Northern Express - January 5, 2026

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THE 2026 WELLNESS ISSUE

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • january 05 - january 11, 2026 • Vol. 36 No.01

Dry January doesn’t have to be so dry.

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Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 1

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letters CONTENTS STUDENT ATHLETE

Single Payer Healthcare Is Coming Soon It could be several years or it could be more, but Single Payer, Medicare for All, whatever you want to call it, is on its way.

These terms define a system that would eliminate private insurance for essential care and the federal government would be the sole payer. This is how Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Health systems currently function in the U.S. These three systems currently provide single payer healthcare to about 158 million Americans, or 54 percent of the total population. Except for the Veterans Health System which is an integrated system, traditional Medicare and Medicaid pay directly to private health providers.

We can no longer afford to subsidize the existing private health insurance industry that has abused us for decades. Individuals and small businesses currently bear the burden of the excessive healthcare costs that support this inefficient system.

We are tired of seeing our friends, family, and neighbors forced into bankruptcy because of unhinged medical expenses, or our children not being able to afford rent or purchase a house on their own. Over 62 percent of declared bankruptcies in the U.S. are attributed at least in part to medical debt.

We need to see less of our income going to medical insurance profits or co-pays or deductibles that seem to go higher every year with no real solutions offered.

Our primary care doctors are beginning to refuse to accept the status quo of trying to provide care to their patients while also being abused by the same insurance companies.

Whether you call it a human right or not, I do know that as civilized, caring human beings, we want to see people receive care when they need it. It is time we join the rest of the world to provide basic universal health care and to make this a central issue in the next election.

Jim Lemire | Traverse City Tariff Harms Responding to a recent article in The Leelanau Ticker and other recent reports in various media, I am struck by how many of Trump’s supporters have been directly harmed by his policies yet still profess support for him. Take the example of farmers for instance.

They are suffering harm due to tariffs, trade policies, and the intimidation of the immigrant work force that they depend on, yet many of those directly affected claim to still back Trump. There has long been a trend in American politics about voting against one’s own interests, but this is becoming extreme and harder to understand.

features

The Superfoods Of Winter.................10 Building The Life You Want...............13 Infusion Therapy................................14 Paths To Strength..............................19 Inside the Ingredients.......................20

columns & stuff Top Ten...........................................4 Spectator/Stephen Tuttle....................6 Guest Opinion/Holmes.......................7 Weird............................................9 Crossword...................................16 Dates..........................................22 Astrology......................................24 Nitelife.........................................25 Classifieds....................................26

Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase PO Box 4020 Traverse City, Michigan 49685 Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 email: info@northernexpress.com www.northernexpress.com Editor: Jillian Manning Finance Manager: Libby Shutler Distribution Manager: Roger Racine Sales: Lisa Gillespie, Kim Murray, Kaitlyn Nance, Abby Walton Porter, Michele Young, For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 838-6948 Creative Director: Kyra Cross Poehlman 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

Judy Childs | Traverse City

CADEN SHEEHANGRADE (Senior - Wrestling - Glen Lake) Caden Sheehan has been an instrumental part of the successful return of the

Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold

Glen Lake Wrestling Program. His leadership, combined with a strong work ethic,

Contributors: Art Bukowski, Anna Faller, Nora Rae Pearl, Lourin Sprenger, Stephen Tuttle, Todd VanSickle

is widely respected and admired on the team and throughout the conference.

William Ward | Manistee Leave Only Footprints Cathye Williams’ factual column, “Let’s Change Trashy Traditions,” is phenomenal. Thoroughly researched, Williams hits the nail on the head: we are trashing our lives and all lives in the future with thoughtless trash. Our Earth cannot survive our laziness and disregard.

The season of giving is taking away our children’s future on this planet. Simple facts like: food waste accounts for 58 percent of the methane released from landfills. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas—which is warming our planet to its early demise.

How do I tell my adult children to compost? I’ve been composting their entire lives. That wasn’t enough. It’s messy and it’s work.

Our actions speak for us. What would Jane Goodall say? Treat everything and everyone with kindness. That includes the Earth. Reuse. Recycle.

Use old comics for wrapping paper. Think before you act.

OF THE MONTH

Entering this season, Caden has big goals for his senior season, no longer the underdog, now a ranked wrestler, coming off a Top 16 finish last year.

Copyright 2026, all rights reserved.

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TRAVERSE CITY 1217 E FRONT ST 231.929.2999 1294 W SOUTH AIRPORT RD 231.935.9355 Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 3

this week’s

top ten Winter Trails Day

No Work, All Play

Photo: Cross Country Ski Headquarters

Mt. Holiday in Traverse City is calling all “older kids” (50+) to Retired Recess! Held every Thursday from noon-4pm, the fun begins Jan. 8 with a welcoming place to socialize, ski, eat, and spend time with peers.

Participants will be offered discounted lift tickets and rentals during Retired Recess hours, and guest speakers will be featured on the fourth Thursday of January, February, and March. If you’d rather relax indoors, you can play cards, games, watch a movie, or just enjoy a meal at the T Bar. Find the “Retired Recess” group on Facebook.

4 Hey, Read It! Celebrated throughout the North, Winter Trails Day invites kids and grown-ups alike to discover the fun of trail-based snowsports. On Jan. 10, Crystal Mountain’s Cross-Country Center offers a free clinic including a lesson, day pass, and rental equipment from 1-3pm. (Must register by calling (231) 378-3110, as space is limited.)

Also on Jan. 10, the Great Lakes Winter Trails Council teams up with the Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon for free beginner lessons starting at 10:30am (limited to 25 people; first come, first served) and a Winter Trails Day of fun ($9 adults; $6 kids) with group lessons, hot dogs and cocoa, and trail adventures. Learn more at crosscountry-ski.com. And save the date for TART Trails’ Winter Trails Day on Jan. 17 at Timber Ridge Resort with free fat tire bike, cross-country ski, and snowshoe demos!

The Influencers

To her thousands-strong online audience, “momfluencer” May Iverson appears to live a charmed existence: a 19-thousand-square-foot mansion, dozens of brand deals, gleaming blonde aesthetic, and a small army of equally-stunning daughters (each branded with her own month name). That is, until the internet gets word of her new husband’s murder and the fire intended to cover it up. As for suspects, everyone from the family’s longtime followers to true crime newcomers have their theories—the ex-husband did it, it was a vengeful business partner, or maybe that sweatshirted guy from older posts—but those who really know (or think they know) the Iversons insist it was an inside job. Could one of the five Iverson itgirls really be capable of killing? And what other awful truths are they hiding? We love a juicy whodunit, and Anna-Marie McLemore’s adult novel debut, The Influencers, reads like guilty pleasure TV with a side of Jeffrey Eugenides. Perfect for a snowy day on the couch!

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS

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Sorellina’s Eggplant Parmigiano

Who else is trying to cut back on meat and eat more veggies in the New Year? So long as you’re cool with your veggies being slathered with delicious parm and mozzarella, then head to Sorellina where the Eggplant Parmigiano ($19) awaits. Hearty slices of eggplant are breaded and cooked to crispy perfection then served over a bed of fresh pappardelle and marinara. Believe us when we tell you this meal is destined for leftovers—noodles on the stove with some olive oil to undo a night in the fridge and your eggplant in the (toaster) oven to get that cheese nice and bubbly for round two. The dish is also on Sorellina’s $45 three-course pre-fixe menu for two. (Talk about saving money and eating well on date night.) Dig in at 250 East Front St., Suite 110 in Traverse City. sorellinatc.com

4 • january 05, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

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Significant Strikes in Traverse City is starting the year off with a high kick. Three of their most popular classes—Boxing Fundamentals, Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals, and Kickboxing Fundamentals—are opening up with weekly classes for beginners. No experience or equipment is necessary; as the organizers say, “just bring your energy and curiosity!” Best of all, your first class is always free. From there, memberships range from drop-ins ($20/day), to punch cards, to unlimited monthly classes ($150). Students and active duty officers get a major discount.

There is also a Women Only Jiu-Jitsu class on Sundays from 2-3pm so you can “train in a safe, supportive, women-focused environment.” Find the full class schedule and learn more about each discipline by visiting significantstrikes.com/new-members. Then, head to the gym at 2780 Cass Rd. in Traverse City.

Stuff We Love: Fascinating People!

That’s right folks, it’s time to think about the most wonderful, curious, eclectic, fantastic, and fascinating people you know!

Each year, Northern Express highlights 20 people in northern Michigan who make our communities better, push the creative envelope, or otherwise capture our imaginations with their talents and quirks.

Last year, we featured a Lake Michigan surfer, a stone mason, and a taekwondo dancer. We also got to tell the stories of teachers, writers, artists, and nonprofit directors who inspire the people they interact with every day. If you know someone fascinating, send us an email at info@northernexpress.com by Jan. 19 with their name, contact info, and a few sentences about what makes them special. Then, stay tuned for our Fascinating People issue later this winter to see who made the 2026 list!

Photo courtesy of the DNR

HPAI Precautions

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking waterfowl hunters to guard against highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Per their press release, “The DNR reports more HPAI detections in 2025 than were found in 2024; 130 wild birds have tested positive for HPAI in Michigan, with most detections in Canada geese, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. … The disease has been found in every Michigan watershed, indicating that it has occurred throughout the state.” They recommend taking precautions when hunting and field dressing wild birds (don’t touch your nose/mouth, wear gloves, wash your hands, etc.); properly cleaning and disinfecting gear; cooking all meet to an internal temp of 165F; watching for symptoms; and protecting domestic animals—including hunting dogs, cattle, cats, and backyard birds—from infection. For more information, visit michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/wildlife-disease/ disease-monitoring/avian-influenza-updates.

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bottoms up Folklor’s Field Blend Perry It’s always the season to celebrate local terroir at Folklor Wine & Cider in Charlevoix, but we’re taking the New Year’s festivities one step further with a bottle of their newly-released 2024 Field Blend Perry. An effervescent homage to the pomme, this off-dry sparkling perry (pear cider) features a practicing-organic blend of Bosc, Bartlett, and wild pears sourced from estate-grown trees whose roots go back decades. Fermented with native yeast, the perry is aged for 10 months in neutral oak barrels, and bottle-conditioned á la traditionalmethod sparkling wine for a gentle bubble. This bottle-popper is complexly textured and delicate with notes of lush fruit and baking spice, making it perfect to accompany a punchy winter spread. (And at just 6 percent ABV, it was practically made for moist January!) Find Folklor Wine & Cider at 16820 Ferry Rd. in Charlevoix. folklorwinecider.com

Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 5

ASSAULT ON THE FIRST AMENDMENT spectator

By Stephen Tuttle Back in the 1950s, it was Minnesota Senator Joseph McCarthy and his supporters who decided the First Amendment could simply be ignored.

He—and his attorney and eventual Donald Trump mentor Roy Cohn— found communists in every part of the government, including the military, and lurking behind every tree and bush. His false accusations ruined careers and lives.

Now an echo of those times can be heard coming from the White House.

In one of his many directives, President Trump decided anybody speaking poorly of him must be a domestic terrorist and should be investigated. Apparently he wasn’t kidding.

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On December 4, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces that she said was based on the presidential directive. She said domestic groups, organizations, and presumably individuals since they were not excluded, should be investigated, including surveillance, for domestic terrorism if they “exhibit anti-Americanism, anticapitalism, anti-Christianity, opposition to law and immigration enforcement, radical gender ideology or hostility toward traditional views on family, religion and morality.” No word on who would judge the various offenses.

All of the above, according to Trump and his sycophants, are products of the “radical left” and “antifa.” Antifa is a favorite target, though there is no such organization. It’s just an idea with no identifiable leaders or headquarters.

There are people claiming to be antifa who like to dress up in black, wear masks, throw stones, and light fires but they can be prosecuted for any actual crimes they commit.

(Some might suggest this is mighty big talk coming from Trump, who regularly lies and has been convicted of 34 criminal felonies and one civil sexual assault. Not exactly the moral high ground. And his political love affair with Vladimir Putin might qualify as anti-Americanism and anti-capitalism.)

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You might have noticed there is something similar about the actions to be investigated— none of them are remotely close to being illegal and all of them are protected by the First Amendment. One assumes the courts will find a spine and put a stop to this nonsense as soon as the first case finds its way up the courthouse steps.

This comes on the heels of Trump claiming a New York Times editorial demanding the release of more Epstein files posed a “serious threat” to national security.

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And that followed the president and his various cult followers claiming Arizona

Senator Mark Kelly and five others, who created a video saying members of the military do not have to obey illegal orders, were engaged in seditious behavior, or in another post, “treasonous” behavior and should be prosecuted. He pointed out the penalty for treason is death.

This all happened as we started destroying boats in the Caribbean we claimed, without evidence, were carrying drugs.

On at least one occasion, our attack left two survivors clinging to wreckage and either Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or an admiral gave the order to go back and kill them. Killing survivors is not something the U.S. military traditionally does, but now we do. So, in Trump world, we threaten the death penalty for half a dozen elected officials who truthfully told the military they need not obey unlawful orders.

What’s especially foolish about this is the lack of long-term thinking on the part of Trump, Bondi, and others who support these incredibly radical ideas.

If their authoritarianism passes court tests, then it will surely be used against their supporters as soon as the control of Congress again changes parties, as it always does.

Everything MAGA world finds so entertaining about the presidential directive will be easily turned against them. In the crosshairs will be the liars on Fox News (they paid Dominion nearly $800 million for the repeated lies that their voting machines were somehow corrupted during the allegedly stolen election though they admitted nothing), Tucker Carlson, Turning Point USA, the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and popular but hateful individuals like Nick Fuentes who touts Christian nationalism, white supremacy, antisemitism, misogyny, anti-LGBTQ+ views, and a love for Adolph Hitler.

In this country, we don’t punish people for their ideas or even their offensive words.

We are supposed to focus on actions and if those actions are illegal. But insulting the president, even harshly or profanely, is most definitely protected speech.

Investigating groups and individuals because those in power disagree with them is anathema to more than 200 years of freedom of thought and speech in this country. McCarthyism was a stain not yet fully cleansed from our collective soul, and Trumpism, complete with what appears to be Orwellian thought police, promises to be even worse.

Of all the president’s bad ideas, this might be worst, a full assault on the First Amendment aided, abetted, and supported by folks who should know better…and who should do a quick read of 1984.

STICKS, STONES, AND DANGEROUS WORDS GUEST OPINION

by Greg Holmes One of the worst sayings that I have ever heard in my life is a simple children’s rhyme that goes like this: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Why is this children’s rhyme so terrible?

The saying is completely false. Unless you are a narcissist and/or are in some form of denial, you can quickly recall several times when you have been hurt by what someone said to you. Whether you can be honest about it or not, it’s happened to you, and sadly, it will most likely happen again.

in turn can morph into a self-fulfilling prophecy, where, for example, we are quick to label our thoughts and/or behaviors as an example of a negative label that has been assigned to us.

Although difficult to change once we believe these words to be part of our identity, it is possible to do so. Perhaps the most effective method to rid ourselves of these destructive words and beliefs is by being reintroduced to them in the presence of a healer, such as a psychotherapist, clergy member, or other form of helper.

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Unfortunately, negative or dangerous words can be very difficult to challenge, to correct, and to let go of.

If the saying is indeed false, and hurtful, why has it been wildly used and how did it become so popular? The alleged purpose of the saying was to help individuals form a defense against someone calling them names, trying to bully them, or being verbally abusive in other ways. Basically, the bottom line of the saying is “toughen up, you’re not hurt—it’s only words.”

But the truth is that words are powerful, and can often be used as a form of verbal abuse.

They can also have devastating and longlasting effects. After all, words can break hearts, ruin relationships, and torpedo selfesteem. They can be a contributing factor to serious depression and at times be a trigger to suicide. To claim that they cannot hurt you is not only false, but that false belief can actually lead to increased feelings of self doubt as you become convinced that something is “wrong” with you.

For better or worse, people use words that define our identity from the get go.

Basically, we are born with a “tabula rosa” (a blank slate) with no self-definition or identity until it is partially given to us by others, be it encouraging and positive or not. A toddler who accidentally spills something is “clumsy” and can carry that label forward as part of their identity.

One of the most important needs that we have as we develop is for the support, acceptance, and encouragement of others.

Sadly, many of us have experienced just the opposite. We have been the victims of name calling, false accusations, and other forms of verbal abuse. These verbal assaults are dangerous and harmful at any age, but particularly so during the highly vulnerable periods of childhood and adolescence.

Unfortunately, negative or dangerous words can be very difficult to challenge, to correct, and to let go of. If they are not corrected, these definitions often become internalized, and form a belief that we carry forward as part of our identity. These beliefs

The purpose of the reintroduction is to examine the origin of the erroneous beliefs and their subsequent emotional impact.

Through the use of empathy, compassion, and words of support, the healer helps the client challenge their negative beliefs and assumptions. The goal of the healing process is to replace the negative beliefs about ourselves through positive, inspiring, and objective feedback.

An examination of the possible motivations for someone to verbally attack them can also be helpful. Negative words and phases are often used against someone in an effort to control and manipulate them. A prime example of this is the use of “gaslighting,” where the goal is to create confusion, false beliefs, and self-doubt in someone.

An example of gaslighting is a woman who was afraid she could not make it home from her psychotherapy session because her car was low on gas. When asked why she could not stop at a gas station to fill her car, she replied that her husband had told her that it was “too dangerous” and therefore only he could do so to “protect” her. In actuality, he was afraid she would leave him if she became “too independent.”

The words that we use to define ourselves and each other are powerful and can be either hurtful or healing. Politicians have increasingly resorted to name-calling and verbal assaulting each other instead of engaging in rational dialogue and problem solving. What about the words you use? Even a simple, heartfelt greeting to a stranger can make a positive impact on their day and show them that someone cares enough to stop and say hello.

Being a student of your own speech—both the intention and the choice of words—can make a world of difference in your life and the lives of others.

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Greg Holmes lives and writes in Traverse City.

Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 7

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It's a Mystery In Beeston, Nottinghamshire, England, locals are perplexed about a monthly offering at the corner of Abbey Road and Wensor Avenue, United Press International reported on Jan. 6. Starting over a year ago, on the second day of each month, a plate heaped high with peeled bananas has appeared at the intersection. Resident Clare Short said she put up a sign reading, "Please, respectfully, no more bananas! The uncollected plates and rotting bananas leave such a mess." But on Jan. 2, a new plate appeared. "I think it's a special thing for someone, and I wish them well," Short said, adding that she has taken down her sign. "But if they could come back and clean up the mess a few days later that would be lovely."

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.

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."

You Again?

Rescues are not uncommon on Mount Fuji, but one climber may have used up all the good will of the Shizouka prefectural police, who were called to save the man near the mountain's peak twice in a span of four days. The imprudent adventurer, a 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan, began suffering from altitude sickness and was airlifted to safety after calling authorities on April 22; the Associated Press reported that he returned to the mountain on April 26 "to look for his cellphone and other belongings left behind," according to police. When another climber found him suffering altitude sickness and unable to move, authorities were called in to rescue him once again. There is no penalty for

climbing Mount Fuji during the offseason, and no charge associated with being rescued -- even twice in the same week.

Awesome!

As of May 18, Landerneau, France, holds the distinction of being home to the largest gathering of people dressed as Smurfs, United Press International reported. Perhaps because of excitement about an upcoming Smurfs movie, the town gathered 3,076 costumed people together, breaking a record set in Germany in 2019.

"Schtroumpfs," as they are known in France, were created by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford.

Queen Olivia Jaquith co-anchors the WRGBTV morning news in Albany, New York, with Julia Dunn, United Press International reported. On May 21, the pair shared some truly breaking news: At 4:15 a.m., Jaquith's water had broken, but she went to work, and the show went on with her in the anchor seat. Jaquith, who was two days past her due date, said it was "early labor" and her contractions were far apart, but she headed to the hospital after the broadcast.

Saw That Coming The Madison (Wisconsin) Fire Department responded to a boozy blaze on June 15, WMTV reported. Someone reported an oven fire around 6 p.m.; the caller told firefighters they had been cooking a turkey for about eight minutes when the oven door blew open. First responders removed the oven from the apartment, and the fire went out. They later learned the turkey had been marinated in tequila, and they believe the accumulated vapors from the alcohol were not properly vented from the oven, which caused the fire. No one was hurt (except the turkey).

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Creme de la Weird Neil Hopper, 49, a vascular surgeon from Truro, England, has been the subject of a 2 1/2-year investigation after he allegedly tried to defraud two insurance companies, The Guardian reported on July 23. Devon and Cornwall police said that in 2019 he "made a false representation to insurers, namely the injuries to his legs were the result of sepsis and were not self-inflicted." Hopper is accused of amputating his own legs in the scheme, hoping to gain $320,000 from one company and $314,000 from the other.

Before his legal problems, he was shortlisted in the European Space Agency's search for an astronaut with a disability. He was scheduled to reappear in court on Aug. 26.

Suspicions Confirmed On July 23 in Tallahassee, Florida, police took a famous mouse into custody: Chuck E. Cheese. The Tallahassee Democrat reported that Mr. Cheese, aka Jermell Jones, had been fingered as the person who stole a patron's credit card in June and made fraudulent purchases with it. When police arrived at the famous restaurant, Jones, wearing his giant costume mouse head, was handcuffed and escorted out the front door in front of patrons young and old. Officers found the stolen credit card in his possession.

Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 9

Hearty veggies line the booths at the Commons Indoor Farmers Market.

THE SUPERFOODS OF WINTER Cold-weather farmers and markets tout their offerings

By Anna Faller Finding healthy, locally-grown food—a practice touted for its nutritional benefits, better flavor payoff, and cost efficiency— can feel next to impossible once the openair stalls have shuttered their tents and the ground is covered in snow.

But never fear: NoMi farmers are still hard at work, offering fresh options all through the year. Per Jim Lively, co-owner of The Lively NeighborFood Market in Empire, northern Michigan’s burgeoning winter market scene is a veggie good place to start.

“We didn’t invent this. You can eat [in northern Michigan] year-round!” he says.

“Our grandparents knew how to do this, and now we’re trying to remember how to do it with local food.”

As Lively underscores, the concept of tasting the local difference is far from new.

In fact, the Indoor Farmers Market in the Mercato at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons has been operating for about 15 years, with many of those years at peak vendor capacity.

Co-founded by vendor coordinator Diana Jelenek of Spring Hollow Farm (Buckley), the Commons market features some 35 regular merchants, most from within the five-county region, who pack the halls of the Mercato with local goodies each Saturday from November to April. “It’s a good community,” Jelenek notes.

Meanwhile, The Lively NeighborFood Market, which opened in 2024, is a newer addition, and operates on the consignment model pioneered by Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor (i.e., farm partners set their own prices, with the market receiving a small

sales percentage). Both locations aim to provide a reliable platform for local growers with a focus on fresh, healthy eats.

Trouble is, says Jelenek, many locals still don’t know these outlets operate in the offseason.

“People don’t have the mindset that we still have wonderful, healthy food in Grand Traverse County all year,” she notes. “There’s so much available—they’ve just got to come out!”

What’s Growing?

When you do head out for a winter market run, what local goodies might you expect?

The first, and perhaps most obvious, category of local produce is root or storage crops like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, radishes; alliums (onions, shallots, and garlic); and dozens of region-specific veggies, like rutabagas, winter squashes, sunchokes, celeriac (aka, celery root), and kohlrabi whose tougher skins and dense flesh allow them to withstand the cold.

“You need those,” Lively notes. “It’s how people have always gotten through the winter.”

Nic Welty, a farmer and co-owner at 9 Bean Rows (Suttons Bay), says the key is devising a storage facility that suits the farm’s needs and production capacity. Second Spring Farm (Cedar) and Providence Organic Farm (Central Lake), for instance, are both known locally for their root crops, and therefore utilize more cold storage than operations with other specialties.

These facilities can range from basement root cellars to separate coolers and walk-in units, all of which are calibrated to meet the

10 • january 05, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

climate and ventilation needs of the crops they house.

When stored this way, he adds, cruciferous veggies like cabbage and brussels sprouts, which pop up in droves throughout the fall, as well as fennel and even heartier fruits like apples and pears, can easily weather colder temperatures.

“These are all crops that can be brought in at their peak at the end of the fall and be available throughout the entire winter,” adds Welty.

Year-Round Techniques And that’s barely the tip of the turnip!

By combining targeted growing techniques with the right timing and technology, local farmers can not only harvest into the winter (which, for veggies like carrots and kale, actually makes for tastier produce), but also continue to grow year-round.

Lakeview Hill Farm in Traverse City has mastered this with more delicate greens, which they painstakingly preserve, pick, and in the case of microgreens, cultivate from freeze to thaw.

Co-owner and farmer John Dindia says the key here is employing covered structures—in particular, the heatless hoophouse—which provide just enough cover and climate control for leafy greens like lettuces, spinach, and Swiss chard to thrive without much intervention for months. Micro greens, like pea shoots, and other herbs are also hot-ticket items, he notes, though these are often grown in “flats,” or soil trays, and demand additional heating and light to succeed.

Other tricks of the local green trade include combining crop cover with frost

blankets (swaths of woven fabric that help trap the sun’s banked warmth in the soil), as well as managing disease and insect pressure and nipping weeds in the bud to pack the structures as full of plants as possible.

When additional heat becomes necessary in December or January, farmers can choose from simple space heaters up to complex solar panels to generate warmth.

The idea, Dindia says, is to keep things warm enough to stave off killer frost until the increased sunlight of early spring justifies new growth.

For the folks at Lakeview, a renewable energy wood boiler does the trick, though high-efficiency LED lights are also a viable option. For farmers dealing in plant plugs or tending to heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers, true greenhouses (read: plenty of heat) or hydroponics are also mechanisms to consider, though the considerably higher maintenance costs tend to make these more intensive facilities less accessible to smaller-scale farmers.

“We definitely push the limit outside, but these cold weather greens develop flavors that are just exceptional,” Welty adds. “They’re [on par with, if not] better than product you’d find anywhere else in the world.”

Extra Goodies Then there’s the virtually infinite world of refrigerated and shelf-stable products, which not only provide a year-round outlet for a larger subset of regional farmers, but also allows them to stretch their agricultural bang for the buck even further.

Goods in this category range from meat and poultry to freshly-laid eggs, milk and cheeses, honey, yogurt, and local grains. As

Lively points out, freezer capacity is also a handy little tool for extending the lifespan of products whose supply exceeds the regional market (fragile summer tomatoes, for instance) or repurposing blemished or overripe produce by using those items in prepared foods.

Both markets also offer a wide variety of “added value” goods from locallycrafted jams and spreads to salad dressing, ferments, beverages, body care items, and beyond.

“We’re trying to round out our shelves to

be closer to a full-service grocery store, but with a local perspective,” says Lively. “The goal is to find farms to fill those gaps, because people want to buy local if they can find it.”

Shopping Local Though it might take time to get in the groove of winter market shopping, redirecting our dollars in this way makes an immeasurable difference for farmers.

For starters, says Dindia, the real competition for local farms is their massproducing (and often less-expensive) grocery

store counterparts. Recognizing the value of local food, however, not only creates more opportunities for regional growers to thrive, but also opens the market to Michigan-made products we’d like in higher supply.

Per Dindia, we’re also chipping away at the stereotype that farm markets are strictly seasonal, which is not only untrue, but also threatens the accessibility of the products they feature. (In fact, Welty estimates that 9 Bean Rows’ farm sales drop by nearly half in the seasonal transition from outdoor to indoor markets!). Couple this with entry

barriers, like reliance on prepared products or fear of unfamiliar ingredients, and it’s not hard to imagine how year-round markets fell out of the figurative shopping cart.

“We’re trying to better serve our community,” Lively adds. “We’re not inventing this concept; we’re just going back to it.”

Find Lively NeighborFood Market at 3805 W Empire Hwy, Empire (livelyneighborfood. com); and the Village at Grand Traverse Commons Indoor Market in the Mercato at 806 Red Dr., Traverse City (thevillagetc.

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Remai

Petaja

BUILDING THE LIFE YOU WANT

Life coaches talk goals, values, and challenges

By Art Bukowski Who needs a life coach?

While people seek out life coaches for a variety of reasons, one theme is almost always present, coaches say: They’re stuck.

Sometimes they can clearly identify the hump. Sometimes it’s just a general feeling of spinning wheels without positive momentum. Either way, they’ve identified that they just can’t do it on their own.

“A lot of times it’s people who are tired of their same old story,” says Traverse Citybased coach Shea Petaja. “They come to me when they’re ready to build the life they want. They need to put structure to what that looks like, and they’re ready to be pushed.”

Northern Express connected with two local life coaches to find out more about the business of helping people make the most of their lives—and themselves.

What Is Life Coaching?

There is a lot of overlap between coaches, counselors, therapists, and other professionals who speak to people and help them overcome issues.

One big and important difference between therapy/counseling and life coaching is that the latter isn’t intended to diagnose or address medical issues like anxiety or depression. While those issues might occur in someone seeking life coaching, a life coach isn’t qualified to treat them.

“Therapy looks to the past to help people with the present, [while] coaching looks at the future to help people with decisions,” Petaja says. “Both modalities look at patterns that keep people stuck.”

Pretty much anyone could see benefits from a life coach, coaches themselves say.

And it’s not just for people whose lives are a mess, as plenty of successful people come in for coaching.

“I think a lot of people who benefit from life coaching are healthy, successful, and doing pretty well, but there’s some area that they haven’t met a goal or achievement

yet, or some area that doesn’t feel quite right to them,” says local coach Mandy Remai of Seasons of Life Counseling.

How It Works Life coaches are like other professionals in that they can be generalists or specialize in certain areas. They also can have very different styles.

Remai, who is also a licensed professional counselor (LPC), often sees her clients on an as-needed approach to deal with a wide variety of issues, from interpersonal communication to aging parents to career roadblocks and much more. She often has regular contact with her clients as they work through an issue, then she might not see them for months or years until they need her again.

Petaja, on the other hand, wants her clients in and out in a year or less (often six months) in large part because she finds that they want it that way, too. A defined start and end point gives greater focus and urgency to her sessions, something that resonates with clients. Set some goals, then get ’em done.

“I've had people say to me, ‘Shea, you put things together faster than my therapist has in the last five years,’” she says. “And I think people are looking for that because things are changing around us so fast right now. We have to be able to adapt quickly and move.

You can’t sit on things for too long anymore.”

There’s room for both styles, which serve fundamentally different purposes.

“Mandy’s life coaching style is much more life management and mine is much more life outcome,” Petaja says of her close friend Remai.

Positioning for Change Regardless of differences in time and tempo, coaches are tasked first and foremost with helping people realize their potential— and get out of their own way.

“I think the greatest asset a coach can give is providing a strong, solid sense of what’s really possible for us,” Remai says.

“Because sometimes we can be our own

worst critic. It’s easy to start out strong and then kind of get in our own way with some of our repetitive patterns of either thinking or behaving. And sometimes we’re just too close to our own stuff to figure it out.”

Some clients start the process with goals in mind; others are unsatisfied with life in general and need a path forward.

Petaja works collaboratively with her clients to identify goals, which are based on their personal values. From there, the sky’s the limit.

“I want to position you for change, and the only way to do that is for me to work through your personal values, the purpose you feel that you have in this life,” she says.

“Then from there, when people have a foundation to work from, we can start to create. When people have a safe foundation, their creativity just starts to blow up. It’s awesome.”

The real value proposition is being able to troubleshoot your problems with a trained, experienced professional who’s seen it all and who doesn’t have a personal connection to the client’s problems.

“An outside person with some expertise, knowing how to ask the right questions, can really help us gain ground in a much quicker manner,” Remai says.

And unlike therapy, where the goal is for a patient to have certain self-realizations, life coaches are more inclined to offer direct advice and solutions to problems.

“When you go to a therapist, they’ll sit, they’ll listen. Their job is to help draw this stuff out of you over time. That’s the training,” Petaja says. “With coaching, I can speak my mind. I can give opinions and solutions. We can have a disagreement in coaching. It’s fun. It’s very interactive.”

Petaja is not scared to push her clients toward their goals.

“My clients are often uncomfortable, but they’re not in crisis. So I can push them and challenge them at a much more immediate level, and that’s the reason I put a beginning and an end on our engagement, because they need to see that we’re not messing around.

It’s go time. Our sessions are pretty intense

and forward thinking.”

This intensity is quite often the exact opposite of many folks’ assumptions in regards to life coaching, Petaja says.

“I think they think it’s cheesy, like light and fluffy work, but it’s highly impactful and it’s very intense,” she says. “We’re gonna dig out some roots and beliefs that are keeping you from moving forward. It’s going to affect your relationships, your health, your career. I call my program the ‘holy shift’ for that reason.”

A Give and Take As with therapy, life coaching can only work if the client buys in and the plan for success is attainable.

“It has to be their plan first because I can come up with a plan, but is it something that the client is willing to do?”

Remai says. “Because if it’s not, it’s not an effective plan.”

Remai acknowledges that sometimes it can be hard walking the line between the potential she sees for a client and the potential the client sees in themselves.

“I think a challenge I had early on that is better today is where I think somebody should be or could be and where they want to be, and remembering that they get to decide,” she says.

And even with direct coaching and advice, there are still certain things clients have to discover on their own, Petaja says.

“I think the biggest challenge for me is the relationships around my clients that are holding them back. And that takes years sometimes for people to be able to set boundaries with people that are holding them back and keeping them from excelling and growing. And as a coach, you can see it, but you know that you have to give it time and let the client have their experience.

Letting people have their journey is always the hardest part, whether you’re a coach or a therapist or a friend.”

Learn more at sheapetaja.com and seasonsoflifecounselingandcoaching.com.

Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 13

I Tried Infusion Therapy, and Here’s What I Learned Healthy living one drip at a time A snowstorm whitewashed the view of Little Traverse Bay as I sat in a leather recliner with an IV in my left arm at Revive Infusions located in Petoskey’s historic train depot in Penn Plaza.

In front of me a television played a continuous loop of a crackling fire on a mountainous beach as a “Reboot” infusion slowly dripped a yellowish concoction, sometimes referred to as a “banana bag,” designed to get me back on my feet after fighting a chest cold for more than two weeks.

Per Revive’s website, the Reboot infusion consists of Zofran and vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B6. The infusion combats dehydration, headaches, and overall achy feelings. There are more than 10 infusions that clients can choose from that are marketed to increase energy and focus, stop the effects of aging, combat illnesses, weight loss, improve skin health, and reduce recovery time, to name a few.

is low and you have muscle cramping. We’ll do an infusion that has a mixture of the supplements you need.”

Infusion therapy has grown in popularity throughout the United States and is becoming more prevalent in northern Michigan.

A study by Grand View Research valued the hydration infusion industry at 2.64 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to 5.64 billion by 2033 in the U.S. More than two dozen centers are located throughout lower Michigan, with some offering mobile infusion therapy services.

The growth can be attributed to more people taking a preventive personal approach to their healthcare and opting for alternative practices, like infusions, over traditional medicine. Infusion therapy is also becoming more popular in the world of aesthetics and athletics, while partygoers are hooking up with an IV for a quick fix before or after a night of revelry.

Hydration & Health Two years ago, Aaron Greene and his partner Karolyn Wilder—both psychiatrists—opened Revive Infusions as part of their Beacon Wellness and Psychiatry practice in downtown Petoskey.

Greene said there are many reasons for someone to undergo infusion therapy.

“Number one is hydration,” he said. “Our focus is on an integrative care approach for addressing both the mind and body and how it plays a large role in someone’s wellness.”

Greene added that the therapy is used “to really enhance, in an acute manner, how people are feeling. So let’s say you’re really low on energy, right? That’s probably your B vitamins are low. Maybe your magnesium

My Experience Doing something beneficial for my health was appealing, and an infusion at Revive seemed like a right fit for me. However, my fear of needles thought otherwise. Seconds after the IV needle pierced my skin, my temperature rose, sweat beaded up on my forehead, and my mouth ran dry.

“It is a vasovagal response,” Greene calmly said as he waved a freshly opened package of smelling salts below my nose and reclined my chair. “It is common. It happens to my wife every time.”

He brought me a blanket and a small bottle of water and continued to hook up the IV to the bag of Reboot. Greene explained that I was very dehydrated and I agreed.

By Todd VanSickle

14 • january 05, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Prior to my appointment I drank a pot of coffee or more—a daily routine.

As the infusion made its way into my bloodstream, my hands turned cold and I pulled the white fluffy blanket over me and started to relax. The smell of a eucalyptusscented candle wafted in the air as Norah Jones played in the background. The space feels more like a day spa than a doctor’s office and that is exactly how Greene wanted it—who did most of the renovations to the historic train station himself.

“When we started this, my partner and I went and tested other places,” Greene said. “We had several different infusions at different clinics trying to see what we liked and what we didn’t like. Which one did we feel more comfortable in; who explained things the best. And [we] really tried to put all that together.”

On average, it takes about 40 minutes for an infusion and the effects can be felt within 30 minutes to an hour and can last up to a week depending on the patient, Greene said.

For me, the infusion took longer—a lot longer, something Greene attributed to my severe dehydration. However, I did feel rested and at ease when the IV came to its last drop.

Appointments & Cost Greene is a specialized psychiatric physician assistant and Wilde is a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Both administer infusions and hope to hire a nurse and offer more services, like oxygen therapy, as the business grows.

“Together our main role is medicine management and in our clinic we have incorporated the infusion center, which has been a wonderful addition,” Greene said.

Clients can schedule an appointment online or walk in on Fridays. The checkin process is straightforward with clients answering a few questions about their health and medical history through an app on their phone or on a tablet available in-house.

Revive screens patients and would turn away someone who may be at risk of an adverse reaction to infusion therapy, including having an infection, liver damage, or a history of congestive heart failure.

“This is considered experimental, and we do have people sign a waiver for it, which is standard,” Greene said. “This has been kind of a selective luxury service for a higher income class. However, our goal when we opened this was to make it available to everyone.”

Many infusion therapy centers, like Revive, have subscriptions that allow clients to sign up for monthly treatments to make the procedure more affordable. Revive charges $150 per infusion with an option to add on other vitamins, antioxidants, or minerals for an additional cost.

Growth & Awareness The infusion business is growing slowly in northern Michigan, but Greene expects things to change.

“We have visibility downtown for the most part, and the response has been very good,” he said. “It just has grown slowly because I think infusion medicine, which has been popular in more populated or urban areas for many years, is really now just picking up steam locally.”

Revive sees a greater demand for infusion therapy during the summer when more tourists are visiting the area.

“We get a lot of people saying, ‘Hey, I’m

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up here on vacation and I’m sick. I need an infusion,’ or ‘I’m running a local race,’” Greene said. “The Charlevoix Marathon was in town, and we had people come in pre-race for an infusion, and they would say things like, ‘Yeah, I get an infusion once every two weeks back where I’m from.’ It is just more common.”

He has also received an inquiry from a local high school football coach to have infusion therapy for his players. “As long as their parents bring them in,” Greene responded, as infusion therapy clients must be 16 years or older.

A doctor referral at Revive is not required, but patients often come with a doctor’s recommendation, Greene said. He sees clients who are fighting symptoms of long Covid-19, seasonal depression, and morning sickness during pregnancy.

Infusions are also becoming more attractive for individuals who want to look good.

“It became more popular in the esthetics world because we can do different vitamins and things that help build up skin, clear complexion, and things like that,” Greene said.

Other infusions can aid in weight loss treatment and aging, Greene said, or improve the healing process after a surgery.

“I just had a gentleman who had a shoulder injury with inflammation for years and he did not want any surgery,” Greene said. “We did an NAD infusion and it worked quite nicely. It may not be permanent, but it allows for him to rehab in the right way or continue NAD injections at home, just a small little insulin needle, instead of traditional medicine.”

NAD-plus is a vital coenzyme found in all living cells needed for metabolic processes, including converting nutrients into energy and repairing damaged DNA. Levels of NAD-plus naturally decline with age and stress, Greene said. NAD IV therapy is not approved by the FDA. “It really does work,” Greene said.

“I’m telling you, it is wild. And even if it’s temporary, what we find is it just kind of gives the brain and the body physically a feeling of ‘I’m okay,’ because it goes to work so quickly.”

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PROS & CONS

Not everyone is a believer that infusions are a cure-all, with skeptics suggesting that vitamins and supplements can be just as effective if taken orally; however, Greene disagrees.

“What we know is that vitamins taken orally have minimal absorption,” he said. “When it’s through an IV, you have a 95 to 99 percent absorption of those compounds you’re infusing, and they go to work right away.”

He added that it is no different than a dehydrated patient being administered an IV with a saline solution at a hospital.

According to the National Library of Medicine, 80 to 90 percent of patients admitted to a hospital are given IV therapy in some form. Greene said most ingredients in an infusion are watersoluble and filter through the kidneys, so getting too much of something is not a concern.

Before making an appointment at an infusion center near you, do your research: The FDA has released warnings about infusions alerting the public about unregulated infusion spas operating under unsanitary conditions and compounding drugs in the infusion therapy that may lead to liver damage. Infections from improperly administered IVs have also raised concern.

After my infusion I had lunch and made the one-hour drive home. When I got out of my vehicle, and realized I didn’t moan or grunt in agony like I normally do.

Maybe it was coincidence or wishful thinking. So, in the name of journalism, I put the IV therapy to a final test: I imbibed four 12-ounce Upper Peninsula-crafted IPAs in the comfort of my home knowing I was well hydrated.

By the next day, I came to the conclusion that another infusion session might be in order.

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PATHS TO STRENGTH How jiu-jitsu and yoga offer fitness for every age and ability in 2026

By Lourin Sprenger As the calendar turns and wellness resolutions begin to take shape, Manistee residents have more options than ever for getting active, whether they’re looking to build confidence through martial arts or find calm strength through yoga.

Two local fitness leaders, Manistee Combat Academy and Yoga Fitness Center, prove that there is no single “right” way to get fit in 2026. What matters most, they say, is finding movement that challenges you, supports you, and ultimately helps you feel more at home in your own body.

Their approaches may differ, but their philosophy is the same: Start where you are, keep showing up, and surround yourself with a supportive community.

Finding Strength Through Struggle: Manistee Combat Academy For Manistee Combat Academy owner Trever Johnson, opening a martial arts gym wasn’t a business plan—it was a calling.

Returning home to Manistee after two decades away, Johnson immediately identified a need: kids and teens in the community were lacking structure, mentorship, and meaningful athletic opportunities.

“As a father of three, it pushed me to do something about it,” he says. Martial arts had shaped him deeply, and he wanted local youth to experience the same confidence and discipline.

In April 2025, Manistee Combat Academy opened its doors, offering what Johnson calls “a safe, positive, and challenging environment where kids, teens, and adults can ‘find themselves through struggle.’”

The academy offers a wide range of programs, from beginner-friendly kids’ jiujitsu to competitive boxing. Classes run in evenings and after school, making them accessible to families and working adults.

The class lineup includes: • Kids’ Jiu-Jitsu (ages 4–12): Structured play, self-defense, teamwork • Teen Jiu-Jitsu (13–17): Accountability, resilience, confidence-building • Adult Jiu-Jitsu: Community-based training for fitness, self-defense, or personal growth • Youth & Adult Boxing: Bringing back the region’s boxing culture with fundamentals and conditioning • Youth Wrestling & After-School Training: A safe athletic outlet for local kids Johnson believes the academy’s strength comes from teaching life skills, not just technique.

“What makes us unique is our commitment to helping people become stronger mentally and physically,” he explains.

Confidence, discipline, and problem-solving are treated as essential parts of training, not side effects. The gym’s “everyone grows together” model means beginners receive thoughtful instruction while advanced students help mentor newcomers.

This year will be a growth year for the academy, with expanded youth programs, new seminars, community events, and more opportunities for all ages to train and compete. Learn more at manisteecombatacademy.com.

Johnson’s Top Fitness Advice for 2026 1. Start with something you enjoy; fitness should be engaging.

2. Stay consistent, even if it’s only two days per week.

3. Don’t fear being a beginner; courage matters more than experience.

4. Pay attention to how training makes you feel, not just how you look.

5. Surround yourself with a supportive community.

Finding Balance & Accessibility: Yoga Fitness Center Across town on River Street, Diana Bradley, owner of Yoga Fitness Center, offers a different—but equally transformative— take on wellness.

Bradley first discovered yoga during a turbulent time in her life. After experiencing a devastating personal loss and then stumbling into a yoga class, something clicked.

“The physical and mental challenge sparked something within me that I had not experienced before,” she says. Within months, she pursued formal training, completing her first instructor certification in 2003.

“I looked at yoga as this secret treasure that I found and I wanted to share it with everyone,” she says. Three years later, Yoga Fitness Center opened, first in an elementary school gym, then a few temporary homes, before landing at its River Street studio in 2008.

Bradley prioritizes accessibility, creating classes suited for a wide range of needs and abilities: • Chair Yoga: For people who struggle getting up and down from the floor • Gentle Yoga: Perfect for beginners or anyone seeking a slower, stretch-focused experience • Level 1 Yoga: A mixed-level class with modifications and posture cues • Beginner’s Series: Once a year, offering a deep-dive into form, alignment, and fundamentals • Pop-Up Yoga: Theme-based specialty classes • Zumba & Zumba Toning: Led by licensed instructor Lisa, ideal for those who love dance-based fitness Her teaching style focuses on clear, simple language and gradual progression.

“Yoga poses are intimidating when you see someone in a strange shape,” she explains.

“But I like to do the work toward a pose so you can see and feel that it is doable.”

For Bradley, success starts with placing students in the right level of class. She emphasizes choosing the format that matches your abilities—particularly the ability to get up and down off the floor— so that the experience builds confidence rather than discouragement.

If a student accidentally joins a class that’s too advanced, Bradley adjusts on the spot: offering modifications, options, and alternative stretches.

“You do not have to do every pose if it doesn’t feel safe for you,” she reminds her students.

In 2026, Yoga Fitness Center will continue offering weekly classes along with a spring Beginner’s Series and periodic pop-up classes. Updates can be found on yogainmanistee.com and on social media.

Bradley’s Top Wellness Tips for 2026 1. Progress takes time—think of training like preparing for a marathon.

2. Mental barriers can hold you back more than physical ones.

3. Release expectations; comparison only hinders growth.

4. Keep moving, even on days when you don’t feel like it.

5. Choose activities that bring joy, and your community will grow from there.

6. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace.

Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 19

Meatless Mondays with the Three Sisters

By Nora Rae Pearl

Inside the Ingredients

In the depth of winter, we’re all looking for warmth, and these new recipes are sure to make you feel full and cozy. The dishes below highlight a trio known as the Three Sisters long used by indigenous people of Central and North America: beans, squash, and corn.

When it comes to these compatible crops, “what grows together, goes together” couldn’t be more true.

These Meatless Monday features are for anyone looking for fresh takes in the New Year.

For your shopping, we suggest going to Farm Club in Traverse City, 9 Bean Rows in Lake Leelanau, or The Lively Neighborfood Market in Empire. There you will find Sheridan Acre Black Turtle Beans and plenty of squash. Our secret ingredient for our enchilada’s hot sauce is made with Northport’s own Hallstead Homestead’s Cherry Vinegar, sold online or at a Tom’s near you.

CHIPOTLE ENCHILADAS Beans and squash shine with homemade tortillas in this lasagna-esque warming winter bake.

Tortilla Ingredients • 3 cups instant corn masa flour • 2 1/4 cups water Filling & Topping Ingredients • 4 1/2 cups cooked black beans*, drained • 3 cups of 1/2-inch cubed butternut squash • Zest of 1 lime • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil • 28 oz. can plus one 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes • 4 tablespoons water • 4 tablespoons lime juice • 2 tablespoons honey • Salt and pepper • 7 oz. can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce • 3 tablespoons cherry jam • 1/2 cup Hallstead Homestead Cherry Vinegar • 6 cups shredded cheddar cheese • Sour cream, to serve To make the tortillas: In a large bowl, mix together the flour and water until you have a soft dough. Divide into 24 equal pieces.

Loosely cover the pieces as you roll out one tortilla at a time. Roll out between two small pieces of parchment paper to 4- to 5-inch circles. Carefully peel the tortilla off the paper. Cook in a skillet over mediumhigh heat until lightly browned and cooked through, turning every 30 seconds or so to evenly cook each side.

To make the bean filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the squash with

enough water to cover by 1 inch. Boil until tender. Drain and place in a large bowl with the black beans. Mash a third of mixture, keeping the rest chunky. Mix in 1/4 cup of olive oil, zest of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

To make the tomato sauce: Blend together the crushed tomatoes, water, lime juice, honey, 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 large chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, and 3/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.

To assemble: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Spread out six tortillas.

Top with one-third of the bean-squash mixture, followed by one-quarter of the tomato sauce and one-quarter of the shredded cheese. Repeat this process until you get to the top layer of tortillas, sauce, and cheese. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees—loosely cover with foil if it browns too quickly.

Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before serving. Meanwhile, make the hot sauce.

To make the cherry chipotle hot sauce: Blend together the remaining chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with the cherry jam and cherry vinegar until very smooth.

Once the enchiladas are ready to serve, spread a layer of hot sauce all over the top of the dish before slicing. You won’t use all of it; save the rest to serve on the side.

Drizzle sour cream over each slice. (*Soak 1 1/2 cups dried beans in a large pot of water overnight. Cook the next day until tender.)

20 • january 05, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

BLACK BEAN SOUP Nothing transforms a simple pot of beans better than some vegetables and spice.

Cornbread is also a welcomed addition to this meal.

Ingredients • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped • 3 celery stalks, finely chopped • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika • 1 teaspoon dried basil • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1 teaspoon cumin • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 6 oz. can tomato paste • 15 oz. can diced tomatoes • 4 1/2 cups cooked black beans and their liquid* • 3 cups water • 3 tablespoons lime juice • 2 teaspoons salt

• To garnish: sliced jalapeño, avocado, sour cream To make the soup: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, sauté until lightly browned.

Add the carrot and celery, cook for an additional five minutes until all the vegetables are softened. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder through the cayenne pepper. Add to the pot with the tomato paste. Cook for one minute, stirring well. Stir in the diced tomatoes.

Add the black beans and their liquid along with the water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the lime juice and salt. Serve hot with garnishes of your choice. (*Soak 1 1/2 cups dried beans in a large pot of water overnight. Cook the next day until tender. Before draining beans, reserve 2 cups of the cooking liquid and use in the recipe. This is the equivalent to three 15 oz. cans of black beans and all of their liquid.)

E T E N T H S T | M A R K E T P L A C E C I R | W W W O R Y A N A C O O P Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 21

jan 03

INTERLOCHEN IN TOWN PRESENTS: Saturday COMMUNITY NIGHT AT THE STATE: 7pm, $1 KIDS’ MATINEE: 10am,

State Theatre, TC. Featuring “Abominable.” stateandbijou.org/homepage/kidsmatinees ---------------------BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY DANCE: 7:30pm, Littlefield/Alanson Community Building, Alanson. Music will be provided by The Hybrids, with Larry Dyer 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/person; $5/student; 12 & under, free. blissfest.org

jan 05

monday COOKBOOK DINNER SE-

RIES PRESENTS “KIIN”

BY NUIT REGULAR: amical, TC, Jan. 5-11. Nuit learned to cook in her mother’s kitchen, using ingredients from the market or the family garden, & developed a passion for sharing Thai cuisine with others. Kiin, meaning “eat” in Thai, explores the vibrant ingredients, markets, & culture of northern Thailand that inspires its recipes. amical.com/kiin --------------------------------SOUP AND BREAD: FLOW FOR WATER: 6-8pm, The Little Fleet, TC. Local restaurants donate soup. You pay what you want.

All money raised goes to a local non-profit.

This month’s non-profit is FLOW for Water. thelittlefleet.com/events/soup-and-bread-1

State Theatre, TC. Featuring “Phantom of the Opera.” A young soprano becomes the obsession of a disfigured & murderous musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opéra House. $10 adults; $6 students (FREE for Interlochen Arts Academy students). interlochen.org/events/interlochen-in-town-presents-community-night-state-phantom-opera-2026-01-07

jan 08

tuesday COOKBOOK DINNER SE-

jan 07

wednesday jan COOKBOOK DINNER SE-

RIES PRESENTS “KIIN”

BY NUIT REGULAR: (See Mon., Jan. 5)

RIES PRESENTS “KIIN”

BY NUIT REGULAR: (See Mon., Jan. 5) ---------------------AMERICAN FOLK: OLD TIME IN THE CURRENT TIMES: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Michigan folk singer Ben Traverse (they/ them) presents an educational concert & discussion bridging the gap between traditional music, the culture which fostered it, & how it lives on today. Free. tadl.org/bentraverse ---------------------------------

09

friday THE LITTLE PRINCE AND

THE MAN FROM MARS: 7:30pm, The MATCH, 1728 S. Garfield Ave. at the Cherryland Center, TC. The newest remix from Mashup follows a group of Castaways who are riding out the end of the world in an abandoned strip mall. To pass the time they tell stories about the Little Prince and the Man From Mars, two spectacular alien beings who crashed to Earth & experienced the best & worst of humanity. $28 GA, $38 VIP, $22 students & seniors. mashuprockandrollmusical.com/upcoming-shows-tickets/

22 • january 05, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

03-11

send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

thursday FAMILY PLAYGROUP:

10:30am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to join in this nature-based playgroup, held on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, & connection with other families, all in the beauty of the outdoors. Free. grassriver.org --------------------------------COOKBOOK DINNER SERIES PRESENTS “KIIN” BY NUIT REGULAR: (See Mon., Jan. 5) --------------------------------FEUDING FOUNDERS: COLLABORATION & CONFLICT BETWEEN JOHN ADAMS & THOMAS JEFFERSON: 4pm, The Mills Community House, Benzonia. Presented by West Shore Community College history professor Mike Nagle. This presentation is part of the Benzie Area Historical Society’s Benzonia Academy Lecture Series. Recommended donation: $5. benziemuseum.org --------------------------------EVERYONE HAS A STORY: STORYTELLING COMMUNITY CIRCLE: 5:30-7pm, Kingsley Branch Library. Join The Kingsley Folk School for a relaxed, no-prep storytelling community circle, Everyone Has a Story.

Share real moments from your life, told to connect, laugh, reflect. Held the 2nd Thurs. of every month. Free. tadl.org/event/everyone-has-story-28438

jan 06

january

Burn some winter energy at Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire! A free Family Playgroup is held the first and third Thursdays each month for families with children ages 0-5. On Thurs., Jan. 8 at 10:30am enjoy stories, playtime, snacks and connection with others families… all outdoors! Return the following night, Fri., Jan. 9 at 6:30pm for a Lantern-Lit Evening ($5/person). Take part in a self-guided lantern-lit hike, or an evening ski or snowshoe (also available for rent for an additional $5) on GRNA’s trails and boardwalks if there is snow. Also includes a campfire at the Center pavilion and the heated building will be open and staffed. grassriver.org

--------------------------------LANTERN-LIT EVENING: 6:30pm, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Enjoy a selfguided lantern-lit hike, or an evening ski or snowshoe on GRNA’s trails & boardwalks if there is snow. $5/person. There will be a campfire at the Center pavilion & the heated building will be open & staffed. grassriver.org --------------------------------COOKBOOK DINNER SERIES PRESENTS “KIIN” BY NUIT REGULAR: (See Mon., Jan. 5) --------------------------------SAM SHOVEL - PRIVATE EYE: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. It’s a hot & sultry day in the gritty city, & Sam Shovel has a dead man sprawled in her office, stabbed in the back with a yardstick. This 1940s detective noir parody Staged Reading will be reminiscent of an old-time radio show. $10. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/staged-readings/ sam-shovel-private-eye.html

jan 10

saturday LITTLE WAVES YOUNG

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY MUSIC PROGRAM: A fun instrument exploration series hosted by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra.

Enjoy a multimedia musical storybook time & a chance to see one or more of the instruments of the orchestra up close. For ages 4-10. Free. Held at Petoskey District Library at 10:30am & at Charlevoix Public Library at 1pm. glcorchestra.org --------------------------------THE LITTLE PRINCE AND THE MAN FROM MARS: (See Fri., Jan. 9) --------------------------------WINTER THEME STORY TIME: 10am, Alden District Library. Miss Bri will read stories with a winter theme & offer simple activities for kids. 231-331-4318.

--------------------------------WINTER TRAILS DAY: 1-3pm, Crystal Mountain, Cross-Country Center, Thomp-

sonville. Free cross-country skiing for both children & adults new to snow sports.

This free clinic includes a lesson, day pass & rental equipment. Demonstrations will be held at the top of each hour & will be about 15 minutes long. Offered at 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. crystalmountain.com/eventsactivities/events/event-calendar/wintertrails-day --------------------------------SAM SHOVEL - PRIVATE EYE: (See Fri., Jan. 9, except today’s times are 2pm & 7:30pm.)

--------------------------------BENZIE PRIDE EVENT: 3pm, Five Shores Brewing, Beulah. Join Benzie Pride for an historical dagger fight demonstration & short lesson with the Historical Weapons Guild of TC. The daggers are made of plastic & have a safety tip. benziepride.org --------------------------------COOKBOOK DINNER SERIES PRESENTS “KIIN” BY NUIT REGULAR: (See Mon., Jan. 5) --------------------------------THE ALLUVION JAZZ SERIES PRESENTS: MICHAEL DEASE CITY LIFE QUINTET FEAT. GEOFFREY KEEZER & BILLY KILSON: 7-9:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. Trombonist Michael Dease has lent his versatile sound & signature improvisations to over 200 recordings & groups as diverse as Grammy-winning artists David Sanborn, Christian McBride, Kanye West, Michel Camilo, & Alicia Keys. Geoffrey Keezer is a GRAMMY-winning pianist, composer, arranger & producer based in New York City. Drummer Billy Kilson is known for his revelational improvisation & timing, & an undeniable stage presence reminiscent of the great jazz drummers before him. $30-$35. thealluvion.org/tickets/ the-alluvion-jazz-series-presents-michaeldease-city-life-quintet-featuring-geoffreykeezer-billy-kilson --------------------------------THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. A Journey Through Motown’s Best Including: The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson & more. $39-$69. cityoperahouse.org

jan 11

sunday THE LITTLE PRINCE AND

THE MAN FROM MARS: PAY WHAT YOU CAN: 3pm, The MATCH, 1728 S. Garfield Ave. at the Cherryland Center, TC. A group of Castaways ride out the end of the world telling stories about two spectacular alien beings who crashed to Earth & experienced the best & worst of humanity. This performance will feature full ASL interpreting as well as a Deaf performer within the show. Pay a minimum of $5. mashuprockandrollmusical.com/ upcoming-shows-tickets/ --------------------------------COOKBOOK DINNER SERIES PRESENTS “KIIN” BY NUIT REGULAR: (See Mon., Jan. 5)

art CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETO-

SKEY: - PORTRAITS OF PLACE: Held in Atrium Gallery. Presented by CTAC’s Kitchen Painters, this is a vibrant exhibition celebrating the beauty, spirit, & shared stories of northern Michigan. Runs through Jan. 10. See web

site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-andexhibitions/exhibits/portraits-of-place.html --------------------------------- OPEN STUDIO: Held in the Visual Arts Room, Saturdays, 10am-1pm. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. crookedtree.org --------------------------------DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - DEWEY BLOCKSMA: ROUNDTABLE: Blocksma’s artwork is a gathering of figures & ideas, real & imagined, informed by medicine & art. Common themes include: puzzle heads, violin women, fake computers, Dutch cowboys, porcupines, & much more, all within a world assembled & reassembled, juggling toys buffeted by current events. Runs through Jan. 4. Check web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view - ICE INTO OCEAN: ARCTIC TRACINGS: This exhibition is the result of a seven year collaboration between Cy Keener & Justine Holzman, exploring how ice shifts & reshapes the landscapes of the Arctic. Through large scale drawings, images, & installation, the exhibit investigates the nature & movement of ice & water across this remote environment. Runs through Jan. 4. Check web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view - BENEATH THE SURFACE: TRAINING TOMORROW’S WATER STEWARDS: The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at NMC is advancing freshwater, groundwater, & marine science through cutting-edge technology, education, & research. This exhibit highlights NMC students’ hands-on work with remotely operated vehicles, sonar mapping, & groundwater sampling. Runs through Jan. 4. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum. org/art/now-on-view - DOUG CANNELL: “SELECTIONS FROM BACKSTORIES”: An introduction to Doug Cannell’s works that merge sculpture, installation, & storytelling into layered experiences. Cannell creates objects that resist easy definition. Runs through April 3. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org - IMPRESSIONS OF AN ERA: PRINTS FROM THE DENISON MUSEUM COLLECTION: This selection of prints, created between 1970 & 1990 by nationally & internationally recognized contemporary artists, reflects two transformative decades in contemporary printmaking. Artists include Dee Shapiro, Barbara Kohl-Spiro, KUDO Muramasa & James Rizzi. Runs through May 31.

See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER: - INTERIORS EXHIBITION: An exploration of inner spaces, both real & imagined, spaces of the home & of the mind. Opens Jan. 9 with a reception from 5-7pm. Runs through March 12. See web site for hours. glenarborart.org - SMALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY HARVEY GORDON: Enjoy this exhibition of acrylic paintings held in the Lobby Gallery, Jan. 5 - April 23. See web site for hours.

GlenArborArt.org --------------------------------OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT: - SPECTRUM EXHIBIT: Interactive exhibition showcasing artwork that makes it immediately evident that color is the major characteristic of the piece. Wide variety of work by regional artists. Runs Jan. 9 - Feb. 6. Opening reception: Fri., Jan. 9, 5-7pm. See web site for hours. oliverart.org - TACTILITY: Held in Beck & Borwell Galleries. An exhibition highlighting the design principle of texture in art. Featuring 2D & 3D artwork. Touchable “texture stations” will be integrated into the show. Runs Jan. 10 - Feb. 14. Open Tues. through Sat. from 10am-4pm, & Sun., noon-4pm. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org/gallery-gift-shop/exhibition-calendar

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER ACROSS DIFFERENCES THROUGH SHARED CREATIVE EXPERIENCES.

CELEBRATING DR. KING, AND THE POWERFUL PROMISE OF JUSTICE WORK, ALL DAY LONG, ON MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH @ COMMONGROUNDS :     from Jimmy Olson, Joe Wilson, and Kevin LaRose throughout the Commongrounds Building all day.

10  11 : M  M  M P—a special MLK-day edition for pre-K. 11   2 : C A  L A— All ages and skill levels are welcome.

N  2 : F C L—a shared meal offered with the help of volunteers from Pathhnder School 2  4 : Y P S—“Where We Were, Where We Are, Where We’re Going” Detroit spoken word poets-in-residence, Joel Fluent Greene and Peace Bell and their student cohort from Northport Public School present original spoken-word performances.

6  8 : D P L J C M—a free show echoing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring message of Love over Fear. free tickets available at

Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 23

lOGY

JAN 05 - JAN 11

BY ROB BREZSNY

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The coming months are

ripe for sacred audacity: boldness with a conscience and courage guided by kindness. Imagine you’re a Benevolent Initiator, whose superpower is to kindle beginnings without causing disruption and unease. Practice brilliant, incremental nudges and tweaks rather than grand interventions. If you’re hesitating to say what needs to be said, deliver a modest version now and a stronger one later. Make gradual momentum your ally. Homework: Identify a future scene you want to generate and take three elegantly simple steps toward it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The cathedral

of Notre-Dame in Paris took years to build.

Work began in 1163 and continued till 1345.

Generations of architects, masons, and artisans contributed to the project, and those who began it didn’t live to see it completed. Yet they labored with devotion, trusting that the holy beauty they facilitated would endure beyond their lifetimes. I hope you’re inspired by this story, Leo. It’s an apt metaphor for you. In the coming months, you could and should lay stones for creations you may not see fully accomplished for months or even years. I encourage you to redefine and refine

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22):Ready to decommission your inner censor? Interested in dropping the mask, relaxing your guard, and rewilding your gorgeous but slightly inhibited self? That’s what I recommend. Here are ways to fully enjoy the liberating grace period of the coming months: 1.

Don’t deny yourself pleasures that would be healthy to indulge.

2. Shed taboos that were smart safeguards once upon a time but are no longer. 3. Re-evaluate why you treat certain fun activities as questionable. 4. Be brightly compassionate toward aspects of yourself you regard as wounded or inferior. 5. Be receptive to rebellious urges.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): ): In 1839,

French artist Louis Daguerre perfected the daguerreotype, an early type of photography. The images were so detailed that you could count the threads in a subject’s clothing. The only downside: They required minutes of perfect stillness to capture.

A slight twitch or squirm could blur the picture. People held their breath and resisted the urge to fidget, hoping to preserve the magic moment. In this spirit, Libra, let’s make the long exposure your power metaphor during the coming months. The most useful truths will reveal themselves best if you give them time to develop. In conversations, resist filling every silence. In projects, don’t rush the pace. Have patient fun lingering on the threshold as the mysteries coalesce and clarify.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1907,

CLEAN HOME. CLEAR MIND. NEW YEAR.

Scorpio artist Pablo Picasso painted Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. It was a work so radically different from his earlier art and from the era’s norms that even his friends were stunned. Some called it ugly; others, incomprehensible. Yet the painting became a foundation of Cubism and reshaped modern art. Dear Scorpio, I suspect you may be on the verge of your own “Les Demoiselles” phase in 2026: unveiling novel approaches and innovative changes so original that they rattle comfortable assumptions. Don’t be discouraged if the initial responses don’t bring you appreciation. The rootshaking breakthroughs you’re consorting with may take others a while to recognize and welcome.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You

Sagittarians are often drawn to teaching. You have a predilection and a passion for sharing what you have learned from your adventures and explorations. Many of you also possess a related gift: helping people make the journey to where enlightening lessons can best occur. You have a knack for opening their minds and clearing the way so they can awaken to new ways of seeing and imagining the world. I hope you will provide both of these blessings in abundance during the coming months. Your ability to inspire and educate will be at a peak.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Safety isn’t

orc hardcleaningser vices.com | 231-943-1489

24 • january 05, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

the opposite of adventure. It’s the infrastructure that lets adventure be expansive. Keep that in mind in the coming months, Aquarius. You will be wise to cultivate cozy bravery. You should relax deeply and nurture your strength. Build the

support system for your future boldness. Then, in the second half of 2026, you will be well-prepared to launch a phase of experimental fun and exploratory learning. For best results, surround yourself with love and care. Decide who best supports you and make it attractive for them to support you.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): High in the

Andes Mountains, farmers have for centuries made chuño, a freeze-dried potato that can last for years. They leave the potatoes outside overnight to let the freezing temperatures draw out the water. In the daytime, the strong sunlight and dry mountain air evaporate residual moisture. By this process, a perishable food becomes a long-lasting staple. I propose we make the chuño your symbol of power, Pisces. The coming months will be an ideal time to build reserves. I hope you will turn what you have grown and developed into resources that will nourish you well into the future.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The mystics drone on endlessly about letting go. But I’m here now to praise the art of holding on fiercely, tenderly, with full commitment. Some treasures deserve your passionate grip. Some people warrant your loyal devotion. Especially in the coming months, dear Aries, I invite you to devote yourself to your exciting dreams with ardent intensity. No surrender! Relentless perseverance!

Uncompromising faith in the beauty and truth you love! What looks like stubbornness to outsiders will actually be fidelity to a vision others can't yet see.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): As far back as

the 19th century, daredevil college students in the UK have reveled in the practice of "night climbing." They clamber up chapels, spires, towers, and bridges under cover of darkness.

Why? Mainly for adventure, mischief, and altered perspectives. In the coming months, Taurus, you may be ready for your own symbolic version of night climbing. If that sounds fun, seek out vantage points you’ve never accessed. Experiment with possibilities you’ve dismissed as off-limits or outside your range. Be safe, of course, but also be joyfully exploratory. I bet the view from the frontiers will change you in inspiring ways.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the coming

months, I’m confident you will see and understand subtleties that most people miss.

You’ll be a maestro at tuning in to nuanced subtexts in conversations and hidden openings in stale situations. Everyone else may assume that familiar situations will never change, but you will have the power to tease out creative possibilities. You might even decode seemingly contradictory truths with such aplomb that you surprise yourself. Use this superpower with as much kindness as you can, Gemini. Some discoveries may tempt you toward clever mischief, but I hope that instead you will choose inspired guidance. Your expanded spectrum, if spiced with compassion, can consistently reveal your next leap.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The honeyguide bird of Africa has a lucrative arrangement with humans. It calls out to honey-hunters, leading them through brush to wild beehives built into trees. The people harvest the honey, and the bird eats the leftover wax and larvae. This cooperation is passed down over generations and benefits both species. Let’s use this as a metaphor for your future in 2026. You will have extra power to notice where mutual benefit is possible, even with unexpected allies. They may be able to guide you toward resources you couldn’t find alone, and you will have value to give in return. Keep an ear out for signals that say, “Come with me, and we’ll both gain.”

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska ENCORE 201, TC 1/9-10 -- DJ Ricky T, 9 KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC 1/3 -- Glow Party w/ DJ Leo, 9:30 KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING 1/6 – Open Mic Night Hosted by Kevin & Sierra LaRose, 6-9 LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM: 1/5 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9 NOCTURNAL BLOOM, TC Thu -- Thurs. Night Trivia, 6 NORTH BAR, TC 1/3 -- Jimmy Olson, 7-10 1/8 -- Drew Hale, 7-9

OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS: 1/3 -- Gemini Moon, 7 1/9 -- Chris Smith, 7 1/10 -- Erik Burke & Mark Daisy, 6:30 TC WHISKEY CO. 6: 1/3 -- Luke Woltanski 1/9 -- Mallory Ramage 1/10 -- Highway North THE ALLUVION, TC 1/5 -- Funky Uncle - Funky Fun Mondays wsg Will Marsh, 6-8:30 1/8 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat.

Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30 1/10 -- Michael Dease City Life Quintet feat. Geoffrey Keezer & Billy Kilson, 7-9:30 THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 1/10 -- Sosohifi wsg Nathan

Salsburg, 7-10 THE PARLOR, TC 1/3 -- Christina Teresa, 9 1/4 & 1/11 -- Music Bingo w/ Samantha Dallas & Trevor VanAssche, 7-9 1/6 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11 1/7 -- Rob Coonrod, 8-11 1/8 -- John Richard Paul, 8-11 1/9 -- Larz Cabot, 9 1/10 -- Dollar Shavey Club, 9 THE PUB, TC 1/5 -- Karaoke Mondays, 8 1/9 -- Christina Teresa, 8-11

nitelife

CAFE SANTÉ, BOYNE CITY 1/9 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7

MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 1/7 -- Karaoke Night, 8-11 SCHUSS MOUNTAIN, MANCELONA IVAN'S, BELLAIRE BALLROOM: 1/3 -- JP and The Energy, 5-8

CELLAR 152, ELK RAPIDS 1/3 -- Blair Miller, 5:30-8:30

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY

1/7 -- Singo Bingo: Soul Town, 6:30 1/9 -- Donald Benjamin, 7-10 1/10 -- Lara Fullford, 7-10

2-6: 1/3 -- Michelle Chenard 1/10 -- Two Track Mind

NORTHERN LIGHTS RECREATION, HARBOR SPRINGS

BRANDY'S HARBORTOWN, BAY HARBOR

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 1/6 -- Open Mic w/ Zak Bunce, 6-10

5-8: 1/3 -- Ricky Hill 1/9 -- Chris Calleja 1/10 -- Nick Visconti

UNION STREET STATION, TC 1/10 -- Detroit Mothugs, 10

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY

1/9 -- LaRose 1/10 -- Brian Curran & Howard Wilson RAVEN SOCIAL, CADILLAC 1/9 -- Vic Trip, 6-9

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

1/8 -- Trivia Night, 6-8 1/9 -- Pete Kehoe, 6-9

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS

1/3 -- Seasonal Road, 5-8 1/9 -- SINGO, 6-8

1/3 -- Holly Keller, 7-10 1/5 -- Quiz Runners Trivia, 6-8

THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN

1/3 -- Chris Neumann, 7 1/9 -- Musician's Playground, 7-10 1/10 -- Live Music, 4 THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS SLOPESIDE LOUNGE, 6-9:

1/3 -- Chris Calleja 1/10 -- Brian Thomas ZOO BAR: 1/3 – Yankee Station, 4-8 1/9 – Twilight Tunes Piano, 6-9 1/10 – Galactic Sherpas, 4-8

Leelanau & Benzie SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE 1/8 -- DJ Trivia, 6 STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN, BOYNE CITY 1/8 – Open Mic Night w/ Peter Jensen, 6 TOONIE'S, BELLAIRE 1/3 & 1/10 -- DJ/Karaoke, 8

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA 7: 1/3 -- Gina & Jordan 1/8 -- Chief Jam - Open Mic hosted by Beejay Reffitt

edited by jamie kauffold

Emmet & Cheboygan

Antrim & Charlevoix BOYNE RIVER INN, BOYNE CITY 1/8 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7-10

jan 03 - jan 11

THE GREENHOUSE - WILLOW/ PRIMOS, CADILLAC 1/7 -- Trivia Night, 6-8

BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU

1/9 -- Embraceable2, 5:30-8

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE SLOPESIDE TENT, NEAR CRYSTAL CLIPPER CHAIRLIFT, 3-5:

1/3 -- Rhett & John 1/10 -- Sydni K VISTA LOUNGE: 1/3 -- Jim Hawley, 2-5; TC Knuckleheads, 8-11 1/4 -- Jesse Jefferson, 2-5 1/9 -- Nick Vasquez, 2-5; Scarkazm, 8-11 1/10 -- Cole Caspers, 2-5; Scarkazm, 8-11 1/11 -- Two Feet, 2-5

FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH 6-8:

1/5 -- Monday Music Trivia 1/7 -- Open Mic w/ Nathon Lane 1/8 -- Trivia Thursdays IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE

1/3 -- Chris Smith, 5:30-7:30 1/8 -- Thurs. Night Trivia, 6-7:30 1/9 -- Luke Woltanski, 5:307:30 1/10 -- Kevin Paul, 5:30-7:30 LAKE ANN BREWING CO.

1/7 -- Open Mic Night, 6:309:30

1/8 -- Trivia Night, 7-9 NORTHERN LATITUDES DISTILLERY, LAKE LEELANAU

1/7 -- Line Dancing w/ Kay, 5-6:45 1/9 -- Dominic Fortuna, 4:456:45 ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH

1/3 -- Reminisce, 5-8 1/8 -- Open Mic, 6-9 1/9 -- Blair Miller, 5-8 1/10 -- Kyle Brown, 5-8

THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS:

1/3 -- Bryan Poirier, 6-9

Otsego, Crawford & Central SNOWBELT BREWING CO., GAYLORD 1/8 – Trivia Night, 7

January 8

Thursday, 6-8:30pm

The Jeff Haas Sextet & Lisa Flahive Food and drink

by Riverside

Northern Express Weekly • january 05, 2026 • 25

NORTHERN EXPRESS

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28 • january 05, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly