Northern Express - May 25, 2026

NORTHERN

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NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • may 25 - may 31, 2026 • Vol. 36 No.21 Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 1

Nonstop Summer.

MINNEAPOLIS

BOSTON NEW YORK NEWARK PHILADELPHIA

J

CHICAGO

DETROIT

WASHINGTON DC DULLES & REAGAN

DENVER

CHARLOTTE

PHEONIX/MESA

ATLANTA

DALLAS/ FORTH WORTH HOUSTON

ORLANDO/ SANFORD

TAMPA/ST. PETE

PUNTA GORDA FORT LAUDERDALE

Book your summer vacation to one of our nonstop cities!

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2 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

letters CONTENTS Thanks for the Column Have to say how much I appreciated Isiah Smith’s column “The Courage to Be Disliked.” When he does his columns, the meticulous way he gathers and puts together his opinions elevates my plane of thought to a higher place than most of the purely political stuff that we are inundated with.

Good stuff, Express, and I hope we have government lawyers today with as much intelligence and grace as Smith.

William Bustance | Traverse City Tourist Time Ah yes, it must be late spring going into summer in Traverse City as locals who keep the lights on at certain establishments in the off-months get pushed aside for HipsterTipster tourists. So much for sense-of-place community; by the way, I tip 15-20 percent on my bill.

George Golubovskis | Traverse City

features

A Fortune of Sand...............................................9 The North Country Trail.....................................10 “Norte Magic”.................................................12 Volunteers Make the Trails Go ’Round...............14 Missing The Miracle Mile...............................18 Charlevoix Marathon .....................................20 The Heart and Soul of The Three Pigs..............21

columns & stuff Top Ten............................................................4 Spectator/Stephen Tuttle..................................6 Guest Opinion.................................................7 Weird............................................................17 Dates.........................................................22 Film.........................................................27 Nitelife.........................................................28 Astrology..................................................29 Crossword................................................29 Classifieds...................................................30

Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase PO Box 4020 Traverse City, Michigan 49685 Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 email: info@northernexpress.com www.northernexpress.com Editor: Jillian Manning Creative Director: Kyra Cross Poehlman Finance Manager: Libby Shutler

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this week’s

top ten America in Dance

Dancer and choreographer Martha Graham started her eponymous Center of Contemporary Dance in New York City in 1926 and went on to become one of the most decorated artists of the 20th century. One hundred years later, the Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet is putting on one of her most politically charged works, “American Document” (per the Martha Graham website, “a work inspired by essential American texts that addressed the A still from “Appalachian Spring” – photo by Fran Dwight question, ‘What is America?’”). In this iteration, it will incorporate testimonials gathered from residents of the Little Traverse Bay region. The show is part of a global celebration of Graham’s legacy and enduring work. Great Lakes Center for the Arts will host the performance on May 29, with an encore later this summer on Aug. 22 at John M. Hall Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for students and $40 for adults at greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/graham100.

Talking about Press Freedom Longtime international correspondent Deborah Amos’ reporting on the Middle East and refugees in the U.S. has regularly been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, Weekend Edition, and All Things Considered. She previously reported for ABC’s Nightline and PBS’s Frontline. Currently the Ferris Professor of Journalism in Residence at Princeton University, Amos will be the speaker at the Giles Press Freedom Lecture (part of NMC’s International Affairs Forum) Thursday, May 28, at 7pm with a 6pm reception in Milliken Auditorium at Dennos Museum Center. Tickets: $15-$20 in-person; $10 virtual. tciaf.com/event-may-2026

4 Hey, watch It!

This Is a Gardening Show

Zach Galifianakis is once again between two ferns…metaphorically speaking. He’s the star-slash-host of the new Netflix series that tells you everything you need to know about it in the title: This Is a Gardening Show. In each 15-minute episode (there are six available, so be prepared to fly through them), Galifianakis takes his personal love of gardening to the screen, talking with farmers, food experts, and even children about composting, growing, foraging, and more. You are sure to pick up some horticultural knowledge, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, and gain a new appreciation for what it takes to grow our own food.

Expect Galifianakis to be his usual hilarious, off-beat, slightly strange self, which lends plenty of humor to what could otherwise be called a downright educational show. (The Guardian calls it “a funnier, grumpier Sesame Street.”) And as Galifianakis points out, “the future is agrarian,” so it behooves all of us to get a little smarter about our gardens.

5

the MARKET

2 tastemaker

The DAM Shop’s Meat Me at the Dam Pizza

When it comes to the ultimate day on the water, The DAM Shop in Elk Rapids has pretty much everything, from on-site cocktail and coffee bars (which feature scads of local products) to live music, a marine pro shop, and most recently, a Dam Good pizza selection, the perfect snack to refuel between the boat and the beach. Options range from signature veggie and barbeque to build-your-own, but we’ll be going straight for a savory slice of the Meat Me at the Dam. A loaded take on the old-school meat-lover’s pie, this pizza piles pepperoni, crumbled sausage, bacon, ham, and house-smoked pulled pork atop a goldenbaked crust with melty mozzarella cheese and classic marinara. It’s dam good! Meet us there, and we just might share a bite! Find The DAM Shop at 118 Bridge St. in Elk Rapids. thedamshop.com

4 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

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Stuff We Love: The Smells of Summer

6 A Wine Extravaganza Raise a glass for season two of the Michigan Wine Extravaganza! To celebrate Michigan Wine Month, The Greenhouse in Cadillac has brought together eight local wineries, each bringing four of their favorite wines for guests to sample on May 28 with two seatings: 4pm and 7pm. When you arrive, you’ll be ushered to a table where you can sit back, relax, and let the wineries bring the nectar of the gods right to you. (The table seats 12, and full table reservations are available!) Your ticket ($60+ fees) includes the tastings and heavy hors d’oeuvres. If you’re still hungry, Primos BBQ is right next door. Featured wineries include Domaine Berrien Cellars, Black Star Farms, Mackinaw Trail Winery, Mawby, bigLITTLE Wines, and 45 North Vineyard & Winery. Get to know the space at primosbbq.net/eventsvenues and buy tickets by searching “Michigan Wine Extravaganza” on eventbrite.com.

Lavender isn’t blooming just yet, but you can get the first scent of summer with candles from June Apothicaire in Boyne City. The company got its start in 2020 with the goal of offering natural candles at an affordable price. There are plenty of options to choose from, like the Petoskey Stone, Leland Blue, Boyne Balsam, and Mackinac Island Mist, but we’re partial to the Lake Michigan Lavender. Made with 100 percent natural soy wax and complete with a cotton or wood wick (the latter offers a soothing crackling sound), this candle highlights the purple flower it’s named for but also brings notes of citrus, jasmine, amber, woods, and musk. Order online or find June Apothecaire products in dozens of NoMi shops and markets from Mt. Pleasant to Mackinac Island: juneapothicarie.com/pages/store-locator.

Vasa Phase One This month, TART Trails and Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA) broke ground on phase one of their “Trailblazing Tomorrow” investment in the Vasa trail network. This starts with a trail maintenance facility at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, which will be called the Vasa TimBarn. TART CEO Julie Clark noted in a press release that the facility will be a “home base” that provides “the ideal location to expand four-season trail care, strengthen winter grooming operations, and better Photo courtesy of TART Trails support the volunteers and staff who steward these trails.” The campaign, which has a goal of $1.9 million ($1.75 million of which has been raised), will also include a trailhead revitalization at Bartlett Road. The TimBarn opening and ribbon cutting is expected in fall 2026, while the Bartlett project will get underway in 2027.

To learn more, visit traversetrails.org/trailblazing-tomorrow.

Pictured: Superberry Trifecta Green Tea

8 bottoms up The Spice & Tea Exchange’s Top Three Teas On Friday, May 22, The Spice & Tea Exchange of Bellaire hosted a grand reopening (with celebratory deals running through Memorial Day, if you’re picking up the paper early this week!). When the business went on the market last year, employees teamed up to buy the shop they loved, and we asked the new owners for their favorite tea recommendations.

Sarah Bozarth loves the Coconut Oolong Tea, described as “creamy, smooth coconut is nicely blended with Bao Zhong oolong tea.” Libby Hiser picks the Mango Tango Herbal Tea, a go-to for summer iced tea that is “so refreshing and flavorful.” And Greg Hiser opts for the Superberry Trifecta Green Tea, backed with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients.

Visit the shop at 113 North Bridge St. in Bellaire or find them online at spiceandtea.com and facebook.com/TSTEBellaire.

Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 5

TIRED OF WINNING

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ON THE WATER

He told us he would stop the RussianUkraine war in 24 hours with a single phone call. He said gas would cost less than $2 a gallon, that inflation would be next to nothing, and the world would respect us more than ever. He said we “obliterated,” “decimated,” and “completely destroyed” the Iranian military. He said, without a hint of irony, “We’re going to win so much, you may even get tired of winning.”

It turned out none of that was true. We’re presumably winning a war against Iran we started for dubious reasons, though they somehow keep finding ways to attack neighboring military targets and keep the Strait of Hormuz closed despite having been “obliterated.”

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6 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Diesel fuel, which powers most of our trucking industry and farm equipment, is even worse. The US Energy Information Administration (USEIA) reported the cost of a gallon of diesel fuel on inauguration day was $3.72. As of May 17, 2026, that has now ballooned to $5.04 per gallon nationally and $6.20 in Michigan.

Virtually everything we buy is either shipped by something burning diesel fuel or planted and harvested by something burning diesel

We aren’t tired of winning—we’ll have to start winning before we become tired of it.

The MAGA minions believed all this, which even Trump likely does not believe—in his book, The Art of the Deal, he describes lying as “strategic hyperbole”—and none of it has come to pass.

According to our own Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the best measure of inflation, was 2.9 percent on Jan. 20, 2025, when Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term. As of May 17, 2026, the CPI was 3.8 percent. That’s a 31 percent increase, not a reduction to “next to nothing.”

The unemployment rate as of inauguration day 2025, according to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was 4.0 percent. As of May 18, 2026, it’s 4.3 percent. According to some, the number would be higher, but many immigrants, here legally or otherwise, neither report to work nor file for unemployment since showing up puts them at risk of an ICE raid and applying for benefits is akin to self-deportation.

TRY SAILING THIS SUMMER

inauguration day 2025 was $3.12. As of May 17, 2026, that same gallon averaged $4.51 nationally and more here in Michigan. Just 10 gallons of gas costs nearly $14 more now than it did just 18 months ago.

We attacked Iran, we were told, because they’ve been attacking us for 47 years and were on the verge of being able to attack us with nuclear weapons. While it’s true enough Iran’s terrorist proxies Hamas and Hezbollah have spent decades attacking our troops in the Middle East, there is scant evidence they were about to produce even a single nuclear weapon, and there is no conceivable way they’d have launched such a thing at the continental U.S. Iran’s leaders may be extremists, even bloodthirsty terrorists, but they are not idiots intent on self-destruction. Our war against them does not seem to have completely crippled their military nor changed their attitude. The Strait of Hormuz blockade has, however, hurt American consumers.

According to AAA, the national average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gas on

fuel. Those cost increases are necessarily being passed along to consumers, since neither farmers nor truckers can afford to simply absorb them.

Just growing those crops has become more expensive, too. Sure, it would be swell if the entire agricultural world all decided to avoid chemical fertilizers, but we’re a long way from that happening. And the cost of those fertilizers has exploded. According to DTN Fertilizer Trends, the cost of a ton of fertilizer, depending on the nutrients and chemicals used, ranged from $326 to $809 per ton on inauguration day. The same products now range from $493 to $1,110 per ton. More costs brought about by supply chain interruptions created by our war and cost increases thanks to our new tariffs.

Our summer vacations will not be immune to the price increases, either. Back in January of 2025, a gallon of Jet A fuel for fixed base operators was $6.58/gallon and is now $7.94/ gallon. That’s why airfares are increasing just in time for our summer trips.

We could just stay home and…no, that won’t help us avoid all the price increase, either. Even the cost of the energy on which we rely for our lights, air conditioning, and electronic gadgetry, is up considerably.

According to the USEIA, the average cost nationally of power in January 2025 was 17.2 cents per kilowatt hour. Now the cost is 18.05 cents per kilowatt hour, and the USEIA anticipates those costs rising further.

Tariffs some courts have deemed illegal and a war we did not need have created an inflationary train that appears to be picking up steam rather than slowing.

We aren’t tired of winning—we’ll have to start winning before we become tired of it.

TRAILS THAT CHANGE US

GUEST OPINION

by Dana Pflughoeft Trails and the contemplation of them consume a significant portion of my days. As they should. I am the community engagement coordinator at TART Trails. Some days are filled with meetings with communities dreaming up new trails. Other days involve talking with volunteers and supporters who care deeply about the trails we already have.

And often, I work with my colleagues, imagining better, safer, more joyful ways to move around our region.

I’ve been with TART Trails for exactly two years now (plus two internships), and believe my job brings purpose and enrichment to my life. Trails sit at this incredible intersection of recreation, conservation, transportation, accessibility, public health, economic development, and community connection.

A great trail transforms a community.

Fortunately, the Grand Traverse region is home to a few excellent trails that can serve as case studies. The Boardman Lake Loop Trail is one that comes to mind. It’s a beloved 4-mile, universally accessible trail circling Boardman Lake, welcoming every kind of recreation and every kind of person. What used to be an industrial dumping ground is now full of birdwatchers, anglers, runners, families, and people simply out for a quiet walk after work.

The loop sees around 600 visits a day now, and along the way, it has helped spark housing, local businesses, and public art across three connected jurisdictions. The trail reconnects people to water, wildlife, and each other.

Completing the loop took more than 20 years of persistence, collaboration, and belief from local governments, community members, and TART Trails supporters. Projects like that only happen when people trust that future generations deserve something beautiful too. Our region is now greater for it.

The TART Bayfront Trail feels similar to me. Running along the west side of Grand Traverse Bay, it’s more than just a paved path. Long before my time, community members had the foresight to protect some of the most valuable waterfront land in our region for people, not just cars. Because of that, we all get to bike, walk, roll, gather, swim, commute, and breathe along the bay.

I celebrate the decision to choose shared access over convenience as I bike past Clinch Park and the Open Space. I hope you’ll appreciate that smart prior planning with me.

Then there’s the Vasa Pathway, tucked into the Pere Marquette State Forest.

The Vasa taught me something different.

In 2015, after the infamous windstorm tore through the region, the trail looked completely unfamiliar to me. Entire sections were transformed overnight.

Trees were strewn every which way.

The Vasa Pathway forced me to reckon with ecological succession, the predictable, gradual process where an ecosystem’s plant and animal communities change over time. And then I watched state foresters, volunteers, and trail crews restore this altered landscape. Fallen trees were cleared. Erosion was monitored.

The trail reopened. And over time, new and different growth appeared. The forest appeared more diverse than before.

The Vasa taught me that loving a landscape means accepting change. Trails are not stagnant places. They evolve, just like we do. That’s part of why this work matters so much to me.

Trails create memories, but they also create resilience. They help communities adapt, connect, and imagine something better. You can visit any of these three trails today and see for yourself.

And thankfully, we’re not done yet.

The Grand Traverse region is ready for more safe, scenic, community-wide trail connections. I believe the best, most creative trails are still to come. The Three Mile Trail will soon link students to school, families to critical community amenities, and people to the places they want to go. Extending from where the current Three Mile Trail ends at South Airport Road to the Mitchell Creek Meadows, to Hammond Road, to the seven schools (yes, seven), to the library, and to the locally owned Oleson’s Food Store. Three Mile Trail will exude the diverse benefits that dedicated public spaces have on a community.

And great trail projects, including Three Mile, are possible because of great partners. East Bay Township invested early in this long-term community development effort, supporting the trail and knowing the value it will bring. The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy grounds the project in stewardship, conservation, and environmental education. And Norte Youth Cycling is poised with programming that will activate the trail with laughter, joy, and confidence-filled kids.

Trails, like the Three Mile Trail, flood my mind. Trails transform our lives, when we let them.

Dana Pflughoeft lives and plays in Traverse City, Michigan. She cares deeply for the natural spaces and recreational places in our region. You’ll find her crosscountry skiing on the Vasa, scrambling in the Hickory Forest, and cooking up new dishes in the kitchen.

Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 7

Purchase tickets today: interlochen.org/festival

2 0 2 6

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country & Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

World Youth Symphony Orchestra

JUNE

19

JULY 5, 12,19, 26 & AUG. 2,9

Emmylou Harris & Graham Nash

Renée Fleming Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene

JULY

23

AUG.

8

The Revivalists

David Foster & Katharine McPhee

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

JUNE

24

Bret Michaels

JULY

“Collage” A multidisciplinary showcase

10

JULY

BRIT FLOYD The Wall, The Moon and Beyond

24

AUG.

THE “HAPPY TOGETHER” TOUR 2026 - An Outrageous Concert!

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The Stray Cats

Food and beverages available onsite including beer and wine at select Kresge shows!

JUNE

JUNE

25

A.J. Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE

30

JULY

Tchaikovsky & Abels Detroit Symphony Orchestra

JULY

14

JULY

27

AUG.

12

Jefferson Starship Runaway Again Tour

THE CONCERT: A Tribute to ABBA

18

JULY

29

AUG.

13

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Interlochen Shakespeare Festival

St. Vincent Live with Orchestra

High School Musical Production West Side Story

Joe Bonamassa and Gov’t Mule

JULY 2-3 & 10-11

JULY

22

AUG.

6-9

AUG.

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ARTS CAMP PERFORMANCES

George Thorogood and The Destroyers

AUG.

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Brothers Osborne

AUG.

27

Braxton Keith

AUG.

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The Rock Orchestra: Arena of Fire

AUG.

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All summer long, you can enjoy hundreds of concerts, plays, dance performances, student and faculty recitals, readings, filmscreenings, lectures, and exhibitions—and many for free! For a complete schedule, visit interlochen.org/tickets.

Interlochen gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors for their support: NATIONAL

SUPPORTING

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FESTIVAL

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FRIENDS

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MEDIA upstaging logo LA (4/2015)

8 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

PARTNERS IN THE ARTS

A Fortune of Sand, Built in Detroit NYT bestselling author Ruta Sepetys to stop in Petoskey with her latest book

By Jillian Manning It took bestselling author Ruta Sepetys almost exactly 15 years to publish her first adult novel, A Fortune of Sand, which explores the glitz and grit of the Prohibition Era in her hometown of Detroit and its suburbs.

“I’m passionate about the city of Detroit,” Sepetys says. “I just found that it was this uncombed historical wilderness, and I wanted to shine light in those dark corners.”

And boy, did she. Sepetys tells us that during her research phase, she reads a copy of a newspaper each day from that time period. That means that the little details of the book—a character who loses his eye to a popped champagne cork, a grandmother with umbrellas named after authoritarian leaders, and a woman obsessed with Christmas—all came from real stories in Detroit.

More sobering plot points are ripped from the headlines too: a gem heist at the Detroit Institute of Arts, kidnapping and murder among the automotive elite, and even women committed to asylums against their will.

“I often wonder, how much did The Great Gatsby have to do with creating a defining narrative of the 1920s, because we think of the ’20s as flappers and glamorous, but when I peeled back the layers, I found something much more frightening,” Sepetys says.

On May 31, Sepetys will appear at Crooked Tree Art Center in Petoskey (put on by McLean & Eakin Booksellers), one of a handful of tour stops in her native Michigan. The event will be in conversation with a moderator, but Sepetys is certain that

everyone in the audience will have a story of their own to tell about Detroit—and she wants to hear it.

“History is so important,” she explains, “and we don’t want those stories to be swept under the rug.”

The Humans Behind the History Sepetys is no stranger to digging into the past. Her historical fiction has made her a #1 New York Times bestseller and garnered invitations to present her books all over the world. The time periods she chooses might seem familiar, but the stories themselves always feel new and fresh.

“What draws me in is if I feel that there is an incomplete narrative or a preconception,” Sepetys says. “Beneath those—whether you call them false narratives or incomplete narratives—there are human beings who experience that history, and when we don’t know that history, we’re constantly misjudging one another.”

Understanding history began as a personal journey when Sepetys stepped away from a two-decade career in the music industry and sought to uncover the experiences of her own relatives from Lithuania during World War II. Her first novel, Between Shades of Gray, published in 2011 and tells the tale of a Lithuanian family taken by the Soviet secret police to a forced-labor camp in Siberia. The book was a hit and raked in accolades, including being named one of Kirkus Reviews “Best Young Adult Book of the Century.”

Next came Out of the Easy in 2013 (a 1950s New Orleans coming-of-age-slashmystery); Salt to the Sea in 2016 (following refugees aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff in

1945); The Fountains of Silence in 2019 (unearthing the secrets of fascist Spain in the 1950s); and I Must Betray You in 2022 (set in Romania just before the fall of the Soviet Union).

Sepetys also wrote a New York Times bestselling middle grade novel, The Bletchley Riddle, with historian Steve Sheinkin about siblings who find themselves ensnared in the Enigma code-breaking world of WWII. And let’s not forget You: The Story, a book on writing craft that delves into how memories and life experience can strengthen your writing.

A Fortune of Sand But A Fortune of Sand was a different beast. For one thing, it is her first book for adults.

“The Prohibition Era setting of this in the 1920s really called for an adult cast of characters,” Sepetys says. “Also, I’m interested in a lane of historical fiction that explores things that were once vital but have now vanished.”

The Detroit automotive industry certainly fits that bill. The novel follows the Lennox family, who has made their money in windshields, but three generations in, is rotting from the inside out. Corruption, bribery, blackmail—no bridge is too far for Duncan Lennox, whose thug-adjacent, nouveau riche style is an insult to his hardworking Scottish father and several of his own children.

Most of the novel centers on Marjorie Lennox, the whimsical youngest daughter and aspiring fashion designer whose “truth fairy” tendencies make her a liability to a family with too many secrets. Tired of

being misunderstood and eager to prove her worth, Marjorie enrolls in an exclusive (and reclusive) artist residency. But some of the other women are…different, to say the least.

And the doors are always locked, and more than one resident is convinced the building is haunted.

Sepetys says she wrote the book in a “style that’s deceptively fizzy. … And then all of a sudden, as you move through the story, I wanted the reader to feel like, ‘Wait, what’s going on?’ as if the lights were flickering.”

(Having gotten an advance copy of the book, we can confirm this is exactly what you’ll be feeling.)

We won’t give anything more away, but we will say that any Michigander will find plenty of Easter eggs, from mentions of the U.P. lumber boom to the launch of the Detroit Thanksgiving Parade to building the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. And if you, like so many of us scattered through the state, have a relative who worked in the automotive industry in the early 1900s, you’ll see plenty of clever (and sometimes cutting) depictions of families like the Fords and Dodges.

And speaking of Easter eggs, we’ll leave you with this one: The blue color on the cover is the exact Pantone shade of Honolulu Blue… the signature color of the Detroit Lions.

About the Event Head to the Crooked Tree Arts Center theater (461 E. Mitchell St.) in Petoskey on Sunday, May 31, at 4pm to celebrate the release of A Fortune of Sand with Ruta Sepetys. Expect a conversation, signing, and wine and cheese.

The event is free, though RSVPs are requested.

Learn more at mcleanandeakin.com/ event/2026-05-31/ruta-sepetys-fortune-sand.

Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 9

French Farm Lake

HIKING AND BIKING ON THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL Trail updates and recommendations from the NCT

By Todd VanSickle Eleven years ago when Kenny Wawsczyk was hired as regional trail coordinator for the North Country Trail, he noticed many people didn’t know about the 4,800-mile trek through eight states.

“When I first started, I used to have to ask people, ‘Do you know what the North Country Trail is?’ I had my whole spiel,” Wawsczyk says. “But now when I ask that question people are like, ‘Yeah, we’ve been on that before.’ It’s cool to hear the recognition that the trail is getting more and more.”

The NCT is twice as long as the Appalachian Trail and winds through several northern Michigan counties, treating hikers to lush forests and pristine rivers and lakes. In total, Michigan is home to nearly 1,200 miles of the trail. Wawsczyk works with 12 Michigan NCT chapters and 15 designated “trail towns”: Marquette, Grand Marais, St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, Petoskey, Kalkaska, Fife Lake, White Cloud, Lowell, Middleville, Augusta, Battle Creek, Marshall, Albion, and Litchfield.

“In northern Michigan we do try to stay in the woods pretty much,” he says. “We got a lot of natural surface single track, but all sorts of experiences for anybody out there who wants to hike.”

Getting Outside Wawsczyk says the NCT depends

on volunteers to help maintain the trail.

Throughout the years he has seen more interest in hiking and biking, especially during the pandemic.

“It’s definitely increased,” Wawsczyk says. “Everybody knows what COVID did to trails and outdoor recreation in general.

It got people outside, but it’s definitely not as high as the COVID years when you saw isolated parking lots jam packed full of people and full of cars.”

When the National Park Service turned 100 back in 2016, the NCT celebrated the occasion with the Hike 100 Challenge program, which awards a badge to those who complete 100 miles of the NCT within a year.

“It was supposed to be a one-year thing,” Wawsczyk says. “We got such good feedback from it and really cool stories about how it has helped with mental and physical health, or how it got hikers through a tough time.

So we’ve kept that going. That’s a really big program for us.”

Wawsczyk encourages hikers to visit NCT online at northcountrytrail.org to sign up for the 100-mile badge challenge and find your next hike. The online map also provides current trail conditions and amenities.

“Anybody who’s interested in hiking the NCT, just hop on our website, go to our online map, and just scroll around and check out different sections close to you or that you’re interested in hiking,” the trail coordinator

10 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

says. “That’s what makes the NCT so unique.

There’s a spot for everybody.”

Hit the Trails And indeed, you can easily find a hike or bike route near you. Here are a few recommendations for various lengths, natural features, and locations throughout northern Michigan.

Emmet County: Cecil Bay Rd. to French Farm Lake is a 5-mile out-and-back hike near Mackinaw City. There is a new bridge along this stretch just east of the Cecil Bay trailhead. Last year, NCT had an 80-foot bridge built over the little Carp Lake River.

Further east, expect some of the more beautiful sections of the NCT with views of French Farm Lake.

Charlevoix County: Hikers will find good topography near the Chandler Hills area. Start near Springvale Road and hike in 2.5 miles to a one-mile loop at Cherry Valley near the northern county line.

Halfway through the loop there is a viewing platform. Or, head south from Springvale Road to Chandler Hills Road for a 9-mile round trip trek.

Antrim County: The Jordan Valley river loop is one of the more popular NCT hikes in northern Michigan, but don’t forget the loop near M-32 north of the Jordan Valley. Hikers can get up close to a beaver dam on Warner Creek by navigating over swamp pans. “We used to just use the dam itself, but now

this is much, much safer,” says Wawsczyk.

A trailhead is located on the south side of M-32, and the loop is about 3.5 miles.

Kalkaska County: You’ll find a new NCT trailhead and parking lot on US-131 near downtown Kalkaska. This section is a good starting point for a shorter or longer trek. The north branch of the BoardmanOttaway River is very close to the trailhead, giving you a good view of the river from the three new bridges. Keep heading west and Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground is about nine miles away.

Grand Traverse County: The NCT winds through the Sand Lakes Quiet Area with easy access to a variety of hikes. Brown Bridge Road near Scheck’s Place State Forest Campground is a good starting point when heading to the old growth Valley of the Giants along Twentytwo Creek. Hikers will find this 5-mile out-and-back hike easy to moderately challenging.

Wexford County: It is easy to find a unique spot on the NCT in Wexford County because the trail follows the Manistee River in its entirety throughout the county.

The Manistee River Loop is one of the most popular trails, but during the fall, Highbanks Rollway becomes a hot spot for leaf peepers. If you want more solitude, but still beautiful views of the Manistee River, traverse the five miles between High Bridge and Sawdust Hole. Parking is available at both locations.

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STORM DAMAGE Wawsczyk says past ice storms, a severe winter, and recent flooding have wreaked havoc on the NCT in certain sections.

In mid-April, heavy rains and snowmelt made portions of the NCT impassable or inaccessible. Sections along the Manistee River were impacted the most.

The Manistee National Forest and Wexford County Road Commission closed High Bridge Road due to a washout on the bank along the east end of the bridge spanning the Manistee River. The NCT trailhead became inaccessible, leaving long-distance hikers to reroute nearly 18 miles along the road. Another flooded section in that county included a washed-out bridge north east of Mesick and US-131.

“Reports continue to come in as sections get assessed and we assume many other areas are still under water or damaged by erosion,” Wawsczyk says. “More bridges and boardwalks will likely be impacted as well. So just a note to hikers that many sections along rivers or those that cross feeder creeks have a high chance of being impacted.”

In March 2025, an ice storm in the region snapped trees and downed limbs that affected 100 miles of trails in northern Michigan counties. “When we got the green light from the DNR to move forward for clearing maintenance-wise, the volunteers got it done in less than three months,” says Wawsczyk. But a section east of Harbor Springs still needs work this spring after a lumber salvage sale is completed.

“That’s a 4-mile road walk, so we got to look at that this spring,” says Wawsczyk. “When they’re done logging, we need to see if we can use the old route of the trail. Or are we going to have to make some reroutes because they just devastated the trail, either the storm or the logging equipment itself?”

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Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 11

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“NORTE MAGIC” CYCLES THROUGH NOMI BIKING PROGRAM Accessibility, inclusivity, and opportunities for all ages keep the wheels turning

By Eric Cox In its 12 years of existence, Norte Youth Cycling has steadily pedaled towards its mission of championing bikes and community.

Like a bike wheel itself, the Traverse City nonprofit is a sturdy hub of bicycling activities. Its programs are spokes radiating out, supporting an ever-expanding circle of healthy pursuits.

“What we really do is create opportunities and experiences that encourage, educate, and empower riders of all ages and abilities,” says Norte Executive Director Jill Wilson.

“We are committed to improving health, safety, and connection, and bicycles are simply the tool we use to make that happen.”

Making Bikes Accessible Norte’s belief that empowering people to use cycling as a way to stay physically active and socially connected takes a variety of forms, some of which are new, and others that have been around a while.

The most potent and far reaching offering seems to be the Norte Bike Library, featuring hundreds of bicycles anyone can check out just like a library book. The fleet, which includes a variety of bike styles, recently grew by 50, as Traverse City insurer Hagerty not only donated the items, but built and tuned the bikes as well.

“With these additions,” Wilson says, “the Bike Library now includes well over 1,000 bicycles, while annual loans approach 900 each year. The Bike Library also now includes five satellite locations throughout the region, with another likely to be added soon. This expansion helps ensure that children and families who cannot easily travel to Traverse City still have the opportunity to check out a bike. It is a simple idea with a powerful impact on access, independence, and participation.”

According to Wilson, 20- and 24-inch youth bikes, as well as balance bikes for beginning riders, are the most popular Library bikes, underscoring Norte’s kidfriendly approach.

Keeping Norte accessible across local economic strata is a paramount concern for Wilson and her staff. They never want household income precluding anyone’s participation.

“If a child needs a bike or helmet to participate,” she says, “we do everything possible to ensure cost or equipment is never the barrier.”

An Inclusive Environment In continued efforts to get girls into cycling, Norte hosts the popular More Girls on Bikes initiative across all of its programs.

“We continue to see more girls enrolling, riding, coaching, and leading,” Wilson explains. “When girls see other girls leading

12 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

with confidence, it changes what they believe is possible. This work is about creating spaces where girls, and truly everyone, feel welcomed, capable, strong, and fully themselves.”

To reach another demographic, this fall a new BikeSMART initiative for second graders will be offered, focusing on basic bike safety.

“The six-lesson series is intentionally designed to support the physical, social, and emotional development of second graders while aligning with Michigan educational standards,” says Wilson. “Students will build bicycle safety skills, confidence, and independence as the program grows and expands.”

Norte’s formula of social inclusiveness, coupled with moderate physical exercise is resonating with our region: the entire operation and all its programs continue to grow.

“Today, we serve more than 4,500 riders each year through Summer Bike Camp, Adventure Bike Club, Mountain Bike Club, Balance Bike programs, Bikes for All, Race Team, and school-based initiatives,” Wilson says. “Demand continues to grow. Summer Bike Camp remains incredibly popular. In 2024, we served 878 campers over 10 weeks.

This year, we project more than 1,100 riders will participate. While most camps begin and end at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, we also offer limited camps in Elk

Rapids and Glen Arbor.”

Recently, an offshoot of the program took root even farther to the north as Norte fielded a mountain biking club at Melvin Trails in Topinabee, one of Norte’s most distant school partnerships.

Growing and Rolling Scaling up such a rapid growth organization has been a welcome challenge, and Wilson is quick to heap praise on all of Norte’s cogs, big and small, without whom little forward progress would occur.

“None of this happens without the incredible community surrounding Norte,” she tells Northern Express. “We are deeply grateful for our coaches, volunteers, staff members, board members, Business Champions, sponsors, and donors who continue to believe in this work and help ensure our programs remain accessible to the families who need them most.”

A host of other community partners support Norte in a variety of other indispensable ways, and Wilson lauded them as well.

“Together,” Wilson says, “these partnerships ensure riders have safe, accessible, preserved, and well-maintained places to ride, build confidence, make friends, and experience the simple joy of being on a bike.”

Those last eight words essentially crystallize the entire Norte philosophy: The

The Bikes for All program offers adaptive bikes specially modified to accommodate individuals with special needs, disabilities, or mobility challenges.

simple joy of being on a bike.

“We know that children who move their bodies early and often are more likely to carry healthy habits into adulthood,” Wilson notes.

“We also know that physical activity becomes even more meaningful when it happens alongside others. … Young people begin to feel part of something larger than themselves.

These experiences improve not only physical health, but mental health as well.

“Unlike many indoor or stationary activities,” she continues, “bicycles connect children directly to their communities.

Riding to a local park, the library, a friend’s house, or an ice cream shop creates a sense of independence, direction, and belonging

that cannot be replicated indoors. Riders begin to understand and experience their communities in a whole new way.”

Bikes for All And as we already mentioned, children aren’t Norte’s only focus; they aim to include every willing individual, no matter their ability or skill level.

Wilson says, “Our Bikes for All program is designed to welcome and empower adults with physical or cognitive impairments through adaptive cycling opportunities at our home base, the Grand Traverse County Civic Center.

“These weekly summer meetups are

joyful, social, and deeply meaningful. Our adaptive bicycle fleet supports a wide range of riders, and each meetup regularly brings together 20 to 25 participants along with staff, volunteers, caregivers, and family members. Adaptive bicycles are also used during the spring and fall to support students and school groups throughout the region.”

Norte Magic Wilson watched her own daughters pass through Norte programs, and the fun and excitement they experienced really put the hook in her. Since joining the program’s ranks, her appreciation for the program has only grown, thanks mainly to what she refers

to as “Norte magic.”

“These are the small moments,” she explains, “when a friendship forms, confidence grows, or pedaling suddenly clicks for a young rider. Those moments do not stay on the bike. The confidence, skills, friendships, empowerment, and joy follow riders home, into school, and into how they move through the world. That is why I believe in this work so deeply. I watched it unfold in my own two daughters during their years with Norte, and I want to ensure these opportunities and experiences exist for other families for decades to come.”

To learn more, visit norteyouthcycling.org.

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Volunteers Make the Trails (and the World) Go ’Round Meet six of the LTC’s dedicated volunteers

By Lourin Sprenger For more than five decades, the Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) has worked to preserve the forests, shorelines, wetlands, and the scenic landscapes that capture the beauty of northern Michigan.

Founded in 1972, the nonprofit land trust was formed to protect natural areas across northern lower Michigan through conservation easements, nature preserves, and partnerships with local communities and landowners. Fast-forward to present day, and LTC manages thousands of acres of protected land and miles of trails that are open to the public for hiking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, mountain biking, paddling, and quiet reflection in nature.

Beyond protecting land itself, LTC’s mission centers on connecting people to the outdoors and ensuring these sacred spaces remain accessible for generations.

Volunteers (more than 400 of them!) are the heartbeat of this mission. From maintaining trails and restoring habitats to welcoming visitors and supporting stewardship projects, LTC volunteers care for the lands they love while building meaningful connections with the natural world. Let’s meet a few of them.

Glen Matthews: Wonder in the Wild Glen Matthews first became involved with Little Traverse Conservancy in 2009.

“In 2009, a year after I retired, I looked for an organization that fit my interest in conservation and natural history and which looked for important contributions from volunteers,” Matthews says. “Little Traverse

Conservancy hit every mark.”

Matthews credits the organization for not only protecting important natural spaces, but also thoughtfully matching volunteers’ talents and interests with meaningful work that advances conservation efforts.

One of Matthews’ favorite places to explore is the Harris Working Forest Reserve near Afton. The preserve’s diverse habitats (including grasslands, forests, shrub meadows, beaver ponds, streams, and access to the Pigeon River) make it one of his top recommended trails for wildlife enthusiasts.

Some of his favorite memories there involve unforgettable wildlife encounters.

During one late spring walk along an old railroad grade, Matthews noticed an unusual flash of red through dense cattails and brush. Looking through his binoculars, he discovered a sandhill crane quietly nesting, her bright red crown just visible above the vegetation as she hoped to remain hidden from view.

Another outing offered a much more startling surprise. While walking through tall grass, Matthews unknowingly disturbed a skunk resting only a few feet away in broad daylight. The animal quickly shifted into a defensive stance on the trail, prompting Matthews to carefully back away until both traveler and wildlife could continue peacefully in opposite directions.

“It was a close call,” he recalls.

For Matthews, these moments capture exactly what makes northern Michigan’s protected lands so special: the opportunity to witness nature up close, often in unexpected and unforgettable ways.

14 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Dan Dueweke: Beauty in Every Season Dan Dueweke’s connection to trail stewardship began long before he arrived in northern Michigan. He spent years volunteering as a sawyer and trail maintainer along the Appalachian Trail in Virginia before discovering Little Traverse Conservancy during a family vacation.

“One summer day in 2012 I happened on an LTC trail while vacationing at a family cabin in Charlevoix,” Dueweke says.

“I contacted the conservancy and offered to give some time to the Susan Creek Nature Preserve whenever I was ‘Up North.’”

After retiring to Charlevoix in 2019, Dueweke became a full-time trail adopter for Susan Creek and several other LTC preserves.

Choosing a favorite trail is difficult for Dueweke because each preserve offers something unique. Susan Creek Nature Preserve stands out for its deep cedar forests, winding streams, and vernal pools that create an atmosphere reminiscent of oldgrowth wilderness.

He also holds a special appreciation for Hoffman Preserve, particularly because of its unofficial trailhead connection near Bier’s Inwood Brewery. After a summer hike, visitors can relax on a hilltop overlooking the northern end of Grand Traverse Bay and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan, taking in a signature Pure Michigan sunset.

As a year-round volunteer, Dueweke experiences LTC preserves through every season, each bringing its own character and beauty. Winter offers the quiet squeak of snowshoes on frozen trails. Spring arrives with an explosion of birdsong echoing in the

forests. Summer evenings slow visitors to an easy pace beneath warm sunlight filtering through the trees.

But for Dueweke, autumn in northern Michigan is the standout.

“When the trees are ablaze with their autumn colors and the entire canopy is cloaked in yellow, gold, and red,” he says, “the filtered light bathes the whole forest floor with a surreal brightness.” In those moments, he says the beauty is almost overwhelming, the kind of experience that stops a person in their tracks and reminds them why these landscapes are worth protecting.

Sarah Furman: Building Community Through Trails It was after the devastating northern Michigan ice storm that Sarah Furman first connected with the Little Traverse Conservancy.

Her neighbor had begun helping clear trails at the Melvin property after storm damage left significant work to be done.

Seeing both the need and the value of the trail system, Furman jumped in to help.

“Melvin is less than three miles from my house,” Furman says. “I felt genuinely grateful to have such a treasure so close to my home.”

Inspired by both the trail system and the generosity of the Melvin family, she wanted to help restore the trails so the community could continue enjoying them after the storm.

Today, the Melvin trails remain her favorite. She appreciates the thoughtful design that allows riders of all skill levels to enjoy the system together. “The features are meant to challenge but not deter any rider,” she explains.

John and Mary Merrill

Furman thinks back fondly on riding the Melvin trails with the Latitude 45 Varsity mountain biking team (based on Petoskey) during both crisp fall rides and rainy summer outings.

“They didn’t mind the drive from Petoskey and rode the trails until dark,” she says, recalling the repeated cries of “just one more time” as riders tackled downhills and jumps again and again. “It was so fun to watch the energy bounce from rider to rider on these group rides.”

Jennifer Reynolds: Stewardship Through Everyday Connection Jennifer Reynolds joined up with the Little Traverse Conservancy in 2022, following her retirement and relocation from Holland to Charlevoix with her husband. With nature always serving as a grounding presence in her life, she quickly found purpose in volunteering and land stewardship across northern Michigan.

Reynolds adopted several LTC preserves as a steward and currently maintains a section of the North Country Trail through the Jordan Valley 45 chapter. Her work focuses on hands-on conservation efforts including removing invasive species, clearing fallen trees and brush from trails, and helping ensure that public access remains safe and enjoyable.

Among her favorite places to visit is the Susan Creek Nature Preserve, loved for its quiet bridges, small pond, and varied forest landscape.

One of Reynolds’ most memorable trail moments came when she first encountered a lady slipper orchid while hiking in northern Michigan. “I had only seen them before in pictures,” she says. “And there they were… bright pink and gorgeous.” Since then, she has continued to find and photograph orchids and other natural discoveries throughout LTC preserves.

Volunteering is both practical and personal for Reynolds, an extension of her appreciation for the outdoors and a way to contribute to preserving the landscapes she loves.

John & Mary Merrill: From Conservation Easement to Active Stewardship John and Mary Merrill had a different start to their Little Traverse Conservancy connection. Back in 2013, they were pursuing a conservation easement for their property. The experience led to a long-lasting connection.

After officially relocating to northern Michigan in 2017, the Merrills expanded their

involvement through trail maintenance and volunteer stewardship. With a background in education, John was invited to join the Environmental Education Committee in 2019, where he has continued to contribute as part of LTC’s ongoing strategic planning.

As a couple, two of their favorite destinations include the Woollam Family Nature Preserve and the Elmer Johnston Nature Preserve.

The Woollam Family Nature Preserve stands out for its unique combination of forest, dune, and beach ecosystems. The Merrills appreciate how the preserve offers a constantly changing experience shaped by seasons, water levels, and geological features.

Each visit provides a new perspective on the interconnectedness of land and water.

“It’s the whole preserve” John says of Woollam. “The forest of course, but the combination of forest, beaches, dunes, glacial erratics, winter ice, and changing water levels makes for a unique experience with every visit.”

The Elmer Johnston Nature Preserve offers a different but equally valued experience, with its mature woodlands and ecological recovery from past grazing. They are drawn to its sense of restoration and the expansive views that highlight the return of natural systems over time.

Find more trails to explore at landtrust.org.

Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 15

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The Bear(s) Over the last year, 13 people have been killed by bears in Japan, with an additional 50,000 sightings recorded. The bears roamed near schools and broke into homes, supermarkets and resorts. Now, Japanese company Ohta Seiki has come up with a unique solution to the country's bear problem: robot wolves. Yahoo! News reported on May 13 that orders for the animatronic "Monster Wolf " are up by so much that the waiting list is a few months long. "We make them by hand," company president Yuji Ohta said. "We cannot make them fast enough now. We are asking our customers to wait two to three months." The "wolves" are made of pipe frames attached to speakers and covered with artificial fur. They can make up to 50 different sounds, including recorded human voices and electronic noises, and their eyes and tails flash with red and blue LEDs. Orders have come mainly from people who work in rural areas, such as farmers, construction workers and golf course operators. The wolf apparatus starts at $4,000. [Yahoo! News, 5/13/26] Meanwhile, in Tennessee, Gatlinburg police were called upon to free a black bear that had locked itself in a bathroom at a downtown Quality Inn and Suites, Fox News reported on May 11. In the wee hours of the morning on Friday, May 8, a hotel employee called for help because they "observed a bear enter an exterior bathroom and lock itself inside," according to the police report. When police arrived on the scene, one officer carefully opened the bathroom door while the other beat sticks together to draw the bear out. In the end, the bear ambled out, seemingly unbothered, leaving behind only minor property damage to the tune of $50. [Fox News, 5/11/26] Seen This Movie Before Kacy Claassen, 28, was arrested in New York for endangering the welfare of a child,

Americans Abroad Two grown women are facing federal charges after getting into a slap fight while on a Carnival Cruise in March, Fox 10 reported on May 13. During their return voyage from the Bahamas, Tonya Nelson, 58, and Lisa Horace, 51, were in line to settle their cruise accounts. Nelson told investigators that she was trying to be helpful when she suggested to Horace and Horace's husband that they were in the wrong line. According to Horace's statement, she ignored Nelson, but took action after Nelson kept touching Horace's husband's shoulder. Horace said that Nelson threatened to slap her, so she slapped Nelson back. The fight escalated from there, with crew members stepping in to separate the two. The women, who did not know each other before the encounter, were issued federal citations for simple assault. The women report that they have both been banned from Carnival cruises and have lost their Diamond member status.

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MISSING THE MIRACLE MILE What’s happening with the Little Traverse Wheelway’s washed-out section?

By Drew VanDrie Extending from Harbor Springs all the way down to Charlevoix, the Little Traverse Wheelway is a popular and scenic paved trail. Built in 2009 as a rails-to-trails conversion, the 26-mile trail skirts around its namesake, Little Traverse Bay, and is welltraveled due to its picturesque views, passage through numerous parks, and usage for nonmotorized commuting.

However, a significant and attractive segment called the Miracle Mile (between Petoskey and Bay Harbor) has been closed since 2019 when it was threatened by erosion and eventually collapsed when it was washed out by high water levels in 2020.

The closure has caused disruption to the trail, its commuters, and the communities it connects and has left many in northern Michigan wondering what’s next for the Little Traverse Wheelway.

Out of Order It’s no surprise that the collapse of the Miracle Mile and the subsequent detour along US-31 has caused significant disruption.

“This is one of the most popular, most famous, most scenic sections of trail in the state,” says Brent Bolin, executive director of Top of Michigan Trails Council (TOMTC).

He notes its popularity as the overlook has been featured even in some national travel and trail publications.

“Since [the washout] there’s been a very inconvenient workaround on the shoulder of US-31. And it really severed the connection between Petoskey and Bay Harbor, Petoskey and Charlevoix,” he says.

Bolin also notes the impact the fractured

trail has made on travel plans for vacationers, bikers, and to local business as riders make alternate plans. “You can’t go all the way around the bay anymore. So people are looking at different options, staying at different places” he says.

Visitors are not the only ones who are missing out. “We’ve also heard a lot from a segment of people that commute by bike, some all year round,” says Bolin. “Lots of people like to commute that way, and so it’s having an impact on the community in that regard.”

Petoskey Mayor John Murphy also reiterated the importance of the Miracle Mile and the LTW. “A great connection between communities and a great economic resource for the community has been lost for the past six years,” he says.

Back on Track The route to repair has not been without difficulty. A recent engineering report presented to the city of Petoskey has indicated repair costs around $20 million to restore the damaged section. In addition to the sizable price tag, the Petoskey City Council and TOMTC must coordinate with numerous landowners and stakeholders on continuing easements and access for future repairs.

In that regard, the city was sued in August by landowners Gustav and Courtney Lo seeking to have the city release two easements on their property that granted public access to the trail. Following an April 20 City Council meeting, Murphy and the council affirmed their commitment to retaining the easements and are also seeking a solution with the landowners. “The city will be working with Dr. Lo and his wife and their

18 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

attorney to ensure that we can come up with a mutual agreement on the trail easement and work together,” says Murphy.

Murphy also notes that the city is committed to communication and coordination with landowners as it assesses next steps and what may be required for access and permitting for repairs.

“A pinchpoint for this project is getting all of the residents that have given the city easements at this time … to give the city authorization to do work on their property in order to ever put the trail back,” he says.

“The city will make every effort to meet with landowners in Arrowhead Shores and try to work with them to come up with a working plan,” he says.

Next Steps Looking to the future of the trail rehab, Bolin points to patience and a significant fundraising effort in the works. As the main advocate and facilitator for trail systems in the tip of the mitten, TOMTC holds the Little Traverse Wheelway with special regard.

“We were founded in the mid-90s by many of the volunteers who came together to create the Little Traverse Wheelway,” he says.

“So in a lot of ways, the LTW is our first and most important trail.”

The road to restoring the damaged section is anticipated to be a long journey.

“I think the biggest challenge is just getting started. It’s been a long time now, six years, working with the city of Petoskey on options for restoring this trail,” says Bolin.

The fundraising lift will be no small undertaking. “The plan called for an extensive amount of shoreline work and was going to be very expensive as a result,” he says

of the $20 million estimate. “So we just really need time to take another look at the options, and then a commitment from the City of Petoskey to get going on the fundraising.”

Bolin notes that TOMTC will be working with a fundraising consultant to help manage a campaign of this magnitude and has plenty going on behind the scenes to get things moving. In regards to where the funds may be sourced from, Bolin anticipates local sources, state and federal grants, along with a decent contribution from private donors.

“Right now there’s been a little bit of uncertainty with some of the federal funding, which is having a trickle-down effect into the state programs,” he says. “Oftentimes you try to line up those big government grants at the beginning of the process and the private fundraising comes towards the end. We’re thinking this campaign is going to go in the opposite direction.”

Bolin feels that securing significant private commitments will in turn help facilitate conversation with larger entities about support, especially because the restoration of the Wheelway appears to be popular with the community.

“We’re pretty confident that there’s a strong interest in our community in this trail,” he says. “We think that that is going to translate into significant dollars.”

With that in mind, Bolin also asks for patience as TOMTC and the city work through the process of restoration.

“We need to raise millions of dollars, it’s not going to happen as fast as anybody wants it to, right?” he says. “It’s been six years already; people are frustrated. But the reality is it’s going to take a couple more years for a capital campaign of this size.”

BRIGHT SPOTS

On a brighter note, both Bolin and Murphy noted that the recent March snowstorm and April flooding has had little if any impact on the trail system and did not cause further damage to the collapsed section.

Other improvements and enhancements to the trail are underway, including the “Wheelway Outdoor Art Gallery” put on by the City of Petoskey Public Art Commission. Per the website, the initiative is “designed to celebrate the creativity of local artists from Emmet and Charlevoix Counties.”

The project will “transform a section of the U.S. Highway 31 retaining wall into a distinctive outdoor gallery featuring twenty 4-by-4-foot paintings by area artists.”

The project was inspired by the Graceland Walls Gallery in Chicago. The call for submissions concluded on May

10, and from there the arts commission will select 20 artists to realize their art on the primed plywood that will be sealed and installed along the corridor.

Selection and installation will take place over the course of the summer, and the unveiling is anticipated for late August.

Tomorrow is more memories in the making Cooking with natural gas or propane can turn simple ingredients into family favorites and recipes into traditions shared for generations.

That’s why we’re investing in the Great Lakes Tunnel to further protect the Straits of Mackinac and help keep Michigan’s energy reliable for years to come.

Visit enbridge.com/Michigan to learn more.

Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 19

Charlevoix Marathon Narrowly Avoids Cancellation Over Routing Problems

By Craig Manning By the time runners toe the line for the 20th anniversary of the Charlevoix Marathon on June 20, organizers will have already been through their own marathon behind the scenes just to avoid a last-minute cancellation for the beloved race. The event lost a key section of its course earlier this year, and has been scrambling ever since to find a workable alternative.

Most years, the Charlevoix Marathon uses an out-and-back course that starts in downtown Charlevoix and takes runners northwest along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Much of the route is run on the Little Traverse Wheelway, which helps avoid conflicts with vehicular traffic. This year, though, a problem with part of the Wheelway turned into a ticking clock for race organizers.

“In January, we got notified that the boardwalk at mile 5 and mile 21 had been deemed ‘unsafe to run on,’” says Jeff Suffolk, one of the race directors. Losing that crucial section of the course left the race team seeking detour options—something easier said than done.

Finding a New Route Suffolk’s initial plan involved detouring runners off the Wheelway and onto US-31, which runs parallel to the bike path.

“We were looking to go up on Highway 31 for about 0.7 miles, to bypass the boardwalk,” Suffolk explains. “The Michigan

Department of Transportation (MDOT) manages that road, and said we could use the shoulder there. We started going down that path, where we’d barricade the shoulder and then station police officers on both ends of that section to keep runners safe. But some of the local offices didn’t love that idea.”

Marathon planners then proposed a detour of all northbound traffic on US-31, to “give the runners a lane and a half of vehiclefree traffic,” Suffolk tells the Express. That option, too, proved unpopular among the various permitting offices.

The debate over routing—and the growing possibility the marathon race would need to be cancelled—resulted in state legislators getting involved.

“Everybody has been trying to sort this out,” Suffolk says. “We’ve gotten awesome support from Senator John Damoose’s office, and we’ve even got other senators from downstate working on it. I get the sense that everyone has interest in keeping this race alive, because it does have a huge economic impact. We’re talking ‘every room sold out in Charlevoix’ kind of impact. Some businesses have said race weekend accounts for 10 percent of their summer revenue. It would be a catastrophe for summer business to have this event cancelled.”

Paul Silva, owner of Charlevoix’s Hotel Earl, says losing the marathon “wouldn’t ruin our summer,” but would still have a significant impact on the business.

“The race pretty much starts and ends

20 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

right in front of our hotel, so we love it,” Silva says. “We welcome this kind of activity to the city of Charlevoix. It’s been part of our fabric for years, and we plan around it. Since that’s a beginning-of-summer weekend, we’d probably be busy either way, but we definitely want to keep this thing going.”

Other Races Also in the Clear The routing challenges only affected the full marathon distance, so other events would have gone ahead as planned. The Charlevoix Marathon also offers a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon, all of which have approved course routes and permits in hand. Still, losing the full marathon would have impacted more than a third of total registrants.

“It’s typically about 2,800 in the event, total, and this year, it would be upwards of 1,000 running the marathon,” Suffolk shares.

The full marathon distance is the only one of the four races that is currently sold out.

Fortunately, race organizers never had to pull the “cancellation” lever, thanks to an outside-the-box idea from Damoose’s team.

“Senator Damoose’s office recently asked us if we’d consider running south for the marathon this year,” Suffolk says. “I never even considered that, but it’s actually beautiful; it’d be a really cool course.”

That course, starting on Park Avenue and then heading south out of town, was officially approved on Monday, May 18, and Suffolk and his team have been working ever since to inform runners about the changes.

For his part, Damoose is thrilled and relieved that the race—and its inherent economic impact—will be able to happen after all.

“Any event of this magnitude drives a ton of resources into our area—in terms of hotels and overnight stays, restaurants, shopping in the district, and travel to and from our area,” Damoose says. “In northern Michigan, we have three or four months to make our nut, so to speak, because so much of our area is a seasonal economy. Losing one of these events could be really devastating to certain parts of our area, so that’s why I’ve been so supportive.”

Follow along at charlevoixmarathon.com.

The Heart and Soul of The Three Pigs Korean food truck gets a glow-up as a new Warehouse District restaurant

By Ross Boissoneau It might be going too far to say that Korean BBQ is the love of Chad Perrault’s life. But when his love of the food led him to find and marry Li GongYiChen and then start a restaurant together—then maybe not.

What’s safe to say is that a conversation with Perrault makes it clear that he loves his life, and being able to combine those elements at The Three Pigs, the new Korean eatery in the Warehouse District in Traverse City, makes him very happy.

Around the World “I lived in Korea for 10 years, worked there, traveled a lot,” Perrault says. Then he returned stateside, opened a restaurant in Traverse City … but that’s getting ahead of the story.

It was a journey for Perrault, both geographically and in terms of his life and career arc. A native of Harbor Springs, Perrault joined the armed services out of high school. He was stationed in California, where he first encountered the bold flavors of Korean BBQ. Combining garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil, the sweet and smoky flavorings were an immediate hit with his taste buds. So much so that after leaving the service, he headed to South Korea to indulge even more.

Then, a tale as old as time: Boy meets girl, falls in love, learns the Korean language and culture … and the world goes on lockdown. So not the typical story, but one in which he traveled around southeast Asia and indulged his burgeoning interest in its culinary traditions, always finding his way back to his Korean BBQ favorites.

“COVID was the starting point,” Perrault says. Stuck inside at home, he read cookbooks and cooked what he liked. As

things slowly returned to normal, he was able to meet chefs and learn from them.

“They’ll take anybody who wants to work for free,” he says with a laugh.

He took classes, learned about Korean street food, and found a calling. Eventually the world completely opened up again, and so did Perrault’s life, with a new love, Li GongYiChen, whom he married. She remains in Seoul at this writing as they work to be together on a fulltime basis.

Meantime he sought out ways to spread the word about Korean BBQ. He returned to his home state, and decided Traverse City was fertile ground. He started cooking and serving Korean BBQ from his food truck, Heart N Seoul at Earthen Ales. While it was a success, he wanted to go bigger and better.

Hence The Three Pigs.

On the Menu After being open only a few weeks, Perrault says the restaurant says the response has been positive, with some guests already becoming regulars. “It was almost too much in the beginning,” he says. “We’re still trying to figure out details.”

As is to be expected, Korean BBQ pork is the star of the show. Moksal Pork Shoulder and Hangjeongsal Pork Jowl kick things off, along with a local favorite: Polish Heritage Farm’s pork belly from the farm’s Hungarian Mangalitsa pigs, known for their wooly coats, rich marbling, and high-quality fat.

While the menu is heavy on pork, it is surprisingly diverse. It includes stews, such as kimchi jjigae, a spicy stew made with aged kimchi, pork belly, tofu, and yellow onions.

Corn Cheese is sweet corn mixed with butter, mozzarella, and a touch of mayo, served sizzling in a hot skillet. Seafood Pajeon is a scallion pancake packed with squid and shrimp.

In deference to those opting for a plant-based diet, or those who simply want a veggie-based complement to the cuts of meat, Perrault offers a selection of “PlantBased Grill” items. They include Tempeh & Sweet Potato, Assorted Mushroom, featuring a trio of lion’s mane, portobello caps, and oyster mushrooms, and Squash & Eggplant, sweet kabocha squash and smoky eggplant slices brushed with soy and sesame and caramelized on the grill.

Yes, there’s dessert too. Red Bean Porridge is gently sweetened red azuki beans, garnished with nuts and fruit.

Hotteok is a hot, crispy pancake with a soft, chewy center, filled with warm brown sugar, walnuts, sesame seeds and cinnamon, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Patbingsu consists of finely shaved ice topped with sweet red beans, soybean powder, and chewy rice cake.

Perrault says while many items on the menu have received a thumbs-up from customers, the biggest winner so far is Korean BBQ choice D: all the above. “Our most popular menu item is the Three Pigs Platter, which consists of all the meat together. It’s a chance for people to try every cut, from fatty to lean,” Perrault says.

“The next is our corn cheese. It’s such a comfort food, and comes out bubbling and gooey and fun to pull the cheese away from.”

His own favorite leans to the dish for which he named the restaurant. “My favorite is the pork belly,” he says, referring to the Samgyeopsal Pork Belly. He says it represents the essence of his restaurant. “The name of ‘Three Pigs’ is meant for this cut of meat. It’s perfectly layered … fat and meat. It’s thick and juicy, and pairs well with any lettuce wrap you make.”

But Wait, There’s More Meantime, what of Heart N Seoul?

Perrault says he is open to leasing out the truck, but he has no interest at this time in reviving the food truck. He doesn’t have the time as he works to lay a foundation for success at The Three Pigs.

“I’m in every zone. I’m all over the place,” he says, from the front of the house to working on the line, then back again. He is still busy hiring and training staff.

While there is still a bar in place from the former tenant, Mammoth Distilling, he’s not serving food at the bar. For the first weeks he hasn’t even had a fulltime bartender, though the restaurant does offer draft beer and Cass beer, South Korea’s most popular beer. It also features soju, a clear Korean spirit known for its smooth, clean taste and light sweetness, and makgeolli, traditional Korean rice wine, which is slightly sweet, tangy, and naturally cloudy.

In addition to concentrating on the foods and flavors of Korea, Perrault is embracing a schedule popular there as well. “The hours are traditional of a Korean bar, 4pm to midnight.”

He believes offering a late-night option will prove to be a hit. “People don’t know about it yet,” he says.

While that may be true of its hours, it seems the cozy restaurant—it only boasts 10 tables— is already surprisingly busy during traditional American dining hours. “The reaction has been incredible,” Perrault says. “Friday and Saturday, we’ve had a two-hour wait.”

And don’t miss out on The Three Pigs’ private karaoke room, which is bookable for up to four hours ($60) for your group of songbirds.

Find The Three Pigs at 221 Garland St D. in Traverse City. Follow online and book karaoke at instagram.com/threepigstc.

Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 21

may 23

may

Epstein files show. It’s up to ordinary people Saturday to insist on justice. Stand together every Sat. BAYSHORE MARATHON mideastjustpeace.net

(FULL), HALF MARATHON (FULL), 10K (FULL) & KIDS MARATHON: 7:15am, NMC, TC. Includes scenic courses along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. You can join waiting lists. See web site for more info & to register. bayshoremarathon.org -------------------------------11TH ANNUAL TOP OF MICHIGAN FESTIVAL OF RACES: 7:30am, Bayfront Park, Petoskey. Featuring a half marathon, 10K & 5K. The course is on Little Traverse Wheelway. See web site to register & for various start times. A Shake Out Run will also be held on May 22 at 9:30am for free. $40$90. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Petoskey/ TopofMichiganFestivalofRaces -------------------------------CHERRY CAPITAL COMIC CON: 8am, GT Resort & Spa, Governor’s Hall, Acme. May 22-24. Today includes Saturday Cartoons, VIP Dual Photo Op, Gary Reed Award, Adult Costume Contest, After-Hours: C4 Prom, & After-Hours: Art Auction, plus much more. $25 or $40 for weekend pass. cherrycapitalcomiccon.com -------------------------------FRIENDS OF ALDEN DISTRICT LIBRARY BOOK SALE: 9am-2pm, Helena Twp. Community Center, Alden. Books, audio books, DVDs, music CDs, games & puzzles. 231331-4318.

-------------------------------MADE IN CHEBOYGAN CRAFT SHOWS: 10am-6pm, Washington Park, downtown Cheboygan. More than 30 crafters & artists will be displaying jewelry, stuffed animals, blankets, home decor, wooden signs, fresh desserts & much more. facebook.com/madeincheboygan -------------------------------ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW IN ELK RAPIDS: 10am-4pm, River Street, Elk Rapids. Browse more than 60+ talented artisans & crafters featuring a wide variety of art & handmade goods, original artwork, & unique creations. elkrapidschamber.org/arts-crafts-show-2 -------------------------------BURDICKVILLE STUDIO ART TOUR: 10am-4pm, Burdickville. Multiple artists at 6 locations will welcome you into their studios.

Talk with them, see art & crafts, hear music & more. Pick up a map at any of the studios & follow the signs around the neighborhood.

Free. facebook.com/BurdickvilleStudioTour -------------------------------PROTEST AGAINST ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE AGAINST PALESTINE: 11am, Grandview Parkway + Union St., TC. Israel continues committing brutal genocide in Gaza & stealing more Palestinian land in the West Bank.

Elected leaders are owned by Israel as the

-------------------------------HOLLYPALOOZA: Earthwork Farm, Lake City. A Concert Celebrating the Life of Holly T. Bird. Music runs from noon-midnight. Featuring Aaron Otto, Amber Hasan, Hannah Laine, Joe Reilly, Jordan Hamilton, Molly, Samantha Cooper, Seth Bernard, Somebody’s Sister, and The Goodfellas. Get your tickets by making a donation. All proceeds go to Holly’s children. earthworkfarm.com/ event/hollypalooza -------------------------------MEMORIAL WEEKEND PAGEANT & MICHIGAN’S LARGEST PARADE: Mackinaw City, May 23-25. More than 400 cast members will re-create events that took place between the French, British & Indian tribes on June 2, 1763. During the Fort Michilimackinac Pageant, meet famous Indian Chiefs: Miniavavan & Matchekewis of the Ojibwa tribe, & Wawatam who becomes a blood brother to Alexander Henry & later saves his life. The Grand Parade takes place Sat., May 23 at 1pm, beginning at Conkling Heritage Park & ending at Colonial Fort Michilimackinac. An Historical Reenactment follows at 3pm behind Nonna Lisa’s/Starbucks, & also takes place on both Sun., May 24 & Mon., May 25 at 2pm at same place. Free.

-------------------------------CTAC - PETOSKEY’S OPENING RECEPTION FOR SUMMER EXHIBITIONS: 2-4pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey.

Join for a free public opening reception of the summer art exhibitions “Modern Movement,” “In Motion,” & “Plein Air Adventures.” crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/ events/previews-and-receptions/petoskeypreviews.html -------------------------------19TH ANNUAL MICHIGAN BEER & BRAT FESTIVAL: 4pm, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Enjoy live entertainment while sampling an enormous selection of Michigan’s finest microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor & gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets. Live music by Jedi Mind Trip & The RockShow Band. GA: $30-$55. Includes one 8 oz. beer glass & 10 food & beverage tickets. VIP: $60-$80. Includes early festival access at 3pm plus more. crystalmountain. com/beerfest -------------------------------LELAND AIR OPENING RECEPTION & EXHIBIT: Artists from Leelanau County & across Michigan will have a full day of en plein air painting on May 23. Their pieces, fresh off the easel, will be hung & on display at the Old Art Building. All artwork is available for sale. Tickets for the opening reception on May 23 from 6:30-8pm are $25-$30 & include appetizers & wine from Blustone

June 13, 2026 DOWNTOWN BAY HARBOR, 10AM - 2PM

23-31

send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

The Rhubarbary House Concert Series opens their 2026 summer season, Sat., May 30 at 7:30pm, with Irish band Trillium, who brings music rooted in tradition, and performed with warmth, energy and imagination. They blend their tunes with stories and moments that keep the audience connected. This concert is held at the house of Maureen and Dale Scott at 3550 Five Mile Creek Rd., Harbor Springs. RSVP: 231-499-8038. $20 donation suggested.

Vineyards. The exhibit runs May 24-28 from 10am-4pm. Participating artists include Lynn Anderson, Royce Deans, Debra Howard, Susan Piro, Angela Saxon & many others.

Free. oldartbuilding.com/events/leland-airopening-reception-exhibit -------------------------------“LOVE LETTERS”: 7pm, The Leelanau School Community Auditorium, Glen Arbor.

Presented by the Glen Arbor Players, this

play follows the lifelong relationship of two childhood friends through letters, celebrating the joys & challenges of what it means to be human. Minimum of $10 donation appreciated. glenarborplayers.org -------------------------------CHARLOTTE HU: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Taiwanese American pianist Charlotte Hu has performed soldout concerts across the U.S., Europe &

the finest classic, future classic & rare cars/boats in the country Free Admission & Parking. Special exhibitors only pre-show events.

Register >>BayHarborCarAndBoatFestival.com

CelebratING America's 250th Anniversary with displays of Red, White & Blue

22 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Asia, including Lincoln Center, the Concertgebouw, Osaka’s Symphony Hall & many others. Her program will include works by Chopin, Viardot, & Granados. $25-$30. theoperahouse.org -------------------------------FOUR OLD BROADS: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Mystery unfolds at Magnolia Place Assisted Living when four sassy seniors try to outsmart an evil nurse. $35 adults, $25 under 18. oldtownplayhouse. com/performances/mainstage/four-oldbroads.html -------------------------------KNEE DEEP CONCERT: Onaway Speedway. Enjoy a flag dropping, heart stopping roar of the big rigs & crowd. Knee Deep will be full throttle on stage from 8pm-midnight with a pause for fireworks mid-show. $10 after 6pm. kneedeeprocks. com/event/6429886/751175959/onawayspeedway-great-lakes-big-rig-challenge

may 24

Sunday BURDICKVILLE STUDIO

ART TOUR: (See Sat., May 23) ---------------------

LELAND AIR OPENING RECEPTION & EXHIBIT: (See Sat., May 23) -------------------------------CHERRY CAPITAL COMIC CON: 10:30am, GT Resort & Spa, Governor’s Hall, Acme.

May 22-24. Today includes Student Artist Alley & Kids Costume Contest, plus much more. $15 or $40 for weekend pass. cherrycapitalcomiccon.com

MADE IN CHEBOYGAN CRAFT SHOWS: (See Sat., May 23, except today’s time is 11am-3pm.)

-------------------------------“LOVE LETTERS”: (See Sat., May 23, except today’s time is 2pm.)

-------------------------------FORMULA 1 FREE WATCH PARTIES: 2pm, The Bay Community Theatre, Suttons Bay. Experience the thrilling races on the big screen! Featuring Formula 1 games. Doors open an hour before the start of each race. thebaytheatre.org/home-page

may 25

monday MEMORIAL DAY OBSER-

VANCES: ANTRIM COUNTY: Bellaire Parade: Downtown Bellaire, 10am. Parade in downtown Alden starting at 1pm, followed by service at the Alden Depot Veteran Memorial.

-------------------------------HONORING FALLEN VETERANS WITH BLOWN GLASS: 11am, Memorial Park, East Jordan. Jordan Valley Glassworks CoOwners Jay Bavers & Glenna Haney annually handcraft about 170 blown glass collectibles engraved with the names of soldiers who were killed in action while protecting our freedom. The floats are then released into the water at various locations over the weekend for people to find. Locations include The Jordan River & Lake Charlevoix.

A ceremonial public release will be held today as part of Memorial Day services at Memorial Park in East Jordan immediately following the parade (which starts at 10:45am on Main St.). About a dozen of these floats

will be released, but you should plan to arrive by 11am.

-------------------------------CHARLEVOIX COUNTY: Norwood Memorial Day Observance in Norwood Lakeside Cemetery at 8:45am, followed by an open house at Norwood Area Historical Society.

-------------------------------GT COUNTY: TC Veterans for Peace, Chapter 50 hosts an event from 9am-2pm at The Open Space. Taps & the reading of names of Michigan soldiers killed in Iraq & Afghanistan will begin at noon. Another TC ceremony starts at 10am at Veterans Park. Includes US Coast Guard Flag presentation, GT County Sheriff’s Dept. Rifle Team, a speech from a Gold Star mother & more.

-------------------------------KALKASKA COUNTY: Kalkaska: Flag Raising Ceremony at Senior Haven at 10am. Ceremony at Veterans Memorial in front of museum at 11am. Ceremony at Veterans Memorial at Evergreen Cemetery at noon.

-------------------------------LEELANAU COUNTY: Veterans Memorial Plaza, Leelanau County Government Center, Suttons Bay at 10am. Northport Village, 10am: Rolling Taps performed by Northport Community Band. Northport remembrance at 10:30am at Leelanau Township Cemetery.

MACKINAW CITY: Parade in downtown Mackinaw City at 1pm.

-------------------------------WEXFORD COUNTY: Cadillac: Memorial Day Salute to sailors at City Dock at 9:30am.

Parade down Mitchell St. at 10am. Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 11am.

Buckley Memorial Day Parade in downtown Buckley at 11am.

LELAND AIR OPENING RECEPTION & EXHIBIT: (See Sat., May 23) -------------------------------MONDAY NIGHT MOVIES: “DRIVEWAYS”: 7:30pm, Bay View, Voorhies Hall, Petoskey.

A lonely boy goes with his mother to help clean out his late aunt’s house & forms an unlikely friendship with the neighbor who is a war Veteran. Free. bayviewassociation.org/events/monday-night-movies2026/?occurrence=2026-05-18

may 26

tuesday LELAND AIR OPENING

RECEPTION & EXHIBIT: (See Sat., May 23) --------------------THE FRIENDLY GARDEN CLUB MEETING: Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Prospective members also welcome. Chat & enjoy refreshments at 10am. The membership meeting follows at 10:30am. At 11:30am Dr. Bob Schutzki presents “Refreshing Your Home Landscape.” For info, email: clarksandi44@ gmail.com. Free. thefriendlygardenclub.org -------------------------------DO YOU KNOW THE FACTS? NAVIGATING THE SEA OF NEWS & INFORMATION: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Join the League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area & Ed Roncoe from IPR for this informative program where you’ll learn the steps to take to verify info on the internet & be savvy consumers of news. Free. tadl. org/KnowTheFacts

MAY 29 & JUN 5 5-7 PM

ART IN EVERY DIRECTION

DOWNTOWNTC.COM

TOY HARBOR SWING INTO SPRING! CREATIVE & QUALITY TOYS SINCE 1984 • DOWNTOWN TC 231-946-1131 • Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 23

may 27

wednesday LELAND AIR OPENING

RECEPTION & EXHIBIT: (See Sat., May 23) --------------------SENIORS ON THE T.A.R.T.: Common Good Bakery, TC - Civic Center & TART Trail. A weekly get-together for seniors to help become more active & find social connections. Join a group of seniors Wednesdays at 10am from May through Sept. on various TART trails in the TC area. Walk, run, jog, bike, rollerblade, skateboard, or come with wheelchair. All activities & abilities welcome. Join for a coffee social time after.

-------------------------------AUTHOR KATEY SCHULTZ VISITS BELLAIRE: 7-8:30pm, Bee Well Meadery, Bellaire. Schultz will read & talk about her collection of short stories, “Flashes of War.” Free. crosshatch.org/arts/antrim-writersseries -------------------------------FILM SCREENING: “MAYA ANGELOU: AND STILL I RISE”: 7pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. The film presents Angelou’s incredible journey, shedding light on the untold aspects of her life with remarkable unmatched access. Post-film discussion with Peabody award-winning filmmaker Bob Hercules. Free. elbertalaborheritagecenter.org/event/maya-angelou-and-still-i-rise

may 28

thursday ARTIST PRESENTATION: ANGELIQUE DE CASTRO:

10am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Brooklyn, New York artist Angelique De Castro’s Glen Arbor Arts Center residency combines ceramics & textiles/needlework into one sculptural form that builds on the world of Philippine mythology. De Castro will show examples of her work & talk about her residency. Free. glenarborart.org/product/air-presentationangelique-de-castro -------------------------------COFFEE @ TEN, PETOSKEY: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Enjoy complimentary coffee & pastries, & a talk!

This week, get a closer look at the professional path that led CTAC’s new visual arts director to Petoskey & the values guiding her work. Free. crookedtree.org/coffeeatten -------------------------------LELAND AIR OPENING RECEPTION & EXHIBIT: (See Sat., May 23) -------------------------------GTAGS MONTHLY GENEALOGY PROGRAM: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Join the Grand Traverse Area Genealogy Society for the May program featuring Family Search Specialist Jammie Lynn Truax, who will walk you through the latest changes & additions to FamilySearch and Ancestry. Free. gtags.org -------------------------------BENZIE PRIDE ZINE RELEASE PARTY: 5pm, Cognition, Beulah. Explore, snuggle with a hedgehog or tortoise, & try out virtual reality goggles. There will be snacks & an announcement of a new program that will have an important impact in Benzie County.

Free admission. benziepride.org EKPHRASTIC READING: 5:30-7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Carnegie, TC. An evening of creative expression where writers, poets & storytellers share original pieces inspired by the artwork currently on view in the

VETERAN LUNCH AND LEARN

galleries. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/events/?page=1&location=traversecity#class-list -------------------------------FRIENDS OF TADL MEETING W/ GUEST SPEAKER: 5:30-7pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Nico Pandolfi, librarian at NMC, will present on artificial intelligence (AI) & the future of books. tadl.org/friends -------------------------------INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS FORUM: GILES PRESS FREEDOM LECTURE WITH DEBORAH AMOS, NPR: Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. A lecture on suppression of journalism & the populist playbook with Deborah Amos, veteran NPR correspondent & Princeton journalism professor, with moderator Elizabeth Jensen, former NPR Public Editor, to analyze international threats to press freedom & their reflections in the U.S. 6pm reception; 7pm program. $15 in person advance, $20 at door, $10 online livestream, free for current students & educators. tciaf.com/eventmay-2026

may 29

friday JERRY GATES ART EXHI-

BITION FOR CONSERVATION: 4-7pm, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Featuring works by local artist Jerry Gates, live music & an artist talk.

Proceeds support river & habitat conservation through Conservation Resource Alliance & the Grand Traverse Conservation District.

RSVPs required. Free. rivercare.org/event/ jerry-gates-art-exhibition-for-conservation --------------------------------

DOWNTOWN TC ART WALK SERIES: Experience art in every direction during the Downtown TC Art Walk Series, May 29 & June 5, 5-7pm, with local artists in select shops & restaurants alongside demos & treats. Explore & catch live music at Horizon Books: A to Z performs May 29 & Stefanie & Vincenzo on June 5. Arts & crafts at the Crooked Tree Arts Center station at the J. Smith Walkway. Free. downtowntc.com/ downtown-art-walk -------------------------------MY SISTER’S CLOSET FREE POP-UP CLOTHING BOUTIQUE: 6-8pm, Lighthouse Missionary Church, East Jordan. Bring your donations of gently used, modest clothing during the month of May to Lighthouse Missionary Church any day or time, or to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, M-F, 8am-3pm.

Girl’s size 6 through all women’s sizes clothing, jewelry, purses, shoes, etc. Then join on May 29-30 for free shopping & snacks.

-------------------------------“LOVE LETTERS”: (See Sat., May 23) -------------------------------BOOT SCOOTIN’ LINE DANCE WITH UP NORTH PRIDE: 7pm, The Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay. Grab your boots (or other comfortable dancing shoes) & get ready to learn some new line-dancing moves. Line dancing instruction set to pop music led by Tony, formerly of DC Rawhides.

All ages & dance levels welcome. Free. upnorthpride.com/listevents -------------------------------CTAC SCHOOL OF BALLET PRESENTS DANCE LEGENDS: LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY CELEBRATES GRAHAM100: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. As part of a global celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company, the country’s oldest dance

FRIDAY, MAY 8 11:30AM-1PM THURSDAY, JULY 16 11:30AM-1PM THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 11:30AM-1PM

NMC Hagerty Center

715 E. Front Street, Traverse City

Veterans and surviving spouses, come enjoy a lunch buffet on us while learning about the benefits that are available to you!

Call 231-995-6070 to register.

Funded in part through a Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Grant

may 22

24 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

company, this program honors Graham’s pioneering legacy with stagings of two of her most renowned dance works, Appalachian Spring (1944) & Lamentation (1930), as well as a reimagining of “American Document.” $10-$150. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/ graham100 -------------------------------DOWNTOWN GAYLORD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 7-9pm, Claude Shannon Park. Featuring The Ride.

-------------------------------SUZUKI BENEFIT CONCERT: DANCE PARTY: 7pm, TC Philharmonic Center, MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Hall. See your own Suzuki teachers play like you’ve never seen them play before - on their electric string instruments. Help raise money for the Suzuki program. $30. tcphil.org/concerts -------------------------------TAPESTRY: THE CAROLE KING SONGBOOK: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. A premier musical tribute to Carole King, starring Suzanne O Davis. This show captures the essence & vibe of a 1970s Carole King concert, while respectfully paying homage to her iconic album, “Tapestry.” The show also brings to life many beloved songs from the Broadway musical smash, “Beautiful.” $10-$40. theoperahouse.org -------------------------------THE MAD ANGLER TRIO & GUEST VIOLINIST JEREMY COHEN: 7:30-9:30pm, The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee. $10-$35. ramsdelltheatre.org/event/ mad-angler-trio

may 30

saturday BIKE BENZIE TOUR: 7am,

Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Enjoy a bicycle tour of Benzie County. Choose from 62, 40 or 30 mile tours.

See web site to register & for various start times. $65-$90. bikebenzie.org -------------------------------“WEAR ORANGE” - PLANT ORANGE FLOWERS: 9-11:30am, Child & Family Services, 3785 Veterans Dr., TC. Presented by Moms Demand Action. Plant orange flowers in observance of the Wear Orange event, which honors the 46,000 Americans who are killed with guns & the 97,000 more who are shot & wounded from gun violence every year. Bring gloves, small shovels & watering cans, if able. Accepting donations.

-------------------------------FRESH COAST FIBER FESTIVAL: 9am4pm, GT County Civic Center, Howe Arena, TC. Yarn & fiber vendors for folks who knit/ crochet/weave/spin, animals, food trucks, coffee bar, & more. freshcoastfiberfestival.com -------------------------------MY SISTER’S CLOSET FREE POP-UP CLOTHING BOUTIQUE: (See Fri., May 29, except today’s time is 9am-noon.)

-------------------------------26TH ANNUAL SPLASH OF COLOR FUN RUN & VISIBILITY WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: Festival Place Shelter, 200 Wachtel, Petoskey. The run starts at 10am, & the walk at 10:30am. Benefits the North Country CMH Client Special Needs Fund. There will be door prizes & giveaways. $15. norcocmh.org -------------------------------NATIVE POLLINATOR PLANTING WORKDAY: 10am-noon, Voran Family Preserve.

Continue building pollinator friendly landscapes across WLAC preserves with this hands-on planting event. walloon.org -------------------------------UP NORTH PRIDE HEALTH FAIR: 10am2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Learn about the resources & services available to the com-

munity at Up North Pride’s first LGBTQ+ Health Fair, presented by Traverse Bay Internal Medicine, with special thanks to wellness partner Thomas Judd Care Center, & Traverse Area District Library. Free. upnorthpride.com/listevents/2026/5/30/lgbtqhealth-fair -------------------------------ARTIST TALK: CALVIN BOULTER & RAGNAR AVERY: 11am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC. Photographers Boulter & Avery will share the inspiration behind their work from the exhibit “Connection and Flow.” They will also discuss the role of mentorship in their creative journeys, & offer insight into their photographic techniques & artistic process.

Free. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/events/?page=1&location=traversecity#class-list -------------------------------FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC LIBRARY PROGRAM BY BOB VAN DELLEN ON WILLIAM KENT KREUGER: 11am, Cadillac Wexford Public Library, Cadillac. Free. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/ upcoming-programs -------------------------------PROTEST ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE AGAINST PALESTINE: (See Sat., May 23) -------------------------------SRP REGISTRATION EVENT: PET ROCK ADOPTION PARTY: 11am-1pm, Bellaire Public Library. Register for summer reading, paint your own pet rock, & get a sneak peek at the prizes up for grabs. bellairelibrary.org -------------------------------TASTE OF THE PAST WITH REENACTORS NICK & CATHRINE BARBER: Noon2pm, Raven Hill Discovery Center, East Jordan. Step back in time & see how meals were prepared before modern kitchens. Taste of the Past is a hands-on cooking class that explores historic foodways & traditional methods of preparing simple, nourishing meals over an open fire or hearth. Free; get ticket. miravenhill.org -------------------------------“LOVE LETTERS”: (See Sat., May 23) -------------------------------THE INSIDERS - A TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY: 7-9pm, AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center, Grayling. Enjoy a premier Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute experience. Featuring six veteran musicians with decades of combined touring & stage experience, The Insiders are truly running down the dream. $40. artisanvillage.org/events -------------------------------THE MAD ANGLER TRIO & GUEST VIOLINIST JEREMY COHEN: 7pm, The Music House Museum, Williamsburg. $25 online; $30 door. mynorthtickets.com/events/themusic-house-welcomes-the-mad-angler-triowith-guest-violinist-jeremy-cohen-may-30-at700pm-5-30-2026 -------------------------------THE RHUBARBARY HOUSE CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS TRILLIUM: 7:30pm, The Rhubarbary, 3550 Five Mile Creek Rd., Harbor Springs. Enjoy Trillium’s traditional Irish music. They blend lively tunes with stories & moments that invite audiences in.

Please bring a folding chair if able. RSVP: 231-499-8038. $20 donation requested.

may 31

sunday FRESH COAST FIBER

FESTIVAL: (See Sat., May 30, except today’s time is 10am-3pm.)

--------------------FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST: 11amnoon, Lake Ann United Methodist Church.

Donations welcome.

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

“LOVE LETTERS”: (See Sun., May 24) -------------------------------HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION: PANEL DISCUSSION: 3-4:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. This lecture will be given by Dr. Debra Hendrickson, MD, author of “The Air They Breathe.” She will be followed by a panel of local experts on health & community action, including Dr. Mark Elliott, MD, retired cardiologist, Dr. Lisa Del Buono, MD, retired diagnostic pathologist, & Dr. Lisa Franseen, PhD, clinical psychologist.

-------------------------------DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE: 3:30pm, Llama Meadows Eco Farm, Benzonia. Presented by the Sacred Earth Tribe. Blending chants, live music & simple movements into a living experience of unity, peace & joy. Vegetarian potluck (optional) to follow, & then Rumi Cafe - sharing poetry, singing, music & more. Asking for an offering of $10-$20 with all proceeds benefitting Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter, TC. -------------------------------AN AFTERNOON WITH RUTA SEPETYS: 4pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Celebrate Ruta’s newest book, “A Fortune of Sand.” This book is set against the crumbling grandeur of 1920s Detroit & inspired by actual, long-buried historical events. Free. mcleanandeakin. com/event/2026-05-31/ruta-sepetys-fortune-sand -------------------------------AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH SIDEWALK PROPHETS: 7-9pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. This Dove Award winning band is known for their Christian music, including Gold certified hits “The Words I Would Say,” “You Love Me Anyway,” & “Live Like That.” Tickets start at $22.04. eventbrite. com/e/an-acoustic-evening-with-sidewalkprophets-spring-2026-cheboygan-mi-tickets-1917645482259 -------------------------------TASSELS & TAILGATES: 7pm, Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre, Honor. Class of 2026 graduates get in FREE, get special discounts on food & drinks, can participate in the Graduate Parade in cap & gown around the drive-in before the movie, can submit baby & graduate photos at least a week before the event to be displayed on the big screen before the movie begins, & more. facebook.com/ events/979525194548376

ongoing BELLAIRE FARMERS MARKET: Fridays,

8am-noon, mid-May through mid-Oct. at 102 S. Maple St. localdifference.org/partner/bellaire-farmers-market/ -------------------------------BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-noon, midMay through mid-Oct. at Veterans Park, Boyne City. Featuring an array of goods from local small-scale farmers, artisans & entrepreneurs. July 4 & July 11 will be held at Old City Park. boynecityfarmersmarket.org -------------------------------HARBOR SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET: Downtown Harbor Springs. Held every Weds. & Sat. throughout the summer, 9am1pm, from May 23 - Aug. 26, & Saturdays continue through Oct. 10. Featuring local farmers, artisans, food producers & more.

Select dates will have music & Kids Days. petoskeyarea.com/events/harbor-springsfarmers-market-2026 -------------------------------DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY FARMERS MARKET: Fridays, 8:30am-1pm, May 29 Oct. 2, at parking lot of old Petoskey News Review building on corner of Howard & Michigan streets. After the first few markets, it will

eventually be located on Howard St. between Mitchell & Michigan streets. facebook.com/ PetoskeyFarmersMarket -------------------------------SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 7:30am-noon through Oct. at Parking Lot B, Cass St. & E. Grandview Parkway, TC. Also held here on Wednesdays starting in June from 8amnoon. It will take place on the ground floor of the Old Town Parking Deck during the National Cherry Festival. dda.downtowntc. com/farmers-market -------------------------------SUTTONS BAY FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May 23 - Oct. 17, North Park corner of M22 & M204, Suttons Bay. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com -------------------------------WEEKLY WILDFLOWER WALK: Tuesdays, 10:30am through May at Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docent Lyn Petty. Discover the variety of wildflowers & learn to identify their unique beauty.

As you wander, keep an ear out for the melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join every Tues. to see new flowers in bloom. grassriver.org -------------------------------PETOSKEY REGIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY HOSTS WEDS. EVENING BIRD WALKS: Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm through May at Sportsman’s Park, East Jordan.

Meet in parking lot. Volunteers will help participants see & hear birds. petoskeyaudubon.org -------------------------------PETOSKEY REGIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY HOSTS SAT. MORNING BIRD WALKS: Saturdays, 8-11am through May at Waldron Fen Nature Preserve, Alanson. Volunteers will help participants see & hear birds. Meet at the parking area off Banwell Rd. petoskeyaudubon.org

art 2026 NORTHPORT PHOTO EXHIBIT: Vil-

lage Arts Building, Northport. This annual exhibit, now in its ninth year, continues to grow in both artistic reach & visual diversity.

An opening reception will be held on Sat., May 23 from 5-7pm, featuring complimentary appetizers & a cash bar. The exhibit will run May 24 - June 13, with gallery hours Tues. through Sun., noon-4pm. Free. northportartsassociation.org/events-exhibits -------------------------------17TH ANNUAL JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: Charlevoix Circle of Arts. Runs through May 30. This exhibition showcases the talent & creativity of local photographers & members of the Charlevoix Photography Club. It will feature a diverse range of photographic work across seven categories: Landscape, Animals, Flora, People, Still Life, Black & White, and Creative. Charlevoix Circle of Arts’ hours are Mon. through Fri., 11am-4pm; & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org -------------------------------RETURN TO LIGHT: Runs through May 25 at Boyne Arts Center, Boyne City. This exhibit explores the many facets of illumination— from the first golden rays of a Michigan morning to the internal clarity of a new perspective. Open Tues. through Sun., noon-4pm. boynearts.org/s/stories/bac-spring-exhibitreturn-to-light -------------------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY: - “MODERN MOVEMENT: MARTHA GRAHAM & BARBARA MORGAN”: Held in Bonfield Gallery. Featuring original Barbara

Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 25

Morgan photographs of Graham & her company in the 1930s & 40s. Runs May 22 - Oct. 31. See web site for hours. crookedtree. org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/modernmovement.html -------------------------------- PLEIN AIR ADVENTURES: STUDENTS OF SUSAN GLASS: Held in Atrium Gallery.

This exhibition of unframed works brings together years of weekly painting, capturing the spirit & shifting seasons of northern Michigan’s landscapes. Runs through June 13. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/ events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/plein-air-adventures.html -------------------------------- IN MOTION: MAKING ART DANCE: Held in Gilbert Gallery. A juried exhibition of movement inspired visual art pieces, sharing works that address questions such as, “How do artists today show the energy of moving bodies in paintings, sculptures, or films?” Runs May 22 - Sept. 5. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/in-motion.html -------------------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC: - GUILD POP-UP EXHIBIT: TERRIE COLLINS: Held in Libragallery through May 23.

Texture: Collins likes to put many layers on a canvas, & loves the process of painting. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/eventsand-exhibitions/exhibits/guild-popup-exhibitterrie-collins.html - “350: IMAGINING THE WORLD IN 2126”: Held in Cornwell Gallery. As communities across the country reflect on America’s 250th anniversary, 350 artists look forward instead of back — to imagine the world one hundred years from now. What might life look like in 2126? Through painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, & beyond, artists contribute their unique perspec-

tive on the century ahead. Runs through May 30. See web site for gallery hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/ exhibits/350.html - CONNECTIONS & FLOW: Held in West Gallery. This exhibit brings together the work of photographers Ragnar Avery & Calvin Boulter in an exhibition that reflects both artistic dialogue & personal mentorship. Runs through May 30. An artist talk will be held on May 30 from 11am-noon.

See web site for gallery hours. crookedtree. org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/connection-and-flow.html - THE ART OF CONNECTION: Held in East Gallery. Grand Traverse Industries Client Artist Exhibit. Runs through May 30. See web site for gallery hours. crookedtree.org/ events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/the-art-ofconnection.html - TOMORROW’S ARTISTS TODAY: Held in Carnegie East. Featuring: 2026 High School Portfolio. This exhibition features the work of eight emerging artists, showcasing a fresh & dynamic collection developed under the guidance of Royce Deans.

Focused on building strong portfolios for future opportunities, this exhibit highlights each student’s growth, creativity, & unique artistic voice. Runs through May 30. See web site for gallery hours. crookedtree. org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/tomorrows-artists-today.html -------------------------------DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - NMC HOSTED HIGH SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION: Runs through May. The NMC High School Art Exhibition, juried by NMC Art & VisCom faculty, features artwork in a variety of media & styles by juniors & seniors from regional high schools. Reception & awards on May 31 from 2-4pm. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11am-4pm. den-

nosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view/nmc-student-art.html - NEW PERSPECTIVES: RECENT AQUISITIONS FROM THE DENNOS PERMANENT ART COLLECTION: Held in McFarlane Gallery through May. From new paintings & works on paper gifted through the Museum Exchange program to generous donations on behalf of museum members, friends, & NMC alumni, New Perspectives seeks to highlight convergent, as well as, divergent perspectives on contemporary art & collecting practices in the 21st century. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org - TRILOBITE TREASURES: Runs through May. This exhibit presents Paleozoic creatures in a way that tells a story of the prehistoric life in the ancient seas. The collection, assembled over 35 years, provides a unique snapshot of life in the ancient seas from 250 to 500 million years ago. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org - IMPRESSIONS OF AN ERA: PRINTS FROM THE DENISON MUSEUM COLLECTION: This selection of prints, created between 1970 & 1990 by nationally & internationally recognized contemporary artists, reflects two transformative decades in contemporary printmaking. Artists include Dee Shapiro, Barbara Kohl-Spiro, KUDO Muramasa & James Rizzi. Runs through May. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org -------------------------------GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER, FRANKFORT: - POETIC VISIONS OF PORT ONEIDA: PAINTING AND POEMS THAT REIMAGINE: Held in Lobby Gallery. Enjoy this series of oil paintings & corresponding poems created by Grand Traverse County artist Wendy McWhorter. Runs through Aug. 27.

GAAC is open Mon. through Fri., 9am3pm; & Sat. & Sun., noon-4pm. glenarborart.org/product/exhibit-poetic-visions-ofport-oneida - MEMBERS CREATE: This exhibition runs through May 28. It features the work of 31 current GAAC members & includes a wide range of media. See web site for hours. glenarborart.org -------------------------------OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT: - BEYOND THE PRINT: Runs through June 19. Featuring works by regional artists who push the boundaries of printmaking. Hours are Tues. through Sat., 10am-4pm; Sun., noon-4pm. Closed Mon. until June 1. oliverart.org - LOCAL COLOR A TO Z: Showcase of works in oil, acrylic, watercolor & mixed media created by a talented local artist group. Runs through May 30. Open hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am-4pm; Sun., noon-4pm; & closed Mon. until June 1. oliverart.org

Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.

S! S E

O

UR

REC

N I C I N PIC !

A Z Z A I P THE WED • JUNE 3 • 5-7PM PIAZZA AT THE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS, TC

Enjoy food and drinks from Village vendors - $15 entry ENTER TO WIN: • Private tunnel tour for up to 15 people + $100 Village gift certificate • Village prize basket filled with merchant goods and surprises • 1 year subscription to TCBN + $100 Downtown TC shopping spree • $100 River Club golf gift certificate

26 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Recess is brought to you by

HAPP

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H

by Joseph beyer

The Devil Wears Prada 2 It’s been almost 20 years, believe it or not, since Meryl Streep’s iconic debut performance as the Runway fashion editor Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. That original and delightful romp of a comedy made a big splash in 2006 and was largely seen as a thinlyveiled portrait of the real-life editor-inchief of Vogue Magazine Anna Wintour (a famously icy executive).

In the first outing, a dazzling screenplay from writer Aline Brosh McKenna, based on the confessional novel by real-life magazine assistant Lauren Weisberger, gave the actors everything they needed, and director David Frankel’s instincts for fast pacing, energetic and explosive costume changes, and the buzz of New York City brought it all to life. It was a world that could only exist in a movie, and its sexy escapism was infectious.

The original combination of sharpwitted characters in Streep’s unflappable Priestly, along with Stanley Tucci as her fiercely loyal creative director Nigel Kipling, and a young(er) Anne Hathaway as “Andy” Sachs, the earnest assistant thrown into the mayhem of NYC’s fashion world, created an almost perfect cinematic alignment that would be hard to duplicate.

But perhaps there’s just less of it this time around, and you can only demystify a hidden-world once, be genuinely surprised once, or be seduced by great characters once. To return, there must be something new to learn or discover—and to everyone’s credit, they try.

So if the original film was a Hermès Birkin bag of perfection, not even bringing the cast back together can stop the sequel from feeling a bit like fast fashion or a counterfeit Louis Vuitton.

Streep’s return as Priestly (the ruthless self-centered villain in the title) seems just as sharp and restrained as before and maybe even more interesting, as are the expected and effervescent starring reprises from Tucci and Hathaway. Emily Blunt also returns to reprise her former role, but now as a grown-up with sometimes secret ambitions. Fresh off Bridgerton fame, actress Simone Ashley steps in wonderfully as the new personal assistant Amari, who has the thankless task of trying to prevent her boss from violating a world of new office norms, none of which conform to her ruthless style.

All in all, the cast hits their expected sartorial marks, goes through the motions, and tries their best to reboot the fun.

With wild story swings and exposition, unimaginably expensive NYC lifestyles that our characters supposedly inhabit, and the worn out plot-mechanics of a media world forced to reinvent itself for clicks, you will probably shake your head at why the plot takes so long to unfold while wishing you could see more montages of everyone’s outfit changes.

There’s a lackluster romantic subplot with little steam, absentminded trillionaires who seem to be on ketamine, characters transforming from analog to digital under new oppressive ownership, and a general message that the world has lost its beauty in favor of greed.

For those of us IRL, we can feel this every day, and it’s just a shame Prada 2 didn’t let us escape it more, if even for just 1 hour and 59 minutes.

Rated PG-13 for, we suppose, the fashion crime of wearing impractical or dangerous footwear for the occasion and mild adultlanguage, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is still playing in select theaters and expected to hit VOD and streaming platforms by mid-June.

NOMINATE

Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 27

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska ALEXANDRA INN, TC BLUSH: ROOFTOP TERRACE: Mon -- Fridays Music (John & Madeline Piatek), 5-7

MARI VINEYARDS, TC 4-6: 5/26 – Kyle Brown 5/28 – Luke Woltanski

THE HAYLOFT INN, TC / 7:30-11: 5/22 – East Bay Blue 5/23 – Low Hanging Fruit 5/29-30 -- DanceMix

APACHE TROUT GRILL, TC 5/25 & 5/31 – Jim Hawley, 6-9

MIDDLECOAST BREWING 5/27 – Trivia Night w/ Steveo, 7-9 5/28 – Open Mic Night, 7-9 5/29 – Stef & Vince, 6-9

THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 5/24 – Summer Launch Party w/ The Go Rounds, 6-11 5/29 – Chirp, 6-10

MT. HOLIDAY, TC BEER GARDEN: 5/28 – Matt Mansfield, 6-9

THE PARLOR, TC 5/23 -- Loren Kranz & Co., 9 5/24 -- Music Bingo, 7-10; The Boardman River Band, 9-12 5/26 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11 5/27 -- Rob Coonrod, 8-11 5/28 -- Jimmy Olson, 8-11 5/29 -- Chris Sterr, 9 5/30 -- Sean Miller, 9 5/31 -- Music Bingo, 7-10

CHATEAU GRAND TRAVERSE WINERY, TC / 5-8: 5/23 -- Swingbone North 5/28 -- Chris Smith 5/29 -- Drew Hale 5/30 -- Luke Woltanski ENCORE 201, TC 5/22-23 & 5/29-30 -- DJ Ricky T, 9 JACOB'S FARM, TC / 6-9: 5/23 -- TC Knuckleheads 5/24 -- Gemini Moon 5/27 -- Luke Woltanski 5/28 -- Andy McQuillen 5/29 -- Miriam Pico & Ryan Younce 5/30 -- Highway North 5/31 -- The Hey Makers KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC / 9:30: 5/22-23 -- The Ampersands 5/29 – Peril 5/30 -- Timberline KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING 5/26 -- Open Mic Night w/ Kevin & Sierra LaRose, 6-9 5/27 -- Straight Forward Bluegrass Jam, 6 5/28 -- Trivia Night w/ Marcus Anderson, 6:30-8:30 LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM: 5/25 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9 TASTING ROOM: 5/29 – John Piatek, 5-7

NORTH BAR, TC 5/23 -- DJ Jere Miah, 10 5/28 -- Drew Hale, 7-10 OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS: 5/23 -- Bauer Jones, 7 5/27 -- Jimmy Olson, 7 5/29 -- Derek Boik, 7:30 5/30 -- Erik Burke & Mark Daisy, 6:30 5/31 -- Chris Smith, 7 RIGHT BRAIN BREWERY, TC 5/29 -- Comedy Night w/ Carl Sobel & More!, 8 TC WHISKEY CO. - THE STILLHOUSE / 6-8: 5/23 -- Stef & Vince 5/29 -- Henry Herig 5/30 -- Silverstiles THE ALLUVION, TC 5/28 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat.

Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30 5/29 -- Brandon Fitzpatrick & The Element wsg Jordan Hamilton Trio, 7:30-10 5/30 – “Folkroom” w/ Emilee Petersmark, i.am.james. & Loren Johnson, 7:30-10 5/31 -- The Alluvion Big Band, 3-5

THE PUB, TC 5/23 & 5/30 -- DJ Producer AJ, 10 5/24 -- Kids Karaoke, 2-5 5/25 -- Karaoke w/ DJ Shawny T, 8-11 5/27 -- Zeke Clemons, 7-11 5/29 -- Jimmy Olson, 7-10; DJ Vai, 10-11:30 THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 5/25 -- USS Comedy Open Mic, 8-9:30 5/27 – Straight Forward Bluegrass Jam, 6-9 5/28 – DJ Trivia, 7-9 5/31 – Full Tilt Comedy – Comedy Mixtape, 6-8 TOWNLINE CIDERWORKS, WILLIAMSBURG 5/23 -- Tom Morrell, 6-8 5/24 & 5/30 -- LaRose Duo, 3-5 5/29 -- Christina Teresa, 6-8 TURTLE CREEK CASINO, WILLIAMSBURG WATERFALL, 8: 5/23 – Risque 5/29 – DJ Mr. Markis 5/30 – Brett Mitchell & The Mitchfits

nitelife

BOYNE CITY TAPROOM 7: 5/28 & 5/30 – Adam and the Cabana Boys Fri. – Josh Raber & Patrick Ryan Sat. – Patrick Ryan BOYNE RIVER INN, BOYNE CITY 5/28 – Nelson Olstrom, 7 BRIDGE STREET TAPROOM, CHARLEVOIX 5/23 – Sleeping Gypsies, 7 ETHANOLOGY DISTILLATION, ELK RAPIDS 8-11: 5/23 -- Harmolodics

5/30 -- The Bootstrap Boys LOST CELLARS, CHARLEVOIX 5/29 – Elizabeth Christie, 4-7 MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 5/23 -- Sean Bielby, 8-11 5/27 – Karaoke Night, 9

STORMCLOUD BREWING CO. PARKVIEW TAPROOM: 5/25 – Summer Kickoff Party w/ Stonefolk, 4-7

SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE 6-8: 5/27 – Open Mic Night 5/28 – Trivia w/ DJ Trivia

THE DAM SHOP, ELK RAPIDS MARINA 5/24 -- The Marsupials, 3-6 5/29 -- Chris Edgington, 6-9 5/30 -- Rhett & John, 6-9

SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS 5/23 -- Andrea & Co, 1-3; Gemini

9 BEAN ROWS, SUTTONS BAY 5/31 – Billy & The Kid, 1-3 BEL LAGO VINEYARD, WINERY & CIDERY, CEDAR 5/23 -- Jakob Abraham, 3 BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU 5/29 – Melissa & Jake, 6-8 CEDAR TAVERN 5/23 – Jim Hawley, 2-5 5/30 – Baytripper, 3-6 CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE 5/23 -- MI Beer & Brat Fest. w/ Jedi Mind Trip, 3-5; The RockShow Band, 5:30-8 LEVEL4 LOUNGE, 8:30-10:30: 5/29 -- Loren Kranz 5/30 -- Dave Barth DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT 3-6: 5/24 -- Highway North 5/28 -- Touch of Grey 5/31 -- Rhett & John, 3-6 FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH 6-8: 5/25 -- Monday Music Trivia 5/28 -- Trivia Thursdays FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR 4-7: 5/24 -- A.S. Lutes 5/25 -- Zeke Clemons 5/28 -- Bob Roberts GILCREST FARMS RESTAURANT, SUTTONS BAY 5/27 -- Billy & The Kid, 2-5

HOP LOT BREWING, SUTTONS BAY 5-8: 5/23 -- The Dune Brothers 5/30 -- Uncle Z IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 5/23 – Gretchen Woell, 5:30-7:30 5/24 – Stephanie Clark Harris & Vincenzo DeWald, 4-6 5/31 – Jakob Abraham, 4-6 LAKE ANN BREWING CO. 5/23 -- The Daydrinker's Series w/ Barefoot, 2:30-5:30; Fifth Gear Band, 7-10 5/24 -- The Daydrinker's Series w/ The Jameson Brothers, 3-6; Broomcloset Boys, 7-10 5/26 -- Pico/Niemisto/Younce, 6:30-9:30 5/29 -- Happy Hour w/ Christopher Thaxton, 3-6; Rock Hat, 7-10 5/30 -- Daydrinker's Series w/ Jim Crockett Band, 3-6; G-Snacks, 7-10 LEELANAU SANDS CASINO, PESHAWBESTOWN SHOWROOM: 5/30 – Hairball, 8

MANISTEE NATIONAL GOLF & RESORT THE BACKYARD: 5/29 – Bent Carrots, 7

CADILLAC WINERY, LEROY 5/27 – Open Mic Night, 6:30-9

28 • may 25, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

SOUL SQUEEZE CELLARS, LAKE LEELANAU 5/28 -- Charlie Arnett, 4-7 5/29 -- Rob Coonrod, 4-7 5/30 -- Faceless Jay, 4-7 5/31 -- Rebekah Jon, 3-6 ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 5/23 -- Jabo Bihlman, 5-8 5/24 -- Wink, 3-6 5/25 -- Jesse Jefferson, 5-8 5/29 -- WSKF, 5-8 5/30 -- Jen Sygit, 1-4; John Piatek, 5-8 5/31 -- Agnes Su, 3-6; Jen Sygit wsg Emily Slomovits, 5-8 STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT PARKVIEW TAPROOM: 5/25 – Summer Kickoff Party w/ Stonefolk, 4-7 SUTTONS BAY CIDERS 5:30-8: 5/24 -- Johnathon North & Rock Hat 5/31 -- Loose Change THE CABBAGE SHED, ELBERTA 5/23 -- Larz Cabot, 5-8

LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY 5/29 – The Nightcrawlers, 6-9

THE COVE, LELAND 5/25 -- Here Comes the Sun! Party w/ Rick Lieder Band, 1-5

NORTHERN LATITUDES DISTILLERY, LAKE LEELANAU 5/29 – Dominic Fortuna, 4:45-6:45

THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS, 6-9: 5/23 – Bryan Poirier 5/24 – Elisabeth Christe

RIVER CLUB, GLEN ARBOR 5-8: 5/23 -- Keith Scott 5/24 -- Luke Duo 5/25 -- Clint Weaner 5/30 -- Drew Hale

TOONIE'S, BELLAIRE 5/23 & 5/30 -- Karaoke, 8 TORCH LAKE CAFE, CENTRAL LAKE Thu -- Nick Vasquez, 6 Fri. & Sat. -- Leanna Collins & Ivan Greilick, 7

BAY VIEW COUNTRY CLUB, PETOSKEY 5/24 – David Lawston, 5-8

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY 5/26 -- Trivia Night, 7-9 5/29 – Annex Karaoke, 9:30

BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY ROOT CELLAR: 5/23 – Karaoke, 8

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 5/23 -- Lee Fayssoux, 7-10 5/27 -- Singo Bingo (90's Pop), 6:30 5/29 -- Sean Bielby, 7-10 5/30 -- Holly Keller, 7-10

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY 5/23 -- Michelle Chenard, 2-6 5/24 -- Chris Calleja, 1:30-5 5/30 – Chris Calleja, 2-6 BRANDY'S HARBORTOWN, BAY HARBOR PATIO: 5/23 -- Nick Visconti, 5-8 5/24 -- Adam and the Cabana Boys, 12:30-3:30 5/28 -- Two Track Mind, 5-8 5/29 -- Nelson Olstrom, 12:303:30 5/30 -- Derek Boik, 5-8 5/31 -- Hanna Von B, 12:30-3:30

NORTHERN LIGHTS RECREATION, HARBOR SPRINGS 5/23 – Nelson Olstrom, 5:30-8:30 5/24 – Bill Oemig, 5:30-8:30 5/28 – Trivia, 6:30 5/29 – Ty Parkin, 5:30-8:30 ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES, 9: 5/23 – DJ T-Bone 5/29 – Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys 5/30 – Rock the Lot After Party w/ DJ Hot Keys

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee BUCKSNORT SALOON, MESICK 5/23 – Dan Steele, 6-10 5/24 – Kirk Larson Trio, 2-6

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

TWO K FARMS, SUTTONS BAY 5/30 -- Blair Miller, 4-6 YARD & LAKE, NORTHPORT 5/23 – David Lawston, 5-7

Emmet & Cheboygan Moon, 6-9 5/24 -- The Headwaters Band, 5-8 5/25 – David Lawston, 5-8 5/31 – Jen Sygit, 6-9

BEER GARDEN, 7-9:30: 5/23 -- Matt Schultz & The 45s 5/24 -- Lighting Matches 5/29 – TC Knuckleheads 5/30 – Ynotplaymusic

edited by jamie kauffold

Leelanau & Benzie

Antrim & Charlevoix BLU DOT FARM & VINEYARD, CHARLEVOIX 4-7: 5/23 – Alex Macksey 5/30 – Andy Kline

may 23 - may 31

NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA 7: 5/23 -- Jane Amstutz 5/29 -- Chief Jam-Open Mic Hosted by Andy McQuillen 5/30 -- Brian Curran & Howard Wilson

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS 5/23 -- Charlie's Root Fusion, 5-8 5/24 -- Riff Ryder & the Vista Cruisers, 3-6 5/29 -- Knee Deep, 5-8 5/30 -- Grateful Dead & Phish Tribute Show by Seasonal Road, 5-8 5/30 -- Seasonal Road, 5-8 5/31 -- The Real Ingredients, 3-6 SEASONS OF THE NORTH WINERY, INDIAN RIVER 5/23 -- Duffy King, 6-9 THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 7: 5/23 – The Fumblers 5/29 – Musicians Playground 5/30 – Dale Rieger THE DAM SHOP, ELK RAPIDS MARINA 5/23 -- Jazz Cabbage, 6-9 THE WIGWAM, INDIAN RIVER 5/28 -- Dominic Fortuna, 7:30-9:30 5/29 – Karaoke, 8-11

Otsego, Crawford & Central ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD 5/29 – Brian Curran, 6-9

VANDERBILT VINES WINERY & TASTING ROOM, VANDERBILT 5/23 – Michael Hozz “The Hozz” 5/30 -- Nelson Olstrom, 3

lOGY

MAY 25 - MAY 31

BY ROB BREZSNY

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): "Dear Horoscope Guy: Two astrologers

have assured me that as a Taurus, I’m a natural-born money magnet.

So why am I broke? I keep begging the Divine for cash miracles, and I buy lottery tickets twice a week. Still nothing! Please tell me when I’ll finally hit the jackpot. Better yet, give me the winning numbers. –Taurus Desperate for Dollars." Dear Desperate: The “luck” you crave will arrive as you diligently pour yourself into building your sweetest dreams, spurning shortcuts and enjoying yourself as much as possible. The Divine prefers to fund eager cocreators, not wishful thinkers. I predict that a slow-motion jackpot will ultimately arrive through your devoted attention to doing what excites you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A Dutch woman

who died left her grand-nephew an inheritance of 220,000 euros. The only problem is that he’s homeless and constantly on the move, so the executors haven’t been able to find him. This echoes a recurring pattern in your life. Even now, sources of blessings are searching for ways to reach you, but you are slow to notice their approach or to magnetize yourself to their arrival. My prayer: May you figure out what needs to be done to make yourself fully available for these gifts—and then ingrain that capacity in your habit mind.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Visualize your fears.

Consider how few of them rest on a genuine likelihood that the scary events could ever take place. Then ask yourself how much of your uneasiness springs from vivid fantasies or from a practiced tendency to fret. You might also ruminate on how you absorb the background worry that’s amplified by mass culture. After reflecting on all that, I invite you to take one concrete action to lower the level of tension you have come to treat as normal. Take another action to weaken the grip of your deepest dread. The current planetary patterns suggest you now have the bold, creative power necessary to shrink your baseline anxiety.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Even more than

usual, you have a sacred duty to celebrate your poignant sweetness and dark intelligence.

For the sake of your emotional health, you should pay wild reverence to your deepest, most mysterious yearnings. To be the person we all you need you to be, you must tenderly nurture the parts of your inner world that resemble the aurora borealis. I want to support you in these sublime sacraments, which is why I suggest you memorize the following prayer by Rainer Maria Rilke: “Be attentive to what is arising within you, and place that above everything you perceive around you. What is happening in your innermost self is worthy of your entire love.”

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Linguists use the term "false friends.” These are words in different languages that seem similar but don’t have the same meaning.

For example, the Spanish word embarazada resembles "embarrassed" to English speakers but actually means "pregnant." I suspect you're dealing with another type of false friend, Sagittarius: people or situations that turned out to be at variance with what you initially imagined. But rather than feeling unsettled by these revelations, I suggest you treat them as a prod to see with fresh eyes. Your disorientation could be the beginning of more interesting understandings.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): An ISBN

(International Standard Book Number) is a code assigned to a book for commercial and cataloging purposes. It contains key information and includes a built-in error-detection notation.

If you transpose two numbers when entering an ISBN, the last digit will tell you something's wrong. In this spirit, Capricorn, I heartily recommend that you build more mistake detection into your life. Invest in extra safeguards. Add verification steps. Build in double-checks. The goal is to create systems robust enough to survive oversights and gaffes. I very much want you to give yourself the gift of safety nets that will empower you to take smart risks and intriguing gambles.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may not

yet grasp how richly creative you are right now, nor how much more abundant your generative powers could become. So it’s auspicious that you are reading this horoscope now. Consider this your advance notice: Your capacity to originate

ideas, projects, and connections is surging, and it’s crucial to choose with care which possibilities you nurture and which you decline. If you are selective and intentional about what you sow, then about six months from now, you will be far more likely to gather lush, beautiful harvests instead of wrestling with overgrown, unruly tangles.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Ethnobotanist

Wade Davis documented how different cultures perceive entirely different realities despite inhabiting the same physical world.

It means that two people can stand in the same forest and see different forests through their cultural lens and personal mythology. This is simultaneously the problem and the opportunity you face, Pisces. You and others in your orbit are inhabiting divergent realities that superficially seem the same. If you hope to reconcile the differences, you must first acknowledge them as real. You're dealing with fundamentally different ways of constructing meaning, not just small misunderstandings.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the weeks ahead, simply being right won’t necessarily lead to success. Having strength, intelligence, wealth, or connections might help, though not as much as usual. But a different approach will work well as you strive to overcome challenges: a blend of cleverness and integrity. I invite you to be cunning while remaining honorable. Practice subtle strategy in service of higher aims. And here’s one more secret to ensure victory: Let go of any need to receive full recognition for your efforts.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Among the

Dogon of Mali, Sigui so is a secret language.

It’s used in a sacred ritual when people gather to retell their beginnings and patch up strains in tribal harmony. I’m borrowing “Sigui so” here as a symbol for a way of talking that I hope you will specialize in during the coming weeks: language that eases tensions, soothes friction, and fosters unity. Start like this: Unleash your trademark wit but spike it with sly blessings and tactful probes. Wield your fluency to burn away confusion and uncover unspoken feelings. If you're in an extra-bold mood, give everyone tacit permission to be their idiosyncratic selves instead of their polished personas.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): What’s the

holiest, most healing trouble you could rustle up right now? I mean trouble that freshens what’s stale but doesn’t scorch the earth. Maybe it’s a buoyant disruption, like telling wild truths you usually tend to soften. Or maybe it’s asking for what your future self pines for instead of what your past self regards as polite and reasonable. As a Cancerian soul myself, I dare both you and me to give ourselves permission to rumble. Let’s be brazen as we instigate creative upheavals in service to our cheerful vigor. Let’s instigate at least one concrete action that will rattle the stagnant pattern just enough to make life more interesting.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Sea otters are a

keystone species. Their presence is essential to the health of their entire ecosystem. As they eat sea urchins, the kelp forests flourish.

Without otters, the urchins overgraze, and kelp forests may collapse, which in turn affects hundreds of other species. One creature’s appetite helps regulate an entire undersea neighborhood. I suspect you’re serving a similar function, Leo. You’re having more impact and wielding more influence than you realize. No pressure! But please act accordingly: with maximum integrity and robust responsibility.

“Jonesin” Crosswords "Antimatter"--existing in both states. by Matt Jones

ACROSS 1. Abbr. in grammar 5. Ninth letter of the Greek alphabet 9. Attempt 13. Allergic reaction 15. In that case 16. Opinion on a situation 17. Backyard building had a snack?

19. Spunkmeyer of cookies 20. Show of support from a Twitch community 21. Declares as fact 22. Slam 23. Gomez of "Only Murders in the Building" 25. RR depot 28. Bons ___ (witticisms) 30. D.C. newspaper, informally 31. Minoan island 33. Problem-solving sequence 37. Mobile intro 38. Burglar, say 39. Garden trail 40. Distinction for Rami Malek or Michael B. Jordan 42. Quarrel 43. Comedian Bargatze 44. Certain lap dog, briefly 46. Short musical releases 47. Ohio city near Michigan 49. Complete, at the Cannes Film Festival 51. Property line marker 52. School outing 57. Three-layer snack 58. Wanderers supporting actor Mikkelsen?

59. They may be fine or graphic 60. Complete set of awards 61. Cathedral sections 62. 1990s puzzle game on an island 63. Not so much 64. Shout before throwing something

DOWN 1. Alan Alda TV show 2. Needing relief 3. "SNL UK" cast member Jack who played Princess Diana 4. Worked with computers, maybe 5. "Great, but we need more" 6. "Fancy meeting you here!"

7. High school students 8. Far-away connection?

9. Lincoln's hat type 10. "Ms. McRae, please record the minutes"?

11. "Yojimbo" director Kurosawa 12. Harry Truman's wife 14. Punctual 18. Approximation words 21. Spray banned from orchards 24. "Return of the Jedi" creature 25. Scrape remnant 26. "That is correct" 27. Groups of nine Brooklyn athletes?

29. Single-masted vessel 32. Final figure on a ledger 34. Slasher fan's must-sees 35. URL opener 36. Ampere-per-volt units, once 38. Added to an email chain 41. Suit to ___ 42. Pass along 45. Pottery furnace 47. "Fresh Air" host Gross 48. Old enough 50. "To whom ___ concern" 51. Suds 53. Wedding vow exchanges 54. '90s dance party 55. ___ fixe 56. "Over here!"

58. Brooks who's releasing a "Spaceballs" sequel

Northern Express Weekly • may 25, 2026 • 29

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