A 25 percent tariff on all Canadian imports will result in a 25 percent inflation under the Trump Administration.
If you think the Labatts before you is already pricey, wait for a shock more than a puck through a goalie’s legs. Think housing construction prices are high enough? Wait to see what lumber prices will be. Work in the auto industry? Pre-sign your unemployment check as the free trade of a Michigan industry will more than stall than my former GM Chevy Citation.
And don’t even get me started on maple syrup.
George Golubovskis | Traverse City
Concerned and Fed Up with Line 5
I, a Traverse City citizen, feel at once concerned and fed up. Among many of my concerns is Enbridge’s ongoing transport of oil and other fossil fuels through the Great Lakes area via pipelines that outlived their easement and viability by more than two decades. In general, I am fed up with business leaders overplaying themselves as indispensable, forward-thinking, and caring when their actions prove the opposite.
Currently, Enbridge’s business leaders have spent the last few decades misleading the public and acting despite their promises and three different hearings protesting the pipelines. They also severely underestimate the costs of the tunnel they propose to build in the pipeline’s place.
According to recent findings from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA, the cost for building the tunnel would expand from the initial $500 million estimate by around half again, even laying aside ongoing maintenance and wastewater treatment and disposal. Despite what news from a different angle might have one believe, demand for fossil fuels has decreased, while supply and installment costs and ease of access for renewable energy retrieval and storage systems have improved considerably. The latter’s ability to function in inclement weather is also better than most would imagine.
All told, there is little point in operating either an old pipeline or a new tunnel. Those deciding current and future hearings should consider that in terms of whom to rule in favor of, as should everyone involved regarding the path to tomorrow.
Oil and Water Don’t Mix has compiled the details listed above on their site, oilandwaterdontmix.org. You can also learn more on Groundwork (groundworkcenter. org) and FLOW (forloveofwater.org). To those who read and take action, thank you!
Emily Baker | Traverse City
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Saturday, Feb. 22
top ten this week’s
Two Delicious Dates
Skip the flowers—we want to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with food and wine. On the day of love (that’s Friday), Left Foot Charley will turn its Barrel Room into a cookie-decorating emporium. The workshop runs from 5-7pm and includes all the supplies needed to decorate the cookies (and bring some of them home!). During the workshop, wine, hard cider, Northwoods sodas, and snacks will be available for purchase. Head to leftfootcharley.com/events-calendar for tickets ($55). The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail hosts their annual Taste the Passion event Feb. 14-16 from 12-5pm daily. Attendees sip on a 2-oz pour of wine and nosh on a special snack at each of the 22 participating wineries. Tickets are $50, with a special $40 Locals Only option for Sunday Feb. 16. Get tickets at lpwines. com/taste-the-passion.
Getting Creative with the Land
We don’t know about you, but we love a big breakfast, especially one that lets us have our cake—pancakes, that is—and eat it, too! Enter: the Breakfast Charcuterie Board ($18) at Maple + Batter in Bay Harbor. Modeled after the trendy appetizer, this AM smorgasbord is perfect for sharing and packs in all the classic morning treats, so you don’t have to choose! Here’s the breakdown: It comes with six fluffy mini pancakes (in both blueberry and chocolate chip); a few biscuits with homemade honey-butter; a Belgian-style waffle infused with maple; a selection of seasonal fruit, because balance; and to top it off, plenty of house whipped cream and maple syrup for dunking. Now that’s a breakfast of champions. Psst—don’t miss the bacon-garnished Bloody Mary to wash it all down! Tuck in at 4165 Main St. in Bay Harbor. mapleandbatter.com
This Monday, Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology invites you to The Alluvion in Traverse City for their free Land-based Projects Summit, Feb. 10 from 9am-2pm. Learn, collaborate, and connect to see how agriculture and creative experiences on the land can work together. Examples of land-based projects include community farms/gardens, nature centers and educational programs, agritourism, artist residencies and public art, and live music/music festivals. Think outside the box and leave with actionable ideas! You must register for this free event: crosshatch.org/events
Hey, read It! Story of a Marriage 4
When author and retired local judge Jim McCormick wrote a Christmas letter to his new wife, Marilyn, in 1968, he had no idea he’d begun a tradition that would span the next 50 years of their marriage, to Marilyn’s passing in 2018 and beyond. That’s exactly what happened though, and now he’s sharing those missives with “lovers of all ages” in his new book, Story of a Marriage: 50 Years of Christmas Love Letters. Interspersed with family photos and even a few notes in Marilyn’s voice, this year-by-year account of the pair’s life together offers a glimpse into the realities of a committed, but ever-evolving relationship. From the highs of romance and raising a family to the lows of lost connection and personal conflict, this saga of two lives united offers a heartfelt reminder that love, though not always perfect, is well worth the fight—just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Great Decisions
Feeling overwhelmed by the news and struggling to make sense of it all? Especially in a global context? Head to the Traverse Area District Library for their ongoing civics discussion group, Great Decisions: Community Conversations about Current World Affairs (organized nationally by the Foreign Policy Association, hosted locally by TADL). This eight-week series will dive into topics like U.S.-China relations, international cooperation on climate change, artificial intelligence, and more as they work through the Great Decisions 2025 Briefing book. The group is two weeks in, but you can still join up! Two sessions are running for the next six weeks, with a 2-4pm meeting time weekly on Wednesdays and a 3-5pm time on Thursdays in the Thirlby Room. Learn more at tadl.org/event/hold-great-decisions-17844.
Creative Youth Contests Now Open
Know a young writer or artist who would love to see their work shown? Check out these calls for local youth art! Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey has submissions open for their 23rd annual Young Writers Exposition for elementary through high school students writing in a variety of genres including Poetry, Prose, Academic, Screenplay, and Historical Essay. Teachers can submit their students’ best work by March 14 for consideration. Visit crookedtree.org to submit. Meanwhile, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced an art contest for the cover of the 2025 State of the State program. The theme is “Think Michigan,” and K-12 students are eligible to submit their work before 11:59pm on Friday, Feb. 14. See all the details and upload a submission at somgovweb.state.mi.us/ArtContest.
Stuff We Love: Funding Local Farming
The Leadership Little Traverse (LLT) Class of 2025 wants to help the community grow. The leadership program—put on by the Harbor Springs Area and Petoskey Regional Chambers of Commerce—has teamed up with Ziibimijwang, a nonprofit farm operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians that aims to “emphasize sustainable methods that align with Anishinaabek traditional ecological knowledge.” In February, LLT is facilitating several fundraising events to help Ziibimijwang expand with local businesses, including Culver’s in Petoskey (Feb. 13 from 4-8pm; 10 percent of sales donated), Buffalo Wild Wings in Petoskey (Feb. 19 from 11am-12am; up to 20 percent of sales donated), and Grandpa Shorter’s (Feb. 22 9am-5pm; up to 20 percent of sales donated). Gypsy Spirits has also agreed to match up to $500 in donations made online. Learn more at ziibimijwang.org/lltpartnership.
We still have several weeks of winter ahead of us, so let’s raise a glass to the classic: the Hot Toddy. The drink can trace its roots back to the 1700s, and has evolved throughout the centuries based on ingredients and tastes. (In Canada, they often swap the honey for maple syrup!) Grand Traverse Distillery offers a version of the classic winter warmer ($13) at their downtown TC tasting room. It all starts with their Bottled in Bond straight bourbon whiskey, complemented by honey, lemon juice, and hot water. Pro tip from the distiller: Buy a bottle of bourbon and make this at home, replacing the hot water with your favorite hot tea! Stop in at 215 E. Front Street in Traverse City or shop online at grandtraversedistillery.com.
GT Distillery’s Hot Toddy
Bottoms Up
PROGRESS, BUT NOT ENOUGH
spectator By steven Tuttle
It isn’t clear how much longer the current government will be producing data regarding climate, as they are already in the process of removing references to climate change online and in printed informational material.
The operative philosophy seems to be if we don’t talk about climate change, then maybe it doesn’t really exist. And, if it doesn’t exist, then we can increase the activities that “didn’t” cause it in the first place. You know, like lots more drilling for oil offshore or in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
severe storms, more frequent and much more severe wildfires, more drought followed by more floods, worse algae blooms including in Lake Erie, and displacement of animals from their historic natural habitats (some are already adapting; those that can’t are increasingly at risk). Some impacts were never anticipated, like rapidly depleting oxygen levels in the Baltic Sea creating weird underwater “dead zones.”
(Those still doubting the very existence of climate change should be advised the consensus among the scientific community
According to the Center for Climate Change Communication, fully 70 percent of American adults now believe climate change is real.
First, the necessary review for the umpteenth time differentiating between weather and climate. Most readers of this column already know, but maybe this will help you explain to your friends who are quite certain the recent cold snap is proof there is no climate change or global warming. “Weather” is the shortterm changes in atmospheric conditions; what’s happening in your yard right now and tomorrow. “Climate” is the average weather patterns in a much broader area over a longer period of time, usually measured in 30-year increments. Today’s snowfall is weather; the average temperature increases over the last
Let’s start with the unfortunate bad news; we are making progress but not enough and not
According to the World Meteorological Organization, which keeps tabs on such things, the world’s carbon dioxide emissions are projected to have reached record levels of 41.6 billion tons in 2024, more than 37 billion tons of which are the direct result of burning fossil fuels. And according to WorldOceanReview.org, sea levels continue to rise at an accelerated rate, increasing coastal erosion and flooding, tidal flooding, and the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater aquifers among other issues.
ASA’s Earth Observatory, the primary source of NASA satellite analysis and information, reports glaciers are now melting at record levels in the Arctic, Antarctica, and Greenland. An ocean current that circles Antarctica in an endless loop is warming and shifting, resulting in more ice loss beneath the continent’s overwater ice shelves and the release of even more carbon. Ice core samples are now indicating Antarctica is warming more and faster than at any time in the last 50,000 years.
ASA’s bad climate news keeps coming, so they might have to be shut down by the hearno-evil see-no-evil administration but, overall, it appears 2024 will have been the warmest globally since records have been kept.
It takes only some modest paying attention to know something is causing more frequent
has not changed. Climate.gov has reviewed hundreds of research papers and more than 95 percent acknowledge climate change is both real and human caused.)
The good news is not that we are stopping the activities and behaviors causing the problem but that we’re getting a bit better at dealing with it.
Solar panels are getting smaller and much, much more efficient, and we have now discovered many of the rare earth minerals used in their manufacture exist in the U.S., though mining them is an issue. We’ve also gotten significantly smarter about where to place these other than on rooftops or consuming thousands of acres in large installations. They work installed over many crops and atop canals providing multiple benefits.
While China is building ever larger wind turbines—they now have erected one with blades 459 feet long capable of producing enormous amounts of energy—the Chinese government is little concerned about anybody opposing their location.
A better option than getting bigger and bigger is known as a tulip wind turbine because they look a bit like an unopened tulip. They are much smaller, as small as just 6 feet tall up to 35 feet, and they are especially effective for individual home or business use. They operate quietly in very little wind, and the blade is mostly enclosed to pose minimal danger.
It’s hard to conclude we’re making progress when we keep falling farther behind. Having government leadership working against science and reality is not helpful. According to the Center for Climate Change Communication, fully 70 percent of American adults now believe climate change is real. Included in the 13 percent who do not are the very people who should be leading us away from the primary source of the problem—human use of fossil fuels.
Instead, we’re being led into a climate catastrophe our grandchildren will be forced to confront.
HEY, PETE
Opinion Columnist
by Mary Keyes Rogers
I am willing to admit to liking some of Trump’s bold actions. Enforcing current immigration law is an example. I like rules and have little tolerance for people taking cuts in lines.
Rules and laws are good things. They keep us civilized, and life is most orderly when we all agree to honor them. However, my elbows sharpen when rules and laws are ignored, and chaos sets in.
When it comes to the overreaching executive orders and appointments of ass-kissers— needed to push the Trump agenda through this new government’s greased wheels— my discomfort has grown into something darker. I’m paying less attention to the agenda and more to the grease. The tactics of the administration to eliminate friction are frightening as hell.
It isn’t supposed to be this way. Friction is good and serves a purpose. Grease is bad and serves bad intentions.
Consider just this: Trump, without any audible objection from elected Republicans, insists that all federal government workers, from cabinet secretaries to lowly civil servants, must pledge loyalty to him above all. This will provide more grease and reduce friction.
If you have ever been stymied by a government worker not approving your permit for this or payment for that, you may feel somewhat delighted by the idea of sweeping civil servants to the curb.
However, senior-level civil servants have relevant college degrees, decades of experience, and deep institutional knowledge. Their workflow may appear mired in bureaucracy, requiring various departments to “sign off” or collect background checks, but again, this is good and serves the purpose of honest government without a spoils system for political lackeys or campaign donors.
Trump needs the grease. He needs a federal workforce willing to overlook the laws, norms, and standards of good government and do his bidding.
The Pendleton Act of 1883 and subsequent laws protect civil servants from partisanship. It established competitive exams for federal government jobs and made it illegal to fire employees for political reasons. That is a template for good government.
Multiple unions have filed suits in federal court, putting forth that only the Office of Personnel and Management can rescind the act by going through the rulemaking process of Congress, per federal law. Again, this is friction.
Who is the gatekeeper of the Congress? That would be the Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, who faces Trump in the pose of a Golden Retriever at the front door when his
master returns from a two-week vacation. This is grease.
This puts matters in the hands of the judicial branch, now tainted with Trump-appointed loyalists, many of whom have demonstrated a rather spongey commitment to the Constitution.
These building blocks have been in motion for eight years; it didn’t happen overnight. This was a well-executed strategy of applying grease.
Elected Republicans serving in the U.S. House and Senate fail to administer friction. In fact, they are the grease. As they frolic in this pool of neglect, there is rarely any voicing of opinions or intellectual discourse on ideas, ethics, or due process. They have been reduced to scared little baby dolls, afraid of being primaried and ousted from the positions of power they have attained.
But what good is power and influence if you have given it away?
Trump’s dolls just watch from the sidelines as he ignores the limits of his power. While they facilitate Trump’s agenda at the speed of light, the Democratic leadership is fiddling with a dimmer switch.
As we witness each un-American act, there deserves a response, but the Democratic Party has gone underground—not in a cool “planning the revolution” kind of way, but as a maneuver to keep the covers over their heads. This is just as well, as the party has never been able to muster the hutzpah to go bold.
People like me don’t quite know what to do with our anger and fear. We can’t wait for the next presidential election.
We need a spirited opposition leader for Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to rally behind. A fearless lover of America, a leader worthy of history books yet to be written. A leader who is savvy to the wheels of government with a wealth of common sense, a crafty tactician to all modern media who is brilliant in making unlikely partnerships, comfortable with being bold but not outrageous, and above all, a likable, trustworthy, and genuinely good person who can connect with anyone.
Who are you? I have one idea.
As I write this, reports say Pete Buttigieg is “strongly considering” running for Michigan’s vacated U.S. Senate seat. Whether he does or does not take that path, Americans beyond Michigan need him to be our guy right now.
Mary Keyes Rogers is a 25-year resident of Traverse City. She has held leadership positions with non-profit organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Civic Searchlight, Chambers of Commerce, Michigan Small Business Development Center, Marigold Women in Business, and was the host of the Mary in the Morning radio talk show.
In 2023, friends Boone Hogg and Logan Jugler found a nice stick on the side of a trail in Utah -- it had "some excellent grain on it" and a "nice grip," they said. They liked it so much, they shared a review of it with their friends, National Public Radio reported on Jan. 23. Two years later, Stick Nation has about 3 million Instagram followers from all over the world who post pictures and reviews of their favorite sticks. Some are "modded," or altered by humans; others are "natty," left in their natural state. One poster from Antarctica wondered: "There are no sticks here. ... I found an ice stick. Does this count?" Stick Nation allowed the submission. "This is an Antarctica stick,"
In November, high above Riedering, Germany, Friedi Kuhne and Lukas Irmler walked across a slackline strung between two hot-air balloons flying at more than 8,000 feet, United Press International reported. The two were awarded the Guinness World Record for highest slackline walk on Jan. 27. Irmler went first, calling the successful walk "a glorious moment." Kuhne admitted, "Watching Lukas struggle on the slackline was also very intimidating for me," noting that the balloons went up and down while they were mid-walk. "At one point we were walking kind of downhill -- the next minute uphill. The tension of the line was going up and down." He celebrated by parachuting off the line.
It's a Mystery
The Los Angeles Times reported on Jan. 27 that police were called to a property along the Los Angeles River where Google Earth images had captured multiple HELP signs scratched into the dirt. The land is owned by the Union Pacific Railroad, and it turns out the satellite images were captured in 2023. But a KTLA-TV news helicopter flew over the property on Jan. 27 and saw that the words were still there. Jill Micek, a spokesperson for Union Pacific, said the railroad is aware of a man who has trespassed on the company's property repeatedly and who is responsible for the alarming messages. While she stressed that no one is in danger, the conspiracy theory community lit up with tales of underground tunnels: "The truth is in the tunnels," one wrote on X. But LAPD is also familiar with the individual who frequents the area, and they said he "has refused housing or a mental health evaluation. He has been at the location for a few years."
Weird in the Wild
In rural Willows, Australia, a man in his 50s suffered serious injuries on Jan. 29 when a "massive" kangaroo attacked him as he walked from his house to his car, The Guardian reported. Fortunately, a neighbor witnessed the attack and was able to call for help. Rick Underhill of the Willows Rural Fire Brigade said the man encountered two kangaroos, one male and one female, and the female ran off before the "other bastard turned around and attacked him." He said
the male roo was about 6 1/2 feet tall and probably weighed 220 pounds. Underhill warned community members to stay at home. "A lot of elderly people live in this little community, and they like to go and walk their dogs in the morning," he said. "And that's just asking for trouble."
The Tech Revolution
Twelve thousand humans, alongside dozens of humanoid robots, are scheduled to compete in a half-marathon in Beijing in April, Oddity Central reported on Jan. 29. Bipedal robots from Tesla, Boston Dynamics and 1X will have to have a human-inspired appearance and be able to move on two legs. Experts say experienced human runners have the edge over robots, partially because of battery life, but battery changes mid-race will be allowed.
The Passing Parade
In the name of gender equality, Chinese influencer Zhu Miaolin is calling on her male counterparts to start wearing Adam's apple covers, analogous to women wearing bras. The South China Morning Post reported on Jan. 23 that Zhu noted the Adam's apple is a delicate, sensitive area that should be protected. The covers are made from wool, leather or lace and cost between 70 cents and $3. A 2020 census in China revealed that there are about 35 million more men than women, a result of the longstanding (but now defunct) onechild policy in the country.
Family Values
Two mourning sisters from Clearwater, Florida, didn't even make it out of the church before getting into a scrape following their 95-year-old dad's funeral on Jan. 22, The Smoking Gun reported. As Kathleen Deegan, 66, delivered the eulogy for Dr. Arthur Deegan, she neglected to mention her niece, which upset Maureen Deegan, 60. After the service, Maureen allegedly chest-bumped her older sister; Kathleen then grabbed Maureen's hair and pulled her back. Maureen threw "strikes at (Kathleen's) face." Kathleen was arrested for misdemeanor battery; Maureen was charged with felony battery because her victim was over 65 years old.
News That Sounds Like a Joke
Fighting a cold? If you're lucky, you can find some Progresso Soup Drops -- cough lozenges that taste like chicken noodle soup. Metro News reported that General Mills announced the limited-time product on Jan. 16: "What's a soup drop? Well, it's soup you can suck on, of course!" A can of 24 lozenges costs $2.49, but they sold out almost immediately, before a second batch was released on Jan. 23.
Police Report
Police pulled over Elizabeth Perez of El Paso, Texas, on Jan. 24 after clocking her driving 106 mph on I-84 near Baker City, Oregon, The Oregonian reported. Why is that weird? Perez is 94 years old. She was also cited for failing to secure a child passenger, driving without insurance and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.
MAKING CHANGE THROUGH A UNION
Guest opinion
by Carrie Grishaber
We’ve been busy here at Michigan State University Extension. Which, honestly, is really saying something, because we are a notably ambitious and industrious group of workers. We are often described as the “hidden gem” of MSU.
In reality, we are the most accessible arm of MSU, as we have boots on the ground in all 83 counties in Michigan. From Kalkaska to Kalamazoo, and Houghton to Hillsdale, we work every day to improve lives in Michigan with food safety, parenting, working with entrepreneurs, conserving the Great Lakes, and more. The uniting thread among our
confident in our futures so that we can make others confident in theirs. We unite in order to protect what drew us to MSU Extension and make it sustainable for ourselves and those who follow after us.
It is evident what benefits our union will have for our colleagues and the Michiganders we serve, but we remain in consideration of MSU’s stated value of equity. The excellent Office of Culture, Access, and Belonging at MSU does not shy away from any opportunity to enhance equity in our work, and neither should we.
Forming our union will give us the ability to negotiate with the administrators making that choice and make sure more of that money goes into the extension program as a whole.
many varied positions is that we all bring the resources of the university to all the people of our state.
As MSU Extension employees, we serve hard-working Michiganders who are no strangers to uncertain financial futures and changing times. Our state, after all, is built on the backbone of labor that keeps our country running. Michiganders are the ones who pull iron ore from the earth and turn it into powerful engines. We honor and recognize that hardworking heritage.
In this spirit, we are honoring our own labor and organizing as a union. As a unit, we represent the core of Michigan: We are strong, we are persevering, and we are galvanized to action. We know best what we need to do our jobs, and we are proud to share that in a meaningful way. We support our union because of our desire to advocate for what will allow our families to thrive and for us to continue our important work in the great State of Michigan.
I myself am a finance and homeownership educator. On a daily basis, I teach our community members how to cultivate strong financial futures for themselves and their families.
I offer courses on preparing for homeownership knowing that colleagues are delaying the same dreams in order to work at MSU Extension. I empower my community to navigate money challenges while my coworkers are making the weighty decision to leave their meaningful positions behind in search of firmer financial footing. This is why I support our union.
Fostering a resilient future with ensured rights not only strengthens the lives of MSU Extension staff, who are counted among those aforementioned hard-working Michiganders, but creates a steadfast example for our community. We seek to be
Labor unions promote wage-setting practices that are less susceptible to implicit bias. I, for one, certainly look forward to our union solidifying MSU’s commitment to inclusion in this manner.
As with all community-based workers, our impact is most purposeful and significant when we are able to dig deep and remain in our roles for extended periods. We succeed because we build trust and relationships over time. The guaranteed protections of our union will help make this possible for many of us.
By forming our union, we are pulling up a long-deserved chair to the table that manages the resources and controls the pocketbook. MSU has more than twice as much money as it had in 2022, but it is choosing not to spend that money on MSU Extension.
Forming our union will give us the ability to negotiate with the administrators making that choice and make sure more of that money goes into the extension program as a whole.
You, reading this from the comfort of your home, have more in common with us than you may think. We are fulfilling the desire that is in all of us to improve our circumstances. We see a place where we can make beautiful, radiant, actual change and are putting in the hard work to get there.
In the sludgy, gray onslaught of hardto-swallow news, let this be a beam of positivity. Keep an eye on us—we’re making this change possible.
Carrie Grishaber is a Finance & Homeownership Educator and HUD Certified Housing Counselor with Michigan State University Extension. For more information on MSU Extension United go to theuntf.org/extension.
14 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Couples, singles, gal pals, and music buffs can all find something to love
By Rachel Pasche
Whether you’re celebrating a new relationship, enjoying the company of a long-time partner, or flying solo, there are plenty of ways to get out and feel festive during Valentine’s Day. Learn something new, enjoy a candlelit dinner, or go out with the gals—there’s no wrong way to celebrate the holiday of love.
DATE NIGHT
1. Black Star Farms Valentine’s Wine Dinner, Feb. 14, 6:30–9pm
Looking for a romantic dinner with your significant other? Black Star Farms is hosting a five-course meal with optional wine pairings this Valentine’s Day. Menu items include oysters and caviar, agnolotti with truffles, and a homemade chocolate hazelnut KitKat. Tickets are $125 without wine pairings, $150 with wine. mynorthtickets. com/events/black-star-farms-valentineswine-dinner-2-14-2025
2. Touch of Love Couples Massage Workshop at the Inn at Bay Harbor, Feb. 14, 6–9pm
If intimacy and learning a new skill appeal to you, this massage workshop is a great way to connect with your partner. Participants will receive instruction on how to perform therapeutic practices and techniques designed to enhance physical connection. Couples are invited to practice the techniques in private rooms. Tickets are $249 per couple. innatbayharbor.com/events/couples-massage-workshop
3. Aonach Mor Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Highlands, Feb. 14
What could be more romantic than a sleigh ride up a mountain, a cozy bonfire, and a three-course meal in a romantic cabin setting? A live acoustic guitarist, candles, and roses set the ambiance, and tickets include the meal, sparkling wine, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Tickets are $185. shop.highlandsharborsprings.com/l/activities-events/events3/p/aonach-mor-valentines
4. Valentine’s Day Dinner at Chateau Chantal, Feb. 15, 6–9pm
For those who love wine pairings, the six-course dinner with wine accompaniment at Chateau Chantal is a perfect Valentine’s Day celebration. The evening kicks off with a tour of the vineyard or indoor wine cellar, then attendees enjoy multiple courses prepared by the in-house chef. Each course includes a wine pairing; tickets are $175. chateauchantal.com/ product/valentines-dinner
GALENTINE’S DAY
5. Galentine’s at the Back Lot Petoskey, Feb. 11, 6–9pm
Gather the ladies for this Galentine’s Day celebration in Petoskey! Attendees can get a matching bracelet with their bestie at the jewelry stand, make a one-of-a-kind hat, design a bouquet or arrangement for their home, and enjoy some baked goods by Jojo’s Cookies and Smitten by the Oven Mitten. One dollar from each signature cocktail goes to support the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. petoskeyarea.com/ events/galentines-at-the-back-lot-petoskey
6. Floral Workshop at the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park, Feb. 12, 6–7:30pm
Bring your own container and learn how to craft a floral centerpiece for your home, or to give to your favorite gal pal! In addition to plenty of stems and guidance on how to bring your creative vision to life, there will also be dessert and wine to enjoy. Make sure your container has an opening six to eight inches wide. Tickets are $45. thebotanicgarden.org/events
7. Flowers and Fondue at Sunday Morning Flowers of Kalkaska, Feb. 12, 6–8pm
What’s sweeter than Valentine’s Day chocolates? An evening spent crafting flower arrangements and dipping treats in chocolate fondue with your bestie! Work on making a centerpiece for your kitchen, then dip treats in chocolate to eat (and take home!). Tickets are $99 per duo. eventbrite.com/e/flowers-and-fondue-tickets-1209282940829?
8. Valentine’s Day Pop-Up at Lightwell Lavender Farm, Feb. 13 and 14, 10am–3pm
Lightwell Lavender Farm stand is opening for a few days with special Valentine’s Day products that are perfect for self-care, personal wellness, or for gifting. Take a drive up Old Mission Peninsula, pick up some lavender products, and stop for a glass of wine at one of the local wineries. getlightwell.com
SINGLE FUN
9. Spicy Singles Mixer at Cultured Kombucha, Feb. 13, 6–8pm
Looking to heat things up this Valentine’s Day? Cultured Kombucha in Traverse City is hosting a singles mixer and hot sauce workshop to encourage bold flavors and connections. This DIY workshop is perfect for those looking to meet new people and learn a new skill. Tickets are $40. drinkcultured.com/team-4
LOVE A GOOD SHOW
10. Swan Lake at Interlochen, Feb. 14 (7:30pm), Feb. 15 (2pm and 7:30pm), and Feb. 16 (3pm)
This beloved ballet is in turns romantic and heartbreaking as two lovers try to break a sorcerer’s curse. Interlochen Arts Academy’s Dance Division brings the story to life with original choreography by Director of Dance Joseph Morrissey and the musical help of an ensemble of players from Traverse City Philharmonic and the Arts Academy Orchestra. Tickets are $34 for adults, $19 for children and college students. interlochen.org/concertsand-events/signature-series
11. Some Like It Yacht Tribute Concert at City Opera House, Feb. 15, 7:00pm
If you love soft rock from the ’70s and ’80s, check out this tribute concert to some of your favorite bands from that era. This laid-back and tropical event is the perfect way to brighten up those winter blues. Tickets are $50 for two people, or $30 for individual attendees. cityoperahouse.org/node/628
12. Luau of Love, Leelanau Sands Casino, Feb. 15, 8–9:30pm
Why not experience a bit of culture this Valentine’s Day? The Luau of Love features traditional Māori dances, authentic Hawaiian Hula, Ori Tahiti drum dances, and a Samoan fire knife dance. The first 100 attendees receive a lei; tickets are $40. mynorthtickets.com/ events/luau-of-love-2-15-2025
13. Valentine’s Day Ball at AuSauble Artisan Village, Feb. 14, 7–11pm
Put on your dancing shoes—the Valentine’s Day Ball at AuSauble Artisan Village is a great way to get your groove on. With DJs playing hits from across the decades, drinks, and decadent desserts, this ball is sure to be sweet. The dress code is formal attire, so dress to impress. Tickets are $20. mynorthtickets.com/events/valentines-ball-2-14-2025
14. Murder Mystery Masquerade at Otsego Resort, Feb. 15, 7–9pm
If dinner and a show won’t cut it this Valentine’s Day, try dinner while being a part of the show. This immersive mystery masquerade party invites guests to dress up and participate in a murder mystery. Bring your mask and your appetite, drinks and light bites are provided. Tickets are $65. otsegoclub.com/event/murder-mystery-dinner-2
Sponsored by the Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce
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10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Downtown Suttons Bay
Yeti SOUP-er Bowl Competition
Adult & Kids Scavenger Hunts Family Fun with Yeti at SB Library Face Painting And More!
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Funny Valentines
Need a laugh? Here are four local comedy groups to catch
By Abby McKiernan
They say that the secret to a long life (and a lot of happiness along the way) is a good sense of humor, and Traverse City has no shortage of opportunities for laughter. From sidesplitting improv troupes to open mic nights brimming with raw talent and professional stand-up acts, our local comedy community has something for everyone. Dive in to meet the faces who turn ordinary nights into unforgettable memories.
Good on Paper Improv
Traverse City’s longest-running improv troupe, Good on Paper, is entering its 14th—and final— season. The group of six—Turner Sato, Bryan Boettcher, Michael Libby, David Avis, Stephanie Young, and Heather Helsel—will host their final show in May at the Traverse City Comedy Club, followed by a bonus performance at Black Star Farms in June.
David Avis, who has been in comedy for over 25 years, found his passion through Second City workshops in Detroit, which his wife encouraged him to try.
“I loved sketch comedy so much I took the same course twice,” Avis recalls. “After that, I consumed every book, show, and course I could find. I fell in love with learning the art.” Outside of comedy, he manages the Black Star Farms Inn and enjoys sharing laughs at the Traverse City Comedy Club during their regular monthly performances. Behind the Mic
• Favorite comedian: Steven Wright
• Best show you’ve ever seen: Brian Regan, anywhere at any show. “He’s the comedian other comedians want to be.”
• Favorite comedy club: GO Comedy in Ferndale, Michigan; Traverse City Comedy Club
• Must-watch TV special: Nate Bargatze’s Netflix specials. “Relatively clean comedy where kids can be in the room.”
• Rising local stars: Full Tilt Improv Group
For upcoming shows, visit facebook.com/GoodOnPaperImprov.
Traverse City Comedy Club
Traverse City Comedy Club has been delivering big laughs since its launch in 2021.
Owner Stuart Lazar, a “recovering lawyer” and law professor at the State University of New York, turned his love for stand-up comedy into a passion project.
“I tried stand-up comedy and I am terrible at it,” admits Lazar. “I don’t have the timing and quick wit you need. So, those who can’t do, own I suppose!” The venue offers a curated lineup of seasoned comedians who bring the house down every weekend.
“I love working behind the bar because it gives me a chance to meet the audience. The common ground of comedy brings people together, no matter their background,” Lazar adds.
Behind the Mic
• Favorite comedian: Dave Chappelle
• Best show you’ve ever seen: Bobcat Goldthwait at TC Comedy Club
• Favorite comedy club: Traverse City Comedy Club, of course!
• Must-watch TV special: Eddie Murphy: Raw. “A comedy classic everyone should watch.”
• Upcoming act to catch: Bob Zany, Feb 28 & March 1
For upcoming shows, visit traversecitycomedyclub.com
Full Tilt Improv Group
Full Tilt is putting a fresh spin on Traverse City’s comedy scene. What started as a small teaching group has grown into a nonprofit that’s making waves by blending performance and education.
Nicole Hastings McKendrick, Full Tilt’s executive director, brings over a decade of experience from Chicago’s famed Second City, where she honed her skills in the gold standard of Midwest comedy.
“When I moved to Traverse City in 2019, I wasn’t sure if I’d find a comedy community like I had in Chicago,” Hastings McKendrick says. “But when Lisa [Thauvette, Full Tilt cofounder] reached out, I saw the potential here, and it’s been an incredible journey.”
The group offers a tiered approach to improv, with classes for beginners, intermediate students, and advanced performers, as well as a middle school program starting in September 2024. “Improv is like a sport—you’re constantly sharpening skills, not memorizing lines,” Hastings McKendrick explains. “Every show is different, and that’s what makes it so exhilarating.”
Behind the Mic
• Favorite comedian: Madeline Kahn (an actress from the ’70s)
• Best show you’ve ever seen: The Improvised Shakespeare Company in Chicago
• Favorite comedy club: Second City in Chicago
• Must-watch TV special: Hannah Gadsby: Nanette
• Rising local act: The Untitled Improv Show
You can catch Full Tilt at monthly performances at The Workshop, or at special events like their Valentine’s Day show at Dennos Museum. fulltiltcomedy.org
Kamikaze Comedy, known for its raw energy and fearless humor, has been a staple of the Traverse City comedy scene since 2016. The group was founded by Matt Zerilli and Ben Macks as a response to the closing of Falling Down Stairs Productions, and they quickly made their mark by hosting shows at local venues like the Parlor and Grand Traverse Distillery. The USS Open Mic Night, which Jeremy West runs, has been going strong for almost seven years, originally held at GT Distillery before making the shift to Union Street Station (USS).
West says “selling out the Traverse City Comedy club for the Local Showcase during the Traverse City Comedy Festival last year” is high on the list of achievements for them. “And the good we’ve been able to do for various charities through comedy.”
Behind the Mic
• Favorite comedian: Famous; Tom Segura, Underground; Stewart Huff
• Best show you’ve ever seen: Stewart Huff’s intimate performance at Studio Anatomy
• Favorite comedy club: Eugene’s Record Co-op (not technically a comedy club, but magic when they host)
• Must-watch TV special: Dan Soder: On the Road
• Rising local act: Nick Stafford, a regular at the USS open mic, known for his mix of innocence and absurdity
Catch West and crew at the USS Open Mic Night, which happens almost every Tuesday at 8pm at Union Street Station, to watch or come a little early and put your name on the list to try out your own bit on stage! facebook.com/USSComedy
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Kamikaze Comedy – USS Open Mic Night
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A Taste of the Iberian Peninsula in Northern Michigan
Sipping the “climate appropriate” wines of ŌBrien Vineyards
By Matt Dursum
On Old Mission Peninsula, winemaker Barry O’Brien tends to his rows of tempranillo and graciano grape vines. Vineby-vine, he clips away excess growth and inspects the plants for diseases while his two German Shorthaired Pointers, Bowie and Luna, frolic in the dandelions.
O’Brien owns ŌBrien Vineyards, a small-production vineyard. On his 1.5acre site, he grows cold-climate riesling, gewurztraminer, cabernet franc, and pinot noir, as well as tempranillo and graciano, two grape varieties from Spain rarely grown in Michigan.
O’Brien entered the wine industry shortly after graduating from Michigan State University. “Just after college, I went to work in Boulder, Colorado, at a wine bar and moved up to a 4-star restaurant as a sommelier. After that, I went to Europe and traveled around to different regions,” he says.
Spain became his home base, where he explored the winemaking regions of Rioja, Catalonia, and Ribera del Duero. “I just fell in love with the style of wines, being soft, warm, bold, medium-full, and characterful.”
A Northern Michigan Homecoming
After Europe, O’Brien moved to New York City, where he worked for the MöetHennessy group while studying cool-climate viticulture for The Institute of Masters of Wine. In 1997, he founded Select Fine Wine Imports, a company that imported and distributed wines from regions such as New Zealand, Argentina, and Spain.
After getting married to his wife Laura, the couple moved from New York City to Laura’s hometown of Traverse City. Shortly after relocating in 1999, the couple looked at buying property to grow wine grapes. “I said, when you’re going around the peninsula, look for some property with a west-facing slope and a barn, and we’ll buy it,” he says.
On the site’s west-facing slopes, O’Brien started working the land. He took out the old cherry trees, tilled the soil, and adjusted the soil’s pH with dolomite lime. “We did some soil work to ameliorate the decades of cherry farming here,” he explains.
O’Brien planted his first rows with riesling and Dijon clones of pinot noir in 2006. Inspired by his time in Spain, he branched out from the typical grapes grown in northern Michigan and took a risk
planting warm-climate Spanish varieties. “In 2009, we added more gewurztraminer and then the tempranillo, the graciano, and the cabernet franc,” he says.
Growing these warm-climate grapes was an experiment, yet O’Brien felt confident they would produce expressive wines in the local terroir. He spaced each row by seven feet, similar to row sizes in Europe, bought a new, compact tractor, and started the long and physically demanding process of growing and harvesting grapes.
“Be careful what you wish for, because here it is—now all that work is waiting,” he jokes.
Adapting to the Region’s Evolving Terroir
From the beginning, O’Brien prioritized making sparkling wines, small-batch dry whites, and reds. To reach the racy and complex characteristics he looks for, he grows his grapes as naturally as possible.
“I don’t mind having the plants go through a little bit of stress,” he says, adding that he uses minimal spraying, no irrigation, and manual upkeep. He also prefers to keep some native perennials between the rows to give the grapes competition.
Stress is something northern Michigan’s winemakers and grape vines are accustomed to. Cold winters and a short growing season limit the amount of sugar in the fruit, making them more acidic and less alcoholic. For styles like riesling and pinot noir, that’s a good thing. But for big and bold Spanish varieties like tempranillo and graciano that need a long and hot growing season to ripen, it’s a challenge.
But like wine regions globally, northern Michigan’s climate is changing. Longer and hotter summers mean grapes hang on the vine for longer, giving them more time to develop. As O’Brien points out, growing Iberian heavy-hitters like tempranillo and other warm-climate grapes in northern Michigan could become less risky for winemakers.
“It’s really remarkable how climate change is changing the way we approach what we grow,” he says. Last year, local viticulturists welcomed 90-degree days in September. “2024 could well be the best red wine vintage we’ve ever seen here in this region.”
Finding New Expressions
O’Brien continues to experiment with, as he calls them, climate-appropriate wine styles. Recently, Alsatian-style skin-
fermented pinot gris—the same grape as Italian pinot grigio—caught his eye.
“The standard styles are pinot grigio— light and easy-drinking—and the richer, more unctuous styles you’d find in Alsace. You don’t see as many of those here,” he says. O’Brien let his pinot gris hang longer on the vines until they turned a dark pinkish gray. After he harvested them, he fermented them in their skins for about a month.
For his new styles, O’Brien works with winemaker Cornel Oliver to turn his visions into reality.
“As much as I’d like to say, ‘I’m growing the best grapes and that’s why my wines are so great’, you’ve got to look at the winemaker and recognize that this guy is handling these grapes beautifully,’” he says.
O’Brien and Oliver are currently making a port-style wine from tempranillo grapes to add to his selection. “I tell him what style I want, and he does it. He’s a real talent.”
Bringing the Old World Experience to Traverse City
When he’s not tending to his vines, O’Brien is managing the ŌBrien Vineyards Tasting Room at the Grand Traverse Commons.
“The tasting room is in an old root cellar that was built in 1891,” he says. Inside the spacious brick building, he pours flights of his sparkling wine, dry white wines, and pinot noir. “It’s like a thing for couples, in a sense.
Some people like to try to hit every winery in the state, go to the tasting rooms, and get those wines. That’s a lot of fun when people come in and say, ‘Wow, that’s the best we’ve had.’”
The recently opened tasting room offers O’Brien new opportunities to share his creations…but also offers some new challenges.
“I think the biggest challenge is really getting people in the door,” he says. Another trick is finding customers willing to pay a higher price for locally made wines. “It’s not inexpensive to make sparkling wine or barrel-aged red wines. Everything is estategrown and hand-crafted. Something $20 to $40 is not everybody’s cup of tea. Some people just want to have a beautiful and inexpensive malbec from Argentina they can get for like $12 bucks.”
Following the business model of top European wineries like the famous Vega Sicilia in Spain, O’Brien is creating a mailing list for his customers. As the 2025 growing season approaches, he hopes to give fans of his wine a lot to look forward to.
“We’re not trying to get lots of grapes off each vine; we’re trying to get high-quality grapes off each vine. Touching that vine at least eight times every season gives you that connection, and the plants respond in a good way.”
Find ŌBrien Vineyards Tasting Room 1380 Yellow Dr. in Traverse City. facebook.com/ obrienvineyards
Barry O’Brien
Creating a Safe Space in the World
Members of the local queer community respond to anti-trans executive orders
By Jillian Manning
“It felt like the first domino falling in a series of dominos that are going to be affecting our community.”
This is what Sam from Traverse City says of their response to the White House’s Jan. 20 executive order declaring the government will only recognize two biological sexes and rejecting any other gender identity.
Sam is nonbinary and says that they interpreted the order to mean “I don’t exist as a human, based on what the executive branch of my government said.”
But Sam isn’t accepting that viewpoint. “I’m going to exist as a human,” they told us. “I’m going to exist loudly and unapologetically … We’re going to work the network that we have to create a safe space in the world.”
A Sign of Things to Come
Jocelyn, who is transgender, had a similar reaction to the new legislation.
“It was almost like that scene in Jurassic Park when the water in the glass starts shaking,” she says. “It’s not immediately dangerous, but you know it is a sign of things to come.”
To date in his second term, President Trump has signed at least three executive orders removing protections for transgender citizens. (See the sidebar for more details on these orders.) Adrienne Brown-Reaser, executive director for Traverse City’s Up
North Pride, is concerned these orders are only the tip of the iceberg.
“I’ve always been a look-on-the-brightside kind of person, but realistically, I do feel like more is coming,” she says. “I think the fact that there are these very big, sweeping orders and declarations made right in the first week, it is kind of setting the tone.”
Across the country, legislative efforts
LGBTQ+ citizens.
“We do live in a state that does have certain protections built in and have been voted on and signed into law,” she says.
“So in some regards, it’s like, well, yes, it’s happening at the federal level, but at the state level, we know these things to be true. That’s been good to have that reassurance.”
“Just don’t give up. Even in the darkest times, when things feel the most hopeless, there is always a glimmer of hope. … So keep fighting, even when the odds seem impossible, and we will make it through it together.” –Jocelyn
against the LGBTQ+ community have been ramping up in recent years. In 2024, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reported 533 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S.—up from 510 in 2023 and 315 in 2022. So far in 2025, they are tracking 245, some of which carried over from the previous year.
Brown-Reaser does see some bright spots, primarily that the state of Michigan has already enshrined many rights for
Rights, Fears, and the Future
Still, Brown-Reaser is keeping a close eye on what comes out of the White House. She points to same-sex marriage already being in the crosshairs, as Republican legislators in Idaho recently called on the Supreme Court to reverse the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling of 2015.
“We’d like to think that as soon as a right is given to us, it’s our right. But it happened
with Roe v. Wade, so it’s really hard to not think that it could happen. We’ve only had [marriage equality] for 10 years.”
For Sam and Jocelyn, there are more immediate fears related to physical safety and mental health.
“My biggest fear is the emboldenment of other people to continue to perpetrate violence,” Sam tells us. “If I’m not a ‘person,’ then [in their eyes] I don’t deserve the same rights as a human and the same protections as a person. … It’s not a new reality that we’ve had to live with or come to terms with as a community; it is part of our history and now it’s part of our present.”
Jocelyn adds that while she’s “seen the community reach out to each other more” in the past few weeks, she also sees her trans friends “struggling more and more with every executive order that gets released.”
Finally, Brown-Reaser warns that the harm done to the transgender or LGBTQ+ communities could only be the beginning.
“It really, truly is scary to think there’s a very select group of people that are going to continue to be protected,” she says, noting that people of different races and religions could soon face parallel situations. “Just because you may not be under the queer heading, that doesn’t mean that you are totally free from any of these [executive orders] affecting you.”
Photos by Lil Jes Photography
Showing Support
While the situation seems far from hopeful for all three people we spoke to, they each say that they’ve seen good come from the bad, too.
“We are seeing more individuals come out and say, ‘How can I help?’” BrownReaser says. “I’ve met with a few donors and sponsors in the last week, and no one has had any sort of pushback or even said, ‘well, we need to wait and see.’ … The support here, if anything, I think it’s ramped up.”
Sam suggests people “give to organizations that are supporting fighting legislation like this.” Jocelyn concurs, mentioning Up North Pride and the ACLU specifically. They both also recommend supporting LGBTQ+ artists and business owners, and Brown-Reaser adds that UNP’s Resource Directory has a list of vetted, safe organizations, businesses, and services.
But Jocelyn says you can still show your support without spending a dime.
“I think the biggest thing [you] can do to support the LGBTQ+ community is to
stand up to people who try to put us down,” she says. “Nothing is sweeter than when somebody reaches out to a person in the queer community when they themselves are not in the community. It makes us feel like, ‘okay, there are people who care about us even when they don’t have any skin in the game.’”
For Sam, the takeaway from the past few weeks is even simpler.
“Continue to be kind to one another. It’s disheartening that Christians are espousing these things that I just don’t know align with what I learned in Catholic school growing up,” Sam says. Despite being open about their identity, Sam says they always “heard a message of love and acceptance and loving their neighbor and taking care of the … disenfranchised among us.”
“I just hope that we can get back to a sense of togetherness and kindness,” Sam concludes.
Find Up North Pride, their events, and their Resource Directory at upnorthpride.com.
The Executive Orders
The first executive order (EO) related to gender was signed by President Trump on Jan. 20. It is called the “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” and first purports to be protecting women from men who “self-identify as women and gain access to intimate single-sex spaces and activities designed for women,” then states that “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.” The order also attacks the concept of “gender ideology” and denies that gender can be separated from biological sex.
According to EO 14158, “‘Female’ means a person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the large reproductive cell” and “‘Male’ means a person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the small reproductive cell.”
On Jan. 27, Trump signed EO “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” which states, “it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.” Those procedures include the use of puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries for those under age 19.
Also on Jan. 27, Trump signed EO “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” which claims “Consistent with the military mission and longstanding DoD policy, expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service,” essentially banning nonbinary and transgender troops from serving openly in the military.
This order revokes EO 14004, “Enabling All Qualified Americans to Serve Their Country in Uniform” issued by President Biden in January 2021 that stated, “It is my conviction as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces that gender identity should not be a bar to military service.”
Trump has also ordered all federal employees remove their pronouns from their email signatures.
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography by Joseph Morrissey
Conductor Dr. Leslie B. Dunner, Music performed by Traverse City Philharmonic and Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra
The Other Side of Love
Top advice from local divorce lawyers
By Anna Faller
According to recent census data, the divorce rate in the United States accounts for nearly half that of first marriages.
It’s a sobering statistic. But while these numbers might seem negative, divorce can also mark a fresh start. When combined with the right resources and knowledge, it can even help forge a new type of love—one that puts the individual, their family, and their needs at the fore.
It’s exactly this attitude that Traversebased family law firm, Wilson Kester, aims to perpetuate.
“We’re all about empowerment,” family law attorney and Wilson Kester president Shelley Kester says. “I think a big part of empowerment is knowledge; and when you give clients the knowledge to be confident in their decision-making, that goes a long way.”
But, how does that knowledge apply to the family law landscape in northern Michigan, and what’s most important to keep in mind for those considering a separation? Northern Express sat down with Wilson Kester, the “Empowered Divorce Source,” for a look at divorce Up North.
Plenty of Reasons
“Every situation is different,” Wilson Kester attorney Elena Lentz notes, with local clients reporting everything from lack of commitment to conflict and beyond. Among these though, the firm notes a few standouts that fuel divorce across the board.
One of these is infidelity, which can be applied to a whole host of issues, including, but not limited to: emotional betrayal, sketchy online activity, and physical intimacy with someone other than your spouse. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, which means that applicants aren’t required to provide proof of infidelity to obtain a divorce.
Finances, Lentz says, are another biggie, especially when they come with fights, or secrecy surrounding details like spending or cash-flow, which can sow distrust.
Other common causes for filing range from issues like abuse and addiction—here, Lentz highlights narcissism and gaslighting as family law “buzzwords” from 2024—to emotional distancing and poorly-matched partners that stuck it out for the sake of children or family.
More Splits
In northern Michigan, rates of divorce appear to be on a slight, but steady, incline.
In 2024 alone, Wilson Kester’s Traverse City branch saw client totals in the hundreds and has been recognized among the nation’s 500 fastest-growing firms for three straight years. (Conversely, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services reflects a
statewide decline in divorce rates, with 4.1 divorces reported per 1,000 people in 2023, down from 6.4 the previous decade).
Though the factors fueling this spike are unclear, Lentz hypothesizes that COVID aftermath might be partially to blame. “I think COVID really brought to light the fragility of human life, and my guess is that extended periods of time spent with family or significant others contributed to [people asking] whether they wanted to [remain] in that situation,” she says.
Consequently, demand for family law has seen consistent growth since that time, whereas other legal industries have experienced a comparative pullback.
“We have a wide range of clients from all aspects and backgrounds,” Lentz explains, with representation shared among factors like age, gender, and parental status. There are a few exceptions; notably, instances of divorce in the 70-and-older crowd, which are very uncommon. In fact, “gray divorces” (couples aged 50 and up) accounted for just a quarter of all splits, per 2019 National Institutes of Health data.
Though the Wilson Kester team supports the universal opportunity to obtain representation, the firm does not accept certain clientele, including sexual offenders and batterers, as those practices contradict their mission.
Finding the Right Fit
As far as your own search for legal representation is concerned, Kester says it’s like a dance partnership.
In other words, you’ll know you’ve found the right firm if you feel safe when sharing personal, and often sensitive, details with your attorney—a key consideration not only for building a working relationship, but also for being a “good dance partner” by providing necessary information for court proceedings. Your attorney should also be well-versed in the specific matters you’re experiencing, as well as confidently go to bat for you and find resolution.
Lentz also stresses the importance of retaining a practitioner who knows local legal players. “We all have experiences with certain judges that like things very particular ways, and without that knowledge, going into those courtrooms can be detrimental to the client,” she says. And if you’re approached by a lawyer who says they can objectively represent both sides? Lentz’s advice is simple: Run!
From a broader lens, your legal team can help you define goals early on to reflect on your circumstances and what’s most important to you.
“We start every client relationship by drilling into what their goals are, but it can
sometimes be hard to check in with yourself about how things are and what’s really important,” Kester says. “Part of what we do is help people examine that in an honest way.”
For cases involving children and minors, for instance, Lentz notes that custody or parenting division in the child’s best interest is a common objective, especially in complex legal matters, wherein a child could be used as a bargaining token or levered to receive a more favorable outcome.
Equitable division of property is another core goal, as is establishing transparency regarding shared assets. (If one partner is the pair’s main bookkeeper, the other might not have ready knowledge of exactly what joint accounts contain.) Along with that are the spousal rights to those finances, the specifics of which can be tough to interpret, especially when accounting for circumstances like retirement plans or premarital inheritance.
“One of the most common goals I hear is, ‘I just want something that’s fair’,” Lentz says.
Taking Charge
To ensure you’re able to meet those goals, the pair highlight a few preemptive steps. One of these is to start a log or a journal, particularly if kids are involved. This could include information like childcare data (e.g., how often you oversee baths, prepare dinner, do bedtime, etc.), text messages, and photos of bodily harm if you’re in an abusive relationship. These data points can be significant from a court perspective.
Safeguarding access to resources is another—think: account information, passwords, etc.—especially if an opposing party gets wind that litigation might be forthcoming. (Lentz notes a few instances of spouses absconding with all kinds of assets.)
“There are opportunities [through the court] to try and address immediate problems,
but relief is going to feel deficient while the case is still pending,” Kester adds. “I think some experienced family law guidance is important to [avoid] making the wrong move.”
From there, it’s all about arming yourself with knowledge to avoid pitfalls and unwelcome surprises.
For starters, setting realistic timeline expectations is vital to smooth court proceedings. This applies both to deadlines for paperwork as well as requirements set by the state, like residence provisions for children or minimum processing windows for parents of minors.
As counterintuitive as it might sound, Kester and Lentz also encourage clients to take a step back prior to taking action. This includes the obvious don’ts: Don’t sign any documents before a lawyer’s reviewed them first; don’t let another person’s divorce experience influence how you approach yours; and definitely don’t rely on an opposing party for your information.
It’s also wise to be wary of making premature agreements, which can waive a client’s rights to something called the “discovery process” (the steps to obtaining full disclosure), and potentially reduce or eliminate access to assets down the line.
Per Kester, though, the real key to empowerment in these cases is a positive and informed outlook.
“I’ve never once had someone say, ‘I regret my divorce!’” she tells us. “While it’s natural to feel afraid or nervous, we can help reframe the reasons to be optimistic about your future. Our goal is to help clients achieve the life that they really want for themselves—one filled with peace, stability, and hope.”
Wilson Kester Family Law is located at 627 W. Front St. in Traverse City. (231) 272-5348; wilsonkester.com.
Lentz
Kester
Saturday
MICHIGAN ICED-OVER: 8am-2pm, Otsego Lake, Gaylord. An inaugural ice fishing tournament. Free mandatory registration at The Landing Zone, Gaylord on Fri., Feb. 7 from 5-7pm, & Sat., Feb. 8 from 5-6am. gaylordchamber. com/events/details/michigan-iced-over-9501
2025 NORTH AMERICAN VASA: 9am, Timber Ridge Resort, TC. A two-day event featuring Nordic skiing, fat tire bike & snowshoe races. These races take place on the groomed Vasa Pathway & winter sports single track trails of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Grand Traverse County. All ages & abilities welcome. In the event of low snow a contingency plan is in place at the Hickory Hills Recreation Area. $5-$90. vasa.org
FISHING FOR HISTORY - ICE FEST: Harbor Springs History Museum. Check out “Fishing for History.” “Ice Fish” in the Historical Society’s mock pond & learn the history of ice fishing in Harbor Springs. You can also create ice fishing crafts. Drop-in between 10am-3pm with admission by donation. harborspringshistory.org/events/calendar/programs/fishing-for-history-ice-fest.html ------------------ - -- -
FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ART, TC: 10amnoon, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Cornwell Gallery, TC. Stop by for a family-friendly art activity. All materials provided. crookedtree. org/class/ctac-traverse-city/free-familydrop-art-feb-8 - -
GRASS RIVER SHIVER 5K/10K: Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Take part in this snowshoe race fundraiser for GRNA’s programs. Walkers are also welcome. An official clock will start at 10am if you want an official clock timed race, but the course will also be up for the weekend if you need to run/walk it at a later time. $25 in advance; $30 day of. grassriver.org
HARBOR SPRINGS ICE FEST 2025: 10am, Downtown Harbor Springs. Featuring around 50 ice sculptures throughout Downtown Harbor Springs, along with the Dueling Chainsaws Show. There will also be an interactive ice park in Zorn Park with large sculptures that are perfect for photo ops & play, ice carving demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, games, & a horse drawn wagon. downtownharborsprings.com/ice-fest
LEELANAU STATE PARK SNOWSHOE
HIKE: 10am, Leelanau State Park Trailhead. Hike the trails by Woolsey Airport off Densmore Rd. The 2 mile hike will take you out on the trails & to Cathead Bay. Snowshoes are available by registration only: 231-386-7195. The event is free, but a recreational passport is required for entry into the state park. grandtraverselighthouse.com/events
STEAM TIME WITH SHELLY: 10am-noon, Interlochen Public Library. Enjoy hands-on activities tied to the STEAM Career of the Month theme. 231-276-6767.
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SUPER SATURDAY: 10am, Northwest Education and Financial Center, TC. Join NMCAA for a day of financial workshops & free tax prep. Featuring community vendors, giveaways & prizes, free lunch & a hot cocoa bar. nmcaa.net/event/super-saturday
LITTLE WAVES: For ages 3-10. Features a multimedia story, an opportunity to hear one or more Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra musicians demonstrate & explain how their instruments work, & fun music-related activities for kids. Held at 10:30am at Petoskey District Library, & 1pm at Charlevoix Public Library. Free. glcorchestra.org/education/little-waves
PHANTASMAGORIA ART EXHIBITION: Right Brain Brewery, TC. This show engages creative discussion, supports local art, music, performance, & more. A reception where
you can peruse & shop drawings, paintings, photos & crafts from over 40 local artists will be held on Sat., Feb. 8. Also enjoy live music & performances all day. rightbrainbrewery. com/75/phantasmagoria-art-show
TIM KUBART & THE SPACE CADETS: 11am, City Opera House, TC. Enjoy this indie pop dance party for all ages. Featuring songs celebrating real life kid & family moments & milestones. Kubart won a Grammy Award for Best Children’s Album (Home, 2015) & is a host of “Sunny Side Up” on NBCUniversal’s Sprout Channel, plus much more. $15-$30. cityoperahouse.org
PETOSKEY CHOCOLATE CRAWL: 12:303pm, Downtown Petoskey. Multiple downtown hotspots will be serving free chocolate. If you visit all of the participating downtown businesses, you will be entered into a raffle to potentially win one of many $25 gift certificates. Visit Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts first to get your passport, which will be used to keep track of your visits. When you fill it out, return it back to Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts to be entered into the raffle. facebook.com/ events/1023545272444199?ref=110
GALLERY WALK AND TALK: TWO NEW EXHIBITS: 1pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Take a stroll through the GAAC’s current exhibits, “The Sky Is Aways There” & “Reflections In Water.” Join in a conversational discussion of the exhibitions with Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC Gallery manager. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/events-all
IMBOLC PARTY WITH POETRY: 5-7pm, Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary, TC. The Dead Poets Society & a celebration of Imbolc merge into an evening of magick & creativity. Guests can share their own poetry. There will be holiday-inspired snacks, a craft station, a mini ritual to set intentions for the season ahead, & more. Free. blessedbetea.com
CANDLELIGHT HIKE: 6-8pm, Dune Climb, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, Empire. Join park rangers & volunteers to experience the park after dark. Hike one mile on flat terrain along a candlelit trail. If there is adequate snow, this will be a snowshoe hike. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snowshoes. Snowshoes will also be loaned on a first-come, first-served basis. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, & cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, or other options. No advanced registration needed. Bring a flashlight or headlamp & wear layers. Free. nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
GREAT LAKES CINEMA SERIES PRESENTS “FROZEN II”: 6pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Elsa faces a dangerous but remarkable journey into the unknown, in search of truths about the past. Rated PG. $5. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/frozen-2
BAYSIDE TRAVELERS CONTRA DANCE: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, TC. Beginner Dance Workshop, 7pm; dances from 7:3010:30pm. Music provided by Dag Nabbit. Dances called by Dave Goodwin. No partner or experience necessary. A snack to share is welcome. Donations only. dancetc.com
DIXON’S VIOLIN: 7pm, AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center, Grayling. Enjoy the world’s premier visionary violinist. $35. artisanvillage.org/event/dixons-violin
DJANGOPHONIQUE: 7-9:30pm, Cadillac Elks Lodge. This award winning project has been described as “...the cleanest, most genuine manouche jazz that can be heard in Michigan” by Local Spins. $9-$18 + fees. mynorthtickets.com/events/djangophonique-4-12-2025
NO EXIT: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous existentialist play follows three people to a room in hell, where their torture is revealed to be each
Students from TC West Senior High, TC Central High, and Interlochen, who make up part of the local Students Demand Action group, will host a screening of “The Hate U Give,” Thurs., Feb. 13 at the State Theatre, TC. This film is based on the novel by Angie Thomas, which explores themes of systemic violence and the effect of gun violence on youth. Doors open at 5:30pm, with remarks from student organizers and reps from Moms Demand Action at 6:30pm, followed by the film. Students from any school will be admitted for free and tickets for the public are $10. stateandbijou.org
other’s company. This is an exploration of human nature & relationships. Includes adult themes intended for adult audiences. $23. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/studio-theatre/no-exit.html
Sunday
Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology. Enjoy a day of learning, collaboration, connections, & creative thinking to explore how agriculture & creative experiences on the land can work together. Register to reserve your spot. Free. crosshatch.org/events/2025/2/10/ land-based-projects-summit-an-invitation-tofarmers-land-stewards-creatives-and-artists
2025 NORTH AMERICAN VASA: (See Sat., Feb. 8)
AIRSOFT BIATHLON: Crystal Mountain, Cross Country Center, Thompsonville. This event combines airsoft & crosscountry skiing. The ski trail will be a one-mile long loop with two target stations. Must be 8 years or older to participate. Start times will be staggered & available between 1-3pm. $25/person; includes equipment. crystalmountain.com/event/biathlon
BIG LOVE EVENT: 1-4pm, Grow Benzie, Benzonia. Join the Art Guild and Fibershed for the annual Big Love Event featuring heart-centered activities for all ages. RSVP requested for Art Guild activities (card making/cookie decorating). 231-218-0655. Free entrance; up to $5 per activity. growbenzie. org/events-calendar
FREE FRIENDS & FAMILY FUN DAY: 2pm, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, TC. Create a unique botanical print or notecard to take home. Attendees will use fresh botanicals provided & color medium to make their own unique design. thebotanicgarden.org/events
GREAT LAKES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SUNDAY SERIES: 4pm, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Petoskey. Featuring The Cummings Quartet with Maestro Libor Ondras & two runners-up from the Young Artist Competition. Free tickets available to Veterans, active service members, & students under 18 by calling 231-487-0010. glcorchestra.org/concerts
feb 09 feb 10
monday
LAND-BASED PROJECTS
SUMMIT: AN INVITATION TO FARMERS, LAND STEWARDS, CREATIVES & ARTISTS: 9am-2pm, The Alluvion, TC. Presented by
WINTER WARMTH COOKING WORKSHOP: 3-4:30pm, Interlochen Public Library. Chef Susanne will show a few techniques, & then participants can cook the whole recipe from start to finish. Class is limited to 12 adults; registration required. 231-276-6767. Free.
LECTURE SERIES: HISTORY OF THE MICHIGAN ROOM AT THE MAPL: 7pm, Mackinaw Area Public Library, Community Room. Dive into the story of the Michigan History Room at Mackinaw Area Public Library with speaker Tanya Procktow. Free. mackinawlibrary.org
feb 11
tuesday
PRESCHOOL STORY
TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library. Preschool children of all ages & their caregivers are invited to join each Tues. for stories, songs & more. Free. sbbdl.org
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: 1-3pm, The Presbyterian Church of TC, 701 Westminster Rd. On the second Tues. of every month, Parkinson’s Network North hosts an informative Support Group for those living with Parkinson’s Disease. This month’s topic with Susan Brinklow, MSW Lighthouse Rehabilitation, is “Living Your Best Life with Humor and Love,” finding levity in our daily interactions, challenges & frustrations. Free. ParkinsonsNetworkNorth.org
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TECH TUESDAY: POPULAR APPS: 2pm, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library. Learn where & how to download apps, how to use popular apps like WhatsApp & ChatGPT, & how to use your phone’s camera app to scan a QR code. No pre-registration required; just drop in with your device & your questions. Free. sbbdl.org
PWR! MOVES: MICHIGAN PARKINSON FOUNDATION EXERCISE CLASS: 4pm,
Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. A fun, hour long exercise class based on the PWR! moves for people with or suspected Parkinson’s Disease & their caregivers. The class will be run by a PWR! certified physical therapist. Free. tadl. org/event/pwr-moves-michigan-parkinsonfoundation-exercise-class-16569
wednesday
CHILDREN’S PRESCHOOL STORY HOUR BEACH PARTY: 10am, Interlochen Public Library. For families with children aged 2-5 years. Kids will have fun playing in the water & digging in sand. Enjoy stories, songs & a craft. Bring your swimsuit & towel. 231-276-6767.
GAYLORD BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Hogans Jewelers, Gaylord. Enjoy networking, food & cocktails. $5 members; $10 not-yet members. gaylordchamber. com/events/details/business-after-hours2025-hogans-jewelers-9467
FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ AND NEIGHBORS: 6pm, Faith Reformed Church, TC. Join Love Thy Neighbor for a free evening of jazz music featuring Jazz North. Learn how you can help serve neighbors in need. lovethyneighborgt.org
LOCAL AUTHOR LISA RABEY: 6pm, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Lisa shares her short story, “Love in the time of Cherry Season,” from her new romance anthology “Love on the Lakefront.” Also enjoy treats from Grocer’s Daughter. glenlakelibrary.net
HISTORIC WEAPONS GUILD: 6:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Join for an educational evening with the Historical Weapons Guild of Traverse City. Enjoy a show & tell about history’s most famous weapons. Free. tadl.org/event/historic-weapons-guild-18919 ----------------------
ANTRIM WRITERS SERIES: AUTHOR
READING & BOOK SIGNING: 7-8:30pm, Bee Well Mead & Cider, Bellaire. Join author John Mauk for a reading & discussion of his newest collection of short stories, “Where All Things Flatten.” Register. Free. bellairelibrary.org
thursday
KID’S CRAFT LAB: 10amnoon, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, GT Mall, TC. Make a heart with some soft salt dough. Put your handprint in it. Decorate it with things that sparkle. For preschool & elementary aged kids. Cost of admission. greatlakeskids.org ----------------------
RETIRED RECESS: TIME TO PLAY: Noon-4pm, Mt. Holiday, TC. Enjoy recess with kids your own age (50+). Take advantage of special discounts on lift tickets, rentals, & the tubing run. Free. facebook.com/ groups/3498914607030109
ANTRIM WRITERS SERIES FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP: 1-3:30pm, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Learn from John Mauk, a long time writing teacher & published author. Free. bellairelibrary.org
BOOKENDS BOOK DISCUSSION: 2pm, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library, lower level Community Meeting Room. Meets on the second Thurs. of each month (except July, Aug. & Dec.). Books for the upcoming month will be available at the library’s front desk, or use the Libby app to borrow the title from the library’s digital collection. February’s selection is “James” by Percival Everett. Free. sbbdl.org
“WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN ELECTION?”: 4pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. Presented by Mike Nagle as part
of Benzie Area Historical Society’s Benzonia Academy Lecture Series. Nagle is a West Shore Community College professor of history & political science. 231-882-5539. Recommended donation: $5.
STAIRYTIME: MONTESSORI STORYTIME: 4pm, Commongrounds Cooperative, TC. Join Northern Blooms Montessori for storytime on Commongrounds’ monumental stairs. Experience books & activities exploring dental care with partner host United We Smile. Free. facebook.com/ share/15hoYbfJTw
READER CHEF, JR. COOKING CLASSES: 5-6pm, Interlochen Public Library. For ages 10-16. Kids will learn a new recipe & be able to cook the meal from start to finish. Limited to 12 kids. Registration required: 231-276-6767. Free.
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“THE HATE U GIVE”: State Theatre, TC. Students from TC West Senior High, TC Central High, & Interlochen, as part of the local Students Demand Action group, are hosting a screening of “The Hate U Give.” This film, based on the novel by Angie Thomas, explores themes of systemic violence & the effect of gun violence on youth. Doors open at 5:30pm, with remarks from student organizers & reps from Moms Demand Action at 6:30pm, followed by the film. Students from any school will be admitted for free & tickets for the public are $10. stateandbijou.org
DIGITAL PORTFOLIOS FOR ARTISTS: 5:30-7pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Lower Carnegie Studio, Petoskey. This workshop is designed for artists interested in developing the skills to make professional quality photographs of their artwork. Bring your camera or phone camera. $5 members; $10 non-members. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-petoskey/ digital-portfolios-artists-professional-development-series-artists ----------------------
ELK RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS
“FREAKY FRIDAY”: 7pm, Elk Rapids High School, Peterman Auditorium. A Musical Comedy for the Whole Family! See what happens when a mother & daughter swap bodies for a day... hilarious chaos, heartfelt moments, & a journey of self-discovery. Students: $10; adults: $15. erschools.com/district/services/event-tickets
LANTERN-LIT EVENING: 6:30-8:30pm, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Enjoy a self-guided lantern-lit hike or an evening ski or snowshoe on GRNA’s trails & boardwalks if there is snow. There will be a campfire at the Center pavilion & the heated building will be open. $5/person. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Skis & snowshoes for all ages are available to rent for an additional $5. grassriver.org feb 06 feb 13
MORE TO EXPLORE: HEART PARTY: 10am-noon, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, GT Mall, TC. Play with your toddler. Celebrate with sensory experiences & heart art. Cost of admission. greatlakeskids.org
FULL MOON/VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY: 5-7pm, Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary, TC. An evening filled with intention setting, community bonding, & snacks. For all ages. Free. blessedbetea.com
Honoring the deep legacy of one of Detroit’s finest artists, composers, and mentors.
Joan Belgrave — vocals Marion Hayden — bass Dwight Adams — trumpet
ART OF LOVE: MOCK TOURS: 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Join Full Tilt Comedy as they guide you through an unforgettable (& completely fictional) tour of the museum paired with your choice of specially crafted mocktail or bubbly from Mawby Vineyards. Enjoy a light-hearted night of art & laughter. $15-$20. dennosmuseum.org
ELK RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS “FREAKY FRIDAY”: (See Thurs., Feb. 13)
VALENTINE’S BALL: 7-11pm, AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center, Grayling. Dance to your favorite hits from decades past with a live DJ, & enjoy drinks, sweets, treats, & more. Formal attire dress code. $20 + fees. artisanvillage.org/event/valentines-ball
ROMANCE AT THE RAMSDELL: 7:30pm, The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee. A candlelight concert with a musical performance by Carrie Selbee, Sherri Protasiewicz, & Rebecca Barker. $25; includes drink & dessert. ramsdelltheatre.org
SUNRISE NIGHTS: 7:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. Join authors Brittany Cavallaro & Jeff Zentner as they present a reading & conversation about their cowritten verse-and-dialogue novel “Sunrise Nights.” $28. interlochen.org/ events/sunrise-nights-evening-brittany-cavallaro-and-jeff-zentner-2025-02-14
SWAN LAKE BALLET: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Presented by Traverse City Philharmonic & Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Division & Music Departments. $34 adults; $19 child - college. interlochen.org/concerts-andevents/all-events?search=swan+lake
feb 15
TEDDY FEST: 11am-4pm, Crystal Mountain, Crystal Center Deck, Thompsonville. Presented by the Teddy Knape Foundation, which supports adaptive sports & Crystal Community Ski Club. Hit the slopes for raffles & giveaways, along with music by a live DJ. crystalmountain.com/event/teddy-knape
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PUZZLING IT OUT: Noon-2pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Tweens & young teens gather in teams of two to find out who can put the same puzzle together the fastest. Pizza & prizes. 231-223-7700.
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BETSIE BAY FROZEN 5K: 1pm, Elberta Lookout. This race is known for its frosty conditions & gusts off Lake Michigan. Proceeds benefit Grow Benzie. $32 + sign-up fee. runsignup.com/frozen5k
VEGMICHIGAN MONTHLY MEETUPPIZZA PARTY: 1-3pm, Firebird Pizza, TC. Join for a plant-based pizza party. Firebird Pizza features fully vegan pizza options. Enjoy a sampling. Free to attend. meetup.com/ vegmichigan-meetup/events/
ELK RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS “FREAKY FRIDAY”: (See Thurs., Feb. 13, except today’s times are 2pm & 7pm.)
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STEAM CAREERS: CONSTRUCTION: 2-4pm, Interlochen Public Library. Kids & families can work on a project using their carpentry skills with real carpenters. 231-276-6767.
SWAN LAKE BALLET: (See Fri., Feb. 14, except today’s times are 2pm & 7:30pm.)
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MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE: “THE WIZARD OF OZ”: 3pm & 5:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. $20 adults; $5 students 18 & under. theoperahouse.org
saturday
2025 HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NORTHWEST MICHIGAN HOME EXPO: 9am-5pm, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, whole lower level, Acme. Featuring more than 100 exhibitors. The largest home show in northern Michigan is now bigger. $10 before Feb. 14; $12 day of. tickets.eventhub.net/e/2025-home-buildersassociation-northwest-michigan/tickets
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAMILY COOKING CLASS: 10-11am, Interlochen Public Library. Families can learn how to create fresh, scratch-made meals that are easy to prepare & won’t break the bank. Registration required: 231-276-6767. ----------------------
NATURE DRAWING & JOURNALING: The Sleeping Bear Nature Group will meet for this field trip, led by artist & environmentalist Penny Krebiehl. Meet at the Glen Lake Community Library, Empire at 10am before heading out on a guided hike. Pack pencils/pens, paper or drawing book/journal, water bottle, snacks/lunch, & dress for chilly weather. 231326-5361. Free. glenlakelibrary.net/events
WINTER WONDERLAND WEEKEND: (See Thurs., Feb. 14)
FAMILY FUN WITH YETIS!: 10:30am-noon, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library. Free drop-in event with Yeti games & crafts for families with children during Suttons Bay Yeti Fest. sbbdl.org
THE BEST YETI FEST THIS SIDE OF THE HIMALAYAS: 10:30am-5:30pm, Suttons Bay. Takes place at various locations in Suttons Bay. Events include Yeti Games, Yeti Zero K, Scavenger Hunt, Kids’ Hunt for Yeti, bonfire pits, Yeti Souper Bowl, & much more. suttonsbaychamber.com/yetifest
TC BOURBON FEST: Visions Weddings & Banquets, TC. This festival will feature 100+ whiskeys, hand crafted cocktails, & more. There will also be a food truck, live music by The Reverend Jesse Ray, & vendors. Session 1 runs from 4-6:30pm, & Session 2 from 7:30-10pm. $50-$65; $10 for designated driver. traversecitybourbonfest.com
KILTS AND CRIAC: 5-10pm, The Grand Traverse Circuit, TC. A night of Celtic music with three bands: Rigs and Jeels, Grand Traverse Pipes and Drums, & The Hey Makers. Find ‘Kilts and Criac’ on Facebook. Free.
CANDLELIGHT HIKE: (See Sat., Feb. 8)
LOVE: LOST & FOUND: 7pm, 601 Chestnut St., Cadillac. Northern Lites Readers Theatre presents 3 one act plays to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Visit Facebook page: Northern Lites Readers Theatre. $10.
SOME LIKE IT YACHT - A TRIBUTE TO THE SOFT ROCK HITS OF THE ‘70S & ‘80S: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Featuring Judy Harrison & ReBooted, who performed 15 seasons of Swingshift and the Stars, Remembering Patsy Cline, & all over northern Michigan for the past 25 years. Jump on board with the soft rock hits of the ‘70s & ‘80s: The Doobie Brothers, Olivia Newton John, Hall & Oates, Kenny Loggins, The Eagles & so many more. Doors & full cash bar open one hour before showtime. $30 reserved seating. Valentine couple special - reserved seating, 2/$50 (seats next to each other). Seniors 65 & older, $25 reserved seating. cityoperahouse.org/node/628
LUAU OF LOVE FEATURING ALOHA CHICAGO: 8-9:15pm, Leelanau Sands Casino Showroom, Peshawbestown. A cultural journey with authentic Hawaiian hula, Ori Tahiti drum dances, Maori warrior dances, & a fire knife dance from Samoa. $40 + fees. mynorthtickets. com/events/luau-of-love-2-15-2025
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THE FRONTMEN OF COUNTRY: 8-9:30pm, Little River Casino Resort, Manistee. This group features three singers who were the voices of three of the top country bands of the 90’s: Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Tim
Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas, & Richie McDonald of Lonestar. They bring a high energy show with favorites from their three careers, & a few surprise songs from some of the artists who have influenced them. $30-$55. lrcr.com/ event/frontmen
sunday
FROSTY FAMILY DAYS: Ranch Rudolf, TC. Enjoy hayrides with Beau & Knox, a s’more station & hot chocolate, & playing in the snow. Happens with or without snow. Must reserve tickets: 947-9529. $16/ person or $75/family (6 person max). ranchrudolf.com/winter-fun
2025 HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NORTHWEST MICHIGAN HOME EXPO: (See Sat., Feb. 15, except today’s time is 11am-3pm.)
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LIFE ON A RESERVATION: 2pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Bob Holtzmann will discuss his experience of growing up on two different Catholic Missions on reservations in North & South Dakota, & will tell the story of how his family ended up living there. 231-331-4318. Free.
LOVE: LOST & FOUND: (See Sat., Feb. 15, except today’s time is 2pm.)
TRAVERSE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTATION: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Featuring “Julius Steinberg, the Bargain Giver: From Peddler to Opera House Proprietor and Beyond” by Zoë Schwartz, historian & library assistant at Traverse Area District Library Local History Collection. Free. tadl.org/ event/traverse-area-historical-society-12102
SWAN LAKE BALLET: (See Fri., Feb. 14, except today’s time is 3pm.)
ongoing
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP: Wednesdays, noon-1pm, Christ Church, 430 Fair St., TC. namigt.org
FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP: Mondays, 6-7:30pm, Builders Assoc. Bldg., 3040 Sunset Lane, TC. namigt.org
FREE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS: Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Original Hot Yoga Traverse City. originalhotyogatc.com
INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Village at GT Commons, The Mercato corridor, TC. Saturday mornings, 10am-2pm. thevillagetc.com
SNOWSHOES, VINES, & WINES: Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay. Snowshoe Black Star Farms’ scenic trails on Saturdays through winter, weather permitting. Then warm up with a glass of wine or cocktail on the heated Terrace Patio or in the tasting room. Snowshoe rentals available from noon-4pm; must be returned by 5pm. blackstarfarms.com/snowshoes-vines-wines
art
DAVID WILD: ICE SHANTIES OF PORTAGE LAKE: The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Hardy Hall, Manistee. Runs through March 9. Hours: Weds. through Sun., noon-3pm. ramsdelltheatre.org/art
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION: CELEBRATING YOUNG CREATORS: Charlevoix Circle of Arts. This annual regional high school student exhibit features artwork from 11th & 12th graders at Boyne City, Boyne Concord Academy, Charlevoix, & East Jordan High Schools. The exhibit runs through Feb. 22. Hours are Mon. through Fri., 11am4pm, & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org
“DRAWN HERE”: An exhibit at Higher Art Gallery, TC featuring the student visual artists of Interlochen Arts Academy. Thirty-one student artists practicing a variety of mediums: clay, metalwork, painting, & print making. The show runs for in-person viewing through Feb. 8. Check web site for gallery hours. higherartgallery.com
TACTILITY: Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. This exhibition highlighting the design principle of texture in art will run through Feb. 14. The show will feature 2D & 3D artwork provided by four headlining artists: Detroit contemporary multi-media artist Robert Mirek, Bay City fiber artist Susan Pack, & two local artists, Jessica Kovan (mixed media) & Austin Garno (repurposed metal sculpture & mixed assemblage). It will also have on display work from a variety of other regional artists who are participating through a curated open call. OAC’s hours are Tues.-Sat., 10am-4pm & Sun., noon-4pm. oliverart.org
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:
- DRAWN.: Held in Atrium Gallery. Experience the boundless possibilities of visual storytelling, from traditional mediums to digital works & everything in-between. Featuring: Jen Boehler, Katie Eberts, Nick Nortier, Nicole Ray & Kyria Smith. Runs through Feb. 22. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/drawn
- GUILD MEMBER SALON SHOW 2025: Runs through Feb. 22 in the Galleries. Invitational exhibit featuring the work of CTAC Artist Guild Members. Painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, new media,
A GRAND PLACE TO WORK
& more will be on display. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-petoskey/guild-member-salonshow-2025
- OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: Saturdays, 10am-1pm in Visual Arts Room. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. crookedtree.org
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:
- BITTER & BEAUTY: WINTER’S TRUTH IN THE MIDWEST: Runs through Feb. 22 in the Carnegie Galleries. This exhibit delves into the many facets of winter, showcasing how Michigan artists across all mediums interpret the season & its impact. Juried by local gallerist Shanny Brooke, the collection portrays the unique relationship northern Michigan has with winter. On Thurs., Feb. 13 at 5:30pm will be an ekphrastic reading based on this & the other exhibits. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-traverse-city/bitter-beauty-winterstruth-midwest
- TRAVERSE AREA CAMERA CLUB: 2024 AWARD WINNERS: Runs through Feb. 22 in Carnegie Rotunda. Explore the works of local photographers in this exhibit featuring awardwinning images from the Traverse Area Camera Club’s 2024 competitions. Celebrating technical excellence & creative vision, these photographs capture diverse subjects. A conversation with some of the featured artists will be held on Sat., Feb. 15 at 11am. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-traverse-city/traverse-areacamera-club-2024-award-winners
- WINTER WIT... THE FUNNIER SIDE OF ART: Runs through Feb. 22 in Cornwell Gallery. Explore the role of humor in visual arts, encouraging you to reflect on what you find funny & how it can be expressed through different mediums. Juried by local artist Mary Fortuna. A conversation with some of the featured artists will take place on Sat., Feb. 8 at 11am; & an ekphrastic reading based on this & the other exhibits will be held on Thurs., Feb. 13 at 5:30pm. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-traverse-city/winter-wit-funnier-side-art ----------------------
DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:
- “SMALL EXPRESSIONS”: The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s “Small Expressions” exhibit is an annual juried exhibition showcasing contemporary small-scale works using fiber techniques in any media. Works do not exceed 15 inches in any direction, were completed within the last two years, & were not previously published. Runs through May 25. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/ upcoming-exhibitions/small-expressions.html
- “NORTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION”: Held regularly at the Museum for over 30 years, the exhibition features artwork made by regional artists over the last year & juried by an arts professional outside of the region. This year’s juror is Teresa Dunn. It runs through May 25. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/northwest-michigan-juried-show-and-call.html
- “ART OF REGENERATION”: This exhibition was inspired by the regenerative pow-
ers of axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, an aquatic salamander, also known as the Mexican walking fish. They can regenerate multiple body parts throughout their adulthood. Bright-field microscopic images highlighting axolotl limb regeneration process were used as design elements. The exhibit runs through March 30. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/art-of-regeneration.html
- A STYLE ALL OUR OWN: CANADIAN WOODLAND ARTISTS: Runs through May 25. In the early 1960s, young Indigenous artists from the Great Lakes region created a unique style of painting known as the Woodland School of Art. Early members of this prolific art community included Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray, Roy Thomas, Sam Ash, Jackson Beardy, & Daphne Odjig. Perhaps the best-known of the group is Norval Morrisseau, who is often referred to as the Father of the Woodland School. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum. org/art/now-on-view/canadian-woodlandartists.html
- CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CERAMICS FROM THE HORVITZ COLLECTION: Runs through Sept. 28, 2025. An array of works by contemporary Japanese ceramic artists, this is a sampler of the great diversity of styles, forms, glazes, & ages. These artworks are drawn from the curated collection of Carol & Jeffrey Horvitz, some of the leading collectors of Japanese contemporary outside of Japan. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/index.html
GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER: - OUTDOOR GALLERY EXHIBIT: MARGO BURIAN + ORDINARY MAGIC: Leelanau County artist Margo Burian’s collages have been chosen for display in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s 2024-25 Outdoor Gallery exhibition, an annual, invitational exhibit. Burian’s collages are rooted in the idea of Ordinary Magic, or delight. They were reproduced on five, 5-foot-square, weather-resistant aluminum panels created by Image 360 of TC. Runs through April 20, 2025. Check web site for hours. glenaborart.org
- “REFLECTIONS IN WATER”: Held in Lobby Gallery. A small exhibit of colored pencil drawings depicting a vital life force by Judith Shepelak. Runs through April 24. Shepelak captures the dynamic, changing, & diverse faces of water as she has encountered it during travels locally & throughout the United States & Canada. The GAAC is open Mon. through Fri., 9am-3pm, & noon-4pm on Sat. glenaborart.org
- “THE SKY IS ALWAYS THERE”: This exhibition moves beyond direct representation, beyond portraits of puffy clouds. Applicants were asked to consider the sky from its atmospheric characteristic to its mythic history. Runs through March 20. The GAAC is open during the week, 9am-3pm, & on Sat., noon4pm. glenaborart.org
ENCORE 201, TC
2/7-8 & 2/15 -- DJ Ricky T, 9
2/14 -- Peril, 8-10:30; DJ Ricky T, 10:30-2
HOTEL INDIGO, TC
2/8 – Jesse Jefferson, 6-9
2/12 -- Dominic Fortuna, 6-8
2/14 -- Rhett & John, 6-9
2/15 -- Zeke Clemons, 6-9
KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC
9:30: 2/8 -- The Timebombs
2/14-15 -- Risque
KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING
2/11 – Open Mic Night w/ LaRose Duo, 6-8
2/13 – Trivia Night w/ Marcus Anderson, 6:30-8:30
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM:
2/10 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9
TASTING ROOM:
2/14 -- Nick Veine, 5-7
LIL BO, TC
Tues. – Trivia, 8-10 Sun. – Karaoke, 8
MARI VINEYARDS, TC
2/14 -- Jesse Jefferson, 4-6
BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM
2/13 -- Adam & The Cabana Boys, 7
ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS
7-10:
2/8 -- Blair Miller
2/15 -- Ron Getz Trio
MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC 2/14 -- Ben Richey, 6-9
NORTH BAR, TC 7-10: 2/8 – Jeff Linsell
2/12 – Jesse Jefferson
2/13 – Drew Hale
2/15 – Whale Rampage
OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS: 2/8 – Rhett, 7:30 2/14 – Chris Smith, 7 2/15 – Jeff Socia, 7:30
SORELLINA'S, TC SLATE RESTAURANT: Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8 Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9
THE ALLUVION, TC 2/8 -- Stop Making Sense - Free Talking Heads Film Screening + Dance Party: SOLD OUT, 7-10:30
2/10 -- Big Fun - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30
2/13 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30
2/15 -- Nate Smith, 7
THE HAYLOFT INN, TC
2/7-8 & 2/14-15 -- Sandy & The Bandits, 7:30-11
Antrim & Charlevoix
FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE
6:30-9:30: 2/8 -- Brett Mitchell
2/14 -- Michelle Chenard
2/15 -- James Robnett
FOUNDRY CRAFT GRILLERY, EAST JORDAN
Thurs. -- Trivia, 7
THE LITTLE FLEET, TC
2/12 -- Endless Summer w/ DJ Dusty Staircase, 3-11
THE PARLOR, TC
2/8 – Blake Elliott, 9-12
2/11 – Jesse Jefferson, 8-11
2/12 – Mallory Ramage, 8-11
2/13 – SkyeLea, 8-11
2/14 – Hannah Rose Graves Trio, 9-12
2/15 – Rhett & John, 9-12
THE PUB, TC
2/8 – Ben Richey, 9-12
2/10 – Karaoke Monday, 8-11
2/12 – Zeke Clemons, 8-11
2/13 -- David Martón, 8-11
2/14 – The Boardman River Band, 9-12
THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC
2/8 -- Jazz North, 7 2/11 -- Open Mic w/ Zak Bunce, 6:30
2/12 -- Jazz Jam w/ Ron Getz Trio, 6
2/13 -- DJ Trivia, 7 2/14 -- KDJ, 7 2/15 -- Jacob McLeod, 7
UNION STREET STATION, TC
2/8 -- Rolling Dirty, 10 2/13 – DJ 1Wave, 9 2/14-15 – ZUZ, 10
JAX NORTHSIDE, CHARLEVOIX
2/12 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 2/14 -- Two Track Mind, 8-11
SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE
2/13 -- Trivia Night w/ DJ Trivia, 6:30
Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee
LITTLE RIVER CASINO RESORT, MANISTEE
2/15 – The Frontmen of Country, 8-9:30
NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA 6: 2/8 -- Seth Bernard 2/13 -- Chief Jams - Open Mic with Bee Jay & Nate from Barefoot Music
2/14 -- Dede Alder 2/15 -- Zak Bunce
GREENHOUSE - WILLOW/ PRIMOS, CADILLAC 2/8 -- Back to the 90's Party w/ Andy McQuillen & Raylin Vance, 7-9 Leelanau
BLACK STAR FARMS, SUTTONS BAY BISTRO POLARIS:
2/8 – Bob Roberts, 6-8
BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU TASTING ROOM:
2/14 -- Jim Hawley, 5:30-8
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE 3-5:
2/8 -- Chris Smith
2/15 -- Rhett & John
2/16 -- Luke Woltanski
VISTA LOUNGE:
2/8 -- Dominic Fortuna, 2-5; Drew
Hale & Mallory Ramage, 8-11
2/9 -- Blake Elliott, 2-5
2/12 -- DJ Trivia, 7-9
2/14 -- Bill Frary, 2-5; Somebody's Sister & the Goodfellas, 8-11
THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 2/8 -- Mike & Brooklynne, 6 2/14 -- Valentines Music w/ Brooklynne & Mike, 6-7; Musician's Playground, 7 2/15 -- Lee Fayssoux, 6
THE WIGWAM, INDIAN RIVER 2/13 -- Dominic Fortuna, 7:309:30
FRIDAY
lOGY
FEB 10 - FEB 16
BY ROB BREZSNY
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Borrowing the words of Aquarian author Virginia Woolf, I've prepared a love note for you to use as your own. Feel free to give these words to the person whose destiny needs to be woven more closely together with yours. "You are the tide that sweeps through the corridors of my mind, a wild rhythm that fills my empty spaces with the echo of eternity. You are the unspoken sentence in my every thought, the shadow and the light interwoven in the fabric of my being. You are the pulse of the universe pressing against my skin, the quiet chaos of love that refuses to be named. You are my uncharted shore."
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 2025, the role that togetherness plays in your life will inspire you to achieve unexpected personal accomplishments. Companionship and alliances may even stir up destiny-changing developments. To get you primed, I offer these quotes: 1. "Love is a trick that nature plays on us to achieve the impossible." —William Somerset Maugham. 2. "Love is the ultimate outlaw. It won't adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is sign on as its accomplice." —Tom Robbins. 3. "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. Yet each day reveals new constellations in our shared sky." —Emily Brontë.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Psychotherapist Robin Norwood wrote that some people, mostly women, give too much love and kindness. They neglect their own self-care as they attend generously to the needs of others. They may even provide nurturing and support to those who don't appreciate it or return the favor. Author Anne Morrow Lindbergh expressed a different perspective. She wrote, “No one has ever loved anyone too much. We just haven't learned yet how to love enough.” What's your position on this issue, Virgo? It’s time for you to come to a new understanding of exactly how much giving is correct for you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Are you ready to express your affection with lush and lavish exuberance? hope so. Now would be an excellent time, astrologically speaking. I dare you to give the following words, composed by poet Pablo Neruda, to a person who will be receptive to them. "You are the keeper of my wildest storms, the green shoot splitting the stone of my silence. Your love wraps me in galaxies, crowns me with the salt of the sea, and fills my lungs with the language of the earth. You are the voice of the rivers, the crest of the waves, the pulse of the stars. With every word you speak, you unweave my solitude and knit me into eternity."
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Among its potential gifts, astrology can raise our awareness of the cyclical nature of life. When used well, it helps us know when there are favorable times to enhance and upgrade specific areas of our lives. For example, in the coming weeks, you Scorpios could make progress on building a strong foundation for the future of love. You will rouse sweet fortune for yourself and those you care for if you infuse your best relationships with extra steadiness and stability.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I want you to be moved by intimacy and friendships that buoy your soul, inspire your expansive mind, and pique your sense of adventure. To boost the likelihood they will flow your way in abundance during the coming weeks, I offer you these quotes. 1. "Love is a madness so discreet that we carry its delicious wounds for a lifetime as if they were precious gems." —Federico García Lorca. 2. "Love is not a vacation from life. It's a parallel universe where everything ordinary becomes extraordinary." —Anne Morrow Lindbergh. 3. "Where there is love there is life. And where there is life, there is mischief in the making." —my Sagittarius friend Artemisia.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Every intimate alliance is unique, has its own rules, and shouldn't be compared to any standard. This is a key theme for you to embrace right now. Below are helpful quotes. 1. "Each couple's love story is a language only they can speak, with words only they can define." —Federico Fellini. 2. "In every true marriage, each serves as guide and companion
to the other toward a shared enlightenment that no one else could possibly share." —Joseph Campbell. 3. "The beauty of marriage is not in its uniformity but in how each couple writes their own story, following no map but the one they draw together." —Isabel Allende. 4. "Marriages are like fingerprints; each one is different, and each one is beautiful." —Maggie Reyes.
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Love and intimacy and togetherness are fun, yes. But they’re also hard work—especially if you want to make the fun last. This will be your specialty in the coming months. I’ve assembled four quotes to inspire you. 1. "The essence of marriage is not that it provides a happy ending, but that it provides a promising beginning—and then you keep beginning again, day after day."
—Gabriel García Márquez. 2. "The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret. But those who follow the art of creating it day after day come closest to discovering it." —Pearl Buck. 3. "Love is a continuous act of forgiveness." —Maya Angelou. 4. "In the best of relationships, daily rebuilding is a mutual process. Each partner helps the other grow." —Virginia Satir
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Love requires stability and steadiness to thrive. But it also needs unpredictability and imaginativeness. The same with friendship. Without creative touches and departures from routine, even strong alliances can atrophy into mere sentiment and boring dutifulness. With this in mind, and in accordance with astrological omens, I offer quotes to inspire your quest to keep togetherness fertile and flourishing. 1. "Love has no rules except those we invent, moment by moment." —Anaïs Nin. 2. "The essence of love is invention. Lovers should always dream and create their own world." —Jorge Luis Borges. 3. "A successful relationship requires falling in love many times, always with the same person, but never in quite the same way." —Mignon McLaughlin.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In celebration of the Valentine season, I suggest you get blithely unshackled in your approach to love. Be loose, limber, and playful. To stimulate the romantic and intimate qualities think you should emphasize, offer you these quotes: 1. "Love is the endless apprenticeship of two souls daring to be both sanctuary and storm for one another." —Rainer Maria Rilke 2. "Love is the revolution in which we dismantle the prisons of our fear, building a world where our truths can stand naked and unashamed." —Audre Lorde. 3. "Love is the rebellion that tears down walls within and between us, making room for the unruly beauty of our shared becoming." —Adrienne Rich.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): To honor the rowdy Valentine spirit, I invite you to either use the following passage or compose one like it, then offer it to a willing recipient who would love to go deeper with you: "Be my thunderclap, my cascade of shooting stars. Be my echo across the valley, my rebel hymn, my riddle with no answer. Be my just-before-you-wake-up-dream. Be my tectonic shift. Be my black pearl, my vacation from gloom and doom, my forbidden dance. Be my river-song in F major, my wild-eyed prophet, my moonlit debate, my infinite possibility. Be my trembling, blooming, spiraling, and soaring."
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian author Elizabeth Gilbert wrote, "The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all.” One of those strange jewels in you is emerging from its hiding place. Any day now, it will reveal at least some of its spectacular beauty—to be followed by more in the subsequent weeks. Are you ready to be surprised by your secret self? Are your beloved allies ready? A bloom this magnificent could require adjustments. You and yours may have to expand your horizons together.
“Jonesin” Crosswords
"We're Golden" --at least, hiding in the long answers. by Matt Jones
ACROSS
1. Classic auto, for short
6. Pancake order
11. Keeps in the loop, in a way
14. In ___ fertilization
15. Ali's boxing daughter
16. Panama, e.g.
17. Easter egg found within a subway system?
19. Former Notre Dame coach Parseghian
20. Nonspecific number
21. Mauritians of long ago
22. Bashful coworker?
24. Sidekick
25. Puts down on paper
26. Herb specifically designated for a tomato sauce?
32. Makes level
33. 2000s corporate scandal subject
34. Spit some bars
37. Scan the print
38. Notions
39. Circle dance at some weddings
40. Onetime Dirk Benedict costar
41. Ordinary
42. Ring-collecting Sega character
43. Atypically sunny weather at the highest peak of the Alps?
46. Donnie ___, 1997 Johnny Depp role
48. Surprised cry
49. Not as frequent
50. "Let's Make ___"
53. ___ Lankan
56. Media attention
57. Short break from reading fables?
60. Bronze, for one
61. Cliched
62. Adjusts accurately
63. Badminton divider
64. Clear, as a whiteboard
65. Striped equine
DOWN
1. "Severance" rating
2. "Muy ___"
3. Teensy
4. Telugu-language 2022 movie that was big in the U.S.
5. Thingamabobs
6. Wheelless vehicle
7. Salsa holder
8. Pretentious manner
9. Progressive Field team, on scoreboards
10. "Agatha All Along" star Hahn
11. Book opener?
12. "___ diem"
13. Lingers
18. Without help
23. Goal
24. Fishing hole
25. "___ gonna tell them?"
26. Long-lasting hairstyle
27. Walkie-talkie signoff
28. Place to stake out some steaks
29. Do the audio again
30. Shaq's surname
31. Cheery refrain
35. Operatic performance
36. Agreement
38. "It ___ laugh"
39. Ding Dong alternative
41. Remove from a large container
42. "The beer that made Milwaukee famous"
44. Sugary suffix
45. Baumbach who frequently works with Adam Driver
46. "Family Guy" dog
47. Grazing area
50. Continent with the longest coastline
51. They may get connected
52. Fencing sword
53. Concertgoer's souvenir
54. Someone sorry
55. "Insecure" actress Rae
58. Need correction
59. Thin Lizzy's "The Boys ___ Back in Town"
NORTHERN EXPRESS CLASSIFIEDS
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FREAKY FRIDAY THE MUSICAL AT PETERMAN AUDITORIUM: Elk Rapids High School presents this fun for the whole family musical Feb 13-14 at 7pm & Feb 15 at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets at https://www. erschools.com/district/services/event-tickets/
TRAVERSE CITY COTTAGE FOR RENT: TC 1 BR Cottage, Very Nice, Utilities Included, Well Furnished, All New Appliances Including W/D, Patio, BBQ, No Pets, Month to Month to 1 Year; $1,600 per month, (231) 631-7512.
CUTE YORKIE PUPPIES RAISED HOLISTICALLY IN HOME: Ready for adoption soon. Females $750, Males $700. Text or call 810-537-4821
SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248
COMPUTER PROBLEMS?: I'll fix your new or aging TV, phone, tablet or computer. I'll come to your home or office and show you how to use it. Call James Downer, Advent Tech. Your HIGH TECH HANDYMAN. 231492-2087. CALL NOW! End the frustration of programming that new TV!
MODERN OFFICE SPACE CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN TC Updated office space with 3 private offices, conference space, kitchenette, bathroom, storage and a loft with a view of Boardman Lake! The location is just outside of downtown TC.
NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE SEEKS DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic vision and effective leadership to oversee the overall direction and management in the administration of all financial aid and scholarships. $102,434.00 starting salary with full benefits nmc.edu/nondiscrimination
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