Northern Express - September 07, 2026

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NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • september 07 - september 13, 2026 • Vol. 36 No.36 Cover photo of Will Richmond; photo by Stacy Folgmann

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Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 1

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2 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

PETOSKEY MACKINAW CITY 877.442.6464

231.344.4433

letters CONTENTS

A Letter to Fathers of Daughters If you are blessed enough to be a father of a daughter, you know something of my life. I have two wonderful adult daughters, each with partners, careers, and children of their own. They are mature, confident women.

But there was a time in their lives when they were facing the normal challenges of growing up. I could not shelter them from those challenges, but I was committed to maintaining our relationship even when we did not agree. I discovered over time that they needed me to listen and trust them more than they needed my wisdom.

Back when they were becoming young adults, abortion was legal in the United States. It meant that whatever I felt about their views on this issue, they had a choice.

My wisdom as a father was less important than the knowledge that they knew I would be with them no matter what they ultimately decided. Over time I have discovered that some fathers who have strong convictions about abortion have sadly let their beliefs alienate them from their daughters. The relationship they sought their whole lives to build with their daughters became strained, and sometimes broken. They couldn’t separate the beliefs and values that had formed their own identity with the efforts their daughters were making to develop their own.

In times of trouble, our daughters don’t ask us to change our beliefs. They ask us to believe in them. To wait. To listen. To trust them. We must remember that long after the consequences of our daughter’s choice on this issue, they will remember if we remained with them during their struggle.

I stand with any father who seeks to stand with his daughter, no matter how difficult.

Steve Foley | Bellaire

Sister Countries, Sister Cities Go back to 1979, when Iranian militants took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. For 444 days, diplomats and staff were under house arrest. Except those who escaped to the Canadian Embassy there. With fake Canadian passports authorized by Canada’s Prime Minister and Cabinet, they escaped to freedom. So how does Donald Trump decide to start a trade war with Canada equating our fiercest ally and Iran with the same retaliatory tariffs?

With Sault Ste. Marie in northern Michigan sharing their name with sister Soo City across the river in Canada, this does not look good politically and economically.

Businesses won't see many Ontario license plates here over our once-friendly border.

George Golubovskis | Traverse City

For Traverse City area news and events, visit TraverseTicker.com

features Inside the Ingredients..........................................9 Nine Knockout High School Athletes.................10 Inside the Scrum..............................................13 A Youth Resilience Program on Wheels.............14 Soccer’s Next Generation Takes the Field.........16 Please Dink Responsibly.................................18

columns & stuff

Top Ten.........................................................4 Spectator/Stephen Tuttle..................................6 Guest Opinion..................................................7 Weird..............................................................8 Dates..........................................................20 Astrology.......................................................23 Crossword.....................................................23 Nitelife...........................................................24 Classifieds....................................................25 Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase PO Box 4020 Traverse City, Michigan 49685 Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 email: info@northernexpress.com www.northernexpress.com Editor: Jillian Manning Creative Director: Kyra Cross Poehlman Finance Manager: Libby Shutler Sales: Lisa Gillespie, Kim Murray, Kaitlyn Nance, Abby Walton Porter, Michele Young For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 838-6948

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Cover photo of Will Richmond; photo by Stacy Folgmann

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September 16

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WSG Kevin DiSimone

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Enjoy the jam or bring your instrument and join in the fun

221 Garland St. Traverse City traversecityworkshop.com

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 3

this week’s

top ten

Fine Art in Clinch Park

Photo by Madi Taylor

The Downtown Fine Art Fair returns to Traverse City at a new location this year: Clinch Park. Browse works from professional painters, sculptors, and artisans along the bay. Expect both high-end fine art and affordable handmade goods. Hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday, Sept. 12, and 10am-4pm on Sunday, Sept. 13. downtowntc.com/events/downtown-traverse-city-art-fair-series-downtown-fine-art-fair.html

Come from Away The Garden Theater in Frankfort will host its first musical performance this weekend!

Sept. 11-14, in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Benzie County Players take the stage for their rendition of Come from Away. The Broadway musical is based on the true story of 38 diverted planes that were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Newfoundland when airspace closed that fateful day. Suddenly, nearly 7,000 passengers were stranded—many of them without luggage or any friends or family nearby. The Canadian town with a population smaller than the City of Traverse City managed to keep them all housed and fed during the traumatic time, creating a bright spot in the midst of the darkness. (We sure do love our neighbors to the north!) Showtimes are 7:30pm Friday-Monday, and tickets are $20 at gardentheater.org/come-from-away

Hey, Read It! When Squirrels Fly Methodical, straight-shooting Allie Caldwell is the polar opposite of her quirky aunt Mel, who wakes her in the wee hours one evening with an erratic phone call that’s quickly cut short. Allie isn’t worried at first, but when her return calls go unanswered, she hops a plane to Ann Arbor, where she finds Mel’s house in disarray, her escapist dog, Chidi, trawling the neighbor’s trellis, and—most disconcerting of all—not one clue as to her aunt’s whereabouts.

With the help of Mel’s inscrutable (though undeniably handsome) neighbor George, the two dive into the action-packed puzzle surrounding her sudden disappearance, all the while dodging nosy neighbors, deciphering high-tech medical research, and experimenting with the space-time continuum.

That is, assuming they stay out of danger long enough to put the pieces together. D.E. Carr’s cozy mystery When Squirrels Fly is filled with unexpected twists, wry humor, and just a touch of romance.

the MARKET

2 tastemaker

Cheese & Co.’s Jalapeño Poppa

You can’t go wrong with an elevated grilled cheese sandwich, and Cheese & Co., a food truck based at The Back Lot in Petoskey, is one of the best in northern Michigan. Many “grownup” twists on the grilled cheese play around with savory and sweet combos, whether that means adding apples, pears, or even pineapple chunks. We love this one because it offers not only the savory (bacon, white cheddar, and perfectly crisped sourdough bread) and sweet (a slathering of apricot jam) flavors, but because it also throws in a spicy little pop in the form of jalapeño cream cheese. The resulting sandwich delivers a delight in every bite, and had us genuinely considering ordering a second sandwich when the first one was gone. Get ye to 425 Michigan St. in Petoskey before food truck season runs out! cheeseandcompany.com

4 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

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Maritime History

Classic cars, wooden boats, live music, local business tents, free museum admission, and a whole lot of history awaits in Leland on Sept. 12. The festival—appropriate for all ages—is hosted by the Leelanau Historical Society & Museum and includes “sights, sounds, and stories of the Great Lakes while enjoying a day in one of the region’s most picturesque coastal villages,” per their website. The festival coincides with the 21st Annual Jim Wenstrup Wooden Boat Show (recently renamed in memory of Wenstrup, who coordinated the show for the past decade), along with a classic car show hosted by Van’s Garage. All of the above will be spread in the Leland Cultural District block, aka the Leland River boardwalk at 203 E. Cedar Street, and the waters of Lake Leelanau. Get all the details at leelanauhistory.org/ maritime-history-festival.

Traverse City’s HOME Agency is putting out a nationwide call for nonprofits.

Applications are now open for their second annual Mission Meets Action Award, a chance for a nonprofit to win $100,000 in pro bono services from the HOME marketing team. Last year, New Yorkbased organization StoryCorps (pictured) received the prize for their work “sharing select stories with the public through weekly broadcasts, our podcast, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books” and creating the “largest single collection of human voices ever gathered.” Finalists will be chosen from the pool of applicants and go through interviews in November, with the winner announced on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Applications are open through Oct. 16 and require details about the nonprofit, goals for the marketing campaign, and how HOME Agency could expand your mission’s reach, among other topics. Visit wearehomeagency.com/mission-meets-action-award.

Parking, Roads, and Intersections A few changes are headed to downtown Traverse City this week.

First, in a win for locals, highseason parking rates are coming to an end. Between Sept. 7-11, the city will decrease parking rates in the Hardy and Old Town parking structures plus meters around town, and enforcement hours will return to 8am-6pm Monday-Saturday. Meanwhile, the city will also be undertaking a cape seal project Sept. 9-18 affecting sections of multiple streets in town including Front, State, Bay, Sixth, Hall, Union, Cass, and Eighth, plus Railroad and Hannah avenues and Quail Ridge/Huron Hills (see map above or visit traversecitymi.gov for details). Last but not least, all eyes are on the Three Mile/Hammond project as back to school looms. At the time of this printing, the Grand Traverse County Road Commssion has announced the intersection will not be open next week but instead by the end of September.

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bottoms up Stella’s I Said Good Day We’re all about locking in a last word, and our new favorite form of punctuation—to a meal or a sentence—is the “I Said Good Day” at Traverse City’s Trattoria Stella. A lightened twist on the classic Last Word, this lively sip features Arcane Aquavit from Weiss Distilling Co. in Detroit over the traditional gin (think: a Scandinavian-inspired spirit flavored with herbs like caraway, dill, and coriander) shaken with fresh lemon juice, Luxardo maraschino cherry liqueur, and the botanic intensity of Green Chartreuse. Served on the rocks with expressed lemon peel, this meticulously-balanced sip walks the line between savory, citrusy, and herbaceous, making it the perfect liquid transition into cooler weather. Have your say and drink it too at Trattoria Stella at 830 Cottageview Dr. in the Grand Traverse Commons. stellatc.com

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 5

ALREADY FINDING A SOLUTION

spectator

By Stephen Tuttle President Donald Trump’s economy of petulance rolls on unabated by Congress or court decisions, as he simply ignores both.

His latest target is Canada, which had the temerity to refuse to allow America to have a say-so in how they run their own economy.

There was a trade deal with Canada already supposedly in effect and a new deal on the table. But when the U.S. decided to add some last minute changes that would literally require Canada to sacrifice at least some economic sovereignty, not surprisingly, they decided to go a different way and invoke an element of a different agreement that will now allow them to make trade friends elsewhere.

York Military Academy. There is no public record of his accomplishments as a student there, though his claim he was the best baseball player has been widely debunked— baseball keeps stats.

He spent two years at Fordham University, where his grades were good enough to allow him to transfer to the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), though there is ample anecdotal evidence that path was greased by his father’s pals. At Penn, he was in the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, a fact he has repeated ad nauseam for years.

He likes to claim it was very hard to get into, and he’s even claimed “I have been told I graduated at the top of my class.”

No doubt the tariffs hurt the Canadian economy, but there is also little doubt their leader, a real economist, is already finding a solution.

September 12 & 13 Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM Clinch Park West Grand Traverse Bay Presented by:

Rather than renegotiate, Trump pouted and raged because he didn’t get his way, and he slapped a 50 percent tariff on a variety of Canadian goods. This will be especially nice for American truck buyers who will discover the American and Canadian auto manufacturing industries are so well integrated that parts are made and go back and forth across the border regularly.

Punishing Canadian manufacturers, and American consumers in the process, isn’t likely to accomplish much.

Trump has already been told by our Supreme Court he cannot impose tariffs based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) because he has no legal authority to do so. More than $100 billion in illegally imposed tariffs had to be refunded.

(A reminder here: Tariffs are paid by the importing company, not the exporting company. Typically, those costs are passed on to American consumers. The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee says the average American household will pay about $2,500 in tariff costs this year, a cumulative $330 billion hit to our consumers.)

Now, Trump just randomly slaps tariffs on countries that say or do anything he doesn’t like, junior high cafeteria policy-making that has resulted in nothing but higher prices for us on almost everything.

Hosted By: Downtown Traverse City Association

6 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Trump, who often claims he is a “stable genius,” has now taken to insulting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, publicly calling him a “weak and ineffective leader,” “widely unpopular,” claiming Carney was “dumb,” and in a particularly telling bit of transactional insulting, “I want nothing from Canada.”

Okay, let’s do some background checking.

DowntownTC.com

According to Brittanica, Trump attended the very private Kew-Forest School early on but sketchy behavior had him shipped to New

According to their own records, the Wharton School was not so hard to get into in the mid-60s, as their acceptance rate was about 40 percent. By contrast, it is now 7 percent.

Penn does not reveal transcripts, but they do have a Dean’s List, and Trump is not on it or at the top of anything. He did graduate with a degree in real estate.

A Wharton professor, William T. Kelly, was reported by friends to have claimed, “Trump was the dumbest goddamn student I ever had.” There is no recording of him saying it and it was reported secondhand on Facebook but, given multiple chances, Kelly never denied he said it.

Trump’s current approval rating, according to multiple surveys, is in the mid-30s to high 30s, one of the lowest ever.

Mark Carney graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in economics. He went on to receive a Masters Degree in Philosophy from Oxford in England and then his PhD in the philosophy of economic competition from Nuffield College at Oxford. His advisor was a Nobel laureate. He became the first non-Brit to lead the Bank of England, and he led the Bank of Canada before becoming prime minister.

Carney’s approval rating, according to daily news website CultMTL, has hovered around 66 percent for months. The Canadian stock market is surging, foreign investment has increased by hundreds of billions, and Carney has made new trade deals with the European Union, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and France.

Instead of capitulating to the American bully, Carney has simply moved along, as has much of Europe. No doubt the tariffs hurt the Canadian economy, but there is also little doubt their leader, a real economist, is already finding a solution.

THE SILENT SEASON OF A HERO GUEST OPINION

by Isiah Smith, Jr.

PRESENTS THE 2026

ANNUAL FOREST CELEBRATION

“GROWING FROM FORESTRY’S DEEP ROOTS” Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3

“No man has the right to be an amateur in physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength his body is capable of.”

Socrates offered this famous advice to a young disciple named Epigenes, who was in noticeably poor physical condition. When Epigenes excused himself by saying he was “not an athlete,” Socrates reminded him that everyone is engaged in a lifelong struggle for survival, making physical preparedness an absolute necessity rather than an optional hobby.

My heroes have always been writers and athletes. They say never meet your heroes because the fame or admiration for people you admire often lets you down in person.

Your heroes are normal, flawed human beings rather than the perfect idols you imagine them to be.

Parkinson’s syndrome had largely robbed him of the ability to speak, yet his presence spoke louder than any words ever could.

Even in silence, ravaged by a cruel disease, he remained the man he had said he was, “the greatest.” Sports heroes move us like no other heroes ever could.

Even if, like me, you have no talent for sports, you can still pursue the physical and strength of beauty that Socrates urges us to pursue.

If basketball didn’t require dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense, I could’ve been an all-pro, on par with Michael Jordan.

Even though I lack genuine athletic ability (I know, I know; yet another stereotype turned on its head), I eventually developed a barely passable tennis game through stubbornness, pride, and a high tolerance for humiliation.

I may be the only amateur tennis player

Ancient Greeks regarded physical fitness and sports as a vital, holistic discipline essential to developing both a strong body and a sharp mind.

This remains true today.

The other hero I met was Muhammad Ali. Two female colleagues and I were returning from lunch at a Cuban restaurant in Miami, near the historic Fifth Street Gym where Ali trained. Now, however, he wasn’t training; he was in Miami to star in the story of his life, The Greatest. There sat an immaculate white trailer with “Ali” emblazoned on its side. On a lark, we knocked; one of Ali’s assistants looked out the trailer window, saw the two beautiful women with us, and, to our surprise, beckoned us inside.

Ali was warm and welcoming, giving the women hugs and engulfing my small hands in his massive claw. I was so excited, almost hyperventilating. Later, a “Black Muslim” cousin invited us to hear Ali at Mosque No. 1 in Miami. He was electric, expressing himself in a magical way, crafting well-considered sentences that grew into poetic paragraphs.

It’s no accident that the hero I met who disappointed me the least was Ali, a sports hero. He had shown us who he was so we could believe him the first time.

In 1996, the great essayist Gay Talese wrote a tribute to Ali, “Ali in Havana,” for Esquire magazine (later included his The Silent Season of a Hero essay collection). The essay was written when Ali was 54 and had been retired from boxing for more than 15 years.

REGISTRATION CLOSES SOON! To register and learn more, scan the QR code below or go to https://www.michiganforests.org/annualcelebration/

From the weirdos who brought you Quack to the Future, comes a new puppet-filled Mashup Rock & Roll Musical parody for all ages!

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A SESAME STREETCAR

alive whose serve follow-through sent me to the emergency room with a knee the size of an overripe cantaloupe. Follow-through in the serve motion does not mean following through until your racket meets your knee. Who knew?

Named Desire Sept 11, 12, 13*, 18 & 19

C

I have met two of my heroes in my lifetime, and only one of them let me down, even though both seemed larger than life. First, James Baldwin, the writer, disappointed me because, seeing that those of us who had gathered to hear him at the Library of Congress in the mid-1980s were young, he pandered to us with his copious use of the “N-word.”

He was clearly creating a militant persona he thought we wanted to see and hear.

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The great essayist Michel de Montaigne (often considered the father of the essay) did not write about modern athletics, but he regarded children’s play and games as profound reflections of human character rather than trivial distractions. He famously noted that “children’s play is not sport but should be deemed as their most serious actions,” meaning that early habits and games reveal true natural dispositions.

While admitting he was not particularly athletic, he recognized the value of physical training, and, during his travels through Italy and Germany, observed sports with great interest, appreciating events that echoed Renaissance traditions or classical antiquity.

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the

match

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GREAT LAKES, GREAT MOVIES

Sports define and situate us, anchoring us in time and space. Ancient Greeks regarded physical fitness and sports as a vital, holistic discipline essential to developing both a strong body and a sharp mind. This remains true today.

Sports figures such as Ali raise complex questions about free will, responsibility to society at large, and happiness. Those lives also challenge the prevailing philosophy of nihilism—the dangerous idea that life lacks meaning or value and that morality does not exist.

It does, and sports are a way to teach that lesson to kids.

Isiah Smith, Jr. is a retired government attorney.

September 16-20, 2026 Sault Ste. Marie, MI Info and tickets at soofilmfestival.org /soofilmfestival

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 7

And That's the Thanks They Get? A Dalton, New Hampshire, man is in custody after stealing a rescue truck on Aug. 25 and using it to ram into a fire engine while firefighters battled his own house fire. NBC 10 in Boston reported that Nestor Roman II, 30, not only hit the fire engine, which sustained significant damage, but also ran over water supply lines, crashed into a personal vehicle, knocked over nearby fences and narrowly missed three firefighters before ending his wrecking spree by crashing into a nearby property and attempting to steal items off the porch. No one was injured, and firefighters were able to continue using the hoses to work on the fire. The house, however, ended up being a total loss, and Roman is charged with multiple counts of reckless conduct, theft, burglary and resisting arrest. [NBC 10 Boston, 8/26/26] Luggage Lizards Customs officers at Tokyo's Haneda Airport discovered some truly wild contraband in one passenger's luggage on Aug. 8, reported the Times of India: 22 pairs of socks stuffed with 200 lizards.

Daniel Isaac Velasco Baltazar, 23, who had flown to Japan from South Korea, purchased the lizards -- some of them endangered -- in Mexico for anywhere from $3.50 to $4.50 each, possibly hoping to sell them in Japan, where they could be worth up to $630. After being arrested, Baltazar confessed to smuggling the lizards. [Times of India, 8/17/26]

OR F DS L E !

N I Y L F Y ST L FA VER E

Wandering Kinkajou Rescued in Texas On Aug. 20, law enforcement officers in North Richland Hills, Texas, responded to a call about a small kangaroo or monkey seeking shelter behind a garbage can outside of a restaurant. Police discovered a kinkajou, a nocturnal mammal native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. KDFW reported that the kinkajou, also called a "honey bear," had burn marks on its paws from the hot concrete. Officers placed a towel around it before removing it from behind the trash can. The kinkajou was first taken to North Richland Hills Animal Services Center before being moved to Nature's Edge Wildlife and Reptile Rescue. Exotic pets are not allowed in the city, and no one has come forward to claim ownership of the kinkajou, so how this nocturnal mammal came to be outside of a restaurant on a hot, sunny day in Texas is still a mystery.

[KDFW, 8/21/26]

(231) 331-4845 Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4. Downtown Alden

8 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Owl at Sea Reuters reported on Aug. 20 that a barn owl had joined a British Army sailing crew -- 70 nautical miles from shore. The crew aboard the Fujitsu British Soldier was competing in the 50th Anniversary RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race when they found their stowaway. The bird -- which the crew named "Little Regina" -- fell into the sea three times before collapsing onto the deck, where sailors rescued it.

The Barn Owl Trust, Marine and Wildlife Rescue, and Caister Independent Lifeboat coordinated to sail out and retrieve Little

Regina and take her to a wildlife center so the crew from the Fujitsu British Soldier could finish the race. [Reuters, 8/20/26] Bull on the Run Law enforcement received a call about a bull traveling along Highway 35 in Half Moon Bay, California, late in the evening of Aug. 18. According to KTVU, the bull had been on the run for several days. The California Highway Patrol and San Mateo County Sheriff 's deputies attempted to clear the roadway for capture. "You know, they don't cover this in the police academy, so they tried unsuccessfully for a couple of hours to get the bull secured," said Capt.

Eamonn Allen, Coastside Commander for the San Mateo Sheriff 's Office. "They tried a couple of methods and just realized that their efforts were futile." Realizing they needed an expert wrangler, they called in Samuel Palomino of Sea Horse Ranch. Palomino lassoed the animal while standing in the back of a sheriff 's pickup, but the rope broke. After a second attempt, Palomino secured the wayward bull around 3 a.m. Officials said the bull was returned to its pen. [KTVU, 8/21/26] Oops Whoever wins the Aug. 30 Sydney Marathon will have a unique medal to commemorate the race. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Aug. 23 that the medal depicts engravings of familiar landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. What designers meant to include: Sydney's Allianz Stadium. What they actually included: Munich's Allianz Arena. You read that right -- a Munich, Germany, landmark on an Australian marathon medal. With the event coming up too soon to correct the error, a marathon spokesperson said the medals will not be changed. "We're not going to run from it," a marathon spokesperson said.

"It was an unfortunate error, though it's certainly given everyone something to talk about this weekend, mostly in good humor." Germany's Allianz Arena took to Instagram to join the fun: "Perhaps they tried to find something else they had in common: Allianz Arena -- Sydney Opera -- Unique Architecture -- Both are worth a visit!" [The Sydney Morning Herald, 8/23/26] Cephalopod Chaos On Aug. 16, a Rhode Island road was closed to traffic for eight hours while workers cleaned up 20 tons of spilled squid, ABC News reported. A tractortrailer was taking the squid to a processing facility when the trailer part dislodged from the cab and tipped over as the driver tried to make a turn. Not only was traffic blocked across four lanes, but locals also had to contend with the smell. "Squid has a distinctive odor to it," Richard Stevens, a neighbor and fisherman, said. "It can be very foul-smelling, especially if it lands on the road and stays there for awhile." No one was injured, but Rhode Island State Police cited the driver for failing to secure a load. [ABC News, 8/18/26]

Recipes for Late Summer’s Bounty Inside the Ingredients

By Nora Rae Pearl Just because the autumnal equinox is headed our way doesn’t mean that summer has ended; actually, it means a new beginning has arrived. The full harvest that late summer’s bounty has to offer has just hit the booths; peaches, raspberries, potatoes, cauliflower, beets, snow peas—you name it.

One of our favorite savory dishes to enjoy during this season is ratatouille, a dish that celebrates the coming together of flavors of eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, tomato, and spice. For a summer dessert, buy enough peaches so you can eat some while you bake some. This peach cobbler is a recipe you will want to bookmark to make year after year.

Shop the booths at a Glen Arbor Farmers Market and stop by Second Spring Farm to get everything you need for the ratatouille. For dessert, take a drive to Rennie Orchards for some of the best Red Haven peaches on the 45th parallel.

RATATOUILLE WITH EGGS Vegetable garden bounty cooked to perfection, lightly spiced, with poached eggs on top.

PEACH COBBLER Light cake with crunchy sugar on top blankets over perfectly cooked summer peaches.

Ingredients • 10 large peaches, cut into 1-inch chunks (8 cups of chopped fruit) • 3 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 scant teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature • 1 3/4 cups sugar, divided • 1 1/2 cups flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk • 1/2 cup very hot water • Whipped cream, for serving To make the cobbler: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place a 9x13-inch casserole dish on a foil lined baking sheet. Set aside. In a large bowl, gently toss the peaches with the lemon juice and vanilla. Tip into the prepared dish and spread into an even layer. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, add the butter and 1 1/4 cups of the sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined, about one minute. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Beat on low speed until you have a sandy mixture, 30-60 seconds. Add the milk. Beat on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat for 30 seconds. Dollop across the top of the peaches, then, using an offset spatula, spread to the edges in an even layer. Sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Drizzle over the water (the goal is to have all the sugar moistened).

Bake for 70-80 minutes, or until nicely golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. *To make individual cobblers: Divide the peach mixture between eight small casserole dishes (around 1 cup each). Divide the topping, sugar, and hot water between each dish.

Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until nicely golden and toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Spice Mix Ingredients • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt Ratatouille Ingredients • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1 medium onion, cut into small dice • 1 red bell pepper, cut into small dice • 1 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice • 1 small eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch dice • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2-3 cloves) • 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes • 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained • 1 tablespoon maple syrup • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar • 10 large basil leaves, chiffonade into thin ribbons • 4 large eggs • Feta, for serving • Microgreens, for serving To make the spice mix: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, set aside.

To make the ratatouille: Heat the oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, or until semi-translucent.

Add the zucchini, eggplant, and garlic. Cook for 6-8 more minutes until the vegetables are al dente. Add the spice mix and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, maple syrup, and vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the basil. Make four wells, then crack one egg into each well. Put under a broiler and bake until the egg whites are cooked through and the yolks are still runny. Top with feta and microgreens, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 9

t u o k c o n K Nine l o o h c S h g Hi o t s e t e l h At 7 2 6 2 0 2 n i h c t Wa

By Craig Manning A whole lot of state titles have been making their way to northern Michigan in recent years, on both individual and team levels. How many more will the 2026-27 school year bring? Here are nine outstanding local high school athletes we absolutely think have chances of bringing home some hardware in the months to come.

Will Richmond

School: Traverse City Central High School Sport: Soccer Graduation Year: 2027 Proudest accomplishment: Up until a few weeks ago, Richmond would have said his proudest moment on the field was last soccer season, when he helped put an end to the Trojans’ very lengthy Big North Conference title drought.

Then, on Aug. 16, Central soccer player Wilder Seeburger was killed in a car crash. Now, Richmond says his proudest soccer-playing moment is honoring Wilder “with a comeback victory three days after his passing, in a game full of emotion.” The Trojans will continue honoring Wilder by wearing black armbands emblazoned with his initials (WWS) all season long.

Goal for the year: After sharing the Big North Conference title with TC West last season, Richmond’s goal is “to win the conference outright and challenge for a district championship” this fall. Now team captain, he also hopes “to be a positive role model to everyone in the Central soccer program.”

Next steps: “I have the opportunity to further my soccer career at Albion College,” Richmond says—a possibility made even more enticing because his older brother, 2025 Central grad and soccer standout Georgie Richmond, plays for Albion. “It would be exciting to play alongside my brother again, I just need to make sure that my academic goals can be pursued at Albion as well,” Richmond explains.

Why we’re watching: The Trojans were rock solid last season, winning 13 of their 17 games and regularly running up the score with five or more goals. After a few stumbles early in the season, the team rallied to

10 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

string together an impressive 20-game winning streak, even beating their crosstown rivals, TC West, for the first time since 2017. Central’s season ultimately came to an end in a 1-3 loss against Midland Dow in the second round of playoffs.

A standout midfielder, Richmond was one of the key cogs in last season’s roster, and early signs indicate that won’t change this fall. Case-in-point: While the Trojans lost their first home game of the season 3-4 to Oxford, it was Richmond who kept his team in the mix with a pair of goals. His skills on the field, plus his leadership, will be a driving force for Central soccer during this emotionally weighty season.

Elliana McClellan

Jenna Middleton

School: Kingsley High School Sport: Volleyball Graduation year: 2027 Proudest accomplishment: “Winning the state championship in 2025,” Middleton says. “This is something our team had been dreaming of and working toward for a while, and it was amazing to do it alongside such amazing coaches, teammates, and friends.”

Goal for the year: While defending Kingsley’s (firstever) state title is surely on Middleton’s mind as a new volleyball season begins, her priority at the moment is a little more modest: “I want to take on a leadership for the team by being a good role model and mentor for the younger players in the program,” she says.

Next steps: Middleton has “decided not to play volleyball in college because I want to focus on my education,” but says she will “keep having fun with recreational volleyball” for as long as possible. Career-wise, Middleton has expressed an interest in becoming an author someday.

Why we’re watching: An outside hitter for the Lady Stags, Middleton earned first-team all-state honors from the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association last fall, following Kingsley’s Division 3 state championship victory.

All told, Middleton tallied 749 kills last season—a one-season record for Kingsley, smashing the previous mark, set in 2012 by Katie Travis, by more than 50. The total was good enough to put Middleton in the MHSAA record books, too, given that fewer than 50 players in state history have put up that kind of singleseason stat.

Kingsley wrapped last season with 57 wins and just four losses, so we’d be keeping an eye on this team and its follow-up campaign no matter what. The fact that the star player is coming back should make the 2026 season even more exciting to follow—especially since Middleton has a reputation among her coaches and teammates for working extremely hard in the offseason and always coming back even better than she was before.

i Ell

s

School: Traverse City St. Francis High School Sport: Tennis Graduation year: 2027 Proudest accomplishment: So far, McClellan is proudest of winning the No. 1 singles slot at St. Francis during her junior season. She took that top position all the way to the semifinals of the Division 4 state championships, helping the Gladiators win a regional title along the way.

Goal for the year: Perhaps predictably, McClellan’s big goal for next spring’s tennis season is nothing less than winning an individual state title, very likely in her second year at the No. 1 singles tier.

Next steps: McClellan plans on continuing to play tennis in college, though she hasn’t committed to a specific school just yet.

Why we’re watching: A state title certainly doesn’t seem out of range for McClellan, who went 23-7 in her first season at No. 1 singles, including decisive wins in the early rounds of the state finals.

If she gets there, it will be a tribute to the grind of hard work. McClellan trains yearround for tennis season, and has been traveling to Grand Rapids every weekend since the fall of 2024 to accumulate extra training hours, practice matches, and tournaments. Clayton Hodge, the tennis director at MVP Sportsplex in GR, has been coaching McClellan ever since, and says her game has advanced by leaps and bounds in the past two years.

In particular, Hodge says McClellan’s “overwhelming baseline power” and “precise serving abilities” will make her a force to be reckoned with for whoever ends up on the other side of her net this season.

rly Ca by o t Ph o

The Quads (Summer, Cam, Dane, and Brock Lewandowski)

School: Traverse City West Senior High Sport: Alpine skiing, lacrosse Graduation year: 2027 Proudest accomplishments: The Lewandowski quadruplets share more than DNA. These siblings also accumulated a bunch of similar accomplishments during TC West’s banner 2026 ski season: top 10 individual finishes at the Division 1 state finals; skiing for Team Michigan, which brings together the top 10 best female and male athletes in the state; leading their teams to stunning heights all season long.

Somehow most impressive of all might be the comeback of Brock Lewandowski, who rallied from two broken legs in 2024 and a missed season in 2025 to help the Titan boys to a state title this past winter.

Goals for the year: Summer is on her own recovery journey this season, having undergone an ACL surgery in June. She’s hoping to rally in time for ski season, with eyes set on top 10 finishes at the state finals. Cam, Dane, and Brock, meanwhile, are all gunning to win an individual state title or two—something none of the Quads have achieved just yet. Which brother will get there first? Your guess is as good as ours.

Next steps: One of the reasons northern Michigan has long been a powerhouse in downhill and cross country skiing is that most parts of the state—let alone the nation—can’t rival our area when it comes to winter snowfall and reliable skiing conditions. For that reason, all the Quads say college skiing opportunities are limited. That doesn’t mean you won’t see these four continuing to compete athletically after high school, though. All four are also varsity lacrosse players at TC West, and express interest in continuing to play at the college level.

Why we’re watching: This is a family dynasty. Brothers Aiden and Caleb Lewandowski racked up a combined total of five Division 1 state titles in alpine skiing between 2019 and 2024 and led the Titans to their first-ever state championship in 2021, then added two more team titles to the school’s trophy case in 2022 and 2023.

Now, the Lewandowski name is back in Michigan skiing headlines, thanks to Summer, Cam, Dane, and Brock—a group almost everyone refers to as “the Quads.” The four have all followed in their older brothers’ ski tracks, to increasingly impressive results. This past season, Cam, Dane, and Brock finished second, third, and fourth, respectively, in the slalom at Michigan’s Division 1 ski finals, with Dane and Cam then adding second and fourth-place finishes in the giant slalom. Those finishes drove the West boys to their first alpine skiing state title since the days of the elder Lewandowski brothers.

Summer, meanwhile, led the Titan girls to a third-place team finish at states, nabbing top-10 individual finishes in both events.

But the Quads are still chasing their brothers’ legacies in at least one important way: So far, none of the four has won an individual skiing title. We can’t wait to see if senior ski season can change that part of the narrative. The Quads can’t wait to find out, either.

“They won a lot of stuff, and they definitely like to rub it in,” Cam says of his older brothers.

We don’t know about you, but we think it’s time for the bragging rights to change hands.

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 11

Stefi Reskevics

School: Harbor Springs High School Sports: Soccer, basketball, cross-country Graduation year: 2027 Proudest accomplishment: “Definitely winning a state title with my team [in soccer] and earning first team all-state honors this past year,” Reskevics says.

Goal for the year: Even with conference and state titles in the trophy case from the past season, Reskevics isn’t resting on her laurels. “I am looking to go undefeated in soccer and win a state championship again,” she says.

Those goals will have to wait until the spring, though, and Reskevics has other aspirations on the brain in the meantime, including earning all-state honors in cross-country and helping propel the Harbor Springs basketball team to a deep playoff run.

Next steps: Decision time is fast approaching for Reskevics (and the rest of the class of 2027), but so far, she says she’s still mulling schools and hasn’t decided “whether I will continue to play soccer at the college level” or simply join a club team at her chosen university.

Why we’re watching: We love a superb multi-sport athlete, and Reskevics is certainly one of those. Clock her achievements in cross-country (highlight so far: an eighth-place finish in the 2024 Division 4 state finals) and in basketball (where she’s played on the consistently strong varsity squad since her freshman year).

But every multi-sport athlete has their strongest suit, and for Reskevics, that’s soccer. This past season, Reskevics racked up 27 goals and 17 assists, en route to Harbor Springs’ Division 4 state title and an incredible 20-1-2 record. The Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association subsequently named her a first-team allstate selection.

For us, though, it was one specific goal that made the Harbor Springs star a mustfeature athlete for this list. And that’s because, had Reskevics not made this particular goal, the Rams may not have even had a chance to play for a state title.

Picture this: it’s the state semifinal game, the score is deadlocked at 1-1, and overtime is looming, with just two seconds left on the clock when Reskevics takes the last-minute shot. Such were the circumstances behind the most crucial goal of the season for Harbor Springs soccer, securing a win against Kalamazoo Christian and a berth in the state championship match.

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Blake Springstead

School: Elk Rapids High School Sport: Golf and soccer Graduation year: 2028 Proudest accomplishment: Springstead’s career highlight is a tie between winning the MHSAA Division 3 individual state golf championship title this past spring and tying for sixth place at this summer’s 105th GAM Championship at Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club. “Competing against some of the best golfers in Michigan and finishing in the top 10 was a great experience and showed me that I can compete at a high level,” he says of the latter.

Goal for the year: While he’s already looking ahead to next golf season with hopes of defending his state title, Springstead says his focus right now is on soccer. “We made it all the way to the state championship game my freshman year and lost 3-2,” he tells the Express. “One of my biggest goals this season is to help Elk Rapids soccer get back to that state final and have another opportunity Photo credit to compete for a championship.”

Kim Eardley Next steps: As the lone underclassman on this list, Springstead still has two full school years to figure out what’s next. At the moment, though, he says his plans include continuing to play golf at the college level. “I’m going to keep working on my game, playing in competitive tournaments, and improving all parts of my game so I can put myself in the best position possible to play college golf,” he says.

Why we’re watching: Springstead missed qualifying for states as a freshman by a single stroke. A year of working on the technical and mental aspects of his game made sure he didn’t miss the boat again, and resulted in a state finals debut for the books.

At states, Springstead shot two back-to-back rounds of 73 at Bedford Valley Golf Course in Battle Creek for a combined tournament score of 146. Other golfers outshot him on one day or another—the best one-round score of the competition was a 69—but Springstead’s consistency was unmatched, and ultimately gave him a one-stroke lead in the final standings.

How much better could he get, given two more years of practice, competition, and mental toughness? We’re excited to find out.

Inside the Scrum The past, present, and future of rugby in TC

The 2025 Alliance Boys Team, photo by Kristin Goethals

Organized rugby has been in Traverse City for over 50 years, dating back to its origins in 1973 when a founding group recruited players from football, soccer, and basketball teams to join the league, borrowing blue jerseys from St. Francis High School. They formed what eventually became the Traverse Bay Blues Rugby Football Club.

The first major rugby event for the Blues was the Cherry Pit Rugby Tournament, bringing teams from Michigan State, Detroit, and Kalamazoo together in Traverse City.

As it grew, the tournament swelled to over 20 participating teams and became one of the better-known rugby tournaments in the United States.

Rugby in Traverse City has since expanded beyond the original men’s team to include teams at every level at some point, coalescing under the Grand Traverse Rugby umbrella. This includes youth teams, high school boys, high school girls, adult men’s and adult women’s, and alumni rugby. The adult Blues teams have their competitive season in the fall, though there are other rugby activities and training that take place throughout the year.

for every athletic style and ability. It’s a beautiful game in which the culture brings everyone together,” Byrnes says.

Brick adds that “our open Wednesday touch rugby sessions have continually been drawing approximately 18-20 players, including players from the men’s, women’s, and high school programs. One of the things I’m most excited about is seeing the different generations of Traverse City rugby coming together again.”

Speaking of other generations, high school rugby followed in the Traverse Bay Blues’ footsteps, with the Traverse City Alliance Boys program starting in 2000 and a girls’ team launching in 2005. And they’ve been successful: the boys’ team went to the Michigan Division I state finals in 2022 and 2023, and won the state championship in 2024, while the girls have won five state championships and last season went 11-0 and finished third in the state.

The Alliance girls’ program practices and plays in the fall season, while the Alliance boys’ program takes place in the spring. There aren’t enough rugby clubs in the immediate area around Traverse City to create a traditional conference, so all of the teams travel to compete with other leagues downstate and across the Midwest area.

Growing Pains Since the Traverse Bay Blues was founded, over 2,000 players have played for the club.

But after a drop-off earlier this decade, the focus is on rebuilding the teams.

“COVID was difficult for participation and continuity of rugby in the area,” says BJ Brick, a board member for Grand Traverse Rugby. “The last several seasons have been rebuilding years for some of the adult programs, but we’re seeing significant momentum again heading into this fall.”

Cora Byrnes coaches the women’s Blues team and has put a lot of work into reforming the team. “Rugby is an amazing sport that truly embraces all people. There is a position

Going Pro Local rugby teams may be small, but they are mighty. Players from different Traverse City rugby teams have gone on to do incredible things within the space.

For being a relatively small community, the area “has produced players and coaches who have competed at virtually every level of American rugby, including college national championships, professional rugby, international rugby and professional coaching,” says Brick.

“Typically, several Alliance players each year move on to play college rugby, including players receiving scholarship opportunities,” Brick tells us. “One recent example is

By Rachel Pasche

Girls from 2025 Alliance team

Max Goethals, a 2024 Kingsley graduate who helped lead TC Alliance to the 2024 Michigan state championship. Max went on to Davenport University, where he joined several former Alliance teammates playing at Davenport, including Caleb Bott, James Pearson, and Brian Rialson.”

Goethals was selected for the USA Rugby U19 team in 2025.

Other local rugby all-stars include Phil Thiel, a Traverse City native who played for the Traverse Bay Blues and later went on to play for the United States men’s national rugby union team (the Eagles) for a long run, earning 36 international caps (aka international appearances) for the United States and representing the USA at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup. Thiel also played overseas with Cinderford in England.

Angus MacLellan attended St. Francis High School and played for the Alliance team before going onto Davenport University, where he captained back-to-back national championship teams at the Division I-AA

level. MacLellan represented the United States at the U20 level, became a Collegiate All-American, and eventually earned caps with the USA Eagles. Professionally, MacLellan played for the Ohio Aviators before becoming a longtime member of the Utah Warriors in Major League Rugby. He became the first player in MLR history to reach 50 appearances and eventually surpassed 100 professional MLR appearances.

Brandon Sparks captained the Alliance team before continuing his rugby career in college and eventually becoming the head coach of the men’s rugby program at the University of Michigan. He also coached within USA Rugby’s All-American programs and worked with the U.S. national setup.

Sparks later moved into professional rugby and was a member of the Seattle Seawolves coaching staff during their 2018 Major League Rugby championship season.

Learn more about the local rugby leagues at grandtraverserugby.com.

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 13

h t u o Y A e c n e i l i Res ram on g o r P s l e e h W ummer

ir first s e h t s e m finish lord a e T e r ventu d Gay 906 Ad Petoskey an in season

By Eric Cox Northern Michigan is rich in youth cycling programs designed to get kids off the couch, away from screens, and into the great outdoors. Traverse City-based Norte teaches mountain biking skills to youngsters all over the tip of the mitt. Top of Michigan Trails Council’s Kids Biking Initiative, which serves Emmet County fourth graders, hosts school-aligned all-day field trip bike rides on paved inland trails.

There are others, of course. But a newcomer is getting lots of attention as it rapidly migrates southward from its Marquette headquarters.

The 906 Adventure Team (906AT), a cycling/hiking-focused youth resilience program, this year expanded into the Petoskey and Gaylord areas. Founded in 2014 by outdoorsman Todd Poquette, 906AT bills itself as “youth development re-imagined.”

“We take a challenging outdoor activity (mountain biking or hiking) that develops self-confidence, resilience, grit, and community and bring it to youth without the pressure of head-to-head competition—no clocks to race against or finish lines to fight for,” the program’s website says. “We meet kids where they are and help them get better.

We focus on skills on and off the bike and emphasize working together. When the goal is to become the best person and team player you can be, there is no finish line.”

How It Started Prior to founding 906AT, Poquette worked in the food distribution industry.

He says he noticed and was disturbed by what he saw as young people who were not only unprepared for the workforce, but also lacking basic life skills. He mulled the problem through a series of back surgeries.

Recovering, his doctor recommended bicycling, and it was in his riding that he had an epiphany that revealed a path forward.

The cycling training and group events, all of which he’d grown to love, had changed him as a person. Poquette thought if he could build a program that incorporated the same cycling challenges he’d just endured, he might have a chance helping youngsters develop, too.

“At the same time I noticed there weren’t many group cycling opportunities for kids or adults,” he says. “There were no cycling groups in Marquette. That was shocking to us. So basically I say, ‘let’s try to take all these ideas and roll them into one’. I knew I wanted to help people become better versions of themselves. And that was the beginning of 906 Adventure Team. You can make the changes you want to see in your life, if you put in the time and the work.”

How It Works Doing hard things is a hallmark of 906AT. Poquette believes that grit and determination—basic life skills to him— are essential for well-rounded character development. The program eschews racing and competition in favor of individual accomplishment and overcoming adversity.

The website sums it up: “We don’t worry about who’s fastest or who can go the farthest, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy.

Everyone needs a challenge, especially our youth. We take a more patient approach but still have high expectations.”

Poquette underscores the point.

“Competitive sports are great for the kids it’s great for, and not so great for kids it isn’t great for,” he tells Northern Express. “Those kids still need fundamental development that the kids in team sports get. They need to learn how to work hard, to work in a team, to set goals, to experience failure and defeat, and to try again and succeed. The avenue of

14 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

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competitive sports is just not for them, or maybe they’re not good enough to play. We try to be that team for all those kids because we need all the kids in our communities to be developed, to be high performers.”

Like the other youth cycling programs, 906AT relies on a small army of trained volunteers to conduct the camps, which now take place in 17 communities across Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Kids ages 5-17 can join.

After breaking into age-similar groups, team members ride for two hours once a week throughout the summer months.

Volunteer coaches monitor participants, but the camps are mostly unstructured.

How It’s Going Ryan and Rachel Brown lead the Petoskey area group which, like the Gaylord chapter, started early this year. Their base camp is at Avalanche Nature Preserve outside Boyne City. Rachel says the effort to start the group began after the 2025 holidays with pre-season meet-ups at local libraries. Once coaches are trained and pass background checks, they join leaders at meet-ups, where they’re introduced to participants and their parents.

Registration takes place in April, with the first rides beginning in June.

“The first night is orientation, and it’s mandatory,” Rachel explains. “We don’t do a ride on the first night. We get kids in groups, they meet the coaches, and we go over expectations. It’s always a very consistent layout. Our base camp always looks exactly the same. There are rules and our coaches make sure they’re followed. We group kids by age—not by their skill sets or gender.”

The Petoskey chapter had 28 participants and 15 volunteer coaches in its first season, which concluded in mid-August. “We didn’t know what to expect [in terms of turnout],” Ryan, a DNR employee who manages Petoskey State Park, says. “We’re honestly very happy with [our numbers]. We have a maximum capacity of 50, so we were very excited with 28 kids in our first year.”

“We had some participants who were very challenged on the bike at first,” Rachel adds.

“And we were astounded at the progress they made from the first to the last week—how big a difference these kids are showing. Their skills were really shining through. We had parents telling us they could never get their kid on a bike, but now they can’t keep them off it!”

How a Meet-up Goes The Browns say typical weekly gatherings start with grouping participants and performing routine safety and maintenance inspections on their bikes.

“Then we go out on the trail for a twohour adventure!” Ryan continues. “We do have ride plans, but there’s no competition, no races. It’s just you versus you. Our

program starts easy. The first week is just mounting and dismounting the bike. But we build their skills as the season goes on. They also develop character skills like respect, grit, self-reliance, consistency, being on time, and more.

“We teach them to then use those skills in the biking world,” he continues. “But, the bike is just a tool. This a youth resilience program, not a mountain biking program.”

After a couple hours on the trail, participants reconvene back at camp where they work on a weekly featured bike skill.

They also work on overcoming obstacles and navigating rollers, bridges, and skinny planks. Ryan says the course is very simple at the beginning, but gets more difficult.

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How the Org Operates That’s the point, according to Poquette, who views confronting and overcoming difficult challenges as essential to developing productive community members.

“I think we actually do what people want to see people doing, and what a lot of people claim to do,” Poquette explains.

“We actually do bring people together. We are not a polarizing organization. We have clear rules of engagement. We have specific field manuals for each program, and we have specific, articulated training for our volunteer leaders. Everything is made very clear to parents: what we are and what we are not. We’re very clear and direct. We’re not changing for you so let’s not waste anyone’s time.”

Poquette says 906AT is different from a lot of other, similar organizations in that it isn’t tethered to any governing grant maker or other organizations that could sway the program from its core ethos.

“We’re not affiliated with schools at all,” he says. “We stay away from schools.

We’re not urban; we’re back-country. We’re adventure. We don’t follow corporate trends. Eighty percent of our unrestricted revenue is self-generated through events and merchandise sales. We have a lot of support.

But the key is this: we have enough financial autonomy and we haven’t been purchased by any organization that would tell us, ‘Do it our way, or you don’t get funding.”

The Adventure Team was awarded the League of Michigan Bicyclist’s 2023 Changemaker of the Year Award, and the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan endorses 906AT’s lessons to build children’s character, provide coping skills, and promote their ability to adapt to challenges they will face moving into adulthood.

In addition to its youth programming, 906AT hosts three ultra-endurance cycling events, the Marji Gesick, the Polar Roll, and The Crusher.

To learn more, visit 906adventureteam.com.

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 15

A Gaylord youth team poses with their certificates for the season.

Soccer’s Next Generation Takes the Field Local youth soccer organizations are seeing “the beautiful game” evolve

By Kelsey Sanders Across northern Michigan, kids are kicking soccer balls through recreational programs, travel leagues, and increasingly competitive club teams, developing skills that can take them well beyond the local field. For some, it’s simply a Saturday morning activity.

For others, it’s the beginning of a much more serious pursuit.

Northern Express touched base with two local soccer organizations to see how they are helping players find fun and competition in the sport.

Gaylord Soccer League Gaylord Soccer League is a local nonprofit youth sport organization that was officially formed in the early 2000s with the mission to provide instructional development and integration of competitive youth soccer opportunities that enhance character, community, and love of the game. This league offers clinics, camps, tournaments, developmental/starter leagues, and various levels of competitive travel teams for children ages 4-18.

“We pride ourselves on development of the overall player as a person, not just a soccer player. We also offer multiple levels of play to suit different players’ needs as they develop,” says Danielle Muzyl, president of the league.

Muzyl tells us that the fall recreational league has over 500 players registered this year and about 150 players registered on its travel teams. The club started a new spring session this year that brought in about 100 kids, so in total, upward of 700 kids play soccer through the Gaylord league.

But, like many clubs, Muzyl is focused on more than just the game.

“Soccer is a team sport and that’s one of the things we love about it—it teaches the idea of a TEAM: together everyone achieves more,” Muzyl says.

The biggest trend Muzyl notices within the club is that now more than ever there is this importance of being on the “best” team and playing in the most competitive league.

With that demand for more competition, the Gaylord Soccer League has created more opportunities for teams wanting a higher level of play by being accepted into the Michigan State Premier Soccer Program (MSPSP), which allows teams to register with that league in their selected division.

As far as commitment goes, that’s dependent on the level of the league that a team plays in. The recreational program consists of local kids coached by volunteer coaches, and all games and practices are held at one complex. That league is offered for U4U14.

The travel teams start at U10, and most of those teams play in the Northern Michigan

16 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Soccer Alliance (NMSA), which serves teams out of several northern Michigan cities. Those travel teams practice at the Gaylord Soccer League’s fields throughout the week, with girls’ teams playing games on Saturdays and boys’ teams’ games on Sundays at prescheduled matches throughout the NMSA grid. The travel team coaches are more experienced and committed to the team, which also includes two or more tournaments a year. Travel soccer also consists of both the fall and spring seasons.

There are other more competitive leagues that the higher skilled teams may join, including the Mid-Michigan Youth Soccer League (MMYSL) out of the Midland/Bay City area for U12 and under. The U13 and older teams can also join the MSPSP, which is a statewide league and is currently the highest level of play that Gaylord Soccer offers.

The biggest challenge that Muzyl sees youth soccer organizations in northern Michigan facing is the lack of indoor training facilities. However, as she says, “the opportunities are growing” and it’s amazing to watch the older players become involved by becoming referees, coaching, and teaching clinics for the younger players.

If she could tell parents one thing about getting their child involved in soccer, it would be that soccer is a great starter sport whether kids stick with it or not. “It teaches

coordination and teamwork while running around and having fun with simple, clearcut rules,” she says.

Antrim County Youth Soccer Antrim County Youth Soccer started as an American Youth Soccer Organization program in the early 2000s and progressed to become its own entity in 2010. It consists of a group of volunteers and coaches who come together to offer kids ages 4-12 opportunities for fun and teamwork through the joy of soccer in Antrim County, though a child doesn’t need to live within the county to participate.

Bethanie Wilde took over as director of the program four years ago, but her love of

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the game started as a child.

“I played from the time that I was five until I hit middle high school, when I was injured,” Wilde says. “I couldn’t play in my high school years, but I watched my younger brother play and go on to be All-State. When I took over the program four years ago, my son had just started playing, so I was also coaching as well as being the director.”

Antrim’s soccer league has two seasons and two separate registration times to capture as many age groups with different birthdays as possible. Its fall season hosts 50-60 kids on the soccer fields, while the spring season sees between 150 and 200 kids.

“In the fall, we are competing with a lot of other sports, while in the spring, we aren’t competing as much because our season is over by the time several other sports start,” Wilde explains.

Wilde is passionate about the fact that soccer is one of the only sports that kids can start playing as young as four years old and continue to play for as long as they choose.

“I think it really helps those younger kids with their development to be able to get out, to move their bodies, to learn about how to be on a team, how to show sportsmanship, how to be accountable, and how to be dependable,” Wilde says. “I think that’s what makes youth soccer so unique.”

Registration for Antrim’s soccer league has been steady over the years since Wilde took over the program. The biggest problem she notices with the league’s trends is that the kids don’t have a good place to grow and continue playing.

“The problem with soccer up here, especially in Antrim County, is there aren’t a lot of school programs for these kids to go to once they’re done with youth sports,” Wilde explains. “In Antrim County, there is only one other school that has a school soccer team. Every other school doesn’t have a soccer team, so these kids are getting older and they’re deciding, ‘well, I want to play something that I could play in high school,’

so they tend to stop playing soccer by age 10 or 11. My hope is that with the increased interest with starting kids so young, the schools will pay attention and somebody will step up and create a school team.”

Wilde believes that like many sports, there’s much more that soccer teaches beyond foot skills.

“The one thing that I hope that kids take away from it the most is the skill of being dependable, to learn that their presence matters, and no matter if they’re the best player or the worst player on the team, that just by showing up every single week and trying your best is the greatest thing that you could get out of it,” she says. “We want to teach some life skills to go along with the soccer.”

Antrim’s soccer league is always welcoming new players; however, as of now it doesn’t have a travel team. When they have exceptionally skilled players, Wilde and her team of coaches try to provide those kids with the opportunity to join a program that can take them a step further than Antrim can provide.

The current commitment to play soccer for Antrim County is aimed at making it easy for the families.

“We have our games on Friday nights so they’re not taking away from their weekends,” Wilde says. “As far as our practices go, those are up to my coaches and their schedules.

All my coaches are volunteers who take time out of their busy lives with their families, so practice is when they can be there.”

Wilde wishes more parents didn’t feel like they needed to have played soccer or know a lot about soccer to volunteer.

“We’re willing to teach everybody how to play, because the number one goal is to let these kids have fun,” she says.

As for the kiddos, “Start them young.

Take 10 minutes every day to go outside and kick the ball around with your kid. In those 10 minutes, you’re not only going to make him or her a better player, but you’re going to build a connection that lasts a lifetime.”

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Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 17

Please Dink Responsibly

Pickleball’s skyrocketing popularity across northern Michigan

By Beth Milligan It’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., with over 24.3 million Americans playing in 2025, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Pickleball participation has grown 479 percent in just five years—an astronomical ascent, driven during the pandemic by the game’s accessibility as a socially distanced outdoor activity with minimal gear and easy-to-learn rules.

But pickleball’s dominance hasn’t just meant more paddles sold, quirky t-shirts worn (“I dink, therefore I am”), or telltale staccato “pops” ringing out on local courts. The wave is transforming northern Michigan parks and recreational facilities—and creating a whole new social outlet for residents.

The Beginning The Traverse Area Pickleball Association (TAPA) is one of the leading organizers of the sport in northern Michigan. According to the group, pickleball first came to Traverse City in 1985 when a handful of Grand Traverse Yacht Club members discovered the game and persuaded the club to build a dedicated court. “It became the perfect way for those playing members to spend a summer lunch hour, playing pickleball and then refreshing themselves with a dip in the Bay,” according to TAPA’s website.

Featuring teams of singles or doubles, pickleball is a paddle sport—with elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong— played on a 20-by-44-foot court. The smaller court size, about a quarter of the size of a tennis court, and lightweight equipment make it less strenuous and therefore more accommodating to a wide range of fitness, age, and skill levels.

Eventually, the desire for a longer pickleball season led Yacht Club players to

partner with the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA to create indoor courts by marking off tennis and basketball courts. Three indoor courts were soon established at the South YMCA, followed by the conversion of two outdoor tennis courts to three outdoor pickleball courts. Numerous Traverse City players competed in the first national pickleball championships in the early 2000s, with a regional tournament—called the Great Lakes Open—starting in 2012.

TAPA was formed in 2014, spearheading an effort to add more pickleball-only courts at the South YMCA. The facility today now has six dedicated indoor courts, with another eight adjacent dedicated outdoor courts along the Boardman River. Matt Haberichter, 45, discovered pickleball during COVID and quickly became involved with TAPA, today serving as board president.

“We work with cities and townships [to create courts], we run tournaments, we hold beginner and kids clinics, we introduce people to the game, we donate equipment, and we use funds to improve existing courts,” Haberichter explains of the group’s mission. Membership has risen to about 160 members, with the Great Lakes Open attracting over 250 participants annually.

The Courts The number of local outdoor courts has exploded in recent years, driven in part by TAPA’s support. TAPA maintains a database of area courts on its website (TCPickle. com) ranging from the tip of Old Mission Peninsula at Bowers Harbor Park to Blair Township Park to Glen Arbor Township Park to Braman Park in Northport.

Haberichter estimates there are about 50 dedicated outdoor courts in the Grand Traverse area now, 30 of which have come online in just the last few years.

18 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Municipalities are rapidly investing in new facilities. Garfield Township, for instance, recently debuted four brand-new pickleball courts at Silver Lake Recreation Area. The City of Traverse City is also preparing to significantly invest in reconstructing its six pickleball courts at Slabtown Corner—a project heavily pushed by TAPA that was also backed by city voters as an approved use of Brown Bridge Trust Fund dollars. With an estimated budget of $450,000, the courts are set to be redone next spring complete with a new shade structure and fenced division area between courts with seating, according to Traverse City Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Hunt.

The fervor for more courts can occasionally lead to strain. In Leland Township, for instance, tensions have flared

over the Hancock Recreational Area (often called Hancock Field). The property is owned by the township but has been used by Leland Public School for various sports by deed. As the township works through a design process for park improvements, a push to create more pickleball courts has been met with school resistance to preserve field space.

Those negotiations, which are still ongoing, reflect a debate happening across many park properties and facilities: trying to accommodate new trends, like pickleball, while preserving stalwart sports, like baseball or tennis.

For example, when the Traverse City Senior Center was recently reconstructed, the facility was updated to include not only improved shuffleboard courts—a hallmark amenity of the facility—but courts for both

Silver Lake Recreation Area

tennis and pickleball players.

“One thing I remind people of is that tennis is an Olympic sport, and we can’t just take all the tennis courts out and make them pickleball courts,” says Hunt. “It’s important to highlight that it shouldn’t be an either/or.

We still have tennis teams in high schools; it’s still a popular sport. Making decisions based solely on trends can be risky, so maintaining a balance of equitable access for all different users is important.”

Support the Courts Oftentimes, a compromise is reached by using striping and portable nets to accommodate both tennis and pickleball players.

That’s the case in the Village of Beulah, where a group of loyal pickleball players has launched an effort called Support the Courts backed by the Beulah Boosters. Member Vicki Carpenter started playing pickleball in retirement over a decade ago to stay physically active. However, she found the

sport soon brought something even more meaningful to her life.

“It’s become a huge communal activity,” she says. “Seniors need companionship and a social life. Pickleball gives you that. We trash talk, we know each other’s stories, we share it all. It gets you moving and gives you a reason to get out of the house. You build a lot of memories together.”

Beulah’s scene, which can draw well over 1,000 players over the course of the summer, has seen five-year-olds playing with their parents all the way up to competitors in their nineties, Carpenter says.

The court facilities are evolving alongside the players. The group initially used a combination of striping tape and portable nets to play on courts intended for basketball and tennis. But their passion for the sport coalesced into a fundraising drive that raised over $65,000 and helped the village sign a contract with Team Elmer’s this summer to completely reconstruct a pickleball court at Beulah Village Park.

Support the Courts (which is sharing regular updates at GrowBenzie.org/ SupportTheCourts) is still fundraising for a second phase of work: resurfacing and relining two village tennis courts to accommodate both sports.

One court is at the Village Park, the other at Northway Park. That will bring the village total to two tennis courts and five pickleball courts, Carpenter says. The group needs to raise about $50,000-$55,000 more to complete the project, she estimates, adding they’re applying for grants and planning for long-term maintenance costs as part of the campaign.

What’s Next for Pickleball?

Supporters don’t see pickleball’s growth slowing down anytime soon. While TAPA’s Haberichter believes there’s now adequate outdoor space to meet local demand, indoor pickleball courts remain at a premium.

In addition to the South YMCA, Pickle U hosts eight year-round indoor courts in

Williamsburg. Grand Traverse Resort & Spa has five indoor courts, and a “handful of churches and gyms” also have courts, Haberichter says. But he sees a growing need for more year-round playing space, with TAPA willing to lend its support to any groups pursuing that goal.

Players are also excited about the possibility of pickleball becoming even more of a mainstream sport. Many high schools and colleges across Michigan are adding pickleball clubs or leagues, Haberichter says, with the National Collegiate Pickleball Championship set to hold its first international collegiate competition in November.

Many players hope to see pickleball eventually become an officially sanctioned NCAA sport—and beyond that, to be included in the sports world’s biggest stage.

“I think within the next eight years, pickleball will be an Olympic sport,” says Haberichter. “That would be very fun. It’s definitely heading that way.”

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Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 19

sat 05

Saturday TROUT & SALMON EX-

TRAVAGANZA: SOLD OUT: 6am-2pm, Bay Harbor Lake Marina. Sept. 3-5. Today is Heavy Cooler Saturday. troutandsalmonextravaganza.com ---------------------------------CADILLAC FESTIVAL OF RACES: 7am, Cadillac. Featuring the Fast & Flat Boston Marathon Qualifier Full Marathon & Half Marathon, 1 Mile Kids Fun Run (ages 8 & under), 1/4 Mile Lake Swim Race, 7 Mile Team Relay Run around Lake Cadillac, 5K/10K out & back course, live music, food truck & more. See web site to register & for race times/locations. cadillacareaymca.org/ cadillac-festival-of-races ---------------------------------SIX MILE STRINGS: 6:30pm, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Enjoy this Detroit-based string quartet. $11.25 + tax. tickettailor.com/ events/oliverart/2194032 ---------------------------------BRETHREN DAYS: Dickson Township Park, Brethren, Sept. 4-6. Today includes a softball tournament, High Bridge Hustle 5K Run/Walk, pancake breakfast, horseshoe pitching contest, live music by Landon Sanford, Andy McQuillen, Truck Driver Bingo, & Broom Closet Boys, fireworks & more. facebook.com/BrethrenDays ---------------------------------102ND ANNUAL MANTON HARVEST FESTIVAL: Sept. 4-7, Manton. Today includes the co-ed softball tournament, Firefighters Water Ball Competition, petting zoo, Clark Lewis the Juggler, Honeybadger, Derailed & Night Train in concert, & more. Find ‘Manton Area Harvest Festival’ on Facebook.

---------------------------------2026 WATER WEEKEND: 200 Wachtel Ave., Petoskey, Sept. 4-7. Today includes Pipe Up Paddle Out from 9am-noon; & Water is Life Fest from noon-9pm - featuring live music by Eliza Thorp, Kevin Johnson, Whitney Boecker, Jon Hayes & The Company, Big Greasy Funk Band, Levitator, Rebel Eves & more. waterislifefestival.org ---------------------------------7TH ANNUAL TORCH LAKE LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-5pm, Depot Park, Alden. Jewelry, pottery, painters, candles, photography & much more. facebook. com/daniellesblueribboneventsllc/events ---------------------------------BOYNE CITY KIWANIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND CAR SHOW: 10am-2pm, Veterans Park, Boyne City. Today is the Main Car Show. Trophies & awards will be given in multiple classes. There will also be raffles, kids’ activities, local food trucks & more. Awards Ceremony begins at 2pm. 231-675-2492.

---------------------------------ELK RAPIDS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: 10am-4pm, downtown Elk Rapids. Featuring more than 60 artisans & crafters. elkrapidschamber.org/arts-crafts-show-2 ---------------------------------LABOR DAY WEEKEND TENT SALE: 11am-5pm, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Get discounts on past season’s ski & snowboard gear, plus get a first look at the new equipment for the 2026-27 winter season. Reps from top ski brands will answer questions & provide fitting advice. crystalmountain.com/events-activities/events/ event-calendar/labor-day-live ---------------------------------BOOK SIGNING WITH ANGELA SHUPE: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Angela will sign her new novel, “In the Light of the Sun.” horizonbooks.com/event/2026-09-05/storebook-signing-angela-shupe ---------------------------------MINNEHAHA BREWHAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL: 1-11pm, Arcadia. Two days of live

music, craft brews, food trucks, family activities, camping & a 5K/15K run. Sat. features Delilah DeWylde, Jesse Jefferson, Atomic Bombcats, Mason Gratton, Djangophonique & others. $10; 12 & under, free. musicmoves-me.org/minnehaha-festival ---------------------------------THE SERIES PRESENTS HORTON CREEK BLUEGRASS: 6pm, Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City. Enjoy a blend of traditional & progressive bluegrass with touches of country & rock. Steel & Wood will open the show with traditional bluegrass. $31-$42. lavenderhillfarm.com/the-series ---------------------------------BRETT YOUNG & FAMILY TRADITION: 7-10:30pm, Little River Casino Resort, Manistee. Country-pop singer/songwriter Brett Young brings his “Caliville” style, blending southern California breezy vibes with Nashville country storytelling. He earned seven No. 1 hits on country radio, including “In Case You Didn’t Know” & “Mercy.” Family Tradition shares their “Rowdy Country”! $75. lrcr.com/event/brett-young-family-tradition ---------------------------------LIVE ON THE LAKE: CAT DADDY TRIO: 7-9pm, East Park, Odmark Pavilion, Charlevoix.

---------------------------------“COME FROM AWAY,” BAY HARBOR: 7:30pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Discover life as an islander with the story of the 38 planes that were diverted to Gander on September 11, 2001. “Come From Away” is a critically acclaimed musical featuring a culturally relevant script accompanied by a moving score by Irene Sankoff & David Hein. Starting at $60. greatlakescfa. org/events/detail/come-from-away-1 ---------------------------------KAMIKAZE COMEDY: Chicago comedian Nate Armbruster headlines Right Brain Brewery, TC at 8pm. Featuring Jeremy West, & hosted by Scott Witkop. Doors open at 7pm. $15 or 2 for $25. kamikazecomedy.square. site/product/nate-armbruster-september4th-5th/XRC3NGEZYRST7APIMILJOEMW ?cs=true&cst=custom

sept Sunday 06

102ND ANNUAL MANTON HARVEST FESTIVAL: Sept. 4-7, Manton. Today includes a pancake breakfast, craft show, Latitude 44 Car & Truck Cruise, Manton Travel Baseball Home Run Derby, & more. Find ‘Manton Area Harvest Festival’ on Facebook.

---------------------------------BRETHREN DAYS: Dickson Township Park, Brethren, Sept. 4-6. Today includes Community Church services, softball tournament, cornhole tournament, Grand Parade, live music by The Nephews, Feral Cats, & Somebody’s Sister and the Goodfellas, & more. facebook.com/BrethrenDays ---------------------------------FORMULA 1 FREE WATCH PARTIES: ITALY: 9am, The Bay Community Theatre, Suttons Bay. Experience the thrilling races on the big screen! Includes Formula 1 games.

Doors open an hour before the start of each race. thebaytheatre.org/home-page ---------------------------------7TH ANNUAL TORCH LAKE LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., Sept. 5) ---------------------------------LABOR DAY WEEKEND TENT SALE: (See Sat., Sept. 5, except today’s hours are 10am-2pm.)

---------------------------------INTERLOCHEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CAR, TRACTOR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW: 11am-3pm, Tom’s Food Markets, Interlochen. Featuring vehicles of all makes, models, & years. Admire classic

20 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

september

05-13

send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

A love letter to Dolly, Old Town Playhouse presents “9 to 5: the Musical,” Sept. 11-12, 17-19 and 25-26 at 7:30pm, and Sept. 13 and 19-20 at 2pm. During OTP’s final weeks of rehearsal, the world lost Dolly Parton, and her wit, compassion and ability to see the dignity in ordinary people shine throughout this show. Set in the late 1970s, see the story of three very different office workers who are pushed to the brink by their sexist, egotistical boss. They don’t just get mad; they get even! Tickets range from $25-$35. oldtownplayhouse.com.

cars, motorcycles & tractors! Free. interlochenchamber.org ---------------------------------COMPETITION CONTINUES IN TC: 2pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. Enjoy international show jumping alongside a relaxed northern Michigan summer setting.

Explore food & beverage options, shopping, & open spaces throughout the venue. $15 & up. TraverseCityHorseShows.com/visit ---------------------------------“COME FROM AWAY,” BAY HARBOR: (See Sat., Sept. 5, except today’s time is 4pm.)

---------------------------------PETOSKEY’S BAYSIDE MUSIC SERIES: TWO TRACK MIND: 5-7pm, Bayfront Park, on the promenade near the clock tower, Petoskey.

---------------------------------MICHILIMACKINAC FIRE AT NIGHT: 9-10:30pm, Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City. Experience the power of Michilimackinac’s weapons at night. Gates open at 9pm. Rifle firing will start at dusk; cannon firing will be after dark. Free. mackinacparks.com

sept monday 07

2026 WATER WEEKEND: 5:30am, Indian Pathways Park, Mackinaw City. Today includes “No Line 5 Tunnel” Outreach & Mackinac Bridge Walk - south side. givebutter.com/ WaterWeekend ---------------------------------ANNUAL MACKINAC BRIDGE WALK: The walk begins in St. Ignace at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, & in Mackinaw City at the south end of the bridge in the Lower Peninsula at 7am.

See web site for more info. Free. mackinacbridge.org/events/walk ---------------------------------102ND ANNUAL MANTON HARVEST FESTIVAL: 8am, Manton. Sept. 4-7. Today

includes the Harvest Festival Parade, car show, quilt show, Grand Traverse Pipes & Drums, Lumberjack Competition & more. facebook.com/MantonAreaHarvestFestival ---------------------------------7TH ANNUAL TORCH LAKE LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., Sept. 5, except today’s time is 10am-3pm.)

---------------------------------BELLAIRE LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK: 10am, Richardi Park, Gazebo, Bellaire. In addition to walking the 3 bridges of Bellaire, there will be an optional, additional route around the Spillway lodges, ASI gazebo & over a wooden bridge through wetlands to the ball fields across from Meadowbrook.

---------------------------------GLEN LAKE BRIDGE WALK: Noon. Starts at north end of Carl Olsen Bridge, Glen Arbor. T- shirts ($20) & certificates will be available. Following the walk proceed to Glen Lake Manor for hot dogs & ice cream. Free.

---------------------------------CHARLEVOIX’S LITTLE BUT MIGHTY BRIDGE WALK: Meet at Town House Bar at 12:30pm. The group will walk to the north side of the bridge & cross after the 1pm raising & lowering of the bridge. visitcharlevoix. com/events/LittlebutMightyBridgeWalk ---------------------------------BAY VIEW MONDAY NIGHT MOVIES: 7:30-10pm, Bay View Association, Voorhies Hall, Petoskey. Featuring “Bob Trevino Likes It.” Free.

sept tuesday 08

NORTHPORT WOMEN’S CLUB: 1pm, Trinity Church Social Hall, Northport. Guest speakers Don Gregory & daughter, Emily Miezio will discuss “Cherries from Generation to Generation.” For more info call 231-631-8084.

Open to area women at no cost.

MACKINAW BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5:30-7:30pm, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinaw City. Includes appetizers, nonalcoholic beverages & 2 beer/wine tickets. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse & the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum will be open for touring. RSVP to: kelly@mackinawchamber.com by Sept. 4. $5-$10.

sept wednesday 09

GAYLORD BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Big Buck Brewery, Gaylord. $5-$10.

--------------------MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN: EAST BAY DRIVE: 6:30-8:30pm, The Homestead Resort, atop the ski hill, Glen Arbor. Welcome this TC-based smooth jazz band who will play pop classics from the 60s through the 80s. Tickets range from $0 - $22. tickettailor. com/events/musiconthemountain ---------------------------------SUICIDE LOSS SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30-8:30pm, Art and Connection, Elk Rapids. Held the 2nd Weds. of every month. For more info, email survivornorthmi@gmail.com or call 810-355-6276. Free.

---------------------------------DREW HALE & JULES KLEES AT THE GARDEN: 7-8:30pm, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, TC. An evening of music in the Walled Garden with Americana artist Jules Klee & local musician Drew Hale. $17.85. eventbrite.com/e/ jules-klee-and-drew-hale-in-concert-tickets1995109905434?aff=oddtdtcreatorEvent

sept thursday 10

GRAND TRAVERSE MUSICALE PRESENTS STRING & HARPSICHORD BAROQUE MUSIC: 2pm, Mission Hill Church, TC. Grand Traverse Musicale will present a program featuring the No Excuses String Ensemble playing music from the late Baroque era.

Free. gtmusicale.org ---------------------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER ART CLUB: 5pm, Elder Piper Beer & Cider, Petoskey. Meet other creatives, share ideas, & enjoy company. Whether you’re a practicing artist, an art appreciator, or someone who simply loves being around creativity, you’re welcome. crookedtree.org ---------------------------------EVERYONE HAS A STORY: STORYTELLING COMMUNITY CIRCLE: 5:30-7pm, Kingsley Branch Library. Join The Kingsley Folk School for a relaxed, no-prep storytelling community circle, Everyone Has a Story. Share real moments from your life, told to connect, laugh, & reflect. Held the 2nd Thurs. of every month. Free. tadl.org/event/ everyone-has-story-28438 ---------------------------------GOH KUROSAWA: The Platform @ Chalfonte Theatre, Elk Rapids. Guitarist, composer & singer Goh Kurosawa presents his northern Michigan debut, while continuing his ongoing Lovetap Tour, which has taken him from California to Japan, Mexico, & across the United States. Doors open at 6pm & music begins at 7pm. $10-$20. chalfontetheatre.org/goh-kurosawa-2026 ---------------------------------LITTLE TRAVERSE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING: 6:45pm, Little Traverse Historical Museum, Petoskey. Prior to the meeting at 6pm the public is invited to a Picnic on the Porch, featuring a boxed meal from Julienne Tomatoes. The $20 price includes a sandwich, chips, dessert & beverage. Call for sandwich orders: 231-347-

2620. At the meeting President Becky Goodman will present her annual report, Treasurer Lisa Turk will give the financial report, & Executive Director Jane Garver will give brief remarks. Following, Howard Richards will play local tunes from the Historical Society’s sheet music collection on the Grace Hemingway piano. petoskeymuseum.org ---------------------------------BENZONIA ACADEMY LECTURE: “A FAMOUS BENZIE COUNTY MAN YOU PROBABLY NEVER KNEW”: 7pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. Presented by Dr. Roberta Dow & Benzie Area Historical Museum & Research Center. millscommhouse. org/september.html ---------------------------------LIVE ON THE LAKE: TRILLIUM IRISH: 7-9pm, East Park, Odmark Pavilion, Charlevoix. Bring a blanket or chair.

sept friday 11

BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: Sept. 11-13. Today includes a Balloon Media Flight - launch from Marina Lawn, Artisan Vendor Market on Main St., Twister Joe Balloon Artist, family balloon painting activity with artist Daniel Duncan, Balloon Flight #1, Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, & more. bayharbor.com/balloons ---------------------------------PETOSKEY WINE REGION HARVEST SHOWCASE: Sept 11-13. For $30, your digital ticket invites you to visit all 14 participating wineries, where you’ll receive a glass of wine paired with a small food offering at each location. petoskey.wine/event/2026harvest-showcase ---------------------------------ELITE TEAM COMPETITION LANDS IN TC: 4pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. Experience major league show jumping, where international teams compete in one of the sport’s highest levels of competition. $15 & up. TraverseCityHorseShows. com/visit ---------------------------------RED DRESSER FALL BARN MARKET: 4-8pm, Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, TC. 2-Day Vintage Flea & Makers Market.

Featuring 125+ curated vendors, food trucks & live music. Fri. is First Picks Event & 2-Day Pass - $10/person. GA is $5/person. thereddressertc.com ---------------------------------EL SAVOR LATINO: 7pm, The Music House Museum, Williamsburg. This TC based band’s repertoire includes many types of Latin music, including dance & other standards. $25 online; $30 door. mynorthtickets. com/events/the-music-house-museum-welcomes-el-savor-latino-to-the-music-housefriday-september-11-at-700pm-9-11-2026 ---------------------------------“A SESAME STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”: 7:30pm, The MATCH, Cherryland Center, TC. Mashup’s next all new musical is a puppet filled mashup parody for all ages.

The Sept. 13 performance at 3pm is paywhat-you-can, with ASL interpretation from Stage Hands LLC. $18-$38. mashuprockandrollmusical.com/upcoming-shows-tickets ---------------------------------“COME FROM AWAY,” BAY HARBOR: (See Sat., Sept. 5) ---------------------------------“COME FROM AWAY,” FRANKFORT: 7:30pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. The Benzie County Players present this Broadway musical based on events in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 planes, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport. $20. gardentheater.org/comingsoon

---------------------------------9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. When three vastly different office workers are pushed to the brink by their sexist, egotistical boss, they don’t just get mad; they get even. $25-$35. oldtownplayhouse. com/performances/mainstage/9-to-5.html ---------------------------------INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIP: 8-10pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. Teams from across the globe gather in TC for an epic battle for fireworks supremacy. Tickets range from free to $140. traversecityifc. saffire.com/p/tickets ---------------------------------KAMIKAZE COMEDY: 8pm, Right Brain Brewery, TC. From the creators of the USS Comedy Open Mic comes a premier night of unfiltered laughs. Featuring a showcase of true local TC comics. Doors open at 7pm. $10. kamikazecomedy.square.site/product/ uss-comedy-showcase-friday-sep-11th/7DE T4OM5RKADWICMGFCLQWCQ?cp=true& sa=true&sbp=false&q=false ---------------------------------NORTHERN LIGHTS FUN RUN 5K: 8pm.

New location: GT County Civic Center, TC. Hosted by the Thomas Judd Care Center to raise awareness for HIV care & prevention resources across northern Michigan. $30 + $3.50 SignUp fee. runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/ TraverseCity/ThomasJuddCareCenter5K ---------------------------------THE DAVE BENNETT QUARTET: 9:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Enjoy hard driving swing, rockabilly, jazz, pop, gospel, & original songs. Recognize the influences of Benny Goodman, Pete Fountain, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles, Chris Isaak, Peter Gabriel & Phil Collins. $25-$40. theoperahouse.org

sept saturday 12

BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: Sept. 11-13. Today includes Balloon Flight #2, tethered balloon rides, Bay Harbor Bow Wow Dog Show, Pilot & Crew Meet & Greet, Balloon Flight #3, Sip & Paint with artist Daniel Duncan, Hot Air Balloon Night Glow & more. bayharbor.com/balloons ---------------------------------LEELANAU HARVEST TOUR: 8am, Suttons Bay High School. Choose from 8, 38, 56, or 70 mile curated routes on quiet & scenic roads. There will also be various food stops, & a post-ride picnic lunch. $40-$85. cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org/content.aspx?page_ id=22&club_id=87045&module_id=461733 ---------------------------------LAVENDER HILL 5K RUN/WALK: 9am, Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City. $35-$42 + fees. runsignup.com/Race/MI/BoyneCity/ LavenderHillFarms5K ---------------------------------RED DRESSER FALL BARN MARKET: (See Fri., Sept. 11, except today’s time is 9am-4pm.)

---------------------------------RIVER CLUB RUN & HOLE IN ONE: 9am, River Club, Glen Arbor. Participate in a 5K or 10K, & then afterwards enjoy a free meal, awards ceremony, a hole in one contest, & live music. Prices range from $0-$50. runsignup. com/Race/MI/GlenArbor/RiverClubRunHoleIn ---------------------------------WALK THE WILD 5K: 9am, Sportsman’s Park, East Jordan. Hosted by the Friends of the Jordan River Watershed. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Don & Eileen Klein Nature Trail, continue through the Rogers Family Preserve, & return to Sportsman’s Park—all while supporting conservation, environmental education, & stewardship of this watershed. $20-$30. donorbox.org/ events/917579/steps/choose_tickets

WANDER WALLOON: GUIDED WILDLIFE VIEWING PADDLE: 9-11am, Jones Landing Township Park Boat Launch, Petoskey.

Paddle through Schoof’s Creek Nature Area while looking for birds, fish, beavers & other wildlife & learning how the creek supports the broader Walloon Lake watershed. Register: 231-535-6112. Free. walloon.org/event/wander-walloon-guided-wildlife-viewing-paddle ---------------------------------24TH ANNUAL 9/11 REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND: 10am, D&K Tavern, Elmira.

Sept. 11-13. Live music, opening ceremony, fun run, Flag Retirement Ceremony, camping available & more. To reserve camp site, call: 906-259-3810. $10/day or $15 for weekend.

---------------------------------4TH ANNUAL MARITIME HISTORY FESTIVAL & 21ST ANNUAL JIM WENSTRUP WOODEN BOAT SHOW: 10am-3pm, 203 E. Cedar St., Leland. Enjoy boat & car shows, a Maritime Scavenger Hunt, Lighthouse Keeper Ken Pratt: Life at the Light, live music by Lee Murdock, Gar Wood: The Gray Fox of Algonac Program & more. leelanauhistory. org/maritime-history-festival ---------------------------------BOARDMAN RIVER FALL ART & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-5pm, Medalie Park, TC. Featuring local & regional artists showcasing a mix of original paintings, sculptures, jewelry, handmade crafts & more.

---------------------------------CADILLAC BOOK FEST: 10am-4pm, The Market at Cadillac Commons. Featuring book sales by Michigan authors, book crafts & more. Meet small press authors, learn about their work, & pick up some great reads. Free. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/upcoming-programs ---------------------------------DOWNTOWN TC FINE ART FAIR: 10am6pm, downtown TC. Featuring works from professional painters, sculptors & artisans. downtowntc.com/events/art-fair-series.html ---------------------------------LEELANAU MARITIME HISTORY FESTIVAL: 10am-3pm, 203 E. Cedar St., Leland.

Enjoy classic wooden boats & cars, live Great Lakes music by Lee Murdock, a program about speedboat racer Gar Wood, outdoor exhibits, local nonprofits, & children’s activities. Hosted by the Leelanau Historical Society. Free. leelanauhistory.org/maritime-history-festival ---------------------------------PETOSKEY WINE REGION HARVEST SHOWCASE: (See Fri., Sept. 11) ---------------------------------ART IN THE BARN: 11am-4pm, Douglas Racich historic 1870s Leelanau County Barn, near Omena. Northern Michigan artist Douglas Racich welcomes you to a studio open house in his historic 1870s Leelanau County barn near Omena. Featuring original egg tempera & watercolor artwork. leelanauprints.com ---------------------------------BOARDWALK CELEBRATION: 11am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. After eight years in the making, the three-phase boardwalk replacement project is complete. Explore the new boardwalk through a scavenger hunt with prizes & a food vendor on-site. grassriver.org ---------------------------------ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL: 1pm, East Bay Branch Library, TC. Enjoy free ice cream, live music with Jesse Jefferson, face painting by The Painted Lady, a used book sale, the TADL Bookmobile & more. tadl.org/ event/annual-ice-cream-social-33577 ---------------------------------PAWS ON THE PENINSULA: 2-5pm, Chateau Grand Traverse, TC. Meet local pet organizations & browse community partner exhibits while your pup enjoys treats, activities, & new friends. Free. cgtwines.com/event/pawson-the-peninsula ---------------------------------TALONS THROUGH TIME: LIVE BIRDS WITH NORTH SKY RAPTOR SANCTU-

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 21

ARY: 2-3:30pm, Raven Hill Discovery Center, East Jordan. A walking tour that explores humanity’s enduring connection with raptors.

Free. secure.qgiv.com/for/ravenhilldiscoverycenter/event/talonsthroughtime ---------------------------------RED DRIVE CONCERT SERIES: MANITOU TRUCKIN’ CO.: 4-6pm, The Piazza at The Village at GT Commons, TC. Enjoy the ultimate Grateful Dead experience! Free. thevillagetc.com/events/red-drive-concert-seriesjuly-19-nhtzl ---------------------------------WORLD’S TOP INTERNATIONAL RIDERS RETURN: 4pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. Major league show jumping culminates in a five-star event. $15 & up. TraverseCityHorseShows.com/visit ---------------------------------INTERNATIONAL FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL: 4:30pm, Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre, Honor. This event brings together anglers, conservationists, & outdoor recreationists for an evening that celebrates the waters we all love. Hosted by The Northern Angler, this event benefits The Watershed Center & efforts to protect Grand Traverse Bay & the rivers, streams, & lakes that make northern Michigan a world-class fishery. Enjoy live music, food, drinks, casting competitions & more before the films begin at dusk. $25-$50. donorbox.org/events/923867/steps/choose_tickets ---------------------------------GREAT LAKES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PRESENTS “RAVEL AND MENDELSSOHN” CONCERT FEATURING GILMORE PIANIST: 7-9pm, Bay View Association, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. Enjoy Ravel’s “Piano Concerto in G Major,” featuring the Gilmore Young Artist Elliot Wuu. Tickets range from free to $65. glcorchestra.ludus. com/show_page.php?show_id=200530175

IN GOOD COMPANY WITH ANDREW DOST AND EM RANDALL: 7pm, The Friendship Community Center of Suttons Bay. Enjoy music, art, & conversation with Grammy awardwinning musician Andrew Dost, & painter, illustrator, & muralist Em Randall. Curated & moderated by Joan Shelley. $10. zeffy.com/ en-US/ticketing/in-good-company ---------------------------------“A SESAME STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”: (See Fri., Sept. 11) ---------------------------------“COME FROM AWAY,” BAY HARBOR: (See Sat., Sept. 5) ---------------------------------“COME FROM AWAY,” FRANKFORT: (See Fri., Sept. 11) ---------------------------------9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL: (See Fri., Sept. 11) ---------------------------------INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIP: (See Fri., Sept. 11)

sept sunday 13

BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: Sept. 11-13. Today includes Balloon Flight #4 “Bonus” morning launch. bayharbor.com/balloons ---------------------------------FORMULA 1 FREE WATCH PARTIES: SPAIN: 9am, The Bay Community Theatre, Suttons Bay. Experience the races on the big screen! Includes Formula 1 games. Doors open an hour before the start of each race. thebaytheatre.org/home-page ---------------------------------BOARDMAN RIVER FALL ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., Sept. 12) ---------------------------------DOWNTOWN TC FINE ART FAIR: (See

SePtEmBeR 10

6-8:30pM

WSG

and live watercolorist

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thealluvion.org 414 E Eighth St, Traverse City

22 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Sat., Sept. 12, except today’s time is 10am4pm.)

---------------------------------PETOSKEY WINE REGION HARVEST SHOWCASE: (See Fri., Sept. 11) ---------------------------------ART IN THE BARN: (See Sat., Sept. 12) ---------------------------------IN CONVERSATION WITH TAKING FLIGHT EXHIBITORS: 1pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center.

Shanny Brooke & Cynthia Marks, artists in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s “Taking Flight” exhibit, provide insights into the original idea for this exhibition of story-rich work. The conversation will touch on the creative process & how these makers’ works reflect the world around & within them both. Free. glenarborart.org/product/exhibit-taking-flight ---------------------------------IN STORE MEET & GREET WITH KRISTINA KALAPOS: 1-3pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Kristina celebrates her book, “Sailing Naked.” mcleanandeakin. com/event/2026-09-13/kristina-kalapos-sailing-naked ---------------------------------NMÉ CELEBRATION: 1-3pm, Sturgeon River Campground Pavillion, Wolverine. This event honors Lake Sturgeon, known as Nmé in Anishinaabemowin, & the cultural & ecological role they play in northern Michigan.

Participate by carrying a fish to the riverbank & releasing it by hand. The celebration will also include a traditional Odawa ceremony to wish the young fish well on their journey.

Free. watershedcouncil.org ---------------------------------9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL: (See Fri., Sept. 11, except today’s time is 2pm.)

---------------------------------“A SESAME STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”: (See Fri., Sept 11, except today’s time is 3pm.)

“COME FROM AWAY,” FRANKFORT: (See Fri., Sept. 11, except today’s time is 3:30pm.)

---------------------------------“COME FROM AWAY,” BAY HARBOR: (See Sat., Sept. 5, except today’s time is 4pm.)

ongoing PETOSKEY BUDDHIST BOOK STUDY

SANGHA: Tuesdays, 10am-noon, First Presbyterian Church, Petoskey. Meditate, read together a current Buddhist-focused book, meet with Zen teacher. For more info contact: juliafogarty.jf@gmail.com or skiprenker@gmail.com.

---------------------------------BIKES & BEERS: Held the last Weds. of every month, as long as weather allows.

Meet at Nocturnal Bloom, TC at 6:30pm for a group ride followed by beers. All riders & abilities welcome. See web site for map & more details: nocturnalbloombrewing.com/ events/bikes-and-beers-pe4jp ---------------------------------DOCENT LED TOURS OF DOUGHERTY MISSION HOUSE MUSEUM: Ongoing docent led tours of the 1842 Dougherty Mission House built by Rev. Dougherty, Chief Agosa & the Odawa & Ojibwe people. Tour the house Old Mission Peninsula is named for, outbuildings & demonstration garden. See American chestnut trees. Tours Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11am-4pm. doughertyoldmissionhouse.com

Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.

lOGY

SEPT 07 - SEPT 13

BY ROB BREZSNY

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Master chefs say that diners first taste food with their eyes. The visual presentation is key to the whole experience. But the beauty must arise from craftsmanship rather than empty decoration. I believe you Virgos are in a phase when this is an important metaphor. Your outer style and inner substance are ready to become better collaborators. Some suggestions: Wear clothes that influence you to feel vividly alive. Relax your face and posture.

Beautify your workspace. Polish your presentations. And please make sure the dazzling appearances reflect equally nourishing contents.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The astronomer Johannes Kepler spent years trying to prove that planetary orbits were perfect circles because he believed the universe should behave that way.

Once he abandoned his cherished assumption, he discovered the truth: The planets travel in ellipses. That revision transformed astronomy forever. With this in mind, Leo, I will ask you: Is there an elegant belief you have outgrown? A theory that was once fun and interesting but now limits your vision? The coming weeks will favor corrections.

Changing your mind will show you that reality is even more interesting than you previously understood.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I just finished a

delicate peace mission to the contested inner landscape where your nightmares have been causing a big ruckus. In response to my diplomacy, they have agreed to drop their weapons and release their captives. In exchange, they are asking you to sit with them for a while as they rant and sob, and maybe offer them a few kisses and affectionate embraces. Drawing on my long years of coaxing unruly spirits back into semi-sanity, I conclude that a key reason they turned so dramatic and extreme was that they have been starving for your attention. I am very sure that with just a little effort, you can tame their reckless restlessness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’re poised

at a threshold between what’s comfortably familiar and excitingly possible. A certain reliable part of your life has served you well for a long time but is now ripe for evolution. The paradox is that letting go of a serviceable asset can feel more difficult than shedding what’s obviously harmful. So here's the riddle I hope you will meditate on: What good old thing could you relinquish so as to attract and make room for a great new thing in your life?

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

Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci filled his notebooks with sketches of machines that would not become practical until centuries later.

Examples are the parachute, a helicopter-like “aerial screw,” and an armored tank. Many of his designs were simply too advanced for the materials and engineering of his era. I suspect you may experience comparable moments of visionary thinking in the coming weeks and months, Sagittarius.

To some people and even to yourself, your ideas might seem overly ambitious or ahead of their time. But please don’t dismiss them. Write down your inklings and let them cavort around in your imagination.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sofia

Kovalevskaya was born under the sign of Capricorn in 1850. Early in her life, she displayed mathematical brilliance. She longed to develop her talent, but women weren’t allowed to attend college in her native Russia.

So she devised a workaround: a marriage of convenience with a man who helped her leave the country and gain the freedom to study in Germany. There she eventually became the first woman to earn a doctorate. Inspired by her example, I encourage you to consider creative strategies for obstacles that seem immovable. What indirect routes might lead you to your goals better than frontal assaults? Be willing to zigzag toward your destination.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Most of us

have been cursed. The sources of the bad mojo have rarely been evil sorcerers who cast literal spells. Rather, they were harsh pronouncements about our worth or our future, spoken by people we loved or trusted. For example, when I was 20, my astrology teacher dropped an alarming verdict on me: “You will never be seen and appreciated for who you truly are.” That

ugly decree became a jinx I spent years struggling with before I finally banished it. Do you carry a comparable hex, Aquarius?

Maybe mommy or daddy proclaimed you would never amount to anything. Maybe an ex declared that you would never again find real love. Whatever it might have been, here's the good news: You now have the power to at least partially dissolve that old scourge and glide into the future less burdened by it.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Ravens often

cache shiny objects and interesting novelties that seem to possess no immediate practical value. They apparently delight in collecting intriguing possibilities. I recommend you channel your inner raven in the coming weeks, Pisces. Assemble an array of quirky treasures and raw materials without immediately deciding whether or why they might be useful. Like what? Like fun ideas, memorable quotations, odd facts, provocative images, curious fragments, and fascinating stories. In ways you can't imagine yet, your playful cluster will inspire imaginative innovations and delightful breakthroughs.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Cheetahs are the

fastest land animals, but they can maintain top tempo for only about 20-30 seconds before overheating. When they're hunting, they usually get just one speedy dash to catch their prey. They must spend far more time stalking and positioning than running. The velocity is sensational, but their patient and prolonged strategy is even more essential. In the coming weeks, Aries, I urge you to be like the cheetah as you pursue want you need and want.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The dancer

Mikhail Baryshnikov said that true mastery means performing with complete intensity while making the movement appear effortless. Behind the grace lies years of disciplined practice. Is there an aptitude or practice you cultivate that fits this description, Taurus? I hope you’re ready to showcase it, flaunt it, and use it to your maximum benefit. It’s time to capitalize bountifully on skills at which you excel. Your well-deserved rewards are more likely to arrive than usual.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): "Dear Oracle:

I have contracted a severe case of too-manytabs-open. My brain has 19 windows running at once, and it's hard for me to determine which thoughts are the truly important ones. Everything seems equally urgent and equally trifling. Any tips on how I can better figure out what actually matters the most? — Overstimulated Gemini." Dear Overstimulated: The secret to fixing this dilemma is to consult your body. Focus your attention on your gut and ask it to send you sweet clues about which yearnings it resonates with most. Check in with your feet and seek their wise counsel about which direction they want to lead you. Pat yourself lovingly on the butt a few times and request its loving guidance about what will make you feel most grounded.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): For some

people, laughter is like a spiritual practice. A lot of them are Leos, Aquarians, and Sagittarians.

They crack up more often and for longer stretches than most, and they tend to howl at ironies everyone else takes too seriously. I bring this to your attention, dear Cancerian, because you’re in a time when you could and should laugh often in wild, liberating ways. I invite you to explore the weirder areas of your sense of humor and work earnestly to expand what you find funny. PS: There’s credible evidence that laughter can reduce stress physiology, ease anxiety, lift mood, strengthen social connection, and even raise pain tolerance.

“Jonesin” Crosswords "Gimme An E"--a change of position. by Matt Jones

ACROSS 1. Letter between Juliet and Lima?

5. Forfeit voluntarily 10. Bryan Cranston's "Malcolm in the Middle" role 13. Cynthia of "Wicked" 15. "This ___ a drill!"

16. Pub quaff 17. Food served in an Olympic-sized swimming pool?

19. Animated image 20. "Stormy" seabird 21. Simon Cowell NBC show, for short 22. Play group?

23. Character in a Copenhagen production of "Sherlock Holmes"?

26. Like a melody in F# while the harmony is in C, e.g.

29. Fitting 30. Shakespeare's river 31. Speech therapy issues 34. Three Gorges project 37. Furry animal feature, if it were only missing a stripe down the back?

41. Indeterminate number 42. Comedian Chieng 43. Clay-like soil 44. Comedian Mayall of "The Young Ones" 45. "I Love Lucy" surname 48. Offerings at a "The Dark Knight Rises"-themed taqueria?

53. Splitting it releases energy 54. Recognize 55. "The English Patient" setting 59. Obtained 60. Outerwear items for Tarzan's companion?

62. N.Y.-to-Boston dir.

63. Young child, informally 64. "___ to you!"

65. Took charge of 66. Sibilant summons 67. Classics IV lead singer Dennis

DOWN 1. Seaweed type 2. "Dies ___" ("Day of Wrath") 3. Dryer trap collection 4. Cooked too long 5. Gaming console with a fitness component 6. Black tea from India 7. "The Princess Bride" swordsman Montoya 8. "The Sound of Music" family name 9. French summer 10. "Horrible" Viking, in the comics 11. Top-name celebs 12. Southpaw 14. Arctic, e.g.

18. Radius counterpart 22. Bill in "Bloom County," e.g.

24. Actress Pompeo 25. ___ facto (therefore) 26. "Roll Tide" school, for short 27. Novelist Turgenev 28. Bourdain biopic of 2026 32. Particle in a cloud chamber 33. "Heidi" creator Johanna 34. New Look designer Christian 35. Barely at all 36. "I must have missed the ___" 38. Chicago paper nickname 39. All "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" pieces, technically (if you can pluralize Picassos and Monets ...)

40. It shares space with the question mark 44. "Automatic for the People" group 46. Words repeated before "sin" in a Pet Shop Boys lyric 47. Alternative to first class 48. Schmear spot 49. Right wrongs 50. "I heard you" 51. Tears to bits 52. Oboes and saxes, e.g.

56. Prefix with space 57. Waze offerings, for short 58. Helper, in brief 60. Monogram of the 11th U.S. president 61. Write quickly

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 23

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska ALEXANDRA INN, BLUSH: ROOFTOP TERRACE, TC Mon -- Fridays Music (John & Madeline Piatek), 5-7 CHATEAU GRAND TRAVERSE, TC 5-8: 9/5 -- DJ Marco 9/11 -- Swingbone North IDENTITY BREWING CO., TC BEER GARDEN: 9/10 -- Loren Krantz, 5:30-8 JACOB'S FARM, TC 9/5 -- Agnes Su Band, 6-9 9/6 -- A.S. Lutes Band, 6-9 9/9 -- Penbrook, Layton & Reid, 5-8 9/10 -- Chris Smith, 5-8 9/11 -- Brett Mitchell, noon-3; Chasing Denver, 5-8 9/11 -- Rock Bottom Remedy Band, 5-8 9/13 -- North 44, noon-3; Doc Probes & The Riptides, 5-8 KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC Mon. -- DJ Trivia, 7-9 Tues. -- The Will Harris Trio, 8-12 Weds. -- The Pocket Band, 8-12 Thurs. -- DJ Leo, 9:30-1:30 9/11-12 -- the rectifiers, 9:30 KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING 9/8 -- Open Mic Night, 6-9 9/10 -- Trivia Night w/ Marcus, 6:30-9 LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM: 9/7 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9

TASTING ROOM: 9/11 -- Dan Casula, 5-7 THE PIAZZA, ACROSS FROM LFC: 9/12 -- Red Drive Concert Series w/ Manitou Truckin’ Co., 4-6 LIL BO'S, TC THE YARD: 9/10 -- Rhett & John, 7-10:30

THE ALLUVION, TC 9/10 -- The Jeff Haas Sextet feat. Laurie Sears, Rob Smith, & Chris Glassman + Lisa Flahive, 5:30-8 THE COIN SLOT, TC 9/12 -- Silverstiles, 7-10 THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 9/5 -- Little Dipper, 6-10

MARI VINEYARDS, TC 4-6: 9/8 -- Jerry Byville 9/10 -- Rhett DuCouer MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC 9/5 -- The Rupple Brothers, 6-9 NOCTURNAL BLOOM BREWING, TC 9/5 -- Hip Hop Show w/ One Be Lo, Blueprint, Marv Won, & Malaki The Most Hi, Skin Kwon Do & more, 6-9 Thu -- Trivia, 6 9/13 -- Diego, 5-9 NORTH BAR, TC 9/5 -- DJ Magic Ben, 10 OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS, 6:30: 9/5 -- Jesse Jefferson 9/6 -- Brady Corcoran RIGHT BRAIN BREWERY, TC 9/5 -- Kamikaze Comedy: Headliner Nate Armbruster feat. Jeremy West, 8 TC WHISKEY CO. - THE STILLHOUSE 9/5 -- Tai Drury, 8-10 9/12 -- Whiskey Charmers, 6-8

3-6: 9/5 -- Bill Oeming 9/12 -- Jeff Socia

BOYNE CITY TAPROOM 7:

Thurs. -- Adam & The Cabana Boys Fri. -- Josh Raber & Patrick Ryan Sat. -- Patrick Ryan

TOWNLINE CIDERWORKS, WILLIAMSBURG 9/5 -- Chelsea Marsh, 6-8 9/6 -- James Dake, 3-5 9/11 -- Headwaters Band, 6-8 TURTLE CREEK CASINO, WILLIAMSBURG 9/5 -- Risque, 8-12 9/7 -- Yankee Station, 5-9 9/11 -- DJ Mr. Markis, 8-12 9/12 -- Tom Zipp & The Bullpen, 8-12

BOYNE RIVER INN, BOYNE CITY 9/10 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7-10

ETHANOLOGY DISTILLATION, ELK RAPIDS

MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 9/9 -- Karaoke Night, 9 9/11 -- Lavender Lions, 7-10

SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE BEER GARDEN, 7-9:30:

9/5 -- Clint Weaner, 7-10 9/11 -- Monica & Jessica's Bday Party w/ Todd Aldrich, 6 9/12 -- James Robnett, 6:30-9:30

9/5 -- Ticket to Ride Electric 9/6 -- The Go Rounds 9/11 -- Nathan Walton & the Remedy 9/12 -- The Hey Makers

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee MANISTEE NATIONAL GOLF & RESORT THE BACKYARD: 9/11 -- Bent Carrot, 7

NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA 7: 9/5 -- Brackish 9/11 -- Chief Jam-Open Mic 9/12 -- Alex Teller

9/5 -- Chris Calleja, 12:30 9/6 -- Hanna Von B, 12:30 9/10 -- Two Track Mind, 5 9/11 -- Jeff Socia, 12:30 9/12 -- Nick Visconti, 12:30 9/13 -- Will Springsteen, 12:30

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

DOUGLAS LAKE STEAKHOUSE, PELLSTON

9/11 -- Nick Visconti, 5-8 9/12 -- Seasonal Road, 5-8 9/13 -- Two Track Mind, 11am-2pm

SEASONS OF THE NORTH WINERY, INDIAN RIVER

NORTHERN LIGHTS RECREATION, HARBOR SPRINGS

9/5 -- Duffy King, 6-9

THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 7: 9/5 -- Nate King

9/11 -- Musician's Playground 9/12 -- The Beau House Band

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS

9/5 -- Twlight Tunes w/ Sax Player, 5-8 9/6 -- Stonefolk, 3-6

THE QUEENS HEAD, CHEBOYGAN 9/11 -- Amanda Jane, 5:30-7:30

Leelanau & Benzie 9 BEAN ROWS, SUTTONS BAY

9/5 -- Split Decision, 5-8 9/6 -- Silver Creek Revival, 4-7

BEL LAGO VINEYARD, WINERY & CIDERY, CEDAR 3:30-5:30:

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE

9/6 -- Trillium Groove, 1-3

9/5 -- Bryan Poirier 9/6 -- Dominic Fortuna 9/8 -- Larry Perkins 9/12 -- Andre Villoch 9/13 -- Loose Change

9/12 -- The Ampersands, 5-8

9/5 -- The Mix Drift, 3-5; John Piatek, 6-8 9/6 -- Blair Miller, 3-5; Bauer Jones, 6-8

JACOBSON MARINA, FRANKFORT 9/5 -- Jim Hawley, 3-6

TASTING ROOM: 9/6 -- Jim Hawley & His Band, 3-5:30 9/13 -- Dominic Fortuna, 3-5

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE LEVEL4 LOUNGE, 8:30-10:30: 9/6 -- Nick Vasquez 9/11 -- Dominic Fortuna 9/12 -- Jim Hawley THE YURT: 9/5 -- Sean Baldwin, 6-9

LAKE ANN BREWING CO.

9/5 -- Mike Moran, 3-6; Fifth Gear Band, 7-10 9/6 -- Jim Crockett Band, 3-6; The Boardman River Band, 6:30 9/11 -- Lake Anthem, 7-10

LEELANAU SANDS CASINO, PESHAWBESTOWN SHOWROOM: 9/12 -- The Bellamy Brothers, 8

LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY BEER GARDEN:

DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT

9/6 -- Jazz North, 4-7

9/6 -- Broom Closet Boys, 6-9 9/8 -- Dennis Palmer, 3-6 9/13 -- Rhett & John, 3-6

NORTHERN LATITUDES DISTILLERY, LAKE LEELANAU

FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR 4-7:

RIVER CLUB, GLEN ARBOR

9/11 -- The Backroom Gang, 4:45-6:45

9/5 -- Looking Forward - CSN&Y Tribute Band 9/10 -- Larry Perkins

THE GREENHOUSE - WILLOW/PRIMOS, CADILLAC

9/5 -- Lara Fullford 9/11 -- Sydni K 9/12 -- Eric Jaqua

5:30-8:30: 9/5 -- Pete Kehoe 9/11 -- Nelson Olstrom

BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU

9/11 -- Leebee Shaner, 5-8

FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 7-10:

BRANDY'S HARBORTOWN, BAY HARBOR

LOST CELLARS, CHARLEVOIX

8-11: 9/5 -- Harmolodics 9/12 -- The Tweed Tones

9/6 -- Tyler Parkin, 6-9

THE PUB, TC 9/5 -- DJ Producer AJ, 10 9/7 -- Karaoke w/ DJ Shawny T, 8-11 9/11 -- DJ Vai, 10

CELLAR 152, ELK RAPIDS 9/5 -- Blair Miller, 6-9

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY

9/5 -- Michelle Chenard, 2-6 9/6 -- Chris Calleja, 1:30-5 9/11 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band, 4

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 9/5 -- Mighty Tundra Tones, 8-10 9/7 -- USS Comedy Open Mic, 8-9:30 9/8 -- Open Mic w/ Zak Bunce, 6-10 9/9 -- Jazz Jam w/ Ron Getz, 6-9 9/10 -- DJ Trivia, 7-9 9/11 -- Short Stop, 6-8 9/12 -- Vertical Limit, 7-9 9/13 -- Full Tilt Comedy Presents: Comedy Lab, 6-8

edited by jamie kauffold

Emmet & Cheboygan

THE PARLOR, TC 9/6 -- White Party, 8-11

Antrim & Charlevoix BLU DOT FARM & VINEYARD, CHARLEVOIX

nitelife

sept 05 - sept 13

HOP LOT BREWING, SUTTONS BAY

9/5 -- Empire Highway, 5-8 9/6 -- The Mix Drift, 1-4; Chris Sterr, 5-8 9/7 -- Kevin Paul, 5-8 9/10 -- Pete 'Big Dog' Fetters, 5-8 9/11 -- Andre Villoch, 5-8

SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY PATIO:

9/11 -- Friday Night Live w/ Liz Landry, 4-7

SOUL SQUEEZE CELLARS, LAKE LEELANAU 4-7: 9/5 -- Some Like It Yacht 9/10 -- Laura Thurston 9/11 -- Aidan Tobar 9/12 -- Maria Lynn

STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT PARKVIEW TAPROOM:

9/5 -- DJ Jeshua Hyde, 3-7 9/7 -- So Long, Summer Labor Day Party w/ 1000 Watt Prophets, 4-7

SUTTONS BAY CIDERS

9/6 -- Jonathan North & Rock Hat, 5:30-8 9/10 -- DJ Trivia, 6:30-8 9/13 -- Luke Woltanski, 5:30-8

TANDEM CIDERS, SUTTONS BAY

Sun -- The Nightcrawlers, 1-4

THE CABBAGE SHED, ELBERTA

9/9 -- Vinyl Vednesday w/ DJ T.J., 5 9/10 -- Open Mic Night, 6:30-9

THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS, 6-9: 9/5 & 9/11 -- Bryan Poirier 9/12 -- Laura Thurston

Otsego, Crawford & Central

9/9 -- Trivia & Music Bingo, 6-9

BEAVER CREEK RESORT, GAYLORD 9/6 -- Nelson Olstrom, 4-7

D&K TAVERN, ELMIRA

9/5 -- Helen & Phil, 6-10

FaLL INtO wEDnESdAYs WiTH LIvE mUSiC

Jeff Haas Don Julin Joe Wilson Jack Dryden Will Harris

24 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

EvERy WeDNeSDaY 6-8pM

107 E nAGoNAbA sT, NOrTHpORt, mI 49670

Jeff Haas Bruce Dondero Will Harris with watercolorist Lisa Flahive

EE nity R F u

! m m ent o C Ev

r e m Sum

T H G I N VIE

f o d En

MO

d By

Hoste

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 OPEN SPACE 7:00PM FESTIVITIES 8:30PM MOVIE START © 2015 Disney/Pixar

Join us for a free outdoor screening of ‘Inside Out’! Come early for free popcorn, yard games and face painting starting at 7:00PM. Guests are welcome to donate school supplies/ hygiene items to our school supply drive!

Paid for by CTE Betsy Coffia P.O. Box 54 Acme, MI 49690

MORE DETAILS

NORTHERN EXPRESS

CLA SSI FIED S 2 BEDROOM | 1.5 BATHROOM TOWNHOME - AVAILABLE OCTOBER - $1,725 Manitou Woods: 2BR/1.5BA townhome available early-mid October. $1,725/month. Private entrance & W/D hookups. Applications accepted for current and future openings. https://manitouwoodsapartments.net/ ___________________________________ REYNOLDS JONKHOFF FUNERAL HOME PART TIME WORK Part time, night and some day time hours, meaningful transfer team work from the person’s place of death to the funeral home. Must live within 20 minutes of Sixth Street in Traverse City. Be a member of the Reynolds Jonkhoff team that helps make a difference and earn extra income. ___________________________________ NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE IS HIRING NMC seeks an Executive Director of Information Technologies to serve as the College's Chief Information Officer, with a starting salary of $128,324.00 and executive benefits. We are also hiring a Student Activities Coordinator ($49,039.00) and a Student Life Office Manager ($49,039.00) to join us in our mission of transforming

students' lives. Full benefits packages NMC is EOE nmc.edu/non-discrimination Find out more at nmc.edu/jobs ___________________________________ PAINTER & DRYWALL/PLASTER REPAIR SPECIALIST: D'Achille Painting & Decorating 3 Generations of comprehensive service Extremely neat/clean Meticulous preparation wallpaper removal Free Consultation Nathan 586 855 9766 ___________________________________ HUGE ESTATE AND POLE BARN SALE, HOME STAGER ITEMS: VRBO rental and Home staging items, Furniture,ie: night stands,tables,chairs,out door set, Beds, Linens, Art and Accesories, Area Rugs, Several bikes including a schwinn tandem.

Electronics. TVs,stereo. And so much more!

All must go, No early sales: 9991 E Crain Hill Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684 Sept 11-12th, 9-3 each day. Cash only, some exceptions. ___________________________________ SALES REPS WANTED: Sales reps: photo restaurant specials boards. $8-10/mo. whatsthespecial.club

KINDLINGER & COMPANY, PC - TAX SENIOR: Based in Traverse City, MI, prepare and review federal, state, and local income tax returns. Conduct tax research, prepare workpapers, assist with planning, tax notices while coordinating with team & clients. Min Req: Bachelor's in Accounting and 24 months experience in federal/state tax return prep & tax compliance work. Email resume to hr@ traversecpa.com Edward’s & Jacobus ___________________________________ PAINTING & SPECIALTY FINISHES: Ready for a fresh look? Edwards & Jacobus Painting — expert interior & exterior work, professional crews, on-time service. Limited slots — book now: 231-384-7366 Seniors discounts ___________________________________ SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City Maralene Roush 231228-6248 ___________________________________ COMPUTER PROBLEMS? I WILL COME TO YOU:: I will fix your phone, tv, tablet and computer and show you how to use them at your home or office. Call James

Downer, Advent Tech. YOUR HIGH TECH HANDYMAN. Call 231-492-2087.

easy. accessible. all online.

Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 25

The Perfect Up-North Getaway ...

LOT 1

5933 Old Oak Trail SW Fife Lake, MI 49633

• Secluded 7.74 acres • Close to Manistee River and State Land • Short drive to Fife Lake, restaurants and stores • New cottage fully furnished, with utilities • Two RV sites with electric, septic and water • Insulated storage building with electric • Private maintained blacktop roads • Access to ORV/SNOWMOBILE trails • Family compound or short-term rental!

Now Available

425,000

$

GreatLakesLand.net Specializing in recreational and rural land development since 1990

G REAT L AKES L AND C O. 231.633.6449

26 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Scan Here for More Information

Mike Annelin Enthusiastic & Experienced

231-499-4249 | 231-929-7900

NEW LISTING

00000 Bluff Road / Center Road Parcel | $995,000 | MLS 1950216 Rare 4.22-acres with 123 feet of private frontage on Old Mission Peninsula featuring sweeping East Grand Traverse Bay views.

Two parcels with access from Center and Bluff Roads offer the potential for multiple building sites, including a Bluff Road homesite with private East Bay frontage directly across the street.

BASE OF OMP

504 Highland Park Drive $675,000 | MLS 1949126

WEST SIDE

5119 Anna Drive

$475,000 | MLS 1949890

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | VACANT LAND

BOARDMAN RIVER

505 Riverine Drive

$499,000 | MLS 1948963

MIKEANNELIN.COM Northern Express Weekly • september o7, 2026 • 27

28 • september 07, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly