FASCINATING PEOPLE OF 2025
Katie Asher
Harold Baker III
Josey Ballenger
Pamela Bijansky
Grace Blackmer
Aurélien Bouché-Pillon
Joann Condino
Taylor Dueweke
Scott Gillespie
Sam LaSusa
Sara Leffingwell
Juan Pineda
Miles Prendergast
Lisa Maxbauer Price
Kim Richelle
TaShena Sams
Ella Skrocki >
Barbara Thierwechter
Blake Vidor
Brody Warren
Beth Price Photography
letters
Good Work, Tom
In our current times of tumult, it is always valuable to read good, non-emotional voices of reason. So kudos—once again—to Tom Gutowski and his clear, cogent, factual, and historically based explanation of the ins and out of tariffs. Nothing personal there, just how they have or have not worked over time. Presented as a true historian does. Good work, Tom! Tom’s work is backed up by an excellent WSJ piece from Feb. 14, too.
Paul D Winkler | Interlochen
When Will the Tain to Traverse City Arrive?
I enjoyed Anna Faller’s article on the progress of the Ann Arbor to Traverse City passenger train.
We were told, as Ms. Ulsted stated, there would be a train by now. We keep hearing; studies. We need a train of some kind on the tracks. Let’s not make it so complicated. There is a lot of enthusiasm here in northern Michigan for a passenger train. It would be best to have train enthusiasts involved in the planning process.
Will the train to Traverse City ever make a maiden excursion? We are running out of time.
David H. Goldsmith | Traverse City
Medicaid in Michigan
Congress is considering cuts to Medicaid. Evidence shows those would cause more harm than benefit to Michigan.
Expanding Medicaid decreased the uninsured rate and reduced uncompensated care for Michigan hospitals, doubtless keeping some from closing. Medicaid expansion yielded fiscal benefits for Michigan which exceeded the costs.
Emphasizing primary care, as Michigan has done, meant previously uninsured people who would seek care only in a crisis— in the emergency department—instead had the chance to prevent such a crisis.
States that expanded Medicaid provide greater access to medical treatment for opioid use disorder.
Access to and the cost of long-term care are top health concerns for older adults in Michigan. Medicaid is the largest payer of long-term care, and in Michigan has implemented innovative ways to care for people at home.
Half of Medicaid enrollees aged 18-64 work. Most who don’t have health problems,
caregiving responsibilities or are in school. Work requirements add costly red tape, cut eligible people from Medicaid, and don’t increase employment.
Medicaid improves families’ financial stability and reduces medical debt sent to collections. People eligible for Medicaid as children have higher incomes and pay more in taxes.
Most people agree that sick people should get the medical care they need even if they are poor. For Medicaid, moral and economic arguments align. Lawmakers in Michigan should protect Medicaid funding.
Susan Dorr Goold | Levering
50 Years Late
The rail connection between northern and southern Michigan is an excellent idea, but is possibly about 50 years late.
Our existing rail system should be maintained for material shipping to reduce the wear and tear on our highways with overloaded trucks and roads that are not designed for such weight. Our rail system is intrusive to cause deaths and injuries at crossings. I-75 already provides a system that is not intrusive to our roads and highways that cross it.
Focus on an electric transit bus system that can utilize I-75 and be more flexible for some pickup and drop-off terminals from the Soo to Detroit. Maybe those terminals could be an auxiliary facility attached to our present fueling, lodging, and/or food concessions right off the interstate system.
From there, local transportation facilities could be available for special designations. Like airports, they don’t pick up or drop you off at your door.
Instead of subsidizing a rail system for people moving purposes that will cost billions to construct and operate, use more flexible conveyances. I think rail is necessary for our heavy commodities, and we are already subsidizing them. But unfortunately, it has been already disconnected from certain industries to utilize.
Statewide reservations service on this system should be necessary to ensure a seat. Or gamble on standby availability. Easier to put two buses on the highway if necessary, versus running an almost empty train. In favor of making a better transportation system available besides Uber.
Ken Gorney | Charlevoix
feature
Fascinating People 2025....... 9-15
Luthier to the Stars............ 16
Coffee Culture............ 19
columns & stuff
Top Ten..... 4
Spectator/Stephen Tuttle............ 6
Guest Opinion/Brown........................ 7 Weird 8
Guest Opinion/Bousamra 18 Dates.. 20
Nitelife............................. 20
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top ten
Wave Goodbye to Winter Curling Championships
Technically we have two weeks left of winter, but if you’re ready to think of warmer days, we have two TC celebrations for you. First, on March 8 from 1-5pm, enjoy the Winter Warm Up at Traverse City Whiskey Co. at their stillhouse at 201 E 14th St. Enjoy live music from two bands, exclusive tastings, food from the Chubby Unicorn, and family-friendly yard games. Get all the details at tcwhiskey.com/events-classes. Second, on March 9 from 1-4pm, make your way to the Village at Grand Traverse Commons for the NotSo-Chilly Chili Cook-off. For $15, taste and vote for your favorite chili concoction! This year’s contest will be held inside The Mercato to keep everyone warm and toasty. Get tickets: thevillagetc.com/events.
2 tastemaker
Great
Traverse City hosts the USA Curling Senior National Championship March 4-9 at the TC Curling Club, 1712 S. Garfield Ave. Get ready to cheer for athletes ages 50+ who make up 35 teams representing 19 states. The tournament’s format is round-robin play, followed by playoff rounds to determine the national champions over the weekend. Winners advance to represent the U.S. at the World Senior Curling Championship in Fredericton, Canada, April 26 - May 3. Free admission; learn more at tccurling.org.
4
Hey, read It! Bear County, Michigan: Stories
Though it’s true that northern Michigan is a haven for summer relaxation, like any paradise, it also has a darker side. Awardwinning journalist and MLive editor John Counts is throwing one out to the locals in his new short-fiction collection, Bear County, Michigan: Stories. Set in the declining (and totally made-up) communities of rural Bear County, this tragicomic compilation follows a web of uniquely-Midwestern characters, from the privileged children of old lumber money to Hawaiian-shirtwearing retirees and blue-collar workers. A drunken fugitive flees a family cabin with a wheelbarrow full of meat and booze; a conservative county commissioner plans a rescue mission at a nudist resort; an elderly woodsman sacrifices his home for the woman he loves; and in the final installment, an indigenous group takes a stab at reclaiming their native land. Selfdiscovery is the name of the game in this delightfully absurd little tome.
Lakes Potato Chips Sea Salt, Pepper & Onion 5
Let the debate begin: Which flavor of Great Lakes Potato Chips is the best? It was a tossup for this writer between the Parmesan Ranch and the Sea Salt, Pepper & Onion, but the latter one the day. (Pro tip: A slight heat on the Parmesan Ranch—like a little burst in your toaster oven—is *chef’s kiss.*) Anyway, the SSPO, as we’ll call them, bring a little extra spice to the party, which means you’ll keep on reaching for the bag long after you’ve promised yourself “this is the last one.” There’s enough flavor to let these stand on their own, but they also shine paired with savory dips like hummus or whitefish paté. Our recommendation: Opt for the family size bag. Find Great Lakes Potato Chips at most NoMi grocery stores or online at greatlakespotatochips.com.
Still Time to Hit the Slopes
Winter may be ending soon, but ski season is far from over. The Highlands in Harbor Springs invites those 21+ to Hops ‘n’ Highlands on March 8, a craft beer-tasting event featuring Short’s, Beard’s, Petoskey Brewing, Stormcloud, and a dozen more of your favorite breweries. Tickets are $25 for entry and four sampling tickets. (highlandsharborsprings.com/ events/hops-n-highlands) Boyne Mountain is keeping the vibe family-friendly with Kids’ Festival Weekend March 7-9, full of adventures from silly ski races to a marvel-ous superhero dinner! (boynemountain.com/upcoming-events/kids-festival-weekend) Last but not least, Crystal Mountain makes a splash with their Spring Carnival on March 8, complete with a cardboard classic sled race and slush cup. (crystalmountain.com/event/spring-carnival)
Stories Told
It’s always a good sign when several powerhouse arts organizations team up, and this spring, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Harbor Springs Festival of the Book, and Petoskey District Library are bringing “Stories Told: A Community Project Empowering Students to Discover Their Voices” to middle school students and their families. Kids will dive into books from decorated authors like Jason Reynolds, Jasmine Warga, Lily LaMotte, and Ann Xu, and then use their creative voices to break down the books’ big themes. We’re talking onstage events, poetry, music, visual storytelling, and more. There will be workshops with local authors and illustrators, plus other events running March 13-May 10. See more at greatlakescfa. org/educational-programs/stories-told, and shop the books for 20 percent off at McLean & Eakin and Between the Covers!
Stuff We Love: Teacher Recognition
It’s a big deal when a teacher wins an award. It’s an even bigger deal when that award comes from the National Education Association (NEA). Coming off his 2024 win as the Michigan Education Association’s recipient for the 2024 Educational Excellence Award, Matt Hamilton, a teacher with East Jordan Public Schools, has been awarded the NEA Foundation’s 2025 Award for Teaching Excellence. The award “recognizes K-12 public school educators nationwide for excellence in the classroom, dedication to family and community engagement, commitment to equity and diversity, and advocacy for the teaching profession.” Hamilton is known locally—and now nationally—as the creator of East Jordan’s Shoe Club, an organization for 7th and 8th graders that helps students set goals, identify their values, and “walk in each other’s shoes,” so to speak. The club has collected footwear from famous folks such as Michael Jordan, Dolly Parton, Arnold Palmer, Steven Spielberg, and many more. Way to go, Mr. Hamilton!
Bottoms Up
Ever heard of a coffee peaberry? It’s a special bit of nature’s magic that occurs when the stem of a coffee plant produces one seed instead of the usual two and packs it with the unique flavors of where it was grown. It’s also the buzz-worthy star of Traverse City’s Roaster Jack Coffee Co.’s, newest whole-bean java release, Kenya Peaberry. Sourced from a smallbatch cooperative in central Kenya, this light-bodied labor of love makes for a brew bursting with bright notes of toffee and zesty citrus, with an aroma laced with delicate herbals like bergamot and jasmine tea. For the best—and purest!—preparation, try it as a pour-over or in a French press, or go for an espresso roast for an extra touch of chocolatey sweetness. Order online ($16 per 12-oz bag) or arrange a local delivery at roasterjack.com.
Roaster Jack’s Kenya Peaberry
CRYSTAL BASH
MARCH AT THE MOUNTAIN INCLUDES
Mardi Gras at the Mountain. Spring Carnival.
Celts & Kayaks. Retro Day. Spring Break.
Get all the crazy details at crystalmountain.com
VIGILANTES, AND OTHER ISSUES
spectator
By steven Tuttle
So many issues have arisen as the new administration lays waste to chunks of the federal government that are pretty valuable in a pinch. We’ll have to try and sort all that out another time; other issues occupy today’s space.
Let’s start today in New York City, where one Luigi Mangione is on trial for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Since Mr. Mangione is presumed innocent, the word “alleged” and its variations will feature prominently in what follows.
The story goes that Mangione had a bad back, some surgery that he found less than satisfactory, and what he believed was poor service from United Healthcare, his insurance carrier. Unable to get his back or
obscenity and those gleeful about it should spend a long time in front of a mirror.
Meanwhile, down in Mississippi, Chancery Judge Crystal Wise Martin issued a restraining order requiring the Clarksdale Press Register to remove their editorial complaining about the city government’s lack of transparency. City leaders complained, making the usual charges about unfairness and inaccuracy. There was nothing at all unusual about a local newspaper running a critical editorial local leaders didn’t like right up until Judge Martin decided to ignore the First Amendment altogether. (The city subsequently dropped their complaint but the judge has not lifted her order.)
Is this our new reality, that we approve of the killing of a leader of a business we don’t like?
insurance issues resolved, Magione allegedly went to New York where he allegedly knew Mr. Thompson would be attending United Healthcare meetings and allegedly stalked Thompson and then allegedly lay in wait for Thompson and then allegedly shot Thompson in the back and killed him.
Mangione has a significant disadvantage in that the alleged shooting was captured in its entirety on local security cameras. Also detrimental to his case, he allegedly offered a sort of confession when caught and presented a short but allegedly incriminating “manifesto” regarding his treatment and justification for his alleged actions.
What is especially troubling (other than the obvious, that a man with two children doing his job was murdered) is that Mangione now has a cult-like fan club, as if this is somehow an excellent solution to whatever issues he was having.
Is this our new reality, that we approve of the killing of a leader of a business we don’t like? Should we also kill the claims adjuster who denies the claims, that person’s supervisor, that person’s manager, and then that company’s CEO? That will improve our experience how? This could be bad news for lots of organizations.
There is a company called the Temkin Group that does research on customer experiences and then ranks trustworthiness based on those results. The least trusted folks? No surprise it’s politicians, followed by cable/communications companies Comcast and Charter, followed by nearly all social media companies. (The most trusted are credit unions and a Texas-based grocery chain called H-E-B.)
The least trusted companies had best increase their management’s security if those now idolizing Mangione go beyond their hero worship. The Thompson killing was an
In fact, she probably violated both the paper’s First Amendment speech rights and certainly their freedom of press rights. The Supreme Court has ruled on this sort of thing multiple times in the past, and surely the decision will be overturned if it hasn’t been already. But it’s chilling that almost out of nowhere we have a judge who believes she has the right to tell a newspaper what they can print in an editorial.
Much closer to home, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he misspoke or was misquoted or something. We’re talking about Traverse City’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) outgoing chair Scott Hardy, who recently was complaining about the city using so-called DDA money by saying, “...we once again become the city’s piggy bank...” Umm, you mean the city used some taxpayer money that would have gone to their general fund anyway had it not been captured by the DDA? That “piggy bank?”
It’s all taxpayer money regardless of which city entity is using it. Maybe the DDA would have more voter support if they sounded like a part of, rather than apart from, the rest of the city.
Last but not least, while Emperor Musk and his band of marauders are feverishly cutting, laying off, and firing in the name of saving money and ending fraud and waste, the feds have quietly found an extra $200 million for an international ad campaign discouraging people from coming here illegally.
The ad will start with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem thanking Donald Trump for securing the border and blah, blah, blah. Ms. Noem will be the ad narrator, though it is not clear if they’ve bothered to translate the copy for the non-English speaking countries in which this will run. Two hundred million dollars to praise Trump internationally. Hey, Elon, I think we found some fraud and waste.
FASCINATING WOMEN OF HOUSING IN NW MICHIGAN
Guest
opinion
by Yarrow Brown
Housing is a marathon not a sprint, which means the people working in housing are also in it for the long haul. They are dedicated, patient, and determined. They show up at public events and meetings, they do their homework, and research and find the properties that will help support their mission.
In our region, we are lucky to have strong, determined women leaders working in housing. I want to highlight some amazing women working to bring housing to the 10 counties in northwest Michigan. These incredible leaders are not just advocating for change—they are actively building solutions in their communities. These
Wendy Irvin is the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region. Wendy and her team have expanded their capacity and taken on huge projects over the last five years. They have active projects in all three counties they serve and are partnering with many organizations to bring single family homes to those making up to 120 percent of the AMI. Under Wendy’s leadership, we have seen new and innovative building practices and collaborative partnerships. All of these successes are vital to moving housing forward. Currently, there are at least 34 units being built under Wendy’s leadership.
women represent organizations that are doing everything they can to create housing opportunities across the income spectrum.
Yes, we still need zoning reform and to remove other barriers before we can attract more developers to some of our rural communities and increase our housing stock, but that’s not stopping them. These women are finding creative solutions and running in different directions to make sure they are successful in serving the people in the mission of their work.
Nora Dunlop is the Director of Housing Development for Goodwill Northern Michigan. Nora has been instrumental in coordinating the renovations and new phase of the East Bay Flats project—an affordable housing development in Traverse City— into 100 percent permanent supportive housing. She is also working very diligently to bring more housing projects to support those making 30 percent or less of the Area Median Income. Nora was also part of the team behind asking the city commission to approve $360,000 to help 17 chronically homeless people find housing, which was successful in 2024.
Jane MacKenzie is the CEO of Northern Homes CDC, a nonprofit housing organization and a community land trust. With over 30 years of experience in affordable housing, she is working to bring housing to Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Otsego, Crawford, and Cheboygan counties. They are partners on the Lofts at Lumber Square in Petoskey, which is providing missing middle housing and is one of the first multifamily housing to be built in over 20 years in the city. Jane’s patience, perseverance, and dedication to her work has provided 237 housing units in her Northern Homes service area (172 apartments and 66 single family homes) with 70 units in progress. Northern Homes is also a HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency and has provided homebuyer education and housing counseling to over 1,000 households.
Sarah Ulrich is the executive director of Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity. She is leading a campaign to bring 43 homes to Emmet County called Foundations for our Future, which has a $5M goal. This is one of the largest building developments in their history and will include housing in Alanson, East Jordan, and Oden. Sarah is also a member of the Little Traverse Bay Housing Partnership leadership team (LTBHP), a group meeting regularly to support and advocate for housing.
Sarah Ford with the Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation (PHSACF) has been instrumental in supporting housing in Emmet County. Working with her executive director and board, PHSACF took a bold leadership role in the Lofts at Lumber Square, raising philanthropic support to secure the lot for the project and so much more. Sarah also sits on the leadership team for the LTBHP and has been a huge advocate for housing in the region.
Beth Verhay and the team at New Community Vision have led a huge effort to not only secure very important land to Leelanau County and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, but also to coordinate 18 acres that can be used for housing in partnership with local community developers and partners. The project is still in the beginning stages, but this new nonprofit has made huge strides and is beginning the process of planning for the housing phase of the project.
This is just a snapshot of the professional, dedicated, and diligent women working to bring housing to northwest Michigan. We applaud your efforts and support your momentum. We know the marathon continues and we hope that together, we can make it a half-marathon soon.
Yarrow Brown is the executive director of Housing North, a 10-county housing agency serving northwest Michigan.
SPINACH TO
It's Come to This
Visitors to the Chengdu Snow Village in the Sichuan province of China were left with a "bad impression" of the tourist attraction in early February, Reuters reported. Because of unseasonably warm weather, project coordinators had to improvise the "snowy" atmosphere, stapling cotton sheets to the rooftops and scattering white sand, cotton batting and soapy water to simulate snow throughout the property. Snow Village organizers said entry fees would be refunded, and the village has closed.
It's a Mystery
Investigators in Munich, Germany, are stumped by the sudden appearance of more than 1,000 small stickers on grave markers in three different cemeteries, the Associated Press reported. The stickers feature a QR code that, when scanned, reveals the name of the person in the grave and the location within the cemetery. "The stickers were put both on decades-old gravestones and very new graves that so far only have a wooden cross," said police spokesperson Christian Drexler. Police are investigating property damage as well, because when removed, the stickers leave discoloration.
It's Good To Have a Hobby
Clem Reinkemeyer, 87, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has an unusual collection -and now he has a Guinness World Record. United Press International reported on Feb. 17 that Reinkemeyer's collection of 8,882 bricks includes a Roman brick from 100 A.D. and a sidewalk brick made in a facility where the Pentagon now stands. "What appealed to me about bricks is they have names and you can trace them back historically to places," he said. Some of the most valuable ones are those with misspellings. "I think Oklahoma has a history for the most misspelled bricks," he said. "I don't know why."
Officials at Poland's space agency POLSA are examining debris that fell onto the premises of a business in Komorniki on Feb. 19, Reuters reported, to determine whether it originated from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Later that day, a second "identical" container was found about 19 miles away in a forest. POLSA said it has been monitoring the flight of the Falcon 9, which launched on Feb. 1 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and "will verify the object with SpaceX." News outlets in Poland reported that flashes were seen in the sky on the morning of Feb. 19.
Recent Alarming Headlines
Residents of Godstone High Street in Surrey, England, may be out of their homes for months after a huge sinkhole opened up on Feb. 17, the BBC reported. Two sections of the road caved in, causing people in 30 homes to be evacuated. "We'll be looking to completely rebuild the road," said Surrey County Council's Matt Furniss. "It's currently stable, it isn't growing anymore." Local business owners are concerned about how the closure will affect them. Shane Fry of DD Services said it would be "a trialling few months for us."
News You Can Use
The SS United States, which has been docked and deteriorating at a Philadelphia port since 1976, started its 18-day passage to Alabama on Feb. 19, NBC10-TV reported. The ocean liner, in service from 1952 to 1969, holds the record for fastest eastbound and westbound trans-Atlantic crossings, but on this final journey, it will be towed at 5 knots (or about 6 miles per hour). In Alabama, it will be stripped of its innards -furniture, engine room equipment, cables and flooring -- and then will be moved to Okaloosa County, Florida, where it will be sunk offshore and turned into a scubadiving destination. Capt. Joseph Farrell, a ship-sinking and reef expert, said the sinking will be "a final chapter for the last all-American-made, American-flagged ocean liner."
Repeat Offender
For the second time in a month, a teenager in the Bronx has been charged with trying to take a subway train for a joyride on Feb. 18, Pix11-TV reported. Police said the 15-year-old tried to operate the No. 2 train from the Prospect Avenue station. He was arrested in late January with a group of kids who drove the R train in Brooklyn. He was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing.
The Way the World Works
In the aftermath of the wildfires in California, at least two residents have returned to their homes only to find new and unwelcome tenants, the Los Angeles Times reported. Homeowner Sean Lorenzini evacuated during the Eaton fire, and upon his return found a black bear sleeping in the crawlspace under his home and lounging by the pool during the day. The large bear seems to be foraging in neighbors' trash bins and is probably behind an attack on a neighbor's pet goat, Lorenzini said. "It's definitely not moving," he said. He's hoping to get the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to help after they relocated a 525-pound bear at the end of January. In that case, the Altadena-area bear was lured into a trap with peanut butter and rotisserie chicken, then moved to Angeles National Forest. The wildlife agency told Lorenzini that after his bear is removed, he'll need to seal up the crawlspace, as it will probably try to return. "I know we're encroaching on their territory," Lorenzini said of the bear, "so I'm sympathetic to that. But at the same time ... I'm exposed if anyone gets hurt. This is a wild animal."
Saw That Coming
An unnamed 55-year-old Canadian woman lost both her hands on Feb. 7 when she "attempted to engage" with a 6-footlong shark while snorkeling in Turks and Caicos, The New York Times reported. The tourist reportedly wanted to take photos of the animal. After she was treated in the Caribbean, she returned to Canada for further medical attention, but doctors could not save her hands. Conservationist Chris Stefanou said the shark might have mistaken the woman's phone for a fish. "Sharks, or any predatory animal in the ocean, can confuse that as, like, a bait fish," he said.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE!
FASCINATING PEOPLE OF 2025
20 amazing folks making their mark Up North
By Northern Express Staff & Contributors
This is one of our favorite issues of the year, when we get to know the wonderful, weird, and wildly adventurous people of northern Michigan. This year’s crop of 20 Fascinating People includes artists and animal activists, filmmakers and foreign language learners, marathoners and martial arts instructors. Get to know them with the help of writers Kierstin Gunsberg, Ross Boissoneau, Geri Dietze, Ellen Miller, and Jillian Manning.
Sam LaSusa
Originally from Traverse City, Sam LaSusa returned home during the pandemic with their architecture degree and started building community. After leaving a remote work job, LaSusa began the architectural design company Untethered Enterprises, then was selected as a fellow for the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan.
Along the way, they also managed to help in the SEEDS woodshop at Historic Barns Park and assist in forming Evergreen Community Group, a nonprofit social club.
“My brain, when I look at the world, is always trying to figure out a solution to the problem that I see in front of me,” LaSusa says. “I do really well … being able to visualize and futurize and figure out what something could be or how things can fit together.”
Locally, it’s a toss-up for LaSusa’s best known project. One contender is the rainbow fence that reads “Love Thy Neighbor” on the corner of Cass and Fourteenth streets. The other is the new East Bay Corners Farmers Market, which LaSusa headed up through their new role with East Bay Township in 2024. In their spare time, LaSusa is either working on home renovations, enjoying a sauna and cold plunge, or hoping to get more friends dancing at a silent disco.
Sara Leffingwell
At only 23, Sara Leffingwell has achieved her dream: In 2018, she founded Peace Gate Sanctuary, creating a safe space for animals with rough histories like abuse and neglect to live and thrive in peace. “All animals deserve to be here and be on this planet and live the best that they can. We really provide that opportunity,” Leffingwell says.
Leffingwell works as an emergency vet tech for her “day” job, but actually works nights at the clinic so that she can run Peace Gate during the day. She also runs Peaches Candle Company, with proceeds supporting the sanctuary’s operations.
It’s not enough to be an animal lover, Leffingwell cautions; the work is all consuming, and it’s rare that she and her husband have time to get out for a hike or leave the farm. But it’s worth it.
“Every night around dinnertime the goats get zoomies. Seeing them run around, jump, play, be super happy-go-lucky and free to be themselves, is something that is really an incredible sight knowing where they have all come from. Every night when I see that, it makes me smile, and I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Barbara Thierwechter
During the Space Race, with Elvis crooning from every jukebox, Barbara Thierwechter was working her afterschool job when she stumbled upon a Junior Flight Stewardess pin that had popped off someone’s lapel. The find inspired her to become an aviation teletypist in bustling NYC.
It was, as Thierwechter puts it, “a most unusual” start to her career, and she hasn’t slowed down since.
Now retired from roles as a reporter, switchboard operator, billing specialist, and even an Olympic torchbearer, she isn’t settling into a quiet retirement. She’s running (and sometimes walking) through it as a marathoner. “I enjoy the challenge, the group atmosphere,” says the Manistee resident, who recently completed her hometown’s “Jingle Bell Jog” on Christmas Eve. Over the years, she’s earned nearly 30 marathon medals, plus a collection of plaques and T-shirts. Her favorite race-day reward? “The afterrace snacks, like watermelon in the summer and hot chocolate with cookies in the winter.”
Still, every race begins with a moment of contemplation. “Most times, as I start out, I ask myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’” she admits. “But once I’ve gone about a mile, it gets easier. Then the goal is to finish. And what a great feeling it is when I see the finish line and pass over it.”
THE ANIMAL HERO
THE COMMUNITY BUILDER
THE GO GETTER
THE ACCIDENTAL LOCAL
Aurélien Bouché-Pillon
Aurélien Bouché-Pillon felt deflated. It was November 2021, and he’d traveled from upstate New York to Traverse City, chasing a predicted giant wave on Lake Michigan. But the wave never came.
Wandering Front Street in search of an espresso, a kind stranger pointed him toward (the former) Brew, where he spotted a woman through the window. “All I could see was beautiful blue eyes,” he recalls. As fate would have it, the only open seat was next to her. That meet-cute led him to stay in Traverse City, build a life with the woman from the coffee shop (now his fiancée), and start a family—and a business—Up North.
A surfer and outdoorsman, Bouché-Pillon had already developed his sustainable outdoor clothing line, Aull-Dry, but life on the Great Lakes inspired him to adapt his designs for weathering the everyday in northern Michigan. “I realized that a lot more people are out walking their dogs, cross-country skiing, and shoveling snow,” he says.
Born and raised in southern France, Bouché-Pillon admits he’s still adjusting to the Michigan climate. But, he says, something he learned from moving to America two decades ago is that “there’s nothing good in life without struggle.” Besides, he adds, “The surfing is great here when we get waves.”
THE CURIOUS LEADER THE
Josey Ballenger
TCAPS board member. Parent advisor for West Middle School’s Environmental Club. Analyst for the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Reporter in South Africa shortly after the end of apartheid.
Josey Ballenger has worn (and still wears) many hats. After stepping down from her role at GAO in January—where she worked in the environmental division on an array of projects like food safety regulations, nuclear power, and harmful algal blooms—Ballenger plans to dedicate more time to her teen kids and her TCAPS work.
Now in her second TCAPS term, Ballenger serves as the board secretary and says she’s especially proud of the changes she’s helped make for school safety and cell phone policies at TCAPS. “It’s just been such a resounding success,” she says of the latter, “and that is going to lead to higher student achievement and student engagement.”
And as for her time in South Africa? “Those three years in South Africa during Nelson Mandela’s presidency were just incredible. That was a new, fledgling democracy, and with our own race issues in America, it was interesting to be in a minority myself over there, just see what that felt like and the challenges that that country faced trying to radically change overnight.”
Brody Warren
“I’m very wanderlust,” says TC West sophomore Brody Warren, who has spent the last three years chasing paperwork, getting international travel checkups, and learning Nepali—all in preparation for this summer. That’s when he’ll board a series of flights to South Asia for a year-long adventure as America’s first Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student to Nepal.
While this won’t be Warren’s first trip away from home, or even his first time abroad, it’ll certainly be his longest. Topping his list of hurdles will be missing his family and friends and risking altitude sickness, especially if he ventures into Nepal’s mountainous terrain which is home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest.
“I’ll just have to remind myself that this is something I’ve worked toward for years,” Warren says, adding that greater than his nerves is the excitement of immersing himself in Nepali culture. He’s also looking forward to gaining a new perspective beyond his Up North upbringing and learning from his host families. “This is a big spiritual mission for me.”
As he prepares for his exchange, Warren says he’s soaking in the Great Lakes while he can, noting, “I’m going to be in a landlocked country for a year.”
Lisa Maxbauer Price
Nearly every hour of Lisa Maxbauer Price’s workday revolves around reading and writing. As senior editor for the magazines First for Women and Woman’s World, she’s a pro at both.
But that wasn’t always the case.
“I was one of those people you wouldn’t expect to become a writer,” she admits. As a child, she struggled to read. But with years of tutoring and hard work, she not only found joy in words but excelled.
Now, based out of her home office in Traverse City, Price writes health and nutritionfocused cover stories that can be spotted on newsstands all over town (and the rest of the country!). But her work hasn’t kept her glued to her laptop; she’s played the court with tennis legend Billie Jean King, raced cars with Hollywood stunt drivers, and interviewed everyone from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis to lifestyle icon Martha Stewart.
And if it weren’t for those early reading struggles? She might not be the successful writer she is today. “The fact that I had to be a very slow and careful reader helps me catch mistakes that maybe some of the more brilliant speed readers weren’t catching,” says Price. “Sometimes our perceived weaknesses become hidden superpowers.”
Taylor Dueweke
Taylor Dueweke always knew he wanted to be a documentarian. Growing up he heard his friends’ parents tell stories about the prestigious music lineup at Club Ponytail in Harbor Springs. There were also other stories, of Club Ponytail being a teen nightclub or a speakeasy. “Something didn’t add up,” he says.
Dueweke’s dream took him first to film school and then to Boston, where he became known for his work on the Boston Strangler. “I got really lucky; documentary film was my dream and I was able to do it right out of school. I learned a lot there,” he reflects.
Dueweke moved home to Harbor Springs during the pandemic. When he’s not passing on his knowledge as a substitute teacher, he has returned to the lore of Club Ponytail— developing a documentary full of “pony tales” that he hopes will be ready to release next year—and founding a nonprofit, Spirit of the Manitou, to preserve its history.
“When I was in Boston I was doing this cool stuff on their gangsters, murderers, and it kind of kept echoing to me that I should be doing this about our stuff [in northern Michigan]. I’m so happy to bring it home to Harbor Springs.”
Vintage runs in Katie Asher’s family; she grew up around grandparents who would collect and buy storage units before Storage Wars was a thing, and her mom was a collector.
“My original dream was owning a store and clothing line, but there’s so much stuff out in the world right now I don’t think we need any more clothes,” she explains. She started slip.vintage online in 2018, opening up a brick and mortar store in 2021.
Asher also offered community events, things like yoga and figure drawing, but every time she hosted, she had to move all the furniture. When her neighbors downtown moved out, she broke down a wall and opened Secondhand Social Club, offering community events, drop-in art-making, and nonalcoholic beverages.
“It’s kind of a little cafe,” she says. “Come sit and have a drink and hang out and do art.”
Asher has been listening to feedback and plans to host fewer events, allowing for more drop-in art time. “I’m constantly trying to encourage people that it doesn’t matter what it looks like, just come and do it. Everyone needs to do art. Art is therapy and community.”
THE HOMETOWN FILMMAKER
THE WORDSMITH
Katie Asher
THE VINTAGE QUEEN
When Juan Pineda tells you that he has a lot of different interests, he isn’t kidding. Horizon Books’ chief operating officer loves reading, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Pineda spent the first 10 years of his life in Mexico City, where both parents were professors, fostering a love of learning. His passion for reading is part of the reason he was able to become a translator, just one of his many careers throughout his lifetime. He has a background in publishing translations and worked for 15 years as a freelance interpreter.
Over the years Pineda played in a few local bands, and he still enjoys making music. He also got really into chess during the pandemic. He is currently learning Nahuatl, the language that gave us words like “tortilla” and “coyote.” He coaches wrestling. And somehow, he also finds time to compete in ultramarathons.
“I love to learn with the mind of a little kid. The way kids approach stuff is experimental: what’s working, what doesn’t work, and try again. It requires a lot of time… maybe it’s not a practical way to learn things, but it’s the way I like to learn things,” he says.
Scott Gillespie
Scott Gillespie loves kids. “I’m doing what God wants me to do,” says the outreach director for The Depot Jordan Valley Teen Center in East Jordan, a community asset serving teens since 2017. It’s a faith-based center, but it’s “not a church,” he says. There’s a mixed bag of denominations, including a Buddhist, and there is no pressure to have any kind of religion at all. “We love on everybody,” Gillespie adds.
The Depot serves grades 6-12, with most students between sixth and ninth grade, averaging about 25-30 students daily. There are trips to the pool, arts and crafts, bowling, class presentations, club collabs, and initiatives including Operation: Winter Gear, providing winter clothes for students and the Back to School Bash, providing free haircuts, backpacks, school supplies and inschool mentoring. And, because kids are always hungry, The Depot serves healthy meals three days per week.
Gillespie believes the biggest societal challenge right now is the lack of a male role model in the home, and student situations run the spectrum from “solid family to everything in-between.” For him, mentoring and daily affirmations are critical. “The two most powerful words in the English language are ‘I am,’” he says.
Richelle
“People who are joyful are the hardest to control,” says Charlevoix’s Kim Richelle, and it is her joyfulness which landed this multifaceted creator on our list.
An artist since childhood, her work is autobiographical “in a symbolic sense,” she says. “Life can be a meaningful, magical exploration if we possess the courage—or the foolishness—to delve…into our subconscious…to imagine and experience the otherwise improbable.”
Her own journey includes a very high IQ; siblings who work as a physicist, a zoologist, and a rhetorician; a diagnosis of childhood PTSD; and a frame of reference that is both in the world and out. Her inspiration comes from Carl Jung, Celtic symbols, ancient Egypt, Hebrew texts, Sacred Geometry, and artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, “a huge influence,” who conveyed the human condition with dignity and understanding.
Richelle’s art comes in many forms, from books to painting to tarot readings. In story form, see her Books of Ruevelation, an in-progress series distributed through her own indie publishing arm (Psykhe Press) that examines the collective psyche through the experiences of Rue, a monarch butterfly faerie. Richelle also paints custom portraits and offers dream interpretation services. Her work is varied, but if it all comes together to help navigate this crazy world, she says she might as well make it a joyful ride.
TaShena Sams has been working for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) since she was 14 years old. Her 20+ year career began in youth services, helping connect young tribal members with Anishinaabe culture.
Today, she serves as the cultural assistant/program director for the GTB, which on any given day could mean organizing a workshop on corn ashing, bringing together birch bark basket weavers, or facilitating an Anishinaabemowin class. For Sams, the best part of her job is “when the community is coming and thanking us and saying… ‘Our community needs this. You’re healing us, and we’re glad that these programs are starting to happen.’”
Sams says she is “constantly learning” along the way. This year she’s excited to dive deeper into her ancestral language and reconnect with quillwork, a skill prized in her family. She also wants to further instill the love for culture in her kids, the way her parents did for her, raising the next generation of teachers. “I’m excited to pass on every [teaching and] project that we’re doing,” Sams says. “Everything that we do, there is a need for it.”
TaShena Sams
Juan Pineda
Kim
THE ROLE MODEL
THE CULTURE KEEPER
THE RENAISSANCE MAN
THE JOYFUL SPIRIT
20 FASCINATING PEOPLE
Miles Prendergast
Maybe you’ve seen him perform with local rock band Jack Pine. Maybe he sold you a house. No matter where he is or what he’s doing, Miles Prendergast is always seeking the “zest for life” he felt as a kid.
His latest venture? After becoming disillusioned with the transactional nature of real estate and hoping to build more personal connections, Prendergast is pursuing his inspector’s certificate and diving back into the construction experience he gained in his youth. “I have home subscription services where I’m really focusing on relationships,” he says. “My relationships are long term, because that’s fulfilling to me. I’ve got three tiers of packages, everything from safety checks to full home concierge service.”
And the model for his new venture is deep rooted. “My business philosophy is that of a fruit tree. A fruit tree doesn’t grow fruit for itself. A fruit tree grows fruits for the people that are passing by, for the farm. And much like a fruit tree, my gifts, my skills, they’re not for me, and that’s what being a community member really means to me.”
Perhaps Grace Blackmer was destined to find a home in the martial arts. After all, it’s a direct progression from dance. Wait, what? “I danced my whole life,” Blackmer says. While she calls her experience fulfilling and fantastic, as she hit her mid-20s she decided it was time for a change. “In my 20s I was in New York, performing there and in Chicago. At 25 I hit a tipping point,” she says, and decided to return home to work with her dad, filmmaker Rich Brauer. She fell in love and stuck around to teach dance, but after unexpectedly finding herself pregnant, she took a hiatus.
Then she discovered taekwondo, which she says was really a better fit in some ways. “I was told, ‘Grace, you don’t speak in ballet.’ But I’ve got so much to say!” she says with a laugh. “In martial arts there’s a lot of yelling.” She purchased ATA Martial Arts on Centre Street in 2020, just prior to the pandemic, and has been rebuilding the business since the shutdown.
Blackmer has one more claim to fame: She’s the namesake for Gracie L, the first vessel built by Maritime Heritage Alliance. (Blackmer’s father was one of the organization’s co-founders.)
Blake Vidor of Vidor Masonry is one of the most sought-after stonemasons in the area. But it’s what’s underneath that really makes a difference.
Not the dirt or subsoil, but his role in founding Recovery Road Riders, a riding club whose members have dealt with addiction and recovery.
“It was originally just fellowship with guys trying to get clean and keep their life on track,” says Vidor. It turned into something more. “When we got clean, we wanted to give back to the community we took from for so long,” Vidor says.
So the group put together a poker run to raise money for scholarships for students who had lost a parent, “whether that meant death, prison, or absence.” Recovery Road Riders is now a nonprofit and works with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to distribute scholarship funds to students in the five-county area. The group raises money through donations, raffles, auctions, and that poker run.
Vidor says the group will be awarding $30,000 in scholarships this spring, bringing the grand total of the scholarship funds it has raised over the past seven years to just over $130,000. Vidor also recently became a firefighter and EMT, to put those hands to yet more good work.
Grace Blackmer
Blake Vidor
THE REAL ESTATE DISRUPTER
THE TAEKWANDANCER
THE MAN OF STONE
20 FASCINATING PEOPLE
THE SURFING VILLAGE COUNCILOR
Ella Skrocki
Can you make a living as a surfer in northern Michigan? Ella Skrocki of Sleeping Bear Surf in downtown Empire says yes.
“My parents made a big, bold move here in the early 2000s and opened a surf shop,” Skrocki says. With a stock of surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, foils and wings, kayaks, apparel, and more, Sleeping Bear Surf offers enthusiasts multiple ways to enjoy the waters of Lake Michigan and beyond.
Skrocki’s late mother Beryl’s parents had enjoyed an “Up North” cottage on Lake Michigan, and Beryl convinced her husband to move the family north permanently—and open a surf shop. “It all happened so fast,” Skrocki muses. Today, she is the manager (and actually the only full-time employee).
As northern Michigan’s only dedicated surf shop, the question wasn’t one of business competition but of viability. Some 20 years in, that question has been answered, and for the first time ever, the shop is remaining open year round.
Just as things slowed down in the offseason in 2024, Skrocki ran for and won a seat on the village council. “Growing up in Empire was such a treat,” she says. “I want to be part of it going forward.”
Harold Baker III
UPS driver Harold Baker has a Facebook fan club along his Charlevoix/East Jordan route that lights up with warm wishes and accolades. “UPS is a premium…service, so I feel an obligation [to] tailor each delivery for each particular customer,” Baker tells us.
Baker rolls an owner’s waste tote back up the driveway; leaves dog treats on top of packages; attaches sticky bows to holiday deliveries. He breaks up his lunch hour for more time to interact with customers along his route. And kids? He can make their day. A teenager on his Ellsworth route needed shoes—Baker is a self-described sneakerhead, with 300 pairs—and he worked with a buddy to get the boy two pairs of Air Jordans and one pair of Nike Air Max. That’s one lucky kid.
Baker has had some good luck, too. In January 2021, squamous cell cancer almost went undiagnosed, but one medical professional decided to run some extra tests, saving Baker’s life. In 2022, the first winter after his successful treatment, Baker took up skiing. In 2024, he took his second trip to Deer Valley in Utah with daughter Lilly. “I never thought I’d be skiing,” he says, amazed and grateful to be here today.
Beth Price Photography
THE LUCKY DRIVER
20 FASCINATING PEOPLE
THE VETERANS’ ADVOCATE
Pam and Andy Bijansky of Pellston’s Brave Heart Estate know a thing or two about giving back to those who have given everything. The Bijanskys are caretakers for the 8,400-square-foot country retreat, which provides B&B-style accommodations and free activities for veterans and their families. Hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and outdoor games and other recreational therapies are available on the 238-acre property, and additional activities in the beautiful surrounding communities are mostly donated or discounted.
In 2005, the Bijanskys helped found Operation Injured Soldier, a nonprofit based in South Lyon that offers recreational activities, mostly free of charge, for disabled veterans. When a Detroit businessman offered to donate his Pellston retirement home to one of three veterans’ groups with the best business plan, Operation Injured Soldier was chosen. The secret? “We were…not [going to] charge,” says Pam, and 93 cents of every dollar goes directly to Brave Heart Estate.
The first guests arrived in 2015, and to date, they have hosted over 4,000 veterans and families. Plans for 2025 include putting mental health front and center with four PTSD Caregiver Retreats. The couple will continue to grow the services of Brave Heart Estate and to expand its impact. “I can tell you we have saved lives,” Pam says.
Joann Condino
It’s a long way from Detroit to Cross Village, literally and metaphorically. It’s also quite a distance from academia to art. But for Joann Condino, the journey all makes perfect sense.
The owner of Three Pines Gallery and Studio in the tiny enclave north of Harbor Springs enjoyed her time as an instructor and in marketing at Wayne State University, but it wasn’t her only calling. “I’ve always been an artist,” she says.
Her late husband Gene Reck was familiar with northern Michigan, and when he and Condino married, he told her he wanted a place up this way. After they both went on a sabbatical, they decided they’d had enough of Detroit and made Cross Village their permanent home.
Reck was a scientist and researcher into glass coatings who turned to pottery, while Condino specializes in fiber arts and boasts an ever-growing collection of wood blocks. The gallery is home to a stunning variety of works by numerous artists, from glass to oils, watercolors, sculpture, and more. “We knew the only way to get people to come as a studio, gallery, and business was for it to be a destination, create events and workshops,” she says. Mission accomplished.
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Physician assistant thrives in career following GVSU education
Samantha Drougel Grand Valley State University
Mariah Hoff works as a physician assistant for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Traverse City.
In her role, Hoff educate patients about their diagnoses and available medication options. Hoff said she evaluates individuals, provides diagnoses and collaborates with them to develop a treatment plan.
“My education at Grand Valley State University prepared me with the knowledge and skills to excel in this field,” Hoff said.
Grand Valley’s Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) program takes two and one-half years to complete. The program is divided into sections that follow the systems of the body. All classes in this program are held at the GVSU Traverse City Regional Center via enhanced technology. The program’s second year is spent in a hands-on environment doing clinical rotations with different providers in northern Michigan, applying what we learned in the classroom.
This program has two locations, in Grand Rapids and Traverse City.
Hoff said she chose the Traverse City campus because it was a smaller group of students who are focused on rural medicine and providing health care to communities in northern Michigan.
“My time at Grand Valley was very family-oriented as my classmates were a tight-knit group. It was nice to have faculty and staff who were also there to support you,” she said. “The faculty made a big difference in my education, and I owe some of my success to them. I found my current job with Pine Rest through a Grand Valley job fair, which are held every semester.”
Hoff said she would highly recommend the PAS program to anyone considering a career in health care. “Hopefully, you’ll graduate feeling as I did — accomplished and ready for your career,” she added.
Hoff is married and the couple has an 18-monthold son who loves the outdoors. They enjoy swimming, camping and exploring Traverse City.
GVSU Physician Assistant Studies in Traverse City
Grand Valley’s Physician Assistant Studies program in Traverse City prepares students for rewarding careers in health care through handson training and clinical experience. Take the next step by visiting gvsu.edu/tcprograms.
Pam Bijansky
THE ACADEMIC
Mariah Hoff
How Bryan Galloup built a world-class guitar-making studio in Big Rapids
By Craig Manning
He’s made guitars for the likes of Jeff Daniels and David Crosby, his instruments command five-figure sums, and he’s one of the nation’s most respected teachers of lutherie, the craft of building stringed musical instruments. Instead of writing that story from a music industry hub like Nashville or Los Angeles, though, Bryan Galloup has done it all from right here in Michigan.
Galloup owns Galloup Guitars, which operates out of a studio and workshop space in Big Rapids. The company houses both Galloup Studios, which makes, repairs, and rebuilds guitars on a contract basis; and the Galloup School of Lutherie, which seeks to “celebrate the art of guitar-making” by passing the craft on to the next generation.
So, how did Galloup end up becoming a luthier, a job he acknowledges to be extremely unusual in the modern world?
“For me, it starts with playing guitar,” Galloup says. “I grew up in a post ‘Beatles on Ed Sullivan’ world, so there were guitars everywhere. Everybody had a band. And so, like everyone else my age, I started playing music.”
While every childhood rock ‘n’ roll wannabe likes to imagine themselves achieving something akin to Beatles-level fame, Galloup quickly found his musical interests drifting elsewhere.
“I realized that my instruments just really weren’t performing the way that I wanted them to,” Galloup explains. “Having a little bit of a craft background—my father built houses and was a tool-and-die maker and a gunsmith—I started to work on my own instruments. Well, word got out, the next thing I know, I was working on other people’s instruments, too.”
Despite inheriting some of his dad’s
skilled trades acumen, Galloup says he was anything but a natural when it came to fixing up and improving guitars. “It was more like bloodletting,” he says of his initial adventures in lutherie. “But, thanks to my dad, I at least knew what not to do.”
For years, Galloup was just handling typical maintenance stuff, the musical instrument equivalent of “changing tires on cars, like re-fretting instruments and making changes to the bone nuts, saddles, and pickups.”
Before long, though, what had started as a hobby morphed into a passion.
“It just slowly segued to a point where [instruments] were all I thought about,” Galloup says with a laugh. “And once that happened, I decided to leave my dad’s tooland-die shop and give it a go. That would have been in about 1980.” And so Galloup Guitars was born.
Acoustic Craft
As it turned out, Galloup’s slow burn toward guitar obsession culminated at the perfect time. The early 1980s had brought an explosion in the popularity of vintage guitars. The demand sent guitar prices through the roof, but it also opened a lane for skilled luthiers who could help buyers restore old instruments that hadn’t been properly cared for.
“That period is when all these old instruments that had been worth $125 or $250, they suddenly went to $1,000, went to $2,000, went to $4,000—and they kept going from there,” Galloup says. “And because of that, [lutherie] became a lucrative business just about the time I decided to stumble into it.”
Galloup Guitars rode that wave, with the business subsisting primarily on repair and restoration work. And while Michigan is “Gibson country”—Gibson Guitars, known
for legendary electric guitar models like the SG and the Les Paul, started in Kalamazoo in 1894—Galloup’s specialty was in another iconic guitar brand.
“My sweet spot was acoustic instruments,” Galloup says, pointing to the Pennsylvaniabased Martin Guitars. “I became quite good at restoring old Martin guitars, and a lot of those things became pretty valuable. I got really good at working on models from the 1930s and early 1940s, which was just a really great era for Martin.”
Galloup’s skill with old craftsman guitars became his calling card. Soon, UPS trucks were stopping at his business every day to drop off commissions.
How the Guitar Gets Made
As Galloup Guitars became an established name in the world of guitar repair, Galloup started getting a different type of phone call. Not only were people reaching out about his services, but they also wanted to learn why he was so good at what he did.
“I got something of a reputation for restoring instruments, and then people started reaching out to me and saying, ‘Hey, can I pay you to come and work with you and watch what you do?’” Galloup recalls.
Those inquiries led to the launch of the Galloup School of Guitar Building and Repair, which still operates today.
“At the beginning, it was kind of a disaster,” Galloup says of the school. “I didn't realize how disruptive it was going to be to have people in the studio observing me. But over time, I got better at it, and I started taking more students—first, for one week at a time, then a month at a time, then two months at a time. Before COVID, that school was up to 27 students at a time, rolling every two months, and we’d been full for at least 10 years.”
The pandemic hamstrung the school’s
ability to operate, and Galloup has downsized that part of his operation in the aftermath— “We’re down to about 16 students per class,” he says—but is still passing down lutherie skills to the next generation. From beginners learning the basics, to experienced craftspeople mastering technical sides of the craft, Galloup’s classes cater to students at every stage of their guitar-building journey.
Strumming a New Tune
Speaking of journeys, Galloup didn’t actually start building his own guitars until the mid-1990s. For the first decade plus, restoration and repair work were so in demand that Galloup Guitars had little time to do anything else. In fact, it wasn’t until Galloup brought students into the fold that he saw any reason to broaden the business.
“As the school grew, I realized that I didn’t have enough repairs to keep up with the demands of the school and what I needed to demonstrate,” Galloup says. “I started having the students build guitars so they could get all the lessons. That set the hook in me of building guitars. I said to myself, ‘If I’m running a school teaching people to build guitars, I’d better get pretty good at it.’ And I also thought that, if I was going to make it a guitar building school, it sure would be nice if my guitars were competitive on the open market.”
“Competitive” is one word you could use to describe Galloup’s instruments. The base price for one of his guitars is $18,000, most go for $25,000, and certain custom models have exceeded $38,000. Right now, the wait time for a guitar from Galloup Guitars is two years.
Both the price tag and the wait time, Galloup acknowledges, would be jawdropping for the average person. Once people learn what goes into a designer guitar, though, they might be less gobsmacked.
The biggest differentiator, Galloup says, is the wood.
“I specialize in Brazilian rosewood, which, if you don’t have your paperwork, [is] not a legal wood,” Galloup explains. “Mine is CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) protected, and I have the CITES paperwork for it, which makes it very valuable. But I don’t use it just because it’s valuable; it’s also the best-sounding back and inside wood for an acoustic guitar. It’s very brittle, it’s oil-free, and it’s incredibly
responsive. It sounds like iron.”
For the soundboard (the front of the acoustic guitar), Galloup takes annual trips to Italy and Switzerland to hand-select socalled “tone woods” for his instruments.
“I go right to the source, I sit down, and I take a couple of days,” Galloup says of that process. “The tone woods used on my instruments are not standard at all. They’re definitely custom-selected.”
Also not standard: the process for
“Every component of my guitar is taken to a specific thickness or thinness,” he says. “Each piece of wood being different, all those thicknesses vary. You have to know what thickness to take it to in order to get it to respond. Even the braces on the inside of the guitar, every one of those is handtuned and hand-voiced to get maximum response. ”
and wait two years to get their hands on a Galloup-made instrument.
All that painstaking work may be lost on a guitar beginner, but Galloup says seasoned players can hear and feel the difference— hence their willingness to pay big money
“$25,000 is a lot of money, but if you think about the most serious musicians in the world, playing guitar is how they spend their time,” Galloup says. “The way I look at it is this: A world-class musical instrument will make the player do things they wouldn’t normally do. It inspires them, because really, it’s a conduit for getting what’s in their head out into the musical world. For people like them, it absolutely is worth that money.”
A T I M E L E S S C L A S S I C
The Power of Tone
Bryan at work in his studio.
making memories for 71 winters
one word for you:
QUESTIONABLE MANDATES
Guest opinion by Tom Bousamra
Surveys have reminded us numerous times that the main issue in the recent presidential election was the cost of living and high prices. So, does Trump have a mandate to do something about this? Perhaps. Indeed, he said he would fix it on day one.
But what has his month in office accomplished in helping the working class maintain their existence paycheck to paycheck? Nothing that I can see. In fact, the reverse is actually happening. Inflation moved up from 2.9 percent to 3.0 percent in January. (Have you bought eggs recently?) Ill-advised by most economists, tariffs now promise to exacerbate the problem. The stock market is slipping south because of Trump’s wrecking ball approach to the federal government. And what will the firings of approximately 30,000 federal employees soon do to the unemployment rate or the accompanying contraction in the economy with this loss of jobs?
More importantly, can Trump legitimately claim to have a mandate to throw our allies under the bus? Who voted for a betrayal of Ukraine or the absurd claim that President Zelenskiy is a dictator who somehow encouraged Putin to invade his country?
Was there any plurality of votes favoring the destruction of NATO and the alienation of our longtime friends in Europe, Canada, and Mexico? Did anyone opt for a transactional approach to our one-time ally Ukraine, of whom we are now demanding 50 percent of their rare earth minerals without any guarantee of security against further aggression?
Could any of us imagine that electing Trump would bring about Vice President J. D. Vance’s insulting interference in Germany’s election process or the promotion of an extreme far-right political party there?
Was there a landslide that I missed that okayed the idea of opposing our friends in the United Nations and to instead protect a dictator who wantonly aggressed against a sovereign state in Europe, reminiscent of WWII? Putin—who we, NATO, and the European Union have been sanctioning for his naked aggression—is now invited to the White House?
Was there a mandate I missed that calls for the elimination of community health monitoring by the CDC, our protection against future pandemics, the weakening of disease research at the NIH, the reduction of help for our citizens who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran, WIC, or SNAP benefit s?
Did anyone vote for our national parks to be understaffed, our air traffic made less safe through a reduction in FAA workforce, our food supply to be without guardrails, our IRS without the manpower to do their job, and U.S. Postal Service to be privatized and thereby upended? Who
benefits from having tax loopholes go uninvestigated? Hmmm.
Did I miss a mandate to eliminate all those in the federal government who protect the non-one-percenters as inspector generals or as consumer advocates in the Consumer Protection Agency?
And where was the mandate to strip migrants and the LBGTQ+ community of human dignity and to trample on their rights? Do we profit in any way by having large segments of our population live in fear for themselves and their loved ones?
Did you vote for the elimination of USAID, effectively stopping famine relief, increasing preventable disease worldwide, leading to rotting food in warehouses, and harming our American farmers, who are helped by having these humanitarian outlets? When people voted for the current administration were they picturing malnourished infants dying by the hundreds or diseases like Ebola spreading like wildfire?
Did you understand that your vote would mean that members of Congress would completely abdicate their authority to check the overreach of the executive branch and lie supine without access to their moral center? Did anyone think that incompetent, inexperienced Trump loyalists would be put in charge of agencies and departments with which they have ideological animus, ALL approved by Congress?
Did you think that a non-elected, unvetted immigrant would have unfettered access to power in the White House and be able to access your private financial and personal data?
Perhaps most alarming of all is Trump’s recent attempts to make the military his lapdog by firing without cause faithful top brass in the joint chiefs and faithful JAG officers and replacing them with unqualified lackeys willing to swear allegiance to the president rather than uphold the Constitution. Did you think any vote could bring about and validate a “palace guard” in this fashion? I certainly didn’t.
If you are as puzzled as I am about these interpretations of Trump’s narrow-win vote margin, and if you believe that all these cuts to essential programs and increased harms to our constitutional rights are simply a means to justify greater tax cuts to billionaires and corporations who don’t need them, then I have one word for you: RESIST.
Tom Bousamra is a community activist who has always fought for the underdog. He is a co-founder and past president of Before, During, and After Incarceration, BDAI, Inc., and a retired public school teacher who is concerned about all our societal institutions. As a deacon in the Catholic Church, he has ministered to the folks in Grand Traverse Jail these past 38 years.
COFFEE CULTURE
Water Bearer Coffee brings a whole new feel to Warehouse MRKT
By Abby McKiernan
When Azure Klug took over Traverse City’s Rough Pony in February 2024 and rebranded it as Water Bearer Coffee, she wasn’t just changing the name—she was embracing a vision, one that blends her love for coffee, community, and creativity into a welcoming, quirky space for locals and visitors alike.
Water Bearer Coffee’s name pays homage to Klug’s gratitude for the people who helped shape it. Klug, like many key figures in the café’s journey, holds the zodiac sign of Aquarius.
“Aquarius felt like the perfect name to honor the hard work of several people that worked so hard to create the space and help it be successful,” she says. “It’s a fitting tribute to the group of independent thinkers who poured their energy into making Water Bearer a reality alongside me.”
A Coffee Calling
Klug’s journey to café ownership wasn’t conventional. She managed a tanning salon before having her two sons, now eight and nine. It was in that career that she discovered her love for mentoring and managing people, which eventually led her to the coffee industry. Upon her return to work after having her sons, she was connected with friends who owned Brew (now Outpost) and quickly offered her a position at the company.
“I immediately fell in love with the fastpaced yet deeply personal nature of a coffee shop,” she reflects. “It was perfect for me.”
The steady hum of conversation, the scent of freshly ground beans, and the joy of crafting drinks for customers created an environment that felt both energizing and fulfilling. Her knack for remembering names and faces helped her build a genuine connection with customers, turning daily
coffee runs into meaningful interactions.
When she moved to Rough Pony after Brew took on new ownership, she quickly felt the pull to create something of her own.
Klug began the process of purchasing the Warehouse MRKT spot in October 2023 from previous owner Becky Tranchell, known for the former Rose & Fern Café. The timing was right—Tranchell was ready to step back, and Klug was ready to step forward.
A Space with Soul
Water Bearer Coffee isn’t just a place to grab a coffee to go—it’s an experience. Inspired by tarot and zodiac themes, the café has a cozy, mystical atmosphere, complete with a new zodiac mural by local artist Heather Spooner.
The welcoming atmosphere extends beyond the daily coffee crowd—Klug has also developed quite the green thumb, thanks to her neighbors at Darling Botanical. “I can’t have plants at home because of my cats,” she jokes, “so the café and the knowledge from the shop has given me an opportunity to enjoy growing plants.”
Water Bearer Coffee also takes every chance they can to collaborate on unique community events, like the Full Moon popup hosted by Evil Queen Candles, also in the Warehouse MRKT building. The event that brought together local artisans and creatives for an evening of fairy hair, tarot readings, feather hair accessories, and of course, handcrafted beverages from Water Bearer Coffee.
For Klug, supporting these gatherings is an extension of her vision—to create a community where people connect, share, and celebrate creativity in all its forms.
Local Partnerships, Local Impact
Klug is quick to acknowledge the challenges of running a business, especially during slow seasons. “I was definitely
someone who thought owning a small business was glamorous, until I started,” she says, “but it is more than just getting to know customers and making coffee—it is hard work and a lot of paperwork!”
The summer of 2024 was bogged down by major construction projects along Grandview Parkway, and winter always brings a natural dip in traffic. But Klug remains optimistic.
“It’s hard for me because I want to be in the future and have it all figured out, but I don’t. I’m trying to enjoy the moment and the growth stage that we are in.”
She’s also grateful for the camaraderie among local coffee shop owners. “Landon from Hive Coffee in Suttons Bay and Brittany from MI Coffee in Interlochen have been so supportive and helpful. It’s been encouraging to know that we have this great community willing to support each other.”
As such, Klug emphasizes the importance of deep roots in the community, which she takes literally when investing in small businesses like hers. Here’s who you can expect to see gracing the display cases and beyond at the café:
• Third Coast Bakery provides glutenfree pastries.
• Stockist Coffee (owned by Water Bearer’s roaster, Jeff) supplies and roasts the beans.
• Aimes Street Café, an Elk Rapids based shop, contributes cookies and scones.
• Lakeview Hill Farm supplies fresh veggies, pea shoots, spinach, herbs, and microgreens.
• Blessed Be Tea curates the tea selection.
• Bubbie’s Bagels delivers freshly-made bagels and cream cheese.
• Early Bird Granola is featured in parfaits.
• Carolyn Greenman, a local tattoo artist, designed the café’s logo, bringing passion and personal connection to the rebrand.
Must-Try Menu Items
So, what should you order on your next visit? Water Bearer Coffee serves up a menu full of thoughtfully crafted drinks and dishes.
When it comes to beverages, The Banana Split and PB Power are favorites from the smoothie menu. The Chai Latte features homemade cardamom syrup and housemade chai, while the Magic Hour Juice offers a blend of orange, turmeric, lemon, and ginger. And if you need a caffeine boost, opt for the Shakerato, a refreshing shot of espresso shaken with ice and cardamom syrup, creating a cold, frothy, 4-ounce floralpine delight.
The food choices are just as varied. The Egg and Cheese Sandwich is a classic from the Rough Pony menu featuring a folded egg, melted havarti, and saucy sauce on a toasted country pullman loaf or a Bubbie’s Bagel. Burritos are also popular, whether it’s the OG Burrito—a staple for regulars made with pintos, folded egg, verde, white onion, feta, sour cream, broken chips, cilantro, and homemade cilantro lime cream sauce— or the Smutty Burrito, a unique twist on a classic wrapped in a tortilla with cheddar cheese, tangy jalapeño crema, tater tots, egg, and bacon (or tempeh bacon).
For Klug’s personal favorite, try the Bougie Toast. You’ll get avocado, jammy egg, everything seasoning, pickled onion, chili oil and micro greens on toasted whole wheat pullman loaf.
With a focus on fresh ingredients, Water Bearer Coffee ensures that nothing is prepackaged. The café also caters to dietary preferences, carrying tempeh for vegans, and most menu items are already vegetarian.
Find Water Bearer Coffee at 144 Hall St Suite #100 in Traverse City. (231) 252-2442; waterbearercoffee.square.site
Saturday
MARDI GRAS AT THE MOUNTAIN: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Noon4pm: Slopeside DJ will be playing music at the Crystal Center Patio; find the Crystal Mountain Court Jester skiing on the mountain; On-Slope Scavenger Hunt. 1-3pm: Mardi Gras mask making at Lodge Pavilion Tent. Also, dress up in your best green, gold & purple & receive $10 off your open-to-close window lift ticket. crystalmountain.com/event/mardi-gras
MICHIGAN SAUNA FEST: Clinch Park Waterfront, TC, Feb. 28 – March 2. Besides open sauna sessions, take part in the Community Cold-Plunge, social games, live music & more. A VIP Weekend Pass is $50 & is an all-access full weekend pass that also grants you entry into Friday night’s VIP event. A 90 min event pass is $20 & allows you access to all mobile saunas on site. Sessions are limited only to the time-slot selected. michigansaunafest.com
MARITIME HERITAGE ALLIANCE MEET UP: 10am-2pm, Maritime Heritage Alliance, TC. Discover volunteer opportunities for the summer 2025 season. Take a tour, meet the crew & board members, sip some soup & learn what they have to offer. There will also be a Cribbage Tournament from 1-3pm. Free. maritimeheritagealliance.org/events
PIE & COFFEE CHAT: BUGGIES, BEARDS & BONNETS: 10am-noon, Interlochen Public Library. Join Carmen Yoder for stories & a discussion unpacking the history, traditions, language & culture of the Amish. Pie & coffee will be served. 231-276-6767. Free.
TRI45 - GAYLORD ALL OUTDOORS WINTER TRIATHLON: 10am, Treetops Resort Ski Area, Gaylord. Cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, & a snowy trail run. Compete solo or as a relay team. Choose from the Sprint Distance Winter Triathlon or Sprint Distance Duathlon. $120-$170. runsignup.com/Race/ Events/MI/Gaylord/2024GaylordAllOutdoors Tri45WinterTriathlon
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SPANISH LANGUAGE CONVERSATIONS
MEET-UP: 10:30am-noon, Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Practice your Spanish language skills. Join every first Sat. for a casual conversation group. All levels are welcome. Free. tadl.org/event/spanish-language-conversation-meet-20031 ----------------------
15TH ANNUAL TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: From Feb. 23 - March 1 eateries across TC & Grand Traverse County will offer special multiple-course prix fixe menus priced at $25, $35, or $45 per person. For a list of participating restaurants, & to download your passport dining guide, visit the web site. downtowntc.com/traverse-cityrestaurant-week
ARTIST TALK: ADAM VANHOUTEN: 11am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Carnegie Rotunda, TC. Adam presents “Creating Authentic Brushstrokes,” exploring the power of personal expression through mark-making. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traversecity/artist-talk-adam-vanhouten
AUTHOR EVENT: 11am-3pm, Castle Farms, Charlevoix. Author Amy Piper will present her book “Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.” Ticketed; admission fee. castlefarms.com/events
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: Harbor Springs area, Feb. 21 - March 2. Indulge in specially curated menus from local restaurants. Enjoy creative culinary offerings & exclusive deals. harborspringschamber. com/events/details/2025-restaurant-week15611?calendarMonth=2025-02-01
TC PHIL TOTS: 11am, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Join members of the Tra-
verse City Philharmonic for an hour of music & movement. Ideal for ages 5 & under. March features the clarinet with Jeanmarie Riccobono, co-principal clarinet with the TC Phil. Read Aloud Story Instrument Demonstration & Performance. Make a musical craft. Free. tcphil.org/tc-phil-tots-tadl
WINE & BOOK RELEASE CELEBRATION: Noon, Three Trees Vineyard, Suttons Bay. Celebrate Kevin Alan Lamb’s 40th birthday & his new book “Love Vigilante” with curated musical performances, poetry reading, & the 2022 “Folk Singer” Cab Franc release. Special guests: Eric Engblade, Hannah Rose Graves, Leif Johnson, Jackie MF Pappas, Greater Alexander, & Ben Traverse. $25. mynorthtickets.com/events/the-folksingers-40th-3-1-2025
18TH ANNUAL SUDS & SNOW: 1-6pm, Timber Ridge Resort, TC. “The Ultimate Party in the Woods.” Featuring 20+ beverage vendors, two food trucks, & live music by Empire Highway, Act Casual, & 2BAYSDJS. This year’s theme is Pirates! Enjoy a half-mile hike to the backwoods where the event takes place. For ages 21+. $40-$72. tcsudsandsnow.com
WINTER WOODS & WILDLIFE HIKE: 1pm, Postle Farm Preserve, Boyne Falls. Join Walloon Lake Association & Conservancy, CAKE CISMA, & Charlevoix Conservation District for a free, guided hike through a winter wonderland. Discover how local plants & wildlife adapt to the cold & learn how you can help protect the forests by reporting invasive species like Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. cakecisma. org/event-details/winter-woods-wildlife-hike
COMEDY FOR COMMUNITY: The Venue/ The Truck Stop, Cadillac. Spend an evening laughing to lift up the homeless community. Cost of ticket includes dinner from the Truck Stop & the show. While eating, enjoy live music from local musician Sam Cronkhite. At 7pm comedian Devin Keast takes the stage. Doors open at 6pm. All proceeds benefit NMCAA’s Homeless Programs. $35 online advance tickets; $40 at the door. eventbrite.com/e/comedyfor-community-tickets-1133219653489?utmcampaign=social&utmcontent=attendeeshare&utmmedium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utmsource=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl&fbclid=IwZXh
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: 7pm, St. Francis High School, Kohler Auditorium, TC. This Tony Award-winning show brings your favorite fairy-tale characters to life with humor, heart, & fantastic music. $15. gtacs. org/arts/musical
BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY
DANCE: 7:30pm, Littlefield/Alanson Community Building, Alanson. Music provided by Harbor Hoedown, with Cynthia Donahey calling. All dances taught (circles, contras, squares & more). No need to bring a partner. Potluck at 6:30pm. Bring table service & a dish to pass. $10; $5/student; under 12, free. blissfest.org ----------------------
FLY FISHING FILM TOUR 2025: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. See some of the best fly fishing films in the world. The shows aim to create community, inspire, encourage & support conservation efforts worldwide. Featuring a live emcee & raffle & door prizes from sponsors, local fly shops & more. The tour visits more than 14 countries, putting on 300+ shows annually & making it the biggest community fly fishing event in the world. $20-$25. cityoperahouse.org/node/643
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. The Addams family has lived their unique values for hundreds of years. But now, beloved eighteen year old daughter Wednesday has fallen in love with a respectable boy from Ohio! And to make matters worse, she has invited his family over for dinner. Adults: $33; youth under 18: $20. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/ mainstage/the-addams-family.html
The OG Northern Michigan DH Mountain Bike Race on snow returns to Mt. Holiday, TC on Sun., March 9 at 10am! Fat bikes, hardtails, full suspension, single speeds, etc. welcome! Take two runs on the course, and your best time will be chosen. Helmets required. Cash prizes for top 3 men’s and women’s racers. Register. $40. Find ‘2025 Mt. Holiday DH Dash – The Return!!!’ on Facebook.
sunday
MICHIGAN SAUNA FEST: (See Sat., March 1)
AUTHOR EVENT: (See Sat., March 1) --------------
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., March 1)
BOOKS TO MOVIES: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Watch a movie based on a book or real life. Popcorn is served fresh from AMC Classic Cherry Blossom. Free. tadl.org/event/books-movies-17875
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: (See Sat., March 1, except today’s time is 2pm.) THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: (See Sat., March 1, except today’s time is 2pm.)
monday
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: Noon, Palomino Physical Therapy, TC. Monthly round table discussion for persons with Parkinson’s Disease & their care partner. Questions? Email Mario: drmario@ palominopt.com. Free.
LTCT PRESENTS DEWAYNE WHITE: 7pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Dewayne brings his no-nonsense, East Coast demeanor to CTAC. He draws on his experiences as a combat-wounded Army Vet, husband & father with a no-holds barred attitude. $15-$20. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-petoskey/ltct-presents-dewayne-white
tuesday
PRESCHOOL STORY
TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library. Preschool children of all ages & their caregivers are invited to join every Tues. for stories, songs & more. Free. sbbdl.org
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: 1pm, Feast of Victory Church, Williamsburg. Round table discussion open to anyone with
Parkinson’s or related condition & their care partner. Free.
TECH TUESDAY: E-BOOKS, E-AUDIOBOOKS, & MORE AT YOUR LIBRARY: 2pm, Leelanau Township Library, Northport. Each library will present on the specific digital collections they offer. Learn how to access digital materials using Libby & Hoopla at Leelanau Township Library. Bring your device, library card & questions. Free. leelanautownshiplibrary.org ----------------------
POWER THROUGH PARKINSON’S: 3pm, Grand Traverse Bay (Central) YMCA, TC. This exercise class is tailored specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on improving flexibility, strength, coordination, & cardiovascular health. It incorporates PWR! Moves & engaging boxing drills, all designed to address the unique symptoms of PD. Bring your own set of boxing gloves. Questions? Contact Torrey: tdavenport@parkinsonsmi.org. Free.
PWR! MOVES: MICHIGAN PARKINSON FOUNDATION EXERCISE CLASS: 4pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. An 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-parkinson-foundation-exercise-class-21977
DEALING WITH MICROPLASTICS IN OUR ENVIRONMENT: 6-7:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. The League of Women Voters-Grand Traverse Area (LWVGTA) will present a program focused on understanding how microplastics are impacting our environment. NMC Biology instructor Dr. Nick Roster will discuss how his biology students have spent a year surveying the environment in Grand Traverse County & beyond in search of how microplastics have invaded our environment. He will be joined by some of his students who have participated in the research project. Free. lwvgta.org
FREE FILM SERIES - CHARLEVOIX CULTURAL CORRIDOR: 6pm, Charlevoix Cinema III. Enjoy a free showing of “Big Eyes,” presented by Charlevoix Circle of Arts. Doors open at 5:30pm. charlevoixcircle.org/events
GRAND TRAVERSE KENNEL CLUB MONTHLY MEETING: 7pm, Incredible Mo’s, Grawn. Public is welcome. grandtraversekennelclub.com
GREAT LAKES CINEMA SERIES PRESENTS: “FANTASIA”: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Released in 1940, this film represented Disney’s boldest experiment to date. It brought to life his vision of blending animated imagery with classical music. $5. greatlakescfa.org/events/ detail/fantasia
USA CURLING SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: 7pm, TC Curling Club, 1712 S. Garfield Ave., TC. Held March 4-9. Cheer for athletes ages 50 & older who make up 35 teams, representing 19 states. The tournament’s format is round-robin play, followed by playoff rounds to determine the national champions over the weekend. Winners advance to represent the United States at the World Senior Curling Championship in Fredericton, Canada, April 26 - May 3, 2025. Free admission. tccurling.org/usa-curlingnational-championship
wednesday
USA CURLING SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
(See Tues., March 4, but today’s rounds start at 8am.)
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COMMUNITY DINNER: 6pm, The Center, Suttons Bay. The March theme is “Going Green” in honor of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Bring a dish to pass, if you can. Questions: info@thecentersb.com. Free; donations welcome. friendshipcommunitycenter.org/communitypotlucks ----------------------
FRENCH LANGUAGE DISCUSSION GROUP: 6:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Practice your French language skills. Join every first Weds. for a casual conversation group. All levels are welcome. Free. tadl.org/event/ french-language-discussion-group-17708
thursday
USA CURLING SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: (See Weds., March 5)
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KID’S CRAFT LAB: SAND JARS: 10am-noon, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, GT Mall, TC. Make something special in a jar with sand. Free with price of admission. greatlakeskids.org
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UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE FOR A DAY: Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library, lower level Community Meeting Room. If you have questions about unemployment insurance & need help with your claim, a staff person from the Unemployment Insurance Agency will answer your questions between 10amnoon & 1-2:30pm. For the best assistance, bring a Michigan Driver’s License or State of Michigan identification card along with Social Security card or birth certificate or U.S. passport. Free. sbbdl.org
NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE
CAREER FAIR: 1-6pm, Park Place Hotel & Conference Center, TC. Students & community members can meet with prospective employers, connect with career opportunities, & gain experience in the job-seeking process. This is an opportunity for students who are exploring, undecided, or considering secondary/competitive admission programs, to explore options by connecting them with faculty members & NMC alumni from various departments across the college. Also for high school students interested in NMC programs. Free. nmc.edu/student-services/ advising-center/career-fair ----------------------
PUPPY PALS LIVE: 6pm, City Opera House, TC. As seen on “America’s Got Talent,” Puppy Pals LIVE is fun for the whole family, & features amazing stunts & feats. Puppies & the audience are led through challenging & comical tricks. $20-$25. cityoperahouse.org/node/645
MORAL TREATMENT READING & DISCUSSION: 6:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Join for the TC launch of Stephanie Carpenter’s novel, “Moral Treatment,” winner of the inaugural Summit Series Prize from Central Michigan University Press. Set in 1889, at a fictionalized version of the Traverse City State Hospital, “Moral Treatment” follows a young woman patient & the hospital’s aging superintendent across the course of a transformative year. The event will include a reading, discussion & book signing. A reception will follow immediately afterward at the Filling Station Microbrewery. Free. tadl.org/ event/author-event-stephanie-carpentermoral-treatment-19786
POPULAR MUSIC ENSEMBLE: R-E-S-PE-C-T AMPLIFYING WOMEN’S VOICES IN POPULAR MUSIC: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Experience a multi-genre collection of past & present hits as Interlochen Arts Academy’s Popular Music Ensemble explores the works of women in music. $14-$17. interlochen. org/events/popular-music-ensemble-r-e-s-pe-c-t-amplifying-womens-voices-in-popularmusic-2025-03-06
friday
USA CURLING SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: (See Weds., March 5) KID’S FESTIVAL WEEKEND: Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, March 7-9. Calling All Superheroes! Featuring silly ski competitions, Glow Night, superhero dining & much more. boynemountain.com/upcoming-events/kids-festival-weekend
WINTER ECOLOGY HIKE W/ BRAD VON BLON: 2pm, Naas, Mauger, Raunecker Nature Preserve, Harbor Springs. When considering ecology, you may think that winter would be dry, but LTC Ecology Technician Brad Von Blon will make you think differently! landtrust.org/events-template/winterecology-hike-with-brad-von-blon
CREATIVE WRITING GROUP: 5-6pm, The Center, Suttons Bay. Put pen to paper in a creative space, while sharing in the joy of writing with friends & neighbors. Please direct questions to Ian by email: iancbush@ gmail.com. Free; donations welcome.
FULL TILT COMEDY IMPROV: Northport Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 6pm for heavy canapes & cash bar. Performance at 7pm. Featuring “A Day In The Life of Chris Holton.” $45. northportperformingarts.org/tickets-and-events/cocktails-canapes-comedy
GREEN DOOR FOLK SCHOOL BARN
DANCE: 7pm, Twin Lakes, Gilbert Lodge, TC. Swing, promenade, & allemande to the dulcet tones of live fiddle & guitar by Laurel Premo & Michael Beauchamp-Cohen. Enjoy traditional dance forms like contras, squares, & lines. Pat Reeser of the Bayside Travellers will provide instruction before each dance, but if you’re new to square dancing, join for a beginner lesson at 6:30pm, where you will walk through the basic steps. RSVP. Please bring a pair of clean, dry shoes. Suggested donation. greendoorfolkschool.com/class/ folk-school-barn-dance
MARRAKESH EXPRESS: A CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG EXPERIENCE: 7pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Head back to the late 1960s to experience a reproduction of CSNY’s songs. Marrakesh Express brings a real hippie vibe & visual to the stage. Enjoy folk rock with hits like “Teach Your Children” & “Our House.” $15-$30. theoperahouse.org
“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”: 7pm, TC West Senior High School, Auditorium, TC. Presented by WSH Music & Theater Depart-
MONDAY • MARCH 3 FUNKY FUN MARDI GRAS
6:00 TO 8:30 PM PAY WHAT YOU CAN AT THE DOOR
SATURDAY • MARCH 15
FRIDAY • MARCH 21
7:30 PM • $25 7:30 PM • $15
SECOND FLOOR COMMONGROUNDS BUILDING
ments. Tickets available online. Auditorium parking lot is closed. $15-$25. tcaps.booktix.com
STEAMROLLER: THE MUSIC OF JAMES TAYLOR: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. Featuring performances of James Taylor’s favorite sing-a-longs including “Fire & Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” & “Sweet Baby James.” $39-$69. cityoperahouse.org/node/646
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. The Addams family has lived their unique values for hundreds of years. But now, beloved eighteen year-old daughter Wednesday has fallen in love with a respectable boy from Ohio! And to make matters worse, she has invited his family over for dinner. Adults: $33; youth under 18: $20. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/ mainstage/the-addams-family.html
THE GREAT MC: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Harvey Theatre. Don your super suit, grab your favorite gadgets, & join the Arts Academy Theatre Division for the actionpacked premiere of a new work from accomplished playwright Sue Pak. Commissioned by Interlochen as part of the Theatre for Young Audiences BIPOC Superhero Project & developed during a one-week on-campus residency, The Great MC introduces a new hero of color to the pantheon of caped crusaders. The 11am performance on March 8 is free. Adult, $24; child - college, $19. interlochen.org/concertsand-events/all-events?search=The+Great+MC ----------------------
THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS: 8pm, Odawa Casino Resort, Ovation Hall, Petoskey. Enjoy modern society southern rock & roll. The Kentucky Headhunters have released 10 studio albums, three compilations, & 23 singles. Their highest-peaking single is a cover of the Don Gibson song “Oh Lonesome Me.” $40-$50. odawacasino.com/ entertainment
saturday
08
USA CURLING SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: (See Weds., March 5)
KID’S FESTIVAL WEEKEND: (See Fri., March 7)
SPRING CARNIVAL: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Featuring the Creative Sled Contest, Cardboard Classic Race, Slush Cup, On-Slope Scavenger Hunt & more. If you dress up in your best fun-in-the-sun costume, you’ll receive $10 off your open-to-close window lift ticket. crystalmountain.com/event/spring-carnival
EAST EGG HUNT - FRANKFORT: 10amnoon, Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort. 231550-6868.
FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ART, TC: 10amnoon, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Cornwell Gallery, TC. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-traverse-city/free-family-drop-art-mar-8 ----------------------
MACRAME BOOKMARK CLASS W/ MARIT MALEWITZ: 10am-noon, Interlochen Public Library. For ages 12+. Register: 231-276-6767.
PLAY, SING, & CELEBRATE: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE FOR AGES 0 TO 5: 10amnoon, Petoskey Middle School. A sing-along & read-along concert with Jim Gill. Musical games & musical books for everyone to enjoy together. Registration required: bit.ly/PlaySingCelebrate.
LITTLE WAVES: 10:30am, Petoskey District Library. Interactive & playful sessions with GLCO musicians for ages 3-10. Held at Petoskey District Library at 10:30am & Charlevoix Public Library at 1pm. glcorchestra.org/education/little-waves
THE GREAT MC: (See Fri., March 7, except today’s times are 11am & 7:30pm.)
HOPS ‘N HIGHLANDS: Noon-5pm, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, outside the Day Lodge. A craft beer-tasting weekend with DJ Parker Marshall throwing down some beats. MI breweries include Short’s Brewing Co., Bell’s Beer, Beard’s, Petoskey Brewing, New Holland Brewing, & many more. At 2pm will be the IFOSH Stein Hosting Winter Championship. Ages 21+. $25; includes 4 sampling tickets. highlandsharborsprings.com/events/hops-n-highlands
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
LET’S GET GARDENING!: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Workshop for beginning gardeners who are interested in learning how to start plants from seeds. Free. tadl.org/event/ beginner-gardening-workshop-20751 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
MARCH: 1:30pm. In celebration of International Women’s Day, meet at The Workshop Brewing Co., march through downtown TC, & then return to The Workshop to enjoy female artists taking the stage. Free. mobilize.us/traverseindivisible/event/758660 ----------------------
SLUSH CUP: 2pm, Shanty Creek Resort, Ivan’s Alley, Bellaire. Watch skiers & riders attempt to cross an icy 40′ pond... sometimes with crazy costumes! Registration begins at 9am. shantycreek.com/event/slush-cup ----------------------
FULL TILT COMEDY IMPROV: 3pm, Northport Performing Arts Center. Cocktails, Canapes & Comedy. Includes heavy canapes & cash bar. Featuring “A Day In The Life Of Fred Szczepanski.” $45. northportperformingarts.org/tickets-and-events/cocktails-canapes-comedy-fzk9p
BAYSIDE TRAVELLERS CONTRA
DANCE: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, TC. Beginner Dance Workshop, 7pm; dance from 7:30-10:30pm. Music provided by Pearl Street String Band & dances called by Larry Dyer. No partner or experience necessary. All ages welcome. Donations only. dancetc.com
“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”: (See Fri., March 7)
----------------------
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: (See Fri., March 7)
mar
09
sunday
KID’S FESTIVAL WEEKEND: (See Fri., March 7)
USA CURLING SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: (See Tues., March 4, except today’s rounds start at 9am.)
----------------------
2025 MT. HOLIDAY DH DASH - THE RETURN!: 10am, Mt. Holiday, TC. An open category downhill mountain bike race on snow. Fat bikes, hardtails, full suspension, single speeds, etc.! You’ll get two runs on the course & your best time will be chosen. Register. Find ‘2025 Mt. Holiday DH Dash - The Return!!!’ on Facebook. $40.
FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Join MidEast: Just Peace to watch the internationally acclaimed documentary, “The Night Won’t End,” about Israel’s actions in Gaza since 2023. Free. mideastjustpeace.net
THE NOT SO CHILLY CHILI COOKOFF: 1-4pm, The Village at GT Commons, The Mercato, TC. Join inside the halls of The Mercato for an afternoon of local chili. Your votes are needed to help crown the winner of People’s Choice. All-age sampling tickmar
ets available for purchase in advance. $15. thevillagetc.com/36359-2-2 ----------------------
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: (See Fri., March 7, except today’s time is 2pm.)
THE GREAT MC: (See Fri., March 7, except today’s time is 2pm.)
“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”: (See Fri., March 7, except today’s time is 2pm.)
“STRINGING THE WORLD TOGETHER WITH MUSIC!”: 3pm, City Opera House, TC. Blending together music, art, & theater. Perfect for families & kids. The TC Phil’s Civic String Orchestras, led by Lynne Tobin, team up with host Linda Osborn & student artists from the Pathfinder School to celebrate music from around the world. Wear a costume, t-shirt, or hat representing your favorite country. Special lobby performance by young Suzuki string musicians before the show. Fun for all ages, especially 5-12 yearolds. Free. tcphil.org/civic-programs
BENZONIA AREA COMMUNITY EMERGENCY FUND CONCERT: 4-6pm, Five Shores Brewing, Beulah. Featuring Dennis Palmer. Dennis has released five CDs of original music ranging from acoustic blues to contemporary folk. With an eclectic style that is both introspective & thought provoking – his music has raised comparisons to such artists as Gordon Lightfoot & Warren Zevon. Free; goodwill donations accepted. millscommhouse.org/benzonia-area-community-emergency-fund.html
GREAT LAKES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SUNDAY SERIES: NOTEABLE CHAMBER CHOIR: 4pm, First Congregational Church, Charlevoix. A musical journey that keeps us longing for home. Free. glcorchestra.org
DRINKS, DRAMA & DESSERT: 6pm, Old Art Building, Leland. A premiere of three short plays by Rebecca Reynolds -- each inspired by the works of Edward Hopper. The evening will kick off with social time in the Big Room, followed by the three dramatic works, along with insight & commentary by Reynolds. The evening will conclude with dessert & more time to mingle with the director & actors. One complimentary drink, coffee, soft drinks, & dessert included with ticket price. OAB members: $35; non-members: $40. oldartbuilding.com/events/ drinks-drama-dessert-an-evening-of-theatre
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
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/upco ming-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 powers of axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, an aquatic salamander, also known as the Mexi-
can 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-woodland-artists.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
OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT:
- “SHE: HONORING WOMEN IN ART”: Enjoy this exhibition highlighting what it means to be a woman & an artist in today’s world. It focuses on aspects of positivity, strength, resiliency & creativity & highlights the artists’ ingenuity & ability to build community, generate support, creatively problem-solve & create & sustain life & beauty. An artist talk will take place on Fri., March 28 from 2-4pm. The exhibit runs through March 28. Michigan artists Judy Jashinsky, Melissa Jones, Rebecca Mott & Shelly Taylor will be featured, alongside work in all media curated through an open call. Hours are Tues.- Sat., 10am-4pm; & Sun., noon4pm. oliverart.org
- PIECE WORK: AN EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY GEE’S BEND QUILTS: Held in the Fisher Room through March 22 in observation of Black History Month. The unique handstitched quilts are from a collection on loan from area resident Patricia Reich, who inherited them from her mother Jan Dolland, who was an advocate for the Quilters of Gee’s Bend in Boykin, Alabama. Oliver Art Center is open Tues. - Sat., 10am-4pm, & Sun., noon-4pm. oliverart.org friday 6-9pm
Andy Evans
Jon Lindy
ENCORE 201, TC
3/1 & 3/8 -- DJ Ricky T, 9
3/7 -- The Jon Archambault Band, 8-10:30; DJ Ricky T, 10:30-2
FANTASY’S, TC DJ
KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC
9:30:
2/28 & 3/1 -- The Offbeat
3/7 -- Scarkazm
3/8 -- Boardman River Band
KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING
3/4 – Open Mic Night w/ LaRose Duo, 6-8
3/6 – Trivia Night w/ Marcus Anderson, 6:30-8:30
3/8 – Sean Kelly, 7
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM:
3/3 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9
TASTING ROOM:
3/7 -- Jeff Socia, 5-7
LIL BO, TC Tues. – Trivia, 8-10 Sun. – Karaoke, 8
MARI VINEYARDS, TC
3/7 -- Jasun Hawkins, 4-6
MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC
3/7 -- Rebekah Jon, 6-9 NORTH BAR, TC 7-10:
3/1 – Mardi Gras Party w/ Funky Uncle Band, 8
3/5 – Jesse Jefferson
3/6 – Drew Hale
OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS:
3/1 – Bauer Jones, 7:30
3/7 – Mike Moran w/ Ryan McGee, 6
3/8 – Live music, 7
SORELLINA'S, TC SLATE RESTAURANT: Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8 Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9
THE ALLUVION, TC
3/1 -- Leslie Mendelson wsg Olive's Laundry, 7:30-9
3/3 -- "Pre-Fat Tuesday" Mardi Gras Celebration w/ Kanola Band & Funky Uncle, 6-8:30
3/4 -- Ship Yard #3: Feat. Betsy Soukup + Nik Carman, 5:30-8:30
3/6 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30
3/7 -- Mariee Siou wsg SkyeLea, 7-9:30
3/8 -- The Marcus Belgrave Songbook Ensemble, 7:30-10:30
Antrim & Charlevoix
THE HAYLOFT INN, TC
7:30-11:
2/28-3/1 -- Sandy & The Bandits
3/8 -- Split Decision
THE LITTLE FLEET, TC
3/5 -- Endless Summer w/ DJ Dusty Staircase, 6-9
THE PARLOR, TC
3/1 – Chris Sterr, 9-12
3/4 – Jesse Jefferson, 8-11
3/7 – Drew Hale, 9-12
3/8 – Rhett & John, 9-12
THE PUB, TC
3/1 – Mal & Mike, 9-12
3/3 – Karaoke Monday, 8-11
3/5 – Zeke Clemons, 8-11
3/6 -- David Martón, 7-10
3/7 – Rolling Dirty Duo, 9-12
3/8 – Jonathan Stoye, 9-12
THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO.,
TC
3/4 -- Open Mic w/ Zak Bunce, 6:30-10
3/6 -- DJ Trivia, 7-8:30
3/7 -- Jazz Jam feat. The Ron Getz Trio, 6-9
TC WHISKEY CO.
3/1 -- Blair Miller, 6-8
UNION STREET STATION, TC
3/1 -- 5th Gear, 10
3/6 -- DJ 1Wave, 9
3/7-8 -- The Lucas Paul Band, 10
Send
BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT, BOYNE FALLS
STEIN ERIKSEN’S:
3/7 -- Nelson Olstrom, 5
ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS
3/1 -- Isaac Berkowitz, 7-10
3/2 -- Vinyl Record Crate Dig w/ DJ Franck & DJ Yokob, 1-5
3/8 -- Crosscut Kings, 7-11
FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE
6:30-9:30:
3/1 -- Rick Woods
3/7 -- Nick Vasquez
3/8 -- Joe Domanick
FOUNDRY CRAFT GRILLERY, EAST JORDAN Thu -- Trivia, 7
BLACK STAR FARMS, SUTTONS BAY
BISTRO POLARIS, 6-8:
3/1 -- Samba D Trio
3/8 – Bob Roberts
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE SLOPESIDE TENT NEAR CRYSTAL
CLIPPER CHAIRLIFT:
3/1 -- Jesse Jefferson, 3-5 VISTA LOUNGE:
3/1 -- Dominic Fortuna, 2-5; Scarkazm, 8-11
3/7 -- Barefoot, 8-11
3/8 -- Drew Hale, 2-5; Barefoot, 8-11
FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH 6-9:
3/6 -- Trivia Night w/ Mark
JAX NORTHSIDE, CHARLEVOIX
3/5 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY
3/7 -- Sean Bielby, 8-11
PEARL'S NEW ORLEANS KITCHEN, ELK RAPIDS
6-9:
3/2 -- Mardi Gras w/ Pete Fetters
3/3 -- Mardi Gras w/ The Sauce Cats
3/4 – Mardi Gras w/ Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
PROVISIONS WINE LOUNGE, BOYNE CITY
3/4 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6
SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE
3/6 -- Trivia Night w/ DJ Trivia, 6:30
SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS 3/7 -- Elk Rapids Band Trivia, 7-9
STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN, BOYNE CITY
3/5 -- Open Mic w/ Nelson Olstrom, 6
TOWN CLUB, ELK RAPIDS
3/5 – Line dancing w/ Kay, 6-8
WALLOON WATERSHED, WALLOON VILLAGE Thu -- Laura Crowe, 6-9
BOB'S PLACE, ALANSON
3/5 -- Mike Ridley, 6-9
BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY
3/8 -- Two Track Mind, 2-6
CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY
3/4 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
3/7 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30
GYPSY DISTILLERY, PETOSKEY
3/1 -- Joey Hickman, 1-3
HIGH FIVE SPIRITS, PETOSKEY
3/1 & 3/8 -- DJ Parker Marshall, 9
JAX NORTHSIDE, CHARLEVOIX
Wed -- Trivia Night w/ Michael Swartz of My Clueis Trivia, 7-9
Emmet & Cheboygan
NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY
3/1 -- Charlie Witthoeft, 7-10
3/5 -- Singo Bingo, 6:30
3/7 -- Tai Drury, 7-10
3/8 -- Holly Keller, 7-11
NUB'S PUB, HARBOR SPRINGS
3/8 -- Mike Ridley, 3-6
ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY
OVATION HALL:
3/7 -- The Kentucky Headhunters, 8
VICTORIES:
3/1 -- Live DJ, 9
3/7 -- Uncle Ugly, 9
3/8 -- Derailed, 10
POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS 5-8: 3/1 -- M-119 Band 3/8 -- Sugarbush
THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 3/1 -- Emily Kenyon, 8-11
3/7 -- Musician's Playground, 7 3/8-9 -- Sam Schneider, 8-12
THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS SLOPESIDE LOUNGE: 3/8 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6
THE WIGWAM, INDIAN RIVER 3/6 -- Dominic Fortuna, 7:30-9:30
3/7 -- Open Mic w/ Andy Littlefield
IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE
5:30-7:30: 3/1 -- The Fridays 3/7 -- Nick Veine 3/8 -- Matt Gabriel
LAKE ANN BREWING CO.
3/1 -- Runaway Mule, 6:30-9:30
3/6 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
3/7 -- The Boone Doggies, 6:309:30 3/8 -- Delilah DeWylde, 6:30-10:30
LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY
3/7 -- Chris Skellenger, 6-9
ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH
3/1 -- Cold Leather Seats, 5-8
3/6 -- Open Mic Night, 6-9
3/7 -- Brian Curran, 5-8
3/8 -- Howard Wilson, 5-8
SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY
3/7 -- Friday Night Live w/ Sean Miller, 4-7
SWEET’S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Mon. – Music Bingo, 7 Fri. – Music Bingo, 8; Karaoke, 10 Sat. – Karaoke, 8
THE LELAND LODGE
3/8 -- Samba D, 6-8
Boyne Valley Vineyards in Petoskey welcomes Dane Tollas, Mark Marino and Dale Owen on guitar, mandolin and stand-up bass with a vocal trio, Sat., March 8 from 2-6pm. Known as Two Track Mind, they cover styles from Americana to modern rock and more!
lOGY
MAR 03 - MAR 09
BY ROB BREZSNY
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): No cars drove through London’s streets in 1868. That invention was still years away. But the roads were crammed with pedestrians and horses. To improve safety amidst the heavy traffic, a mechanical traffic light was installed—the first in the world. But it had a breakdown a month later, injured a police officer, and was discontinued. Traffic lights didn’t become common for 50 years after that. I believe your imminent innovations will have better luck and good timing, Pisces. Unlike the premature traffic signal, your creations and improvements will have the right context to succeed. Don’t be shy about pushing your good ideas! They could revamp the daily routine.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The authentic alchemists of medieval times were not foolishly hoping to transmute literal lead and other cheap metals into literal gold. In fact, their goal was to change the wounded, ignorant, unripe qualities of their psyches into beautiful, radiant aspects. The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to do such magic. Life will provide you with help and inspiration as you try to brighten your shadows. We all need to do this challenging work, Leo! Now is one of your periodic chances to do it really well.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Cosmic rhythms are authorizing you to be extra demanding in the coming days—as long as you are not frivolous, rude, or unreasonable. You have permission to ask for bigger and better privileges that you have previously felt were beyond your grasp. You should assume you have finally earned rights you had not fully earned before now. My advice is to be discerning about how you wield this extra power. Don’t waste it on trivial or petty matters. Use it to generate significant adjustments that will change your life for the better.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In North America, starlings are an invasive species introduced from Europe in the 19th century. They are problematic, competing with native species for resources. They can damage crops and spread diseases that affect livestock. Yet starlings also create the breathtakingly beautiful marvel known as a murmuration. They make mesmerizing, ever-shifting patterns in the sky while moving as one cohesive unit. We all have starling-like phenomena in our lives—people, situations, and experiences that arouse deeply paradoxical responses, that we both enjoy and disapprove of. According to my analysis, the coming weeks will be prime time to transform and evolve your relationships with these things. It’s unwise to sustain the status quo. I’m not necessarily advising you to banish them— simply to change your connection.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Buildings and walls in the old Incan city of Machu Picchu feature monumental stone blocks that fit together precisely. You can't slip a piece of paper between them. Most are irregularly shaped and weigh many tons. Whoever constructed these prodigious structures benefited from massive amounts of ingenuity and patience. I invite you to summon some of the same blend of diligence and brilliance as you work on your growing masterpiece in the coming weeks and months. My prediction: What you create in 2025 will last a very long time.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Bioluminescence is light emitted from living creatures. They don’t reflect the light of the sun or moon, but produce it themselves. Fireflies do it, and so do glow-worms and certain fungi. If you go to Puerto Rico’s Mosquito Bay, you may also spy the glimmer of marine plankton known as dinoflagellates. The best time to see them show what they can do is on a cloudy night during a new moon, when the deep murk reveals their full power. believe their glory is a good metaphor for you in the coming days. Your beauty will be most visible and your illumination most valuable when the darkness is at a peak.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Capricorn-born Shah Jahan I was the Emperor of Hindustan from 1628 to 1658. During his reign, he commissioned the Taj Mahal, a magnificent garden and building complex to
honor his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This spectacular “jewel of Islamic art” is still a major tourist attraction. In the spirit of Shah Jahan’s adoration, invite you to dream and scheme about expressing your devotion to what you love. What stirs your heart and nourishes your soul? Find tangible ways to celebrate and fortify your deepest passions.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Over 2,100 years ago, Greek scientists created an analog computer that could track astronomical movements and events decades in advance. Referred to now as the Antikythera mechanism, it was a unique, groundbreaking invention. Similar machines didn’t appear again until Europe in the 14th century. If it’s OK with you, I will compare you with the Antikythera mechanism. Why? You are often ahead of your time with your innovative approaches. People may regard you as complex, inscrutable, or unusual, when in fact you are simply alert for and homing in on future developments. These qualities of yours will be especially needed in the coming weeks and months.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The world’s darkest material is Vantablack. This superblack coating absorbs 99.96% of visible light, creating a visual void. It has many practical applications, like improving the operation of telescopes, infrared cameras, and solar panels. I propose we make Vantablack your symbol of power in the coming weeks. It will signify that an apparent void or absence in your life might actually be a fertile opportunity. An ostensible emptiness may be full of potential.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Among their many sensational qualities, rivers have the power to create through demolition and revision. Over the centuries, they erode rock and earth, making canyons and valleys. Their slow and steady transformative energy can be an inspiration to you in the coming months, Taurus. You, too, will be able to accomplish wonders through the strength of your relentless persistence—and through your resolute insistence that some old approaches will need to be eliminated to make way for new dispensations.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Centuries before European sailors ventured across the seas, Polynesians were making wideranging voyages around the South Pacific. Their navigations didn’t use compasses or sextants, but relied on analyzing ocean swells, star configurations, cloud formations, bird movements, and wind patterns. I bring their genius to your attention, Gemini, because believe you are gaining access to new ways to read and understand your environment. Subtleties that weren’t previously clear to you are becoming so. Your perceptual powers seem to be growing, and so is your sensitivity to clues from below the visible surface of things. Your intuition is synergizing with your logical mind.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): The Maeslant Barrier is a gigantic, movable barricade designed to prevent the flooding of the Dutch port of Rotterdam. It’s deployed when storms generate surges that need to be repelled. I think we all need metaphorical versions of this protective fortification, with its balance of unstinting vigilance and timely flexibility. Do you have such psychic structures in place, Cancerian? Now would be a good time to ensure that you have them and they’re working properly. A key factor, as you mull over the prospect I’m suggesting, is knowing that you don’t need to keep all your defenses raised to the max at all times. Rather, you need to sense when it’s crucial to assert limits and boundaries—and when it’s safe and right to allow the flow of connection and opportunity.
“Jonesin” Crosswords
ACROSS
1. En ___ (with full attendance, as a court)
5. Fundamental end?
8. Blew a gasket
14. The whole A to Z
16. Cynthia's costar
17. With "The," 1987 Michael Cimino epic adapted from a Mario Puzo novel
18. Fairly new
19. Yacht post
20. Coin-op opening
21. "Carpe ___!"
23. Pasty luau dish
24. Airport counter name
28. 1999 comedy about kids trying to get to a KISS concert
32. Tabula ___ (blank slate)
33. ___ Lanka
34. "Dune" star Isaac
35. City renamed Tokyo in 1868
36. First musical to win Best Picture since "Oliver!" in 1968
39. "I Like ___" ('50s campaign slogan)
40. Gp. running Sarah McLachlan-backed ads since 2007
42. More than vexation
43. "Fargo" family name
44. 1944 musical starring Judy Garland
48. Without
49. Cleaning cloth
50. Part of MIT, for short
51. Ocean Spray name starter
53. "___ Stop the Music" (1980 movie)
55. Channel Tunnel terminus
58. Classic Disney cartoon with some questionable depictions of Native Americans
62. On the double
63. Culinary knife cut that's finer than julienne
64. Chem lab vessels
65. Punch from Pacquiao
66. Geneva, for one
DOWN
1. ___-relief (sculpture style)
2. Frazier foe
3. Video game figure not controlled by the gamer (abbr.)
4. Mythical hybrid
5. Sacred bird, to ancient Egyptians
6. Airline assignment
7. ___ Dew (brand with a Baja Blast flavor)
8. Breadstick seasoning
9. Cookie brand
10. Mints in a little case
11. "___ Martin: SAP" (2023 Netflix standup special)
12. Columnist Landers
13. "Who ___?" (New Orleans Saints chant)
15. San Antonio mission, with "the"
20. Phillipa of "Hamilton" and "Doctor Odyssey"
21. Global low point
22. "Come on in"
23. Market strategy
25. Like some circles?
26. "Seems to me ..."
27. U.K. ambulance toppers (that probably go "wee-oowee-oo")
28. Freud concern
29. "Sorta"
30. Prefix meaning "three"
31. "Rock and Roll, Hoochie ___"
36. Video taker, briefly
37. "___ Poetica"
38. Understand
41. Some diagnostic tests
43. Word before freak or group
45. Removes data from
46. Ziering of "Beverly Hills, 90210"
47. Bed sheet material
52. Soap star Springfield
53. "Arrested Development" star Michael
54. "... three men in ___"
55. Half-___ macchiato
56. 1996 Olympics host city, for short
57. Mauna ___ (Hawaiian peak)
58. Simple sandwich, casually
59. "Hairspray" actress Zadora
60. Request
61. Word before a maiden name
"Pizza and a Movie" --watch for these slices. by Matt Jones
TRAVERSE CITY COTTAGE FOR RENT: TC 1 BR Cottage, Very Nice, Utilities Included, Fully Furnished, All New Appliances Including W/D, Patio, BBQ, No Pets, Month to Month to 1 Year; $1,600 per month; (231) 631-7512.
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