Northern Express - November 13, 2023

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Chasing the Aurora HOW AND WHERE TO SEE MOTHER NATURE’S GREATEST SHOW IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • NOVEMBER 13 - november 19, 2023 • Vol. 35 No. 45 Photo by Justin Miller, JM Naturescapes

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 1

Sound-rich news stories from northern Michigan Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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2 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

CONTENTS

letters Wild Places Need to be Wild I would like to support Marilyn Miller’s brave comments on segment 9 of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and TART trail expansion and thank her for referencing E. O. Wilson.

Do humans really need to have access to everything? Wild places need to be wild.

As a bicyclist and a hiker, I am in favor of preserving parkland for all. And all also includes the resident flora and fauna. Not everything needs to be paved or have a bike path through or around it.

Peace is also a commodity. The other day I read about the potential expansion of the Leelanau Conservancy holding Palmer Woods. I was overjoyed until I read they were adding a flow-styled mountain biking in the reserve—a “terrain-induced roller coaster experience.” There is nothing restful or peaceful when walking in the woods only to have to compete with mountain bikes.

E. O. Wilson was known for developing the field of sociobiology. In his 2016 book, Half-Earth, he tasks us all with re-imagining the way we care for the planet and suggests half of the Earth’s surface should be designated a human-free natural reserve to preserve biodiversity. This thinking might be heretical to a developer, but for the rest of us that live in northern Michigan or planet Earth, it is something that we should take note of.

Stacy Slater | Traverse City Disappointed Vet In my opinion, Traverse City does not do enough for its veterans. No free haircuts.

Not a lot to choose from for a free meal. No free help for veterans to obtain a vehicle.

Housing? Wow! What’s up with that?

I was in the U.S. Navy. I’m so disappointed.

Mickey M. Schaub | Traverse City The Walk Against Hate The organizing committee for the 2023 Petoskey Walk Against Hate wants to thank members of the community for their generous and heart-warming support for our Sunday, Oct. 22, local event. The walk was a great success, with over 200 walkers and more than $6,000 raised for the good work of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

in fighting antisemitism and all forms of religious and racial bigotry around the globe.

Clearly, more needs to be done to combat the rising cycle of hate and violence in our country and worldwide. Hate begets hate, but otherwise accomplishes nothing.

It corrodes the spirit, clouds judgment, and destroys everything good. Overcoming hate requires courage, inspiration, cooperation, resolve, and hard work.

The annual Petoskey walk is one small step in support of a world without hate and an opportunity for members of the community to role model the power of kindness, respect, and cooperation for our children. We hope it becomes an annual Petoskey tradition, growing even larger and stronger each year.

Val Meyerson | Organizing Chair of Petoskey Walk Against Hate and President of Temple B’Nai Israel of Petoskey Celebrating Democracy Hey, voters! Pretty much anyone with a pulse would agree that the 2024 presidential election will define our country, culture, world standing, and personal liberty for years to come. So no matter what flag you’re waving, know this: Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy.

We should give thanks for the welltrained, hard-working, and meticulously accountable individuals who oversee our elections, both local and national. Sadly, our friends, neighbors, and family members who take on this daunting task have been demeaned and threatened for doing their jobs with the highest dedication and integrity.

This has caused resignations by election officials all over the country, including here in northern Michigan. As a result, county clerks are now desperate for people willing to work 8, 10, 12, or more hours on election day to manage and protect the integrity of our elections.

In response, the Michigan House has just passed two bills that strengthen enforceable penalties for harassing and interfering with election workers who ensure the safety and security of our elections. Going to the polls is a celebration of one of the oldest democracies in the world. Let’s not let the ill-informed bullies take that from us.

Greta Bolger | Thompsonville

feature

Healthy Habits from Munson...............................9 NoBo Mrkt.....................................................10 Aurora Chasers..............................................12 Scott Buckmaster the Grim Keeper..................14 Historical Weapons Guild.................................16

columns & stuff Top Ten..........................................................4 Spectator/Stephen Tuttle..................................6 Weird............................................................8 Guest Opinion/Smith Jr.....................................8 Dates..........................................................19 Film............................................................23 Nitelife.........................................................24 Astro..............................................................25 Crossword...................................................25 Classifieds.................................................26

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Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 3

this week’s

top ten Fall for dancing fairies

Many folks are familiar with Crooked Tree Arts Center for its art exhibitions, classes, and musical performances. But did you know they also have a School of Ballet? This weekend is a double header for the troupe, with their 17th annual Fall for Dance production on Saturday, Nov. 18, and the beloved Sugar Plum Fairy Tea on Sunday, Nov. 19. Fall for Dance features original works choreographed by students, faculty, and alums and will be held at the Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center from 7-9pm. (Tickets: $25 adults, $5 students). The following day, enjoy tea for two ($100; $50 for an additional guest) at Stafford’s Perry Hotel. The Sugar Plum Fairy will be joined by fellow principal performers Clara, Cavalier, and the Snow Queen for an afternoon of tea, sweets, and a reading of The Nutcracker. The price also includes tickets to the School of Ballet’s edition of The Nutcracker on Dec. 17-18 at Great Lakes Center for the Arts. More details and tickets at crookedtree.org/ctac-school-ballet/events.

Lights, santa, parade!

Discover the holiday spirit in downtown Traverse City on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 6-9pm. Front Street will close at 4:30pm with holiday music starting at 5:30pm. Santa will help the mayor light the tree at Cass and Front streets at 6pm, followed by the light parade at 6:30pm, featuring numerous downtown businesses who decked out their floats, along with musical performances. P.S. Visit Santa at his house at Rotary Square on the corner of State and Union after the parade!

4 Hey, watch it!

The buccaneers

What do you do when there are no eligible men—ahem, appropriately rich and powerful men—to marry in America? You go to Britain and snag yourself a lord. It’s the debutante season in London in the 1870s, and five American heiresses are on the hunt for the perfect husband in this firmly modern take on the challenges women of the era faced when it came to autonomy and influence over their futures. Bridgerton fans will find a lot to love in the lush period drama, plus plenty of anachronistic (but fun!) language, brash behavior, and clashes of culture. For all its freshness, however, The Buccaneers isn’t a new story; it was Edith Wharton’s last novel, published unfinished in 1938, completed rather controversially by Marion Mainwaring in 1993, and then made into a 1995 miniseries. But we daresay this is the best iteration yet, and the subtitle—“Lock Up Your Lords”—and a soundtrack featuring Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo perfectly encapsulate this reimagined romp. Now streaming on AppleTV+.

5 SWAG DAY

2 tastemaker

CITY PARK GRILLE'S MEDITERRANEAN LINGUINE

’Tis the season for warm and nourishing eats, and dinner doesn’t get cozier or more classic than the Mediterranean Linguine ($18.95) at City Park Grill. (History lovers, take note: The location that houses City Park Grill first opened as a restaurant in the late 1900’s—though the building itself predates Prohibition—and was once Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunt.

Today, this eclectic Petoskey eatery combines Victorian architecture with seasonal features and modern cuisine.) The Mediterranean Linguine is a menu mainstay—it’s just that good! A fan favorite since the restaurant opened, this craveable pasta features garlic-sauteed tomatoes, bell peppers, artichokes, and capers tossed with hearty linguine and finished with white wine and pesto. Top it with your choice of protein (go for the shrimp and thank us later) and dig in alongside house-made biscuits. Just don’t forget your stretchy pants! Tuck into a bowl at City Park Grill in Petoskey (432 E. Lake St.). For reservations or to order online, visit cityparkgrill. com. (231) 347-0101.

4 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

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Stuff We Love: the art of hockey

6 this night is sparkling MAWBY Vineyards of Suttons Bay has been celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, culminating in a special event at the historic Bay Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 16. A Sparkling Evening with MAWBY dives into the history of the winery, from the early days of planting vines, to how the iconic Sex got its name, to where the bubbles will be flowing for the next 50 years. Founder Larry Mawby and current owners Mike and Peter Laing (also of big LITTLE Wines) will talk with Interlochen Public Radio’s news director, Peter Payette, about the past, present, and future of the winery. Event tickets are $29, which includes a glass of wine and popcorn. (Can all movies come with that combo?) A social hour starts at 6pm at the theater, with the event to follow at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased on MAWBY’s website: mawby.wine.

Cheers!

We’re not sure how many readers fit in the overlapping Venn diagram circles of “hockey lover” and “artist,” but this one is for you. The Detroit Red Wings and advisory firm Rehmann have kicked off the third year of their art contest— called “Power Play”—inviting folks to submit hockey-inspired artwork for a chance at a major prize. Not only will the contest winner get four tickets to a Red Wings home game, but their art will also be installed at the Rehmann Club at Little Ceasar’s Arena and they will walk Pictured: The 2022-23 winning piece by Jessica Lisey away with $5,000 cash. All pieces must be original to this contest and a 24-inch by 30-inch creation that can be framed, such as a drawing, painting, etching, or another type of two-dimensional art. Submissions opened Nov. 1 and will close Feb. 1, 2024. Get official rules and enter your work at nhl.com/redwings/fans/ rehmann-art-contest.

nonprofits find relief Though the days of COVID lockdowns are behind us, the impact of the pandemic has lingered in the nonprofit sector.

Nonprofits focused on food, shelter, and basic needs saw a surge of demand for their services without an accompanying surge in donations or staff. Arts organizations lost months, if not years, of revenue. That’s why, nearly four years after COVID began, the MI Nonprofit Relief Fund has awarded $30 million to 1,373 nonprofits across the state that are still facing hardships associated with the pandemic. The fund supports Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with annual revenues of less than $1 million—with an emphasis on rural nonprofits and organizations led by and serving underrepresented populations—by awarding one-time grant funds ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Locally, dollars are headed to groups like Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra, Cadillac Footliters, Charlevoix Circle of Arts, Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology, Leelanau Children’s Center, and Michael’s Place, among many others. Learn more about the fund at mnaonline.org/policy/nonprofit-relieffund.

8 resby terian Church Te P presents their 56 Annual th

Madrigal Dinner Celebration December 7th & 8th Doors open at 5:30 p.m. | Seating at 6:00 p.m.

Start the advent Christmas season with a festive evening of holiday cheer and a fine feast. Traverse City Central Choral-Aires and Trumpeters perform in beautiful madrigal costumes, providing a warm and heartfelt entry into the advent season. While you feast enjoy jesters, jugglers, pageantry, fine costumes, and more!

Tickets are on sale now!

Everyone welcome. $22 Adult | $15 Children, ages 12 and under $154/Table of (8) A portion of the ticket sales benefit the TC Central Music program.

Call (231) 946-5680 for tickets.

bottoms up cultured kombucha's Genuine ginger This month, Cultured Kombucha Co. of Traverse City announced they would be partnering up with SpartanNash to carry products in all of the distributor’s 85 Michigan grocery stores— which includes local go-tos like Family Fare—expanding their retail reach by 25 percent.

That’s going to make it 25 percent easier for you to get your hands on the organic, craft kombucha brand’s classic flavor: Genuine Ginger. A major fan favorite, this beverage plays perfectly at holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, and with leftover Thanksgiving treats. You’ll feel like you’re leveling up your basic ginger ale with notes of lemongrass and rosehips and all the fizzy tartness that you crave from this gut-healthy fermented tea. And hey, if we ever needed an extra antioxidant and probiotic boost, it’s around the holidays, right? Find a bottle near you by visiting drinkcultured.com/find-us, or pick one up on your next grocery store run!

(Pro tip: Find the kombucha—$3.99 per bottle—in the produce department.)

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 5

IT’S THE POLITICIANS WHO ARE FAILING, NOT THE COUNTRY spectator By steven Tuttle

VOTING

open

IS

Some national political candidates believe they can curry favor and earn our votes by telling us this is a failing country, or worse, a country that has already failed. It is nonsense.

In fact, there was never a time when we were perfect, and much of our past is definitely not greatness to which we would like to return.

But far from failing, we’ve been slowly but consistently trying to make improvements ever since. Sometimes the progress seems almost imperceptible, but it’s always been done without the assistance of a self-anointed savior.

Our constitution, literally revolutionary at the time, was far from perfect. It codified the heinous notion that some people were nothing more than property and women didn’t much count at all. The Bill of Rights we take for granted was quickly added after

it is improving, not failing. According to the U.S. Census, 304 million Americans had some form of health insurance in 2022, more than 92 percent of the population. And the U.S. leads the world in both medical research and medical technology and creates more new medicines and runs more clinical trials.

That isn’t a resume of failure.

Yes, medicine costs and the exploitation of dangerous drugs were and are a problem but are not the sign of systemic troubles; they’re signs of individual and corporate greed.

You’ve likely heard some politicians claiming crime is “out of control.” That comes as a surprise to the more than 700,000 city, county, and state law enforcement personnel in 18,000 departments making sure crime is not out of control. And they’re doing a pretty good job.

According to FBI statistics, murders were

The real point is our government is not an amalgam of nameless, faceless ciphers; the criticisms fall on real people, our friends and neighbors doing their best every day while some bilge-spewing politicians use them for target practice. the fact, and we finally did away with slavery, though it took another 76 years to accomplish.

Embarrassingly, it took another 55 years after that before women were given the right to vote.

We’ve made plenty of mistakes, become involved in too many wars, acknowledged our shortcomings too late, and often struggled to find a better path, but we’ve not failed. We still look to our Constitution, the longest surviving such instructions for government on earth, for some answers, but we do keep looking.

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6 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

The men and women who work in the government institutions on which we rely deserve better than to be painted with a wide negative brush by some gasbag politician or politicians. We aren’t failing, and while there is ample evidence our federal government has grown too big and too expensive, there is scant evidence it is burdened by failure.

Incompetence sometimes rules the day, but that’s the failure of individuals.

Our immigration policy—if, in fact, there is one—is the closest thing we have to a failure.

But those claiming we have “open borders” significantly insult the 60,000 or so men and women who work for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 19,000 of whom are on the front lines with the Border Patrol.

They need substantial increases in frontline personnel to stem the overwhelming flood of alleged asylum seekers now pouring across the border. We aren’t doing enough, but we’re doing way more than nothing.

Other areas are far from failing.

Much as we enjoy complaining about our healthcare system and its inevitable delays,

down six percent in 2022 and violent crime overall—they categorize murder, forcible rape, aggravated assault, and robbery as violent crime—was down nearly 2 percent.

The bad news is firearms were used in more than 500,000 crimes and more young people (22 and younger) were involved in criminal activity. The numbers that ticked up during and immediately after the pandemic were, at their worst, far below the violence of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The often maligned federal Department of Justice (DOJ), which encompasses some 40 different organizations with 115,000 employees, keeps the terrorists at bay among many other responsibilities. Sometimes they make decisions some politicians don’t like, including investigating those very politicians.

That not every investigation bears criminal fruit isn’t a sign of a corrupt agency but a sign of men and women doing their jobs and then moving on.

We’re also told our military has become weak and woke, another sign of failure. We have more than 1.4 million active duty men and women in uniform and hundreds of thousands more in reserve who are well-trained, equipped, and deserving of our support and praise. We have the most technologically advanced and deadliest weapons systems ever created by human beings. We have 18 different intelligence agencies helping to keep us secure, and they are not failing either.

The real point is our government is not an amalgam of nameless, faceless ciphers; the criticisms fall on real people, our friends and neighbors doing their best every day while some bilge-spewing politicians use them for target practice. They aren’t failing and our country isn’t failing, but some politicians sure are.

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CULTIVATING GOOD VIBES

DR. JILL BALLA, D.C. AuthenticHealthLLC.com

Treat others as you want to be treated. Sure, this is a lesson from preschool, but studies have found that when you treat yourself and others well, everyone gets a boost in happiness, health, and a more positive outlook overall.

Typically, treating yourself is associated with a price tag, but there’s no need to break the bank to feel better! Instead, obtain the positive psychological benefits of treating yourself by doing what makes you feel happy and healthy with the time and resources you have.

True self-care includes cultivating new habits in a few areas of your daily life.

That could mean practicing self-compassion, saying positive affirmations, allowing yourself to grant or accept forgiveness, finding ways to grow, or learning new skills.

These additions to your normal routine kick your neural pathways into gear and enhance the areas of the brain that create happy and positive emotions.

In turn, those good vibes can decrease health-deteriorating stress, increase the amount of exercise you can accomplish, and help you to make healthier eating choices.

If taking more opportunities during the day to show yourself kindness is beneficial, why not take one more minute to share that with another person? Kindness is contagious, and perhaps one of the best ways to treat yourself during this busy season of celebration and renewal is to take a moment to spread cheer. Doing a good deed for someone will likely invite others to do the same.

During Dunegrass’s annual donation drive, we invite you to treat yourself!

Consider downsizing your closet and donating gently used coats and jackets to help those in need in our local areas. Spread kindness into our local communities further by donating non-perishable foods or toys at your nearest Dunegrass location now until Christmas. (And while you’re there, pick up a little something for yourself.)

These simple actions help us to realize that treating others is an extension of treating ourselves.

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Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 7

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF STUPIDITY

Be Careful What You Ask For A store in Swansea, Wales, that supports the Barnardo children's charity has circulated a request to its donors, United Press International reported on Oct. 27: Please don't send us your sex toys. "Please be mindful that we are a children's charity and as such we have a range of ages on our wonderful volunteer team," the statement read. "We therefore ask that you refrain from donating your used and unused marital aids! ... The branch has CCTV so that these items can be traced back to their owners." In other words, we know who you are.

Ewwwww!

Desirae Kelly of Farmington, Missouri, woke up at 5 a.m. on Oct. 24 to a strange feeling. "I actually felt something move in my ear," Kelly said in a TikTok video.

Fox News reported that Kelly was in such discomfort, she started to cry in the waiting room at urgent care. As a nurse started to flush her ear with water, Kelly "felt whatever that was crawl out of my ear ... and I watched out of the corner of my eye something fall and land on my sweater," Kelly said. "I watch this black spider with all eight legs crawl across the floor." She said she screeched and threw up as the nurses trapped the spider in a container. "The nurses were so sweet and passed no judgment like I thought they would," Kelly said. "I don't think I could ever sleep without earplugs again."

It's Come to This A 75-year-old woman in Pavia, Italy, had to get the courts involved to get her two sons, ages 42 and 40, out of her house, CNN reported on Oct. 27. Mom described her sons as "parasites" who had been living with her without contributing financially, even though both had jobs. Judge Simona Caterbi called the brothers "bamboccioni," or big babies, and declared they have until Dec. 18 to vacate the woman's home. "Once a certain age has been exceeded, the child can no longer expect the parents to continue the maintenance obligation within limits that are no longer reasonable," Caterbi said.

The brothers hadn't decided whether they would appeal the decision.

What's in a Name?

Too many words, according to officials in Spain. Fernando Fitz-James Stuart, the 17th duke of Huescar, recently baptized his second child with a name 25 words long, Sky News reported. The name pays tribute to the baby's mother and father, other members of the family and religious devotions. But register rules limit a child's name to one compound name and two simple ones, and the duke and his wife will need to shorten the name for legal purposes.

The Continuing Crisis --An unnamed teacher at Mesa High School in Arizona is on paid administrative leave and under investigation after he dressed up in devil horns and waved a pitchfork over students' heads on Oct. 25, KPNX-TV reported. Student Nathaniel Hamlet, who reported the incident to his dad, said the teacher said, "Hail, Satan" as he waved the pitchfork. "Some people thought it was funny, some people didn't like it," said Hamlet, who was insulted by the costume.

For his part, the teacher said he was dressing up for Spirit Week at the school and was part of a "dynamic duo" with the teacher next door, who dressed as an angel.

"Participating in spirit weeks like this is a way for me to engage with my students and bring fun to my classroom," he said. "It's truly not any more complicated than that."

Mesa Public Schools said in a statement that the investigation is ongoing.

-- The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant in Blue Ridge, Georgia, has updated its menu with an addendum: Patrons will get a surcharge if they are "unable to parent" -$50 per bill for misbehaving kids -- NBC10 Philadelphia reported. A Google review from diner Lyndsey Landmann described a "huge scene" made by the owner in front of the whole restaurant: "He got in our faces and told us that we belonged at Burger King and not at his restaurant," Landmann said.

"He was yelling." The owners, however, said they weren't going to "comment on a policy we've had for years. We just want to live in the woods and cook."

Questionable Judgment As college antics go, it stands up: On Oct. 25, someone wearing a giant penis costume was escorted out of the stands at a football game between Sam Houston State University and the University of Texas at El Paso, Huff Post reported. A school spokesperson said the prankster was given "the option to take the costume off or leave the stadium." Sam Houston was winning the game until the phallic fan was removed; they lost 37-34.

News You Can Use Bet you didn't know that every year, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials distribute oral rabies vaccines to raccoon populations in 14 states, driving around and targeting areas where the critters will find and eat the bait. But, as NPR reported, in rural communities, it's more efficient to drop the little packets from low-flying planes.

"The planes have a tube and a conveyor belt that just drops these vaccines to make sure they're sort of evenly dispersed," said journalist Emily Mullin. Jordona Kirby with the USDA said the trick was to make the vaccines palatable to a raccoon, so they come in a fish flavor and a sweet flavor. If other animals find and eat the packets, it won't hurt them.

Inexplicable Two unsuspecting visitors to Wortham Park in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 26 were the victims of a teenager's scream for attention, KHOU-TV reported. Alford Lasean Lewis, 19, and 18-year-old Kingston Miker cooked up a scheme wherein Lewis first tried to rob a man, and then sucker-punched another man in the back of the head, as Miker filmed the actions. "They did this for fun and posted it on social media, which is simply unacceptable," said Ashlea Sheridan, a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney's office. Lewis was contrite: "You know, I just made a mistake, and everybody makes mistakes," he told KHOU. "What people don't see is that I shook his hand after and gave the man a hug." Oh well, then. Case closed.

8 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

guest opinion

by Isiah Smith, Jr. I have long been fascinated with the subject of cognitive incompetence, better known as stupidity. (You may make of that what you will.) Perhaps it is because we’re increasingly living in a virtually simmering vortex of stupidity. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that scientifically trained professionals, especially neuroscientists, have studied the condition and written scholarly articles and even books about it.

So, if one is writing about stupidity, or cognitive incompetence, there’s plenty to work with, especially in politics. Additionally, writing teachers typically counsel students to write about what they know. So here goes…

Stupidity has a causal relationship to our lack of “consensual reality,” that is, our failure to agree on an objective set of facts. “Stupidity” as used here, isn’t about low IQ, nor is it about people who are unable to function well in their everyday life.

Rather, as noted by the psychology professor Robert J. Sternberg, it is about “the kind of stupidity that has left countries in the nearly

journals, the gold standard for scientific legitimacy).

The greatest danger posed by the D-K effect is that numerous political “leaders” suffer from it. They know so little and exude so much unearned confidence. Unfortunately, voters find moronic confidence and bombastic bragging attractive. Consequently, ignorant candidates with overinflated confidence are more likely to prevail over candidates who appear less confident.

In Why Smart People Can Be So Stupid, edited

by Robert J. Sternberg, the editor writes that a book on stupidity is particularly timely, “as Americans watch political leaders at all points in the political spectrum behaving in ways that, to outsiders at least, appear breathtakingly stupid.” (Neither of the two major parties own the franchise to stupidity!)

Sternberg’s book was published September 1, 2003. Twenty years on, the level of stupidity in American politics is frighteningly high. The book is particularly helpful because of the scholarly research supporting it and because

what can we do about out-of-control stupidity in America? We can start by teaching our children critical thinking skills and mindfulness. perpetual throes of war that no one ever seems to win and where it is often not even clear what is at stake or how the battle lines have been drawn.” The Vietnam and Iraq wars are two of the most egregious examples of this cognitive incompetence. So, too, is America’s misguided War on Drugs, which destroyed millions of lives without a whiff, or notion, of what would constitute victory.

it examines the behavior of allegedly “smart” people, from presidents to prosecutors to professors, who are at times so incredibly cognitively incompetent as to defy logic.

Neuroscientist Bobby Azarian recently published an essay discussing stupidity as an existential threat to America: “It may sound like an insensitive statement, but … there are a lot of stupid people in the world.” Many of them unfortunately enjoy positions of power. A larger number vote, thus creating a “collective stupidity.”

For example, a president of the U.S., graduate of Yale Law School, and a Rhodes Scholar demonstrated such “stupid” behavior that it’s mystifying. Other cognitively suspect actions flowed from the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal: a seasoned prosecutor and judge, reputedly “brilliant,” pursued the scandal with such dogged determination that he permanently damaged his reputation.

Intelligence tests cannot determine who will use their intelligence or who will squander it by engaging in amazing, breathtaking acts of stupidity.

“Stupidity” is a scientific concept that “refers to a specific type of cognitive failure.” One may be highly educated, or smart in the traditional sense, with a high IQ. But if one is ignorant of one’s limitations and concomitant ignorance, or claims expertise that one does not possess, it may lead to stupid actions and compromised thinking.

Representative Jordan of Ohio, a benighted supporter of a former president who is a defendant in a Georgia criminal case, demanded (in writing!) that the Georgia prosecutor provide him all the evidence she has of the defendant’s criminality, the Constitution and states’ rights be damned!

The scientific name for this condition is the Dunning-Kruger (D-K) effect, the tendency for individuals to overestimate “their level of intelligence, knowledge, or competency in a particular area.” Politicians who claim to know more than trained experts are exhibiting signs of the D-K effect, or stupidity. One must know an awful lot to know one doesn’t know much.

Today, the D-K effect threatens our national security. Fortunately, for the continued security of our nation, it is now being widely written about, investigated empirically, and subjected to empirical studies (many of which have been published in peer-reviewed

As Senator Fetterman stated: “You all need to know that America is not sending their best and brightest to Washington, D.C. Sometimes you literally just can’t believe, like, these people are making the decisions that are determining the government here. It’s actually scary.”

It is scary, but what can we do about outof-control stupidity in America? We can start by teaching our children critical thinking skills and mindfulness. These are not cures, but we must start somewhere.

Isiah Smith, Jr. is a retired government attorney.

Healthy Habits for the Colder Season

BASIC HYGIENE, STAYING HOME WHEN SICK, AND VACCINES AMONG TOP DOCTOR RECOMMENDATIONS AS VIRUSES LOOM LARGE

By Art Bukowski

As the days grow shorter and temperatures continue to drop, it’s time to stock up on cold medications, tissues, and cough drops. Fortunately, some of the most important practices that prevent illnesses from spreading are also some of the most basic.

“When it comes to prevention, some of the stuff that we learned all the way back in kindergarten still really holds true,” says Dr. Joe Santangelo, who serves as the chief medical, quality, and safety officer for Munson Healthcare. “Washing your hands, trying not to touch your hands, eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that aren’t clean, staying home when you’re sick, things like that.”

And while sickness has always spiked in fall and winter, the ante has been upped in recent years with COVID-19 joining influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and other illnesses that have plagued people for generations. The simple practices that Santangelo describes above are arguably more important than ever with a particularly noxious mix of bad bugs on the prowl.

“Some of these things have been with us for a long time. Influenza, we’ve been talking about for a million years, and the same with RSV… and of course we’ve been talking a lot about COVID a lot for the past few years. Now we’re in this interesting scenario here where we have all three infections,” Santangelo says. “The flu and RSV are clearly winter viruses; they have more seasonality that way. We’re still sort of figuring things out with COVID, but it does seem that the conditions that make the flu and RSV more likely to spread are the same that make COVID more likely to spread.”

As of our conversation, the Munson system had yet to see a spike in the “big three” viruses, though they’re at a heightened level of preparedness as we move into the traditional sick season.

“We’re not expecting a surge like we saw last year in 2022, but we do think it’s likely that we’ll have an increase in influenza hospitalizations, and then sometimes people get both, and those people can get quite sick,” Santangelo says. “And while we’re not expecting a huge surge, we’re prepared for it.”

It’s impossible to predict just how bad this season will be, but Santangelo says it will be mitigated if everyone does their part to reduce the spread of infection.

“During COVID, when we had a lot of mask mandates and stay-at-home mandates, we saw a dramatic reduction in all three of these illnesses,” he says. “There’s often a lot of questions about this kind of mask or that kind of mask, but from a very high-level view as a doctor, I feel very confident telling everyone is that these things that we’re talking about—masking, washing your hands, staying home—they work. Period, full stop.”

One thing COVID seems to have changed for the better is the expectation that being sick means staying home.

“I do think that as a society, we are a little bit better now than we were [previously] about staying home and staying away from other people if we’re sick,” Santangelo says.

“It used to be the pressure was that you should be at work unless you have a fever or you’re throwing up. Now we’re in a place where people are more understanding if you say you’re going to work virtually for a few days…and I think we need to take advantage of that.”

There is, of course, another major step

that people can take to prevent the spread of infection. Vaccines exist for all three viruses, though the RSV vaccine is typically only recommended for babies and senior citizens, barring extenuating circumstances.

“Getting vaccinated if it’s appropriate for you is something that people should really consider, and luckily we’re in a place now where you can get those vaccines in a lot of places,” Santangelo says. “You can get them at your primary care doc, you can get them from drugstores or Meijer, places like that.”

He adds that the medical community is still battling a ton of misinformation about these life-saving tools. Santangelo hopes area residents see through the noise and embrace vaccines this year and well into the future.

“We do a lot of scientific study on these vaccines to really weigh the risks and benefits, and they have to go through a lot of scientific rigor before they get to people,” Santangelo says. “The risk of getting an influenza vaccine or a COVID vaccine is far outweighed by the benefits that they confer, and those benefits include a far lower rate of hospitalization and death from those illnesses.”

If you’re not sure if vaccines are right for you, just do Santangelo a favor and talk to a medical professional instead of doing YouTube “research.”

“It’s perfectly normal, acceptable, and appropriate to have questions—I don’t want anybody to be a robot and just do what other people say—but get your questions answered by a reliable medical source,” he says.

While COVID-19, influenza, and RSV can make anyone sick, statistics show that most deaths and hospitalizations occur in the very young, the elderly, and those with other medical conditions, particularly those

Dr. Joe Santangelo

who have compromised immune systems.

Santangelo is out to remind everyone that as far as illness goes, the steps you take could mean the difference between life and death for others in your community.

“I’m a middle-aged, relatively healthy guy, so the chance of me dying from COVID is relatively low. But if I get COVID and I go see my parents—who are older than 65 and have some other medical conditions—or if there’s a friend of mine who’s undergoing a medical treatment that makes them immunocompromised, then I might put them at severe risk of being in the hospital or dying from these infections,” Santangelo says.

“Let’s remember to think about each other and take care of each other as a society,” he concludes. “I understand it’s a pain if someone asks you to put a mask on—nobody likes wearing masks—but if wearing masks will protect those you love and the loved ones of those around, then it’s worth it.”

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 9

Coffee, Community, and Conscience N O B O M R K T J O I N S C O M M O N G R O U N DS COOP

By Geri Dietze If you’ve been to Commongrounds Coop in Traverse City, you’re familiar with its mission to combine “food, family, arts, and wellness” in one inviting space. If you’ve yet to visit, your timing is perfect, coinciding as it does with the recent opening of NoBo Mrkt.

“We have had an amazingly positive public response to the NoBo Mrkt space and our products,” explains manager Jennifer Yeatts. Some 400-500 people stopped by throughout the grand opening in September, and business has remained steady ever since.

Form, Meet Function NoBo Mrkt is a collaborative café, retail spot, and food court, anchored by an eye-catching beverage center with Higher Grounds coffee on one side—their second brick-and-mortar site—and craft brews, wines, and spirits on the other. The entire space seats up to 100, including the outdoor patio.

Inside, the space is light and bright, open and contemporary. If it feels like art, that’s because it was created by David Hassing of True North Architectural Design. Hassing spent some serious design time in New York and Chicago before bringing his talents to Traverse City, and one can see how his creativity combines with utility in a wholly original way.

Look for a combination of textures and materials: wood, stone, metal, and cement, with varied finishes—shiny, satin, and matte. Lighting is an interesting mix—track, hanging globes, and a multilight chandelier reminiscent of steampunk, but far more refined—and illuminates the large open

space, as do the tall windows overlooking the river. Seating is varied and colorful with upholstered booths and banquettes, plus variously-sized tables for a couple or a crowd.

And don’t forget to look up: 72 individual floating shapes, fashioned from soundabsorbing Tectum panels, hover overhead.

Hassing calls it “artful chaos,” using the floating installation to reduce sound created by the 11-foot ceilings, while countering the “practical chaos” of the exposed lights, AC, and heating ducts. In short, NoBo Mrkt is also a feast for the eyes.

Connecting the Local Food Dots The ethos of the place is devoted to supporting small-scale, regional food and beverage purveyors, including farms, markets, breweries, vintners, and distilleries, through retail sales and from the fresh, wholesome dishes emerging from the NOBO café kitchen.

Keep in mind that NoBo is still a work in progress, though not for long: Currently, the chef and staff are working out of the small pantry kitchen (the full kitchen should be done in December) so the menu is small, but exemplary. Enjoy breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese, a grilled ham and pork Cubano, French Onion soup finished with port wine, or a quinoa salad, among other offerings.

Here’s a little detail to whet your appetite.

The must-try breakfast sandwich is oven toasted with Leelanau Cheese raclette, Sleeping Bear Farms Star Thistle Honey, house made garlic aioli, and Anavery Fine Foods scrambled eggs on your choice of 9 Bean Rows Bread—sourdough, multigrain, or ciabatta.

10 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

NoBo’s staple salad changes based on seasonality and is always named after the bird that the colors best coincide with; for example, the present and delightfully purple salad is named the Starling, made with radishes, pickled beets, port cranberries, Ginger Gold matchsticks, and Idyll Farms goat cheese.

General Manager Jerome Smith says that NoBo is planning small plate dinner service, focusing on farm-to-table ingredients.

“We’re hoping for December,” he says.

Chef James Thomas III adds the menu will include some traditional American/ continental and French cuisine (his favorite) like Steak au Poivre, and Chicken Quarters in Herbs de Provence, as well as seasonally available fish. “Folks can easily order several of each…to sample, share, and eat socially in our cozy dining room overlooking the river,”

he explains.

Before earning his Great Lakes Culinary Institute degree, thanks to the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, Chef James had already worked his way through some notable eateries, and he gives high marks to the chefs under whom he honed his skills: the “bright and optimistic” chef Mike Prainito, now executive chef at Rare Bird Brewpub; Red Ginger’s “ceaselessly positive and thoroughly experienced” Steven Brochman; and the “incredible” Randy Chamberlain of Glen Arbor’s Blu. Chef James says the menu will change throughout the seasons in response to local and regional ingredients. “I hope to have a diverse menu…that will be incredible and [show] how important it is [to] support our highly valuable local farmers and businesses.”

Currently, NoBo partners with Cherry Capital Foods, Leelanau Cheese, Idyll Farms, Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate, 9 Bean Rows, Light of Day Organics, Earthly Delights, Food for Thought, Michigan Farm to Freezer, and NanBop Farm. Other partners will be added as NoBo Mrkt continues to grow.

A Mission and a Purpose But it’s not just the food and the coffee drawing folks in. Soon, NoBo will be much more than a cool gathering spot on the Eighth Street corridor.

Through its partnership with the Grand Traverse Foodshed Alliance, the site will promote and support chef entrepreneurs who might not have access to traditional routes into the food business, including those who come from underserved communities, those who lack resources, and those who do not have access to a formal culinary education.

Two incubator restaurant food stalls will provide on-site learning opportunities for

chef cohorts, supported by the mentors of the Foodshed Alliance.

Enter Tony Vu, a first generation Vietnamese American, Grand Traverse Foodshed Alliance board member, and partner, along with founder Soon Hagerty, of The Good Bowl, Traverse City’s place for premium fast-casual Vietnamese food.

Vu spent 25 years in Flint and had a considerable impact in the food business, first as owner of the very popular MaMang in the Flint Farmers’ Market, and then as the founder of the Flint Social Club, a nonprofit, operating in the same location with a learning kitchen where food entrepreneurs could get training, mentoring, and support.

When Vu was asked to envision a food program for NoBo Mrkt, he saw similarities with the situation in Flint: opportunities came through the same channels, in an “ad hoc, grassroots [form], underutilized, and [without] much infrastructure.” Vu stresses the importance of mentoring and support in any community, “and recognizing that not

everyone has a fair shot at starting a business or a career.”

The Foodshed Alliance is committed to supporting all aspects of the local and regional food chain, and this inclusive education model will help promote their aims. Vu adds that current barriers include a “general lack of cultural diversity [and] representation in Traverse City’s food scene,” as well as the need to “lower barriers in a food scene that isn’t affordable.” In regard to the opportunities available through NoBo Mrkt, he says, “We are looking for people who want to start their own businesses.”

The first cohort of chef-entrepreneurs will begin in January 2024 and will complete a three- to four-month program with a network of mentors who support the goal of the Foodshed Alliance. For more information about the program, head to NoBo Mrkt’s website.

Find NoBo Mrkt at 414 E. Eighth St. in Traverse City inside Commongrounds Coop. nobomrkt.com

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GVSU student is often a patient’s first contact at hospital emergency department Thomas Garrett

“Working in the Grand Valley State University emergency department has opened my eyes to so many experiences and new opportunities, even for my first official job in the medical field,” said Gabe Miller.

Miller is a junior in Grand Valley State University’s Allied Health Sciences program, located in Traverse City.

At Munson Medical Center, Miller has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of medical providers as he fulfills his clinical experience. Spending his time in the emergency and trauma departments, Miller can witness and work with hospital staff in emergent situations as he prepares for his future in medicine.

“I have shadowed doctors and other providers, and they have all been amazing to witness in action,” truly inspiring.”

Miller works on an interdisciplinary team and is one of a patient’s first contacts at the hospital.

Some of his duties include taking patient vitals, removing obstructive clothing, drawing blood and sending specimens to the lab for testing.

“I could not be more thankful for the people with

whom I work with,” said Miller.

“I have learned so much about patient care and professionalism from all of them.

They are, and continue to be, one of the reasons I work as hard as I do.”

After earning an associate degree Gabe Miller from Northwestern Michigan College, Miller entered GVSU’s Allied Health Science Program in Traverse City, where he is working to finish a bachelor’s degree and a leadership certificate. Miller said he hopes to become a physician assistant and plans to enter some of the same fields as his mentors.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else; I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a GVSU student, but to live at home,” says Miller.

Once Miller completes his education, he would like to concentrate on rural health care. He

recently received an invitation to join the Young Rural Champions group, an initiative affiliated with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Planning. The primary aim of this group is to enhance the retention of young talent in rural regions.

This cohort of Young Rural Champions comprises students and recent graduates from various disciplines within northern Michigan, each with their unique areas of expertise. Miller said he intends to assume a leading role in the health care sector.

He said, “While our population is steadily growing and continuing to age, the demand for medical care is growing.”

GVSU Allied Health Sciences in Traverse City A bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences at Grand Valley prepares you for a career in the health care field or for graduate health-related programs at GVSU. Take the next step by visiting gvsu.edu/tchealth.

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 11

WATCH THE SKY Mi c h i g a n’s au ro ra chase rs share t i ps , favorite spots, a n d t h e i r be st pho t o s o f t he no rt hern lights Northern Lights and Big Dipper above Fisherman's Island near Charlevoix, courtesy of Ethan Hohnke.

By Craig Manning Meet the Michigan Aurora Chasers, a massive—and growing—Facebook community of northern lights enthusiasts who use every tool at their disposal to track down, witness, and photograph the vibrant colors of the aurora as often as possible.

Established in January 2021 by Melissa Kaelin, an Ann Arbor-based aurora expert, the Aurora Chasers group has a stated goal of helping “people in Michigan and surrounding areas find and photograph the northern lights.” In less than three years, it’s grown into a massive community spanning 93,500 people; Kaelin expects it will pass the 100,000 mark by the end of the year.

That’s not an insignificant achievement, but perhaps it also isn’t a surprising one.

Michigan, thanks to its expansive Great Lakes shoreline, geographical positioning on the 45th parallel, and relative lack of light pollution, is one of the best places in the entire country to see the aurora.

And since there are few spots in the state that exhibit those three attributes better than in northern Michigan, it stands to reason that spots like Leelanau County are becoming increasingly popular destinations for aurora chasers from far and wide.

Northern Michigan: An Aurora Chaser’s Mecca?

Just ask Kaelin, who started chasing the aurora over a decade ago when she lived in Minnesota. When Kaelin relocated to the Mitten, she wanted to find a few things—

namely, a like-minded group of individuals who loved aurora chasing as much as she did and great places to see the northern lights.

The former desire led Kaelin to start the Michigan Aurora Chasers group. The latter led her north.

“I love northern Michigan, and I go north as much as I can,” Kaelin tells Northern Express, specifying areas like Leelanau County’s Glen Haven Beach and the Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church in Williamsburg as spots that are particularly terrific for seeing the northern lights.

As Kaelin explains it, there are scientific

interact with the planet’s magnetic field, the aurora is the visible result.

Most of the time, those interactions are visible only from the Earth’s magnetic poles, which is why the northern lights are a regular sight from the Arctic and Antarctic circles and a special occurrence everywhere else. Sometimes, though, especially powerful solar eruptions cause more extreme geomagnetic disturbances, which can in turn make the aurora visible farther from the poles.

Of course, predicting weather in space is even more difficult than predicting weather

“I caught my first aurora in March of 2021, and it kind of gave me this refound purpose in life.”

—Ethan Hohnke, photographer and member of Michigan Aurora Chasers

reasons for why northern Michigan is such a good place to behold the aurora.

One of the common ways to measure the aurora, she says, is with the planetary K-index.

The K-index measures geomagnetic activity, or disturbances to the Earth’s magnetic field.

Those disturbances occur due to solar winds or other flare-ups of solar weather, all of which originate from things happening on the surface of the sun, like coronal holes or solar flares. Solar activity flings electrons toward the Earth, and when those particles

12 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

here on Earth, which is why guessing where and when the aurora will be visible is difficult—especially for beginners. But Kaelin says that keeping an eye on the K-index is usually the best way to know if/ when the northern lights will be showing up in the sky.

The scale ranges from 0 to 9, with higher numbers indicating higher levels of geomagnetic activity. If the K-index reading is closer to a 9, the aurora will be brighter in the sky and visible farther from the poles.

“A lot of people don’t realize that even though we need strong activity in Michigan to see the aurora, we only need about a K-6 to see it across the entire state, and only a K-5 in Traverse City or anywhere along the 45th parallel,” Kaelin explains. “A K-5 is something that happens quite often, so if you’re in northern Michigan, you’re going to be able to see the aurora pretty frequently.”

Meet the Chasers Ethan Hohnke knows he’s lucky to live in northern Michigan. A member of Kaelin’s Michigan Aurora Chasers group—she calls him one of the leading aurora photographers in the state—Hohnke happens to call Leelanau County home.

Between April 2022 and September 2023, he strung together an 18-month streak where he saw and photographed the northern lights at least once per month. The vast majority of those sightings happened close to home. (October 2023, with its ample rainfall and endless cloud cover, broke Hohnke’s streak.)

For Hohnke, the convenience of catching the aurora near where he lives has been a blessing for multiple reasons. In the depths of the pandemic, Hohnke says he was “in a darker place.” His pre-pandemic dream of opening a hard cider company had ground to a halt when the world shut down, and he found himself feeling aimless and sad.

“I caught my first aurora in March of 2021, and it kind of gave me this refound purpose in life,” Hohnke tells Northern Express. “Prior to that, I hadn’t even had a

Two angles of the DH Day barn at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Photos courtesy of Justin Miller.

camera. I just would occasionally capture things on my cell phone.”

Within a month, Hohnke was “hooked.”

He bought his first camera, downloaded apps for tracking the aurora, and set to work learning the ropes of how to take photos that did justice to the beauty of the northern lights. Now, he’s a photographer by trade, working at Vada Color—a fine art printing business in Traverse City—and using Etsy to sell prints, calendars, and canvas wraps under the business name Captures By Ethan.

Looking back, Hohnke sees his March 2021 aurora introduction as the “ultimate segue” into a new career and a new life chapter. He’s grateful he lives in a place where that kind of epiphany could happen almost by chance.

For some Michigan Aurora Chasers, getting to northern Michigan to catch an aurora is more of a commitment, but still a worthwhile one. Just ask Justin Miller, a Grand Rapids-based photographer who moved to Michigan in late 2021. A transplant from Texas, Miller had never seen the northern lights before, let alone photographed them.

“I’ve always had a massive soft spot in my heart for astronomy, and I’ve always loved what’s called ‘landscape astrophotography,’ which is shots of beautiful landscapes under the night sky,” Miller says. When he moved

to Michigan, Miller “immediately scoped out” spots for nighttime photography in the state. That search led him to areas like the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

One night, in the midst of a nighttime shoot over Silver Lake, Miller found himself photographing the northern lights for the first time. Unlike most of the people in the Michigan Aurora Chasers group he’d recently joined, Miller hadn’t planned on shooting or even seeing the lights. Instead, he simply caught a lucky break on a lucky night.

“My mind was just blown,” Miller recalls.

“I didn't even know, moving to Michigan, that it was possible to photograph or even see [the northern lights] here.” Since then, Miller estimates he’s photographed the aurora over 20 times in the span of about 16 months.

Tips from the Experts So, what do you need if you want to take up the mantle of aurora chaser?

The good news is that you already have at least one big thing going for you: You’re in northern Michigan! Per Kaelin, it’s also just about the perfect time of year to start aurora chasing, given that the peak season for catching the northern lights in Michigan tends to fall between September and April.

Crisp, cold, dark, and clear winter nights, she says, often yield some of the most fruitful

The 45th parallel is an ideal spot to catch the aurora.

Photo courtesy of Ethan Hohnke.

aurora chases of the year.

Some of the best practices to aurora chasing are self-explanatory: Wait for a cloudless night, find a dark area with a good northerly view, and get used to tracking the K-index. Joining the Michigan Aurora Chasers group is one way to get dialed in on the aurora-watching conditions. Another is to use mobile apps like My Aurora Forecast to monitor geomagnetic activity. Kaelin also recommends using light pollution maps to find areas near you that offer the darkest skies possible.

Michele Aucello, another northern Michigan-based aurora chaser, says the most important things—beyond favorable Earth and space weather conditions, of course— might be expectations and patience. While the northern lights can often be seen with the naked eye, a good camera can capture colors and dimensions of the aurora the eyes can’t. Accepting that fact, Aucello says, is a common frustration among first-time aurora viewers, as is realizing that an iPhone camera isn’t going to yield the same results as an expensive camera with the right lenses, tripods, and settings.

Hohnke echoes Aucello’s words, noting that it took him investing in a good camera—and figuring out how to shoot in “manual mode,” with full control over things like shutter speed and exposure—to see

everything the northern lights had to offer.

For aurora chasers without all that shiny equipment, Aucello simply recommends taking your time to get your eyes adjusted to the dark. Many people, she says, have the tendency to take their blankets and chairs out to the beach, watch the sky for a few minutes, and then get impatient. Once the phone comes out, the process of getting the eyes used to the dark starts all over again.

“That’s probably the hardest part of aurora chasing, because it is really tempting to pull out your phone and say, ‘Hey, what else is going on? What are other people on the Aurora Chasers app saying?’” Aucello says. “But if you can go out with some friends and plan on just hunkering down, the more your eyes are accustomed to the dark and the more you're going to see. I’ve seen amazing pinks and greens with the naked eye, but I do notice that’s what I’ve been out for an hour or so.”

“I would recommend that people devote at least three hours to an aurora chase,” Kaelin concludes. “A lot of people go out there as soon as it gets dark, look at the sky for 15 minutes, see nothing, and then give up and go home. If that’s the way you’re chasing, you’re going to miss the northern lights every time.”

The aurora is best spotted over water (like Lake Michigan) and away from light pollution. Photo courtesy of Ethan Hohnke.

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 13

Headstones at Cadillac's historic Maple Hill Cemetery.

Meet the "Grim Keeper" An afternoon with Scott Buckmaster in Cadillac’s Maple Hill Cemetery

By Al Parker

Scott Buckmaster slides out of the driver’s side of his hefty GMC pickup, shrugs off a light rain as he walks briskly past half dozen grave sites, and shoves a fiberglass marker with a bright orange top into the ground.

Buckmaster—“Buck” to almost everyone he knows—is a sexton at Cadillac’s historic Maple Hill Cemetery and he uses these highly-visible shafts to mark spots that need repair and a little bit of love across the 68acre burial grounds where more than 12,000 rest.

“This cemetery, Maple Hill, is a cathartic place for me,” says the 52-year-old, who retired from teaching art at Pine River in December 2022. “I get to see things that make me smile every day, and I end my days smiling as easily as when I entered them. In a place that to many is a location of infinite sadness, I have found so much growth and seen so many incredible things.”

Was it tough for him to leave the hustle and bustle of the classroom to work virtually alone all day?

“After 45 years of educational ‘first days’—that is how many I had,” he says, “I saw the buses all gone from the CAPS garage parking lot when I drove by it and I smiled. I am not necessarily conflicted by my retirement, as I’m thankful I was able to work in that career as long as I did and that I now have the chance to start anew.”

Fixing Foundations and Finials When he was hired by the city, Buck was hoping to do a lot of lawn mowing, some light cleanup, and little else.

“I felt that was a valid desire for a retired teacher,” he says with a smile. “Though it would be loud and require hearing protection, it would be a quiet time like snow blowing in the winter. It would give me moments to think, plan, and ponder.

What I have come to know during this time is I see things that need fixing and then figure out how to solve the problem or right

a wrong done by time and nature. I really love finding stones and bringing them back to the light.”

For example, one workday, Buck’s supervisor Gabe Marine was able to commandeer a backhoe from the Cadillac city garage. Buck, Marine, and other city workers lowered eight huge markers that had failing foundations, one on the verge of toppling over.

cemetery, I have learned that every day is a first day and that life is better lived that way.”

A painter and artist himself, Buck is often called upon to use his creative eye while on the job, whether he’s admiring the artistry of a headstone or helping restore it to its former grandeur. He says some of Maple Hill's stones stand out for their simplicity, while others are more ornate and complex.

“I’ve grown to appreciate the stones that have porcelain images on them,” he says.

Sometimes heavy equipment is needed to repair the headstones and markers.

“I made forms for new concrete foundations so these 150-year-old priceless art pieces will stand for another 150 years,” says Buck. “The foundations were poured and the stones reset. The ones missing their finials will also get a new one courtesy of the form from Casey [Danford] at Training Mask.”

Every day is new and different at Maple Hill and Buck savors every work shift, every project.

“There are so many things to fix,” he says. “Not because of poor upkeep, but it’s a matter of time and nature. Every day is new and different from the day before. In the

14 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

“The portraiture really helps to direct a visitor’s understanding of just who they are standing before and looking upon. Many are a snapshot of a couple memorialized for all time. Typically they are happy moments of people’s lives well-lived. They’re a wedding, candid, or happy gathering images. Some are images of an individual whose life was cut short…being a visual artist, I appreciate the hints and information shared in these images.”

Several finials—the ornate toppings of many of the older graves—were refurbished

by Buck during the late summer.

“It’s interesting walking, finial in hand,

through the aged granite and finding stones that plead for attention,” he says. “Between adding these architectural touches back to the cemetery’s skyline, leveling foundations, finding and re-assembling markers, and straightening others that have given way to gravity, the cemetery is flourishing.”

Handling History and Heartache The cemetery isn’t just a place of work for Buck—it’s a place to dive into the history of the area dating back to the Civil War. Several of Cadillac’s most prominent families are in their eternal resting places at Maple Hill, including popular mayor James Haynes and the ubiquitous Mitchell family of Mitchell Street, Lake Mitchell, and Mitchell State Park fame.

“Every day I view thousands of markers and understand they’re representative of a trillion moments in human lives,” Buck says. “To say this place humbles me is a monumental understatement.”

One stone that Buck discovered during a recent mowing session was just a small slice of granite peeking through the soil, and he marked it with a fiberglass dowel.

“It turned out to be a sunken baby marker on the Cummer family baby plot,” recalls Buck.

Born in Toronto in 1823, Jacob Cummer arrived in Clam Lake in 1876, according to the Wexford County Historical Society Museum. With his son, Wellington, he secured cutting rights across the region to provide lumber for his mill. The Cummers provided the new village with water and electric services and built several miles of logging railroads. They were prominent lumber barons.

“The main family plot is located to the west of this baby plot and is marked by an immense monolithic stone crowned with a blanket draped urn finial,” explains Buck.

“The main baby stone incorporates four children’s names. This small stone was set to the south of the main baby stone and lost to time. I surmise it to be a baby death after the

Many of the grave markers are over 150 years old.

creation of the multi-baby stone.”

Buck carefully removed a layer of soil and uncovered initials on the small stone face. “I smiled at the tentative glimpse I was given of those initials,” he says. “I made a wrong [into] a right and raised the stone to stand proud once again.”

Not all of his days are full of such success, however. Some are stained by heartache.

One day he was filling holes when he was stopped by a crew of Superior Monument delivery workers. They had a stone to deliver and had been looking for a plot for about 15 minutes.

“I asked the name of the person,” recalls Buck. “When they told me the name, I sighed and told them I knew precisely where the plot they were looking for was.”

The stone was for one of Buck’s former students, a teen who had taken his own life.

With the delivery team’s permission, Buck took a few minutes to watch them set the boy’s stone through teary eyes.

“He was a genius kid who I enjoyed in class, but he was now forever 16.” Buck wrote in his “Grim Keeper” Facebook account. “I stared at my reflection in my student’s mirror black stone reading the poem worn into it. The sky broke open

and the rain mixed with my tears on my face. As I drove back to the garage this time, I stopped to appreciate a lily that had taken root in our southeast field. I stopped because I could, and so many that can and should, don’t. The ‘people’ I work around every day have taught me that.”

FALL ininlove youryour newsmile smile FALL lovewith with www.schulzortho.com

TRAVERSE CITY

Markers in process of being restored.

One of the many finials Buckmaster has replaced.

231-929-3200 • 4952 Skyview Ct.

CHARLEVOIX

231-237-0955 • 106 E. Garfield Ave.

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 15

Anna Beard and Anthony Buonomo

A Swashbuckling Society Traverse City welcomes the Historical Weapons Guild

By Ross Boissoneau

Who doesn’t love a good sword fight? Whether it’s Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride, Brad Pitt’s Achilles in Troy, or Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, such conflagrations provide plenty of thrills and chills.

But sword fighting in real life? Yes, please, says Anna Beard. She and her husband, Anthony Buonomo, are the owners of Historical Weapons Guild in Traverse City, and they teach others the fine points of fighting with longswords, daggers, and other pointed period pieces.

“I know it’s an odd pursuit and won’t resonate with everyone, but for the community we are building here, it already means a lot,” Beard says.

A Double-Edged Business The guild was originally started by Buonomo in Austin, Texas, in 2016. There are several schools there that teach historical fighting methods with longswords, short swords, rapiers, and daggers, often alongside other martial arts.

Buonomo opened his school after being turned on to historical weapons himself.

He had a background in Eastern Martial Arts before he began studying Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) in 2014.

“He started doing competitive heavy armor,” says Beard.

Beard came to the guild from another demanding discipline, though one considerably less lethal: dance. But once

she took a weapons class, “I was completely hooked. I’m all in. Swords are super addictive.”

She took that first class in 2018 and soon found her weapon of choice. “I really enjoy dusack,” she says, referring to the single-edged saber originally used as a side arm in Germany during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Beard says the family moved from Austin to this area as she is a native and was longing to return. “I grew up in Leland. As a teen I couldn’t wait to get away. Then I was married, had kids, and was divorced in Texas. I couldn’t wait to get back.” Buonomo is originally from upstate New York, and when they saw their Austin school was able to sustain itself without their direct oversight, they moved north.

While they would love to make swordplay their full-time gig, they haven’t yet built the guild to that point. So Beard says they both have “muggle” jobs, in a nod to Harry Potter. Buonomo is an architect and project manager, while Beard teaches dance and is a stylist for Stitchfix, the online personal styling service.

What does her family think of her affection for historical weaponry? “They’re teens and are used to me being a nerd,” Beard says. “It doesn’t faze them. Their mother has purple hair. It’s just another thing Mom’s doing.”

Swords and Safety While Beard and Beard work to teach new swordplay enthusiasts in Traverse City,

16 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

their school in Texas continues to thrive.

Two veterans of that scene are Lenore and Sam Keiser.

“In this group you have a lot of different walks of life,” says Lenore. She appreciates the fact the guild is approachable for everyone, without any sense of machismo.

“Everybody is really cool and chill, very welcoming.”

Though they come from different backgrounds themselves, they’ve embraced HEMA. “I have a strong athletic background. Football and wrestling in high school, karate for 10 years, so the workout is nice,” says Sam. “I’ve never done competitive sports,” says Lenore. “I have a dance background.

With no athletic competition, it’s harder for me.”

One thing they do have in common: “We’re both big fantasy nerds,” Lenore says.

That’s a sentiment with which Beard concurs, but it’s about more than Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons, and the Society for Creative Anachronism—though those all help fuel their fire.

For example, Beard and Buonomo regularly delve into the actual history of the weaponry. “We read books from the 1500s on,” Beard says. The surviving manuscripts and sources provide insight into how the weapons were actually used. Among the historical weapons masters whose work they emulate are German fencing masters Johannes Liechtenauer and Joachim Meyer and Gérard Thibault d’Anvers of Southern

Netherlands (today’s Belgium).

The guild works with several different weapons, including the longsword, focused on the German Kunst des Fechtens (German school of fencing) tradition. You can try out the lightweight rapier, which can be used alone, with a dagger, or even with a cloak. There’s the classic sword and buckler, a small, round shield held by a handle or worn on the forearm, and the messer, a single-edged sword of the 15th and 16th century.

And don’t forget about the small but fearsome dagger, which Beard likens to swing dancing, albeit with knives. Last but not least, you can learn the ins and outs of ringen, or wrestling, which is the basis of all fighting. Brown says it teaches structure as well as opens up grappling techniques most often found in dagger, single-sword work, and longsword.

Wait, no maces, quarterstaffs or crossbows? While it’s called the Historical Weapons Guild, Beard and Buonomo don’t delve into every historical weapon. With good reason—some are just too dangerous.

“It has a long reach,” Beard says of the staff. Used properly, swinging it with your hips and body can generate a considerable amount of force, far more than can be done safely. “Quarterstaff is just about crushing stuff, [like] ‘I want to break your head.’

Safety is at the forefront of what we do.”

(Speaking of which, sparring is generally done with blunted weapons, just in case you were worried about ending up on the wrong side of a pointy sword!)

Naughty Students practice the longsword, a weapon about one meter long.

Nice t s Marie Ryan Elizabeth Paul Hailey

c c

c c

B rian Sarah Chris Ann Kyle

View our Holiday Gift Guide to grab the perfect gift for everyone on your list! shop.chateauchantal.com | 231.223.4110 The sword and buckler were a classic combo for historical fighters.

Stab Your Friends How exactly do daggers, bucklers, and the rest fit into the modern world? The guild offers regular classes, though as the Traverse City location is just getting off the ground, it has only a couple students to start. In Austin, the story is different. There the guild has to cap class sizes at 14, with open sparring attracting up to 20 people.

Different events in Austin involving other schools find as many as 40 or 50 people competing.

The Historical Weapons Guild also advertises Dagger Dates for “lovers, friends, or even frenemies” to meet at a Grand Traverse area park and get a one- or twohour lesson in dagger fighting. (Sounds like a unique way to spend Valentine’s Day in 2024!)

And while Dale Carnegie probably didn’t have this exact scenario in mind, the Historical Weapons Guild is offering people an opportunity to make friends and influence people through mini-lessons in dagger, messer, and longsword at Right Brain Brewery. “Fight for Your Right to Party” will take place at the Traverse City brewery Nov. 17 from 5-9pm. Weapons will be provided and no partner is necessary, though couples and small groups are welcome; cost is $20.

“People can sign up for 15-minute mini lessons and get to know a weapon while safely stabbing their friends!” says Beard.

Learn more at historicalweaponsguild. com.

visit us and find the perfect candle to cozy up with (or make your own at one of our classes!)

located inside the WAREHOUSE MRKT scan the QR code to book a class!

144 Hall St. #103, Traverse City

evilqueen.com • @evilqueen

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 17

Holiday Meats

All turkeys & hams available at both stores Local DuerksenTurkey Fresh Local, pasture-raised in Mancelona, Michigan, hormone & antibiotic-free, multiple sizes.

(Available Saturday, November 18.

No preorders, fi rst come, fi rst served.)

Organic Prairie Turkey Frozen Free-range turkeys raised with 100% organic feed, hormone & antibioticfree, up to 14lbs in size.

Everything you need to gather and give thanks Oryana is here to help you plan your perfect holiday meal. From local turkey to pies & sides, let us assist with this year’s feast. We make everything from scratch so you don’t have to!

Holidays To Go From our Kitchens TRADITIONAL DINNERS (Available at BOTH stores) Featuring pasture-raised turkey from Duerksen Turkey Farm and delicious sides.

Just heat, eat, and enjoy!

Classic Sides to grab-and-go Sweet Potato Casserole Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole Classic Mashed Potatoes

Preorder plates available at 10th St. only.

Order by Friday, November 17 for pick up on Tuesday, November 21 or Wednesday, November 22..

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Traditional $22.99 ea Local Duerksen Farms roast turkey, sweet potato casserole, classic mashed potatoes, sage stuffing, home-style turkey gravy, green beens, cranberry orange relish, dinner roll.

Stuffing (wheat free ingredients)

Wheat-Free $23.99 Same as traditional, but with herb stuffing, gravy and dinner roll made from wheat-free ingredients.

Vegan “No Turkey” Gravy

Vegan $21.99 Tofu turkey, vegan sweet potato casserole, vegan mashed potatoes, green beans, herb stuffing, cranberry relish, “no turkey” gravy, vegan dinner roll.

Local Organic Squash Second Spring Farm Cedar, MI

Organic Winter Squash Varieties $1.49/lb

18 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

Ferndale Market Turkey Frozen Raised in Wisconsin, free-range, antibiotic-free.

Garre Valley Ham Humanely raised, vegetarian-fed.

Spiral-sliced, glazed, semi-boneless half hams.

Beeler’s Hams Humanely raised, non-GMO, in whole, half, & quarter hams.

Niman Ranch Hams Humanely raised, non-GMO, in whole, half, & quarter hams.

Available at West only Vegan ‘Meats’ Plant-based and vegetarian options.

Located in the frozen section.

Traditional Sage Stuffing Vegan Herb Stuffing Green Beans Almondine Turkey Gravy Turkey Gravy (wheat free ingredients) Cranberry Orange Relish

From the 10th St. Bakery Delectable, seasonal, house-made goods featuring organic ingredients.

Pies | Pumpkin Cake Rolls White & Wheat Rolls

Duerksen Turkey Our Local Turkey Provider

Oryana is pleased to offer turkey fromDuerksen Turkey Farm in Mancelona. Rick and Sue Duerksen have been raising turkeys since 1979 when they first bought their farm. They humanely raise white broad breasted turkeys that are allowed to roam green pastures and dine on insects and grass during the warm months. The birds are also fed a supplemental non-GMO grain.

FRESH TURKEYS available starting Saturday, November 18, first come, first served, no pre-orders

nov 11

Saturday

THISTLE & THREAD HOLIDAY GALLERY: 8am-4pm, Suttons Bay/Bingham Fire Hall. Homemade arts & crafts from area artisans, including quilts, photography, pottery, jewelry, baby items, ornaments, stained glass, holiday & home decor, & much more. Free admission.

----------------------------LONG LAKE CRAFT SHOW: 9am-3pm, Long Lake Elementary, TC. Featuring more than 60 local vendors, a bake sale, lunch & more. Free admission.

----------------------------TOY TOWN TROT 5K: 9am. Starts behind Toy Town at Lake St., Cadillac. Benefits Toys for Tots of Wexford & Missaukee counties. $30-$35. toytowncadillac.com/events ----------------------------VETERANS FOR PEACE - ARMISTICE DAY EVENT: 9am-3pm, The Open Space, TC. Commemorating fallen soldiers of past wars. vfp50.org ----------------------------HOLIDAY ART & ARTISAN MARKET: 10am-5pm, Tinker Studio, TC. Shop holiday decor & a big selection of gift ideas made by local artists & artisans. tinkerstudiotc.com/ events ----------------------------KAIR 2023 FESTIVAL OF TREES: 10am7pm, Northland Plaza, Kalkaska. Nov. 10-18.

Includes decorated trees & themed trees for raffle & more. Benefits Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources Food Pantry. “Family Day Celebration” is held on Sat., Nov. 11 from 1-3pm. Visit with Santa Claus, enjoy live music by Patty Cox, as well as sweet treats & Santa’s reindeer. Free admission.

----------------------------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-november-11 ----------------------------SHOP YOUR COMMUNITY DAY: Downtown TC. Held all day. For every purchase you make at participating downtown merchants, 15% of the sale will be donated to the organization (non-profit) of your choice. downtowntc.com/shop-your-community-day ----------------------------TADLKIDS VETERANS THANK YOU CARDS: 10am-2pm, Traverse Area District Library, Youth Services, TC. Families are invited to create a “Thank You” card for a Veteran in their life or one from our community.

All supplies are provided. Cards will be distributed to Veterans groups throughout TC. Free. tadl.org/events ----------------------------TRAVERSE CITY FESTIVAL OF TREES: Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings, TC. Presented by Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings to benefit the Zonta Club of Traverse City. Tall Tree Gallery & Tiny Tree Tour: Nov. 10-12.

Yuletide Emporium: Nov. 10-12. Jingle Mingle + Silent Auction: Party with a Purpose - Nov. 10, 5:30-7:30pm. Tickets are $30/person or $50/pair through eventbrite. Foodie Friday: Nov. 10, 10am-5pm. Sing-A-Long Saturday: Nov. 11, 10am-5pm. Holly Jolly Sunday: Nov. 12, noon-4pm. goldenfowler.com/fot ----------------------------WINTER MARKET: 10am, Grow Benzie Event Center, Benzonia. Grow Benzie is hosting a holiday market celebrating partner organizations, small businesses, & crafters.

Check out a wide range of gifts, trinkets, & treats. growbenzie.org/events-calendar/ michigan-rocks-twah9-yfd4r-tgj3c-mkwbkxexaw-62sa9 ----------------------------LITTLE WAVES: 10:30am, Petoskey District Library. Hosted by the Great Lakes Cham-

ber Orchestra. Features a multimedia musical storybook time & a chance to see one or more of the many instruments of the orchestra up close. For ages 4-10. Free tickets for Veterans, active service members & students under 18 by calling: 231-487-0010.

----------------------------DEER WIDOWS WEEKEND: 11am-3pm, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Featuring a 2-day indoor craft & vendor show in Kirkbride Hall. The first 250 through the doors each day will receive a free logo bag. There will also be complimentary tunnel tours, $5 mimosa specials & Village Gift Basket giveaways. Free. thevillagetc.com ----------------------------PETOSKEY’S FALL RESTAURANT WEEK: Nov. 3-12. Enjoy special pricing & specials from area restaurants with some establishments offering two for one pricing. petoskeychamber.com/petoskey-restaurant-week ----------------------------WILD TURKEY TROT 5K: 11am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Register. $18 without shirt; $30 with shirt. grassriver.org.

----------------------------FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL: Noon-2pm, East Bay Branch Library, TC. Celebrate fall with cider & donuts, games, crafts, & more.

Free. tadl.org/event/fall-harvest-festivaleast-bay-branch ----------------------------FREE WILLS FOR VETERANS AT THE LIBRARY: Noon-5pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. The Grand Traverse-LeelanauAntrim Bar Association is offering free Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney for estate planning to Veterans. Services will be provided pro bono (free of charge) to any Veteran by volunteer licensed attorneys from the local area. No registration required but RSVP appreciated: admin@gtlaba.org. Please bring valid ID & proof of military service. Last appointment will be at 4pm. Free. tadl.org/events.

----------------------------BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Ellie Harold will sign her book “Monet, Mitchell and Me.” Free. horizonbooks.com/ event/monet-mitchell-and-me-ellie-haroldbook-signing ----------------------------SIXTH ANNUAL FLAPJACKS & FLANNEL FESTIVAL: 1-6pm, Jacob’s Farm, TC. Bundle up & bring your best appetite! Wear your flannel, choose from beers, wines & cocktails paired with flapjacks, see the Jack Pine Lumberjack Show with Nine-Time World Champion Logroller Dan McDonough, & enjoy live music from Austin Benzing & Hatchwing Rider. Tickets: $15-$99 on eventbrite.com jacobsfarmtc.com/livemusic/flapjack-flannelfestival ----------------------------“LOOK WHO’S TALKING HEADS”: 2pm & 7:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. Presented by Mashup Rock & Roll Musical, this is a remix parody of the 1989 film “Look Who’s Talking” with music by The Talking Heads. The story revolves around parenthood as well as the idea of found family, & seeks to celebrate that not all families look alike but that a strong community is key to raising a happy child. The Nov. 12 performance is a special pay what you can performance with a minimum price of $5. $28 GA; $38 VIP reserved front row. mashuprockandrollmusical.com/ upcoming-shows-tickets ----------------------------MAKE A GIFT, JR.: 2-4pm, Interlochen Public Library. For all ages. Craft supplies & volunteers will be available for kids & adults to make a few gifts this holiday season. There will be a combination of creative & explorative craft supplies as well as four crafts you can make. 231-276-6767. Free.

----------------------------AMERICAN LEGION POST 531 VETERANS SPAGHETTI DINNER: 4-6pm, 18483 Cadillac Hwy., Copemish. Free for all Veterans. All other adults: $10; children 12 & un-

NOVEMBER

11–18

send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

Catch The Moxie Strings’ last couple of performances in their “That’s a Wrap” Tour! Made up of Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn, The Moxie Strings have been hailed for their “top-notch instrumental wizardry” and topped Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart last year. Their bittersweet, celebratory “goodbye” concerts are held at Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Theater in Petoskey on Sat., Nov. 18 at 7:30pm ($10-$40; crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ctac-presents-moxie-strings) and the Old Art Building in Leland on Sun., Nov. 19 at 6pm ($25-$30; oldartbuilding.com/events/ moxie-strings/).

der: $7. 231-970-9068. facebook.com/americanleagionpost531 ----------------------------HARBOR SPRINGS LADIES NIGHT OUT: 4:30-7:30pm, Harbor Springs. Get your passport at any open business to make purchases & get passports initialed. Make a wish list for your loved ones. Turn in your passport at the end of the evening & join in for the postevening celebration at Stafford’s Pier; doors open at 7pm; raffle drawing at 8pm. Free. harborspringschamber.com/events/details/ ladies-night-out-2023-13508 ----------------------------“GUYS AND DOLLS”: 7pm, TC West Senior High School Auditorium. This classic American musical based on a story & characters

by Damon Runyon will be performed by TC West Senior High School MUSIC. $15-$25. tcaps.booktix.com/dept/WSHMusic/e/WSHGD ----------------------------FREE DIWALI DANCE RECITAL: MASALA: 7pm, 1450 College Dr., TC. Immerse yourself in the rich culture & traditions of India as talented dancers take the stage. Sponsored by the School of Rak. AmiraHamzarRaks.com ----------------------------MAY ERLEWINE: 7-9pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. With a gift for writing songs of substance, Erlewine’s lyrics are rooted in wisdom, joy, sorrow, simplicity & love. $25-$30. simpletix.com/e/ may-erlewine-tickets-139675 ----------------------------SCHROCK BROS BAND: 7-9pm, Cadillac Elks Lodge. Presented by Gopherwood Concerts. This Americana/roots/blues ensemble features the lead vocals & family harmony of brothers Andrew & Jasen, with ‘Papa’ Mark Schrock. They are joined by Peter Madcat Ruth on harmonica & Michael Shimmin on drums. $9-$18. mynorthtickets.com/events/ schrock-bros-band-11-11-2023 ----------------------------“CATS”: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Experience Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning megamusical as the Arts Academy Theatre Division stages “Cats.” $38 adult; $19 child through college. interlochen.org/events/cats-

2023-11-10 ----------------------------BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COUNTRY DANCE: 7:30-10pm, Littlefield-Alanson Community Building, Alanson. Enjoy contra, square & waltz for $10/person, $5/student, kids 12 & under free. No partner necessary.

Potluck from 6-7:30pm - bring your tableware. blissfest.org ----------------------------SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL: 7:30pm, Cheboygan Opera House. Presented by the Northland Players Community Theater. Written by Leslie Bricusse, based on the classic “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. $20 GA; $10 students; $15 Senior Matinee. theoperahouse.org ----------------------------TRAVERSE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - SPENCER MYER, PIANO: 7:30pm, Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park, TC. Enjoy this solo recital featuring Chopin’s Four Impromptus & Debussy’s Preludes Book 2.

With a reputation for his poetic & sensitive interpretations, Myer’s performances have also been praised by critics & audiences for their technical precision & emotional depth. $45.50. Students & 1st-time attendees, call for 50% off: 947-7120. traversesymphony. org/concert/spencer-myer ----------------------------KIP MOORE: SOLD OUT: 8-10:30pm, Little River Casino Resort, Manistee. Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore’s latest studio album is “Damn Love.” Bringing a bit more southern rock than traditional country, Moore is also known for hits “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” “Hey Pretty Girl,” “Beer Money,” & more. $70-$85. lrcr.com/event/kip-moore ----------------------------LEWIS BLACK - OFF THE RAILS: 8pm, City Opera House, TC. This two-time Grammy award winning comedian/actor/writer known as the King of Rant is known for his trademark style of comedic yelling & finger pointing. $65, $55. cityoperahouse.org/node/504

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 19

NOV 12

Sunday

DEER WIDOWS WEEKEND: (See Sat., Nov. 11, except today’s time is 10am2pm.)

------------------HOLIDAY ART & ARTISAN MARKET: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------KAIR 2023 FESTIVAL OF TREES: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------TRAVERSE CITY FESTIVAL OF TREES: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------PETOSKEY’S FALL RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------ONE MAN PLAY: OLD WILBUR: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Raymond Goodwin, author of Michigan Notable Book, “Sawdusted: Notes from a Post-Mill Boom” will perform his new one man play, “Old Wilbur.” Free. tadl.org/oldwilbur ----------------------------SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECT: WEAVING: 1-3pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Drop in & get creative with a family-friendly art activity led by docents in the sculpture court. This month’s project will be inspired by the Northland Weavers and Fiber Artist’s Guild exhibition. Free with the price of admission. dennosmuseum.org ----------------------------“CATS”: SOLD OUT: 2pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Experience Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Awardwinning megamusical as the Arts Academy Theatre Division stages “Cats.” interlochen. org/events/cats-2023-11-12 ----------------------------“GUYS AND DOLLS”: (See Sat., Nov. 11, except today’s time is 2pm.)

----------------------------SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL: (See Sat., Nov. 11, except today’s time is 2pm.)

----------------------------WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD: 2pm, Alden District Library. Darin McClellan will discuss the history of the Great Lakes Freighter & examine the theories of how the freighter sank 48 years ago during a storm on November 10, 1975 in Lake Superior, followed by a tolling of a memorial bell for each of the 29 crew members lost. 231-331-4318.

Free.

----------------------------TRAVERSE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SPENCER MYER, PIANO: (See Sat., Nov. 11, except today’s time is 3pm.)

----------------------------JAZZ COMBOS: CELEBRATE THE SARAH VAUGHN CENTENNIAL WITH KATE HAMANN: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Dendrinos Chapel & Recital Hall.

Experience Interlochen Arts Academy’s finest jazz musicians in a special performance celebrating the centennial of revered vocalist Sarah Vaughan. Special guest Kate Hamann joins. Free. interlochen.org/events/jazzcombos-celebrate-sarah-vaughn-centennialkate-hamann-2023-11-12

NOV 13

20 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

MONDAY

KAIR 2023 FESTIVAL OF TREES: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ------------------KID’S CRAFT LAB: CORN HUSK DOLL: 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Sign up at the front desk when you arrive. Reserve your spot on web site. greatlakeskids.org ----------------------------LITTLE WAVES: 1pm, Charlevoix Public Library. Hosted by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. Features a multimedia mu-

sical storybook time & a chance to see one or more of the many instruments of the orchestra up close. For ages 4-10. Free tickets for Veterans, active service members & students under 18 by calling: 231-487-0010. glcorchestra.org/education ----------------------------BE HEALTHY, BE ACTIVE COMMUNITY COOKING WORKSHOP: 3:30-5pm, Interlochen Public Library. Featuring Chef Susanne. See a few techniques & then cook the whole recipe from start to finish. Limited to 10 adults. Must register: 231-276-6767. Free.

----------------------------G.T. HUMANISTS MEETING: ERIC PATTERSON: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Eric is the co-chef/owner of The Cooks’ House restaurant in TC. He’ll present “Why I Cook” & discuss the importance of food in our culture. Free. gthumanists.org ----------------------------THROUGH A NATIVE AMERICAN LENS: A FILM & SPEAKER SERIES: 7pm, Vogue Theatre, Manistee. “Gather”: This film is about the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political & cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide. A panel discussion will be held following the film featuring Cory Wells, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Natural Resources Department, & others, to discuss local food sovereignty issues focused on restoring surgeon & wild rice. Free.

NOV 14

TUESDAY

NOV 15

WEDNESDAY

KAIR 2023 FESTIVAL OF TREES: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ------------------PEEPERS PROGRAM: “GOBBLERS”: 10-11am, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. An adult-accompanied program for early learners ages 3-5 years old of all experience levels with the natural world. Includes stories, crafts, music & discovery activities. Held outside. $5/child per session. natureiscalling. org/preschool-peepers-program ----------------------------STORYTIME ADVENTURES: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Featuring “All for Pie, Pie for All” by David Martin. Sign up at the front desk when you arrive. Reserve your spot on web site. greatlakeskids.org ----------------------------PARKINSON’S NETWORK NORTH SUPPORT GROUP: 1pm, The Presbyterian Church of TC, 701 Westminster Rd. 9477389.

----------------------------TECH TUESDAY: GMAIL: 3pm, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, lower-level Community Room. Open to anyone wanting to learn how to set up & start using Gmail, Google’s free, web-based email service. Free. sbbdl. org ----------------------------CHARLEVOIX BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, The Villager Pub, Charlevoix. With Charlevoix State Bank. Enjoy networking, food, drinks & more.

HONORING VETERANS: Held at The Presbyterian Church of TC, 701 Westminster Rd. Guest speaker will be the director of the Traverse City VA who will be addressing: Comprehensive medical benefits available to Veterans for basic health care & specialty care copayments & enrollment, eligibility for medication co-payments for non-service connected service conditions, plus other issues.

Dinner at 5:30pm; program at 6pm.

KAIR 2023 FESTIVAL OF TREES: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------GREETING CARD WORKSHOP: 1pm, Glen Lake Library, Empire. Susan Schneider will lead this fun paper crafting workshop. Create a holiday-themed card for friends & loved ones. All materials will be provided. Register

by Sat., Nov. 11 by calling 231-326-5361, or emailing info@glenlakelibrary.net. Free.

----------------------------MAKE IT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: 2pm, 415 E. Eighth St., TC. Santa Sheep Ornaments.

Options are available for both in-person & on Zoom. disabilitynetwork.org ----------------------------CHILLIN’ WITH THE CHAMBER OFFICE: 4-6pm, Harbor Springs Area Chamber office, 118 E. Main St., Harbor Springs. Find out about the sponsor’s business & what’s happening around town.

----------------------------CRISIS IN PALESTINE: 5pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Mideast Just Peace will host this community discussion: “Crisis in Palestine and U.S. and Media Complicity.”

Presentations will begin at 5:30pm. Virtual speakers include Rashida Tlaib, Huwaida Arraf, & Ali Abunimah. Gina Aranki, co-founder of Mideast Just Peace will provide additional background on Palestine & the Israel-Palestine conflict & facilitate a discussion of what we can do here in northern Michigan. Free. facebook.com/MidEastJustPeace ----------------------------HERE:SAY PRESENTS: “SIGN SIGN EVERYWHERE A SIGN”: 7pm, The Alluvion, TC. Five storytellers take the stage to tell true, first-person stories about a time in their lives that they saw the sign & it opened up their eyes. $10 at door. heresaystorytelling. com/storytelling-events ----------------------------PETOSKEY FILM SERIES: “BOOGIE NIGHTS”: 7pm, Carnegie Building, Petoskey.

Free.

----------------------------AN EVENING WITH EMILY TEMPLE: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, The Writing House. Join the Interlochen Arts Academy Creative Writing Division as they host a reading, Q&A session & book signing with author & Literary Hub Managing Editor Emily Temple. Free. interlochen.org/events/ evening-emily-temple-2023-11-15 ----------------------------SINGER SONGWRITER: SONGS TO CARRY YOU THROUGH: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Dendrinos Chapel & Recital Hall. Hear the hits of tomorrow as Interlochen Arts Academy’s singer-songwriter students share original works inspired by visual art. $17 adult; $14 child through college. interlochen.org/events/singer-songwritersongs-to-carry-you-through-2023-11-15

NOV 16

THURSDAY

NMCAA’S LAUNDRY PROJECT: 8:30-11:30am, TC Laundry, Garfield Plaza, TC. Free laundry service for those in need. Call 947-3780 with questions.

----------------------------KAIR 2023 FESTIVAL OF TREES: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------ISEA CAFE NOV. USING DOOM AS FUEL FOR THE FUTURE: 2pm, Inland Seas Education Association, Suttons Bay. A presentation by Inland Seas staffers Rachel & Liam that will discuss the sense of impending doom felt by people across the country, particularly those in younger demographics.

Free. schoolship.org/2023/10/2023-24-iseacafe-schedule ----------------------------DIET CULTURE DROPOUT CLUB:

FALL READS AT COMMONGROUNDS: 6-7:30pm, Commongrounds Cooperative, E. Eighth St., TC. Enjoy community building, laughter, venting & zero diet talk. Discuss topics from a common read each month.

Free. headandhearttc.com/events-1 ----------------------------TRAVERSE INDIVISIBLE: 6pm, Sleder’s Family Tavern, TC. Taryn Indish, regional director of MI League of Conservation Voters discusses their work protecting Michigan’s environment. Free. traverseindivisible.org/ events ----------------------------GRAND TRAVERSE AUDUBON CLUB MEETING: 7pm, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Learn about the online birding site eBird & the Michigan Birds Discord channel. An expert birder will show you how to get the most out of these resources & increase your enjoyment of birding. Free. grandtraverseaudubon.org ----------------------------TRAVERSE AREA CAMERA CLUB MEETING: First Presbyterian Church, TC. Meets the third Thurs. of the month. Social hour at 6pm; meeting at 7pm. tacameraclub.org

NOV 17

FRIDAY

COMMUNITY LIAISON UIA: 11am-4pm, Glen Lake Library, Empire. Autumn VanderMolen from the State of Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency will answer questions about jobless benefits available to Michigan workers, & will assist with the application process. 231-326-5361.

----------------------------KAIR 2023 FESTIVAL OF TREES: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------STORYTIME: 10:30am, Leland Township Library, Leland. Stories & more for patrons aged 0-6 & their caregivers. Free. lelandlibrary.org/programs-events ----------------------------LUNCHEON LECTURE: WEATHER FORECAST: 11:30am-1pm, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. Pat Bak from the National Weather Service office in Gaylord will review the recent weather & offer some prognostications on what we might expect in the months ahead. $15; includes a buffet lunch. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5392149 ----------------------------2023 SMALL WORKS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 5-7pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Enjoy holiday music, refreshments & morsels while perusing the 2023 Small Works Holiday Exhibition & the pop-up holiday store. In addition, the GAAC’s Art Wish Tree returns. The exhibition runs Nov. 3 - Dec. 14. Free. glenarborart.org/events/2023-holiday-open-house ----------------------------MINI MAKERFEST: 5-7pm, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Join members of the STEAM/Maker Alliance for a Mini MakerFest with local STEAM organizations. Engage in activities with the GTCD, TADL Youth Services, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, Challenge Island, & Inland Seas Education Association. Register. Free. natureiscalling. org/events ----------------------------“GUYS AND DOLLS”: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------INTERLOCHEN IN TOWN AT THE ALLUVION: 7:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. StoneFolk’s Kevin LaRose & Aaron Dye join Interlochen Instructor of Singer-songwriter Blake Elliott for an evening of original music. $28. interlochen.org/events/blake-elliott-kevin-laroseand-aaron-dye-2023-11-17 ----------------------------SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL: (See Sat., Nov. 11) -----------------------------

11/13

a celebratory two-night reflection on winter, community, and music Friday, December 1 : Laurel Premo & Red Tail Ring Saturday, December 2 : The Antivillains & Breathe Owl Breathe $20 for one night | $35 for both nights | doors 6:30 show 7:00 11/15: Here:Say live storytelling 11/16: Thursday Night Jazz with the Jeff Haas Trio + Laurie Sears + Rob Smith 11/17: Interlochen In Town: Blake Elliott with Kevin LaRose and Aaron Dye various dates: MashUp Rock & Roll Musical Presents: Look Who's Talking Heads 12/17—JUST ANNOUNCED—MAY ERLEWINE & THE MOTIVATIONS

CRYSTAL CARDS

OUR GIFT CARDS can be redeemed for lodging, activities, lift tickets, golf tee times, in our restaurants and shops or at Crystal Spa. Buy now at crystalmountain.com/giftcard

C R YS TA L M O U N TA I N .C O M

THOMPSONVILLE, MI

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 21

THE VERVE PIPE: 8pm, City Opera House, TC. With a reputation for spectacular live performances, the multi-platinum alternative rock band The Verve Pipe is known for their radio hits “Photograph,” “Hero,” the #1 single “The Freshmen” & more. $25-$75. cityoperahouse.org/node/538

NOV 18

SATURDAY

EARLIER THAN THE BIRD: 7-11am, downtown Boyne City. Early morning shopping event with special offers for those shopping in their pajamas. boynecitymainstreet.com ----------------------------BROTHER DAN’S HANDMADE HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW: 9am-4pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey. Benefits Brother Dan’s Food Pantry. The Community Building will host local vendors featuring handmade items for sale. Admission is $2 or a non-perishable food item.

----------------------------FRIENDS OF THE ALDEN DISTRICT LIBRARY BOOK SALE: 9am-3pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Held during the TAAG Craft Show. Books, DVDs, CDs & puzzles.

----------------------------MARKET AT THE MUSEUM: 9am-1pm, Harbor Springs History Museum. Indoor Harbor Springs Farmers Market. Stock up on local foods & artisan goods.

----------------------------TAAG ART & CRAFT FAIR: 9am-3pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden.

Quality arts & crafts for sale by area artisans.

Event sponsored by Torch Area Artisans Guild. There will be a quilt for raffle & a bake sale. facebook.com/TorchAreaArtisansGuild ----------------------------KAIR 2023 FESTIVAL OF TREES: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in for free arts & crafts activities. New projects are offered each week. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/openstudio-november-18 ----------------------------TRAVERSE CITY WEST SENIOR HIGH CRAFT SHOW: 10am-3pm, TC West Senior High. Numerous vendors selling goods in paper, knit, woodwork, food, jewelry, & much more. Free admission.

----------------------------WOMEN’S MARCH TC: MARCH FOR PEACE: Join Women’s March TC to march & call for peace in the Middle East. Gather at The Workshop Brewing Company at 1pm.

March through downtown TC, ending back at The Workshop for two speakers. This will be a silent march, although songs of peace are welcome. Bring signs & your friends & family.

Please stay on the sidewalks. Visit the Women’s March TC FB event page or call Monica at 231-325-6812 for more info.

----------------------------“LOOK WHO’S TALKING HEADS”: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------“THERE ARE NO FAKES” FILM SCREENING: 2pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. A painting, thought to be the work of the iconic Indigenous artist, Norval Morriseau, leads the rock star who buys it into the tragic & brutal world of an art forgery ring in Canada’s far north. A virtual Q&A with the director, Jamie Kastner, will follow the screening. $0-$5. simpletix.com/e/there-areno-fakes-tickets-138606 ----------------------------TRAVERSE CITY SHOP & SIP: 2:30-7pm, GT Resort & Spa, Acme. Enjoy this handmade market showcasing high-end creations

handmade by 100+ vendors. Explore a curated selection of artisanal goods while enjoying a sipping experience. $5. traversecityshopandsip.com ----------------------------DOWNTOWN TC HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES: Front St. will close at 4:30pm with holiday music at 5:30pm. Santa will help the mayor light the tree at Cass & Front streets at 6pm, followed by the light parade at 6:30pm, featuring numerous downtown businesses who decked out their floats, along with musical performances. Visit Santa at his house at the Rotary Square on the corner of State & Union after the parade. Free. downtowntc. com/downtown-light-parade ----------------------------FIRST ANNUAL HOLIDAY HIDEAWAY: 6pm, City Opera House, TC. Warm up & watch the light parade from above. Visit the second floor lobby & enjoy Christmas music, full bar, a signature holiday beverage, hot cocoa & treats. For all ages; 12 & under, free. $10 in advance; includes signature drink. cityoperahouse.org/node/548 ----------------------------“FALL FOR DANCE”: 7pm, Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center. The 17th annual fall production performed by the Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet Upper Level dancers. Featuring original works choreographed by the School of Ballet students, faculty, & alums & also two works by guest choreographer Robin Pettersen, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater faculty emeritus. $25 adults; $5 students; $50 reserved seating. crookedtree.org ----------------------------“GUYS AND DOLLS”: (See Sat., Nov. 11) ----------------------------NORTHERN MICHIGAN CHORALE PRESENTS “HOLIDAY MEMORY LANE”: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor.

Enjoy songs celebrating fall, our armed forces, & Christmastime. $0-$15. greatlakescfa. org/events/detail/holiday-memory-lane ----------------------------DOWNTOWN SOUND PERFORMING ARTS SERIES: 7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Featuring The Moxie Strings who have been hailed for their “top-notch instrumental wizardry.” Made up of Diana Ladio & Alison Lynn, The Moxie Strings topped Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart last year. $10-$40. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/ctac-presents-moxie-strings ----------------------------SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL: (See Sat., Nov. 11)

NOV 19

Sunday

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TEA: 1-3pm, Stafford’s Perry Hotel, Petoskey. Boys & girls will enjoy an afternoon of festive activities with principal performers of the Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” Each reservation includes tea or lemonade, treats, tea sandwiches, a reading of “The Nutcracker” story, & a ticket to a performance of “The Nutcracker” (held Dec. 16-17). $50-$100. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/sugarplum-fairy-tea-1 ----------------------------WATERFIRE FEATURED ARTIST SERIESJAMES MANNING: 1-5pm, WaterFire Vineyards, Tasting Room, Kewadin. Meet local photographer James Manning, who is bringing some of his work to display, including his star photography. Free to attend. waterfirewine.com/event-details-registration/waterfirefeatured-artist-james-manning ----------------------------“GUYS AND DOLLS”: (See Sun., Nov. 12)

22 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

NORTHERN MICHIGAN CHORALE PRESENTS “HOLIDAY MEMORY LANE”: (See Sat., Nov. 18, except today’s time is 3pm.)

----------------------------MOXIE STRINGS: 6pm, Old Art Building, Leland. This duo composes the majority of their pieces & arranges melodies from many traditions. They are one of the country’s leading instrumental acts, & topped Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart last year. They will celebrate their newest album “Live & Plugged In.” $25 OAB members; $30 non-members. oldartbuilding.com

HELPING HANDS

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/ ----------------------------CLOTHING DRIVE: Held at West Shore Bank, TC. Donate men’s sweatshirts, t-shirts & athletic pants for Safe Harbor. Donations will be accepted through Nov. westshorebank.com

ONGOING

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME!: Suttons BayBingham District Library, lower-level Community Room. Preschoolers of all ages are invited to join for stories, songs & active fun. sbbdl.org

ART

CHARLEVOIX CIRCLE MARKET: Charlevoix Circle of Arts. More than 30 local artists, crafters & makers create & sell their items. Runs Nov. 17 - Dec. 30. Open Mon. through Fri., 11am-4pm & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org/circle-market ----------------------------“ESCAPING THE FRAME”: Commongrounds, 414 E. 8th St., TC. Etching prints

by Dorothy Anderson Grow. Runs through Jan. 7.

----------------------------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 from Nov. 7 - Dec. 23. higherartgallery. com ----------------------------MERRY MARKETPLACE 2023: Runs Nov. 10 - 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. A Holiday Party Opening Reception will be held on Fri., Nov. 10 from 5:30-7pm. An Artist Pop Up will be held on Sat., Nov. 11 from 10am-3pm in Carnegie Galleries. Meet the artists!: Helen Bauer, Lexie Cerk, Abby Hathaway Smith, Tom Krueger, Sierra LaRose, Julia MacLachlan, Sky Mage, Dave Rife, Lori Sikkema, & Sarah Steele. 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 ----------------------------BARBARA REICH EXHIBIT: Bonobo Winery, TC. Original artwork by plein air/studio artist Barbara Reich, featuring “Paintings from Around the Peninsulas.” Runs through Nov. 28. barbarareich.com ----------------------------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 Nov. 1 - Dec. 9. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ crooked-tree-photographic-society-exhibition-2023 HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Nov. 18 - 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 ----------------------------OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT: TERRAIN BIENNIAL 2023: ENJOY THIS INTERnational art exhibition featuring an original sculpture installment by Manistee artist Nat Rosales. Nat’s work, “The Echo Effect,” will be on display outside through Nov. 15. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org FALL EXHIBITION: Enjoy an exhibition of paintings, prints & photography by Nancy Debbink, Dennis Gordon & Tim Wade through Dec. 1. Hours are Tues. - Sat., 10am-4pm & Sun., noon-4pm. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

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

TUE TO-GO ORDERS AVAILALBLE 231-252-4157

S 7–9 TRIVI PM A

Mon & Tues: noon-9pm (closed Wed) Thurs: 4-9pm Fri-Sat: noon-10pm Kitchen open until 8:30pm Mon, Tues, Thurs & 9pm Fri & Sat

DRINK SPECIALS (3-6 Monday-Friday) :

$2 well drinks, $2 domestic drafts, $2.50 domestic bottles, $5 Hornitos margarita SUNDAY - $6 Ketel One Bloody Mary & $4 Mimosas

DAILY FOOD SPECIALS (3-6pm):

Mon- $1 chips and salsa Tues- $1 enchiladas Thurs - $5 fried veggies Fri - $5 hot pretzels w/ beer cheese

221 E State St. - downtown TC

Discover the health benefits of knitting.

TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR If any artist of our time symbolizes a quest for self-control and dominion of her own career, it’s Taylor Swift. She’s not only talented and smart—she doesn’t get pushed around.

Having taken on music streamer Spotify and concert service Ticketmaster, now she’s produced the greatest touring spectacle of the ages with her own independent team.

Undeniably the hottest concert ticket of the year, the Eras Tour featured almost three astonishing nonstop hours of what can only be called a rock diary combined with Circus Maximus scale modern opera. With a chorus of musicians and dancers, surreal costumes, impossible stagecraft, and lighting design that could probably be seen from space as 70,000 fans wearing illuminated bracelets jam out to every lyric, the tour continues internationally through 2024 across five continents for those jetsetters determined to see it IRL. More than just her greatest hits remastered, the concert is a sort of fluid love affair between Swift and the fiercely loyal fandom who speak her language, know her inside and out, and crave her energy as a way of understanding their own.

I got to see the tour in person in Detroit and thought I would never again experience something like that in my life. But Swift has given us a remarkable chance to experience the magic once more with a one-of-a-kind musical documentary. For someone who’s now sampled both, the film is almost more mesmerizing to this critic in revealing a close-up narrative I missed in the live version, even with video screens over 100 feet tall. Both versions were sublime.

When it came to making and releasing her own coveted film version of the Eras Tour, Swift was going to break more rules.

Snubbing the Hollywood system, Swift’s team not only financed the film (which is

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almost exactly as long as the real concerts were) but also self-distributed the project in an exclusive partnership with AMC Theaters.

It opened on over 38,000 screens in the U.S. simultaneously. Like everything she touches, it broke records and smashed expectations.

The film itself has already grossed over $1 billion worldwide, adding to the $4.5 billion the tour has brought in.

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Notably starting without the usual backstage fanfare but instead launching immediately into the Eras Tour experience, the film rewards fans right away with the music and storytelling. It’s deserving of the big screen in its delicate direction by Sam Wrench, who shot the footage over three sold-out concerts at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. The film reveals all the mechanics you might see from the front row in a unique twist that enhances the intimacy.

The director of previous concert films for Billie Eilish and Lizzo, Wrench weaves together a faithful representation of the monumental feeling of the tour stops. Like they are at the concerts, fans are roaring into the theaters ready for something communal: dressing in the Swift “era” that best represents them, clapping and chanting at all the secret spots, and exchanging friendship bracelets.

When I picked up my ticket opening weekend, our local AMC manager had a dozen of them on his wrist as he looked, stunned, across the lobby of fans still waiting to get in.

If it feels like one of those nights, you can see the Eras Tour film still playing here in Traverse City. (Note: It won’t likely be available on streaming until the end of January 2024 if reports of the contract terms are true.) According to the AMC website, it’s playing three nights a week for a price of approximately $20 for adults, $13 for each of the teenage fans in tow.

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November 24 —

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December 9, 2023

OldTownPlayhouse.com

Curtain: 7:30 pm | Matinee: 2:00 pm MainStage - 148 E 8th Street

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 23

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska ENCORE 201, TC 11/11 -- Blaine Luis, 7-9; DJ Ricky T, 10 11/17 -- DJ Ricky T, 9 11/18 – DJ Ricky T, 10 FRESH COAST BEER WORKS, TC 11/17 -- East Bay Blue, 7-10 KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC 11/10-11 -- Scarkazm, 9:30 11/13 -- Team Trivia, 7 11/14 -- The Will Harris Trio, 8:30 11/15 -- The Pocket, 8:30 11/16 -- DJ Leo, 9:30 11/17 -- Life Theory, 9:30 11/18 -- The Timebombs, 9:30 KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING 11/13 -- Trivia Night, 6-8 11/14 -- Open Mic, 6-8 11/17 -- The Fridays, 6-9

MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC 11/11 -- J Hawkins Band, 8-11 11/15 -- Trivia Night, 7

THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 11/18 -- Light Parade Viewing Party, 6-9; DJ Heady, 8-10

NORTH BAR, TC 7-10: 11/11 -- Jim Hawley 11/16 -- Drew Hale 11/17 -- Chris Smith 11/18 -- Jimmy Olson

THE PARLOR, TC, 8-11: 11/11 -- Chris Sterr 11/14 -- Jesse Jefferson 11/15 -- Wink Solo 11/17 -- Slim Pickins 11/18 -- Jonathan Stoye

PARK PLACE HOTEL, TC BEACON LOUNGE: 11/17-18 -- Jim Hawley, 7-10

THE PUB, TC, 8-11: 11/11 -- Wink Solo 11/16 -- Steve Clark

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

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 11/11 -- Ben Traverse & Nick Veine Album Release Party, 7 Tue -- Open Mic Night, 7-9 Wed -- Jazz Show & Jam, 6-8 Thu -- Trivia Night, 7-8 11/17 -- Funky Uncle, 7 11/18 -- Joshua Powell, 7

SPARKS BBQ, TC 11/17 -- Larz Cabot, 7-9

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM: 11/13 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9 11/18 -- IPR Concert - Kodan Quintet, 6:30 LIL BO, TC Tues. – Trivia, 8-10 Weds. – Open Mic Night w/ Aldrich, 9-11 Sun. – Karaoke, 8 MAMMOTH DISTILLING, TC 11/11 -- Dawn Campbell & the Bohemians, 7-10 11/16 -- Chris Smith, 7:30-10:30 11/17 -- Clint Weaner, 7-10

THE ALLUVION, TC 11/13 -- Funky Uncle, 6-8 11/15 -- Here:Say Storytelling Presents: "Sign Sign Everywhere a Sign,” 7-9:30 11/16 -- Jazz w/ Chris Glassman, trombone, & Lisa Flahive, painting, 6-8 11/17 -- Interlochen In Town w/ Blake Elliott, Kevin LaRose & Aaron Dye, 7:30-9:30 MashUp Rock & Roll: “Look Who's Talking Heads”: 11/11: 2-4:30 & 7:30-10 11/12: 6:30-9 11/18 – 2-4:30 & 7:30-10 THE HAYLOFT INN, TC 11/11 -- Vertigo, 7:30-10:30

nitelife

UNION STREET STATION, TC 11/11 -- Lucas Paul Band, 10 11/12 -- Kenny Olsen Birthday Bash, 10 11/14 -- USS Open Mic Comedy, 8-9:30 11/16 -- DJ 1 Wave, 10 11/17 -- J Hawkins Band, 10

C.R.A.V.E., GAYLORD, 6-9: 11/11 -- Nelson Olstrom 11/17 -- Randy Reszka 11/18 -- Lou Thumser

Singer and performer Jim Hawley has played all over the country portraying the joy and pain of love in his music. He sang lead vocals for radio commercials for Delta Airlines, Big Brothers of America, and Omni International Hotels, and was in the finals of “You Can Be a Star” in Nashville. He has opened concerts for Sha Na Na, The Little River Band, The Steve Miller Band, and Jimmy Buffett.

You’ll find Hawley performing in TC at North Bar on Sat., Nov. 11 from 7-10pm and in the Beacon Lounge at Park Place Hotel on Fri. and Sat., Nov. 17-18 from 7-10pm.

BIER'S INWOOD BREWERY, CHARLEVOIX 11/16 -- Open Mic Night w/ Host John Eaton: Sign-up at 6:15; Music at 7

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

Leelanau & Benzie CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY 2-4:30: 11/12 -- Jabo Bihlman 11/19 -- Charlie Arnett DICK'S POUR LAKE LEELANAU Sat. -- Karaoke, 10-1

Antrim & Charlevoix ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS 7-10: 11/11 -- Kanin Elizabeth 11/18 -- Peter Allen Jensen

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

TRAVERSE CITY WHISKEY CO. 11/11 & 11/18 -- Ben Richey, 6-8

BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD 11/17 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6

ANTRIM & CHARLEVOIX BARREL BACK RESTAURANT, WALLOON LAKE 11/16 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6-9

edited by jamie kauffold

TRAVERSE CITY COMEDY CLUB, TC 11/10 – Comedy w/ John Heffron, 7:15-9 11/11 – Comedy w/ John Heffron, 7-8:30 & 9:30-11 11/17-18 – Comedy w/ T.J. Miller, 7-8:30 & 9:30-11

Otsego, Crawford & Central ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD, 6: 11/17 -- Rick Woods 11/18 -- Mike Ridley

NOV 11-NOV 18

HOUSE,

PROVISIONS WINE LOUNGE, BOYNE CITY 11/14 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6 THE EARL, CHARLEVOIX LOBBY LO BAR: 11/18 -- Kevin Johnson, 6-9

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee LITTLE RIVER CASINO RESORT, MANISTEE 8-10:30: 11/11 – Kip Moore: SOLD OUT 11/18 – Thunder From Down Under

24 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 11/11 -- Matt Gabriel, 6-8 11/18 – Wink, 5-7 LAKE ANN BREWING CO. 11/11 -- Drew Hale, 6:30-9:30 11/16 -- Trivia Night, 7-9 11/17 -- Levi Britton, 6:30-9:30 11/18 -- Pat Niemisto & Chris Skellenger, 6:30-9:30

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 11/11 -- Tai Drury, 5-8 11/16 -- Open Mic Thursday, 6-8:30 11/17 -- Billy and the Kid, 5-8 11/18 -- Tula Skylark, 5-8 SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY 11/17 -- Friday Night LIVE w/ John Richard Paul, 5-8

Emmet & Cheboygan BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY ROOT CELLAR: 11/11 -- SAXU4IA, 7-10 11/13 -- Trivia, 7-9 11/18 -- DJ Franck, 6:30-9:30

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 11/11 -- Holly Keller, 7-10 11/15 -- PubStumper's Trivia, 6:30 11/17 -- Lee Fayssoux, 7-10 11/18 -- Delilah DeWylde, 7-10

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY 2-6: 11/11 -- Chris Calleja 11/18 -- Chase & Allie

ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES, 9: 11/17 -- Scarkazm 11/18 -- Queens

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY Tue -- Trivia Night, 7-9 11/17 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30

RUSTY SAW, BRUTUS 11/11 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6 THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 11/11 -- Decades, 8-11 11/16 -- Musicians Playground ‘Open Mic,’ 6-8 11/17 -- Kate Hinote Trio, 8-11 11/18 -- Chris Michels Band, 8-11

lOGY

NOV 13- NOV 19

BY ROB BREZSNY

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Icelandic singer Bjork is

a triple Scorpio, with sun, moon, and ascendant in your sign.

Neptune is there, too, giving her even more Scorpionic intensity.

It’s not surprising that she describes her daily practice like this: "I have to re-create the universe every morning when I wake up and kill it in the evening." In another quote, she places greater emphasis on the rebirth: "To wake up in the morning and actually find the day exciting is the biggest victory you can have." In accordance with current astrological omens, I invite you to exalt and celebrate the post-resurrection aspects of your life's work. It's time for you to shine and sparkle and shimmer and bedazzle.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo musician and

actor Shirley Manson has a message for you.

She testifies, "I say embrace the total geek in yourself and just enjoy it. Life is too short to be cool." This will be especially helpful and inspirational counsel for you in the coming months, dear Virgo. The wish to appear chic or trendy or hip should be so far down on your list of priorities that it drops off the list entirely. Your assignment is to be passionately devoted to your deepest truths, unique desires, and imaginative experiments.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you’re given a

choice to advocate for either a dull, mediocre truth or a beautiful, invigorating truth, give your love to the latter. If you wonder whether you should ask a polite question that engenders harmony or a provocative question that pries loose agendas that have been half hidden, opt for the latter. If you feel nostalgic about an old tradition that stirs up little passion or fresh insight, let it go. Instead, dream up a new tradition that moves you emotionally and excites your mind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): At the

risk of sounding melodramatic, I prophesy that what has been lost will be found. What was last may not catapult all the way into the first spot, but it might—and will at least be close to the first. Here are more zingers for you as you move into the climactic stages of the Season of Turnarounds and Switcheroos: A difficult test will boost your intelligence; a rut will be disrupted, freeing you to find a smooth new groove; an unsettling twist will ultimately bring you delightful support.

To get the best out of the upcoming challenges, Sagittarius, welcome them as opportunities to expand your understanding

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Many

cultures throughout history have staged rites of passage to mark the transformation from childhood to puberty. In ancient Greece, for example, kids formally relinquished their toys, symbolizing the intention to move into a new phase of their destinies. In accordance with astrological omens, I want to tweak this custom for your use, Capricorn. I propose that you embrace your second childhood. Fantasize about how you might refurbish your innocence, curiosity, playfulness, and spontaneous joy. Then select an object that embodies a burdensome or unpleasant aspect of adulthood.

Discard it. Find an object that signifies the fresh young spirit you’d like to awaken within you. Kiss it, sing to it, and keep it in a prominent place.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): For advice

about money, I talk with a banker who sometimes analyzes financial trends using Tarot cards. To keep abreast of politics on the ground level, I consult with a courtesan who has a Ph.D. in political science and cultivates intimate relations with governmental leaders. For guidance about rowdy ethics and etiquette, I seek input from an activist singer in an all-women punk band. How about you, Aquarius?

Now is a favorable time to take an inventory of your posse of teachers, helpers, and counselors. Make sure it’s serving you well and providing maximum inspiration and support. Hot tip: It may be time to add a new facilitator or two to your entourage.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): In Indigenous

cultures throughout history, shamans have claimed they have the power to converse with and even temporarily become hawks, coyotes, snakes, and other creatures. Why do they do that? It’s a long story, but one answer is that they believe animals have intelligences that are different from what humans have. The shamans aspire to learn from those alternate ways of seeing and comprehending the world. Many of us who

live in Western culture dismiss this venerable practice, although I’ve known animal lovers who sympathize with it. If you are game for a fun experiment, Pisces, I invite you to try your own version. Choose an animal to learn from. Study and commune with it. Ask it to reveal intuitions that surprise and enrich you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In accordance

with astrological omens, I would love you to experiment with blending the sacred and mundane. Bring your deep self into the daily routine and imbue ordinary rhythms with tender care. Here are a few fun rituals to get you in the groove: 1. Say prayers or chant ecstatic poems while you’re shopping. 2. Build a shrine in a parking lot. 3. Stir up an inspired epiphany while doing housework. 4. If you find yourself in a confusing or awkward situation, dance like a holy person to conjure a blessing. 5. Commune with the Divine Creator during crazy-good sex.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I’ve met many people who feel their love lives are jinxed.

Often, they believe this nonsense because a creepy fortune-teller declared they will forever be denied a satisfying intimate relationship. I hate that! Any astrologer who delivers such crippling bewitchments should be outed as a charlatan. The good news for you, Taurus, is that you are in a grace period for all matters regarding romance, intimacy, and togetherness. If you have ever worried there is a curse, obstruction, or bad habit inhibiting your love life, the coming weeks will be a favorable time to free yourself from it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini comedian Drew Carey says, "If I didn’t run from my fears, I wouldn’t get any exercise at all." Let's discuss his approach in relation to you. After analyzing the astrological omens, I believe that as 2023 draws to a close and 2024 unfolds, you will feel less and less motivated to run from your fears. In part, that's because you will face them with more courage and poise; they won't have the same power over you. In addition, I suspect your fears will become objectively less scary. They will be less likely to come to pass. More and more, your fine mind will see how they trick you into imagining they're more threatening than they truly are. Congratulations in advance, Gemini!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I would love to see you intensify your devotion to your masterpiece—however you understand “masterpiece.” It could be a work of art or an innovation in your job or business. It could be a new baby, an adopted pet, a redefinition of what family means, or an invigorated community. Might even be a beautiful alliance or enhanced connection with the divine or a refinement of the best gift you give the world. Life will conspire to help you in unexpected ways during the coming months if you rededicate yourself to this treasure.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Dear Sun, our one and only star: We love you and appreciate you!

It’s amazing that you consume five million tons of yourself every second to generate the colossal energy you send in our direction.

Thank you, beloved Sun! Is it OK with you if we think of you as a god? You are a superpowered genius of nourishment! And by the way, do you know who adores you the best? I’ll tell you: the Leo people here on Earth. They comprehend your grandeur and majesty better than anyone else. Would you consider giving them extra rewards in the coming weeks? They need and deserve a massive delivery of your bounty. Please fill them up with even more charisma, personal magnetism, vitality, and generosity of spirit than usual. I promise they will use it wisely.

“Jonesin” Crosswords "Free-Flowing"-it's that time again! by Matt Jones

ACROSS 1. Way to travel from Victor Hugo to Voltaire 6. 1962 Crystals hit "___ a Rebel" 9. Toast site 12. ___ FrisÈ (poofy breed) 13. Bus. numbers 15. ___ B. Wells (civil rights icon) 16. Suck it up?

17. Superior to 18. ___ & Bradstreet (credit-rating firm) 19. Like scratch-and-sniff stickers 20. The "real me", maybe 22. Arctic reindeer herder 23. Append 24. "Ugly Betty" actress Ortiz 25. Ice cream stripe 29. Outdated name in a Beatles title 30. Summer 2023 phenomenon that takes about five hours to complete 33. "You've changed my mind" 36. Vocal range featured by The King's Singers 38. Sit and mope 41. Big name on a cup?

42. Genetic blueprint 43. In trouble, perhaps 45. Expresses disapproval 46. "See ya" 48. Lack 50. "Euphoria" network 51. Nickname of an ex in a big 2023 memoir 52. Like some Navy rescues 53. Key below X 54. Good thing to feel?

55. Zombielike 56. Rooibos or oolong 57. Conductor ___-Pekka Salonen 58. Harassed

DOWN 1. Philippines' second-largest island 2. Neighborhood near Dodger Stadium 3. "Movin' Out" choreographer Twyla 4. Lead, for one 5. Linear 6. What poblano peppers passably pack 7. Some mushroom payoffs, in most Mario games 8. 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year Amar'e 9. Commander's superiors?

10. Full-grown animals 11. Sought, as an office 12. Sci. locale with microscopes 14. Tore 21. Footnote material 25. Action film adventurer Williams 26. Returns something late, maybe 27. Call routing systems 28. Five-in-a-row board game created in 1978 31. Often-imitated 1976 movie character 32. Docs that use endoscopes 34. Check beneficiary 35. Silica gel pack warning 37. Actress Phylicia of "Creed" 38. In order to 39. Lacking the know-how 40. Crazy Horse, for one 44. Cringe-inducing things, in recent slang 45. Singing D&D classes 47. Mode of "The Incredibles" 48. Apply haphazardly 49. Essen article

Northern Express Weekly • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • 25

N O RT H E R N EXPRESS EXPRESS NORTHERN

DS S CLCLA ASSSI SIFFIEIED FOR

RENT:

Traverse

City

PAID PART-TIME WORK TRAINING FOR

HOME FOR RENT: Location, location, SENIORS 55+: For Seniors Age 55 and Over: location.

Two bedroom, one bathroom Employment Specialist Trainee, Cashier, ranch in “downtown” Lake Applicants Ann. Attached Stocking, Clerical Support. must one car 55 garage, freshly painted interior, be age and over, unemployed, seeking new room carpet, full unfinished work living and meet program eligibility.

Positions basement. back available in Pleasant Traverse, front Benzie,and Manistee yards.

Super clean.

No pets,To no find smoking. and surrounding counties. out if plus utilities.

(231) Foundation 357-0998. you qualify contact the AARP Burnt Store Marina: Burnt Store Marina $1,800/month, SCSEP office, 231-252-4544. offers a waterfront restaurant, pickleball, COTTAGE FOR RENT: Traverse City _______________________________ golf courses, fitness center.

The ___________________________________ 1BR Cottage; pool Fullyand Furnished; Includes full-Service has 525 deep-water boat PAID PART-TIME JOB TRAINING FOR All Utilities; marina New Appliances; W/D; A/C; TRAVERSEAGECITY CLUB slips.

Boat rentals available or bring yours.

55 +: TRACK Paid Part-Time Cable; Parking; Very Nice; Quiet Setting; SENIORS EXECUTIVE POSTING ThePets; address is 3181 Matecumbe Key Rd, #12 Job Training DIRECTOR Positions JOB Available for No $1,700 per month; (231) 631The Traverse Trackover.

Club Applicants is seeking Punta Gorda, FL 33955. Pictures available Seniors Aged City 55 and 7512. an Executive Director to lead the overall on Zillow. Contact our Realtor Sanjeev 941- must be unemployed, seeking work _______________________________ management and day-to-day operations of 286-8120. 'sramachandran@thomasryan' and meet program eligibility.

Clerical, the Track Club. https://www.tctrackclub.com/ ___________________________________ Customer Service, Retail, Stocking. To LEAD CARPENTER GRIGGS learn more call the AARP Foundation news-updates CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: are SCSEP Program, 231-252-4544. ___________________________________ THE PENINSULA MARKET STAFFWe NEEDS seeking a carpenter with beexperience YOU!.............: Cashiers(must over 18yrs) Serving the Grand Traverse region and inPrep supervising residential construction Michigan counties.DIRECTOR HIRING CHURCH OF and Pizza Cooks, Stockers w/projects,... other carpenters.

Excellent pay, and NO Late Nights!

Positions arebenefits, P/T or F/T for RELIGIOUS ED (DRE) UU of Grand Traverse professional development.

Find out moreIn hiring for Director of Rel Ed (DRE). Duties the right individual(s) with open availability. a nutshell, reliable, enthusiastic and love include teaching, organizing activities, and apply ifatyour griggsconstructionservices. making others day better, Bring in your resume working with families. $22/hr, up to 15 hrs/ com/careers, or call 231-463-6885. or do a quick application! We're located at: 14111 Center Road, Traverse City, Mi 49686

Driver for Omish: Amish driver, 85 cents ___________________________________ plus gas per mile long distance driving 15 passenger van. Call (989) 964-9461.

BECOME A MEDIATOR Conflict Resolution Services is seeking individuals interested in training to become volunteer mediators.

No experience required. Training provided.

Volunteer when it works for you info@ crsmediationtc.org

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26 42 • NOVEMBER september13, 18, 2023 2023 •• Northern Northern Express Express Weekly Weekly

Sewing, Alterations, Mending & Repairs. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231-228-6248 _______________________________

wk up to 750 hrs/yr. https://uucgt.org/jobopenings/

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Medical Assistant For Hire: Asclepius Borealis* Private, Family Health Clinic* Full Time M-F 7am-3pm* $17-$21 per hour* Please send resume to: generalinfo. ab@gmail.com* www.asclepius-borealis.com _______________________________

easy. accessible. all online.

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SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & AARP SCSEP SEEKS EMPLOYMENT REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231SPECIALIST TRAINEE: AARP 228-6248 Foundation SCSEP in Traverse City ___________________________________ seeks an Employment Specialist Trainee.

Candidate must have reliable YACHT ROCK BAND: musicians needed. transportation and some computer Lead singer/keyboardist in search of the literacy.

Previous office experience smoothest backing band in Northern aMichigan. plus. Training provided to the right Influences include, but not limited candidate.

To apply you must be 55Steely and to; Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, over, unemployed and meet SCSEP Dan, be Kenny Loggins, Steve Winwood, and program eligibility. information callat Huey Lewis and The For News.

Email Chuck chanew@gmail.com.

AARP SCSEP at 231-252-4544.

COTTAGE

AKC DOBERMAN PUPPIES: European 1BR Cottage; Fully Furnished; Includes All bloodlines, 5 gen pedigree, I health Utilities; New Appliances; W/D; A/C; Cable; guarantee.

Parents DNA tested, no per Z Very Nice; Quiet Setting; No Pets; $1,700 factor. for size and confirmation. month; Bred (231) 631-7512.

Great family pets and protectors. 989___________________________________ 717-2604. Sandy _______________________________ PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA RENTAL -

NORTHER

MR.GETITDONE: Power washing, anything

COORDINATOR FOR LUCE COUNTY handyman, leaves, and junk. Call Mike at 911 AND EMERGENCY MGT.: 231-871-1028. I CAN! Application packets containing job ___________________________________ descriptions, preferred education, and qualifications may& be obtained fromGTARMC ROCK MINERAL SHOW the Luce Office, Sept.

23 & County 24, 2023:Clerk's Saturday 10AM Luce - 5PM County 407Entry West - SundayCourthouse 11AM - 4PM fee:Harrie $2.00 Street, Newberry, or free by email Donation - ChildrenMI 1249868 & under when accompanied by an adult Cherryland VFW at mikeaho4824@gmail.com.

Position Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Dr. Traverse City open until filled. ___________________________________ _______________________________

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Northern Express Weekly • oct 19, IG 2020 • 17 ER N M IC H EatE VisitriEs ed

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, 20 18 •

Mike Annelin Enthusiastic & Experienced

231-499-4249 | 231-929-7900 2 bed, 2 bath ranch home on 4.39 acres featuring a gorgeous kitchen and open floor plan. A walkout unfinished lower level with high ceilings that is plumbed and framed awaits your finishing touches.

6415 Betty Mac Ave in Lake Ann • $650,000 MLS #1916265 Empty fenced-in lot, zoned industrial, on the corner of Carver and Hastings. 0.722 acres, primed and ready for development.

1133 Carver Rd $775,000 MLS #1915672

Michael D. Harrison

Create Here • Explore Here • Live Here 231-633-2549 • 231-929-7900

• V ol . 28

00000 Bluff Rd Parcel $995,000 MLS #1909489 Large, mixed-use property on 2.25 acres with many development possibilities.

Beautiful view of East Bay, located in Acme, and backs up to the TART Trail.

Remodeled office building with space for six tenants.

5168-5200 US-31 North MLS #1912083 $2,000,000

SOLD! (my favorite four-letter word)

r e

ng PAGE 32

4.22 acres of vacant land on the Old Mission Peninsula, with sweeping views of East Grand Traverse Bay and 123 feet of private frontage; up to 4 building sites.

I cannot recommend Michael Harrison enough. This was my fourth real estate deal that he helped me with, and both from the buyer and seller perspective, he did an amazing job, as he always has. He is a fantastic communicator and he sets and manages expectations very well. I recommend him to all my family and friends because he truly is an awesome agent. I won’t be using anyone else as long as Michael is around! e Hurrican 42 PAGE m ia ir M

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28 • NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • Northern Express Weekly