+ UP NORTH PRIDE WEEK RETURNS: Meet the new UNP executive director + HOME RENOS WORTH THE COST: Local realtors share projects that add value to your home
The Michigan Supreme Court is Chosen by The People, the U.S. Supreme Court is Not
The Michigan Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, making decisions on critical issues that impact everyone. It’s important to know the citizens of Michigan have the power to elect the people who are entrusted with this vital role in our state government.
During any given term, issues that come before the Michigan Supreme Court can include civil rights, environmental regulations, criminal justice, reproductive rights, gun safety, fair elections, and more. The justices who serve on the court help shape Michigan’s future, reviewing over 2,000 appeals every year and choosing the most complex, significant cases to help ensure a just and fair outcome.
Michigan is one of only 24 states that empowers voters to elect state Supreme Court justices, which is a civic duty as important as any choice you make on your ballot.
This is completely di erent from United States Supreme Court justices, who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Although both the U.S. Supreme Court and the Michigan Supreme Court act as the final authority in interpreting laws and judicial rules at the federal and state level, respectively, there are other di erences, too.
Unlike U.S. Supreme Court justices, who serve for life, Michigan Supreme Court justices are elected for eight-year terms. Candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court must be a qualified elector, a licensed Michigan lawyer for five years, and under the age of 70 at the time of their election.
Seven justices serve on the Michigan Supreme Court at a time. When their term is complete, they can run for re-election if they meet the requirements. In 2024, Justice Kyra Harris Bolden is the only incumbent running for re-election. She is the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court, having been appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2022 when a vacancy on the court needed to be filled. That is part of the process in Michigan, and is the only time a Supreme Court justice is appointed and not elected.
Although Justice Bolden may not have been a household name at the time, she previously served in the state House for four years. During her time in the House, Justice Bolden sat on the Judiciary Committee and introduced bipartisan legislation designed to protect citizens’ rights. Before that, she was a litigation attorney. These are the kinds of qualifications that ensure that Michigan Supreme Court justices understand the rule of law, the importance of fairness and equity, and demonstrate the level of integrity and education this important role requires.
Supreme Court justices in Michigan must be nominated by a political party, but their political a liation is not included on voters’ ballots. So it’s essential to do your homework to understand the values and experience of candidates once they are o cially nominated, especially if you want to ensure a balanced court that will protect the rights and freedoms of everyone in Michigan.
This year, Michigan voters will choose who fills two open spots on the Michigan Supreme Court. The votes you cast can make an impact for a generation. That’s why it’s essential to understand how to vote for Michigan Supreme Court justices.
Even if you vote a straight-party ticket, you must individually cast your vote for justices in the non-partisan section of your ballot. It’s easy to find – if you know to be looking for it. So don’t stop at the top! Keep going through your entire ballot to vote for two Supreme Court justices in the non-partisan section.
Every election – and every vote – matters. Learn more about your voting rights, get more information about the Michigan Supreme Court, and check out what the non-partisan section of your ballot will look like. Visit www.misupremecourtrocks.com for all this and more.
-Kalvin Carter, Up North Advocacy Project Director
The Power of TIF
Having been involved in transformative projects like River’s Edge, Midtown, CVS, and Uptown, I have witnessed firsthand the power of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). These once contaminated and blighted areas have been revitalized into vibrant hubs that are positive contributors to our community, thanks to TIF.
This tool not only revitalizes but also reinvests the increased tax revenue from these areas into public improvements that benefit everyone.
The proposed ballot initiatives, which require public votes for all TIF plans, threaten to halt this progress. Urban planning requires flexibility, expertise, and the ability to act swiftly—not delays from unnecessary referendums. We should rely on the current system (which has served us so well) and which follows statutory procedures set forth by the legislature, giving authority to elected and appointed officials (with public input), who are trained and experienced in making these decisions, rather than abdicate this responsibility to a public vote.
This is not just about preserving a funding mechanism; it’s about ensuring Traverse City remains a thriving community that addresses challenges like housing and infrastructure for future generations.
Michael Wills | Traverse City
Who Can’t Afford the DDA?
Who is the “We” on the yard signs promoting a NO vote on city proposals 1 & 2, claiming “We can’t afford it”?
It’s deceptive. “We” is not you and me, Traverse City residents/taxpayers. More likely “we” is the DDA (and its supporters) who seemingly use TIF dollars like a bottomless cookie jar. (“Mindfulness” training for DDA employees is one example.)
Time to stop the gravy train and reset a new TIF taxable value baseline just like they did when TIF2 ended in 2015 and the Old Town TIF was created. A YES vote can do that. TIF won’t go away, but TIF97 will end as promised and a new TIF (“Moving Downtown Forward”) can begin with a new baseline.
But the DDA is greedy and wants to extend TIF97 so they can continue capturing millions for another 30 years while the city continues to only collect the same taxes it did in 1997. This is wrong.
There can still be TIFs. But the real “We” can have more control over where we want to see our tax dollars used.
John & Deni Scrudato | Traverse City
Balancing the Downtown Burden Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has been a game-changer in helping Traverse City. In 1997, we used it because downtown was blighted, had polluted sites, and had a high retail vacancy. The key to its success is simple: TIF delivers regional financial support for a wide range of projects so that a minority of taxpayers—Traverse City’s 15,000 city residents—don’t have to pay the entire cost of maintaining downtown facilities that get used by as many as 50,000 visitors a day.
Forcing a public vote on every TIF-
financed project would derail the ability to move many projects forward while shifting the entire financial responsibility onto city residents. Instead, allowing our local elected representatives to oversee this process.
Currently, Proposal 1 violates state law in both content and length according to the state attorney generals’ office. The only reason it remains on the ballot is that it was deemed, “petition-initiated,” which virtually ensures there will be costly and lengthy litigation if it passes. Do the city taxpayers want tax dollars spent fighting this in court?
Most importantly, we will be missing out on millions of state dollars without our TIF districts and plans. Keep in mind: Traverse City’s growth is not limited to downtown but has also leveraged the growth of our outlying communities. Projects like the Commons, and the Boardman Lake Loop, not to mention the recentlycompleted bridge repairs, were all made possible with TIF dollars. Maintaining the TIF system means every stakeholder who shares in the success of our community contributes their fair share.
Please do not put all of the financial burden on our city residents. “We cannot afford it.”
Pam Marsh | Traverse City
The Business of War
Steven Tuttle is inclined to exonerate children for horrific crimes because they lack “adult moral intelligence and maturity,” which is somehow determined by how many calendar months have passed since they were born. But isn’t it a better judgment of moral intelligence and maturity demonstrated by what people do, especially those in power?
We have a nation full of adult leaders who justify the most horrific crimes in history with military support and U.S weapons. Since we exonerate some criminals because they haven’t matured enough to be held responsible, should we not accept our moral responsibility for the murders of thousands of children who would not have died without us providing lethal means to our immature adults?
Among the campaign points reiterated by many political candidates is continuing support for “Israel’s Right to Defend Itself,” (which boosts our economy, as we profit from supplying tens-of-billions for weapons, without limits to how, when, or where they are used). Our disregard to the life and liberty of Palestinians has the same political-economic sensitivity that dominated presidential campaigns in the 1850s. when it was argued that slavery was an economic necessity and the slave owners had a “right to defend” their business interests, by any means, without regard to the life or liberty of the enslaved humans.
We have done well in expanding our military and economic dominance over the world, but the future for others does not look positive. Our American model for the world has been used to justify the murder of millions to allow “settlers to occupy territories” taken from the inhabitants, often using the justification that it was necessary for national defense.
How will the United States of America be viewed when looking back a century from today? Not for moral intelligence.
David Petrove | Interlochen
CONTENTS feature
columns
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Raise a Glass in Cadillac
The best of the brews will be on tap at Cadillac’s Craft Beer Festival, Sept. 28 at the City Park at Cadillac Commons. Sample craft beverages from across the state—like Bier Distillery & Brewery of Comstock Park and Arbor Brewing of Ypsilanti—alongside NoMi favorites like Short’s, Cheboygan Brewing, and Grand Traverse Distillery. Musical guests include Raylin Vance, Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, and The Insiders: A Tribute to Tom Petty. Plus, participate in a cornhole tournament (11:30am) or the 5K Cadillac Craft Beer Hustle (12pm). Proceeds from the event will support local nonprofit Jam & Bread, providing mentorship alongside arts and music education, as well as Cadillac Area Festivals & Events, which supports community activities in the area. Get tickets—$10 for designated drivers, $35 for general admission, and $70 for VIP—at cadillaccraftbeerfest.com.
10 Years of Leelanau UnCaged
Northport will close their streets again to celebrate 10 years of Leelanau UnCaged, Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11am-10pm. This free festival includes 33 performances on six stages, including live music by East Bay Drive, Sweet Rhubarb, Blind Dog Hank, Brett Mitchell, Song of the Lakes, and many others. There will also be a stage for all kinds of dancing, such as the Traverse City Dance Project, Anishinabek Dancers & Singers, ALIGN, and more. Artisans will showcase their work, and there will be a kids’ tent and food vendors. A water blessing ceremony will be held at the shores of Northport’s Marina Park and Pavilion. leelanauuncaged.com
Hey, read It! The Ministry of Time 4
It’s sometime in the near future, and a British operation known as the Ministry has just undertaken an experiment wherein people from various historical periods are trained to survive in the 21st century. To aid their transition, each of these “expats” is assigned to a modern-day steward, one of whom—a young, multiethnic woman—is matched with inscrutable lieutenant Graham Gore. According to history, Victorian sailor Gore should have died in 1847, but instead, he’s in her flat, applying for jobs, and chainsmoking cigarettes. On paper, his case seems like a success! Our heroine, however, doesn’t anticipate falling in love with the man she’s sworn to protect—or that the project’s groundbreaking research is actually a coverup for something more sinister. Part sci-fi thriller, part office drama (with a sprinkle of romance), The Ministry of Time from bestselling author Kaliane Bradley is a genre-bender through time and space.
A friend recently sent a meme that said, “Cheese: the only fast-acting antidepressant.” Now, we’re not here to give mental health advice, but we can certainly attest to the power of the ParMichigano, Saltless Sea Creamery’s take on the classic Parmigiano Reggiano, aka parmesan. (Fun fact: The name of this style of cheese is a bit like Champagne from France vs. sparkling wine from everywhere else, but we digress.) The milk for the ParMichigano is sourced from DeVor Dairy Farm & Creamery in Kalkaska, and while it’s obviously not vegan, it is vegetarian, which is uncommon for this type of cheese! The result is nutty and packed with flavor, especially after being cave-aged for 8-12 months. Find a wedge (or inquire after a wheel) at Oryana, Lakeview Hill Farm, or farmers markets in Traverse City. saltlesssea.com
Witches Night Out
If you ask us, it’s never too soon to start celebrating Halloween. So gather your coven, grab your trusty broom (or your vacuum, if you’re going Sanderson sister style), and head to downtown Petoskey for Witches Night Out on Friday, Sept. 27, from 5-9pm. This is trickor-treating for grown-ups, with Halloween-inspired games and prizes, spooky food and drink, and shopping discounts that are scary good—no spells required. Participating retailers include Grandpa Shorter’s, The Katydid, J.W. Shorter & Son Mercantile, Bearcub Outfitters, Poetess & Stranger, Somebody’s Gallery, Malted Vinyl, and half a dozen other spots around town. At each stop, keep your eyes peeled (and wallet ready) to indulge in witchy makeup sessions, fairy hair, tarot readings, and seasonal merch. Get all the details at grandpashorters. com/event/petoskey-witches-night-out.
Another Hot, Dry Summer
Last week, the City of Traverse City sent a PSA asking residents to skip the sprinklers Sept. 16-18, citing water main reconstruction work related to the Grandview Parkway project and unusually high temperatures. This prompted us to review our summer weather report as we head into fall. Across the board, temperatures were up and rainfall was down. Per the National Weather Service, July’s average high in Traverse City was 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit with an average low of 61.9, up from the normal of 81.3 and 59.4. We had 1.11 inches of rain, down from the normal 2.71. August saw an average high of 81.6 and low of 59.9, both up over the normal 79.6 and 58.7. Rainfall clocked in at 1.87 inches, down from the normal 2.98. September’s average high was 77.9, a leap from the normal 73.2, with an average low of 47.8 vs. 48.8. Precipitation was only 0.13 inches, whereas we’d usually see 1.80 by now.
While we love the excitement of fall and back to school, we don’t love that the germs tag along. Give the kiddos—and the grown-ups, too—a little extra protection with the help of the hand sanitizer lineup from the Secret Garden at Brys Estate in Traverse City. They offer two aromatic scents: Lavender Pure Hands and B.E. Clean. Both contain 62% ethyl alcohol to sanitize along with aloe vera to moisturize and vitamins B-5 and E to promote healthy skin. (Plus, they’re vegan, cruelty-free, and free from sulfates and parabens!) The lavender version uses essential oil from the garden’s purple plants, while B.E. Clean offers a fresh combo of lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. Find their products at local stores like Tom’s Food Markets, at their storefront on Old Mission Peninsula (3309 Blue Water Road), or online at bryssecretgarden.com.
Things are getting warm and cozy at Poppycocks in Traverse City thanks to lead mixologist Emily Bryant’s newest cocktail, the Crystal Chai Margarita. This autumnal flavor bomb blends traditional Masala chai—that’s black tea brewed with aromatic spices, like ginger, clove, and cardamom—with the classic margarita (Lunazul Blanco tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar). For an extra touch of complexity, it’s also clarified; in this case, removing unwanted impurities and particles with a wash of milk. This creates a crystal-clear sip with a rounded viscosity and silky mouth-feel. Rimmed with spiced peppercorn, sea salt, and sugar, and garnished with a cinnamon stick, it’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and 100 percent perfect for fall. Find Poppycocks in downtown Traverse City at 128 E. Front St. poppycockstc.com
A POLICY NIGHTMARE
spectator
By steven Tuttle
Had enough? No, seriously, do you wish the 2024 election cycle was either over or would just go away? The campaigns get longer, uglier, and more vapid with each election.
Early voting, a benefit for most of us, has unfortunately created a month-long election day and even longer than normal campaign efforts. It has gone beyond simply annoying because the candidates will not leave us alone. Did they really believe that tenth or eleventh piece of mail would do the trick? That one last really good insult would finally convince me not to vote for an opponent?
and Human Services and replacing it with something called the Department of Life; reducing or eliminating climate change and environmental policies by shutting down the Office of Domestic Climate Policy, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, the Office of Environmental Justice, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including the National Weather Service to name a few.
Need more? All right, how about slashing the budget of the Department of Justice and reorganizing the FBI by requiring loyalty to the
For those not of the hardcore conservative persuasion, Project 2025 is a horror story, basically the blueprint for a conservative imperial presidency forever.
And if candidates somehow believe that interrupting whatever we’re trying to watch or read online is a good idea, they are seriously mistaken. These are the modern versions of robocalls and are every bit as annoying.
The national campaigns are about as unpleasant as we expected.
In the middle of this unpleasantness is the much ballyhooed Project 2025. This is the work of the Heritage Foundation, a “think tank” formed in 1973 that is, according to their own website, dedicated to creating and promoting conservative public policies based on free enterprise, limited government, strong national defense, individual freedom, and their version of traditional American values.
The Heritage Foundation claims some 400 “experts” produced Project 2025 in 2023 as a blueprint for a conservative federal government not just for Donald Trump but as an effort to create a conservative government in perpetuity. Their “four pillars” are a policy agenda (civil rights, reproductive rights, and voting rights are not high on their priority list), personnel database (eliminate civil service protections from government employees then remove those not in agreement with their plans), training (it’ll take some time and effort to get the entire federal government to step in line), and a 180-day playbook (implementing the plan starts the second Trump is elected).
president, eliminating apolitical civil servants and firing as many as 50,000 of them to be replaced by names on a conservative database, replace the Department of Homeland Security with an Immigration Department that can militarize the borders, remove the U.S. from international treaties and organizations, and ignore the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in favor of our own document that is anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion.
For those not of the hardcore conservative persuasion, Project 2025 is a horror story, basically the blueprint for a conservative imperial presidency forever. Even worse, it will require a subservient Congress and judiciary, both of which are part of the plan.
The hope is that people will at least go online and take a glance at the thing as it might distract them from what’s becoming a bizarrely dishonest campaign. We now have the peteating migrant story oozing out of Ohio. Oddly, it apparently hasn’t occurred to any reporter or campaign to contact the police and see if anybody has reported Fido being stolen or to provide, you know, actual evidence.
(Meanwhile, Trump ads are telling us that Harris is “dangerously soft on crime.” That should be fine with the Trump campaign, since their candidate is an actual 34 times convicted felon.)
Trump claims he knows nothing about Project 2025 and it is not part of his plans for another administration. But 140 of the folks who put together Project 2025 worked either in the Trump Administration or on Trump campaigns, and much seems as if it was written to appease him directly.
Need more details? According to their own 922-page policy nightmare, in the first 180 days, the plan calls for eliminating protections and rights for the LGBTQ+ community; ending reproductive freedom as we currently understand it, including outlawing the so-called abortion pill; eliminating the Department of Health
The race continues painfully close with both FiveThirtyEight.com and RealClearPolitics showing Harris with a small national lead, while Republicans attempting to regain control of the Senate enjoy a similarly thin margin. The former president has issues on which he could be running, but he always favors the more basic strategy of insults and name calling. Harris, with an improving economy behind her, is running to the middle as fast as her formerly progressive feet will take her.
Somehow, there are still around five percent of likely voters claiming they are undecided. Maybe a quick glance at Project 2025 and what one side of this election has planned for us will help make that decision.
HOUSING IS A MARATHON
Guest Opinion
by Yarrow Brown
Housing is a marathon, not a sprint. It took years to get into the current housing crisis, and it will take a lot of time to get back to a healthy balance, but I believe we can do this.
One of the avenues to address housing is zoning reform, allowing more density and opportunities to build in underutilized areas or on smaller lots. But these changes and their impacts take time. While we wait for our region’s 187 units of government to look at the data, review the information, and decide how they can bring the housing opportunities they need to support their communities, we can still make progress ourselves.
Traverse City, Grand Traverse County and other counties also have adopted PILOT ordinances and approved projects using this tool.
In Emmet County, the Maple Block project will provide over 200 units using the HTIF. This partnership with Great Lakes Capital, the City of Petoskey and Emmet County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is allowing a contaminated site to be cleaned up and bring some of the first workforce housing to Petoskey in over 20 years. We will see rents ranging from $975 for a studio to $1,850 for a two-bedroom unit. For this project, at least
It took years to get into the current housing crisis, and it will take a lot of time to get back to a healthy balance, but I believe we can do this.
We can’t lose sight of how many people are in need of housing who make less than 50 percent of the Area Median Income or AMI. There is a huge need for rental units that are less than $1,000/month and for sale housing that is less than $200,000 to purchase. We need projects that provide many different types of units at different price points.
So how are some communities able to do this? What partnerships are they forming and what projects are happening in each of our counties? Below are just a few projects in the region using the new tools for housing and involving collaboration and innovation that I am excited about and that I hope will inspire action in your community.
The 50-unit Bellaire Lofts missing middle housing project was one of the first Housing Tax Increment Financing (HTIF) projects in the state. This is a new tool for housing adopted in 2023. This project is a partnership with the village, township, and Antrim County to create a Brownfield Plan using HTIF to provide year-round workforce housing. Their commitment means these cannot be shortterm rentals and will be provided at specific rental rates for a specific time period.
In this case, their master plan identified the need to invest in housing and to support the township and villages in their efforts to bring more housing. The meeting was standing room only when this was passed at the county. The developers are actively engaged in the community and responded to a community need.
Benzie County was proactive in adopting a Payment in Lieu of Taxes or PILOT policy for their county. This will allow developers to use this tool in 2025. We hope other communities will follow suit.
I am excited that the City of Frankfort created pathways to use two tools including an attainable housing district and residential facilities district, opening up more opportunities for smaller scale investment in housing in their community. The City of
102 units will be held for households with incomes no greater than 120 percent of the AMI, which includes 25 units for 100 percent AMI households.
The Leelanau County Land Bank Authority has provided many opportunities for housing in Leelanau County by partnering with nonprofit developers Homestretch and Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region. In the last three years, at least 28 units have been built or are being built with this partnership.
Recently, a Brownfield Tax Increment housing development was approved for the Ida Tompkins building in Traverse City. I walked this property twice and have been involved in discussion since 2020 about how to create housing in this building. I am excited to have recently met the developers and for their vision to include workforce housing. Not only will this building be preserved, but the HTIF will allow 12 units to be affordable to those making less than 120 percent of the AMI. The developers are committed to historic preservation, and while this won’t bring in as many units as if the building were torn down and rebuilt, it is a win for both housing and the neighborhood.
This project is taking advantage of the changes in state law that make housing development an activity that qualifies for reimbursement, although the old building needs some asbestos and lead paint removed as well. Rents would range from $1,000 per month for a studio apartment, up to $1,575 for a large one-bedroom or two-bedroom unit, which are aimed at tenants earning 60 to 80 percent of the AMI. Tenants earning up to 100 percent of the AMI could still qualify.
All of these projects took incredible time, effort, and collaboration and are not only going to provide much needed housing, but allow our community and economy to grow and prosper.
Yarrow Brown is the executive director of Housing North, a 10-county housing agency serving northwest Michigan.
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YOUR FALL 2024 UP NORTH RACE CALENDAR
25+ RACES LEFT THIS YEAR
OCTOBER
With the heat of summer behind us (and no excuse to spend all our free time at the beach), it’s time to get a few more runs in before the seasons shift. Fall is filled with fun runs, turkey trots, and 20-some other ways to spend time outside among the changing leaves. Lace up your trainers, pull on a windbreaker, and get ready to run, bike, and paddle your way to December!
SEPTEMBER
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21, 2024
Peace Ranch 5K/10K Wilderness Run Peace Ranch, Traverse City peaceranchtc.com/wilderness-run
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21, 2024
Tap into the Trails 10K/5K 115 Backus St., Cheboygan runsignup.com/Race/MI/Cheboygan/TapintotheTrails
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21, 2024
More Than Four 5.04K Run/Walk 410 S. Union St., Traverse City runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/MoreThanFourRaceFoundedbyConorRigan
SUNDAY, SEPT. 22, 2024
Betsie Valley Trail Run: 13.1M, 10K, 5K, 1M Fun Run Webber Sports Complex (ballfield), Thompsonville northmittenevents.com/events
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28, 2024
Cadillac Craft Beer Hustle 5K 215 S. Lake St., Cadillac runsignup.com/Race/MI/Cadillac/CRAFTBEERHUSTLE
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28, 2024
Traverse City Trails Festival: 30M & 15M Bike Races Timber Ridge Resort, Traverse City nmmbatctf.com
SUNDAY, SEPT. 29, 2024
Blue Ribbon 5K Run/Walk for Prostate Cancer Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City blueribbonrun.com
SATURDAY, OCT. 5, 2024
Rusty Fish Marathon: Full Metric, Half Metric, & Kids’ Run 1211 28th St., Manistee runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Manistee/RustyFishMarathon
SATURDAY, OCT. 5, 2024
Sleeping Bear Marathon: 26.2M, 13.1M, 5K Dune Climb Parking Lot or Empire Beach, Empire sleepingbearmarathon.com/event-info
SATURDAY, OCT. 12, 2024
Apple Fest Fun Run: 5K & 1M Fun Run
Belvedere & Bridge streets, downtown Charlevoix runningintheusa.com/details/25802
SUNDAY, OCT. 13, 2024
Farmland 5K & Free for All Bike 901 Rasho Rd., Traverse City runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/Farmland
SATURDAY, OCT. 19, 2024
18th Annual Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville crystalmountain.com/event/peak2peak
SATURDAY, OCT. 19, 2024
Tour de Little & Big Tykes, & Tour de Tiny Tykes Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville crystalmountain.com/event/tourdetykes
SATURDAY, OCT. 19, 2024
HayDay Trail Run and Hike: 7K, 3.5K 4797 Grant Hwy, Manistee runsignup.com/Race/MI/Manistee/HayDay
SATURDAY, OCT. 26, 2024
Mackinac Island Great Turtle 13.1M & 5.7M Run/Walk Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island runmackinac.com/great-turtle-trail-run
SATURDAY, OCT. 26, 2024
Flee & Elude 10K/5K
200 W. Michigan Ave., Grayling runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Grayling/FLEEELUDE5K10K
SATURDAY, OCT. 26, 2024
Traverse City Zombie Run 5K Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City tczombierun.com
NOVEMBER
SATURDAY, NOV. 2, 2024
Treetops Trifecta: 5K & 1K Hill Climb Treetops Resort, Gaylord greatlakesendurance.com
SATURDAY, NOV. 2, 2024
Iceman Cometh Challenge: FULL; Meijer Slush Cup, Meijer Sno Cone Kalkaska/TC iceman.com
SUNDAY, NOV. 3, 2024
Treetops Trifecta: 13.1M Treetops Resort, Gaylord greatlakesendurance.com
SATURDAY, NOV. 16, 2024
Toy Town Trot 5K Behind Toy Town, Cadillac toytowncadillac.com/events
THURSDAY, NOV. 28, 2024
Gaylord Turkey Trot 5K 1250 Gornick Ave., Gaylord runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Gaylord/2023GaylordTurkeyTrot
THURSDAY, NOV. 28, 2024
Traverse City Turkey Trot: 5K Run/Walk & 5M Flier 123 E. Eleventh St., Traverse City runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/TraverseCity/TraverseCityTurkeyTrot
THURSDAY, NOV. 28, 2024
Turkey Vulture Trot 5k and 1M Fun Run
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville events.bytepro.net/register/event/id/956
DECEMBER
SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 2024
3rd Annual Elf Run/Walk 5K
202 N. Bridge St., Bellaire runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Bellaire/1stAnnualElfRunBellaire
SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 2024
TCTC Jingle Bell Run 5K Park Place Hotel, Traverse City runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/jingleBellRun
By Northern Express Staff
The Traverse City Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day tradition.
Inexplicable
When Las Vegas police responded to a call in the wee hours of Aug. 27 about someone lying face-down on the ground outside a funeral home, they might not have expected the most obvious explanation: They found a dead body amid the landscaping, with a casket nearby on a rolling cart. KTLA-TV reported that a door to the funeral home was open, and flower petals were scattered on the floor leading out of the door. Investigators learned that the body was that of a person who had been the subject of a viewing the previous day, and surveillance video showed a woman breaking in and moving the casket outside.
Police arrested Patricia Sierra, 47, the next day and charged her with grand larceny, burglary and disturbing human remains; she couldn't explain her actions, she said, because she had consumed six beers and blacked out. Sierra remained in jail on $11,000 bond.
The Passing Parade
On Sept. 10, as Delta Flight 295 taxied toward takeoff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Airbus A350 headed for Tokyo clipped the tail off a smaller plane, the Associated Press reported. No one was injured on either aircraft, but passengers had to deplane and be rebooked on later flights. Jason Adams, who was aboard the regional jet headed to Louisiana, posted to X about the collision: "Well that was terrifying. ... Very jarring, metal scraping sounds then loud bangs. We're fine. No fire or smoke," he wrote.
Ewwwww!
How else do you celebrate Labor Day in Michigan than participating in a ranch dressing chugging contest? Fox17TV reported that Zach Orvis of Belding, Michigan, won the first-ever competition at The Harmful Roester restaurant by downing 24 ounces of the creamy delight in 10 seconds, beating 11 other contestants. "I've seen people pour about that much on their salads, so what's the difference?" Orvis said. "I don't feel sick at all." Orvis won a $100 gift card and a free order of all-you-can-eat wings every week until spring 2025.
People in the Netherlands spend more than 900 million euros on drugs each year. How do we know this? KWR, the research institute for drinking water businesses, analyzed sewage samples. NL Times reported that the researchers looked for residue of cocaine, speed and ecstasy between 2015 and 2022 in Dutch sewage treatment plants. "We are assuming a fairly conservative estimate," KWR researcher Thomas ter Laak said. "This provides insight into the size and consumers of the Dutch illegal drug market."
Nine Lives
Nicci Knight of Newby, North Yorkshire, England, was enjoying a vacation in Turkey when her neighbors let her know they had found her cat, Ted, drowned in their pond. "I had to break the news to my husband and our four children, and we were all absolutely devastated," Knight said. The BBC reported on Sept. 6 that Knight arranged for her pet to be cremated and went on with the
holiday. But four days later, her cat sitter, who had been looking after the family's other cat, called her and said Ted had just walked through the cat flap on the door. Knight realized she had "paid 130 pounds to cremate someone else's cat." After returning home, she collected the cremains, which had been labeled "Not Dead Ted." The family has not been able to trace the owner of the drowned cat; they believe it was probably a stray.
Overreaction
A man suffered two brain bleeds, multiple skull fractures and multiple facial bone fractures, Las Vegas police said, after a convenience store clerk beat him with a bat for taking too much nacho cheese sauce. On Sept. 3, KSNV-TV reported, officers were called to the store where the man was lying on the ground and bleeding. The person who called 911 asked the clerk, Myron Bullie, to call for help, but he responded, "I'm not going to call 911. He better have learned a lesson." Bullie told police he had warned the victim about taking too much cheese, but the victim said he wasn't leaving without it. Bullie is being held on $10,000 bond at the Clark County Detention Center.
Great Art
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations in Marseilles, France, is offering special visiting hours to naturists -- people who shun clothing -- until Dec. 9, Canoe reported on Sept. 2. Nude patrons will be welcome one evening a month to see the exhibition "Naturist Paradises," which is described as a "journey of discovery of the very first naturist communities, first in Germany and Switzerland, then in France," according to the museum. Although nudity is welcome, the museum will require visitors to wear shoes "to avoid getting splinters," an official said.
Wait, What?
Earlier this year, social media star and model Suellen Carey, who lives in the United Kingdom, shared her wedding with her many followers, the Daily Star reported on Sept. 12. The ceremony was unconventional, as Carey married ... herself. She called her lifestyle "sologamy" -- or she did, until she recently divorced herself, even after several rounds of couples therapy. "It's crucial to know when to end a cycle," Carey posted. "Even commitment to oneself can have its challenges, such as dealing with the expectation of being perfect for yourself all the time." She said she felt lonely in her self-marriage and her own company was "exhausting." We can only imagine.
Irony
While Britain's Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson was addressing senior police officers on Sept. 10 about an "epidemic of antisocial behavior, theft and shoplifting," someone lifted her purse from the hotel where she was speaking, the BBC reported. A member of the Home Office staff also had belongings stolen. Warwickshire Police said they had arrested a 56-year-old man from Coventry in connection with the burglaries; he was released on bail.
Building with Nature
Straw, clay, black locust, and recycled glass make up key components of this Bear Lake home
By Hanna Lee-Kleb
On a rural farm near Bear Lake, a distinctive home is under construction, challenging conventional building practices with its shape and its use of natural materials.
Led by builder Thomas Hirsch of Benzonia-based Bungalow Builders and architectural designer Ellis Wills Begley of Bale Craft, the project embraces sustainable methods, incorporating materials like straw-clay insulation, black locust wood, and foamed glass aggregate. This unique structure offers a glimpse into the future of eco-friendly and healthier living spaces.
A Round Design Rooted in Nature
The decision to build the studio in a circular form wasn’t merely aesthetic. According to Begley, round shapes are inherently natural and create a sense of openness, free from the harsh edges of conventional design.
“Circles create comfortable, inclusive spaces that don’t have the hidden corners that collect shadows or dust,” he explains.
For Hirsch, the challenge of constructing a round house was a welcome one. “It poses unique structural requirements that you don’t face with a rectangular house,” he says. “But I enjoy that challenge, and the owner was keen on this design, so we made it work.”
The round design required innovative techniques, including diagonal bracing, which Hirsch likened to creating a basket.
“The diagonal bracing creates a strong, supportive framework,” he says. “This was our first straw-clay round house, and it came with its own set of challenges, but the result is something really beautiful.”
A Low-Carbon Insulation Alternative
One of the standout features of this project is its use of straw-clay insulation. This natural material is a blend of straw, which is a waste product of grain production, and clay.
The straw is coated with a clay slip, giving it fire-retardant and thermal mass properties, meaning it can store heat or coolness for extended periods.
“Straw is an amazing material—it’s hollow, so it traps air, making it an excellent insulator,” Hirsch says. “And when you mix it with clay, it becomes resistant to fire and mold.”
While straw-clay is cost-effective in terms of materials, it’s labor-intensive to install, which presents a challenge.
“The materials are dirt cheap—literally,” Hirsch jokes. “But it takes a lot of handson work. That’s why we often involve the homeowners in the process. They can contribute to the build, whether it’s mixing straw and clay or applying natural plasters.”
Thomas also notes that the use of strawclay insulation is now code-approved in Michigan, which has helped reduce the hurdles for builders interested in using this sustainable material.
“It’s been approved since 2015, which
makes things a lot easier. But back when we first started using straw-clay, we had to present engineering reports to get it through the building department. Now, it’s recognized as a viable method.”
A Durable (and Invasive) Wood Source
Another key material in the studio is black locust wood, chosen for its natural durability and resistance to rot.
“Black locust is one of the most rot-resistant woods that grows in America,” Hirsch tells us. “It’s super hard and can be a little tricky to work with because of its grain, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fantastic. It’s also an invasive species in some areas, so using it is kind of a win-win—getting rid of an unwanted species while building with a material that will last.”
Unlike chemically treated lumber, which can release toxins, black locust offers a natural, non-toxic alternative that aligns with the project’s broader goal of creating a healthy living space.
Recycling Glass for Insulation
Beneath the studio’s floor is another eco-friendly innovation: foamed glass aggregate. Made from 100 percent recycled post-consumer glass, this material provides a sustainable alternative to Styrofoam insulation, which is commonly used in conventional builds.
“Foamed glass aggregate is one of my favorite materials,” Begley says. “It’s nontoxic, made from recycled glass, and doesn’t produce harmful dust during installation. Plus, it allows moisture to move freely, which helps prevent mold.”
By using foamed glass aggregate, the builders were able to eliminate the need for plastic vapor barriers, further reducing the project’s environmental impact.
Natural, But Not Simple
Despite the numerous benefits, building with natural materials comes with its own set of challenges. For Hirsch, the most significant hurdle is the work involved.
“It’s labor-intensive,” he says. “If a client wanted to hire out the entire process, it wouldn’t necessarily be cheaper than using conventional materials. That’s why we encourage homeowner involvement. It not only helps reduce costs but also creates a deeper connection to the home.”
Hirsch has seen a growing interest in natural building methods, particularly from clients who are looking for healthier homes.
“People are starting to question the materials we’ve been using for decades,” he explains. “They want homes that don’t off-
gas toxic chemicals, homes that are energyefficient and environmentally friendly.”
Hirsch acknowledges that natural building is still on the fringes in many areas.
“Here in northwest Michigan, it’s not as widespread as I’d like it to be,” he admits.
“But there’s a growing movement, especially among younger generations who are more mindful of their environmental impact. And that’s exciting.”
Looking to the Future
For Hirsch, the future of natural building lies in education and community involvement.
“One of my dreams is to create a natural building and design institute here in northwest Michigan,” he says. “We need more people trained in these methods, and
we need to keep experimenting with new materials and techniques. There’s so much potential—whether it’s using mushrooms as insulation or finding new ways to sequester carbon in the building process.”
And rather than doing all the work individually, there could be benefits to going back to the barn-raising days of yore, where communities and trained experts would work together. “If we can create a system where people help each other build, like a cooperative labor pool, we can reduce costs and make natural building more feasible for a wider range of people,” Hirsch adds.
As for the round studio home, it stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation and sustainability come together. “It’s a labor of love,” Hirsch says. “But when you see the finished product, it’s all worth it.”
Two Housing Solutions, Little Funding
Deed restriction and ADU programs need dollars to get off the ground in Charlevoix
By Art Bukowski
For a community to be vibrant and active in all four seasons, people need housing that’s available year-round. If employers hope to attract and retain workers, those workers need places to live. If small businesses want to blunt the effects of seasonality, full-time residents will help ensure that customers are available all the time.
Sense a pattern? Unfortunately, many northern Michigan communities are struggling with a housing stock that’s moving in the opposite direction. The proliferation of online rental platforms like Airbnb has caused a new appetite for the often very profitable practice of short-term renting, which limits the amount of yearround housing available.
While many northern Michigan communities are taking steps to restrict where and when short-term rentals are allowed, a public-private partnership in Charlevoix is attempting to turn the tide by pulling a few more tools out of the toolbox in an effort to protect and preserve year-round housing.
Those tools include deed restrictions and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and with them, they hope to increase the year-round housing stock in the city of Charlevoix from around 38 percent now to 50 percent in the near future.
Neither Affordable Nor Available
While the talk of the growing housing problem across the region and state often centers on so-called “workforce housing,” those involved in the Charlevoix initiative stress that year-round housing is a need for everyone.
“This is not a question of how we make sure we have enough people to get tasks done,” says Charlevoix City Manager Mark Heydlauff. “It’s how do we make sure people are living the life they want to live in our community? We look at this from the whole spectrum to make sure people have the housing they need, regardless of why they need it or what their purpose is for being here.”
Charlevoix County’s area median income is just under $70,000 (and only about $30,000 in the city itself) but growth in those
numbers has not even come close to keeping pace with skyrocketing home prices. The average Charlevoix County home is now just over $400,000, nearly double what it was just seven years ago.
Numbers like these contributed to a lack of year-round housing by encouraging more rental activity while simultaneously pricing out a very large portion of the population that’s seeking housing. So not only are the houses expensive, they often aren’t even available to rent or buy for those who could afford the price tag.
Exploring Deed Restrictions
A deed restriction is a provision in a property deed that imposes some sort of limitation on how a piece of property can be used, usually permanently, with the restriction staying in place regardless of future owners.
Deed restrictions are used to achieve a variety of outcomes, and they can be used to ensure that a home is permanently available for year-round housing. Aspen and several other vacation-heavy communities out West use deed restrictions to ensure properties
remain affordable or available year-round (two related but separate issues).
A few years back, Housing North launched a year-round deed restriction program in Charlevoix with hopes of expanding it elsewhere in the region. So far, they have six deed restricted properties—one single family home and five apartments— and hope to get more.
“The program is great, and we need it in our region, but we’re really hesitant to grow it without having a funding source,” says Yarrow Brown, executive director of Housing North.
Funding would allow Housing North to purchase these deed restrictions instead of relying on them being donated. Because permanently restricting the way a property is used diminishes its value, many property owners want a cash payment up front to at least partially offset the reduced property value. Payments of some form are part of most of the programs out West, and are a key component of similar tools that restrict the way land is used. Land conservancies use conservation easements to permanently protect properties from development, for
example, but those easements (which are deed restrictions) are often purchased.
In the instances these easements are not purchased, landowners still often get hefty tax benefits from donating them. Unfortunately, Brown says, year-round housing deed restriction donations do not carry the same benefits.
It’s possible that a deed restriction program could be supported by a public millage. Peninsula Township and Acme Township in Grand Traverse County both have purchase of development rights (PDR) programs, in which voters approve a tax that allows the township to buy and permanently eliminate the development rights of a property.
“I think it’s time to step up in our communities and put public dollars [towards this],” Brown says.
Brown points out that these deed restrictions don’t mean that a property owner can never leave or rent out their property for brief periods of time. It simply must remain in full-time use by the homeowner (homestead vs. non homestead, for tax purposes). A property owner could still leave for up to two months under the terms of the deed restriction.
Building Accessory Dwelling Units
ADUs are small, secondary living units that are on the same lot as a property owner’s main house. They are sometimes an apartment within a home, but can also consist of a standalone structure apart from the main house or above a detached garage.
ADUs can help meet the demand for housing by creating additional spaces for people to live. Because they can provide supplemental income to the property owner,
they also make the financial sense required for homeowners to pursue them. Housing North says young people who work in local businesses, older adults who want to downsize, and lower- and middle-income households can benefit from this housing type.
Housing North has a variety of resources available, including detailed land-use maps for the cities of Charlevoix, East Jordan, and Boyne City identifying where ADUs are permitted under zoning, free access to several ADU designs that meet local building codes, and information on financing, building, and renting an ADU, as well as contact information for local zoning and building officials to assist in the process
Again, however, funding is a problem. Building even a small structure can cost $100,000 or more, and Brown believes the program is unlikely to really take off without a way to offer some sort of financial assistance. Three ADUs have been built in Charlevoix in recent years, Brown says. Better than nothing, but more will be needed to truly make a dent in the problem.
“Phase two right now is figuring out how to…create a financing mechanism or more support,” she says. “So we’re looking at low-interest loans, relationships with banks, grant funding that would incentivize it.”
Conversations are ongoing with foundations, banks, and other financial institutions, Brown says.
“Maybe you … would invest in ADU if you knew there was a 2 percent interest
loan,” she says. “I think there’s a lot of banks in our region that want to help with housing. There are some limitations because of how they spend their funds, but I am hoping in the next year we can hopefully crack this nut a little bit more.”
For more information about both programs and other housing initiatives, visit HousingNorth.org.
City of Charlevoix ADU Zones
Brown
Heydlauff
The Most Valuable Home Renovations
Realtors weigh in on making your house yours … and adding to its resale value
By Ellen Miller
Sometimes you buy a house and the honey-do list is obvious: there’s a leaking bathtub. Peeling wallpaper from the eighties. A door hanging off its hinges. But if you’re ready to update rather than repair, where do you start? Which projects are going to be most impactful as you live in the house? And what if you decide to sell?
Luckily, real estate agents are experts in all of the above. They know just what buyers are looking for in a home, and they also know what makes it more livable for you. We chatted with two local realtors, Kyle Bowen and Hillary Voight, who have both renovated their own homes, so their tips come from professional and personal experience.
Fix It First
Bowen and Voight are in agreement: necessary repairs come first. You should always start tackling the must-do projects before you do the fun, cosmetic stuff, says Voight. For example, if your roof needs repairs, it’s better to fix it first, otherwise it might ruin the pretty new flooring or wallpaper you put in. But necessary repairs don’t always have to be boring. “Get creative,” Voight encourages.
“You don’t have to replace something with the exact same thing. You can still have fun, even if you’re tasked with big ticket items. Romance it up a bit!”
Voight gives an example of needing to replace windows. In a previous project, she replaced windows that had a break line down the middle of them with windows that didn’t have any divider. “That changed both the interior and exterior feel of the house,” she says.
“I think people are creative, there’s just a fear,” adds Bowen. “If you’ve been to a friend’s home and seen a feature you liked, think about how you can incorporate that into your home.” He also points to TikTok and other social media platforms as sources of inspiration.
If you’re still stuck on where to begin, ask yourself, “What are the pain points in the house?” For example, maybe you’ve lived in the house a few months and there are two closets but no shelving. That’s an easy fix and can make your home stand out, says Bowen.
Paint with Care
Next project? Paint. While Bowen cautions that most buyers are going to paint the house the way they want it, both Bowen and Voight agree that a bad paint job or multiple bright colors across a home can
make it challenging for someone to envision living there.
On the flip side, Voight says painting can make a big impact, like making a small room feel more expansive, and that there are cost-effective brands like Benjamin Moore. Painting is often a project that homeowners can tackle themselves, cutting down on the financial investment.
A fresh coat of paint can also do a lot of work to cover the signs of use in the house, like nicks in the walls, stains, or that spot where your kiddo scribbled with permanent marker. To make the project worth your while, invest in the proper materials, take the time to do the prep work, and pick a color and sheen that will hold up to daily living and your changes in style.
Maximizing Your Current Space
Once you have the basics wrapped up, you have the opportunity to create impact in your home and address some of the bigticket items without a full renovation.
“A lot of our neighborhoods aren’t cookie cutter; however, most homes were built in a similar style, size, and fashion, so standing out is key,” notes Bowen. “If every house has the same features, what can you do to make your house different? Do you have the house with the nice garden, the house
with the waterfall feature, the house with the crazy man cave, the house with nice fit and finishes everywhere?”
Things like flooring, windows, and countertops can be updated piecemeal. Maybe you aren’t ready to gut the kitchen, but adding fresh countertops makes sense. If you’re looking to update flooring, Voight points to luxury vinyl plank as an alternative to hardwood—not only is it cheaper, it’s
Bowen
Before and after: Switching out carpet (which quickly shows signs of age and use) for hardwood or vinyl plank flooring adds instant appeal to your home.
more durable, particularly if you have kids or pets.
“Another thing I love to do is to think
$4
Michigan
Existing Village of Elberta Parks and Natural Areas
Proposed Village of Elberta Parkland (16 acres with 578’ Lake Michigan Shoreline and 2,000’ Betsie Bay Shoreline)
Existing Village of Elberta Parks and Natural Areas
Proposed Village of Elberta Parkland (16 acres with 578’ Lake Michigan Shoreline and 2,000’ Betsie Bay Shoreline)
By Victor Skinner
Existing Village of Elberta Parks and Natural Areas LEGEND
Proposed GTRLC Nature Sanctuary (10 acres)
Existing Betsie Valley Trail Proposed Project Area
Proposed Village of Elberta Economic Development Land (9 acres collectively with 1,120’ Betsie Bay Shoreline)
Proposed GTRLC Nature Sanctuary (10 acres)
Proposed Project Area
Existing Village of Elberta Parks and Natural Areas LEGEND
Proposed Village of Elberta Economic Development Land (9 acres collectively with 1,120’ Betsie Bay Shoreline) LEGEND
Proposed Betsie Valley Trail Extension (approximate location subject to change)
Existing Betsie Valley Trail
Existing Betsie Valley Trail
Proposed Betsie Valley Trail Extension (approximate location subject to change)
Existing Betsie Valley Trail
When widespread opposition from residents in Elberta effectively shelved plans for a waterfront development along Lake Michigan in 2022, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) was ready and waiting.
“Any land protection project is often the result of years of work behind the scenes in order to be ready when a deal can be made,” says Erin Whiting, GTRLC’s senior charitable giving specialist. “Because development
pressures continue to increase, we have to be very proactive and data driven in our decisions.”
The approach focuses on preserving the “best of the best” by vetting potential land acquisitions through a series of criteria to determine “where a particular project falls on a priority list for us,” Whiting says, and the long dormant 35-acre former industrial site sandwiched between Betsie Bay and Lake Michigan was a no-brainer.
An Extraordinary Benefit to Public Recreation Water quality issues, wildlife habitat,
continuity to other protected land, and the potential to create outdoor recreational opportunities for local residents are all critical considerations, and all weighed heavily on the conservancy’s focus on Elberta.
Owned by Elberta Land Holding Company, the site extends from Elberta Beach to the Historic Waterfront Park, and from the park to the village’s northern edge, covering 578 feet of Lake Michigan frontage, 3,120 feet along Betsie Bay, and 10 acres of steep, forested dunes.
A little over two years ago, plans from
developer Richard Knorr International to construct a mixed-use, seven-story building with luxury condos, hotels, restaurants, and a marina fell apart amid heated public pushback, an effort that followed a similar proposal in the mid-2000s.
“We followed that with great interest,” Whiting says. “This project was on our radar for a long time because of the extraordinary benefit to public recreation.”
When the Knorr development proposal fell through in 2022, GTRLC lined up potential donors to put in a bid to purchase
the property, one of several the conservancy is working this year to preserve.
“The Elberta project is one of 15 projects in our [five county] service area we’re actively fundraising for right now,” Whiting says.
On June 28, the GTRLC inked a purchase agreement with the Elberta Land Holding Company for $19.5 million based in part on significant leadership commitments from several major donors.
An Unusual (and Short) Timeline
But there was a catch: unlike most acquisitions, the agreement requires the conservancy to close the deal by Dec. 15, a far shorter window than most projects.
“The timeline is extremely unusual,” Whiting says. “Often we will have years to come up with this kind of money. The unique challenge is having to come up with the entire purchase price by Dec. 15.”
Whiting says GTRLC doesn’t “have money sitting around” for purchases of that size, and that the majority of the funding will likely come from private, philanthropic donations. Through the years, the GTRLC has developed “wonderful relationships with very generous people,” Whiting says, and “those are the people we go to and ask to be generous.”
As of print time, the conservancy has raised $15.5 million toward the purchase price, though the GTRLC’s Elberta Waterfront Community Conservation Project aims for a total of $27.5 million to execute its long-term plans for the property.
Something the Village Needs
While the conservancy expects some grant funding from the state once the purchase is complete, the vast majority will come directly from donors who want to preserve access to the Elberta lakeshore, Whiting says.
“The village has always … expected something to be down there, but they’ve never had an idea of what,” says Jennifer Wilkins, Elberta village president. “When this came about with [the GTRLC project], I have not heard one negative thing from anybody.”
The conservancy “is really doing their homework, and it’s amazing everything I hear they’ve thought of,” she adds. “They’re putting the village first in this. I get the chills talking about it because it’s something this
village has needed for so long.”
Once supported by railroads and car ferries, Elberta was forced to reinvent itself as a tourist town, but the lakeshore property has long stood in the way, Wilkins says.
GTRLC’s plans would allow the village to extend its Betsie Valley Trail through the property to Lake Michigan, linking Frankfort and Elberta’s municipal beaches to another 22 miles of scenic trails in Benzie County, a longtime priority for the village.
Nine acres east of the village’s Waterfront Park would be set aside for communityaligned redevelopment, and another 16 acres to the west would merge into the park, opening up 578 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline.
“Just the fact we’re able to develop the section east of the park, it’s like a win-win” for Elberta’s efforts to boost its tax base and expand workforce housing, Wilkins says. “We would be working with the state land bank for the part that would be developed.”
The State Land Bank Authority works with municipalities to help develop former industrial lands for economic development, and would help Elberta “think through what that will look like financially,” Whiting says.
Retail, businesses, housing, “all those things are options, but it’s really for the village to say what they want in their community,” Whiting explains.
Preserving the Ecosystem
The remaining 10 acres, located between Waterfront Park and Elberta Beach, would be preserved by the conservancy in perpetuity as a nature sanctuary “because it’s pretty
decent forested dune habitat,” says Chris Garrock, GTRLC’s director of stewardship.
“It’s a really nice example of a forested dune ecosystem, part of the freshwater dune system we have here,” Garrock says, adding there’s also a couple of small pockets of boreal forest with more coniferous tree species.
With pockets of low-lying interdunal wetlands, the area is home to several threatened plant species including state threatened Pitcher’s thistle, marram grass, sand dune willow, foam flower, Gillman’s goldenrod, and others.
In total, initial flora inventory work identified 18 important plant species to preserve on the 10 acres, as well as bald eagles and numerous shore birds using the property, from spotted sandpipers to Killdeer to semipalmated plover.
In addition to preserving the critical dune habitat, the project would also open up new areas to remove invasive baby’s breath the conservancy has worked to eradicate from Elberta beach for well over a decade, Garrock says.
“It will allow us to expand and get in an area we weren’t able to treat before,” he says.
Tremendous Energy
With just under three months to go before the Dec. 15 deadline, Whiting says she’s “feeling very optimistic” the sale will go through. If it doesn’t, the property would remain with its current owners, as an extension on the closing deadline seems unlikely, Whiting says. The conservancy would contact folks who donated to either
return their funds or divert them to another project, though that’s never happened since the conservancy launched three decades ago, she says.
“There’s tremendous energy behind this project, so much enthusiasm in the community,” Whiting says. “We have had people reach out to us we don’t even know, who have not been conservancy supporters before.”
That’s likely to continue with plans for a Sept. 21 fundraiser hosted by St. Ambrose Cellars, a Beulah based brewer that specializes in meads, hand-crafted beer, and wine.
Cory Woessner, St. Ambrose’s director of marketing, says the company named the Elberta Waterfront Community Conservation Project the recipient of its annual barn dance fundraiser this year because it’s “what everyone wants” for the region.
“To have that access [to the beach and water], I know that will mean so much to the people in Elberta and residents of Benzie County,” Woessner says.
The event, which Woessner describes as “a party for the community,” may only raise a few thousand dollars, he says, but could help connect new people to the project.
“Besides money, it’s kind of an awareness thing, … we’re just trying to get the word out,” Woessner says. “You never know who’s going to be in the crowd.”
Learn more about the GTRLC project at gtrlc.org/activeprojects/elberta-waterfrontcommunity-conservation-project and St. Ambrose’s Barn Dance at stambrose-meadwine.com/events/barn-dance-2024.
A rendering of the proposed Elberta Bluffs development, which would have been built on the land GTRLC seeks to preserve.
The 35-acre property will include a nature sanctuary, public park, beach-to-beach trail, and potential for future community-aligned redevelopment.
“Drag Is a Celebration of Being”
A behind-the-curtain look at northern Michigan’s most popular drag show
By Ren Brabenec
Drag shows have become a central feature in modern discourse, but most Americans would be hard-pressed if asked to define the term. According to celebrated drag queen Jay Jackson (stage name: Laganja Estranja), “Drag stands for ‘Dressing-as-a-girl.’ That’s where the term originated from in Shakespearean days when women were not allowed to do theater; men would dress in drag to portray women in musicals and plays.”
“A lot’s changed since then,” notes Ben Eaton, drag king and MC of Up North Pride’s annual drag show. According to Eaton, like most art forms that have been around for centuries, drag has evolved.
From its Renaissance application of men dressing as women because women were barred from theater to today’s depiction in which performers of all gender expressions don glamorous costumes, countless rhinestones, and hair/makeup that accentuates femininity or masculinity, drag has become an expression of identity and a one-of-a-kind performance.
A Labor of Love
Up North Pride (UNP) will host its annual drag show on Sept. 28 at the Open Space. The organization, founded in 2014, has quickly grown to host the largest LGBTQ+ events in northern Michigan, of which Drag Night is just one. According to Programming Director Nick Viox, UNP
gained nonprofit status in 2016 and has succeeded in creating visibility for the LGBTQ+ community with its yard signs campaign, full event calendar, and Safe Business and Resource Directory.
“Our annual drag show is one of our biggest events,” says Viox when asked about the upcoming show. “We’re grateful for that, because a lot goes into planning these performances. As soon as we close the books on one show, we start planning for the next one, even if it’s 365 days out.”
According to Viox and Eaton, from gluing thousands of rhinestones onto costumes to selecting performers to obtaining permits from the city, securing tent and equipment rentals, and organizing vendors, each show requires planning and plenty of volunteer hours.
“Even tasks that look different each year are streamlined,” says Viox. “Like choosing performers. We’ve set up a committee to review applications for each year’s performer lineup, and we select a diverse array of performers, focusing on talent, style, and background. We choose several local and regional drag queens and kings, and we usually get two national headliners. Each performer will have about four different numbers to perform, each being about two to five minutes long.”
As for what the shows look like in person, Viox says to expect the unexpected, as drag shows are unlike any other form of performance art. “There will be plenty of
banter, lip-syncing, and call and response with the audience during and in-between numbers,” says Viox. “Unlike the opera or the ballet, drag shows include a fair amount of audience involvement and participation. The event is so much fun to watch and participate in that it makes all the preparation worth it.”
Eaton seconds that notion. “The show is a palpable expression of love, from the performers to the audience and vice versa,” he said. “Drag shows are an opportunity for those in the LGBTQ+ community— traditionally marginalized individuals—to express themselves to their fullest. Visibility helps bring about safety and inclusion, and drag shows are a way for us to express ourselves with levity and joy.”
The Show Must Go On
Of course, not everything that goes into northern Michigan’s most popular drag show is without challenge or difficulty.
UNP works closely with the Traverse City Police Department, which monitors the internet for potential threats leading up to the event and provides boots-on-the-ground security. UNP also contracts with a private security company to ensure the shows are safe for performers and attendees.
A few protestors inevitably show up at each event, but Viox says UNP’s commitment to inclusion and acceptance extends even to those who oppose the organization’s activities.
“Drag is a celebration of being,” says Viox. “We’ll express ourselves no matter what, and we’re fine with protestors being present, as we see it as an opportunity for them to express themselves, yes, but also as an opportunity for them to educate themselves on what drag is all about. We respect the space they take up, and we’re OK with them being there as long as they don’t create hostility.”
UNP has also implemented attendance rules to promote safety. For example, to prevent attendees from bringing prohibited items to events, UNP has a clear, seethrough bag policy (clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” are fine). The organization also prohibits weapons, outside alcohol, smoking material, marijuana, illegal drugs, and outside food and drinks.
These rules create a safe space where performers and attendees can dance, sing, interact, and celebrate without fear of harm.
Why Drag Matters
On the surface, a drag show feels like a fun night out where attendees enjoy performance art that includes impressive feats of physical prowess, creative choreography, comedy, social satire, and, at times, political commentary. But according to Viox and Eaton, there’s a deeper meaning behind the events.
“Nationally, our safety is fragile,” says Viox. “We’ve been able to garner safety and
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acceptance here in northern Michigan, but we’ve also seen how quickly LGBTQ+ members in other parts of the country can become discriminated against due to statelevel policies. Drag shows are a way for us to tell the world we’re here, we’ve always been here, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Viox continues, “We’ve found that the more visible we can get, the more we’re able to pressure local, state, and federal leaders to
remove discriminatory barriers on LGBTQ+ members and instead enact policies that give us the equal rights we deserve.”
“The success of the LGBTQ+ movement in recent decades can largely be attributed to visibility,” Eaton agrees. “Visibility leads to acceptance. When folks see LGBTQ+ members out in the open—like at drag shows—they go home and have kitchen-table conversations with their loved ones about
LGBTQ+ issues. When our community members are having those conversations, even if the conversations are difficult at times, we’re making progress, because the worst thing for us is to be kept in the dark. These shows bring us into the light where we belong.”
Up North Pride will host its annual Drag Night & Silent Disco on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 6pm. The event will take place
at the Open Space immediately following the organization’s Visibility March. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase on-site. After midnight, the party continues with the iconic Silent Disco under the stars. All attendees will be given headphones specially designed to keep the party going (quietly) after hours. Learn more about this and other UNP events at upnorthpride.com
Hundreds of people gather at the UNP Drag Night to see performers like Nina West (right), who won the Miss Congeniality award on the 11th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Photos by Harpe Star
By Jillian Manning
Adrienne Brown-Reasner started her new job as the first executive director of Up North Pride (UNP) just three weeks before the nonprofit’s biggest moment of the year. Up North Pride Week runs Sept. 24-29 to celebrate northern Michigan’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Brown-Reasner has worked in marketing, nonprofits, and Pride-based events for decades, and she says she’s excited to return to her hometown to be part of UNP’s 10th anniversary and the next decade of progress in northern Michigan.
Express: You’re from northern Michigan originally. Tell us about growing up here and why you wanted to come home.
ABR: Well, first of all, Traverse City is the most beautiful place in Michigan, and it always has had a very, very special place in my heart, even as a very young kid. … It’s such a unique area too, because it does have this very small-town feel. But at the same time, it has the larger city type amenities and activities going on—there’s always something to do, no matter what time of year it is. … I’m really, really excited to actually get to say it’s home again.
Express: How did you hear about the UNP job and what led you to apply?
ABR: A friend of mine from the Pride Center [in Grand Rapids] saw it, and was like, “Hey, you should look at this.” I have many, many years in the nonprofit world as a board member, as a committee member, a volunteer, as well as working on staff with the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.
I just really loved the idea of being able to take that experience to a place that means so much to me. If I had known a group like this existed, especially as a high schooler, it would have made my coming out process so much easier, much more comfortable, because I would know that there are other people like me, that there are resources out there, that if there were things I needed, that I’m not alone.
Express: How do you think TC has changed over the years in terms of inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community?
ABR: I think there’s more outward support; you can see more flags. There’s more businesses that make a point of saying
Meet Up North Pride’s First Executive Director
We sit down with Adrienne Brown-Reasner ahead of UNP Week
that they are supportive of the community. … It does feel like the city, especially downtown, is more open-minded and is more supportive, making sure that everyone feels welcome.
But on the flip side of that, if you get a little further outside of Traverse City in some of the smaller communities where it’s not as obviously supportive—especially for people who may be just coming to realize who they are, who they identify as—it may not feel like they can safely do that in some spaces. So in some ways, definitely, it’s [grown by] leaps and bounds to be more open and supportive than it used to be. But in some places, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
Express: Tell us about your Pride work in Grand Rapids.
ABR: I have been working with the Pride Center in GR for about 10 years in a few different areas, but very specifically, I have been the lead facilitator for the youth group, which is a weekly kind of drop-in program for ages 13 to 17…[where] the kids get to really, truly just be themselves.
… Then at the same time I worked with the Pride Festival Planning Committee, and we’re always preparing for the huge groups of protesters that are going to show up, and what the church is going to say, and having to fight to be able to exist in a very public space.
Express: There’s a lot to celebrate, but still a long way to go. What issues do you see facing Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community right now?
ABR: Well, it being such a frenzied political environment, that automatically brings a few things to the surface. There are a lot of question marks right now for the community on who may be elected, who may not be elected, what policies may be put in place or totally knocked down.
We have made a lot of forward movement. We do have a lot more rights. We do have a lot more protections as a community than we’ve ever had. But there is always a little bit of that worry of, how long will we have them?
We have this now, and that’s wonderful. Let’s celebrate that. Let’s also acknowledge that the work’s not done, because there’s more to do to make sure that all of these rights and protections are solidified and won’t be able to be taken away.
Express: What kind of message do you hope to share with the LGBTQ+ community in NoMi with your tenure in this new role?
ABR: My biggest hope is that we can really make some strides to make Up North Pride a true community resource. It’s more than planning a really amazing event, which obviously everyone looks forward to. But it can also be [helpful] if you’re someone that’s maybe looking at how to change your name and you don’t know where to start. Or you are new to the area, and you just want to meet other people that have something in common with you.
I also really want to listen to what the community wants the organization to be doing. It’s not just what I feel like doing but a community resource.
And I would certainly like to focus more on having some youth-focused events and programming, because they’re going to be the ones that are going to be carrying this organization forward 10, 15 years from now.
Express: What do the next few weeks and months look like on the job?
ABR: The big things right now we are really looking are, what are the things that we did this year that worked really well? What are things that we want to improve on? What are maybe some new things as we start over the next few weeks and over the next couple of months, looking at what is ahead in 2025? There was just a community talkback listening session to get feedback from community members coming off of a survey as well earlier this summer.
So it’s a lot of really critical thinking of what programming are we doing, what could we be doing, or what could we add and grow to be doing even better? The next few months are definitely focused on what’s next and how do we build off of the successes that we’ve had the last 10 years.
Express: What event(s) are you most excited for during UNP Week?
ABR: This will be my first time to attend all of Up North Pride Week because it’s always fallen at the same time as a couple of other events here in Grand Rapids that I’ve been a part of. But just looking through past pictures and listening to people’s stories, I’m really excited about the Visibility Rally and March. … There’s something that’s very powerful about watching that unity, the
large group together for a common purpose, for a common cause. I’m really excited to be a part of that.
Express: What would you tell someone who has never attended a Pride event but is considering doing so this year?
ABR: You may have a friend, you may have a family member, you’re going to have a neighbor [or] someone that you know that is part of the [LGBTQ+] community. So if you come in showing that you are supportive of them, that you are there for them, that you are a safe person that they can come to if they feel like they need to talk to someone … then you’re seen as a not just supportive but accepting person for who they are and who they identify as.
Up North Pride Week Events
Sept. 24: Here:Say/Queer:Say Storytelling at The Alluvion, 7-9pm (ticketed; $15)
Sept. 25: Pride Ride & Sign Making Party at F&M Park, 6-9pm (free) Sept. 26: Pajama Party at Hotel Indigo, 6-9pm (ticketed, ages 18+; $30) Sept. 27: Comedy Night at City Opera House, 8-9:30pm (ticketed; $20 admission + $4 fees)
Sept. 28: Visibility Rally & March at F&M Park, 4pm (free)
Sept. 28: Drag Night & Silent Disco at the Open Space, 6pm-midnight (free) Sept. 29: Big Gay Brunch at the Open Space, 11am-2pm (free)
Learn more and get tickets at upnorthpride.com/events.
P.S. Northport Pride will host their 2024 Tea Dance on Sept. 29 from 2-6pm at Faro in Northport. The event is hosted by The Chetcuti Evans Foundation with special guest Monique Madison and The Kunty Kittens and music by DJ Jay Harnish. Tickets are $30.
Brown-Reasner, pictured on right, worked with Grand Rapids Pride for many years before taking up the role with Up North Pride.
Saturday
5TH ANNUAL BAL-
LOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: Bay Harbor, Sept. 20-22. Featuring balloon launches & night glows, a 3K Color Run fundraiser for Kali’s Cure, music on Main St., food trucks, an artisan market, & much more. bayharbor.com/balloons
EMPIRE HILL CLIMB: Wilco Rd., Empire. Competitor registration starts at 7:30am at Lions Club Pavilion. The Parc Expose runs from 8-9am on Front St., where you can check out the race cars before they make their way up the hill. The course for this year is about 3/4 of a mile with 8 turns. The first car run up the hill is at 10am. The timed runs end at 6pm. Free. empirehillclimb.racing
LEELANAU HARVEST TOUR: 8am, Herman Park, Suttons Bay. Featuring biking routes of approximately 20, 40, 64 & 100 miles that wind through Leelanau County on paved roads passing by farms, orchards, vineyards, dunes & villages. See web site for various start times. $35-$75. cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org
RED WINGS TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE: 8am-3pm, Centre ICE Arena, TC. $30. mynorthtickets.com/events/drw-training-camp-saturday-sept-20th-9-21-2024
CRAFT FAIR, BAKE SALE & SILENT AUCTION: 9am, Frankfort United Methodist Church. feumchurch.org
MORE THAN FOUR 5.04K RUN/WALK: 9am, 401 S. Union St., TC. Run/walk together as a community for the inaugural 5.04K, uniting the community to recognize children battling cancer. The length of the run/walk is 5.04K, reflecting the fact that only 4% of federal cancer research funding goes to pediatrics. The More Than Four Foundation 5.04K was founded by Conor Rigan, who was diagnosed with Grade III Anaplastic Ependymoma, an aggressive brain tumor, at six months old. Now age five, he has undergone six brain surgeries. Conor invites his community to join him at the 5.04K to celebrate being a kid, no matter what tomorrow brings. 100 percent of net proceeds from the 5.04K will go directly to pediatric cancer research teams & supporting families dealing with pediatric cancer. After the race join a family-friendly after party at Brady’s Bar patio until 3pm. For $15 a plate, enjoy a pulled pork sandwich meal, with all proceeds going to the More Than Four Foundation. morethanfourfoundation.org $35/person. runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/MoreThanFourRaceFoundedbyConorRigan
OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK: Clinch Park, TC. Participants from Northwest
Michigan are joining the thousands of people gathering in towns across the U.S. to promote suicide prevention. The annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the NW Michigan Chapter of AFSP will begin at 10am, with registration at 9am. This gathering will support the AFSP’s education, research & survivor support programs. Connect with others & know you are not alone, whether walking in memory or in support of a loved one or in honor of your own mental health journey. Free. afsp.org/traversecity
PEACE RANCH WILDERNESS 5K/10K
RUN: 9am, Peace Ranch, TC. Join the horses through the Pere Marquette Forest. There will also be a Fun Potato Sack Race, donut decorating from Peace Love and Little Donuts, Giddy Up Stick Galloping, & photo opportunities with the mascot. All proceeds benefit the New Veterans Retreat Services & Mustang Rehab Program. $30. Prices increase after 9/19. peaceranchtc.com/wilderness-run
PLEIN AIR FRANKFORT 2024: 9am, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Participating artists will get into the creative flow, & battle for glory (& prize money). They will check in at the Oliver Art Center & are then free to capture the charm of Frankfort’s Victorian houses, the Lake Michigan beach, sailboats in the harbor or any subject within the city limits of Frankfort. The finished paintings will be displayed at an exhibit, reception & live auction taking place from 5-7pm in Beck Gallery of the Oliver Art Center. Work will be juried by area artist Peggy Hawley & cash prizes will be awarded. The reception is free & open to the public. oliverart.org
BIKETEMBERFEST: The Highlands at Harbor Springs, Sept. 20-22. This event includes the “Highlands to the Harbor” Bike Ride, Twin Zip-Line Adventure, Discounted Disc Golf, Chairlift Hiking, Enchanted Woods Happy Hour, Friday & Saturday night Parties & more. biketemberfest.com
GRANDMA’S PURSE FALL FESTIVAL: 10am-5pm, The Farm at Legacy Acres, Gaylord. Featuring hay rides, train rides, corn maze, games & more. $5 entry to festival fundraiser; $10 day pass for rides & games.
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HARVEST ART IN THE BARN: 10am-5pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey. $3$10. daniellesblueribbonevents.com
KIDS’ DIY MARKET: 10am-1pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Kids can sell homemade goodies, crafts & collector’s items. Parents must register their child by 9/14 & remain with the child during the event. 231-223-7700.
LEELANAU MARITIME HISTORY FESTIVAL: 10am-3pm, Leelanau Historical Society Museum, Leland. Explore maritime exhibits & enjoy the 20th Annual Classic
Approximately 3,000 people, ages 4-94, have contributed to Michigan Legacy Art Park’s 2024 collaborative artwork, “Raindrops.” Dress up in your favorite rainbow or rain themed outfit and head to the Art Park in Thompsonville on Thurs., Sept. 26 at 5pm to see all of the tree rounds that explore climate change, water usage and other environmental issues from a hands-on perspective. michlegacyartpark.org/artwork/collaborative-community-projects/raindrops
Wood Boats Show while strolling along the Leland River. Visit the various vendor/ demonstrator booths, live music & more. Bring your lawn chairs/blankets. Free. leelanauhistory.org/maritime-history-festival
TAP INTO THE TRAILS RUN - 5K & 10K: 10am, 115 Backus St., Cheboygan. $30$35. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Cheboygan/ TapintotheTrails
WILD WONDER CONFERENCE: 10am, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Explore the craft of nature journaling in this virtual conference, featuring presentations by a talented lineup of artists, writers & teachers. Penny Krebiehl, local nature guide, will serve as the on-site host. Attendees can participate for all or part of the day. Seating is limited, so please register in advance: 231.326.5361. Free. glenlakelibrary.net
29TH ANNUAL TASTE OF HARBOR SPRINGS: Noon-3pm, Harbor Springs waterfront. Enjoy tastes from participating restaurants with your admission ticket - drink tickets for beer & wine are separate. Every admission ticket includes a commemora-
tive cup. $35-$50. harborspringschamber. com/events/details/29th-annual-taste-ofharbor-springs-2024-13653
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT & END OF SUMMER BASH: Cellar 1914, Central Lake. Wave summer off, send local kids to school with necessary supplies, & stock up the food pantry with a fundraiser. S&S Smoked food truck will be on site along with Northern Blessing Alpaca Farm. Live music with Hanna Von B from 1-3pm & Celtic music with The Hey Makers from 3-6pm. Registration for the cornhole tournament starts at noon; tournament starts at 1pm. $40 per team. cellar1914. com/event-details/corn-hole-tournamentand-end-of-summer-bash-fundraiser-event
DR. ROBERT VAN DELLEN’S PRESENTATION ON LOUISE PENNY: 1pm, Cadillac Wexford Public Library. Robert will discuss Ms. Penny’s work, the life of the author, & her range of novels. Free. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/ upcoming-programs
FRITZ HORSTMAN BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Fritz will sign
his book, “Interacting with Color: A Practical Guide to Josef Albers’s Color Experiments.” Free. horizonbooks.com/event/ fritz-horstman-book-signing
HARVEST SHOWCASE WINE FESTIVAL:
1-5pm, Boyne Mountain Resort, Stein Eriksen’s Patio, Boyne Falls. Featuring 15 local wineries. Tickets include a punch card for 15 tastings, custom wine glass, charcuterie cup, & live music. $65. shop.boynemountain.com/s/events/p/wine-weekend
OMFA FIDDLERS JAMBOREE: Chippewa Lake Community Building, Rodney. Jamboree starts at 1:30pm, circle of friends from 4-5pm, & round & square dancing at 5pm. Callers welcome. Bring your fiddle or other non-electric instruments. Refreshments & foods available throughout the afternoon. Free.
ADVENTURES IN BEEKEEPING!: 2pm, Betsie Valley District Library, Thompsonville. Presented by Rick Dimanin. Learn about the ancient craft of beekeeping. Explore hive types; protective gear; honey bee biology/ behavior & more. Rick will teach you about starting beekeeping &/or a small beekeeping business. Free. betsievalleydistrictlibrary. org/news-events/adventures-in-beekeeping ----------------------
MAJOR LEAGUE SHOW JUMPING EVENT AT TRAVERSE CITY HORSE SHOWS: 2pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. $262,000 Major League Show Jumping Team Class. There will also be food vendors, shopping & entertainment. Gates open at 8am; Grand Prix activity begins at 2pm. TCHS will be donating 100% of general admission ticket revenue to Accelerate The Care. From $15. eventbrite. com/e/262000-major-league-show-jumping-team-class-tickets-884375530017?aff= odcleoeventsincollection
OPENING RECEPTION FOR NEW CTAC, PETOSKEY EXHIBITIONS: 2-5pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Galleries, Petoskey. Three new art exhibitions will open: “Identity Maps: Juried Photography Exhibition”; “77th Annual Water Color Society Exhibition”; & “Crooked Tree Photographic Society Annual Exhibition.” Enjoy complimentary appetizers & a cash bar to celebrate the work of 56 artists on display. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/opening-reception-identity-maps-juried-photography-exhibition-77th-annual
NIGHT AT THE FARM: A FALL CELEBRATION: 6pm, Great Lakes Incubator Farm, TC. Enjoy a fall equinox celebration. Warm up by the fire, engage in autumnal storytelling, & finish the night by setting your intentions for the new season. Storyteller & touring artist Jen Strauss will join by sharing stories about the moon, stars, pumpkins & more. $15/person or $40 for a group of 3 or more. natureiscalling.org/ events/night-at-the-farm-a-fall-celebration
“SEUSSICAL JR.”: 7pm, Elenbaas Performing Arts Center, McBain High School. Presented by Cadillac Footliters Youth Theatre. $12-$15. cadillacfootliters.com/tickets
MANITOU WINDS PRESENTS “SUMMER SKY”: 7pm, Guardian Angels Church, Manistee. Special guests include soprano Emily Curtin Culler, cellist Evy Elsing, & pianist Susan Snyder. Free. manitouwinds. com/upcoming-performances
“WAITRESS”: 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 aban-
don 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
STILL WITHIN THE SOUND OF MY VOICE: THE SONGS OF LINDA RONSTADT: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. Winner of the 2020 Bistro Award, “Still Within the Sound of My Voice” covers genres ranging from rock, country, folk, light opera, big band & mariachi, with Elizabeth Ward Land finding her perfect vocal match in this salute to Linda Ronstadt. Hear “You’re No Good,” “Long, Long Time” & much more. $20-$45. cityoperahouse.org/node/593
TESLA: 8pm, Little River Casino Resort, Manistee. This rock band who first got famous in the 80’s is known for hits like “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Little Suzi,” “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out),” & “Love Song.” High energy rock band SIIN opens for them at 6:30pm. $95-$135. lrcr.com/event/tesla-0
Sunday
5TH ANNUAL BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: (See Sat., Sept. 21)
BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL RUN: Choose from the half marathon, 10K, 5K, or 1-Mile Fun Run. Courses are out & back on the Betsie Valley Trail starting in Thompsonville at the Webber Sports Complex. The 1-Mile Fun Run is held on the ballfield. Starting times range from 8-11am. See web site. $15-$85; prices increase after 9/17. runsignup.com/betsievalley TRAIL DISCOVERY DAY: Benzie County.
8am: Betsie Valley Trail Run/Walk. 10am: Yoga on Beulah Beach by Life Is Bliss Yoga. 9-11am: Free bike check at Coastline Cycles in Frankfort. 11am: Light lunch at the Pavilion. 11:30am: Trail news update presentation at the Pavilion. betsievalleytrail.org/trail-discovery-day
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BIKETEMBERFEST: (See Sat., Sept. 21)
HARVEST ART IN THE BARN: (See Sat., Sept. 21)
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RED WINGS TRAINING CAMP RED & WHITE GAME: 11am-4pm, Centre ICE Arena, TC. $25-$45. mynorthtickets.com/ events/drw-training-camp-sunday-redwhite-game-sept-22nd-9-22-2024
FREE GENTLE YOGA: 11:30am, Living Beyond Yoga, TC. Join every Sun. Stretch, breathe, & connect with your community. Livingbeyondyoga.com
SOLAR SCOPING AT THE NER: 1-4pm, Boardman River Nature Center, Oleson Pavilion, TC. Gaze through a solar telescope provided by the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society to discover sunspots, filaments, & more. Free. natureiscalling.org/events/solar-scoping
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“SEUSSICAL JR.”: 2pm, Elenbaas Performing Arts Center, McBain High School. Presented by Cadillac Footliters Youth Theatre. $12-$15. cadillacfootliters.com/tickets
“WAITRESS”: (See Sat., Sept. 21, except today’s time is 2pm.)
EQUESTRIAN AMERICAN GOLD CUP IN TRAVERSE CITY: 2pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. $340,000 CSI5* American Gold Cup Grand Prix. Join Traverse City Horse Shows for a showcase of equestri-
an talent. Also enjoy food vendors, shopping opportunities, & entertainment for the whole family including face painting & music by Josh Davis & Moma Tank. Support Accelerate The Care, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting the Alzheimer’s community in northern Michigan. From $15. eventbrite.com/e/500000-csi5american-gold-cup-grand-prix-tickets-88438 3142787?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
MEET THE AUTHOR: 2pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Debra Payne will discuss her debut novel, “The Burden of Sparrows.” 231-331-4318. Free.
GLCO PRESENTS NANCY STAGNITTA JAZZ TRIO IN FREE SUNDAY SERIES: 4pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Enjoy American standards, Latin jazz, & original tunes. glcorchestra.org
CLINT HOLMES: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Grammy nominee, legendary singer, songwriter & entertainer Clint Holmes.$42-$72. greatlakescfa.org/ events/detail/clint-holmes
monday
FREE MOVIE: “THE ABCS OF BOOK BANNING”: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Help kickoff Banned Books Week by viewing a screening of the award-winning Sheila Nevins documentary: “The ABCs of Book Banning”. tadl.org/ bookbanningmovie ----------------------
CANDIDATE MEET-AND-GREET: 3-5pm, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Featuring ballot candidates & leaders from Blaine Twp., Crystal Lake Twp., Gilmore Twp., Lake Twp., Village of Elberta, City of Frankfort, County Commission Districts 2, 3 & 7, County Officials, & Michigan House District 104. RSVP: business.benzie.org/events/details/ bacc-municipal-mingle-frankfort-18026.
MORE GIRLS ON BIKES: BIKE & BLEND!: 6-7pm, Norte Clubhouse, GT County Civic Center, TC. Bike ride to Tropical Smoothie Cafe, where you can sip on smoothies, & mingle with friends. Event is open to women of all ages. Kids under 12 need an adult to join them. norteyouthcycling.org
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REFIT® TC: 6:30pm, The Presbyterian Church of TC, 701 Westminster Rd. Enjoy a dance fitness experience where you have so much fun you forget you’re working out! Leave feeling refreshed - body & soul. Mondays at 6:30pm & Thursdays at 9:30am. $1 suggested donation. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100090460000055 ----------------------
MONDAY MOVIE NIGHT: 7:30pm, Bay View Association, Voorhies Hall, Petoskey. The Book Thief, 2013, 131 mins. Free. bayviewassociation.org/monday-night-movies
MABON FIRE CEREMONY: 8-10pm, The House of Bear, 4242 Cty. Rd. 633, Grawn. Sacred Fire Ceremony that invites you to disconnect from the everyday & reconnect with the natural world. Includes a blend of traditional Peruvian & Pagan rituals. For more info see web site. Free. blessedbetea.com/product/mabonfire-ceremony-sept-23rd-house-of-bear/1270 ?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&cate gory_id=V4BYPWK6RYG62SGYJECANROJ
tuesday
TRAIL BUILDING AT BIRCH POINT: 9:45am. Help build a sustainable trail at the brand new Birch Point Nature Preserve. This 114-acre property safeguards water quality,
extends the protection of a rare coastal ecosystem, & connects fragmented wildlife habitat in the Platte River Watershed. gtrlc.org/ volunteer/calendar
PELVIC HEALTH WORKSHOP: 10am, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Dr. Erica O’Neal will continue her discussions on Pelvic Health: “Navigating Bowel Dysfunction: Insights & Solutions with a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist.” Free. tadl. org/event/pelvic-health-workshop-16303
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library, lower-level Community Room. Preschool children of all ages & their caregivers are invited to join each Tues. morning for stories, songs & more. Free. sbbdl.org
LOCAL LORE: 2-3pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Peninsula native Tim Carroll answers history enquiries in the Local History Room. 231-223-7700.
TECH TUESDAY: MICHIGAN ELIBRARY RESOURCES: 2pm, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) offers two major resources to Michigan library cardholders: state-wide interlibrary loan & a range of digital databases. Learn how to access & make the most of these resources with your library card. . Bring your phone, tablet, or laptop in case you want to follow along & try out MeL for yourself. Free. glenlakelibrary.net
23 sept 24 sept 26
UP NORTH PRIDE PRESENTS: QUEER:SAY STORYTELLING: 7pm, The Alluvion, TC. A live storytelling show where you can reconnect through the humorous, heartfelt, & sometimes horrifying stories that tell life’s many truths. This special edition, paired with Up North Pride, will feature storytellers from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. $15. upnorthpride.com/event/2024/9/24/ heresay-storytelling
wednesday
INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL: 9:45am, Mitchell Creek Meadows Nature Preserve, TC. Help restore & protect the incredible ecosystems of Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve through invasive plant removal. Native wildflowers, mushrooms, trees, & shrubs that rely on this healthy habitat are currently under threat of being displaced by aggressive invasive plants. Meet by the greenhouse/workshop area near the Conservation Center. 9297911, ext. 316. gtrlc.org/volunteer/calendar
PELVIC HEALTH WORKSHOP: (See Tues., Sept. 24)
AUTHOR TALK WITH JOHN MCSHEA: 4pm, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library, lower-level Community Room. Hear about McShea’s book, “Old Bones, Young Spirit: An Experienced Cyclist’s 15-Day Adventure Around Lake Michigan” & the solo trip that inspired it! Free. sbbdl.org
UP NORTH PRIDE PRESENTS: PRIDE RIDE & SIGN MAKING PARTY: 6pm, F&M Park, TC. Join in your bike gear & pride gear for a ride through downtown led by Norte & ending at The Little Fleet for the annual Sign Making Party. Signs will be for the Pride Visibility March on Sat. Arrive at F&M Park before 6pm. Free. upnorthpride.com/event/2024/9/25/ pride-ride-amp-sign-making-party
thursday
REFIT® TC: (See Mon., Sept. 23)
------------COFFEE @ 10, PETOSsept 25
KEY: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. Expressive Arts Therapy at Harbor Hall: Transformative Journeys of Recovery & Personal Growth with Amabel Liu. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/coffee-10-transformative-journeys-recovery-and-personal-growth-amabel-liu
TOY HARBOR TOY HARBOR
“RESEARCHING WITH THE STEVEN MORSE ONE-STEP WEBSITE”: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Presented by guest speaker Linda Last at the GT Area Genealogical Society meeting. Free. gtags.org
END OF LIFE DISCUSSION SERIES: 2pm, Leelanau Township Library, Northport. Join a discussion about pre-planning your own funeral. There are many ways to honor the dead & celebrate the life lived instead of only grieving the loss. Learn about ways to personalize a funeral or celebration of life. Free. leelanautownshiplibrary.org/newsevents/lib-cal/pre-planning-your-funeral
CELEBRATING RAINDROPS: 5pm, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Thompsonville. Close to 3,000 individuals from ages 4-94 have contributed to the collaborative community artwork, Raindrops. Dress up in your favorite rainbow or rain themed outfits. Explore climate change, water usage & other environmental issues from a unique, hands-on perspective. Free. michlegacyartpark.org/artwork/collaborative-community-projects/raindrops
HERBAL GIFTS FROM THE GARDEN CLASS WITH PATTI TRAVIOLI OF HEARTWOOD FOREST FARM: 5-7pm, Interlochen Public Library. Learn about preserving the final garden harvest including tips & recipes, demonstrations & tastings. For ages 12+. Pre-registration required: 231-276-6767. Free.
Fall Fall In Love With Your Skin
GT CO. COMMISSION CANDIDATE FORUM: Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. The League of Women Voters Grand Traverse Area will host these two candidate forums, which will present candidates on the Nov. 5, 2024 election ballots. 5:30pm & 6:30pm: Districts 3 & 5. 6:45pm & 7:45pm: Districts 6, 7 & 9. Free. lwvgta.org
UP NORTH PRIDE PRESENTS: PAJAMA PARTY: 6-9pm, Hotel Indigo, TC. Enjoy a body-positive & inclusive pajama party. Dance on a rooftop in your pajamas! Enjoy an inclusive fashion show presented by Intimi, & hosted by Grand Rapids drag queen Dona Tella, who will also perform; nostalgic sleepover activities; cookies & bedtime story, & more. For ages 18+. $30. upnorthpride.com/event/2024/9/26/pajama-party
MIDDLE AGES COURT PAINTER, JAN VANEYCK: 6:30pm, Benzonia Public Library. This Middle Ages Master Painter’s mastery of oil painting set the stage for the Renaissance & gave us landscape, portraiture & many other artistic “firsts.” His masterpiece “The Ghent Altarpiece” was considered to be a Medieval Wonder of the World & a place of pilgrimage for many. Hear about the artist who was considered to be the “beginning and the end of Art history.” Free. benzonialibrary.org
BICYCLE TRAVELOGUE: 7pm, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Join author John McShea as he shares his account of his solo & self-supported 1100 mile bike trip from his book “Old Bones, Young Spirit.” glenlakelibrary.net
FALL 2024 EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION: 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. This reception is for exhibits: “A Beautiful Mess: Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard”; “Katrina Bello: Sky Into Stone”; & “Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection.” Enjoy an evening with desserts, a bar, & music. Members get
free admission & double discounts in the Museum Store the night of the event. Guests of members & the public are welcome to attend for a small fee. Please RSVP in advance. Limit of 300. $0-$5. simpletix.com/e/ fall-2024-opening-reception-tickets-178916
LUKE YATES IN CONCERT: 7pm, Northern Lakes Community Church, TC. Luke brings a blend of traditional gospel & contemporary melodies. Free admission. northernlakescc.org
“WAITRESS”: (See Sat., Sept. 21)
friday
NORTHERN MI HIV SUMMIT: 9:30am, Hagerty Center, 715 E Front St., TC. Healthcare professionals & members of the public are invited to attend this event hosted by Thomas Judd Care Center (TJCC). The summit will feature four educational sessions related to HIV/AIDS issues, the presentation of this year’s Community Collaborations Award, & a 30-year Thomas Judd Care Center anniversary celebration video. Tickets to a VIP Safe Sips reception are available to early registrants. As presenting sponsor of Up North Pride, TJCC will host this pre-Comedy Night event featuring mocktails, munchies, & ticket to the comedy fest. Tickets are limited, so register early. Free; must register. tinyurl.com/38dam8mt
COFFEE @ 10, TC: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Carnegie Rotunda, TC. Enjoy a discussion with several artists from the current ‘Times 2’ exhibit: Erin Houghtaling, Lisa Allen, Naomi Sophia Call, Erin Houghtaling, Margaret Vega, Lynn Williams & Lisa Marie Yontz. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/coffee-10-artists-times-2-exhibitfriday-september-27
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HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE
BOOK: SOLD OUT: Harbor Springs, Sept. 27-29. Wait lists available. hsfotb.org
LUNCHEON LECTURE: HELPING HANDS AT BAY BLUFFS: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. Featuring Lisa Ashley, Bay Bluffs’ (Emmet County’s Medical Care Facility) administrator, who will discuss the new partnership with NCMC, aimed at training future workers for Bay Bluffs & the broader healthcare community. $15; includes a buffet lunch. ncmclifelonglearning. com/event-5772563
COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION: 4-5:30pm, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, upper level Reading Corner. Help plan the library’s next 5 years. A snack & supervised activity for children will be available. Free. sbbdl.org
EAST JORDAN FALL FESTIVAL: 5pm, East Jordan Tourist Park. Enjoy live music, food & drinks, vendors, co-ed softball & cornhole tournaments, arts & crafts, hay wagon rides, magicians, mechanical bull rides, & much more. Find ‘Fall Fest 2024’ on Facebook. Free.
PETOSKEY’S WITCHES NIGHT OUT: 5-9pm, downtown Petoskey, at multiple participating locations. A night of trick-ortreating for grownups. Halloween-themed shopping night with games, spooky food & drink & prizes. For participating businesses, see web site. grandpashorters.com/event/ petoskey-witches-night-out
TC GERMANFEST: 6:30pm, Trinity Lutheran Church & School, under the big tent, TC. Celebrate all things Bavarian! Ticket price includes authentic German food & desserts, a genuine live German band & dancing. German bier & wein sold separately. $55 per person. tcgermanfest.org sept 27
“WAITRESS”: (See Sat., Sept. 21)
DANCE: FALL SHOWCASE: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Presented by the Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Division. Enjoy a wide variety of classical & contemporary dance works including ballet excerpts, modern masterpieces, & student & faculty-choreographed works. $14-$17. interlochen.org
UP NORTH PRIDE’S 4TH ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT: 8pm, City Opera House, TC. Featuring Kristin Key (host), Roz Hernandez, & Diana Graham. Open to all ages, but parental discretion is advised due to adult humor. $20. cityoperahouse.org/node/607
saturday
BOYNE CITY HARVEST FESTIVAL: 9am-3pm, Lake & Main streets, Downtown Boyne City. This festival is the culminating event of the outdoor Farmers Market featuring children’s games & local harvests.
COLORS BY THE LAKE ART & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-5pm, Village Green Park, Walloon Lake. Enjoy the majestic fall colors along the lake while you shop. The 5th Annual Chili Cookoff to benefit Manna will also take place from noon-4pm on Sun. daniellesblueribbonevents.com ----------------------
EAST JORDAN FALL FESTIVAL: 10am, East Jordan Tourist Park. Enjoy live music, food & drinks, vendors, co-ed softball & cornhole tournaments, arts & crafts, hay wagon rides, magicians, mechanical bull rides, & much more. Find ‘Fall Fest 2024’ on Facebook. Free.
GRAND TRAVERSE AREA ROCK & MINERAL CLUB ROCK SHOW: 10am-5pm, Cherryland VFW Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Dr., TC. $2 donation; 12 & under, free. facebook.com/tcrockhounds
INTRODUCTORY STEM DAY: 10am, Interlochen Public Library. For children up to 10 years of age. 231-276-6767. Free.
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MADE IN CHEBOYGAN CRAFT SHOW: 10am, Washington Park, downtown Cheboygan. Featuring more than 30 crafters & artists. facebook.com/madeincheboygan
NATIONAL ALPACA FARM DAY: 10am4pm, Rainbow Valley Family Farms, TC. Meet, feed, & pet the alpacas. Photo opportunities, spinning, knitting, & felting demonstrations, & face painting. Free. rainbowvalleyfamilyfarms.com
ELK RAPIDS FALL FESTIVAL: 11am3pm, Downtown Elk Rapids. Enjoy an autumn harvest market, local artists, live music, line dancing, kids’ games, pumpkin painting, alpacas, & more. Free. facebook. com/downtownelkrapids ----------------------
FREE VISION SCREENING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN: 11am-3pm, East Jordan Tourist Park. The East Jordan Lions will sponsor free vision screenings for ages 6 months to seven years of age. Held at the East Jordan Fall Festival at the Kids Sight trailer next to the pavilion.
HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK: SOLD OUT: (See Fri., Sept. 27)
NORTHPORT’S LEELANAU UNCAGED: 11am-10pm, Northport. This street festival includes multiple stages with music, art, dance & food. Featuring a Water Blessing, Opening Procession, live music by East Bay Drive, Sweet Rhubarb, Blind Dog Hank, Sierra Cassidy, Lipstick & Dipstick, Brett Mitchell, Song of the Lakes, & many others, performances by the Anishinabek Dancers & Singers, Folklorico, ALIGN, Traverse City
Dance Project & many more, & kids’ activities. Free. leelanauuncaged.com ----------------------
CADILLAC’S CRAFT BEER HUSTLE 5K: Noon, Trail Head/Clock Tower, 215 S. Lake St., Cadillac. If you register for the Cadillac Craft Beer Festival first, you get $5 off this race. $30 + $2.80 SignUp Fee. runsignup.com/Race/MI/ Cadillac/CRAFTBEERHUSTLE
CADILLAC CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL: 3-9pm, Cadillac Commons. Live music by Raylin Vance, Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, & The Insiders: A Tribute to Tom Petty; cornhole tournament & yard games. General admission entry gets you five 5 oz. pours. Brewers include Great Mead Hall & Brewing Co., Short’s Brewing, Grand Traverse Distillery, Snowbelt Brewery & Cidery, Hopside Brewery, Cheboygan Brewing Co., & many more. $35, $40; $10 for designated drivers. cadillaccraftbeerfest.com
GENO’S CAR SHOW & BVDL FRIENDS’ CRAFT SHOW/FLEA MARKET: Geno’s Sports Bar & Grill, Thompsonville. Car Show registration: noon-2pm. Participant & public voting: noon-4pm. Live entertainment by Duke and the Studebakers. Flea market & Arts/Crafts Show held in conjunction with Geno’s Car Show. Runs from noon-5pm. Car Show: $5 entry fee. betsievalleydistrictlibrary.org/news-events/genos-annualcar-show-and-the-friends-of-the-bvdl-artscraft-show-and-flea-market
JULIE DICKERSON BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Julie will sign her book “Beaches, Boats, and Birds: A Lake Michigan Alphabet Book.” horizonbooks. com/event/julie-dickerson-book-signing
THE EKPHRASTIC AUTHOR READING: 1-3pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Carnegie Rotunda, TC. Hear authors read their work aloud. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctactraverse-city/ekphrastic-author-readingsseptember-28
DANCE: FALL SHOWCASE: Sept. 27, except today’s time is 2pm.)
UP NORTH PRIDE PRESENTS: VISIBIL ITY RALLY & MARCH:
TC. Join in the 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride March that begins at F&M Park & walks through down town to The Open Space. The rally starts at 4pm with keynote speakers & the Grand Mar shall. The march will follow the kickoff speech es. Free. upnorthpride.com/events
UP NORTH PRIDE PRESENTS: DRAG NIGHT & SILENT DISCO: Space, TC. Starts immediately following the Visibility March. Support national, regional, & local death-dropping drag artists. Dress in Pride gear, drag, or any gender expression you’re vibing with. The party continues with the Silent Disco under the stars. All attend ees will be given headphones specially de signed to keep the party going after hours. Free. upnorthpride.com/events
“WAITRESS”:
ROCK SHOW: VFW Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Dr., TC. $2 donation; 12 & under, free. facebook.com/ tcrockhounds
HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK: SOLD OUT:
MADE
boygan. Featuring more than 30 crafters & artists. facebook.com/madeincheboygan ----------------------
UP NORTH PRIDE PRESENTS: BIG GAY BRUNCH: 11am-2pm, Open Space Park, TC. The Brunch is free admission with local food & beverages available to purchase. Featuring family-friendly activities & live music by local performers. upnorthpride.com/events ----------------------
COFFEE WITH THE AUTHORS: AN ARTIST’S PILGRIMAGE: 1pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Frankfort painter Ellie Harold traveled to Paris in 2022, a pilgrimage to view an exhibition of paintings by Impressionist Claude Monet & Abstract Expressionist Joan Mitchell. The souvenirs from that trip were questions, including: What does it mean to be a real artist? Harold explores that question in the resulting book, “Monet, Mitchell & Me: A Painter’s Pilgrimage.” She talks about how she answered that question at this event. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/events-all “WAITRESS”: (See Sun., Sept. 22)
4TH ANNUAL WALK AGAINST HATE: 2pm. Presented by Northern Michigan Against Hate. Begins in Petoskey’s Pennsylvania Park & walks through downtown to the waterfront for a celebration of music & refreshments. Open to all willing to stand up for peace, love & understanding. Free.
NORTHPORT TEA DANCE 2024: 2-6pm, Faro, Northport. Hosted by The Chetcuti Evans Foundation wsg Monique Madison & the Kunty Kittens & music by DJ Jay Harnish. $30 ($33.52 with fees). mynorthtickets.com/events/northport-teadance-2024-9-29-2024
OKTOBERFEST: 2-5pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Brats, Brews & Brainbusters: Trivia, brats, brews, live music by Linda Lee, & a silent auction. $30; buy in advance. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org/friends
NEW BOOK LAUNCH PARTY: 4pm, The Botanic Garden Pavilion at Historic Barns Park, TC. Celebrate the launch of “A Chickadee Year” by Bill O. Smith & illustrations by Thomas W. Ford & graphic design by Angela Saxon. Enjoy a reading, artist demonstration, book signing & light refreshments. Free. thebotanicgarden.org
PIANIST KASEY SHAO, 2024 GILMORE YOUNG ARTIST: 4pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. A Steinway Young Artist & 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar, Ms. Shao studies with Dr. Ran Dank & Margaret Kampmeier at Princeton University (class of 2025) concentrating in music with a focus on composition on the pre-medical track. She is the founder & president of the Princeton University chapter of Doctors Without Borders, an academic learning consultant, & the music director of the Princeton Pianists Ensemble. $10-$45. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/kasey-shao
ongoing
THE FRIENDS OF INTERLOCHEN PUBLIC LIBRARY WORLD WAR II USED BOOK SALE: Interlochen Public Library. Runs through Oct. 15. This donation-based sale features a large collection of World War II books. Suggested donation of $2 for softcovers, & $3 for hardcovers. All proceeds benefit Interlochen Public Library programs. See web site for hours.
“AND THERE’S THE HUMOR OF IT!” SHAKESPEARE AND THE FOUR HUMORS: NCMC Library, Petoskey. This traveling exhibit explores the relationship between William Shakespeare’s literary genius & the ancient theory of the four bodily humors — blood, yellow bile, black bile, & phlegm — & their profound influence on the author’s works & character development. Runs through Sept. 27. Hours are Mon.
through Thurs., 8am-7pm; & Fri., 8am-5pm. Free. ncmich.libguides.com/library
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GUIDED WALKING HISTORY TOURS OF TRAVERSE CITY: Wednesdays, 10am through Oct. 9. Beginning at the street corner where Traverse City first laid down its roots, this tour leads you through the boomtown history - the good & the regrettable. From Perry Hannah’s mansion, past the Carnagie library, to the original downtown, this easy two mile walk is an enjoyable trip through history. walktchistory.com
farmers markets
CASTLE FARMERS MARKET: Birch Lake, Castle Farms, Charlevoix. Held every Tues. from 8am-1pm through Oct. 15. Celebrating craftsmanship, emphasizing the artistry of handmade goods & locally sourced produce. castlefarms.com/events/farmers-market
DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY FARMERS MARKET: Howard St., between E. Mitchell St. & Michigan St., Downtown Petoskey. Held every Fri. through Sept. 27 from 8:30am-1pm. Featuring seasonal locally grown produce, locally raised meats, caught fish, fresh cut flowers, plants, foraged mushrooms, from-scratch baked goods, sauces & more. There will also be live entertainment.
EAST BAY CORNERS FARMERS MARKET: Thursdays, 3-7pm through Oct. 31, 1965 N 3 Mile Rd., TC. Featuring fresh & locally grown produce & goods. Find ‘East Bay Corners Farmers Market’ on Facebook.
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ELK RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET: Next to the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, on US 31 by the swan. Local growers & producers from all around northwestern Michigan. Shop every Friday morning through Oct. 4, 8am-noon. elkrapidschamber.org/farmers-market
HARBOR SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm through Oct. 19. Corner of Main & State streets, Harbor Springs
INTERLOCHEN FARMERS MARKET: Sundays, 9am-2pm through Oct. 2112 Joe Maddy Parkway, Interlochen. Featuring 60+ vendors. Includes local produce, baked goods, arts & crafts, & more. facebook.com/ InterlochenFarmersMarket
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MACKINAW CITY FARMER’S MARKET: Held every Mon. through Sept. 30 at 9am at Conkling Heritage Park, parking lot.
SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET: Runs every Weds. through Oct. from 8am-noon; & every Sat. through Oct. from 7:30am-noon. Held at Rotary Square in Downtown TC.
SUTTONS BAY FARMERS MARKET: Saint Joseph St., at north end of village. Held on Saturdays through Oct. 19 from 9am1pm. Farmers market selling local produce, flowers, baked goods, artisan products. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com/suttons-bay
by JOSEPH BEYER
The Sundance Film Festival, which takes place in January of each year, has long been the storied holy ground for personal, coming-of-age stories. Audiences and juries have awarded a long list of these projects with their highest festival honors, from Ruby in Paradise (1993) to Real Women Have Curves (2003) to Precious (2009), among dozens of others.
So prevalent is the festival love for these quintessential independent films, there is a saying about audiences having “altitude sickness” for these small, scrappy stories (a term coined by distributors to describe the disconnect between artistic awards and commercial success in the marketplace, as many of the most lauded films in the history of the festival have also had the toughest time succeeding).
This year, audiences and juries together bestowed unconditional love on Sean Wang’s dramedy Dìdi (弟弟), a semiautobiographical portrait of an awkward misfit desperately trying to find his selfconfidence and fit in. The narrative of a Taiwanese-American boy growing up in California in the mid-aughts won both the Audience Award and a Special Jury Prize for the Acting Ensemble at the 2024 festival.
Such accolades are the stuff filmmaker “dreams are made on,” and just days later, Focus Features picked up worldwide rights and has released the film in theaters and VOD this summer. Dìdi (弟弟) is accomplished, heartfelt, and beautifully performed (even as the sometimes patient pace may have you feeling restless).
With a centerpiece performance as the title character Chris, aka Dìdi, young actor Izaac Wang captures the frustrations and rewards of trying to make his way through puberty with an absent father and overbearing women he tries to understand. With the iconic and accomplished actress Joan Chen as his mother, Shirley Chen as his sister,
Chang Li Hua as his grandmother/nǎi nai, and Mahaela Park as the girl of his dreams, the ensemble is deserving of high praise.
Working together, the cast captures the modern dysfunctions of family and the loneliness of those who feel they need to sacrifice culture in order to acclimate to America.
There is nothing new in this familiar narrative approach, but it will still break your heart as you’ll be forced to remember the brutality of growing up. Complicating the normal dread of adolescence is the emergence of clam-phones, MySpace, and the comparative culture and cruelty that social media brings to the first generation growing up with it.
Born in 1994, writer and director Wang is a mere 30 years old here in his debut. His millennial perspective on age-old themes is not only fresh, but it expands the diaspora of teenage dramas in a significant way. And he’s just getting started.
Having ventured out to see a limited release screening of Dìdi ( 弟弟) here in Traverse City, I watched the film in an empty theater, which admittedly drained it of some energy. Having seen the impact of packed Sundance audiences riveted by performances just like these, I hope Dìdi (弟弟) gives you that same altitude sickness it did so many others.
The film is currently offered at $19.99 on multiple VOD platforms. Focus Features should be applauded for taking a chance on the project but shamed for that price point, as should Sundance Film Festival, which charged a whopping $25 for a single online ticket to stream Dìdi (弟弟) as it was simultaneously premiering in Utah.
If audiences are going to return to taking a chance on small movies from emerging artists like Wang, there has to be a more affordable way.
Dìdi ( 弟弟)
ALEXANDRA INN, TC
BLUSH, ROOFTOP TERRACE: Mon -- John Piatek, 6-8
APACHE TROUT GRILL, TC
6: 9/21 – Luke Woltanski
9/22 – Matt Mansfield
9/26 – Brady Corcoran
9/27 – Bryan Poirier
9/28 – Luke Woltanski
9/29 – Chris Smith
BONOBO WINERY, TC
9/27 -- Swingbone, 6-8
BRADY'S BAR, PATIO, TC
9/26 -- Blair Miller, 6:30-9:30
COMMON GOOD RESTAURANT, TC
6: 9/27 -- Ron Getz
9/28 -- Ted Alan Trio
ENCORE 201, TC
9/21 -- The Fabulous Horndogs, 7-10; DJ Ricky T, 10-2
9/27 -- DJ Ricky T, 9
9/28 -- Peril, 8-10:30; DJ Ricky T, 10:30-2
IDENTITY BREWING CO., TC 9/27 -- Chris Smith, 6-9
JACOB'S FARM, TC
9/21 – TC Knuckleheads, 6 9/22 – Wink – Christopher Winkelmann, 6 9/25 – DJ Ras Marco, 6 9/26 – Matt Phend, 9 9/27 – The North Carolines, 6 9/28 – Silver Creek Revival, 6 9/29 – John Richard Paul, 6
KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC
9/21 -- Chromatics, 9:30 Mon -- Team Trivia, 7-9 Tue -- The Will Harris Trio, 8 Wed -- The Pocket, 8 Thu -- DJ Leo, 9:30 9/27-28 -- Risque, 9:30
KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING
9/24 – Open Mic, 6-7 9/26 – Trivia Night w/ Host Marcus Anderson, 7-9
Leelanau & Benzie
BEER GARDEN: 9/28 – Oktoberfest w/ The Hey! Makers, 3-6; Boardman River Band, 7-10
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM, 9/21 -- A Fall Equinox Celebration w/ Steve Clark, 7:30 9/23 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9
TASTING ROOM, TC 9/27 -- Rebekah Jon, 5-7
LIL BO, TC Tues. – Trivia, 8-10 Sun. – Karaoke, 8
MARI VINEYARDS, TC 4-6: 9/24 -- John Richard Paul 9/26 -- John Piatek
MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC 9/27 -- Jeff Socia, 6-9 9/28 -- The Marsupials, 8-11
NORTH BAR, TC 9/21 – Jeff Linsell, 7-10 9/22 – David Cisco, 5-8 9/25 – Jesse Jefferson, 7-10 9/26 – Drew Hale, 7-10 9/27 – The Fridays, 7-10 9/28 – Chris Sterr, 7-10
OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS:
9/21 – Mitchell McKolay, 6 9/22 – Jacob McLeod, 3 9/25 -- Jimmy Olson, 6 9/26 -- Chris Smith, 6 9/27 -- DJ Ras Marco D, 6 9/28 -- Blair Miller, 6
RIGHT BRAIN BREWERY, TC 9/25 -- Banned Books Week Trivia, 7
SORELLINA'S, TC SLATE RESTAURANT: Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8 Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9
Antrim & Charlevoix
9/21 -- Clint Weaner 9/27 -- DJ Bingo
MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BELLAIRE 9/25 -- DJ Trivia, 7-9
SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE 9/26 -- Trivia w/ DJ Trivia, 6:30 BEER GARDEN, 7-9:30: 9/21 -- One Hot Robot
9/27 -- Frank an da Beanz
9/28 -- Aldrich & Co
STONE HOUND BREWING CO., WILLIAMSBURG
9/27 – Billy & The Kid, 7-10
THE ALLUVION, TC 9/23 -- Big Fun - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30
9/24 -- Up North Pride Presents:
QUEER:SAY Storytelling, 6:30-9
9/26 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30 9/27 -- Metal Bubble Trio + Fake Baseball, 7:30-10
9/28 -- Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds w/ Trillium Groove, 7:30-10
THE HAYLOFT INN, TC 7:30-11: 9/21 -- Empire Highway 9/27-28 -- TC Knuckleheads
THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 9/21 -- NOIR2 New Wave, Industrial & Post-Punk w/ DJ Franck, 8-11 9/28 -- Daytime Dance Party w/ DJ Heady, noon-3
THE PARLOR, TC 8-11: 9/21 -- Blake Elliott 9/25 -- Wink Solo 9/27 -- Rhett & John 9/28 -- Empire Highway
THE PUB, TC 7-10: 9/21 – Miriam Pico & Ryan Younce 9/25 – Zeke Clemons 9/26 – David Márton 9/27 – Rolling Dirty Duo 9/28 – Jimmy Olson
THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 9/21 -- The Lavender Lions, 8 9/24 -- Open Mic Night, 6 9/27 -- Aaron Dye, 8 9/29 -- TiltThink Improv Comedy Mixtape, 7
TOWNLINE CIDERWORKS, WILLIAMSBURG 9/27 -- Jesse Jefferson, 6-8
UNION STREET STATION, TC 9/21 -- DJ Simple Jack, 10 9/27 -- Comedy Show, 7:30 9/28 -- The Ampersands, 10
nitelife
Send Nitelife to:
AMORITAS VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU
9/26 -- Jack Hudson, 5-7
BEL LAGO VINEYARD, WINERY & CIDERY, CEDAR
9/21 -- Luke Woltanski, 2:30-4
9/22 -- Zeke Clemons, 3:30-5:30
9/24 -- Larry Perkins, 3:30-5:30
9/28 -- Larz Cabot, 3:30-5:30
9/29 -- Nick Veine, 3:30-5:30
BLACK STAR FARMS, SUTTONS BAY LAWN, 6-8: 9/21 -- Izzy Joy 9/28 -- Highway North
BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU TASTING ROOM: 9/22 -- My Generation, 4-6
CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY
2-4:30: 9/22 -- Luke Woltanski
9/29 -- Jabo Bihlman
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE KINLOCHEN PLAZA:
9/21 -- Weston Buchan, 5-7
SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS 9/26 -- Jacob McLeod, 5-8
STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN, BOYNE CITY
6: 9/21 -- Peter Allen Jensen
9/27 – Grayson Barton 9/28 – Sydni K
TOONIES RESTAURANT & BAR, BELLAIRE Sat -- Karaoke, 9-1
LEVEL4 LOUNGE: 9/21 -- Levi Britton, 7-9
BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY ROOT CELLAR, 7-10: 9/21 -- Two Track Mind 9/28 -- R.P.M.
BIERE DE MAC BREW WORKS, MACKINAW CITY 6: 9/21 -- Kirby 9/28 -- The Crosscut Kings
BOB'S PLACE, ALANSON 9/25 -- Mike Ridley, 6-9
BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY PATIO: 9/27-28 -- Chris Calleja, 4-7:30
CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY 9/21 -- The Real Ingredients, 9 9/27 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30
DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT 3-6: 9/22 – Chris Smith 9/29 – Sandy Metiva (Your New Neighbors)
FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR 4-7: 9/23 -- Ty Maxon 9/26 -- Rhett & John IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE
9/21 – Andrew Dalton – The Fireside Wake, 5:30-7:30
9/22 – Charlie Arnett, 3:30-5:30 9/27 – Pulse of the Atom Duo, 5:307:30 9/28 – Wink, 5:30-7:30
LAKE ANN BREWING CO.
9/21 -- Daydrinker's Series w/ Skellenger & Koss, 3-6; Silver Creek Revival, 6:30-9:30 9/24 -- Andre Villoch, 6:30-9:30 9/27 -- Mike Moran & Ryan McGee, 6:30-9:30 9/28 -- Daydrinker's Series w/ Levi Britton, 3-6; The Jameson Brothers, 6:30-9:30
RIVER CLUB, GLEN ARBOR
9/21 -- Rebekah Jon Duo, 5-8 9/26 -- Loose Change, 5-8
CROOKED VINE VINEYARD & WINERY, ALANSON PATIO, 1-4: 9/21 -- Lejet 9/28 – John Piatek
HIGH FIVE SPIRITS, PETOSKEY TASTING ROOM: Wed -- Trivia Night with MyClueIs Trivia, 8
NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 7-10: 9/21 – Brett Harfert 9/27 -- Mike Ridley 9/28 -- Holly Keller
NORTHLAND BREWING CO., INDIAN RIVER BACKYARD, 7-10: 9/21 – Pete Kehoe 9/28 – Delilah DeWylde
ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES:
9/27 -- Clint Weaner, 5-8
9/28 -- The Fridays, 6-9
ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 9/21 -- Barn Dance w/ Jelly Roll Blues Band, 3; K. Jones & the Benzie Playboys, 5; Jazz North, 7 9/28 -- Anna p.s., 5-8
SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY
9/27 -- Friday Night Live w/ Highway North, 4-7
STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT
9/21 -- Lynn Callihan, 7-9
SUTTONS BAY CIDERS
9/22 – John & Madeline Piatek, 5:30-8 9/26 – Thurs. Trivia, 6:30-8 9/29 – Luke Woltanski, 5:30-8 THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS, 6-9: 9/21 – Bryan Poirer 9/28 – Bill Dungjen
TWO K FARMS CIDERY & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY 9/21 -- Blair Miller, 2
9/28 -- DJ Ras Marco D, 4-6
9/27 -- Detour Band, 9 POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS
9/21 -- Lew Russ, 11am-2pm; Serita's Black Rose, 3-6
9/22 -- Kirby Snively, 11am-2pm; Dr. Goodhart's Home Remedy, 3-6
9/27 -- Underleaf Band, 5-8
9/28 -- Ty Parkin & The Old Souls, 3-6 9/29 -- Myk Rise, 11am-2pm; The Shouting Bones, 3-6pm
SEASONS OF THE NORTH WINERY, INDIAN RIVER
9/28 -- Mike Ridley, 4-6 THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN
7:
9/21 -- Dale Rieger 9/26 -- Musicians Playground Open Mic 9/27 -- Brett Harfert THE WIGWAM,
-- Dominic Fortuna, 7:30-9:30
Emmet & Cheboygan
Leelanau & Benzie
Marquette’s premiere variety band, Frank An Da Beanz plays Short’s Pub’s Beer Garden in Bellaire on Fri., Sept. 27 from 7-9:30pm. The band often dresses in full costume while taking your requests… no genre is off limits!
lOGY
SEPT 23 - SEPT 29
BY ROB BREZSNY
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): On the morning of January 27, 1970, Libran songwriter John Lennon woke up with an idea for a new song. He spent an hour perfecting the lyrics and composing the music on a piano. Then he phoned his producer and several musicians, including George Harrison, and arranged for them to meet him at a recording studio later that day. By February 6, the song "Instant Karma" was playing on the radio. It soon sold over a million copies. Was it the fastest time ever for a song to go from a seed idea to a successful release? Probably. I envision a similar process in your life, Libra. You are in a prime position to manifest your good ideas quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Marathon foot races are regularly held worldwide. Their official length is 26.2 miles. Even fast runners with great stamina can't finish in less than two hours. There's a downside to engaging in this herculean effort: Runners lose up to six percent of their brain volume during a race, and their valuable gray matter isn't fully reconstituted for eight months. Now here's my radical prophecy for you, Leo. Unless you run in a marathon sometime soon, your brain may gain in volume during the coming weeks. At the very least, your intelligence will be operating at peak levels. It will be a good time to make key decisions.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Is there a greater waste of land than golf courses? They are typically over 150 acres in size and require huge amounts of water to maintain. Their construction may destroy precious wetlands, and their vast tracts of grass are doused with chemical pesticides. Yet there are only 67 million golfers in the world. Less than one percent of the population plays the sport. Let’s use the metaphor of the golf course as we analyze your life. Are there equivalents of this questionable use of resources and space? Now is a favorable time to downsize irrelevant, misused, and unproductive elements. Re-evaluate how you use your space and resources.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You have passed the test of the First Threshold. Congratulations, Scorpio! Give yourself a kiss. Fling yourself a compliment. Then begin your preparations for the riddles you will encounter at the Second Threshold. To succeed, you must be extra tender and ingenious. You can do it! There will be one more challenge, as well: the Third Threshold. I’m confident you will glide through that trial not just unscathed but also healed. Here’s a tip from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “Those who do not expect the unexpected will not find it.”
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): What development are you so ready for that you’re almost too ready? What transformation have you been preparing for so earnestly that you’re on the verge of being overprepared? What lesson are you so ripe and eager to learn that you may be anxiously interfering with its full arrival? If any of the situations I just described are applicable to you, Sagittarius, I have good news. There will be no further postponements. The time has finally arrived to embrace what you have been anticipating.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn screenwriter and TV producer Shonda Rhimes has had a spectacular career. Her company Shondaland has produced 11 prime-time TV shows, including Grey's Anatomy and Bridgerton. She's in the Television Hall of Fame, is one of the wealthiest women in America, and has won a Golden Globe award. As you enter into a phase when your ambitions are likely to shine extra brightly, I offer you two of her quotes. 1. “I realized a simple truth: that success, fame, and having all my dreams come true would not fix or improve me. It wasn't an instant potion for personal growth." 2. “Happiness comes from living as your inner voice tells you to. Happiness comes from being who you actually are instead of who you think you are supposed to be."
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I have performed in many poetry readings. Some have been in libraries, auditoriums, cafes, and bookstores, but others have been in unexpected places: a laundromat, a bus station, a Walmart, a grocery store, and an alley behind a thrift store. Both types of locations have
been enjoyable. But the latter kind often brings the most raucous and engaging audiences, which I love. According to my analysis, you might generate luck and fun for yourself in the coming weeks by experimenting with non-typical scenarios—akin to me declaiming an epic poem on a street corner or parking lot. Brainstorm about doing what you do best in novel situations.
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): have two related oracles for you. 1. During the unfoldment of your mysterious destiny, you have had several homecomings that have moved you and galvanized you beyond what you imagined possible. Are you ready for another homecoming that’s as moving and galvanizing as those that have come before? 2. During your long life, you have gathered amazing wisdom by dealing with your pain. Are you now prepared to gather a fresh batch of wisdom by dealing with pleasure and joy?
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Here comes the Hating and Mating Season. I want to help you minimize the “hating” part and maximize the “mating” part, so I will offer useful suggestions. 1. To the degree that you can, dissolve grudges and declare amnesty for intimate allies who have bugged you. 2. Ask your partners to help you manage your fears; do the same for them. 3. Propose to your collaborators that you come up with partial solutions to complicated dilemmas. 4. Do a ritual in which you and a beloved cohort praise each other for five minutes. 5. Let go of wishes that your companions would be more like how you want them to be.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Many fairy tales tell of protagonists who are assigned seemingly impossible missions. Perhaps they must carry water in a sieve or find "fire wrapped in paper" or sort a heap of wheat, barley, poppyseed, chickpeas, and lentils into five separate piles. Invariably, the star of the story succeeds, usually because they exploit some loophole, get unexpected help, or find a solution simply because they didn't realize the task was supposedly impossible. I bring this up, Taurus, because I suspect you will soon be like one of those fairy-tale champions. Here's a tip: They often get unexpected help because they have previously displayed kindness toward strangers or low-status characters. Their unselfishness attracts acts of grace into their lives.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are in a phase with great potential for complex, unforeseen fun. To celebrate, I’m offering descriptions of your possible superpowers. 1. The best haggler ever. 2. Smoother of wrinkles and closer of gaps. 3. Laugher in overly solemn moments. 4. Unpredictability expert. 5. Resourceful summoner of allies. 6. Crafty truth-teller who sometimes bends the truth to enrich sterile facts. 7. Riddle wrestler and conundrum connoisseur. 8. Lubricant for those who are stuck. 9. Creative destroyer of useless nonsense. 10. Master of good trickery. 11. Healer of unrecognized and unacknowledged illnesses.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Tanzanite is a rare blue and violet gemstone that is available in just one place on earth: a five-square-mile region of Tanzania. It was discovered in 1967 and mined intensively for a few years. Geologists believed it was all tapped out. But in 2020, a self-employed digger named Saniniu Lazier located two huge new pieces of tanzanite worth $3.4 million. Later, he uncovered another chunk valued at $2 million. I see you as having resemblances to Saniniu Lazier in the coming weeks. In my visions of your destiny, you will tap into resources that others have not been able to unearth. Or you will find treasure that has been invisible to everyone else.
“Jonesin”
Crosswords
"But Why Though?" --some unusual seconds. by Matt Jones
ACROSS
1. Morse code symbol
5. Suffix meaning "lover"
10. 1950s poem with the phrase "pingpong of the abyss"
14. Penne ___ vodka
15. ___-Leste (U.N. member since 2002)
16. Like some arguments
17. French businessman with a politically controversial namesake cosmetics company
19. Sextet halved
20. ___ Hawkins Dance
21. Historic Tampa neighborhood known for its cigar factories
23. Little nitwit
26. Came down
27. "Apres ___, le deluge ..."
30. Succulent plant
31. "Danny and the Dinosaur" author ___ Hoff
32. Bronx-born member of Congress, familiarly
33. Pork ___ (convenience store snacks)
35. Therefore
39. NHL Hall of Famer Steve who led the Detroit Red Wings to three Stanley Cups and is now their general manager
41. Element #39 (one of four named after the same Swedish village)
44. Flying start?
45. Mario character hatched from an egg
47. Dr. behind Beats headphones
48. Consumed
51. Dramatist Coward
52. Japanese flag symbol
53. Sword-and-___ (period film genre)
56. Fencing swords
58. Peruvian-born 1950s singer with a Guinnesscertified five-octave range
60. Car wash step
64. Decisive defeat
65. Tropical plant with oils used in perfume
68. Land area
69. Tougher to come by
70. Sacha Baron Cohen persona
71. 1/168th of a week
72. "___ it goes"
73. Drains energy
DOWN
1. Makeup of a week
2. Edison's middle name
3. Winter transport
4. "Rumour ___" (hit song by Adele)
5. Hrs. accrued for vacation, in many workplaces
6. "Drank water too fast" sound
7. "Really looking forward to it!"
8. "Stay" singer Lisa
9. Baseball misplays
10. Drink popular with fall leaf-watchers
11. Former senator Hatch
12. Rider-___ (popular tarot deck)
13. Christopher who played Doc Brown
18. Prepare, as leftovers
22. Light beam
24. Film director Kazan
25. "The Daily Show" correspondent Chieng
27. Past and future portrayer of Kamala on "SNL"
28. Move like molasses
29. Cake decorator
34. Computer admin
36. Clears
37. Expert
38. Albatross, in some literary works
40. Open-top car
42. "From hell's heart I stab at ___" ("Moby-Dick" quote)
43. Factory that makes mosaic pieces
46. Minimal poker draw
49. Letter after sigma
50. Pet-loving "Tiny Toon Adventures" character
53. Dark-skinned wine grape
54. Old Exxon competitor with a torch logo
55. Pacific island nation that had one sprinter in the 2024 Olympics
57. George Eliot's "___ Marner"
59. Actor Alda
61. Disney feline
62. Tiny cut
63. Carton purchase
66. "Metroid" console
67. Miracle-___ (garden product)
CLASSIFIEDS
COTTAGE FOR RENT - TRAVERSE CITY: TC 1BR Cottage, Fully Furnished, All Utilities, A/C, W/D, Cable TV, Enclosed Porch, Parking, Very Nice, Quiet, Month-toMonth to Year, No Pets, $1,700 per month. (231) 631-7512.
CONDO FOR RENT: fully furnished condo in traverse city near east bay state park/ tart trail. 2 bedroom, 1 & 1/2 bath, all utilities & wi fi included, no pets, 6 month min. $1800.00 231-360-0477
ART EXHIBITION: Ruddiblush Gallery in Manistee is featuring an art exhibtion by artist Theresa Youngman until October 1st. The show features paintings of sailboats,fall,birch,birds and florals.
The Friendly Garden Club Geranium Sale: The Friendly Garden Club's annual Geranium Sale is in progress now through October 1, 2024. Please visit www. thefriendlygardenclub.org fore more information and the order form.
SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248
“GET OUTTA THERE—RUN!”: he implored her in a breathless, frightened child’s whisper. Jeffery Allen Boyd’s awardwinning Wolf’s Head Bay--Journey of the Courageous Eleven/The Race for Home is a bona fide heart-pounding action/adventure thrill-ride. Find it at Horizon Books in TC, and on BookBaby and Amazon.
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.
NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE IS HIRING NMC has several new open full-time salaried positions with full benefits packages, including a Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations ($67,685.00) and a Foundation Operations & Advancement Manager ($55,840.00). To see a full list of our newest openings visit www.nmc.edu/ jobs NMC is EOE www.nmc.edu/ nondiscrimination
WRC HIRING THRIFT SHOP
MANAGER The Women's Resource Center is hiring a FT Thrift Shop Manager. Ideal candidates will have previous retail management experience, and have a passion for the Mission. We offer a great work environment and benefits package. crose@ wrcgt.com
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2024 •
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