What I enjoy about August is the repeating of TV shows; especially those news oriented. Both Steve Colbert and ABC’s The View featured our Senator Elissa Slotkin right before Labor Day weekend. The senator—a farmer’s daughter and CIA analyst—enunciated a better future for Michigan and America as a whole. Which draws a parallel with another first-term U.S. Senator, Barack Obama, who knew the time was right to run for president. Today’s fivealarm fire in our country dictates the same voter acknowledgment.
George Golubovskis | Traverse City
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top ten
TC Mural Festival + Downtown Art Fair
Usually a summertime staple, Traverse City moved its beloved Downtown Art Fair to Sept. 13-14 to align with the city’s first-ever Mural Festival. Here’s what to expect this weekend: On the art fair side, explore the work of dozens of artists in Rotary Square (between Union and State streets). Then, to blend the two events, Crooked Tree Arts Center and Look Wonder Discover, a Beulah-based nonprofit, will host a hands-on community mural that will be installed adjacent to the Larry Hardy parking structure entrance on Front Street. Meanwhile, the TC Mural Festival welcomes six muralists to make their mark in the North Boardman neighborhood Sept. 12-17. An artist panel, family-friend art day, and community parade are a few of the week’s highlights. Learn more at downtowntc.com/ downtown-art-fair-series and tcpublicart.org/tc-mural-festival-2.
Craft Beer Fest Returns to Cadillac
Now in its second decade, Cadillac’s Craft Beer Festival brings 20+ brewers to the Cadillac Commons on Saturday, Sept. 13. Grab a Rainmaker from Stormcloud Brewing Co. or Passion City Haze from Brew Detroit, along with a bite to eat from Betty’s Little Brat LLC and Barron Barbecue, all while taking in the sounds of Matt Gabriel, 1000 Watt Prophets, and Charlie Millard Band! GA tickets are $25-$30 and include five 5 oz. pours and a festival glass, with gates opening at 3pm. VIP tickets are $50-$55, and designated driver/NA are $15. Once you register for the festival, you’ll receive a $5 off coupon for the Cadillac Craft Beer Hustle 5K that starts at noon the same day behind Clam Lake Beer Co. cadillaccraftbeerfest.com
4
Hey, Read It! The Frozen People
After three divorces, one adult son, and countless boxes of fire engine-red hair dye, 50-something Ali Dawson isn’t your average detective. Her atypical rise to the top, though, makes her the perfect fit for the cold case division of her London law enforcement department, which handles unsolved crimes so cold they’re frozen in time—literally. Unbeknownst to everyone but Ali’s tightknit “Logistics Division” team, the group’s uncovered a time travel wormhole that lets them investigate in real time. In her newest assignment, Ali’s been tasked with traveling back to 1850 (the farthest anyone’s ever gone) to disprove sinister accusations against Cain Templeton, the ancestor of a powerful politician. She’s only supposed to be gone an hour, but when her return portal fails, Ali suddenly finds herself stranded more than 100 years in the past. Can she crack the case and find a way home before everything and everyone she loves disappears? The clock’s ticking in author Elly Griffiths’ page-turning new mystery, The Frozen People.
Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk, working away when a text from your best friend comes in. It reads: “LT’s Tacos barbacoa taco—omfg *drooly face emoji*” That text is followed by: “I think these are the best tacos we’ve had in NoMi.” Okay—we’re sold. LT’s Tacos has a quaint little outpost near the Family Fare in Charlevoix serving up TexMex dishes like tacos, burritos, quesadillas. The barbacoa beef taco ($4.50) is tender and flavorful, topped with your choice cilantro, onion, tomato, lettuce, and cheese. Wrap it in a corn tortilla or a flour one for 25 cents more. Add in a side of salsa (free if you order three or more tacos), and you’ve got yourself a meal. Find LT’s Tacos at 105 M-66 in Charlevoix or online at facebook.com/ltstacos.
Makers & Bakers at the Barn Market
Each year, Traverse City’s Red Dresser Marketplace rolls out the red carpet (or maybe the red drawer liner?) for a weekend-long showcase of more than 100 of their vendors. The Barn Market runs Sept. 12 (4-8pm) and Sept. 13 (9am-4pm) at the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds. Expect creative creations, vintage finds, jewelry, candles, upcycled homegoods, and repurposed or repainted furniture, and plenty more! This year, City Bake Shop will also be on hand with their delicious and beautifully decorated treats (think sugar cookies, brownies, Rice Krispie treats, and cupcakes). The market will have both indoor and outdoor vendors, plus food trucks and live music for the festivities. Friday’s “First Picks” tickets are $10 (and good for Saturday, too), while Saturday-only admission is $5 at the gate. See all the details at thereddressertc.com/red-dresser-barn-market.
Stuff We Love: North Manitou Trail
James Filkins’ latest album of acoustic guitar compositions, North Manitou Trail, is available as a CD, download, and on streaming platforms…but don’t expect to hear him playing it live. The lifelong musician plunged headfirst into composing and recording after retiring from teaching five years ago, and performing isn’t on his agenda. The gentle music is based around his nylon-string guitar— with occasional accompaniment from area musicians like cellist Crispin Cambell and Katie Larson and Sav Madigan from The Accidentals— along with others from across the world he found through the online hiring resource Fiverr. “When I write, I’m thinking about areas. I’ve always done that,” says Filkins. Titles such as “Keweenaw,” “Sunny Park in Harbor Springs,” and “Tunnel of Trees” bear that out. Listen, purchase, or find out more at JamesFilkins.com.
While grant funding seems to be drying up left and right, there’s still hope for fighting invasive species in Michigan. The Michigan DNR announced $3.6 million in grants for invasive species projects, with priorities including: public adoption of decontamination practices; finding innovative and efficient control methods; and detecting and responding to watch list species in high-risk areas, among others. In 2024, our corner of northern Michigan had five projects funded to the tune of over $700,000 across multiple organizations. Grant requests can range from $25,000 to $400,000 and will be accepted through Nov. 1. Catch a webinar on Sept. 9 at 2pm to learn about the grant process, or read up on the 2025 handbook. Go to Michigan. gov/MISGP to learn more.
QUACKFUTUREQUACKFUTURE
up Weldon Coffee’s Michigan Maple Latte Invasive Species Grants Available
If you ask us, nothing is quite as life-giving as an expertly-crafted cup of coffee, especially on an early school morning. For our next crack-of-dawn coffee run, we’ll be heading straight to Weldon Coffee in Honor for their signature Michigan Maple Latte ($4.75). Flavored with local maple syrup, which the roastery sources from a neighboring farm—in fact, you can only taste it at Weldon!—this beautifully simple cuppa contains just two other ingredients: Weldon’s “The Lion and the Rose” house espresso, featuring robust and balanced notes of dark chocolate and nuts with a berry-forward finish, and velvety steamed milk (choose from whole, skim, oat, or half-and-half). Top it with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon, and sip yourself into the day. Perk up for fall at 10910 Main St. in Honor. weldoncoffee.com
Cutting invasive knotweed stalks; courtesy of the Michigan DNR.
Huey, Dewey, Louie, and
FANTASIES AND DELUSIONS
spectator
By steven Tuttle
Every department of the federal government is led by a political appointee trying to implement, where possible, the policies of the president who appointed them. It means political shenanigans can be the norm rather than the exception. We accept those shenanigans change depending on the resident at the White House.
The exception has typically been the health component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which has traditionally relied on science and fact-based research regardless of what party or individual might be in power. It has given us the most robust medical research industry on the
an anti-vaxxer, but he has a long track record as a vaccine skeptic and has fed the nonsense about a connection between vaccines and childhood ailments. It feels like recent HHS decisions are based on Kennedy whims, not research or facts.
The proof is in Kennedy’s actions in his first six months. He fired the person in charge of overseeing vaccines and tried to fire Susan Monarez as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after a month on the job when she refused to agree with his negative approach to vaccines. (Turned out Kennedy couldn’t fire her, so President Trump happily did so.)
Kennedy has also slashed funding for programs for research on cancer and heart disease, America’s two leading causes of death.
planet and led to untold breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of myriad ailments. The development of vaccines has likely been the single most significant life-saving action ever. We have always been able to count on our research scientists to find a way to protect us from whatever new horror crops up.
Nature keeps track of such things and claims 154 million lives have been saved because of childhood immunizations, including more than 93 million from measles alone and another 28 million from tetanus. Children are not the only beneficiary of vaccines. According to the Behavioral and Cultural Insights Hub (BCIHub), when comparing the death toll before and after the smallpox vaccine, that vaccine has saved approximately 200 million lives. The variola virus, which causes smallpox, was officially declared eradicated in 1980 and is now considered extinct in nature, the first time we have successfully wiped out a virus.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) claims vaccines have increased life expectancy from the 40s before vaccines proliferated to the late 70s today. (Other factors, like the creation of sanitary sewer systems, also contributed to life expectancy gains.)
Vaccines and life-saving equipment are submitted to and approved by departments within HHS. They make their decisions based on the scientific results after what can be years of peer-reviewed research. Their decisions are typically rigorously factbased. Of course, they don’t get it right 100 percent of the time—thalidomide approved for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness leaps to mind—but the track record of our regulators at HHS is remarkably good.
We might look back on everything prior to 2025 as “the good old days” at HHS, as Robert Kennedy, Jr. has taken over with a different approach to good health and good health maintenance, and it might not involve vaccines or facts. Kennedy claims he is not
That wasn’t a one-off. Kennedy has fired more than 600 CDC employees, including hundreds of research scientists. He also fired the entire 17-person Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and replaced them with his own picks, some of whom have little scientific background but most of whom are vaccination skeptics. Most of the CDC leadership team then subsequently resigned, including the chief medical officer, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, the director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and the director of the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology.
As a bonus, Kennedy has also slashed funding for programs for research on cancer and heart disease, America’s two leading causes of death.
Much of this vaccine skepticism started from a single study released in 1998 that tried to connect childhood vaccines to autism. The “research” was quickly debunked as flawed and manipulated using unacceptable methodology. The author, a doctor, lost his medical license as a result.
Since then, there have been hundreds and hundreds of studies on the effects of immunizations, none of which have found a link between childhood vaccines and any neurodevelopmental issues. In 2011, the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) reviewed 1,000 studies and could find no connection. Then, in 2021, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality evaluated 338 separate studies and found no significant adverse effects.
Carefully reviewing any potential new drug or treatment is something our government has traditionally done very well. Those decisions were always science-based, a consensus of the experienced researchers. Now those decisions appear to be based on Robert Kennedy, Jr.’s fears, fantasies, and delusions; science has been left behind.
THE POLITICS OF CULTURE
GUEST OPINION
by Karen Mulvahill
Art often serves as an early warning sign and as the last bastion of truth. When Pablo Picasso painted Guernica, it was to draw attention to the horrific bombing of this town in northern Spain by the Germans, with the support of the Spanish government. George Orwell wrote 1984 to sound the alarm of what living under a totalitarian government was like. The Gulag Archipelago was written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn to document the crimes of the Soviet government.
Art has always felt sacred to me—a place where an individual bares their soul and strives to convey something of their experience of life. Landscape artists celebrate the beauty of nature. Poets use their words to find the meaning of love, war, politics. Novelists tell stories that often teach us different ways of looking at relationships, history, life.
Authoritarians are threatened by such diversity of expression. They wrap their disapproval in a cloak of patriotism, claiming their country to be the best in the world. Dissenting opinions are forbidden. When a government begins to use its heavy hand to twist a society’s culture to reflect its own values, you know they’re in it for the long term.
Writing about the Smithsonian Museum, our current president wrote, “… everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been—Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future. We are not going to allow this to happen …”
Joseph Stalin also believed that art should celebrate the glory of life in the Soviet Union and focus on realistic scenes of everyday life that supported the goals of the state. Soviet art promoted Stalin’s cult of personality, with many paintings featuring him in idealistic scenes. Art that portrayed the state in a negative fashion was illegal. (Tens of millions died due to policies and persecutions by Stalin and his followers.)
The Executive Order recently signed by Trump and entitled—in true Orwellian fashion—Restoring Truth in American History, states that “all public monuments, memorials, statues, markers or similar properties…focus on the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people or, with respect to natural features, the beauty, abundance, and grandeur of the American landscape.”
In a 1935 speech, Hitler defined the constraints of art under the Third Reich. “We shall discover and encourage the artists who are able to impress upon the State of the German people the cultural stamp of the Germanic race … in their
origin and in the picture which they present they are the expressions of the soul and the ideals of the community.”
Germany fostered idealistic depictions of the Aryan race and German landscape in visual and written art. All else was labeled degenerate and destroyed. Universities were to become the centers of German nationalism. (Approximately 60 million people were killed in WWII, a war started by Hitler.)
Recently, approximately $11 billion of research funding and grants to universities was canceled by Trump. He has further threatened to take away the tax-exempt status of colleges and universities. One of his chief aims is to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Cuts to the Office of Civil Rights reduced staff that investigates students’ complaints about discrimination.
Suppressing pro-Palestinian demonstrations is another goal of the administration. And rescinding visas for foreign students. Underrepresented groups on college campuses are likely to decline as they perceive a lack of support from the institutions. Foreign student enrollment has already declined significantly.
So, is the mantra Make American Great Again really Make America White Again?
Under Francisco Franco’s dictatorship in Spain, art also emphasized nationalism and promoted tradition. Glorification of the military was another common theme. The media and the education system reinforced the state’s propaganda. Art, literature, and music were tightly controlled and censured. According to Franco, “You must sacrifice every thought, every ideology for the good of the nation and for the serenity of our fatherhood.” (Hundreds of thousands were killed in the Civil War and in concentration camps.)
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, after Trump’s takeover of The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the center will be a place “where all Americans, and visitors from around the world, can enjoy the arts with respect to America’s great history and traditions.”
In a post on his social media site, Trump declared, “I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”
Like the canary in the coal mine, a thriving arts and culture scene is indicative of a healthy democratic environment. If the canary dies…
Karen Mulvahill is a writer living in northern Michigan. Her new book, The Lost Woman, is now available.
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COMMITTED TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Commitment means showing up for those who need us most. The sick, the injured—and the underserved. At Munson, care means more than helping you heal. It’s about leaning in. Listening closely. And standing by you—so you can shine again. Learn more at: munsonhealthcare.org/commitment
Bad Attitude
Ralphie VI, aka Ember, is the mascot of the University of Colorado Buffaloes -- or was, until she became "indifferent to running," The Athletic reported on Aug. 26. The tradition of the bison charging ahead of the CU football team at the beginning of the game started in 1967; they typically also run at the start of the second half. The animals and their handlers can reach speeds of up to 25 mph, and Ralphie V once got so excited she pulled loose from her guide ropes at the start of a game. But Ember is just not that into it, the school said. "It was determined that it was in Ember's best interest ... to focus on relaxing strolls in the pasture, which is her favorite hobby," a statement read. A succession plan has been in place for months, but it's not known when Ralphie VII will take the field.
The Way the World Works
The Apple Valley (Minnesota) High School Eagles have been forced to switch some of their fall evening soccer and football games to daytime, thanks to some fellow birds of prey, the Associated Press reported on Aug. 22. A pair of ospreys built a large nest in the stadium lights at the sports field this summer, populating it with at least four eggs, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The agency is monitoring the growth of the chicks; once they're old enough to fly away, crews can relocate the nest and switch on the lights.
The Foreign Press
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Tomatina -- Bunol, Spain's messy festival where revelers hurl overripe tomatoes at one another for an hour. The event on Aug. 27 drew about 20,000 people who smashed about 120 tons of tomatoes onto each other, the Associated Press reported. The tradition started as a diversion for children but now includes all ages; the tomatoes aren't wasted, organizers say, because they don't meet the quality standards for consumption.
Wait, What?
Fox Business reported on Aug. 21 that a U.K. snack company launched corn chips this summer that taste like ... licking a 9-volt battery. Apparently, this was a fad in the 1990s: getting an electric tingle by licking a battery. "Rewind now offers a snackable way to revisit one of the '90s weirdest shared experiences -- no batteries required," the company said. A spokesperson said the chips deliver a "very hard-hitting acidic zing to the tongue, followed up by some salty metallic notes." Oh, and by the way, "We do not recommend or condone licking, biting or otherwise ingesting real batteries," the company clarified. For now, the chips are only available in Dutch retail outlets.
It's
a Dirty Job
Marineland Antibes in France has closed, but two of its orcas are waiting for a decision on their new home, the BBC reported. In the meantime, Wikie, 24, and her son, Keijo, 11, are being cared for by their trainers. And by "cared for," we mean extra loving attention. Managers at the facility are defending their decision to
have trainers manually "sexually stimulate" Keijo once a month to relieve his tension and prevent him from inbreeding with his mother. "Although spectacular, this is natural and totally painless for the animals," they say. However, activist groups are condemning the practice, calling it "perverse."
Inappropriate Behavior
Cleo Williams Jr., 44, of Leavenworth, Kansas, was found guilty on Aug. 25 of sexual battery against a law enforcement officer, KAKE-TV reported. During a domestic disturbance call late last year at a Leavenworth apartment complex, Williams kissed an officer's neck as he was being arrested, which apparently is frowned upon. "Any form of inappropriate physical contact, including kissing, is unacceptable," noted Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson. Williams will be sentenced in September.
Nichola Corr, 51, of Suffolk, England, has received $4,700 in compensation from the Suffolk Police after an incident during a raid at her home, Metro News reported. Corr said police were searching her home as part of an investigation involving a relative when their body cameras recorded them acting like "children in a playground," tossing a G-string back and forth and fondling erotic gadgets she had in a basket. "A young female officer ... started pulling all the things out, saying, 'Oh, this is sticky!'" Corr said. She requested the bodycam footage after seeing her G-string on her pillow. A police spokesperson said the investigation "determined the officers' behavior was deemed to be unacceptable and unprofessional, but was considered to be more due to immaturity than spite."
Florida
On Aug. 22 at Westside High School in Jacksonville, Florida, a pep rally included a rousing game of musical chairs, News4JaxTV reported. So rousing that 16-year-old Nyla Millikin suffered a concussion and bruised ribs when a male teacher allegedly slammed her to the floor during the final round. As seen in video taken at the rally, the teacher jumped up to celebrate his win even as two people helped the student up. Nyla's mom, Joanna Millikin, has retained a lawyer in the wake of the incident. Attorney Gary Englander said, "The teacher should never have put his hands on her and taken her to the ground." While the teacher has not been charged yet, the mother wants to accuse him of assault. The district said he has been "reassigned to duties without student contact."
Field Report
Firefighters battling a wildfire in North Yorkshire, England, are struggling with a large number of World War II bombs and tank shells that were left behind in the area, the BBC reported on Aug. 27. County Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson said the area was a training ground in the 1940s and previously hidden explosives had been detonating in the fire. "We have now experienced over 18 ordnance explosions within key areas," he said. Firefighters and local farmers and business owners have been tackling the blaze since Aug. 11.
Seven Sensational High School Athletes to Watch in 2025-26
From alpine skiing to volleyball, these students shine on and off the field, court, or slopes
By Craig Manning
A local distance runner so good that she’s already achieved All-American status. A basketball star taking his talents to a new school for his senior season. Multiple returning members of state-title winning teams. These are a few of the storylines to watch in the world of northern Michigan high school sports during the coming academic year. With school back in session and sports back in action, Northern Express profiles seven local athletes that we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on in the coming months.
Katie Berkshire
School: Gaylord High School
Sport: Cross country/indoor and outdoor track
Graduation year: 2026
Proudest accomplishment: “My biggest athletic accomplishment so far was when I earned All-American honors by placing sixth at Nike Indoor Nationals, with a 17:05.49 in the 5000-meter girls championship,” Berkshire says.
Goal for the year: Now that she’s gotten a taste of All-American status in indoor track, Berkshire wants to achieve the same level in cross country and outdoor track, as well. “I also am working toward winning a state championship,” she says.
Next steps: Berkshire hasn’t committed to a school just yet, but tells the absolutely plans on running competitively as part of an NCAA Division 1 cross country and track program.
Why we’re watching: You might have seen Berkshire’s name in the papers this summer, when she won her second-consecutive National Cherry Festival Half-Marathon. Those wins prove this Blue Devil has big prospects at longer distances, but for now, she’ll stay focused on the high school comfort zones of the 5,000 meters (in cross country) and the 1600 and 3200 meters (her specialties in track).
Berkshire has undeniable state champion potential during her senior year, in all those distances. She’s already a five-time All-State track star, having finished as the Division 2 runner-up in both the 1600 and 3200 her junior year; she was runner-up in the 3200 as a sophomore, too. She holds respective personal records of 4:55.25 and 10:30.74 in those distances. In cross country, she clocked a 17:31.1 personal best last season, ultimately capping the season with a third-place finish at the D2 state finals.
Berkshire’s stellar performances have even taken her to national competitions, where she’s more than held her own. Our favorite of those big-league performances is the one Berkshire herself touted as her biggest accomplishment: a sixth-place, 17:05 finish in the 5,000 meters at the Nike Indoor Track Nationals meet last March. That race put the Gaylord star in the same field as Provo, Utah, phenom Jane Hedengren, the greatest runner in the history of American high school girls competition. (Hedengren won the event in a nationalrecord-setting 15:13.)
Drew Esper
School: Traverse City West Senior High Sport: Football Graduation year: 2026
Proudest accomplishment: Esper was the lone local selection to the 2024 Michigan Sports Writers Division 1-2 All-State football team—and was one of just four defensive backs in the state to earn that honor. While he’s mighty proud of the recognition, Esper says his favorite accomplishment is a more local one: “In my opinion my biggest athletic accomplishment so far is winning the Patriot Game both of my years on varsity,” he tells the referring to the annual crosstown rivalry game between the Titans and Traverse City Central’s Trojan squad.
Notably, before Esper came along, the Trojans had tied up the West-Central football rivalry 14 games apiece. The Titans’ wins in 2024 (23-7) and 2023 (17-8) gave West the advantage again, after four straight losses to Central.
Goal for the year: Since West and Central’s football teams left the Big North Conference in 2022 to join the larger and more competitive Saginaw Valley League, neither team has won a conference championship. Esper would like to change that, with his sights set on bringing a conference title to TC West for the first time since the 2022 shakeup.
Next steps: In May, Esper announced that he had committed to play Division 1 college football at Central Michigan University.
Why we’re watching: Even as a sophomore, Esper was a defensive powerhouse, racking up the second most tackles of any player in all of Michigan’s Division 2. He got even better his junior year, tallying 86 tackles, blocking five kicks, and combining for 1,272 yards. We have a feeling Esper’s upward trajectory will continue this fall, and we can’t wait to see what it means for the Titan team as a whole.
Just looking at the numbers shows how much Esper’s defensive skill has been a core piece of the puzzle for West’s resurgence over the past few years. The team went 2-7 in 2022, handily West’s worst season ever, and just the third losing season in the Titan football record books. West improved their record to 4-5 in 2023, with Esper’s defensive line allowing 196 points across nine games, compared to 249 the year before. Then, last season, West’s opponents only scored 139 points against the team, across 10 games—one of the five best defensive seasons in school history.
Sidney Richmond
School: TC Central
Sport: Volleyball
Graduation year: 2026
Proudest accomplishment: “Winning our school’s first-ever volleyball regional title,” Richmond says. “That team meant a lot to the school’s volleyball program and to me personally.” One thing that made the experience so special for Richmond? Sharing it with her sister: team cocaptain, starting setter, and 2025 graduate Marley Richmond.
Goal for the year: Richmond hopes to build the same type of “strong bond” with her teammates that powered last year’s winning team. “Building the trust and positive relationship within the team makes it easier for everyone to connect and play well together,” she says.
Next steps: Though she hasn’t decided on her post-high school plans yet, Richmond says her goal is “to continue playing volleyball at the college level.”
Quinn Gerber
School: Traverse City Central Sport: Alpine skiing
Graduation year: 2026
Proudest accomplishment: “Winning states this past year, both as an individual and as a team,” Gerber says.
Goal for the year: A return to the winners’ circle is on Gerber’s mind as winter draws closer, with the multi-time state champ setting her sights on repeat individual and team titles in skiing. Also a key cog for the TC United girls lacrosse team, Gerber hopes to lead that squad to an even better season than they had last school year. TC United went 14-3 this past spring and made it to the first round of the state playoffs.
Next steps: While skiing has earned Gerber state titles, it’s lacrosse that she plans on pursuing in college. “I also plan on just skiing for fun with my free time, and hopefully some coaching as well,” she says.
Why we’re watching: Traverse City is a behemoth when it comes to high school alpine skiing. Just check out the results from the 2025 MHSAA Division 1 state championships. Among boys teams, Traverse City West and Traverse City Central finished second and third, respectively. In girls, Central clinched a state championship title, while West landed in the runner-up slot.
Now, the question is whether the Central girls can make it two in a row.
The Trojans and the Titans have been trading the girls’ skiing title back and forth for five years running. Central won titles in 2021 and 2022, West struck back with their own double in 2023 and 2024, and Central took the glory back last season. (On the boys side, West won three in a row, from 2021 to 2023, before Central snagged a title in 2024.)
All this to say that, if the Central girls are going to nab their fourth title this decade, Gerber is going to figure heavily into that outcome. As a junior, Gerber led the Trojans to a championship win by claiming an individual title in the giant slalom and a runner-up finish in the slalom. It was the second individual title for Gerber, who also tied for first in the giant slalom in her freshman season back in 2023. If she wins that event again, she’ll be just the fourth female skier in state history with at least three giant slalom titles from the MHSAA—an outcome we’re rooting for.
Why we’re watching: Perhaps our favorite local sports story to follow during the 2024-25 school year was the dominance of the Traverse City Central volleyball squad. The Trojans enjoyed their best season in program history last fall, finishing the year with 39 wins and just two losses. Both of those losses came at the hands of Rockford, which ultimately ended Central’s season in the quarterfinal game of the Division 1 state playoffs. Still, that’s the deepest playoff run Trojan volleyball has ever made, and it came with a third straight district title and a program-first regional victory. Not too shabby.
Only two members of last year’s game-changing squad were seniors, which means most of the team is returning for a second bite at the apple this year. Richmond is one of those players, and she’s an easy one to watch for a lot of reasons. For one thing, Richmond is Central’s “libero,” the name for the specialized back row defensive player who sports a different-colored jersey than the rest of their teammates.
For another thing, Richmond is simply a lot of fun to watch on the court, with sharp reflexes, lightning-fast speed, and a fearless willingness to hit the deck when necessary to save a ball. Last year, in the regular season alone, Richmond tallied 265 digs—good enough to rank her as the sixth best libero in the state of Michigan, according to MaxPreps. Let’s see if she can get to number 1—the number that, incidentally, she already sports on her jersey.
Braeden Flynn
School: Petoskey
Sport: Basketball
Graduation year: 2026
Proudest accomplishment: A lightningin-a-bottle point guard, Flynn says he’s proudest of netting over 1,500 career points throughout the first three years of his high school basketball career, “and being named first-team all-state,” he adds.
Goal for the year: Flynn’s short answer to this question? “Win.” Also on the agenda: eclipsing 2,000 high school career points, “and, most importantly, lifting up my teammates and being a leader with a predominantly younger team,” he says.
Next steps: “I plan on continuing to play basketball in college,” Flynn shares. “I currently hold offers from Lake Superior State University and University of Olivet.”
Why we’re watching: If there’s a basketball “royal family” in northern Michigan, it’s the Flynns. Northern Express featured Braeden’s older sister, Olivia, a year ago, en route to a senior season that saw her lead the girls team at Harbor Springs High School to a stellar 22-3 record and finish the year as runner-up for the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan’s prestigious “Miss Basketball” award.
The Flynn family has relocated to Petoskey, where Braeden will play both football and basketball during his senior year.
Braeden sailed past the 1,500 career points mark at Harbor Springs last year, and was just 10 points shy of breaking the school’s all-time scoring record by the time the season came to a close. While a change of schools means Braeden won’t join his sister in the annals of Harbor Springs High—Olivia scored over 2,300 points for the school, handily smashing the previous all-time scoring record of 1,641 points— we’re still excited to see what Braeden can do on the court as a senior. Last season, the point guard led Harbor Springs to a 21-4 record and a runner-up finish in the Lake Michigan league, behind Elk Rapids. This year, he’ll aim to boost the fortunes of Petoskey, which finished last season with a rare losing record.
Hawthorn
Sutherland
School: Glen Lake
Sport: Tennis
Graduation year: 2027
Proudest accomplishment: For Sutherland, the big point of pride is how well he’s done in his previous two seasons of varsity tennis. We’d be proud, too: Though he’s only a junior—and the only underclassman on our list this year—Sutherland already has two state runner-up finishes under his belt.
Goal for the year: Sutherland is moving up a flight for Glen Lake tennis this year to No. 1 singles. Sutherland says his personal goal is “to try and make it to the state finals match” in the top flights. “But the main goal is trying to win states as a team this year,” he says. “We came really close, but ended up second last season.”
Next steps: “I will definitely continue playing tennis in my free time,” Sutherland says. “I might also consider trying to play college tennis somewhere close to home, or maybe out west with my brother.”
Why we’re watching: That “brother” Sutherland mentioned above is Colebrook Sutherland, a Glen Lake sports dynamo who broke four track and field records and also occupied the No. 1 singles slot for all four years of high school. The elder Sutherland graduated last spring, which means it’s Hawthorn’s time to shine.
Not that he wasn’t shining already. With the Sutherland brothers occupying the top two slots on the Glen Lake boys tennis squad last year, the team won their first regional title since 2002. And at the Division 4 state finals, the Lakers came within 10 points of a state title. Hawthorn looked like he was bound for an individual title after toppling Division 4’s top-seeded No. 2 singles player in the semifinals. But while Sutherland ultimately lost in the finals, he put up a heck of a fight.
While Glen Lake boys tennis has seen five key players graduate, including Colebrook Sutherland and Division 4’s No. 3 singles state champion Michael Houtteman, the shakeups haven’t slowed the team down. As of press time, the Lakers are off to an undefeated start to the season, with Hawthorn maintaining a 10-3 record in his first few weeks at No. 1 singles.
Tyler Thompson
School: Traverse City St. Francis
Sport: Baseball
Graduation year: 2026
Proudest accomplishment: “Definitely winning the 2025 baseball state championship this past spring with my coaches and teammates,” Thompson says. “I was also thrilled about being named second-team All-State shortstop and Record-Eagle defensive player of the year.”
Goal for the year: Thompson is taking things one step at a time as he and his team prepare to follow up the Glads’ titlewinning run from last season. He says he wants “to be a good leader both on and off the field” and to “stay focused and locked in” in hopes of putting St. Francis “back in position to have another chance of winning the state title.”
Next steps: “I definitely want to pursue baseball at the next level,” Thompson says, noting that he has “opportunities to play in college” but hasn’t decided where he wants to go just yet.
Why we’re watching: The athletic program at Traverse City St. Francis is no stranger to state championship teams. school’s football program alone has brought home six state titles, most recently in 2009. When it comes to baseball, though, it had been 35 years since the last time the Gladiators had hoisted a trophy. The drought came to an end this past June, when St. Francis overcame Marine City to win the Division 3 state title game 5-4. It was the Glads’ third championship game in eight years, but the first of those three to convert to a win.
Thompson was key to that victory, scoring two runs, including one that put St. Francis up 5-0 in the fourth inning. That run proved crucial. While Marine City mounted a strong comeback throughout the remaining three innings of the game, Thompson’s second score kept the Gladiators just out of reach of their opponents.
Thompson was also critical in punching the Glads’ ticket to the big show, contributing pitch-perfect plays on both offense and defense to beat University Liggett 4-3 in the D3 semifinal. That game was a rematch of the 2021 state final, in which Liggett had mercied St. Francis in a brutal 12-0 game. We’re excited to see what kind of difference one year of extra training and fitness will make for Thompson during his senior season.
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Seven Super Coaches
Meet the Traverse City coaches who are training the next generation of star athletes
By Art Bukowski
If you’re a long-time reader of Northern Express, you know each fall we profile a slate of exceptional athletes to watch throughout the year. Well, this time we’re also going to profile the coaches who help them shine! Going forward, we’ll focus on a different area in northern Michigan and get to know the coaches hard at work behind the scenes. First up: Traverse City.
As the 2025-26 school year gets underway, we spoke with a few of the TC area’s standout coaches to find out what makes them tick and what they’re most excited about for the year ahead.
City West baseball since 2009. He’s driven in part by a passion for baseball itself, which he says teaches more than you’d expect.
“First off, it’s the love of the game, and second is being able to teach the young people of today and incorporating life lessons through the game,” he says. Patience, for example. Perseverance. Hard work. It’s all out there in America’s pastime, which is not as fast-paced as other sports.
“It tests your mental toughness because if you’re having a bad day, there’s a lot of times where it’s just you and your thoughts,” he says. “So you have to face adversity and you have to overcome it.”
Emily Wilbert is one of a handful of local coaches who once played for the programs they now coach. It adds just a bit more to what is already a rewarding profession.
“Being a part of the TC Central volleyball program as an alum is something truly special. My older sister also played volleyball [at Central], which means I’ve been connected to this program in one way or another for over 25 years,” she says.
Even now, she feels a “wave of nostalgia” in the gym and hallways, often glancing up at the conference championship banner her team won during her playing days in 2005. But this nostalgia doesn’t mean she’s stuck in the past. Wilbert is quick to bring up the most recent championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024 that came after she took over the program, the first since that 2005 banner.
“It’s been really exciting to see actual progress,” she says. “And it’s not just in wins and losses. It’s just a different program. The culture is totally different. We’ve set really high standards, and I feel like the kids have really responded to that.”
The expectations are high after the last three years, and Wilbert and her team are ready despite graduating some key players.
“I think this team may have like the highest ceiling that I’ve had, meaning the most potential this point in the year, but I feel we’re more green than last year’s team,” she says. “I have quite a few new players.”
In terms of other challenges, travel is a big one, something that can be particularly tough for northern Michigan schools.
“It’s kind of run like a small college [program] where kids have to do their homework on the bus,” he says. “We have a two-and-a-half hour trip, and then we’re not going to get back till 11 or midnight, and we still have to go to school and work the next day.”
Julie Duffing coaches both cross country and track at St. Francis. She’s been coaching for almost 30 years and has logged 13 of them at St. Francis. She’s also a teacher, but when push comes to shove, one is definitely better.
“I’ve talked about retiring from teaching, but I don’t think I could ever stop coaching,” she said. “I’ll stay on until I die.”
Duffing loves being a part of each student athlete’s life in a meaningful way.
“I really enjoy mentoring kids and working with them and seeing them grow from their freshman year to their senior year and seeing how they’ve matured,” she says. “I like nurturing and maximizing those physical skills and mental skills, and the Three C’s we have at St. Francis: character, commitment and compassion.”
She’s excited about not only the upcoming season, but for the next several years as she develops young athletes.
“Our girls are pretty solid for cross country season … The boys are very young, and I’m looking forward to watching this very young team get better,” she says. “I look forward to that for the next few years, taking these ninth and tenth graders we have and turning them into stud runners.”
1. Emily Wilbert, Traverse City Central Volleyball
2.MattBocian, TraverseCityWestBaseball
4. Chris Givens Traverse City Central Hockey
Last season was Givens’ 30th at the helm of Central’s hockey program, so he’s an elder statesman of sorts in local coaching circles. He touts one state championship, nine regional championships, and 15 conference championships during his tenure.
But, like most good coaches, he’s less focused on the trophy case and more on his players.
“What it really is for me is just building the relationships with the kids and then just watching them progress in two ways,” he says. “One, obviously, as a hockey player…but also watching them develop as people, as young men. How they are the first day they walk into the locker room in November after they’ve made the team, and how they are in late February. It’s just a really neat progression to watch.”
Among Givens’ greatest challenges is finding a way to get the most out of his group of kids in a given year.
“Taking 20 guys with 20 different personalities and 20 different skill levels and bringing them all together in November, the task at hand is to get them all to gel into a cohesive unit that can go out and support each other and work through some struggles…get everybody pulling in the same direction,” he says.
Central hockey is coming off a regional championship last year, and Givens is eager to
“We graduated some really good players that provided us with some really good leadership, but we do have 15 coming back off of that team, and there’s some good young players coming up that will make the team for the first time this year as well,” he said.
6.amykudary
TraverseCity CentralSkiing
Amy Kudary, who coaches boys and girls on varsity and junior varsity alpine ski teams, loves to coach a sport that capitalizes on the natural beauty and climate of the region. Getting kids outside in the winter is something that jazzes her up every day of the season.
But, like these other coaches, she’s eager to teach more than how to carve the hill in the quickest fashion.
“They’re focused on the skiing, but at the end of the day, we use that to teach some of the other things in life that are very important,” she says. “And they don’t always get that until several years later, when they come back and say, ‘Oh, gosh, you know, you really made me think about being on time to things, carrying my own equipment, saying pleases and thank yous, helping to clean up at the end, supporting each other.’ Things like that.”
Her kids miss a lot of school for competition and even practices, which are way over in Bellaire. She is impressed with their dedication.
“The kids have to get out there, get their gear on, train for an hour and half or two hours, then get all their stuff off and get back home,” she says. “It’s a big, big deal, and they really have to be careful with time management.”
Even with winter still months away (we hope), Kudary is fired up for the coming season.
“I had a big crew graduate last year, these awesome seniors that I’d been with a long time, so while that’s going to be hard, I’m really looking forward to some of these young kids getting an opportunity to step into leadership positions to see what they can do,” she says. “These are super great skiers, super great kids. They’ve had these older kids around for a little while, and now is their time to shine. So I’m just really excited.”
5.Joshsellers
TraverseCity St. Francis Football
Josh Sellers considers himself extremely lucky to follow in his father’s footsteps. His dad, Larry Sellers, coached the Gladiators from 1974-2002.
“I was blessed to not only play for my dad, but then coach for my dad and then take over the program from my dad and continue that success he had built for almost 30 years,” Sellers says.
And he’s had his own success, with St. Francis always very competitive in football. Sellers has two state championships under his belt, along with other accolades. He loves the idea of each year’s team being a one-of-a-kind entity with its own personality.
“As a coaching staff, we stress the fact that this team is unique and is only going to be around for one year, and while there may be some players who will carry over to the next year, it’s a whole different deal,” he says.
As for the 2025 Glads, Sellers sees lots of upside despite a young team. There are several very tough games on the schedule, he says, so he’s hoping his team comes together and performs.
“I feel like we’re talented, but we’re not very experienced,” he says. “We’re kind of green. So we’ll have to grow up pretty quickly.”
Matt Griesinger is only the second soccer coach in West history, taking over for current West Athletic Director Jason Carmien in 2015. He hasn’t lost a conference title since he started, so the team is doing great under his watch.
Griesinger, an “educator at heart,” loves talking about the journey that is high school sports.
“I love getting to be a part of each individual player’s high school journey. You try to win as many soccer games as you can, but more important is guiding the journey for each player,” he says. “Some of them just want to have a lot of fun and play soccer. And others, it’s their lifelong dream to play college soccer. And I get to be this middleman who gets to shape that journey for all of them.”
Griesinger has two young boys at home, so time away from family is tough. It’s a common theme with these coaches, who often log long hours on the road. “It’s a balancing act, but it’s an awesome balancing act,” he says. “I’m really lucky that I have a wife that fully supports it and loves having the high school boys around my boys.”
His upcoming team is ready to make some noise, Griesinger said, at least in part because they are hungry and humble.
“This team is probably the closest, most tight-knit group of guys that I’ve had since 2015,” he said. “There are no egos, there’s no prima donna, there’s nobody who is putting themselves over the team.”
7.Matt Griesinger TraverseCityWestBoysSoccer
FALL 2025 RACE CALENDAR
weather
By Northern Express Staff & Contributors
The heat of summer is behind us, and there’s still plenty of time before hibernation season—we mean, winter—arrives. So let’s spend these beautiful fall months out on the trails. Here are more than 30 running, biking, swimming, and paddling races with signups open and waiting.
(And a special shout-out to the Paddle Antrim Festival happening Sept. 12-13, which is not a race, but a great way to meet fellow paddlers and help protect the Chain of Lakes Watershed!)
>> SEPTEMBER <<
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
Cadillac Craft Beer Hustle 5K 215 S. Lake St., Cadillac runsignup.com/Race/MI/Cadillac/CRAFTBEERHUSTLE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
Last Dog Days of Summer Fun Run benefitting the Great Lakes Humane Society GT Civic Center Pavilion, TC runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/TraverseCity/RunForFurryFriends5k
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
Lavender Hill Run 5K Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City lavenderhillfarm.com/lavender-hill-run
Toy Town Trot 5K Behind Toy Town, Cadillac toytowncadillac.com/events
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
Wild Turkey Trot 5K
Grass River Natural Area trails, Bellaire grassriver.org/classes-and-programs.html
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
Traverse City Turkey Trot: 5K Run/Walk & 5M Flier 123 E. Eleventh St., TC runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/TraverseCity/TraverseCityTurkeyTrot
>> DECEMBER <<
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025
4th Annual Elf Run 5K 202 N Bridge St., Bellaire runsignup.com/Race/MI/Bellaire/1stAnnualElfRunBellaire
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025
TCTC Jingle Bell Run 5K Park Place Hotel, TC runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/jingleBellRun
POLICY VS. IDENTITY IN SPORTS
How Michigan navigates the inclusion of transgender high school athletes
By Nick Cooper
Less than one month into the second Trump administration, a sweeping set of executive orders were signed that limit opportunities for transgender high school athletes. On Feb. 5, Executive Order 14201, also known as “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” prohibited transgender women and girls from competing in school-sponsored athletics, and schools found to allow participation could be denied federal funding.
But executive orders cannot override existing laws. At this time, Michigan state athletic administration officials will continue to allow transgender athletes to compete based in part on the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976, which prohibits discrimination-based gender identity and expression. However, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA) do require documentation for trans student athletes.
“We’ve had policies and procedures since 2010 to allow students who are changing genders, going through the process, [must] provide proper documentation over multiple years to be able to participate in the gender of their choice with approval,” explains executive director of the MIAAA Karen Leinaar.
The Waiver Process
Since the inception of the MHSAA’s policies, there have been fewer than a dozen transgender student athletes utilizing the eligibility process in the state of Michigan.
The waiver process requires a great deal of personal medical information, including a record of what type of hormonal therapy is being administered as well as the frequency of the therapy. The process also requires that the student either has undergone or is actively undergoing gender-reassignment surgery to qualify for the exception.
Some sports have even more specific physical requirements. For example, wrestling weights are based on the percentage of minimum body fat (7 percent for males
and 12 percent for females). An area coach— who asked to speak anonymously to protect the identity of a student who has already experienced backlash—could point to just one individual who began the path to compete as a transgender male until the policies and procedures became too much of a burden.
“There was only one [athlete] in my 12 years. You have to do your alpha weights”— the lowest weight a wrestler can compete at based on their weight at the time of a weighin assessment—“percentage body fat, and all that stuff’s different for female and male athletes. In the end, he ended up just doing the alpha as a biological girl because of the entire process,” says the coach.
The Waiver Experience
Leinaar has seen firsthand the hoops a transgender student had to jump through.
“We had a Zoom meeting with one of the students who had gone through the MHSAA policies and procedures and was able to participate in athletics, and that young person talked about the process that they had to go through. They were asked if they felt it was fair and equitable,” says Leinaar. “The student said yes and no. The questions were fair and to provide all of the documentation and the data they felt was fair.”
But on the other hand, “They didn’t feel it was equitable because they didn’t see that having to happen to non-gender reaffirming students. And that was a fair assessment to hear a student talk about it who had been through the process,” Leinaar says.
The MIAAA’s overarching goal for high school athletics is to allow student athletes to achieve and experience all that they can in the world of sports.
“We allow anybody to play the games that they want to play, and I think we have to continue to do that because we all believe— and I don’t care who you are—that sports are good for kids and good for society. Our job is to facilitate what’s good for kids,” Leinaar tells us.
The False Problem
While the MIAAA and MHSAA work with thousands of students across the state,
the number of transgender athletes is very small. Per a February 2025 Bridge Michigan article, “Out of an estimated 175,000 high school athletes across the state, two transgender students currently have waivers.”
Adrienne Brown-Reasner, executive director of Traverse City’s Up North Pride, feels that the topic of transgender athlete participation is one that seeks to divide people.
“A large portion of our communities [are] being directly affected by the very wide variety of executive orders, bills, and legislations coming through. … I feel like [the topic of transgender athletes] is trying to draw our attention and make a problem where there isn’t a problem,” says Brown-Reasner.
She sees discrimination against trans student athletes at the federal level as one more hurdle that these students are forced to deal with in school. (And we all know being a teenager is rarely easy.)
“You just want to be able to have that high school experience that everybody else gets to have, and these [orders] are just denying them of that opportunity for reasons that no one seems to be able to really explain because it doesn’t make sense. Just let kids be,” Brown-Reasner says.
She also points to the underlying problems in the state waiver process. “This is a situation where you are asking for very
private information to make it very public. Especially a kid, someone who is 16 or 17 years old. They’re going through enough.”
The Ripple Effect
The Up North Pride director believes that the messaging behind the executive order and other laws or rules like it can have far-reaching consequences in a student’s life.
“Now you’re putting up a barrier saying, ‘You can’t do that anymore, because you’re different.’ That puts a huge strain on their mental health, and not just in the sports area,” she says. “Anything that is denying someone the opportunity to be truly who they are is wrong. It’s damaging in so many ways.”
Leinaar acknowledges the sense of remoteness a student could feel when labeled “different” (or worse) by government regulations and executive orders.
“Imagine having to be in a self-contained classroom and in no way shape or form ever being allowed to be out with ‘the normal’ student body,” she says, drawing a parallel between that hypothetical experience and what trans athletes face in sports.
“High school athletics aren’t supposed to be political. There’s nothing wrong with them [transgender kids]. They just see themselves differently than what their bodies say they are,” says Leinaar.
Brown-Reasner
Leinaar
HUNTING & FISHING FALL PREVIEW
The DNR shares advice, observations, and new regulations for fall/winter 2025
By Victor Skinner
The close of summer in northern Michigan opens up an array of hunting and fishing opportunities across the region this fall and winter, from multiple deer seasons, to fish spawning runs, to pursuits for waterfowl, upland game birds, and turkey.
While conditions and regulations for most remain largely the same as 2024, some will come with new or expanded opportunities, and others will face complications from wreckage left behind from spring ice storms, according to officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Here’s what hunters and anglers need to know for the 2025 hunting and fall fishing seasons, along with insight into what the DNR expects for Northwest Lower Michigan.
Deer
Qualified youth and hunters with disabilities kick off the 2025 deer season with the Liberty Hunt Sept. 13-14, followed by an early antlerless firearm season open to everyone on public and private lands Sept. 20-21. Archery season runs Oct. 1 to Nov. 14, then it’s the traditional firearm season Nov. 15-30, muzzleloader season Dec. 5-14, and late antlerless firearm Dec. 15 to Jan. 1.
In a dozen counties across northwest Michigan—from Mason County east to Osceola County, north to Emmet County—
antler point restrictions limit buck harvests to those with three or more on a side for a single license, or three or more and four or more for a combo license.
Brent Rudolph, the DNR’s deer management specialist, says regulation changes in 2024 allow hunters to tag antlerless deer with the restricted license during the regular season, as well as antlerless seasons, on both public and private lands. Previously, antlerless seasons were restricted to private lands.
“You can’t just shoot any buck that comes along, so take the opportunity to take an antlerless deer,” Rudolph says. “You don’t have to do those [restricted tags] in any order.”
The change, along with another that opens up antlerless deer tags previously distributed by deer management unit to any DMU, are designed to boost the harvest of does to help wildlife managers control the growing deer population, he says.
“Our 2024 harvest survey report showed hunter numbers and hunter effort and harvest … were all up a little bit, success was up a little bit,” Rudolph says. “Hopefully, we’ll continue to see that trend.”
He adds that deer numbers and condition are generally looking good. “Mast reports have been pretty good, as well,” Rudolph says, noting growing conditions were generally favorable for berries and other soft mast in most places, so deer should be well fed going into the season.
However, Rudolph warns the backwoods in counties hit by spring ice storms have changed dramatically.
“Reports on roads and campgrounds getting open are pretty good, but you get back in the woods and there’s still a lot of downed trees,” he says. “Longer term, it will probably be a boon for deer by stimulating forest regeneration and food resources, with more soft mast. But it could make for some difficult maneuvering in the woods for some folks. Some good advice would be to scout ahead and plan accordingly.”
More information about the 2025 deer hunting seasons and efforts to manage the state’s growing deer population is available at Michigan.gov/deer.
Fish
The changing weather will boost opportunities for several fish species across the region, particularly salmon, steelhead, lake trout, cisco, and small mouthed bass, says DNR fisheries management biologist Heather Hettinger.
“If temperatures are cooling down, that’s when things start taking off,” she says. “If we get a few nights getting cooler, we’ll see bass transition to fall feeding.”
“Salmon fishing has been good, pretty much from Manistee to Petoskey, Harbor Springs,” Hettinger adds, and those fish will soon begin spawning runs from the big lake up area rivers. “It’s a little bit slower to the
north, it takes those fish a little bit longer to come through” systems like the Betsie or Jordan rivers.
In Grand Traverse Bay, “it just wasn’t as steady as we’ve seen in years past” for cisco and lake trout over the summer, but “I would expect lake trout fishing to pick up as we get into September,” Hettinger says.
“They’re down a little bit this year. That’s been the only major concern I’ve heard from anglers,” she says. “The fact it’s been difficult for both [species] makes me think it’s environmental. It’s an important fishery, both of those species, so it’s definitely something we’re going to keep an eye on.”
For stream anglers, Hettinger recommends “they know what stream type they’re in,” as several close to fishing at the end of September. “The Bear, Jordan, Boyne, Boardman—all have sections open year-round,” she says, “but smaller waterways close Sept. 30.”
Birds
Wetland conditions for waterfowl are “actually looking decent for the Northern Lower Peninsula,” with no “abnormally dry conditions,” DNR waterfowl management supervisor Barb Avers says.
“In general, wetland conditions going into the hunting season for ducks and geese seem to be fair to good,” she says.
Hunters can target Canada geese through September, and Oct. 4 through Dec. 19, while duck season runs Oct. 4 through
Photo courtesy of the Michigan DNR
Nov. 30, and Dec. 13-14, though Avers says numbers are down for both species.
“Unfortunately, our Michigan duck numbers were down pretty substantially this year compared to last year,” Avers says, adding aerial surveys were complicated by weather. Biologists banding ducks “just feel like duck numbers are down—they’re just having a hard time finding ducks to band,” she says. With upland game birds, regulation changes this fall focused on streamlining rules and expanding opportunity, with the entire state now open to fall turkey hunting, says Adam Bump, the DNR’s upland game bird specialist. “Most of the Northern Lower was closed to fall turkey previously,” he says.
The DNR also eliminated the application process and leftover license sales for turkey, shifting to a first-come, first-served system for the season that runs Sept. 15 to Nov. 14.
SAFETY TIPS
It “should be a decent year” Bump says for ruffed grouse and woodcock, improving on dry weather and the timing of migration that created poor hunting conditions for the latter in 2024.
“The biggest thing people have been talking about with upland forest bird hunting was the ice storm in the Northern Lower,” Bump says, echoing Rudolph’s prediction the wreckage will improve habitat long term. “Hunters might find roads still blocked by damage, or their traditional spots were damaged. … I think the long view for grouse and woodcock is better because of the ice storm, but this year hunting might be challenging.”
The ruffed grouse season runs statewide from Sept. 15 to Nov. 14, and Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, while woodcock hunting runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 29.
There have been no significant outbreaks of chronic wasting disease in deer or avian flu in game birds or waterfowl in Northwest Lower Michigan this year, but DNR officials nonetheless recommend hunters take steps to help mitigate any risk.
“It’s when temperatures start dropping that [avian influenza] can flare up,” Avers says. “We expect it to show up later this fall, and we just tell hunters to take certain precautions.”
Recommendations center on avoiding contact with eyes, nose, and mouth when handling wild birds, using gloves when cleaning birds, double bagging carcasses, and thoroughly washing hands, knives, equipment, and surfaces used during processing. The DNR also recommends cooking all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and keeping pets and other animals away during processing.
Additional details on avian influenza are available at Michigan.gov/hpai.
Speaking of healthy habits, Michigan health officials issued nearly 1,000 new or updated Eat Safe Fish guidelines for 2025, driven in large part by revised thresholds for perfluorooctane sulfonate. More commonly known as PFOS, the man-made forever chemicals used in a variety of applications, from fire-fighting foam to nonstick cookware, have been linked to a variety of health issues involving the liver, thyroid, and immune system.
While Hettinger says no new lakes in the region were added in the update, the Eat Safe Fish guidelines can be a valuable resource for area anglers who plan to eat their catch.
“If you’re fishing a new body of water or targeting a long-lived fish like lake trout, it’s always a good idea to consult those consumption guidelines,” Hettinger says.
LICENSE LIMBO
At the time of this printing, lawmakers in Lansing are considering a request from the Michigan DNR to increase hunting, fishing, and boating license fees that’s facing fierce opposition from House Republicans amid ongoing budget negotiations.
DNR officials confirm that effort, designed to counter decades of declining sales, will not result in any increases for the 2025 hunting and fall fishing seasons, but increases could come next year.
The DNR derives the bulk of its roughly $530 million budget from license sales, and the current proposal to hike fees across the board would boost funding by about $28.8 million. A separate proposed fee increase for boaters would generate about $11.9 million, according to a Senate Fiscal Agency analysis.
DNR Biologist Mark Tonello on the river. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan DNR)
FALL IS FOR SURFING
Local surfers explain the thrill of Great Lakes waves
By Ren Brabenec
September 2008 was a particularly challenging time for the building trades, as it coincided with the housing market crash. But renovations and construction projects never slowed down at Northport Point, and residents became used to seeing pickup trucks and vans parked along the Point’s narrow drives.
Only, that fall, a few of those work vehicles gained an odd accessory: surfboards.
“You can’t surf the Great Lakes,” residents would chuckle as they walked by. Flannelwearing, bearded carpenters servicing the Point’s many cottages and cabins would smile and wave and get back to work, but as soon as the weather conditions they’d predicted would set in, they’d fly out of their work gear, don wetsuits, and take off, only to return hours later with even bigger smiles than they’d had on before.
Fast-forward almost two decades, and just about everyone knows you can surf the Great Lakes, and surfboards are no longer a rare sight but a staple feature of northern Michigan lakeshores.
Not a Passing Fancy
“I had the immense privilege of growing up on Lake Michigan,” says Ella Skrocki, owner of Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak in Empire. “I was raised on the water amidst the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, in precious little Empire, Michigan. It was there where I rode my first wave, on our 14-foot windsurfing board. As a family, we’ve always embraced the many moods of the Great Lakes, particularly when the wind is howling, and we utilized the gear we had to maximize fun and embrace the power of the big lake.”
To Skrocki, Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak isn’t just the first dedicated northern Michigan surf shop. It’s a hub for the community, helping residents and visitors tap into the potential of Lake Michigan. Skrocki agrees that, when they first started, Great Lakes surfing was a foreign concept to most. Now, it’s not uncommon to see 40 to 50 surfers out in the water when the conditions are right.
“When we opened shop in 2004 there were just a handful of people riding waves,” Skrocki says. “Back then, we could have made boo-coo bucks if we collected a dime every time someone said, ‘You can’t surf on a lake.’ We still get that line, but more so in the form of a question, and significantly less often.”
She says the growing popularity of Great Lakes surfing is a reflection of how knowledge is spreading about the power of the lakes. “I hope that’s reflected in expanded water safety awareness, and therefore fewer drownings. And I hope that respect translates into care and a greater desire to protect the water. As my mama would say, ‘you care for what you love.’”
The surf community in northern Michigan has had a cumulative growth effect because, as each “newbie” has become enthralled by the sport, they inevitably get their friends into it, and soon entire social cliques become surf-obsessed. To Skrocki, this is nothing but good news, as long as the community continues to remain energetic, welcoming, humble, and respectful of the sacred spaces that are Michigan’s lakeshores.
“When you enter the lineup for the first time, or even when you’re pulling up to a spot, start a conversation with those that are there,” Skrocki advises. “Come with questions, an open heart, a smile, respect, and humility, and the freshwater surf community will take you under their wing and welcome you in as part of the family!”
Lake Surfing vs. Ocean Surfing
Most Michigan surfers have logged the majority of their surf hours on the Great Lakes, with occasional jaunts to far-off
Matt Dursum surfing, photo by to Samantha Demangate Dursum
places for ocean surfing. Not so with Hans Pohai Müller.
Born in Hawai’i, Müller got on a surfboard when he was just six years old, and he immediately fell in love with the iconic swells of Oahu’s North Shore. With the exception of his stints as an expat (often in prime surfing locations, such as Spain’s Canary Islands), Müller has spent most of his life between Hawai’i and northern Michigan, bringing his knowledge of ocean surfing to the freshwater coast.
To Müller, people interested in the sport must learn the unique differences between lake surfing and ocean surfing, because knowledge of those distinctions won’t just make for a better surfing experience, but a safer one.
“Ocean waves originate from very distant, offshore storms,” says Müller. “That storm energy transfers into the water, creating what we call a groundswell. As the energy pushes through the water unimpeded, it creates waves that synchronize. As the waves approach land, the increasingly shallower water forces the swell upwards into the visible portion of the wave you see from shore.”
According to Müller, ocean waves (especially in Hawai’i) are quite predictable, they happen often, and their “wave period,” or length of time between waves, is much longer than on a lake.
“Typically, when you have a surfable wave on the Great Lakes, it’s because there’s been a strong wind that has blown across the lake for a couple hundred miles, as in the case of the Frankfort swell,” Müller says. “But it can be a strong wind blowing over a shorter distance, too. For example, Vans Beach in Leland is surfable when there’s been a strong north wind, but that wind is only blowing across maybe 50 miles of water before it hits the shore.”
To Müller, a “good” wave period on the Great Lakes is seven or eight seconds between waves, but it’s usually even shorter than that, which makes surfing the waves challenging at times. Compare that to the North Shore of Oahu, where the wave period can easily be 20 seconds.
Müller also reminds us that while our water may be unsalted and shark-free, it is far less buoyant than saltwater, so surfers have to work harder to stay afloat, maneuver, and catch waves.
Advice for New Surfers
Great Lakes surfing can look intimidating to the uninitiated, especially since some of the best surf conditions occur during intense storms and on cold autumn or winter days. To the surfers interviewed for this story, the following are the most important tidbits of advice for those new to the sport and for
those coming from the ocean to try their hand at freshwater surfing.
Look for piers and jetties: “The search is so much a part of the experience,” says Skrocki. “Piers or jetties are where you’ll find the most consistent surf, and the most community. The spot is always so dependent on the wind direction, too. In the summertime, with a big ol’ south wind, catch us at the north side of the Frankfort Pier. Vans Beach in Leland is where we’ll be if the wind is out of the north.”
Study wind direction: “Frankfort has good surfing on a strong south swell,” said Matt Dursum, another surf enthusiast and a former Express contributor. “Waves form on the north side of the pier. The angle of the shore blocks south winds and grooms the lake. It gets big in November and peaks in early winter. This is the most consistent and popular wave in the area. Empire produces an easy wave that’s perfect for beginners. On its good days, the Empire swell becomes a long one that breaks near the dunes. Vans Beach in Leland is a popular place for more experienced surfers. The swells break on shallow sand and can deliver heavy sections.”
Talk to people who know the territory: “The number one tip with lake surfing is to talk to somebody who has a lot of experience doing it,” Müller emphasizes. “The beautiful thing about having Sleeping Bear Surf in Empire is there’s a community resource with truly generations worth of knowledge to tap into before one even enters the water.” (In addition to gear, Sleeping Bear Surf also offers surfing classes.)
Become informed on the nuances of freshwater surfing and get the right gear for it: “Learn about the hazards and currents that exist on the Great Lakes, dive into forecasting tools, and gain an understanding for the environment you’re itching to enter,” says Skrocki. “And get your hands on the proper gear! It’s so vital to have the correct equipment to keep you safe, warm, and having fun.”
Respect the water and use the buddy system: “The two biggest pitfalls I’ve seen among novice surfers, are, one, there’s not a great understanding of how difficult surfing can be, even if someone has skateboarded, snowboarded, or done a similar sport,” Müller says. “Your position on the board is always changing, and unlike skateboarding or snowboarding, the shape of the wave underneath you is always changing. The second factor is a lot of people underestimate how powerful the lakes are. For example, there are multiple drownings in Lake Michigan every year. Even before you get out there, have a good understanding of what the currents are, what to do in the event of an emergency, and always go out with a buddy.”
by Joseph beyer
As the summer blockbusters begin to fade like a sunset on the horizon and the multiplex screens fill up with the annual autumn horror films, I hate to admit that this critic found himself pretty bored with most of what’s playing this month on the big screens.
So with the recent cultural announcement that old-fashioned love is back, baby (thank you Taylor and Travis), I thought I’d check in on the state of contemporary romance and indulge in the new MGM/Amazon Studios streamer The Map That Leads To You. It arrived perfectly packaged with youthful hotties who fall in love unexpectedly when they cross paths in Europe.
Heather (actress Madelyn Cline) is a Texas college grad on her final vacation before corporate life begins in her first big job in New York City. She’s confident, gorgeous, and intellectual, and she plans her travel itineraries with the same care as she’s tried to plan her future life out. Cline’s performance gives the film its only partial heart and soul.
Jack (actor KJ Apa) is a mysterious Bohemian ragtagger from New Zealand with a carpe diem vibe. He’s tall, handsome, and also intellectual, and he improvises his traveling from place to place following in the footsteps of his great grandfather, who documented his WWII observations in a journal that then acts as his own Lonely Planet guide.
Heather and Jack are opposites, and that becomes the spark of their wild fling across Spain, Portugal, and Italy. And like all good unexpected love affairs, eventually it ticktocks down until the moment the trip will end … or not?
Conveniently, Heather’s travel-mate-besties she started the journey with peel off on their own side-trip adventures, which leaves her to fulfill her wanderlust with Jack. Actresses Madison Thompson (think Diet Anna Kendrick) and Sophia Wylie (think young
Pam Grier) don’t get much to work with in the script, and their characters provide little meaning other than being inserted into selfies to show us where they’ve been.
With a visual aesthetic that lazily uses Zillennial cop-outs like on-screen texts for exposition and awkward interstitials of their social media accounts intercut with live action, I can only describe the ethos as a mashup of TikTok velocity with emotional Instagram filters. It reminded me more of a vertical video soap opera than the nuances of a feature film.
That’s all the more surprising since the script was based on a lauded 2017 novel by J.P. Monniger and directed by Lasse Hallström, whose previous works include What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?, Chocolat, and My Life as a Dog.
This was the opposite of those nuanced classics I’m afraid: one-dimensional in depth, almost comical in logic (you have never seen an international flight board faster), forced plot twists, women with no survival instincts, and a “happiness” neither organic nor joyful despite the endless smiling, lingering close-ups, and perfect people on display. The star-crossed lovers don’t even get Bertolucci-style intimate until 46 minutes in, and by then the flames of interest had cooled for me.
Of course fantasy and romance are almost one in the same, and through our fictional love affairs we want only the finest manicured, bra-less, and shirtless eroticism so often diffused in the real world. For that reason, I wanted to fall madly for The Map That Leads To You. Instead, it left me feeling like a one-night stand.
With drugs, alcohol, excessive credit card use, petty crime, and some partial nudity, this critic fully admits others might adore this saucy, campy romp for the escapism it is. Available only through Amazon Prime Streaming and VOD.
Saturday
SECOND ANNUAL CADILLAC BOOK FEST: 10am4pm, Commons Market, downtown Cadillac. Support 40 Michigan authors/crafters & check out their latest books. Sponsored by Friends of the Cadillac Library & Cadillac Wexford Public Library. Free. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=267&action=edit
OPEN MIC AT NORTHPORT ARTS ASSOCIATION: 7-9pm. You wrote it, you read it. Creative Writing open mic with featured reader Fleda Brown. Open to all. Published authors encouraged to bring books to sell. Free. northportartsassociation.org/events-exhibits
MIKE MCINTOSH NMC CAR SHOW: 11am2:30pm, Automotive Building, 2510 Aero Park Dr., TC. Public voting, silent auction, raffles, music & food. Spectator participation encouraged. Free. nmc.edu/programs/academic-programs/ automotive-technology/classic-car-show
SAY NO TO ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE: 11am, corner of Grandview Parkway & Union St., TC. Join in showing solidarity with the people of Palestine who are being killed by Israel while our communities pay for the weapons. Demand that the U.S. Government serves America, not Israel. Meet every Sat. mideastjustpeace.net
THE MUNGA GRIT USA: Noon, Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay. The approx. 170 mile route will head out in a counter-clockwise direction following the Leelanau Trl. out north towards Suttons Bay. Then it will pick up the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trl., before heading south to Frankfort where it will pick up the Betsie Valley Trl. From Thompsonville, the route will follow dirt roads south into the Manistee river valley before heading up north towards Lake Anne & eventually back to Black Star Farms. This is a 24 hr., nonstop bike adventure. See web site for more info: themunga.com/munga-grit-usa
BIRDS DOING STUFF: PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE JESSMORE: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Presentation by five-time Michigan Photographer of the Year Steve Jessmore of his Birds Doing Stuff wildlife photography project on Torch River. Free. tadl.org/ Birdsdoingstuff
INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIP: 6-10pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. This year six incredible teams from around the world—China, Poland, Serbia, Portugal, Canada, & the USA—will light up the sky in an epic battle for fireworks supremacy. Visit web site for tickets. traversecityifc.saffire.com/p/tickets
GREAT LAKES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OPENS 25TH SEASON: 7pm, Bay View, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. The performance, under the baton of Maestro Libor Ondras, will feature Beethoven’s Eroica & Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos, which includes guest piano soloists Tony Patterson & Casey Robards. There will be a 6pm optional pre-concert talk. Tickets: $35-$65. Call for free tickets for Veterans, active service members & students 18 & under: 231-4870010. glcorchestra.org/concerts
JUSTIN MOORE WSG SHIATOWN: 7-10:30pm, Little River Casino Resort, outdoor venue, Manistee. Multi-Platinum hit maker Justin Moore brings his traditional country sound & songs like “This Is My Dirt” & “You, Me, and Whiskey.” Shiatown shares their modern country music along with classic country tunes. $60-$85. lrcr.com/event/ justin-moore-special-guest-shiatown
LAUGHS ON THE SAWPATH: FULL TILT COMEDY: 7pm, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Thompsonville. Enjoy 90 minutes of original improvisational comedy from this northern Michigan performing troupe. $20 per person. michlegacyartpark.donorwrangler.com/ donate/?id=47
MASHUP ROCK & ROLL PRESENTS
“QUACK TO THE FUTURE”: 7:30pm, The MATCH, 1728 S. Garfield Ave., TC. Remix classic Ducktales with the 1985 blockbuster Back to the Future. Follow Huey, Dewey, & Louie back to the 50’s where they have to convince a younger Uncle Scrooge to help them get back in time. All with a soundtrack of Huey Lewis and the News’ greatest hits! The admission for the Sept. 7 performance is Pay What You Can. $20-$38. mashuprockandrollmusical.com/upcoming-shows-tickets
STRAITS AREA CONCERT BAND SEASON
FINALE: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. The musicians from this band come from a wide range of backgrounds: former college & high school band directors, engineers, nurses, school teachers, doctors, senior citizens, bankers, camp counselors, housewives, & college & high school students. $15; $10 Veterans; free for students. theoperahouse.org
‘NOT ACCEPTED: AN HISTORICAL LOOK AT ART EXHIBITION REJECTION’: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Rejection from juried
A GRAND PLACE TO BE PREPARED
exhibitions is baked into the cake for artists who want to show their work. Not Accepted: A Conversation About Rejection, a slide lecture, delves into the topic. Tickets are $5 for GAAC members; $10 for non-members. Reservations are required. glenarborart.org/ product/exhibit-history-herstory-whose-story
CADILLAC FOOTLITERS THEATRE AUDITIONS: “A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL”: First Presbyterian Church, Cadillac. Ages 10-15: 1-3pm. Ages 16+: 3-5pm. cadillacfootliters.com
GRAND FINALE KIDS’ DAY; $120,000 AGERO CSI3* GRAND PRIX: 2pm, Flintfields
Horse Park, Williamsburg. Alongside Grand Prix competition, enjoy food trucks, shopping, & interactive activities for children of all ages. The Great Lakes Children’s Museum Mobile Museum joins for hands-on exhibits, paired with music, balloon animals, & the horseless jump arena (The Dam Shop Arena). All GA proceeds benefit the Great Lake’s Children’s Museum. traversecityhorseshows.com/visit. $15 GA. app.gopassage.com/venues/8654
A LITERARY AFTERNOON WITH AUTHOR JESS WALTER: 4pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Hear from contemporary author Jess Walter as he discusses his writing life, literary journey, & the inspira-
Honor Lake Sturgeon, known as Nmé in Anishinaabemowin, and the cultural and ecological role they play in northern Michigan during a celebration at Sturgeon River Campground Pavilion, Wolverine, Sat., Sept. 13 from noon-2pm. These fish maintain a healthy ecosystem by consuming detritus and invasive species, serve as an indicator of water health, and hold significant cultural and spiritual value for Indigenous communities. Carry a sturgeon to the riverbank and release it by hand into the waters. Presented by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Fisheries Enhancement Facility and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, also enjoy conservation education activities, lawns games and a community BBQ at this free event. watershedcouncil.org
Summer 2025 Craft Shows
Washington Park, Downtown Cheboygan Sept 13-14 Oct 11-12
Saturdays 10-6
Sundays 11-5
Rain or shine
Vendor Information (231)420-2085 or (231)420-0800
Madeincheboygan@gmail com
tion behind his newest acclaimed bestseller, “So Far Gone.” $15. greatlakescfa.org
STARLIGHT, STAR BRIGHT!: 4pm, City Opera House, TC. Night of a cappella barbershop harmonies sung by TC’s Cherry Capital Men’s Chorus. They will be joined by the Grand Rapids based FIVE STAR quartet & local quartets. GA: $25. cityoperahouse.org/node/699
MASHUP ROCK & ROLL PRESENTS
“QUACK TO THE FUTURE”: (See Sat., Sept. 6, except tonight’s time is 6:30pm.)
sept 08
monday
CADILLAC FOOTLITERS THEATRE AUDITIONS: “A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL”: 6-8pm, First Presbyterian Church, Cadillac. For ages 16+. cadillacfootliters.com
SINGING THE GOOD OLD SONGS: 6:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Join Gary & Jackie to sing the songs we all love. 231-223-7700. Free.
AUDITION FOR “AN INSPECTOR CALLS”: 7pm, Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Glen Arbor Players will host this audition for a Reader’s Theater play: “An Inspector Calls” by J.B. Priestly. Roles open for 4 men & 3 women. Contact Teddy at teddyh@centurytel.net for info or a digital script. Free. GlenArborPlayers.org
MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE: 7:30-10pm, Voorhies Hall, Bay View Association, Petoskey. Featuring “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Free. bayviewassociation.org/monday-night-movies
tuesday
WILDFLOWER WALK: 10:30am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails alongside docent Lyn Petty. Discover the variety of wildflowers & learn to identify their unique beauty. This is the final Wildflower Walk of the season. Free. grassriver.org
NORTHPORT WOMEN’S CLUB: 1pm, NP Trinity Church, Social Room. The Sept. meeting of the Northport Women’s Club is open to women from the area. Listen to a representative from LIFT, a local association for teenagers, telling you about the group. 231-631-8084.
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: 1-3pm, The Presbyterian Church of TC, 701 Westminster Rd. Parkinson’s Network North Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Hopeful education, discussion, a bit of exercise & experience for both caregivers & people with Parkinson’s. Free. ParkinsonsNetworkNorth.org
Lakes Shipwreck Museum will be open for tours. RSVP by Sept. 5: kelly@mackinawchamber.com.
AUDITION FOR “AN INSPECTOR CALLS”: 7pm, The Leelanau School, Glen Arbor. Glen Arbor Players will host an audition for a Reader’s Theater play: “An Inspector Calls” by J.B. Priestly. Roles open for 4 men & 3 women. Contact Teddy at teddyh@centurytel.net for info or a digital script. Free. GlenArborPlayers.org
PETOSKEY AUDUBON PROGRAM: 7pm, Northern Lights Recreation, Harbor Springs. Patrick Hanchin will present “Research Findings from the Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station.” Learn about whitefish populations, salmon stocking in Lake Michigan, bloater chub status & zebra mussels’ effect on native species. Free.
sept 10
wednesday
NAMI CONNECTION & NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP: Noon, Christ Church, lower level, 430 Fair St., TC. NAMI Connection is a support group for people with mental health conditions. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges & successes of others, & the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. NAMI Family Support Group is a support group for family members, significant others & friends of people with mental health conditions. Gain insight from the challenges & successes of others facing similar experiences. Both groups are held on Wednesdays at the same location & at the same time. Free. namigt.org/ support-and-education/support-groups
THE 14TH ANNUAL NORTHERN MICHIGAN SENIOR EXPO: 1-4pm, The Ellison Place, Gaylord. Free. gaylordseniorexpo.com
sept 11 sept 09
TECH TUESDAY: E-BOOKS, E-AUDIOBOOKS & MORE: 2pm, Leelanau Twp. Library, Northport. Each library will present on the specific digital collections they offer. Tech Tuesdays are free hour-long technology presentations that give general info about a technology topic, with time to ask your questions. leelanautownshiplibrary.org
MACKINAW CITY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5:30-7:30pm, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinaw City. $5 chamber members; $10 not-yet members. Includes appetizers, nonalcoholic beverages, & two beer/wine tickets. The lighthouse & Great
GAYLORD BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Horizon Bank, Gaylord. Enjoy networking, food & cocktails. $5 members; $10 not-yet members.
TC - ARTIST CRITIQUE NIGHT: 5:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Carnegie Rotunda, TC. A supportive, peer-driven critique group designed for artists to present works in progress or conceptual ideas in a safe, positive environment. Please bring one piece of artwork in progress to share. Free. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-traverse-city/tcartist-critique-night-september
UP NORTH PRIDE ART NIGHT: 6-8pm, Up North Pride Community Center, TC. Bring your own art project (or just yourself!) for an artful evening with friends. Held the 2nd Weds. of each month. All ages welcome. Free. Upnorthpride.com
thursday
BOOKENDS BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP: 2pm, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library. September’s selection is “Foster” by Claire Keegan. Books for the upcoming month will be available at the library’s front desk, or use the Libby app to borrow the title from the library’s digital collection. Free. sbbdl.org/ event/bookends-book-discussion-4
GT MUSICALE PROGRAM “FROM BAROQUE TO THE BEATLES” W/ NO EXCUSES STRING ENSEMBLE: 2pm, Mission Hill Church, TC. GT Musicale 2025 Scholarship winners, Marella Mast on violin & Gabriella Schroka, singing, will also be demon-
strating their talents. Free. gtmusicale.org
ART CLUB: 5-7pm, Elder Piper Beer & Cider, Petoskey. Presented by Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Connect with fellow artists & grow northern Michigan’s creative network. Join every second Thurs. Bring your curiosity, your stories, or even a sketchbook. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/art-club
PADDLE ANTRIM FESTIVAL: Kick Off Party tonight from 5:30-7:30pm at Ellsworth River Park. Live music & food from a local food truck. Free. paddleantrim.com/event/ paddle-antrim-festival-kickoff2025/
“REMEMBERING CRESCENT, LOGGING AND LIFE ON NORTH MANITOU ISLAND”: 7pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. Billy Rosa will discuss & share photos relating to the topic of his & his wife’s latest book. Recommended donation: $5. benziemuseum.org
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN: 7pm, top of Bay Mountain, The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor. Featuring Emmy award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter & producer Jabo Bihlman. $15 adults; $5 ages 5-12; free for under 5. tickettailor.com
friday
PADDLE ANTRIM FESTI-
VAL: Ellsworth River Park. This two day paddling adventure takes you through the scenic Chain of Lakes water trail. Choose your own adventure format, from 7-42 miles, thanks to strategically placed exit points along the route. Sat. starts at the Ohio Street Launch. Early registration: $120-140; after Aug. 11: $125-$150. paddleantrim.com/festival
NORTHERN LAKES COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARING: 10am, 105 Hall St., TC & virtually. This is an opportunity for community members to give input to help NLCMHA assess the needs & gaps of service in its local communities. Check the agency website under Recent News for the virtual link. northernlakescmh.org
TRAVERSE CITY MURAL FESTIVAL: Join the Traverse City Arts Commission for its first ever Mural Festival, featuring 6 artists painting murals along the Eighth Street corridor. Explore the businesses of the North Boardman Business District & participate in activities along the way while you watch 7 murals created in real time over the course of 5 days. Free. tcpublicart.org/tc-mural-festival
6TH ANNUAL BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: Bay Harbor Village. Artisan Market opens at 4pm; includes food trucks, a balloon artist, & face painting/henna. There will be a Balloon Launch from the Marina Lawn at 5:30pm, & Balloon Night Glow on Marina Lawn at 8pm. facebook.com/balloonsoverbayharbor
THE RED DRESSER FALL BARN MARKET: 4-8pm, Northwest Michigan Fairgrounds, TC. Featuring more than 125 vendors. Vintage finds, farm to table treats, local maker items, home decor, apparel & much more. Fri. First Picks: $10 for 2 days; Sat.: $5. thereddressertc. com/red-dresser-barn-market
AUTHOR TALK WITH TIM MULHERIN: 5pm, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, main level Reading Nook. Tim will discuss his newest book, “This Magnetic North: Candid Conversations on a Changing Northern Michigan.” Free. sbbdl.org
OPENING RECEPTION: FALL 2025 EXHIBITIONS: 5-7pm, Crooked Tree Arts Cen-
ter, Cornwell Gallery, TC. Join artists in celebrating the Fall 2025 Exhibits: “Highways & Byways,” “Textiles in Context,” & “Traverse Area Camera Club: 2025 Award Winners.” crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/ opening-reception-fall-2025-exhibitions
TC MURAL FESTIVAL EVERYDAY ACTS OF ART EXHIBITION OPENING: 5pm, The Alluvion, TC. Celebrate the beginning of the mural festival with an exhibition opening. Created by past exhibition artists & muralists, works featured in Everyday Acts of Art encourage visitors to slow down & discover art where they least expect it. Free. tcpublicart.org/tc-mural-festival
TC SACRED DRUM CIRCLE: 7pm, House of Bear, 4242 Co. Rd. 633, Grawn. Drum in the midst of the trees just minutes away from Grawn. No experience necessary, no drum necessary. Free. facebook.com/ tc.sacred.drum.circle
MASHUP ROCK & ROLL PRESENTS
“QUACK TO THE FUTURE”: (See Sat., Sept. 6)
NO SUGARCOATING!: 7:30pm, TC Philharmonic Center, Cherryland Center. Join four women with decades of stage & real-life experience for a cabaret evening of songs with stories about real life as it’s lived…not just pretty tunes. Featuring Kate Botello, Lynne Church, Cory Goodrich & Jane Rhodes. Accompanied by Kevin Rhodes on piano. $35. tcphil.org/ events/no-sugarcoating/2025-09-12
PLAY: “THE HALF-LIFE OF MARIE CURIE”: 7:30pm, The Leelanau School Auditorium, Glen Arbor. Presented by the Glen Arbor Players. A play brimming with wit, wisdom & passion. $10 minimum donation suggested. GlenArborPlayers.org
SISTER ACT: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she gets protective custody in a convent! At odds with rigid traditions, she helps the struggling choir. Then the chase is on as Deloris begins to know the power of her new sisterhood. $35 adults; $25 under 18. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/ mainstage/sister-act.html
sept 13
saturday
6TH ANNUAL BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: Bay Harbor Village. Includes Balloon Launches from Marina Lawn at 7:30am & 5:30pm, 5K Dog Walk + Dog Show at 10am, tethered balloon rides, family balloon painting activity, Pilot & Crew Meet + Greet at 4pm, Balloon Night Glow at 8pm & more. facebook.com/ balloonsoverbayharbor
PADDLE ANTRIM FESTIVAL: (See Fri., Sept. 12)
LAVENDER HILL RUN - 5K: 9am, Lavender Hill Farm, Drying Shed Parking Area, Boyne City. Run through rolling hills, lavender fields, & vibrant flower gardens. Enjoy live music after the races at the outdoor amphitheater. $40-$42 + fees. lavenderhillfarm.com/lavender-hill-run
THE RED DRESSER FALL BARN MARKET: (See Fri., Sept. 12, except today’s time is 9am-4pm.) -
ART IN THE BARN: 10am-5pm, 6411 N. Overlook Rd., Northport. Artist Douglas Racich will be in his studio at his 1870’s Leelanau County Barn. Featured works will include egg tempera & watercolor paintings by Racich. This month’s special guest artist Moira Racich’s paintings
directed by Chris Glassman
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 • 3 to 4:30 pm
This is a free show but a TICKET IS REQUIRED for entry, and space is limited.
The Alluvion is thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime concert—a very special “bonus show” while the Danilo Pérez Trio is still in Traverse City after their September 13th Alluvion Jazz Series performance. This is a rare opportunity as we host Danilo Pérez during his only Michigan appearance of the year.
We are honored to invite the community in for a beautiful afternoon celebrating Danilo Pérez’s global humanitarianism through music, peace, and joy.
A few tickets remain for the Danilo Perez Trio on Sat, Sep 13 • 7 pm doors, 7:30 pm show
$30 advance tickets • $35 door FREE PASSES HERE
will include works from her ongoing Dark Sky series. leelanauprints.com
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS FAIR WITH TC HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: 10am-4pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Join for a “Know Your Rights” fair where community members can connect face-to-face with local organizations that provide support, info & advocacy for all citizens. Free. tadl.org/RightsFair
LAST DOG DAYS OF SUMMER FUN RUN: 10am-1pm, GT County Civic Center, TC. Bring your furry friend to run or walk around the Civic Center to help the animals of the Great Lakes Humane Society. Pay at the event or pre-register online. $10. runsignup. com/lastdogdaysofsummerfunrun
MADE IN CHEBOYGAN SUMMER CRAFT SHOW SERIES: 10am, Washington Park, downtown Cheboygan. More than 30 crafters & artists will display jewelry, home decor, artwork & much more. facebook.com/madeincheboygan
THE DOWNTOWN ART FAIR: 10am, Rotary Square, corner of State & Union streets, TC. This free, family-friendly event features dozens of talented artists & makers selling original fine art & handmade goods. As part of the inaugural TC Mural Festival (Sept. 12-17), the fair will also host a collaborative community mural project, inviting attendees to help create a public art piece that will be permanently installed downtown. Enjoy live art-making, shopping, food & drinks in a creative setting. downtowntc. com/downtown-art-fair-series
TRAVERSE CITY MURAL FESTIVAL: (See Fri., Sept. 12)
FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC LIBRARY PROGRAM: 11am, Cadillac Wexford Public Library. This program is presented by Ken & Jan Smith about their trip to Uzbekistan & the Ancient Silk Road. They enjoyed the culture of both Samarkand & Bukhara, two ancient cities on the Silk Road, & the famous route(s) traveled long ago by Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Tamerlane, Marco Polo. Free.
SAY NO TO ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE: (See Sat., Sept. 6)
NMÉ CELEBRATION: Noon-2pm, Sturgeon River Campground Pavilion, Wolverine. Presented by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Fisheries Enhancement Facility and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. This event honors Lake Sturgeon, known as Nmé in Anishinaabemowin, & the cultural & ecological role they play in northern Michigan. They maintain a healthy ecosystem by consuming detritus & invasive species, serve as an indicator of water health, & hold significant cultural & spiritual value for Indigenous communities. The celebration will include a traditional Odawa ceremony to wish the young fish well on their journey, followed by the release of hundreds of juvenile sturgeon into the river. Attendees will have the opportunity to carry a sturgeon to the riverbank & release it by hand directly into the waters. Also enjoy conservation education activities, lawn games & a community BBQ. Free. watershedcouncil.org
ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL: 1-3pm, East Bay Branch Library, TC. All ages are invited to enjoy free ice cream, live music with Jesse Jefferson, face painting, a used book sale & more. Free. tadl.org/event/annual-icecream-social-25320
TABLE SIGNING WITH ERIN A. CRAIG: 1pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Erin is a New York Times Bestselling Author & the author of “A Land So Wide.” mcleanandeakin.com
MASHUP ROCK & ROLL PRESENTS “QUACK TO THE FUTURE”: (See Sat., Sept. 6, except today’s time is 2pm.)
CADILLAC CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL: Cadillac Commons, downtown Cadillac. Featuring 20+ brewers, offering three to four flavors each. Includes Stormcloud Brewing Co., Brew Detroit, Great Mead Hall Brewing Co., Cheboygan Brewing & more. Stop by food vendors like Betty’s Little Brat LLC & Barron Barbecue, all while taking in the sounds of Matt Gabriel, 1000 Watt Prophets, & Charlie Millard Band, overlooking Lake Cadillac! GA tickets are $25$30 & include five 5 oz. pours & a festival glass, with gates opening at 3pm. VIP tickets are $50$55, & designated driver/NA are $15. Once you register for the festival, you’ll receive a $5 off coupon for the Cadillac Craft Beer Hustle 5K that starts at noon the same day behind Clam Lake Beer Co. cadillaccraftbeerfest.com
GREAT LAKES STRONGEST MAN & WOMAN VII - PRO/AM: 5pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. Featuring competitors from various countries. Great Lakes Strongest Man & Woman qualifies podium finishers for United States Strongman Nationals 2026! $10. ironpodium.com/browse/event/greatlakes-strongest-man-vii
THE MAD ANGLER TRIO: 5pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Enjoy this trio who is inspired by the work of Interlochen poet Michael Delp, & who gives a nod to Bach, some deep roots blues & Americana, with a natural connection to jazz standards. They are Crispin Campbell on cello, Joe Wilson on dobro, & Steve Stargardt on piano. $20 GA or $150/table for four with prosecco. gardentheater.org/upcoming-events
ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICES- ART OF RECOVERY-BEYOND THE BRUSH: 5:30pm, City Opera House, TC. Please join for a night of Art, Community & Recovery. The fundraiser this year is focusing on the past, present & future of ATS to honor their 50th year. Enjoy an art auction, strolling food stations from S2S Sugar to Salt, mocktails & learn more about ATS & the masterpiece that is Recovery. Free; donations accepted. bit.ly/artofrecoveryrsvp
CHILI SUPPER & BARN DANCE: Samels Farm, 8298 Skekemog Pt. Rd., Williamsburg. Featuring four chilis including a vegetarian option, plus more beginning at 5:30pm. Dancing begins at 6:30pm, led by the band Hammer D. $5/person; $10/family. samelsfarm.org
COMEDY TO THE RESCUE: 6:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. A night of stand up comedy to benefit Little Traverse Bay Humane Society. Featuring nationally known comedian Clay Foley. Doors open at 6pm. $30. givebutter.com/comedytotherescue
MASHUP ROCK & ROLL PRESENTS “QUACK TO THE FUTURE”: (See Sat., Sept. 6)
NO SUGARCOATING!: (See Fri., Sept.12)
PLAY: “THE HALF-LIFE OF MARIE CURIE”: (See Fri., Sept.12)
SISTER ACT: (See Fri., Sept. 12)
SUGAR STEVE LITTLE & THE BLUES TONES: 7:30pm, The Rhubarbary, 3550 Five Mile Creek Rd., Harbor Springs. Enjoy all styles of blues from New Orleans to Chicago. Joining guitarist Sugar Steve will be Kirby on blues harp, Andy Evans on bass, & John Lindy on drums. Please bring a folding chair if able. Suggested donation: $20. dalescottmusic.com/dale-scott-calendar
THE DAVE BENNETT QUARTET: 7:30pm,
The Cheboygan Opera House. An intense & emotional musical experience. Hard driving swing, rockabilly, jazz, pop, gospel, & original songs. $25-$40; Veterans, $5 discount; students, $10. theoperahouse.org
DON FELDER: 8pm, Odawa Casino Resort, Ovation Hall, Petoskey. Don was the lead guitarist of the rock band Eagles from 19742001. He is known for co-writing several of the band’s songs, most notably “Hotel California.” $45. odawacasino.com/entertainment
sunday
6TH ANNUAL BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: Bay Harbor Village. Balloon Launch from Marina Lawn at 7:30am. facebook.com/balloonsoverbayharbor
IRONMAN 70.3 MICHIGAN: 8am, Frankfort. Includes a 1.2 mi. Roka Swim Course that starts & ends right next to the transition area on Betsie Bay; a 56 mi. ZOOT Bike Course that will travel along M-22 & surrounding roads in Benzie County; & a Hoka Run Course - a 13.1-mile run that is made up of two out & back loops that will take place on paved trails & roads around Betsie Bay, between the City of Frankfort & the Village of Elberta. Visit web site to register & for more info. ironman.com/races/im703-michigan
ART IN THE BARN: (See Sat., Sept. 13)
MADE IN CHEBOYGAN SUMMER CRAFT SHOW SERIES: (See Sat., Sept. 13)
THE DOWNTOWN ART FAIR: (See Sat., Sept. 13)
TRAVERSE CITY MURAL FESTIVAL: (See Fri., Sept. 12)
TRAVERSE CITY MURAL FESTIVAL COLOR THE CORRIDOR, TADL: Noon, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Join the Traverse City Arts Commission for family-friendly art activities inspired by Traverse City’s first-ever Mural Festival. Make your own mini print to stamp the “wall” & take home to use again. This drop-in program is free with materials provided. tcpublicart.org/tc-mural-festival
TRAVERSE CITY MURAL FESTIVAL COLOR THE CORRIDOR, OTP: Noon, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Join the Traverse City Arts Commission for family-friendly art activities inspired by TC’s first-ever Mural Festival. Join in creating a vibrant, collaborative masterpiece. Pick up some chalk, make your mark, & then take a moment to explore the artwork on their building & learn the story behind it. Free. tcpublicart.org/tc-mural-festival
ART FOR A CAUSE: 12:30-4:30pm, Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. Enjoy an afternoon of creativity & community at JRAC’s annual 6x6 Fundraiser & Exhibition. Featuring more than 300 original 6”x6” artworks, all available for purchase to support JRAC’s regional arts programming. jordanriverarts.com/2025-events
TC PORCHFEST: 1-5pm, Central Neighborhood, TC. This event is back for its seventh year providing free music & a chance to mingle with your TC neighbors. Over 40 musicians performing on multiple porches throughout the Central Neighborhood. Family friendly event. Free. tcporchfest.org
TOUCHSTONES: A CLAY WELLNESS
DROP-IN: 1-4pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center, Thoreson Farm Ceramics Studio. Shape & decorate small, smooth clay stones—sometimes known as worry stones—that fit in the
palm of your hand. Free. glenarborart.org/ product/touchstones-a-clay-wellness-drop-in
PLAY: “THE HALF-LIFE OF MARIE CURIE”: (See Fri., Sept. 12, except today’s time is 2pm.)
SISTER ACT: (See Fri., Sept. 12, except today’s time is 2pm.)
UP NORTH CIDER FEST: 2-6:30pm, The Village Pavilion at GT Commons, TC. Featuring 50+ ciders crafted by some of Michigan’s finest cideries, live music, food trucks & more. Tasting tickets - 21+ are $50 & include a commemorative festival glass, 10 tasting tickets for Michigan craft cider, & access to festival activities. Adult NA/designated driver tickets are $20. Kids tickets are $10. mca2.wildapricot.org/events
WORLD CUP SHOW JUMPING QUALIFIER: Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. Longines FEI Jumping World Cup CSIW-5*. Competitive show jumping, food, boutique shopping, & open-air fun. Gates open early, & the main competition begins at 2pm. All GA proceeds benefit the Great Lakes Sports Commission. traversecityhorseshows.com/visit. $15 GA. app.gopassage.com/venues/8654
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: 3pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Michigan’s only professional classical ballet company brings a mixed repertoire program, showcasing a diversity of styles & highlighting the range of their dancers. Tickets start at $52. greatlakescfa. org/events/detail/grand-rapids-ballet-25
ongoing
TERRIFIC TUESDAYS: Tuesdays, 4-6pm, Leland United Methodist Church. Join 5Loaves2FishNMI for a community meal. 5loaves2fishnmi.org
GUIDED WALKING HISTORY TOUR OF
TC: This tour is an easy 2 mile walk that includes the historic neighborhoods & waterfront of TC. Begins & ends at the Perry Hannah Plaza, located at the corner of 6th & Union streets near downtown. There is no charge for the tours, but gratuities for the guides are appreciated. Groups of six or more can schedule tours at other times. Tours run at 10am every Weds. through Sept. walktchistory.com
BRIGHTLETICS AGELESS GRACE PARKINSON’S CLASS: Mondays, 11-11:50am, GT County Senior Center, TC. Brightletics founder Lisa George teaches this class that is done in a seated chair & is structured in a seven part sequence targeting specific challenges or symptoms of Parkinson’s. Sponsored by Parkinson’s Network North.
Gallery, Cottage Gallery, Elk Rapids. Featuring White’s paintings & constructural works in oil pastel & mixed media. Hours are Tues.Sat., 11am-5pm, & Sun., 11am-3pm. twistedfishgallery.com/event/margaret-white-exhibit
JURIED FINE ARTS SHOW: Gaylord Area Council for the Arts. The Opening Reception is held on Sept. 6 at 5pm. The exhibit runs Sept. 3 - Nov. 12. Hours: Weds., Thurs., Fri., 1-5pm or by appointment. gaylordarts.org/ juried-fine-arts-exhibition.html
THE QUILT AS ARCHIVE: Cedar North, Cedar. A solo exhibition of new textile work by artist & writer Cody Cook-Parrott. The show explores the quilt as a container for memory, devotion, time, & personal record. Runs through Sept. 13 on certain days at certain times. Contact Cedar North for available days & times. A free Closing Reception & Artist Talk will be held on Sept. 13 at 6pm. cedarnorthtc.com/classroom
OPEN STUDIO: Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey, Saturdays, 10am-1pm. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. crookedtree.org
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:
- GUILD POP-UP EXHIBIT: RENE BIEGANOWSKI: Held in the Libragallery. A Crooked Tree Guild member from Petoskey, Rene is a self-taught artist who works in acrylic, watercolor, & alcohol inks. Her favorite subjects include pet portraits, children, & the landscapes of northern Michigan. Runs through Sept. 6. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/ guild-pop-exhibit-rene-bieganowski
- HIGHWAYS & BYWAYS: Held in Cornwell Gallery. CTAC, TC invited Michigan artists to submit work for Highways and Byways, a juried exhibition exploring the roads we travel, both literal & metaphorical. The theme invites exploration, reflection, & storytelling across all visual art forms. It runs from Sept. 9 - Oct. 25. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-traverse-city/highways-bywaystraverse-city
- TEXTILES IN CONTEXT: Held in Cornwell Gallery. An exhibition featuring the work of four visual artists—Shanna Robinson, Nancy McRay, Barbara Bushey & Sarah BearupNeal—who explore the expressive potential of fiber. Runs Sept. 9 - Oct. 11 with an opening reception on Fri., Sept. 12 from 5-7pm & an Artist Talk on Sat., Sept. 13 from 11amnoon. See web site for hours. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-traverse-city/textiles-contexttraverse-city
- TRAVERSE AREA CAMERA CLUB: 2025 AWARD WINNERS: Held in Carnegie Rotunda, Sept. 9 - Oct. 11 with an opening reception on Fri., Sept. 12 from 5-7pm. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctactraverse-city/traverse-area-camera-club2025-award-winners-traverse-city
of this prolific art community included Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray, Roy Thomas, Sam Ash, Jackson Beardy, & Daphne Odjig. Perhaps the best-known of the group is Norval Morrisseau, who is often referred to as the Father of the Woodland School. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum. org/art/now-on-view/canadian-woodlandartists.html
- SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECT: Take part in a vibrant artistic experience every second Sun. of the month from 1-3pm. From printmaking to painting & weaving, each session offers a unique & creative activity. Included with museum admission. $0-$10. simpletix.com/e/second-sunday-art-projecttickets-219823
GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:
- SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT: MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS BY CAROL C SPAULDING: Held in the Lobby Gallery. Enjoy this small group of new mixed media paintings that runs from Sept. 2 - Dec. 17. See web site for hours. glenarborart.org/exhibits
- HISTORY / HERSTORY: WHOSE STORY?: This exhibition explores the idea that the victors have written history. Whether it’s visual art, literature, film, sports, science, politics, education, animal, mineral, real or imagined history, this exhibition asks: Who’s telling what stories? Who’s included in the official record? Who’s excluded? Omitted? Erased? Twenty-four exhibitors take on these questions. The exhibition runs through Oct. 23. See web site for hours. glenarborart.org
OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT:
- EILEEN KELLY: A RETROSPECTIVE: In recognition of Eileen Kelly’s 96th birthday, The Oliver Art Center will host this retrospective exhibit of her work from the past several decades. Runs Aug. 29 - Oct. 5. The Oliver Art Center is open Mon-Sat from 10am-4pm & Sun from noon-4pm. oliverart.org
- OAC 2025 JURIED ART EXHIBITION: This show highlights work across a range of media. Awards will be presented in several categories. Runs Sept. 12 - Oct. 10. Opening reception is held Sept. 12 from 5-7pm. See web site for hours. oliverart.org
FOREST DWELLERS: HIGHER ART GALlery, TC. This exhibit runs through Sept. 20 & features the work of two Michigan artists: sculptor Cara O’Brien & oil painter Deborah Bowen. See web site for hours. higherartgallery.com
BIG AND SMALL EXHIBIT: Charlevoix Circle of Arts. A playful contrast in scale, monumental paintings meet intricate miniatures. An opening reception will be held Sept. 12 from 5-7pm. Exhibit runs through Oct. 25. Hours are Mon. through Fri., 11am-4pm; & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org/exhibits-2025
A TOAST TO THE ART OF MARGARET WHITE: Runs Sept. 6-21 at Twisted Fish
DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CERAMICS FROM THE HORVITZ COLLECTION: Runs through Sept. 28, 2025. An array of works by contemporary Japanese ceramic artists, this is a sampler of the great diversity of styles, forms, glazes, & ages. These artworks are drawn from the curated collection of Carol & Jeffrey Horvitz, some of the leading collectors of Japanese contemporary outside of Japan. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/index.html
- A STYLE ALL OUR OWN: CANADIAN WOODLAND ARTISTS: Runs through Sept. 28, 2025. In the early 1960s, young Indigenous artists from the Great Lakes region created a unique style of painting known as the Woodland School of Art. Early members
Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.
Grand Traverse & Kalkaska
APACHE TROUT GRILL, TC
9/7 -- Jim Hawley, 6-9:30
BRADY'S, TC
9/6 -- Craig Jolly, 6-9
ENCORE 201, TC
9/5-6 & 9/12-13 -- DJ Ricky T, 9
KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC
9:30: 9/5-6 -- Life Theory
9/12-13 -- Scarkazm
KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING
9/9 – Open Mic Night w/ LaRose Duo, 6-8
9/11 – Trivia Night w/ Marcus Anderson, 6:30-8:30
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC
BARREL ROOM:
9/8 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9
TASTING ROOM:
9/12 -- Rolling Dirty, 5-7
MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC
9/6 -- Zeke Clemons, 6-9
9/10 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
9/11 -- Open Mic Night, 7-9
9/12 -- Acoustic Shoreline, 6-9
NORTH BAR, TC
7-10:
9/6 -- Jim Hawley & Friends
9/10 – Reese Keelor
9/11 – Drew Hale
9/12 – Jeff Linsell
ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS
OUTDOORS:
9/6 -- Trent Breit & the Tradesmen, 8-11
9/7 -- Boogie Down Dance-A-Thon w/ DJ Franck & DJ Yakob, 1-5 9/13 -- Nathan Walton, 8-11
9/13 – Johnny P: The Where it all Begins Tour, 7-10
THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC
9/6 -- Sean Miller, 7
9/9 -- Open Mic w/ Zak Bunce, 7 9/11 -- DJ Trivia, 7 9/12 -- Jazz Jam w/ Ron Getz Trio, 6 9/13 -- Red Thyme, 7 9/14 -- Full Tilt Comedy: Comedy Lab!, 7
THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC PATIO, 6:30-9:30: 9/6 -- East Bay Blues Band 9/11 -- McKinley Station 9/13 -- TC Guitar Guys
FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR 4: 9/8 -- Swingbone North 9/11 -- Keith Scott
HOP LOT BREWING CO., SUTTONS BAY
9/6 -- Mike Moran, 4-7
IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE
9/6 -- Levi Britton, 5:30-7:30
9/7 -- DJ Rhet, 4-6
9/12 -- Larz Cabot, 5:30-7:30 9/13 -- Andrew Dalton - The Fireside Wake, 5:30-7:30 9/14 -- Brian Curran, 4-6
JACOBSON MARINA RESORT, FRANKFORT
9/6 -- Jim Hawley, 3-6
LAKE ANN BREWING CO.
9/6 -- The Daydrinkers Series w/ Uncle Z, 3-6; Looking ForwardCSN&Y Tribute, 7-10
9/9 -- New Third Coast, 6-9
9/12 -- Silver Creek Revival, 6:30-9:30
9/13 -- The Daydrinkers Series w/ Jazz North 8, 3-6; Drew Hale & Levi Britton, 7-10
RIVER CLUB, GLEN ARBOR 6-9: 9/6 -- Luke Woltanski Duo 9/11 -- Loose Change 9/12 -- Andre Villoch
9/13 -- The Timebombs
9/6 -- Seasonal Road, 5-8 9/7 -- Kirby Snively, 3-6 9/12 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band, 5-8 9/13 -- Laith Al-Saadi, 5-8 9/14 -- Two Track Mind, 3-6
SEASONS OF THE NORTH WINERY, INDIAN RIVER PATIO, 2-4: 9/6 -- Melissa & Jake 9/13 -- Sean Miller
THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 9/6 -- Chris Neuman, 8 9/11 -- Musician's Playground, 7-10
9/12 -- Live Music, 8 9/13 -- Jason Eldridge, 8
THE WIGWAM, INDIAN RIVER 9/11 -- Dominic Fortuna, 7:30-
SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY
9/6 -- Kevin Paul, 3-6
9/7 -- Chris Smith, 1-4
9/12 -- Friday Night Live w/ Larry Perkins, 3-6
9/13 -- Jeff Socia, 3-6
9/14 -- Highway North, 2-5
ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH
9/6 -- Barefoot, 5-8
9/12 -- Keith Scott, 5-8
9/13 -- Barn Dance w/ K. Jones & The Benzie Playboys, Jelly Roll Blues Band, & The Fabulous Horndogs, 2-9
SUTTONS BAY CIDERS
9/7 -- Billy & The Kid, 5:30-8 9/11 -- DJ Trivia, 6:30-8 9/14 -- Brady Corcoran, 5:30-8
SWEET’S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Mon. – Music Bingo, 7 Fri. – Music Bingo, 8; Karaoke, 10 Sat. – Karaoke, 8
FOLDED LEAF, CEDAR
9/10 -- Big Fun Unplugged, 6-8:30
9/13 -- Song of the Lakes, 5-7:30
THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS, 6-9:
9/6 -- Dan Marryman
9/12 -- Randy Reszka
9/13 -- Bryan Poirier
lOGY
SEPT 08 - SEPT 14
BY ROB BREZSNY
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Basenji is a dog breed that doesn’t bark. Instead, it produces an eerie, melodic yodel called a baroo. This oddity isn’t a flaw or drawback; it’s an interesting uniqueness. In the coming weeks, Virgo, I invite you to express your personal versions of the baroo—your idiosyncratic offerings and singular gifts. Playfully resist the pressure to be more conventional or “on brand.” Be faithful to what yearns to come out of you, which may be raw, radiant, and a little weird. Let your authenticity be exactly what it is: a beacon, not a liability.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Olive trees can thrive in rugged environments, including rocky and nutrient-poor soils. Their root systems are wide, deep, and resilient. They are well-adapted to full sun, high temperatures, and low water availability. In comparing you to an olive tree, Leo, I’m not implying you will always have to be as hardy as they are. But in the coming weeks, you will be wise to be equally plucky and persevering. Here’s another fact about the olive tree you can and should emulate: Its fruit is valuable and in demand.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): ): Scientists discovered that some caterpillars, while dissolving inside their cocoons, retain memories of their caterpillar lives even after becoming butterflies. In my view, that’s equivalent to us humans remembering details of our previous incarnations: having an all-new body but being able to draw on what our past body learned. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you will be able to draw on this amazing capacity in the coming weeks. The person you used to be will have key revelations and inspirations for the future you.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to Celtic mythology, Cerridwen is the goddess of inspiration. In her cauldron, she brews magical elixirs that bestow the powers of wisdom, creativity, and transformation. The humans most likely to earn her blessings are those who are patient and willing to be changed. Of all the signs in the zodiac, you Scorpios are now at the top of the eligibility list for gifts like these. And the next three weeks will be the most favorable time for you to ask for and receive such blessings. Here’s a clue that will help you get all you deserve: Believe in magic.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In ancient Chinese philosophy, ziran means naturalness, spontaneity. It might refer to the way a mountain is purely a mountain, and a wave is a wave without trying to be a wave. I think you Sagittarians are due for an extended engagement with this wild ease and elegant freedom. After weeks of inner labor, your soul wants to breathe in ziran. Your assignment is to let yourself be as natural and unconstrained as you dare—not correct or careful or “optimized.” So I advise you to head in the direction of what’s simple and real and good. Emphasize smoothness over effort. Choose your rhythm, not theirs. You aren’t required to prove your healing. You just have to live it.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Serendipity" is an English term that refers to beautiful accidents, fortunate interruptions, unexpected opportunities, and surprisingly wonderful discoveries (The French equivalent is sérendipité; Italian: serendipità; Japanese: serendipiti.) The word didn’t exist until 1754, when author Horace Walpole coined it. Lovely outbreaks of good luck and uncanny blessings had been happening from time immemorial, of course, even though there wasn’t this precise word for them. Here’s a key point: They are more likely to occur if you believe they’re possible and make yourself alert for their arrival. That’s good advice for you right now.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The placenta is the only organ that the human body creates from scratch and then discards. Let’s pause for a moment to register how remarkable this is: to grow a temporary life-support system and then jettison it once its purpose is fulfilled. Inspired by this miracle, I speculate that you may soon undertake a
metaphorical version of it. A situation or experience that has nurtured you is reaching the end of its mission. Though it has served you well, the wise move might be to outgrow it and move on to a new phase of your evolution. At the very least, it’s time to embark on a search for new forms of nourishment.
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): In Balinese gamelan music, there's a technique called kotekan. Two instrumentalists play distinct musical parts that together create a seamless, intricately melodic and rhythmic texture. Let’s make this your metaphor to live by in the coming weeks, Pisces. In my astrological opinion, you are not meant to work solo. Your greatest success and most fun will come by generating harmony through collaborative improvisation and shared timing. A small warning: Someone else’s input may at first feel like interference, but it’s actually the missing part of the song. Let yourself blend, bounce, echo, and respond. Genius will be born in the spaces between.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): I can’t speak the Quechua language, which is Indigenous to the Andes Mountains. But I have lifted one of their words to use for our purposes here: munay. It refers to an intensely practical and visionary love that includes far more than sweet feelings and affection. When we practice munay, we offer discerning respect and detailed appreciation to those we adore. We are generously eager to help our allies live their best lives. It takes discipline! And focus! And ingenuity! To be a rigorous and vigorous source of munay, we must cultivate it as a daily practice. In the coming weeks, Aries, hope you will go a bit wild in your expression of this tender force of nature. Imagine yourself as a gentle whirlwind of love that spreads interesting beauty and bestows useful blessings. Be a relentless dispenser of catalytic gifts.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The medieval Persian polymath Avicenna believed the soul entered the fetus not with the first heartbeat, but with the first dream. I offer this idea for your poetic consideration, dear Taurus. Let’s imagine that the next beautiful thing you create will not arise from your forceful intention. Rather, it will emerge because you give yourself permission to fantasize, to wander freely in wonder, and to meander with curiosity on the frontiers. Your assignment is not to hustle, but to incubate; not to push forward, but to dwell expectantly in the mystery.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The bowerbird constructs elaborate ground-based shrines not as nests but as seduction lures. The enticer might gather blue bottle caps, yellow flowers, and shiny stones so as to create a scene that piques the attention of a potential mate. These objets d’art are not merely decorative. They are displays that demonstrate discernment, skill, and aesthetic intelligence. I authorize you to be like a bowerbird, Gemini. What collection of symbols, words, gestures, and curiosities will magnetize the people or opportunities you long to engage with? It’s not about flashiness; it’s about alignment. What you draw into your sphere will reflect the vibes you emanate.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): The pearl doesn’t begin as treasure. In its earliest form, it’s an irritation: a grain of sand that’s really a wound inside the oyster. Over time, the creature coats it with layers of nacre, turning discomfort into luminescence. Let’s use that as a metaphor for you, Cancerian. In my view, your task right now is not to escape or shed what’s bugging you, but to expedite the coating process. What is that gritty thing? A memory, injustice, or unmet yearning? It’s crucial you don’t reject it and don’t let it fester. I think it’s best to turn it, layer by layer, into a luminous asset, even a treasure. Prediction: The pearl you form will long outlast the wound.
“Jonesin” Crosswords
"That's Right" of this we can be certain. by Matt Jones
ACROSS
1. Econ. indicator
4. "30 Rock" co-star Baldwin
8. Musical key with two flats
14. Dinghy thingy
15. Osso ___ (veal entree)
16. Gap
17. Colorful theft deterrents
19. Some popular Japanese films
20. "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" co-host ___ Movsesian
21. "The Great Race" or "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World", perhaps
36. TV offerings where the cast might learn the true meaning of the season -- or go trick-or-treating
41. Nice round figure?
42. Former Chevron competitor
43. Superlative ending
46. Feel sickly
47. Hands, in Honduras
48. Old-timey stadium cheers
50. Quick swim
52. "Seasons of Love" musical
53. Slightly darker, earthier-tasting Swedish breakfast fare
56. The Beatles' "___ Her Standing There"
59. Fizz-ify
60. Pirate costume feature
62. Gets something for something
63. "Alice's Restaurant" chronicler Guthrie
64. Sashimi tuna
65. "Quaking" trees
66. CondÈ or Thomas follower
67. Did we figure out what the long theme answers have in common?
DOWN
1. Pantheon crew
2. "Banana Boat Song" shout
3. Before birth
4. '70s hoops gp.
5. Susan of "All My Children"
6. Fashion designer Marc
7. Mag with quizzes
8. Showy irises with an even showier plural ending
9. Lots and lots
10. More aloof
11. Ten-key setup, slangily
12. Around lunchtime
13. Imp
18. Tijuana's time zone
22. Latvia's locale
24. Easternmost U.S. national park
27. "That feels good"
28. General linked to poultry
30. Tahini base
33. In repeating phases
34. Aptly named underworld goddess
35. Bucharest's country
37. Dry quality
38. "Just go"
39. "Foucault's Pendulum" author Umberto
40. Nautical signal
43. Goof list
44. Creator of Lord Peter Wimsey
45. Some can beat it
49. One of 13 of 52
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