Per the 2020 census, Wausau, Wisconsin, had a population of 39,994. It is the core city of Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area, population 138,000.
Traverse City’s 2020 population was 15,678, while the four-county Traverse City metropolitan area had 153,448 residents.
Here’s where we differ most: “Wausau is built on a grid and it’s flat. … The infrastructure—from bike lanes to pedestrianand bike-only tunnels and overpasses— makes people feel safe on their bikes,” said an REI article about the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S. in 2018. “Even in the middle of Wisconsin’s bitter winters, residents ride fat bikes on groomed trails.”
Traverse City is built on a grid and it’s flat—and it has bitter winters—but the bicycle infrastructure does not make people feel safe on a bike. I live in TC, and I bike the infrastructure. Too often, the bike lane is a stripe of paint with cars and trucks whooshing by at over 40 miles per hour. That does not feel safe.
On Saturday mornings at 10am and noon, I have biked Three Mile Road from the bay all the way south to the Traverse City East Middle School. A long stretch has recently been repaved and there are now narrow bicycle lanes on both sides of the road. No one will use those narrow lanes: that’s a tightrope walk with a possibility of death. No thanks.
StreetsBlogUSA reported in 2019 that a 13-year study of a dozen cities found that protected bike lanes led to a drastic decline in fatalities for all users of the road, but “[r]esearchers found that painted bike lanes provided no improvement on road safety.”
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SECOND
Contributors: Joseph Beyer, Ross Boissoneau, Ren Brabenec, Art Bukowski, Eric Cox, Anna Faller, Kierstin Gunsberg, Abby McKiernan, Stephen Tuttle
top ten
Which Witch?
Grab a broomstick, witches, because we ride at dawn! Tuesday, Oct. 7, or Thursday, Oct. 9, join Up North Arts, Inc. of Cadillac for Spooky Stitches: A Witch Hat Workshop. From 6-8:30pm, attendees will learn how to make the perfect seasonal hat—no prior sewing experience needed! All materials supplied; registration is $7085; upnorthartsinc.com. Once your new hat is ready for a test run, fly off to either Elk Rapids or Gaylord for their downtown Witches Night Out events on Oct. 11 (5-9pm for Elk Rapids and 4-8pm for Gaylord), with discounts, prizes, refreshments, and plenty of themed games and activities, like tarot reading and a scream contest. And save the date (and the hat!): Traverse City’s Witches Night Out will follow on Oct. 18, offering a spellbinding experience of shopping. Follow along at blessedbetea.com/ witches-night-out-2025.
2 tastemaker
Fresh Coast Sliders’ Hot Chicken
We love a trip to the Back Lot in Charlevoix, complete with a tray full of sammies from Fresh Coast Sliders. (And the onion rings—don’t forget those.) Now, if you look a little closer at the photo above, you’ll see our favorite of their offerings—the Hot Chicken ($5)—tucked in the top row on either side of the ketchup. Here’s what you need to know: the chicken is crispy and piping hot. The hot sauce (a buttery cajun blend) and comeback sauce (a tangy mayo blend) work perfectly. The Martin’s potato roll is soft and sweet. And you might just want to ask for a side of pickles, because they’re that good. Enjoy with a rotating craft lemonade and pretend it’s still summertime as you look out over the marina. Eat up at 230 Ferry Ave. in Charlevoix. fcsliders.com
Apples to Apples
It’s apple season Up North! Follow U.S. 31 and the changing leaves to Charlevoix’s 46th annual Apple Fest, Oct. 10-12. Try out the apple pie eating contest and watch the Dancing Witches while music plays all over town. And be sure to bring a sturdy tote bag to hit up the apple orchards stands, arts & craft show, farmers market, and much more… all in downtown Charlevoix this weekend. See more at business. charlevoix.org/events/details/46th-annual-apple-fest-14833.
Hey, read It! Play Nice 4
How do you exorcise a haunted house if the demon living in it is you? On the surface, budding New York stylist and influencer Clio Barnes lives a charmed existence: she’s got a job she loves as a fashion creator, killer looks, and a solid (albeit, slightly spoiled) dynamic with her dad and two sisters. In fact, the only stain on Clio’s picture-perfect life is her estranged mother, Alex, whose history of abuse and addiction has kept her out of her daughters’ lives for years. That is, until she dies unexpectedly, leaving the girls’ purportedly-possessed childhood home to Clio to flip and sell. Everything appears normal at first, but as Clio soon discovers, there’s more than just memories haunting the place—and the entity she awakens (along with a host of terrible secrets) isn’t about to let the Barnes sisters out of its clutches without a little fun. Phantasmic-meets-family therapy in bestselling author Rachel Harrison’s newest femme horror novel,
Frankfort
If witches aren’t your thing, we’re willing to bet fall produce is. Farm Club hosts its annual Apple Days on Oct. 11 (free from 12-4pm; find them at 10051 S Lake Leelanau Dr.). They’ll have an old-school crank cider press on hand along with a variety of more than 20 apples— wild, heirloom, familiar, and new—to taste along with hot and hard cider, apple cake, and donuts. Learn more at farmclubtc.com. Meanwhile, Frankfort will be celebrating from 9am5pm with their Fall Festival which includes a 5K run, a parade and mutt march, live music, a craft fair with 40+ vendors, pumpkin decorating, and, of course, the Frankfort Farmers Market and other food trucks and vendors. (And don’t miss the drinks tent, with your favorites like Ironfish, St. Ambrose, Stormcloud, and Furnace Street!) Get all the details at frankfortfallfest.my.canva.site/2025.
’Round
and ’Round the Roundabout
Team Elmers and MDOT are one step closer to the completion of the second phase of the Grandview Parkway reconstruction, which is expected to be completed in November. The new roundabout at the intersection of M-72/M-22 is partially open, with one lane of traffic flowing in either direction. But while it may feel like the end of the gridlock, the speed limit remains 25 miles per hour in the construction zone, as workers will be completing the roundabout and the Bay Street portion of the intersection in the coming weeks. As Team Elmers noted in a recent post asking drivers to proceed with extra caution, “Our crews are hard at work in tight traffic zones, often just feet away from moving vehicles. They’re building safer roads for all of us - but right now, they need your help.”
Stuff We Love: A Night of Low-Stakes Karaoke
Want to sing like no one is listening…except a few of your closest friends? Head to TC’s Underground Karaoke, located under The Coin Slot next to Eugene’s Record Co-op. Here’s how it works: Grab up to 10 of your pals and book a room (Thursday through Sunday, 6pm-midnight). Rates range from $70 for two hours to $105 for three hours and include multiple microphones and a huge catalog of your favorite tunes that you can browse on your phone and sing along with on a solid sound system. Underground Karaoke also has daytime room rentals for tabletop gaming and other fun. The venue is BYOB and BYOF (F is for food); we grabbed a few slices at Two Sons Pizza and made an evening of it. Learn more at tcundergroundkaraoke.com.
bottoms up Glen Arbor Wines’ Lake Dog Sparkling Grüner Veltliner
Celebration is the name of the game at Glen Arbor Wines in downtown Glen Arbor— celebration of northern Michigan, of lake life, and top-notch local wines—and nothing says year-round celebration like their Lake Dog Sparkling Grüner Veltliner. Named for Crystal Mountain’s effervescent former K-9 ambassador, Fisher, this stainless steel-fermented sparkling features 100 percent Grüner Veltliner grapes, a zippy white varietal sourced from the Leelanau Peninsula. The result is a delightfully dry and complex bubbly with notes of bright citrus, greens, and a peppery finish. Pair it with food (oysters and salad, anyone?) or savor this sippable party on its own. Come for the fizz, stay for the fun at Glen Arbor Wines at 5873 S Lake St. glenarborwines.com. (Psst—check out the Fisher Fund, a pet-centric nonprofit, at cedarpolkafest.org/the-fisher-fund!)
Fall Festival; Photo by Gabe Rovick
Raise a Rosé
October 17-19 | Benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Sip. Stay. Support. Join us for a weekend of events in support of the Munson Cancer Fund. Savor an elegant farm-to-table dinner at Artisan, a sparkling bubbly brunch and much more. Extend the celebration with a Hampton Water–themed guestroom, complete with branded decor and special surprises.
AROUND TOWN IN OCTOBER
spectator By steven Tuttle
Let’s check in and see what’s happening locally, given how depressing national and international news has become.
In Traverse City, we’re not quite done fiddling with State Street. It was two-way, then for a long time it functioned quite nicely as a westto-east one-way street for a few blocks. But when construction on the parkway restricted some east-west flow, it went back to being two-way. The decision has been made by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to leave it as a two-way street, though it’s not completely clear why the DDA is in charge of one stretch of that or any street.
credit, the DNR listened and will make a good faith effort to build a new bridge.
Back in downtown TC, we’re heading into the final design stages of a pricey farmer’s market with permanent structures and space for more than 100 vendors. Unclear what we’ll do with the thing in the winters, though with a $3 million price tag, having it sit empty for any length of time surely will not be part of the plan.
We’re going to put another $1 million into Rotary Square, though it didn’t really need to be all that fancy. The lawn, left alone and somehow connected to the work ongoing at
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), unlit pedestrian crossings on two-way streets with no median create a 19-30 percent increase in the likelihood of a pedestrian being injured.
Now, because walking half a block to cross a street at a light is simply way too much work for us, we want to put pedestrian crossings in the middle of those short blocks. Safety was mentioned, but there’s no evidence safety will be achieved.
Two-way and one-way streets each have advocates and each claim traffic flow, speed, and safety are somehow enhanced by their preferred option. We know from our own traffic study the two-way configuration has slowed traffic marginally but not significantly. According to the Transportation Research Board, one-way streets are marginally safer because they reduce the number of t-bone and head-on crashes but, again, the difference is not especially significant.
It’s a little different for pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), unlit pedestrian crossings on two-way streets with no median create a 19-30 percent increase in the likelihood of a pedestrian being injured. It turns out that not paying attention to traffic coming from two directions is more dangerous than not paying attention when it comes from one direction.
That half-block hike to a lit intersection might seem arduous, but is significantly better than dodging cars mid-block.
Speaking of pedestrian crossings, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says they will try their best to replace the pedestrian bridge from the Traverse City State Park campground to the beach with an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant version, though they aren’t currently sure of the cost or just how they’ll do it.
The initial plan, to remove the noncompliant bridge and instead create a gradelevel pedestrian crossing at a lit intersection, was met with loud protests because those of us who live here know people would try to dart across wherever and we know that would be incredibly dangerous. So, to their
the river, would have likely offered limitless, albeit temporary, options.
At the river, the Fish Pass project grinds along, probably more massive than most of us thought. Per the Great Lakes Fishery Commission FAQ site, there’s still no word on which fish will get to pass, though we know the sea lamprey will be stopped, nor how the fishery as a whole will change. (Read more at glfc.org/fishpass-faqs.php.) We seem to have forgotten it’s a $30 million experiment, and while the scientists involved think it will be a model for many others to follow, we don’t know for sure if it will work.
We’re still on an endless quest for more housing, though this talk about the needs for tens of thousands of more housing units in northwest lower Michigan seems unrealistic at best. What are the questions being asked that result in those numbers? Does this “need” come from people who want to move here but are somehow prevented from doing so? Lack of housing would certainly be detrimental, but where are those people going to work? Are there tens of thousands of jobs unfilled or about to be created? If we create the housing, will the jobs somehow appear?
Housing in the region doesn’t much count for the new urbanists, whose primary goal is density. They want duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, apartments atop garages, and backyard accessory dwelling units (ADU). And more taxpayer subsidized apartments and condos, and all in Traverse City’s urban core.
What is not clear, however, is that people want to move here so they can live in a dense urban environment. When we brag about this being “God’s country,” we’re not talking about the beauty of housing density. Some people might like a little space, some trees, and maybe some birds that are neither seagulls nor pigeons; what others keep derisively calling sprawl is actually a home ownership dream writ large for others. And on we go.
TAX FAIRNESS WILL BENEFIT ALL MICHIGANDERS
GUEST OPINION
by Denzel McCampbell
Whether or not we want to admit, taxes are the bedrock of a healthy society. Without taxes, there would be no public roads and bridges, no firefighters, no libraries, and no public schools. We’d lose out on scientific research, public parks would fail to flourish, and struggling families would be left to their own devices to figure out how to pay for basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.
And yet, to many Americans, the idea of taxes is like the devil incarnate and liable to provoke tirades about theft and the futility of government.
If we want to create a brighter and more prosperous future for Michiganders and people across the country, we must shift the narrative around taxation.
In the past few months, we’ve witnessed budget fights in both the Michigan legislature and U.S. Congress—and in both cases, crucial public services were on the chopping block. Republicans’ budgets threaten drastic cuts to education, healthcare, and food assistance programs.
At the same time, ballot petition drive season is in full swing, with two vastly different taxrelated proposals aiming for the 2026 ballot. One, “Invest in MI Kids,” would increase the tax rate paid by the wealthiest Michiganders, with all revenue generated to be put directly into funding public education. The other, titled “AxMITax,” would eliminate all property taxes, blowing a massive hole in state revenue that would be particularly destructive to public school funding.
This next year will be a pivotal time in Michigan politics. We have the opportunity to lead the way in charting a path toward the brighter future working Michiganders deserve—or we could wreck our state’s ability to fund public education and other key programs and public services, taking us backward.
It’s critical that we get this right, and understanding where the prevalent anti-tax mindset comes from is a critical first step toward dismantling it.
For decades, Republican lawmakers and pundits have been telling the same story about taxes, government, and the American individual’s obligation to pull oneself up by one’s bootstraps. By repeating these talking points over and over, they’ve turned that story into something resembling conventional wisdom.
This strategy has been so effective that Democratic lawmakers have been tempted to co-opt it, adding anti-tax language to their vocabulary and further legitimizing the GOP narrative.
The problem isn’t limited to messaging, though. Since the Reagan administration, the gaps in wealth and income between
the top one percent and everyone else have skyrocketed. The cost of living has steadily increased, but wages for the working class haven’t kept up, leaving too many families struggling to make ends meet.
Meanwhile, the federal government has poured billions, even trillions of dollars into perpetually expanding the military, funding conflict and regime change abroad, incarcerating thousands upon thousands of American citizens, and terrorizing the immigrant community. We spend an almost unfathomable amount of money on priorities that do precisely nothing to strengthen our communities or meet folks’ basic needs.
It is worth noting that despite the unpopularity of taxes as a general concept, that attitude often doesn’t extend to local millages. Even last year, in an election that Republicans dominated, the vast majority of millages on the ballot across the state passed. The likely explanation is that millage proposals draw a direct link between the additional money residents are asked to pay and the specific services they can expect that money to fund.
The other glaring barrier to a more just tax system is that while working people have paid our fair share year in and year out, the wealthiest among us have been coddled and allowed to avoid doing their part.
The “Invest in MI Kids” ballot initiative is poised to address both problems simultaneously. It proposes that individuals who make more than $500k per year and couples who make more than $1 million pay a bit more in taxes and tells voters exactly where that money will be spent. And, best of all, it’s something voters can pass independently, without being forced to rely on lawmakers to take the bold action we need.
With hard work, solidarity, and a bit of luck, this ballot initiative may be a chance to show the public a glimpse of what is possible if corporations and the wealthy are made to pay what they owe, and if we prioritize things like education, climate justice, and access to healthcare and housing.
Working Americans have cause to believe the system isn’t serving us, but the problem isn’t that taxes are inherently bad or unjust. It’s that for too long, greedy corporations and the elected officials they bankroll have been calling the shots while the rest of our needs go unaddressed.
Things are looking bleak right now, but this is not the time to give up hope. This is a time to come together, to think big, and to create the future our communities deserve.
Denzel McCampbell is the managing director of Progress Michigan, a nonprofit communications advocacy and government watchdog group.
Creme de la Weird
Rose Mnisi, 39, appeared in court on Sept. 18, where she faced charges of illegal possession of human tissues, the BBC reported. Mnisi is a cleaner at a hospital maternity ward in eastern Mpumalanga, South Africa. Security officers were tipped off that she was seeking buyers for human body tissues; they arrested her with a plastic bag of human placentas. Police said Mnisi might face further charges. She is due back in court in October.
Least Competent Criminal
The BP convenience store in Macon, Missouri, has slot machines, KTVO-TV reported, which made it really handy for Amber Dawn Butler, 34, to satisfy her gambling addiction while she was at work. One little hiccup in her on-the-job wagering was that she was allegedly taking money from the store's cash register and safe to feed into the machines. Butler also confessed to scratching lottery tickets she hadn't bought and stealing cigarettes and bottled water from the store. Confusingly, she pleaded not guilty and is being held in the Macon County jail.
Fun Suckers
If you're planning to do a little carousing this homecoming season in Jesup, Iowa, think again: The Jesup Police Department has issued a warning that TP-ing is banned, and anyone doing it will face legal charges. KCRG-TV reported on Sept. 17 that police have labeled the prank harassment and have identified multiple people whom they are investigating for trespassing, criminal mischief, illegal dumping and disorderly conduct.
It's Good To Have a Hobby
In Conway, South Carolina, TikTok users and others are following the escapades of the "CCU Pisser," a person who relieves himself at different points around the Coastal Carolina University campus. The Sun News reported that the videos started appearing on Sept. 1, and each one features a different iconic target: a CCU logo embedded in a sidewalk, for example, and the school's football field. CCU wouldn't comment on the shenanigans, but a "Detective" apparently unaffiliated with the school is also a hit on TikTok, warning the Pisser that "I know your name. I know where you will be next." We'd love to hear both posters' GPAs.
Animal Antics
Joan Heblack of San Rafael, California, was enjoying a walk in her neighborhood when a squirrel "came out of nowhere" to claw and bite her, KGO-TV reported on Sept. 22. Her injuries sent her to the emergency room. Heblack isn't the only victim of an attack squirrel in the area; about five people have been attacked, and fliers have been posted on utility poles, warning residents of the "very mean squirrel." Lisa Bloch of Marin Humane said such attacks are "likely the result of someone feeding it. When wildlife is fed by humans, they can lose their natural fear and act more emboldened." The LA County Department of Public Health assures locals that squirrels do not spread rabies.
But Why?
Teaching assistant Alexander Lewis, 32,
was charged with interfering with schools and malicious injury to property in Florence, South Carolina, WKRC-TV reported on Sept. 23. Between Aug. 25 and Sept. 19, Lewis allegedly used a spray that mimics the smell of poop inside the school. The spray caused students and staff health issues, nausea and dizziness, and the district spent almost $55,000 trying to solve the issue through air conditioning inspection and repair costs. Lewis' bond was set at $9,000.
A 57-year-old man in Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan was re-arrested on Sept. 18 after investigators discovered that he had allegedly stolen 50 fire hose nozzles, Japan Today reported. It wasn't clear why he was stealing them, as he kept them in his possession rather than selling them. Officials say the nozzles aren't worth much as scrap metal, but the absence of them presents a serious risk to the public.
New World Order
The three members of the Kingdom of Kubala, an "African tribe," were ordered to vacate private land in Scotland on Sept. 22, Sky News reported -- but instead, they just relocated to the other side of a fence, on council-owned land. The members say they are reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago, but the Scottish Borders Council has made efforts to remove them. King Atehene, aka Kofi Offeh, 36, indicated that he would not speak to media outlets unless they brought him gifts; the group posted on Facebook, "The Kingdom of Kubala can never be destroyed." A spokesperson for the Borders Council said legal processes are continuing and "officers will proceed through the next steps as quickly as possible."
The Tech Revolution
Lisa Catalano, 41, of San Mateo, California, is ready to settle down, KRON-TV reported, so she's set her sights high. Catalano is using digital billboards along Highway 101 to seek out potential mates, directing suitors to her website to get more information and apply. "I just want to meet somebody," she said, "and I was just not having any luck any other way." Catalano was previously engaged, but her fiance passed away in 2023 from illness. As she looks for the ideal applicant, she says, "I hope that this is a great story that we can tell our future children."
Bright Idea
Craigslea Community Kindergarten and Preschool in Brisbane, Australia, had to close recently after its funding was halted, the BBC reported. Following upheaval among the staff and volunteer committee, parents received an email on Sept. 21 explaining that the school can't pay its debts; hours later, a second email asked parents to pay $1,400 to receive a portfolio of their children's art. Administrators said the money would go toward paying down unpaid bills, including teachers' wages. Brooke, a parent of a Craigslea student, called the scheme "absolutely ridiculous." She decided to collect the artwork without paying, which led the center to report her to police. The Creche and Kindergarten Association and the Department of Education got involved, and now, "These important records are now available for families to collect," C&K said. Parent David Crisafulli remarked, "Let's give the kids their finger painting and let's get on with life." Hear, hear.
ELDER LAW UP NORTH
Attorneys shed light on six legal issues seniors face in northern Michigan
By Ren Brabenec
Northern Michigan’s population is aging. Various factors have contributed to the demographic shift, such as out-migration of younger adults, below-replacement fertility rates, and an influx of Baby Boomers seeking retirement in the region.
As reported in our sister publication, The Leelanau Ticker, Leelanau County’s over60 demographic now exceeds 40 percent of the total population, the highest rate of any northern Michigan county. Grand Traverse County—one of the few counties in the region that has recorded net population growth in recent years—owes that growth almost entirely to an influx of adults over the age of 50.
We checked in with two local law firms to learn about the top six challenges residents face as they age, and what they can do to safeguard their futures and their legacies.
1) Legal Paperwork is a MUST
“If I had just 90 seconds with anyone over the age of 18 to tell them what legal steps they should take, I’d tell them to get their financial power of attorney and a patient advocate designations put in place,” says Ryan Hulst of Grand Traverse Elder Law.
Hulst defines the terms for us:
Financial Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document delineating a set of circumstances in which one person (referred to as the principal) grants authority to another person (the agent) insofar as the management of the principal’s financial affairs is concerned. Should the principal become incapacitated, the agent may execute financial decisions for them.
Patient Advocate Designation, also referred to as Healthcare Power of Attorney, is a legal document wherein one person, the “principal” or the “patient,” designates a trusted individual to become their “patient advocate.” The patient advocate assumes
the responsibility of ensuring the principal’s healthcare wishes are followed in the event of the principal becoming incapacitated.
Hulst emphasizes the importance of these documents. “Having these documents means there should be no court-appointed decision-makers in the event of incapacitation,” he says, adding that making legal, financial, and healthcarerelated decisions is much easier when these documents are in place. The alternative is probate court, which is more complex, timeconsuming, and does not guarantee that the individual’s initial wishes will be honored.
2) Real Property Should be Passed on in a Way That Benefits Inheritors
To Hulst, one of the biggest challenges seniors face is passing on real property to their heirs. “It’s easy to get penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to real property,” Hulst says.
Hulst, who goes to churches, clubs, assisted living centers, and other community gatherings to give free talks about elder law, says real estate is one of the topics that comes up the most, especially considering the soaring values of homes in the area.
“If Mom and Dad bought a house on Grand Traverse Bay in 1980 for $150,000, that house may be worth 10 times that by now,” Hulst says. “If they’re not careful, the capital gains tax of liquidating that home as a part of the estate could be astronomical. But there are ways to reduce the tax burden for the inheritors. It’s just a matter of Mom and Dad meeting with an attorney and going over legal options.”
3) Medicaid Is a Senior’s Parachute
“So much of working in elder law, for us, is about educating our clients on the numerous options available to them that will make their lives better as they age,” says David Dobreff of Northern Michigan Elder Law.
To Dobreff, most elder law cases deal
with what happens to an individual (and their loved ones) when physical and mental capacity declines. Dobreff sees Northern Michigan Elder Law’s role as one of helping individuals prepare for the eventuality in a way that everyone’s needs are met and quality of life is preserved and maintained for as long as possible, all without breaking the bank.
“Medicaid programs are the senior citizen’s parachute,” Dobreff says. “Much of our firm deals with Medicaid planning and program applications, including with the Program for All-Inclusive Case for the Elderly, the MiChoice Waiver Program, and Medicaid Long Term Care.”
Dobreff tells us that if there was one thing he could impart to individuals, it’s that a lot of people who don’t think they qualify for Medicaid programs actually
probably do. According to Dobreff, many adults in northern Michigan can benefit from Medicaid as they age, particularly as it pertains to receiving long-term care without having to enter assisted living and without having to break the bank or liquidate assets. “Medicaid programs allow us to protect our assets as we are receiving the care we need,” Dobreff says.
He gives us an example of a case he had where a woman in her 50s was receiving a surgery on her neck, which ultimately went awry, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down and forever confined to a nursing home. The medical fiasco initially exposed the woman’s husband to all of his retirement assets being needed to pay for intensive, long-term care, but Dobreff and his team were able to get Medicaid programs to cover the cost of the care at no cost to the husband.
Hulst
Dobreff
4) Legal Protections Early On Help Avoid Confusion, Financial Hardship, and Family Strife Later in Life
Emilee Evans, another attorney at Northern Michigan Elder Law, believes that “elder law requires a holistic approach, wherein you might sit down with a client with the initial objective of setting up a power of attorney, patient advocate designation, or a simple deed, but then you find out the client has some vulnerabilities that require immediate attention.”
Evans got into elder law because she suffered a death in the family while she was doing her undergrad, and she saw firsthand how stressful the legal side of a family death can be.
Evans also provides us an example, this one of a group of siblings who could not agree on what clothes they wanted their deceased mother to be wearing during a wake. The argument got so bad that one of the siblings was cut out of the will over it, which would not have been possible had the deceased created a clear will and proper legal documentation before she had passed away.
5) The “Idyllic Rural NoMi Life” is Harder on Seniors Than They Think it Will Be
“Seniors across America face the same or similar challenges as they age, but some challenges are more unique to northern Michigan,” says Nancy Swartz, the Medicaid specialist for Northern Michigan Elder Law. She points to the region’s rural geography and how, combined with the lack of sufficient healthcare providers, simply getting to and
“Elder law is one of those legal fields where, from the perspective of the individual, it is exponentially easier to plan for the physical and mental toll of aging before it happens, as opposed to trying to cope with it while it’s happening,” Hulst says.
from appointments and maintaining care can be difficult.
Dobreff agrees. “Most of the people moving here are older, because they romanticize the idea of retiring up north. But doing so comes with unique challenges. They want the nice house on the 10-acre plot outside the city limits, but how long before they age out of being able to climb the stairs, mow the grass, plow the driveway, and drive safely on icy roads into town?
Getting services to these individuals can be challenging, too. Planning for these future
challenges is something we try to help clients consider when they’re meeting with us.”
6) Everyone has Legal Ducks—Try to Get Them in a Row Sooner Rather than Later Hulst, Dobreff, Evans, and Swartz all came from different backgrounds, and they each wear different hats in the elder law space, but there was one critical takeaway we got from each of them, and it went something like this: Start thinking about the future now.
“Elder law is one of those legal fields where,
from the perspective of the individual, it is exponentially easier to plan for the physical and mental toll of aging before it happens, as opposed to trying to cope with it while it’s happening,” Hulst says in closing.
“Sometimes, elder law is as simple as helping individuals fill out and sign legal documents related to aging. Other times, it’s tasks like helping individuals get on certain Medicaid programs. But as a general rule, the sooner we act, the easier and less stressful making these arrangements will be.”
MORE SPACE, MORE SENIORS
The GT County Senior Center gains 13 times more members in 2025 than in 2024
By Art Bukowski
Has the new Grand Traverse County Senior Center been a big hit?
Consider these numbers: Since around the time the new and improved bayfront facility opened in February, it’s gained about 4,000 new members. In all of 2024, by comparison, they gained 307 members.
“I think this shows how important this is to our community,” says Lacey Edgecomb, director of the Grand Traverse County Senior Center Network. “We know our senior population is growing every day…and it’s wonderful that they’re taking advantage of this place. It’s here for them, and it’s a wonderful resource.”
The facility itself gets rave reviews, and its location nestled on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay simply can’t be topped.
“We’ll get seniors from other locations who just want to come in and look, and they say ‘We don’t have anything like this, this is really amazing,’” says Shannon Sebela, program coordinator.
And while all that growth and enthusiasm is exciting, the senior center staff is already under pressure to expand and add more programs.
“With the amount of people coming through the doors now compared to before, it’s a little harder on our staff at times,” Sebela says. “It’s nonstop. We’re on all day.”
Bigger and Better
The 18,000-square-foot new Traverse City facility replaces a dated, 6,000-squarefoot facility at the same site that started as a pavilion before having walls, electricity, and various additions tacked on over the years. The increased space is arguably the most
important attribute of the new center; it’s provided room for more programming and social connections.
“This space is almost three times larger than the old space, which gives us the ability to have so many programs running at the same time, but also just spaces to gather and relax and connect,” Edgecomb says.“In the old building, there just wasn’t as much space to sit and chat with a friend, and it’s been so nice that we’ve been able to build those in here.”
There are at least two dozen programs, classes, or groups offered at the senior center—including pilates/yoga fusion, chess, theatre, pickleball, scrapbooking, and more—and greatly expanded offerings of old favorites like mahjongg.
“We have the space to offer more things, and more things at once,” says Sebela. “But we’re maxing out on everything.”
Many people struggle with change, but excitement for the new center has outpaced nostalgia for the old by a very considerable margin, Edgecomb says.
“It’s really rewarding every single time somebody walks through that door and… they’re just amazed at the size and the beauty and how thoughtful some of the elements are in terms of different spaces, and how we were cognizant of having different programs for different skill sets and different hobbies at the same time,” she says.
It also feels less…stuffy.
“It really has a more youthful feel. We’ve captured a whole younger segment of seniors in the 4,000 new members,” Edgecomb says. “We’re trying to break that barrier and get beyond that stigma of ‘This is a place for my parents.’ We get people in the 50 to 60 range bringing in their parents in, and we’re like
‘Hey, what about you?’”
Place and Purpose
Ultimately, the new senior center provides an improved place to do the very things that enrich life well into old age.
“It’s the connection, the friendships, the camaraderie, the social aspect, all of those things that keep us active and keep our brains engaged,” Edgecomb says.
It’s also a place to find purpose and belonging.
“Whether you’ve lost your spouse or you’re not working anymore, how do you go into those later parts of your life and find a new purpose?” Edgecomb says. “We have
a lot of members that come here to enjoy things, and we have a lot of people that volunteer with us to help. They find purpose in [serving others].”
Volunteers are indeed critical to the senior center network’s operations. A roster of about 100, most of them seniors themselves, keeps things running smoothly.
“We run four locations with 10 staff, so if we didn’t have our volunteers and facilitators and instructors that we partner with, we would never be able to do all that we do,” Edgecomb says.
It’s also a rewarding endeavor for senior center staff, who get a chance to connect with many people who have led fulfilling
and often very interesting lives.
“I think for me, it’s hearing the life stories. When you hear what they did for their career, or about their children or their life story and the things that they did in their lives, it’s amazing,” Edgecomb says. “There’s so many special people here. It makes you proud.”
In Their Own Words
Steve Ballentine, 64, and Mark Cornish, 69, regularly visit the senior center to play pool. Neither were regulars at the old center, but they sure do dig the new one.
“We love it. I’ve been coming since midFebruary, shortly after it opened. I started off playing a lot of chess, teaching chess,” Ballentine says. “My original goal was to introduce people to the game of chess, but I kind of got drawn in the vortex of pool.”
Ballentine is just starting this phase of life, and he’s thrilled to have a place like the senior center. “I just retired in December, so the whole concept of being retired is new to me,” he says. “What do I do with my time? And this has really filled that void. And it’s great because it’s paid for with our taxes.”
JOINING THE SENIOR CENTER
Ombudsman volunteers visit older adults in northwest Michigan’s nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes—offering a listening ear, friendly support, and a voice when it’s needed most.
The Grand Traverse County Senior Center Network includes the main Traverse City facility along with shared space in Fife Lake, Kingsley, and Interlochen for senior center programming.
Membership is free to county residents over 60 (though some classes cost extra), and only $10 a year for county residents 50-59. Residents aged 50 and older outside the county can join for $50 a year, and Leelanau County residents often take advantage of this. To become a member, you can fill out the membership form online or in person at the center.
Find the Senior Center at 801 E Front St. in Traverse City or online at gtcountymi. gov/2742/Senior-Center.
We’ll guide you with stepby-step training, let you shadow a mentor until you’re comfortable, and offer a flexible schedule that works for you.
Get involved like you would for your own loved one. Your presence matters more than you know. Contact us today to learn more (231) 947-2504
Ballentine and Cornish
SECOND- AND THIRD-ACT ENTREPRENEURS:
“If you don’t try it, how do you know?”
Meet the NoMi startup founders who prove it’s never too late to launch a great idea
By Kierstin Gunsberg
In the last decade, northern Michigan has grown its reputation as an entrepreneurial hub for college grads and their startups, thanks to events like the TCNewTech pitch competitions and incubators like 20Fathoms and Grove Community Incubator. But twentysomethings aren’t the only ones bringing new ventures Up North.
According to the Kauffman Foundation, nearly a quarter of new entrepreneurs are between the ages of 55 and 64. And, true to the adage “with age comes wisdom,” research shows these founders are actually more likely to see success than their younger counterparts.
Northern Express caught up with five of them to find out what inspired their new(ish) businesses, where they see things heading next, and what advice they’d share with other folks considering a near-retirement rebrand.
Robert Gras, Manistee’s Mini-Mall Mogul
The busy, fluorescent-lit shopping mall experience we once knew may belong to a bygone era, but northern Michiganders (and its millions of annual visitors) have proven they’ll never stop loving a little retail therapy at locally owned boutiques or a warm reprieve during winter.
Those are two things Robert Gras’ new indoor mini-mall, River Street Marketplace, will bring to downtown Manistee when it opens this fall.
After a major ice-related injury ended his long career as a music educator in 2022, Gras, then in his mid-50s, needed a new plan. So when he and wife Cheryl saw a 16,000-square-foot midcentury building hit the market in summer 2023, they pulled together their savings and kicked off nearly two years of renovations, including removing lead-lined walls from the building’s former dental practice, tackling vintage wiring, and undoing some aesthetically questionable ’90s updates.
Even if the TLC exceeded Gras’ original cost and timeline calculations, he sees the 10 units and their tenants (including Cheryl, whose shop will feature custom aromatherapy blends and experiences) finding a quick following as they bring nearly a dozen new clothing, dining, and shopping options to River Street’s crowds.
A composer who also sells his sheet music online, Gras advises other would-be entrepreneurs to monetize their own hobbies through a mix of classes, events, and retail presence instead of relying on just one outlet, especially in our seasonal area. “If you’ve got an idea for something, think about how you can diversify that so there’s more than one way you can drive income from it,” he says.
Francis “Tex” Criqui’s Startup for Startups
At Traverse City’s chapter of SCORE (where new business owners can turn for free advice and education) volunteer mentor Francis “Tex” Criqui has seen an upside to launching a business later in life. His older mentees tend to be more discerning and practical about what it takes to really run a company, from funding limits to time commitments.
“They’re a little more cognizant of what’s in front of them,” he says. “You’ve been through the mill once or twice, you know, and you kind of have a feel for what’s feasible, what’s possible. You’re just a little more perceptive.”
Now, at “well past my 70s,” Criqui, who once helped launch an incubator at Southfield’s Lawrence Tech, is putting his years of experience with nearly 400 startups into his own new venture, The North Coast Jobs Factory.
Launching in 2026 as an offshoot of his Traverse City consulting firm Francis Criqui and Associates, the project will advise startups on building sustainable strategies that last beyond the initial idea. It’s easy to find support for that early stage, says Criqui, but many founders struggle with which steps to take next once the adrenaline of actually getting off the ground begins to settle.
His four-step plan discover, define, develop, deploy—will help entrepreneurs answer the question of “now what?” by pinning down and reaching their main market before trying to jump ahead or scale too quickly.
Criqui is excited to work with founders in all fields but is especially focused on blue economy startups, an area he thinks will see huge growth and job production once the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center officially opens its doors in 2027.
Kroger, The Accidental Elderberry Entrepreneur
“You’re never too old to learn,” says Lori Kroger, who launched her herbal supplement company, Northern Elderberry, in her mid-50s after a long bout of illness. “I caught a bacterial infection that made me very ill to the point where I was bedridden,” she recalls. “I lost a lot,” including her career as an ICU nurse.
In search of her own healing, and finding that traditional medicine wasn’t meeting all of her needs, Kroger turned back to the herbal skills her grandparents had shared with her when she was young.
“When modern medicine wasn’t working [for me], I thought, you know, maybe I need to go back to my roots, remember what my grandparents taught me,” she says. So, she started batching up elderberry syrups to boost her immune system, and as her health improved, friends and neighbors started asking to try them too.
What began as a personal project in the garden and kitchen became a crash course in business ownership. Ten years later, Kroger is in much better health and her family-run company now produces over 1,000 bottles of handcrafted elderberry syrup each year and is sold in independent retail outlets all over Traverse City, Cadillac, Grayling, and Suttons Bay (and online!).
A seasoned clinician, Kroger isn’t writing off modern remedies, but says she’s glad to offer another option for the medicine cabinet. And, after having to start over unexpectedly at a time when many are plotting retirement, she’s also glad to show it’s never too late to succeed.
“If you don’t try it, how do you know? The worst thing that could happen is you fail.” Even then, she says, reflecting on her own hiccups as an accidental entrepreneur, “When you fail, you’re also learning.”
As familiar faces to decades of NMC alumni, retired professors Tom Gordon and John Velis know a thing or two about how students learn—and what trips them up.
About 10 years ago, Gordon noticed his history students stumbling over the names of “really dinky little European countries that you may or may not have heard of but you certainly can’t identify.” To help, he turned to flashcards with a digital twist, creating versions he could put in his students’ online classroom (“Moodles”) to study anytime.
The flashcards were part of Gordon’s experiment with the perceptual learning method (PLM), a teaching style he’d recently learned about that helps learners recognize patterns by experiencing them directly. Instead of slogging through lectures or textbooks, his students were visually reviewing map outlines of those obscure places like Andorra and Liechtenstein, and soon enough, confidently pointing them out too.
Thinking others could benefit from the method, Gordon teamed up with Velis, whose computer technology students helped create ThinkLocker, a web app that lets users build their own custom flashcard sets. Since then, it’s helped learners worldwide, from maritime students memorizing knots to med students spotting afib on an EKG. And, in partnership with NMC colleague Mark DeLonge (who Gordon and Velis joke absolutely does not make the age cut for this issue), they’ve reached hundreds of users.
Now Velis and Gordon have joined back up with DeLonge to launch MemoryBright, entering its pilot phase this fall. Built on the ThinkLocker model, this version is designed for caregivers supporting people with dementia and memory challenges, something that’s close to home for Velis, whose late father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “He was starting to forget my kids, his grandkids,” says Velis.
For Velis and Gordon, this season of life means there’s freedom to build passion projects without the pressure of career stakes. “One of the advantages that we have to some extent is that our time and our age allows us to be a little more deliberate in how we proceed,” Velis says. “We’re old enough now that we can be more … introspective and retrospective about the process.”
Lori
Tom Gordon and John Velis Bring “Bright” Idea to Eldercare
Left to right: Valis, Gordon, and DeLonge
Some Things Change, but These Restaurants Stay the Same
Three local establishments that have been around the block (and back again)
By Eric Cox
There are a lot of grand old restaurants in northern Michigan. (Looking at you, Sleder’s Family Tavern, aka the state’s oldest continuously operated restaurant, having opened way back in 1882.)
When we started thinking about eateries that have stood the test of time—serving up the same beloved recipes, holding onto the same beloved staff—there were too many to fit in a single article. But, for now, here’s a start. Let’s take a look at three dining hot spots from Empire to Pellston to Johannesburg that have served generations of hungry locals.
Joe’s Friendly Tavern, Empire: Opened 1940
Joe’s Friendly Tavern turned 85 this year, nearing nine decades of smiling service and delicious burgers.
Currently owned by the Lerchen family, the late Chet Salisbury opened the original Friendly Tavern in 1940. Then just offering beer and wine, the business operated in tandem with a hardware store. Six years later, Salisbury sold both to Mark and Warren Deering, local brothers returning from World War II.
The Deerings kept the tavern, but replaced the hardware store with Deering’s
Market. Capitalizing on a good supply of fresh ground beef next door, the brothers took the logical next step of offering burgers and fries at the Friendly Tavern, initiating a legacy of near legendary hamburgers and cheeseburgers, known far and wide for their quality and lauded in local publications, as well as the New York Times and Detroit Free Press
Years later, Joe Wiesen, the tavern’s namesake owner, took the reins. Wiesen and his family went on to own and operate Joe’s Friendly Tavern from 1974 to 2006, becoming the longest owners to date.
Frank Lerchen watched it all grow as the tavern’s manager from 1996-2006. He loved the place so much that he and his wife, Mary, bought Joe’s from Mike Wiesen, a son of Joe’s who had carried on the business after his father’s death.
On the phone, Frank Lerchen embodies his tavern’s amiable nature. Easygoing and affable, he reflects on his changing roles and how he operates the restaurant. “It’s been a smooth transition, going from general manager to owner,” he says. “We’re just running it the way it’s always been run.”
Lerchen says generation after generation of customers continue to patronize Joe’s Friendly Tavern, reinforcing that whatever they’ve been doing in terms of food and service has been 100 percent correct. “If I
change too much, they’d holler,” he laughs. “They wouldn’t like it. They wouldn’t like it at all.”
Joe’s Friendly Tavern has a variety of other fare, but it’s the burgers that really ring everyone’s bell. A top seller is the Rodeo Joe, Joe’s cheeseburger with smoky bacon and BBQ sauce. If you really want to smile (and maybe laugh?) pair that burger with a popular appetizer, the Curd Ferguson!, which is a hearty helping of crispy fried white cheddar nuggets smothered in “Michigan Gravy” (ranch dressing).
Dam Site Inn, Pellston: Opened 1953
“It’s quite challenging at times, but really rewarding as well,” says third-generation Dam Site Inn owner Steven Brinks. “Seeing everyone and all the faces that show up year after year is very nice. It gives you a good feeling.”
And good feelings are what it’s all about at this well-known comfort food haven in the heart of northern Michigan.
Open Easter through mid-October, this 72-year-old eatery south of Pellston has been family-owned since its 1953 inception. The Brinks family is the latest in a series of owners that started with founders Ken and Kathy McLaughlin.
Ken was a Flint Buick dealer who bought the property, which was once a log cabin
dance hall known as the Battle Creek Club. The club owners purchased the property from sisters Nancie Hady and Elbie Effting, who had operated the Maple River Inn across the road since 1923.
Visitors could lodge and dine at the inn, then walk across the street for drinks and dancing at the club. Neither of those enterprises stood the test of time, but over the years, the inn’s food gained a solid reputation.
Recognizing that fact, the McLaughlins built their fledgling restaurant’s menu around the Maple River Inn’s most popular offerings: fried chicken, whitefish, walleye, and steaks. The restaurant’s name must’ve been a logical choice, since a dam on the nearby Maple River was part of the property for decades. That storied dam is long gone, but the name remains. And to many locals and visitors, that name is synonymous with heaping platters of crispy, golden brown chicken and colorful bowls of whipped mashed potatoes, decadent homemade noodles, buttery corn, and more.
The Dam Site Inn is primarily noted for its all-you-can-eat, family style chicken dinners ($31.99 per person). The waitstaff, which adheres to decades-old service traditions, truly gives a tinker’s dam as they flood the table with wave after wave of homestyle food.
Those uninterested in gorging can order a range of salads, steaks, seafood, and more, including Plath’s smoked pork chops, New York strip steak, broiled whitefish and walleye dinners, English style fish and chips, and frog legs, among others.
Also, don’t forget to check out the inn’s incredible retro bar, which features a Naugahyde bar and walls, held over from Ken McLaughlin’s Buick days. It’s truly one of a kind.
“Why fix it if it’s not broken?” Brinks wonders aloud about his restaurant. “This great tradition has been handed down to us, and our customers tell us they want us to keep the legacy going. They show up every single year. Business has been great. Can’t beat it!”
The Old Depot Restaurant, Johannesburg: Opened 1987
“It’s all about the quality and the tradition. They go hand in hand,” says Chris Pohutsky,
second-generation owner of The Old Depot.
Nestled on the corner of M-32 and Heatherton Road, The Old Depot has been churning out high-quality food for 38 years.
Pohutsky’s parents founded the eatery in 1987, after purchasing a defunct restaurant.
Leonard and Karen Pohutsky remodeled and reopened, offering a range of Polish food, sandwiches, a hearty breakfast menu, and popular homemade pies and cakes.
A restaurant in that area has been a staple in Johannesburg for generations. Though it’s called The Old Depot, the current business is actually housed in a newer structure built in 2000. The original depot structure, once located about a hundred yards east, was razed years ago. The building also housed Ed’s Village Inn, a forerunner of the current restaurant.
The Pohutskys are all self-trained in the food business. Chris watched his parents operate the establishment, and he enjoyed
the tutelage of a longtime Gaylord butcher, Lester Dowker, who trained him in meat cutting, sausage making, and more.
Sixty-year-old Chris has been working in The Old Depot for 34 years, learning more and more, before finally taking over as his parents retired.
They shared all their knowledge with him, including his mom’s pie and cakemaking abilities.
The result is an expansive menu with dozens of tasty offerings, including about 40 different kinds of eggs benedict, a roster of pies and cakes that could trigger a sugar coma by just looking at it, and a tempting plate of savory and comforting Polish dishes.
Currently, The Old Depot’s breakfast menu has Classic Eggs Benedict that features farm fresh eggs with Dearborn Ham on a toasted English muffin with hollandaise sauce and a side of American fries. Or opt for the Irish Eggs Benedict with corned beef hash,
while the Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict is built on homemade biscuits topped with fresh spinach and sliced potatoes, crispy bacon, hollandaise sauce, and American fries.
A variety of pancakes and other typical breakfast fare, including several different omelets are also available. Lunch offerings include a Whitefish Ruben, a Salmon Burger, and the Caprese Chicken Sandwich, which is a house-seasoned and grilled chicken breast with mozzarella cheese on fresh-baked sourdough bread with fresh spinach, tomato and basil pesto. Dinner hours are temporarily suspended in light of staffing difficulties.
Chris says maintaining the traditions that have resulted in the restaurant’s success is key to its survival. “It’s definitely more labor intensive this way, and we could probably find cheaper ingredients, but that’s now how we want to do it. We try to do things the right way.”
ShareCare Leelanau
Bridging the space between independence and isolation
By Abby McKiernan
Growing older in Leelanau County often means living with both beauty and challenges. The lakes and orchards are close at hand, but so are long stretches of rural roads, limited public transportation, and family members who may live hours away. For some, everyday tasks—getting to a doctor’s appointment, picking up groceries, staying connected— can become more complicated with age.
In a 2024 study by Michigan Medicine and the University of Michigan, one in three older adults reported feeling lonely some or most of the time, and nearly as many said they felt socially isolated. Loneliness isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s tied to higher risks of physical decline, dementia, and more health complications.
That’s the space ShareCare Leelanau has been bridging for 31 years: supporting and enhancing the well-being of seniors through services that are both practical and profoundly human, and ensuring that aging in Leelanau means staying connected, supported, and part of the community.
How It Started
ShareCare Leelanau’s story started in 1994 in Northport, when a small group of locals—nurses, pharmacists, drivers, and caring neighbors—came together around a simple idea: aging in place should never mean aging alone.
They imagined a membership model where older adults could count on one another for wellness checks, errands, rides, and companionship.
“It really began with neighbors working together to help those who couldn’t get out of the house,” says Executive Director Dawn Bousamra, who stepped into the role in June 2023.
That neighbor-to-neighbor vision has grown into a county-wide nonprofit with one full-time staff member, three part-timers, and more than 100 volunteers. The mission remains rooted in the same principle: practical support wrapped in genuine community connection.
Three decades later, the mission hasn’t changed, but the menu of services has expanded to meet the evolving needs of an aging community. For an annual fee of $75 (with sponsorships available for those who can’t afford it), members 60 and older can access support that keeps daily life moving and spirits lifted on several fronts.
1. Transportation. Getting around Leelanau County isn’t easy without a car. Public transportation is limited, medical offices are often in Traverse City, and errands like groceries or pharmacy runs require miles of driving. ShareCare provides up to five rides a month for members, ensuring no one misses a doctor’s appointment or goes without essentials.
2. Respite care. Caregiving for a loved one can be a 24/7 responsibility, and burnout is real. Specially trained volunteers offer up to four hours a month of companionship for members, giving family caregivers time to rest, run errands, or simply recharge.
As Bousamra explains, “Offering respite care visits for caretakers who are doing 24/7 care and feel like they cannot leave their loved ones for even a moment is a huge weight off their shoulders so they can take a moment to themselves and know they are safe and cared for.”
3. Friendly visits and phone calls. Sometimes what’s needed most is company. Volunteers make weekly visits or one-hour reassurance calls, providing conversation, comfort, and a reminder that someone cares.
4. Wellness programs. Once a month,
ShareCare gathers members for educational sessions on topics like Medicare, scam awareness, and end-of-life planning. Soon, a new partnership with the Friendship Center in Suttons Bay will add lighter programming—bingo, yoga, and Zumba— bringing as much laughter as learning.
A Place for Connection: The Memory Café
Among ShareCare’s programs, the Memory Café stands out as both unique and deeply needed. Open to anyone who walks through the door, no diagnosis required, the gatherings offer a welcoming space for people experiencing memory loss and their care partners to connect with others who understand.
The idea began in the Netherlands in 1997 and has since spread across the globe, designed to counter the stigma and isolation that often come with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Rather than focusing on what’s slipping away, Memory Cafés celebrate what remains: conversation, laughter, music, and moments of recognition that bring comfort to both the individual and the caregiver.
For Bousamra, the program’s power lies in the freedom it creates.
“The Memory Café is a place to connect without fear of being judged,” she explains. “If someone with dementia says or does something a little unexpected, nobody reacts negatively. It’s a beautiful thing to be in a space where caretakers and their loved ones can just be.”
Powered by People
Even with decades of experience, ShareCare is no stranger to obstacles. Funding, for one, has become increasingly difficult. Federal cuts have reduced support for larger organizations, pushing them into the same pool of state and local grants that smaller nonprofits like ShareCare typically
rely on. The result: more competition for fewer dollars.
“When you are a small organization and serving outlying issues like isolation and loneliness, people don’t always think to donate to us,” Bousamra says.
That reality makes community support all the more vital. ShareCare depends on neighbors to wrap around both the organization and the members it serves— whether through giving, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
At its heart, ShareCare is powered by people. With a small staff, the organization runs on the commitment of their community, the way it has since it began. Volunteers are the ones behind the wheel, on the phone, and knocking on doors.
As volunteer Marlene put it, “I like meeting the various people, getting to know them a little, listening to their stories and providing them with a very necessary service.”
Ted, another volunteer, describes it simply: “It’s such an easy thing to do. I feel I’m helping someone be happier, more confident, and to get away from negative feelings. That makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.”
Jennie Arguello, a part-time employee who manages ShareCare’s volunteer program, says her connection to this work is deeply personal.
“My parents selflessly dedicated their lives to seniors, encouraging me to do the same. Because of this, my deep Leelanau County roots and the integrity of ShareCare, I’m honored to manage such a generous team of volunteers.” She adds, “Together we all contribute to the well-being of those we serve, and that is so exciting.”
To learn more, get involved, or stay up to date on programs and events, visit sharecareleelanau.org.
The “Cooking for One” class is part of ShareCare’s wellness programming.
One Battle After Another
by Joseph beyer
As I sat down in the AMC IMAX to experience Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest, One Battle After Another (should we call it an opus yet?), I truly didn’t know what to expect. And that’s how I also recommend you see it; so the following review shall contain no spoilers but will hopefully make you curious enough to watch this edgy, political thriller on the big screen.
It’s hard to say whether this parable takes place in the future or if it’s ripped from the here and now as we begin our morality tale in an America overrun with immigration checkpoints, militarized police, secret racist societies, and a small band of misfits just crazy enough to think they might be able to stop it.
The plotline of good vs. evil and the hunt for revenge is straightforward and easy to follow, but the emotional consequences of each character’s actions are not. Both will keep you engaged fully even as the twists and turns sometimes literally explode around you.
The film is led with conviction by actor Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson, actress Teyana Taylor as his partner in crime aptly named Perfidia, and the debut turn of actress Chase Infiniti as their daughter, Willa. This trio of combatants— and the like-minded posse that surrounds them—may be fueled by passionate personal beliefs, but they all face the same red tape to get anything done.
In the revolutionary moment the story begins, the outcasts have taken command, creating a sophisticated network for their counter-measures slash domestic terrorism, a network that is inevitably and hilariously fraught with the same bureaucracy as waiting on hold with your cell phone provider.
WEDNESDAYS:
Bob is a wild card, Perfidia has a Judas-like energy, and Willa must try to make sense of them both, the world they’ve left her, and what her legacy really is.
With notable supporting performances from the legendary actors Sean Penn (even more fiery than normal) and Benicio Del Toro (in an effortless swing), and cameos from Regina Hall and Alana Haim, there’s never a dull moment as the tragic action unfolds.
Moving between realistic horrors reminiscent of a documentary, along with high parody the likes of Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove, writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson seems content to keep you guessing with One Battle After Another, even as his cast of characters charges forward in ways you’ll sometimes be catching up with (or disgusted by).
Sound, the absence of it, and the magnificent score by Jonny Greenwood all come together to feel sweeping, mythic, and overwhelming. It’s reminiscent—I think very much on purpose—of the New Hollywood era of the ’60s and ’70s.
Fittingly, One Battle After Another the second film since 1961 shot using VistaVision, a competing high resolution format to CinemaScope.
In a sparse but meaningful screenplay, which was inspired by co-writer Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland terrific timing throughout the 2 hour 41 minute ride.
With a hyper visual intensity á la (a film by the Safdie Bros. that Anderson admires), One Battle After Another will often have you on the edge of your seat—or in the case of one insanely memorable car chase, on a roller coaster ride.
THURSDAYS: PASTA
WEDNESDAYS: NIGHT
THE NEXT CHAPTER FEELS LIKE HOME
THURSDAYS:
Forty Years in the Making: The Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Don Was brings his new band to Traverse City
By Ross Boissoneau
Don Was has an appreciation for the past, but he doesn’t live there. That’s one way to describe the music of the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, the band he is bringing to The Alluvion Oct. 8 to kick off its first-ever tour.
Was describes this band as a “nine-piece soul jazz group,” and its sound recalls some of the music that influenced Was when he was growing up in Detroit. That includes CTI and Blue Note recordings by the likes of Stanley Turrentine and Horace Silver, along with the music of his hometown of Detroit, whether it’s jazz stalwarts like Marcus Belgrave and Curtis Fuller or rock legends such as the MC5 or Iggy Pop.
The president of the legendary jazz label Blue Note—and half of the ’80s funk/rock duo Was (Not Was) with David Weiss— will be holding down the bass chair in the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, which represents an approach Was has been trying to create for decades. “I’ve been hearing the sound in my head for about 40 years,” he says.
A Storied Career
Those 40 years were home to plenty of other sounds along the way. After leaving the group he and Weiss formed, Was became one of music’s most in-demand producers. He helmed the desk for the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, John Mayer, Willie
Nelson, and others, with combined sales approaching 100 million records.
His accolades include a BAFTA Award for Best Original Score (Backbeat), an Emmy for Music Direction (The Beatles: The Night That Changed America), and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association.
The veteran bassist also kept up his performing chops, playing on many of the albums he produced, such as Dylan’s 1990 album Under the Red Sky, the 2001 album Lions by the Black Crowes, and recordings by the Chieftains, Kris Kristofferson, Jill Sobule, the Stones, and more. He also has toured Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros, a group he co-founded with Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir.
Was says remaining open to different styles and means of expression has enabled him to work with such a diversity of artists. “I took bass lessons from Ron Carter. I started crying in that first lesson. I couldn’t believe fortune had smiled at me and I was in the same room as him. … Then Meshell Ndegeocello. She showed me something else. George Porter—it’s been a constant adventure.”
He brought that openness with him when he was asked to lead the iconic jazz label, Blue Note. He had attended a show by vocalist Gregory Porter, and the next morning at breakfast told Capitol Records President Dan
McCarroll, “You should sign him.” McCarroll responded, “No, you should.”
It turned out that McCarroll was looking for someone to head Blue Note, which Capitol distributed. “Bruce Lundvall had Parkinson’s and they were looking for somebody who understood the legacy [of Blue Note] but could move it forward. I bought my first Blue Note record [at] 14. I loved the ethos of Blue Note. It [becoming the label president] has been in pursuit of never having a job,” Was says with a laugh.
His signings include Robert Glasper, Immanuel Wilkins, and Ndegeocello alongside releasing recordings by jazz stalwarts Charles Lloyd, Wayne Shorter, and others. He has pushed the boundaries of jazz by incorporating elements of hip hop and electronica while allowing the artists to remain true to their vision, much the same way his vision resulted in the Pan-Detroit Jazz Ensemble.
A Seamless Sound
The creation of the Pan-Detroit Ensemble came about somewhat unexpectedly. “Terence Blanchard was putting together a series for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra,” Was explains. “He asked me if I wanted to do one of the nights.” When Was assented, he realized he needed something he lacked: a band.
So he turned to the city where he’d grown up, which had contributed so many
important jazz musicians, such as Hank, Thad, and Elvin Jones, Donald Byrd, Joe Henderson, Ron Carter, and more.
Was told Cleveland’s Scene Magazine how he’d always thought it would be cool to have Miles Davis and Merle Haggard in a band together. “I could hear what that would sound like. If I have a complaint about the music we made with Was (Not Was), it’s that you can see the seams where we sewed the rock and R&B and jazz together.”
So for the show for the DSO, Was turned put together a band that would effortlessly meld soul and jazz with the grit of their shared Detroit background.
Along with Was, the group includes some of the Motor City’s most accomplished jazz performers, including Jeff Canaday (drums) Vincent Chandler (trombone), Steffanie Christi’an (vocals) John Douglas (trumpet), Wayne Gerard (guitar), Mahindi Masai (percussion), Dave McMurry (saxophone), and Luis Resto (keyboards).
The show will feature songs from the group’s forthcoming debut album, Groove in the Face of Adversity, alongside a full performance of The Grateful Dead’s Blues For Allah, in celebration of that album’s 50th anniversary.
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Jazz Ensemble will perform two shows Oct. 8 at 7pm and 9:45pm. For tickets, go to thealluvion.org.
HOLE IN ONE CLASSIC CAR SHOW: 8am2pm, Black Bear Golf Course, Vanderbilt. Categories include: Pre 1940; 1941-1960; 1961-1980; 1981-2000; 2000 to Present; & Best of Show. gaylordchamber.com/events/ details/hole-in-one-classic-car-show-10728
FALL STEWARDSHIP DAY: 9am-noon, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Trail grooming, garden weeding & window shining are a few of the many tasks needed to freshen up the Grass River Nature Center in preparation for winter. Bring a pair of gloves. Please RSVP to Brian: stewardship@grassriver.org.
RUN THE TOWN PINK 5K: 9am, 480 River St., Manistee. This event benefits Paint the Town Pink, one of Manistee County’s largest events supporting breast cancer patients & their families. $30 + SignUp fee. runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Manistee/ RunTheTownPink
A DAY OF ART & REGENERATION FOR CAREGIVERS: 10am-3pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Caretakers of all types can join for a day of inspiring talks, a sound bath, & creative studio activities. Featuring Board Certified Art Therapist & Educator Kathleen Buday, Mindfulness Facilitator Caitlin Ludlow, Guest Lecturer Elizabeth Fergus-Jean, PhD, & Visual Arts Director Sheila Ruen. Register. Free. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-petoskey/dayart-and-regeneration-caregivers
ART BEAT GALLERY TOUR: 10am-5pm, Elk Rapids. Blue Heron, Mullaly’s 128 & Twisted Fish galleries of Elk Rapids have collaborated for 20 years to bring you ART BEAT - a celebration of the fine art & creativity that the region offers. Each gallery features award-winning works from an eclectic mix of mediums. Art demos & prize give-aways throughout the day. Free. twistedfishgallery. com/event/art-beat-gallery-tour-in-elk-rapids-3
COLORS BY THE LAKE: 10am-5pm, Village Green, Walloon Lake. An art & craft show. Chili Cookoff on Sun. daniellesblueribbonevents.com
LAKEVIEW ADVENTURE POKER PRIX: Chain of Lakes, Central Lake. Gravel Poker Run. This cycling event begins at 10am, with registration at 9am. Includes 15, 30 & 60 mile options available with
staggered start times. Five stops to collect poker cards on each route. Best Poker hand wins at After Party from 3-7pm at Thurston Park with Hipps N Ricco. Proceeds benefit Relay For Life. $50-$75. facebook.com/ events/651229424183333
OUTDOOR CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW: 10am-3pm, The Village at GT Commons, Historic Front Lawn, TC. Browse Michigan vendors offering art, jewelry, crafts, food & more. Free. thevillagetc.com
SHEEP & SOLAR: M-72 Solar Array, 8109 E. Traverse Hwy., TC. Join at Heritage Sustainable Energy’s solar site for a first-hand look at how clean energy & farming can thrive together. Watch sheep graze underneath solar panels, help plant native pollinators & remove invasive species, all while connecting with farmers, developers, community members, & local leaders. Lunch is included. Please plan to arrive by 10am & stay until 1pm. Free. secure.lglforms.com/ form_engine/s/MDKKWbqQyz-SHS1PEqp37A
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S TRAVERSE
CITY: Hull Park, TC. Registration starts at 9am & the Promise Garden Ceremony & Walk begin at 10am. Funds support local communities as well as finding a cure. Walk will include Cherryland Ghostbusters, TC West Cheer Squad & more. Free. act.alz.org/ site/TR/Walk2025/MI-GreaterMichigan?fr_ id=18673&pg=entry
12TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT BEER
WEEK: Frankfort & Elberta. Enjoy this tasting adventure celebrating the heart of Michigan’s craft beer scene. Special Beer Week events include a Beer vs. Wine Dinner at Birch and Maple on Oct. 2; Beer Week Brewery Tour at Stormcloud Brewing on Oct. 2-3; “Beerfest” playing at The Garden Theater on Oct. 2; Meet the Brewer! at Stormcloud Brewing on Oct. 3; & Hello Autumn - A Fall Fundraiser for Grow Benzie at Stormcloud Brewing on Oct. 4. stormcloudbrewing.com/ events/frankfort-beer-week
CHATEAU CHANTAL HARVEST FESTIVAL: 11am-7pm, Chateau Chantal, TC. Enjoy food, fun & wine festivities. Featuring a public cellar/vineyard tour, grape stompin’, cork toss & more. Free to enter. chateauchantal.com/harvest-festival
GRAND TRAVERSE METRO FIRE DEPARTMENT: 11am-2pm, Station 11, 3000 Albany St., TC. Giveaways, raffles, food, fire safety education on smoke alarms, escape plans, & cooking safety. Free. gtmetrofire.org
SAY NO TO ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE: 11am, corner of Grandview Parkway & Union St., TC. Join in showing solidarity with the people
A GRAND PLACE TO THRIVE
of Palestine who are being killed by Israel while our communities pay for the weapons. Demand that the U.S. Government serves America, not Israel. Meet every Sat. mideastjustpeace.net
TRAVERSE CITY SHOP & SIP FALL FESTIVAL: 11am-5pm, Mt. Holiday Ski Hill, TC. Makers, artisans & small businesses will showcase handcrafted jewelry, home decor & more. Includes food trucks, warm cider, & autumn-inspired treats. Live music, face painting & pumpkins. This event benefits Mt. Holiday. $5. traversecityshopandsip.com
TC DESIGN WEEK: TC. Oct. 4-11. Design open houses, panel discussions, workshops, mixers, storytelling, fashion & light show, dance party, & Radical Design Finale & Exhibition. Visit web site for more info. tcdesignweek.com
EXHIBITION TALK: HISTORY/HERSTORY: WHO’S STORY?: 1pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center, Main Gallery. Four visual artists exhibiting work in GAAC’s exhibition talk about the power of the visual arts to take on difficult
Grand Traverse is truly a grand place to thrive—especially for seniors—thanks to its welcoming community and the incredible offerings through the Senior Center Network and Commission on Aging.
HOW GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY IS HELPING SENIORS THRIVE...
+ Engaging Activities: The Senior Center Network offers hiking, snowshoeing, high-end crafting, a Safety Series and top-quality classes like yoga, Pilates and more!
+ Travel Adventures: From fun, local day trips to extended journeys like an upcoming trip on the Danube, the Senior Center Network’s travel program helps seniors explore, make memories and build friendships.
+ Supportive Services: The Commission on Aging provides foot care, in-home nurse visits, personal care, housecleaning, outdoor maintenance, respite, emergency assistance, transportation support and more—with most seniors qualifying for free or reduced costs.
subjects. The HIStory/HERstory exhibition critically examines the power of voice. Free. glenarborart.org/product/exhibit-history-herstory-whose-story
SKITOBERFEST 2025: Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls. Enjoy craft beers, Bavarian eats, & live music. Challenge your friends to stein hoisting, keg throwing, or spouse-carrying competitions. Try axe-throwing & pie-eating. Take part in the Pray for Snow Bonfire. boynemountain.com/upcoming-events/skitoberfest
TABLE SIGNING WITH TIM MULHERIN: 1pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Tim will sign his book, “This Magnetic North.” Free. mcleanandeakin.com
HARVEST DINNER: 4:30-6:30pm, Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church, TC. Swiss steak, potato, vegetable, homemade desserts, beverage. Eat in or take out: 231-223-4393. Donation. oldmissionpeninsulaumc.org
MICHIGAN RATTLERS: A BIG WATER BENEFIT: Bliss Gardens Farm & Community
The 1928 American silent film, “The Man Who Laughs” will be accompanied by head organist at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor, Andrew Rogers, on the ‘Mighty’ Wurlitzer theater organ at The Music House Museum, Williamsburg on Sat., Oct. 11 at both 2pm and 6pm. $25 + fee online; $30 door. Find on mynorthtickets.com.
Kitchen, Harbor Springs. Acclaimed folk-rock band from Petoskey, the Michigan Rattlers will headline this benefit concert for Big Water Creative Arts’ music programs at Pellston Public Schools. The night will kick off with a special set at 6pm by BWCA co-founders & local musicians Michelle Chenard & Pete Kehoe. The Michigan Rattlers will perform at 7:30pm inside the Bliss Gardens barn. Tickets start at $28.52. bigwatercreativearts.org
FORT FRIGHT: 6:30-9:30pm, Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City. Lanterns light your way through an 18th-century fort & fur trading village overrun by werewolves, witches, goblins & ghouls. Storytellers weave spooky folktales near bonfires & treats. Last admission is at 8:30pm. $10.20 - $15.31; 4 & under, free. mackinacparks.com/fort-fright
CANADIAN BRASS: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of the world’s most famous brass group. Tickets starting at $37. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/canadian-brass
FOREVER YOUNG: ADULT HOMECOMING: 7pm, Lake Ann Town Hall. Relive the 80s & 90s with throwback hits, enjoy snacks & refreshments, & bid on items at the silent auction. This event helps raise awareness & funds to support ovarian cancer. Suggested attire: formal dresses & suits, with 80s or 90s flair. $50/ person. mioca.org/events-programs/events/ Forever-Young-Adult-Homecoming
LIVE AT THE BAY: LOW GAP: 7pm, The Bay Community Theatre, Suttons Bay. Featured in Rolling Stone, Low Gap is made up of brothers Gus & Phin Johnson, who are relatively young musicians but are already making an impact with their authentic writing & catchy tunes. $20 advance; $25 at door. thebaytheatre.com/special-events/live-atthe-bay-low-gap
BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY
DANCE: 7:30pm, Littlefield/Alanson Community Building, Alanson. Music will be provided by Harbor Hoedown, with Larry Dyer calling. All dances taught (circles, contras, squares & more). No need to bring a partner. Potluck at 6:30pm. Bring table service & dish to pass. $10/person, $5/student, 12 & under, free. blissfest.org
TIVAL: Noon-4pm, The Rex Dobson Ruby Ellen Farm, TC. Fun, free, child-friendly activities, museums highlighting farm life/families, demonstrations including cider pressing, rope making, wood turning, corn shelling, & fiber arts, hiking trails, gardens & more. rubyellenfarm.org
SKITOBERFEST 2025: (See Sat., Oct. 4)
TC DESIGN WEEK: (See Sat., Oct. 4)
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL: 1-4pm, Samels Farm, 8298 Skekemog Pt. Rd., Williamsburg. Featuring wagon rides, blacksmithing, hit n miss engine, archaeology display, cider pressing, thresher demonstration, & refreshments. Free. samelsfarm.org
OKTOBERFEST AT PCL: 2pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. A family-friendly Bavarian celebration with food, music, games & fun for all ages. zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ oktoberfest-at-pcl-2025-brats-brews-andbrainbusters
SALSA & SCARECROW DAY: 2-4pm, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, TC. For $10 per family, participants receive a scarecrow-building kit that includes a frame, burlap & straw. Families can bring their own clothing, accessories, & imaginations to bring their scarecrow to life. Completed scarecrows will be displayed throughout the Garden through Oct. Participants can also enjoy a salsa tasting station. Register. thebotanicgarden.org
MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL:
3pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. MANHATTAN SHORT is not a touring festival; it is an instantaneous celebration that occurs simultaneously across the globe, bringing great films to great venues & allowing the audiences to select their favorites. $10/person. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/ manhattan-short
ROCOCO CELLO: 4pm, Benzie Central High School Auditorium, Benzonia. Featured cello soloist Evelyn Elsing will join the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra for their last concert of 2025. The orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme as well as Symphony No. 1 by Sibelius. The 72-piece orchestra is under the baton of Thomas Riccobono. By donation. benziesymphony.com/2025-performances
THE LIGHTFOOT BAND: 6pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Not a tribute act, these are the original musicians who recorded & toured with Gordon Lightfoot for decades. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy & Lightfoot’s iconic song inspired by it. $45. simpletix.com/e/the-lightfoot-band-tickets-228062
monday
TC DESIGN WEEK: (See Sat., Oct. 4)
PAPERCRAFTING JUNK
JOURNALS: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Recycle your greeting cards, or create a journal or memory book from a tissue box. Free. tadl. org/event/papercrafting-junk-journals-26173
MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE: 7:30-10pm, Voorhies Hall, Bay View Association, Petoskey. Featuring “Young Victoria.” Free. bayviewassociation.org/monday-night-movies
tuesday
2025 FALL COLORS HIKE: 9am, Postle Farm Preserve, Boyne Falls. Take an easy hike through Postle Farm Preserve while seeing the iconic northern Michigan fall colors up close. Free; donations welcome. walloon.org/getinvolved/events
FALL PEEPERS: TERRIFIC TREES: 10am, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Explore the wonders of all things trees. Learn about different types of leaves, bark & more. For ages 3-5. Takes place completely outdoors. $5/child. natureiscalling.org/preschool-peepers-program
MORTGAGE & PROPERTY FRAUD: 10:30am, Benzie Shores District Library, Frankfort. Join local experts from State Sav
ART THAT REMINDS US HOW TO BE FEARLESS
ings Bank, Benzie County Register of Deeds, & Searchlight Title for a free seminar on preventing mortgage & title fraud. bsdlibrary.org/ mortgage-and-property-fraud
LEELANAU READS BANNED BOOKS
EDITION BOOK DISCUSSION: 11am, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Leelanau County libraries are hosting a community read of Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” in honor of Banned Books Week (Oct. 5-11). Book discussions will be held at each library. Free. glenlakelibrary.net/events
TECH TUESDAY: IDEVICES: 2pm, Leelanau Township Library, Northport. Join for a tutorial & Q&A on iDevice basics. Bring your Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac laptop, or Apple Watch) & your questions. Free. leelanautownshiplibrary.org
COMMUNITY SING: 7-9pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Bonfield Gallery, Petoskey. Facilitated by Caitlin Ludlow. Learn simple songs at this a capella workshop. Recording devices are welcome & song sheets are provided. Please leave instruments at home. crookedtree.org/ class/ctac-petoskey/community-sing
wednesday
NAMI CONNECTION & NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP: Noon, Christ Church, lower level, 430 Fair St., TC. NAMI Connection is a support group for people with mental health conditions. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges & successes of others, & the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. NAMI Family Support Group is a support group for family members, significant others & friends of people with mental health conditions. Gain insight from the challenges & successes of others facing similar experiences. Both groups are held on Wednesdays at the same location & at the same time. Free. namigt.org/supportand-education/support-groups -
08
TC DESIGN WEEK: (See Sat., Oct. 4)
LEELANAU READS BANNED BOOKS DISCUSSION: 1:30pm, Leelanau Twp. Library, Northport. Leelanau County libraries are hosting a community read of Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” in honor of Banned Books Week (Oct 5-11). Book discussions will be held at each library. Free. leelanautownshiplibrary.org
GAYLORD BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Kirtland M-Tec Center, Gaylord. Enjoy networking, food & cocktails. Hosted by Northland Area Federal Credit Union. $5 members; $10 not-yet members.
MACKINAW CITY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Arnold Transit Mackinaw City Dock. Join onboard an Arnold Transit vessel for an evening cruise on the Straits of Mackinac. Enjoy networking, appetizers, beer & wine, prizes, & more. RSVP: kelly@mackinawchamber.com. $5 members; $10 non-members.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS FORUM: State Theatre, TC. Film screening of “Powerful Women” with in-person presentation by Madhvi Dalal, among the film’s key subjects, social entrepreneur working in Kenya, So-
malia, & Malawi. State Theatre Community Night presented in partnership with Uplift Travel, NMC’s International Services & Service Learning Program, & the International Affairs Forum. 6pm doors; 7pm film. $10 GA; $6 students; free for NMC students. Tickets required. tciaf.com/event-october-8-2025
JAZZ COMBO & ORCHESTRA: JAZZ
ROYALTY: THE DUKE AND THE COUNT, POPS, AND PREZ.: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Groove along to iconic charts by four of jazz’s most legendary artists: Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, & Lester Young in this celebration of jazz royalty from the Interlochen Arts Academy Jazz Orchestra & Jazz Combo. Adult, $17; child - college, $14. interlochen.org/ events/jazz-combo-and-orchestra-jazz-royalty-duke-and-count-pops-and-prez-2025-10-08
COFFEE @ 10, PETOSKEY: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. Artist Shanna Robinson will talk about the materiality that informs her artwork, how these materials flow together to bring ideas into harmony, & the awareness she hopes to raise. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctacpetoskey/coffee-10-shanna-robinson-artist
TC DESIGN WEEK: (See Sat., Oct. 4)
GT MUSICALE PROGRAM: “GOSPEL MUSIC!”: 2pm, Mission Hill Church, TC. Featuring the Elk Lake Community Choir. The choir is under the direction of Cheryl Knight. The performance will feature Willie Dahl on trumpet & Steve Stargardt on piano. Free. gtmusicale.org
LEELANAU READS BANNED BOOKS
DISCUSSION: 2pm, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library. Leelanau County libraries are hosting a community read of Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” in honor of Banned Books Week (Oct. 5-11). Book discussions will be held at each library. Free. sbbdl.org/event/bookends-book-discussionthe-things-they-carried-by-tim-obrien
BENZIE COUNTY DURING THE ICE AGE: HOW THE GLACIERS SHAPED THE LANDSCAPE: 4pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. Presented by Steve Veatch. Recommended donation: $5. benziemuseum.org
CURRENTS OF THOUGHT: ICE, WATER, & INTERDISCIPLINARY INSIGHT: 5pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Join artists, scientists & environmental researchers for a dynamic conversation exploring how art & data come together to deepen our understanding of changing water landscapes. $0-$10. simpletix.com/e/currents-of-thoughtice-water-and-interdis-tickets-228029
A NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY: 6:30-8:30pm, Petoskey District Library. This year’s theme is “The Other Side of the Story,” featuring live performances by local actors, including short skits inspired by beloved books. There will also be literary monologues staged throughout the building, plus craft beverages & culinary treats from local vendors. Proceeds benefit library programming & materials. Tickets, $100. petoskeylibrary. org/en/index.aspx
BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR: 6:30pm, City Opera House, TC. Enjoy short films & documentaries about mountain culture, outdoor action sports, & the environment. Presented by Vasa Ski Club. Pre-show Social at 5:30pm. $20. cityoperahouse.org
CHILLIN’ WITH DAVE: 7pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Old Mission’s Dave Baumann shares his lively takes on favorite tunes. Free event with free dessert. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org
FALL WIND SYMPHONY: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Enjoy an evening of instrumental music courtesy of the Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Symphony. Adult, $17; child - college, $14. interlochen.org/events/fall-wind-symphony-2025-10-09
friday
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FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: (See Thurs., Oct. 9, except today’s time is 9am-5pm.)
46TH ANNUAL CHARLEVOIX APPLE FEST: Downtown Charlevoix, Oct. 10-12. Apple orchards, farm market, art & craft show, kids activities & more. facebook.com/ CVXAppleFest
OCTOBER WELLNESS SERIES: 10:30am, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, lower level Community Room. Join licensed esthetician & herbalist Kelly Kehl for a session on ways to nurture the body through the seasonal shift into winter, including herbs, foods, skin care & tools. A demonstration of skincare tools will be included. Free. sbbdl.org/ event/october-wellness-series-kelly-kehl
LUNCHEON LECTURE: LANDING IN ANTARCTICA: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. Ron Bazman, former FAA air traffic controller & recent controller on the frozen continent, will explain how aircraft deliver people & supplies to support science from the Dry Valleys to the South Pole. Register. $15. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-6289906
TC DESIGN WEEK: (See Sat., Oct. 4)
THE UPPER MID-WEST LOG & TIMBER DESIGN-BUILD EXPO: 1-7pm, GT Resort & Spa, Acme. Meet with log & timber frame home builders & suppliers. See products & have your questions answered on topics like floor plan design, budgeting, financing, & the difference between a log & timber frame home. Admission ranges from free - $12; good for all 3 days. loghomeshows.com/events/the-northern-michigan-log-timber-design-build-expo
FALL ART: 4-6pm, Art on Union Gallery, TC. Check out the gallery with an artist live painting demo. Oct. 10 is the opening reception w/ Rachel L., painting live “mini” watercolors, featured fall pottery & seasonal treats while you watch the artists & browse handmade local talent all weekend. Free. artonunion.com
FUNDRAISER FOR THE UPLIFT MARA PROJECT: 6-9pm, Brengman Family Wines, TC. Featuring leading Kenyan change-maker & founder of Padmad Kenya, Madhvi Dalal. There will also be live music from TC Sings, pairings of award-winning wine, Africanthemed appetizers & more. Join Uplift Travel in bringing dignity, food & water security, & educational/entrepreneurial opportunities to Maasai women & girls. $35. brengmanfamilywines.com/product/uplift-mara-project
NORTHERN MICHIGAN DANCE FESTIVAL: 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Join TCDP for the opening performance of the Northern Michigan Dance Festival. The program features a mixed bill showcasing professional dance companies & artists from across the country. It includes an optional Q&A with the artists following the performance. $33.65-$39. mynorthtickets.com/ organizations/traverse-city-dance-project
WHAT MATTERS MOST - AN EVENING OF SONG & SPOKEN WORD: 7-8:15pm, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse, TC. PFLAG Traverse City presents an evening of music, fun & laughter. Learn more about PFLAG Traverse City & its mission. upnorthpride.com/event/2025/10/10/ what-matters-most-an-evening-of-song-andspoken-word
FALL ORCHESTRA: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. The Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra kicks off the 2025-26 academic year with its debut performance. Dr. Leslie B. Dunner will lead the ensemble in a rich program of classical & contemporary masterworks. Adult, $17; child - college, $14. interlochen.org/events/ fall-orchestra-2025-10-10
TC SACRED DRUM CIRCLE: 7:30pm, House of Bear, 4242 Co. Rd. 633, Grawn. Drum in the midst of the trees just minutes away from Grawn. No experience necessary, no drum necessary. Free. facebook.com/ tc.sacred.drum.circle
saturday
WOLVERINE STATE 100: Petoskey. Today features the 100 Mile Race, 100 Mile Relay, 100KM Race & 50KM Early Start Race. See web site to register & for various times. Virtual races also offered. $165-$330. runsignup.com/Race/ Events/MI/Petoskey/WolverineState100
11
FRANKFORT FALL FESTIVAL: 9am-5pm, Open Space Park, Main St., Frankfort. Featuring the Port City 5K Run, Fall Festival Craft Fair, Parade & Mutt March, pumpkin decorating, free alpaca petting & feeding, guess the weight of the giant pumpkin, Kids’ Communal Mural Project, cornhole tournament, live music by The Scottsville Clown Band & AndyLynn BetsyBaye’s DanceMix, Giant Pumpkin Drop & much more. frankfortfallfest.my.canva.site/2025
ROCK THE LIGHT TRAIL RUN: 9am. Trail run 5K at the Leelanau State Park trails off Densmore Rd. by the Woosley Airport in Northport. Challenging & fun trail loop. $30 + SignUp fee. runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/ Northport/RocktheLightTrailRun
46TH ANNUAL CHARLEVOIX APPLE FEST: (See Fri., Oct. 10)
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: (See Thurs., Oct. 9, except today’s time is 10am-noon.)
MADE IN CHEBOYGAN SUMMER CRAFT SHOW SERIES: 10am, Washington Park, downtown Cheboygan. More than 30 crafters & artists will display jewelry, home decor, artwork & much more. Free. facebook.com/ madeincheboygan
THE UPPER MID-WEST LOG & TIMBER DESIGN-BUILD EXPO: (See Fri., Oct. 10, except today’s time is 10am-6pm.)
WALK TO END PERIOD POVERTY IN KENYA: 10am, NMC’s Boardman Lake Campus, TC. Presented by the NMC Multicultural Club. All funds raised go directly to provide sanitary pads, reproductive health education, clean water & sanitation facilities in Kenyan communities. There will also be music, prizes, activity stops & more. For more info & to register, visit web site. uplifttravel.org/post/walk-to-end-period-povertyin-kenya-with-nmc-multicultural-club
10TH ANNUAL LAKE LEELANAU STREET HARVEST FESTIVAL: 11am-6pm, downtown Lake Leelanau. Featuring children’s activities including face painting, juggling acts by Clark Lewis, a live petting zoo with Double Oak Farm; arts & crafts, local artists, food, live music by New Third Coast & Blue Footed Booby, & much more. Free. lakeleelanaustreetfair.org
ART IN THE BARN: 11am-4pm, 6411 N. Overlook Rd., Northport. Artist Douglas Racich will be in his studio at his 1870’s Leelanau County barn. Featured works will include egg tempera & watercolor paintings. This month’s special guest artist, Moira Racich, will be showing artwork including paintings from her ongoing Dark Sky series. Free. leelanauprints.com
FIFE LAKE’S ANNUAL SCARECROW FESTIVAL: 11am-2pm, Center of Fife Lake Village. Games, crafts, food, hay rides, donkey petting, costume contest at noon, business trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating & more. Free. fifelakechamber.org/event-details/fife-lake-scarecrow-festival-1
HORSE NORTH RESCUE FALL FESTIVAL: 11am, Horse North Rescue, Interlochen. Meet the horses & enjoy kids’ games & crafts, cider & donuts. Free. horsenorthrescue.org
SAY NO TO ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE: (See Sat., Oct. 4) -
ANNUAL APPLE DAY: Noon-4pm, Farm Club, TC. Press some apples! Featuring more than 20 varieties to taste & bags to purchase. Other treats available to buy as well. Free. farmclubtc.com/events
TC DESIGN WEEK: (See Sat., Oct. 4)
-
THE HIGHLANDS HARVEST FEST: Noon4pm, The Highlands at Harbor Springs. Face painting, cookie decorating, burlap sack racing, a juggler, pumpkin ring toss, yard games, cider, & donuts. Take part in the autumn Highlands Stein Hoisting event (2pm) for a chance to win a gift card. Your tickets includes the scenic chairlift ride, all the activities, & Stein Hoisting. $20; 5 & under, free. highlandsharborsprings.com/events/harvest-fest -
MEET THE ARTIST: 2-4pm, Art on Union Gallery, TC. Meet the Artist & Live Demo with Barbara Reich. Barbara will be painting pastel pumpkins. Enjoy fall refreshments while watching her demonstration, & browse all the local talent. Free. artonunion.com -
ORGANIST ANDREW ROGERS AC-
COMPANIES SILENT MOVIE: Head organist at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor, Andrew Rogers heads to The Music House Museum, Williamsburg at 2pm & 6pm to accompany the 1928 American silent film, “The Man Who Laughs” on the ‘Mighty’ Wurlitzer theater organ. $25 + fee online; $30 door. mynorthtickets.com/events/the-music-housemuseum-is-proud-to-welcome-organist-andrew-rogers-accompanying-the-1928-silentmovie-the-man-who-laughs-saturday-october11-at-200-and-600pm-10-11-202
JAZZ AT CITY OPERA HOUSE: 3pm, City Opera House, TC. MSU Jazz Orchestra One
wsg Sean Jones, trumpet. Rodney Whitaker, director. Central High School Big Band & Central High School Lab Band. Thomas Vieira & Craig Jones, directors. $5-$12. cityoperahouse.org
2ND ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT: 4pm, Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre, Honor. Trunk or treating from 4:15-6pm; Costume Parade & Pet Costume Contest from 6:15-7pm; single feature movie at dusk. There will also be a Best Trunk Contest & creepy concessions. facebook.com/ events/666065035749917?ref=110
POWER! BOOK BAGS’ SUNSET SOIREE!: 4:30pm, Shady Lane Cellars, Suttons Bay. Help support PoWeR! Book Bags, which promotes language, literacy & human interactions. They provide under-resourced children & their families with research-proven tools to support playing, writing & reading. Attend the fundraiser & enjoy beverages, charcuterie, desserts, live music & more. One ticket: $100; two tickets: $175; 10 tickets: $750. powerbookbags.org
GLCO PRESENTS FALL COLOR TOUR
CONCERT: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra (GLCO) presents Fall Color Tour Exploring Color in Music & Painting. Featuring the works of Debussy, Mussorgsky, Haydn, Bach, Wagner & Mendelssohn. Tickets range from free to $65. glcorchestra.or/concerts
STELLA! IN CONCERT: 7pm, AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center, Grayling. Enjoy an evening of country roots songwriting, three-part harmonies & string instrumentation by this American roots trio from southeast Michigan. $25. artisanvillage.org/events
DOWNTOWN SOUND PERFORMING ARTS SERIES: 7:30-9:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Featuring Nathan & Jessie, bringing their trilingual blend of swingin’ bluesy jazzy folk. Performing on resonator guitars & accordion, their tunes reflect a life rich in culture, humor, storytelling, & the joy of improvisation. $10$40. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ downtown-sound-nathan-jessie-october-11
NORTHERN MICHIGAN DANCE FESTI-
VAL PROGRAM B: 7:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Join TCDP for the second performance of the Northern Michigan Dance Festival. The program features a mixed bill showcasing professional dance companies & artists from across the country. It includes an optional Q&A with the artists after the performance. $33.65-$39. mynorthtickets.com/organizations/traverse-city-dance-project
MATT FRASER: AMERICA’S TOP PSY-
CHIC MEDIUM: SOLD OUT: 8pm, Little River Casino Resort, indoor venue, Manistee. Fraser’s readings lead guests through a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to crying, turning skeptics into believers with stunning details. He is also the star of the hit television series Meet the Frasers on E! Entertainment. $45-$55. lrcr.com/event/matt-fraser
SPIN DOCTORS: 8pm, Odawa Casino Resort, Ovation Hall, Petoskey. This alternative rock band from NYC is best known for its early 1990s hits “Two Princes” & “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.” $45. odawacasino.com/entertainment
sunday
WOLVERINE STATE 100: 5:30am, Petoskey. Today features the 50KM race. See web site to register. Vir
tual races also offered. $140 + SignUp fee. runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Petoskey/ WolverineState100
46TH ANNUAL CHARLEVOIX APPLE FEST: (See Fri., Oct. 10) -
FARMLAND 5K & FREE FOR ALL BIKE: 999 Rasho Rd., TC. Featuring a 5K Run, Free for All Bike, Farmland Run & Bike Combo, 1 Mile Kid’s Race, Bike Add-On Day of, & Run Add-On Day of. Traverse over grass, wooded dirt trails, & farmland running terrain. See web site to register & for various start times. $5-$50; discounts for TCTC members. runsignup.com/ Race/MI/TraverseCity/Farmland
MADE IN CHEBOYGAN SUMMER CRAFT SHOW SERIES: (See Sat., Oct. 11)
THE UPPER MID-WEST LOG & TIMBER DESIGN-BUILD EXPO: (See Fri., Oct. 10, except today’s time is 10am-4pm.) -
ART IN THE BARN: (See Sat., Oct. 11)
GLEN LAKE’S FALL FLANNEL FESTIVAL: 11am-2pm, Glen Lake School’s Campus. Bounce houses, cider making, cornhole, games, pie eating contests, food truck & much more. $5/person or $20/family. glenlakeschools.org/o/glcs/article/2425816
SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECT: 1pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Take part in a vibrant participatory artistic experience every second Sun. of the month. From printmaking to painting & weaving, each session offers a unique & creative activity. $0-$10. simpletix.com/e/second-sunday-art-projecttickets-227579
MEET THE ARTIST!: 2-4pm, Art on Union
Gallery, TC. Watercolorist Michael Sincic has an amazing ability to paint legally blind. Free. artonunion.com
NORTHERN MICHIGAN DANCE FESTIVAL
PROGRAM C: 2pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Join TCDP for the final performance of the Northern Michigan Dance Festival. The program features a mixed bill showcasing professional dance companies & artists from across the country. Pre-show music from 1:30-2pm by the Charlie Millard Band. Watch the dancers take warm up class onstage at Milliken Auditorium from 10:30am-noon. $33.65-$39. mynorthtickets. com/organizations/traverse-city-dance-project
VINEYARD AT SUNSET 5K: 3pm, French Valley Vineyard, Cedar. $35. runsignup.com/ Race/Events/MI/Cedar/wine5k
ELBERTA HERITAGE CENTER COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER: 4:30pm, Betsie Bay Furniture, Frankfort. Join for live music with The Nephews, food pre-orders from Still Grinning Kitchens, & a raffle. Free. elbertalaborheritagecenter.org/event/community-fundraiser
ongoing
FREE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS: Wednesdays, 7:30pm at Original Hot Yoga TC. 231-392-4798. originalhotyogatc.com
SCREAMS IN THE DARK HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS: Screams in the Dark: Blackwood Hollow, 5548 M-66, Kalkaska. Embark on a terrifying adventure through the twisted halls of Blackwood Manor & the haunting paths of Trails Of The Lost before it’s time to face your fears as you enter the chaotic dark carnival of Pandemonium, where nightmares come to life. Plus more! Held on Fridays,
Saturdays & Sundays, starting at 7:30pm, in Oct. through Nov. 2. See web site for times & tickets. $20/person. evernighthaunt.com/ index.html
BRIGHTLETICS AGELESS GRACE PARKINSON’S CLASS: Mondays, 11-11:50am, GT County Senior Center, TC. Brightletics founder Lisa George teaches this class that is done in a seated chair & is structured in a seven part sequence targeting specific challenges or symptoms of Parkinson’s. Sponsored by Parkinson’s Network North.
farmers markets
BOYNE CITY: Veterans Park. Held on Wednesdays & Saturdays through mid-Oct. from 8am-noon. boynecityfarmersmarket.org
FRANKFORT: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, Open Space Park, Main St.
HARBOR SPRINGS: Corner of State & Main streets, downtown. Held on Saturdays from 9am-1pm through Oct. 11. Featuring local farmers, artisans, food producers & more. There will be live music on select dates, & also Kids Days. petoskeyarea.com/events/ harbor-springs-farmers-market-2025
INTERLOCHEN: Corner of US-31 & J. Maddy Parkway. Held every Sun. through Oct. from 9am-2pm. Featuring local fresh produce, locally produced food, & natural artisan arts & crafts. facebook.com/InterlochenFarmersMarket
KINGSLEY FARMERS MARKET: Brownson Park, Kingsley. Held every Weds. from 3-7pm through Oct. Featuring 30+ vendors, hot food, live music & free workshops. kingsleyfarmersmarket.com
MANISTEE: Wagoner Community Center. Held every Sat. through Oct. 4, 9am-noon. manisteekitchen.org/farmers-market
OLD TOWN EMMET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm through Oct. 4, Friendship Center of Emmet County, Petoskey. This market is made up of a group of local farmers, growers, bakers, makers, crafters, & artisans. petoskeyarea. com/events/old-town-emmet-farm-market
SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS
MARKET: Parking Lot B, Cass St. & E Grandview Parkway, TC. Held on Wednesdays through Oct. from 8am-noon, & Saturdays through Oct. from 7:30am-noon. dda. downtowntc.com/farmers-market/
SUTTONS BAY: North Park, 601 Front St. Held every Sat. through Oct. 18, 9am-1pm. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com
art
3RD ANNUAL WHEN FORM MEETS FUNCTION EXHIBIT: Northport Arts Association. This juried show spotlights artists who work in three dimensions - clay, wood & fiber - & gives them a chance to exhibit & sell their work in one collaborative space. Runs Oct. 10 - Nov. 2. An opening reception will be held on Fri., Oct. 10 from 5-8pm. See web site for hours. northportartsassociation.org/events-exhibits
SECRET BEACH: Love Farm, Beulah. From Oct. 4-25, the Cathedral at Love Farm hosts Secret Beach, an exhibit of regional artists offering glimpses into unfathomable futures & access to general profundity. love.farm
LIGHT/HOUSE - RUMINATIONS ON THE STORM: Higher Art Gallery, TC. Enjoy the curious & fantastically strange artwork of
multi-disciplinary artist Saul Gray-Hildenbrand. His sculptures, paintings & fiber wall hangings will are on display through Oct. 18. See web site for hours. higherartgallery.com
BIG AND SMALL EXHIBIT: Charlevoix Circle of Arts. A playful contrast in scale, monumental paintings meet intricate miniatures. Runs through Oct. 25. Hours are Mon. through Fri., 11am-4pm; & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org/exhibits-2025
JURIED FINE ARTS SHOW: Gaylord Area Council for the Arts. The exhibit runs through Nov. 12. Hours: Weds., Thurs., Fri., 1-5pm or by appointment. gaylordarts.org/juried-finearts-exhibition.html
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:
- ART FROM THE HEART: WORKS FROM HARBOR HALL’S HEART STUDIO: Held in Atrium Gallery through Oct. 11. Featuring artwork created by clients of Harbor Hall’s HeART Studio art therapy program. Check web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ art-heart-works-harbor-halls-heart-studio
- 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
- PROCESS & PRACTICE: CRAFTING WELLBEING: Held in Bonfield Gallery. The exhibition, juried by Dr. Elizabeth FergusJean, features about 45 artists whose works explore relationships between sustained creative practices, experiences with art, & wellbeing. Runs through Nov. 1. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ process-and-practice-crafting-wellbeing
- VIBRANT MATTER: ENGAGING ENERGIES: Held in Gilbert Gallery. Featuring the works of several artists, this exhibition explores the notion of vibrant materialism, which suggests that all matter, both living & nonliving, possesses a kind of vitality & the capacity to influence & be influenced by its surroundings. Runs through Nov. 1. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctacpetoskey/vibrant-matter-engaging-energies
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:
- BETWEEN THE LEAVES: Held in the Libragallery. Visit Katie Lowran’s solo exhibition “Between the Leaves,” a luminous collection with movement, texture, & the spirit of the natural world. Runs through Oct. 4. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traversecity/guild-pop-exhibit-katie-lowran - HIGHWAYS & BYWAYS: Held in Cornwell Gallery. CTAC, TC invited Michigan artists to submit work for Highways and Byways, a juried exhibition exploring the roads we travel, both literal & metaphorical. The theme invites exploration, reflection, & storytelling across all visual art forms. It runs through Oct. 25. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctactraverse-city/highways-byways-traverse-city - TEXTILES IN CONTEXT: Held in Cornwell Gallery. An exhibition featuring the work of four visual artists—Shanna Robinson, Nancy McRay, Barbara Bushey & Sarah BearupNeal—who explore the expressive potential of fiber. Runs through Oct. 11. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/textiles-context-traverse-city - TRAVERSE AREA CAMERA CLUB: 2025 AWARD WINNERS: Held in Carnegie Rotunda through Oct. 11. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traversecity/traverse-area-camera-club-2025-awardwinners-traverse-city
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/nowon-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
GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:
- SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT: MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS BY CAROL C SPAULDING: Held in the Lobby Gallery. Enjoy this small group of new mixed media paintings that runs through Dec. 17. See web site for hours. glenarborart.org/exhibits
- HISTORY / HERSTORY: WHOSE STORY?: This exhibition explores the idea that the victors have written history. Whether it’s visual art, literature, film, sports, science, politics, education, animal, mineral, real or imagined history, this exhibition asks: Who’s telling what stories? Who’s included in the official record? Who’s excluded? Omitted? Erased? Twenty-four exhibitors take on these questions. The exhibition runs through Oct. 23. See web site for hours. glenarborart.org
OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT:
- EILEEN KELLY: A RETROSPECTIVE: In recognition of Eileen Kelly’s 96th birthday, the Oliver Art Center will host this retrospective exhibit of her work from the past several decades. Runs through Oct. 5. The Oliver Art Center is open Mon.-Sat. from 10am-4pm & Sun. from noon-4pm. oliverart.org
- OAC 2025 JURIED ART EXHIBITION: This show highlights work across a range of media. Awards will be presented in several categories. Runs through Oct. 10. See web site for hours. oliverart.org
Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.
Brought to you by: Supported by:
lOGY
OCT 06 - OCT 12
BY ROB BREZSNY
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): ): Libra architect Christopher Alexander developed a sixth sense about why some spaces feel comfortable while others are alienating. What was the source of his genius? He avoided abstract principles and studied how people actually used spaces. His best architecture soulfully coordinated the relationships between indoor and outdoor areas, private and public zones, and individual needs and community functions. The “quality without a name” was the term he used to identify the profound aliveness, wholeness, and harmony of spaces where people love to be. In the coming weeks, Libra, I hope you access your own natural gift for curating relationships and cultivating balance. Your solutions should serve multiple needs. Elegant approaches will arise as you focus on connections rather than isolated parts.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Have you been to Morocco? I love that so many houses there are built around spacious courtyards with intricate tilework and lush gardens. Sooner or later, of course, the gorgeous mosaic-like floors need renovations. The artisans who do the work honor the previous artistry. “In rebuilding,” one told me, “our goal is to create new magnificence that remembers the old splendor.” I hope you pursue an approach like that in the coming weeks, Leo. The mending and healing you undertake should nourish the soulfulness you have cultivated, even as you polish and refine.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo novelist Agatha Christie often planned her elaborate plots while cleaning her house or washing dishes. She said such repetitive, physical tasks unlocked her creativity, allowing ideas to emerge without force. I suggest you draw inspiration from her method in the coming weeks. Seek your own form of productive distraction. Instead of wrestling with a problem in a heroic death match, lose yourself in simple, grounding actions that free your mind to wander. I am pretty sure that your most brilliant and lasting solutions will emerge when you’re not trying hard to come up with brilliant and lasting solutions.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Some medieval mystics claimed that angels spoke in paradoxes because the truth was too rich for simple logic. These days, I believe you Scorpios are extra fluent in paradox. You are raw yet powerful, aching and grateful, confounded but utterly clear. You are both dying and being reborn. My advice: Don’t try to resolve the contradictions. Immerse yourself in them, bask in them, and allow them to teach you all they have to teach. This may entail you sitting with your sadness as you laugh and letting your desire and doubt interweave. The contradictions you face with open-heartedness will gift you with sublime potency and authority.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The ancient city of Petra, built in sandstone cliffs in what’s now Jordan, was mostly hidden from the outside world for centuries. In 1812, Sagittarian Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it by disguising himself as a pilgrim. He trained extensively in the Arabic language, Islamic culture, and local customs so he could travel incognito. You Sagittarians can benefit from a similar strategy in the coming weeks. Life will conspire to bring you wonders if you thoroughly educate yourself about the people and situations you would like to influence. I invite you to hike your empathy up to a higher octave, cultivate respect for what’s unfamiliar, and make yourself extra available for exotic and inspiring treasures.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): During the 1800s, countless inventors chased the impossible dream of perpetual-motion machines: contraptions that would run endlessly without any fuel source. Every attempt failed; such devices bucked the fundamental laws of physics. But here’s good news, Capricorn: You are close to cracking the code on a metaphorical version of perpetual motion. You are cultivating habits and rhythms that could keep you steady and vital for a long time to come. I predict the energy you’re generating will be self-sustaining.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Octopuses have three hearts and blue blood. They taste with their skin, solve puzzles, and squeeze their entire bodies through coin-sized holes. No wonder they are referred to as the aliens of Earth, just as you Aquarians are the aliens of the zodiac. According to my analysis, now is a perfect
time for you to embrace your inner octopus. I authorize you to let your strangeness lead the way. You have the right and duty to fully activate your multidimensional mind. Yes, you may be misunderstood by some. But your suppleness, radical empathy, and nonlinear genius will be exactly what’s needed. Be the one who sees escape routes and paths to freedom that no one else perceives. Make the impossible look natural.
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Dear Pisces, it’s like you’re in one of those dreams when you’re exploring the attic or basement of your home and discover secret rooms you didn’t realize existed. This is good! It means you are finding uncharted frontiers in what you assumed was familiar territory. It suggests you are ready to see truths you weren’t ready for before. Congrats! Keep wandering and wondering, and you will discover what you didn’t even know you needed to know.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): No relationship is like any other. The way we bond with another has a distinctive identity that embodies the idiosyncratic chemistry between us. So in my view, it's wrong to compare any partnership to a supposedly ideal template. Fortunately, you Aries are in a phase when you can summon extra wisdom about this and other relaxing truths concerning togetherness. I recommend you devote your full creativity and ingenuity to helping your key bonds ripen and deepen.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Poet Rainer Maria Rilke advised, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.” These days, dear Taurus, that’s your power move: to stay in conversation with mystery without forcing premature answers. Not everything needs to be fixed or finalized. Your gift is to be a custodian of unfolding processes: to cherish and nourish what’s ripening. Trust that your questions are already generating the early blooms of a thorough healing.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): am a great admirer of Bart Simpson, a fictional fourthgrade student on the animated TV show The Simpsons. He is a constant source of unruly affirmations that we could all benefit from incorporating into our own behavior when life gets comically weird. Since I think you’re in such a phase now, Gemini, I am offering a batch of Bart-style gems. For best results, use them to free yourself from the drone of the daily routine and scramble your habitual ways of understanding the world. Now here’s Bart: 1. “I will not invent a new religion based on bubble gum.” 2. “I will not sell bottled ‘invisible water.’” 3. “I will not try to hypnotize my friends, and will not tell co-workers they are holograms.” 4. “I will not claim to be a licensed pyrotechnician.” 5. “I will not use the Pythagorean theorem to summon demons.” 6. “I will not declare war on Thursdays.”
CANCER (June 21-July 22): During its entire life, the desert plant Welwitschia mirabilis grows just two leaves. They never wither or fall off but continually grow, twist, split, and tatter for hundreds of years. They keep thriving even as their ends are worn or shredded by wind and sand. love how wild and vigorous they look, and I love how their wildness is the result of their unfailing persistence and resilience. Let’s make Welwitschia mirabilis your inspirational symbol in the coming weeks, Cancerian. May it motivate you to nurture the quiet, enduring power in your depths that enables you to express yourself with maximum uniqueness and authenticity.
“Jonesin”
"Alphabetically
Crosswords
Correct" in the right order. by Matt
ACROSS
1. Sideways sidler
5. "The Bubble" director Apatow
9. Destroy, as a contract
14. "Black Swan" actress Kunis
15. Three-level snack
16. "___ a customer"
17. "Moneytalks" band
18. "Jeepers!"
19. Shapewear brand
20. Instruction on liquid medicine or salad dressing
12. ___ Reader (quarterly magazine founded in 1984)
13. Chicken ___
21. Piercing places
22. "Air Music" composer Ned
25. Phone maker from Finland
26. "Dallas" surname
27. Convention locale
28. Cinematic scorer Morricone
29. The ___ things in life
30. Botanical seed-to-be
31. 1912 Peace Nobelist Root
32. Major happening
33. "Anywhere but here" acronym
38. Late fashion icon Iris in the 2014 Albert Maysles documentary "Iris"
39. Alter the soundtrack, maybe?
41. Speed limit in some states
42. Express ridicule
44. "The Devil's Dictionary" author Ambrose
45. One who's just OK?
48. 1990s Britpop psychedelic rock band ___ Shaker
49. Christmas, in Montreal
50. Hotel fixtures
51. Maze goal
52. Bean mentioned by Hannibal Lecter
53. "Titanic" actor Billy
54. Sultanate near Yemen
55. Garth's portrayer in "Wayne's World"
56. Proof letters
Jones
NORTHERN EXPRESS
CLASSIFIEDS
WINERY ACCOUNTANT & CONTROLLER:
Mari Vineyards is seeking a Full-Time Accountant & Controller to oversee our financial operations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in accounting, financial management, and regulatory compliance. This is a hands on role overseeing our full financial operations. Learn more on our website: marivineyards.com/connect/employment
HEAD WINEMAKER: Mari Vineyards is currently seeking a Head Winemaker to lead our cellar team in the production of our estate, cool climate, red and white wines. This is a key, full-time, leadership role responsible for the direction and execution of the entire winemaking program. Learn more about the role and how to apply on our website: marivineyards.com/ connect/employment
SEWING AND QUILTING CLASSES AT INTERQUILTEN: Classes for beginner to advanced. Check our class schedule InterQuilten.com
BEGINNERS MAH JONGG CLASSES WITH BARBARA: Starts 10/20 for 4 weeks. Central TC. Preregister and Info: ellives@Aye.net
TRAVERSE CITY COTTAGE FOR RENT: 1 BR, Full Bath, Well Furnished, All Utilities Included, All New Appliances, W/D, Parking, Nice Setting, Month-to-Month to One-Year, No Pets; $1,600 per month. Call (231) 631-7512.
SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248
COMPUTER PROBLEMS?:: I'll come to your home or office and make your computer, tablet, phone and TV work! Call James Downer at Advent Tech. YOUR HIGH TECH HANDYMAN! Call: 231-492-2087
NORTWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE IS HIRING NMC seeks an Engineering Technology Instructor to join our Faculty! This is your chance to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians. $63,837.00 - $73,868.00. Launch a Career in the Skies: Our growing Aviation team seeks an Aviation Maintenance Technician $67,919.00. Technician. NMC is EOE nmc.edu/ nondiscrimination
SEASONS OF THE NORTH WINERY, INDIAN RIVER 2-4: 10/4 -- Foggy Morn...Lookin Back 10/11 – Ty Parkin
THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN
10/4 -- The Beau House Band, 8 10/10 -- Musician's Playground, 7 10/11 -- Silver Creek Revival, 8
THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS
10/10 -- Nelson Olstrom, 5
THE WIGWAM, INDIAN RIVER 10/9 -- Dominic Fortuna, 7:309:30
7-11
10/9 -- Karaoke, 7-11
10/10-11 -- Boardman River Band, 8-11
MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 10/10 -- The Tweed Tones, 8-11
SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE 10/9 -- DJ Bingo, 6
THE DAM SHOP, ELK RAPIDS 10/4 – DAM-toberfest, Prost! w/ live music, noon
TOWN CLUB, ELK RAPIDS 10/8 -- Mike Ridley, 6-9
WATERFIRE VINEYARDS, KEWADIN 10/4 -- Randy Reszka, 2-5
BEL LAGO VINEYARD, WINERY & CIDERY, CEDAR 10/4 -- Clint Weaner, 3
BLACK STAR FARMS, SUTTONS BAY
6-8: 10/4 -- Dan Merryman Casula 10/11 -- Johnny Aimcrier
BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU
4-6:30: 10/5 -- Chris Skellenger & The Wheatpickers 10/12 -- Highway North
CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY 10/5 -- Charlie Arnett, 2-4:30
DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT
3-6:
10/5 -- Larry Perkins 10/8 -- Luke Woltanski 10/12 -- Chris Smith
FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH
6-8:
10/6 -- Monday Music Trivia
10/8 -- Open Mic w/ Andy Littlefield
10/9 -- Trivia Thursday
Brass, Manitou Truckin' Company, & Airborne or Aquatic, noon THE GREENHOUSE - WILLOW/ PRIMOS, CADILLAC
10/4 -- BIG Fall Silent Disco Dance Party, 8 10/8 -- Weds. Trivia, 6-9
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TAVERN & EATERY,
FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR
3-6:
10/6 -- Larz Cabot
10/9 -- Jesse Jefferson
IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 5:30-7:30: 10/3 -- Plaidurday Party w/ Rebekah Jon 10/10 -- Blair Miller 10/11 -- Alex Teller
LAKE ANN BREWING CO. 10/4 -- Lake Ann Oktoberfest w/ Delilah DeWylde, 3-6; Rock Bottom Ready, 6:30-9:30 10/10 -- Mike Moran, 6:30-9:30 10/11 -- Drew Hale, 6:30-9:30
LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY 10/10 -- Joe Wilson Trio, 6-9
RIVER CLUB, GLEN ARBOR 10/4 -- Jim Hawley, 4-7 10/10 -- Jason Locke, 5-8 10/11 -- Luke Woltanski Duo, 5-8
SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY 3-6: 10/10 -- Friday Night Live w/ Rhett DuCouer 10/11 -- Drew Alkema
ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 5-8:
10/4 -- John Piatek
10/10 -- Fred & Smed 10/11 -- Oktoberfest w/ Highway North
STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT 7-9:
10/4 -- Jen Sygit 10/11 -- Robert Rolfe Feddersen
SUTTONS BAY CIDERS
10/9 -- Thurs. DJ Trivia, 6:30-8
SWEET’S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Mon. – Music Bingo, 7 Fri. – Music Bingo, 8; Karaoke, 10 Sat. – Karaoke, 8
THE FOLDED LEAF, CEDAR 10/4 -- Live Music, 2-4:30 10/8 -- Big Fun Unplugged, 6-8:30 10/11 -- Joe Wilson Trio, 5-7:30
THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS, 6-9:
10/4 & 10/11 -- Bryan Poirier 10/10 -- Billy & The Kid
