled performers take the stage to tell true, first-person stories about a time in their lives that their chances at success were slim. $10 at door. heresaystorytelling.com/storytelling-events

thursday

TRAVERSE INDIVISIBLE MONTHLY MEETING: 6pm, J&S Hamburg, 1083 W South Airport Rd., TC. Mobilizing for Elections: Strategies & Successes.

PETOSKEY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Gypsy Distillery, Petoskey. Enjoy networking, food prepared by Libe Lula, a cash bar, door prizes, & giveaways. Bring your business cards to take part in the drawings. $10 members; $15 not-yet members.

friday

LUNCHEON LECTURE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. The community has

a large concentration of military veterans of all ages, & a new VA health center just opened in Indian River. Veterans Affairs Director for Emmet County Jeff Urban will explain the many benefits available to veterans, & review the broad spectrum of support they may need because of service-related health issues that can surface many years after they put away their uniforms for good. Register. Free. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5492983/Registration

saturday

RETRO DAY: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Wear your neon, ringer tees, huge jeans & vintage sweaters. DJ CDX will be playing your retro favorites on the Lodge Patio from noon-4pm, & there will be an on-slope scavenger hunt. Find the disco balls hidden around the mountain & bring one back to the Park at Water’s Edge for a prize. crystalmountain.com/event/retro-weekend

THE FROSTBITE TRAIL: Noon-6pm at 12 participating locations in Charlevoix & Antrim counties. This is a small bite & drink tasting experience. $12 per person at each location. facebook.com/frostbitetrail

COMEDY NIGHT: 7:30pm & 9:30pm, Old Mission Distilling, Seven Hills, TC. Host & Opener is TC’s Funny Lady, Marti Johnson, who won red hot best comedian in 2017 & 2018 for Traverse Magazine. Headliner is Steve Iott, who has headlined comedy clubs across the country for 25 years. He has appeared on A&E, Comedy Central, & was the opening act for Bill Maher, Chicago, & Steven Wright. $25. eventbrite.com/o/old-mission-distilling-75660390143

ongoing

BELLAIRE WINTER FARMERS MARKET: Bee Well Mead & Cider; Short’s Brewing Co. Southside event space; & Terrain. Held on Fridays through the middle of May from 9am-noon.

BOYNE CITY MARKET AT THE PAVILION: Veterans Park Pavilion, Boyne City. Held every Sat. through May from 9am-12:30pm. Shop local artists, food makers & farmers. boynecityfarmersmarket.org/series/market-at-the-pavilion-2

INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 10am-2pm, The Village at GT Commons, The Mercato, TC. More than 35 vendors offer a variety of items from farm fresh eggs, meats & cheeses, to fruits, veggies, homemade breads & more. thevillagetc.com

SNOWSHOES, VINES, & WINES: Explore the trails at Black Star Farms Suttons Bay & then warm up with mulled wine, soup or wood-fired pizza. Held on Saturdays through the winter. Onsite snowshoe rentals are available from noon-4pm. blackstarfarms.com/snowshoesvines-wines

art

JOURNEY THROUGH ABSTRACTION: Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. A group exhibition of diverse abstract art. The work of Michigan artists Kenneth Anbender, Nancy Clouse & Marat Paransky is showcased in this exhibition. Runs through April 5. Oliver Art Center is open Tues. - Sat. from 10am-4pm; Sun.: noon-4pm. Closed on Mondays. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

BARBARA REICH EXHIBIT: Bonobo Winery, library, TC. This exhibit of original pastel paintings runs through May 27. barbarareich.com

“TURNED & STITCHED: ARTISTRY IN WOODTURNING & QUILTING”: Runs through April 6 at Charlevoix Circle of Arts. The wood pieces featured were crafted by members of Northwestern Michigan Woodturners. The quilts on display were made by local artists. charlevoixcircle.org

“BOTANIC”: Alluvion Arts @ 414, TC. This exhibition takes a collective look at our intimate relationship to the plant kingdom. Driven by our community of collaborators & artists, this ‘living’ exhibition will grow with additional artwork, installations, plants & observations added until the exhibition closes on May 5. thealluvion.org/arts

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ANNUAL YOUTH ART EXHIBIT:

Tree Arts Center, TC. Celebrating the work of K-12 art students & educators from throughout the Grand Traverse region. Runs through April 5. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/ youth-art-exhibit-traverse-city

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOS

KEY:

- YOUTH ART SHOW, PETOSKEY (DATE CHANGE): Held in the galleries, & featuring original works of art by young artists in grades K-12. An opening reception will be held on Tues., March 19 from 5:30-7pm. Exhibit runs through May 1. Open Tues. through Sat., 10am-5pm. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petos key/date-change-youth-art-show-2024-partici pation-details

- “CURRENTS OF COLOR: WORK BY CTAC’S WATERCOLOR STUDENTS”: in Atrium Gallery through March 16. Artist Trish Morgan teaches beginner, intermediate, & ad vanced watercolor courses for Crooked Tree Arts Center-Petoskey. CTAC invited Trish’s cur rent & former advanced students to participate in this exhibition. crookedtree.org/event/ctacpetoskey/currents-color-work-ctacs-watercol or-students

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - HEMINGWAY IN COMICS: This exhibition presents a new, more complicated way to look at Hemingway: a man, an artist, & a charac ter that has taken on a life of its own & allows visitors to consider why Hemingway’s image, in particular, is so enduring. It’s not only for the dedicated Hemingway fan, but for all those with an appreciation for comics, pop culture, & the absurd. Runs through May 26. Hours are Tues. - Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum. org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/hemingwayin-comics.html?utm_source=cision&utm_ medium=email&utm_campaign=DMC-win ter-2024

- YOUNG AT ART: A SELECTION OF CALDE COTT ILLUSTRATIONS: This exhibition in cludes original illustrations from Caldecott Med al recipients & from “runnerup” Honor books, as well as other illustrations by award-winning artists. It is an exhibition of works from Wichita Falls Museum of Art’s permanent collection. It runs through April 28. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/ upcoming-exhibitions/young-at-art.html?utm_ source=cision&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=DMC-winter-2024

GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:

- “HAPPY”: Held in Main Gallery. “Happy” features the work of 26 artists who explore & interpret the many facets & meanings of happiness: literal to metaphorical, in 2D + 3D. Runs through March 21. Open Mon. through Fri., 9am-3pm; Sat., noon-4pm. Free. glenarborart. org/events/exhibit-happy

- TREE OF LIFE -- AN EXHIBIT: TC artist Mary Fortuna explores the Tree Of Life - Connecting The World in this mixed media installation. This small show runs through April 25. The Tree Of Life that will grow in the GAAC’s Lobby Gallery is populated with animals, birds & insects. Each one is a hand-sewn soft sculpture. Hours: Mon. through Fri., 9am-3pm; Sat., noon-4pm. glenarborart.org/events/exhibit-tree-of-life-connecting-the-world

Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.

JohnBluegrassJorgensonBand

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 show 7:30 pm $40 adv

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska

ENCORE 201, TC

3/16 -- J Hawkins Band, 7-8; DJ

Ricky T & DJ JR, 10

3/22 -- DJ Ricky T, 9

ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS

7-10:

3/16 – Slim Pickins String Band

3/23 – John Piatek Duo

FRESH COAST BEER WORKS, TC

3/22 -- Jeff Socia, 7-10

IDENTITY BREWING CO., TC

DINING ROOM:

3/22 -- Christina Teresa, 6-8

KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC

3/15-16 -- The Equality Show Band, 9:30

3/17 -- The Wild Sullys, 2-6; 2Bay DJs, 9:30

Mon -- Team Trivia, 7-9

Tue -- The Will Harris Trio, 8

Wed -- The Pocket, 8

Thu -- DJ Leo, 9:30

3/22-23 -- The J Hawkins Band, 9:30

KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING

3/19 -- Open Mic, 6-8

3/21 -- Trivia, 7-9

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC

BARREL ROOM:

3/18 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9

TASTING ROOM:

3/22 -- Mountain Gloom & Mountain Glory, 5-7

LIL BO, TC

Tues. – Trivia, 8-10

Sun. – Karaoke, 8

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, TC

3/17 & 3/24 -- DJ Trivia, 6-8

3/22 -- Clint Weaner, 7:30-10:30

3/23 -- Chris Smith, 8-11

MARI VINEYARDS, TC

3/22 -- Randy Hall, 4-6

MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC

3/22 -- Rebekah Jon, 6-9

NORTH BAR, TC

3/16 -- Blue Footed Booby, 1-5

3/20 – Jesse Jefferson, 7-10

3/21 – Drew Hale, 7-10

3/22 – Tai Drury, 7-10

THE DUNE ROOM:

3/24 – Songwriters in the Round w/ Aaron Dye, Jerome Forde & Jesse Jefferson, 4:30-6

OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC

SEVEN HILLS:

3/23 -- Comedy Night w/ Steve Iott & Host & Opener Marti Johnson, 7:30

SORELLINA'S, TC

SLATE RESTAURANT:

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

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

THE ALLUVION, TC

3/16 -- Full Cord, 7:30-9:30

3/17 -- Caley Conway + Cathedral Becomes Tomb, 7-9:30

3/18 -- Funky Uncle - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30

3/20 -- Here:Say StorytellingUnderdogs, 7-9:30

3/21 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Matt McCalpin, Brandon Everest & Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30

3/22 -- The Bayberry String Quartet, 7:30-9:30

3/23 -- Peter Madcat Ruth's C.A.R.ma. Quartet, 7:30-9:30

THE HAYLOFT INN, TC Thu -- Trent Breithaupt's Open

Antrim & Charlevoix

Mic, 6

THE LITTLE FLEET, TC

3/16 -- DJ Marco - Funk/Soul Night, 8-11

3/20 -- DJ Dusty Staircase, 3-11

3/23 -- DJ Franck, 8-11

THE PARLOR, TC

3/16 -- Drew Hale, 3-6; Blue Footed Booby, 7:30-10:30

3/17 -- Delilah DeWylde, 4-7

3/19 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11

3/20 -- Wink Solo, 8-11

3/21 -- Luke Woltanski & John Piatek, 8-11

3/22 -- Rhett & John, 8-11

3/23 -- Rebekah Jon, 8-11

THE PUB, TC

3/16 -- Steven Paul & Friends, 5-8

3/17 -- The Broom Closet Boys, 4-7

3/20 -- Tyler Roy, 7-10

3/22 -- The Pocket, 8-11

3/23 -- Rolling Dirty, 8-11

3/24 -- Rob Coonrod, 6-9

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC

3/16 -- The Styleguides, 8-10 3/17 -- Comedy Open Mic, 7-9 3/19 -- Open Mic Night, 7-9

3/20 -- Jazz Jam, 6 3/21 -- Trivia Night, 7-8 3/22 -- Brett Mitchell, 8-10

3/23 -- Tai Drury, 8-10 3/24 -- TiltThink Comedy Mixtape, 7-9

THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC

3/17 -- Scarkazm, 1-4pm; The Timebombs, 6:30-9:30

UNION STREET STATION, TC 3/17 -- Rolling Dirty, 4-7; Soul Patch, 10-1

Leelanau & Benzie

CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY

3/16 -- The North Bay Celtic Band, 2-4:30

DICK'S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU

Sat. -- Karaoke, 10-1

FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH

6-9:

3/21 -- Trivia Night

3/22 -- Open Mic

FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR

4-7:

3/18 -- Mic It Up Monday

3/21 -- Rhett & John

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE

3/23 – Brian Curran, 6-8

LAKE ANN BREWING CO.

3/16 -- St. Patrick's Day Eve w/ Rigs & Jeels, 3-6; The Jameson Brothers, 6:30-9:30

3/21 -- Trivia Night, 7-9

LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY

3/22 – Mary Sue Wilkinson & Friends, 6-9

NORTHERN LATITUDES DISTILLERY, LAKE LEELANAU

Emmet & Cheboygan

3/23 -- Dominic Fortuna, 4:456:45

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH

3/16 -- Rigs & Jeels, 5-8

3/21 -- Open Mic Thursdays, 6-8:30

3/22 -- Billy & The Kid, 5-8

3/23 -- Blair Miller, 5-8

SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY

3/22 -- Friday Night LIVE w/ Highway North, 5-8

UPRIVER PIZZA, BENZONIA

3/20 -- Andy Lynn, 6

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM

3/21 -- Adam & The Cabana Boys, 7-9

CAFE SANTE, BOYNE CITY

3/16 -- Pete Kehoe, 7-10

3/18 -- The Shifties, 6-9

3/22 -- Lavender Lions Duo, 7-10

3/23 -- Sean Bielby, 7-10

ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS

3/16 -- Slim Pickins String Band, 7-10

3/23 -- John Piatek Duo, 7-10

JAX NORTHSIDE, CHARLEVOIX 3/20 -- Trivia Night, 7-9

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BELLAIRE

3/16 & 3/23 -- Steve Dawson, 7:30-10:30

PROVISIONS WINE LOUNGE, BOYNE CITY 3/23 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6-8

SHORT'S BREW PUB, BELLAIRE 3/17 -- The Hay Makers, 2-4

TORCH LAKE CAFÉ, CENTRAL LAKE

Thu -- Open Mic & Nick Vasquez, 7

Fri - Sat -- Leanna Collins & Ivan Greilick, 7:30 Sun -- Trivia, 5:30; Dominic Fortuna, 6:30

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY 2-6:

3/16 -- Chris Calleja

3/23 -- Chase & Allie

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY

Tue -- Trivia Night, 7-9

3/22 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BAY HARBOR

3/21 -- Thursday Trivia, 7-9

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY

3/16 -- Lee Fayssoux, 7-10

3/20 -- PubStumper's Trivia, 6:30

3/22 -- Michelle Chenard, 7-10 3/23 -- Sydni K, 7-10

NUB'S NOB, HARBOR SPRINGS

3/16 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band @ Mardi Gras Party, noon-2pm

ODAWA CASINO, PETOSKEY

OVATION HALL:

3/16 -- Divine Divas - Tina Turner, 8

VICTORIES:

3/22 -- Derailed, 9

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS

3/16 -- Serita's Black Rose Duo, 4-8

3/23 -- Jeff & Rob Duo, 5-8

THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN

3/16 -- Happy Little Accidents, 8 3/21 -- Musicians Playground ‘Open Mic,’ 7-10

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee

ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD 6:

3/16 -- Kenny Thompson

3/22 -- Mike Ridley

3/23 -- Keith Menzies

BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD 3/16 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6

RAY'S BBQ & BLUES, GRAYLING 3/24

-- Blair Miller, 4

NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA 3/23 -- Billy & The Kid, 5

THE GREENHOUSE - WILLOW/ PRIMOS, CADILLAC 3/16 -- Irish Dance w/ Northern Lights Dance Academy & Music w/ Frank Youngman, 5 3/20 -- Trivia Night & Music

Bingo w/ Shawny-D, 6-10 3/21 -- Karaoke Night w/ DJ Shawny-D, 7-10 3/22 -- The Hey Makers, 7 3/23 -- Brett Mitchell, 7

TC’s Indie pop-rock artist Rebekah Jon encourages fans to think a little deeper when they hear her moody guitar melodies at Middle Coast Brewing Co., TC on Fri., March 22 from 6-9pm, and The Parlor, TC on Sat., March 23 from 8-11pm.

lOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): The planet Saturn entered Pisces in March 2023 and won't depart for good until February 2026. Is that a bad thing or good thing for you Pisceans? Some astrologers might say you are in a challenging time when you must make cutbacks and take on increased responsibility. I have a different perspective. I believe this is a phase when you can get closer than ever before to knowing exactly what you want and how to accomplish what you want. In my view, you are being called to shed secondary wishes that distract you from your life’s central goals. I see this period as a homecoming—your invitation to glide into robust alignment with your soul’s code.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I invite you to perform a magic spell that will help prepare you for the rich, slippery soul work you have ahead of you. I’ll offer a suggestion, but feel free to compose your own ritual. First, go outside where it’s raining or misting, or find a waterfall. Stand with your legs apart and arms spread out as you turn your face up toward the falling moisture. As you drink it in, tell yourself you will be extra fluid and flowing in the coming weeks. Promise yourself you will stimulate and treasure succulent feelings. You will cultivate the sensation that everything you need is streaming in your direction.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Controversial author William S. Burroughs was a rough, tough troublemaker. But he had some wisdom that will soon be extra useful for you. He said that love is the best natural painkiller available. I bring this to your attention not because I believe you will experience more pain than the rest of us in the coming months. Rather, I am predicting you will have extra power to alleviate your pain—especially when you raise your capacity to give and receive love.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You are gliding into the climax of your re-education about togetherness, intimacy, and collaboration. The lessons you’ve been learning have deepened your reservoir of wisdom about the nature of love. And in the coming weeks, even further teachings will arrive; even more openings and invitations will be available. You will be offered the chance to earn what could in effect be a master's degree in relationships. It'll be challenging work, but rewarding and interesting. Do as best as you can. Don't demand perfection from yourself or anyone else.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Now is not a favorable phase to gamble on unknown entities. Nor should you allow seemingly well-meaning people to transgress your boundaries. Another Big No: Don’t heed the advice of fear-mongers or nagging scolds, whether they’re inside or outside your head. On the other hand, dear Scorpio, the coming weeks will be an excellent time for the following actions. 1. Phase out attachments to alliances and love interests that have exhausted their possibilities. 2. Seek the necessary resources to transform or outgrow a frustrating fact about your life. 3. Name truths that other people seem intent on ignoring and avoiding. 4. Conjure simple, small, slow, practical magic to make simple, small, slow, practical progress.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Falling in love is fun! It’s also exciting, enriching, inspiring, transformative, world-shaking, and educational. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if we could keep falling in love anew three or four times a year for as long as we live? We might always be our best selves, showing our most creative and generous sides, continually expanding our power to express our soulful intelligence. Alas, it’s not practical or realistic to always be falling in love with another new person. Here’s a possible alternative: What if we enlarged our understanding of what we could fall in love with? Maybe we would become perpetually infatuated with brilliant teachings, magical places, high adventures, and great art and music. The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to cultivate this skill.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I’m perplexed by spiritual teachers who fanatically preach the doctrine that we should BE HERE NOW as much as possible. Living with full enjoyment in the present moment is a valuable practice, but dismissing or demeaning the past is shortsighted. Our lives are forged from our histories. We should revere the stories we are made of, visit them regularly, and keep learning from them. Keep this in mind, Capricorn. It’s an excellent time to heal your memories and to be healed by them. Cultivate deep gratitude for your past as you give the old days all your love. Enjoy this quote from novelist Gregory Maguire: “Memory is part of the present. It builds us up inside; it knits our bones to our muscles and keeps our heart pumping. It is memory that reminds our bodies to work, and memory that reminds our spirits to work, too: it keeps us who we are.”

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I suspect you will soon have far more beginners' luck than you ever thought possible. For best results—to generate even more wildly abundant torrents of good luck—you could adopt what Zen Buddhists called “beginner’s mind.” That means gazing upon everyone and everything as if encountering it for the first time. Here are other qualities expect to be flowing freely through you in the coming weeks: spontaneity, curiosity, innocence, candor, and unpredictability. To the degree that you cultivate these states, you will invite even more beginner’s luck into your life.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus artist Salvador Dali was prone to exaggerate for dramatic effect. We should remember that as we read his quote: "Mistakes are almost always of a sacred nature. Never try to correct them. On the contrary: Rationalize them; understand them thoroughly." While that eccentric advice may not always be 100-percent accurate or useful, I think it will be true and helpful for you in the coming weeks. Have maximum fun making sacred mistakes, Taurus! Learn all you can from them. Use them to improve your life.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The professional fun advisors here at Free Will Astrology International Headquarters have concluded that your Party Hardy Potential Rating for the coming weeks is 9.8 (out of 10). In fact, this may be the Party Hardy Phase of the Year for you. You could gather the benefits of maximum revelry and conviviality with minimal side effects. Here’s a meditation to get you in the right mood: Imagine mixing business and pleasure with such panache that they blend into a gleeful, fruitful synergy.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian author and psychotherapist Virginia Satir (1916–1988) was renowned as the “Mother of Family Therapy.” Her research led her to conclude, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” That 12-hug recommendation seems daunting to achieve, but I hope you will strive for it in the coming weeks. You are in a phase when maximum growth is possible—and pushing to the frontiers of hugging will help you activate the full potential. (PS: Don’t force anyone to hug you. Make sure it’s consensual.)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Have you been genuinely amazed anytime recently? Have you done something truly amazing? If not, it’s time to play catch-up. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you need and deserve exciting adventures that boggle your soul in all the best ways. You should be wandering out on the frontiers and tracking down provocative mysteries. You could grow even smarter than you already are if you expose yourself to challenges that will amaze you and inspire you to be amazing.

“Jonesin” Crosswords

"Brute Force"--getting ready for the 15th.

Jones

ACROSS

1. Interstate entrance

5. Accept formally

10. Beginning from

14. Lake near Buffalo

15. Burton who hosted "Reading Rainbow"

16. Nevada gambling locale

17. Noodles that translate to "little ribbons"

19. Crumbly cheese

20. Piracy venues

21. First claim, slangily

23. Traffic predicament

24. Leafy replacements for burger buns, sometimes

28. Org. that's busy in April

31. Transylvanian count, informally

32. "Blazing Saddles" actress Madeline

33. 2019 MLB champs

35. Abbr. before a founding date

37. Some orchestral instruments

40. With 42-Across, date hinted at by a hidden sequence in the four long Across answers

42. See 40-Across

44. Horseshoe-like Greek letter

45. Sicilian erupter

47. "Star Trek" character

48. Dirt road grooves

50. Agree to another tour

52. Small peeve

53. Covert escape route

57. Maximum effort

58. Outbursts from Bart, at times

59. A head

62. "In ___ of gifts ..."

64. Slow companions at home?

68. Pilot predictions, for short

69. "The Thursday Murder Club" novelist Richard

70. Arizona mesa dwellers

71. Albanian's neighbor

72. Makeup of Maslow's hierarchy

73. Wild guess

DOWN

1. Field arbiter

2. Greek god of war

3. Plant parasite

4. Flower fragment

5. Part of ABV

6. End-of-the-year mo.

7. Tube where eggs travel

8. Lose composure

9. Connery's antagonist, in '90s "SNL"

10. Newfoundland sound

11. 1991 Joy Fielding thriller named for a line in a classic kids' primer

12. Alternative to bottled

13. Soap pump contents

18. Not new

22. Bee formation

25. Birch, e.g.

26. Cafe au lait container

27. Flightless South American birds

28. "___ the Unknown" ("Frozen II" song)

29. Barack's first chief of staff

30. Avoid

34. Icelandic band ___ Ros

36. "Damn Yankees" co-director Stanley

38. Roman 651

39. Sealed up

41. Old-fashioned

43. Man-goat of myth

46. "Don't worry about it, I got you"

49. ___ a dime

51. Type of review

53. Department that works with marketing

54. The 1%

55. "One of ___ things is not like the other"

56. Latticework strips

60. Form a scab

61. Air filter acronym

63. Computer tower port

65. Wee child

66. Wee-___ (kids)

67. Close kin, for short

by Matt

phone or TV and show you how to use it. If it’s time to replace it I’ll help you find the best device for your needs. Call James Downer at Advent Tech, your high tech handyman. 231-492-2087

SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248

MR. GETITDONE: If I can’t I will let you know who can. Call Mike 231-871-1028. Junk removal, leaf removal, grass, brush, powerwashing, anything just name it I can do it. Don’t wait to pick up the phone.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TC RFP GRANT APPLICATION: The Mission Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City is beginning its 2024 Request for Proposals process to award four grants to local nonprofits To apply, please complete the form form and submit by April 16, 2024. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18r8hvp43 jsc2nrc6NSblFYQ8FyRpyv8YsEu1yDwQW 1A/edit?usp=sharing_eil_m&ts=65df5e68