Northern Express - December 04, 2023

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NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • december 04 - december 10, 2023 • Vol. 33 No. 48 Photo by Ben Law for The Bartending Company

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 1

Spice up the holidays!

There’s Still Time!

O U R N E W F I R E B LO S S O M F L AVO R I S A S P I C Y WAY TO WA R M U P A CO L D W I N T E R DAY. A N D A L L 1 3 O F O U R FA B U LO U S F L AVO R S CAN BE DELIVERED RIGHT TO YO U R D O O R T H I S H O L I DAY S E A S O N .

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HERB PANTRY PAIRING Give a gift of one of our favorite oil and vinegar combinations paired with a specialty spice blend.

Choose from this gift box and many other of our delicious gift sets.

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letters CONTENTS Climate Change and Military Readiness I was disappointed to see the letter from a reader seeking to discredit the excellent guest opinion in the Nov. 20 edition by Cathye Williams titled “War and Peace in Time of Climate Change.”

It seems that there is still a segment of the population who do not understand the science behind man-made climate change and base their opinions on the works of discredited outliers. Ms. Williams’ article e was well researched and documented. a Saf Her e v a conclusions are eye opening. y H r Da Anyone who strugglesLto ab ocomprehend the impact of climate change on our military readiness should read the book All Hell Breaking Loose: The Pentagon’s Perspective on Climate Change by Michael T Klare.

This work details just how seriously our military leadership takes the predictions of our best and brightest and the planning they are engaged in to adapt.

Bill Ward | Honor Democratic Socialists Have a ay!

Stephen Tuttle dismisses Democratic bo r D Socialists from consideration when Safe Ladeciding which candidates deserve his favor in the coming election, insisting they are neither democratic nor effective in governance (Northern Express, Nov. 27).

Likely, in expressing his doubts about fair elections, he is conflating democratic socialism with state socialism as exemplified by Communist China or the former USSR. By contrast, democratic socialism, as it developed in the United States, has always respected the electoral process. As for socialism’s so-called failure in governance, that issue is moot since it hasn’t been tried. Is Cuba’s failure the result of that government’s egregious failures or is it due to a vicious 60-year embargo carried on by the United States?

Leftist governments in the UK and in Canada have instituted national healthcare programs that serve people better than the for-profit system presently in place in this country. Other programs favored by socialists have achieved enormous support from the American people—Social Security and Medicare to name two. Public utilities are socialist, as is the District Library. Who is to say they are not successful?

And who is to say that programs advocated by Democratic Socialists— taxing the ultrarich fairly, reducing military expenditures, Medicare-for-all, ending our dependence on fossil fuels—are unworthy of the voters’ consideration? What we need most at this time in our history is new ideas.

The old ones are not working.

feature

A Distillery Destination......................................10 Shipwreck Whiskey...........................................12 An Ode to the Porter......................................16 The Mocktail Man...............................................18 Let’s Go Find a Tree..........................................20

columns & stuff

Top Ten..........................................................4 Spectator/Stephen Tuttle..................................6 Guest Opinion............................................,......8 Weird..........................................................22 Dates..........................................................24 Nitelife.........................................................28 Crossword...................................................29 Astro..............................................................29 Classifieds.................................................30

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Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase PO Box 4020 Traverse City, Michigan 49685 Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 email: info@northernexpress.com www.northernexpress.com Editor: Jillian Manning Finance Manager: Libby Shutler Distribution Manager: Roger Racine Sales: Lisa Gillespie, Kaitlyn Nance, Michele Young, Todd Norris, Abby Walton Porter, Caroline Bloemer For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 838-6948 Creative Director: Kyra Cross Poehlman Distribution: Joe Evancho, Sarah Rodery Roger Racine, Gary Twardowski Charlie Brookfield, Rachel Cara Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold

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For Traverse City area news and events, visit TraverseTicker.com

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Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 3

this week’s

top ten Wine & Wreaths If you like wine and wreaths, you’ll want to head to Mari Vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula. A 90-minute wreath-making session will be led by Terry Hooper of Hoopers Forever Florals on Wednesday, Dec. 6, Sunday, Dec. 10, and Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6-8pm. Bonus: Enjoy wine while you craft! Tickets are $65; learn more at marivineyards.com.

4 Hey, Read It!

Naked in the Rideshare

A Literary History

Pictured: A reproduced postcard image featuring the Traverse City Library Carnegie library building (TADL Local History Collection, Roxanne Simoni and Marie Kulibert)

Next year, the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) will celebrate 155 years of lending books and knowledge in northern Michigan. What a feat! To celebrate the impending milestone, TADL is hosting “A Walk Through Library History” exhibit throughout the months of December and January. The timeline-based display begins in 1869 and continues around the room to the present day. Originally founded by the Ladies Library Association, the library has had several homes—notably the Carnegie Library on Sixth Street (where it lived from 1905 to 1998) and its present location on Woodmere Ave—and has grown to include six branches and hundreds of thousands of books for all ages. At the end of the exhibit, you can become part of history at the Library Story Station, where you can share your favorite library story and have it added to the Local History Collection archive. More information can be found at tadl.org.

2 tastemaker

The Patricia from Glendale Burgers

Grilled cheese or burger? If you’re like us, you’ve spent many a precious moment staring at restaurant menus and trying to answer this age-old question. Sadly, the classic patty melt—the platonic ideal of these two comfort food staples merging into one— doesn’t make many menu appearances these days. But Traverse City’s Glendale Burger Shop is bringing the 1950s favorite back into rotation, and we couldn’t be more elated. The Patricia, Glendale’s version of the patty melt, offers a pair of mustard-seared beef patties sandwiched between two pieces of Texas toast and swaddled in gooey melted American cheese and flavorful caramelized onions. The recipe gained a loyal local following whenever it went into rotation at the old Glendale Ave. food truck, a fixture for years at The Little Fleet. Now, the Glendale team have their own brick-and-mortar location at 13692 West Bayshore Drive in Traverse City, and the Patricia is always on the menu. Have it with fries. glendaleburgershop.com

4 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Millennials, this one’s for you. From the comedic genius of Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw—whose star-studded resume includes The New Yorker and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon—comes the razorsharp shorts collection Naked in the Rideshare. Readers join the pair on a wild ride through space and time, from childhood to post-grad and the “real world,” as they explore the modern realities of growing up through a pair of cringe-worthy glasses (often with laugh-out-loud results!). In the opening story, two would-be criminals demand ransom for a teen they kidnapped, only to find he’s an obnoxious nightmare. A horror-trope casualty is sent to Hell, where she becomes BFFs with her knifewielding killer. And an “unchosen” magical burnout steps up to the plate to save the endangered Eight Realms…and chooses self-love in the process. Insightful, imaginative, and just a bit raunchy, this bildungsroman is a celebration of the new generation’s newfound adulthood. (Avocado toast not included.)

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6 A Colonial Christmas

Christmas is coming to Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City on Dec. 9. Storytellers will bring to life the stories of the old trading post, including a retelling of the first Christmas at Mackinac in 1679. Also true to life in the 18th century the church at Ste. Anne’s will be prepared for Christmas Mass as it would have been in the days of yore. (Though the church itself is a reconstruction built on the original location of the chapel in 1873, its roots date back all the way to the early 1700s.) The whole family can enjoy historic games on the Parade Ground plus craft stations to make something special to take home. And don’t miss the seasonal treats and snacks available throughout the fort. The holiday tradition starts at 3:30pm and runs until 6:30pm.

Tickets are $11 for adults; $7 for children ages 5-12; and free for children four and under. Find more details at mackinacparks.com.

The Mitten Real Estate Group of Traverse City is helping make the season bright by kicking off their first Mitten Drive, which runs now through Dec. 22. The drive is a community-focused initiative aimed at collecting new mittens, gloves, hats, and warm winter clothing to support Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) students and their families during the upcoming winter season. (Important note: Unlike other winter gear drives, the Mitten Drive requests that all donated items be new and unworn— no used items!) In addition to the Mitten Real Estate Group’s office on Front Street, several local TC businesses are acting as drop sites for the drive, including Animal Medical Center, Arch Mortgage, Bayview Flooring, Blue Goat Wine & Provisions, Golden Fowler Home Furnishings, Max’s Service, and Oleson’s Food Stores. Learn more about donation guidelines and the drive by visiting themittendrive.com.

TC’s Economic Ecosystem

Pictured: A rendering of the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center

Traverse Connect, the local chamber and economic development arm in Traverse City, published its first Regional Economic Ecosystem Report this past week. The report details regional economic trends, responses from their business growth survey, and work being done to attract new businesses and help existing businesses in the region grow and scale.

Some takeaways from the report: northern Michigan is tracking below the state average wage, clocking in at 87 percent. Business owners report staffing as the biggest barrier to growing their businesses, with attainable housing in second place. And freshwater innovation, aka blue tech or the blue economy, is highlighted as a major growth industry, with the opportunity for billions in economic impact. Projects like the Traverse City Fresh Water Research & Innovation Center—a partnership between Discovery Center & Pier, Michigan Technological University, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect, and 20Fathoms—are geared toward creating and bringing those blue tech jobs here. See the full report at traverseconnect.com.

8

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NWS SEASON ROUNDUP! This December, the National Writers Series brings two bestselling authors to the City Opera House stage. Treat yourself or a loved one to an evening of conversation with Nita Prose (Dec. 6) and Mitch Albom (Dec. 13). Their new books are page turning, taking you through a mysterious murder and a powerful Holocaust story. Tickets would make the perfect holiday gift!

In-person at the City Opera House and livestreamed. For tickets, visit NationalWritersSeries.org

bottoms up Rhuby from Starcut Ciders Forget the boughs of holly—this year, we’re decking our halls with effervescent cider, and Starcut Ciders’ just-released Rhuby is an irrefutable holiday gem. Dreamed up by the flavor masters at Short’s Brewing Co., this juicy dram starts with a bone-dry base of their awardwinning Pulsar hard apple cider, which is crafted from only Michigan fruit, kicked up with notes of tangy rhubarb and a touch of sweetness from fresh pear juice. The result is a fruitforward cider with a tart palette and a crisp finish. (Psst—it’s also all-natural and gluten-free!)

Enjoy this eclectic sip on its own, or get extra festive with a Rhuby spritz: just add Aperol and an orange slice. Grab a six-pack at both Short’s locations—the Bellaire Pub (121 N. Bridge Street) and the Pull Barn in Elk Rapids (211 Industrial Park Drive)—or find your nearest retailer using the Cider Locator on starcutciders.com.

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 5

REPLACING DANGEROUS PRODUCTS

spectator By steven Tuttle This has been a very hot year. Not hot compared to tens of millions of years ago, but pretty damned hot since humans have been keeping records.

According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, July, August, and September were the hottest months on record, and 2023 is on pace to be the hottest year on record, definitely the hottest since the Industrial Revolution and possibly the hottest in the last 125,000 years. (To be fair, humans weren’t keeping records that long ago, so temperature numbers from that era are extrapolated from core samples of ice and soil that contain telltale hints of climate variations.)

greenhouse gas, at record-setting levels.

Technically, we could replace most fossil fuelgenerated power with renewable sources, but we are a long way from being able to do that from a practical standpoint. Both wind and solar are now much cheaper than any fossil fuel, and battery storage capabilities have increased dramatically.

But we don’t yet have the infrastructure that would allow us to wean ourselves from fossil fuels. According to the Center for Sustainable Systems, we still get 79 percent of our power from fossil fuels, just over 13 percent from renewables, and 8 percent from nuclear.

July, August, and September were the hottest months on record, and 2023 is on pace to be the hottest year on record, definitely the hottest since the Industrial Revolution and possibly the hottest in the last 125,000 years.

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The Great Lakes states are one of the few areas that saw only modest temperature gains. For those Michiganders who believe the earth has left its orbit and is hurtling uncontrollably toward the sun every time the temperature reaches 90 or higher, take heart: last summer Phoenix had 31 days in a row of high temperatures of at least 110 and 54 such days altogether—both records.

Many climate scientists believe this is just the harbinger of some very nasty weather changes yet to come. And the vast majority who have published on climate issues, more than 97 percent according to NASA, agree that climate change is real and that it is, at a minimum, being exacerbated if not outright caused by human use of fossil fuels.

There are objective ways to measure postindustrialization changes in temperatures and sea levels and compare them to records from our past. We know, according to NASA and others, sea levels have increased 6 to 8 inches over the last 100 years and ocean temperatures have increased more than 1 degree Fahrenheit.

We also know air temperatures have increased at least 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880.

Critics would argue humans have recorded a pathetically small slice of the earth’s life and what we’re now experiencing isn’t so unique, may or may not be a real problem, and may or may not be human caused.

Let’s assume climate change is real, it is an existential threat, and our dependence on fossil fuels is the cause. We’re making some technological progress, but fossil fuel dependence is actually getting worse globally.

Last year, the world produced more greenhouse gasses, the triggers that help change the climate. While carbon dioxide increases slowed to just 1 percent according to the International Energy Agency, our own National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports the world continues to emit methane, another

With all that sunlight and heat, solar would seem to be an ideal alternative. But we don’t have sufficient space available for a solar array big enough to power even a small city. The world’s largest solar array, in India, produces 2245 megawatts of power, enough to supply nearly 2.5 million homes, but it occupies a whopping 14,000 acres, nearly 22 square miles, of land. Our biggest project, the Solar Star in California, occupies just under 3,500 acres and produces about 700 megawatts of power.

There is a downside to solar according to EcoWatch. Solar panel construction requires mining for indium, tellurium, and, for batteries, lithium. The heat to melt silicon, mostly done in China, uses coal as fuel.

According to Energy Sage, China makes 75 percent of the world’s solar panels, 85 percent of solar cells, 79 percent of polysilicon, and 97 percent of the world’s solar panel wafers.

In other words, we’re dependent on an adversary for solar power.

Making solar panels isn’t without its own issues. But once built and installed, they create zero emissions, last 25-30 years, and are mostly recyclable.

Let’s now assume the 3 percent of climate change deniers are right. This is a natural climate cycle that would be occurring without human intervention and there is no crisis, we’ll adapt.

Even so, there are some incontrovertible facts about fossil fuels. We know they are dangerous to extract, dangerous to transport, and dangerous for many to breathe their airborne emissions when burned. We’ve known all of that for a long time.

So even if our use of fossil fuels has no impact on our climate at all, isn’t it still a good idea to replace dangerous products with those that are less so?

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Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 7

Christmas in

December 9 & 10 Visits with Santa Christmas Activities Carriage Rides Hot Chocolate and S’mores Shopping Specials Musical Performances And more!

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MICHIGAN NEEDS POLLUTER PAY LAWS Opinion Columnist

by Levi Teitel

December 9 & 10 I think we can all agree: If you make devastates our communities. A new report December 9 & 10 a mess, you should be responsible from For Love of Water (FLOW) shows The Village December 9 & 10 thevillagetc.com/events

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Visits with Santa December 9 & 10 01 & 9 rebmeceD

for cleaning it up. Unfortunately, corporations in Michigan missed that day in preschool.

Visits with Santa Visits with Santa Despite our reputation as the Great Lakes Christmas Activities State, Michigan is behind the curve Visits with Santa Christmas Activities Carriage Rides atnaS htiw stisiVActivities when it comes to holding corporate Christmas polluters accountable. With more than Christmas Activities sand eitivRides itS’mores cA samtsirhC Carriage Hot Chocolate 24,000 contaminated sites across the Carriage Rides state, Michigan taxpayers are on the s e d i R e g a i r r a C Carriage Rides Shopping Specials Hot Chocolate and S’mores hook for cleaning these places up instead Hot Chocolate S’mores seromand ’S dn a etalocohC toH of the corporations that caused the Musical Performances contamination.

Shopping Specials Shopping Specials s l a i c e p S g n i p p o h S Hot Chocolate and S’mores secnamrofreP lacisuM AndPerformances more!

Musical Corporate polluters shouldn’t get a free Musical Performances

that northern Michigan (and all regions of the state) would benefit if the Michigan Legislature reinstates Polluter Pay.

FLOW says that in Mancelona, for instance, the former Wickes manufacturing site that operated from 1947 to 1967 is the largest trichloroethylene (TCE) plume in the entire country. (Yes—you read that right. The entire country.) Because the company went out of business many years ago, taxpayers are now coughing up the funds to clean up this “orphan site.” So far, Michigan has spent $25 million to extend water lines because people’s wells were contaminated—money that could have gone to healthcare, education, or housing.

to contaminate our air, land, and Shopping Specials pass water, and taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot thevillagetc.com/events The solution is simple: If corporations use Musical Performances thevillagetc.com/events hazardous materials, they should have to pay And more! into a fund that covers environmental cleanup,

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with additional penalties if they are found to cause contamination.

the bill when they do. Right now, our state legislature is considering bills—known as Polluter Pay bills—that would address this issue. The bill package, numbered HB 5241-5247 and SB 605-610, provides more transparency, oversight, and accountability for polluting industries that harm our land and water.

From 1990 until 1995, Michigan had the strongest Polluter Pay law in the country: The Michigan Environmental Response Act, which was modeled after a similar federal law. Under the law, anyone who owned or operated a contaminated site at any point in its history could be held responsible for cleanup. If they believed they didn’t cause the problem, it was up to them to prove it. But in 1995, Gov. John Engler gutted the law.

Unfortunately, the repeal of Polluter Pay in the nineties created a hole that has gotten larger and larger—a hole the public is left to deal with. Private money paying for cleanups went from $0 in 1990 to $18 million in 1994, showing the legislation does the job it’s supposed to: making corporations clean up their own messes, not taxpayers.

More than 90 percent of Michigan voters support Polluter Pay legislation according to polling from the Lake Effect newsletter in May and August of 2023. On top of being widely popular, Polluter Pay is a common sense policy that will protect the rivers, lakes, and streams in northern Michigan that we swim in and fish from.

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8 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

THOMPSONVILLE, MI

For those of us living in Up North, it’s difficult to ignore how this lack of oversight

Polluter Pay isn’t just about addressing this legacy of contamination—it’s about tackling the root of the problem as well. Earlier this year, the Sault News of Sault Ste. Marie reported that Polluter Pay laws would “ensure a more timely cleanup of existing sites and incentivize corporations operating in Michigan to prevent future pollution.”

The solution is simple: If corporations use hazardous materials, they should have to pay into a fund that covers environmental cleanup, with additional penalties if they are found to cause contamination.

We also need more accountability for companies that receive government incentives to build new plants, especially if those same companies have closed or abandoned polluted sites in the past.

New corporate incentives must include requirements and financial assurances about how the companies handle contaminants to prevent another situation like Mancelona from happening again.

By ensuring that there’s money available to clean up contaminated sites, Polluter Pay will save Michigan taxpayers millions of dollars, all while protecting our Great Lakes way of life. Let’s take these corporations back to school and teach them this basic lesson about existing in society: If you make a mess, you’re responsible for cleaning it up.

Levi Teitel is the rural communications coordinator with Progress Michigan, a nonprofit communications advocacy and government watchdog group. He is currently based in Emmet County.

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 9

By Art Bukowski Long known for its wine and craft beer scenes, northern Michigan has in the last decade or so also developed a very strong reputation for distilled spirits—products like whiskey, gin, vodka, and more. That’s a direct result of the innovative distilleries that have opened their doors throughout our region in recent times.

As they’ve become established, these distilleries have produced award-winning products that are attracting national attention and earning distribution throughout Michigan and far beyond. And while there are more distilleries here now than ever before, those in the business say a rising tide lifts all ships.

“We never take for granted the vibrant and positive atmosphere of Michigan’s distilling scene,” said Chris Fredrickson, president and co-founder of Traverse City Whiskey Company. “We’re so fortunate to be surrounded by abundant talent in the industry who consistently innovate and introduce products that instill a sense of pride in people across the state.”

Northern Express caught up with five local distillers to find out what’s new, what’s exciting, and what’s next.

The Rosen rye team on South Manitou Island.

Mammoth Distilling

Founded: 2013 Locations: Central Lake, Bellaire, Traverse City, Bay Harbor, Adrian, Grand Rapids Number of employees: 60 Distribution: Michigan and Chicago area, elsewhere if purchased online Northern Express: What current projects are you most excited about at Mammoth Distilling?

Chad Munger, founder/CEO: We have just obtained 200 “hardy kiwi” plants to start our own orchard. Created years ago at Michigan State University, these normally tropical fruits were bred to thrive in cold climates like ours. We have obtained enough fruit from a grower on a small farm in Washington State to start R&D, and in two years will have enough fruit for full releases of a liqueur and an infused vodka.

Northern Express: What’s trending in the distillery world?

Munger: Grain! The know-what-you-grow movement is in full force, and distillers are seeking and using identifiable varieties of grain instead of the nameless commodity varieties that have dominated for years.

Northern Express: How’s that Manitou Rye project going? (Mammoth is growing Rosen rye, a heritage variety, on South Manitou Island with a permit from the National Park Service.)

Munger: The Rosen project is going incredibly well; we will make our first barrel of 100 percent Rosen Rye this month, with bottles available in two to three years. Starting with our 2024 crop, we will have enough grain to make a nearly unlimited number of barrels.

Northern Express: What’s next for Mammoth?

Munger: A grain maze? We are always looking for ways to offer interactive and experiential opportunities, and we love to talk about how and why we do what we do, especially over a cocktail. A place/space that integrates production, agriculture, [and] hospitality would be great!

10 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Northern Latitudes Distillery Founded: 2012 Location: Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay Number of employees: 35 Distribution: Throughout Michigan

Northern Express: What current products or projects are you most excited about at Northern Latitudes?

Mark Moseler, co-founder: With 20-plus varieties of spirits in our portfolio, we are continually innovating. We released a coffee liqueur, El Meñique, two months ago, and it has been very well received. We have a new line of whiskeys that we will be releasing throughout 2024 and we also brought out a number of our spirits in 50ml [airplane-size] bottles. In addition, our new tasting room in Suttons Bay had its first season serving spirits. The tasting room has allowed us to tap into a clientele that was not being introduced to our location in Lake Leelanau.

Northern Express: What’s trending in the distillery world?

Moseler: The distillery world is everchanging. The current hot trends are all things whiskey. This includes flavored, different grain profiles, and a multitude of new barrel finish varieties. In addition to whiskeys, Ready-To-Drink or canned cocktails are having their moment on the heels of the success of the hard seltzer craze. One of the trends we are watching closely is the proliferation of direct-to-consumer shipping laws that have been passed in a number of states. This allows distilleries to be on par with wineries. We are hopeful that this change will come to Michigan soon.

Northern Express: What do you think about the growth of northern Michigan’s distilling scene in recent years?

Moseler: Opening a distillery is a difficult proposition, so the growth has been slower than that of wineries and breweries, but we are excited to see more distilleries opening. This will allow northern Michigan to become a destination for distillery seekers, not unlike the wine industry has become.

Northern Express: What’s next for Northern Latitudes?

Moseler: We have recently broken ground on a new production/tasting room just down the road from our current location. The new facility will allow us the needed space to expand our footprint in the state, as well as give us the room to offer more events, food, tours, etc. In addition, the new space will let us showcase all of the ideas that have been simmering for the last decade, and we are excited to share them with all of our customers.

Grand Traverse Distillery The groundbreaking of TC Whiskey's new facility.

Traverse City Whiskey Company

Founded: 2012 Location: Traverse City, Leelanau County, Ferndale Number of employees: 35 Distribution: Michigan and 31 other states Northern Express: What products or projects are you most excited about at Traverse City Whiskey?

Chris Fredrickson, president/co-founder: Traverse City Whiskey Co. is eagerly anticipating several projects, with our new distillery campus being a highlight. Slated to resume construction soon, this campus is on track to become the most advanced whiskey distillery north of Kentucky. It will boast an all-encompassing grain-toglass production process, a whiskey barrel warehouse known as a “rickhouse,” and a contemporary visitor center offering cocktails and food. Additionally, there will be an outdoor, family-friendly area for socializing. This expansion is projected to generate over 100 jobs shortly.

Northern Express: Can you give us an update on the new facility?

Fredrickson: Certainly! We’re currently on the homestretch: pre-construction.

We recently completed our final round of design and engineering and reopened the bidding process. We’re optimistic about attracting interest from local trades, aiming to keep the construction of our campus as locally-focused as possible. We hope to open in late 2024.

Northern Express: What are the biggest challenges to your business or industry?

Fredrickson: Currently, a significant challenge we face is the surge of new brands in the market, which has led to clutter and confusion for customers who are trying to distinguish between the myriad of new options on the shelves. Despite this, the situation has also sparked immense creativity in creating a variety of recipes and finishes. Frankly, it continues getting more and more difficult to stand out, so I view this plethora of choices as both a blessing and a curse.

Northern Express: What’s next for Traverse City Whiskey?

Fredrickson: Our immediate focus is on successfully navigating the holiday season. This period is one of the busiest for us in terms of both manufacturing and sales. We’re eagerly anticipating the settling down of activities in early January!

Founded: 2005 Location: Traverse City, Frankenmuth, Leland, and Mackinaw City Number of employees: 30 Distribution: Michigan in stores, nationwide via online sales Northern Express: What current products or projects are you most excited about at Grand Traverse Distillery?

Kent Rabish, founder/president: We are concentrating on distilling whiskey in more varieties. This year we released five specialty whiskies, including for the first time an Irishstyle whiskey called Lando (malted barley and barley) and several single malt whiskies using mash bills of 100 percent malted barley and others using 100 percent malted barley smoked with cherry wood. Also, a straight wheat whiskey. We like to experiment with different mash bills. This past year we distilled a lot of bourbon with a mash bill using wheat versus rye—more of a Maker’s Mark style.

Northern Express: What’s trending in the distillery world?

Rabish: Vodka was the growing market in the eighties and nineties, but now it’s whiskey.

Brown spirits are hot and growing at a strong pace. GTD is not getting into the flavored whiskies race except for our cherry whiskey. I think the flavored whiskies will lose their stream and customers purchasing them now will move on to a whiskey you can enjoy neat or on ice.

Northern Express: What are the biggest challenges to your business or industry?

Rabish: Will there be an oversupply of brown spirits in the future? Who knows, and I am not sure that if there was it would affect GTD. Our customers want local, local grains and a spirit distilled here in Michigan. I started the company in 2005 and hit the market with product on shelves in spring of 2008. Not a good time to start a company with a recession starting, but who knew? We grew at a good pace all the way through the recession. One challenge is all the product on the shelves that reads “produced and bottled by” versus “distilled and bottled by.” There is a very big difference between these two statements found on every spirit bottle. One is a company that purchases spirits in bulk and bottles that spirit; the “distilled by” is a company that distills what they sell and most likely uses locally-grown grains.

Northern Express: What’s next for GT Distillery?

Rabish: We would like to open a tasting room in southern Michigan this year. Also, whiskey production will be key, and we are discussing how many barrels to distill and what varieties should they be. Our goal is to have most all our whiskies labeled “Bottled in Bond.” We should have all our whiskey with this designation this year except for cherry whiskey, which is bottled at 80 proof. [Editor’s note: Bottled in bond designation needs 100 proof whiskey.]

Iron Fish Distillery

Founded: 2016 Location: Thompsonville Number of employees: 40 Distribution: Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, and North Carolina, elsewhere via online sales Northern Express: What current products or projects are you most excited about at Iron Fish?

Richard Anderson, co-founder: At our founding in 2016, we made the pivotal decision to patiently wait to release our estate Mad Angler whiskies, giving Iron Fish Distillery the singular distinction among Michigan craft distilleries that every bottle of our distilled whiskies released in 2024 will be aged over five years in barrels, distilled from grain grown in Michigan. We continue to age even more barrels for later releases. We could not be more excited to release the third edition of our Arctic Grayling Whiskey Series on Dec. 9. Two hundred signed and numbered bottles will celebrate the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative.

Northern Express: What’s trending in the distillery world?

Anderson: Transparency. People want to know who’s really making their spirits. Is it sourced or distilled on site, what the ingredients are and where grain and fruit inputs come from, and what does the brand stand for in terms of commitment to local community and the environment.

Northern Express: What do you think about the growth of northern Michigan’s distilling scene in recent years?

Anderson: At Iron Fish, we talk in terms of our commitment to become a globally celebrated legacy farm distillery over the next 300 years, following in the footsteps of northern European distilleries that inspired our founding and are already approaching this milestone. We’re just getting started and truly believe our region will become known worldwide for its rich tradition in distilling, winemaking, and brewing.

Northern Express: What’s next for Iron Fish?

Anderson: We focus every day on our vision for our company: “From the seeds of an abandoned farm, Iron Fish Distillery’s vision is to be a beloved legacy distillery leaving the land and community a better place than we found it, through our spirit and our people.”

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 11

Photo by Chris Roxburgh

SHIPWRECK WHISKEY What’s happening with the Westmoreland and its high-proof treasures?

By Greg Tasker Few shipwrecks in the Great Lakes pique the fascination of armchair treasure hunters as much as the Westmoreland, a cargo-laden passenger steamer that met its doom in the icy waters of the Manitou Passage off the Leelanau Peninsula in 1854.

Bound for Mackinac Island on its last voyage of the year, with provisions (and possibly pay) for soldiers at Fort Mackinac, the 200-foot-long ship foundered in an early December snowstorm, taking on frigid water and sinking to the bottom of Lake Michigan with, legend has it, $20 million in gold coins (in today’s currency) and a priceless cache of rare whiskey. Overall, 17 people perished; another 17 survived.

The search for those underwater treasures began decades ago, and fascination with the Westmoreland intensified when Lake Ann resident Ross Richardson discovered the shipwreck sitting upright on the floor of Platte Bay in 2010. That interest reached a fervor earlier this year when Richardson announced his plans to salvage the whiskey and other treasures from the ship over the summer.

That salvage—despite the international publicity—has yet to happen. Richardson wasn’t able to pursue that work over the summer and is in the process of obtaining the necessary permits from the state of Michigan. To date, no artifacts have been removed from the shipwreck, which rests 180 feet below the surface.

A Taste of History Richardson, an avid shipwreck hunter who chronicled his fascination in a book, The Search for the Westmoreland: Lake Michigan’s Treasure Shipwreck, has partnered with Ari Sussman and Chad Munger from Mammoth Distilling in his effort to salvage artifacts from the ship. Sussman is the head distiller at Mammoth Distilling and Munger is the CEO. “We want to do things legally and ethically,” says Richardson, who has made more than 60 dives to the Westmoreland, which rests about 2.5 miles from the shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

“We want to make sure we put our best foot forward. We’re trying to share history and tell stories. We all have a deep love of Michigan history.”

Their quest is twofold: Retrieve and preserve any artifacts culled from the ship, and use some of the salvaged wood to age and flavor whiskey.

“There’s a piece of broken hull we’d like to recover and cut into staves and toast and create a barrel … Mammoth would like to produce a whiskey flavored by the shipwreck wood,” Richardson says. “The Westmoreland was made of white oak. Those trees were 300 to 400 years old when the ship was built.

“The idea is to take forgotten wood on the bottom of the lake and share the story of this wreck … to be able to smell and taste history,” he adds.

Mammoth is excited about the prospect of that project, even if it’s still years away. “It’s an honor to partner with Ross on this project.

12 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

His commitment to documenting our maritime history is truly inspiring,” Sussman says. “Hopefully, our collaboration—and shipwreck whiskey—will draw attention to the challenges of preserving these rapidly deteriorating underwater time capsules.”

And what about whiskey barrels already on board? Richardson says it’s hard to guess the status of the whiskey—water might have seeped in, for example. Mammoth has plans to test any surviving whiskey to determine its composition.

“We believe the whiskey is in the cargo area,” Richardson says. “We think the cargo hold is full of priceless antiques from 1854—muskets, uniforms, steamer trunks— all perfectly preserved in the low oxygen environment of the hold. It’s protected from currents and other things that would normally make things decay. The yearround temperature in the hold is 39 degrees.”

The End of an Era The salvaging of the Westmoreland, Richardson says, will be a years-long project, one that will require the expertise of a salvage company for the work.

“It’s a very complicated process dealing with a ship from the 1850s. It’s very dangerous and something we’d want a professional salvage company to handle,” says Richardson, who frequently travels the state to talk about Great Lakes shipwrecks and maritime-related mysteries. He is also a board member of the Maritime Heritage Alliance.

“As part of this project, we want to

change the culture of shipwrecks and artifact preservation in the Great Lakes. We’re coming to an end of an era of shipwreck hunting and discovery,” he adds. “Due to the limited number of shipwrecks and increasing technology, almost every shipwreck is going to be found in the next 10 years. We will know where all of them are.”

He says he’d like to see artifacts preserved in a climate-controlled environment and on display for the public at a museum. One museum of interest in the Empire Area Museum Complex; Empire is the closest community to the shipwreck and the gateway to the nearby national lakeshore.

“The question is what do we do with the priceless artifacts?” Richardson asks. “We’re going to try and lead the charge and set a good example. We’re going to preserve these artifacts and share them with the public without a cost. It’s a noble cause.”

Time, however, is a concern. As the ruins linger at the bottom of Lake Michigan, Richardson is concerned about the hastening decaying process and its toll on the wooden remains. The wreck is encrusted with quagga mussels, which are causing damage to the remains. They’ve also impacted the lake ecosystem—the water is clearer but sunlight is able to penetrate deeper, warming temperatures, causing decay to happen more quickly.

While there is a possibility modern-day pirates could find and loot the shipwreck site, Richardson believes it’s unlikely.

“Every diver I’ve dealt with has been on the up and up and understands the

Richardson on a dive.

importance of historical sites,” he says. “Most shipwrecks are graveyards. I think people understand that.”

A Time Capsule Chris Roxburgh, an underwater photographer and diver who has explored the shipwreck and completed a full photoshoot of the vessel, finds the Westmoreland

particularly special among the countless Great Lakes shipwrecks.

“I think it’s one of the greatest shipwrecks in all of the Great Lakes,” he says. “It’s a true treasure ship and the story, the sinking, the survivors … It was quite a harrowing tale.

There are a lot of shipwrecks out there that most people don’t know about. To me, the Westmoreland is just as important as the

(Edmund) Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has gotten so popular because of the song written about it.”

The Westmoreland is the only shipwreck he has visited with the vessel’s hogging arches, on either side of the hull, fully intact.

“It’s in really good condition—one of the better conditions I’ve seen among the wrecks I’ve been on,” he adds. During his dives, Roxburgh was able to see some artifacts,

including plates and an ornate water jug on the deck. “It still has its wheel on it and the anchor hangs off of it … it’s like a time capsule.”

And the gold? No signs of it yet.

“Gold? That’s the legend,” Richardson says. “Most legends are based on some fact. Is there gold on the ship? Probably. How much and where it is? We don’t know.”

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Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 13

Wait, What?

The Saucon Valley School District in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, and The Satanic Temple have come to an agreement, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Earlier in 2023, the district had banned the temple from using its facilities at Saucon Valley Middle School to host the After School Satan Club (motto: Educatin' With Satan).

But on Nov. 16, the district agreed to cover the temple's attorney fees and give the club the same access to facilities as "comparable groups." However, The Satanic Temple noted that they do not run the clubs in districts where there are no Christianbased religious programs; since the district's Good News Club appears to be defunct this year, the After School Satan Club will be on hold.

Pop in or shop online for the coziest, coolest beer gear.

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14 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Let This Be a Warning to You Office Christmas parties are on the horizon, so take this cautionary tale to heart: Alana Bechiom filed a lawsuit last week in Los Angeles Superior Court over a Christmas party that went very sideways last year at a San Pedro, California, Taco Bell, where she worked at the time. KTLATV reported that Bechiom's manager invited her to the potluck staff party, and Bechiom brought a bowl of guacamole.

When she arrived, she said, she realized her manager had "covered the windows of the restaurant with wrapping paper" and had covered the lobby cameras. She noted that the supervisor had provided alcohol and some staffers were "overserved." After stepping outside for a moment late in the evening, Bechiom returned to find a coworker "having sex with his wife in front of everyone at the party"; the wife was also kissing the manager and another female co-worker. Bechiom said she ran out of the restaurant but went back in to get her guacamole bowl, where she found the manager and co-worker vomiting, one in her bowl. Bechiom reported the incident to Taco Bell, and the manager and coworker were fired, but since then she's been threatened and had her car windows shattered. Bechiom said she has suffered "actual, consequential and incidental financial losses"; her lawsuit names Taco Bell and the franchise owner, who she said "did nothing about the threats." Taco Bell says they "take these claims very seriously."

Angela Presti of Parma, Ohio, was so excited to bring home her first real Christmas tree and decorate it with her daughter, WKYC-TV reported. But a few hours later, she noticed her face was swollen and "My cheek was hot and itchy," she said.

"My tongue, I felt like I could swallow it, except I couldn't swallow and my throat started closing and my breathing was wheezy." Presti called her dad, who rushed her to the emergency room. She said medical staff weren't surprised that it might be the tree; about 7% of the population suffers from Christmas Tree Syndrome, caused not so much by the tree itself as the mold that grows on it in the sales lot. Presti's doctor suggested she go back to an artificial tree.

Supernatural According to the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, a number of

"witch bottles," created to deter evil spirits, are washing up along Gulf Coast beaches, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported on Nov. 20. The bottles are part of old-school spell casting; they contain objects including iron nails, rusty pins, hair and urine. Jace Tunnell of the institute thinks the bottles originate in the Caribbean and South America. "I've found around eight of these bottles and never opened one. I have five of them on my fence in the backyard since my wife won't let me bring them inside," he said. Tunnell said the bottles are intended to "draw in and trap harmful intentions directed at their owners."

Least Competent Criminals Three unnamed men were taken into custody in St. Louis, Missouri, on Nov. 16 after accidentally locking themselves in a city jail known as the Workhouse, KSDKTV reported. The Workhouse, a mediumsecurity lockup, has been empty for more than a year; the trespassers had to call 911 after getting themselves trapped inside.

After being sprung, they were arrested for property damage, burglary and stealing.

Mystery Solved Residents of Tees Valley in Northeast England have been flummoxed by about 1,000 small blue balls that have washed up on their beaches since mid-November, Metro News reported. The bright blue orbs are made of a rubberlike substance, and many people believe the appearance has to do with storms and strong currents disturbing a deposit of balls on the seabed.

As it turns out, the balls are called Taprogge balls, after their manufacturer, and they're used to clean the local power station's pipes. Sometimes they get released into the sea, but station officials say there's been no release lately. "They do this every week, they go through with the balls. It's a closed system and the balls shouldn't escape," said Jacky Watson from the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. "They are natural and will biodegrade but are still a hazard. We put the word out locally if people found the balls, they could let us know."

Inexplicable Tapacio Sanchez, 35, wasn't even a guest at the La Quinta Inn in Naples, Florida, when she started taking out her aggressions on the fire suppression systems there on Nov. 18, WINK-TV reported. Managers at the hotel asked Sanchez to leave the premises, but instead she tampered with the HVAC circuit breaker, ripping out internal wiring, and damaged eight sprinkler heads. Next, Sanchez took off for the Olive Garden restaurant next door, where she was discovered in the restroom with a dog (not hers). Police said she was speaking gibberish. She was arrested; the dog was returned to its owner.

Thieves made off with a questionable booty on Nov. 20 in Philadelphia, WPVITV reported. While a tractor-trailer was parked in a Target lot, six men broke the locks on the back of the trailer and stole multiple cases of talcum powder, police said. The driver was in the cab at the time but was unaware of the burglary until he started to drive away.

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Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 15

AN ODE TO THE PORTER A love letter to a classic dark beer style

The Pry Bar Porter from Workshop Brewing.

By Craig Manning As year-round beer drinkers, we have a certain level of appreciation for the beer that every season brings into rotation. The arrival of Oberon and other wheat beers in the spring; the shandies, lagers, and freshhopped IPAs that dominate the summertime; the string of Oktoberfest beers and pumpkin ales that hit the market in the fall.

But if we had to pick a favorite beerdrinking season, we might just lean toward winter, when dark beer finally gets its moment in the sun. (Metaphorical sun, of course; there’s no sun in a Michigan winter!)

As the temperatures drop and the first snows arrive, there’s a silver lining in knowing that a whole bevy of black ales, stouts, porters, and barrel-aged dark ales are about to take up residence on local shelves and tap lists. Traverse City’s 7 Monks even celebrates the occasion with its annual Black Friday Membership Drive, a popular event that recruits mug club members, raises funds for charity, and taps kegs of dozens of rare dark beers. Forget early morning shopping: That is how to spend the day after Thanksgiving.

In honor of the season, Northern Express is paying tribute to one of our favorite dark beer styles: the porter. Once a staple style of the craft beer world, the porter has become more of a rarity in recent years as IPAs, lagers, pilsners, and other lighter-hued beer options have gained popularity. But that relative scarcity just makes finding a perfect porter that much more satisfying, and northern Michigan has a few perfect porters to its name.

Definitions: Porter vs. Stout Before we get to those local porters, we have to answer the question that is most commonly asked about the porter style: What exactly is the difference between a porter and a stout? It’s a fair question, even for those who have spent a fair time drinking—or brewing—both styles.

“In the modern context, I honestly do believe the differentiation between a porter and stout has basically lost all of its actual meaning,” laughs James Warren, the head brewer at Traverse City’s Workshop Brewing Company. “There are so many people in the market that are just using the terms interchangeably for marketing purposes.

With that said, there is a rich history that does differentiate the beers quite well.”

Specifically, Warren is referring to the most common technical differentiation between porters and stouts, which is that porters are brewed with malted barley and stouts are brewed with unmalted roasted barley. As a result, stouts will usually be darker in color and have a roasty, coffee-like flavor to them, whereas porters are generally lighterbodied and more “drinkable” beers that have a malty, chocolatey sweetness to them.

One thing that’s for sure is that porters came before stouts. The term “stout,” in the beer world, is actually just the shortened version of the beer’s original name, which was “stout porter.” In other words, the original stouts were just brewed to be stronger porters, with higher alcohol content, thicker mouthfeel, and more robust flavors.

According to the Beer Judge Certification Program—essentially the beer classification

16 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

bible—a porter is “a substantial, malty dark beer with a complex and flavorful dark malt character,” whereas a stout is described as “fairly strong, highly roasted, bitter, hoppy (and) dark.”

Feel like you know less now than you did before? Welcome to the club!

At the end of the day, Nate Muellenberg— brewer and co-owner of Gaylord’s Snowbelt Brewing Co.—might have the simplest, least fussy, and all-around best philosophy when it comes to separating a porter from a stout.

“The line is very thin, and the styles do overlap quite a bit,” Mullenberg admits.

“But for me, a porter tends to be a bit lighter and softer in flavor, whereas a stout is more robust.”

Feel like you need a beer to really grasp those definitions? We do, too. So without further ado, here are three of our favorite northern Michigan porters.

Midnight Peddler Porter Beards Brewery (Petoskey) The logline: “Exceptionally smooth with a pronounced chocolatey flavor and balanced sweetness.”

The origin story: Formerly known as the “Serendipity Porter,” the Midnight Peddler is one of Beards Brewery’s four year-round flagships, and has been since the brewery opened its doors in 2012. According to Emily Hengstebeck, who holds the title of “harbinger of beer” for Beards, brewery founders Ben Slocum and Peter Manthei originally brewed a porter because “that’s what ingredients they had on hand that day.” The beer turning out as good as it did gave the porter its original name of Serendipity, and while the name

changed in 2022 due to trademark issues, the beer itself remains the same.

What makes it special: While dark beers tend to be something of an acquired taste among beer drinkers, everything about the Midnight Peddler is approachable.

The roasted, chocolatey, creamy flavors are familiar and pleasing, with none of the heavy, overpowering, or filling attributes that dark beer agnostics often fear. Plus, the 6.2 percent ABV makes this porter innately drinkable—even if you have two or three!

But our favorite thing about Midnight Peddler might be that it’s a year-round beer.

Where most local breweries tend to bring their porters out of the shed for the fall and winter months, Beards has Midnight Peddler on tap year-round. “We think there’s something inherently ‘northern Michigan’ about having a dark beer available 365 days a year,” Hengstebeck says, recommending the Midnight Peddler not just for cold nights, but also warm-weather hikes, summertime ice cream floats, and more.

Pry Bar Porter Workshop Brewing (Traverse City) The logline: “Rich and dark with overtones of baker’s chocolate. Modest gravity and hopping make it approachable; nitro draft makes it smooth.”

The origin story: “We’ve brewed that one since day one,” Warren says of the Pry Bar. Similar to the Midnight Peddler at Beards, Pry Bar is Workshop’s “always-on dark beer”—as well as the brewery’s lone “nitro” beer. For the uninitiated, in the beer world, the phrase “on nitro” refers to the gas used in the carbonation process. Most beers

The Kazfire S'mores Porter from Snowbelt Brewing Co.

are carbonated by way of carbon dioxide, which imparts bigger bubbles and a pricklier texture. Beers carbonated with nitrogen gas have a distinctly different personality, with smaller bubbles that give them a smoother, creamier texture.

What makes it special: Not every beer works when given the nitro treatment. Nitro IPAs or pilsners usually feel wrong, like if someone left a soda bottle in the fridge for too long and let it go flat. But darker beers can gain a lot from nitro: There’s a reason, for instance, that the world’s bestselling stout—Guinness—is a nitro beer. Similarly, the Pry Bar demonstrates just how ideal the porter style is for the nitro tap. The fine bubbles allow the rich flavors to jump to the forefront, and the smooth finish makes the beer one of the most drinkable dark ales you’ll ever taste.

Kazfire S’mores Porter Snowbelt Brewing Co. (Gaylord) The logline: “Camping anyone...?

Made with real graham crackers and marshmallows.”

The origin story: “There is only one brewer at Snowbelt, but we like to have our staff participate and come up with a recipe and help brew it,” Mullenberg says. “The idea of Kazfire came from our old kitchen manager.” That kitchen manager loved camping and had just had a baby named Kazimir when the first batch of Kazfire was being brewed. The camping aspect gave Kazfire its s’more-inspired flavor profile, while the baby’s name inspired the beer’s designation.

What makes it special: It makes sense to take the chocolate flavor notes that are so common with porters and to pair them with the other two ingredients of the most beloved campfire treat of all time. By using

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real graham crackers and marshmallows in the brewing process—the recipe for Kazfire calls for more than 10 pounds of graham crackers in the mash, according to Mullenberg—Snowbelt has concocted a beer that really does taste like a s’more.

It’s a perfect dessert beer, and it tastes especially good in colder weather.

Unsurprisingly, Mullenberg says the beer tends to “rate pretty high” on Snowbelt’s list of customer favorites, always generating a lot of buzz at the brewery when a new batch comes online each October.

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Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 17

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The Mocktail Man Roman Albaugh and the growing demand for zero-proof drinks

By Ashlee Cowles The holiday season can be a tricky time of year for those abstaining from alcohol, regardless of the reason. There are only so many flavors of La Croix, and when it comes to seasonal gatherings, a festive drink can add to the experience of getting into the holiday spirit. Fortunately, we are living in an exciting new era when it comes to nonalcoholic offerings, which provides those who aren’t partaking in alcohol with a lot more options.

And if that’s you, you’re far from alone.

The number of people searching for zeroproof alternatives continues to increase steadily. Between 2021 and 2022, sales of non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits totaled $395 million and grew 20.6 percent.

Roman Albaugh, owner and founder of the Bartending Company, has certainly noticed the increased demand for non-alcoholic offerings and is playing a role in bringing these alternatives to the Grand Traverse region.

“The demand [for non-alcoholic alternatives] is increasing exponentially,” says Albaugh, and the available options are increasing in response.

From Firefighting to Mixology Albaugh didn’t initially set out to become a mixologist and business owner, though.

Born in northern Michigan, Albaugh pursued a career as a firefighter right after high school and found himself doing ridealongs with his dream fire department in Oakland, California. He eventually realized firefighting wasn’t for him—which he says “came as a shock to a lot of people”—but he also didn’t have a Plan B. “So I did what a lot of people do,” Albaugh explains. He went into the service industry “in the meantime” while figuring out the next step.

Albaugh soon found himself working at an upscale hotel restaurant where he was able to learn from a bartender who had trained in a world-renowned bar in New York City.

18 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Albaugh began as a barback, moved up to bartender, and eventually managed the hotel’s lobby bar. Along the way, he was mentored by different bartenders who each had their own talents and areas of expertise, and he credits those relationships as the beginning of his passion for mixology.

In 2017 Albaugh returned home to northern Michigan, where he quickly noticed an opportunity in the market after learning that there weren’t many beverage catering services in the region. As a result, The Bartending Company was born—a premium beverage caterer that provides consulting, cocktail classes, and bar service for events such weddings and private parties.

At these events, Albaugh noticed that more and more of his clients were requesting a zero-proof drink option—something that wasn’t alcohol, wasn’t super sugary like soda or a syrupy mocktail, and wasn’t boring like water. Creating these drinks became an exciting challenge for him.

Initially, Albaugh experimented with

teas and infusions as replacements for the flavorful spirits typically found in a classic cocktail. “But these required a lot of prep work,” he says. Confident there had to be a better way, Albaugh began to ask, “How do we make this easier?”

Not long after he helped local chef Loghan Call plan a six-course, alcohol-free dinner, the two friends won a TCNewTech pitch night that led to the co-founding of Audacia Elixirs in 2021.

Recreating the Effect, Not the Spirit Audacia Elixirs aims to reimagine drinking through providing zero-proof offerings. The process has taken time; though the business was founded in 2021 and there was lots of buzz about getting products on shelves quickly, Audacia hit its stride in the closing months of 2023.

Their elixirs are now in use at local bars and restaurants like Iron Fish Distillery, The Little Fleet, and Yard & Lake of Northport. Retailers are stocking Audacia now too, and you can

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ZERO-PROOF RECIPES Speaking of making your own drinks, it’s time to break out the fresh herbs and add one of these flavorful mocktails from Audacia’s Recipe Portal to your holiday menu.

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Unlike other non-alcoholic replacements, Audacia’s concoctions do not bother trying to mimic a specific spirit, such as gin or whiskey. The reason? Whenever Albaugh tried mixing drinks with one of the zero-proof spirits already on the market, he found himself disappointed. The nonalcoholic substitute just didn’t have the same flavor profile as the spirit it was meant to imitate.

He decided to try a different approach.

“Instead of recreating the spirit,” says Albaugh, “we tried to recreate what the spirit does in a cocktail.” And in most classic cocktails, the spirit’s primary purpose is to provide a two-ounce base to which other sweet or sour elements can be added.

With the help of Naomi Call, a certified herbalist and local nutritionist who makes her own botanicals, Albaugh began working on Audacia’s base recipes. One of his favorite ingredients for creating mocktails is Audacia’s Citrus Botanical base, which has some bitterness to it that pairs well with the ingredients he would use in a tequila-based, margarita-style drink.

In addition to lemon and lime, Albaugh says he’s “been on a grapefruit kick these last couple of years.” While he always avoids the overwhelming sweetness you’ll find in many virgin drinks or frozen beverages, natural sweeteners such as agave, honey, or maple syrup have an important role to play in a zero-proof cocktail. Albaugh also enjoys

using fresh herbs such as mint and rosemary.

Tarragon can also give the body of a nonalcoholic alternative more complexity, as the herb’s licorice taste is similar to the flavors found in certain cocktails.

That Neat Flavor Now that Albaugh has a few years of creating non-alcoholic recipes under his belt, he’s leaning into the overall presentation of both his cocktails and mocktails. To that end, he uses a lot of edible flowers that he grows himself in both infusions and as garnishes.

Flowering herbs such as thyme, mint, clover, and chive also work well as garnishes that are both beautiful and aromatic.

Those who enjoy drinking a specific spirit “neat” present perhaps the greatest challenge to any mocktail mixologist. Most non-alcoholic bases are meant to be mixed with, but Albaugh says “You can sip our Citrus Botanical…” as it’s “more on the bitter side. It’s not the flavor profile of a whiskey neat, but it has a similar effect.”

The team at Audacia is also working on a new elixir that will hit the market soon, one that will be similar to an aperitif or afterdinner drink.

And if you’re trying to cut back on your booze intake but are fine with a small amount of alcohol, Albaugh offers this tip: add five to 10 drops of bitters to soda water or a zeroproof cocktail. Bitters are very low in alcohol but go a long way in improving the overall flavor of a drink and can give it more of that neat spirit bite.

drag me

to bingo

saturday, dec. 9 • 7:30 PM

Instructions Mince ginger and add to the shaker first with rosemary, then muddle. Add ice and the rest of the ingredients, shake well. Double strain into a glass and add ice. Garnish with an apple slice, orange peel, or rosemary sprig.

The Thorny Botanist

Ingredients • 2 oz Audacia Ambrosia (Floral Berry) Elixir • 1 oz tart cherry juice • 1 oz cranberry juice • 1/2 oz maple syrup (simple syrup or honey work well too) • Rosemary or thyme sprig(s) (One rosemary should suffice, but if using thyme, use three to four springs.)

Instructions Add all ingredients, including rosemary/thyme, into a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass with ice (or no ice). Garnish with rosemary/thyme—or cherries if you have them!

Find Audicia Elixirs products by visiting audaciaelixirs.com/locations.

nzel

brad we

Friday, Dec. 15 - 7:15 PM Saturday, Dec. 16 - 7:00 PM

get tickets! traversecitycomedyclub.com or call 231.421.1880

Host your next event here! holiday parties weddings corporate events 738 S. Garfield Avenue, Traverse City

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 19

Let’s Go Find a Tree!

THREE CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS TO EXPLORE THIS DECEMBER

By Brighid Driscoll The Christmas tree is a tradition that has stood the test of time.

Long before becoming a symbol of Christmas, evergreens were used to celebrate the winter season or to ward homes against evil and illness; Egyptians, Romans, and Druids all had versions of this practice. The origins of the contemporary Christmas tree trace back to 16th-century Germany, but it wasn’t until the 1840s, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were shown with the royal family gathered around their Christmas tree in the Illustrated London News, that Christmas trees became a fixture of the holiday. The tradition quickly took hold all over Europe and, eventually, beyond.

Here in northern Michigan we may not be surrounded by royals, but we are surrounded by local Christmas tree farms. Northern Express caught up with a few farm owners to get the scoop on when to buy your tree, which one to pick, and how to keep it looking beautiful all December long.

20 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Robinson Family Christmas Tree Farm, Traverse City

Bosma’s Christmas Tree Farm, Harbor Springs

After friends gave them some encouragement, Darrel Robinson and his wife began Christmas tree farming in the late 1980s. “We had no idea what it would turn into,” he says.

“At first, we started planting a few trees and realized pretty fast that we had to plant more and keep going.”

The family soon bought more acreage for their Traverse City farm to expand, and today they grow around 14,000 trees. The farm offers a wide selection of U-cut and pre-cut trees, with several varieties including Frasier, Canaan, concolor, balsam, and blue spruce.

“I like the concolor fir,” says Robinson. “They’re a longer needle with a slightly blue color to it, and they have a citrusy fragrance.”

While the trees can keep up with demand at the farm, wreaths are sold quickly. The Robinson farm also offers tree drilling and various goodies to take home, like candles, mugs, and an annual ornament.

Trees and decorations aren’t the only attractions at the farm. A decade ago, Robinson incorporated a petting zoo to make visits to the farm even more fun for little ones. “We’re pet friendly. We have goats, a horse, a donkey, chickens, and ducks. It’s really fun for the kids to feed them carrots and apples. We also have a Tot Lot set up with lots of toys to play with, and it’s also where we keep our little trees. We wanted to emphasize the family friendliness,” Robinson tells us.

Post-Christmas tree shopping, warm up in a heated pole barn with a cup of hot chocolate and a homemade chocolate chip cookie. “My wife makes the cookies every year, and we usually have quite a gathering in the barn,” Robinson says.

Robinson Family Christmas Tree Farm is now open every Monday through Thursday from noon to 7pm and every Friday through Sunday from 9am to 7pm. Find the farm at 6777 Herkner Rd in Traverse City.

Bosma’s Christmas Tree Farm has been run by brothers Jay and Les Bosma—and before that, their father and grandfather—for so long that Jay’s wife, Debbie, can’t recall when it all got started.

“We don’t know the exact time, but we think the farm has been in business for 70 years or so. My husband and his brothers’ grandpa started it, and their father continued it. Now Jay and Les have it,” she says.

Every year, the brothers handplant 1,500 to 2,000 trees. Christmas trees typically take six to 10 years to reach maturity, depending on the species, local growing conditions, and desired height. Seedlings undergo several years of cultivation before being transplanted to the farm, but variables like soil quality, climate, and proper care all affect growth. The brothers shape the trees during summer to keep them looking good and ready to sell later in the year.

The Bosma’s season began in November, and their trees have been selling like hotcakes.

(Don’t worry—you’ll be able to find several fir varieties at the farm and a few blue spruces left for purchase.) Debbie suggests that those planning on shopping for a Christmas tree should try to buy one by early December to ensure that needles are still intact for Christmas Day, as the Christmas tree lifecycle is truly a practice in patience.

She recommends that once you get your tree home, keep it well watered. A tree can seal up in as little as a few hours and stop drinking water if proper care isn’t taken soon after cutting. Also, make sure your tree stand has a water reservoir and check the tree’s water levels daily to keep it happy and healthy. A final pro tip: Keep your tree away from a heat source, as that will dry it out even faster.

Bosma’s Christmas Tree Farm is open from 10am to 5pm on Mondays and 9am to 5pm the rest of the week. Find them at 3133 South Pleasantview Rd in Harbor Springs.

Schmuckal Tree Farms, Kingsley Dick Schmuckal began the family Christmas tree farm in Kinglsey with his brothers.

“Our operation has always been a hobby farm,” he explains, albeit a large hobby. “At one point, we were in the top 10 percent of Christmas tree farms, acreage-wise. That first year, we planted 150,000 trees. It was hard work! We were getting into the Christmas tree business. We had trees going all the way up through Williamsburg.”

Indeed, there was a time when the family owned 13 Christmas tree farm locations.

Today the operation has scaled back, with Schmuckal’s nephews running a tree lot in Traverse City and Schmuckal helming the Kingsley farm. Frasier firs are the trees primarily grown and sold at the farm due to their classic look, smell, and the fact their branches are strong enough to support ornaments. Also, they’re hardy if taken care of properly.

“I had one lady tell me she kept her Frasier up till Easter,” Schmuckal says.

What started as a hobby has brought Schmuckal a lot of joy over the years. This past July, he was inducted into the Michigan Christmas Tree Association Growers Hall of Fame.

“Christmas tree farmers, I don’t want to say they’re special, but we get to do something special because we get to produce the centerpiece for the most festive holiday of the season,” he says.

Schmuckal adds that seeing the generations of families who have come to buy trees through the years is something he always looks forward to come November and December.

“I love to hear the kids out there calling out, ‘Hey, Dad, I found a nice one!’ And afterward, we give out popcorn balls. There are kids I’ve seen every year who are adults with their own kids now. That warms my heart. And in some cases, I get a hug every year.”

Visit Schmuckal Tree Farm Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm. Find them at 5719 Schneider Rd in Kingsley.

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 21

dec 02

Saturday

VILLAGE TREE DECORATING: 8am-noon, Mackinaw City Recreation Center. Enjoy a morning of tree trimming, family fun & a visit from Santa Claus. 231-436-5351.

----------------------------11TH ANNUAL LAKE LEELANAU HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: 10am-3pm, St. Mary’s School, Lake Leelanau. Featuring work from more than 40 artists. There will also be live music by Ben Duperon, Suttons Bay Celtics, Leelanau Flute Ensemble, & Prevailing Winds, & a ‘Family Corner’ with kids activities & Santa & Mrs. Claus.

----------------------------2ND ANNUAL 5K ELF RUN BELLAIRE: 10am, 202 N. Bridge St., Bellaire. $25. runsignup.com ----------------------------ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MARKET: 10am2pm, Central United Methodist Church, Downtown TC. Featuring gingerbread house decorating, wreath making, make & take crafts for kids, & the United Women in Faith cookie walk. There will be more than 20 local artisan vendors with a variety of items. Admission is free. tccentralumc.org/events ----------------------------CADILLAC HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: 10am3pm, Cadillac. Four unique homes representing the 1880’s to the present day - decorated throughout by the Cadillac Garden Club.

Tickets available at Horizon Books - Cadillac or Brinks Art & Framing - Cadillac. $15 in advance; $20 at door. 517-285-0110. Locations on tickets or web site. cadillacgardenclub. com/events.html ----------------------------CHARLEVOIX HOLIDAY MERCHANT OPEN HOUSE & HOT COCOA CONTEST: The Holiday Merchant Open House will be held all day at area businesses. Featuring entertainment, samples, snacks, sales, raffles & more. The Hot Cocoa Contest will be held from noon - 5pm. Follow the trail to vote for your favorite hot cocoa.

----------------------------DROP-IN ART: 3D SNOWFLAKE: 10amnoon, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Classroom, TC. For ages 1st grade through adult. Join Kristi to make 3D snowflakes using glassine sacks. $5. crookedtree.org/ class/ctac-traverse-city/drop-art-3d-snowflake-0 ----------------------------HOLIDAY ART SHOW 2023: 10am-4pm, Almira Town Hall, Lake Ann. Featuring a variety of handmade goods for sale from all local artists. Paintings, fiber art, clothing, crocheted items, handmade cards, woodwork, basketry, jewelry, etc. Benefits the Almira Township Historical Society. Free. facebook.com/events/s/holiday-art-show2023/2060827260934965/?mibextid=Gg3lNB ----------------------------LIGHT UP THE NIGHT & SOUP COOK OFF: Bellaire. Held all day. Kids crafts, parade, scavenger hunt, soup tasting & contest, tree lighting, Santa & more. $15 per ticket; includes 7 soups & bread. Tickets available at Bellaire Bar, Toonies, Corner Bistro, Short’s Brewing Co., Bellaire Library, Lakeview Shanty, & Bellaire Chamber Office.

----------------------------MANISTEE JINGLE BELL JOG 5K RUN/ WALK: 10am, The Tabernacle Church, Manistee. $25. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Manistee/ManisteeJingleBellJog5K ----------------------------OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in art for all ages.

New projects are offered each week. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/openstudio-december-2

WOODCREEK HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW & FOOD DRIVE: 10am-4pm, 501 Woodcreek Blvd., across from Costco - S. Airport Rd., TC. ----------------------------ALL ABOARD! THE POLAR EXPRESS!: 11am-3pm, Downtown Elk Rapids. See the Train Display located at Bayfront Beach & Bike. Pick up your golden ticket at Nifty Things or River St. Market, visit 5 shops & get a free Polar Express Bell ornament. The Elk Rapids Cinema will be playing the Polar Express movie at 2pm & 7pm. facebook. com/downtownelkrapids ----------------------------CHRISTKINDL MARKET CELEBRATION: 11am-3pm, Charlevoix Circle of Arts. Treats, beverages, live music, kids’ activities, & CCA’s indoor artist market of handmade gifts. charlevoixcircle.org/events ----------------------------FILL THE ECTO TOY DRIVE: 11am-3pm, Five Below, TC. Join the Cherryland Ghostbusters for the Fill the Ecto toy drive for NW Michigan Marine Toys For Tots. facebook. com/cherrylandghostbusters ----------------------------HOLIDAY MARKET AT 45 NORTH: 11am6pm, 45 North Vineyard & Winery, Lake Leelanau. Food, drinks & local artists market.

Free admission. fortyfivenorth.com/events/ holiday-market ----------------------------JOLLY GINGERBREAD: 11am-1pm, Bellaire Public Library. All ages, but children under 5 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Registration required; limited openings. bellairelibrary.org ----------------------------FARMLAND 5K & FREE FOR ALL BIKE: Noon, Rasho Farm, TC. This European-style cross country race is on a dedicated course on private farmland & features trails, rolling hills, & turfgrass. It is a 5K run & 6 loops/12 miles biking event. 5K Run: $35; Free for All Bike: $35; Farmland Run & Bike Combo: $50; Bike Add-On Day of: $15; Run Add-On Day of: $15.

Prices increase after Nov. 30. runsignup.com/ farmland5k ----------------------------VEGMICHIGAN - TC - MONTHLY MEETUP: 1pm, Oryana West, TC. Enjoy a vegan holiday cookie exchange. Prepare 2 dozen of your favorite vegan cookies. Print out copies of the recipe to share. RSVP in the comment section on the Meetup with the type of cookies you’re bringing. If you don’t have time to bake, please bring 2 dozen ready-made vegan cookies. Bring a large container to carry your cookies. There will also be a holiday themed craft for kids.

Free. meetup.com/traverse-city-vegmichigan-meetup/events/297283272/?utm_ medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_ savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link ----------------------------A CHRISTMAS CAROL: 2pm & 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Allen Fitzpatrick follows in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, who, a few years after writing the novella, began public readings of it, which he continued to perform until the year of his death.

Audiences can use the full range of their imagination as one actor on a virtually bare stage creates 26 different characters. $27-$52. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/a-christmas-carol ----------------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: 2pm, Heritage Village Chapel, Mackinaw City. Hear the history of the Chapel & participate in a traditional service from the late 1800s. Dress warm. Free. mackinawhistory.org ----------------------------NORTHWEST MICHIGAN BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER”: 2pm & 7pm, TC Central High School Auditorium. With choreography by Thomas Morrell, costumes by Donna Hood & set design by Amber Harker. $12-$22. nwmiballettheatre. org/performances

22 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

december

02-10

send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

In the giving spirit, The Little Fleet, TC hosts monthly Soup and Bread where local chefs donate the soup and bread, and you pay what you can to benefit a local charity. Mon., Dec. 4 will feature chefs from Bubbies, S2S, Modern Bird, Bull and Bear, Stella, and Cook’s House, with bread from Common Good. The events runs from 6-8pm. It will benefit the Women’s Resource Center. thelittlefleet.com/event

PICTURES WITH THE GRINCH AT THE KATYDID: 2pm, The Katydid, Petoskey. Get your pictures with the one & only Grinch! Free.

----------------------------THE HAUNTING OF EBENEZER: 2pm, The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee. An acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. $15. hauntingofebenezer.com ----------------------------LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY LIGHTS HIKE: 4:30-7pm, Leelanau State Park campground, Northport. Enjoy a stroll through the Leelanau State Park campground lit with lanterns, Christmas trees & many holiday decorations with 3D glasses. End your tour at the Lighthouse & walk through the decorated home of the McCormick family of the 1920’s. Hear the pump organ & climb the tower for a night view of Lake Michigan. Venture into the Fog Signal Building to see the Grinch tree & activities for kids & adults. $5; 5 & under, free. mynorthtickets.com/events/ christmas-at-the-lighthouselantern-lit-walk?fb clid=IwAR0TkVvhMs0CaN0JFjTzS5D5A-PUWKzDmaVxy0hjru-qdK0sPfvPl6g3eSM ----------------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: 5:30pm, New Hope Community Church, Williamsburg. Experience the Story of Christmas from Creation to Bethlehem & beyond in a 45 minute tour completely outdoors. Watch scenes come to life as a guide leads you through a woodland path filled with actors, scenery & live animals. Free. newhope.cc ----------------------------COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING: 6pm, Rotary Park, Frankfort. Free hot chocolate & carols by the Frankfort elementary school chorus & Benzie Community Chorus. Santa’s Workshop including crafts & Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be held at the Garden Theater from 4-5:30pm prior to the tree lighting.

----------------------------HARBOR SPRINGS MERCHANTS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 6-9pm, Downtown

Harbor Springs. Main & State streets will be closed to allow the community to stroll between stores. The Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band will perform.

----------------------------RESOLVE SOLO ART EXHIBITION: 6:3010pm, Harbor Brook Hall, TC. Enjoy an evening of art, appetizers, & drinks featuring new works by Karen Vande Kieft. For more info email: vandekieftphotography@ hotmail.com. Free.

----------------------------“THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER”: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Based on the historic voyages of Christmas tree ships during the late 1800s & early 1900s, “The Christmas Schooner” is the musical story of a Michigan shipping captain who braves the deadly winter weather to bring Christmas trees to homesick German-American families in Chicago.

Adults: $33; youth under 18: $20. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/mainstage/ the-christmas-schooner.html ----------------------------A SEASON FOR SINGING - LITTLE TRAVERSE CHORAL SOCIETY HOLIDAY CONCERT: 7:30-9pm, Zion Lutheran Church of Petoskey. $15 adults; $5 students; free for under 12. littletraversechoralsociety.org/concerts ----------------------------BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY DANCE: 7:30pm, Alanson-Littlefield Community Bldg., Alanson. Music by Harbor Hoedown, calling by Larry Dyer. All dances taught.

No need to bring a partner. Potluck at 6:30pm.

Bring your own tableware. $10/person, $5/student, 12 & under free. blissfest.org ----------------------------LEELANAU COMMUNITY CHOIR - “SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS”: 7:30pm, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Leland. Free.

----------------------------MANITOU WINDS PRESENTS WINTER SONGS & CAROLS: 7:30pm, Grace Episcopal Church, TC. Enjoy a festive evening of

traditional carols, holiday favorites, & wintry originals interspersed with inspiring spoken word. Featured guests include soprano Emily Curtin Culler & a Community Choir under the direction of Michael Beery. Free. manitouwinds.com/upcoming-performances ----------------------------SWITCHBACK CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 7:30pm, Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall, Elk Rapids. Switchback is an Irish folk duo made up of Brian FitzGerald & Martin McCormack.

They will perform holiday favorites in their spirited style. Tickets: $20 advance at ER Corner Drugs, River St. Market, Oryana 10th St., or Brown Paper Tickets online. $25 at door. Doors open at 6:30pm.

----------------------------THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: SOLD OUT: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Harvey Theatre.

This Tony Award-winning comedic musical follows three quirky adults & six colorful contestants as they host & compete in a spelling bee. Each speller’s personal lives & struggles are revealed. For ages 13+. interlochen.org/ events/25th-annual-putnam-county-spellingbee-2023-12-01 ----------------------------SETH BERNARD & RACHAEL DAVIS: 8pm, City Opera House, TC. Rachael is known for her expressive & explosive voice, & for uniting folk, blues, country & pop. She describes her music as “Motown-Banjo.” Seth is known as “a prolific producer of inventive original music, & a dedicated community caretaker.” $15-$30. cityoperahouse.org/node/546

dec 03

Sunday

MORNING WITH SANTA!: Luci & Carl’s Candy Cabin beneath Grandpa Shorter’s, Petoskey. Meet Santa, share your Christmas wishes & pose for photos with him. There will also be story time with Santa, coloring Christmas socks, & sweet treats to go. Reserve your spot. Held from 1011am or 11:30am-12:30pm. $25. grandpashorters.com/product/morning-with-santa ----------------------------POP-UP READ-IN & MOVIE: Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Noon-1:15pm: Bring a book or check one out & read quietly for an hour. Help celebrate a Silent Book Club Milestone: 500 chapters in 50 countries across 6 continents. 1:15-1:30pm: Intermission. 1:30-3:45pm: Books to Movies Screening of “Little Women.” Watch the 2019 movie version of the Louisa May Alcott book.

Pop-Up Read-In presented by Silent Book Club - Traverse AM & PM chapters. Free.

----------------------------SANTA & SLEIGH RIDES: Noon-4pm, Incredible Mo’s, Grawn. Bring your camera & take a photo with Santa for free. 2Fools will also provide sleigh rides. facebook.com/ events/896671848688620 ----------------------------FREE FAMILY & FRIENDS FUN DAY: 1-3pm, Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, Visitor Center Classroom, TC. Enjoy hot cocoa, treats & a craft activity that celebrates the Botanic Garden’s Possum Woods. Make your own paper pine tree centerpiece to decorate your holiday table, mantel or entry table.

For all ages. Free. thebotanicgarden.org ----------------------------“THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER”: (See Sat., Dec. 2, except today’s time is 2pm.)

----------------------------NORTHWEST MICHIGAN BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Sat., Dec. 2, except today’s only performance is at 2pm.)

----------------------------PICTURES WITH THE GRINCH AT THE KATYDID: (See Sat., Dec. 2)

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: SOLD OUT: (See Sat., Dec. 2, except today’s time is 2pm.)

----------------------------LEELANAU COMMUNITY CHOIR - “SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS”: 2:30pm, Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Free.

----------------------------A SEASON FOR SINGING - LITTLE TRAVERSE CHORAL SOCIETY HOLIDAY CONCERT: 3pm, First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs. $15 adults; $5 students; free for under 12. littletraversechoralsociety. org/concerts ----------------------------“LIGHT AND LIGHTNESS”: 4pm, Bellaire High School Auditorium. This concert is presented by the Antrim County Community Choir. Freewill offering. 231-676-9277.

----------------------------45TH ANNUAL MESSIAH SING: 4pm, Central United Methodist Church, Downtown TC. Featuring soloists: Laura Osgood Brown (soprano), Lindsey Anderson (alto), John Bragle (tenor), & Keith Brown (baritone). Also performing will be the NMC Grand Traverse Chorale, accompanied by organ & chamber orchestra, under the baton of conductor Jeffrey Cobb.

Rehearsal for those who want to sing starts at 2:45pm. Donation. tccentralumc.org/events ----------------------------JORDAN VALLEY COMMUNITY BAND HOLIDAY MUSIC: 4pm, East Jordan Middle/High School, Community Auditorium.

Free entry.

----------------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------LEELANAU COMMUNITY CHOIR - “SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS”: 7pm, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Glen Arbor. Free.

----------------------------JAZZ ORCHESTRA: “NUTCRACKER SUITE” BY DUKE ELLINGTON & BILLY STRAYHORN: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Dendrinos Chapel & Recital Hall.

Wsg Stafford Hunter. A Grammy-nominated trombonist & 21-year veteran of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Hunter will lead the Arts Academy musicians in takes on Nutcracker favorites. $17 adult; $14 child through college. interlochen.org/events/jazz-orchestranutcracker-suite-duke-ellington-and-billystrayhorn-2023-12-03

dec 04

monday

DECEMBER’S SOUP & BREAD: 6-8pm, The Little Fleet, TC. Local chefs donate the soup & bread. You pay what you can to benefit a local charity. This month’s charity is Women’s Resource Center. thelittlefleet.com/events ----------------------------FROM INFAMY TO HOPE: 6:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Author & Old Mission resident Stephen Lewis will talk about his new book of historical fiction. Told in the voice of a housemaid in 17th century Puritan Boston, it is the story of religious persecution & events of the time.

dec 05

tuesday

COFFEE & CONVERSATION AT THE CHAMBER: 8-10am, Harbor Springs Area Chamber office, 118 E. Main St., Harbor Springs.

Meet Rebeca Otto, director of Regional Community Impact for United Way. Rebeca will share all of the projects & initiatives of the United Way of Northwest Michigan.

-----------------------------

GREAT LAKES UNTAMED: A DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES: Glen Lake Library, Empire. Learn about the Great Lakes ecosystem in this three-art film series. One episode will be shown on these dates: Dec. 5, 12 & 19 at 7pm. glenlakelibrary.net ----------------------------TRAVERSE CITY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAPPY HOUR: 5:30-7:30pm, Firefly, TC. Free.

----------------------------GRAND TRAVERSE ICE YACHT CLUB MEETING: Grand Traverse Yacht Club, Greilickville. For those interested in ice boating. Social hour at 6pm; meeting at 7pm.

Held the first Tues. of each month. facebook. com/groups/GTIYC ----------------------------GRAND TRAVERSE KENNEL CLUB MEETING: Incredible Mo’s, Grawn. 6pm meet & greet; 7pm meeting. Public is welcome. Free. Grandtraversekennelclub.com

the TC Skating Club, & Evergreen YASC will have hot chocolate & be your guides to downtown. The Grand Traverse Show Chorus will also fill the streets with song. downtowntc.com/ladies-shopping-night ----------------------------MAKE IT BENZIE - CHAMBER OFF THE CLOCK NETWORKING: 5-7pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Enjoy fare from Stormcloud Brewing Co., holiday tunes by Analog Fusion, libations & an update on Chamber operations. There will be a Holiday Wacky Wardrobe Contest. $5. business.benzie.org/events/details/benzie-area-chamberoff-the-clock-event-16856 ----------------------------POTLUCK & OFF THE WALL MOVIE NIGHT: Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Dinner, 6pm; movie, 7pm. Please call the Alden District Library at 231-3314318 for movie details & to sign up for the potluck. Free.

----------------------------RACE TEAM INFO NIGHT: 6-7pm, Brick Wheels, TC. The Race Team is a free initiative that exists outside normal Norte spring DECEMBER RECESS: & fall mountain bike programs. Free. nortey5-7pm, Delamar, TC. Enjoy outhcycling.org The Ticker’s holiday happy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - hour with food & beverages CHRISTMAS TOGETHER: 7pm, Cheboyfrom Artisan, & be entered to gan Opera House. The Agee Family presents win a one-night stay at Delamar with a $100 or their annual Christmas concert to benefit the $200 Artisan gift card included. Find ‘December Salvation Army. Donations may be given to Recess at Delamar Traverse City’ on Face- the Red Kettle Campaign of the Salvation Army of Cheboygan to meet the local needs book. $10.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - of the community. You are also invited to bring FOX ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE ASSOCIA- dry food items to replenish the Salvation Army TION ANNUAL MEETING: 6pm, The Union, Food Pantry. Free. theoperahouse.org L O C-A- T- E- D - -I-N- -B-E-A-U- T- I-F-U- L- - - - - -EST. -----Northport. Annual update on progress & plans restoring the South Fox Island Light HANDEL’S MESSIAH: 7pm, Great Lakes Station. short M O N Join – S Afor T a1 0 A Mpresentation, - 5 3 0 P M music, Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Presented foodS&Ua N chance to meet the D A Y - 1 1 A M - 4team P M leading the by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra with project. New volunteers welcome. southfox- the GLCO Choir. $35, $45, $65. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/messiah-2023 lighthouse.org ----------------------------- ----------------------------NWS PRESENTS NITA PROSE: 7pm, City “THE NUTCRACKER”: 7:30pm, InterloOpera House, TC. #1 New York Times best- chen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. selling author Nita Prose is known for her Presented by the Interlochen Arts Academy book “The Maid,” which sold a million cop- Dance Division. The story of Clara & her ies. She will talk about her newest book, enchanted Nutcracker comes to life in this “The Mystery Guest.” Guest Host is Brittany ballet production. Original choreography by Cavallaro, the New York Times bestselling Director of Dance Joseph Morrissey & a live author of “A Study in Charlotte.” $0-$27. city- performance by the Arts Academy Orchestra. $42 adult; $19 child through college. interlooperahouse.org/node/541 chen.org/events/nutcracker-2023-12-07 ----------------------------AN EVENING WITH ANNE-MARIE OOMEN: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, The NMCAA’S LAUNDRY Writing House. This Michigan-based author PROJECT: 8:30-11:30am, returns for a reading, Q&A session & book TC Laundry, Garfield Plaza, signing. Oomen has published several memTC. Free laundry service oirs, a full-length poetry collection & seven for those in need. Call 947- stage plays. Free. interlochen.org/events/ evening-anne-marie-oomen-2023-12-07 3780 with questions.

----------------------------- ----------------------------ANNUAL FRIENDS OF THE KALKASKA LI- THE BROADWAY TENORS: 7:30pm, City BRARY COOKIE SALE: 9am-6pm, Kalkaska Opera House, TC. “’Tis The Season.” Bringing the greatest holiday songs to life, The BroadCounty Library. Cookies are $5 a dozen.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - way Tenors also perform a fully staged & choLUNCHEON LECTURE: 11:30am, NCMC, reographed, multi-media theatrical show. $10Library Conference Center, Petoskey. $47. cityoperahouse.org/node/509 “Problem-Solving Court” will be presented

by Dr. Alex Elswick. Hear about how Emmet County’s 57th Circuit Court will launch a new DWI/Drug Problem-Solving Court in January 2024. $15; includes a buffet lunch. ncmclifeANNUAL FRIENDS OF longlearning.com/event-5426345 THE KALKASKA LIBRARY ----------------------------COOKIE SALE: (See HOLIDAY FUN: 3-6pm, Kingsley Branch LiThurs., Dec. 7) brary. Enjoy homemade cookies, crafts, holi-----------------day music, & a visit with Santa. All ages are STORYTIME: 10:30am, Leland Township welcome. Free. tadl.org/posts/holiday-open- Library, Leland. Stories & more for patrons house-december-7th aged 0-6 & their caregivers. Free. lelandli- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - brary.org/programs-events LADIES’ SHOPPING NIGHT: 5-9pm, Down- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - town TC at participating locations. Visit the FRIDAY $2 CLASSICS: 11am, Lyric Theatre, J Smith Walkway (between Pangea’s & Kil- Harbor Springs. Featuring “The Bishop’s wins) for a gift wrapping station courtesy of Wife.” $2.

embrace

dec 06

wednesday

hours

dec 07

winter in

fashion

Downtown Suttons Bay

bahles.net

18 76

thursday

dec 08

friday

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 23

traditional carols, holiday favorites, & wintry originals interspersed with inspiring spoken word. Featured guests include soprano Emily Curtin Culler & a Community Choir under the direction of Michael Beery. Free. manitouwinds.com/upcoming-performances ----------------------------SWITCHBACK CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 7:30pm, Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall, Elk Rapids. Switchback is an Irish folk duo made up of Brian FitzGerald & Martin McCormack.

They will perform holiday favorites in their spirited style. Tickets: $20 advance at ER Corner Drugs, River St. Market, Oryana 10th St., or Brown Paper Tickets online. $25 at door. Doors open at 6:30pm.

----------------------------THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: SOLD OUT: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Harvey Theatre.

This Tony Award-winning comedic musical follows three quirky adults & six colorful contestants as they host & compete in a spelling bee. Each speller’s personal lives & struggles are revealed. For ages 13+. interlochen.org/ events/25th-annual-putnam-county-spellingbee-2023-12-01 ----------------------------SETH BERNARD & RACHAEL DAVIS: 8pm, City Opera House, TC. Rachael is known for her expressive & explosive voice, & for uniting folk, blues, country & pop. She describes her music as “Motown-Banjo.” Seth is known as “a prolific producer of inventive original music, & a dedicated community caretaker.” $15-$30. cityoperahouse.org/node/546

dec 03

Sunday

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: SOLD OUT: (See Sat., Dec. 2, except today’s time is 2pm.)

----------------------------LEELANAU COMMUNITY CHOIR - “SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS”: 2:30pm, Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Free.

----------------------------A SEASON FOR SINGING - LITTLE TRAVERSE CHORAL SOCIETY HOLIDAY CONCERT: 3pm, First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs. $15 adults; $5 students; free for under 12. littletraversechoralsociety. org/concerts ----------------------------“LIGHT AND LIGHTNESS”: 4pm, Bellaire High School Auditorium. This concert is presented by the Antrim County Community Choir. Freewill offering. 231-676-9277.

----------------------------45TH ANNUAL MESSIAH SING: 4pm, Central United Methodist Church, Downtown TC. Featuring soloists: Laura Osgood Brown (soprano), Lindsey Anderson (alto), John Bragle (tenor), & Keith Brown (baritone). Also performing will be the NMC Grand Traverse Chorale, accompanied by organ & chamber orchestra, under the baton of conductor Jeffrey Cobb.

Rehearsal for those who want to sing starts at 2:45pm. Donation. tccentralumc.org/events ----------------------------JORDAN VALLEY COMMUNITY BAND HOLIDAY MUSIC: 4pm, East Jordan Middle/High School, Community Auditorium.

Free entry.

----------------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------LEELANAU COMMUNITY CHOIR - “SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS”: 7pm, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Glen Arbor. Free.

----------------------------JAZZ ORCHESTRA: “NUTCRACKER SUITE” BY DUKE ELLINGTON & BILLY STRAYHORN: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Dendrinos Chapel & Recital Hall.

Wsg Stafford Hunter. A Grammy-nominated trombonist & 21-year veteran of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Hunter will lead the Arts Academy musicians in takes on Nutcracker favorites. $17 adult; $14 child through college. interlochen.org/events/jazz-orchestranutcracker-suite-duke-ellington-and-billystrayhorn-2023-12-03

MORNING WITH SANTA!: Luci & Carl’s Candy Cabin beneath Grandpa Shorter’s, Petoskey. Meet Santa, share your Christmas wishes & pose for photos with him. There will also be story time with Santa, coloring Christmas socks, & sweet treats to go. Reserve your spot. Held from 1011am or 11:30am-12:30pm. $25. grandpashorters.com/product/morning-with-santa ----------------------------POP-UP READ-IN & MOVIE: Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Noon-1:15pm: Bring a book or check one out & read quietly for an hour. Help celebrate a Silent Book Club Milestone: 500 chapters in 50 countries across 6 continents. 1:15-1:30pm: Intermission. 1:30-3:45pm: Books to Movies Screening of “Little Women.” Watch the 2019 movie version of the Louisa May Alcott book.

DECEMBER’S SOUP & Pop-Up Read-In presented by Silent Book BREAD: 6-8pm, The Little Club - Traverse AM & PM chapters. Free.

Fleet, TC. Local chefs do----------------------------nate the soup & bread. You SANTA & SLEIGH RIDES: Noon-4pm, Inpay what you can to benefit a credible Mo’s, Grawn. Bring your camera local charity. This month’s charity is Women’s & take a photo with Santa for free. 2Fools Resource Center. thelittlefleet.com/events will also provide sleigh rides. facebook.com/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - events/896671848688620 FROM INFAMY TO HOPE: 6:30pm, Penin- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - sula Community Library, TC. Author & Old FREE FAMILY & FRIENDS FUN DAY: Mission resident Stephen Lewis will talk 1-3pm, Botanic Garden at Historic Barns about his new book of historical fiction. Told Park, Visitor Center Classroom, TC. Enjoy hot in the voice of a housemaid in 17th century cocoa, treats & a craft activity that celebrates Puritan Boston, it is the story of religious perthe Botanic Garden’s Possum Woods. Make secution & events of the time. your own paper pine tree centerpiece to decorate your holiday table, mantel or entry table.

For all ages. Free. thebotanicgarden.org ----------------------------USE THEM ON ANYTHING IN THE GOLF “THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER”: (See COFFEESHOP! & CONVERSASat., Dec. 2, except today’s time is 2pm.)

TION AT THE CHAMBER: • Lessons • Fittings - - - - - - - -Golf - - - -Clubs - - - - -•- Golf - - - - Balls - - - - -•- Apparel 8-10am, Harbor Springs NORTHWESTTrackMan MICHIGAN Range BALLET• TrackMan THEArea Performance Chamber Bays office, 118 ATRE PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER”: Accessories • AND MORE! E. Main St., Harbor Springs.

(See Sat., Dec. 2, except today’s only perfor- Meet Rebeca Otto, director of Regional mance is at 2pm.)

Community Impact for United Way. Rebeca 231.947.1185 tcgolfperformance.com 6270 Secor Rd - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - will share all of the projects & initiatives of the PICTURES WITH THE GRINCH AT THE United Way of Northwest Michigan.

KATYDID: (See Sat., Dec. 2) -----------------------------

GET YOUR

GOLFER WHAT THEY

dec 04

monday

WANT THIS YEAR.

A GIFT CARD FROM TC GOLF PERFORMANCE

dec 05

tuesday

TRAVERSE CITY GOLF PERFORMANCE CENTER

24 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

GREAT LAKES UNTAMED: A DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES: Glen Lake Library, Empire. Learn about the Great Lakes ecosystem in this three-art film series. One episode will be shown on these dates: Dec. 5, 12 & 19 at 7pm. glenlakelibrary.net ----------------------------TRAVERSE CITY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAPPY HOUR: 5:30-7:30pm, Firefly, TC. Free.

----------------------------GRAND TRAVERSE ICE YACHT CLUB MEETING: Grand Traverse Yacht Club, Greilickville. For those interested in ice boating. Social hour at 6pm; meeting at 7pm.

Held the first Tues. of each month. facebook. com/groups/GTIYC ----------------------------GRAND TRAVERSE KENNEL CLUB MEETING: Incredible Mo’s, Grawn. 6pm meet & greet; 7pm meeting. Public is welcome. Free. Grandtraversekennelclub.com

dec 06

wednesday

dec 07

thursday

DECEMBER RECESS: 5-7pm, Delamar, TC. Enjoy The Ticker’s holiday happy hour with food & beverages from Artisan, & be entered to win a one-night stay at Delamar with a $100 or $200 Artisan gift card included. Find ‘December Recess at Delamar Traverse City’ on Facebook. $10.

----------------------------FOX ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING: 6pm, The Union, Northport. Annual update on progress & plans restoring the South Fox Island Light Station. Join for a short presentation, music, food & a chance to meet the team leading the project. New volunteers welcome. southfoxlighthouse.org ----------------------------NWS PRESENTS NITA PROSE: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. #1 New York Times bestselling author Nita Prose is known for her book “The Maid,” which sold a million copies. She will talk about her newest book, “The Mystery Guest.” Guest Host is Brittany Cavallaro, the New York Times bestselling author of “A Study in Charlotte.” $0-$27. cityoperahouse.org/node/541

NMCAA’S LAUNDRY PROJECT: 8:30-11:30am, TC Laundry, Garfield Plaza, TC. Free laundry service for those in need. Call 9473780 with questions.

----------------------------ANNUAL FRIENDS OF THE KALKASKA LIBRARY COOKIE SALE: 9am-6pm, Kalkaska County Library. Cookies are $5 a dozen.

----------------------------LUNCHEON LECTURE: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey.

“Problem-Solving Court” will be presented

by Dr. Alex Elswick. Hear about how Emmet County’s 57th Circuit Court will launch a new DWI/Drug Problem-Solving Court in January 2024. $15; includes a buffet lunch. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5426345 ----------------------------HOLIDAY FUN: 3-6pm, Kingsley Branch Library. Enjoy homemade cookies, crafts, holiday music, & a visit with Santa. All ages are welcome. Free. tadl.org/posts/holiday-openhouse-december-7th ----------------------------LADIES’ SHOPPING NIGHT: 5-9pm, Downtown TC at participating locations. Visit the J Smith Walkway (between Pangea’s & Kilwins) for a gift wrapping station courtesy of

the TC Skating Club, & Evergreen YASC will have hot chocolate & be your guides to downtown. The Grand Traverse Show Chorus will also fill the streets with song. downtowntc.com/ladies-shopping-night ----------------------------MAKE IT BENZIE - CHAMBER OFF THE CLOCK NETWORKING: 5-7pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Enjoy fare from Stormcloud Brewing Co., holiday tunes by Analog Fusion, libations & an update on Chamber operations. There will be a Holiday Wacky Wardrobe Contest. $5. business.benzie.org/events/details/benzie-area-chamberoff-the-clock-event-16856 ----------------------------POTLUCK & OFF THE WALL MOVIE NIGHT: Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Dinner, 6pm; movie, 7pm. Please call the Alden District Library at 231-3314318 for movie details & to sign up for the potluck. Free.

----------------------------RACE TEAM INFO NIGHT: 6-7pm, Brick Wheels, TC. The Race Team is a free initiative that exists outside normal Norte spring & fall mountain bike programs. Free. norteyouthcycling.org ----------------------------CHRISTMAS TOGETHER: 7pm, Cheboygan Opera House. The Agee Family presents their annual Christmas concert to benefit the Salvation Army. Donations may be given to the Red Kettle Campaign of the Salvation Army of Cheboygan to meet the local needs of the community. You are also invited to bring dry food items to replenish the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Free. theoperahouse.org ----------------------------HANDEL’S MESSIAH: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Presented by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra with the GLCO Choir. $35, $45, $65. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/messiah-2023 ----------------------------“THE NUTCRACKER”: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium.

Presented by the Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Division. The story of Clara & her enchanted Nutcracker comes to life in this ballet production. Original choreography by Director of Dance Joseph Morrissey & a live performance by the Arts Academy Orchestra. $42 adult; $19 child through college. interlochen.org/events/nutcracker-2023-12-07 ----------------------------AN EVENING WITH ANNE-MARIE OOMEN: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, The Writing House. This Michigan-based author returns for a reading, Q&A session & book signing. Oomen has published several memoirs, a full-length poetry collection & seven stage plays. Free. interlochen.org/events/ evening-anne-marie-oomen-2023-12-07 ----------------------------THE BROADWAY TENORS: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. “’Tis The Season.” Bringing the greatest holiday songs to life, The Broadway Tenors also perform a fully staged & choreographed, multi-media theatrical show. $10$47. cityoperahouse.org/node/509

dec 08

friday

ANNUAL FRIENDS OF THE KALKASKA LIBRARY COOKIE SALE: (See Thurs., Dec. 7) -----------------STORYTIME: 10:30am, Leland Township Library, Leland. Stories & more for patrons aged 0-6 & their caregivers. Free. lelandlibrary.org/programs-events ----------------------------FRIDAY $2 CLASSICS: 11am, Lyric Theatre, Harbor Springs. Featuring “The Bishop’s Wife.” $2.

VILLAGE OF ALANSON HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 2-5pm, Alanson. Featuring a chili cookoff. Various business participants will have chili at their respected store fronts for free. Judging will be at 6pm, & the winner announced at 7pm.

----------------------------LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY LIGHTS HIKE: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------SIP & SHOP HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 5-9pm, Veterans Park Pavilion, Boyne City. Hosted by the Boyne City Farmers Market. Browse local artists, food makers & holiday decorations while sipping libations from around the region. Holiday music, small plate bites & more. Free.

----------------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY: 6pm, Mackinaw City. Christmas Parade of Lights along Central Ave. followed by the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, carols, cookies, cocoa & Santa’s arrival in Marina Park. 231-436-5574.

----------------------------LITTLE TRAVERSE HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 6-8pm, Little Traverse History Museum, Petoskey. Kurt Zimmerle will speak about the history of ornaments & tree toppers.

Fourth graders from St. Francis will present their decorations they made for the museum.

Howard Richards will play Christmas carols on the Hemingway piano, & Santa will be available for pictures. Free.

----------------------------BENZIE COMMUNITY CHORUS - ONE STARRY STARRY NIGHT: 7pm, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Beulah. A freewill offering will be collected to help defray costs. 231651-0311; benziechorus@gmail.com.

----------------------------HANDEL’S MESSIAH: (See Thurs., Dec. 7) “THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER”: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------“THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Thurs., Dec. 7) ----------------------------MITTEN SMITTEN PRESENTS: HOLIDAY SHOW FEAT. LEVITATOR & PETE KEHOE: 7:30-9pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Enjoy psychedelic rock from Levitator, along with singer & multiinstrumentalist Pete Kehoe, who is also a 2011 Michigan Emmy Award-winning composer & songwriter. $20 adults; $10 students. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/mittensmitten-presents-holiday-show-featuring-levitator-pete-kehoe

dec 09

Saturday

OLD MISSION WOMEN’S CLUB HOLIDAY COOKIE FUNDRAISER: Peninsula Township Hall, Old Mission Peninsula. Held 8am until sold out (usually by 11-11:30am) so come early. Boxes will be provided along with gloves to pick your own cookies. Large assortment of holiday cookie specialties. Proceeds to benefit local nonprofits each year. Entry free, $12/lb. for cookies. oldmissionwc.org ----------------------------ANNUAL TRINITY CHURCH & SCHOOL CHRISTMAS COOKIE EVENT: 9am, Trinity Lutheran School Gym, TC. Nearly 23,000 traditional & Old World favorites will be offered. For more info call 941-3487 or 231499-9259. tctrinity.org ----------------------------COOKIE SWAP FUN RUN: 9am, Fleet Feet, 300 E Front St., Suite 103, TC. Join for a 3 mile run followed by a festive cookie swap.

Bring 12-24 of your favorite holiday treats & an empty plate. Following the run, you will

have the opportunity to then fill your plate with the goodies that others have brought in. Feel free to bring in copies of your recipe cards. 932-5401. Suggested entry fee is $10.

----------------------------ELK RAPIDS JINGLE JOG: The Dam Shop, Elk Rapids. Featuring the 5K Jingle Jog & 1 Mile Reindeer Run. 5K starts at 9am; 1 Mile at 10am. $25; $15. runningintheusa.com/details/132617 ----------------------------NORTHPORT WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS BAKE & TREASURE SALE: 9am-noon, Trinity Church, Northport. Presented by The Women’s Club of Northport. All money is used for area scholarships. Cash or check only.

----------------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: 10am, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Santa, shopping specials, carriage rides & much more.

Find ‘Christmas in The Village’ on Facebook.

----------------------------GUIDED BIRDWATCHING HIKE: 1011:30am, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Join Executive Director & birding guide Angie Quinn on a birdwatching hike through the Art Park - in the midst of a 30-acre preserve—& part of the Sleeping Bear Birding Trail. Free with Art Park admission. michlegacyartpark.org/ tours-workshops/birdwatching-series ----------------------------OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------SATURDAY 25 CENTS FAMILY FAVORITES: 10:30am, Lyric Theatre, Harbor Springs. Featuring “Jack Frost.” 25 cents.

----------------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY: Mackinaw City.

11am-3pm: Christmas Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl. Noon-3pm: Horse-drawn wagon rides compliments of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry. 3:30-6:30pm: Colonial Christmas at Colonial Michilimackinac. 231-436-5574.

----------------------------PHOTOS WITH SANTA TO BENEFIT TOYS FOR TOTS: 11am-3pm, The Ellison Place, Gaylord. Sponsored by Jim Wernig Chevrolet & Jim Wernig GMC. Visit Santa, get photos, do a holiday craft, enjoy the hot cocoa bar, & visit The Christmas Shop, Vendor & Craft Show. $1 entry fee; can donate more. facebook.com/ events/856795586092261?active_tab=about ----------------------------VISIT WITH SANTA: Noon-3pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Community Building, Petoskey. Take a photo with Santa, make crafts to take home, & enjoy hot cocoa & cookies. Free.

----------------------------“THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER”: (See Sat., Dec. 2, except today’s times are both 2pm & 7:30pm.)

----------------------------“THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Thurs., Dec. 7, except today’s times are both 2pm & 7:30pm.)

----------------------------PICTURES WITH THE GRINCH AT THE KATYDID: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------BENZIE COMMUNITY CHORUS - ONE STARRY STARRY NIGHT: 3pm, Frankfort United Methodist Church. A freewill offering will be collected to help defray costs. 231-651-0311; benziechorus@gmail.com. benziechorus.org ----------------------------ENCORE SYMPHONIC WINDS - “IN THE SEASON OF GIVING”: 3pm, First Congregational Church, TC. This concert will honor the stillness & joy of the holiday season. Compositions by Bach & Shostakovich, along with David Lovrien’s “Minor Alterations.” Free. traversesymphony.org/encore ----------------------------LIGHT UP INTERLOCHEN: 3-7pm, Tom’s Food Market, Interlochen. Featuring a lighted art display with over 150,000 color changing lights & a 20-foot mega pixel tree with syn-

chronized light & sound, fireworks, pre-packaged treats, beer/wine, grilled food tents, carriage rides, live reindeer & an appearance from Santa Claus. Free.

----------------------------MANITOU WINDS PRESENTS WINTER SONGS & CAROLS: 4pm, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Beulah. Enjoy a festive evening of traditional carols, holiday favorites, & wintry originals interspersed with inspiring spoken word. Featured guests include soprano Emily Curtin Culler & a Community Choir under the direction of Michael Beery. Free. manitouwinds.com/upcoming-performances ----------------------------LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY LIGHTS HIKE: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------WINTER SOUNDS: 5pm, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville.

Enjoy hot cider, a warm bonfire, a winter hike through the woods, & an outdoor performance from the TC West Middle School Madrigal Singers. Dress warm, bring something warm to sit on, & arrive early to allow for a 1/4 mile hike to the amphitheater. $10; 17 & under, free. crystalmountain.com/event/winter-sounds ----------------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------LIGHTS, BITES, & BOOKS GALA: 6-9pm, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library. Enjoy a night of fellowship, food & fun, including a silent auction. All proceeds from each ticket & silent auction sales support the library. 231271-3512. $60/person. sbbdl.org ----------------------------“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” DRAMATIC READING: 6:30pm, Grace Episcopal Church, TC. Drew Gibson & Don Kuehlhorn bring the Charles Dickens’ classic to life.

Free. gracetraversecity.org ----------------------------NMC JAZZ BANDS CONCERT: 7:30-9:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Featuring the music of Battle, Durham, White, Mercer, Jones, Mingus & many others. Tickets available in advance for a discount at nmcmusicdepartment.simpletix.com.

At door: $15 adults; $10 seniors & students; NMC students are free with student ID. ----------------------------THE HAUNTING OF EBENEZER: 7:30pm, Left Foot Charley, Barrel Room, TC. An acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. $30. hauntingofebenezer.com

dec 10

Sunday

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: 11am, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Santa, shopping specials, carriage rides & much more. Find ‘Christmas in The Village’ on Facebook.

----------------------------S’MORES WITH SANTA: 1-3pm, Camp Daggett, Petoskey. Enjoy hot cocoa & s’mores, decorate sugar cookies, take a photo with Santa, write letters to the North Pole, & go on a scavenger hunt. Free. campdaggett.org ----------------------------SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECT: 1-3pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Drop in & enjoy a family friendly art activity led by docents in the sculpture court. Free with price of admission. dennosmuseum.org/events/ community-programs.html ----------------------------“THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Thurs., Dec. 7, except today’s time is 2pm.)

----------------------------A CHRISTMAS CAROL: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Enjoy a two man adaptation of a holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Free. tadl.org/event/christmas-carol-10968

THE HAUNTING OF EBENEZER: 3pm, St. Ambrose Cellars, Beulah. An acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. $20. hauntingofebenezer.com ----------------------------UGLY SWEATER CONCERT: 3pm, Northport Performing Arts Center. Join the Northport Community Band for their first ever Ugly Sweater Concert. Featuring seasonal favorites, & favorites from around the world. Wear your most festive - or heinous - holiday knitwear for a chance at prizes. $0-$15. northportperformingarts.org/tickets-and-events ----------------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------BENZIE COMMUNITY CHORUS - ONE STARRY STARRY NIGHT: 7pm, Frankfort United Methodist Church. A freewill offering will be collected to help defray costs. 231-651-0311; benziechorus@gmail.com. benziechorus.org

helping hands

GRAIN TRAIN – GIFT CARD GIVING TREE: Select a tag off the tree to guide your purchase of a gift card to be given to WRCNM clients to help make the holidays a little more special. Runs through Dec. 7 at Grain Train, downtown Petoskey.

----------------------------MCLEAN & EAKIN BOOKSELLERS – THE GIVING TREE: Select an ornament off the tree to guide your purchase of an age-appropriate book to share with children utilizing Safe Home services. Runs through Dec. 15 at McLean & Eakin Booksellers, downtown Petoskey.

----------------------------SAFE HOME HARVEST FOOD & SUPPLY DRIVE: Asking for grocery or supermarket gift card donations & financial contributions to benefit the Safe Home that is operated 24/7 by Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. wrcnm.org/event/harvest-foodand-supply-drive-4-copy/ ----------------------------LIGHTS OVER LEELANAU: The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is partnering with Leelanau Christian Neighbors for a canned food drive for the month of Dec. Bring a donation of 2 canned goods per person to any & all participating local wineries & receive a winery-choice promotional benefit. lpwines.com/lights-over-leelanau

art

WINTER MARKET: Runs through Dec. 30 at Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Featuring the work of more than 30 area artists & craftspeople. Includes ornaments, wearable art, home decor, jewelry, cards, photography, prints, paintings & more. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am-4pm & on Sundays from noon-4pm. The OAC will be closed on Dec. 24-26. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org ----------------------------HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET: Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. Runs through Dec. 19 from 1-4pm. Featuring gifts made by local artists. jordanriverarts.com ----------------------------CHARLEVOIX CIRCLE MARKET: Charlevoix Circle of Arts. More than 30 local artists, crafters & makers create & sell their items. Runs through Dec. 30. Open Mon. through Fri., 11am-4pm & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org/circle-market ----------------------------JUST GREAT ART EXHIBIT & SALE: Runs through Dec. 30 at City Opera House, TC. Artists Sue Bowerman, Kurt Bullock, Lori Feldpausch, Rita Harrington, Michelle Jahraus, Ruth Kitchen, Dorothy Mudget, Joyce Petrakovitz, Marilyn Rebant, Laura Swire, Linda Tyson, & Wendy McWhorter are showing over 100 original works of art in oil, wa-

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 25

VILLAGE OF ALANSON HOLIDAY Plants Are Growing and OPEN HOUSE: Your 2-5pm, Alanson.

Money CanFeaturing Too! a chili cookoff. Various business participants will have at their for respected store fronts for Visitchili tcfedcu.org Certificate Specials! free. Judging will be at 6pm, & the winner announced at 7pm.

----------------------------LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY LIGHTS HIKE: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------SIP & SHOP HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 5-9pm, Veterans Park Pavilion, Boyne City. Hosted by the Boyne City Farmers Market. Browse local artists, food makers & holiday decoraFinancial Serviceslibations for the Community! tions while sipping from around the region. Holiday music, small plate bites & more. Free.

- - - - - - - - - - ---- ---- - -Est. - -1950 ----------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) 231.946.6655 • tcfedcu.org ----------------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY: 6pm, Mackinaw City. Christmas Parade of Lights along Central Ave. followed by the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, carols, cookies, cocoa & Santa’s arrival in Marina Park. 231-436-5574.

----------------------------LITTLE TRAVERSE HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 6-8pm, Little Traverse History Museum, Petoskey. Kurt Zimmerle will speak about the history of ornaments & tree toppers.

Fourth graders from St. Francis will present * their decorations they made for the museum. * PJ will Salvage excluded Howard Richards play Christmas carols on the Hemingway piano, & Santa will be available for pictures. Free.

----------------------------BENZIE COMMUNITY CHORUS - ONE STARRY STARRY NIGHT: 7pm, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Beulah. A freewill offering will be collected to help defray costs. 231231.932.0510 651-0311; benziechorus@gmail.com.

- - -126 - - -E - -Front - - - - -St - -•- Downtown - - - - - - - - -TC ---HANDEL’S MESSIAH: (See Thurs., Dec. 7) “THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER”: (See Sat., Dec. 2) • • ----------------------------“THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Thurs., Dec. 7) ----------------------------MITTEN SMITTEN PRESENTS: HOLIDAY SHOW FEAT. LEVITATOR & PETE KEHOE: 7:30-9pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Enjoy psychedelic rock from Levitator, along with singer & multiinstrumentalist Pete Kehoe, who is also a 2011 Michigan Emmy Award-winning composer & songwriter. $20 adults; $10 students. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/mittenIN SAVINGS smitten-presents-holiday-show-featuring-levitator-pete-kehoe

have the opportunity to then fill your plate with the goodies that others have brought in. Feel free to bring in copies of your recipe cards. 932-5401. Suggested entry fee is $10.

----------------------------ELK RAPIDS JINGLE JOG: The Dam Shop, Elk Rapids. Featuring the 5K Jingle Jog & 1 Mile Reindeer Run. 5K starts at 9am; 1 Mile at 10am. $25; $15. runningintheusa.com/details/132617 ----------------------------NORTHPORT WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS BAKE & TREASURE SALE: 9am-noon, Trinity Church, Northport. Presented by The Women’s Club of Northport. All money is used for area scholarships. Cash or check only.

----------------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: 10am, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Santa, shopping specials, carriage rides & much more.

Find ‘Christmas in The Village’ on Facebook.

----------------------------GUIDED BIRDWATCHING HIKE: 1011:30am, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Join Executive Director & birding guide Angie Quinn on a birdwatching hike through the Art Park - in the midst of a 30-acre preserve—& part of the Sleeping Bear Birding Trail. Free with Art discover Park admission. the roots ofmichlegacyartpark.org/ your uniqueness tours-workshops/birdwatching-series ----------------------------OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------SATURDAY 25 CENTS FAMILY FAVORToddler & TweenLyric Apparel & Shoes *Harbor ITES: 10:30am, Theatre, Springs. Featuring “Jack Frost.” * some exclusions apply 25 cents.

----------------------------CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY: Mackinaw City.

11am-3pm: Christmas Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl. Noon-3pm: Horse-drawn wagon rides compliments of Shepler’s Mackinac Island 231.421.8868 • 130 E Front St • Downtown Ferry.

3:30-6:30pm: Colonial ChristmasTCat Colonial Michilimackinac. 231-436-5574.

----------------------------PHOTOS WITH SANTA•TO BENEFIT TOYS FOR TOTS: 11am-3pm, The Ellison Place, Gaylord. Sponsored by Jim Wernig Chevrolet & Jim Wernig GMC. Visit Santa, get photos, do a holiday craft, enjoy the hot cocoa bar, & visit The Christmas Shop, Vendor & Craft Show. $1 entry fee; can donate more. facebook.com/ events/856795586092261?active_tab=about ----------------------------VISIT WITH SANTA: Noon-3pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Community Building, Petoskey. Take a photo with Santa, make crafts to take home, & enjoy hot cocoa & cookies. Free.

----------------------------“THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER”: (See Just Some of the Great Businesses Included: Sat., Dec. 2, except today’s times are both Thirsty Fish2pm & 7:30pm.)

Jolly Pumpkin Rico’s Cafe & Sports Grille Pizzeria ----------------------------Sorellina “THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Thurs., Dec. 7, OLDSt.MISSION WOMEN’S Dino’s Pizza Ambrose Harrington’s except today’s times are both 2pm & 7:30pm.)

CLUB HOLIDAY COOKIE Cellars The Cheese Lady By the Bay FUNDRAISER: Peninsula - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Elmbrook Shooters Range Bayside Market PICTURES WITH THE GRINCH AT THE Township Hall, Old Mission Golf Course Peninsula. Held 8amPeegeo’s until KATYDID: (See Sat., Dec. 2) Lil Bo & Honey so come - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - soldJohnny’s out (usually byMilk 11-11:30am) Willie’s Rear The Sweet early.

Boxes will be provided along with gloves BENZIE COMMUNITY CHORUS - ONE Torch Riviera Bay Meadows ShopLarge assortment to pick your own cookies. of STARRY STARRY NIGHT: 3pm, Frankfort Course Hotelcookie Indigospecialties. Proceeds to Golf United Methodist Church. A freewill offering will holiday benefit Bay Bread Peegeo’s local nonprofits each year. Entry free, Paesano’s $12/lb. be collected to help defray costs. 231-651-0311; McGee’s 72 for cookies.

Old Town benziechorus@gmail.com. benziechorus.org Paradise oldmissionwc.org Cove ----------------------------- - - - - - - - - - - - - -Dillinger’s - - - - - - Pub - - - - -Playhouse ---Lucky Jack’s ANNUAL TRINITY CHURCH & SCHOOL ENCORE SYMPHONIC WINDS - “IN THE Bahia Tapas CHRISTMAS COOKIE EVENT: 9am, Trin- SEASON OF GIVING”: 3pm, First Congreity Lutheran School Gym, TC. Nearly 23,000 gational Church, TC. This concert will honor traditional & Old World favorites will be of- the stillness & joy of the holiday season. Comfered. For more info call 941-3487 or 231- positions by Bach & Shostakovich, along with The P“Minor Alterations.” Free. traDavid Lovrien’s 499-9259. tctrinity.org Stockin erfect versesymphony.org/encore ----------------------------g - t- u- f- f- - - - - - - - - - - - - COOKIE SWAP FUN RUN: 9am, Fleet Feet, - - - - - - - - - - - S er!

300 E Front St., Suite 103, TC. Join for a 3 LIGHT UP INTERLOCHEN: 3-7pm, Tom’s mile run followed by a festive cookie swap. Food Market, Interlochen. Featuring a lighted Bring 12-24 of your favorite holiday treats & art display with over 150,000 color changing an empty plate. Following the run, you will lights & a 20-foot mega pixel tree with syn-

For Traverse City area news and events, visit TraverseTicker.com

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chronized light & sound, fireworks, pre-packaged treats, beer/wine, grilled food tents, carriage rides, live reindeer & an appearance from Santa Claus. Free.

----------------------------MANITOU WINDS PRESENTS WINTER SONGS & CAROLS: 4pm, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Beulah. Enjoy a festive evening of traditional carols, holiday favorites, & wintry originals interspersed with inspiring spoken word. Featured guests include soprano Emily Curtin Culler & a Community Choir under the direction of Michael Beery. Free. manitouwinds.com/upcoming-performances ----------------------------LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY LIGHTS HIKE: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------WINTER SOUNDS: 5pm, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville.

Enjoy hot cider, a warm bonfire, a winter hike through the woods, & an outdoor performance from the TC West Middle School Madrigal Singers. Dress warm, bring something warm to sit on, & arrive early to allow for a 1/4 mile hike to the amphitheater. $10; 17 & under, free. crystalmountain.com/event/winter-sounds ----------------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------LIGHTS, BITES, & BOOKS GALA: 6-9pm, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library. Enjoy a night of fellowship, food & fun, including a silent auction. All proceeds from each ticket & silent auction sales support the library. 231271-3512. $60/person. sbbdl.org ----------------------------“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” DRAMATIC READING: 6:30pm, Grace Episcopal Church, TC. Drew Gibson & Don Kuehlhorn bring the Charles Dickens’ classic to life.

Free. gracetraversecity.org ----------------------------NMC JAZZ BANDS CONCERT: 7:30-9:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Featuring the music of Battle, Durham, White, Mercer, Jones, Mingus & many others. Tickets available in advance for a discount at nmcmusicdepartment.simpletix.com.

At door: $15 adults; $10 seniors & students; NMC students are free with student ID. ----------------------------THE HAUNTING OF EBENEZER: 7:30pm, Left Foot Charley, Barrel Room, TC. An acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. $30. hauntingofebenezer.com

dec 10

Sunday

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: 11am, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Santa, shopping specials, carriage rides & much more. Find ‘Christmas in The Village’ on Facebook.

----------------------------S’MORES WITH SANTA: 1-3pm, Camp Daggett, Petoskey. Enjoy hot cocoa & s’mores, decorate sugar cookies, take a photo with Santa, write letters to the North Pole, & go on a scavenger hunt. Free. campdaggett.org ----------------------------SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECT: 1-3pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Drop in & enjoy a family friendly art activity led by docents in the sculpture court. Free with price of admission. dennosmuseum.org/events/ community-programs.html ----------------------------“THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Thurs., Dec. 7, except today’s time is 2pm.)

----------------------------A CHRISTMAS CAROL: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Enjoy a two man adaptation of a holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Free. tadl.org/event/christmas-carol-10968

THE HAUNTING OF EBENEZER: 3pm, St. Ambrose Cellars, Beulah. An acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. $20. hauntingofebenezer.com ----------------------------UGLY SWEATER CONCERT: 3pm, Northport Performing Arts Center. Join the Northport Community Band for their first ever Ugly Sweater Concert. Featuring seasonal favorites, & favorites from around the world. Wear your most festive - or heinous - holiday knitwear for a chance at prizes. $0-$15. northportperformingarts.org/tickets-and-events ----------------------------THE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: (See Sat., Dec. 2) ----------------------------BENZIE COMMUNITY CHORUS - ONE STARRY STARRY NIGHT: 7pm, Frankfort United Methodist Church. A freewill offering will be collected to help defray costs. 231-651-0311; benziechorus@gmail.com. benziechorus.org

helping hands

GRAIN TRAIN – GIFT CARD GIVING TREE: Select a tag off the tree to guide your purchase of a gift card to be given to WRCNM clients to help make the holidays a little more special. Runs through Dec. 7 at Grain Train, downtown Petoskey.

----------------------------MCLEAN & EAKIN BOOKSELLERS – THE GIVING TREE: Select an ornament off the tree to guide your purchase of an age-appropriate book to share with children utilizing Safe Home services. Runs through Dec. 15 at McLean & Eakin Booksellers, downtown Petoskey.

----------------------------SAFE HOME HARVEST FOOD & SUPPLY DRIVE: Asking for grocery or supermarket gift card donations & financial contributions to benefit the Safe Home that is operated 24/7 by Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. wrcnm.org/event/harvest-foodand-supply-drive-4-copy/ ----------------------------LIGHTS OVER LEELANAU: The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is partnering with Leelanau Christian Neighbors for a canned food drive for the month of Dec. Bring a donation of 2 canned goods per person to any & all participating local wineries & receive a winery-choice promotional benefit. lpwines.com/lights-over-leelanau

art

WINTER MARKET: Runs through Dec. 30 at Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Featuring the work of more than 30 area artists & craftspeople. Includes ornaments, wearable art, home decor, jewelry, cards, photography, prints, paintings & more. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am-4pm & on Sundays from noon-4pm. The OAC will be closed on Dec. 24-26. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org ----------------------------HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET: Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. Runs through Dec. 19 from 1-4pm. Featuring gifts made by local artists. jordanriverarts.com ----------------------------CHARLEVOIX CIRCLE MARKET: Charlevoix Circle of Arts. More than 30 local artists, crafters & makers create & sell their items. Runs through Dec. 30. Open Mon. through Fri., 11am-4pm & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org/circle-market ----------------------------JUST GREAT ART EXHIBIT & SALE: Runs through Dec. 30 at City Opera House, TC. Artists Sue Bowerman, Kurt Bullock, Lori Feldpausch, Rita Harrington, Michelle Jahraus, Ruth Kitchen, Dorothy Mudget, Joyce Petrakovitz, Marilyn Rebant, Laura Swire, Linda Tyson, & Wendy McWhorter are showing over 100 original works of art in oil, wa-

tercolor, acrylic & pastel. Enjoy holiday shopping during the City Opera House hours, daily 10am-2pm & during their many evening events. cityoperahouse.org ----------------------------“ESCAPING THE FRAME”: Commongrounds, 414 E. 8th St., TC. Etching prints

by Dorothy Anderson Grow. Runs through Jan. 7.

----------------------------“BARBARA REICH EXHIBIT: ART IN THE LIBRARY”: Bonobo Winery, library, TC. This exhibit features a select collection of Barbara’s original paintings that focus on still life & snow.

Runs through Feb. 26. barbarareich.com ----------------------------5TH ANNUAL SMALL WORKS & ART TREE SHOW: Higher Art Gallery, TC. Visit a tree of artisan made ornaments, along with a wall of small works. Show runs during open hours through Dec. 23. higherartgallery.com ----------------------------MERRY MARKETPLACE 2023: Runs through Dec. 9 at Crooked Tree Arts Center, Cornwell Gallery, TC. Shop hundreds of unique handmade gifts & works of art from artists all over the state. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-traverse-city/merry-marketplace ----------------------------BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD: Glen Arbor Arts Center, Lobby Gallery. A series of abstract landscapes out of the imagination of painter Alice Moss. This small show runs through Dec. 15. Moss’ focus is on Leelanau County roadways, woodlands, & beaches, all of which she has been walking, watching, & visiting since childhood in the early 1960s. glenarborart.org/events/exhibit-by-the-sideof-the-road ----------------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY - CROOKED TREE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY EXHIBITION 2023: Held in Atrium Gallery. The photographs included in this show

were self-selected by the group through peer review. Runs through Dec. 9. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/crooked-tree-photographic-society-exhibition-2023 ----------------------------- HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Runs through Dec. 20 in the galleries. Featuring handmade gifts & artwork. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/holiday-bazaar-petoskey-0 DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - “A SEPARATE SHINING: SELECTIONS FROM THE TUSEN TAKK FOUNDATION COLLECTION”: The Tusen Takk Foundation & the Dennos Museum present this exhibition representing artists who have participated in its artist-in-residence program to date. Taking its title from the poem “Joy” by Hilda Conkling, the exhibition surveys the artist’s exploration of the intangible, the unseen qualities of joy, beauty, & hope. Runs through Jan. 7.

Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view/index.html - “PASSAGES: THE ART OF RON GIANOLA”: Gianola’s paintings are the result of a fifty-plus year long experience with the Art Spirit, pursuing the possibilities of a personal transformative vision, engaging emotion, expression, & the poetry of visual music. Runs through Jan. 7. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-onview/index.html - “STEPHEN DUREN: A LIFE OF PAINTING”: This exhibit brings together works by artist Stephen Duren that cover his sixtyyear career & bring greater definition to his artistic contributions. Runs through Jan. 7.

Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view/index.html - NORTHLAND WEAVERS & FIBER ARTS GUILD’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION: Runs through March 3 & includes the work of 27 current & past members. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org

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7812 E 14 Road, Manton • 231-824-9002 (if line is busy, keep trying) Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 27

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska ENCORE 201, TC 12/2 -- The 4 Horsemen, 7-10; DJ Ricky T, 10 12/7 -- Friends With Benefits, 7-10 12/8 -- DJ Ricky T, 9 12/9 -- The Jon Archambault Band, 7-10; DJ Ricky T, 10

MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC 12/8 -- Loren & Shelby, 6-9 NORTH BAR, TC 7-10: 12/7 -- Drew Hale 12/8 -- Jesse Jefferson

FRESH COAST BEER WORKS, TC 12/8 -- Dags und Timmah!, 7-10

PARK PLACE HOTEL, TC BEACON LOUNGE: 12/1-2 -- Jim Hawley, 7-10

KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC 12/1-2 -- The Lucas Paul Band, 9:30 12/4 -- Team Trivia, 7 12/5 -- The Will Harris Trio, 8:30 12/8-9 -- E Quality, 9:30

SORELLINA'S, TC SLATE RESTAURANT: Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8 Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9

KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING 12/4 -- Trivia, 6-8 12/5 -- Open Mic, 6-8 12/7 -- Tim Thayer, 7-9

SPARKS BBQ, TC 12/8 -- Shouting Bones, 7-9

LIL BO, TC Tues. – Trivia, 8-10 Weds. – Open Mic Night w/ Aldrich, 9-11 Sun. – Karaoke, 8

THE ALLUVION, TC 12/2 -- "Alluvion Winter Tones" Night Two: Breathe Owl Breathe & The Antivillians, 7-9:30 12/3 -- The Don Julin Trio, 7-9 12/4 -- Big Fun - Funky Mondays, 6-8 12/7 -- Jazz w/ Rob Smith, 6-8 12/8 -- The Claudettes wsg Courtney Kaiser-Sandler & Tim Jones, 7-9:30 12/9 -- Yimes Album Release Show + Steve Leaf, 7-10

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, TC 7-10: 12/2 & 12/9 -- Andrew Lutes 12/8 -- Clint Weaner

THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 12/2 -- Themed DJ Night w/ DJ Dusty Staircase, 8-11 12/6 -- DJ Dusty Staircase, 5-11

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM: 12/4 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9

THE PARLOR, TC 12/5 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11 12/6 -- Wink Solo, 8-11 12/7 -- Jimmy Olson, 8-11 12/9 -- 10th Anniversary Prohibition Party w/ Chris Sterr & Delilah DeWylde, 5 THE PUB, TC 8-11: 12/2 -- Jazz Cabbage 12/7 -- Steve Clark 12/8 -- Levi Britton 12/9 -- Wink Solo THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 12/2 -- Jack Pine Band, 8-10 Tue -- Open Mic Night, 7-9 Wed -- Jazz Show & Jam, 6-8 Thu -- Trivia Night, 7-8 12/8 -- The Styleguides, 7-9 12/9 -- 1000 Watt Prophets, 7-9 TRAVERSE CITY COMEDY CLUB, TC 12/1 – Comedy w/ Mo Mandel, 7:15-9 12/2 -- Comedy w/ Mo Mandel, 7-8:45 12/8 -- Good on Paper Improv, 8-10 12/9 -- Drag Me to Bingo, 7:30-10

BIER'S INWOOD BREWERY, CHARLEVOIX 12/7 -- Open Mic Night w/ Host John Eaton: Sign-up at 6:15; Music at 7 ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS 7-10:

E HAV WE NDAY 0 1 SU NFL T & BIG E RK K O C I W T NET

12/2 -- Kevin Johnson 12/9 – Jeff Socio

JAX NORTHSIDE, CHARLEVOIX Wed -- Trivia Night, 7-9

TORCH LAKE CAFÉ, CENTRAL LAKE Thu -- Open Mic & Nick Vasquez, 7 Fri - Sat -- Leanna Collins & Ivan Greilick, 7:30 Sun -- Trivia, 5:30; Dominic Fortuna, 6:30

MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 12/2 -- Two Track Mind, 7-10 THE EARL, CHARLEVOIX LOBBY LO BAR, 6-9:

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28 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD 6: 12/2 -- Rick Woods 12/8 -- Mike Ridley 12/9 -- Nelson Olstrom

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD 12/8 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6 C.R.A.V.E., GAYLORD 6-9: 12/2 -- Nelson Olstrom 12/8 -- Kenny Thompson

12/9 -- Randy Reszka GAYLORD BOWLING CENTER 12/8 -- Logan Moore Solo, 8 KARMA TAPROOM, GAYLORD 12/6 -- Logan Moore Solo, 8

Emmet & Cheboygan BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY ROOT CELLAR: 12/4 -- Trivia: Music, 6-9 12/9 -- DJ Clark After Dark, 6:30-9:30 BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY 2-6: 12/2 -- Michelle Chenard 12/9 -- Chris Calleja

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY Tue -- Trivia Night, 7-9 Fri. -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30 NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 12/2 -- Holly Keller, 7-10 12/6 -- PubStumper's Trivia, 6:30 12/8 -- Sydni K, 7-10 12/9 -- Sunny Bleau, 7-10 ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES, 9:

12/2 -- DJ 12/8 -- Family Tradition Band RUSTY SAW, BRUTUS 12/9 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6 THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 12/2 -- The Lonely Pines, 8-11 12/7 -- Musicians Playground ‘Open Mic,’ 6-8 12/8 -- Gina & Jordan, 8-11 12/9 -- AZIC, 8-11

Leelanau & Benzie DICK'S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU Sat. -- Karaoke, 10-1

12/2 -- August The Band 12/9 -- Crosscut Kings

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TRAVERSE CITY WHISKEY CO. 6-8: 12/2 & 12/9 -- Ben Richey 12/6 -- Charlie Arnett

Antrim & Charlevoix BARREL BACK RESTAURANT, WALLOON LAKE 12/7 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6

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dec 02-dec 10

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 12/2 – Darrell Boger, 6-8 12/8 -- Randy Reszka, 6-8 12/9 -- Zie, 5-7 LAKE ANN BREWING CO. 12/2 -- Stonefolk, 6:30-9:30 12/7 -- Trivia, 7-9

12/8 -- Andre Villoch, 6:30-9:30 12/9 -- Adam Duress, 6:30-9:30 ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 12/2 -- Charlie Arnett, 5-8 12/3 -- Kid's Open Mic Hosted by Chris Winkelmann, 3-5:30 12/7 -- Open Mic, 6-8:30 12/8 -- SkyLea, 5-8 12/9 -- Tula Skylark, 5-8

SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY 12/8 -- Friday Night Live: Highway North, 5-8 STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT 12/9 -- Nick Veine, 7-9 UPRIVER PIZZA, BENZONIA 12/2 -- Open Mic Night w/ Andrew Littlefield, 6

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ACROSS 1. Bottom-of-the-drink add-ins 5. Color Me ___ (1990s R&B group) 9. "Harold & ___ Go to White Castle" 14. M.B.A. class subj.

15. Dog voiced by Harvey GuillÈn in 2024's "The Garfield Movie" 16. Absurd 17. Element in diner signs 18. Pass out hands 19. Farmland measures 20. 1990s singer who's foolish, per hip-hop lingo of the time?

23. Bone of the forearm 24. "Diners, Drive-___ and Dives" 25. Hockey milieu 26. Late English presenter Paul whose drag persona was Lily Savage 28. Paddock parent 30. Rotate like a baton 32. Trophy or medal 34. Come up 35. Everyone seems to be following it now 38. Mopey designer who says "Thanks for noticing the new look"?

41. Tater ___ casserole 42. Gorme who sang "Blame It on the Bossa Nova" 43. Cozy spots 44. Discourage 45. Poker variety 46. A-ten-tion span?

49. Took a lunch break 50. General of menus 53. "Top Gun" org.

54. 1950s-'60s singer trying to get himself to the front of the alphabet?

58. "___ Game: The Challenge" 60. Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys 61. Air conditioning conduit 62. Elephant's long teeth 63. Whipped up 64. State the same way 65. "Now you ___, now you don't"

66. Just manages, with "out" 67. Ad option that might take a while in the free version DOWN 1. Good Charlotte guitarist Madden 2. Arctic, for one 3. Well-read but not experienced, perhaps 4. The A in A.D. 5. Laced Victorian garment 6. Her albums are named for ages 7. Watch face 8. Sandwich shop 9. Sportage automaker 10. Relax, as one's toes 11. Actress Gibbs of "The Jeffersons" 12. Come to ___ (finish up) 13. State the same way 21. Stuff thrown from a park bench, maybe 22. Distractions 27. High-antioxidant drink 29. Actress Graynor 30. Hiking path 31. Content of some cellars 32. Talent show talent 33. Question starter 34. Assistant 35. Source of a movable feast?

36. Noah's vessel 37. Start of a U.S. capital 39. Laid-back, personality-wise 40. "Baba is ___" (puzzle game) 44. Mandrill in "The Lion King" 45. "Watermelon Sugar" singer Harry 46. Does some cleaning 47. Ending like "-like" 48. Reason why 49. Tolerate 51. 2014 Winter Games host city 52. In first place 55. "My treat" 56. Woodpecker's tool 57. Citrus refreshers 59. "Spring ahead" letters

CHEERS to NMC’s

Great Lakes Culinary Institue #9 of top 30 Most Affordable Culinary Schools #11 Best Culinary Schools in the US Exemplary accreditation status from the American Culinary Federation

START YOUR NMC CULINARY JOURNEY Choose from multiple culinary offerings:

ASSOCIATE DEGREE: Culinary Arts 4 CERTIFICATES: > Baking & Pastry Arts Level II Certificate > Culinary Arts Level I Certificate > Culinary Arts Level III Certificate > NEW! Culinary-Maritime Certificate

nmc.edu/culinary

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 29

NORTHERN EXPRESS

CLA SSI FIE DS

COTTAGE FOR RENT: Traverse City Fully Furnished 1 BR Cottage, Includes All Utilities, New Appliances, W/D, Very Nice and Clean, Quiet Setting, Parking, No Pets; $1,600 per month, (231) 631-7512. ___________________________________

EARLY HEAD START TEACHER NEEDED: NMCAA Early Learning Center in Traverse City Full time, year-round, benefits. CDA with focus on infant and toddler development $19.93 -$21.14 For details visit www. nmcaa.net ___________________________________ DRIVER FOR OMISH: Amish driver, 85 cents plus gas per mile long distance driving 15 passenger van. Call (989) 964-9461. ___________________________________ SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231-228-6248

DOWNTOWN ROOMS FOR RENT: THE WHITING. Downtown rooms for rent on a month to month basis. Rents starting at $500/mo includes all utilities. Single occupancy, no pets. 231-947-6360. www. thewhitinghotel.com ___________________________________ MACHINE OPERATORS WANTED! We are building our Team of Wire Spoolers & Wire Drawers! Ideal candidates will first learn the position of wire spooling, then after building their skills, they will learn the art of wire drawing; the process of taking bulk aluminum rod down to premium quality aluminum wire used in the welding process to make everything from bicycles, scooters, and lawn furniture to semi-trailers and airplanes! If you are eager to learn, have a great work ethic including reliable transportation and attendance, apply now!

easy. accessible. all online.

Food and beverages provided by Artisan Restaurant. $10 entry.

Enter to win! One night stay with $100 Artisan card and $200 Artisan gift card.

UR

615 E Front Street

S! S E

O

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 6TH • 5-7PM

REC

Join us for a holiday happy hour at the Delamar!

Y HAPP

H

Recess is brought to you by

30 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Mike Annelin Enthusiastic & Experienced

231-499-4249 | 231-929-7900

T N RO

F R E T A W

10563 S W Bay Shore Drive • $800,000 • MLS #1917131

Four turn-key cottages on West Bay with 95’ of direct private frontage. One of a kind sound investment opportunity. These cottages have been remodeled and well-maintained. The property is comprised of a two-bedroom cottage, a loft/efficiency cottage, and two onebedroom cottages. Legal non-conforming use with a strong rental history. Multiple decks, sidewalks, a large patio and fire pit for gatherings, plus fantastic views of Power Island.

Northern Express Weekly • december 04, 2023 • 31

32 • december 04, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly