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Distribution: Marc Morris, Gerald Morris, Dave Anderson, Joe Evancho, Jason Ritter, Sherri Ritter, Roger Racine, Sarah Racine, Brandy Grames, Rachel Cara, Jackson Price, Lisa Price, Peggy Bell
Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold
Contributors: Joseph Beyer, Ross Boissoneau, Molly Cox, Anna Faller, Victor Skinner, Stephen Tuttle
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top ten this week’s
Sugar, Sugar
Who else is ready for maple syrup season? Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore and Preserve
Historic Sleeping Bear are hosting their Maple Sugaring Days Feb. 28 and March 1, complete with candlelit hikes at Dechow Farm, the history of maple sugaring from the Anishinaabe, sap boiling demonstrations, kids’ activities, and maple syrup tasting at Olsen Farm. The event is free with a park pass. Plan on spending at least two hours on site; more info at nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/ maple-sugaring-days.htm. Also this week, just south of Cadillac in LeRoy, the Dewings Center will team up with MSU Extension for “Maple Syrup - Harvest to Table” on Feb. 25 at 5pm. Learn the maple syrup-making process from the tree to your pancakes with the experts from MSU. Registration is required with a suggested $5 donation; dewingscenter.org/event/maple-syrup-harvest-to-table.
Sauna in the Snow
Embrace winter at the inaugural Michigan Sauna Fest at Clinch Park Waterfront in Traverse City, Feb. 28 – March 2! Take part in open sauna sessions, the Community Cold-Plunge, social games, live music, and more. A VIP Weekend Pass is $50 and is an all-access full weekend pass that also grants you entry into Friday night’s VIP event. A 90-minute event pass is $20 and allows you access to all mobile saunas on site. Sessions are limited only to the time slot selected. michigansaunafest.com
4
Hey, watch It! Paradise
“Read between the lies.” That’s the tagline for Paradise, a new political thriller streaming on Hulu/ Disney+. Sterling K. Brown stars as Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent serving a U.S. president. All seems to be well in their wealthy, private corner of the world, but looks can be deceiving. The one spoiler we’ll tell you—and only because it’s in the trailer—is that the president, played by James Marsden, is murdered. Beyond that…the twists are too good to spill. (The show comes from Dan Fogelman, creator of This Is Us, which had plenty of twists of its own.) Expect a locked-room whodunnit studded with political commentary, a touch of scifi, and enough flashforwards/flashbacks to help you put the pieces together. The eight-episode run will conclude March 4, so now’s the time to dive into the six episodes ready and waiting.
5 2 tastemaker
9 Bean Rows’ Rum Raisin Brioche Feuillette
There’s nothing like a fresh-from-the-oven treat to warm your toes (and taste buds), and even sub-zero temps are no match for 9 Bean Rows’ Rum Raisin Brioche Feuillette. Inspired by French patisserie fare, this decadent little confection takes the classic croissant up a notch by coaxing all those flaky layers—a two-day affair—out of rich and fluffy brioche (a sweet dough enriched with eggs, butter, and yeast). Drooling yet? We’re not done! For an extra shot of flavor, each bite is infused with the caramelly essence of rum-soaked raisins, which are folded in before baking. The result is buttery pastry bliss. Treat yourself at 9 Bean Rows in Suttons Bay (9000 E. Duck Lake Rd.), and don’t forget to check out the homemade pasta and sauces to-go while you’re there! 9beanrows.com
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SCOTT TUROW
The National Writers Series is hosting a virtual conversation with international bestselling author Scott Turow at 7PM, February 27 His new book Presumed Guilty is the sequel to Presumed Innocent, the book that redefined the legal thriller and served as the basis for Apple TV+’s most-watched drama series ever.
Rusty Sabich is ready to retire—that is, until his soon-tobe stepson is accused of murdering his girlfriend. Rusty steps up to defend him, but wonders if he can get a fair shake when he’s already “presumed guilty.”
With guest host David Baldacci, a global #1 bestselling author and one of the world’s favorite storytellers.
We hope you’re hungry! For the 15th year, Traverse City Restaurant week invites you out on the town. Running Feb. 23 through March 1, the culinary celebration boasts 54 participating restaurants with prix-fixe menus priced at $25, $35, or $45. Reservations are recommended for many restaurants, and you can also download a digital passport with a guide to TCRW and chances to win gift cards from local eateries. See more at downtowntc.com/traverse-city-restaurant-week. A bit further north, Harbor Springs runs their own Restaurant Week from Feb. 21 through March 2. Explore nearly 20 restaurants in Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, and Petoskey. Menus and more information are available at harborspringschamber.com/events/details/2025-restaurant-week-15611.
The DNR Needs Your Help
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has two requests for citizens over the coming weeks. The first is to assist in their community-based Lower Peninsula wolf survey. The survey aims to detect any presence of gray wolves below the bridge and “will rely heavily on reports from the public of wolf sightings and other potential evidence.” Between Feb. 17 and March 10, make any reports of wolf activity through the DNR Eyes in the Field website (Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField). The second request is to continue keeping an eye out for dead birds, as bird flu has already been tested and found in hundreds of dead wild birds across the state. Die-offs of six or more birds should be reported to the Eyes in the Field site, and the DNR says dead birds should not be touched without personal protective equipment. You can track avian influenza data at michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/ wildlife/wildlife-disease.
Stuff We Love: Flying with BATA
In a town where taxis and rideshares are hard to come by—especially for early morning pick-ups—Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) is stepping up to fill the gap. They’ve partnered with Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) for a trial airport service operating Monday through Friday from 4am to 7pm. Riders will need to make reservations at least 48 hours in advance or as far out as two weeks, with the first day of service Feb. 26. To schedule, call (231) 941-2324 or use the BATA Link mobile app, which is available from the Apple and Google Play App Stores. Expect to pay $12 for a ride to the airport and to store your luggage beneath your seat. If the trial goes well, the service may expand outside the Traverse City limits! Visit bata.net/maps-schedules/airport-hotels to learn more.
Bottoms Up
Light of Day Organics’ Be Still Tea
We could all use a quiet, calming moment right about now. Good news: Light of Day Organics has just the thing. Their Be Still tea ($30.50 for a 1.5-ounce tin) is made of ingredients all grown on their organic and Demeter biodynamic farm. The blend starts with white tea (delicate and packed with antioxidants) and chamomile to aid in relaxation. From there, you’ll get peppermint and spearmint, both known to help with digestion and immune function. The final flavor is raspberry leaf, which means B vitamins, vitamin C, and other needed minerals in your cup. Light of Day Organics recommends this caffeinated sip “When you need a moment to yourself, a pause to meditate and nurture your inner spirit.” Shop online at lightofdayorganics.com or visit them at the Tea Shop at 3502 E Traverse Hwy in Traverse City.
Photo by Aerie Restaurant at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
making memories for 71 winters
spectator
By steven Tuttle
College athletics has become fully professionalized. Amateurism and education are no longer front and center; pay-to-play is the new order of the day.
Many would argue this is only fair. College athletics is not some minor-league enterprise, it’s a full-blown industry with full-blown industrial-size money. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the 350 Division 1 schools’ athletic departments generated nearly $18 billion in 2023. The NCAA, the organization with oversight over college athletics, took in $1.3 billion itself, mostly from revenue it generates in the basketball tournaments.
Since college athletics became popular, schools have been using the athletes, especially the high-profile stars in the highest profile sports, as income generators. They used those stars to promote their programs, attract huge advertising deals and non-advertising sponsors, and generate contributions from former graduates.
The argument is the athletes doing the work did not share in the significant bounty. Coaches certainly benefited. In fact, the three highest paid public employees in Michigan are the head football coaches at Michigan and Michigan State and the head basketball coach at MSU.
(Lost in all of this is that six-figure scholarships covering room, board, tuition, and books apparently didn’t count at all. It wasn’t money athletes could spend, so it wasn’t perceived as income.)
Athletes ultimately had to take the NCAA to court. In 2014, UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon and others claimed their schools and the NCAA were profiting from the players names, images, and likeness without compensating the athletes at all. A district judge sided with the players, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision in September of 2015.
The result was that players could seek endorsements and sponsorships from collectives of boosters. As a bonus, something called the transfer portal allowed them to shop their services from school to school without much hindrance.
Lots and lots of potential for some athletes, almost none for others. No one was required to share the wealth, so the highest profile stars in the highest profile sports made the highest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) incomes.
There are 190,000 Division 1—think big dogs like Michigan and Michigan State and others—athletes competing in 24 sanctioned sports. Few of us could name
more than 10 of them on any given day. There are another 130,000 athletes competing at the Division 2 level—Ferris State, Grand Valley, Northern Michigan, and others—and another 119,000 athletes in 431 Division 3 schools like Alma, Albion, and Kalamazoo College. That’s 439,000 college athletes all eligible for some NIL money. It’s unlikely even one percent of them will ever see any NIL money since they are not football or basketball stars. (There is at least one dramatic exception, as we’ll see.)
An outfit called SportsGrid has tried to keep track of just how much money athletes are actually making, and the income inequality is pretty glaring, though there are a couple ways to judge this.
Shedeur Sanders, last year’s quarterback for the University of Colorado, leads the pack with an NIL value of $6.2 million. His teammate, Travis Hunter, is close behind at $5.2 million. Both Sanders and Hunter were stars and are both expected to be high first round draft choices in the NFL. It didn’t hurt that their coach, an NFL Hall of Famer, was media savvy.
Next in line is Arch Manning, a quarterback at the University of Texas, with a value of $5 million despite the fact that in two years he’s started exactly two games and played in seven others. But Manning comes from a very famous football family with tons of contacts.
Next is Olivia Dunne, the outlier in the group because she is a gymnast at LSU. Not the star of the team but a contributor to their national championship last year, Dunne, a savvy user of social media unafraid to exploit her appearance, is valued at $4.2 million. To her credit, she also made sure her teammates received NIL deals, too.
Online NIL stores sell licensed merchandise of specific athletes. For men, the most purchased items represented Zach Edey, a basketball player from Purdue, and for women, it was Paige Bueckers, a basketball star for the University of Connecticut.
They might have been able to do this a bit more fairly, had the courts allowed it, by putting the NIL money into a pool to be shared by all athletes in every sport. A monthly stipend would have made sense, and then the bulk of the money could have been paid upon graduation, a nice starter gift to go along with that diploma
The argument is that basketball and football subsidize the other 22 sports and the stars of the two big sports are what generate interest and the big television contracts. Likely true, but hardly fair to equally hard working athletes training and competing in obscurity.
A TRAVEL GAME-CHANGER
Guest opinion
by Lauren Teichner
Trains loom large in our collective imagination. From the Hogwarts Express to the Polar Express, Snowpiercer to the Little Engine that Could, trains evoke adventure, magic, and self-discovery.
Agatha Christie captured this beautifully: “Trains are wonderful… To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life.”
Having lived in New York City for 15 years, I experienced this magic firsthand. I commuted over an hour each way by subway, and while that might sound exhausting, I loved it. The subway wasn’t just transportation—it was a space to read, reflect, and observe the incredible diversity of people and stories around me. Trains offered a rhythm and freedom to my days that cars couldn’t match. It’s a way of life I’ve missed since moving to northern Michigan.
And it would help to lay much-needed proverbial tracks toward a cleaner, more sustainable Michigan future.
The State of Michigan already owns 240 miles of tracks that could be made available for this new passenger rail line—starting in Petoskey and running through Traverse City, Cadillac, and other smaller towns, all the way to Ann Arbor and Detroit. These state-owned tracks are currently leased to (and infrequently used by) a private freight company and would need some upgrades to safely accommodate faster passenger rail cars.
We are in the lucky and unique position
A direct passenger rail connection between northern and southern Michigan
The possibilities when traveling by train, especially across an entire state, are endless. Where to go? What to do when you arrive? Who to visit? How long to stay? And beyond the destination, the train journey itself becomes part of the adventure: watching the scenery rush by, reflecting in the quiet rhythm of the ride, chatting with seatmates, or even catching a nap.
Trains offer freedom from the financial, emotional and environmental costs of car travel (especially with gas costs these days), while opening doors for those who are unable to drive—car-less students, the elderly, those with medical conditions, grandchildren longing to visit their grandparents—to hit the rails and finally reach the places and people they dream of visiting.
Yet here in northern Michigan, we lack a passenger rail system, to our shared disadvantage. For those who live here yearround, visit seasonally, or travel for work or family, the absence of train travel forces us into our cars for long, costly, lonely, and often unsafe drives—especially on dark, snowy winter roads. We’re selling ourselves short.
A direct passenger rail connection between northern and southern Michigan would be a game-changer. It would boost economic opportunity and tourism (without the added traffic) while providing an essential lifeline for northern Michigan residents who need reliable, sustainable, and let’s be honest— fun!—transit options.
It would foster community and connection, offering fast and easy access to nearby towns, as well as to the more populous cities further south, such as Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Chicago. It would make Michigan a more enticing place for young people to move.
5:30
https://www.thealluvion.org Mondays: February 24 March 10, 24
Je Haas - piano, Don Julin - mandola & banjo, Joe Wilson - dobro & steel guitar, Jack Dryden - bass, Randy Marsh - drums, Will Harris - percussion
COULD A NORTH-SOUTH PASSENGER TRAIN BE RUNNING BY 2030?
Groundwork Center talks timeline and progress for the long-awaited Michigan railway
By Anna Faller
It’s no secret that Michigan transportation is largely a no-car, no-go situation.
A modern passenger rail system, though—in particular, a line between statewide hubs—could streamline local travel. That’s the hope of the North-South Passenger Rail Project, a decade-old project still working to gather steam. Helmed by Traverse City nonprofit the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities in partnership with the Cadillac-Wexford Transportation Authority (aka WexExpress), the project is on track to make a train a reality.
“We’re seeing people and their desires changing around how they travel,” says Groundwork Transportation Project Manager Carolyn Ulstad. “If we want to bring investment to Michigan, we need to start investing in more public transportation.”
All Aboard
Per Ulstad, the concept of a north-south Michigan passenger train is far from new.
It was first posited more than a decade ago as part of a regional planning effort, known then as The Grand Vision. The Grand Vision, which was established in 2008, was a “citizen-led vision for the future of land use, transportation, economic development and environmental stewardship across six counties in northwest lower Michigan,” per their website (thegrandvision.org).
Just three years later in 2011, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) released their Michigan State Rail Plan with the aim of developing a long-term vision for a statewide passenger and freight rail system (michiganbyrail.org/mdot-staterail-plan).
The combination of these efforts resulted in various community sessions, wherein Up North hotspots like Traverse City and Petoskey repeatedly arose as in-demand train destinations. “People really wanted a way to get up to northwest lower Michigan,” Ulstad says.
This is where Groundwork entered the equation. First established in 1995 as the Michigan Land Use Institute, the Groundwork Center’s mission focuses on strengthening Michigan communities by empowering locals through economic, environmental, and infrastructural initiatives. These efforts unfold through a trio of nonprofit programs: Food and
Farming, Climate and Environment, and Transportation and Community Design.
As the name suggests, that latter branch aims to improve community safety and construction by reimagining essential systems and promoting alternative methods of transportation, like walking and cycling— and in this instance, even train travel.
High-Speed Dreams
In response to public support for a train, Groundwork partnered with the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA), with funding, in part, provided by MDOT, to conduct the Northern Michigan Rail Ridership Feasibility and Cost Estimate Study.
That initiative, which wrapped up in 2018, aimed to explore the logistical elements (service and operation, ridership, costs, etc.) that a state-spanning rail service might require and determine whether the scope was, well, feasible.
The results, says Ulstad, were promising.
According to the study, a fully-developed passenger service had the capacity to more than cover its costs and could provide significant economic benefits for northwest Michigan. In other words: “There was enough that as an organization, we felt like this could actually work,” she notes.
According to 2018 reporting from Northern Express sister publication
The Traverse Ticker, the study found “Reestablishing train service between Traverse City and Ann Arbor could attract 1.5 million riders and generate nearly $100 million in revenue annually by 2040.”
At that time, cost estimates for the train route alone ranged from $40 million in track repairs for a 60-mph train to $611 million for a 90-mph train. Per the study, the total cost (i.e., operation plus capital) of such a production—assuming train speeds below 90 mph—could run anywhere from $200 to $800 million. In 2025, totals are likely to be much higher.
The study expected train service could start as early as 2020, recommending “launching ‘excursion’ or special-event trains by 2020 that would test the market and allow riders to experience rail at the 60mph level.”
Still at the Station
Of course, the train has not yet come to fruition, in part because efforts were derailed (pun intended) by the pandemic. This brings us to the present day and the
North-South Passenger Rail Project…and about a zillion moving parts.
For starters, there’s a new study, which aims to follow up on Groundwork’s 2018 findings by delving deeper into the workings of a potential rail system. It suggests a route spanning 240 miles along a state-owned railroad line, which is actively used to transport freight, to connect communities throughout Lower Michigan.
Then there was the issue of funding, says Ulstad, for which facilitators applied and received about $2.3 million dollars in state and federal grants, an especially timeconsuming endeavor due to both pandemic delays at the project’s outset and lengthy processing times.
“We’ve been ready to get to work for so long, that waiting was really hard for us,” Ulstad says. “But now we’re here and we get to move, so we’re feeling good about that.”
The nonprofit has also helped facilitate the creation of a rail advisory board, which meets quarterly and connects local transit operations with stakeholders in interested communities (Chambers of Commerce members, Downtown Development Authorities, etc.), to get a feel for what local usage and individual stop requirements might dictate.
Perhaps the biggest leap so far has been Groundwork’s collaboration with local consultant group WSP. Per Ulstad, the firm signed on for a 12-month engineering contract in late 2024. Though they’re still deep in the data-collection phase, their task is to generate an informational model that captures what a ridership system might look like.
Per WSP team Technical Lead Ryan Hoensheid, the model is a proprietary system of sub-consultant, Cambridge Systematics, whose goal is to help transpose roadway use onto the proposed rail corridor. Though finalized stops are still TBD, recent renderings propose stops in the Lower Peninsula’s southeast and northwest corners (Ann Arbor, Traverse City, Detroit, and Petoskey are all on the docket), as well as a handful of interim locations from Owosso to Kingsley.
“What this model will help us do is identify geographic areas and proposed station locations that will allow us to, based off of user inputs and assumptions, identify demand,” Hoensheid explains.
These projections, he continues, will then provide major input for WSP’s train modeling to help the team determine what infrastructural and technological work the route requires. This includes outlining where “meets” might occur (that’s when two trains pass each other) and resultant siding for engines to veer off, as well identifying travel speeds, signaling components, and subpar sections of rail.
These efforts not only support creating a reliable passenger train, but also help avoid negatively impacting freight traffic, which already exists on the line. “This would be a mutually beneficial project if it were to move beyond the study stage,” Hoensheid says.
Then there’s the issue of governance, or who controls operation and management of a railway network. Per WSP Project Manager Todd Davis, that’s typically a transit authority, though the proposed rail line has dozens of players, some of whom control property along it.
Ulstad Davis
“These are some of the biggest infrastructure projects out there,” adds Davis. “You have to get all these people to play nicely together to pull it off.”
The Right Side of the Tracks
If they can pull it off, the train could spell all sorts of exciting opportunities for Michigan travelers.
For starters, there’s the obvious plus of advancing an alternate “nodal hub” (a potential focus of recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding) toward the recent population swell in Detroit. This could reduce Chicago congestion, which is a terminus of three major east-west Amtrak lines concentrated in the state’s lower third.
By feeding into that, a north-south running railway service would also create a statewide funnel for commuters into nearby cities, as well as a means of accessing other rail lines throughout the Midwest and beyond.
On an even more basic level, a passenger rail system of this design would transform statewide travel, especially for those who don’t drive or own a car.
As Ulstad highlights, a public transport system, like a train, would also serve as another “check” on the list for families eyeing Michigan as a permanent move.
“We really see that other states are moving in that direction; and if we don’t do that here in Michigan, we’re not going to have people boomeranging back,” she notes.
CRYSTAL BASH
Full Steam Ahead
So just how far away are we from a north-south passenger train of this kind?
Ulstad remains optimistic that a passenger rail—though maybe not a full-service line— could be in place by as early as 2030.
Following the conclusion of WSP’s study, which is projected for December 2025, the next step of the implementation process, as outlined by the Federal Railroad Association (FRA), would tip the project’s first domino through “development of a scope, schedule, and cost estimate” in preparation for a Service Development Plan.
Though both Groundwork and WSP stress that the goal is to have a train up and chugging as soon as possible, the multiple variables at play
make an exact timeline impossible to predict.
“The train tracks are already there, and there are trains that go along this route every week,” Ulstad notes. With this infrastructure in place, Ulstad highlights the possibility of implementing a trial line or commissioning an independent engine for limited service or special events.
“Moving forward, I think it’s going to be really important for Michigan to invest in more [efforts] like this, and for the country to invest in it, if we want to stay competitive on a world stage,” she adds.
For more information on the North-South Passenger Rail Study, visit the Groundwork Center at groundworkcenter.org.
Preparing for Grandview Parkway Phase 2
Work to start in April for the 2.2-mile rebuild from Division to Cherry Bend
By Victor Skinner
Construction underway to relocate utilities under what will be a new roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection in Traverse City is expected to conclude in early March, about a month before work to rebuild a 2.2-mile section of Grandview Parkway is set to begin.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is again partnering with Team Elmers on the $25.8 million project from Division Street to Cherry Bend Road, expected to last into November.
“Currently, the road work is scheduled to start in mid-April. We have the potential to start early if the weather allows,” says James Lake, MDOT spokesman for the project.
“If weather allows, there’s a potential they could start in the middle part of March,” MDOT engineer Jim Johnson adds.
What to Expect
Current road closures and detours will conclude with utility work next month, with minimal disruptions to traffic through the rest of the year, though officials note periodic temporary closures with flag control may be necessary at times.
“There will be some short-term closures, but generally speaking our intent is to have one lane open in each direction,” Lake says. “The entire corridor is going to be challenging at peak travel times.”
The work involves surface and drainage improvements, new curbs and gutters, storm sewer, and culverts. There’s also improved public transit stops, and an
M-72/M-22 roundabout that incorporates the Bay Street intersection.
“It’s much more than just a roundabout,” Lake says. “It’s a full reconstruction of the corridor.”
Other elements include upgraded traffic signals at Cherry Bend Road and high-intensity activated crosswalk signals, commonly referred to as HAWK signals, for pedestrians west and north of the roundabout and at Discovery Pier.
“We’re also planning to build refuge islands [for pedestrian crossings]—raised curb sections in the turn lane so they have refuge halfway across,” Lake says. “There will be more opportunities for safe and comfortable crossings for bicyclists and pedestrians.”
Will It Be Like 2024?
Throughout construction, MDOT expects “more direct access [to businesses] than last year,” when some were cut off from traffic for extended periods, Lake says.
“It’s just less complicated because there’s no vehicle detours” after the utility work, Traverse City engineer Anne Pagano says.
That’s somewhat of a relief for Lori Buchan, owner of Buchan’s West Bay ice cream shop, located at Grandview Road and Bay Shore Drive, across from the Elmwood Township Marina.
“We’re just going to hope it’s going to slow us down, not shut us down,” Buchan says. “We’re worried, but I think in the long run, it will be a good thing.”
While access is expected to remain open, the timing of the construction could be
critical, she says.
“July and August are our two busiest months, so that could make or break us,” Buchan says, “but we’ll figure something out.”
“We’re just going to take it day by day,” she says.
Weathering the Impact
At Tom’s Food Markets, West Bay, owners Ed and Nancy Sands have worked
closely with Traverse Connect, MDOT, DTE, and Traverse City Light and Power to prepare for any impacts and communicate what’s coming to customers.
“I think the community and our customers are slightly concerned,” says Ed. “They’ve been asking a lot of questions.”
To ensure they get the answers they need, Tom’s put up an in-store banner, and distributed flyers to customers “to try to get
them some advanced notice,” he says.
“We’re targeting specific communities where we draw our customers from,” Nancy says, to ensure they realize “that our M72 entrance will be open and accessible.”
Tom’s also offers online ordering, curbside service, and delivery, along with services available through DoorDash and Stocked, a local pre-arrival delivery service that caters to vacation rentals.
“We’re learning as we go along, but the big thing is communication,” Nancy says. “We feel like we are prepared for this situation and we’re trying our best to work with MDOT, DTE, and TCLP.”
Once the work is complete, “we’re hopeful the roundabout will help relieve and improve the traffic flow,” Ed says. “The intersection is a challenge, and we see it and we know it.”
It’s a similar perspective for Adrienne Burnette, managing partner with Honest Hospitality TC, owners of The Burrow restaurant along Bay Shore Drive.
“We opened The Burrow knowing the potential the area has and this infrastructure is a huge step in the right direction,” Burnette says. “Is the construction going to impact business? I’m not naive enough to think it won’t have some effect, but as a restaurateur, I also permanently live in a season of perpetual hope because that is how I stay resilient in an already challenging industry. I’m confident that our guests are willing to navigate a little congestion to join us. They do it all summer when it’s gridlocked anyway.”
Burnette noted that unlike M-22 reconstruction years ago that restricted traffic to one lane, the 2025 construction will maintain the flow in both directions.
“We don’t have any direct plans to mitigate the impact, mainly because we are hoping we won’t need to. Of course, if we need to pivot, we’ll pivot,” she says. “But I believe in our brand, our product, and most of all I believe in our wonderful guests who are so supportive.”
Beyond the Road
The road construction will bring with it other work, as well, including improvements
to non-motorized pathways along the shoreline and construction at West End Beach. The former will provide a 12-foot wide shared use path along the Grandview Parkway, as well as a 5-foot wide sidewalk on the west side of M-22 and a 10-foot wide path on the east side of M-22.
The latter could restrict access to the popular West End Beach for weeks to months to repair damage from high water several years ago, but the timing and extent of the disruption remains to be seen. Traverse City is currently soliciting bids for the project, which involves reconstruction of the parking lot, a gravel foundation for bathrooms, and utility, sidewalk, curb and gutter work.
“Depending on how the timing works, if the commission approves the contract, we may be under construction at the same time” road and path work is underway, Pagano says. “We’re working with MDOT to hopefully time that just right.”
The timing of the bid process, meetings with the chosen contractor, and schedule for construction is “all still in the works,” she explains. “I’m not sure exactly how long the construction will take,” Pagano says.
Traverse City’s request for proposal for the project lists a submittal due date of March 6. “A Consultant Agreement for Professional Services for Construction Testing is anticipated to be authorized in March of 2025,” it reads. “Construction is anticipated to occur in the Spring of 2025.”
In the meantime, city officials are working with MDOT, Team Elmers, and others to keep the public updated on all aspects of the reconstruction work this summer, with meetings now to plan for the months ahead.
“Last year, we met about every three weeks leading up [to construction] to have a full scale layout on how everything will take place,” says Colleen Paveglio, the city’s communications manager. “We’ve already started those conversations with this project.”
“We felt the 2024 plan was a success on how we communicated,” she concludes, “so we hope this will be the same.”
DISCOVERING REGIONAL RUNWAYS
Five local airports share facts, figures, and flying numbers
By Molly Cox
The U.S. is home to over 19,700 airports, with around 5,200 for public use. Of these, only about 500 are “towered airports,” meaning they have an air traffic control tower.
Per Michigan Department of Transportation Aeronautics, “Michigan is home to 215 licensed public use airports, 13,000 registered pilots, and 5,200 aircraft, moving 39 million passengers and 601 million pounds of air cargo annually.” Of Michigan’s public use airports, there are only 15 towered airports in Michigan that offer commercial flights, like Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City.
On the flipside, there are more than a dozen other airports in our 13-county coverage area that support private aircraft owners, military operations, and medical missions.
Whether creating jobs or making pilot’s dreams come true, small airports are important contributors to the local communities they serve, according to Matthew Wyman, airport director at the Antrim County Airport in Bellaire. “There’s an expression in the aviation community: ‘When you build a mile of highway, you can go a mile; when you build a mile of runway, you can go anywhere in the world.’”
Several of our local airports host community programs to foster a passion for aviation in young people, like the free Young Eagles events with the Experimental Aircraft Association that introduces kids ages 8-17 to aviation. Many pilots learn to fly at small, regional airports instead of large
ones because there is less air traffic, courses are more cost effective, and instructors have more time to dedicate to each student.
Regional airports also bring in people who spend money in local businesses like hotels and restaurants. “Many individuals have second homes in areas like Torch Lake, meaning their property taxes support the local community as well,” Wyman says.
In addition, small airports give Med Flight helicopters a place to land and take off from, meaning folks in rural or remote areas can get to the hospital sooner in an emergency. These airports can also provide a vital service in times of crises like firefighting and search and rescue operations.
So let’s get to know some of the runways around us.
Antrim County Airport, Bellaire, MI
On the runway: Antrim has one runway, 02/20, which is 5,003 feet.
Number of aircraft and/or passengers served: The airport has around 8,000 to 10,000 operations (a landing or departure = one operation) per year. The airport has 24 small, privately owned hangers for single engine aircraft and just finished a new taxiway for more hangers.
Types of pilots and aircraft served: Public groups can use the airport for its conference room—just call to reserve a time. The airport also hosts Young Eagles flights to spur interest in aviation. The military and college students from Traverse City also frequently use the airport for various projects.
Fun fact: In the 1980s, the airport was
used in one of the largest drug smuggling operations in U.S. history, which began in Colombia, and ended at Antrim County Airport. The $1 billion operation moved 566,000 pounds of marijuana, several thousand pounds of cocaine, and involved over 200 people according to The Detroit Free Press.
Woolsey Memorial Airport, Northport, MI
On the runway: Woolsey has two grass runways: 16/34 is 2,670 by 150 feet, and 09/27 is 3,663 by 120 feet. 09/27 has pilot controlled lighting for night operations.
Number of aircraft and/or passengers served: Woolsey averages five operations per day. Pilots are not required to report landing at Woolsey, but the airport estimates about 300 different aircraft visit each year. There are about 200 charter passengers per year, plus passengers in private aircraft. There are no regularly scheduled airline flights, but Island Airways, Fresh Air Aviation, and Plane Sense all fly charter flights into and out of Woolsey.
Types of aircraft served: Woolsey is a publicly-owned public use airport with private and charter flights, but no airline operation. Woolsey is often used by the U.S. Coast Guard for training with occasional training flights by the Air National Guard and the Navy. The airport is also popular with powered paraglider pilots and skydivers, and many private pilots fly in and camp at the airport.
Fun fact: The airport was named in honor of Captain Clinton F. Woolsey, a well known WWI Army pilot and flying instructor. Woolsey died in a tragic accident over Buenos
Aires, Argentina, in February 1927 during the Pan-American Goodwill Flight. His funeral in Northport was attended by more than 2,000 people from around the world. Land for the airport was donated by Woolsey’s father, including the historic terminal building, which was originally a creamery.
Frankfort Dow Memorial Airport (FKS), Frankfort, MI
Runway Information: FKS has a paved, 4,050-by-75-foot runway.
Number of aircraft and/or passengers served: The airport had 2,226 operations or enplanements in 2024.
Types of aircraft served: FKS is a public airport without a commercial Fixed Based Operation (FBO) but does accept commercial traffic. Aircraft can include single-engine airplanes, helicopters, and gliders.
Fun fact: Per the Benzie County Record Patriot and National Soaring Museum, FKS has a long history of glider activity beginning in the 1930s. It was the home of the Frankfort Sailplane Company, which manufactured the first designated military training glider. FKS hosted two national soaring meets and numerous Midwest gliding contests, and the Northwest Soaring Club operated there for several decades.
Torchport Airpark, Kewadin, MI
On the runway: Runway 4/22 is 2,400 feet of turf, and Runway 9/27 (which was formerly turf) is currently under construction with completion to be done in May 2025. It will be 3,000 feet paved with pilot controlled
Woolsey Memorial Airport
lighting including Precision Approach Path Indicators.
Number of aircraft and/or passengers served: The average is about 100 per year.
Types of aircraft served: Torchport is a privately owned, public use community airport.
Fun fact: Torchport is nestled between the shores of Lake Michigan and Torch Lake, the world’s third most beautiful lake according to National Geographic. The airport hosts an annual charity fly-in on Memorial Day weekend to fight hunger in
northern Michigan, an event that includes fireworks, skydiving, a pancake breakfast, and more.
Wexford County Airport (KCAD), Cadillac, MI
Runway information: Wexford County Airport hosts two runways. The primary runway, RWY 07/25, is a 5,000-by-100-foot paved runway featuring an ILS approach on runway 07 and an RNAV approach on both 07 and 25 ends. KCAD also offers RWY 18/36, a 2,000-by-150-foot turf runway.
In the winter (depending on the snow conditions), 18/36 provides a landing spot to aircraft equipped with skis
Number of aircraft and/or passengers served: Per FlightAware, Wexford County Airport averages around 20 operations a day throughout the year which adds up to roughly 7,500 operations.
Types of aircraft served: The airport supports many types of aviation including business aviation, recreational aviation, package logistics, aviation training, military,
medical transport, agricultural aviation, and firefighting aviation. While there is no commercial passenger service, there are a number of charter flights in and out of Wexford County Airport supporting business and tourism.
Fun fact: The Wexford County Airport was founded on November 26, 1928, when Mr. William L. Saunders, the head of the Cummer-Diggin Lumber Company, donated the land for the airport to the City of Cadillac.
by JOSEPH BEYER
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
There is something to be said for not knowing anything in advance about the fascinating new documentary Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat , which knocked me out with its fresh and creative riffs and the depth of 20th-century history it brought back to life.
Using found footage, newsreels, and existing materials, the film is woven together beautifully into a fusion by the writers Johan Grimonprez and Daan Milius. At first, their tone seems almost improvisational. By the climactic end, you feel the full payoff of their disciplined and genius groove.
The soundtrack at work in the film’s title is America’s most iconic export: jazz. The coup d’etat is the century-long colonization of the African country of Congo. How they are connected is the riveting narrative arc of the film, and it includes such dreamy realities as the United Nations air-dropping record players from the sky and famed artists Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, and Dizzy Gillespie discovering they’d become unwilling tools of the CIA.
Music, politics, minerals, and the Cold War combine into a complex backstory behind the 1961 assassination of Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba and the covert operations of cultural diplomacy and espionage that led to it.
Other stories have explored how jazz music’s symbolism of freedom and American culture was strategically deployed as a tool in the struggle for influence in the newly independent nations of Africa, but the revelations in Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat about the tragic fate of Lumumba and the dark multinational roles in these geopolitical maneuvers are shocking.
Belgium director Grimonprez prominently features and pulls excerpts from the books My Country, Africa by Andrée Blouin; Congo Inc. by In Koli Jean Bofane; To Katanga and Back by Conor Cruise O’Brien; and audio memoirs by Nikita Khrushchev, former
Prime Minister of the Soviet Union. (The filmmaker was inspired to make the project after seeing brief archival footage of Khrushchev hitting his shoe on the podium at the United Nations, and you’ll find out why.)
Far from being academic or a “moldy fig,” these tools are splashy and powerful in a visual typography that communicates to the beats of the music and rolls out this political thriller step by step. It keeps you on the edge of your seat in what can only be described as a polytonic tone poem in the traditions of the master docs When We Were Kings (1996) or Senna (2010).
It should be obvious by now how much of a role music plays in Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat, but every choice is so precise that I think you’ll be hearing and feeling jazz in an entirely new way.
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat premiered last year at the Sundance Film Festival before going on to other monster international praise, including a sweep of awards from the International Documentary Association.
Like any gem, you have to hunt for it. The film is in limited theatrical release right now, but this critic recommends watching it free through a Kino Film Collection trial subscription available on Amazon Video (and enjoy a week of access to a huge collection of other smart and accomplished films too).
In a media world that seems to lack all nuance and patience and trust in the audience, how this art piece about political manipulation, artistic freedom, and the lasting impact of colonialism ended up existing, I’m not sure. But I’m sure glad it does, and I hope you seek it out.
Not rated and running 2 hours and 30 minutes, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat contains both English and French with subtitles. It has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2025 Academy Awards.
The Weirdo-American Community
A United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Chicago was forced to divert to Denver on Feb. 9 after a passenger became unruly, LiveandLetsFly.com reported. The man was up out of his seat repeatedly and argued with flight attendants before demanding to know "Where are the Mormons?" One passenger said the incident "escalated into a big physical altercation and several passengers had to rush out of their seats to help the crew pin down this person." Although the troublemaker was removed from the flight in Denver, the plane sat on the ground for about five hours before continuing to Chicago.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Domino's Pizza UK has launched its firstever eau de toilette, Eau de Passion, which is inspired by its Pepperoni Passion pizza and features notes of spice, pepper and a woody, warm base, the New York Post reported. The scent's bottle is shaped like a slice of pizza, and the cologne is free from Domino's website if you're lucky enough to be chosen to receive one. British star Luke Debono, who's promoting the scent, said it is "the perfect gift for passionate pizza-loving couples looking to spice things up this Valentine's Day."
News That Sounds Like a Joke
A high school teacher in Queensland, Australia, has taken to identifying as a cat, 7News-TV reported on Feb. 10. "Miss Purr," as she prefers to be known, teaches at Marsden State High School, where she "screeches and growls when (her students) don't listen," one person posted on Facebook. She also hisses and licks the backs of her hands during class and wears a headband with cat ears. One concerned mother said Miss Purr had made her daughter "purr for a lolly." The Department of Education said the school was aware of the complaints and the principal is speaking with the teacher.
Cultural Diversity
On Feb. 10 in Inazawa, Japan, more than 7,000 men wearing only loincloths participated in the Konomiya Naked Festival at a Shinto shrine, The Mainichi reported. The event, which has been held for more than 1,200 years on the 13th day of the first lunar month, features a "godman" who is thought to carry away misfortune if you touch him. This year's "god-man" was 26-year-old Ryota Kato, who threw himself into the crowd as the men chanted and fought to touch him. About an hour later, he emerged from the crowd and entered the shrine.
Inexplicable
Law enforcement officers in South Holland, England, are stumped by a rash of pet cats returning to their homes with patches of missing fur, The Spalding and South Holland Voice reported on Feb. 12. The cats have apparently been shaved. "This behavior is completely unacceptable," said inspector Matt Dickinson. "The cats in question are someone's pet, part of their family." Evidently, it's not the first time the mysterious cat shaver has struck; two Facebook commenters said their cats had been shaved in past years.
It's Come to This
A manufacturer of fortune cookies contacted the owner of a Vietnamese restaurant in Sydney, Australia, to announce they would no longer fill her orders for custom messages that are offensive or contain
expletives. 9News reported that Nahji Chu, owner of Lady Chu, ordered profanity-laced cookies for Valentine's Day. But after the manufacturer mistakenly sent some of Chu's cookies to fulfill another order, causing distress with that customer, they changed their policy. Chu wasn't happy: "If you're getting it mixed up with other restaurants, that's not my fault," she said. Some of Chu's more PG-rated cookie messages include, "You are capable of great things. But all you do is look at your phone all day. You won't be that great sorry! #ladychu" and "The year of the snake bears good fortune! Your divorce is coming soon." She said she'll "take out the profanities and be creative" with her next order.
Oops!
The Lee County (Florida, where else?) Sheriff's Office is investigating after a Feb. 7 incident involving an allegedly intoxicated man riding on a lawnmower, WESH-TV reported. A video camera caught the mower plowing into a mailbox along the street; the man went heels over head and stumbled away from the mower, then returned and drove off, apparently hitting multiple other mailboxes along the way. Matt Clardy, whose mailbox was among the victims, called it "absolutely disgusting" but admitted, "It's so funny. I can watch it 100 times." The man left behind a Pittsburgh Steelers hat and sunglasses at one of the scenes; police are still trying to identify him.
It's a Dirty Job Nath Wyld is a star at Magic Men, a strip club in Prahran, Australia -- or at least, he was, until he discovered a more lucrative line of work. Metro News reported on Feb. 10 that Wyld makes about 20,000 pounds a year by posting videos of himself passing gas on TikTok. The onetime carpenter joined OnlyFans in 2017 and soon made enough with his X-rated videos to quit his daytime job. About two years in, he got a request for a fart video, which he initially refused. "I was blown away (no pun intended) by the demand and I have been making them ever since," Wyld said. "Some want to see my facial expressions; others just want to see me from far away," he said of the custom videos he makes. Wyld said he "starts bloated -- kind of part of the process -- and go through the video until I feel lighter by the end. ... I've been doing this long enough to know that everyone's into their own thing, and that's cool."
Awesome!
When Loretta, a 104-year-old resident of the Avon Nursing Home in Geneseo, New York, was asked what she wanted for her birthday, she replied that she'd never seen the inside of a jail. So, WHAM-TV reported on Feb. 11, the Livingston County Sheriff's Office obliged, inviting her to the station and giving her a good look around, then celebrating with cake and coffee. Loretta paid back the favor by sharing some wisdom with Sheriff Thomas Dougherty: "Mind your business."
Officials in the Czech Republic had been planning to build a dam on the Klabava River for more than six years, Yahoo! News reported on Feb. 11, but were stymied by negotiations over land use. Instead, some industrious beavers solved the problem for them and saved taxpayers $1.2 million. "They built a wetland with pools and canals," said Bohumil Fiser of the Czech Nature Conservation Agency. "The area is roughly twice larger than planned. They do a brilliant job."
Car Talk: EVs, Tariffs, Supply Chain, and Trends
Local dealerships answer our top car industry questions
By Ross Boissoneau
Black or blue? Car or truck? Combustion engine or electric? Or maybe hybrid?
Welcome to the ever-changing world of automobiles. What’s hot one year is passé the next, and what’s anticipated to be the next big thing may suddenly take a U-turn. For example, who a decade ago foresaw the degree to which driverless or hands-free cars would be on our roads?
Is The Future Electric?
A couple years ago, electric cars were on everybody’s lips and lots, but now sales for Tesla, the one-time industry leader, are plummeting. According to the industry publication Inside EVs, full-year and January sales results from various markets around the world indicate a bleak picture for the Elon Musk-led electric vehicle company. Data from the California New Car Dealers Association said the entirety of the decrease in its market last year was attributable to Tesla, which had an 11.6 percent decline.
Jason Roussin of Dave Kring Chevrolet in Petoskey says sales of electric vehicles in this market are not down so much as still slow. “In northern Michigan it’s tough to say; only about one percent [of sales] are electric vehicles right now.”
He attributes that in part to the rural nature of the region, noting that EVs make more sense in markets with short commutes. He says that in Grand Rapids, for example, you have lots of destinations within a 20-minute drive, while in this region you might drive from Petoskey to Traverse City, or Alpena to the Upper Peninsula.
“I don’t think we’re quite there yet,” agrees Mike Herczak at Watson Benzie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. He is of the opinion that the fact that EVs cannot drive for long distances without charging and the length of time it takes to recharge one—anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the model and the charger—make them less desirable here.
“We have some Fiats here with a range of 150 miles. If you live on Crystal Lake and are only here in the summer and you want a clean vehicle to drive to Traverse City and back,” he says they are a good option.
Is a change on the horizon? Perhaps. Forbes reports that the next generation of batteries will outlast the cars they power, retaining higher residual value than the vehicles at the end of their lifecycle. Driven largely by advancements in battery technology, both in terms of longevity and reduced battery prices, Forbes goes so far as to say EVs are still projected to surpass internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2036.
In the meantime, Herczak says hybrids may have the upper hand, combining some of the energy efficiency of electric vehicles but obviating the need for lengthy charging sessions. “When they’re braking, they’re recharging the battery,” he says.
Will Trump Tariffs Affect Prices?
One daunting challenge ahead is the impact of President Trump’s tariffs. According to CNBC, Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley says they are causing chaos for the U.S. automotive industry. The order Trump signed Feb. 10 will impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports beginning March 4. (The proposed tariffs on all goods from Mexico and
Canada are on pause as of this writing.)
“President Trump has talked a lot about making our U.S. auto industry stronger,” Farley said during a Wolfe Research conference. While he said that would be a signature accomplishment, the pain in the meantime will be significant. “So far what we’re seeing is a lot of cost, and a lot of chaos,” he said.
Auto industry vehicle valuation and automotive research company Kelly Blue Book (KBB) says new car prices would immediately increase as tariffs are enacted. The end result will almost inevitably be an overall decrease in sales as prices go up.
“It will make it [buying a car] more expensive,” agrees Roussin. He says car sales at his dealership are almost evenly split between new and used vehicles; that could tip in favor of pre-owned cars and trucks in the short term should new car prices suddenly increase.
How’s the Supply Chain?
Cars may become more expensive, but they will still be easier to get than in years past. Herczak says the delays caused by backups in the supply chain during the pandemic have largely dissipated.
“There’s no longer a car shortage,” he says, noting ordering a new car to your specifications can take five to eight weeks. “It could have been five or six months.”
That wasn’t the only impact from the pandemic. “Lease programs got set back,” says Herczak.
He says as people now come out of leases, they are faced with much greater expense. “They go to get a new [car] and it’s a couple hundred dollars more” per month.
What’s Trending?
Industry-wide, SUVs have overtaken sedans to such a degree a number of manufacturers have backed off sedans completely. Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Volkswagen are among those to have abandoned sedans due to declining demand.
Roussin says that locally, trucks continue to gain in popularity. “Most popular in northern Michigan is the Silverado [Chevy’s signature truck] and SUV crossovers,” he says. “It used to be 60/40 for trucks, but now SUVs are [gaining].”
That fits what Herczak is seeing. “Wrangler’s [Jeep’s longtime flagship model] always been one of the most popular vehicles made, especially here in northern Michigan,” he says. “It’s a good everyday drive, and a toy when you want it.”
As for color? KBB says white is the most popular color choice for car buying, and claims it’s the safest. Industry mainstays are neutral colors, including silver, gray, and black along with white.
Roussin and Herczak agree with that assessment. “Grays, especially cypress gray,” says Roussin.
“It’s the base colors,” says Herczak. “Black, silver, white. We’ve had those colors forever.”
Last but not least, cars are getting more advanced. What were once pricey add-on features are now often part and parcel of vehicle equipment. That’s particularly true of safety features, such as assisted braking, sensors and forward collision avoidance, which Herczak says “are all standard. You can always replace a vehicle. Safety is huge.”
Saturday
BOYNE CITY WINTER FES-
TIVAL: Veterans Memorial Park, Boyne City. Featuring a pancake breakfast, farmers market, 4th Annual Waterfront Field of Dreams Polar Plunge, Chili Cook-Off, & more. Find ‘Boyne City Winter Festival’ on Facebook.
EMPIRE WINTERFEST: 9am: Yoga at the Township Hall; Noon-5pm: Book Sale at the Library; Noon-3pm: Saunas at Empire Beach; 1pm: Polar Plunge at Empire Beach; 2-5pm: Winter activities at Joe’s Friendly Tavern & Sleeping Bear Surf; 2-4pm: Coffee Hour at Tiffany’s Cafe; 4pm: Children’s Winter Storyhour at the Library; 5-7pm: Soup Potluck & music from Chris Skellenger & Paul Koss. All Winterfest activities are free to attend. empirechamber.com/event/empire-winterfest
HEAD DOWNHILL RACE: 9:30am, The Highlands at Harbor Springs. A World Cupstyle downhill race for skiers ages 7+ to compete within age-class divisions, win prizes, & have fun at the awards party. highlandsharborsprings.com/events/the-head-downhill-race
CABIN FEVER HIKE: 10am, Lighthouse West Natural Area, Northport. Join docents Bert, Dave & Keith to celebrate the waning of Feb. at this remote property. The trail through this former farm is easy & you’ll hear & possibly see up close the churning waters (or ice) of Lake Michigan. Come prepared with boots, snowshoes, etc. Free. leelanauconservancy. org/events
SNOWSHOE HIKE AT GRAND TRAVERSE LIGHTHOUSE: 10am. Meet at the gift shop at Lighthouse. Join the State Park & Lighthouse staff for a 1.3-mile snowshoe hike through the Leelanau State Park campground, wooded area & around the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Tour the Lighthouse. A limited number of snowshoes will be available at no charge. To reserve snowshoes or for more info, call 231-386-7195. A Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required for your car. Free. grandtraverselighthouse.com/events
ARTIST TALK: TODD MCMILLEN: 11am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Carnegie Rotunda, TC. Todd is the owner of McMillen’s Custom Framing in TC. He will share his insights on how the right frame can elevate your artwork, enhance its presentation, & keep the focus on the art itself. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctactraverse-city/artist-talk-todd-mcmillen
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HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: Harbor Springs area, Feb. 21 - March 2. Indulge in specially curated menus from local restaurants. Enjoy creative culinary offerings & exclusive deals. harborspringschamber. com/events/details/2025-restaurant-week15611?calendarMonth=2025-02-01
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WINTERLOCHEN: 11am, Interlochen Center for the Arts. Bring the family & enjoy a day of free indoor & outdoor activities. Go sledding, conduct an orchestra, perform in an acting workshop, learn to swing dance, & much more. End the day with a free kid’s show at 2pm performed by Interlochen Arts Academy students. Free. interlochen.org/winterlochen
8TH ANNUAL WALLOON LAKE WINTERFEST: Noon, The Talcott Event Center, Walloon Lake. Featuring live ice carvings, antique snowmobile show on the lake, explore snowy trails, enjoy hot chocolate, bean soup & more. Find ‘8th Annual Walloon Lake Winterfest’ on Facebook. GA: free.
SUPER SAMPLE SATURDAY: Noon-4pm, Downtown Petoskey. Enjoy an afternoon of free samples throughout downtown. To see a list of participating businesses that are showcasing products, find ‘Super Sample Saturday’ on Facebook. facebook.com/ events/1113459937109866
BAKE & TELL CHALLENGE: 1pm, King-
sley Branch Library. Fifteen amateur local bakers bring their best to this challenge. Sample their treats & vote for the People’s Choice. This is a potluck event. tadl.org/ bake-tell-challenge-2025
BOOK LAUNCH & SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Featuring Brianne Farley & her book “Worm Makes a Sandwich.” horizonbooks.com/event/brianne-farley-booklaunch-signing
PETOSKEY CHOCOLATE CRAWL: 1-4pm, Downtown Petoskey. Indulge in a variety of chocolate-inspired treats from local businesses. Visit Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts to get your passport. If you visit all of the participating downtown businesses & fill up your chocolate passport, you will be entered into a raffle to win one of many $25 gift certificates. Return it to Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts to be entered into the raffle. Free.
YOUTH ICE FISHING PROGRAM: 1pm, Dune Center building, 6748 S Dune Hwy., Glen Arbor. Join park rangers to learn essential ice fishing skills, safety measures, & fishing regulations, culminating in a “Junior Angler” certification & a fishing pole to take home (while supplies last). If ice conditions permit, attendees will have the opportunity to ice fish at North Bar Lake. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire & cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, or other options are available. nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
PROTEST TO STOP FUNDING ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE: 4pm, corner of Grandview Parkway & Union streets, TC. Join MidEast:Just Peace to demand an end to the genocide in Palestine, financed with $30 billion in American tax dollars. Israelis receive free healthcare, free college & free housing while Americans are uninsured, homeless & in debt. It is time for the American government to spend American tax dollars on Americans. mideastjustpeace.net ----------------------
TORCHLIT SNOWSHOE: 5-8pm, Camp Daggett, 03001 Church Rd., Petoskey. Enjoy Camp Daggett’s snow-covered trails, illuminated by torchlight as you snowshoe through campus. Afterwards, warm up in the lodge with hot cocoa & cookies. Bearcub Outfitters will also be on hand to provide snowshoes & sizing assistance for anyone who needs them. Free. campdaggett.org/events ----------------------
FAMILY NIGHT HIKES: 6pm, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Families with elementary & middle school-aged children can participate in family focused night hikes. Rangers will guide families through nocturnal landscapes, educating them about animal adaptations & the wonders of the night sky. Reservations required: 231-326-4700, ext. 5005. Dress in layers & wear waterproof boots.. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, & cost is $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, or other options are available. nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
DEEP FREEZE WINTER JAM 2: 7pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Featuring local rock bands Alter Ego Rehab and The Lonely Pines. Bring a canned good to help fill the St. Thomas food pantry & get a $2 discount. $18-$20. theoperahouse.org
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: 7pm, St. Francis High School, Kohler Auditorium, TC. This Tony Award-winning show brings your favorite fairy-tale characters to life with humor, heart, & fantastic music. $15. gtacs. org/arts/musical
A TRIBUTE NIGHT TO THE EAGLES: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. Featuring Out of Eden. Rock out to all of The Eagles’ top hits, including: Hotel California, Desperado, Take it Easy, The Last Resort, Take it to the Limit, & many more. $39-$59. cityoperahouse.org
With about 148 inches of annual snow, Gaylord is the perfect place for a winter race! Treetops Resort will host the All-Outdoors Tri 45 Winter Triathlon, Sat., March 1 at 10am. Start with a 5K cross-country ski, followed by a 10K fat tire bike ride, and a 5K trail run. You can also run as a relay team or participate in the Sprint Distance Winter Duathlon (you run twice instead of skiing). Register: runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/ Gaylord/2024GaylordAllOutdoorsTri45WinterTriathlon.
DOWNTOWN SOUND W/ THE GASOLINE GYPSIES: 7:30-9:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. This group draws influence from the roots of rock, folk, bluegrass, & country to create their own style of Americana rock. They are eight time Detroit Music Award winners. $10-$40. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/downtown-soundgasoline-gypsies-february-22
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. The Addams family has lived their unique values for hundreds of years. But now, beloved eighteen year-old daughter Wednesday has fallen in love with a respectable boy from Ohio! And to make matters worse, she has invited his family over for dinner. Adults: $33; youth under 18: $20. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/mainstage/the-addams-family.html
feb 23
Sunday
15TH ANNUAL TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: From Feb. 23 - March 1 eateries across TC & Grand Traverse County will offer special multiple-course prix fixe menus priced at $25, $35, or $45 per person. For a list of participating restaurants, & to download your passport dining guide, visit the web site. downtowntc.com/traverse-city-restaurant-week
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
15TH ANNUAL GREAT INDOOR FOLK FESTIVAL: Noon-5:30pm, The Village at GT Commons, The Mercato, TC. Enjoy live folk & acoustic music with more than 75 musicians performing on four different stages. Additional performances will be held at nearby stages, including Left Foot Charley Winery, The Barrel Room (of LFC), Higher Grounds Coffee, & Kirkbride Hall. Musicians include The Jim Crockett and Co., Song of the Lakes, New 3rd Coast, Riggs and Jeels, Runaway Mule, STRUM & many others. An open mic stage at Cuppa Joe will also be available for anyone interested in signing up to perform during the festival. Free. bi6700.wixsite.com/dungjen-1/about ----------------------
“THE SEARCH FOR ANNA & LEVI: A LOST HISTORY OF BLACK HOMESTEADERS IN LEELANAU COUNTY”: 2pm, The Bay Theatre, Suttons Bay. Documentary pre-
view screening. Following this screening will be a Q&A session – an opportunity to discuss the film with the sponsor, producer, & key participants. Celebrate Black History Month by uncovering a story of resilience, courage, & community. Presented by the Leelanau Historical Society. $12/ticket. leelanauhistory.org
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: (See Sat., Feb. 22, except today’s time is 2pm.)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: (See Sat., Feb. 22, except today’s time is 2pm.)
ENCORE SYMPHONIC WINDS - FREE “POPS CONCERT”: 3pm, TC Philharmonic Center, Cherryland Mall, TC. Featuring an array of melodies, from Tony Bennett, John Williams, Jean Sibelius, Leroy Anderson, & John Philip Sousa. Encore’s first-chair clarinetist, Susan Hoekstra, will also perform Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1. tcphil.org/encore-symphonic-winds
monday
15TH ANNUAL TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sun., Feb. 23)
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HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
MEMBERS’ OPEN STUDIO, TC: 12:303:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Classroom, TC. For CTAC members only. Bring your art supplies & drop in anytime during the scheduled Open Studio hours for creative time with other members. Free. crookedtree.org/ class/ctac-traverse-city/member-open-studio-4
PAPERCRAFTING JUNK JOURNALS: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Welcome to the world of Junk Journalswhere materials that would otherwise go in the recycling bin are repurposed. Basic materials provided. Space is limited so registration is requested. Free. tadl.org/event/papercraftingjunk-journals-21416
feb 25 feb 24
tuesday
15TH ANNUAL TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sun., Feb. 23)
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., Feb. 22) ----------------------
CONNECTING WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON: 11:30am, The Perry Hotel, Petoskey. “Building a Better Workplace” with Jenna Lindenberg of Drost Landscape, Wendy Nellett of Harbor Shores Cleaning Co., & Niki Richards of Klepadlo Winnell Nuorala PC. Register. $35 CWIB members; $45 all others. petoskeychamber.com
TECH TUESDAY: POPULAR APPS: 2pm, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Learn where & how to download apps, how to use popular apps like WhatsApp & ChatGPT, & how to use your phone’s camera app to scan a QR code. No pre-registration required; just drop in with your device & your questions. Free. glenlakelibrary.net
PWR! MOVES: MICHIGAN PARKINSON FOUNDATION EXERCISE CLASS: 4pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. A fun, hour long exercise class based on the PWR! moves for people with or suspected Parkinson’s Disease & their caregivers. The class will be run by a PWR! certified physical therapist. Free. tadl. org/event/pwr-moves-michigan-parkinsonfoundation-exercise-class-18837
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY MEETING: 5pm, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library, lower level Community Meeting Room. Held the fourth Tues. of the month. Email: friends@sbbdl.org. sbbdl.org
wednesday
15TH ANNUAL TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sun., Feb. 23)
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HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
AUTHOR PRESENTATION: 3pm, Bellaire Public Library. Michael Nagle will give a presentation on his book, “Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock Ward.” 231533-8814.
“ALGORITHMS, AESTHETICS, AND THE ART OF COLLABORATION”: 7:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. A discussion on how AI is reshaping & redefining artistic expression, production, & curation in the digital age. Featuring Cory McAbee, Eileen Isagon Skyers, & Marc Lacuesta. Free. thealluvion.org/tickets/algorithms-aesthetics-and-the-art-of-collaboration
thursday
15TH ANNUAL TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sun., Feb. 23)
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HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
RETIRED RECESS: SIMPLE TIPS FOR BETTER PHONE PHOTOS & EDITS: Noon, Mt. Holiday, TC. Join professional photographer Don Rutt for a hands-on presentation about capturing & editing stunning photos with your smartphone. Don will demonstrate using an iPhone, but the tips & techniques apply to all smartphones. Free. facebook.com/groups/3498914607030109
BENZIE AREA CHAMBER “OFF THE CLOCK” EVENT: 5-7pm, Grow Benzie, Benzonia. $5. business.benzie.org/events/ details/benzie-area-chamber-off-the-clock17788?calendarMonth=2025-02-01
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FREE PLAY: 5:30-7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. A free open studio designed for adults who want to engage in creative activity through playful explorations of artistic media & ideas
in a relaxed, supportive, & social environment. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-petoskey/ free-play-227
MAPLE SYRUP WORKSHOP: 5:307:30pm, Leelanau County Government Center, Suttons Bay. Eat pancakes for dinner while learning about the history of Leelanau County’s hardwood forests & maple syrup production. Presented by Leelanau Conservation District, Leelanau Historical Society, & Leelanau Conservancy. 231-256-9783. Free. leelanauhistory.org/events
MICHIGAN MOVIE MANIA: 6:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Featuring “Barn Red” (NR), a movie set & filmed on Leelanau Peninsula about a farmer who makes a stand to keep his cherished family land. Filmmaker Rich Brauer will join. 231-223-7700.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
friday
MAPLE SUGARING DAYS:
10am-5pm, Port Oneida Rural Historic District, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Experience the full maple sugaring process across two historic farm sites in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. Sample warm syrup, enjoy kidfriendly activities, & witness sap boiling demonstrations. From 5-8pm each evening, visitors can visit the Dechow farm for the self-guided maple sugaring history hike along lantern-lit paths. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, & cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, or other options available. nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/ maple-sugaring-days.htm
15TH ANNUAL TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sun., Feb. 23)
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
MICHIGAN SAUNA FEST: Clinch Park Waterfront, TC, Feb. 28 – March 2. Besides open sauna sessions, take part in the Community Cold-Plunge, social games, live music & more. A VIP Weekend Pass is $50 & is an all-access full weekend pass that also grants you entry into Friday night’s VIP event. A 90 min event pass is $20 & allows you access to all mobile saunas on site. Sessions are limited only to the time-slot selected. michigansaunafest.com
MARDI GRAS CONCERT WITH THE BACKROOM GANG: 7-9pm, Old Art Building, Leland. Enjoy an evening of music, dancing & food. Featuring New Orleans-style jazz courtesy of Traverse City’s Backroom Gang & Big Easy bites from Fiddleheads. $30 OAB members; $35 non-members. oldartbuilding.com/ events/mardi-gras-with-the-backroom-gang
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
JAZZ COMBOS & ORCHESTRA: DIGGING DEEP WITH AFRO CUBAN JAZZ: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Dendrinos Chapel & Recital Hall. Enjoy AfroCuban Jazz performed by the Interlochen Arts Academy’s jazz orchestra & jazz combos. Featuring vocalists & unconventional jazz instruments. $14-$17. interlochen.org/ events/jazz-combos-and-orchestra-diggingdeep-afro-cuban-jazz-2025-02-28
MARDI GRAS AT THE RAMSDELL: 7:30pm, The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Ballroom, Manistee. Celebrate Mardi Gras “New Orleans” style with Great Lakes Brass leading the way. $10-$25. ramsdelltheatre.org
JAZZ 4 ALL W/ THE JEFF HAAS TRIO FEATURING LAURIE SEARS + LISA FLAHIVE
MARIEE SIOU WSG SKYELEA
THE MARCUS BELGRAVE SONGBOOK ENSEMBLE (ALLUVION JAZZ SERIES)
FUNKY FUN MONDAY W/ BIG FUN
HERE:SAY STORYTELLING: I’M WITH THE BAND
BOB JAMES + DAVE KOZ—JUST US
INTERLOCHEN IN TOWN: AN EVENING WITH RASHA NAHAS BREATHE OWL BREATHE + THE ANTIVILLIANS
FUNKY FUN MONDAY W/ FUNKY UNCLE
JULIAN LAGE (ALLUVION JAZZ SERIES) EARLY SHOW
JULIAN LAGE (ALLUVION JAZZ SERIES) LATE SHOW
JAZZ 4 ALL W/ THE JEFF HAAS TRIO FEATURING LAURIE SEARS + LISA FLAHIVE
MAIDEN KING + LEVITATOR
THE OBLIVION PROJECT (ALLUVION WORLD MUSIC SERIES)
FUNKY FUN MONDAY W/ BIG FUN
JAZZ 4 ALL W/ THE JEFF HAAS TRIO FEATURING LAURIE SEARS + LISA FLAHIVE
HARMOLODICS + EVENING STAR
HICKORY CREEK REVIVAL + STONE HUT STUDIOS
THE ALLUVION BIG BAND
FUNKY FUN MONDAY W/ FUNKY UNCLE
saturday
mar 01
MARDI GRAS AT THE MOUNTAIN: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Noon4pm: Slopeside DJ will be playing music at the Crystal Center Patio; find the Crystal Mountain Court Jester skiing on the mountain; On-Slope Scavenger Hunt. 1-3pm: Mardi Gras mask making at Lodge Pavilion Tent. Also, dress up in your best green, gold & purple & receive $10 off your open-to-close window lift ticket. crystalmountain.com/event/mardi-gras
MICHIGAN SAUNA FEST: (See Fri., Feb. 28)
MAPLE SUGARING DAYS: (See Fri., Feb. 28)
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MARITIME HERITAGE ALLIANCE MEET
UP: 10am-2pm, Maritime Heritage Alliance, TC. Discover volunteer opportunities for the summer 2025 season. Take a tour, meet the crew & board members, sip some soup & learn what they have to offer. There will also be a Cribbage Tournament from 1-3pm. Free. maritimeheritagealliance.org/events
TRI45 - GAYLORD ALL OUTDOORS WINTER TRIATHLON: 10am, Treetops Resort Ski Area, Gaylord. Cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, & a snowy trail run. Compete solo or as a relay team. Choose from the Sprint Distance Winter Triathlon or Sprint Distance Duathlon. $120-$170. runsignup.com/Race/ Events/MI/Gaylord/2024GaylordAllOutdoors Tri45WinterTriathlon
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15TH ANNUAL TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sun., Feb. 23)
ARTIST TALK: ADAM VANHOUTEN: 11am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Carnegie Rotunda, TC. Adam presents “Creating Authentic Brushstrokes,” exploring the power of personal expression through mark-making. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traversecity/artist-talk-adam-vanhouten
AUTHOR EVENT: 11am-3pm, Castle Farms, Charlevoix. Author Amy Piper will present her book “Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.” Ticketed; admission fee. castlefarms.com/events
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
18TH ANNUAL SUDS & SNOW: 1-6pm, Timber Ridge Resort, TC. “The Ultimate Party in the Woods.” Featuring 20+ beverage vendors, two food trucks, & live music by Empire Highway, Act Casual, & 2BAYSDJS. This year’s theme is Pirates! Enjoy a half-mile hike to the backwoods where the event takes place. For ages 21+. $40-$72. tcsudsandsnow.com
WINTER WOODS & WILDLIFE HIKE: 1pm, Postle Farm Preserve, Boyne Falls. Join Walloon Lake Association & Conservancy, CAKE CISMA, & Charlevoix Conservation District for a free, guided hike through a winter wonderland. Discover how local plants & wildlife adapt to the cold & learn how you can help protect the forests by reporting invasive species like Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. cakecisma.org/event-details/ winter-woods-wildlife-hike
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY
DANCE: 7:30pm, Littlefield/Alanson Community Building, Alanson. Music provided by Harbor Hoedown, with Cynthia Donahey calling. All dances taught (circles, contras, squares & more). No need to bring a partner. Potluck at 6:30pm. Bring table service & a dish to pass. $10; $5/student; under 12, free. blissfest.org
FLY FISHING FILM TOUR 2025: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. See some of the best fly fishing films in the world. The shows aim
to create community, inspire, encourage & support conservation efforts worldwide. Featuring a live emcee & raffle & door prizes from sponsors, local fly shops & more. The tour visits more than 14 countries, putting on 300+ shows annually & making it the biggest community fly fishing event in the world. $20$25. cityoperahouse.org/node/643
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
mar 02
sunday
MICHIGAN SAUNA FEST: (See Fri., Feb. 28)
AUTHOR EVENT: (See Sat., March 1)
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., Feb. 22)
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: (See Sat., Feb. 22, except today’s time is 2pm.)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: (See Sat., Feb. 22, except today’s time is 2pm.)
ongoing
FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP: Wednesdays, noon-1pm, Christ Church, 430 Fair St., TC. namigt.org
FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP: Mondays, 6-7:30pm, Builders Assoc. Bldg., 3040 Sunset Lane, TC. namigt.org
FREE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS: Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Original Hot Yoga Traverse City. originalhotyogatc.com
INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Village at GT Commons, The Mercato corridor, TC. Saturday mornings, 10am-2pm. thevillagetc.com
SNOWSHOES, VINES, & WINES: Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay. Snowshoe Black Star Farms’ scenic trails on Saturdays through winter, weather permitting. Then warm up with a glass of wine or cocktail on the heated Terrace Patio or in the tasting room. Snowshoe rentals available from noon-4pm; must be returned by 5pm. blackstarfarms.com/snowshoes-vines-wines
FREE EVENTS @ THE CENTER, SUTTONS BAY: friendshipcommunitycenter.org/events; 248505-7457
- 5LOAVES2FISH COMMUNITY MEAL
DISTRIBUTION: Every Weds. from 4-6pm, 5Loaves2Fish hosts a meal distribution site. Fresh, homemade meals are available at no cost on a first come, first serve basis. No questions asked.
- ADVANCED TAI CHI: Mondays & Thursdays, 10am. Prior Tai Chi experience & an RSVP are necessary.
- OPEN TAI CHI: Mondays, 11:30am. No prior Tai Chi experience is required, nor is an RSVP.
- SPANISH CONVERSATION COURSE: Tuesdays, 2pm. Chat with, & learn alongside community members of all levels.
- TIMELESS TAPPERS: Wednesdays, 1pm. An adult tap class. No prior tap knowledge is necessary, nor is an RSVP.
art
DAVID WILD: ICE SHANTIES OF PORTAGE LAKE: The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Hardy Hall, Manistee. Runs through March 9. Hours: Weds. through Sun., noon-3pm. ramsdelltheatre.org/art
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION: CELEBRATING YOUNG CREATORS: Charlevoix Circle of Arts. This annual regional high school student exhibit features artwork from 11th & 12th graders at Boyne City, Boyne Concord Academy, Charlevoix, & East Jor-
dan High Schools. The exhibit runs through Feb. 22. Hours are Mon. through Fri., 11am4pm, & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:
- DRAWN.: Held in Atrium Gallery. Experience the boundless possibilities of visual storytelling, from traditional mediums to digital works & everything in-between. Featuring: Jen Boehler, Katie Eberts, Nick Nortier, Nicole Ray & Kyria Smith. Runs through Feb. 22. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/drawn
- GUILD MEMBER SALON SHOW 2025: Runs through Feb. 22 in the Galleries. Invitational exhibit featuring the work of CTAC Artist Guild Members. Painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, new media, & more will be on display. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-petoskey/guild-member-salonshow-2025
- OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: Saturdays, 10am-1pm in Visual Arts Room. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. crookedtree.org
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:
- BITTER & BEAUTY: WINTER’S TRUTH IN THE MIDWEST: Runs through Feb. 22 in the Carnegie Galleries. This exhibit delves into the many facets of winter, showcasing how Michigan artists across all mediums interpret the season & its impact. Juried by local gallerist Shanny Brooke, the collection portrays the unique relationship northern Michigan has with winter. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-traverse-city/bitter-beauty-winters-truth-midwest
- TRAVERSE AREA CAMERA CLUB: 2024 AWARD WINNERS: Runs through Feb. 22 in Carnegie Rotunda. Explore the works of local photographers in this exhibit featuring award-winning images from the Traverse Area Camera Club’s 2024 competitions. Celebrating technical excellence & creative vision, these photographs capture diverse subjects. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-traverse-city/traverse-area-cameraclub-2024-award-winners
- WINTER WIT... THE FUNNIER SIDE OF ART: Runs through Feb. 22 in Cornwell Gallery. Explore the role of humor in visual arts, encouraging you to reflect on what you find funny & how it can be expressed through different mediums. Juried by local artist Mary Fortuna. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/winter-wit-funnier-side-art ----------------------
DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:
- “SMALL EXPRESSIONS”: The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s “Small Expressions” exhibit is an annual juried exhibition showcasing contemporary small-scale works using fiber techniques in any media. Works do not exceed 15 inches in any direction, were completed within the last two years, & were not previously published. Runs through May 25. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/ upcoming-exhibitions/small-expressions.html
- “NORTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION”: Held regularly at the Museum for over 30 years, the exhibition features artwork made by regional artists over the last year & juried by an arts professional outside of the region. This year’s juror is Teresa Dunn. It runs through May 25. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/northwest-michigan-juried-show-and-call.html
- “ART OF REGENERATION”: This exhibition was inspired by the regenerative powers of axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, an aquatic salamander, also known as the Mexican walking fish. They can regenerate multiple body parts throughout their adulthood. Bright-field microscopic images highlighting axolotl limb regeneration process were used as design elements. The exhibit runs through March 30. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/art-of-regeneration.html
- A STYLE ALL OUR OWN: CANADIAN WOODLAND ARTISTS: Runs through May 25. In the early 1960s, young Indigenous artists from the Great Lakes region created a
unique style of painting known as the Woodland School of Art. Early members of this prolific art community included Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray, Roy Thomas, Sam Ash, Jackson Beardy, & Daphne Odjig. Perhaps the best-known of the group is Norval Morrisseau, who is often referred to as the Father of the Woodland School. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/ now-on-view/canadian-woodland-artists.html - CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CERAMICS FROM THE HORVITZ COLLECTION: Runs through Sept. 28, 2025. An array of works by contemporary Japanese ceramic artists, this is a sampler of the great diversity of styles, forms, glazes, & ages. These artworks are drawn from the curated collection of Carol & Jeffrey Horvitz, some of the leading collectors of Japanese contemporary outside of Japan. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/index.html
GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER: - OUTDOOR GALLERY EXHIBIT: MARGO BURIAN + ORDINARY MAGIC: Leelanau County artist Margo Burian’s collages have been chosen for display in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s 2024-25 Outdoor Gallery exhibition, an annual, invitational exhibit. Burian’s collages are rooted in the idea of Ordinary Magic, or delight. They were reproduced on five, 5-foot-square, weather-resistant aluminum panels created by Image 360 of TC. Runs through April 20, 2025. Check web site for hours. glenaborart.org
- “REFLECTIONS IN WATER”: Held in Lobby Gallery. A small exhibit of colored pencil drawings depicting a vital life force by Judith Shepelak. Runs through April 24. Shepelak captures the dynamic, changing, & diverse faces of water as she has encountered it during travels locally & throughout the United States & Canada. The GAAC is open Mon. through Fri., 9am-3pm, & noon-4pm on Sat. glenaborart.org
- “THE SKY IS ALWAYS THERE”: This exhibition moves beyond direct representation, beyond portraits of puffy clouds. Applicants were asked to consider the sky from its atmospheric characteristic to its mythic history. Runs through March 20. The GAAC is open during the week, 9am-3pm, & on Sat., noon4pm. glenaborart.org
OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT:
- “SHE: HONORING WOMEN IN ART”: Enjoy this exhibition highlighting what it means to be a woman & an artist in today’s world. It focuses on aspects of positivity, strength, resiliency & creativity & highlights the artists’ ingenuity & ability to build community, generate support, creatively problem-solve & create & sustain life & beauty. An artist talk will take place on Fri., March 28 from 2-4pm. The exhibit runs through March 28. Michigan artists Judy Jashinsky, Melissa Jones, Rebecca Mott & Shelly Taylor will be featured, alongside work in all media curated through an open call. Hours are Tues.- Sat., 10am-4pm; & Sun., noon-4pm. oliverart.org
- PIECE WORK: AN EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY GEE’S BEND QUILTS: Held in the Fisher Room through March 22 in observation of Black History Month. The unique handstitched quilts are from a collection on loan from area resident Patricia Reich, who inherited them from her mother Jan Dolland, who was an advocate for the Quilters of Gee’s Bend in Boykin, Alabama. Oliver Art Center is open Tues. - Sat., 10am-4pm, & Sun., noon-4pm. oliverart.org
Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.
Guest opinion
by Gerard Bodalski
The death of a child, whether the child is still a minor or an adult, is a devastating experience in a parent’s life. No one is prepared for that kind of unimaginable tragedy, and few have the capacity to comprehend what it means emotionally and how to successfully cope with the trauma.
How do we handle such a profound sense of loss and return to the demanding duties at work? One day you were “normal,” and the next day you are stricken by grief beyond measure. More focus and committed resources need to be given to parents for the bereavement of their child’s death.
National statistics suggest that approximately 9 percent of parents in the United States will experience the death
much more expedient and practical to just politely get on with business. Those who do have the courage to ask, “How are you doing” may have to handle the tears that come as an involuntary response. Since most of us are untrained in how to manage such raw emotion in the workplace, it’s understandable to avoid the minefield.
People may feel an internal pressure to return to work too soon due to perceived expectations about being productive in clearly measurable ways. Insufficient bereavement can manifest itself in subtle behaviors at work. Emotional exhaustion can be masked by a businessas-usual countenance. Frustration and irritability can be magnified. Impatience in a stressful environment can be
of a child at some point throughout their lifetime. In some communities, that percentage is much higher. More common is the death of a parent, spouse, or sibling. The death of a child often leads to emotional withdrawal, a tendency to isolate or avoid the public. The impact on a marriage can be shattering and irrevocable.
How do we find evidence of a broken heart at work? For many reasons, the proof of heartache may be hidden. Some people may be reluctant to ask for help, never before having been in that kind of emotional state. They may actually believe that they don’t need any help and can tough it out on their own.
Grieving the death of a child is an overwhelmingly personal struggle. Grief can be a silent poison, taking its effect in the most insidious forms. People tend to hide their grief at work, feeling that their emotions will be perceived as a sign of weakness or instability. Asking for help may cause a heightened sense of embarrassment, even though there is no foundation for embarrassment.
It’s emotionally safer, on the surface, to avoid any conversation about their child’s death to prevent a breakdown in the office. Colleagues often don’t know what to say or how to express their condolences. There is nothing emotionally satisfying about simply hearing, “I’m sorry for your loss.” That is just a hollow acknowledgement of trauma. The wound is dramatically more penetrating and requires a lot of one-on-one time to cry without judgment. Creating a culture that permits this grieving is fundamental to recovery
People often simply don’t know what to say, so your child’s death becomes the elephant in the room. The topic is avoided to maintain a veil of emotional stability. It’s
unpredictable with smaller triggers than usual. Overcompensation by striving for perfection or trying to control every detail can hide the vulnerability or sense of shame and guilt from the loss of a child.
All of the above are increased and exacerbated for those who already have such tendencies. And what is the foundation for any shame and sense of responsibility? Often there is none at all.
Such a major life change demands the need for extensive bereavement leave, including immediate grief counseling. People don’t know how to ask for this kind of help. Our children are not supposed to die before we do. The Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden offer generous leave to parents who have lost a child, along with their strong cultural support systems. The United Kingdom also gives several weeks of leave.
Time off from work should be mandatory. To some extent, it should approximate the time off for childbirth. Just as pregnancy leave may be 90 days in length, so should bereavement leave be for the death of a child. Pregnancy comes with many months of joyful expectations, while a child’s sudden death is profoundly devastating.
Although time is a healer, the emptiness will never be filled. Time away will help with the stabilization of one’s emotions. Bereavement is an extensive process of mourning, attempting to cope with an unexpected, tragic loss.
Gerard Bodalski is a healthcare executive with many years of experience in long term care. His adult son, Paul, died in March of 2024 from respiratory failure and anoxic brain injury following an acute asthma attack.
Grand Traverse & Kalkaska
ENCORE 201, TC
2/22 & 3/1 -- DJ Ricky T, 9
2/28 -- Johnny P Band, 7-10: DJ Ricky T, 10-2
HOTEL INDIGO, TC
2/22 & 2/28 -- Rhett & John, 6-9
2/26 -- Dominic Fortuna, 6-8
KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC
9:30:
2/22 -- Split Decision
2/28 & 3/1 -- The Offbeat, 9:30
KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING
2/25 – Open Mic Night w/ LaRose Duo, 6-8
2/27 – Trivia Night w/ Marcus Anderson, 6:30-8:30
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY STAGE:
2/23 -- Great Indoor Folk Fest. w/ Gemini Moon, New Third Coast, Rigs & Jeels, STR8FWRD, & Runaway Mule; starts at noon
BARREL ROOM:
2/24 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9
BARREL ROOM STAGE:
2/23 -- Great Indoor Folk Fest w/ Liz Landry & Co, Luke Woltanski & John Piatek, Jenny Thomas Trio, Trillium Groove, A to Z, Thomas & Hyde, & Hunter Bell; starts at noon
TASTING ROOM:
2/28 -- Weston Buchan, 5-7
LIL BO, TC Tues. – Trivia, 8-10 Sun. – Karaoke, 8 MARI VINEYARDS, TC
NORTHERN LATITUDES DISTILLERY, SUTTONS BAY 2/28 -- Brett Mitchell, 4:45-6:45
ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH
2/22 – Chelsea Marsh, 5-8
2/27 – Open Mic Night, 6-9
2/28 – Luke Woltanski, 5-8
SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY
2/28 -- Friday Night Live w/ Jesse Jefferson, 4-7
SWEET’S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Mon. – Music Bingo, 7 Fri. – Music Bingo, 8; Karaoke, 10 Sat. – Karaoke, 8
THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR
WHISKERS: 2/22 -- Billy & The Kid, 6-9
& Central
Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee
Leelanau & Benzie Otsego, Crawford
lOGY
BY ROB BREZSNY
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Octopuses have three hearts, each with a different function. Every one of their eight limbs contains a mini-brain, giving them nine in total. Is there any doubt, then, that they are the patron creature for you Pisceans? No other zodiac sign is more multifaceted than you. No other can operate with grace on so many different levels. I celebrate your complexity, dear Pisces, which enables you to draw such rich experiences into your life and manage such diverse challenges. These qualities will be working at a peak in the coming weeks. For inspiration, consider putting an image of an octopus in your environment.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I mourn the growing climate calamity that is heating up our beloved planet. Among many other distortions, it has triggered yellow forsythias and blue gentians to blossom during winters in the Austrian Alps— an unprecedented event. At the same time, am also able to marvel at the strange beauty of gorgeous flowers growing on the winter hills of ski resorts. So my feelings are mixed— paradoxical and confusing—and that’s fine with me. I regard it as a sign of soulfulness. May you be so blessed, Leo: full of appreciation for your capacity to hold conflicting ideas, perspectives, and feelings.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The quietest place on earth is a room at Microsoft’s headquarters near Seattle. It’s made of six layers of steel and concrete, and its foundation includes vibration-dampening springs. Within it, you can hear your heartbeat, the swishing of your clothes, and the hum of air molecules colliding. The silence is so eerily profound that many people become flummoxed while visiting. Here’s the moral of the story: While you Virgos are naturally inclined to favor order and precision, a modicum of noise and commotion in your life is often beneficial. Like background sounds that keep you oriented, minor wriggles and perturbations ensure you remain grounded. This will be extra important for you to acknowledge in the coming weeks.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): To make a Mobius strip, you give a half twist to a strip of paper and attach the ends. You have then created a surface with just one side and one edge. It’s a fun curiosity, but it also has practical applications. Using Mobius strips, engineers can design more efficient gears. Machinists make mechanical belts that are Mobius strips because they wear out less quickly. There are at least eight other concrete functions, as well. Let’s extrapolate from this to suggest that a similar theme might be arising in your life. What may seem like an interesting but impractical element could reveal its real-world value. You may find unexpected uses for playful features. One of your capacities has dimensions you have not yet explored, but are ready to.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sandra Cisneros is a visionary writer with Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius. She is always in quest of the next big lesson and the next exciting adventure. But she also has the Moon, Venus, and Saturn in Scorpio. Her sensitive attunement to the hidden and secret aspects of reality is substantial. She thrives on cultivating a profound understanding of her inner world. It took her years to master the art of fully expressing both these sides of her character. I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because you’re primed to go in quest for experiences that will open your heart to novel amazements—even as you connect with previously unknown aspects of your deep self that resonate with those experiences.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):The Moeraki Boulders are spread along a beach in New Zealand. Many of the 50 big rocks are nearly perfect spheres and up to six feet in diameter, so they provide a stunning visual feast. Scientists know that they have steadily grown for the last 4 million years, accumulating ever-new layers of minerals. I propose we make them your symbols of power until July 1. In my astrological estimation, you are in a phase of laying longterm groundwork. What may seem to be a tedious accumulation of small, gradual victories is part of a grander undertaking. Like the Moeraki Boulders, your efforts will crystallize into an enduring foundation.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) A Japanese proverb says, “The bamboo that bends with the wind is stronger and more resilient than the oak tree that resists.” That’s true. When storms bluster, oak branches get broken and blown away. Bamboo may look delicate, but it is actually strong and capable of withstanding high winds. It flourishes by being flexible instead of rigid. That’s the approach recommend to you, Capricorn. Challenges may emerge that inspire you to stay grounded by adapting. Your plans will become optimal as you adjust them. By trusting your natural resilience, you could find unexpected chances for interesting transformation. Your potency will lie in your ability to bend without breaking.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Seattle’s Space Needle serves as an observation tower. It’s 605 feet high. For years, there was a restaurant with a rotating floor at the top. In its early days, the movement was so brisk that some visitors got dizzy and nauseous. Engineers had to recalibrate the equipment so it was sufficiently leisurely to keep everyone comfortable. Your current situation resembles this story. The right elements are in place, but you need to adjust the timing and rhythm. If there are frustrating glitches, they are clues to the fine-tuning that needs to be done.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries author Anne Lamott articulated a thought that’s perfect for you to hear right now: "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." I might amend her wisdom a bit to say “for a few hours” or “a couple of days.” Now is a rare time when a purposeful disconnection can lead you to deeper synchronization. A project or relationship will improve after a gentle reset. Your power mantra: “Renew yourself with quiet inaction.”
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Beavers are the engineers of the natural world. The dams they fabricate not only create shelters for them, but also benefit their entire ecosystem. The ponds and marshes they help shape provide rich habitats for many other species. Boosting biodiversity is their specialty. Their constructions also serve as natural filters, enhancing water quality downstream. Let’s make beavers your inspirational symbol for the coming weeks, Taurus. In their spirit, build what’s good for you with the intention of making it good for everyone whose life you touch. Ensure that your efforts will generate ripples that nourish your tribe and community.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I predict that you will soon have reason to celebrate a resounding success. You will claim a welldeserved reward. You may even shiver with amazement and gratification as you marvel at how many challenges you overcame to emerge triumphant. In my view, you will have every right to exude extra pride and radiance. I won’t complain if you flirt with a burst of egotism. In accordance with my spirituality, I will tell you, “Remember that this wonder you have spawned will live for a very long time.”
CANCER (June 21-July 22): When you see the stars in the night sky, you’re looking at the ancient past. Light from those heavenly bodies may have taken as long as 4,000 years to reach us. So we are beholding them as they used to be, not as they are now. With that as your inspiration, invite you to spend quality time gazing into your own personal past. Meditate on how your history is alive in you today, making its imprint on all you do and say. Say prayers and write messages to yourself in which you express your awe and appreciation for the epic myth that is your destiny.
“Jonesin” Crosswords
"Put 'Em Together!" --some extra stuff. by Matt
ACROSS
1. ___-building game
5. Part of CD
9. Opposite of flow
12. Notion
13. You are here
14. "___ Land" (2016 musical film)
16. ___ Fein (Irish political group)
17. Old copy machine, for short
18. Like some lattes
19. Behind-the-scenes theater worker's been specially selected?
22. ___-deucey (backgammon variation)
23. Walker's Prawn Cocktail snacks, e.g., in the U.K.
24. Fifth U.S. president
27. "___ the Sheriff" (1974 hit song)
29. Hydrox rival
30. ___ Martin (007's auto)
31. Wall Street index, briefly
34. Pre-owned greeting with a firm grip?
38. Sound of admonition
39. Albertan NHLer
40. Belonging to us
41. Walk with pride
42. Oppose vigorously
44. Peevish
47. "Yeah, I bet"
48. Straight or flush indicating one way to go to hell?
54. Opera highlight
55. Journalist Cornish of CNN
56. 1/12 of a foot
57. Turkey meat preference
58. Pretzel shapes
59. Gospel singer Winans
60. "___ Boot" (1981 film)
61. Part of a skate blade
62. Sharp as a tack
DOWN
1. Talk smack about
2. Make some changes
3. John who's supposedly tough to see
4. Qantas logo animal
5. How often Wordles get released
6. "Garfield" waitress
7. Instruction
8. "Quickly!"
9. Bring out
10. Is a supporter of
11. Sound of censoring
13. Show host
15. Tacks on
20. "Foucault's Pendulum" author Umberto
21. "Reversal of Fortune" Oscar winner Jeremy
24. The majority
25. Natural resources
26. Shirt measurement
27. Dot in the ocean
28. Symbol over an 8
30. Org. that defends individual rights
31. Paint ineptly
32. Gumbo ingredient
33. Toward sunset
35. Observant person
36. No-bake dessert that may be garnished with gummy worms
37. Nostalgic, perhaps
41. Lectures
42. Dice, most often
43. Singer Rita
44. Apple product that debuted April 2010
45. Org. that tracks Santa
46. "Ran" director Kurosawa
47. Bitter feeling
49. Ilsa's surname in "Casablanca"
50. Work like ___
51. Leg hinge
52. "Behold!" to Caesar
53. At that moment
Jones
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