In replying to and agreeing with the Sept. 30 Letter to the Editor by Tom Gutowski, the transition from a democracy to an autocracy is occurring in America. Per the excellent podcast by Anne Applebaum and Peter Pomerantsev, two journalists who have lived in previous democracies that changed to autocracies, “there are authoritarian tactics already at work in America, eating away at the guardrails that prevent a leader from usurping power.”
It all begins with lies that are stated over and over until a leader’s followers believe them. In Trump’s case, the Big Lie began when he took Rudy Guiliani’s advice the day after the 2020 election to “Just say we won.” Fast-forward to the Jan. 6 insurrection. History shows us current autocrats who used this tactic successfully, most recently Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.
Continue demonizing the free press as “the enemy of the people” and start your own “news source” for your followers. Next, stack the courts with loyalists, from district courts all the way to the top court of the nation. Done.
Then the leader surrounds himself with people much smarter than oneself to do the devious work to grab more and more power for the president, bit by bit. Evidence: Project 2025.
Promise your loyalists from both the voting public and Congress that when you are in power, you will fire thousands of government workers ( in many federal departments, including the Department of Justice), and replace them with your loyalists. Promised by Trump repeatedly.
Continue to ingratiate and praise autocrats in other countries, calling them “strong leaders” and “great men.”
Listen to former Republican legislators like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger and a host of military leaders that warn loudly about a Trump return to power that will greatly affect American democracy.
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top ten
Remarkably Bright Creatures
If you haven’t read the book, you’ll recognize the title and the orange octopus gracing the cover of New York Times bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel. (After all, it has sold more than a million copies since its publication in 2022!) The book follows Tova, a human working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, who form an extraordinary friendship. Van Pelt is headed to the Lars Hockstad Auditorium in Traverse City on Oct. 16 to talk about Remarkably Bright Creatures as part of the National Writers Series. Each ticket ($42.50) comes with a copy of the book, with options to buy two tickets and a single book ($59.50) or attend virtually ($37.50). Head to nationalwritersseries.org/shelbyvan-pelt to learn more about the book, the author, and the event.
A Fine Time with Art and Wine
Art and wine go hand in hand as you stroll store to store, viewing work from local artisans and sampling local fare and refreshments at the Suttons Bay Fall Artisan & Wine Walk on Friday, Oct. 18, from 5-8pm. A walking guide lists participating merchants along with the artist they are hosting and their partner winery (if applicable). Receive a stamp on your guide and enter to win $150 in gift cards from participating businesses. Lord of the Gourd will also present a gourd carving extravaganza! suttonsbaychamber.com/ fall-artisan-wine-walk
4
Hey, watch IT! Nobody Wants This
Let us tell you—everybody wants to watch the new Netflix romcom series starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. Bell channels a bit of her beloved character Eleanor Shellstrop (The Good Place) into Joanne, a single, 40-something podcaster who has a string of failed relationships that make for good podcast content and bad long-term commitments. When she meets Noah (Brody, bringing an emotionally mature version of The O.C.’s Seth Cohen to the screen), known to some of his synagogue members as the “hot rabbi,” they both know they’re too different. And yet, their chemistry is undeniable, and soon they find themselves trying to make it work, even as friends, family, and coworkers throw hurdles in their path. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, you’ll cry, and you’ll see one of TV’s best first kiss scenes of all time. Now streaming on Netflix.
5 2 tastemaker
2 the Moon Bakery’s Vanilla Bourbon Poached Pear Croissant
It’s still stone fruit season, folks, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a scratch-made pastry. Enter: 2 the Moon Bakery’s Vanilla Bourbon Poached Pear Croissant ($4). Bosc pears (sourced from 3rd Day Farm in Lake City) are the stars of this Danish-style treat, which are poached with Mexican vanilla bean and local bourbon and finished with sugar and cinnamon. They’re then baked into the cafe’s house laminated dough—that’s an impossibly delicate and flaky affair that takes three days to make— alongside a layer of rich cream cheese spread, and drizzled with a bourbon and spiced pear reduction. These babies sell fast, so get the goods early! And don’t forget to pear one with a seasonal latte while you’re at it. Find 2 the Moon Bakery at 100 Main St. in Lake City. 2themoonbakery.com; (231) 295-1238
We Love: Making the Theater Accessible Science & Beer
Beer is science, right? Fermentation, biochemical reactions, all that good stuff. So it makes perfect sense for us to attend the upcoming Brewmasters COGtoberfest at COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center in Beulah on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 6-9pm. Six local breweries will compete for a Brewmaster trophy—each creating a special brew presented by a local “celebrity” at the event—while attendees sip flights or pours and enjoy live entertainment, a planetarium show, and tours of the center. You’ll even get to vote for the Brewmaster winner! Tickets start at $30 (no beer ticket), $60 (regular admission), or $100 (admission for two). Proceeds of the event will benefit COGNiTiON’s mission to foster “lifelong education, STEM, art, opportunities for all, community, creativity, intergenerational connections,” per their website. Get tickets at discovercognition.org.
Ask the City
This October, the City of Traverse City launched their new “Ask the City” program, which allows residents to ask questions and receive an answer either from a city employee or an AI-generated response. (The AI, called GovGPT, is powered by Polimorphic, a government technology company out of New York. A disclaimer on the site reads, “GovGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places or facts.”) Open questions and answers are visible to all who visit the website. Sample queries already asked include “Can we have an update on the Senior Center project?” and “How can I arrange for food scrap pickup service?” According to a press release, the program “will be implemented as a three-month pilot project, after which its effectiveness will be evaluated to determine its continuation based on community interest.” Ask your question at repd.us/traverse-city.
Stuff
Interlochen Center for the Arts has a new way for attendees to engage in the performing arts. Instructor of Theatre Laura Mittelstaedt has created an adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale The Snow Queen that has been specifically designed for accessibility. The show includes an ASL interpreter, sound cues and house lights lowered to 50 percent, large print programs, and a safe space to enter and continue to watch/listen to the show with monitor and speakers. Noise and/or light sensitivity accommodations can also be made if requested. Best of all, the show is free! Catch The Snow Queen in the Phoenix Theatre Oct. 18-20. Mittelstaedt is also taking the show on the road to schools in northern Michigan, including Glen Lake Elementary, Mill Creek Elementary, Betsie Valley, Lake Ann Elementary, and TCAPS Montessori. Learn more at interlochen.org/concerts-andevents/accessibility-series.
Wine and Cheese? Yes, Please!
Join us for a magnum and cheese tasting, just in time for all your holiday entertaining.
www mawby wine
If you’re a craft beer fan, you’ve probably noticed that one of the biggest trends of the moment is breweries creating alternate versions of their most popular beers. Think the Oberon Eclipse, a fall/winter variant of Bell’s Brewery’s beloved summertime wheat ale. Frankfort’s Stormcloud is doing something similar with Moonrunnr, the off-season version of its popular Sunrunnr Ale. The Sunrunnr is one of those perfect summertime beers—a light-bodied ale that “pours a sunshine orange and is bursting with notes of candied orange peel, orange pith, and dried apricot.” The Moonrunnr, meanwhile, is a darker-hued farmhouse ale that keeps the bright orange notes, but tempers them with a chocolate maltiness that is ideal for colder weather. It’s a beer for those of us who still aren’t quite ready for summer to be done. Grab a pint at 303 Main St. in Frankfort. stormcloudbrewing.com
Book by James Lapine, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Joseph Frazee, DO Neurology
TARIFFS = TAXES
spectator
By steven Tuttle
When he isn’t telling outrageous lies about the Hurricane Helene relief efforts, and we’ll have an aside about that later, Donald Trump likes to brag about his tariffs. At one point, he even said he’s the only president to have ever put a tariff on imported Chinese goods, and he often mistakenly says the exporting company will pay.
He has claimed variously he will impose tariffs of 10 percent on all imported goods and 20 percent on imports from China—he recently increased that to 60 percent. He’d
simply absorbs the cost of the tariff with no noticeable impact on consumers, or the exporting company reduces the wholesale cost of their goods so the retail price remains relatively stable. A more likely and typical result is U.S. consumers bear the burden of import tariffs. What does not happen, despite what the former president claims, is that the exporting company pays the cost of the tariffs.
It’s not as if tariffs are something new; we started this a long time ago. The Tariff Act of 1789, which added a 5 percent tariff to
Tariffs are a useful, constitutionally authorized tool when judiciously approved by Congress. They cannot be unilaterally imposed by a power-hungry president who doesn’t understand who will be paying the cost.
like a 100 percent tariff on goods from any country unwilling to accept the U.S. dollar for international trade and a 200 percent tariff on any vehicles manufactured in Mexico.
Nearly all of Trump’s tariff bravado is wrong, including the overriding idea that a president can impose tariffs at all. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to regulate trade with foreign countries and to “lay and collect duties,” prevents individual states from creating their own duties or tariffs, and gives Congress the authority to create trade agreements.
(In some limited circumstances, the president may slightly alter tariffs while negotiating trade agreements in an effort to reduce the tariffs other countries may be laying on imported American products. What the president cannot do is unilaterally establish new tariffs absent Congressional approval.)
Tariffs are typically imposed to combat what we perceive as unfair competition on foreign products heavily subsidized by their governments. We placed serious tariffs on Japanese steel when we believed they were “dumping” their subsidized product on our market, and we’ve done so with a variety of other products. (And we should be doing so with subsidized tart cherries from Turkey.) We might also do so in the name of national security, to level the marketplace playing field, or to stop the import of products created through the theft of U.S. intellectual property.
Approval from Congress on tariffs that would cost American taxpayers somewhere between $1,900 and $3,900, according to the Tax Foundation, would be exceptionally unlikely. Tariffs in the 60-200 percent range are political impossibilities. We taxpayers pay for tariffs every time we buy an imported product, and a quick look at our electronics, shoes, clothes, dishware, pots and pans, and much of everything else we buy and use means we’d be paying more for just about everything with Trump’s tariffs.
There aren’t many alternatives to higher prices. Either the importing company
almost everything imported, was the second bill George Washington ever signed. Not only is Trump not the first to lay tariffs on China as he claims, China was, along with India, the very first target of U.S. tariffs, slapping a per pound duty on silk and other fabrics. Those tariffs were less to protect American products than they were to add some much needed cash to our dwindling treasury. In fact, we’ve been imposing tariffs on Chinese products fairly regularly from the late 18th century on.
We already put tariffs on about half of all imported industrial products adding to the cost of production and distribution. Additional Tax Foundation numbers indicated we collected about $80 billion in tariffs from various sources last year. That only represented about 2 percent of total revenues but it did add up to an additional annual cost for goods of about $625 per U.S. household.
Tariffs are a useful, constitutionally authorized tool when judiciously approved by Congress. They cannot be unilaterally imposed by a power-hungry president who doesn’t understand who will be paying the cost.
Now, about those Hurricane Helene relief effort lies being promulgated by Trump and some of his allies.
Relief supplies are NOT being diverted to immigrants. Relief is NOT being denied to heavily Republican areas. The North Carolina Air National Guard was NOT told to stand down rather than fly rescue missions. There’s been more of what are outrageous insults to the thousands of people working tirelessly in punishing conditions to help individuals and entire communities. The North Carolina National Guard has flown nearly 200 rescue missions working with more than 1,600 military and civilian personnel to find victims.
By the time you read this, Hurricane Milton will have slammed into Florida and another round of rescues and relief will be underway. Everyone at the federal, state, and local levels should leave politics behind and just help.
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SATURDAY OCTOBER - PM
Starting at the Oryana Tenth St. Trailhead Post-crawl community gathering at Commongrounds PM- PM
Celebrate National Co-op Month with Traverse City's first Co-op Crawl! Collect treats and connect with our community's diverse array of cooperatives as you stroll along the Boardman Lake Loop Trail from Oryana to Commongrounds! This event is open to all and doubles as a family-friendly trick-or-treat opportunity (costumes welcomed!) Join us for a post-crawl gathering and art reception from 5-7pm in the Commongrounds building.
MUSIC PROVIDED BY EUGENE’S RECORD CO-OP!
CONFUSED STATE HOUSE VOTER
Guest Opinion
by Richard Robbins
I am trying to understand the facts to base my vote on for our District 103 Traverse City State House race, but I am totally confused. Maybe some of you can help me out.
It has been said that the top three issues for the 103rd district voter should be fighting inflation, bringing back jobs, and education freedom. Let’s take a closer look.
Starting with fighting inflation. State legislatures have the power to only affect state-funded initiatives. By law, they are required, with the governor, to balance the state budget every year, unlike the federal government, which has the ability to print money and manage the national money supply—hence their ability to choose (both parties are guilty here for many years) to run deficits and spend more than they collect.
A state legislator’s job is to prioritize the spending of the state funds based on what they believe their constituents believe the money should be spent on. If you don’t agree with how your legislator is allocating the state funding, it is your choice to vote them out. For the most part, I am fine with the current prioritization of state spending.
It is important to note that the state government has no significant tools at their disposal to “fight inflation” at the consumer level. Yes, they could lower the state tax on gasoline, or lower the state sales tax, but then they would need to reduce services somewhere in state spending. That would be decreasing spending on road repair, education, law enforcement—the list can go on and on.
So how can a State House Representative fight inflation? Some say that it is by “rebuilding our economy and restoring prosperity in our state.” What does that mean? How would that be accomplished? As a critical thinker, I have difficulty understanding these vague election year platitudes.
Let’s move to the second, bringing back jobs. I have heard it said that excessive government rules and regulations keep businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities from moving forward. What are specific excessive rules and regulations? Environmental rules? How well did those PFAS environmental rules work? How about those Flint Water rules?
My point is that smart government regulations are the guardrails of capitalism, so that companies—big ones down to startups—create safe and effective products, as well as pay their employees livable wages and provide safe work environments. I would argue that we need more, not less, smart regulation.
Under the current model practiced, states are competing with each other by enticing businesses to relocate because they have less environmental regulation (and associated costs) and lower labor costs (because they have lower investments in working class education, healthcare, and so on). This is not a long-term success strategy. Let’s focus on attracting the smart businesses to Michigan and leave the others for those states not investing in environmental protection, healthcare, education, etc.
Let’s now talk about education freedom. This is almost always code for implementing education voucher programs. Private/religious and homeschool families have been arguing for years that a portion of their state taxes go to paying for local public schools and they should have the freedom to use this money in ways other than funding public schools that they do not participate in.
This is fundamentally wrong as it relates to the founding principles of the United States. Thomas Jefferson believed only educated citizens could make the American experiment in self-government succeed. He proposed, fought for, and helped establish a system of broad, free, public education that was radical in his day, but he understood this to be critical in providing equal opportunity for all to achieve their personal dreams.
If those with their own specific personal and religious beliefs or those who have the excess wealth to send their children to private schools are interested in sending their children to schools other than public schools, they are currently free to do so. But they do not have the right to weaken public education by breaking this societal promise.
I say let’s over invest in public education so we raise the overall bar for all who seek education. Isn’t that what we should always be doing in life: clearing the bar, then raising it again, continually striving to get better? Let us all learn together in the same institutions so we help one another get better as a society. I believe educational vouchers will weaken our educational system over time and further a societal class divide.
Let’s stop falling for these vague platitudes by candidates designed to rile up false anger and divide us. Let’s demand specific, concrete proposed actions that move our state forward from all our candidates seeking to represent us in Lansing.
Richard Robbins is a recently retired resident who grew up in the Detroit area. He and his wife Barbara have lived all over the United States before selecting Traverse City for its beauty, culture, bike trails, and walkability.
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Upscale Staycations
From geodesic domes to a Victorian-inspired inn to a boutique downtown hotel, what makes a visit truly luxury?
By Anna Faller
When you hear “luxury vacation” what do you think of? Is it a sumptuous bed with satin pillows? A swim-up bar on a pristine beach? Spa services or award-winning golf courses? A certain number of hotel rating stars?
Northern Express caught up with two local accommodations that market themselves in the luxury travel category—Silver Birch Resort (Williamsburg) and the Inn at Bay Harbor (Bay Harbor)—and heard from the developers for a planned hotel in downtown Traverse City for the scoop on top-tier amenities, room rates, and what the bang for your (not insubstantial) buck really looks like.
A Natural Getaway
If you didn’t know Silver Birch Resort was there, you’d probably miss it. Built into 75 acres of forest in Williamsburg, complete with a carved wooden moose at the entrance, the property houses 12 geodome rentals—and owners Rob and Gina Evina, also of local furniture manufacturer and retailer Woodland Creek Furniture, have more on the docket.
“So many people over the years had told me that we should do cabins someday,” Rob explains. “But the lightbulb went off when I saw [the geodomes], just because of the feeling you get when you walk in.”
For those who haven’t walked into a geodome (short for geodesic dome) before, they are semi-circular structures fashioned with a thin, translucent covering over load-bearing triangles that support the orb-like shape. Imagine the igloos you find at local restaurants and breweries, then make them about 10 times bigger and way studier to weather the elements.
Opened in July 2023, the resort is surrounded by state-preserved land on three sides, which not only serves as welcome camouflage, but also dampens any sounds of traffic from nearby M-72. Each dome also comes with its own border of foliage (which ranges from 80 to 300 feet, per the website), ensuring both privacy and seclusion.
Rustic tent camping, though, this is not. On each plot is a geodome “home,” which comes in two styles and offers between about 800 and 1,000 square feet of living space. The first six are anchored by a wooden deck and feature separate sleeping and living quarters, while the second group have a concrete foundation and combine facilities
under one roof. Per Evina, all 12 have passed the same structural regulations as a commercial building.
Inside, the décor is rustic-chic, courtesy of Gina, with large area rugs offering floor insulation and raw wood furnishings accented by natural tones dominating the living space.
Each dome can accommodate two to six people—five are what Evina calls “couple domes,” as they feature only a king-sized bed, while the others have bunk bed configurations—and feature many of the same amenities you might expect at a structured resort. These include high-end mattresses, a fully-equipped kitchenette with stainless appliances, an en-suite bathroom with stand-up shower, and a host of connective comforts, like Wi-Fi, electricity, and temperature control.
Outside, each dome has its own mini-oasis, comprising a covered wood patio (complete with a dining setup), forest hammock, and a full soaker tub. There’s also a laundry facility onsite, as well as a small pond for guests to enjoy.
“We’ve tried to create paradise in the middle of a pristine forest,” Evina says.
With occupancy on the incline, the domes’ average cost is still in flux. A typical nightly rate (including fees) in July or August is about $500, which drops to $400 through the rest of the season. And stay tuned for three classic cabins, which are scheduled to enter the rental queue next year.
Find Silver Birch Resort at 4575 Moore Rd. in Williamsburg. The resort is open, weather permitting, from April to November. (866) 950-3415. silverbirchmichigan.com
The Classic Luxe Experience
Tucked along Little Traverse Bay, the Inn at Bay Harbor is lakeside luxe at its finest. Opened in 1998, this Victorian-style inn is a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel and a member of the sprawling Boyne Resorts family. It consists of 113 units and 27 standalone cottages, as well as two golf courses, all with meticulously-designed facilities.
For starters, each room comes with a view of either Lake Michigan or the opposing rock quarry (though note that the former does up the price tag). From there, it’s all about the amenities, which the inn strives to ensure are first-class quality. Every guest room features Lady Americana beds—that’s a custom-craft company out of Grand Rapids—as well as a host of cushy extras including down comforters and designer toiletries. Most rooms are also equipped with an outdoor balcony, which can be shared or private.
Size-wise, guest rooms can sleep up to four, but depending on the style you choose, could include extra space and details like fireplaces, kitchenettes, and in-room laundry. The suites, of course, are even bigger, offering space for up to 10 people. In fact, some suites are actually two rooms combined, which can be rented individually, or connected for larger families and groups.
Separate from the hotel are the cottages, which come in two locations and styles: the Lakeside Cottages, which are next to the inn, and the Crooked Tree Cottages along the eponymous golf course. Both have access to inn amenities and range in size from two to three bedrooms.
Other luxury touches throughout the inn include afternoon tea service, served daily from 2-4pm, as well as a full-service spa (complete with a pool and fitness classes), and a range of premium experiences headlined by cruises aboard a Hinckley yacht. There are also a few onsite dining options, notably the Sagamore Room for sit-down breakfast (which is rolled into the room rate), as well as the Vintage Chophouse Wine Bar, which received a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024.
As for the price of a nightly stay? It varies by season. Per Ernst, the inn also yields its rates, which means cost is lower when you book in advance. She estimates a high-season starting price of $225 per night for a standard room, while a cabin or penthouse suite could hit upwards of a few thousand dollars. For a fall color getaway, weekend room rates start around $700 per night at the time of this printing.
A Modern Take
Coming soon: Plans are also underway for a boutique luxury hotel in Traverse City’s Warehouse District. The project, helmed by real estate and private equity firm Great Lakes Capital (GLC), is slated for installation at the long-vacant 124 West Front Street lot.
Per GLC Managing Director and Principal Kristen Sawdon, the group envisions an activated hotel and community space with a foodie focus—in fact, she anticipates multiple eateries—as well as a layout tailored to celebrate the region’s natural splendor. In the build, this will translate to dedicated green space along the Boardman, as well as a posterior courtyard suited for groups and events.
“We have a hospitality-driven design and management approach,” she notes. “The goal is to deliver a welcoming, first-class experience for both guests and the community.”
The plan is to install an all-glass façade and entryway along westbound Front Street, which will give way to the aforementioned courtyard and approximately 65 feet (about four stories) of guest accommodations. The most up-to-date room count is 140, up from the original 115, which will include a combination of rooms and suites, headlined by a
While you might come for the amenities, it’s the attention to detail you’ll come back for and the personalized service the Inn at Bay Harbor staff implements. “They really get to know our guests,” Ernst adds. “That’s what sets the Inn apart.”
Find the Inn at Bay Harbor at 3600 Village Harbor Dr. in Bay Harbor. (855) 351-4295. innatbayharbor.com.
mix of king and double-queen beds.
Other structural amenities will include an underground parking garage, which Sawdon estimates will be sized to accommodate between 60 and 70 cars, as well as valet parking services and an affiliation with a well-known hospitality chain, though specifics are still in the works.
The true luxury focus here, though, she stresses, will be the drinks and dining scene.
Inside the hotel, guests can expect a spacious 7,000- or 8,000-square-foot restaurant as well as a rooftop bar (complete with views of Grand Traverse Bay), a French-themed breakfast and brunch café, a lobby bar, and maybe even a society-style beverage club, alongside retail options.
Though a finalized timeline is still in the works, ground-break has been tentatively scheduled for summer 2025, with a grand opening the following year.
“We’ve heard and seen the desire for a boutique hotel here in Traverse City, and we could not be more excited about bringing this project to the area,” Sawdon says.
The 124 W. Front Street property is still under development. Contact Great Lakes Capital (GLC) at (574) 251-4400. greatlakescapital.com.
The 2024 Luxe List
Nine luxury looks for fall and winter found right here in northern Michigan
By Jillian Manning
Ready to splurge? In our annual Luxe Issue, we pull together a selection of must-have apparel and accessories that might threaten to break the bank…but hey, as Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford would say, “Treat yo’ self!” (For the Parks and Recreation fans out there, Oct. 13 is officially Treat Yo’ Self Day, so it’s meant to be!)
1. Very Velvet
The cooler months call for rich, decadent fabrics and patterns, which is why the Fred Top in Jet/Blush ($340) from Threads of Petoskey made our list. From the perfectly autumnal vine design to the sheer velvet burnout sleeves, this top transitions from day to night, boardroom to dinner party, without breaking stride.
2. Straight from Scotland No kilt necessary—the Shaggy
Shetland Sweater ($220) from Mettlers American Mercantile will lend you a European air without letting in, you know, too much air. Shop the colors in the collection— we’re partial to the forest-inspired option pictured for fall—at their Petoskey storefront or online.
3. Golden Glow
Capture the fall bloom of goldenrod with this Villager Coat ($1,395) from nykamping in Suttons Bay. Sewist Elijah Nykamp is all about sustainable textiles and loose, oversized shapes that still cut a fine figure. This coat is a collaboration with Dana Falconberry, a Leelanau Peninsula musician, artist, and chainstitch embroiderer.
4. Warm for the Winter Bahle’s of Suttons Bay is our go-to for timeless apparel that holds up to the elements. This season, we love the clean lines of the Winter Bedale Waterproof Jacket ($484) in navy blue. It goes with just about everything, and the box-quilted lining keeps you plenty cozy in the changeable weather of October and November.
5. Sparkle and Shine
Carry Lake Michigan waves close to r heart no matter where you roam. Miner’s North offers several iterations of their wave pendants with various stones, each made with a curling wave encircled with your favorite metal. Opt for clear blue waters with the sterling silver and blue topaz version (pictured; $399), or embrace the classic look of a 14K yellow gold pendant with diamonds ($2,499).
6. Not Your Average Band
Skip the plain gold band and opt for a ring that makes a statement and feels like home. Korner Gem of Traverse City and Frankfort has a stunning 14K gold Petoskey stone and Leland Blue men’s ring ($1,780) in their collection. Like so many of their pieces, this one is custom made and highlights the beauty of northern Michigan’s natural stones.
7. Red Carpet Ready
Yana Dee is another ethical apparel shop Up North, proudly celebrating 10 years of environmentally-friendly fabrics and custom-made pieces in Traverse City. Their Vivian Wrap Dress ($320) puts all other red dresses to shame, with flowy layers of hemp silk charmeuse and an adjustable wrap closure. Dress it up for holiday parties or top with a cozy oversized sweater for a festive girls’ night out. (Or, you know, wear it to your next red carpet appearance!)
8. Western Inspo
Elegance is the name of the game at Ella’s in Traverse City, where curated clothing and home goods can be found alongside stunning vintage pieces. We’re ready to level up our boot game with the Freda Salvador Beth Heeled Western Zip Boot ($595), which brings the best of cowboy boots and snakeskin together in a single shoe with a 3.5-inch stacked heel.
9. These Boots Were Made for Walking
Who says winter boots can’t look good?
The Royal Canadian Wellington ($300) has an upscale look while still delivering on comfort. A Merino wool lining keeps your feet toasty while premium waterproof leather keeps the snow and rain away. With a dual grip outsole, you’ll traipse through icy streets with ease. No wonder these are made in Canada…and sold by Robert Frost of Traverse City.
Making Dinner for You
Three private chefs talk menus, inspiration, and ingredients
By Greg Tasker
Personal chefs are not a new concept, but their popularity has been growing in recent years, as more and more of us seek to experience new flavors and cuisines. We also want to reap the bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbs, and other products so prevalent in our area, bringing farm to table right to your own home.
To learn about the ins and outs of the business, we connected with three personal chefs making their marks on the diverse food landscape Up North. Their culinary paths vary and their techniques and interests differ, but they all have found home and a place for their culinary talents here in northern Michigan.
Amor Comida
Michelle Rodriguez’s connections to food and northern Michigan go all the way back to her childhood. As a young girl, she fished with her father on Lake Michigan, clipped herbs from the family garden, and foraged with her grandfather.
Although her family steered her into a business career, she eventually gave up a marketing job to follow her natural path after an aha moment at a food festival in Atlanta. There, for the first time, she tasted etouffee.
“It blew my mind,” she says about the Cajun and Creole dish. “The flavors blew me away and awakened my love for food. This just made my day.”
She approached the food truck owner and talked him into giving her a job that set her on her culinary path. She worked at one of the city’s best Mexican restaurants in Austin before moving onto Chicago, where she served as first line chef under the tutelage of Stephanie Izard, the executive chef and owner of the Girl & the Goat and other restaurants. (Izard holds Iron Chef and Bravo’s Top Chef honors.)
After several months in Chicago, Rodriguez returned to Michigan to be closer to her parents in Lake Ann. Her culinary journey continued with important stops at The Cooks’ House, Trattoria Stella, and Black Star Farms. Then she went out on her own.
“I worked at all the best places up here I could work at in northern Michigan,” she says. “At a certain point I developed more confidence and I knew I wanted to cook my food, to feed the world my food.”
These days, Rodriguez is a private chef and caterer. Her company is called Amor Comida, which means “love of food” in Spanish. Her menu is multi-cultural and reflects not only her experience but her global travels. From her trips, she brings back flavors that she finds inspiring.
Rodriguez says she shops local farmers markets for fresh ingredients, as well as Lakeview Hill Farm, Loma Farms, 9 Bean Rows, and Common Good. Much of her business comes from referrals from her connections to regional restaurants and local growers.
“I like to surprise people,” she says, adding she prefers to create a menu closer to the date of dinner to use the best of what’s available. “If you give a menu in advance, there’s always someone who is going to not like something and then the menu becomes complicated. I’ve had people who say ‘I hated butternut squash until I tried [your dish], and now I love it.’”
Find Amor Comida on Instagram at @amor_comida or Facebook.com/amorcomida. For inquiries, email michelle@amorcomida.com.
Mint Culinary
As the name suggests, mint is a big part of the picture at Mint Culinary. The flavorful plant shows up in many courses of the meals husband-and-wife team Jonathan Boyd and Dana Falconberry prepare for their clients.
It’s also the plant that sprouted the inspiration for their culinary endeavor, given its many health benefits and its role in their lives.
“Mint is coursed through our menus with lots of different foods,” Falconberry says. “It’s versatile and can be found all over the world. Our combinations of food are inspiring but also nourishing. We’re mindful of every ingredient we use, where it comes from and how it affects us afterward.”
The couple’s aim is to provide nutritious and delicious meals, procuring fresh berries and herbs from their own property in Peshawbestown in northern Leelanau County and also using seasonal ingredients and products from regional purveyors. They almost exclusively use Lost Lake Farm produce “because we love them so much,” Falconberry says.
Other local growers and vendors include 9 Bean Rows in Suttons Bay, Oryana Community Co-op in Traverse City, and Cedar North in Cedar.
“We use local food from the beautiful food bounty to create an intimate experience for people,” Falconberry says. “Jonathan coined the term, ‘One conversation meals.’ It means we’re not doing large catering jobs. We’re interested in coming into people’s homes and providing an experience for them—one conversation around the table. It’s centered around food and everyone sharing together.”
Their menus for their bespoke private dining experiences vary, but Mediterranean and Middle Eastern are prominent themes. The couple, who relocated to northern Michigan from Texas, also are fond of Hispanic fare.
The pair met while they were working at the same restaurant in Austin. After some time in Texas, Falconberry, who hails from Dearborn, began to hear the call of the forest and trees, and the couple relocated Up North during the pandemic. Their initial business foray was Roll Model, a vegan spring roll business that focused on nutritious food sourced as locally as possible. That focus expanded after Falconberry was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time, they dove into healthy and local food and turned to food as medicine, setting the stage for Mint Culinary.
“It all centers back to preventative health care,” says Boyd, who is also interested in health and nutrition coaching. “Through Mint we want to connect and improve health through food.”
Find Mint Culinary at mint-culinary.com. For inquiries, email mintculinary@gmail.com.
Nomi Kitchen
Kulin Froelich’s culinary career began quite humbly, washing dishes for a Lebanese catering business in the Lansing area.
Those beginnings were modest, but his culinary training includes stints at some of northern Michigan’s premier restaurants, including the now-closed but legendary Tapawingo that was owned by James Beard award-nominated Chef Harlan Peterson, Trattoria Stella in Traverse City, and Chandler’s in Petoskey.
Like many others during the pandemic, Froelich pivoted, leaving Chandler’s to begin a new culinary career by preparing meals for small events. Those small steps led to the creation of his own personal chef business, Nomi Kitchen.
Nomi Kitchen provides weekly prepared meals at client homes, in-home cooking lessons, and chef services for private events. Working along with Froelich is his wife, Ashley, who serves as director of events and services. She also has extensive experience in the food industry.
Froelich, a graduate of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute in Traverse City, comes to the table with a repertoire of ethnic and classic dishes. He likes to use cooking methods from around the world while using locally grown and produced ingredients.
“I like to apply other cooking cultures and methods to what we have available locally,” says Froelich, who frequents local ethnic food markets to find spices and other ingredients
for his one-of-a-kind meals. “We’re able to make excellent dishes with those ideas but with our local foods.”
Among his well-known dishes is a spicy potato and carrot-filled Samosa, filled with sweet peas, mint, scallion, and cilantro and served with a yellow pea dipping sauce. The savory South Asian pastry features local ingredients, including potatoes, garlic, and onions and fresh herbs from Bear Creek Organics, and carrots from Bluestem Farms.
“This is an item we produce year-round and clients really enjoy them,” Froelich says. “We typically serve the samosas with raita or tamarind date chutney.”
Froelich also loves to bake his own bread, often requested by clients. His favorites are naan and focaccia, but he also makes bagels, pretzels, and sandwich loaves “or anything else a client may desire,” he says.
“I like to make a lot of bread,” he says. “It’s something fairly simple to do and you get a much nicer product when you make it yourself at home, as opposed to buying bread in a store. It’s just not the same.”
Nomi Kitchen does a steady business year-round, but Froelich is especially busy during the summer months. “We do a lot of work with the Crooked Tree Arts Center [in Petoskey],” he says. “We’ve also done fundraiser dinners for various projects and a lot of our clients come through those events.”
Find Nomi Kitchen at cooknomi.com. For inquiries, email nomikitchens@gmail.com.
Caring for Mature Skin
Skincare tips from the experts Up North
By Hannah Cumler
While many of us put up our best fight against aging, the truth is, it’s inevitable. And rather than push back against it, we can celebrate each passing year by focusing on what we can control—like taking care of our bodies and our skin.
For those with maturing skin, the focus doesn’t have to be on anti-aging, but rather on how to nurture and care for your skin in a way that feels good to you. Skincare is important at every stage of life, and we got tips from the experts to guide you on your skincare journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skincare enthusiast, here are tailored suggestions based on your desired level of effort: minimal, moderate, or high.
Keeping It Simple (Minimal Effort)
What’s an exfoliator? If you’re asking that question, chances are you haven’t added an exfoliating product to your routine.
“When people come to their fifties and they realize that the skin is changing, it’s still not too late to start with good quality skincare products. In essence, you get what you pay for,” says Dr. Christopher Jeffries of The Center of Plastic Surgery.
Jeffries says everyone should have a few key basics in their regimen.“If you’re starting from scratch, as a base is a good exfoliating wash, a moisturizer, and a sunblock,” he says, “If you have those three things, you’ll really get started on a process that’s going to improve the look of the skin.”
While seeking treatments for your skin
can seem daunting, expensive, or invasive, Courtney Lo, CEO of the Cosmetic Skin and Laser Center and RegenCen Regenerative Medical Clinic, says there are treatments that are considered low effort. Lo explains that her center offers a treatment that targets three of the most popular maintenance treatments in one visit.
“We listened to our patients and got innovative,” says Lo, “As we age, we have to do more to see the best results, so the Foundation Trio [treatment] finds the balance. Ninety minutes of relaxation in our treatment room gives you more hydration, collagen, and elastin for firmness and bounce and fades those dark age spots. This is about the least effort one has to put forth. It’s relaxing, effective, and there’s no downtime.”
According to CSLC’s website, the Foundation Trio consists of three steps. Step one includes the face or neck being treated with Forma or Venus radiofrequency to stimulate new collagen. The next step is a Lumecca IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment to improve discolorations and redness, while also smoothing out complexion. Lastly, step three includes a personalized facial or Hydrafacial. Hydrafacials use “vortex fusion technology” that works like “a vacuum to gently exfoliate and open pores, visibly extract dirt and debris, and infuse targeted serums into the skin,” per the Hydrafacial website.
Lo says patients can do the treatment once a year or quarterly, and it was designed for those wanting to put forth minimal effort but have maximum results. As she says, a “one and done,” treatment.
Beyond Moisturizer (Moderate Effort)
Some of the most common complaints about maturing skin surround issues like dark spots, loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, and dryness.
When it comes to women, Lo says women lose about 30 percent of their skin collagen within five years of menopause, which results in the loss of the skin’s resiliency and firmness all over the body due to the loss of estrogen. Lo says a third of her esthetic patients are on a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) program, which has had positive results for her patients.
“We start bioidentical hormones to reverse aging symptoms or prevent disease, but then they get all these appearance improvements they didn’t expect—bonus!” says Lo.
Jeffries says that he approaches a patient’s issues as a surgeon, so he would start to recommend treatments such as lasers when targeting specific issues that a foundational skincare regimen might not be able to fix.
“Ultimately if somebody didn’t like the appearance of their skin, or they were getting into the later decades, let’s say they’re 60, or even 70, I would be tempted to say that eventually you’re going to start to do something surgical to improve the contours of the skin,” says Jeffries.
When speaking about dark spots specifically, Jeffries says there are creams and treatments, such as hydroquinone, that can treat dark spots effectively, but it’s a slow process.
“Most people that we see want to have a more immediate result and so you’re really pretty solidly in the category of lasers at that point. And the most tried and true is something called BBL, which is broadband light,” he says.
Dr. Jeffries says BBL is similar to IPL, which has been around for over 20 years. The laser treatment delivers photon energy, otherwise known as light energy, through the skin until it’s taken up by a target deeper in the skin.
“There’s no skin cutting involved. There’s no raw surface. The chromophores are essentially the targets of the laser energy, take up the energy, and in the case of brown color—which is melanin, that’s the pigment in the skin—it heats that to a certain level where the molecules disintegrate and eventually they slough,” he explains.
Jeffries says a BBL laser treatment would be the most effective way to treat issues such as dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and more.
“It’s even, from our standpoint, a fairly basic piece of the regiment that happens pretty early when people start to complain about those issues. So it’s not even the most advanced,” he adds.
Ready for More (High Effort)
When considering the most advanced techniques, Jeffires says he would recommend a Halo treatment for someone struggling with the common aging-skin issues.
“Halo is a laser that is actually two lasers firing at once,” Jeffries explains. “One
A Hydrafacial gently suctions using a wand that opens pores for a deep cleanse and extracts impurities and dead skin cells.
Photo courtesy of Cosmetic Skin and Laser Center
is what’s called a non-ablative treatment, meaning the laser energy is delivered down deep to the skin, kind of like the BBL, and that one can be directed, in terms of depth, to a level where the dark pigment lives. And again, it’s going to heat it up to a level that it then essentially breaks it up so it comes to the surface.”
Jeffries explains that at the same time, a second laser is firing in a fractionated pattern, almost like little dots in the skin that can be controlled, in terms of depth.
“That is an ablative laser, meaning it’s kind of like a fancy sandpaper that makes
these little channels down into the skin that causes tightening of the collagen in the dermis, the lower level of skin. So what you’re getting, in total, is a laser that goes down through the skin, that gets to the pigment and gets rid of that, and then at the same time, you’re getting channels through which that pigment can come up and surface and also tighten the dermis when things are all said and done.”
Jeffries says the Halo treatment is the most advanced laser of its kind, and patients can do it once or twice a year to get the results they’re looking for.
In line with Jeffries, Lo says putting in more effort will yield better results.
“Imagine your skin getting a second chance, if you’re willing to put forth more effort and set aside a few days for healing,” she says. “We use laser resurfacing and then apply your own topical platelet-rich fibrin after treatment to maximize your results and decrease the healing time by one to two days.”
Lo says the regenerative skin resurfacing treatment offered at the center gives a similar result with two to three days of healing. The treatment is a combination of skinpen microneedling with simultaneous
PRF infusion, which helps to stimulate the production of collagen and improve the skin’s overall texture.
When it’s all said and done, everyone experiences aging differently, and skin concerns are unique to each individual and how they care for their skin. Whether it’s maintaining a foundational skincare routine, incorporating serums and treatments, or opting for a procedure with a trusted skincare professional, there are plenty of solutions available in northern Michigan to help ease the effects of aging on your skin.
BBL therapy treatments target everything from dark spots to acne to signs of aging. Photo courtesy of Copper Aesthetics.
In addition to the treatments discussed in this article, Dr. Jeffries works with patients on surgical procedures like facelifts.
“Jonesin” Crosswords
"Oh
No!" --More like didgeri-don't. by Matt Jones
ACROSS
1. Beyonce alter ego ___ Fierce
6. Moving picture?
9. Mouselike farmland critter
13. Constellation with a belt
14. 1,500-mile Eurasian chain
16. "Batman" star West
17. "Cheers!" in Mexico
18. ___ Lee (dessert brand)
19. Salon creation
20. Actress Teri appearing on every network at once?
66. Musical with the song "Good Morning Starshine"
67. Emeril's catchphrase
68. "___ Remember"
DOWN
1. 1998 baseball MVP Sammy
2. Sea bordering Uzbekistan
3. Place for a planter
4. Keep watch while the owner's away
5. Warhol and Williams
6. Composer Mahler
7. "Dies ___" (Latin requiem)
8. Old MacDonald's home
9. Leave the premises
10. Stench
11. Animal den
12. "Unbelievable" band
15. Opera venue in Milan
21. Amtrak stop, for short
22. Canadian Olympic skateboarder and LGBTQ
rights activist Annie
25. Section on risers
26. Glass-lifting reason
27. "Mulan" dragon voiced by Eddie Murphy
29. Eliminate from the body, to a biologist
30. Karel Capek robot play
31. "Star Wars" villain ___ the Hutt
32. Abalone, in sushi bars
33. Played once more
35. Belgrade's country
39. 2014 Tom Hardy/James Gandolfini crime drama
40. Brick transporter
41. Landmark on the Chicago shoreline
46. Supermarket assistant
47. In full flower
48. Nutrition label fig.
52. Dreadful feeling
53. Kamala Harris's stepdaughter Emhoff
54. Painter of melting watches
55. Subject of Ishmael's tale
56. Actress Kudrow
57. "... beauty is ___ forever" (Keats)
58. Crushing defeat
59. Change addresses, in real estate lingo
60. Disgusted utterance
PEcado: Petoskey’s Global Fashion Hub
From Ukraine, with love…and a bit of temptation
By Geri Dietze
It’s not easy to make a fashion statement, over and over again, with clothes, shoes, and accessories so fresh, so interesting, and so unexpected that it causes us to say, “I want that!” Petoskey’s PEcado might be the exception, with its large collection of underthe-radar brands and one-of-a-kind pieces.
PEcado is the creation of Anola Kelly, a multi-talented retailer whose life journey has combined childhood skills and professional training with a global style vision. And, it doesn’t hurt that PEcado has the perfect location on one of the most visible corners in Petoskey’s historic Gaslight District.
“It’s an amazing corner,” Kelly says. (Pappagallo held the space for decades.) The store name is a play on “pecado,” or Spanish for “sin,” but Kelly thinks of it as more of a “temptation to have beautiful things.” (The capital letters reference the initials of her maiden name—Elena Podoliak.)
First Love of Fashion
Podoliak/Kelly has quite a backstory: Kyiv born and raised, by age six or seven, she learned sewing, knitting, and cross-stitching from her mother and grandmother, and by age 14 she was making custom garments for family. At 16, she was creating fashion for private clients. Along the way, she earned an associate degree in fashion.
The movie The Devil Wears Prada was an inspiration, and Kelly “fell in love with the [accessories].” She created a vegan leather purse inspired by the movie, which was admired by a designer she met, of all places, in the ladies’ room of a Ukrainian nightclub. The chance meeting led to an interview and a job offer, but Kelly was one month away from moving to the States, so she had to decline. She knew, however, at that moment, that “one way or another, I would work in the industry.”
In 2009, Kelly arrived in Washington, D.C., to attend George Washington University as an exchange student. During a summer visit to Petoskey, the town “stole my heart,” and she eventually made the move north. Kelly learned basic leatherworking skills, working with fine leathers and exotic skins, at B. May, Petoskey’s premier one-ofa-kind bag and purse studio. “It was a great experience, [and one] that I’m thankful for.”
Kelly was interested in structured bags and in creating her own line. “I read every magazine I could get my hands on” as well as connecting with, and learning from, others on social media. Her first business was started in 2011, and by 2013, PEcado Handbags and Accessories was operating
out of a showroom in Bay Harbor. Her expansion into ready-to-wear apparel, plus her own creations, necessitated a bigger space, and PEcado moved to downtown Petoskey.
In addition to the styles of Miranda Priestly, Kelly adds that she is heavily influenced by architecture, and one of her distinctive purse designs was actually inspired by the angles of a Miami high rise. She has also designed alligator chairs, including the tails, for a special client.
Shop the Store
As with any industry, designers are also influenced by what’s going on in the world. “History plays a huge part,” Kelly explains. “Eastern European [designers] are very talented,” she says, with high quality throughout, “but during the Soviet time, there wasn’t much available.”
However, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukrainian and other Eastern European designers channeled their creativity into unique designs. Prior to 2022 and the Russian invasion, Kelly says designers were “tailoring their clothes to a Western look,” but after that, designers “embraced their culture” and began including embroidery and traditional cuts of sleeves and skirts, for example.
As a result, PEcado fashions have a recognizable, high-style look, but there is also a sense that one is seeing something new and fresh: a clever cut, an interesting detail, or an unexpected embellishment. Bright colors don’t exactly dominate, but they are incorporated into the PEcado vibe. (Partly to satisfy the large number of Florida-based patrons, but also as part of Alona Kelly’s personal style aesthetic.)
From Ukrainian designers, look to Nataly Bloom for fine knitwear and separates in gorgeous fluid fabrics; and young and hip A.KOM with bold prints and textures, in a range of brights and neutrals, with ingenious silhouettes. Denize is known for tailored trousers for business and casual. The Jaden brand, with separates and sets, plus dresses for both casual and formal occasions, is based in Turkey, as is Gizia, offering a sophisticated, high-fashion look in daywear and elegant special occasion dresses.
PEcado manager Hayley Fettig shares her forecasts for fall and winter. Look for neutrals from camel to dark brown with “pops of color in shoes and accessories.” Fettig says that this year’s “it” colors are kelly green, cobalt blue, and coffee brown. She adds that leather is very in, and denim moves beyond jeans to include rompers, dresses, jumpers, and short jackets.
More Must-Haves
PEcado has fabulous accessories, including the ones Kelly makes on-site. Check out the jewelry from Bounkit, handcrafted in its New York City studio, featuring chunky semi-precious stones in bold settings of gold plate or sterling. The brand is vintageinspired, but thoroughly contemporary. Kelly has worked closely with the Bounkit owner for designs unique to PEcado or for a specific client. A couple of her designs have also made it into the Bounkit collections.
The Petoskey shop is also a great source for finely made shoes: Ukraine’s Vitto Rossi brand, a PEcado best-seller, are all elegantly constructed and eye-catching, like the slipper-soft loafers in sherbert-colored suede (also available to order in practical fall neutrals). Vitto Rossi pumps, sandals, boots, sneakers, and casual street styles are all fashioned from fine leathers and cuttingedge materials.
Likewise, check out Ukrainian-owned Attizzare, offering shoes fashioned in Portugal by master craftsmen from leathers, suedes, textiles, and nubuck, with imaginative hardware and flourishes.
And let’s not forget about the handbags that started it all. From clutches to crossbodies to statement totes, the store has no shortage of bags for the stylish shopper. Kelly carries purses from several designers alongside her own collection, which are handmade and lean toward modern silhouettes.
Kelly loves to connect with clients, and she can be counted on to present what works best for the individual without ever doing a hard sell. (She is also a life coach with deep training, so be prepared to have the best shopping experience ever.) “I work on a very individualized basis, and can explain what works and what doesn’t work,” she tells us.
Visit PEcado at 402 E Lake St. in Petoskey. pecadolimited.com; (231) 347-1000.
Alona Kelly keeps busy in the store, whether she's designing handbags, wallets, or apparel, or doing "Wednesday Try Ons" on social media to showcase items in the store.
An Electric Year at Elk Rapids Marina
A look at e-boating momentum in 2024
By Hanna Lee-Kleb
As the 2024 boating season comes to an end, Elk Rapids Marina, a prominent player in Michigan’s electric boating scene, reports a growing interest in eco-friendly watercraft.
It all began in 2022, when the all-electric X-Shore EELEX 8000 was unveiled in the harbor. Later that year, the marina installed an Aqua superPower high-power DC charger for electric boats on its docks. In 2023, Elk Rapids Marina held its first e-boat summit, with the biggest-ever gathering of electric boats in the water at any one time. This past summer, they hosted a free, opento-the-public demo with e-boat innovators Arc, X-Shore, Hercules, and Lilypad.
With Elk Rapids emerging as an epicenter of electric boating, the team at the marina is optimistic about the future of gas-free watercraft. Lewis Cooper, one of the marina’s owners, shares insights into their journey through 2024 and the promise of continued growth in 2025.
A Slow Start, But a Growing Buzz
Although the idea of electric boats might seem like a no-brainer in today’s environmentally conscious world, Elk Rapids Marina reports that sales are off to a slow start.
“We’ve only sold one electric boat this year,” Cooper admits, “but the person who bought it loves it.” The good news for the marina is that the electric boat has caught people’s attention. “People see it out there, and it’s starting to spark calls and inquiries,” he adds.
Of course, electric boats don’t come cheap. The X-Shore EELEX 8000 and the Arc One both start around $300,000, whereas your typical speed boat or pontoon, when purchased new, could fall in the $40,000-$80,000 range. As with any boat, size, customization, and features all increase the price.
The market is evolving, and as electric boat technology improves, Cooper predicts that sales will continue to grow. “Prices are
starting to come down, and electric boats are becoming more competitive with gaspowered models of the same size. I don’t think anything will slow this momentum down.”
As such, the lone 2024 sale hasn’t deterred Cooper and his team. “Seeing it in action really helps people visualize themselves in an electric boat,” says Cooper.
That’s where rentals come in. One of Elk Rapids Marina’s unique offerings is the Lilypad Solar River Boat, available to rent. The Lilypad is $200 per two hours, and looks a bit like a floating living room.
“The beginning of the year was a little slow for the Lilypad rentals,” Cooper explains. However, that all changed in August. For the second year in a row, Elk Rapids hosted the single largest assembly of electric boat manufacturers in the U.S., and the buzz from the event was significant. “After that event, we saw a big uptick in interest in the Lilypad rentals,” Cooper notes, adding that customers have given “nothing but great reviews” of the experience.
As a result, Elk Rapids Marina’s rental fleet is expanding. For the 2025 season, they’re working with Hercules, a Michiganbased company, to add an electric Tahoe to their offerings.
“We’ve given them a Tahoe to put an electric drivetrain in. That’ll be available next season, giving people the opportunity to try something a step up from the Lilypad,” Cooper says.
Ups and Downs of Going Electric
One of the major criticisms Cooper hears from potential buyers is “range anxiety”—the fear that their boat won’t have enough power to last a day on the water. But for those on inland lakes, that fear is often unfounded.
“I like to tell people, how can you have range anxiety when you can see your house all day?” he laughs. For most people, especially those spending time on smaller lakes, the range provided by electric boats is more than sufficient for a full day of cruising.
Speed is another concern, though Cooper explains that most electric boats can match the cruising speed of gas-powered boats. “Top speed might be a little lower, but speed really isn’t the issue for most buyers,” he explains. “They’re more concerned about range and charging.”
Charging is perhaps the key learning curve for boaters. “One of the biggest questions we get is about charging,” says Cooper. “Most people keeping their boats at home need help understanding how to set up their charging station.”
E-boats can be charged in a variety of ways, depending on the model. According to Arc’s website, a Level 2 charger (commonly used for electric cars) can get their Arc Sport wake boat battery to full overnight. A faster Level 3 charger could complete an 80 percent charge in as little as 45 minutes.
Cooper is quick to put the experience in perspective. “It’s really not that difficult to set up, and it’s similar to owning an electric car. There might be one day a year when you worry about range, but for the other 364 days, you’ll be saving time and money compared to a gas-powered boat.”
When it comes to dollars and cents, a typical day spent boating and floating around inland lakes may cost a gas-powered boat $25-$50 in fuel based on the speed, time on the water, and gas prices. Meanwhile, the
Driving into the Future
be $5-$10.
Aside from the obvious environmental benefits—no more exhaust fumes polluting northern Michigan’s pristine lakes— charging electric boats offers a practical advantage: convenience.
“One thing people are starting to understand is the convenience of never needing to carry gallons of gas down to the boat,” says Cooper. “You run a power line to the dock once, and you’re good to go.”
Case in point: “We were out on Walloon Lake for a cruise this year and got waved down by a family in a gas-powered boat that had run out of fuel. We towed them back to shore in our electric boat,” Cooper says with a laugh. “That’s the kind of moment that shows just how convenient and reliable electric boats can be.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Cooper believes that more buyers will come around as they realize the long-term benefits of going electric—not just for the environment, but for their own convenience and peace of mind.
“It’s not just about the electricity itself. It’s about keeping the water clean—no more oil or gas rainbows on the water every time you fill up. That’s something people connect with immediately.”
price of electricity to charge an e-boat for a similar outing would
The Arc One is a 100 percent electric, limited-edition luxury cruiser designed for watersports.
The Lilypad Solar River Boat has space for six and travels at a leisurely pace.
Traverse City I Petoskey
Timeless Beauty
Skin Care & Injectables
Laser Treatments
Exclusive Skin Products Cosmetic Consultations
Christopher C. Jeffries, MD, FACS
THE FUTURE OF GRAND TRAVERSE MALL
Can the former shopping mecca make a comeback?
By Craig Manning
With a dozen of the Grand Traverse Mall’s retail spaces vacant, one anchor recently out the door, and another anchor store rumored to be on its last legs, the question bears asking: Are the last days of the Grand Traverse Mall upon us?
A mall directory from 1997 lists 96 different Grand Traverse Mall businesses, including 14 food court tenants, a Disney Store, a video game arcade, a laser tag arena, and half a dozen jewelry stores.
But the boom days are in the rearview: The shopping center’s current directory lists just 58 businesses and reflects the recent departure of TJ Maxx, one its anchor tenants, which relocated to the former Bed Bath & Beyond building at Buffalo Ridge Center earlier this year. The movie theater, last operated by Carmike Cinemas, closed in 2015. The pandemic led to a slew of closures, including H&M, Gap, CityMac, and Jonathon B. Pub. And just this year, High Tops, the night club slated to open in the Jonathon B. Pub space, changed course for Cherryland Center instead.
There are also rumors that another mall anchor, Macy’s, could soon close. The department store chain announced in February it will shutter 150 stores over the next three years, including at least 50 by the end of 2024. Thanks to the struggles of Grand Traverse Mall, some locals have speculated that the local Macy’s isn’t long for this world.
Reached for comment, a Macy’s spokesperson told sister publication The Ticker that “final decision on specific locations [to be closed] has yet to be made.” Regarding the Traverse City location, the spokesperson said an “evaluation” was underway at the store, “comparing the potential real estate value and the future sales growth profitability.” The spokesperson added that, if at some point Macy’s does choose to close the Grand Traverse Mall location, that wouldn’t happen until at least 2025.
Regardless of what happens to Macy’s, Garfield Township Planning Director John Sych says it’s “just a matter of time before there is going to be a change” in how Grand Traverse Mall is utilized. That said, Sych admits that losing another anchor tenant could force the issue for mall owners Brookfield Properties.
“We’re dealing with [a mall transformation] right now at the Cherryland Center, because there were significant closures of three anchors at that center,” Sych says, referring to former Cherryland tenants Kmart, Younkers, and Sears. “We’ve certainly looked at the Grand Traverse Mall, too. We know that enclosed malls are challenged these days; patterns of shopping are just different than they were 10, 20, 30 years ago. So, we know that there will be some changes coming. We just don’t know when.”
Sych does see some signs of strength at the Grand Traverse Mall. That Target location, for instance, “was completely redone
a few years ago, so we know they’re not going anywhere,” he says. And just a few weeks ago, Great Lakes Children’s Museum (GLCM) confirmed plans to relocate from Discovery Pier to an 8,000-square-foot space at the mall. While GLCM is still looking for a permanent space—“ideally with spacious outdoor areas,” according to a press release—the mall will be its home for now. Speculation about the demise of shopping malls isn’t new. According to recent research from Capital One Shopping, the U.S. is home to approximately 1,150 shopping malls. There were more than 25,000 malls in the U.S. in the mid-1980s. The country’s surviving malls have higher vacancy rates than other types of retail spaces (8.6 percent at the end of last year, versus 2.6 percent vacancy for retail properties as a whole) and are rapidly being demolished (2 million square feet of mall space in 2022 alone) or shuttered (an average of 1,170 malls per year between 2017 and 2022). Within a decade, malls could be an endangered species: Capital One projects as few as 150 will remain by 2032.
If the Grand Traverse Mall makes it to 2032, it will be 40 years old. The mall opened in 1992 with dozens of stores, a full food court, and a multiplex. Target and JCPenney were initial anchor tenants, with Hudson’s joining shortly after the mall opened. The property was so vibrant and popular in the early days that it pulled key retailers out of downtown Traverse City, prompting some consterna-
tion about downtown’s longevity among shop owners who decided to remain there.
For his part, Sych thinks attracting more non-retail tenants like GLCM—or like Grand Traverse Bay Gymnastics, which moved into the former H&M space in 2021—will be key to reversing Grand Traverse Mall’s “dying shopping center” narrative. He sees significant lessons to be learned from the revitalization at Cherryland Center, which has been driven not by new retail stores but by tenants like Traverse City Curling Club, K1 Speed, Traverse City Philharmonic, and now High Tops.
“We did reach out a few years ago to Brookfield Properties, and we told them that the township sees [the Grand Traverse Mall] as mixed-used center,” Sych says. “We know that we’re not going to be able to look at it anymore as a strictly retail or even strictly commercial operation. But we also think there’s great opportunity there to look at other uses, whether those are entertainment uses, financial uses, or even housing. There’s still a lot of value there. It’s a highly visible site; it’s certainly accessible. And given our climate here in the winter months, I think there’s a need for indoor spaces. Imagine if that Macy’s was converted to all residential, and then in the middle of January, you could just walk to Target to do your shopping. Obviously, it’s all up to the owners to figure all that out. But I think the property has a lot of promise.”
Brookfield Properties did not respond to a request for comment for this story.
A Load of Bologna
U.S Customs and Border Protection shuts down smuggling attempts on a daily basis, but what its officers caught on Sept. 23 at the Presidio, Texas, port of entry wasn't the usual contraband. While inspecting a vehicle being driven into the U.S., CBP personnel discovered 748 pounds of Mexican bologna. The New York Post reported that 40 rolls of the deli meat were hidden in a number of suitcases throughout the vehicle. CBP Presidio Port Director Benito Reyes Jr. said in a news release that "the concern with pork products is that they have the potential to introduce foreign animal diseases that can have devastating effects to the U.S. economy and to our agriculture industry."
The driver, an American citizen, was issued a $1,000 civil penalty; the bologna was destroyed per USDA regulations.
Single-Engine
Drama
En route from Nebraska to Oregon on Sept. 21, a single-engine plane made an emergency landing on Highway 25 north of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Cowboy State Daily reported. Levi and Kelsi Dutton, who were traveling south on the highway when the plane landed in front of them, offered assistance to the pilot, who identified himself as Steve. The pilot calmly inspected the plane's fuel line before announcing, "I got the tools right here. I'll just open it up, figure out what's going on and get her fixed." After making the repair, Steve hopped back aboard the plane and, as the Duttons stopped traffic to free up a runway space, taxied south and took off for Cheyenne Regional Airport, where he could do a more thorough inspection.
Another single-engine plane made news on Sept. 17 when, shortly after taking off from Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina, a door fell off and landed in the yard of a vacant home, WBMF News reported. The pilot and passenger on board were unharmed. Witness Wendy Hodges, who lives next door to the vacant house, hurried home after learning of the incident, and found the intact door in the neighbor's yard. "It was definitely really lucky that there was no damage or no one was hurt," said Hodges. "As a matter of fact, there's a plane flying right now, but I will certainly make sure I start looking up."
Missed Their Exit?
WSVN in Miami reported on Sept. 21 that an SUV fell from an overpass on I-95, crashing through a fence below and narrowly missing a bystander -- and miraculously, both driver and passenger walked away, apparently unscathed. Those nearby rushed to help, including Mariah Lewis, who offered a knife from her glove box to aid in cutting the driver and passenger out of their seatbelts. "It's just by the grace of God that the people lived, because I don't understand how you fall from that high and [live]," she said. Both occupants were checked by paramedics, and the driver was taken to a local trauma center for observation. "It was bad, but it could have been worse," Lewis said. "I was just telling my daughter I'm so grateful. You've got to be grateful for life." [WSVN, 9/21/24
Awesome!
Reach for the stars, kids! And by "stars," we mean "wheelbarrow." John Loghry of Saylorville, Iowa, made his dream come true
when he set a new world record -- for the fastest motorized wheelbarrow. WeAreIowa. com reported that Loghry's vehicle reached 57 mph at an event on Sept. 21, beating the previous Guinness World Record of 47 mph. A local sheriff's office helped Loghry confirm the speed with a lidar gun, as required per Guinness rules. "He's been very determined on doing it," said Loghry's wife, Jeanne. Members of the local community came out to watch the attempt, so Loghry, a veteran, ended up using the event to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. He said he hopes he can inspire others to pursue their dreams, even the wacky ones: "If you think you can do it, try it," he said.
Kung Faux Panda
As the old saying goes, if it (sorta) looks like a panda, but walks, barks and pants like a dog ... it's a dog. Canoe.com reported that a Chinese zoo in the southern Guangdong province has admitted what many had already guessed: that its "pandas" were actually dogs with their fur painted. Some zoo visitors used social media to share photos and videos of the critters doing very un-pandalike things, such as panting, barking and wagging long tails. Commenters had a field day: "It's a PANdog," one wrote, while another called it "the Temu version of a panda." Once the posts went viral, zoo officials admitted they had painted two chow chow dogs. Some visitors have since demanded refunds.
Whatever's Handy
When a British surgeon couldn't find a scalpel, the BBC reported on Oct. 1, he reached for the next best thing: the Swiss Army knife he normally uses to slice up fruit for his lunch. The news organization has not identified the surgeon, who was operating on a patient at the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton. While the surgery was reportedly an emergency -- one the patient survived, thankfully -- internal documents indicate that the surgeon's colleagues found his behavior "questionable" and that they were "very surprised" he was unable to find a more conventional surgical tool. Dr. Graeme Poston, an expert on clinical negligence and a former consultant surgeon, told the BBC: "It surprises me and appalls me. Firstly, a penknife is not sterile. Secondly, it is not an operating instrument. And thirdly, all the kit (must have been) there."
There Goes the Neighborhood
You can't take it with you -- which means you should be very careful what you leave behind. KSBW-8 reported on Sept. 30 that a real estate agent in Salinas, California, got a real scare when, while preparing the home of a recently deceased man for an estate sale, they discovered a 2.5-foot-long high explosive anti-tank (H.E.A.T.) rocket among the man's belongings in a closet. As the neighborhood was evacuated to a radius of 500 feet by the Salinas police, a neighbor, Rebecca Rodick, interacted with an officer on scene: "He showed me the X-ray of the missile, which is really wild. He said, 'See how it's all dark? That means there's a lot of stuff in it.'" The Monterey County Sheriff's Explosive Ordinance Unit successfully removed the rocket from the residence without incident.
Saturday
NATIVE PLANTING:
9:45am, Mitchell Creek Meadows Nature Preserve, by greenhouse/workshop area, TC. Volunteers will learn about & take an active part in the Conservancy’s ongoing habitat restoration project by assisting with planting plugs grown in their greenhouse. Bring a reusable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen & bug spray. 929-7911, ext. 316. Free. gtrlc.org/volunteer/calendar ----------------------
16TH ANNUAL BREEZEWAY FALL COLOR CRUISES: Color tour participants pick up goodie bags filled with trip tips, color tour maps, coupons & other surprises at Royal Farms Winery in Atwood between 10amnoon. Then proceed at your own pace along C-48 The Breezeway, stopping, shopping, dining, & enjoying a nature hike at one of the four preserves including the all-new Don and Eileen Klein Trail and Boardwalk in East Jordan. End the experience at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls. ridethebreezeway.com
45TH ANNUAL CHARLEVOIX APPLE FEST: 10am-6pm, Downtown Charlevoix. Oct. 11-13. Today includes the Apple Fest 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, Apple Pie Eating Contest, Dancing Witches, Music in the Streets with the Charlie Millard Band, A is for Apple Story Time with Ms. Mitchell, a petting zoo, Twister Joe Balloon Artist & much more. charlevoix.org
FRANKFORT FALL FESTIVAL: Craft Fair: 10am-4pm, Open Space Park. Parade: 11am. Lines up at the Beach Turnaround at 10:30am. Cornhole Tournament: Noon, Open Space. frankfort-elberta.com
FREE DROP-IN FAMILY ART: 10am-noon, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Cornwell Gallery, TC. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-traverse-city/free-family-drop-art-oct-12
FALL FESTIVAL: 11am, Horse North Rescue, Interlochen. See the horses, kids’ games, cider & donuts, craft sales, photo booth, & more. Free. horsenorthrescue.org
LAKE LEELANAU STREET FAIR: 11am6pm, Lake Leelanau. Featuring live music by Deep Blue Water Samba School, New Third Coast, & Broom Closet Boys; children’s activities including juggling acts by Clark Lewis & a live petting zoo with Double Oak Farm; arts & crafts, local artists, local businesses, food & more. lakeleelanaustreetfair.org
CHIEF DAY 2024: Noon, Village of Chief. A full day of live music with Great Lakes Brass, Ted Bounty, The Handstanders, & Seth Bernard, fresh cider & donuts, a parade through town, food trucks & more. Free. facebook.com/events/1423828072634576
THE HIGHLANDS HARVEST FEST: Noon-4pm, The Highlands at Harbor Springs. Cookie decorating, burlap sack racing, music by DJ T-Bone, whiskey tasting, pumpkin ring toss, cider & donuts, Highlands Stein Hoisting event, & much more. $20. highlandsharborsprings.com
BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Jim Olson will sign his book “People of the Dune.” horizonbooks.com/event/jimolson-book-signing
FALL FIDO FEST: 1pm, The Village at GT Commons, Historic Front Lawn, TC. Bring your furry friends & enjoy an afternoon of shopping & dog-friendly activities, including a pet costume contest, dog agility course & more. Hosted by The Village TC & Contigo Dogs. Free. thevillagetc.com
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INSIDE OUT SCREENING -- COLLECTIVE SELF CINEMA SERIES: 1pm, Den-
nos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Bridging the parent-child relationship through film, Collective Self Cinema aims to help little & big humans understand themselves & each other better, to enhance a family’s felt sense of connectivity & love. Enjoy the movie & take home guided mental health resources. For a deeper experience, sign up with Care-O-Van for guided sessions with professionals after the film. $0-$5. simpletix.com/e/inside-out-screening-collective-self-cinem-tickets-179392
“WAITRESS”: 2pm & 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. OTP presents the Michigan Community Theatre Premiere of the hit musical “Waitress.” Jenna, a waitress & expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town & a loveless marriage. She may have to abandon the dream of her own pie shop... until a baking contest & her new doctor offer her a recipe for happiness. Adults: $33; youth under 18: $20. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/mainstage/waitress.html
GROUNDWORK FALL FLING: 2-6pm, Stormcloud Parkview Taproom, Frankfort. Featuring live music from Tim Jones & Aaron Dye. 50% of all beverage sales at the taproom that day go to Groundwork. Free! RSVP for a free drink. secure.lglforms.com/ form_engine/s/ak2Q8iMxS1c0KQJjpjb4Bg -------------------- --
ARTIST OF THE MONTH RECEPTION:
3-5pm, Laurentide Winery, Lake Leelanau. Artist of the Month Peg Godwin is featured in a solo exhibit. The reception includes live music by Larry Perkins. Peg paints from inspiration from local gardens, historic barns & houses, horses, boats, lakes, & beaches. Her work has been featured at local arts groups’ fundraising events such as Art Leelanau & Glen Arbor Art. Free.
TC CENTRAL HS JAZZ BANDS WITH MSU JAZZ ONE: 3pm, City Opera House, TC. $12 adults; $5 students. cityoperahouse.org/node/542
THE ACCIDENTALS’ FAMGROVE FESTIVAL: 3-8pm, French Valley Vineyard, Cedar. Featuring The Rebel Eves, Low Phase, One Hot Robot, & more. There will also be food trucks, art & more. $25 GA. mynorthtickets. com/events/the-accidentals-famgrove-party-w-special-guests-at-fountain-point-resort-sunday-concert-series-hosted-by-theaccidentals-8-11-2024?fbclid=IwY2xjawFnzL1leHRuA2FlbQIxMA
HAUNTED HALLOWEEN WEEKEND: 5-8:30pm, Camp Petosega, Alanson. Park staff will be giving an award to the Best Decorated Campsite. Trick-or-treating will take place from 5-7pm with vehicle traffic restricted during that time through the campground. There will be free hot dogs, chips & drinks near the campground office followed by a free Haunted Trail open 7:308:30pm. Free. camppetosega.org/events
WITCHES NIGHT OUT IN ELK RAPIDS: 5-8pm, River & Ames streets, Elk Rapids. Enjoy spellbinding night shopping downtown. Get ready for henna tattoos, permanent bling, mystical psychic readings, tarot card fun, photo booth shenanigans, fairy hair magic, contests galore, giveaways, & more. Free.
DEAD POETS SOCIETY - OPEN MIC: 6pm, Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary, TC. Celebrate the eerie & enchanting theme of spookiness. Bring your creepiest verses. Held every 2nd Sat. of the month. While this group focuses on poetry, writers, musicians, & all performance artists are welcome. Recommended for ages 15+. Suggested donation: $5-$10. blessedbetea.com
SKYLIGHT QUARTET CONCERT: 6:30pm, First Prebyterian Church of Cadillac. Enjoy an evening of southern gospel music & a dessert reception. A free will of-
Here Come the Mummies to Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Sat., Oct. 19 at 8pm! This eight-piece funk-rock band of 5,000 year-old Egyptian Mummies has been direct support for P-Funk, Al Green, Mavis Staples, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Cheap Trick. They also rocked Super Bowl Village; have become a regular on The Bob and Tom Show; appeared on That’s My Jam with Jimmy Fallon, and more. Tickets for this “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” run $30-$60. lrcr.com/event/here-come-mummies
fering will be collected to benefit the Jack Frost Closet mission that provides winter outerwear for children in need. Free.
BAYSIDE CONTRA DANCE: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, TC. Dance Workshop: 7pm; dances: 7:30-10:30pm. Music by Big Fun & dances called by Pat Reeser. No partner or experience necessary. $10 donation. dancetc.com
GOPHERWOOD CONCERT: CLAUDIA SCHMIDT & RACHAEL DAVIS: 7-9pm, Cadillac Elks Lodge. With over four decades of mostly original songs exploring folk, blues, & jazz idioms, Schmidt has always hated categories, & describes herself as a “creative noisemaker.” Davis is a Michigan songwriter & frequent Steppin’ in It collaborator. $10$20 + fees. mynorthtickets.com/events/claudia-schmidt-rachael-davis-10-12-2024
oct 13
Sunday
45TH ANNUAL CHARLEVOIX APPLE FEST: 10am-4pm, Downtown Charlevoix. Oct. 11-13. Today includes an art & craft show, kids activities, petting zoo, face painting, Twister Joe Balloon Artist & more. charlevoix.org
NCTA HIGHBANK ROLLAWAYS HIKE: 10am. Meet at Baxter Bridge parking lot. Join the Grand Traverse Chapter of the North Country Trail Association on a 7 mile out & back hike. This color & vista rich hike along the Manistee River is a local favorite. RSVP via MeetUp. Free. meetup.com/ grand-traverse-chapter-north-country-trailassociation/events/303602295
CAMP DAGGETT FALL FEST: Noon5pm, Camp Daggett, 3001 Church Rd., Petoskey. Enjoy pontoon fall color tours, arts & crafts, wagon rides, live music, festive fall treats & more. Find ‘Camp Daggett Fall Fest’ on Facebook. Suggested donation: $10 per carload.
FARMLAND 5K & FREE FOR ALL BIKE: Noon, 901 Rasho Rd., TC. Featuring a 5K
Run, Free for All Bike, & Farmland Run & Bike Combo. Traverse over grass, wooded dirt trails, & farmland running terrain. In the Free for All Bike event, choose any kind of bike you’d like. Visit web site for various start times & prices. $35-$50; prices increase after Oct. 11. runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/Farmland
FRIENDS OF HISTORIC COMMONS
MULCH PARTY: Noon-4pm, GT Commons, TC; meet at the circle by Cuppa Joe. Help the Friends of Historic Commons save the Arboretum by laying mulch around their trees. Bring garden gloves, a shovel & a rake if you have them. friendsofhistoriccommons.org
MEET & GREET WITH PENINSULA TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE SHEILA JOHNSON: Noon-2pm, Old Mission Distilling, Seven Hills, TC. Free. facebook.com/ events/s/meet-greet/863788982391319 ----------------------
SECOND SUNDAYS ART PROJECT AT THE DMC: 1-3pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Drop in for weaving adventures for all ages, inspired by “A Beautiful Mess” exhibit. $0-$10. simpletix.com/e/ second-sundays-at-dmc-tickets-179984
BENZIE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY HONORS BRUCE CATTON’S 125TH BIRTHDAY: 2pm, Mills Community House parking lot, Benzonia. Celebrate Benzie’s most well-known citizen, Bruce Catton, to celebrate his 125th birthday. Register for Bruce Catton’s Benzonia Walking Tour on Oct. 5 & Oct. 13. Also, on Oct. 12 from 4-6pm lift a glass to Bruce at the Hotel Frankfort, where he often enjoyed a martini. benziemuseum.org/events-updates
HISTORY OF SPENCER CREEK VILLAGE - THE REST OF THE STORY: 2pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Paul DeLange, president of Helena Township Historical Society, will be continuing his discussion & historical photo presentation from last year, about Spencer Creek Village’s History & how it was renamed to Alden. 231-331-4318. Free.
TRAVERSE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTATION: 2-4pm, Traverse
Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Listen to presentations by the local Michigan History Day middle school finalists. Following the presentations will be a social time with food, refreshments, & some fun local history games. Free. tadl.org/event/ traverse-area-historical-society-12099
UNDIVIDED: 3-6pm, Central United Methodist Church, TC. Take part in a civic engagement training at no cost. Training will cover The Power of Story, Reflective Listening, Empathy, & Relational Organizing. The goal is to have more unified communities across the state with leaders seeking to create spaces of belonging, justice, & righteousness. Discuss how to have non-partisan & non-persuasion conversations rooted in values, lived experiences, humility, & curiosity. Register. forms.gle/V4cGTFCvyj1Nktx88
LUCIE ARNAZ: I GOT THE JOB!: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Songs From My Musical Past with Musical Director Ron Abel. Enjoy stories & songs that Lucie has been known for, including from “Alice In Wonderland” & “Pippin.” $42-$72. greatlakescfa.org/events/ detail/lucie-arnaz-1
monday
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY - FREE DAY AT THE DMC: Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. A free day of learning, celebration, & community as you honor the vibrant & enduring cultures of Indigenous peoples. simpletix.com/e/indigenous-peoples-day-free-day-tickets-179229
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY AT LELAND CULTURAL CAMPUS: 12:30pm: Featuring the Dusty Bear Singers & tribal community dancers dressed in traditional regalia on the back lawn of the Leland Library. 1:45pm: Tina Frankenberger, vice chair of the GTB Natural Resource Committee, will speak on treaties & fishing rights inside the Old Art Building. The day will conclude on the front lawn of the Leelanau Historical Society for the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabe History Project Marker Dedication at 3pm. 231-256-9152. Free. ----------------------
EARTH SCIENCE WEEK CELEBRATION: 5:30pm, Boardman River Nature Center, Community Room, TC. Steve Veatch from Grand Traverse Area Rock & Mineral Club Pebble Pups will join GTCD to celebrate Earth Science Week by discussing careers & fields in Earth Science. Includes hands-on activities. Steve will share his experiences & insights into fields like climate science, oceanography, natural resource management, paleontology, & mining. Free. gtcd.wufoo.com/forms/rifa9mc1jne1vh
G.T. HUMANISTS MEETING: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Join the Grand Traverse Humanists as they welcome Anya Nyson with a talk called “Why Emotions Matter: Elevating our Humanity Through Neuroscience and Personal Practice.” This talk explores how a deeper understanding of emotions can foster personal growth, enrich relationships, & improve decision-making. Free. gthumanists.org
tuesday
PRESCHOOL STORY
TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library, lower-level Community Meeting Room. Preschool children of all ages & their caregivers are invited to join each Tues. at 10:30am for stories, songs & more. Free. sbbdl.org
TECH TUESDAY: IPHONE BASICS: 2pm, Leland Township Public Library, Leland. Corey Buchan of BuchanTECH will provide a tutorial on basic features & functions of your iPhone, as well as setup, apps, & some of the handy tools you may not know you have. Bring your iPhone & your questions. Free. lelandlibrary.org
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OTSEGO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING: 5:30-7pm, Otsego County Library, Gaylord.
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BEYOND PUMPKIN SPICE: 6:30pm, Bellaire Public Library. Enjoy a presentation by the Spice & Tea Exchange who will explore the diverse array of spices perfect for the fall season. There will be hot tea & treats. Register: 231-533-8814.
SWEETWATER EVENING GARDEN CLUB OCT. SPEAKER & MEETING: 7pm, Acme Township Hall, Williamsburg. Guest speaker JoAnn Snyder from The Herb Shop will give a presentation on the many uses of the more commonly grown herbs. 938-9611. Free.
wednesday
NATIVE PLANTING: (See Sat., Oct. 12, except today’s time is 10am.)
CHILLIN’ WITH THE CHAMBER: 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. ----------------------
PETOSKEY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Courtyard Petoskey, Victories Square - Marriott. Enjoy networking, food, door prizes, giveaways, a cash bar & more. Must register in advance. $10 members; $15 not-yet members. petoskeychamber.com
“THE CASE FOR LOVE”: 6-8:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Centered around Bishop Michael Curry’s “The Power of Love” given during the royal wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, the documentary travels the US talking to people who have experienced unselfish love. Features Pete Buttigieg, Al Roker, Sam Waterston, John Danforth, Becca Stevens, Jon Meacham, Russell Moore, Kelly Brown Douglas, & Jim Clyburn. The film will be followed by a panel discussion including Director Brian Ide. Benefits the Food Rescue. Free; reserve ticket.
BREWMASTERS COGTOBERFEST (SCIENCE EDITION): 6-9pm, COGnition, Beulah. Six new celebrity brews now representing six breweries. You vote for the winning flavor. There will also be live music, tours, a planetarium show & more. Benefits the Science and Discovery Center. $30-$100. discovercognition.org
FULL MOON PARTY & COSTUME CONTEST: 6-8pm, Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary, TC. Enjoy intention setting, community bonding, a costume contest & snacks. Free. blessedbetea.com
NEW PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30pm, Foster Family-Munson Healthcare Community Center, TC. . All persons with Parkinson’s & their care partners are invited to join. Kaitlin Malaski, Mindset Physical Therapy, will explore ways to “Move Ahead with PD.” Free. pnntc.org
NWS: SHELBY VAN PELT: 7pm, Lars Hockstad Auditorium, TC. Shelby will discuss her novel “Remarkably Bright Creatures” with guest host Beth Milligan. $10-$42.50. nationalwritersseries.org/shelby-van-pelt
OAB COMMUNITY INFORMATION
SESSIONS: 7-8pm, Old Art Building, Le-
: The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Oct. 17-20. Today’s films include “Problemista,” “Four Daughters,” “Ghostlight,” & “Society -
SUTTONS BAY FALL ARTISAN & WINE : 5-8pm, Suttons Bay. Enjoy strollingsans, & sampling local fare & refreshments. A walking guide is created which includes the names of the participating merchants along with the artist they are hosting & aceive a stamp on the walking guide & enter gift cards from participating
THE VENOMOUS & POISONOUS PLANTS & ANIMALS OF NORTHERN -
ters: The Milock Family Preserve, Kalkaska. Led by Dr. Acula, a guest entomologist from the University of Transylvania. Dr. Acula has taken time off from his field research on mosquitoes to share his findings about the most deadly, poisonous, carnivorous, &gion. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforce-sites.com/es/
chen Center for the Arts, Phoenix Theatre. By Hans Christian Andersen, adapted by
“THE ROCKY HORROR PICTUREtories, Petoskey. Performed by North Star Performing Arts Shadowcast. $5 prop bags.
MASHUP ROCK & ROLL MUSICAL PRESENTS “THE SOUND OF MUZIC”: 7:30pm, The Grand Traverse Circuit, TC.sic,” this feminist retelling sets the story in a zombie apocalypse. It is set with a rock & roll soundtrack. Tickets: $25-$38. mashuprockandrollmusical.com/upcoming-2PEAK MOUNTAIN BIKE 9am, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Held in & around the gently rolling terrain nding Crystal Mountain. The race starts & finishes near the base of the front-wood & pine forests on a course that is fast & challenging, but not so difficult that racers new to the sport won’t have a great time. In addition, on multi-use bike loop: Tour de Tiny Tykes for ages 6 & younger at 2pm; Little Tykes Race - 1.2 mile loop at 2:30pm; & Big Tykes Race - 1-mile loop at 2:45pm. For Little & Big Tykes: $10 advance; $15 day-of. Tiny Tykes: Free. $15-$70. crystalmountain.
EVE’S HEALING TAILS TRAIL RUN:ing a 5K Trail Run/Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run.ing, a woodland sanctuary dedicated to rescuing & rehabilitating dogs in need. $35. runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Gaylord/
HOMESTEADING & PREPAREDNESS 9am-5pm, Cherryland Center, TC. Join in this event with over 20 vendors
2pm, Leland. profunctions apps, & know quesPARCounty 6:30pm, Belpresentation by explore for the treats.
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land. Hear about the plans for the Old Art Building’s future, including updates on the Honoring Our Past & Building Our Future Capital Campaign & preliminary info re. the project’s Master Plan. oldartbuilding.com
PENINSULA INSIGHTS: 7pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. The speaker will be Harry Phillips, FBI, United Nations & NATO. 231-223-7700.
POPULAR MUSIC ENSEMBLE: DON’T LOSE SIGHT: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. See the stars of tomorrow as Interlochen’s Popular Music Ensemble performs a selection of music centered around a specific theme. $14-$17. interlochen.org
thursday
FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: 9am-6pm, Cadillac Wexford Public Library. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/upcoming-programs ----------------------
COFFEE @ 10, PETOSKEY: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. “Screendance & the School of Ballet Video Crew with Finley Van Patten.” Free. crookedtree.org/events/petoskey
16TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT FILM FESTIVAL: The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Oct. 17-20. Today’s films include “My Old School,” “Fallen Leaves,” “The Crime is Mine,” & “Navalny.” See web site for times & tickets. gardentheater.org/fff
BENZIE AREA CHAMBER “OFF THE CLOCK” EVENT: 5-7pm, Lucky Dog Bar & Grille, Beulah. Enjoy traditional Oktoberfest fare, libations, raffles, an update on Chamber operations, & more. RSVP. $5. benzie.org
EAST JORDAN BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-6:30pm, Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. Light snacks, networking, & tours of the building. Free for EJ Chamber members; $10 for not-yet members.
FREE PLAY: 5:30-7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Free open-studio for adults. Playful explorations of art materials & ideas in a relaxed, supportive, & social environment. crookedtree.org/events/petoskey ----------------------
FALL FUN RIDE: 6-8pm, TC Whiskey Co. Join Norte & enjoy a scenic four-mile loop around Boardman Lake where you can see the autumn colors. Afterwards enjoy a tasty treat from the food truck parked right outside TC Whiskey. Free.
AUTHOR BOB DOWNES: 6:30pm, Bellaire Public Library. Bob will talk about his nonfiction book, “Raw Deal: The Indians of the Midwest and the Theft of Native Lands.”
INTERLOCHEN IN TOWN: MUSICAL THEATER SHOWCASE FEATURING TONI TRUCKS: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. An alumna of Interlochen Arts Academy, Trucks currently stars as Lieutenant Lisa Davis on the hit Paramount Plus series “SEAL Team” & has appeared in “Franklin and Bash,” “Made in Jersey,” & more. Join Trucks & the young actors of Interlochen Arts Academy’s Theatre Division for a fastpaced revue of Broadway hits that spans Golden Age classics to contemporary hits. $10-$25. cityoperahouse.org/node/523
friday
FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: 9am-5pm, Cadillac Wexford Public
16TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT FILM FESTIVAL: The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Oct. 17-20. Today’s films include “Problemista,” “Four Daughters,” “Ghostlight,” & “Society of The Snow.” See web site for times & tickets. gardentheater.org/fff
SUTTONS BAY FALL ARTISAN & WINE
WALK: 5-8pm, Suttons Bay. Enjoy strolling store to store, viewing work from local artisans, & sampling local fare & refreshments. A walking guide is created which includes the names of the participating merchants along with the artist they are hosting & a winery if they choose to sponsor one. Receive a stamp on the walking guide & enter to win $150 in gift cards from participating businesses. Lord of the Gourd will also present a gourd carving extravaganza. suttonsbaychamber.com/fall-artisan-wine-walk
THE VENOMOUS & POISONOUS PLANTS & ANIMALS OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN: 6pm, Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve, Kalkaska. Led by Dr. Acula, a guest entomologist from the University of Transylvania. Dr. Acula has taken time off from his field research on mosquitoes to share his findings about the most deadly, poisonous, carnivorous, & venomous plants & animals lurking in our region. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforce-sites.com/es/ event/home/venomous101824
“THE SNOW QUEEN”: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Phoenix Theatre. By Hans Christian Andersen, adapted by Laura Mittelstaedt. Free. interlochen.org
“THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW”: 9pm, Odawa Casino Resort, Victories, Petoskey. Performed by North Star Performing Arts Shadowcast. $5 prop bags. $10. mynorthtickets.com
MASHUP ROCK & ROLL MUSICAL PRESENTS “THE SOUND OF MUZIC”: 7:30pm, The Grand Traverse Circuit, TC. A parody of the classic “The Sound of Music,” this feminist retelling sets the story in a zombie apocalypse. It is set with a rock & roll soundtrack. Tickets: $25-$38. mashuprockandrollmusical.com/upcomingshows-tickets/
saturday
18TH ANNUAL STORMCLOUD BREWING PEAK2PEAK MOUNTAIN BIKE CLASSIC: 9am, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Held in & around the gently rolling terrain surrounding Crystal Mountain. The race starts & finishes near the base of the frontside slopes. Riders journey through hardwood & pine forests on a course that is fast & challenging, but not so difficult that racers new to the sport won’t have a great time. In addition, on multi-use bike loop: Tour de Tiny Tykes for ages 6 & younger at 2pm; Little Tykes Race - 1.2 mile loop at 2:30pm; & Big Tykes Race - 1-mile loop at 2:45pm. For Little & Big Tykes: $10 advance; $15 day-of. Tiny Tykes: Free. $15-$70. crystalmountain. com/event/peak2peak
EVE’S HEALING TAILS TRAIL RUN: 9am, Lucky Clover Farm, Gaylord. Featuring a 5K Trail Run/Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run. All proceeds benefit Eve’s Place of Healing, a woodland sanctuary dedicated to rescuing & rehabilitating dogs in need. $35. runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Gaylord/ HealingTailsTrailRun
HOMESTEADING & PREPAREDNESS
EXPO: 9am-5pm, Cherryland Center, TC. Join in this event with over 20 vendors
sharing information & skills in everything you need to live self-sufficient lives. Vendors range from gardening to homeschooling to holistic medicine & HAM radios. Free.
TRINITY LUTHERAN CRAFT FAIR: 9am2pm, Trinity Lutheran School, 1003 S. Maple St., TC. Shop vendor booths. Lunch will be available for purchase, along with a bake sale benefiting PTL. Free admission. “SEVEN STEPS FORWARD”: 9:3011:30am, Bayfront Park, Petoskey. Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Walk. Proceeds benefit the Safe Haven program. Meet at the Bear River Shelter across the street from Bayfront Park. Register. $15$20. cfsnwmi.org/events/seven-steps-forward-domestic-violence-awareness-walk
2024 VASA SKI CLUB CROSS COUNTRY
SKI SWAP: 10am-1pm, Brick Wheels, TC. A great chance to buy both used & new ski equipment or sell some of your gear. Drop off your used Nordic skis, boots, or other gear on Fri., Oct. 18 from 4-7pm. Proceeds from the swap help fund Vasa Ski Club programs to promote Nordic skiing in the Grand Traverse Region. vasaskiclub.org
FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: 10am-noon, Cadillac Wexford Public Library. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/upcoming-programs ----------------------
HIKE THE RIDGE!: 10am, Five Mile Rd., TC. Enjoy a hike on The Ridge, a new Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) project that will help safeguard the water quality of Grand Traverse Bay, save wildlife habitat, & open up recreational opportunities. Come prepared for a 1.5-mile hike on moderately strenuous terrain, which will take about 2 hours. Registration required: 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforcesites.com/es/event/home/theridge91924
LITTLE WAVES: 10:30am, Petoskey District Library. A Musical Journey for Young Minds, this is a children’s program presented by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra (GLCO). Designed for ages 4 to 10, this innovative initiative invites young explorers to discover the wonders of music & instruments in a relaxed & informal setting. Led by the GLCO percussionist, Tim Mocny, Little Waves offers an opportunity for children to explore various musical instruments & genres. Free. petoskey. librarycalendar.com/event/little-waves-84
PRINTMAKING EXTRAVAGANZA: 11am2pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Explore the 2024 Annual Cape Dorset Print Collection, engage with talented local artists, & try your hand at creating one of your own unique pieces. Enjoy a day filled with art, culture, & creativity as you learn more about the rich traditions of Inuit printmaking & support the community of printmakers. $0-$10. simpletix.com/e/printmakingextravaganza-tickets-179737
16TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT FILM FESTIVAL: The Garden Theater, Frankfort, Oct. 17-20. Today includes “Sugarcane,” “Kneecap,” “Io Capitano,” & “How to Blow Up a Pipeline.” See web site for times & tickets. gardentheater.org/fff
HAYDAY FALL EVENT: Noon-4pm, Manistee National Golf & Resort. Featuring a 3.5K & 7K Trail Run & Hike at 9:30am; pumpkin painting, s’mores, a bonfire & horse rides. runsignup.com/Race/Events/ MI/Manistee/HayDay
BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Bruce Cameron will sign his book, “I’m Still Here: A Dog’s Purpose Forever.” horizonbooks.com/event/bruce-cameronbook-signing
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“THE SNOW QUEEN”: (See Fri., Oct. 18, except today’s time is 2pm.)
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BEST-SELLING AUTHOR W. BRUCE CAMERON & SCREENING: 3:30pm, The Bay Theatre, Suttons Bay. Hosted by PoWeR! Book Bags. Bruce Cameron will join for a screening of “A Dog’s Journey,” based on his popular novel. $10. thebaytheatre.com
WITCHES NIGHT OUT: 6-8pm, Downtown TC. Come dressed as a witch & visit participating stores for retail sales, mystical offerings, & more. Stores include Blessed Be, Intimi, Slip Vintage, Second Hand Social Club, My Secret Stash, Planty AF, Brilliant Books, Sweet Tartlet, Solitude Float Spa, Haystacks, 7 Monks, Buschell’s Kitchen and Craft Cocktails, Evil Queen, Penny Lane, Kilwins & Higher Art Gallery. Indulge in themed snacks & beverages & tarot readings. Live music from Hail Your Highness & Rebecca Jon at Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary. Free. facebook.com/share/PVbrR64ZUfY3h5QR
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BEN TRAVERSE & NICK VEINE W/ JOSH HOLCOMB (FIDDLE) & CARSTEN FORESTER (UPRIGHT BASS): 7:30pm, Ramsdell Theatre, Manistee. A special “Hometown Performance.” $25. ramsdelltheatre.org
DIXON’S VIOLIN: 7:30-9:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. Described as “the violinist that is changing the world,” Dixon’s Violin returns after selling out their show last year. $25 advance; $30 door. thealluvion.org/tickets/ dixons-violin-10-19-24
DOWNTOWN SOUND: MAY ERLEWINE: 7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. May’s music reminds us why we need to listen to women, empower women, & hear their stories. Her work has been spotlighted by Rolling Stone & NBC’s “The Voice” & covered by countless artists. $10$50. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ downtown-sound-may-erlewine-october-19
HERE COME THE MUMMIES: 8pm, Little River Casino Resort, Manistee. This group has been direct support for P-Funk, Al Green, Mavis Staples, KC and the Sunshine Band, & Cheap Trick. They also rocked Super Bowl Village; become a regular on The Bob and Tom Show; appeared on That’s My Jam with Jimmy Fallon, & more. $30-$60. lrcr.com/event/here-come-mummies
“THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW”: (See Fri., Oct. 18)
MASHUP ROCK & ROLL MUSICAL PRESENTS “THE SOUND OF MUZIC”: (See Fri., Oct. 18, except today’s performances are at 2pm & 7:30pm, & the 2pm performance is a pay what you can performance with a minimum of $5.)
oct 20
sunday STUTSMANVILLE CHAPEL FALL FESTIVAL: Noon2pm, Stutsmanville Chapel, Harbor Springs. Trunk or treat, games & food. Free. ----------------------
16TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT FILM FESTIVAL: The Garden Theater, Frankfort, Oct. 17-20. Today includes “A Still Small Voice,” “The Taste of Things,” & “Garden Theater Documentary.” gardentheater.org/fff
STRINGS IN THE SKY: DIXON’S VIOLIN: 1-3pm, Boyne Mountain Resort, SkyBridge Michigan, Disciples Overlook, Boyne Falls. boynemountain.com/upcoming-events/ strings-in-the-sky
“THE SNOW QUEEN”: (See Sat., Oct. 19)
32
14,
“NOMADS”: Higher Art Gallery, TC. A Fran De Anda exhibit. His work touches upon themes related to the human condition which he ties to ancient myths & archetypes. Concepts such as transformation, death, alchemy, the sacred, & the profane are explored through his paintings. Runs through Nov. 10. higherartgallery.com ----------------------
FREE OPEN STUDIO TUESDAYS: Noon4pm, Boyne Arts Center, Boyne City. Bring your paints, fiber arts, written arts, sculpting, jewelry, cards, drawing, or other portable mediums. Create & share.
BIRDS FLY IN: A HUMAN REFUGE: The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Grand Ballroom, Manistee. Art, music & poetry by Ellie Harold. Runs through Oct. ramsdelltheatre.org
“THE NATURAL WORLD”: Runs through Oct. 25 at City Opera House, TC. Featuring the works of photographer Susan Kirt. This exhibit seeks to immerse you in the landscapes & native plants that surround us. Highlighted are the birds, butterflies, bees & mammals that depend on these habitats. Hours are Mon. through Fri., 10am-2pm & during live shows through Oct. 25. cityoperahouse.org ----------------------
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:
- OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: Saturdays, 10am-1pm in the Visual Arts Room. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. Free. crookedtree.org
- 77TH ANNUAL MICHIGAN WATER COLOR SOCIETY EXHIBITION: Runs through Nov. 2 in Gilbert Gallery. Featuring the 30 works selected for recognition by the juror, Stan Kurth, from 193 submissions by 105 artists. Stan Kurth is an award winning artist & instructor, best known for his intuitive approach to painting. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-petoskey/77th-annual-michiganwater-color-society-exhibition - CROOKED TREE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION: Runs through Oct. 19 in Atrium Gallery. Featuring recent work by members of the Crooked Tree Photographic Society. The photographs included in this show were self-selected by the group through peer review. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/crooked-tree-photographic-society-annual-exhibition
- IDENTITY MAPS: JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: Runs through Nov. 2 in Bonfield Gallery. Featuring 48 photobased works that explore dynamic interplays between identity, community, & place, selected by the juror, Amy Sacka. The 26 artists explored the theme through a variety of approaches, including digital, analog, mixed media, & cyanotype photography. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/identity-maps-juried-photography-exhibition
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC: - MICHIGAN: AN AMERICAN PORTRAIT: Held in Cornwell Gallery. An art & culture exhibition that looks at the history, people, & natural environment of the state of Michigan. Through original works of art by Michigan artists, relationships between place, identity, & the human experience are explored. Runs through Oct. 26. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-traverse-city/michiganamerican-portrait - TIMES 2: Held in Carnegie Galleries. Featuring artwork created from recycled & upcycled materials. Runs through Oct. 26. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-traverse-city/times-2
- THE EKPHRASTIC: Held in Carnegie Rotunda. Poets & writers are encouraged to write poems or verse based on artworks on exhibit at Crooked Tree. Both written works & the inspiring artwork will be displayed & accompanied by readings with the authors. Exhibit runs through Oct. 26. See web site
for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/ekphrastic
DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:
- “A BEAUTIFUL MESS: WEAVERS & KNOTTERS OF THE VANGUARD”: The eleven artists in this exhibition transform rope, yarn, clay, wire, & extension cords into wall hangings & sculptures that range from minimal & hyper-organized to expansive, organic installations. Runs through Jan. 5. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. Closed on major holidays. dennosmuseum. org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/index.html
- “KATRINA BELLO: SKY INTO STONE”: A solo exhibition by Katrina Bello featuring charcoal & soft pastel drawings created around the time of her Tusen Takk residency in 2023. Runs through Jan. 5. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. Closed on major holidays. dennosmuseum.org/art/ upcoming-exhibitions/index.html
- A STYLE ALL OUR OWN: CANADIAN WOODLAND ARTISTS: Runs through May 25. In the early 1960s, young Indigenous artists from the Great Lakes region created a unique style of painting known as the Woodland School of Art. Early members of this prolific art community included Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray, Roy Thomas, Sam Ash, Jackson Beardy, and Daphne Odjig. Perhaps the best-known of the group is Norval Morrisseau, who is often referred to as the Father of the Woodland School. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. Closed on major holidays. dennosmuseum. org/art/now-on-view/canadian-woodlandartists.html
- CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CERAMICS FROM THE HORVITZ COLLECTION: Runs through Sept. 28, 2025. An array of works by contemporary Japanese ceramic artists, a sampler of the great diversity of styles, forms, glazes, & ages. These artworks are drawn from the curated collection of Carol & Jeffrey Horvitz, some of the leading collectors of Japanese contemporary outside of Japan. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. Closed on major holidays. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/ index.html
GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:
- SHRINES + ALTARS: Runs through Oct. 24. This exhibit is an exploration of what we hold sacred: To whom are we building shrines? At what altars are we worshipping? GAAC is open Mon. through Fri., 9am-3pm; Sat. & Sun., noon-4pm. glenarborart.org
- OUTDOOR GALLERY EXHIBIT: MARGO BURIAN + ORDINARY MAGIC: Leelanau County artist Margo Burian’s collages have been chosen for display in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s 2024-25 Outdoor Gallery exhibition, an annual, invitational exhibit. Burian’s collages are rooted in the idea of Ordinary Magic, or delight. They were reproduced on five, 5-foot-square, weatherresistant aluminum panels created by Image 360 of TC. Runs through April 20, 2025. Check web site for hours. glenaborart.org
OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT:
- CREATIVE KALEIDOSCOPE: This annual juried art exhibition will highlight the work of talented regional artists in a range of media. Acceptance in the show is based on the selections of the jurors. This year’s jurors are Liz Celeste, curator of Education and Exhibits at the Dennos Museum & acclaimed Michigan artist Mark Mahaffey. The show will close with an Artist Talk on Fri., Oct. 18 from 4-6pm. The Oliver Art Center is open Mon. - Sat. from 10am-4pm & Sun. from noon-4pm. oliverart.org
- TRANSFIGURATION: THE ART OF UPCYCLING: Runs through Nov. 8. Trash to treasure! Transfiguration, an exhibition showcasing artists who breathe new life into the discarded. Featuring surprising & detailed works of art made from everyday objects most of us wouldn’t give a second glance. Check web site for hours. oliverart.org
downtown bay harbor open 7 days a week!
HAPPY HOUR every day 4pm-6pm $4 draft beer
$5 wine by the glass $6 seasonal cocktails half off brandy’s bites
live music every weekend! brandysharbortown.com
BONOBO WINERY, TC
10/18 -- Jeff Socia, 6-8
ENCORE 201, TC
Grand Traverse & Kalkaska
10/12 -- Frank Bang, 7:30-10; DJ Ricky T, 10-2
10/18 -- Stone Reverie,
8-10:30; DJ Ricky T, 10:30-2
10/19 -- DJ Ricky T, 9
FANTASY’S, TC
DJ
IDENTITY BREWING CO., TC
10/18 -- The Hozz, 6-9
JACOB'S FARM, TC
10/12 – Bill Fromm & Jazz North, 6
10/13 – Brett Mitchell, 5 10/17 – Michael Hozz, 5 10/18 – Midnight Blue Band, 6 10/19 – Soul Patch Band, 6 10/20 – Timberline North Band, 5
KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC Mon -- Team Trivia, 7-9
Tue -- The Will Harris Trio, 8 Wed -- The Pocket, 8 Thu -- DJ Leo, 9:30 10/18-19 -- Protea, 8:30
KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING
10/15 – Open Mic, 6-7 10/17 – Trivia Night w/ Host Marcus Anderson, 7-9
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM: 10/14 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9
TASTING ROOM:
10/18 -- John Richard Paul, 5-7
LIL BO, TC Tues. – Trivia, 8-10 Sun. – Karaoke, 8
MARI VINEYARDS, TC 4-6:
10/15 -- SkyeLea 10/17 -- Luke Woltanski
MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC 10/18 -- David Lawston, 6-9
NORTH BAR, TC 7-10:
10/12 – Brett Mitchell
10/16 – Jesse Jefferson
10/17 – Drew Hale 10/18 – Wink Solo 10/19 – Levi Britton
OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC
10/12 – Twilight Tunes: Dueling Pianos, 6-10
SEVEN HILLS, PENINI, 6: 10/16 – Jimmy Olson 10/18 – Chris Smith 10/19 – DJ Ras Marco D
SORELLINA'S, TC SLATE RESTAURANT: Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8 Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9
THE ALLUVION, TC 10/12 -- The Claudettes wsg
Eric O'Daly, 7:30-10
10/14 -- Funky Uncle - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30
10/16 -- StoryProv: An Evening of Open Mic Storytelling & Improv, 7-9
10/17 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, w/ NMC Jazz Big Band, 6-8:30 10/18 -- Desmond Jones wsg
The Handstanders, 7:30-10:30
10/19 -- Dixon's Violin, 7:309:30
THE HAYLOFT INN, TC
7:30-11: 10/11-12 -- Sandy & The Bandits
10/18-19 -- Tyler Gitchel's Traditional Country Show
Antrim & Charlevoix
THE PARLOR, TC
8-11:
10/12 – Luke Woltanski & John Piatek
10/18 – Chris Sterr
10/19 – Empire Highway
THE PUB, TCx
10/12 – Larz Cabot, 8-11
10/16 – Zeke Clemons, 7-10
10/17 -- David Márton, 7-10
10/18 – Drew Hale, 8-11
10/19 – Rolling Dirty, 7-10
THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC
10/12 -- The Marsupials, 8 10/15 -- Open Mic, 6:30-9 10/16 -- Jazz Show & Jam, 6-8:30
10/18 -- Seth Brown Duo, 8 10/20 -- Laughs on Tap: The Comedy Variety Open Mic, 7-9
THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC PATIO, 6:30-9:30: 10/12 -- Tower of Bauer 10/18 -- TC Guitar Guys 10/19 -- Boardman River Band
TOWNLINE CIDERWORKS, WILLIAMSBURG
10/12 -- Rebekah Jon, 6-8
TURTLE CREEK CASINO, WILLIAMSBURG
9-1:
10/12 – Risque
10/18 – DJ Mr. Markis
10/19 – 2nd Hand Entertainment
UNION STREET STATION, TC
10/12 -- J Hawkins Band, 10 10/17 -- Ladies Night Dance Party w/ 1Wave DJs, 9 10/18 -- The Boardman River Band, 10 10/19 -- The Timebombs, 9:30
LITTLE RIVER CASINO RESORT, MANISTEE 10/14 – Here Come The Mummies, 8-9:30
NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA
10/12 -- Chief Day w/ Seth Bernard, Great Lakes Brass, The Handstanders, & Ted Bounty & The Bounty Hunters, noon 10/18 -- Tim Krause, 6 10/19 -- Lynn Callihan, 6
THE GREENHOUSE - WILLOW/ PRIMOS, CADILLAC 10/17 -- Kids Karaoke, 6-7; Adults Karaoke, 7-10 10/18 -- Band Break Out Competition, 7
lOGY
OCT 14 - OCT 20
BY ROB BREZSNY
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your bulboid corpuscles are specialized nerve cells in your skin that can experience intense tactile pleasure—more so than any other nerve cells. They are located in your lips, tongue, and genitals. According to my analysis of your astrological potentials, these ultra-sensitive receptors will be turned on extra high in the coming weeks. So will their metaphysical and metaphorical equivalents. That's why I predict you will gather in more bliss than you have in a long time. Please give yourself permission to exceed your usual quota.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Here's the deal that life is offering: You temporarily suspend your drive to possess crystalline certainty, and you agree to love and thrive on ambiguity and paradox. In return, you will be given help in identifying unconscious and hidden factors at work in your destiny. You will be empowered to make confident decisions without needing them to be perfect. And you will learn more about the wise art of feeling appreciative reverence for great mysteries.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): once had a Virgo girlfriend. She was talented, hardworking, meticulous, organized, health-conscious, and resourceful. She also hated it if I neglected to put the jar of honey back in the cupboard immediately after using it. She would get upset if I neglected to remove my shoes as soon as I entered the house. Her fussy perfectionism wasn't the reason we ultimately broke up, but it did take a toll on me. I bring this to your attention because I hope you will mostly keep fussy perfectionism to yourself in the coming weeks. It's fine if you want to indulge it while alone and doing your own work, but don't demand that others be equally fastidious. Providing this leeway now will serve you well in the long run. You can earn slack and generate good will that comes in handy when you least expect it.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Once upon a time, you were more hazardous to yourself than you are now. I’m pleased about the progress you have made to treat yourself with greater care and compassion. It hasn’t been easy. You had to learn mysterious secrets about dealing with your inner troublemaker. You had to figure out how to channel its efforts into generating benevolent and healing trouble. There’s still more work to be done, though. Your inner troublemaker isn’t completely redeemed and reformed. But you now have a chance to bring it more fully into its destined role as your ally and helper.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I predict that your past will soon transform. You may discover new details about old events. Stories you have told and told about your history will acquire new meanings. You will be wise to reinterpret certain plot twists you thought you had figured out long ago. There may not be anything as radical as uncovering wild secrets about your true origins—although I wouldn't discount that possibility. So expect a surprise or two, Sagittarius. But I suspect you will ultimately be pleased to revise your theories about how you came to be the resilient soul you are now.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Of all the astrological signs, Capricorns are least likely to consult horoscopes. There are many skeptical people among your tribe who say, "Astrology is irrational and illogical. It can’t be precise and accurate, so it’s not even real." My personal research also suggests, however, that a surprising percentage of Capricorns pretend not to be drawn to astrology even though they actually are. They may even hide their interest from others. How do I feel about all this? It doesn’t affect me as I compose your oracles. I love you as much as the other signs, and I always give you my best effort. Now I suggest that in the coming weeks, you do what I do: Give your utmost in every situation, even if some people are resistant to or doubtful of your contributions. Be confident as you offer your excellence.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You are ready to graduate to a higher octave of maturity and wisdom about everything related to love, romance, and sex. It will be instructive to meditate on your previous experiences. So I invite you to ruminate on the following questions. 1. What important lessons have
you learned about the kind of togetherness you want? 2. What important lessons have you learned about the kind of togetherness you don’t want? 3. What important lessons have you learned about how to keep yourself emotionally healthy while in an intimate relationship?
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Are you longing to feel safe, cozy, and unperturbable? Are you fantasizing about how perfect life would be if you could seal yourself inside your comfort zone and avoid novelty and change for a while? I hope not, Pisces! By my astrological reckoning, you are due for a phase of experimentation and expansion. You will thrive on the challenges of big riddles and intriguing teases. Please take full advantage of this fun opportunity to hone your intuition and move way beyond random guesswork. For extra credit: Prove the theory that it’s very possible to cultivate and attract good luck.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): As a young adult, I lived in a shack in the North Carolina woods. I was too indigent to buy a car or bicycle, so walked everywhere needed to go. Out of necessity, I discovered the practical power of psychic protection. envisioned myself being surrounded by an impenetrable violet force field and accompanied by the guardian spirits of a panther, wolf, and bear. This playful mystical practice kept me safe. Though I was regularly approached by growling dogs and drunk thugs in pickup trucks, I was never attacked. Now would be an excellent time for you to do what I did: put strong psychic protection in place. You’re not in physical danger, but now is a good time to start shielding yourself better against people’s manipulative gambits, bad moods, emotional immaturity, and careless violations.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): once heard you say that the best method for solving any dilemma is to sit silently, calm my mind, and listen for the ‘still, small voice of the teacher within me.’ I have tried your advice, but I have never detected this voice. What am I doing wrong? — Deprived Taurus.” Dear Taurus: Here’s how to become available for guidance from the still, small voice of your inner teacher. 1. Go someplace quiet, either in nature or a beloved sanctuary. 2. Shed all your ideas and theories about the nature of your dilemma. 3. Tenderly ask your mind to be empty and serene as you await an intuition. 4. Feel sweet gratitude for each breath as you inhale and exhale. 5. Visualize your inner teacher smiling. 6. Make yourself expectant to receive an insightful blessing.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): of people who love to trek in natural places, a "cobbknocker" refers to a hiker who precedes you and knocks down the spider webs crossing the trail. I would love for you to procure a similar service for all your adventures in the coming weeks, not just hiking. See if you can coax or hire helpers to clear a path for you in everything you do. want you to be able to concentrate on the essentials and not get bogged down or distracted by trivial obstructions. You need spaciousness and ease.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): When you are at your Cancerian best, you nurture others but don't smother them with excessive care. You give your gifts without undermining your own interests. You are deeply receptive and sensitive without opening yourself to be abused or wounded. In my astrological estimation, you are currently expressing these qualities with maximum grace and precision. Congratulations on your ever-ripening emotional intelligence! I trust you will be rewarded with grateful favors.
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PAID PT WORK TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR SENIORS 55+: The AARP Foundation SCSEP Program is accepting applications from seniors aged 55 and over for paid, parttime work training assignments in Grand Traverse and other surrounding counties. Earn while you train. You must be aged 55 and over, be unemployed, seeking work, and meet income eligibility. To apply, call AARP Foundation SCSEP at 231-252-4544.
BEAGLE PUPPYS FOR SALE: Beautiful Beagle Puppys for sale at a low price They all have different markings and long ears Pups have all shots, they are 8 weeks old Call 989-386-4478 ask for Toby
COTTAGE FOR RENT: TC 1BR Cottage, Fully Furnished, All Utilities, A/C, W/D, Cable TV, Enclosed Porch, Parking, Very Nice, Quiet, Month-to-Month to Year, No Pets, $1,700 per month. (231) 631-7512.
“I DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT SABOTAGE . . .: but there have been entirely too many violent deaths associated with this investigation for me to accept the conclusion that [Gary] Caradori’s aircraft simply came apart in the sky.” —Nebraska State Senator, Loran Schmit. Wolf’s Head Bay can be found at Horizon Books in TC, and on BookBaby and Amazon.
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