I am writing in response to Rebecca Carlson’s LTE in Vol. 35 No. 34 issue. She was right about incoming presidents appointing members of their administration as they see fit. The problem is, this presidential administration is filled with unqualified puppets, and he is the puppet master pulling the strings and they act accordingly.
Pete Hegseth is grossly unqualified to be Secretary of Defense. He was in the Army but not Chief of Staff of the Army. He did not command thousands of troops, but he is expected to direct a department of over a million military and civilian personnel.
Our military needs competent leaders, not politically appointed loyalists. Our military general and flag officers are extremely skilled professionals and highly intelligent. The firing of many of these professionals after being confirmed as Secretary of Defense shows a lack of judgement and critical thinking. He said he was going to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the Department of Defense (DoD).
Hegseth directed the DoD to remove photographs, historical articles and stories, and biographies from DoD websites that depict women, Black people, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people. 26,000 photographs and historical documents were removed from DoD websites within 24 hours. A documentary of the Tuskegee Airmen was removed from Air Force orientation training. The only all-Black fighter unit to see combat during World War II is an American story worth being taught.
After national outcry, DoD uploaded all removed stories and photographs with corrections. Race, sex, ethnic or cultural background, and LGBTQ+ references, were removed. The barriers that these American patriots had to overcome were erased. The first combat female fighter pilot biography was reduced to just a pilot who rose to the rank of Major General in the Air Force. America deserves better.
Willie Jones Jr., MSgt, USAF Ret. | Traverse City
Fundamental Rights
In accordance with your policy of being “in conversation” with your columnists, I want to respond to one of the best columns I’ve ever seen in Northern Express, namely the Sept. 15 column by mailman, Lutheran, and essayist Walt Wood. He defends women’s rights to exist in the world as equals to men. How is it possible that we are still discussing these basic human rights in 2025? Or the fundamental human rights of Black and brown people, documented immigrants, and marginalized people of all stripes?
If we continue down this road of hate, division, and separation of gender, race, religion, and politics, our country will fall into the cesspool where no one has what they need to survive, and we will become a dark red scar on the failed governments of history.
As our place in the global economy crumbles, and our position as the leader of the free world evaporates due to bad faith and narcissistic policies, we are all going to stand around wondering how empty shelves and inside-out pockets got us to this bad place of want, cruelty, and flagrant rights violations.
And that’s only if you don’t get censored, silenced, called up, or captured in the meantime. If you think this is a false alarm or an extreme position, you have no idea what’s happening here and what happens next. Wake up. It’s not over till it’s over.
Greta Bolger | Thompsonville
Accepting of All People
“Putting women on an equal footing with men is forbidden by the current powers that be.” kidding me. you published that line. by some in the so called MAGA movement. talk about just throwing words out there. some in the so called. sheesh. no sense having numbers and facts in a newspaper. some is good enough number of people I guess. your guests and this Tuttle guy are so biased every week. Please stop the dividing of the people and be accepting of all people.
George Nicholson | Traverse City
The Firing Process
As a reader pointed out [in the Sept. 15, 2025, issue], it would be ridiculous to remove a president simply because he is unpopular. The constitution only provides for removal of those we dislike at the ballot box. The same applies to the nonstop abhorrent behavior of a leader, no matter how unbecoming of his position.
As a corporate manager, I would have had such an employee escorted out by security within his first week, with full support from the C-suite, but the Constitution does not contemplate such swift action. Not good for the Fortune 500, but just fine for America.
Even outright criminal behavior is ok now, so long as the crimes are “official acts.” Of course, for “unofficial” crimes, there is always the impeachment route, now solidly blocked by a sycophantic Congress. The 25th Amendment would also be appropriate for someone providing daily evidence of coming apart at the seams mentally, but it appears to have been based on the winning entry in an unworkable process contest.
So, all that’s left to us is to be as loud as possible for now and hope enough of our fellow citizens are paying attention when they vote in November 2026, assuming there is a free and fair election then.
Jose Boyd | Manistee
What Is True Leadership?
Would Hitler be considered a good leader of his country? By recent letter writer Richard L. Stump’s expressed criteria for accessing the leadership of Donald Trump, it does appear so. Idi Amin? Stalin? Did they have “a clear vision and the ability to get things done?” Surely they did, and they enjoyed the support of their supporters even as they murdered millions of their citizens, who were perhaps less enthusiastic in their support.
Trump’s own indecisiveness, his constantly changing policies, mark him as a poor leader, and a large percentage of the electorate agrees, though they put him in office. His approval ratings are exceedingly low, and polls show that the actions of his administration are supported by only a handful of core supporters
The proposal that Trump should be removed from office is not based on his detractors’ wishes but on his and his administration’s many illegal and unconstitutional actions. It would likely already be underway but for the co-opting of the institutions who are charged with balancing the excesses of an imperial president.
Odd that Stump should hold president Lincoln responsible for the Civil War and its consequences, when responsibility lies entirely with the South’s attempt to overthrow the government in order to continue enslaving people.
Jeffrey Hanser | Roscommon
columns & stuff
Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase PO Box 4020 Traverse City, Michigan 49685 Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 email: info@northernexpress.com www.northernexpress.com
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this week’s
top ten
Drinking Up Fall
Here’s a quintuple-header of craft beer and wine events for you this weekend! 1) Frankfort Beer Week runs from Sept. 29-Oct. 4, celebrating the brews and food of Frankfort and Elberta at multiple locations. 2.) The Hunt for the Reds of October begins Oct. 1 on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, where a $35 ticket gets you pours of red wine at participating wineries. 3) At Chateau Chantal’s Harvest Festival, tour the vineyard, peruse the art fair, play cork toss, and stop the grapes from 11am-7pm Oct. 4 on Old Mission Peninsula. 4) East Jordan’s Valley View Farm hosts the Valley View Brew Fest Oct. 4 from 4-8pm with food, beer, live music, line dancing, and a raffle to raise money from the Andrew Boyer Trades Scholarship. 5) Last but not least is Boyne Mountain’s Skitober Fest (pictured) on Oct. 4, home to keg bowling, stein hoisting, and more.
2 tastemaker
Frank’s 231’s Meatloaf Sandwich
Based on the southern “meat-and-three” setup, where you pick a main and sides to go with it, the rotating menu of seasonal goodies at Frank’s 231 in Traverse City makes choosing nearly impossible. The cult-favorite Meatloaf Sandwich, though, is a must. This handheld take on the comfort staple starts with a hearty slice of homemade meatloaf— featuring Anavery Fine Foods beef, which is ground, seasoned, and slowly baked inhouse—is drizzled with a sweet and tangy heirloom tomato-horseradish glaze, and paired with charred romaine and house-made mayo. Stacked between two toasty pieces of buckwheat-sourdough sandwich bread and served alongside your choice of sides (don’t miss the cornbread and roasted broccoli!), we swear, it’s the build-your-own stuff of dreams. Eat up at 1779 S. Garfield Ave., Ste. A in Traverse City. franks231.com
Uncork Up North
On Oct. 3 (yes, of Mean Girls and soon to be Taylor Swift fame), some of your favorite NoMi restaurants— think Crocodile Palace, The Cooks’ House, Modern Bird, and more—are coming together with more than a dozen wineries for a night of food and wine at the Hagerty Garage for the third annual Uncork Up North. Amanda Danielson, owner and advanced sommelier at Trattoria Stella, leads a team of wine professionals with curated pairings for each bite. Proceeds from the event support women in northern Michigan facing financial hardship due to breast cancer and the Cowell Family Cancer Center Fund through Munson Healthcare. Tickets are $225 at dynamifoundation.org/uncork-up-north.
Hey, read It! A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping 4
Ready for a cozy fall read? Sangu Mandanna won us over back in 2022 with The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and her 2025 novel, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping, is just as whimsical, sweet, funny, and, well, magical. Sera Swan has given up everything, including her once formidable powers, for her family. Now, she runs an old and meddlesome inn—yes, the inn itself is meddlesome—with her great-aunt, an undead rooster, a talking fox, and a host of quirky gueststurned-tenants. But life gets turned upside down when she finds a spell that could restore her gifts. Within the week, she also meets the aloof (but dashing) Luke Larsen when he shows up at her inn with his sister in tow. When magic, love, and a way to fix the ever-leaking roof are all at her fingertips, Sera must decide where her heart is truly home.
There are only two more weekends of movies at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In, so hop in the car and head over to Honor at dusk to catch the theater’s Fright Night Oct. 4, starting at 6pm. While the Cherry Bowl is usually family friendly, this weekend is all about horror (and will probably not be suited to the young or the scaredycats). Patrons get to vote on the most terrifying movies, with the winners playing on the screen that very night. Then, be sure to return on Oct. 11 for the final day of 2025 operations with the annual Trunk or Treat from 4-6pm, followed by a family-friendly Halloween film at dusk. Tickets for all movies are $12 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-11, and free for ages four and under. Get all the details spooky at cherrybowldrivein.com.
After a gorgeous September, it can be hard to turn our minds toward the chill of winter. But it is coming, which means people in our community will be in need of vital winter supplies. Jubilee House of Traverse City kicks off its Cold Weather Drive on Oct. 1, and the drive runs through Nov. 21. Jubilee House, the city’s only day shelter for adults experiencing homelessness, is seeking the following: heavy duty, waterproof coats for men and women (size large and up); snowpants (men’s size large and women’s size medium and up); boots; thermal underwear; gloves, mittens, and handwarmers; and sleeping bags and tarps. For the latter, Jubilee House notes “there is no backup plan for folks who can’t get into shelter. Both shelters will be full this winter. Long-lasting handwarmers, a heavy-duty sleeping bag, and a new tarp will help keep them alive until morning.” Donations are accepted at 325 Washington St. Monday - Friday from 10am-5:30pm. Visit gracejubileeoutreach.org to learn more.
On Sept. 28, the Detroit Institute of Arts debuts a new exhibit that runs through April 5, 2026, featuring more than 90 works from over 60 Native American artists from across the Great Lakes region. Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation will display “basketry, beadwork, birchbark artistry, clothing, film, graphic design, jewelry, painting, pottery, sculpture, and woodwork,” according to the DIA website. Each of the works will be presented in both English and Anishnaabemowin. We wanted to share congratulations to three Harbor Springs artists whose work will appear in this collection: Eva Oldman, Odeimin Gèsis Walker-Keshick, and Yvonne M. Walker Keshick! Their works made of fabric, birchbark, porcupine quills, sweetgrass, and other materials illustrate connection to the land and water, indigenous teachings, and the reimagining of ancient cultural items. Learn more about the exhibit at dia.org/events/ exhibitions/contemporary-anishinaabe-art-continuation.
Are you ready for the last sip of summer? We aren’t either. Fortunately, Five Shores Brewing out in Beulah has one of those beers that can make Earth’s most glorious season last a little bit longer. Meet the Precious Cargo, a flagship since Five Shores launched back in 2020, and a beer that can fairly be described as “warm weather in a glass.” It’s the rare fruited IPA that doesn’t drown in cloying sweetness. Instead, Five Shores loaded this brew up with hops and with a Norwegian yeast they say “pumps up the hops” even further. Postfermentation, the brewers add in mango juice and strawberry and mango puree. The result is sublime, exploding with all the crisp, refreshing hoppy notes you want from a summer IPA, but adding the sweet freshness of fruits that also capture the season. Grab a pint at 163 S Benzie Blvd in Beulah. fiveshoresbrewing.com
Rosé
spectator By steven Tuttle
The federal courts have always been the last line of defense for our basic rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. If state legislatures, Congress, or the president crossed into forbidden territory, we could count on federal appellate courts to rein them back in thereby protecting our rights.
It is no longer clear that protection exists.
Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act protects individuals from being discriminated against when voting. The days of disenfranchising entire groups of voters by implementing poll taxes or other impediments were supposed to be over. And when they reared their ugly heads again, individuals could go to court, protected by Section 2 as had been the case for decades.
“official” acts. Mind you there is nothing in the constitution or federal statute that says any such thing; SCOTUS conjured it up because prosecutions or lawsuits against a sitting president would be too “burdensome.”
That burden apparently doesn’t work the other way since President Trump has filed numerous lawsuits against individuals, organizations, and corporations while in office. (More than 350 lawsuits have been filed against the actions of the Trump Administration, though not against Trump personally. According to the NYU School of Law, nearly 93 percent of those cases were successful.)
So, basically, the president can now sue anyone but be sued by no one, and he can
But now, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled, contrary to the history and tradition of how the Voting Rights Act has been interpreted, that individuals cannot sue based on discriminatory voting rules—only the government can sue. If the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) agrees, voters will have lost an important, some might say critical, tool in guaranteeing their right to vote.
Redistricting, always contentious given its importance, was traditionally and logically undertaken after the constitutionally mandated decennial census. Since congressional and legislative representation is based on population, that census was always pretty important.
But SCOTUS says state legislatures don’t have to wait and can redistrict whenever they damn well please and can do so however nakedly politically they choose so long as they don’t racially discriminate. So Texas and Florida now want to redistrict to create more Republican districts and California, New York, and Illinois consider doing the same to create more Democratic districts. It couldn’t be more cynical.
Women used to have a certain amount of autonomy over their own bodies. That power increased in 1973 when SCOTUS decided Roe v. Wade. But that lasted just over half a century until Roe was tossed by the current court in a 5-4 vote. At least one aspect of women’s health, and their bodies, is now controlled by state legislatures, and about 67 percent of those legislators are men.
You, like most of us, were probably taught that in this country no person is above the law because we don’t have royalty and our laws apply to everyone. Except they don’t. SCOTUS has decided our president has complete immunity from arrest, prosecution, and civil actions while in office conducting
direct the prosecution of anyone, as he did telling Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute some of his political enemies, but be prosecuted by no one. Seems like he is way above the law.
The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution starts with, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated...” That would seem to be pretty straightforward, as it goes on to say authorities cannot violate those restrictions without probable cause. That used to mean police couldn’t harass or arrest people based on the color of their skin.
But now they can. SCOTUS says, sure, ICE and the other immigration folks can stop people based primarily on their brown skin and the fact that English is not their first language. That sort of naked racial discrimination is “essential” to their job, according to SCOTUS. So, the Fourth Amendment mostly applies to white, English speakers.
Not to be outdone, President Trump wants to take a whack at the First Amendment by having both individuals and groups who criticize him investigated, prosecuted, and shut down. His congressional sycophants seem willing to go along, and his Federal Communications Commission chair has threatened networks with license revocation for saying much of anything Trump doesn’t like, though he has no power to do any such thing. (The FCC licenses individual stations, not networks, and while they can pull a station’s license, it is a long and complicated process with some high bars to clear.)
We expect unconstitutional nonsense from politicians. But our Bill of Rights is being slowly but surely weakened by the very courts on which we rely to protect its strengths. If the courts won’t protect our rights, we will have none.
HOUSING PROGRESS BY THE NUMBERS
GUEST OPINION
by Yarrow Brown
Northwest Michigan is moving the needle on housing, but we have a long way to go. You have probably heard us talk about the numbers over and over. Where are we right now? What is the state of housing in our region? You will have to come to the 11th Annual Northwest Michigan Housing Summit to dive in deeper, but I will give you a preview in this column.
The Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) for our region covers the housing need from 2023 to 2027, identifying an overall gap of 31,268 homes across our 10 counties, including 8,813 rental units (primar ily for families earning up to 50 percent of the area median income) and 22,455 for-sale homes (especially for households earning 81–120 percent of AMI).
also tracks this and has a data portal you can visit at mihousingdata.org. Housing North tracks units in progress through the Housing Ready Program and in collaboration with the building departments and the state. Some projects may end up being housing and some may never become housing, so it can be tricky how the information is shared publicly.
What we do know is that since 2023, there have been 4,047 building permits issued, with an estimated 5,000 units in progress. On average, this is about half of what we need to meet our Regional Housing Plan goal of 10 percent per year. About 50 percent of these are market rate and about 50 percent are for those making 120 percent of AMI or below.
Growth and change are coming. How we handle it and work together to embrace the changes are what will demonstrate successful community development
planning around housing.
That’s the very workforce that keeps our communities running. The report is well researched and does include estimations and projects based on the data that was available at the time of the report.
Since we commissioned the report as a region, things have changed, and we have had housing built. Is most of it market rate? Yes! Are we anywhere near meeting the projected need in the HNA? No, but we also recognized from the outset that fully meeting the need would not be immediate or easy. The HNA is a guide and a resource for communities to better understand their housing landscape.
Through the Regional Housing Plan, the goal is to build 3,100 units per year, or 10 percent of the identified need. The HNA not only outlines recommended next steps for each county but also provides valuable information on how people are moving between counties and gives the status of our aging housing stock.
While we may not all agree that we need 31,000 units, I hope we can all agree that more housing opportunities are urgently needed. With a 0.7 percent vacancy rate, every unit matters. We continue to monitor and track where it’s being built and who it is serving.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
If we do the math, this is nowhere near our goal, but we are making progress— certainly more progress than five years ago. Community-d riven approaches to housing that aim for broad, systemic change through collaboration are key to further progress. I believe we are making huge strides in northwest Michigan, but we still have a long way to go to make sure everyone has the housing they need.
When we say we need housing for all, it is true. Our region needs both market rate housing and below-market rate housing to meet the incomes of year round residents.
Expanding housing opportunities allows people to move within the housing space, which in turn helps free up more affordable units. The vacancy rate could return to a healthy percentage (4-6 percent) over time. That is the ultimate goal.
We need everyone to show up, speak up, and collaboratively work together toward solutions—not work against each other. Growth and change are coming. How we handle it and work together to embrace the changes are what will demonstrate successful community development planning around housing.
Yarrow Brown is the executive director of Housing North, a 10-county housing agency serving northwest Michigan.
OPEN STUDIO EVENT
Not Ready for Prime Time?
At a rehearsal on Sept. 16 for an airshow in Changchun, China, two flying cars collided while performing difficult stunts, CNN reported. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are intended to be part of a "low-altitude economy" in China, which includes flying taxis, drone deliveries and other services below 3,000 meters. Xpeng Aeroht, the company that makes the vehicles, said the collision happened because of "insufficient spacing. All personnel at the scene are safe." However, an unidentified employee said one pilot sustained minor injuries.
Compelling Explanation
Officer David Jewell, 45, of the Edgewater (Florida) Police Department, was killed on Sept. 15, MSN reported, at the Circle K in Ormond Beach. Jewell died after being shot by Circle K employee Eduardo Felipe Labrada Machado, 24, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said. Machado confessed to the shooting, telling authorities that "he was having a bad day on his drive to work" and had "thought about shooting Jewell earlier" because Jewell carried a firearm and Machado was afraid of him. Machado's family members said he had been "diagnosed with a mental health disorder in the past."
Freak Accident
As Jessica Preciado drove on a freeway on Sept. 15 in Los Angeles County, she heard a pop, then immediately experienced a sharp pain in her backside, Yahoo! News reported. Preciado said she thought she'd been shot, but when paramedics arrived, they saw that her left buttock had been pierced by a metal rod that had come through the rear of her Ford Fusion and the driver's seat. "I was so confused as to where this injury was coming from," Preciado said. Now recovering from the accident, she believes the rod must have fallen off a truck and urges drivers to secure their loads before hitting the road.
It's a Dirty Job
In Szekszard, Hungary, on Sept. 6, more than 20 teams competed in the International Grave Digging Championship, Oddity Central reported. The contest is sponsored by the country's Association of Cemetery Operators and Maintainers (MTFE) and is intended to raise the prestige of the profession. Teams of two must dig graves 2 meters long, 80 centimeters wide and 1.6 meters deep within two hours, then shovel the dirt back into the holes to create a neat burial mound. Contestants are judged on speed, accuracy and attention to detail. The Hungarian team of Laszlo Kiss and Robert Nagy won the first prize for the second year in a row. "The winners credited their success to the routine they developed in their daily work without any special training," the MTFE said. The Russian team came in last, blaming their performance on the hot weather.
The Foreign Press
Meanwhile, in Scotland, scandal erupted at the World Stone Skimming Championship, United Press International reported on Sept. 16. The stones used in the
contest are required to be naturally occurring slate from the island of Easdale, where the match takes place, but several contestants were found to be using stones that had been smoothed and shaped by machine. Kyle Matthews, the Toss Master, said he "contacted the individuals, who admitted their transgressions, and I had to disqualify them." Matthews said the organizers are considering having competitors choose from already-vetted stones in the future, rather than providing their own. Jonathan Jennings of Kentucky became the first American to win the adult male category; repeat champion Lucy Woods won the adult female category.
Suspicions Confirmed
The Times reported that on Sept. 15, as a French airliner prepared to land in Corsica, the pilot ended up having to circle above the Mediterranean Sea for 18 minutes, unable to get a response from the air traffic control tower. The flight from Paris was an hour late, arriving after midnight, and only one controller was on the job. As the aircraft circled, the airport's fire crew went to the tower and found the controller asleep at his desk. He woke up, switched on the runway lights and cleared the jet to approach. The pilot said the passengers "treated the incident with good humor," and the controller was tested for drugs and alcohol, for which he was clean.
Government at Work
More than 50 animals -- mostly cats and a few others -- vied for the title of Bike Path Mayor this summer in Somerville, Massachusetts, NBCBoston-TV reported. On Sept. 14, Minerva the cat, whose oneword campaign slogan was "Crime," took the honors. Somerville residents were able to vote via a QR code in an election that had been going on since July. One Somervillian said Minerva's "platform of crime, I think, really resonated with people."
Inexplicable
A cameraman touring with singersongwriter Benson Boone was arrested in Clearwater, Florida, on charges of criminal mischief and disorderly intoxication after he allegedly entered the Surf Style shop on Sept. 11 and relieved himself on almost $700 worth of clothing. The Smoking Gun reported that Tyler Capehart, 39, of Georgia, told cops that he had "consumed alcohol and smoked marijuana," but he said he had no recollection of peeing on the clothing in the store. He posted $650 bond and was released.
Bright Idea
Just after midnight on Sept. 15, a man swam up to the Paddlefish restaurant in Disney Springs, Florida, removed his wet suit and scuba gear, and robbed the restaurant, WFTV reported. Orange County deputies said the thief allegedly walked into the manager's office, where the night's take was being counted, and ordered two employees to stand in the corner and close their eyes. He tied them up, then scooped up tens of thousands of dollars and left, putting his gear back on and swimming into the night. The sheriff's office said the investigation is ongoing.
How Do You Build a Life on a Shifting Foundation?
Author Angela Flournoy walks into the wilderness of modern adulthood
By Anna Faller
If you ask award-winning author Angela Flournoy, writing should have an inherent level of risk, regardless of genre or discipline.
“I think good storytelling has real stakes,” she says. “That doesn’t mean it can’t be quiet or super interpersonal, but you have to feel as a reader that there’s actually something in the balance.”
In her highly-anticipated sophomore novel, The Wilderness, that risk is hidden in modern adulthood, from building and maintaining relationships, to blazing career paths, and generally staying afloat in an ever-changing cultural landscape.
What could be more precarious than living the rest of your life?
Join Flournoy as she takes the National Writers Series stage on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7pm for a conversation surrounding the “wilderness” of real adulthood, the people that get us through it, and the experience of building identity—especially as a woman— in the 21st century.
The Author
Flournoy’s own story begins when she received her first journal around age six as a gift from her aunt. “I started writing in it,” she says, and the rest is, well, so much better than history.
Her debut novel, The Turner House, was set in Detroit and was a finalist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize as well as a National Book Award nominee. Her nonfiction essays have appeared in numerous national publications, including The New Yorker, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New York Times.
In addition to her writing work, Flournoy, a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, is a faculty member at the low-residency MFA program at Warren Wilson College.
“Something I tell my students is that you have to figure out how to have skin in the game. There has to be an emotional center,” Flournoy notes. “With whatever I’m writing, I try to figure out how to make it feel real and immediate.”
The Book
In her newest book, The Wilderness, Flournoy definitely gets real. The concept behind the book came to her nearly a decade ago in 2016, after she and a group of girlfriends from college had spent nearly half of their lives together.
“I realized that though we weren’t family, we spent more time together than family, and probably knew more about each other than our family members did,” Flournoy says.
These were chosen bonds—not family of origin, or a spouse, or children—and though they were important, they were also sometimes fragile. That complicated perspective on friendship offered Flournoy’s story a background of community, safety, and even drama as characters reach other major milestones in their lives.
“I wanted to think about that and what it would mean for this group to get older and to have real-life challenges. How would they meet or not meet them, and what would that mean for their connections?” Flournoy says.
The Characters
The Wilderness follows a tight-knit group of Black women—Desiree and her sister, Danielle, Nakia, January, and Monique—
from New York to Los Angeles over two decades starting in the early 2000s as they navigate the unfamiliar world of adulthood against the increasingly-fraught cultural backdrop of modern America.
Per Flournoy, they’re also entering what she considers the true “coming-of-age” period: aka, the assumed-adult years of our twenties and thirties, which feel like a new road but arrive with no map.
Unlike early adolescence, there’s no one to walk you through the death of a parent, for instance; no dorm Facebook group for those in the midst of trying to build a savings from scratch; and no YouTube tutorial for a surprise pregnancy or how to carve out a fulfilling career, all of which are challenges her characters face.
Instead, we tend to settle into adulthood after we’re already thought to have reached it. This means that no two paths through that wilderness are exactly the same.
“I find that, especially in this country, there are a lot fewer guides to help you figure out the life [you] want to have when some people are telling you you’re halfway done with it,” says Flournoy. “That was one of the things that interested me about this book.”
The Culture
In addition to the novel’s genesis, 2016 also marked a cultural shift for Flournoy: the first Trump presidency.
At the time of the election, she notes, Flournoy had been working on the book through a New York Public Library fellowship and had intended to include a few near-future years as part of the setting. After Trump took office, however, she found that her expectations of that future timeline
suddenly felt uncertain.
“If this one thing [could] happen, a lot of things [could] happen. Certain things that I take for granted about the way of American life felt in flux,” Flournoy says.
She knew topics like immigration, the rise of social media (and the subsequent decline of in-person communication), the erasure of history, and systemic racism had long been bubbling under the country’s surface and would almost certainly continue to resonate throughout America.
So, she rolled, or rather, wrote with it. Her characters experience the recession of the late 2000s, the rise of technology and viral fame, soaring housing prices, and more.
“[This] is a book that’s informed by actually living through these years,” she adds. “How are you supposed to put the building blocks in place to enjoy the rest of your life in a country and in a world where even things we thought [were permanent] can’t be taken for granted?”
The Wilderness might just have the answers.
The Event
An Evening with Angela Flournoy takes place on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. at Milliken Auditorium (1410 College Dr.) in Traverse City and via livestream. Tickets range from $10-$20 plus ticket fees, and The Wilderness is available via Horizon Books. Both in-person and livestream tickets can be purchased through the links on the National Writers Series website. The guest host for the event is Audrey Irontree, an accomplished fiction writer and National Writers Series education director. For more information, visit nationalwritersseries.org.
New Vacation Rentals and Year-Round Housing in Bellaire
Step inside Spillway Lodges and Bellaire Lofts
By Marla Miller
Spillway Lodges in Bellaire caters to vacationers who want an independent lodging experience in a rustic, resort-like setting but with guest services and activities. The boutique resort completed its last lodge and fully opened in June, providing guests with suites and studios with full kitchens, fire pits and lawn games, and walkable access to downtown Bellaire.
Spearheaded by Artemis Companies of Byron Center, the Spillway project was paired with a second housing development in the village after the developers realized the need for year-round, workforce housing. Bellaire Lofts is a 50-townhome, income-restricted housing project slated to finish construction by the end of the year with anticipated moveins happening in phases in 2026.
“In working on Spillway Lodges, we kept hearing ‘we can’t support year-round staff,’” says Brooke Ruble, COO & director of management at Artemis Companies. “There is a real housing issue for folks who are in the workforce and making those more starter or entry-level wages.”
An Airbnb or a Rustic Resort? Why Not Both?
Spillway Lodges’ scenic setting offers the best of both worlds—natural beauty and modern furnishings with access to trails, water, and downtown businesses. It’s like renting a private home but with the option to enjoy onsite amenities and socialize on the lawn.
“Coming out of COVID, people wanted
to get away and have a vacation, but people want to do it in a completely independent way,” Ruble says of the resort concept.
The 34-unit resort consists of six lodges with different units in each building. The location is convenient to Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes and Torch Lake, or a quick stroll to Short’s Brewing Company and local eateries.
Spillway Lodges features two-bedroom, two-bath suites and queen and king studios with fully stocked kitchens—coffee and popcorn included—and Up North décor plus special touches such as robes, camping chairs,
putting green, communal grills, fire pits, and lawn games. They can walk a trail, hop on a bicycle, take out a kayak, or relax around a fire.
“We have access to the Intermediate River, so you can travel north on the kayaks and get out to Intermediate Lake through the river,” Ruble says. “We’ve got bikes people can take out and ride around.”
Ruble says guests like the atmosphere and more groups are booking stays for bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings, reunions and golf outings. They can’t reserve the whole resort but can book multiple lodges or multiple units.
“In working on Spillway Lodges, we kept hearing ‘we can’t support year-round staff,’” says Brooke Ruble, COO & director of management at Artemis Companies. “There is a real housing issue for folks who are in the workforce and making those more starter or entry-level wages.”
and umbrellas. Other amenities include digital self-check-in and check-out, pet-friendly rooms (cats too), and rooftop decks.
Guest services and housekeeping staff are on-site, plus a fitness center, group exercise classes, and a lounge area for small gatherings or informal meetups.
“Some people like to go on vacation and not talk to anybody, but we’re always still available if they do need something,” Ruble says.
Guests also have access to three outdoor hot tubs, a sauna and a cold plunge pool, a
“They love the amenities,” Ruble says of guest feedback so far. “They love the accessibility to town. It makes getting out and about easy.”
Workforce Housing in Bellaire
While working on Spillway Lodges, the developers discovered a real-world problem and “developed a solution to hopefully help,” Ruble says.
Bellaire Lofts, slated to open later this year, offers living options for year-round
workers looking to make northern Michigan home base. The project is a workforce housing pilot program with the state, so the developers are bound to serve a certain income demographic. They hope to start pre-leasing units later this year.
“It’s going really well right now,” Ruble says. “We just had our model unit set, and we’re finishing the interior, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing in the next month or so and will be open for viewing.”
Due to northern Michigan’s short window for stick-built construction, both projects consist of pre-built, modular “boxes” that were delivered to the site and set in place and then finished.
“There are several mods or boxes to each lodge, so you can stack them, but we design within the boxes,” Ruble says. “It saves a lot of time within the process because we don’t have a lot of trades workers in northern Michigan, and we have a shorter seasonal window for construction.”
The 50-townhome complex is hooked up to the village’s water and sewer and includes studios, one-bedroom units, and two- to three-bedroom townhomes with front decks to extend the living space outdoors. There are flexible floor plans, so workers and families can live alone or pair up with a roommate or two.
The project will serve those who make about 60 percent area median income up to 120 percent AMI. For a single individual, that translates into earning $39,240 (60 percent AMI) up to $78,480 (120 percent AMI) annually.
An aerial view of Spillway Lodges in Bellaire.
“We’re kind of a hybrid,” Ruble says of the housing development. “We can serve anyone below that 120 percent AMI but nobody above it.”
Stay Tuned
The development is less than a mile away from downtown and Lake Bellaire and in the heart of northern Michigan’s recreational opportunities.
“It’s a really awesome location just west off of Bellaire Highway,” Ruble says. “It will be a little more apartment-style living. We have a community center with a mail room
and a lounge area, so people could come in and get a change of scenery.”
The details on rental rates are still being worked out with help from Housing North, Ruble says, as they compare the state’s requirements and data on area median income with the “real snapshot of wages in Bellaire.”
“We’re looking at wages and figuring out what could someone who lives here and works here really afford,” Ruble says. “There is a bottom-line rent revenue we have to make to survive as a business.”
The developers applied for a brownfield tax increment financing that spans more
than 30 years to make it feasible.
“There’s been a lot of different obstacles and hurdles to move through,” Ruble says because it’s a pilot project and set up as a tax increment financing (TIF). “This is the only way to make it happen. It is impossible to offer submarket rate rents with the cost of building.”
Bellaire’s Village President Dan Bennett says the developers have been good about keeping the village officials informed of both projects, and it’s been “neat to see them put them in and set them in place.”
B ellaire’s downtown is busy year-round due to summer tourism and winter skiing, and
the community has lost year-round housing for workers because of short-term rentals.
“We’re in desperate need of housing for employees,” Bennett says. “We had a new librarian come in and couldn’t find a place to live. That’s kind of common. In fact, Short’s bought a hotel so their employees could actually have a place to live.”
Find Spillway Lodges at 247 Portage Drive in Bellaire. (231) 495-3022; spillwaylodges.com. For Bellaire Lofts, interested applicants can join the waitlist and sign up for construction updates via the website, bellairelofts.com.
The Solution to Homelessness Is Still Housing
Local experts push back on criminalizing homelessness
By Ren Brabenec
On July 24, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” While the EO is not law, it does provide instructions on how the current administration wants communities, healthcare providers, housing organizations, and law enforcement agencies to address America’s homelessness crisis.
In summary, the EO calls for an institutionalization and incarcerationfirst approach, rather than the housingfirst model previously used. Critics say the EO does not take into account how soaring housing costs, coupled with wage stagnation, are driving homelessness (more on that later), nor does it offer more funding for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, conditions that often go hand-inhand with chronic homelessness.
While local leaders who work to address homelessness are ready to adjust their models in accordance with the current administration as needed to continue receiving federal funding, experts are voicing concern over the gap between the EO’s language and what actually works to end homelessness.
Housing Remains No. 1
Ashley Halladay-Schmandt is the director of Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, an organization that focuses on continuums of care in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties.
Continuums of care (CoCs), are defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as programs that,
“quickly rehouse homeless individuals, families, persons fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and youth while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness.”
The first draft of the Trump Administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” called for a revocation of all funding for CoCs, but Halladay-Schmandt says constituent pressure on elected officials earlier this year was enough to remove that clause and ensure organizations like hers could continue operating.
Though homelessness is a complicated problem, Halladay-Schmandt says the core objective of solving it still has to be getting the unhoused into homes.
“Being unhoused [and finding housing] doesn’t look the same for everyone,” she says. “Most people we serve will leave homelessness within the first year of coming into contact with our organization. But some are chronically homeless. Some will require a comprehensive array of interventions to help them create better lives for themselves and the communities they live in.”
Halladay-Schmandt says housing is still the critical first step because it is next to impossible for the people to overcome other challenges they sometimes face (unemployment, substance use disorders, abuse, mental health crises) while unhoused. The coalition also focuses on connecting people with doctors, substance use treatment, and whatever other support they may need to get their lives back.
Today’s Housing Market Exacerbates Homelessness
While the coalition is ready to help find housing, sometimes it just does not exist.
“The affordable housing crisis in northwest Michigan is the No. 1 driver of homelessness in our community,” Halladay-Schmandt says. “It’s both the availability of housing and the cost. When the stock is very low and the cost is very high, you’re going to see more homelessness than you otherwise would.”
Halladay-Schmandt pointed us to research done by Housing North, a local nonprofit that focuses on eliminating barriers to affordable housing in northwest Michigan. According to a report published by the nonprofit in 2023, the vacancy rate for affordable housing in the region is nearly zero.
“We’re working on programs with the city and county to incentivize developers to set aside units for people experiencing homelessness,” says Halladay-Schmandt, previewing a task force that’s creating a multi-pronged solution for homelessness.
“But that’s not easy,” she adds. “Land is expensive, building costs are high, and affordable housing often needs to be subsidized, so we need support from elected officials at all levels of government to generate the funding needed to make that happen.”
When it comes to funding, studies show that housing the homeless is more affordable than institutionalizing or incarcerating them. In Colorado, a study of formerly unhoused people served by communitybased mental health provider WellPower found that getting people into supportive housing saved taxpayers more than $3,700 per person per year in costs such as jail and police time. The study found that 77 percent of people who were given housing remained
in that housing three years later.
The Brookings Institution arrived at similar conclusions. In their study, they found New York City incarceration costs are around $1,414 per day, whereas housing an unhoused person costs about $68 per day. A similar finding was reached in Seminole County, Florida. And on a national level, incarcerating one person for one year costs approximately $33,000. For comparison, the cost to house them ranges from $8,500 to $20,000, depending on the level of services needed.
Other Evidence-Based Interventions May Also Be on the Chopping Block
Speaking of other services, it’s important to note that the unhoused often require a comprehensive range of services to permanently transition them from being homeless to housed. But not everyone experiences homelessness because of addiction or mental health.
“It’s not true that all, or even a majority, of those who are without a home also struggle with a substance use disorder,” says Paula Lipinski, CEO of Addiction Treatment Services. “Most people who are unhoused experience homelessness on a more fleeting level, where they are in and out of homelessness due to economic conditions. However, it is true that the minority subset of this demographic, those who struggle with chronic homelessness, often have mental and/or substance use disorders. They often require comprehensive interventions to address their situation.”
We reached out to Lipinski because within that same executive order on homelessness, the administration states: “Ensure that discretionary grants issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
syringe programs, safe use sites, naloxone, and Narcan. It’s establishing touchpoints and contact with the individual. The more we can work with the individual by reducing the harm they’re experiencing, the more likely we can keep them alive to receive treatment.”
To Lipinski, the Trump EO is coming at homelessness from a public safety perspective, with multiple lines from the EO castigating cities for their tent encampments and the fact that some residents allegedly don’t feel safe to walk their own streets anymore. “I agree that public safety is important,” Lipinski says.
“But punitive measures like involuntary institutionalization and incarceration for the unhoused are not effective,” she adds. “Providing housing, performing harm reduction interventions, and providing treatment, on the other hand, work together. It’s all about safety nets and saving lives. Harm reduction keeps people alive long enough to choose treatment. Harm reduction is a balance of accountability and compassion.”
A First-of-Its-Kind Task Force
According to the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, the Traverse City area had 265 unhoused people as of 2024, up from 257 in 2023. To create permanent housing solutions for that population, the organization partnered with Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, and Rotary Charities in May to form the Housing and Homelessness Task Force, a collaborative, community-wide initiative designed to create a long-term, effective, and coordinated response to homelessness.
“This is not just about temporary fixes—it’s about lasting solutions,” says
How You Can Get Involved
Halladay-Schmandt, a member of the task force’s leadership team. “Our region has the expertise, the compassion, and the community will to end homelessness. This task force gives us a unified structure to develop the plan to make it happen.”
The task force will focus its work through September 2025. During that time, specialized work groups will “assess gaps in current systems, identify effective strategies from other communities, and develop an actionable plan tailored to the unique needs of northwest Michigan.” According to Halladay-Schmandt, the work groups will focus on three areas: strengthening the safety net to prevent homelessness, improving emergency shelter and crisis response systems, and expanding long-term housing solutions.
Lipinski voices optimism for the task force. “For most who experience it, homelessness is a complicated life crisis with multiple factors influencing it,” she says. “Therefore, it requires a comprehensive spate of interventions and solutions. No one organization can fix the problem on their own. That’s why we’re all coming together.”
“What kind of community do we want to be?” Halladay-Schmandt pondered in closing.
“I keep coming back to that. This is our community. We can quite literally shape it however we want. Who is this community for? Do we want to be inclusive and welcoming? Do we want to grow with the changing needs of our population? No matter what happens at the federal level, we still have the ability to make policy changes and funding decisions that directly impact people in our community for the better.”
Both Halladay-Schmandt and Lipinski outline community asks from their organizations:
1) Advocate. Halladay-Schmandt reminds us again that, had it not been for constituents pressuring legislators, the Big Beautiful Bill may have removed all funding for CoCs like the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness.
2) Talk to local leaders. According to Halladay-Schmandt, city, county, and state leaders usually respond well to one-on-one discussions and efforts to raise awareness about the homelessness issue.
3) Get educated. To Lipinski, much like substance use disorder, there is stigma surrounding homelessness. A big part of overcoming the problem is learning about it, separating fact from fiction, and seeing the inherent value in all humans, regardless of their housing status.
4) Support funding measures. Lipinski says recent funding shortfalls at the federal level have made it more challenging for local organizations to provide needed services to the unhoused community.
5) Back affordable housing initiatives. Both Halladay-Schmandt and Lipinski emphasize the sheer magnitude of unavailable housing as a significant factor influencing homelessness in northwest Michigan. “It’s not complicated,” Lipinski says. “If housing stock is unaffordable or unavailable, homelessness will worsen.”
NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S PREMIER HANDMADE MARKET
TRAVERSE CITY
FALL FESTIVAL
SATURDAY OCTOBER 4th
The Rotary Charities Housing and Homelessness Task Force Leadership Team pulls experts from various organizations in northern Michigan to work toward community solutions.
OUTDOOR CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW
SATURDAY,
SATURDAY, MAY 18
MORE GUNS WON’T MAKE US SAFER
GUEST OPINION
by Quinn De Vecchi
For the first time in a very long time, I found myself walking the streets freely without any sort of fear. Every step on the refurbished sidewalk felt like a new beginning. I entered metro cars and sat right in front of the sliding doors. When someone walked in, no fear. When I walked out, no fear.
I had spent over a month in Brussels, Belgium, in June to stay with some family and study French. For that time, I walked around, talked to random Europeans, and felt the safest I had for almost my entire life. I had no fear at all.
reasons. The most common reason one may apply to own a gun is for sport hunting, a national pastime in Belgium.
Applicants also need to pass several tests, not be a felon, turn in a medical report, and be over the age of 18. After achieving a license, applicants then must usually apply for a “Model 4” license, which takes up to four months to receive, and can cost up to €140.
And so, the Flemish Peace Institute found that just in Belgium, there were about 184 gun-related incidents in 2025. From that number, about 21 people died from firearms.
While Michigan’s gun laws have been slowly racking up in the past several years, the truth is, we need more protection.
And you might be wondering, what fear is this? Well, it’s easy. Being shot. In the United States, I’m afraid of going outside and dying from a gun.
For most of the year, I live at a boarding school where the threat of a school shooting is part of everyday life. I often stay close to classrooms when walking (one of the best places to hide during a lockdown) or keep an eye on my notifications to see whether there has been a lockdown alert. During drills, I keep my head down and think about how many people have sat in my same position, hiding from the window, and have died because it was real.
And even when I’m not at school, the threat remains. During the summer, I work as a kidwatch attendant at a local recreation center. If there’s a shooter, we have to hide the children that parents trusted us to take care of. My deepest fear when just starting to work at age 14 was not being able to protect all the kids during a shooting and having to live with it for the rest of my life.
From recent CDC gun mortality data, there is an average of 1,421 people per year who die from guns, and this is in Michigan alone. That’s 115 teens and children that die from gun violence every year. And it’s only getting worse. From 2014-2023, the gun homicide rate increased by over 27 percent.
In Michigan, to purchase a gun, all you need is to not be a felon, have a license to purchase, and be over 21 (or just be over 18 for long guns like carbines, rifles, and shotguns). To get a permit, it usually costs about $10. These requirements get a bit more lenient once you’re buying guns online instead of inperson. Many shooters are able to get “ghost guns”—parts of guns without serial numbers or regulation that can be pieced together— without any type of license.
Back in Belgium, guns are almost completely banned to regular citizens. To get one, a Belgian must apply for a firearms license, and they can only be approved for very specific
For reference, Michigan and Belgium have only slightly different population numbers. In 2025, Michigan has a population of just over 10 million people (from the United Census Bureau), and Belgium has a population of just under 12 million (from the Statbel Belgian Statistical Office).
This means that in Belgium, about 1.6 people per 100,000 are involved in a gun violence incident; and in Michigan, 13.6 people die per 100,000 people. Belgium has one of the strictest gun laws in Europe. Michigan has the 27th-highest rate of gun deaths in the U.S.
While Michigan’s gun laws have been slowly racking up in the past several years, the truth is, we need more protection. We need longer wait times, higher fees, and more serious consideration of laws and firearm regulations.
Those regulations could include rejecting the Shoot First laws, which allow a person to shoot someone and then claim selfdefense later. Everytown (a gun prevention group), states that Shoot First “homicides in which white shooters kill Black victims are deemed justifiable four times as often as when the situation is reversed.” Shoot First laws are also associated with an increase of homicide rates—almost an additional 700 homicides each year.
Or we could ban assault weapons, the deadliest guns used in mass shootings. In one minute, an AR-15 can fire about 60 rounds per minute. Fully automatic weapons like an AR-47 can fire up to 1,000 rounds per minute.
I know that I will never feel safe while there are such lax laws on gun violence in Michigan. And I know that other kids won’t feel safe either. There is nothing “great” about people dying from guns, and so the U.S. has never really been great—and it never will be, if we don’t fix the problem.
Quinn De Vecchi is a creative writing senior at Interlochen Arts Academy.
What’s Trending in Real Estate?
Advice and predictions from local agents
By Molly Cox
Many locals and visitors are seeking a home on our pleasant peninsula, but competition remains fierce for the limited inventory in northern Michigan. So Northern Express spoke to four real estate professionals in our area about what to expect over the next six months in terms of home prices, demand, and advice for homebuyers.
A More Balanced Market
The demand for affordable family homes is high, which means prices remain high. Excluding condos, the 2025 median sale price of single-family homes is now $688,250 in Leelanau County and $432,766 in Grand Traverse County. Those two represent the higher ends of the market, while Realtor.com estimates a median sale price of $381,500 for Petoskey, $310,000 for Manistee, $305,000 for Cadillac, and $265,000 for Gaylord.
Though affordability remains a challenge, the market is balancing out. “After four years of historically low inventory that created one of the strongest seller’s markets in history, the era of year-over-year record price increases is likely behind us,” says Jonathan Oltersdorf, associate broker at Oltersdorf Realty, LLC in Suttons Bay. “It’s neither a seller’s market nor a buyer’s market; it’s the sweet spot for most types of housing.”
Meg Zammit of Century 21 Northland echoes this. “I expect to see more inventory as we’ve seen rates drop a bit since last fall. Homes may sit on the market a little longer, but this is indicative of a return to normalcy; neither a seller’s market nor a buyer market but something truly neutral and balanced. This is a great sign for our region.”
The right price point helps homes move more quickly. Bridget Maguire of the Shawn Schmidt Group at Coldwell Banker in Traverse City points to that half-million mark as the tipping point for many buyers.
“In Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, and Antrim counties, homes under $500,000 are still drawing steady demand, while higher-priced properties are sitting on the market longer than they did over the past five years,” says Maguire. “The upside is that opportunities remain for both sides: sellers are still finding buyers, and buyers are gaining
more leverage and facing less competition than in the frenzy of recent years.”
Everyone Wants a View of the Bay
In addition to lower priced homes, waterfront homes are perennially popular. Of course, there’s only so much waterfront to build on, so our experts expect demand to stay high while supply is low.
“Waterfront buyers, both primary and seasonal homes, have not slowed down. They’re coming from within Michigan and all over the country, they’re paying cash, and they know exactly what they want,” says Zammit.
On the flip side, most of the folks who own a coveted lake house are not looking to sell, according to Oltersdorf.
“The waterfront submarket stands out with virtually no inventory growth. With supply still tight, it remains a strong seller’s market, and prices have continued to climb sharply this year with not enough inventory to meet demand,” he explains.
Prices Are Likely to Remain Relatively Steady
Though there may be some bumps along the way, the realtors expect overall home prices will continue to rise, but at a slower rate than in recent years.
Oltersdorf predicts “prices are unlikely to fall drastically unless we see a flood of forced sales like those that followed the 2008 financial crisis. Since 2008, our country simply hasn’t built enough housing to trigger widespread distress selling, especially in our region.”
Now that we’re officially into fall, prices might actually dip a bit with the seasons.
Lisa Bradford, managing Broker of Real Estate One in Beulah, adds, “The six-county northwest [real estate] market has been busier this year, with total closed sales up 4 percent year-to-date compared to 2024.
Prices overall are essentially flat, rising just 2 percent… Despite strong demand, buyers are becoming more selective, forcing sellers to adjust pricing when properties don’t stand out. Looking ahead, northwest Michigan is likely to follow its familiar seasonal slowdown as summer peaks pass.”
Don’t Wait for Interest Rates to Drop
While home prices might get a seasonal slump, interest rates remain in limbo. Our experts agree that holding out for lower interest rates is not a good strategy for buyers.
“Waiting to buy based on a prediction of when that may or may not happen is why I have had several clients be completely priced out of our region,” Zammit says. “Do I think we’ll see 3 percent again? If we do, that means something not so great is happening with the rest of our economy.”
Maguire agrees. “I like to recommend that buyers don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ rate but instead focus on finding the right home when the timing makes sense for you.”
“With so many buyers paying cash in our area, mortgage rates have less impact on affordability than other parts of the country. I think people now understand that 6-7
percent rates are here to stay, and they’re okay with it,” says Oltersdorf.
More Advice for Homebuyers
Ready to make the leap into a new home?
“Get full approval, not just pre-approval,” says Bradford. “A strong offer includes a full loan approval or verified proof of funds. Would you sell your largest asset to someone who only says they can pay?” She adds, “Here’s a little-known but powerful tip: when your realtor submits your offer, have your lender call the listing agent. Why? Because sellers want to minimize risk. A quick call confirming your financial strength helps the seller feel confident you’ll close as promised.”
And if money is tight, there are options out there.
“It’s important to understand that there are loan programs available that help by offering down payment assistance, lower down payment [or zero percent down] requirements,” Zammit says. “The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched an initiative recently delegating money to regionspecific groups like Traverse Connect to award $10,000 grants to help make ownership possible.”
And sometimes, you may just have to think outside the box. “On the more creative side, I would like to see more people consider multi-generational living and shared housing spaces,” Zammit says.
Maguire Oltersdorf
Zammit
Bradford
Are Primary Residences Back in Vogue?
Short-term rentals (STRs) and second (or third) home purchases have been the plague of primary homebuyers Up North. For a decade, inventory has been snatched up and turned into Airbnbs or other vacation homes, which contributes to pricing full-time residents out of the market.
The good news is, in Traverse City at least, there are more buyers looking for their permanent home.
“Looking at just the past five years, about 80 percent of my clients have been buying or selling their primary residence,” Maguire says, noting that the investment and vacation rental market has slowed over the past year. “Returns are harder to come by, the short-term rental market feels saturated, and some properties that allow STRs are sitting on the market much longer than they would have from 2020 through 2023. On top of that, many townships are revisiting ordinances and permits for short-term rentals, which adds another layer of risk for investors.”
Zammit concurs. “At the height of the crazy market during early COVID years, it was very common for me to hear from multiple potential buyers every week looking to purchase here and ‘maybe rent it out as an Airbnb when we’re not using it.’ I think maybe a little of that shine has worn off now. People realize that, especially at these prices, these ventures are a heck of a lot of work, require constant attention, and often the profit margin doesn’t make sense given Michigan non-homestead tax rates.”
In Leelanau County, the story is different. Oltersdorf says the ratio of vacation homes to primary homes has remained essentially unchanged over the last decade. “About 50 percent of my clients are buying second homes. Many assume that with the rise of Airbnb, VRBO, and similar online platforms, the percentage of primary homes has dropped significantly, but that’s not really the case. In 2010, only 45.3 percent of homes in Leelanau County were primary residences, and 14 years later, that figure is 46 percent.”
Now Open Tues - Sat 11- 5
413 E Eighth Street - Traverse City, MI 49686 (Across from Commongrounds Building) (231)-534-2151
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A Market Update from the Builders
How economic forces are affecting local homebuilding (and prices)
By Geri Dietze
Tariffs. Labor shortages. Inflation. For months, the up-down, will-they-won’t-they economy has kept the talking heads on the edge of their seats. Still, the building industry seems to be solid and moving forward, at least for now.
Northern Express talked to a duo of local builders to get their take on the three big pressures of the building industry: the supply chain (including any associated tariffs), labor, and house prices. They agree on much, including the lack of a crystal ball to see what the future holds.
Asherpark Custom Homes
Uriah Peterson of Asherpark calls himself a “toolbelt wearing contractor.” Peterson worked his way up in the trades, and he still likes being a hands-on builder. Asherpark employs eight staff in the summer—fewer in the slower season—including Peterson’s son, plus a draftsman, and site managers. Wife Carrie handles permits, client relations, and “our trusted sub-contractor base.”
Asherpark “…usually books about one to two years out,” and completes two to three homes per year, usually in the 2,500 to 3,500-square-foot range. Peterson says that the trend continues to be in bigger homes, “but buyers have a thumb on what they want to spend.”
Supply Chain & Tariffs: Peterson cites the pandemic as the beginning of pricing increases and sourcing issues, “regardless of the [current] tariffs.” As a result, he says, “It created a conundrum, because we can’t guarantee the price of anything past 30 days.”
For example, lumber has stabilized, but aluminum has seen a 50 percent increase.
“Aluminum is insane.” And, he adds, “It’s all connected. You grow accustomed to longer lead times.”
Labor: It should come as no surprise that labor issues continue, with labor availability “…at an all-time low, and we pay a higher rate for less talent.” Peterson says, “We pay $20-25 per hour [for workers] with very limited experience, and after three months’ time [they] should know more, [but] there is no gain in training someone. I hate taking jobs away. It’s my worst nightmare.”
what you want, but more important, with what you want to spend. We have to be very upfront. [In this market,] even reno is costly.”
CMB Construction
Legacy builder Colin Bushong learned the trade alongside his father at Bushong Construction before forming CMB Construction in 2010, specializing in highend, bespoke custom homes, fine carpentry, and large renos. (Seriously: Their current remodel is a 5,000-square-foot total gut job.)
“The narrative that everyone must go to college to get a good job caused a generational gap in the trades. The building treads are respectable, fulfilling, and have value.” — Colin Bushong
Housing Prices: Much of Asherpark’s business is in what he calls “the new affordable” class, homes between $800,000 to $2 million.
“It’s not that we won’t look at other sizes of housing,” Peterson adds, but the cost of doing business makes it “prohibitive.”
And it’s not that he hasn’t tried. Peterson sat on an advisory board tasked with getting current Traverse City homeowners to add rental units to their property in order to ease the shortage of affordable housing, but construction costs, property tax increases, and length of time to realize return on the investment make those efforts tricky. “Unfortunately, it pushes people right out of the game.”
Peterson has practical advice for prospective clients. “Come to the table with
Bushong says their business is 90 percent new home construction and 10 percent remodels.
CMB has a staff of 10, including master carpenters and apprentices who handle all interior woodwork. The company sources from a trusted group of subcontractors; they build four to five homes annually in the middle and upper-end budgets; and they are currently booking for summer 2026.
Supply Chain & Tariffs: “We haven’t seen a ton of direct tariff impacts” he says, with the exception of luxury vinyl planking (LVP), a popular choice in lieu of wood flooring, which is manufactured in Asia, mainly China. Beyond that, he says, “I don’t view the supply chain to be that big of a deal.”
Bushong indicates that he learned a lot from COVID shortages, and the situation
is much improved. “We work with vendors who understand lead times, and we stay in constant contact,” he says. “[So far,] we haven’t really discovered anything that has stopped our process.”
And while he says it’s “just a theory.” Bushong attributes price increases to material costs rather than tariffs. Since most of CMB’s vendors have stateside facilities, raw materials could indeed be the reason for cost increases. And while some of the lumber used by CMB is imported Canadian Douglas fir and cedar, “they are used on [projects] with higher budgets anyway.”
Labor: “Labor is our limiting factor, and we are really struggling with willingness and skills,” Bushong says, explaining that the workforce is aging out and not being replaced. “The narrative that everyone must go to college to get a good job caused a generational gap in the trades. The building treads are respectable, fulfilling, and have value.”
Bushong works closely with Home Builders Association Northwest Michigan to reach out to young people who might want to enter the trades. Still, he sees a 10- to 15year gap in replacing retiring craftsmen with young recruits.
Housing Prices: Bushong says current price trends are driven by retirees choosing homes that are 2,500-3,500 square feet with “reasonably high-end finishes.”
“The critical first step [for prospective clients] is to set expectations. Tons of people are ready to do something, but feel that they can’t afford it.” Bushong stresses the importance of the builder/client relationship. “We love to do the meet and greet, to see how we can help.”
A new Asherpark home that was recently completed in Traverse City.
Variety Is the Spice of Life at K-Pocha
Time to try Korean street food in Traverse City
By Ross Boissoneau
Who knew Froot Loops were a staple of Korean street food? Well, Phong Nguyen, for one. A Froot Loops-coated corn dog is one of the many popular dishes at his restaurant K-Pocha.
“Kids love Froot Loops. It’s sweet and savory and really pretty,” says Nguyen, the owner of the recently-opened K-Pocha.
As Nguyen explains, the restaurant’s name comes from the Korean term for a type of outdoor food and drink stall, a “pocha.” It’s actually a shortened version of the Korean “pojangmacha,” or covered wagon. (And the K denotes Korean, for those who might not have guessed.)
K-Pocha is located in East Bay Plaza in Traverse City, next to the Verizon store. The unassuming exterior is belied by the scents wafting from the kitchen and the bright menu overhead. It features a few familiar items like bibimbap and tteok-bokki, but those dishes are likely prepared differently than how you might imagine.
Nguyen says that in Korea, most of the street food stands specialize in one product. At K-Pocha, you have choices—lots of them. “In Asia, it’s one dish only. They specialize. That’s hard to do in America. People love the variety,” he says.
On the Menu
And variety there is. Just with the corn dogs alone, you can get your choice of seven
other toppings: Signature (ketchup and mustard in a fancy swirl), Ramen, Potato, Sweet Pocheeto, Hot Cheeto, Dorito Cheeto, and Dragon Breath. Potato, Sweet Pocheeto, Hot Cheeto, and Dorito Cheeto are all marked with one fire, denoting spiciness; Dragon Breath, as one might expect, sizzles a bit more, earning it three fires (ouch!).
That’s just the coating. Inside, you have your choice of beef hot dog, chicken hot dog, vegetarian hot dog, mozzarella cheese, half beef-half mozzarella, or half chickenhalf mozzarella.
According to Nguyen, Korean food is known for its bold flavors. Others might substitute the word “spicy” or “hot” for bold, as various chili peppers and other spices bring out the umami (his word) of the Sizzling Spicy Galbi (grilled ribs), Beef Skewer, or Spicy Chicken Bao Bun, while lending more familiar dishes such as Chicken Tenders and loaded fries a new zest.
Then there are the classics, though they may not be so “classic” to American taste buds. There’s the Tater-nado (skewered, spiralized potatoes), Cheesy Spicy Tteokbokki (a simmered rice cake), Black Bean Tteok-bokki, and many, many more.
The fun doesn’t stop there. A full slate of drinks and ice cream treats will no doubt tempt palates. Slushes include strawberry, mango, or oreo, or you can try a flavored limeade with passion fruit or lychee. There’s also Dalgona coffee, matcha milk, matcha strawberry, and taro milk among the choices.
As for dessert, there are various ice creams and toppings. Maybe the staff will be Berry Nice to you, with a bubble waffle cone with strawberry and cherry ice cream, strawberry sauce, berry compote, and chocolate pocky rolls.
You get the idea. As Nguyen says, in America people like choices. So at K-Pocha, which are the most popular choices? He points to BiBimBap with Beef Bulgogi as a favorite, though it’s the Kimchi Fried Rice with Pork Belly he says is the No. 1 choice among customers.
The pork and chicken base for the Japanese Ramen is marinated for 16 hours, before being cooked and mixed with the seasonings. Take that, fast food.
The KFC Fried Rice—or noodles—is not based on the recipe of a famous colonel, but is Nguyen’s take on Korean Fried Chicken. Beyond its bold flavor, Nguyen says he uses a lot of potato flour in the coating. “That makes it crisp and juicy,” he says.
On the Horizon
This is the second K-Pocha restaurant Nguyen has opened. The first was in Grand Rapids, but after friends suggested he visit Traverse City, he decided to sell that location and open here. “K-Pocha was in Byron Center. After two and a half years I relocated to Traverse City,” he says.
Now he has his eyes set on another downstate location. By the time this article is in print, he hopes to have opened
K-Pocha in Holland.
“It has been a good concept. It’s a lot of fun,” Nguyen says of the restaurant, for families, young people, and kids. That’s borne out by his young daughter zooming around with a push toy, as well as the fact the restaurant was three-quarters full on a Monday night just prior to closing. College-age people, couples in their 30s or 40s, and others were there to eat or pick up to-go orders.
Nguyen has been shuttling back and forth as he runs one restaurant while readying another. His irrepressible nature and non-stop smile suggest he’s fully capable of doing so. “It’s a labor of love,” he says. Judging from the satisfied expressions and smiles on the faces of his customers, he’s not alone in that thought.
It’s not like Nguyen always had eyes on becoming a chef. He grew up in Vietnam before moving to the U.S., and originally studied business at Ferris State University. But after working in the restaurant industry, he fell hard.
“At 20 I went to America for school and fell in love with cooking,” he says. “Asian food has been really trending. … It made me change my major from business/marketing to food.”
When asked if this is really what Nguyen wants to do when he grows up, he enthusiastically responds in the affirmative. “I always wanted to open a Korean or Japanese [restaurant].”
Find K-Pocha at 720 Munson Ave Suite A in Traverse City. (231) 252-2468; kpochatc.com
Saturday
BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL
RUN: 8am, Webber Sports Complex, Thompsonville. Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run. See web site to register & for various start times. $15-$85; price increases after Sept. 23. runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Thompsonville/BestieValleyTrailRun
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BIRDING WALK: 8-10am, Sportsman’s Park, East Jordan. Meet at the parking area. Explore multiple habitat types. Please bring binoculars. The first area is the platform overlooking the mouth of the Jordan River. The second area is the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix where the Jordan River empties its water. The third is the new Don & Eileen Klein Nature Trail. 231-536-7351.
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BOYNE CITY HARVEST FESTIVAL: Downtown Boyne City. This festival is the culminating event of the outdoor farmers market, featuring children’s games & local harvests. Enjoy fall fun & decorations. Free. boynecitymainstreet.com -
MEN’S BREAKFAST: 8am, Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church, TC. Men of any age are welcome. Free; donation. oldmissionpeninsulaumc.org
TAP INTO THE TRAILS: 10K RUN & 5K RUN/WALK: 8am, 115 Backus St., Cheboygan. See web site to register & for various start times. $30-$35; price increases after Sept. 26. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Cheboygan/TapintotheTrails
FALL GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: 9am, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, TC. Sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution & Sons of the American Revolution. Basic to advanced genealogy on FamilySearch.org, 1890 US Census workarounds, & more. Free.
HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK: SOLD OUT: Sept. 26-28. A celebration of readers, writers, books & the literary craft. Featuring up to 50 nationally published authors & illustrators in sessions including eight genres: fiction, nonfiction, mystery/thriller, poetry, cookbook, picture book/early reader, middle grade, & young adult. hsfotb.org
27TH ANNUAL BELLAIRE HARVEST FESTIVAL: 10am-5pm, Downtown Bellaire, Broad St. Scarecrow contest, craft & farm market, square dancing, kid-friendly activities, local food & craft beer, & more. bellairechamber.org/harvest-festival
EAST JORDAN’S 10TH ANNUAL FALL FEST: East Jordan Tourist Park. Live music, co-ed softball & cornhole tournaments, face painting, arts & crafts, hay wagon rides, live busker performances, mechinal bull rides, & much more. Trick-or-treating & campsite decoration contests Sat. night. Find ‘Fall Fest - 10 Year Anniversary!’ on Facebook. Free; donations welcome.
W/ FULL TILT COMEDY: 10am, The Curiosity Place, GT Mall, TC. The Full Tilt Comedy Improv players bring stories, characters & scenes for a show for all ages. Scenes & stories, on-the-spot & in-the-moment will be
made up, based on the audience’s suggestions. Stay after for improv games. Free with museum admission. Must register. greatlakeskids.doubleknot.com/Event/3117027
GTARMC ROCK & MINERAL SHOW: 10am-5pm, Cherryland VFW Post 2780, TC. Lapidary arts, jewelry, gems, fossils, minerals & more. $3 donation; children 12 & under free. facebook.com/tcrockhounds
NATIONAL ALPACA FARM DAY: 10am4pm, Rainbow Valley Family Farms, TC. Meet the alpacas - pet, feed, & take photos. Learn about these animals. Face painting & yarn spinning. Noah’s ARC animal rescue will be onsite with rescue animals. Rennie Orchards will be at the farm with pumpkins & apples. Donations & farm proceeds benefit Noah’s ARC animal rescue. Free. rainbowvalleyfamilyfarms.com
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: 10am, Antrim Creek Natural Area, Ellsworth. Join James Dake from Grass River Natural Area for a hands-on nature photography class. Learn tips & techniques for capturing the beauty of the outdoors, from landscapes to wildlife. Meet at the natural area north entrance along Rex Beach Road. The class is free & open to all skill levels; a $5 donation is suggested to support future projects at Antrim Creek.
LEELANAU UNCAGED: 11am-10pm, Northport. Featuring continuous live music on the streets of Northport with seven stages & 34 acts also including dance, a water blessing over the bay, art activities & vendors, & much more. Free. leelanauuncaged.com
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
BOOK BINDERS: Noon-1:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Create your own journal. Materials provided. RSVP. Free. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org
ELK RAPIDS FALL FESTIVAL: This familyfriendly celebration of autumn will feature local vendors, kids activities, live music from Sandi and The Bandits, line dancing, seasonal treats like cider, donuts, & caramel apples & much more. Free admission. elkrapidschamber.org/fall-festival
QUILT THE BOARDWALK: Noon-4pm. Start at Friends of the Jordan River Watershed, East Jordan. See the quilts & meet local quilters on the Don & Eileen Nature Trail/Boardwalk.
UP NORTH PRIDE VISIBILITY RALLY &
MARCH: Head to F&M Park, TC for the Visibility Rally at noon, & then take to the streets for the Pride March through downtown along Front St. to the Open Space Park. Free. upnorthpride.com/event/2025/9/27/visibilityrally-march
BOOK SIGNING ON THE BOARDWALK: 1-3pm, Don and Eileen Klein Nature Trail, East Jordan.
FALL DANCE PERFORMANCE: 2pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Experience an evening of dance courtesy of the Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Division. Enjoy a wide variety of classical & contemporary dance works including ballet excerpts, modern masterpieces, & student& faculty-choreographed works. Adult $17; child - college $14. interlochen.org/concertsand-events/all-events?search=Fall+Dance
TCLEG FALL FAMILY FEST 2025: 4:306:30pm, Mt. Holiday, TC. Zip line, activities for all ages, food & drinks. Donations will be accepted at the door & donated back to Mt. Holiday. RSVP. Free. tclegofficial.com/events
PRIDE WEEK DRAG SHOW, EMM PRIDE CONCERT & SILENT DISCO: The Open Space, TC. The Drag Show starts at 6pm featuring queens & kings from around the state. EMM performs live for the first Pride Concert at 9pm. Dance under the stars at the Silent Disco beginning at 10pm. Free. upnorthpride.com/ event/2025/9/27/visibility-rally-march
BEETHOVEN 5 + AMERICAN 4 SEASONS: 7:30-9:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Beethoven 5 explodes to life with TC favorite, Yevgeny Kutik, who plays Philip Glass’s Violin Concerto No. 2, “The American Four Seasons,” which blends Glass’s trademark style with a contemporary flavor featuring a keyboard synthesizer in the orchestra. $27-$65. tcphil.org/concerts
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
THE INSIDERS: A TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. This Grand Rapids group features six veteran musicians & decades of combined stage & touring experience. They have been runnin’ down a dream since 2017. $25-$40; Veterans, $5 discount; students, $10. theoperahouse.org
Sunday
ages. Dress as your favorite literary character. Author signings with Teagan Olivia King, Larry Joe Campbell & more. Also enjoy activities & crafts. horizonbooks.com/event/ book-con-2025
HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK: SOLD OUT: (See Sat., Sept. 27)
GTARMC ROCK & MINERAL SHOW: (See Sat., Sept. 27, except today’s time is 11am4pm.)
GALLERY WALK + TALK: ART AND HEALTH: 1pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center, Main Gallery. Join a guided conversation of Glen Arbor Arts Center’s current exhibit, HIStory/ HERstory: Whose Story?. GAAC Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal leads a Walk + Talk of the exhibition as part of Creative Wellness Month, a program exploring the intersection of creativity & well-being. Free. glenarborart.org/product/exhibit-history-herstory-whose-story
BEETHOVEN 5 + AMERICAN 4 SEASONS: (See Sat., Sept. 27, except today’s time is 3-5pm.)
sept 28 sept 29
BOOK CON 2025: 10am4pm, Horizon Books, Cadillac. Costume contests for all
monday
12TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT BEER WEEK: Frankfort & Elberta. Enjoy this tasting adventure celebrating the heart of Michigan’s craft beer scene. Special Beer Week events include a Beer vs. Wine Dinner at Birch and Maple on Oct. 2; Beer Week Brewery Tour at Stormcloud Brewing on Oct. 2-3; “Beerfest” playing at The Garden Theater on Oct. 2; Meet the Brewer! at Stormcloud Brewing on Oct. 3; & Hello Autumn - A Fall Fundraiser for Grow Benzie at Stormcloud Brewing on Oct. 4. stormcloudbrewing. com/events/frankfort-beer-week
CONNECT & SAVE A LIFE: 4-7pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Join experts
Not a tribute act, but original musicians who recorded and toured with Gordon Lightfoot for decades, The Lightfoot Band heads to Milliken Auditorium in Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC, Sun., Oct. 5 from 6-8pm, this year marking the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy and Lightfoot’s song inspired by it. Along with that song, you’ll hear classics like “If You Could Read My Mind” and “Sundown,” among others. Tickets: $45-$50. dennosmuseum.org
from safe TALK for a 3-hour training in suicide alertness skills. Learn the steps to create life-saving connections. RSVP. Free. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org
AUDITIONS FOR ROALD DAHL’S “MATILDA THE MUSICAL”: 7pm, Old Town Playhouse, lower level, TC. Youth ages 8+ & adults are invited to audition. Performances are Dec. 5-20. Free. oldtownplayhouse.com/ volunteer/auditions.html
MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE: 7:30-10pm, Voorhies Hall, Bay View Association, Petoskey. Featuring “Double Indemnity.” Free. bayviewassociation.org/monday-night-movies
tuesday
12TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT BEER WEEK: (See Mon., Sept. 29)
RECOVERY BLOCK PARTY: 1:30pm, CRA Community Center, Petoskey. Celebrate National Recovery Day. Enjoy food, crafts & games from 1:305:30pm, & then listen to Tobias Neal tell his story from 6-7pm. crami.org
AUDITIONS FOR ROALD DAHL’S “MATILDA THE MUSICAL”: (See Mon., Sept. 29)
wednesday
12TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT BEER WEEK: (See Mon., Sept. 29)
INTERLOCHEN WOMAN’S
CLUB OCT. MEETING: Golden Fellowship Hall, Interlochen. Meeting at 11am, lunch at noon, & program at 1pm. Speaker is Karen Schmidt from The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. Bring place setting. For more info, text 231-392-3159. Free. -
KNOW WHAT YOU SIGN & MONEY OUT OF POLITICS: Noon, 8527 E. Government Center Dr., Suttons Bay. Direct Democracy. Know What You Sign! Money Out of Politics Citizens are now circulating petitions to place as many as nine proposals on the 2026 General Election ballot. This forum will summarize the aim of each proposal so you “know what you sign.” Free. LWVLeelanau.org
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
OCTOBERFEST RECESS: 5-7pm, Nicolet Bank, 202 E. State St., TC. Traverse Ticker’s after-work happy hour for adults. Appetizers provided by The Towne Plaza, along with Rare Bird Brewpub brews, including a specialty autumn beer, & wine by BOS Wine. Attendees will be entered into a door drawing to win prizes, including two RTIC coolers each filled with gift cards & local merch. Recess 2025 is brought to you by Grand Traverse County: A grand place to live, work and play. $10. traverseticker.com/recess
COLLEGE FAIR: 6-7:30pm, NCMC Athletics Center, Petoskey. Meet with representatives from more than 40 Michigan colleges & universities in one location. Register. ncmich.edu/community-events/events/collegefair-2025.html
OCTOBER COMMUNITY DINNER: 6pm, The Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay. Join for a “Soups & Chilis” themed community dinner. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish-to-pass & a donation, but neither are required. thecentersb.com/ communitypotlucks
EXPAND STORYTELLING #9: 7pm, The Alluvion, TC. Held in partnership with TC Design Week. Sharing life stories around how they find fulfillment from the inside out. Storytellers: Megan Stillwell, North Love and Table Health; Katie Asher, Slip Vintage; Dana Lacuesta, Dana Grace Interiors; Ryan Hammon, Central United Methodist. $15 on Eventbrite; $18 at door.
thursday
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
TALK: SHANNA ROBIN-
SON: 10am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Boyne City artist Shanna Robinson’s Glen Arbor Arts Center residency is an exploration of two familiar materials that don’t usually go together: clay & fiber, woven. Robinson talks about her reasons why, & how she brings both together, during this presentation. Free. glenarborart.org/events/all-events
COFFEE @ TEN, PETOSKEY: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. Renee Wasson will talk about her fiber art work, traditional Anishinaabe methods, materials & teachings. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/coffee10-renee-wasson-dillard-traditional-anishinaabe-natural-fiber-artist-and
12TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT BEER WEEK: (See Mon., Sept. 29)
NWS: ANGELA FLOURNOY: 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. This National Book Award finalist & author of “The Turner House” will share her long-awaited second novel, “The Wilderness” - a portrait of friendship, identity & adulthood. Includes a Q&A & author signing. $10-$20; with virtual option. nationalwritersseries.org/author-event/angela-flournoy
RACHAEL DAVIS & SETH BERNARD: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Friends for 40 years, Michigan roots musicians Rachael Davis & Seth Bernard bring their band of friends & family to celebrate community in song. Rachael is known for her singing voice, showing range from classic swing jazz to soul baring mountain music. Seth plays acoustic & electric guitars, & is an old school folkie & rock child of the 90s. $30-$50. cityoperahouse.org/oct-2
friday
12TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT BEER WEEK: (See Mon., Sept. 29)
RAPTOR VISIT WITH NORTH SKY RAPTOR SANCTUARY: 4pm, East Bay Twp. Bldg., North Conference Room, TC. Learn about birds of prey & their habitat, meet two “Raptor Ambassadors” & browse a hands-on artifacts table full of fun & educational items centered around birds of prey. Free. tadl.org/event/raptor-visit-northsky-raptor-sanctuary-25165
BARLEY-BBQ-BEATS 2025: 6pm, Park Place Hotel & Conference Center, TC. Presented by & benefiting Hospice of Michigan & Arbor Hospice, this is a fundraiser showcasing barbecue from leading pit masters & handcrafted cocktails from select Michigan distilleries all set to the rhythm of live music from favorite hometown bands. Funds raised the night of the event will be used locally, ensuring that anyone needing hospice care will receive it. Each ticket includes 3 servings of BBQ & 3 hand-crafted cocktails. $65/person; $75/day of event. hom.org/bbb-tc
SKITOBERFEST 2025: Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls. Enjoy craft beers, Bavarian eats, & live music. Challenge your friends to stein hoisting, keg throwing, or spouse-carrying competitions. Take part in the Pray for Snow Bonfire. boynemountain.com/upcoming-events/ skitoberfest
FORT FRIGHT: 6:30-9:30pm, Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City. Lanterns light your way through an 18th-century fort & fur trading village overrun by werewolves, witches, goblins & ghouls. Last admission is at 8:30pm. $10.20 - $15.31; 4 & under, free. mackinacparks.com/fort-fright
3RD ANNUAL UNCORK UP NORTH: 7pm, Hagerty Garage, TC. Enjoy a strolling dinner & wine pairings by some of the area’s most acclaimed professionals, among others to benefit the Cowell Family Cancer Center Fund through Munson Healthcare. This event supports women in northern Michigan facing financial hardship due to breast cancer. GA tickets: $225. dynamifoundation.org/uncork-up-north
COLLAGE: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Experience the very best of Interlochen Arts Academy in a highly anticipated annual tradition. Collage unites students from all seven of the Academy’s artistic disciplines for a fast-paced showcase of songs, readings, monologues, short films, dance works, & more. The event concludes with an exclusive preview of the fall musical theatre production. Adults, $35; children - college, $19. interlochen.org/events/collage-2025-10-03
SCREAMS IN THE DARK HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS: Screams in the Dark: Blackwood Hollow, 5548 M-66, Kalkaska. Embark on a terrifying adventure through the twisted halls of Blackwood Manor & the haunting paths of Trails Of The Lost before it’s time to face your fears as you enter the chaotic dark carnival of Pandemonium, where nightmares come to life. Plus more! Held on weekends in Oct. through Nov. 2. Time slots start at 7:30pm. See web site for times & tickets. $20/person. evernighthaunt.com/index.html
HOLE IN ONE CLASSIC CAR SHOW: 8am2pm, Black Bear Golf Course, Vanderbilt. Categories include: Pre 1940; 1941-1960; 1961-1980; 1981-2000; 2000 to Present; & Best of Show. gaylordchamber.com/events/ details/hole-in-one-classic-car-show-10728
RUN THE TOWN PINK 5K: 9am, 480 River St., Manistee. This event benefits Paint the Town Pink, one of Manistee County’s largest events supporting breast cancer patients & their families. $30 + SignUp fee. runsignup.com/Race/ Events/MI/Manistee/RunTheTownPink
A DAY OF ART & REGENERATION FOR CAREGIVERS: 10am-3pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Caretakers of all types can join for a day of inspiring talks, a sound bath, & creative studio activities. Register. Free. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-petoskey/ day-art-and-regeneration-caregivers
COLORS BY THE LAKE: 10am-5pm, Village Green, Walloon Lake. An art & craft show. Chili Cookoff on Sun. daniellesblueribbonevents.com
LAKEVIEW ADVENTURE POKER PRIX: Chain of Lakes, Central Lake. Gravel Poker Run. This cycling event begins at 10am, with registration at 9am. Includes 15, 30 & 60 mile options available with staggered start times. Five stops to collect poker cards on each route. Best Poker hand wins at After Party from 3-7pm at Thurston Park with Hipps N Ricco. Proceeds benefit Relay For Life. $50-$75. facebook.com/ events/651229424183333
OUTDOOR CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW: 10am-3pm, The Village at GT Commons, Historic Front Lawn, TC. Browse Michigan vendors offering art, jewelry, crafts, food & more. Free. thevillagetc.com
SHEEP & SOLAR: M-72 Solar Array, 8109 E. Traverse Hwy., TC. Join at Heritage Sustainable Energy’s solar site for a first-hand look at how clean energy & farming can thrive together. Watch sheep graze underneath solar panels, help plant native pollinators & remove invasive species, all while connecting with farmers, developers, community members, & local leaders. Lunch is included. Please plan to arrive by 10am & stay until 1pm. Free. secure.
lglforms.com/form_engine/s/MDKKWbqQyzSHS1PEqp37A
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S TRAVERSE
CITY: Hull Park, TC. Registration starts at 9am & the Promise Garden Ceremony & Walk begin at 10am. Funds support local communities as well as finding a cure. Walk will include Cherryland Ghostbusters, TC West Cheer Squad & more. Free. act.alz.org/ site/TR/Walk2025/MI-GreaterMichigan?fr_ id=18673&pg=entry
12TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT BEER WEEK: (See Mon., Sept. 29)
CHATEAU CHANTAL HARVEST FESTI-
VAL: 11am-7pm, Chateau Chantal, TC. Enjoy food, fun & wine festivities. Featuring a public cellar/vineyard tour, grape stompin’, cork toss & more. Free to enter. chateauchantal.com/harvest-festival
GRAND TRAVERSE METRO FIRE DEPARTMENT: 11am-2pm, Station 11, 3000 Albany St., TC. Giveaways, raffles, food, fire safety education on smoke alarms, escape plans, & cooking safety. Free. gtmetrofire.org
SAY NO TO ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE: (See Sat., Sept. 27)
TRAVERSE CITY SHOP & SIP FALL FESTIVAL: 11am-5pm, Mt. Holiday Ski Hill, TC. Makers, artisans & small businesses will showcase handcrafted jewelry, home decor & more. Includes food trucks, warm cider, & autumn-inspired treats. Live music, face painting & pumpkins. This event benefits Mt. Holiday. $5. traversecityshopandsip.com
EXHIBITION TALK: HISTORY/HERSTORY: WHO’S STORY?: 1pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center, Main Gallery. Four visual artists exhibiting work in GAAC’s exhibition talk about the power of the visual arts to take on difficult subjects. The HIStory/HERstory exhibition critically examines the power of voice. Free. glenarborart.org/product/exhibit-history-herstory-whose-story
SKITOBERFEST 2025: (See Fri., Oct. 3)
HARVEST DINNER: 4:30-6:30pm, Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church, TC. Swiss steak, potato, vegetable, homemade desserts, beverage. Eat in or take out: 231-223-4393. Donation. oldmissionpeninsulaumc.org
MICHIGAN RATTLERS: A BIG WATER BENEFIT: Bliss Gardens Farm & Community Kitchen, Harbor Springs. Acclaimed folk-rock band from Petoskey, the Michigan Rattlers will headline this benefit concert for Big Wa-
ter Creative Arts’ music programs at Pellston Public Schools. The night will kick off with a special set at 6pm by BWCA co-founders & local musicians Michelle Chenard & Pete Kehoe. The Michigan Rattlers will perform at 7:30pm inside the Bliss Gardens barn. Tickets start at $28.52. bigwatercreativearts.org
FORT FRIGHT: (See Fri., Oct. 3)
CANADIAN BRASS: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of the world’s most famous brass group. Tickets starting at $37. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/canadian-brass
FOREVER YOUNG: ADULT HOMECOMING: 7pm, Lake Ann Town Hall. Relive the 80s & 90s with throwback hits, enjoy snacks & refreshments, & bid on items at the silent auction. This event helps raise awareness & funds to support ovarian cancer. Suggested attire: formal dresses & suits, with 80s or 90s flair. $50/person. mioca.org/events-programs/ events/Forever-Young-Adult-Homecoming
LIVE AT THE BAY: LOW GAP: 7pm, The Bay Community Theatre, Suttons Bay. Featured in Rolling Stone, Low Gap is made up of brothers Gus & Phin Johnson, who are relatively young musicians but are already making an impact with their authentic writing & catchy tunes. $20 advance; $25 at door. thebaytheatre.com/special-events/live-atthe-bay-low-gap
BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY DANCE: 7:30pm, Littlefield/Alanson Community Building, Alanson. Music will be provided by Harbor Hoedown, with Larry Dyer calling. All dances taught (circles, contras, squares & more). No need to bring a partner. Potluck at 6:30pm. Bring table service & dish to pass. $10/person, $5/student, 12 & under, free. blissfest.org
SCREAMS IN THE DARK HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS: (See Fri., Oct. 3)
Sunday
COLORS BY THE LAKE: (See Sat., Oct. 4)
RUBY ELLEN FARM’S ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL: Noon-4pm, The Rex Dobson Ruby Ellen Farm, TC. Fun, free, child-friendly activities, museums highlighting farm life/families, demonstrations including cider pressing, rope making, wood turning, corn shelling, & fiber arts, hiking
Ombudsman volunteers visit older adults in northwest Michigan’s nursing homes, homes for the
and adult foster care homes—offering a listening ear, friendly support, and a voice when it’s needed most.
We’ll guide you with stepby-step training, let you shadow a mentor until you’re comfortable, and offer a flexible schedule that works for you.
Get involved like you would for your own loved one. Your presence matters more than you know.
trails, gardens & more. rubyellenfarm.org
SKITOBERFEST 2025: (See Fri., Oct. 3)
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL: 1-4pm, Samels Farm, 8298 Skekemog Pt. Rd., Williamsburg. Featuring wagon rides, blacksmithing, hit n miss engine, archaeology display, cider pressing, thresher demonstration, & refreshments. Free. samelsfarm.org
OKTOBERFEST AT PCL: 2pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. A family-friendly Bavarian celebration with food, music, games & fun for all ages. zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/oktoberfest-at-pcl-2025-brats-brews-and-brainbusters
SALSA & SCARECROW DAY: 2-4pm, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, TC. For $10 per family, participants receive a scarecrow-building kit that includes a frame, burlap & straw. Families can bring their own clothing, accessories, & imagination to bring their scarecrow to life. Completed scarecrows will be displayed throughout the Garden through Oct. Participants can also enjoy a salsa tasting station. Register. thebotanicgarden.org
MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: 3pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. MANHATTAN SHORT is not a touring festival; rather, it is an instantaneous celebration that occurs simultaneously across the globe, bringing great films to great venues & allowing the audiences to select their favorites. $10/person. greatlakescfa.org/ events/detail/manhattan-short
ROCOCO CELLO: 4pm, Benzie Central High School Auditorium, Benzonia. Featured cello soloist Evelyn Elsing will join the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra for their last concert of 2025. The orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme as well as Symphony No. 1 by Sibelius. The 72-piece orchestra is under the baton of Thomas Riccobono. By donation. benziesymphony.com/2025-performances
THE LIGHTFOOT BAND: 6pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Not a tribute act, these are the original musicians who recorded & toured with Gordon Lightfoot for decades. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy & Lightfoot’s iconic song inspired by it. $45. simpletix.com/e/the-lightfoot-band-tickets-228062
SCREAMS IN THE DARK HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS: (See Fri., Oct. 3)
art
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:
- ART FROM THE HEART: WORKS FROM HARBOR HALL’S HEART STUDIO: Held in Atrium Gallery through Oct. 11. Featuring artwork created by clients of Harbor Hall’s HeART Studio art therapy program. Check web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ art-heart-works-harbor-halls-heart-studio
- OPEN STUDIO: Held in the Visual Arts Room, Saturdays, 10am-1pm. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. crookedtree.org
- PROCESS & PRACTICE: CRAFTING WELLBEING: Held in Bonfield Gallery. The exhibition, juried by Dr. Elizabeth FergusJean, features about 45 artists whose works explore relationships between sustained creative practices, experiences with art, & wellbeing. Runs through Nov. 1. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ process-and-practice-crafting-wellbeing
- VIBRANT MATTER: ENGAGING ENERGIES: Held in Gilbert Gallery. Featuring
the works of several artists, this exhibition explores the notion of vibrant materialism, which suggests that all matter, both living & nonliving, possesses a kind of vitality & the capacity to influence & be influenced by its surroundings. Runs through Nov. 1. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctacpetoskey/vibrant-matter-engaging-energies
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:
- HIGHWAYS & BYWAYS: Held in Cornwell Gallery. CTAC, TC invited Michigan artists to submit work for Highways and Byways, a juried exhibition exploring the roads we travel, both literal & metaphorical. The theme invites exploration, reflection, & storytelling across all visual art forms. It runs through Oct. 25. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctactraverse-city/highways-byways-traverse-city - TEXTILES IN CONTEXT: Held in Cornwell Gallery. An exhibition featuring the work of four visual artists—Shanna Robinson, Nancy McRay, Barbara Bushey & Sarah BearupNeal—who explore the expressive potential of fiber. Runs through Oct. 11. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/textiles-context-traverse-city
- TRAVERSE AREA CAMERA CLUB: 2025 AWARD WINNERS: Held in Carnegie Rotunda through Oct. 11. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traversecity/traverse-area-camera-club-2025-awardwinners-traverse-city
DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:
- ICE INTO OCEAN: ARCTIC TRACINGS: This exhibition is the result of a seven year collaboration between Cy Keener & Justine Holzman, exploring how ice shifts & reshapes the landscapes of the Arctic. Through large scale drawings, images, & installation, the exhibit investigates the nature & movement of ice & water across this remote environment. Runs through Jan. 4. Check web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view
- BENEATH THE SURFACE: TRAINING TOMORROW’S WATER STEWARDS: The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at NMC is advancing freshwater, groundwater, & marine science through cutting-edge technology, education, & research. This exhibit highlights NMC students’ hands-on work with remotely operated vehicles, sonar mapping, & groundwater sampling. Runs through Jan. 4. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view
- CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CERAMICS FROM THE HORVITZ COLLECTION: Runs through Sept. 28, 2025. An array of works by contemporary Japanese ceramic artists, this is a sampler of the great diversity of styles, forms, glazes, & ages. These artworks are drawn from the curated collection of Carol & Jeffrey Horvitz, some of the leading collectors of Japanese contemporary outside of Japan. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/index.html
GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:
- 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:
- OAC 2025 JURIED ART EXHIBITION: This show highlights work across a range of media. Awards will be presented in several categories. Runs through Oct. 10. See web site for hours. oliverart.org
“Jonesin” Crosswords
"Seasons Change" yet it seems like yesterday. by Matt Jones
4. "Chopped" host Allen
5. Person who "can make the darkness bright," in a Platters hit
6. The Robot, e.g.
7. It's the thought that counts
8. Yawning chasm
9. Mess up
the story
Duke U.'s conference
Hit song of 1979
Perspire 23. Classic Jaguar model
Finds loathsome
Salt-N-Pepa, originally
Potato, on Indian menus 29. Kitchen utensils often linked in a group of 4-6
36. 800, in Roman numerals
37. Bony beginning
38. Obey Bob Barker, in a way
39. L.A. art gallery home to van Gogh's "Hospital at Saint-RÈmy"
42. Oboist's need
43. Julep flavoring
44. Burrowing rodent
47. Dustup
49. Chop into little bits
50. Apple variety
51. Wedding music providers, sometimes
54. Baked breakfast item with a pair of main ingredients
58. Snacked on
59. About to blow
60. Stash of treasure
61. Alto instrument
62. Yawning chasm
63. Colts' fathers
1. Nelson Muntz catchphrase
2. "Hey, wait ___!"
3. Old U.S.-Soviet scientific rivalry
10. Place to purchase boots and bindings
11. Stadium sound
12. Atmospheres
13. Of the highest quality
18. Mischievous sort
19. Tango number
24. NYU's ___ School of the Arts
25. "Ragged Dick" author Horatio
26. "___ Buddies" (Tom Hanks sitcom)
27. Silicon Valley industry, briefly
28. Added to the pot
29. Santa Fe summer hrs.
30. Mercutio's friend
31. "In Britain, any degree of success ___ with envy and resentment": Christopher Lee
32. "Grumpy Old Men" actor Davis
33. Performed before
34. Astro ender
35. Prefix with metric or phonic
40. Azerbaijan neighbor
41. Bits of metal?
44. Mazda model introduced in 1989
45. Add, as territory
46. Big initials in early TV
47. Pairs up
48. Shade-providing tree
49. Business degrees
50. Bravado
52. Hipster's jargon, once
53. "Donkey Kong Country" console
55. Certain trader, casually
56. No vote
57. Part of WTF?
lOGY
SEPT 29 - OCT 05
BY ROB BREZSNY
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): ): In ancient Egyptian myth, the goddess Maat ruled truth, divine law, harmony, and moral order. After death, each person's heart was weighed against Maat’s feather of truth on a scale in the Hall of Judgment. If the heart, which embodied the essence of a person's actions in life, was equal in weight to the feather, the deceased was assessed as virtuous and cleared to continue to the glorious afterlife. If it was heavier . . . well, I’ll spare you the details. Maat’s scales were not symbols of punishment, but of fairness and justice. That’s also your special power right now, Libra. You have subtle insight into every choice. You understand that your wisdom is best used to bless, not censure. My hope is that you will foster gentle clarity and offer forgiveness to all, including yourself. Lay down the old guilt! Let grace be the law!
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When bilingual speakers engage in the behavior known as “code-switching,” they may begin a sentence in one language and finish it in another. Or they may move back and forth between two different languages as they deliver a discourse. Why do they do it? To enrich their meaning, to dazzle their audience, to play and experiment. In a larger sense, we could say that codeswitching happens anytime we swivel between different styles of presenting ourselves: from formal to casual, serious to humorous, cheerful to skeptical. bring this up, Leo, because you are in the heart of the code-switching season. Have fun!
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the Arctic, polar bears move through the world not by sight alone, but through scent trails that stretch miles across the ice. Their sense of direction is olfactory, intuitive, and primal. If I’m reading the omens correctly, Virgo, your navigation system will also be more animal than logical in the coming weeks. I advise you to trust subtle cues—like goosebumps, a sweet or sour taste in your mouth, or an uncanny pull toward or away from things. Your rational mind might not be fully helpful, but your body will know the way. Sniff the trail. Access your instincts.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The Ching is an ancient divinatory book compiled in China over 2,500 years ago, Amazingly, it’s still quite useful. In accordance with astrological omens, I call your attention to one of its oracles: “Work on What Has Been Spoiled.” It tenderly counsels us to be brave as we repair what’s broken. But it’s crucial that we make the correction with patient grace, not blame and anger. The good news, Scorpio, is that you now have an uncanny ability to discern what’s out of tune, what’s crooked, what has been wrongfully abandoned. I hope you will offer your genius for reweaving. A frayed friendship? A neglected dream? A forgotten promise? You can play the role of restorer: not to make things as they were, but to render them better than they’ve ever been.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In ancient Egypt, the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet wielded both intense heat and nourishing warmth. She had the power to destroy and heal. When outbreaks of chaos threatened, she incinerated them. Once order and balance returned, she served as a physician. I dare you to summon your inner Sekhmet, Sagittarius. Give your bold attention to an obstacle that needs to be crushed or an injustice that needs to be erased. If necessary, invoke sacred rage on behalf of sacred order. But remember that the goal is not merely combustion. It’s transmutation. Once the fire has cleared the way, unleash your gorgeous cure.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In Nepal, there’s a tradition among Sherpa mountaineers. Before ascending Mt. Everest, they perform a ceremony led by a Buddhist monk or Lama. It’s a way to honor the sacredness of the mountain, ask for grace during their climb, and return from the journey in good health. As you eye the peak ahead of you, Capricorn, consider making similar preparation. Ritualize your intention. Direct it with clarity and care. Bless your journey before you surge forward.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When people call something “glamorous,” they usually mean it has an elegant, captivating style. Its beauty is sophisticated and luxurious. But the original meaning of “glamour” was different. It referred to a deceptive magical enchantment designed to disguise the truth, whipped up by
a conjurer or supernatural being. That’s the sense want to invoke now, Aquarius. You have been seeing through the glamour lately—of the media, of consensus reality, of false stories. Now it’s time to go even further: to actively tear down illusions and dismantle pretense, preferably with tact. When you see through the spell, don’t just call it out—transmute it into clarity.
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Pisces-born Nina Simone (1933–2003) started playing piano when she was three years old. At age 12, her debut concert was a classical recital. She developed a yearning to become the first Black female classical concert pianist. But her dream collapsed when the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music refused to let her study there. Then came the plot twist. She redirected her disappointment ingeniously, launching a brilliant career as a singer, composer, and pianist that won her global fame. The rebuff from the Curtis Institute was ultimately a stroke of good luck! It became a catalyst for her greatness. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to designate a frustration that you will use to fuel future success.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In Zen Buddhism, satoris are sudden flashes of illumination that are fun and clarifying. I’m happy to tell you that you’re in a phase when these sweet breakthroughs are extra likely to visit you. They may barge in while you’re washing dishes, in the grocery store check-out line, or during your fantasies before sleep. Be on high alert for intimations from the Great Mystery. PS: Some satoris could be gems you already half-knew.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You are eligible to be named “The Most Brilliant and Effective Complainer” for October. If you want to secure this prestigious award, spend time organizing plans for changing what's amiss or awry. Decide which irritating off-kilter situations are most worthy of your thoughtful attention. Figure out how to express your critiques in ways that will engage the constructive help of others. And then implement a detailed strategy to compassionately achieve the intriguing transformations.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): On certain medieval maps, an island paradise known as Hy-Brasil had a fuzzy presence west of Ireland. Did it truly exist? If so, it was said to be a blessed land that could restore lost youth and offer extravagant happiness. The place was thought to be rarely visible, and only under certain magical or auspicious conditions. I suspect you Geminis are within range of an experience like this. It won’t appear in a specific location but as a state of mind that settles over you. Don’t chase it. Allow it to find you.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A stalactite is a stony formation that hangs like an icicle from the ceiling of a cave. It forms over long periods as mineral-rich water drips down and incrementally deposits hard calcium carbonate through precipitation. This marvel is an example of earth’s creativity at its most leisurely. A four-inch-long stalactite might take a thousand years to make. With that as your seed thought, Cancerian, I invite you to attune yourself to the slowest, deepest, most ancient parts of your soul. Important developments are unfolding there. A wound that’s ripening into wisdom? A mysterious yearning that’s finally speaking in your native tongue? Be patient and vigilant with it. Don’t demand clarity all at once. Your transformation is tectonic, not flashy. Your assignment is to listen and be receptive.
OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS: 9/27 -- Jeff Socia, 7 10/3 -- The Fridays, 7 10/4 -- Erik Burke & Mark Daisy, 6
SAIL INN BAR & GRILL, TC PATIO: Wed -- Live Music w/ Josh, 6 Thurs, Sat – Karaoke, 9
TC WHISKEY CO. Tue -- Open Mic w/ Chris Sterr, 6-9
THE ALLUVION, TC 9/29 -- Funky Uncle - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30 10/1 -- Expand Storytelling #9, 6:309
10/2 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30
10/3 -- Michigan Songwriters In The Round: Elizabeth Landry, Sierra Cassidy, Zach Peterson & Josh Rose, 7:30 10/4 -- Hilary James & Kevin DiSimone - Our Foolish Hearts, 7:30
SPARE KEY WINERY, CHARLEVOIX 9/27 -- Randy Reszka, 1-4
THE DAM SHOP, ELK RAPIDS 9/27 – Headwaters Band, 6 10/4 – DAM-toberfest, Prost! w/ live music, noon
WATERFIRE VINEYARDS, KEWADIN 10/4 -- Randy Reszka, 2-5
Michigan Man Mike Ridley will be the life of the party at the 12th Annual Harvestfest at Seasons of the North Winery, Indian River on Sat., Sept. 27 from 4-6pm; Inn Between, Indian River, Thurs., Oct. 2 from 4-7pm; Alpine Tavern & Eatery, Gaylord, Fri., Oct. 3 from 6-9pm; and Birdies Tavern at Chestnut Valley Golf Course, Harbor Springs, Sat., Oct. 4 from 6-9pm.
BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY
9/27 & 10/4 -- Chris Calleja, 2-6
10/3 – Chris Calleja, 4-7:30 10/5 – Chris Calleja, 1:30-5
BRANDY'S HARBORTOWN, BAY HARBOR
9/27 -- Joey Hickman, 12:30-3:30
CHESTNUT VALLEY GC, HARBOR SPRINGS
BIRDIES TAVERN: 10/4 -- Mike Ridley, 6-9
CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY
9/30 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
10/3 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30
INN BETWEEN, INDIAN RIVER 10/2 -- Mike Ridley, 4-7
NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY
9/27 -- Lee Fayssoux, 7-10
10/1 -- Singo Bingo: Retro 70's, 6:30 10/3 -- Elisabeth Christe, 7-10 10/4 -- Donald Benjamin, 7-10
NORTHLAND BREWING CO., INDIAN RIVER
9/27 – Sean Miller, 7-10
ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES, 9: 9/26-27 -- 80's Weekend 10/3-4 -- DJ Big Ton
POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS
9/27 -- Lee Fayssoux, 11am-2pm; Underleaf, 3-6pm 9/28 -- Chris Michels, 11am-2pm; Myk Rise, 3-6pm
10/1 -- Igor & The Red Elvises, 5-8 10/3 -- Ty Parkin & The Old Souls, 5-8
10/4 -- Foghorn Jazz Band, 11am2pm; New Third Coast, 3-6pm
10/5 -- Mister Tim, 11am-2pm; Seth Brown Duo, 3-6pm
9/27 -- Highway North 10/3 -- Plaidurday Party w/ Rebekah Jon
LAKE ANN BREWING CO.
9/27 -- Daydrinkers Series w/ Andy Six, 3-6; Andy Perrin & The Show Buds, 6:30-9:30
10/4 -- Lake Ann Oktoberfest w/ Delilah DeWylde, 3-6; Rock Bottom Ready, 6:30-9:30
LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY
10/3 -- Jameson Bros, 6-9
MT. HOLIDAY, TC 10/3 -- Zeke Clemons, 6-9
RIVER CLUB, GLEN ARBOR 6-9: 9/27 -- Larz Cabot 10/3 -- Ben Richey 10/4 -- Jim Hawley
SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY 9/27 -- Drew Alkema, 3-6 9/28 -- Doc Probes, 1-4 10/3 -- Friday Night Live w/ Kyle Brown, 3-6
ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 5-8: 9/27 -- Doc Probes 10/4 -- John Piatek
STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT 10/4 -- Jen Sygit, 7-9
NORTHERN EXPRESS
SUTTONS BAY CIDERS 9/28 -- Chris Smith, 5:30-8 10/2 -- DJ Trivia, 6:30-8
SWEET’S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Mon. – Music Bingo, 7 Fri. – Music Bingo, 8; Karaoke, 10 Sat. – Karaoke, 8 THE FOLDED LEAF, CEDAR 9/27 -- A.S. Lutes, 2-4:30 10/1 -- Live Music, 6-8:30 10/4 – Live Music, 2-4:30 THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS, 6-9: 9/27 & 10/4 -- Bryan Poirier 10/3 -- The Sundogs
CLASSIFIEDS
COMPUTER PROBLEMS?: I'll come to your home or office and make your computer, tablet, phone and TV work! Call James Downer, at Advent Tech. YOUR HIGH TECH HANDYMAN. Call: 231-492-2087
SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248
TRAVERSE CITY COTTAGE FOR RENT: 1 BR, Full Bath, Well Furnished, All Utilities Included, All New Appliances, W/D, Parking, Nice Setting, Month-to-Month to One-Year, No Pets; $1,600 per month. Call (231) 631-7512.
GET YOUR GERANIUMS FOR NEXT YEAR!: The annual Friendly Garden Club geranium sale is now thru 10/1. Skip the crowds next year and order now for Spring pick-up. Details at thefriendlygardenclub.org.
WINERY ACCOUNTANT & CONTROLLER: Mari Vineyards is seeking a Full-Time Accountant & Controller to oversee our financial operations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in accounting, financial management, and regulatory compliance. This is a hands on role overseeing our full financial operations. Learn more on our website: marivineyards.com/connect/employment
HEAD WINEMAKER: Mari Vineyards is currently seeking a Head Winemaker to lead our cellar team in the production of our estate, cool climate, red and white wines. This is a key, full-time, leadership role responsible for the direction and execution of the entire winemaking
program. Learn more about the role and how to apply on our website: marivineyards.com/ connect/employment
SEEKING TEAM MEMBER FOR SAMARITANS’ CLOSET Hiring friendly & organized person to operate cash register, assist customers, work with volunteers, sort/organize merch. PT or FT, $17/hr. Able to lift 20 lbs. Apply by 10/15. https:// leelanauchristianneighbors.org/careers/
NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE IS HIRING NMC seeks an Office Manager & Registration Specialist to join our Extended Education Services team ($47,449.00 Salary) and a Surveying and Geospatial Technologies Industry Recruiter to join our Technical division ($57,515.00 Salary). Year-round, fulltime with exceptional benefits! Apply at NMC. edu/jobs today!
SPACE FOR LEASE Work/Live space for lease. 2 bedroom apt/offices with large outer room. Large windows. Easy parking/low utilities/free internet. 1126 Barlow at the Tru Fit Bldg. Eric 231 409-4100.
