Northern Express - August 28, 2023

The Blue Tribe

I just made my weekly trip to Family Fare in Cadillac to pick up a copy of Northern Express. On page 6, I read the Spectator [column]. Steven Tuttle’s commentary is filled with facts regarding child trafficking. Yet, nowhere in the commentary does he mention contributing to the trafficking is the untold thousands that are being brought across the southern border. I contend, if it were the “red tribe” allowing it to flourish, it would be 24/7 headlines; but since it is the “blue tribe” allowing it to flourish, it is ignored. Luigi

stuff

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Editor: Jillian Manning

Finance Manager: Libby Shutler

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Distribution: Joe Evancho, Sarah Rodery Roger Racine, Gary Twardowski Charlie Brookfield, Rachel Cara Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold

Contributors: Ross Boissoneau, Anna Faller, Kierstin Gunsberg, Karl Klockars, Al Parker, Victor Skinner, Stephen Tuttle

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top ten this week’s

Calling One and All

Traverse City’s All Call Music Festival is back for its sophomore year at The Little Fleet on Sept. 3, with performances starting at 3pm. This one-day festival features artists from the Great Lakes region— including Ann Arbor, Chicago, Detroit, Flint, and Grand Rapids—with food and beverages provided by The Little Fleet’s food trucks and bar. Musical acts include NOMO (pictured), an innovative jazzrock sextet; Tunde Olaniran, a NigerianAmerican songwriter with a pop-rap bent; V.V. Lightbody, a songwriter and multiinstrumentalist; Molly, an award-winning singer-songwriter; Stoop Lee, a hip-hop and soul artist; and MRKT, an experimental punk rock duo. Tickets for the festival range from $30-$45. (All ages are welcome, though event organizers note that not every performance will be G-rated!) See the full schedule, listen to a Spotify sample playlist to hear each artist’s work, and get tickets at allcallmusicfestival.com.

Party Between the Lines

Even though Good Bowl has had a well-deserved monopoly on pho in TC for a while now, more options for bowls of the savory-sweet, beefy, and deeply herbaceous Vietnamese noodle soup can never be a bad thing. That’s why we’re always happy to order up another serving of the House Combination Pho at TC Vietnamese. This bowl goes all-in, packed with lightly-simmered rare steak, toothsome brisket, and springy meatballs along with rice noodles, onions, and scallions. Toss in some basil and bean sprouts, squeeze on a dash of lime, and dab some sriracha or chili crisp on there, and you have a genuinely delicious authentic flavor overload. Feeling a bit under the weather (especially if it’s the post-winerytour kind of feels)? This is your new comfort soup selection. And don’t sleep on the summer rolls with sweet shrimp, crunchy lettuce, and squishy noodles all wrapped in sticky rice paper and slathered with peanut sauce while you’re at it. Find TC Vietnamese at 718 Munson Ave., Suite B, in Traverse City.

Hey, read It! Fit for the Gods 4

What if gods were one of us? In their newest anthology, Fit for the Gods, editors Jenn Northington and S. Zainab Williams, along with 13 other authors, have plucked Greek mythology’s most notorious players from their lofty spots on Mount Olympus and reimagined their stories against a shifting backdrop of time, perspective, and literary genre. The results are, dare we say it, legendary. From the god of frivolity, Dionysus, and the Maenads as revelers on a wine-tasting bus (complete with the requisite ram sacrifice); to a queer-bent Tiresias, the blind oracle, feeling out of place at a booze-soaked villa; to a hilarious talk-showesque chapter in which Medusa and Perseus make amends; each standalone narrative in this dazzling collection blends modern life with ancient myth, casting old-school themes in an all-new light. Transcendent, inclusive, and totally relatable, this read has “immortality” written all over it.

An enchanting brew that captures the essence of autumn in every sip. Immerse yourself in a symphony of warm spices and velvety pumpkin, harmonizing to create a spellbinding spirited elixir of flavor.

Time to party with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and REO Speedwagon! Turtle Creek Stadium in Traverse City will be rocking on Sept. 3 with seventies and eighties staples like “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take It on the Run,” “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll,” and “I Hate Myself For Loving You.” Tickets are $60-$129. thefestivalfoundation.org/p/party-between-the-lines/sunday

The Music of Manistee County

Music must be in the air this weekend— or at least it is in Manistee County, where you can take your pick of three unique events to get your groove on. The Minnehaha Brewhaha Music Festival runs Sept. 1-2 in Arcadia, where talented northwest Michigan artists will perform. Local food trucks will be on-site, as will a few breweries for tastings, and campsites are available. (Tickets $25$125; music-moves-me.org.) Head south to Manistee on Sept. 2 for Salt City Rock and Blues’ LaborFest, which celebrates the region’s rich industrial history with a slate of nine performers and 12 hours of music on the shores of Lake Michigan. (Tickets $30; saltcityrb.com/laborfest2023.) And last but not least, with a little jaunt east, you’ll catch Brethren Days, the three-day celebration from Sept. 1-3 of the village of Brethren, featuring 10 musical acts and a DJ, beer tent, parade, fireworks, 5K run, and other hometown fun throughout the weekend. (facebook.com/BrethrenDays.)

Stuff We Love: Bushels and Bushels of Apples

The Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) has consulted their crystal ball (their crystal apple, perhaps?) and shared their predictions for 2023: the official crop estimate is 32 million bushels—that’s 1.34 billion pounds—of apples. That’s a big apple crop, given that the average annual crop size falls around 24 million bushels, and MAC credits “high-density orchards” and “innovating growing practices” for the bump in fruit production. As a local example, King Orchards of Central Lake is looking forward to their second consecutive year of a large apple crop, which Juliette King McAvoy, VP of sales and marketing for the farm, says is definitely “unusual.” King Orchards grows 15 apple varieties, and it’s already time to grab your own bucket and start picking. “We have an early variety, Zestar, available for U-pick right now,” King McAvoy tells us, “and will have Ginger Golds available for U-pick before Labor Day.” Find King Orchards’ U-Pick Orchard & Market at 4620 N M-88 in Central Lake.

If you’ve ever bemoaned the fact that your high school education didn’t include learning about taxes, mortgages, or IRAs, take heart. Michigan students entering 8th grade in 2023 will now be required to complete a 1/2-credit course in personal finance before graduation. (Perhaps they’ll be more prepared for “adulting” than their predecessors—we’ll check to see if remedial courses will be available for those of us who still don’t totally understand escrow.) While curriculum may vary, students will be expected to study subjects like income and benefits, budgeting and saving, the pros and cons of credit and loans, financial investing, taxes, and more. The change comes as part of a revision of the School Code in 2022 to Section 380.1278a, which outlines the requirements for a high school diploma. Learn more at michigan.gov/ mde/services/academic-standards/personal-finance, and tell the kiddos it’s time for them to start balancing their checkbooks!

Like your favorite flannel in early September, we think the summer-to-fall transition deserves a glass of wine to go with it. Enter: Dune Bird Winery’s newly-released Pinot Noir. Featuring single-variety grapes grown on the Leelanau Peninsula, this approachable red is aged in French oak for silky tannins and a spicy backbone. The result is a gorgeously light-bodied wine with structured acid and plenty of fruit—think: sour bramble and bright cranberry—backed up by a touch of black pepper and earth. Velvet in a glass? Yes, please!

Pair a few sips with Dune Bird’s Mac’n Cheese Bites, or enjoy on a quiet evening on the porch with a view of the autumn color-change. Grab a bottle ($44) online at shop.dunebirdwinery. com, or savor a glass at Dune Bird Winery’s Northport tasting room at 5620 N. Manitou Trail. (While you’re there, don’t miss the espresso bar or their mocktail collab with Audacia Elixirs!)

spectator

By Stephen Tuttle

It’s not as if they didn’t see it coming.

As early as 2016, Hawaiian Electric’s own internal documents highlight a growing risk of failure of above ground transmission lines in storm and high wind conditions. They added that such failures could result in fires to surrounding areas. By 2019, they were citing responses to exactly such incidents that started California wildfires.

The aging system of above ground poles and lines was clearly vulnerable to frequent high winds in Maui. A report from McCullough Research prior to the fire said, “This is not a highly reinforced system.” Finally, last year, the utility, which supplies 95 percent of all electricity to Hawai’i, received permission from regulators to spend $190 million hardening their above ground system. No work has yet been undertaken.

This while the U.S. Drought Monitor says 80 percent of the Hawaiian Islands are in drought conditions and lists Maui’s drought specifically as abnormally dry to severe, with a rain deficit of more than two inches this year. That is atop increasingly frequent wind events with increasing ferocity.

So, that leads to fully charged transmission lines strung between weakened poles above unmitigated dry brush in high velocity wind events. There are at least two videos of downed power lines sparking madly and igniting dry brush just outside of Lahaina, which was ultimately destroyed by what became the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history with at least 111 deaths and still many unaccounted for residents.

(The deadliest fire in U.S. history was the 1871 conflagration that started in or just outside Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and killed at least 1,200, including 800 in Peshtigo alone. Most experts believe the death toll was much higher, but any records or employee lists that existed were obliterated in a fire that destroyed 18 towns and more than a million acres.)

The Maui fire, though shocking in its intensity, speed, and death toll, was foretold years ago with little having been done in the interim to lessen the risks. The steps apparently not taken before the fire were compounded by those not taken once it started.

Despite a wind storm with sustained gusts approaching 60 mph and mounting evidence that their downed power lines were starting fires, Hawaiian Electric’s CEO said they did not shut off power in Lahaina in order to keep medical devices and water pumps running. The counter argument is a shut-off would have forced people out of a community that was literally reduced to ashes and prevented

additional fire outbreaks from downed live power lines. Hawaiian Electric will no doubt have an extended opportunity to explain their side in detail in court, as lawsuits have already been filed.

Hawaiian Electric is not the only entity with questions needing better answers. Maui, including the Lahaina area, have an elaborate system of emergency sirens, mainly to warn against tsunamis. Deadly such events in 1946 and 1960 spurred the islands to create what they claim is the world’s largest system of outdoor emergency sirens.

Those sirens never sounded as the fire approached Lahaina. The administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency at first said that since the sirens had never been used to warn against wildfires, there was a fear some people would be confused and run toward higher ground. When that didn’t sell— nobody was likely to run uphill toward the rapidly approaching giant columns of smoke—he said they tried warning people through social media, emails, and texts because people might be inside with air conditioning on and wouldn’t be able to hear the ear-splitting sirens. Which, of course, would mean they wouldn’t be effective in the event of a tsunami, either.

The administrator has since resigned, and the search for victims’ remains is ongoing. Certainly climate change has increased the incidence and severity of both drought and high intensity wind events—Maui’s drought conditions worsened significantly in just the two months prior to the fire. But there have been drought, wind, and fire previously, so climate change is not the only culprit. It would probably be more accurate to suggest climate change created conditions favorable for disaster, but it was human indecision and poor decisions that dramatically exacerbated those conditions.

(If you’re looking for a more dramatic sign of climate change to come, look no further than a tropical storm whacking southern California for the first time in 84 years.)

We are going to be confronted with climate change related challenges to be met for the foreseeable future. We already know what flash point conditions exist—excessive heat, diminishing water supplies, more frequent and severe droughts, rising sea levels, increased storm intensity and frequency, poor wildlands management, and wildfires needing the smallest of sparks to become the deadliest infernos.

We can identify the potential problems and address them now, or we can ignore them and make excuses after the fact. Like we’re doing in Lahaina.

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

By Karl Klockars

The closure of Gaylord’s longtime downtown bookstore, Saturn Booksellers, in spring of 2022 had a big impact on a whole community of book lovers, but perhaps none more so than Lindsay Klein. The Colorado native’s childhood dream was to open her own bookstore in Estes Park, but with a husband in the military and a career as a registered nurse—which brought her to Gaylord, where she’s lived for the past decade—that dream was put on hold. Until May, that is.

After kicking the tires on an outright purchase of Saturn Booksellers, Klein decided to open her own store, Plot Bound Books, in May. Turns out, people were more than ready for a bookstore to come back to town.

“I had people shopping out of boxes,” Klein says. “They would come in and shop out of boxes so I could afford to buy the shelves.” After starting with about 100 books, the store is now “almost fully stocked” with plenty of options for readers.

A Pocket Store

At just a few hundred square feet, Klein calls it “my pocket store … even just 10 people makes it look super crowded.” As she fills out the store with her selections, she’s “just kind of putting things out there and seeing what people gravitate towards,” she says, noting that Plot Bound Books is essentially a pastiche of the best of all the bookstores she’s visited.

“I kind of take a little bit from every store that I go to, what might be working for them or how they have their displays done, to make mine kind of match up,” she says. “If we go on a road trip, I go to other bookstores and my husband [will say], ‘You own a bookstore. Why are you buying books here?’,” she says. “One, they need support, and two, I can’t go into a bookstore and not buy something.”

Some of those takeaways from other stores

include creating a dedicated section for local authors. Plot Bound’s online shop is also now an option as well, with buyers able to order online and pick up in the store. The digital experience is already expanding her footprint a little bit; even though the online shop had only been live for a week when we talked, buyers were already finding her and ordering from out of state.

Thus far the store has hosted a few promotions like National Independent Bookstore Day and their own “anti-Prime Day” event in July. One of Klein’s popular offerings has been the “Blind Date with a Book” program, which features books wrapped in plain brown paper with just a few key words written on it. This way, the receiver—and the giver—don’t know what’s inside until they open it.

“I loved the concept and I think that it needs to be out there more, because … it’s about how to not judge books by the cover,” Klein says. “This gives you four words: ‘Mystery, cozy, animals, sports,’ something along those lines. We had 30 of them, and we sold out of all of them within like four days.”

The best part? Klein always gets to be surprised by the contents as well. She has the Blind Date books packaged for her by a third party due to time constraints. “So I’m just as surprised as everyone else when they open their book because I have no idea what it is,” she says.

What to Read Next

Does it help to be a voracious reader if you want to open a bookstore? It sure does. “Last week I read an entire series,” Klein says. “It was a fourbook series … I think I read it in like 48 hours. I will eat books. I’ve always been a big reader.”

That means Klein is able to make her way through plenty of the books she stocks to offer personalized recommendations. If you’re looking for suggestions, Klein is happy to help her patrons

with selections for all ages.

For the younger book lovers, standards like the Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and Cat Kid series are always popular, “But I also like to recommend newer books that are up and coming that they probably don’t know about yet,” Klein says. “There’s a new one called Leave It to Plum! about a little pigeon—it’s a newreader chapter book. So that’s probably one of my favorites. But I definitely try to keep lesserknown authors as well as major authors that everybody wants to see.”

As for older readers, Klein’s got some all-time favorites she’d love you to take home. “I loved The Night Circus. That is definitely one of my favorite books. And I’ve recently read A Summer for Songbirds. That is probably one of my summer favorites this year—it’s kind of an easy, light read. I went in with no expectations but I really enjoyed it. This Is How You Lose The Time War, that’s a really good book as well.”

Of course, if you’re looking for the latest book blowing up on BookTok (aka the bookish realm of TikTok), Klein’s got you there as well. “I do not make videos, but I will fall down that rabbit hole so hard, so fast. During COVID, I made some decisions on what books to read based on BookTok. That’s how I found [authors like] Sarah J. Maas and A Court of Thorns and Roses It’s made, honestly, a big impact on what we buy for the store, because people really follow those trends.”

What about some big upcoming books or soon-to-be-bestsellers you can pick up for the holidays? “[That’s] most likely going to be a book called Iron Flame by Rebecca Jaros,” she says, which is coming out in November. “Fourth Wing was her first book; it came out in May, and you just cannot keep this book in stock. It’s a super small publisher, and I don’t think they were expecting the overwhelming response

to that.” (BookTok played a part in that book’s success as well.)

If it seems like Klein’s preferences skew towards fiction, you’d be right. “I have always been a reader to kind of escape reality around me,” she says. “And so when I read, I don’t want to read about real things, if we’re being honest.”

That sense of escape is something she hopes to spread through Gaylord with Plot Bound. “I really want to promote literacy and I want to eventually partner with other programs in the community,” she says. “It’s kind of a jaunt to Traverse City or even Petoskey, and we really need the literacy here.”

Shop in store at 131 West Main Street in Gaylord or online at plotboundbooks.com

BUILDING SAFER SCHOOLS

TCAPS to add safety staff, adjust cell phone policies, and pursue a more connected school community

By Anna Faller

Comprising 11 elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools, and a smattering of preschool locations, TCAPS serves more than 10,000 students and is northwest Michigan’s largest publicschool district.

That’s a lot of ground to cover (300 square miles to be exact) and a lot of kids to account for.

In light of the national uptick in school shootings throughout the last several years—23 of which have taken place this year alone— ensuring the safety of students and staff on campus is a top priority for TCAPS officials as kids head back to school next week.

“We can’t just sit on our heels and not take advantage of new ideas that are out there,” says TCAPS Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner. “We’ve got to find every resource we can to make sure we’re making our schools as safe as possible.”

A Secure System

The first of those resources is a threat

protocol—developed in conjunction with emergency management personnel, law enforcement, and district staff—to assess a range of potential emergencies, including active intruder scenarios.

“It was modeled after [similar systems]

discredited—which it is nearly 99 percent of the time.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes, “You make a decision to make sure kids are safe, first of all. Then, as far as investigation goes, you can backpedal from there.”

depending on what the situation is.”

From there, the building might enter a “secure mode,” which could include locking entryways, indoor recess, or limiting movement (e.g., no one in or out) while all the proper steps are completed.

As part of that protocol, TCAPS also uses the BrightArrow Rapid Communications system—that’s the same email, phone call, and text message program that’s used for cancellations and weather events—to keep parents and students in the loop in case of an on-campus emergency. Anything serious is immediately reported, though families and staff are still notified of even the tiniest blips on the TCAPS radar.

created by the State Police and FBI and [tells us] step-by-step what’s to be done and who’s to do it,” VanWagoner explains.

Though he can’t divulge the system’s specifics, VanWagoner underscores that any situation within the district that puts student safety at risk is automatically approached with caution, even if the threat is later

In the case of an active threat on campus, step one is to get law enforcement involved. To accelerate that chain of command, TCAPS has also empowered its principals to make decisions when safety is on the line. “We don’t want them calling six people to get permission,” VanWagoner explains. “They have the ability to take immediate [action]

“We want to give [them] that level of ease that every one of these situations is investigated and reported,” VanWagoner says.

A District-Wide Protocol

Protocol relies on practice—specifically, updated lockdown drills. “That’s something we’re actually working on as an administration,” VanWagoner notes. “We’re [analyzing] some of these scenarios and

“We have to put our arms around those kids and say, ‘We won’t let you fall through the cracks. We’re not going to let you be isolated,” says Jay Berger.

asking ourselves what our roles are and what that would look like.”

For starters, TCAPS has installed a framework of flashing blue “lockdown lighting,” which VanWagoner compares to a fire alarm but for active threat situations. Every building in the district— including schools, administration, and transportation—is equipped with a total of 680 lights, which staff can easily engage by phone or via the building’s security system.

Once activated, the signal not only contacts law enforcement but also identifies which building—and where inside it—the warning originated. The alarm is even loud enough to be heard outside, warning those nearby to evacuate.

Other infrastructural upgrades include automatic door-lock systems, wherein the push of a button triggers the deadbolt (which only law enforcement can release), as well as manual locks, or “boots,” that latch into the floor to block classroom access. “Every door in our district has some apparatus like that,” VanWagoner notes.

In the wake of recent tragedies, TCAPS is also re-evaluating best practices for how to approach a real-life lockdown. While sheltering in place, for example, students and staff are now encouraged to defend themselves with everyday objects, like books or pencils, or using heavy furniture to barricade flimsy doors and windows. “That’s saved many lives in those situations, so we’re taking staff through those discussions,” VanWagoner adds.

A New Approach

If the past decade has proven anything, though, it’s that we can’t fortify our schools to safety. Instead, many believe preventing mass tragedies could start on the inside by

fortifying student well-being.

Enter: the Safer Kids, Safer Schools (SKSS) detail, co-founded by local financial planner and concerned dad, Jay Berger.

Spurred to action by the Uvalde shooting, which killed 19 children and two teachers, Berger—whose three grown kids are all TCAPS graduates—helped mobilize a community effort to answer the unanswerable: Why does this keep happening in America, and further, how do we make it stop?

According to the task force’s research, the answers largely come down to paying attention.

While it has been proven that potential shooters often share similar characteristics, data suggests that factors like drugs and video games aren’t as culpable as one might think. Instead, says Berger, the biggest indicators tend to be isolation and bullying. At-risk students often fall through the cracks because they—or their peers—are scared to speak up or lack access to resources.

“Most of the time, people are aware of someone who is really struggling, or a potential shooter will share plans,” Berger explains. “So building that kind of connected community within the school is a huge deal.”

In an attempt to create a more connected community, TCAPS has recently adopted an “away-for-the-day” phone policy. Piloted at Central High School last year, the rule will go live in TCAPS classrooms this fall and requires K-12 students to put their phones away during class. For elementary and middle-school grades, this means powering phones off until the last bell, while high school students are asked to stow mobile devices in sleeves at the top of each instructional hour.

“We think that will help build [student] connections and could really be a game-

changer,” Berger notes. Those in favor of the new phone policy have cited the correlations between phones and a lack of focus in class— not to mention unhealthy social media use, a known contributor to the youth mental health crisis—as major reasons to stow the devices.

Other recent implementations at TCAPS include a new Safety and Security Coordinator, State Conservation Officer Patrick McManus, who will oversee safety drills and other district initiatives. The upcoming school year also marks the return of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program to TCAPS, thanks to a $150,000 state grant.

The new Resource Officer will be stationed at Central High School and will not only provide a law enforcement contact on-site but will also receive training in mentorship and communication to build connections with students.

“We’re very appreciative to have a person

who really understands the building and knows the relationships with administrators and kids when issues [arise],” says VanWagoner.

As for the rest of us, our best defense is to build a more caring community—and to speak up on behalf of struggling kids.

“The school system touches base with these students every day while class is in session, but [we] have to put our arms around teachers, counselors, and social workers,” says Berger. “We have to put our arms around those kids and say, ‘We won’t let you fall through the cracks. We’re not going to let you be isolated.’”

TCAPS students who suspect or hear of a potential threat are encouraged to notify a staff member or report the incident to the OK2SAY tip line: call (855) 565-2729, text 652729, email OK2SAY@mi.gov, or visit ok2say.state.mi.us.

Berger

VanWagoner

Where the Teacher Shortage and the Housing Crisis Meet

School districts feel the sting of high home prices and low application rates

By Victor Skinner

At Traverse City Area Public Schools, one new teacher spent a year renting while looking for a home to buy, but “they just couldn’t find anything they could afford for their family,” superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner says.

“The last couple of years, that’s just been the story over and over again,” he says. “I bet it’s in the area of probably 15 staff members—that’s what we’ve lost and we’re short at least that. When you’re already short and you lose 15, it’s crippling. We’ve had to not have buses … because we can’t find bus drivers.”

Similarly, demand from both faculty and non-faculty for 54 year-round residences and

other housing at Interlochen Arts Academy “has skyrocketed—both during the school year and in the summer for employees working at Interlochen Arts Camp,” according to Pat Kessel, vice president of finance and operations.

“Based on internal surveys and feedback from prospective employees, housing and daycare are the top two considerations influencing prospective employees’ ability to relocate to our region,” he says, adding that the school incorporated a daycare last fall.

“We know that we have missed out on onboarding top-quality candidates because of their inability to find affordable housing in our region, and we have others who are working remotely as they continue to search,” Kessel says.

It’s the same hiring struggle at Northwest Education Services (North Ed), the intermediate school district covering the five-county region and other area districts, including Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools.

“ They’ve accepted, only to come back two to three weeks later saying they can’t accept [the job] because they can’t find affordable housing,” says Nick Ceglarek, superintendent at North Ed. “It … has been going on for quite some time, but it really has risen to the level where we felt we had to do something.”

A Proactive Approach

Last fall, leaders in all four school systems came together to strategize about a solution, joined by community leaders from Traverse Connect, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, and Rotary Charities of Traverse City, among others.

The coalition used grant funding from the community groups to commission a study in February with the help of the Illinois Facilities Fund (IFF), a nonprofit focused on community lending and development, to assess the factors driving the dynamic and options for developing more affordable housing.

To nobody’s surprise, the study found additional affordable rental units for educators and staff would allow schools to more easily fill critical job openings, better support students by improving the region’s ability to hire top candidates, and help to address an overall housing gap in the region for a workforce that serves an essential role in the community.

The Housing Development Feasibility Analysis Final Report produced in July identified six parcels in the area for a potential rental development of at least 60 units, which would be distributed 15 each to the participating school districts. Officials

say the intent is to develop housing without using school funds.

An 80-acre parcel owned by TCAPS behind Blair Elementary School in Blair Township proved the most promising of six properties analyzed. Others included the Boardman Administration Building, Thirlby Field, vacant lots on Interlochen’s campus, off Church Road in Long Lake Township, and near Potter and 4 Mile roads.

Affordable Options Needed

As part of the feasibility analysis, Housing North conducted a housing survey of educators and school staff that showed roughly a quarter are looking for new housing, most preferred to buy a home, and many are already paying more than 30 percent of their income on rent.

Of the families looking for new living arrangements, “the majority of the responses

roughly $23 million, as well as a request for qualifications that ultimately netted Cunningham-Limp Development Co., a Novi-based construction company with an office and multiple successful projects in Traverse City.

“The importance of getting a developer and contractor on board is they can provide us with a funding stream that will potentially work moving forward,” Ceglarek says. “Part of that will be housing grants.”

Moving forward, officials are exploring a variety of state funding options, looking at developing different sized apartments or condos to accommodate different types of families and incomes, and considering what type of ownership and management structure will work for all involved.

“It’s been a learning curve to try to figure out all the steps and hurdles,” VanWagoner says. “We all want it to be a sprint because

problematic in the winter. The inability for teachers to live in the district also impacts the sense of community, he says.

“Teachers living in Pellston or Indian River have to drive through that inclement weather to work, so it is an issue,” he says, adding that others are coming from Gaylord and as far away as Cheboygan.

While several apartment developments are in the works in the Petoskey area, starting rent for one-bedrooms will likely be close to $1,500 a month, Leslie says, though he predicts more options could eventually ease rents.

“I think a lot of it is supply and demand. The more apartments that are built here, I would think overall cost will come down. I think it will be an issue for another three years at least,” he says. “I’m hoping for new teachers we can get something closer to that $900 range.”

were for those making more than $100,000,” according to the report. “This indicates that even if you are making above the Area Median Income in our region ($88,500 for Grand Traverse County), you are priced out or having a hard time finding a place to live.”

Feedback from those surveyed highlighted numerous issues impacting the ability of educators, administrators, and staff to find an affordable place to live, from the average home price of more than $450,000, to insufficient pay, to inflation compounding their monthly expenses.

“As a new, young, and single teacher, I wish there was a way to pay less than $1,000 per month for housing,” read one response. “At my current salary, most (if not all) of one of my monthly paychecks would go towards paying the rent if I were to try to move to a different housing situation.”

“I have lived here for 18 years and have never been able to afford a house,” read another.

A Step in the Right Direction

The coalition is now working to develop a memorandum of understanding to guide the project, and “a big part of it is the funding model,” Ceglarek says.

IFF helped to develop a budget of

we need it now, but we still have quite a bit of work to do.”

While 15 units per district won’t fully address demand, Ceglarek says he’s optimistic that if the project is successful, there will be the potential for much more, with developers suggesting up to 400 units are feasible at the Blair Township site.

“Each of the four entities could use many more units” than 15, he says, “but we have to start somewhere. We have to start small.”

Trouble to the North

“This affordable housing issue for education isn’t just in Grand Traverse County,” Ceglarek tells us, and indeed, other versions of that issue are playing out across the region.

While Grand Traverse area school leaders believe what they are working to build in Traverse City could prove to be a template for other area communities, if successful, places like Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Elk Rapids are dealing with a slightly different dynamic.

Jeff Leslie, superintendent for the Public Schools of Petoskey, said the district sees fewer candidates for open positions than in the past, and the cost of housing is forcing some into long commutes, which can be

Charlevoix Public Schools Superintendent Michael Ritter agrees “it’s getting challenging to fill positions,” particularly for bus drivers, and the cost of housing is likely one of several factors folks aren’t applying. Housing “anecdotally is an obstacle for people to work here,” and “there’s also not as many people going into education right now,” he says, pointing to declines in teacher training programs in recent years.

“I think there’s a multitude of factors, but I think housing is an issue in northern Michigan and not just in northern Michigan, but across the country,” Ritter says.

The teacher shortage, brought on by a decline in students entering graduate education programs over the last decade, is likely the bigger issue in Elk Rapids, superintendent Bryan McKenna says, but affordable housing is having an impact there, as well.

Open positions used to draw a dozen or more applicants just five years ago, but numbers began to decline about two years before COVID, he says, and that trend “has continued now that we’re only getting one to five applicants” per open position.

“I can’t say that’s because they can’t find housing,” McKenna says. “I think the declining applications … is just because there’s less people going into education.”

Even so, while the district managed to fill six open positions in September—and affordable housing “does inhibit teachers from moving into our district”—all hired this year have found a place to live within a reasonable commute from places like Kalkaska and Traverse City, according to McKenna.

McKenna Leslie Ceglarek

"At my current salary, most (if not all) of my current monthly paychecks would go toward paying the rent.” — local teacher

What Teachers Want

Three Cadillac teachers share their wish lists for supplies and student success

By Kierstin Gunsberg

The days are shorter, bedtimes are coming earlier, and kids are shaking off the beach sand to fall back into a school year routine. As their parents and guardians pull lunch bags from the back of the closet and start to stockpile fruit snacks, teachers all over northern Michigan are welcoming students back into the classroom. Meet three educators from Cadillac Area Public Schools who are sharing their hopes, dreams, and must-haves for a successful 20232024 school year.

Who: Tyler Droski

Where: Franklin Elementary

Grade Level: 4th Grade

With seven years of teaching elementary school behind him, fourth-grade teacher Tyler Droski is looking forward to returning to Franklin Elementary, where he says he and his students are surrounded by a “tight-knit, supportive staff who work hard to make Franklin ‘the place to be,’ as we always say.”

Most-Wanted Classroom Supplies: “I usually need an assortment of supplies for the school year, from decoration supplies to create a fun and welcoming environment, to organizational tools to help things run smoothly,” says Droski of his classroom wishlist. “Specific items we always need are tissues, pencils, and disinfectant wipes.”

What Parents Should Know: “I always stress to my students two things: First, that they never give up, and second, that they are always giving their best effort,” says Droski. “I also want parents and guardians to understand that I define success this way with my students.”

He adds that adults can help support their students by checking an app called “Remind” for important notes from Droski and by setting aside 30 minutes at home to connect over educational apps or by reading together. “Little things like that can go a long way at school.”

Greatest Hopes for Student Success: “I want students to grow as learners and people. I want learning to be a way for students to grow, not a grade to achieve,” explains Droski, who lets his classroom vote on fun incentives for reaching academic milestones. These incentives include pizza parties, root beer floats, and even extra recess time.

Most Excited For: Conquering math concepts with his students this semester. Droski says he’s also excited to continue a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum called “Friendzy!” The curriculum promotes emotional literacy, something Droski says is “essential in education.”

Who: Tabitha Cecil

Where: Mackinaw Trail Middle School

Grade Level: Special Education, 6th and 7th Grade

Mackinaw Trail Middle School’s Tabitha Cecil is known to her sixth and seventh-graders as “Miss Cecil.” While spending five days a week in the presence of 800+ middle schoolers would intimidate most people, the special education teacher says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love the energy from the students and seeing them become more mature students and citizens as the year goes on.”

Most-Wanted Classroom Supplies: Pencils! Cecil says that for older students, this OG classroom tool is the most used, and she estimates that she gave out “hundreds” of them to her middle schoolers last year. “Middle schoolers have a lot going on in their lives, and the last thing I want them to worry about is not getting work done because they don’t have a pencil,” she tells us.

She notes that parents and guardians can drop classroom supplies off at the school office with their teacher’s name or send supplies to class with their student.

What Parents Should Know: Cecil says she wants adults to know that grades don’t define student success and that “grades are just a small reflection of how schools display data.” She adds that parents can support their middle schoolers by taking time each day to touch base on how friendships, homework, and school are going. She also suggests encouraging healthy sleep and nutrition habits in students and points out that middle school is an important time to allow kids the time and space to express their emotions openly with their adults.

Greatest Hopes for Student Success: For students to gain confidence by not being afraid to be wrong. “I often remind students that mistakes are the best way to learn because we can try something another way the next time,” she says. “Being wrong shouldn’t be a shameful moment; it should be a motivator to take another route.”

Most Excited For: Besides reconnecting with her students, Cecil is looking forward to seeing her colleagues again. “I love the people I work with,” she says. “Some of my fondest memories in teaching thus far are conversations I have with other teachers during professional development times or informally in the hallway.”

Who: Beth Stebbins

Where: Cadillac High School

Grade Level: Art, 9th-12th Grades

Beth Stebbins still can’t believe she gets to show her Cadillac High School art students how to view the world through a creative lens. “I cannot imagine any other career being as fulfilling as mine is to me,” she tells Northern Express. While she guides students through color theory and composition, she’s also focused on showing her high schoolers how to be “healthy, productive adults” through her classroom interactions.

Most-Wanted Classroom Supplies: Stebbins says that while “donations are always appreciated,” as a teacher to older children, most of her students come to class with their favorite paint brushes and other art mediums at the ready.

What Parents Should Know: Stebbins wants parents and guardians, along with their students, to understand that everyone, no matter their skill level, can enjoy art. For students pushing for A’s in her class, she reminds them that their priority should be more about finding their own artistic path and less about academic excellence. “Nobody should be expected to be excellent at everything they try to do,” she says. “We should focus more on learning and less on grades.”

Greatest Hopes for Student Success: “I try to focus on different things for each student,” says Stebbins. For some, she says success means guiding them toward a passing grade to achieve graduation. With others, she focuses on helping them build their portfolio to apply for college scholarships. “For some, just making it through the day smoothly will be a triumph,” she adds. “Success looks different for each kid.”

Most Excited For: “I look forward to seeing students that I have gotten to know—I miss them over the summer,” says Stebbins. She also loves to see students realize their passion for art, especially when it’s painting, which is Stebbins’ personal favorite medium. As she settles back in for the school season, Stebbins says, “I hesitate to call my job work, because I truly love what I do so much that it sometimes feels funny to get paid to do it.”

HUMANS: ARE WE TOXIC, OR JUST LEARNING?

guest opinion

by Emma Smith

In the winter of 2010, I was newly independent. Only 19 and living with roommates while going to college, I also had a new best friend, Jenny. She and I had been attached at the hip for the better part of a year, and I was experiencing the intense kind of female friendship that is so often fueled by a desperate desire to find one’s place in the world. I loved spending time with Jenny—we laughed together, cried together, and had meaningful conversations that remain unmatched to this day. Naively, I thought that we would be friends forever.

Jenny had a long-term boyfriend with whom she had been having relationship problems for some time. She confided in

how much simpler it feels to blame others for my situation, to shift accountability for whatever role I may have played in what happened. I know how easy it is to believe that I am the victim when a relationship deteriorates. I know how validating it feels to be the protagonist in my own story, but I also know what it’s like to be labeled the “toxic” one.

Not only does labeling people in this way oversimplify them, it also conveniently ignores the multi-dimensionality of being human. The vast majority of people are not good or bad, toxic or non-toxic. People are complex beings who form relationships in order to meet their needs and interact with

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that the hardest part of life for me, thus far, has been realizing there are some relationships that are just not salvageable. There are some people who will never understand you and who will never really try.

me often and I, being inexperienced in the ramifications of such things, shared my uncensored thoughts and feelings on the matter. As you might imagine, this ended poorly for me.

One day, Jenny made an appointment with a therapist, and afterward, she said that she and her therapist had come to the conclusion that I was the one causing all problems in her life and that I was a “toxic person.” This shocked and hurt me. Was I? I considered it. At the time I didn’t think so, but looking back, I’m really not sure. What I do know is that the label has stuck with me and caused me to contemplate the meaning behind her words ever since.

Jenny and her boyfriend broke up about a year later, but after the day she cut ties with me, we never really talked again. It was painful and confusing to learn that someone I loved spending time with did not want to be around me any longer. I had never intended to cause problems in Jenny’s life but, evidently, I had. Looking back, I now realize that I had inserted myself into Jenny’s world in an unhealthy and unsolicited way. I had smothered her with my constant desire to spend time together, to feel included, and assumed that she felt the same way about me.

After Jenny and I parted ways, I became much more cautious and reserved in my relationships. I kept things private. I didn’t allow myself to be too vulnerable. And I learned that sharing my whole self with someone is a privilege to be earned.

Although it’s become common over the last decade, I have refrained from using the word “toxic” to describe people with whom I don’t see eye to eye. That’s not to say it isn’t tempting to use that word. I know

others based on their perceptions of the world and lived experiences.

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that the hardest part of life for me, thus far, has been realizing there are some relationships that are just not salvageable. There are some people who will never understand you and who will never really try. I’ve had to cut people out of my life over the years, but I have never wanted to.

Even still, I don’t consider them to be toxic. Rather, I think of them as people with whom I am just not compatible. Very rarely has someone I’ve cut ties with been intentionally trying to hurt me. If they had, it would have been much easier to sever the relationship. The more complicated truth, however, is that people have vastly different experiences, and these experiences inform the way they treat others.

Wherever Jenny is now, I hope that time has granted her the ability to look back fondly on our friendship. I still wish that we could have found a way to stay friends, that we could have talked things through, but I also understand and respect her decision to step away. It was not her responsibility to manage my emotions, and my expectations of our friendship had become too arduous. Jenny made the decision that felt best for her, and I can’t fault her for that.

I was able to learn and grow as a result of what happened, and I continue to learn and grow from all of my relationships—even the ones that didn’t work out.

Emma Smith, MA, LLPC, works as part of the Development Team at Child and Family Services. She is also a clinical mental health therapist and recently opened her own private practice, Blue Thistle Therapy.

Welcome to the Childcare Desert

By Ross Boissoneau

While it may be home to dozens of lakes, bays, and rivers, much of northern Michigan is a desert. No, not the kind with cacti and camels—a childcare desert.

Lest that sound overly dramatic, that is exactly how the situation is described by those in the industry. In fact, Michigan State University has created a Child Care Desert Chart and a Child Care Desert Map, which showcase how great the need is across the region and the rest of the state.

Though there is a need for childcare virtually everywhere Up North, it varies tremendously throughout the region. In Grand Traverse County, according to the aforementioned chart, there are 3.19 children for every slot at 0-3 years, 2.02 for preschool ages 3-5, and 3.85 for school-age children ages 6-11. For Leelanau, the figures are 5.55, 2.28, and 3.85, respectively. In Emmet, it’s 3.96, 1.81, and 6.06. In Wexford, it’s 8.19, 2.81, and 4.99.

It’s no surprise that for many areas, the greatest need is care for the youngest children, those who need the most attention.

“We focus on the zero to toddler; that’s the greatest need,” says Patricia Soutas-Little. A county commissioner, she is also a member of the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission (LECDC) and has been involved in working to establish more childcare options. The goal of the LECDC is to provide families with access to a high quality, comprehensive, accountable system of care and early childhood experiences for all children.

Norika Kida Betti, the Early Childhood System Coordinator for Child Caring Now in the five-county region, says high quality care is vital for children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, especially in those infant and toddler years.

“The first years are so important,” she says. Child Caring Now is an initiative of the Great Start Collaborative of Traverse Bay. It brings together some 60 organizations, including financial institutions, schools, health departments, the United Way, Northwest Education Services, and the five-county networking organization 5 to One, all geared to provide childcare across the region.

Kida Betti says collecting pertinent data about childcare needs about childcare needs is a challenge. “The numbers are tricky. I reached out to colleagues in the five counties for the number of licenses for fiscal year 2023. There are 30 childcare licenses that closed, 52 that are active, and 27 in pre-licensing,” she says.

While those numbers are solid, she says the challenge lies in translating them to the number of children served. “Those are very difficult to get a lot of information from,” Kida Betti continues. “Licenses can vary from six to 100-plus kids.”

The Microcenter: Little Acorn Childcare

Among the newest childcare options is Little Acorn Childcare in Northport. Led by Amalie Kristiansen, the facility will be the first “microcenter” providing childcare in Michigan. The concept combines elements of home-based and centerbased childcare. It was developed by the Infant & Toddler Childcare Startup, a work group formed by the LECDC.

“Microcenters require variances,”

How local organizations—and three new centers—are addressing the childcare crisis

says Soutas-Little. The idea stems from taking the concept of home childcare providers out of the home and into a facility. Soutas-Little says it’s basically a private/public partnership. When a previous agreement at Suttons Bay Schools was unable to proceed due to construction, they looked at Northport.

“It’s so hard to find care for children under 30 months,” says Kristiansen. “We started last August and spent a year getting the license and the facility ready. The need has been growing since COVID.” adding that the pandemic shut down some of the homebased childcare programs in the county.

Partners in the program include the Village of Northport (funding the center), the Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation, the Leelanau Children’s Center, and numerous volunteers. Capacity will be 12 once the facility is fully staffed.

And speaking of staff, as with virtually all childcare options, financing is a huge challenge. Balancing a living wage for providers with maintaining a reasonable cost for families is always difficult. Add the cost of refurbishing a home or building and the cost of inspections and licensing, and it becomes too much for many.

Soutas-Little says a grant of $318,000 from the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), a private nonprofit corporation, has been key to its plans to increase the number of quality childcare businesses in Leelanau County. The goal with the grant is to open a total of six centers, two home-based and four home-scaled hybrids. Northport is the first to open.

For Kristiansen, running the center is a full-circle moment. “It’s where the Leelanau Children’s Center used to be, and my husband and I went here as kids.”

The Regional Center: Pitter Patter Preschool and Childcare

Pitter Patter has three locations, two in Kingsley and one in Interlochen, all named for forest animals. It serves children from six weeks to 12 years at the Kits location in Kingsley, 30 months until 12 years at the Fawns location in Kingsley, and six weeks to 12 years at the Hatchlings location in Interlochen. Kits is licensed for 28 students, Fawns for 41, and Hatchlings for 60.

Pitter Patter was established in November 2018, though the Interlochen location opened just last year. The business partners with other programs and educational institutions, including Early Head Start, Head Start, and the Father Fred Foundation.

“We work with Kingsley Elementary and Silver Lake Elementary to provide beforeand after-school care and do a full summer camp for school age children as well,” says Regional Director Michelle Stark, who has more than 20 years experience in the field.

Pitter Patter also partners with the ACD Food Program, which represents the Child and Adult Care Food Program, through the United States Department of Agriculture to provide healthy and nutritious meals and snacks at no cost to families, and with the Grand Traverse Baby Pantry to provide supplies to Early Head Start families throughout the school year.

Stark says seeing the children develop through the year is richly rewarding. “It’s all the little things,” she says. “The team is so committed to the children. They make a difference.”

The Family Center: Northern Blooms Montessori

One of the more intriguing concepts to enter the scene in the last few months, Northern Blooms Montessori is part of the Commongrounds coop in Traverse City and is housed at the facility on Eighth Street. Enrollment applications for the fall 2023 are

now open, with classes beginning in midSeptember.

Kate Redman, project director and co-founder of Commongrounds, says the concept of an on-site childcare program was always part of the foundation of the idea of Commongrounds, which also includes residential units, the performance space The Alluvion, a teaching and commercial kitchen, and the collaborative cafe, bar, and restaurant Nobo Mrkt.

One of the unique facets of the program is that families qualifying for TriShare or the upcoming DuoShare receive preference for up to two-thirds of the openings. TriShare is a program where parents, their employers, and the state of Michigan each pay one-third of the cost of childcare. The pilot program is coordinated in this region by United Way of Northwest Michigan. Employers must enroll in the program for employees (parents) to be eligible.

“We spent two years trying to get it off the ground,” says Pam Amundsen, Northern Blooms board president. She says there will be six employees, and as of this writing, the organization was still in the hiring process.

Amundsen knows firsthand the challenges of finding childcare. “I have a toddler, and I know there are a lot of people with kids. We wanted an infant room, and the math just didn’t work. It’s really expensive.” The slots that are open will serve those from 2½ to 4 years of age.

She says the facility also has a geographic focus, providing a potential childcare option for those who live or work at Commongrounds or nearby. “It plays into the broader conversation of walkable communities,” she says.

Moving Forward

Even with these and other programs opening and offering various options, much of the region remains identified as a

childcare desert. And even when parents are able to find caregivers, it may require them traveling great distances.

While working to address the need, those in the field admit it is a challenge. “There are not enough slots,” says Soutas-Little.

Kida Betti says it is important to not only provide financial support for those in or entering the field, but to also recognize how significant it is. “Something everyone can do

is support and elevate our early educators. It’s such an important and difficult job. It’s a really important position, though sometimes it’s not seen that way,” she says.

Better yet, roll up your sleeves and help out. Those who have an interest don’t have to take on a full-time job. “There are opportunities to volunteer, and if you don’t want to do full-time, be a substitute,” Kida Betti adds.

Infant/Toddler (Ages 0-3) Michigan State's Childcare Desert Map

JOIN US FOR A Garden Party Recess

AT THE Botanic Gardens!

Live music performed in the Walled Garden by Blair Miller

Tractor pull tours - Bonsai Demonstration from the Sakura Bonsai Society

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6 • 5-7PM

Food provided by Anavery Fine Foods of Interlochen. Drinks served by Roaming NoMi Mobile Bar, provided by Left Foot Charley and Silver Spruce Brewing. $10 entry

Prizes including floral center pieces • $50 gift card to the gift shop plus a family membership and a sculpted bonsai • 1917 map of commons and gardens professionally printed • An evening botanizing with the Executive Director of the BG at Sleeping Bear Dunes for four and a family membership.

1490 Red Drive, Traverse City

HAPPYHOUR

Americans Abroad

Sigh. Security guards at the Eiffel Tower in Paris discovered two American tourists sleeping near the top of the structure on Aug. 14 as they prepared to open to visitors, Yahoo! News reported. Paris prosecutors said the two dodged security the night before and "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were." Firefighters were dispatched to collect the men, who were questioned by police; Eiffel Tower management company Sete said it would file a criminal complaint, although the pair didn't "pose any apparent threat."

Police Report

In more news from Paris, an "experienced climber" got to the top of the Eiffel Tower early on Aug. 17 and parachuted off before guards could stop him, The Guardian reported. The unnamed man landed safely after the leap from about 1,100 feet and was promptly arrested for endangering the lives of others. "This kind of irresponsible action puts people working at or near the tower in danger," scolded Sete, the tower's management company.

Least Competent Criminal

Sure, Mountain Dew has been compared to battery acid, but one suspect thought a can of the stuff could save her from being fingered as a killer. Fox35-TV reported that on Aug. 5, Nichole Maks, 35, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 79-year-old roommate, Michael Cerasoli. Cerasoli was discovered beaten and stabbed in the home they shared in Daytona Beach, Florida, on July 1. Officers tracked down Maks around 3:30 the next morning at a Krystal's restaurant, where she had blood on the side of her leg and part of her shirt had been torn or cut away. As they approached, she dropped a knife and hammer she'd been carrying; she told officers she often carried such items. Police said that as they questioned her about her roommate, she became "agitated" and asked for a drink; they gave her a can of Diet Mountain Dew, which she poured over her body and hair, hoping to eliminate any evidence on her person. Unsurprisingly, that stunt didn't work, and her DNA was found on the knife used to kill Cerasoli. She currently resides at the Volusia County Jail.

The Weirdo-American Community TikTokker Michaela Witter was on Day 20 of a series she was posting about "100 solo dates" -- activities like reading in the park or buying herself flowers. On Aug. 7, as she browsed in Barnes & Noble in Burbank, California, Witter inadvertently captured a stalker on video as he followed her, kneeled behind her and sniffed her (and another woman) repeatedly. Fox News reported that Witter's post unleashed a torrent of similar experiences -- even with the same stalker. "Bro that same man was crouching behind me and following me thru Marshalls today," one commenter posted. "The same thing happened to me at Ralph's in Burbank," another said. One TikTokker had the same experience in the same bookstore. Glendale police arrested Calese Carron Crowder,

37, on Aug. 11, but a judge placed him on probation and released him on Aug. 15. Los Angeles County Jail records show Crowder has been booked there 41 times.

Ummmmmm

Street performer Lino Tomasen, 32, of Havana, Cuba, retired from boxing after a blow delivered to his opponent fractured the man's skull and killed him instantly, he told Reuters. Tomasen gave all his fight winnings to that man's family and took to the streets, where the "Ironman" now beats on himself and collects tips. He uses a sledgehammer to slam his wrists, elbows and forearms for horrified onlookers, but seems to be unharmed by the abuse. "It's all real, nothing fabricated," said Edward Carbonell, who watched Tomasen's "show." "I want to be remembered as someone who pushed the limits of what was possible," Tomasen said.

At a sunset "furmeet" on Aug. 12 in Huntington Beach, California, one furry took offense when a man in street clothes started filming the spectacle on his phone, the Toronto Sun reported. Someone in a black wolf costume asked the filmer to stop, then amplified his message with a megaphone: "Leave or we will make you leave." When the filmer didn't budge, the wolf hit him over the head with the megaphone. Others jumped into the brawl, which was finally broken up by California State Parks officers.

The Tech Revolution

The California Public Utilities Commission voted in early August to allow Cruise and Waymo to offer paid driverless rides to customers during the day, The New York Times reported. On Aug. 15, as Paul Harvey, 74, looked on, a Cruise vehicle in San Francisco drove into a city paving project and became stuck in wet concrete. "I thought it was funny," Harvey said. "It illustrated how creepy and weird the whole thing is to me." Rachel Gordon with the San Francisco Department of Public Works noted that no one was hurt, but added, "That portion of the road has to be repaved at Cruise's expense." Paul Leonardi, a professor of technology management at the University of California, Santa Barbara, chalked up the experience to a teaching moment: "It needs to experience a diverse set of use cases so it can learn, and driving into wet concrete is one of those use cases."

Clothing Optional

At Stoke Fruit Farm on Hayling Island in England, the sunflowers have been in full bloom for several weeks. The colorful fields offer a perfect background for photo shoots, but, the BBC reported, the farm has seen an "increase of reports of naked photography taking place" since July 28. "People are having fun and taking pictures for their Instagram but we just ask that they keep their clothes on," said Sam Wilson, who runs the site. In an Aug. 11 Facebook post, the attraction cautioned that "this must not happen during our public sessions please." One commenter said her son "got a right eyeful" after stumbling across a woman wearing just a thong. "Should have seen his face!"

Crosswords

ACROSS

1. Formally renounce

7. "Supposing unavailability ..."

14. Apply messily, as sunscreen

15. 2015 crime film with Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro

16. Blue Ribbon beers

17. Parent's much cooler kid-spoiling sibling, maybe

18. "All in the Family" character

19. Venti or XXL, e.g.

20. "___ dead, Jim"

21. Go without being played, at the end of some board games

25. Happy expression

26. Give the appearance of

30. Garment parents want to make sure their kids always have on, lest they be embarrassed

34. "But what ___ know?"

35. Neither partner

36. Music genre that asks you to "pick it up pick it up"

37. Cartoon title character seen with Diamond, Amethyst, and Pearl

44. Chinese laptop brand

45. Ireland, on old coins

46. Big company in 19th-century communications

52. Andrews or Maxwell, for short

55. Notable periods

56. AC___ (auto parts manufacturer)

57. Frank Zappa's daughter

60. Character that visits Owl

61. Back, as a candidate

62. Remington played by Pierce Brosnan

63. Confounded

64. Martinez and Pascal, for two

DOWN

1. "___ your instructions ..."

2. Piece of grass

3. "The Girl From Ipanema" composer Antonio Carlos ___

4. Overshadow, in a way

5. 401(k) alternative named for a senator

6. Tennis partners?

7. Japanese car brand that somehow gets a long vowel in Australian ads

8. Maneuver delicately

9. "ER" setting

10. What an opener opens

11. Foot support

12. River at Khartoum

13. Water testers

17. "Jaws" sighting

19. Bush Sr.'s chief of staff John

22. "Ladders to Fire" novelist Anais

23. Mountain suffix

24. "Do the ___" (soft drink slogan)

27. Untidiness

28. Point of view

29. Singer Rita

30. Dove shelter

31. A property may have one on it

32. Prefix with fiction

33. Hand towel users

34. Broadband initials

38. Wedding promise

39. Penultimate day

40. What gibberish makes

41. Diesel of "Guardians of the Galaxy"

42. Knowledgeable

43. Went back (on)

47. Put in the effort

48. Do a mukbang, e.g.

49. Not as healthy

50. Sponge by 3M

51. "10/10, no ___"

52. Iowa State's location

53. Garamond, for one

54. Word before builder or pillow

58. ___ de plume

59. Debunked spoon bender Geller

Second Chance Schools

Four 100-plus-year-old schoolhouses get new lives

By Al Parker

It’s estimated that at one time there were some 7,200 one-room schoolhouses in Michigan, with dozens across the northwestern region we all call home. Many of those buildings have been lost to time, but several have been refurbished and are living on with renewed purposes as charming residences, historic businesses, and cherished government buildings. Here are a few visited recently by Northern Express.

Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse

The newly-opened Lakeview Hill Farm Market is the latest occupant of this 133-year-old former school in Leelanau County.

“We just opened in July,” explains Bailey Samp, who owns the market and its namesake, nearby Lakeview Hill Farm, with John Dindia. The farm is a certified organic produce and cut flower operation specializing in hoophouse and greenhouse production.

And the healthy, nutritious produce and beautiful flowers are now available in the gleaming red and white structure on the corner of East Lakeview Hills Road and County Road 641.

“One customer stopped by and said his mother went to the school,” says Samp, as she adds to a basket of heirloom tomatoes.

Over the past three years or so, the building was lovingly restored by Caleb and Ashley Herrmann who bought the property from the Britton family, whose members

lived across the road for well over a century. On a recent workday, Caleb was preparing to re-hang the original school bell that he worked hard to restore. It looks great with a fresh coat of black paint

The Herrmanns put a lot of elbow grease into rehabbing the building, which last held classes in 1942. It then hosted 4-H meetings and other events until it was finally used to store items. An electrician by trade, Caleb Herrmann was able to save the original schoolhouse globe lights and the push-button electrical switches.

After all that loving care, the Herrmanns put the property on the market in 2022, and it sold quickly.

“We saw the For Sale sign and we jumped on it,” says Samp with a smile. “We bought it in January and opened the market in July. We love the fact that we can use this great building. There’s a lot of history here. If anyone in the area has photos of the building, we’d love to reproduce them and hang them in the market.”

The Joseph Black School

Sitting prominently at the busy corner of Hammond and Three Mile roads in Grand Traverse County, the Joseph Black School was built in 1893 and was used by generations of students until about 1960.

“My two brothers, Bob and Rich, went there,” explains Ben Hentschel, whose family owns the 130-year-old building at 1000 Hammond Road. “Joseph Black was a farmer whose wife passed away. He built the school and brought in a teacher to teach kids from area farms. He ended up marrying the teacher.”

The bright red exterior certainly catches the eye as you drive by, though it could use a fresh coat of paint and some minor repairs. The former school’s tower comes complete with a bell, but not the original, which vanished over the decades.

The historic school was once owned by a couple of retired teachers who sold school supplies and other educational items, according to Hentschel. In recent years, the building has housed three different chiropractic offices, the most recent East Bay Chiropractic which moved out three months ago. It now sits empty and is available for lease.

There have been concerns that a traffic roundabout could be built at the busy intersection and if that happens the school could be endangered, according to Hentschel.

Bingham District No. 5 School

Built in 1877, this single-story wood frame school in Leelanau County replaced a log structure that had served as a school for area children for seven years. Students came from nearby farms and timber operations for rudimentary classes that ranged from the first grade through the eighth grade.

As the timber business in Leelanau County was depleted, Bingham’s population declined rapidly. After World War II, area school districts were consolidated, and the Bingham school was no longer needed.

For some years, the building at 7171 South Center Highway sat empty and later was used as a town hall or community center. Today, it houses the Bingham Township Hall and is shaded by a canopy of towering trees. Outside its door is a Free Little Library offering books to visitors. A state historical marker provides visitors with a brief history of the whitepainted structure.

In 1987 the well-preserved former schoolhouse was designated as a Michigan State Historic Site, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

The brands they would ask for

The Fife Lake-Union District No. 1

The Fife Lake-Union District No. 1 Schoolhouse

The year was 1882, and President Chester Alan Arthur was presiding over his first term in office. In Hyde Park, New York, a newborn Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the pride of his wealthy family.

In Union Township, local carpenter John Dewey built the Fife Lake-Union District No. 1 schoolhouse, also known at the Cedar Creek School. Children from nearby farms, mostly potato operations, were educated at the school into the early 1950s. Union Township purchased the building in 1955 and converted it into a township hall where monthly meetings are still held.

The historic structure sits at 5020 Fife Lake Road, surrounded by stately sugar maples in the southeast corner of Grand Traverse County. It’s an impressive building with its gleaming gingerbread look.

“It’s been in all kinds of calendars and publications,” says Doug Mansfield, who’s served as township supervisor for some 30 years.

The white, single-story, Victorian balloonframe structure features two front doors, a gabled roof, and clapboard siding. “It drinks paint,” adds Mansfield. “We paint it every five years or so, and it is not cheap.”

The most distinctive architectural feature is the former school’s triple-bay entry porch with an eyecatching barrel-vault top and an open belfry. Two entrances lead from the porch into coat rooms, which open into the main schoolroom. Behind the building sits a clapboard woodshed with a gabled roof. Out front is a broken hand pump, a remnant of an era before running water.

The school was designated as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1983 and listed on the National Register of Historic Place four years later.

GVSU student thrives in accelerated degree program, plans to earn teaching certification

Michele Coffill Grand Valley State University

GVSU student Brittany

Palmer has worked with adults with developmental disabilities for more than a decade. Now, state funding will help her advance her career to be a special education teacher.

Palmer is a teaching assistant at the Life Skills Center, a regional center operated by Northwest Education Services that serves students 16-26 who have moderate or severe cognitive disabilities. Her job responsibilities include helping students learn vocational skills, money management, plus daily living skills like doing laundry. Northwest Education Services has received a state grant from the “Grow Your Own” program to provide funding to paraprofessionals like Palmer who want to earn a teaching certificate.

“I found I have a passion for the special needs community,” said Palmer, 33, who also has experience working at an adult foster care home. “I enjoy the passion they have for life.

“I’m really the lucky one. They have taught me how to be grateful and present.”

Palmer earned an associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College, after receiving funding to finish the degree through Michigan Reconnect, which pays the cost of community college tuition for eligible adults. Palmer added the Michigan Reconnect application process was easy. She was then assigned an advisor and success coach.

“It was scary to think about going back to school at my age,” Palmer said. “I never did well in some classes before. NMC was a very easy transition as an adult in college, then I transferred to Grand Valley. NMC gave me the confidence in my skills that I needed, and Grand Valley is helping me refine those skills and take them to another level.”

“I come home from work and do my homework or log into my classes after dinner. Sometimes I do miss out on the fun things, but I remember it’s only temporary,” she said. “Everyone at Life Skills is very supportive. And so is my husband, who sometimes brings me dinner here in our home office.”

Brittany Palmer

At Grand Valley, Palmer enrolled in LEADS, an accelerated bachelor’s degree program with flexibility to meet the needs of working adults. She said as an integrative studies major, many of her online classes involve content that is topical and applicable to leadership and work settings.

“It was challenging at first to start the program, but I found I was more energized in the LEADS program because it’s content I’m passionate about,” she said. “I can apply my work experience to class discussions and vice versa.”

Learning to make time for homework in the evenings was a bit of a process, Palmer said.

Palmer has three more semesters before graduating. When she completes a bachelor’s degree, there are ample state programs that offer financial assistance for people who are seeking a teaching certificate. She said that partly drove her decision to do the initial step of earning a bachelor’s degree.

“There’s a significant teaching shortage and there is money from the state to help to go back to school. This is the right decision for my family; there was no reason to say ‘no,’” Palmer said.

GVSU Teaching Certification in Traverse City

Northwest Education Services has partnered with Grand Valley State University and the Traverse City Regional Center to offer a six-semester program leading to eligibility for a standard, initial, elementary teaching certificate within the State of Michigan. Student tuition and program expenses funded by Northwest Education Services. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/traverse.

saturday

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL RUN: REGISTRATION IS CLOSED: 3500 Udell Hills Rd., Manistee. 50 Mile Ultra Marathon, 50K Ultra Marathon, 26.2 Mile Marathon, & 13.1 Mile Half Marathon. northcountrytrailrun.com

KINGSLEY HERITAGE DAYS: Brownson Memorial Park, Kingsley, Aug. 24-27. Includes a parade, 5K Fun Run/Race, vendor/ crafts, softball tournament, corn hole tournament, pickle ball tournament, live music by Shelby Plamondon & Knee Deep, & more. kingsleyheritagedays.net

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EMMET-CHARLEVOIX COUNTY FAIR: Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey, Aug. 22-27. Featuring a Country Concert with Dylan Scott, Monster Truck Throwdown, Autocross Racing, Cornhole Tournament & much more. emmetchxfair.org

KEEP BENZIE BEAUTIFUL - LAKESHORE CLEANUP: 9am-noon. The goal is to clean up the entire shore of Lake Michigan within the limits of Benzie County. Register on web site. stormcloudbrewing.com/ events/2023/8/26/keep-benzie-beautiful

142ND OTSEGO COUNTY FAIR: Gaylord, Aug. 20-26. Includes the Twisted P Rodeo, 2023 Otsego County Queen & Princess Pageant, Championship Horse Pull, Unique Motor Sports Bump r Run, Unique Motor Sports Night of Destruction & much more. facebook.com/otsegocountyfairgrounds

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BERZERKER BASH!: 10am, Pennsylvania Park, Gazebo, Petoskey. Celebrate the third book in the Barb the Berzerker Series: “Barb and the Battle for Bailiwick.” Wear your favorite berzerker costume. Make outfits, enjoy snacks, play battle games & more. RSVP required. Free. mcleanandeakin.com/event/ berzerker-bash

MACKINAW CITY PREMIER ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: 10am-6pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City. Featuring paintings, woodwork, hand-crafted jewelry, handdesigned clothing, & more.

OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in art for all ages. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/openstudio-august-26

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COFFEE W/ THE AUTHORS: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Novelist Sarah Shoemaker will talk about historical fiction. Sarah BearupNeal, GAAC gallery manager, leads the discussion. Shoemaker, a Leelanau County resident, published “Children of the Catastrophe” in 2022. Set in the early 1900s, Shoemaker crafts a fictionalized telling of a Greek family’s progress through the final, turbulent decades of the Ottoman Empire. Free. glenarborart. org/events-page/events-all

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MODEL TRAIN SHOW & SWAP MEET: 1-4pm, Alden Depot Museum.

“A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD KIDS”: 2pm & 5pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Presented by the Young Company’s 8 to 16 year old one-week musical theatre campers. $21 adults; $12 youth under 18. tickets. oldtownplayhouse.com/TheatreManager/1/ online?bestavail=1784&qty=0 ----------------------

41ST ANNUAL CEDAR POLKA FESTIVAL: Cedar, under the big tent, Aug. 24-27. Celebrate Cedar’s rich Polish history with dancing, eating & drinking. Food vendors

offer authentic Polish food. Admission, $10. The Cedar Run 4 The Kielbasa is a 4 mile run that takes place on Aug. 26 at 8:30am, starting at the intersection of Bellinger & Cedar roads. The Pierogi Fun Run will also be held. cedarpolkafest.org

SOUSA! CONCERT: 7:30pm, Northport Performing Arts Center. The Northport Community Band’s traditional end-of-summer concert is a musical treat of the popular & patriotic music that made John Philip Sousa famous. This concert will also feature other musical gems from around the world. $15. simpletix.com/e/sousa-tickets-136424

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THE DAVE BENNETT QUARTET: 7:30pm, BIC Center, Beaver Island. Enjoy everything from boogie woogie to country to pop to jazz. $10 - $25. store.biccenter.org/product/thedave-bennett-quartet-2

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BALSAM RANGE: 8pm, City Opera House, TC. The 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, Balsam Range has received 13 IBMA awards & has 11 critically acclaimed albums. Hit songs include “The Girl Who Invented The Wheel” & “Get Me Gone.” Tickets range from $10$30. cityoperahouse.org

BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY PRESENTS

THE SAM BUSH BAND: 8pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Enjoy newgrass with elements of jazz improvisation & rock ‘n roll. $82, $72, $57, $42, $37. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/sam-bush

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DRAKE WHITE: 8pm, Odawa Casino, Ovation Hall, Petoskey. Enjoy this country soul performer. $30. odawacasino.com/entertainment

MUSIC IN MACKINAW - THE SOUND: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City.

sunday

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL RUN: REGISTRATION IS CLOSED: (See Sat., Aug. 26)

KINGSLEY HERITAGE

DAYS: (See Sat., Aug. 26)

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EMMET-CHARLEVOIX COUNTY FAIR: (See Sat., Aug. 26)

MACKINAW CITY PREMIER ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: (See Sat., Aug. 26, except today’s time is 10am-3pm.)

MODEL TRAIN SHOW & SWAP MEET:

1-4pm, Alden Depot Museum.

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THE SACRED EARTH TRIBE PRESENTS

THE DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE:

3:30pm, Llama Meadows Eco Farm, Benzonia. These dances blend chants with live music & simple movements into a living experience of unity, peace & joy. Love offering of $7-$10. facebook.com/thesacredearthtribe

41ST ANNUAL CEDAR POLKA FESTIVAL: (See Sat., Aug. 26)

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CADILLAC FOOTLITERS AUDITIONS:

4-6pm, First Presbyterian Church, Cadillac. For “Steel Magnolias.” cadillacfootliters.com

THE BENZIE AREA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS RHAPSODY IN BLUE: 4pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Featuring Dr. Hyemin Kim, soloist, & Tom Riccobono, conductor. benziesymphony.com/summer-2023-performance-4

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NEW BOOK RELEASE & SIGNING:

6:30pm, Horizon Books, Cadillac. Bob Van

Manistee’s Nick Veine brings his acoustic blues, jazz, country, and folk to the Minnehaha Brewhaha Festival at Arcadia Marine in Arcadia on Sept. 1-2. Joined by The Handstanders, The Smokin’ Dobroleles, Barefoot, and many others, there will also be games and activities, 70 varieties of domestic and craft brews to sample, and creations from six food vendors. Ticket prices are $5 on Fri. night to enjoy two bands, the brew tent, & food vendors. Saturday’s event is $45 pre event and $50 day of for all day admission to hear 6 bands, receive 5 brew tasting tickets and a souvenir tasting glass; $25 for music only. A 5K & 15K run will be held on Sat. music-moves-me.org

Dellen will present & sign his new book, “Reflections on Literature: Exploring Meanings and Messages; Volume I: The Modern Novel from the Roaring Twenties to the Mythic West.” horizonbooks.com/check-us-outdowntown-cadillac

COMEDY MIXTAPE: 7pm, The Workshop Brewing Co., TC. Enjoy comedy of every genre: improv, stand-up, storytelling, sketch, & song parody. Honor cover ($10 suggested). tiltthink.com

NWS: JACK DRISCOLL: 7pm, The Alluvion, TC. This local author will feature his newest book, “Twenty Stories.” In this book, Driscoll selected twenty of his best fictions including the classics “Prowlers” & “That Story,” both winners of The Pushcart Prize. $14-$42.50. eventbrite.com/e/in-person-and-virtual-tickets-to-jack-driscoll-featuring-twenty-storiestickets-646260561737

monday

KID’S CRAFT LAB: ROCK ‘N ROCKS: 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Paint a rock your way. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org

CADILLAC FOOTLITERS AUDITIONS: 6-8pm, First Presbyterian Church, Cadillac. For “Steel Magnolias.” cadillacfootliters.com

tuesday

STORYTIME ADVENTURES: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Featuring “Little Beaver and The Echo” by Amy MacDonald. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org

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WTP MEETING: 1pm, Up North Arts Community Arts Center, Cadillac. WTP (Write to Publish) welcomes new writers to the writer’s group meetings. E-mail Peggy at: hoard@ netonecom.net for more info.

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LIVE ON THE BIDWELL PLAZA: 5:30-7pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Bidwell Plaza, Petoskey. Featuring professional musician, educator & author Steve August. Bring a chair. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ live-bidwell-plaza-steve-august-0

SAVING BIRDS THRU HABITAT AUTUMN

OLIVE WORKSHOP: 5:30-7:30pm, Saving Birds Thru Habitat, Omena. Join ISN & Saving Birds Thru Habitat for this Autumn Olive Workshop where landowners struggling with this rampant invasive species can learn different at-home management options. Registration is required. Free. habitatmatters.org/ autumn-olive-community-workshop.html

MUSIC IN MACKINAW: STRAITS AREA CONCERT BAND: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Roth Performance Shell, Mackinaw City. Free.

wednesday

FALL HORSE SHOW TCTOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. CSI

2*, USHJA National Hunter Derby, National Hunters / Jumper 6 / Equitation. traversecityhorseshows.com/events

NORTHERN LOWER BRASS QUARTET: TUBAS AT THE KINGSLEY FARMER’S MARKET!: 5-7pm, Kingsley Farmer’s Market. The quartet will perform jazz, blues, film music, marches, & pop favorites featuring vocalist Kevin LaRose. Free. kingsleydda.com

BOOK CLUB MIXER: 7-8:30pm, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library. Enjoy light refreshments, win prizes, meet & mingle with other readers, & find out ways to join, start or enhance your book club. Free. sbbdl.org

MEET & GREET: 7pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Featuring James Kennedy, author of “Bride of the Tornado.” Free. mcleanandeakin.com

thursday FALL HORSE SHOW TCTOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: (See Weds., Aug. 30)

KID’S CRAFT LAB: ROCK

‘N ROCKS: (See Mon., Aug. 28, except today’s times are 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm.)

THE CONCERT TRUCK W/ NICK LUBY & SUSAN ZHANG: Noon, Charlevoix Public Library.

LYLE GUN DEMONSTRATION: 1pm, Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum, Sleeping Bear Dunes Rd., Glen Arbor. The Lyle Gun is the only canon ever designed to save lives, not take them. Watch the demonstration to find out more about this lifesaving tool. The program lasts about 15 minutes. Arrive early. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=515B86FB0ECE-F358-4B22AF376CE4F3A2

TEEN MOVIE MATINEE: 1pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Featuring “Jaws.” Free. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org

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CONSENSES LELAND: A GUIDED WALK: 4pm, Old Art Building, front lawn, Leland. Local Leelanau artists have interpreted one another’s art in the vein of a game of ‘Telephone.’ Enjoy a sensory journey. Artists include Charles Hall, sculptor; Joshua Davis, musician; Kristin MacKenzie Hussey, painter; Michelle Leask, poet; Benjamin Maier, potter; Maggie Revel Mielczarek, textile designer; Joe Welsh, icecreamer. Free. oldartbuilding.com

CAR TRIVIA AT THE MUSEUM: 5pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Enjoy carthemed trivia as part of the Luster exhibition, showcasing hyper realistic paintings of cars & motorcycles. Calling all automotive aficionados & NMC students to test your knowledge, win prizes, & enjoy pizza & lemonade provided by DMC. The evening will consist of three rounds of car-related trivia questions followed by a scavenger hunt round through the museum. Teams can have 1-8 people. Limit of 50 people. Free. simpletix.com/e/car-trivia-at-the-museumtickets-141093

PAINT OUT & WET PAINT SALE: 5-8pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Bidwell Plaza, Petoskey. Original paintings created by regional artists will be on display & available for sale. From August 22 - 31, CTAC-Petoskey is inviting plein-air artists for a weeklong painting event, depicting the charm of the Petoskey region. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-petoskey/paint-out-and-wet-paint-sale

ART WALK: 6-9pm, downtown Petoskey. A celebration of art, music & community. Enjoy downtown Petoskey’s galleries, design studios, & creative spaces for an evening of art & collaboration. Stroll through participating galleries, including Arlington Jewelers, Flora Bae Home, Grandpa Shorter’s, KLK Design, The Katydid, NorthGoods, RANDOM, Somebody’s Gallery, & Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey. There will be working artists showcasing diverse art forms & live music from The Concert Truck with Nick Luby & Susan Zhang. A ticketed pre-party runs from 5-6pm at CTAC, Petoskey. A free Art Walk After Party will be held at CTAC at 8pm. crookedtree.org/petoskey ----------------------

JAZZ NORTH: MUSIC IN THE AIR CONCERT: 7pm, Old Art Building, front lawn, Leland. Jazz North is a little Big Band comprised of area professional musicians that play classic swing, Latin, funk, blues, ballads, originals, & “danceable jazz.” Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Free. oldartbuilding.com

OVERDOSE AWARENESS & REMEMBRANCE BUTTERFLY RELEASE EVENT: 7pm, Pennsylvania Park, Gazebo, Petoskey. Remember & honor those we have lost to overdose & Substance Use Disorder (SUD). crami.org

friday

FALL HORSE SHOW

TC - TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: (See Weds., Aug. 30)

MORE TO EXPLORE: LOTS-A-BLOCKS: 9:30am, noon & 2:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Build something or knock it down with many different kinds of blocks. greatlakeskids.org

DOWNTOWN ALDEN SIDEWALK SALES: 10am-5pm, Downtown Alden.

JUNIOR RANGER ANGLER PROGRAM: Loon Lake Picnic Area, Honor. Stop by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a day of festivities aiming to provide safe & barrier-free opportunities to engage youth (primarily K-5th graders) in fishing. Between 10am-2pm, collect a Junior Angler booklet from the Mobile Visitor Center (Bear Force One) & complete all activity stations to learn about aquatic food webs, water safety, Leave No Trace, the importance of fishing to the Anishinaabek, etc. Once the Junior Angler booklet is complete, return it to Bear Force One to earn a Junior Angler badge & other goodies. Completing the Junior Angler booklet & activities takes about one hour, so please plan on arriving to Loon Lake by 1pm. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. nps.gov/planyourvisit/eventdetails.htm?id=5149C1AD-040D-CFFF5F6A2BFE0F745C8D

LABOR DAY WEEKEND: SIDEWALK

SALES - GLEN ARBOR: Downtown Glen Arbor, Sept. 1-4. Participating local businesses in & around Glen Arbor offer spe-

cials.

THE CONCERT TRUCK W/ NICK LUBY & SUSAN ZHANG: 1pm, Bay Harbor Village.

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BOYNE CITY KIWANIS LABOR DAY

WEEKEND CAR SHOW: Free drive-in preview on Fri., Sept. 1 from 6-9pm on the first two blocks of E. Water St. On Sat., Sept. 2 there will be a judged car show in Veteran’s Park from 8am-4pm. Registration will open at 8am, judging will begin at 10am, & winners announced at 3pm. Registration is $20 through Fri. Sept. 1, & will be $25 day of. Proceeds benefit children of the Boyne area. facebook.com/KiwanisBoyneCity?mibextid= 2JQ9oc

MINNEHAHA BREWHAHA MUSIC FES-

TIVAL: Arcadia Marine, Arcadia. Sample over 70 varieties of domestic & craft brews, taste creations from 6 food vendors & enjoy games & activities. Music by Barefoot, JR Clark, Nick Veine, The Handstanders, The Smokin’ Dobroleles & many others. Ticket prices are $5 on Friday night to enjoy two bands, the brew tent, & food vendors. Saturday’s event is $45 pre event & $50 day of for all day admission to hear 6 bands, receive 5 brew tasting tickets & a souvenir tasting glass. A 5K & 15K run will be held on Sat. music-moves-me.org

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THE CONCERT TRUCK W/ NICK LUBY & SUSAN ZHANG: 6pm, Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City.

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BRANDI CARLILE: SOLD OUT: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. This singer, songwriter, producer, activist, humanitarian, & best-selling author who has won nine Grammy Awards will bring her iconic songs such as “The Story” & “That Wasn’t Me.” interlochen.org/events/brandicarlile-2023-09-01

BRETHREN DAYS: 8-11pm, Brethren. Tonight features an Outdoor Night Club with DJ Marcus & a beer tent. facebook.com/BrethrenDays

saturday

BOYNE CITY KIWANIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND CAR

SHOW: (See Fri., Sept. 1)

BRETHREN DAYS: 8am, Brethren. Today features the High Bridge Hustle - 5K run or walk; Pancake Breakfast under the Gazebo; Dragster Car Show; Horseshoe Pitching Contest; live music with Feral Cats, Busted Balloon, The Hangup & others; fireworks, & much more. facebook.com/BrethrenDays

CADILLAC FESTIVAL OF RACES: Cadillac Rotary Pavilion. Featuring a 1/4 Mile Lake Swim Race, 7 Mile Team Relay Run, & 5K/10K. $35. rfeventservices.redpodium. com/2023-cadillac-festival-of-races

FALL HORSE SHOW TC - TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: (See Weds., Aug. 30)

MINNEHAHA BREWHAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL: (See Fri., Sept. 1)

DOWNTOWN ALDEN SIDEWALK SALES: (See Fri., Sept. 1)

ELK RAPIDS ARTS & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-4pm, River St., Downtown Elk Rapids. More than 60 artisans & crafters displaying & selling their work. Pet-friendly, family-friendly. elkrapidschamber.org/arts-crafts-show

LABOR DAY WEEKEND: SIDEWALK

SALES - GLEN ARBOR: (See Fri., Sept. 1)

OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in art for all ages. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/openstudio-september-2

TORCH LAKE LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-5pm, Alden Depot Park. Sept. 2-4.

WALK + TALK THE EXHIBITS: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Enjoy a guided walk-andtalk through the new exhibit, “In Translation.” The Walk + Talk will also include conversation about “The Side Of The Road,” an exhibition of abstract landscapes by Alice Moss. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/ events-all

THE BOLT 4: Northport Bay Marina. The 4th annual Bay to Braman Bolt: A Race to Preserve History is a challenging, family-friendly, competitive 1.1 mile foot-race from Northport Bay Marina, up town, through Nagonaba Foot, to the top of one of Leelanau’s highest peaks - Braman Hill. Register online beforehand or the day of. Registration is open from 10-11:30am on Sept. 2, with the race starting at noon. $25 for ages 10-18; $30 for ages 19+. bit.ly/thebolt4register

BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Author John Borkovich will sign his book “Nature 911: The Path.” horizonbooks.com/ event/nature-911-path-john-borkovich-booksigning

NATIVE FOODS IN THE GREAT LAKES: 1pm, Platte River Picnic Area, Honor. This talk not only discusses the history & impor tance of indigenous foods of the Great Lakes to the Anishinaabek but samples of native food will be provided to the audience. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details. htm?id=DFD801C7-A5BB-24D8-A130642F

AEBA6C22

INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS: Platte River Campground Amphitheater, Honor. Native American populations were subjected to laws & policies forced to as similate them into American culture & soci ety. These policies accumulated into Indian boarding schools. This talk will look at the creation of the schools & the impacts it has had. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. nps.gov/planyourvisit/eventdetails.htm?id=DFE17B19-AE97-AA689534D025070742E3

HORTON CREEK BLUEGRASS: Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City. Enjoy this band’s sound that incorporates traditional/ progressive bluegrass, country western, a little bit of rock n’ roll, all while keeping the core around the roots music. $15-$30. lavenderhillfarm.com

THE CARPENTER ANTS: 7:30pm, BIC Center, Beaver Island. Enjoy R&B, soul & gospel artists The Carpenter Ants wsg John Ellington & Larry Groce. $10 - $25. store.biccenter.org/product/the-carpenter-ants

s unday

FALL HORSE SHOW TCTOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: (See Weds., Aug. 30)

BRETHREN DAYS: Today features arts & crafts vendors; Cornhole Tournament; Grand Parade; live music with Truck Driver Bingo, The Nephews, & Duke and the Studebakers; & much more. facebook.com/BrethrenDays

FALL LINEUP JUST ANNOUNCED

SCOTT COOK + PAMELA MAE SAT SEP 2

RETURN OF THURSDAY JAZZ THU SEP 7++

GREGORY STOVETOP FRI SEP 8

INTERLOCHEN IN TOWN—A MONTHLY SERIES FRI SEP 15

FILM SCREENING: ELI: A DOG IN PRISON TUE SEP 19

VISUAL ARTS: DANCE THE RAINBOW TUE SEP 26

JOSHUA DAVIS SOLO STORYTELLER SHOW FRI SEP 29

JOSHUA DAVIS FULL BAND SHOW SAT SEP 30

NATIONAL WRITERS SERIES + KEN FOLLETT SUN OCT 1

EXPAND STORYTELLING WED OCT 4

NANCY STAGNITTA QUINTENT SAT OCT 7

DOMI EDSON TRIO FRI OCT 13

DIXON’S VIOLIN + TRILLIUM GROOVE SAT OCT 14

HAIL YOUR HIGHNESS + ANTLERHEAD FRI OCT 20

JASON ANDERSON + THE SHOUTING BONES SUN OCT 22

DJANGOPHONIQUE + KATE SMITH FRI NOV 3

DOWNTOWN ALDEN SIDEWALK SALES: (See Fri., Sept. 1)

LABOR DAY WEEKEND: SIDEWALK SALES - GLEN ARBOR: (See Fri., Sept. 1)

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TORCH LAKE LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., Sept. 2)

ALL CALL MUSIC FESTIVAL: 3-10pm, The Little Fleet & adjacent street, TC. Two stages will host six bands & a DJ: NOMO, Tunde Olaniran, VV Lightbody, Molly, Stoop Lee, MRKT, & SuperNuclear. There will also be food & beverages available for purchase. $30-$45. allcallmusicfestival.com

PARTY BETWEEN THE LINES: REO

SPEEDWAGON & JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS: 5:30pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. Field GA: $89 + fees; Premium Pit Admission: $129 + fees. bandsintown. com/e/1028811984-reo-speedwagon-atturtle-creek-stadium?came_from=252&utm_ medium=web&utm_source=venue_ page&utm_campaign=event

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

BOTH SIDES OF JONI: 7:30pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. A reimagined set of Joni Mitchell’s music arranged by pianist Monika Herzig, interpreted by award-winning vocalist Janiece Jaffe, & recorded with a group of renowned jazz musicians including Greg Ward on saxophone, Jeremy Allen on bass, Carolyn Dutton on violin, & Cassius Goens on drums with guest bassist Peter Kienle. Featuring renowned New York vocalist Alexis Cole. GA, $15. prod5. agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info. aspx?evtinfo=292210~6a3269ca-7978-417d9903-ca1548ad1f5e&epguid=9b08ea58921e-4c3a-828b-be5c1e210466& ----------------------

THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL & ELTON JOHN STARRING MICHAEL CAVANAUGH: 8pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Featuring the greatest hits of the piano-rocking pop icons of the modern era. Songs include: “Rocket Man,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Movin’ Out,” “My Life,” “Piano Man,” & many more. Michael Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical “Movin’ Out.” $42, $57, $62, $76, $92. greatlakescfa.org/ events/detail/michael-cavanaugh

ongoing

THE ALIVE POETS SOCIETY: Saturdays, 9-11am, Poetess and Stranger, 445 E. Mitchell Street, Unit A, downtown Petoskey. Read, discuss & write poetry together. Ages 17+. poetessandstranger.com ----------------------

KIDS CRAFTS WITH KRISTY: Mondays, 10:30am-noon, Interlochen Public Library, Community Room. Kids will learn & practice different crafts skills. Geared toward ages 5-12, but all are welcome.

BLOOMS & BIRDS: WILDFLOWER WALK: Tuesdays, 10am through Sept., Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents to find & identify the unique wildflowers at Grass River Natural Area. Along the way look & listen for the birds who call Grass River home. grassriver.org

GUIDED WALKING HISTORY TOURS OF TRAVERSE CITY: Tours are at 10am on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays through Labor Day. They are about two miles long & take a little more than two hours. They begin at the Perry Hannah Plaza at the corner of 6th & Union St. near downtown. Groups of six or more can schedule tours at other times. walktchistory.com

DOUGHERTY MISSION HOUSE TOURS: Dougherty Mission House, TC. Docent led tours of the 1842 Rev. Dougherty Mission House built by the Odawa & Chippewa with Chief Agosa. Explore the House, summer kitchen, carriage shed, icehouse, demonstration gardens & trail through the 15 acres. Visiting exhibit features the Inns of Old Mission. Discover where Old Mission Peninsula earned its name. Tour hours are Fri. & Sat. from 124pm. doughertyoldmissionhouse.com

fa rmers ma rkets

BELLAIRE FARMERS MARKET: Fridays, 8am-noon, ASI Community Center & Park, Bellaire.

BOYNE CITY OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-noon through Oct. 14. Veterans Park, Boyne City. Shop local produce, artwork & artisan foods at over 50 vendors. There will also be live music & kids activities. The Aug. 26 market will feature live music by the Lonely Lovers. The Sept. 2 market will feature live music by Chris Michels. boynecityfarmersmarket.org

CADILLAC FARMERS MARKET: Tues. & Fri., 9am-3pm. 117 W. Cass St., Cadillac. Featuring 60 vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, live music & more. cadillacfarmersmarket.org

DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY FARMERS MARKET: Fridays, 8:30am-1pm through Sept. 29. Howard St., between Mitchell & Michigan streets, Petoskey.

ELK RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET: Next to Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, on US 31 by the swan. Every Fri. through Oct. 6, 8am-noon. Local growers & producers from all around northwestern Michigan. elkrapidschamber.org/farmers-market

FRANKFORT FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm through Sept. 9. FrankfortElberta Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 Main St., Frankfort.

HARBOR SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm through Oct. 14. Corner of State & Main streets, Harbor Springs.

OLD TOWN EMMET FARM MARKET: Sat., 9am-2pm through Oct. 7 at Friendship Senior Center parking lot, Petoskey. Local homemade & homegrown products. Special events throughout the season include donation based cookouts, food trucks on site, & more. Follow the Facebook page for the schedule: @oldtownemmetfarmmarket.

SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET: Sat., 7:30am-noon; & Weds., 8am-noon. Parking lot “B” at southwest corner of Cass & Grandview Parkway, TC. dda. downtowntc.com/farmers-market

THE VILLAGE AT GT COMMONS OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Village at GT Commons, The Piazza, TC, Mondays from 1-5pm. Farm fresh eggs, fruits & veggies, meats, honey, maple syrup, & more. facebook.com/events/643530983769466/64 3530997102798/?active_tab=about

art

BARBARA REICH EXHIBIT: Bonobo Winery, TC. Original artwork by plein air/studio artist Barbara Reich, featuring “Paintings from Around the Peninsulas.” Exhibit opens Aug. 30 & runs through Nov. 28. barbarareich.com

“IN TRANSLATION”: Held in Main Gallery at Glen Arbor Arts Center. A multi-pronged project that explores how humans employ

creativity & the arts to translate the world, contemporary life, contemporary social & political issues, & the world in which they live. The exhibit features the work of 32 visual artists from throughout Michigan, the Midwest, & California. Runs through Oct. 26. Hours are: Mon. through Fri.: 9am-3pm; Sat. & Sun.: Noon-4pm. glenarborart.org/events/ exhibit-in-translation

JRAC MEMBER SHOW 2023: Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. This exhibit showcases the work of many Jordan River Arts Council members. Runs through Sept. 23. Check web site for days & hours. jordanriverarts.com

ANTRIM, DEGREGORIO, GALANTE: Runs through Sept. 8 at Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Featuring the work of three Michigan artists: Karen Antrim, Paula DeGregorio, & Frank Galante. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

ALAN MACIAG EXHIBIT AT MARI VINEYARDS, TC: Plein Air painter Alan Maciag exhibits gorgeous Michigan landscapes. Runs through Sept. twistedfishgallery.com/ event/alan-maciag-exhibit-at-mari-vineyards-with-twisted-fish

CHARLES CULVER PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION: On display throughout downtown Bellaire through Oct. Each piece of art will display a QR code to access an audio presentation providing history & background of the particular piece. bellairelibrary.org/programs/charles-culver-public-art-display-2023

“SUMMER’S PALETTE,” THE MAGIC THURSDAY ARTISTS’ 10TH ANNUAL SHOW & SALE: City Opera House, TC. The show runs through Aug. from 10am-3pm weekdays & is open during evening events.

Featuring original paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, gouache & acrylic by artists Sue Bowerman, Lori Feldpauch, Linda Goodpaster, Ruth Kitchen, Dorothy Mudget, Joyce Petrakovitz, Marilyn Rebant & Laura Swire. cityoperahouse.org

CHARLEVOIX CIRCLE OF ARTS:

- SUMMER SALON: Runs through Sept. 2. 4th annual salon-style exhibit showcasing regionally inspired work by local & area artists. Gallery is open Mon. through Fri., 11am4pm, & Sat., 11am-3pm or by appointment. charlevoixcircle.org/exhibits-2023

- HANS WIEMER MEMORIAL DISPLAY: Celebrate the work of local artist & architect Hans Wiemer, on display through Sept. 2. Select pieces from Wiemer’s portfolio are on loan from his family. The curated selection of paintings & architectural renderings show off his various styles, from impressionism to abstract & various mixed mediums. Charlevoix Circle of Arts is open from 11am-4pm, Mon. through Fri., & 11am-3pm, Sat. charlevoixcircle.org

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOS-

KEY:

- THIS IS US: RECENT PAINTINGS BY THE KITCHEN PAINTERS: The Kitchen Painters is a group of area artists who meet weekly at Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey to share their love for painting. Each year they have an opportunity to exhibit their work in an annual display. Runs through Sept. 5 in Atrium Gallery. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/us-recent-paintings-kitchen-painters

- ANIMAL - VEGETABLE - MINERAL: PAINTINGS BY NANCY ADAMS NASH: Held in Bonfield Gallery. Enjoy new paintings from Nash, as well as select works from the past. Runs through Sept. 2. CTAC hours are Tues. - Sat., 10am-5pm. crookedtree.org/

event/ctac-petoskey/animal-vegetable-mineral-paintings-nancy-adams-nash-opensmay-25

- TRISHA WITTY: PILGRIMAGES IN PAINT, A RETROSPECTIVE 1988 TO PRESENT: Runs through Sept. 2 in Gilbert Gallery. Retrospective exhibition highlighting Trish Witty’s paintings from the past 35 years. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ trisha-witty-pilgrimages-paint-retrospective1988-present-opens-may-25

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:

- SCULPTURE FANTASTICO: Held in Carnegie East Gallery through Sept. 1. Fantastic Sculptures by Nat Rosales. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-traverse-city/sculpture-fantastico

- WHAT FELT TRUE ISN’T OURS: A mindful & evocative installation by emerging artist Rebecca Howe. The work explores how we manipulate the material to create a story. Runs through Sept. 1 in Carnegie West Gallery. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traversecity/what-felt-true-isnt-ours ----------------------

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:

- A NEW PERSPECTIVE: LANDSCAPES FROM THE DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER: Runs through Sept. 3. Hours are Tues.Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org

- JERRY’S MAP: This exhibition is comprised of over 4,000 individual eight by ten inch panels. Its execution, in acrylic, marker, colored pencil, ink, collage, & inkjet print on heavy paper, is dictated by the interplay between an elaborate set of rules & randomly generated instructions. Runs through Sept. 3. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org

- LUSTER: REALISM & HYPERREALISM IN CONTEMPORARY AUTOMOBILE & MOTORCYCLE PAINTING: Runs through Sept. 3. This is a traveling exhibition com-

prised of over 55 paintings by 15 leading photorealists & hyperrealists who specialize in automobiles & motorcycles as their primary subject of choice. Featuring paintings that encompass a broad range of vintage vehicles, recent classics, off-road vehicles, exotics & more. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org

RAVEN HILL DISCOVERY CENTER, EAST JORDAN:

- SMITHSONIAN TRAVELING EXHIBIT & KICK-OFF CELEBRATION: Enjoy the newest Smithsonian Museum’s national traveling exhibit, “Spark! Places of Innovation” from Aug. 26 - Oct. 7. The exhibit features stories gathered from diverse communities across the nation. Includes photographs, engaging interactives, objects, videos, & augmented reality. A kick-off celebration will be held on Sat., Aug. 26 from 12-4pm. Activities will include seeing a 3D printer run on solar energy in the Alternative Energy House, a ham radio in operation, tours of the Evolving Technology Building & much more. Free. Find “Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit Kick-Off Celebration” on Facebook.

- “YOUTH INNOVATION IN RURAL AMERICA”: Community-based youth design projects by local students. Runs through Oct. 7. miravenhill.org

Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska

ALEXANDER INN, TC

BLUSH, ROOFTOP TERRACE:

9/2 -- John Piatek, 6-9

BONOBO WINERY, TC

PATIO:

9/1 -- Andrew Lutes, 6-8

BRADY'S BAR, TC

9/3 -- Timothy Michael Thayer, 6:30-9:30

CHATEAU CHANTAL, TC PATIO:

Thu -- Jazz at Sunset w/ Jeff Haas

Trio w/ Laurie Sears & Watercolorist

Lisa Flahive, 7

DELAMAR, TC

PATIO, 2-9:

8/25-26 -- DJ Prim

8/29-31 -- DJ Mark Wilson

ENCORE 201, TC

8/25-26 & 9/1 -- DJ Ricky T, 9

9/2 -- Equality Show Band, 6:30-9; DJ Ricky T, 10

FRESH COAST BEER WORKS, TC

8/27 -- The Make Believe Spurs, 3-6; Vinyl Night w/ DJ Swiss, 6-9

HOTEL INDIGO, TC

Wed -- Trivia Night, 7-8:30

JACOB'S FARM, TC

8/27 – Chris Sterr, 6-8:30

8/29 – Soul Patch, 6-7

8/30 – Miriam Pico, 6-8:30

8/31 – Drew Hale, 6-8:30

9/1 – Charlie Millard Band, 6-8:30

9/3 – Medicinal Groove, 6-8:30

KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING

Mon. -- Trivia, 6-8

8/29 -- Open Mic, 6-8

8/31 -- Jesse Jefferson, 7-9

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC

BARREL ROOM:

8/28 – Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9

TASTING ROOM:

8/26 -- Ted Alan & Ron Getz, 5-7

LIL BO, TC

Tues. – Trivia, 8-10

Weds. – Open Mic Night w/ Aldrich,

9-11

Sun. – Karaoke, 8

MARI VINEYARDS, TC

4-6:

8/29 -- Lynn Callahan

8/31 -- Ben Traverse

MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC

PATIO:

8/26 -- Jenn Marsh, 6-9

9/1 -- Craig Jolly, 5:30-8:30

9/2 -- Sean Megoran, 6-9

NORTH BAR TC

9/3 -- Rob Coonrod, 1-4

ROVE ESTATE VINEYARD & WINERY, TC

9/1 -- End of Summer Bash w/

Broom Closet Boys, 5:30-8:30

SORELLINA'S, TC

SLATE RESTAURANT:

Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano,

5-8

Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano,

6-9

THE ALLUVION, TC

9/2 -- Scott Cook & Pamela Mae, 7-9

THE COIN SLOT, TC

8/30 – BYOVinyl, 8

9/2 – Protea, 7

THE LITTLE FLEET, TC

9/3 -- All Call Music Festival w/

Nomo, Tunde Olaniran, VV Lightbody, Molly, Stoop Lee, MRKT Visuals by Super Nuclear, 3-10

Emmet & Cheboygan

BIERE DE MAC BREW WORKS, MACKINAW CITY BACKYARD:

8/27 -- Curtis Grooters, 5-7

9/1 -- The Make Believe Spurs, 7-10

9/2 -- Kirby, 7-10

9/3 -- Duffy King, 7-10

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY PATIO:

9/1 -- Chris Calleja, 4-7:30

9/2 -- Tyler Parkin, 2-6

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY

8/26 -- Comedy Night w/ Carl Sobel, Brian Dryer, Joe Curtis & Host Ben Bradshaw; Other Performers include BJ Smith, Scott Witkop & Leah Gray, 8:30

9/1 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30

CROOKED VINE VINEYARD & WINERY, ALANSON

9/2 -- Randy Reszka, 1-4

DIXIE SALOON, MACKINAW CITY

8/25-26 & 9/1-2 -- Pete 'Big Dog'

Fetters, 8

DOUGLAS LAKE BAR, PELLSTON

6-9:

8/27 -- Nelson Olstrom

9/3 – Jeff Tucker

GABRIEL FARMS & WINERY, PETOS-

KEY

8/26 – Ryan Cassidy, 1-4

THE PARLOR, TC

8/26 -- Rolling Dirty on Patio, 6-9; Old Mission Fiddle Vine, 9

8/29 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11

8/30 -- Wink Solo, 8-11

8/31 -- Jimmy Olson, 8-11

9

9/1 -- Levi Britton, 6-9; The Fridays,

9/2 -- John Pomeroy, 9

9/3 -- Empire Highway, 8-11

THE PUB, TC

8/26 -- Miles & Ryan, 1-4; Slim Pickins, 4:30-7:30; Rigs & Jeels, 8-11

8/27 -- Jonathan Stoye, 1-4; Drew Hale, 4:30-7:30

8/30 -- Tyler Roy, 8-11

8/31 -- Steve Clark, 8-11

9/3 -- John Pomeroy, 1-4

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC

8/26 -- StoneFolk, 8

8/27 -- Tilt Think Improv Presents Comedy Mixtape #5, 7-9

8/29 -- Open Mic, 7-9

8/30 -- Jazz Show & Jam, 6

THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC PATIO, 6:30-9:30:

8/26 -- The Brotha James Band

8/31 -- Family Jam

9/1 -- The Truetones

9/2 -- 4 Horsemen

TRAVERSE CITY WHISKEY CO.

8/30 -- Craig Jolly, 6-9

TURTLE CREEK STADIUM, TC

9/3 -- Party Between The Lines: REO Speedwagon & Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, 5:30

UNION STREET STATION, TC

8/26 -- Happy Hour w/ USS Comedy; then DJ JR

8/27 -- DJ Fasel, 10

8/29 -- USS Open Mic Comedy,

8-9:30

8/30 -- Parker Marshall, 10

8/31 -- Cosmic Knot, 10

Leelanau & Benzie

45 NORTH VINEYARD & WINERY, LAKE LEELANAU

8/31 -- Pinter Whitnick, 3-6

AURORA CELLARS, LAKE LEELANAU

9/3 -- Rhett & John, 3-5

BEL LAGO VINEYARD & WINERY, CEDAR

8/29 -- Larry Perkins, 5:30-7:30

BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU

TASTING ROOM LAWN:

8/27 -- Elizabeth Landry & Chris Michels, 4:30-7

8/30 -- Chris Smith, 5:30-8

9/3 -- Jim Hawley, 4:30-7

BROOMSTACK KITCHEN & TAPHOUSE, MAPLE CITY 5:30-8:30: 8/29 -- Lars Cabot 8/30 -- Luke Woltanski

8/31 -- Andre Villoch

CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY

9/3 -- Dolce, 2-4:30 PATIO:

8/31 -- North Bay Celtic Band, 5-7:30

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE

BARR PARK, 6-8:

8/26 -- Bill Frary

8/27 -- Sydni K 9/2 -- Taylor DeRousse

9/3 -- Nick Vasquez LEVEL4 LOUNGE, 8:30-10:30:

-- Bill Frary

-- Jim Hawley

-- Levi Britton

DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT

3-6:

-- Loose Change 9/3 – Luke Woltanski

FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH

9/1 -- Adam Duress, 6-9

FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR

4-7: 8/28 -- Adam Sleder 8/31 -- North Coast

FURNACE STREET DISTILLERY, ELBERTA

6: 8/26 & 9/3 -- Sean Miller

8/27 -- Keith Scott

8/31 -- Kubota Dragon

9/1 -- Eliza Thorp

9/2 -- Jerome Forde

HOP LOT BREWING CO., SUTTONS

BAY

5-8:

9/1 -- Jen Sygit

9/2 -- Runaway Mule

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 6-8: 8/31 – Nick Veine 9/1 – Jacob Wolfe & Olivia Kimes 9/2 – Wink 9/3 – Ethan Bott

LAKE ANN BREWING CO.

8/26 -- The Daydrinker Series w/ Jim Crockett Band, 3-6; then The Jameson Brothers, 7-10 8/29 -- New Third Coast, 6:30-9:30

8/30 -- Wink Solo, 6:30-9:30 8/31 -- Uncle Z, 6:30-9:30

LUCKY DOG BAR & GRILLE, BEULAH

8/26 -- Larz Cabot, 7

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH

8/26 -- Mary Kenyon, 1-4; The Feral Cats, 5:30-8:30

8/27 -- Jabo, 3-6

8/28 -- The Duges, 5:30-8:30

8/29 -- Luke Woltanski, 5:30-8:30

8/30 -- Bill Frary, 5:30-8:30

9/1 -- Mark Lavengood, 5:30-8:30

9/2 -- Jen Sygit, 5:30-8:30

SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY

9/1 -- Friday Night LIVE with Brett Mitchell, 5-8

STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT

-- 45 RPM, 6-8

-- Luke Woltanski, 6-8

-- Great Lakes Brass Band, 7-9

SUTTONS BAY CIDERS

-- Levi Britton

– Andre Villoch

THE UNION, NORTHPORT

Sun -- Waterbed feat. Jimmy Olson & Matt McCalpin

-- Blake Elliott & Friends TWO K FARMS CIDERY &

8/27 – Billy Joe Hunt, 1-4

8/30 – Eliza Thorpe, 3-6

HIGH FIVE SPIRITS, PETOSKEY TASTING ROOM:

8/26 -- DJ Clark After Dark, 9

9/2 – End of Summer Bash w/ Joe Hertler, 8-12

INN AT BAY HARBOR

CABANA BAR, 3-6:

8/27 -- Ron Getz

9/1 – Owen James

9/3 – Sean Bielby

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BAY HARBOR 7:30-10:30:

8/30 -- Brett Mitchell

8/31 -- Jessica Dominic

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY

8/26 -- Sunny Bleau, 7:30-10:30

8/30 -- Adam Hoppe, 7:30-10:30

8/31 -- Moon Howlers, 7:30-10:30

9/1 -- Mike Ridley, 7-10

9/2 -- Tyler Parkin, 7-10

NORTHLAND BREWING CO., INDIAN

RIVER BACKYARD:

8/31 -- Greg Nagy, 6:30-8:30

9/2 -- Galactic Sherpas, 7

ODAWA CASINO, PETOSKEY OVATION HALL:

8/26 -- Drake White, 8

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS

8/26 – Serita’s Black Rose, 4-8

8/27 – Kirby Snively, 4-6

9/2 – M-119 Band, 4-8

RUDBECKIA WINERY/BURNT MARSHMALLOW BREWSTILLERY, PETOSKEY

8/26 -- Terry Coveyou, 5-7

8/27 & 9/3 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 2-4

RUSTY SAW NORTH SMOKEHOUSE, BRUTUS

9/2 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6

THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN

8/26 -- Decades, 8-11

8/31 -- Musicians Playground 'Open Mic', 6-8

9/1 -- Dede and the Dreamers, 8-11

9/2 -- Ed Tatum, 8-11

THE CROSSINGS MALL, MACKINAW CITY

8/30 -- Pete 'Big Dog' Fetters, 1-4

THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS

SLOPESIDE LOUNGE:

9/2 – Nelson Olstrom, 6

WALLOON LAKE WINERY, PETOSKEY

8/31 – Duffy King, 6

DICK'S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU

9/1 -- The Friday Happy Hour w/ Jenn Marsh, 3-6; StoneFolk, 7-10 9/2 -- The Day Drinker Series w/ Jedi Clampetts, 3-6; Fifth Gear, 7-10

-- The Day Drinker Series w/ Runaway Mule, 3-6; 1000 Watt Prophets,

Antrim & Charlevoix

BIER'S INWOOD BREWERY, CHARLEVOIX

9/1 -- Blair Miller, 7-9

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM

Sat,Thu -- Adam & The Cabana Boys, 7

BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT, BOYNE FALLS BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT, DEER LAKE:

9/2 -- Nelson Olstrom, noon

BRIDGE STREET TAP ROOM, CHARLEVOIX

Wed -- Chris Calleja & Adam Engelman, 6-9

ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS OUTDOORS, 8-11:

8/26 -- Stormy Chromer

9/1 -- Biomassive

9/2 -- Chirp

FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE

8/26 -- Matt Gabriel, 7-10

HOTEL WALLOON, WALLOON LAKE

8/29 -- The Concert Truck w/ Nick Luby & Susan Zhang, 4

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, CENTRAL LAKE

8/31 -- Jeff Greif, 7-10

MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY

8/31 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6

SHORT'S BREW PUB, BELLAIRE BEER GARDEN:

8/26 -- The Driftless Revelers, 7-9:30

9/1 -- Alex Teller, 6-7:30; Heart of Gold Band: A Grateful Dead Tribute, 7:30-9:30

9/2 -- M-22 Live, 7-9:30

SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS

6:30-9:30:

8/26 -- Grace Theisen

-- Ethan Bott 9/2 -- Blair Miller

-- Flylite Gemini

STIGGS BREWERY, BOYNE CITY

8/26 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 7

THE EARL, CHARLEVOIX ROOFTOP HI BAR, 7-10:

8/27 & 9/3 -- Sean Bielby

Otsego, Crawford & Central

ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD

8/26 & 9/3 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7

7: 8/30 -- The Accidentals

9/1 -- Great Lakes Brass Band

BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD 9/1 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6

C.R.A.V.E., GAYLORD 8/31 – Kenny Thompson, 6-9

RAY'S BBQ, BREWS & BLUES, GRAYLING 9/3 -- Blair Miller, 4

lOGY

ROB BREZSNY

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo journalist Anthony Loyd has spent a lot of time in war zones, so it’s no surprise he has bleak views about human nature. He makes the following assertion: "We think we have freedom of choice, but really most of our actions are puny meanderings in the prison yard built by history and early experience." I agree that our conditioning and routines prevent us from being fully liberated. But most of us have some capacity for responding to the raw truth of the moment and are not utterly bound by the habits of the past. At our worst, we have 20-percent access to freedom of choice. At our best, we have 70-percent. I believe you will be near the 70-percent levels in the coming weeks, dear Virgo.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libra poet T. S. Eliot wrote the iconic narrative poem “The Wasteland.” One part of the story takes place in a bar near closing time. Several times, the bartender calls out, "Hurry up, please—it's time." He wants the customers to finish their drinks and leave for the night. Now imagine I'm that bartender standing near you. I'm telling you, "Hurry up, please—it's time." What I mean is that you are in the climactic phase of your astrological cycle. You need to finish this chapter of your life story so you can move on to the next one. "Hurry up, please—it's time" means you have a sacred duty to resolve, as best you can, every lingering confusion and mystery.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Addressing a lover, Scorpio poet Margaret Atwood says, "I would like to walk with you through that lucent wavering forest of bluegreen leaves with its watery sun & three moons, towards the cave where you must descend, towards your worst fear." That is a bold declaration. Have you ever summoned such a deep devotion for a loved one? You will have more power and skill than usual to do that in the coming months. Whether you want to or not is a different question. But yes, you will be connected to dynamic magic that will make you a brave and valuable ally.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian theologian N. T. Wright writes, “The great challenge to self-knowledge is blind attachment to our virtues. It is hard to criticize what we think are our virtues. Although the spirit languishes without ideals, idealism can be the greatest danger.” In my view, that statement formulates a central Sagittarian challenge. On the one hand, you need to cultivate high ideals if you want to be exquisitely yourself. On the other hand, you must ensure your high ideals don’t become weapons you use to manipulate and harass others. Author Howard Bloom adds more. "Watch out for the dark side of your own idealism and of your moral sense," he writes. “Both come from our arsenal of natural instincts. And both easily degenerate into an excuse for attacks on others.” Now is a good time for you to ponder these issues.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn playwright and novelist Rose Franken said, "Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly." That's interesting, because many traditional astrologers say that Capricorns are the least likely zodiac sign to be silly. Speaking from personal experience, though, I have known members of your tribe to be goofy, nutty, and silly when they feel comfortably in love. An old Capricorn girlfriend of mine delighted in playing and having wicked good fun. Wherever you rank in the annals of wacky Capricorns, I hope you will consider expressing these qualities in the coming weeks. Romance and intimacy will thrive if you do.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): As I work on writing new books, often draw on inspirations that flow through me as take long hikes. The vigorous exercise shakes loose visions and ideas that are not accessible as I sit in front of my computer. Aquarian novelist Charles Dickens was an adherent of this approach. At night, he liked to walk around London for miles, marveling at the story ideas that welled up in him. I recommend our strategy to you in the coming weeks, Aquarius. As you move your body, key revelations and enriching emotions will well up in you.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): The coming months will be an excellent time to build, discover, and use metaphorical bridges. To get in the mood, brainstorm about every type of bridge you might need. How about a connecting

link between your past and future? How about a nexus between a task you must do and a task you love to do? And maybe a conduit between two groups of allies that would then serve you even better than they already do? Your homework is to fantasize about three more exciting junctions, combinations, or couplings.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Climate change is dramatically altering the Earth. People born today will experience three times as many floods and droughts as someone born in 1960, as well as seven times more heat waves. In urgent efforts to find a cure, scientists are generating outlandish proposals: planting mechanical trees, creating undersea walls to protect melting glaciers from warm ocean water, dimming the sun with airborne calcium carbonate, and covering Arctic ice with a layer of glass. In this spirit, I encourage you to incite unruly and even unorthodox brainstorms to solve your personal dilemmas. Be wildly inventive and creative.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): "When love is not madness, it is not love," wrote Spanish author Pedro Calderon de la Barca. In my opinion, that’s naive, melodramatic nonsense! I will forgive him for his ignorance, since he worked as a soldier and celibate priest in the 17th century. The truth is that yes, love should have a touch of madness. But when it has more than a touch, it's usually a fake kind of love: rooted in misunderstanding, immaturity, selfishness, and lack of emotional intelligence. In accordance with astrological factors, I assign you Tauruses to be dynamic practitioners of genuine togetherness in the coming months: with hints of madness and wildness, yes, but mostly big helpings of mutual respect, smart compassion, tender care, and a knack for dealing maturely with disagreements.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini author

Iain S. Thomas writes, "There are two things everyone has. One is The Great Sadness and the other is How Weird I Really Am. But only some of us are brave enough to talk about them." The coming weeks will be a favorable time to ripen your relationship with these two things, Gemini. You will have the extra gravitas necessary to understand how vital they are to your full humanity. You can also express and discuss them in meaningful ways with the people you trust.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A self-fulfilling prophecy happens when the expectations we embrace actually come to pass. We cling so devotedly to a belief about what will occur that we help generate its literal manifestation. This can be unfortunate if the anticipated outcome isn't good for us. But it can be fortunate if the future we visualize upgrades our well-being. I invite you to ruminate on the negative and positive projections you’re now harboring. Then shed the former and reinforce the latter.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The holy book of the Zoroastrian religion describes a mythical mountain, Hara Berezaiti. It's the geographic center of the universe. The sun hides behind it at night. Stars and planets revolve around it. All the world's waters originate at its peak. Hara Berezaiti is so luminous and holy that no darkness can survive there, nor can the false gods abide. I would love for you to have your own version of Hara Berezaiti, Leo: a shining source of beauty and strength in your inner landscape. I invite you to use your imagination to create this sanctuary within you. Picture yourself having exciting, healing adventures there. Give it a name you love. Call on its invigorating presence when you need a sacred boost.

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FRIENDS FIFE LAKE LIBRARY LABOR

DAY SILENT AUCTION: Fife Lake Library September 1, 9 am - 7 pm and September 2, 9 am - 3 pm

BEARLY NORTH ESTATE SALE: What a way to start your Labor Day weekend with an estate sale by Bearly North. Thursday Aug 31, Sept 1,2. 9-5. 15632 Riverview SE on the Manistee River.Grayling. River Toys to antiques.Canoe,fishing poles, fly tying supplies. Household. Shop full of tools,saws, laithe. Chains,vintage toys, rototiller. And soooo much more .(Cash only!)

WANTED: OLD, WOOD DUCK GOOSE FISH DECOYS: Paying cash for old, wooden decoys or other folk. Call or text 586-530-6586.

U-PICK PEACHES, MISSION PENINSULA: Saturdays & Sundays, 12 to 4 p.m., 14998 Peninsula Drive, at Roadside Stand

MR.GETITDONE: Power washing, anything handyman, leaves, and junk. Call Mike at 231-871-1028. I CAN!

CITY OPERA HOUSE is hiring a Marketing and Development Manager 50K - Historic community/music/comedy venue seeks Marketing and Devt. Mgr. ASAP. 3/4 time, year-round, mostly onsite. Fundraising, mktg, non-profit arts preferred. https://www. cityoperahouse.org/about-us/employment

ESTATE SALE, SALES BY SANDY, Three generations of avid collectors, mostly antique, two houses and two garages full to the brim, furniture, glass, tools, collectibles, trunks, misc. priced to sell, see pictures at estatesales.net August 3l, Sept 1 2 3 , 3218 S Mackinaw Trail, old 131, Cadillac, 9-5, no pre-sales, good parking, bring a chair to hold place.

NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE IS HIRING NMC is seeking an Admissions Recruiter and a Great Lakes Maritime Academy Recruiter & Admissions Specialist. $54,745.00 Annually Excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, paid sick leave, and tuition benefits. Up to 4 weeks off paid within the first year of employment. Travel Required. NMC is EOE nmc.edu/non-discrimination For a full list of positions, visit: www.nmc.edu/jobs