Top Ten

this week’s top ten

Bigger Sewer System, Better Roads for Antrim — if Gov. Whitmer Approves

Last week, the Michigan Legislature gave the greenlight to two northern Michigan infrastructure projects in the state budget: $500,000 to help Mancelona expand its sewer system along US-131 to reach more homes and businesses and $2 million to repair sections of three roads in Antrim County, ultimately, a complete reconstruction of 4.7 miles of pavement on Del Mason, Schoolcraft and Batchelder roads.

“Northern Michigan is a great place to live and work — and a great place to visit for those from out of town,” says Gaylord-based Rep. Ken Borton, who also serves as the vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. “Road repairs will make it easier for visitors and local residents to travel in the community, and expanding the Mancelona sewer line will ensure residents and businesses have the reliable access they need. I am proud to see these efforts become reality in this year’s budget.”

The sewer expansion would also have a positive impact on the community’s environment and economics: It would mean existing properties — including lowincome housing — could transition from septic systems and would help encourage new developments on vacant properties.

Both projects are included in Senate Bill 82, which outlines the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1, and will now advance to the governor for consideration.

Wanna Fly?

“Pushing the limits and breaking boundaries in action sports,” Nitro Circus’ athletes come from all backgrounds and are at the top of their game in FMX, BMX, Skate, Scooter, and just about everything on wheels in between. Enjoy their risk-taking bravery in this showcase of extreme sports entertainment 6pm-8:30pm Saturday, Oct. 2 at Turtle Creek Stadium in Traverse City. Tickets start at $29. facebook.com/events/915452245884678

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Hey, read it Harlem Shuffle

To the untrained eye in 1960’s Harlem, Ray Carney is just an average Joe. But, behind the guise of his successful furniture store, Ray also deals in dirty money, fencing stolen product for his feckless cousin Freddie. That is, until Freddie implicates Ray in a plan to pinch safe deposit boxes from the Hotel Theresa, aka “The Waldorf of Harlem.” The sting, of course, does not go smoothly, leaving Ray caught between his old life and his questionable customers. Can Ray maintain his reputation with his hide still intact? From double Pulitzer Prize winning author Colson Whitehead comes dazzling crime debut, “Harlem Shuffle.” A colorful reimaging of the classic wise-guy heist, this bingeable book is “hot” in more ways than one.

tastemaker Funistrada’s Huntsman Tortellini

Quack, Quack — duck season has arrived in northern Michigan. If layering up in camo and heading out into the deep woods to find your inner outdoorsman is not your thing, don’t worry; there’s another, far easier (and more delicious way) to bag that duck. Tucked away on the far side of Big Glen Lake in Burdickville is long time local and tourist favorite Funistrada Trattoria. This Italian eatery serves a packed house every Tuesday through Sunday evening, year-round. On offer for their fall menu: the Huntsman Tortellini with smoked duck breast, peas, and mushrooms tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. The duck, sourced from third-generation family-run Maple Leaf Farms in Indiana, is smoked in-house daily by resident Funi Chef Jon Viswat. He tells Northern Express he uses a trio of pink apple, hickory, and cherry wood to achieve that “perfect smoky infusion” into the meat. The combo of the sweet smoky duck and luxuriously creamy sauce gives off some serious fall feels. If you can order it before it sells out — as it does on most nights — consider yourself one lucky duck. $29. Find Funistrada on 4566 W. MacFarlane Road in Burdickville/Maple City. (231) 334-3900 4 • september 27, 2021 • Northern Express Weekly

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6 Come to Her Window (at Little River Casino)

Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist Melissa Etheridge will rock the stage at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee on October 2. A rock icon since her critically acclaimed eponymous debut album dropped in 1988 and went certified double platinum, Etheridge has made her mark again and again with each follow-up album (and several Grammy noms), including her biggest to date, fourth album Yes I Am, featuring the massive hits “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window,” for which she won her second Grammy. The show starts at 8pm; tickets — $60, $70, $75 — are available at lrcr.com, search Melissa Etheridge 2021 Tour.

Retain, Exchange, Dispose? Chime in on DNR’s Plans for Public Lands

Since 2018, the Department of Natural Resources has been on a mission to scrutinize, with the public’s input, approximately 240,000 acres of state-owned land to determine whether those lands contribute to the department’s mission: to conserve, protect, and manage the state’s natural and cultural resources for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations. The DNR is working through 10 counties at a time, and right now dozens of parcels are under review in Alcona, Calhoun, Emmet, Houghton, Keweenaw, Mackinac, Macomb, Mason, Oceana, and St. Clair are under review. If you spend time hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, birding, or otherwise enjoying the outdoors on public lands in any of these counties, you’ll want to see what the DNR is recommending for them. So far, it’s looking to retain 66 percent, offer 4.8 percent to an alternate conservation partner, exchange 1.6 percent, and dispose of 27.6 percent. Have we got your attention now? View an interactive map and plan to attend one of two virtual meetings, 6pm Wednesday, Sept. 29, or 2:30pm Thursday, Sept.30. See Michigan.gov/PublicLands to link to the map and meetings, or simply email your thoughts to DNR-StateLandReview@Michigan.gov by Oct. 8.

100’ Direct Silver Lake Frontage

5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms Custom Teak Deck Overlooking Silver Lake Sunrises Gourmet Kitchen with Butler’s Pantry Main Floor Primary Suite Lower Level Has an Additional Kitchen Boat, Hoist, Dock & Water Toys are Negotiable for Instant Fall Fun!

1044 N West Silver Lake Drive MLS 1891022 | $1,400,000

Ann Porter Associate Broker 231.944.4959

Ann@AnnPorterTC.com

Stuff We Love: Shopping Epic Time Capsules

Calling all vintage lovers: Moxie Estate Sales is about to open the grandmother of all estate sales on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. A departure from typical estate sales where a moderate amount of home goods, furniture and garage items are liquidated before the home changes owners, this sale features an astounding amount of lifelong possessions — all showcased in a home Moxie has transformed into a veritable old-school department store. Think: racks upon racks of cool clothes (from baby to adult sizes), as well as toys, games, records, books, tools, sporting goods, housewares and more, spanning from the 1950s through the 1990s. Highlights include memorabilia from past Cherry Festivals, fan gear from Traverse City Central High, local scouting, and other Michigan items. Check out the sale photos and details at www.MoxieEstates.com and get sneak peeks on Moxie’s Instagram and Facebook pages. The sale runs 9am to 4pm Oct. 1–3 at 15517 Bluff Rd.

bottoms up Smash Face Pumpkin Ale

The end of summer is always a heartbreaker, but thankfully, we can count on Suttons Bay’s Hop Lot to help us ease into the season with crackling outdoor fires surrounded by trees with changing leaves and, of course, some stellar autumn brews. Fresh out of the taps is the Smash Face Pumpkin Ale, a seriously delicious seasonal ale now in its seventh year of release. Aptly named, this is a beer you will literally want to smash your face into. (Apple bobbing just got an adult twist). Owner and recipe master Steve Lutke designed this beer with fall in mind and leaves it to lead brewer Casey Cross to bring this creation to life. A combo of locally sourced Michigan hops and actual pumpkin pie filling added in during the brewing process forms the fragrant base of this brew, which is finished off with a strong hit of pumpkin spice. Those of us pumpkin-spiced out by early October can rest assured: “The flavors of pumpkin do not overpower the result,” Lutke says. “The goal was to achieve that perfect balance and blend of spice and beer.” We think Smash Face certainly gets it right, crafting this crisp 6.6% lager with cinnamon, caramel notes, and a slight malty sweetness, too. Grab a pint to sit in Hop Lot’s epic beer garden or (and?) 64 oz. growler to go for $14 —but do it quickly, Smash Mouth Ale is only available in October until supplies last. Find Hop Lot at 658 SW Bay Shore Dr. in Suttons Bay 231-866-4445. Northern Express Weekly • september 27, 2021 • 5