Northern Express - September 18, 2023

Earth, Wind, and Fire…and Humans

Reacting to a column by Stephen Tuttle (Aug. 26), the letter entitled “Earth, Wind, and Fire” (Sept. 4) quotes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to argue that scientists have low confidence that humandriven climate change is increasing the severity of droughts, fires, and hurricanes. As a scientist and member of the author team for the forthcoming National Climate Assessment, this piqued my curiosity, so I looked at the latest IPCC reports, which are online.

It turns out that the quote regarding low confidence that climate change is increasing droughts comes not from the 2021 report cited in the letter, but rather from the previous AR5 report (2013). The latest reports, AR6 2021-22, say, “Widespread, pervasive impacts to ecosystems, people, settlements, and infrastructure have resulted from observed increases in the frequency and intensity of climate and weather extremes, including hot extremes on land and in the ocean, heavy precipitation events, drought and fire weather (high confidence). Increasingly since AR5, these observed impacts have been attributed to human-induced climate change particularly through increased frequency and severity of extreme events.”

The letter’s quote regarding low confidence In global trends In tropical cyclones (hurricanes) did come from the 2021 IPCC report, but was preceded by “It is likely that the global proportion of major (Category 3–5) tropical cyclone occurrence has increased over the last four decades, and it is very likely that the latitude where tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific reach their peak intensity has shifted northward; these changes cannot be explained by internal variability alone (medium confidence).”

My conclusion is that Tuttle’s assertions are broadly accurate, and that the “cherry picking” noted in the letter is actually coming from climate change deniers (e.g., Pielke and Lomborg, who were quoted in the letter).

Stephen Hamilton | Lake Leelanau

Misleading Statements & Dubious Claims

In the Sept. 4 edition, a letter from Mr. Stout claims that the wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, as well as other extreme weather events, have nothing to do with climate change. He quotes misleadingly from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s report, Climate Change

2021: The Physical Science Basis, and uses other misleading statements from more questionable sources such as the New York Post.

Perhaps the most dubious claim comes at the end of his letter, with Mr. Stout asserting that, “no signal of climate change has emerged beyond natural variability for droughts, wind storms, tropical cyclones, and other extreme weather events.” This is a gross misrepresentation of the report’s conclusions.

Actual excerpts from the IPCC report: “Human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe.”

“On the global scale, evidence of… an increase in the coldest and hottest extreme temperatures is very robust and consistent among all variables.”

“It is virtually certain that hot extremes (including heatwaves) have become more frequent and more intense across most land regions since the 1950s… with high confidence that human-induced climate change is the main driver of these changes.”

“The probability of co-occurring meteorological droughts and heatwaves has increased in the observational period in many regions and will continue to do so under unabated warming.”

“There is high confidence that anthropogenic forcing has contributed to recent droughts and drying trends in western North America.”

“The proportion of intense tropical cyclones (Category 4–5) and peak wind speeds of the most intense tropical cyclones are projected to increase at the global scale with increasing global warming (high confidence).”

As good of a job as Mr. Stout does misrepresenting the facts, one can only hope people read the report for themselves.

Matthew Fisher | Traverse City

For Future Generations

Neal Stout claims the deadly Maui wildfires were not due to drought or high intensity winds caused by “anthropogenic climate change.” (“Earth, Wind, and Fire,” Sept. 4, 2023)

Perhaps Stout is correct. The Hawaiian Electric Company did not cut power in advance of the wind storm to avoid sparking wildfires. So perhaps the Maui fires were due to human error rather than humaninduced global warming.

Regardless, I would encourage a broader

world view rather than focusing on divisive arguments about one particular weather event. Scientific data now shows that the Earth’s temperature showed an average increase of 2.05 degrees F from 2013 to 2022. The world’s glaciers are melting, sea water is rising, oceans are warming, and extreme weather events are happening more frequently.

My own observations tell me that our climate is changing. My flowers that used to bloom in May now bloom in April. Flocks of Canada geese in their classic V formation headed south during the fall; now many geese are hanging out year-round. Our recent winters haven’t had anywhere near the snowfall we had 20 years ago.

The scientific community is in agreement that the burning of fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and hence to global climate change. Human activity is contributing to climate change. Therefore, we have a responsibility to do what we can to slow climate change, whether human activity caused it or not.

Global warming, climate change, extreme weather: call it whatever you want. Surely it is to our common benefit to address the issue. So go easy on the air conditioning, cut back on plastics, and stop idling your car’s engine. Future generations will thank you for it.

Linda Egeler | Elk Rapids

Who Is Calling the Shots?

“Employees Are Calling the Shots” proclaims a recent Express article (Sept. 11 issue). But is the Express calling workers? Sources included two human resources directors and a senior recruiter. This article about employees is missing a critical perspective: that of the employees. Please talk with us for your newspaper articles.

Douglas P. Marsh | Williamsburg

The Cost of War

Isiah Smith Jr. judges the atomic bombs on Japan through today’s lens. The bombs killed over 100,000 people and saved 500,000 U.S. lives and a million Japanese lives. This was a proper, heart wrenching decision. Oppenheimer’s work saved many more lives that it cost. War is nasty and brutish, and lives are lost to save many more.

Will Ross | Cedar

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A Weekend of Books

It’s a bookish weekend in Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Harbor Springs! (Be still, our literary hearts!) First up is the C.S. Lewis Festival, which begins Thursday, Sept. 21 and offers seminars, book discussions, and even a murder mystery dinner at Stafford’s Bay View Inn for fans of the writer behind The Chronicles of Narnia series and some 20 other books. (Note: The festival focuses more on Lewis’ religious works than his famous fantasy series.) Some events are free, while others are ticketed in the range of $20 to $75. Get the full schedule at cslewisfestival.org. Meanwhile, the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book runs Sept. 2224. While registration has sold out for this popular annual literary event, some tickets remain for the Friday night keynote with authors Jenny Jackson and Peter Heller ($50), as well as the Saturday morning breakfast with literary director Katie Boeckl ($40). Learn more at hsfotb.org.

Rolling Along the Leelanau Harvest Tour

Soak in the beauty of Leelanau County during the 13th annual Leelanau Harvest Tour, Saturday, Sept. 23. Sponsored by the Cherry Capital Cycling Club, the Tour starts and finishes at Herman Park in Suttons Bay. This event includes four food and aid stations, with a lunch to follow. Century riders (100 miles) will start at 8am; 64 milers at 9am; and 20 and 40 milers at 10am. Cost is $65, with ages 12 and under riding for $35. cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org/LHT

Hey, read It! The Twyford Code 4

Janice Hallett made a name for herself with her debut novel, The Appeal, which pairs a local UK theater group with a questionable fundraising scheme to form a fresh and clever murder mystery. (The whole story is told in emails, letters, and texts, and you have to solve the case along the way!) Hallett is back at it with The Twyford Code, which follows ex-con Steven “Smithy” Smith as he tries to solve the biggest mystery of his childhood: What happened to his English teacher, Miss Isles, who disappeared on a class field trip? The answer seems to lie in a children’s book series by Edith Twyford, who wrote during World War II and may or may not have hidden secret messages inside her stories. It isn’t long before Smithy begins to believe there’s more to the Twyford Code than meets the eye, and he could find more than the truth about Miss Isles if he’s able to crack it. That is if someone else doesn’t solve it first…or make him disappear, too.

2 tastemaker

Providence Organic Farm’s Bacon Burrito

We think it’s always the right time for a breakfast burrito, especially when it’s jam-packed with the best in local proteins and produce! Enter: Providence Organic Farm and CSA’s famous Bacon Burrito ($12). This warm and savory bite starts with organic potatoes straight from the farm, roasted with cumin and turmeric (and a few secret spices) and topped with sautéed bell pepper, onion, and kale. From there, chefs add farm-fresh scrambled eggs, crisp local bacon, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese before the whole shebang is wrapped in a toasty corn tortilla and served—still steaming—alongside a dollop of homemade salsa. Chorizo and vegan Sweet Potato iterations are also available, and be sure to check out the farm’s authentic Mexican pop-ups on Saturdays. Find Providence Organic Farm at 5695 N M-88 in Central Lake, or online at providence-organic-farm.square.site. (231) 599-2020.

Photo courtesy of Cherry Capital Cycling Club

6 Running for the Horses

Ready for your first fall race? The Peace Ranch Wilderness 5k/10k Run is set for Saturday, Sept. 23, aka the first day of autumn for 2023. The course starts at Peace Ranch on the outskirts of Traverse City and winds through the Pere Marquette Forest. For the non-runners, family activities like cornhole and sack races will be available, as will opportunities for photos with the ranch’s horses. Peace Ranch is a nonprofit organization that provides trauma counseling, mental health, and personal growth services to veterans, children, teens, and families in the form of equine-assisted therapy. 100 percent of race registration fees, donations, and sponsorships go to helping veterans and children in need. Registration is now open online or can be done day-of starting at 7:30am, with the run to follow at 9am. Adult registration is $35; students 11-17, $30; and kids 10 and under are free. (Registration rates go up $5 for day-of sign-ups.) Learn more about what they do and the run at peaceranchtc.com.

Make Your Pet Famous!

Every fall, Northern Express puts together our Pets Issue, which features stories about our beloved furry friends. As part of that issue, we create a collage of pet photos from our readers. We invite you to send us photos of your best bud—cat, dog, horse, parrot, you name it—for a chance to see them featured in our October 23 edition! You can be in the shot with your pet, or they can be the star of the show. Before pressing send, please follow these directions carefully. Your submission will not be accepted if it does not meet our guidelines. 1) Send only one photo per pet. 2) The photo file size must fall between 150KB and 1MB. 3) Photos must be in color, not black and white. 4) Send your photo to info@northernexpress.com with the subject line “Pet Issue Photo” and include your name, your NoMi city of residence, and the name of your pet. We will collect submissions through Oct. 12.

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HOW WE GOT HERE

The National Writers Series is diving into the history of the AR-15, hoping that a deeper understanding of how it polarized America will help us all move forward toward lasting solutions. American Gun explains the impetus in creating the AR-15, why it was invented, and how it became the main gun of choice for mass shooters.

Join NWS on Tuesday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m., in-person at the City Opera House and livestreamed, for a conversation with award-winning Wall Street Journal reporters Cameron McWhirter, Zusha Elinson and guest host Benjamin Busch.

Supported by Bob Giles ‘Matters of Truth’ Author Conversations

It’s no secret that the Boardman Lake Loop Trail in Traverse City is a popular spot for a stroll. And after a summer of busy foot and bike traffic, now’s a perfect time for a trail clean-up. Enter: The St. Clair Butterfly Foundation (SCBF), a national nonprofit dedicated to helping traumatized youth overcome adversity through expressive arts programs and providing trauma-informed training for educators. They’ve partnered up with the TC branch of Home Depot for an event on Saturday, Sept. 23, called Transformation on the Trail: Boardman Lake Clean-Up & Creative Exploration. The community is invited to participate from 10am to 2pm (starting and ending at Hull Park) with options to volunteer for the trail clean-up, participate in creative workshops, and “connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for positive change.” Learn more and RSVP at scbf.org/ events-1/transformation-on-the-trail.

Stuff We Love: Transformation on the Trail bottoms up Shady Lane Cellars’ Blaufränkisch

You know you’ve made it in the wine world when you can pronounce Blaufränkisch without batting an eye or stumbling over a syllable…even after drinking a whole bottle of the stuff. You’ll also feel like you’ve made it when you’re sipping a glass of Shady Lane Cellars’ version on their beautiful outdoor patio, surrounded by the changing leaves of autumn. We love this dry, slightly spicy wine full of tannins, and our artistic instincts predict the deep red of your glass will pair perfectly with those vibrant maple leaves. Shady Lane touts their Blaufränkisch as having “big personality” with layers of blueberry, blackberry, and mulberry fruit. Enjoy with snacks or charcuterie at one of Shady Lane’s Friday Night Live concerts featuring local musicians, recurring now through mid November. Find the Blaufränkisch by the glass, bottle, or in a tasting flight at 9580 E Shady Lane in Suttons Bay or order online at shadylanecellars.com.

Photo courtesy of Shady Lane Cellars

Photo courtesy of TART Trails

SAFE, SECURE, AND FAIR

Enamel pins, stickers, headbands and hair pins, garden art, house plant stakes, apparel, notebooks, journals and more!! We have ALL of the mushroom goods at Moonstruck Gardens!

spectator

By steven Tuttle

Republican loyalists have their reasons for continuing to support Donald Trump.

Vintage Shop Hop Tour

Sept.

It gets even spookier among GOP voters willing to take things one step further. According to polling by The Des Moines Register, 51 percent of Republicans most likely to attend the Iowa caucuses believe Trump actually won, a figure close to that being reported in several national polls.

To believe this requires willful ignorance as there is exactly zero evidence that would result in a Trump victory. But a CBSNews/ YouGov poll might provide some insight into this foolishness. According to their research—and this is pretty alarming—71 percent of Trump voters say they believe what Donald Trump says is true and they trust him more than their own families (63 percent) or religious leaders (42 percent).

This despite the fact that Factcheck.org, Fact Checker, and PolitiFact all say Trump lied at least 30,000 times during his presidency and hasn’t

We heard the most fantastic stories about voter fraud after the Trump loss. Some of it was almost delightfully bizarre, especially this one: A computer program created by a dead South American dictator changed votes when tabulating them all with the help of computer servers at an American military base in Germany. Trump himself made outrageous claims about “thousands” of dead people voting in Georgia and “thousands” of illegal immigrants voting

There was no widespread fraud or corruption in the 2020 elections, facts confirmed by Trump’s own administration. The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security

Agency (CISA) analyzed the election and reported: “There is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes or was in any way compromised. The November 3 election was the most secure

The 2020 election was also likely the most analyzed ever and certainly the most recounted and audited in Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Wisconsin, the so-called swing states.

Here in Michigan, where accusations of elaborate voting machine miscounts were popular among the losing Trump camp, ne County ballots were recounted by hand, voting machines were audited, and 18,000 ballots randomly selected from 1,300 voting jurisdictions were recounted by hand. An additional investigation by Republicanled legislators all found the same thing— there was no widespread fraud, the voting tabulators worked as they were supposed to, and Joe Biden won the state.

Hand recounts and statutory audits also took place in Arizona and found no evidence of fraud. Even a months-long extravaganza of recounting and shuffling and more recounting by a pro-Trump group funded by a pro-Trump legislature found no fraud but did end up actually giving Biden more votes. (There was also no evidence of any illegal immigrants voting.)

Recounts and audits in several precincts in Philadelphia, Fulton County in Georgia (home to Atlanta), in Clark County Nevada (home to Las Vegas), and a full recount in Wisconsin were demanded by the GOPled legislature. No widespread fraud was found, and in the handful of instances where fraud cropped up, about half tried to favor each candidate.

To be fair, there were four instances of dead people voting in Fulton County; two of them were alive when they mailed in their ballots but died before those ballots were tabulated.

The Associated Press did a deep dive in those six disputed swing states—Michigan, Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada—specifically looking for anything that could be considered a fraudulently cast ballot due to the disputed status of the voter, the ballot, or the tabulator. Of the 25 million votes in those six states, they identified 475 instances of what might be considered fraud, and less than half of those, about 230, were even eligible to be prosecuted. None involved widespread or well-organized efforts to impact election results.

Trump and his loyalists are already predicting fraud in the 2024 elections. Like in 2020, that election will be safe, secure and fair. And Trump will lose again.

Located in the Mercato at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

HIGH POINTS CANNABIS

ELEVATING THE MAGIC OF AUTUMN

Have you been interested in cannabis but feel hesitant about where to begin your journey? First, visit your local Dunegrass and chat with your grasstender about all the questions you’ve been waiting to ask! Second, understand that an increase in the variety of cannabis consumption types, other than smoking, is now more available than ever before in Michigan.

The most popular form of consumption would be to eat your THC. We don’t mean your typical brownie or gummy—we mean infused multi-course dinner experiences!

Ashe Lounge & Jacob’s Farm are presenting a farm-to-table cannabis dinner in Traverse City on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 5pm to 8pm. A mindfully curated experience, Camp Ashe at Jacob’s Farm celebrates local cannabis by inviting the cannacurious and cannasseurs alike to enjoy an evening of infusion together. The early evening event offers access to a relaxed, uplifting experience that only cannabis can provide in an unassuming, yet elevated atmosphere.

You’ll savor a four-course farm-to-table meal that can be enjoyed as is or infused based on your comfort level with cannabis. The event will also provide infused mocktails, a dessert bar, live music by local artist Allie Kessel, bonfires, s’mores, camp fun, and community. There will even be late-night festivities at a private residence nearby, with shuttle service available from the residence and campgrounds in the area so that you can relax and enjoy the ride. Scan the QR below for more details about this event, like what’s on the menu and how to save your seat at the table!

Leading with collaboration and community, while taking risks and making an impact, is how Ashe Lounge created space for women to convene, connect, collaborate, and consume freely. By supporting consumption events like this one, we at Dunegrass can uplift the awareness that consumers are looking for safe spaces to engage with plant medicine and the need for these spaces within our communities.

Enjoy a side of cannabis culture that not only is on the rise but also creates a new conversation about the potential our cannabis communities have!

FIRE, HEAT, FLOODING, AND MISINFORMATION

opinion columnist by Cathye Williams

This summer, the towns of Copemish and Grayling experienced dangerous wildfires that threatened life and property and spread smoke and ash around the region. Meanwhile, over 1,000 wildfires threatened Canadians this summer and also exported pollution across the Great Lakes region, laying a thick haze over New York, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, and everywhere in between. Folks were driven indoors by poor air quality at the peak of summer tourism.

We watched fire rage through paradise as the town of Lahaina on Maui burned to the ground. This week, Phoenix hit a record 113 degrees in a year where they have already marked off 55 110-degree days (CBS News, Sept. 2023). Vermont experienced record rainfall and flooding, unrelated to any hurricane, while hurricanes visited the California coast.

As we grow used to this “new abnormal,” severe weather events have increased

under the guise of “opinion” or “editorial” content. In spite of 99 percent of peer-reviewed scientific papers agreeing that the climate crisis is caused by humans burning fossil fuels (IPCC report, 2021) some media outlets still publish letters and forums that call man-made climate change a “hoax” or “conspiracy” and the efforts to mitigate it “scams.”

I ran across a letter not long ago that didn’t deny that climate change is real, but did deny that clean energy could solve it. The writer questioned a State Representative’s vote in favor of renewable energy goals, condescendingly asking, “Where the energy would come from?” when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.

This approach is trickier, because it plants doubts with a question and the falsehood is implied. The writer needn’t prove his case; he only needs to cast doubt on someone else’s. This approach was maddening to me, but mad isn’t going to persuade anyone,

what if these realities drive us to hope and action, rather than despair, denial,

and division?

in magnitude to the point that several insurance companies, including All State and State Farm, are scaling back on home insurance coverage in California and Florida, leaving homeowners without a safety net against fire, wind, and water (NPR, July 2023). From almost any perspective, weather has become a very scary thing. Besides the immediate damage, death, and suffering, we know that these impacts will amplify and spread as we continue to overheat our planet.

Unfortunately, even with this abundance of objective evidence that climate change is wreaking havoc, recent polling by Pew indicates that concerted misinformation and specious attacks on climate scientists are on the rise. This new wave of denialism is likely to fuel division and doubt and could undermine and impede climate solutions and innovations—many of which are already underway.

Such dire realities could drive a person to despair. Despair can be dangerous, leaving you vulnerable to campaigns meant to erode trust in the institutions that work for the common good. But what if these realities drive us to hope and action, rather than despair, denial, and division?

While journalists, essayists, and editors all play a role in maintaining the integrity of the information we share, consumers do, too. We can educate ourselves and politely call BS when we see it and offer another perspective based on well-vetted, verifiable information.

Most papers are doing a decent job reporting on climate change, but it’s disappointing how much misinformation is disseminated

and it gets in the way of restoring trust and respect in public discourse. So I prepared to respond with good information, taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of power generation, transmission, and distribution. In short, I geeked out on the grid.

What I learned geeking out not only helped me create a response based on trustworthy sources of information, it also gave me hope. Because it turns out, Dear Sower of Doubt, that people are working on that “sun don’t shine, wind don’t blow” thing.

I learned about the research and development working to build a clean and stable energy grid at a much faster pace than we ever have. I learned about the advantages of public/private partnerships for collaborating, sharing expertise, leveraging resources, and aligning policy with common goals. I learned about innovations in interconnectivity, storage capacity, and power and transmission siting. Most important to my original mission of fighting misinformation, I learned the importance of integrating “firm” power sources such as geothermal and hydroelectric plants into the grid as a solution to the intermittency question (i.e., when the wind don’t blow and the sun don’t shine).

My next geek dive will be into economics, because something tells me all this grid building is going to create a lot of good jobs. But first, I’ll check the facts.

Cathye Williams serves as volunteer and media liaison for the Grand Traverse and Manistee chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby. She writes from the northern corner of Manistee County.

What’s In Season In September

Farmers share their favorite fall crops

By Al Parker

Eating what’s in season is as old as farming itself.

Before refrigeration and other types of food preservation were common, folks ate whatever was fresh out of their garden or growing on the farm when it was ready to harvest. So seasonal eating is not only chic among foodies—it’s a long-established way to nourish your body and bolster the local economy at the same time.

Taste the Local Difference

“By eating locally grown and made food, Michiganders support regional farmers and businesses, which boosts the local economy, preserves farmland, reduces the carbon footprint of large-scale distribution, and picks produce at its peak nutritional value,” says Tricia Phelps, CEO of Taste the Local Difference (TLD), a local food consulting agency that helps farms build brand awareness, increase revenues, and grow a network. “Plus, it just tastes great!”

From their Traverse City office, TLD also works to educate consumers about the value of local food and how to find local food resources in their communities. One of the first things to consider when eating seasonally is to learn what fruits and veggies are being harvested where you live.

Right now, apples, grapes, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, pumpkins, rutabaga, sweet potatoes, and turnips are in abundance.

“Fresh, local food is packed with flavor, and getting to know the people who grow and produce it is the real treat,” Phelps says.

All of that is to say, if you’re out at a farm market looking for fresh fall veggies, you have a good chance of encountering TLD’s leader on a shopping trip. “This fall, I’ll be eating loads of squash, sweet potatoes, apples, and more,” says Phelps. “I’m a fan of

simple vegetable curries and big batches of soup which we freeze to create lots of variety at home. They have become staples in my family’s fall eating.”

Phelps recommends using TLD’s Find Local Food and Farms directory and exploring seasonal recipes with their Michigan Ingredient Guide—both at localdifference.org. And for more fall food inspiration, Northern Express reached out to some local farms to find out what we should snap up before it’s gone.

The Lively Farm near Burdickville

“The Lively Farm has lots of potatoes in the fall,” says Farm Manager Jane Lively. “We’ve also got lots of basil, onions, carrots, and kale.”

The Lively Farm operates a roadside, self-serve stand at their farm property, at 3805 West Empire Highway. They also set up at farmers markets in Empire, Glen Arbor, and Traverse City. You can even enjoy their produce and flowers in local restaurants like Good Harbor Grill, La Bécasse, and Trattoria Funistrada.

“We will be going to Suttons Bay for a few weeks at the end of September and into October,” says 26-year-old Lively. “And we also have a CSA—a few spots left for our early fall and peak fall shares.”

One of the easiest ways to access local produce is through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, in which consumers receive a box of the freshest veggies on a regular basis. Many northern Michigan farms offer them.

“Popular crops include our lettuce mix and radishes,” says Lively. “We are phasing out of lettuce season on our farm for this season, but we will be back with more next year! You will be able to find it at all the markets. Another favorite of ours are our flower bouquets, which are artfully created by my mother. She is my farm partner who

manages flower production.”

Lively adds that the farm faced challenges with crops this year, namely with pests, though some issues others due to weather, some due to lack of help on the farm. “We are in need of more help for next season,” she tells us. “If anyone is interested in a place to farm in Empire in Leelanau County, we would love to talk.”

Learn more at thelivelyfarm.com.

Bluebird Farm and Market near Empire Michigan natives Austin Weed and Chelsea Loomis met at Northern Michigan University. They’re devoted to growing high-quality vegetables, proteins, and ornamentals, using practices that are additive, holistic, and look beyond a traditional bottom line.

The 30-acre farm’s website offers this description, “Unique, a little quirky and

approachable: a description of us as people and our farm.” At 10750 South Frederickson Road, the farm grows colorful flowers, pastured lambs, winter squash, onions, shallots, beans, cauliflower, kale, tomatoes, Swiss chard, watermelons, and more.

“We sell a lot of watermelons, but they’re on the way out now,” says Weed. “And our dry beans are a fickle mistress—we love them, but they’re seasonal and incredibly popular. Chefs and cooks snap ’em up as soon as we harvest them.”

The farm offers an ever-changing array of current crops online and Weed and Loomis can be found at area farmers markets in Glen Arbor, Traverse City, and Interlochen. Their CSA is already popular with customers in Leelanau, Benzie, and Grand Traverse counties and is growing steadily according to Weed.

Learn more at bluebirdfarmandgardens.com.

Kelly Lively is the flower expert at the Lively Farm. Michigan natives Austin Weed and Chelsea Loomis own and operate Bluebird Farm

Your Fall Restaurant Guide

Six spots to stop for a bite in northern Michigan

By Northern Express Staff & Contributors

The weather may be cooling down, but the culinary scene in northern Michigan is heating up. This summer, we explored six new restaurants, two of which started life as food trucks and built such a following that they expanded into brick and mortar; two others that offered updated concepts in beloved community dining spaces; and the remaining two that created brand-new establishments with fresh ideas and even fresher flavors.

From tacos to burgers, American-style brunch to Southern-style supper, small plates to on-the-go meals, here are the spots we’re recommending this fall.

Fingers Crossed Northport

When Garage Bar owner Bruce Viger finally decided to end his three-decade career in the restaurant business, it was hard on the legions of regulars who loved the Garage. But Viger’s exit was an opportunity for Detroit entrepreneur Dave Kwiatkowski, who already had nine eclectic, high quality bars and restaurants in various neighborhoods throughout the city of Detroit.

Today, the smoothly cool interior of Fingers Crossed seats 52, and the covered patio accommodates another 70. The garage door opens fully to bring the outdoors in, and vice versa.

“It’s sophisticated, but not too sleek,” Kwiatkowski explains. Mirrors and shelving face the 25-foot zinc bar, and zinc-topped tables, stained Michigan cedar walls, and a concrete floor round out the overall vibe. Outside, customers can sit under umbrellas by day and strings of lights at night, where outdoor heaters will take the chill off.

On the Menu

Fingers Crossed serves up fresh South American and Mexican inspired dishes— tacos, nachos, taco salads, and quesadillas— with uncommon flavors, presentation, and sophistication.

Eight taco varieties include the Baja, Carlson’s whitefish in beer batter, with slaw and ginger lime vinaigrette; Smoked Shrimp with avocado puree, lime crema, and cabbage; and the Al Pastor, traditional roast pork shoulder with pineapple, chipotle, and red onion.

Kwiatkowski says the big favorite is the Pork Slider tacos, with house-pulled pork and cherry whiskey BBQ sauce, served with slaw and pickles. Two more “huge sellers,” are the Carne (flank steak) tacos, with grilled shishito pepper, chimichurri, and queso fresco; and the half-pound Wagyu burger, served with pepper jack, roasted poblano, and salsa roja.

Fingers Crossed is also serious about its craft cocktails, taking the idea of top shelf and expanding it exponentially. Of the 10 current choices on the menu, we couldn’t wait to try the House Old Fashioned, made with Long Road bourbon finished in nocino walnut casks, with demerara and root beer bitters; or the Snap Dragon, made with Corazon blanco tequila, raspberry, lime, and Baia Lambo. Trust us: it’s really hard to choose.

Find Fingers Crossed at 108 S. Waukazoo St. in Northport. (231) 281-8940,

@FingersCrossedNP on social media

Glendale Burger Shop Greilickville

Master burgerslingers Bray and Brittney McCabe have always been “into food.” Born and raised in Saginaw, the pair grew up among restaurateurs before putting down roots in Traverse City and falling headlong into hospitality by means of their iconic smash burgers (which Taste of Home magazine dubbed Best Cheeseburger in Michigan).

After four years of food truck life, the two are finally turning on the griddles at their very first brick-and-mortar location, Glendale Burger Shop in Greilickville. The space serves both lunch and dinner and revives the food truck’s most-loved staples—from beer-battered fries to secret sauces—while also allowing the pair to get creative with new menu additions. (Heck, they might even bring back brunch!)

On the Menu

If you’ve never had a Glendale handheld, a “smash burger” refers to a thinner patty that’s been pressed on the griddle a la old-school diners, like Hot ‘n Now or Clyde’s Drive-In. The result is a quicker cooking time—at Glendale, we’re talking five minutes flat—and a tender burger with a crispy-laced edge.

“I’m obsessed with them looking a certain way,” Bray says. “If they don’t have the right crunch, I’m not serving them.”

Of these, the standard is The Temple: a smash burger topped with American cheese, shredded lettuce (“shrettuce” in the menu description), tomato, pickles, onion, and Glendale’s secret Hugo sauce.

The menu also features a handful of sandwiches, including the “not-quite-aclub” Turkey Bacon (ingredients: oven roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, seasoned mayo, and the crunchy addition of kettle chips), as well as a coming-soon special fried chicken sandwich they’ve had on the backburner for a while. For veggie diets, guests can expect a few salads, headlined by a classic Wedge, as well as an Impossible meatball sub, which puts the real thing to shame.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel over here,” Brittney says. “We want to be the kind of place that makes people think, ‘That sounds really good.’ That’s the food we love to make, and if we can elevate it, why not?”

Find Glendale Burger Shop at 13692 S W Bayshore Dr. in Traverse City. (231) 2524200, glendaleburgershop.com

Archie’s Social House Traverse City

Jon and Nick Petrie, Archie’s chef and manager respectively, are the guys behind Archie’s Social House, and their dad, Dave, was the founder of Archie’s Food Truck. The food truck began rolling through northern Michigan in 2018, but there was hope for a more permanent home for the dining concept.

The Petries parked their rolling stock this past May and moved to a permanent location at 237 Lake Ave., just on the edge of downtown Traverse City. (The site was previously occupied by Benedict, and before that, Patisserie Amie—a brunch dynasty, if you will.) Fans of Archie’s Food Truck have made a smooth transition to the Social House, and it’s obvious that customer loyalty is alive and well.

On the Menu

On the breakfast side, griddle items include challah French toast and pancakes, and Belgian waffles are elevated with addons such as strawberries and cream; a Nutella drizzle with wafer bits, hazelnuts, and whipped cream; bananas Foster; or blueberry and lemon curd.

There’s the Cheese Blintz—for breakfast or dessert—filled with sweetened ricotta and then lightly crisped in clarified butter. Build-your-own omelets and eggs Benedict—from the traditional with thick-cut ham, to the inventive—are huge favorites. (Must-trys include the Short Rib Benny with tarragon oil, onion crispies, and poached eggs or the Mushroom Benny made with local mushrooms, bacon, and poached eggs. All versions topped with rich house-made Hollandaise.)

Vegetarians and vegans will like the Avocado Toast with roasted corn, pickled red onions, avocado, and cilantro (cotija cheese optional) on multigrain bread. Or the Tofu Scramble, marinated tofu, spinach, bell pepper, onion and avocado topped with black lava salt.

Food truck fans will be happy to see Chico & the Man, the brand’s avocado black bean burger, with goat cheese, greens, and roasted red bell coulis on a brioche bun. Carnivores should opt for the Brunch Burger, two beefalo patties with bacon and avocado, topped with a fried egg, maple aioli, and onion crispies.

As if that weren’t enough, you’ll find fresh salads, specialty lattes, and daily specials to keep you coming back.

Find Archie’s Social House at 237 Lake Ave. in Traverse City. (231) 421-1900, archiesfresh.com

North Country Kitchen and Bar Suttons

Bay

Over the years, North Country Kitchen and Bar in Suttons Bay (formerly North Country Grill and Pub) has become a favorite among locals and tourists, thanks to its welcoming and rustic vibe and a menu laden with Up North favorites like prime rib and whitefish.

Now, under new ownership, the menu has gone south—in a good way. Thanks to the ambitions of the new proprietor, Matthew Branton, who has roots in the Deep South, and the passions of the new chef, Eric Force, you’ll now find Cajun, Creole, and other Southern fare on the menu.

“There are people who love this place— really love this place. I didn’t want to take away the things that worked,” Force says. “The menu just needed some refreshing … and hopefully people grow to love what we’re doing too.”

On the Menu

How Southern are we talking? Fried Green Tomatoes. Gumbo. Andouille and Crawfish Cakes. Jambalaya. Cajun Walleye. Collard Greens. Grits. Pecan pie…everything you’d expect to find in New Orleans.

Force, who honed his skills at a well-respected Traverse City restaurant, PepeNero, was eager to make his own mark as a chef. His specialty is shrimp and grits, a dish you’ll find in variations all over the South, he says. Force keeps the dish simple but adds his own touch, using white cheddar grits and a Cajun cream sauce with Tasso ham.

Force’s jambalaya has also been a hit with customers. Like other recipes for the dish, he uses Andouille sausage, chicken, and his own combination of spices. He tops each serving with shrimp. Force, however, uses a rare type of rice—Caroline Gold 24, an heirloom rice found primarily in the South.

Cornbread is made in house every day, and a local baker makes pecan pie, a regular dessert feature. The French bread for the po’boy also comes from a local purveyor; as much as possible, Force and his small kitchen staff use local produce and other fare. Green tomatoes come from nearby TLC Farms, and an early summer dessert—strawberry shortcake—used locally grown strawberries.

Find North Country Kitchen and Bar at 420 N St Joseph St. in Suttons Bay. (231) 2715000, northcountrykitchen.com

Yard & Lake Northport

Something’s been blooming on the corner of Northport’s Mill and Third streets, and it’s not just the gardens. Yard & Lake, an eclectic, quirky, wonderfully inventive collection of spaces and experiences, is the result of a four-stage business plan, thoughtfully planned out over the last five years.

Yard & Lake’s journey began with the renovation of the 1,000-square-foot property. Then came their clever logo- and lake-themed boutique. The gift shop is home to many treasures, but our favorite find is Hidden Toys, a store-within-a-store concept for kiddos. Newly opened in June is the Yard & Lake craft cocktail bar and small plates eatery.

The interior, open to the outside with sleek garage-style doors, is flooded with light, tactile surfaces, and modernist décor. Step outside under the beer garden pergola with specially-designed Airstream service bar for American-style al fresco.

On the Menu

The menu has evolved over the summer, highlighting fresh local ingredients: cheese boards featuring Idyll Farms’ chevre and served with locally-sourced accompaniments. Seasonal salads, called Little Jewels, were resplendent with strawberries in early summer, then cherries with almonds, and now blueberries and peaches, all mixed with greens from local growers. Visitors will also find grilled smash burgers and brats served on the patio. Fresh rustic pies, made with Leland fruits, hit the sweet spot.

To supplement the on-site fare, Yard & Lake has teamed with Taqueria Mosqueda every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, starting at noon until evening. The owners, hailing from an area northwest of Mexico City, are purveyors of truly authentic Mexican street food— including the only handmade tortillas on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Craft cocktails, created by TC native Roman Albaugh (owner of The Bartending Co. and co-founder of Audacia Elixirs) are as fresh as can be, with an array of botanicals, including flowers from Yard & Lake’s own gardens. The Y&L Margarita is tequila and lime, of course, but punched up with honey, grapefruit, and orange juice. The Rose Street Martini blends gin with Peychaud’s bitters, Italicus liqueur, sugar, and grapefruit. And the Blueberry Lavender Mojito has garnered high praise on social media. Find Yard & Lake at 215 Mill St. in Northport. yardandlake.com

The Outsider Manistee

After a whirlwind seven-month build, Jon Faber’s debut eatery, The Outsider, opened its garage-style doors in late July and combines carry-out handhelds with al fresco dining and a round or two of old-school pinball.

Nestled at the corner of Manistee’s high-traffic River and Water streets, The Outsider offers a landmark entry point for those heading into town from the west. It also lies on the western edge of the city’s spanking new social district, The Stee (established 2021), which allows patrons at participating businesses to carry and consume alcohol outside.

Faber was inspired by the property’s proximity to Manistee’s local amenities—notably, the Municipal Marina and park, which are just a few minutes away by foot—as well as by the recent uptick in efforts to rehabilitate and maintain those spaces.

“There’s incredible infrastructure [in place],” he says. “We thought that if we could highlight these amenities and [offer] food in a fun, family-focused way, that could be a winning idea.”

On the Menu

The Outsider experience begins by building a meal around one of two entrees: The burger ($9), which Faber describes as an American cheese melt, comprises two housegrilled smash-burger patties (or sub a sweet potato version), shredded lettuce, beefsteak tomato, and the eatery’s signature smoky aioli.

An entrée-sized salad is also available ($7), with romaine and leafy greens, shredded cheddar, chunky tomato, and house croutons. The salad can be personalized with a choice of six dressings, as well as add-ons like proteins (don’t miss the falafel!), cheeses, and a myriad of fresh-cut veggies.

Now for the fun part: the sides. There are, of course, the usual suspects—including seasoned fries, kettle chips, and a small salad—but you can also go all out with thick-cut onion rings, cauliflower nuggets, or nostalgic desserts like custard and funnel cake.

To make the most of its mainstay flavors, The Outsider has also devised a third menu category, which is designed to feature seasonal plates (the specifics of which are still in the works) like locally-sourced hot dogs and brats for summer, as well as built-to-travel “messy bowls” ($8) that reimagine standard ingredients as toppings for crispy falafel and fries. Find The Outsider at 457 River Street in Manistee. (231) 299-1235; outsidermanistee.com

David Sedaris

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

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Walk of Shame

"It's just a biohazard issue," the pilot told air traffic control. And indeed, the Delta Airlines Airbus A350 was forced to return to Atlanta after two hours in the air on Sept. 1 after a passenger suffered an "onboard medical emergency": uncontrollable diarrhea that left the entire length of the aisle covered in fecal matter. The Guardian reported that passengers said the flight crew did everything they could to clean up the mess, including spraying it with scented disinfectant. But that merely made the cabin "smell of vanilla s--t," one traveler said. Back in Atlanta, passengers, including the afflicted traveler, waited eight hours for the plane to be cleaned up and the aisle carpet to be replaced, then reboarded and were on their way to Barcelona -- again.

Bright Idea

A 38-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman have been arrested in the central Shanxi province of China, China Daily reported, for digging a shortcut through the Great Wall of China. Local police were alerted to the damage on Aug. 24 and followed tracks from an excavator back to the suspects, who explained that they needed the shortcut to get back and forth to their construction jobs. The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has reportedly been "damaged beyond repair." The two were charged with destroying a cultural relic.

Awesome!

Tennessean Tami Manis is going to see her name in the 2024 edition of the "Guinness World Records" book after 34 years of hard work ... not getting haircuts. United Press International reported on Aug. 31 that Manis' mullet, measured at 5 feet, 8 inches long, earned her the prize in the female competitive mullet category. She had not cut the "party in the back" section of her hair since Feb. 9, 1990. "I've had people recognize me from 20 years ago because I've kept the same hairstyle," she said. "This is amazing."

What Could Go Wrong?

Frick and Riverview Parks in Pittsburgh have a problem: The deer population has grown to the point that the animals are dangerous to themselves and humans, Fox News reported. "With no natural predators, we are seeing an increase in car-deer collisions, relentless damage to our ecosystem and unnatural aggression toward pets and people," the city's website reads. What to do? The city is going to randomly pick 30 archers to participate in "a pilot program with archery-controlled hunts ... during the 2023-2024 deer archery season," the city announced. Hopeful hunters will be part of a lottery system, and final participants must have a clean background check and a deer permit. In addition, "the selected archers will be required to attend an accuracy test" and will be confined to a specific area of the park to hunt. Those who kill more than two deer in their area will be given preference for subsequent seasons, according to the city. Keep that orange vest handy.

Least Competent Criminal

Nicholas Coffey, 23, couldn't resist bragging on social media about his "new" Mercedes-Benz on Sept. 2, which made it easier for cops to track him down, Fox News reported. Coffey and an accomplice used the stolen car to break into other vehicles on Deltona, Florida, residential streets during the early morning hours, then stopped at a

gas station, where Coffey was captured on surveillance video. Volusia County detectives caught up with him the following morning and arrested him on multiple charges.

Clothing Optional

The Chicago Park District just couldn't let the city's nudists have a little fun on Labor Day. Early that morning, someone posted a sign at Loyola Beach along Lake Michigan declaring "Nude Beach Past This Sign," WLSTV reported. But, alderman Maria Hadden scolded, the sign was unofficial and "cheeky," and workers had it removed by that evening. Hadden did share that in 1932, alderman George A. Williston proposed a resolution to create a nude sunbathing beach in the same location. Great minds ...

Inexplicable

Patrick Spina IV, 45, of Absecon, New Jersey, is facing criminal mischief charges after a bizarre series of stunts starting in June, WPVITV reported. After the Quality Inn in Galloway Township was targeted about a dozen times with a bright green dye launched into its outdoor pool by a drone, Sandra Woolston, the general manager, said she "had a meltdown" because the pool was largely unusable. In August, police got a call about a similar incident from a resident who was swimming in his pool when the dye was cast. The sea dye, normally used in search and rescue efforts, is damaging to swimming pools. Police got in touch with the FAA and learned the drone was operated by Spina. Detectives could not supply a motive but said they believed he was "pranking people." "He was getting too happy with doing it," Woolston said.

That's One Way To Do It

A woman in China's Fuzhou City is facing a prison sentence of three years and a $27,000 fine after she chewed her way to a new iPhone at an Apple store. According to the South China Morning Post, the woman, surnamed Qiu, entered the store and made a beeline to the phone display. She was seen on surveillance video examining an iPhone 14 (worth about $950), then looking around to make sure no one was watching. Then she put the anti-theft cable in her mouth and chewed through it, secured the phone in her bag and left the store. Store employees noticed the severed cable and contacted police, who were able to track Qiu and arrest her at her home. She told them she planned to buy an iPhone but balked at the price and decided to steal one instead.

Crime Report

Xuming Li, 36, a Ph.D. candidate in the University of South Florida's chemistry department, has been charged with multiple counts of battery, aggravated stalking and possession of a controlled substance after he targeted his neighbors, The New York Times reported on Aug. 27. Umar Abdullah, who lived above Li in a Tampa Bay condominium building, first started smelling a chemical odor in May. He believed it caused his family to experience breathing difficulties and burning eyes. For nearly a year, Li had "complained about footsteps. He complained about door closing sounds," Abdullah said. The chemical odor came back in June, so Abdullah installed a hidden camera pointed at his front door, which captured Li on June 27 "injecting something" at the entrance. Preliminary testing showed the substances to be methadone and hydrocodone. Li was released on bond and will appear in court in December.

LOCALS’ SUMMER

How four locals are planning to spend the window between the summer rush and cool fall weather

By Brighid Driscoll

Take a breath, northern Michiganders. We made it.

Labor Day weekend may mark the end of summer for many, but it’s only the beginning of Locals’ Summer for those lucky enough to live here year-round. The weather is still favorable for outdoor activities, your favorite bar or restaurant just got easier to get into, and…is that a good parking spot open?

While we love our friends from out of town coming to visit, we’re grateful for less hectic days and time to drink in all of the things we didn't do enough of over the last few months. Northern Express talked to some friendly local faces around town to see how they’ll enjoy their second wind of summertime.

Joel Beckham

Bartender at The Parlor in Traverse City

“[I’ll be] working,” Beckham initially answers with a grin. He’s the creator behind lots of your favorite Parlor cocktails, and the summer was filled with serving plenty of them. As the season shifts, Beckham plans on playing with more cocktail recipes— try the BitterSweet or Cherry Chapstick cocktails—with his free work time.

Off the clock, he’s looking forward to getting outdoors. “I’m going to be disc golfing

at Hickory Hills. It’s a nice way to spend time outside with friends. Some fun nature trails in that area are really great to explore.”

Indeed, the course at Hickory Hills is loved by avid disc golfers all over the state for its varied terrain, seclusion in nature, and elevation levels. Not a frolfer? Beckham recommends exploring the hiking trails at Hickory instead. Wander through hills, meadows, and woodlands on the unpaved trail system. This local go-to is located on Traverse City’s West side at 2000 Randolph St.

Seeking a few other disc golfing spots? Try Log Lake County Park and Campground in Kalkaska, Wild Haven Disc Golf Resort in Manton, Mt. McSauba Recreation Area in Charlevoix, or St. Ambrose Cellars in Beulah. (The latter comes with the bonus of being on-site at the meadery!)

Miles Prendergast

Musician from Jack Pine

“Definitely travel,” says Prendergast of his shoulder season plans. After a summer

booked with performing shows throughout the region, Jack Pine has some studio time planned for new music being released next year, but in between, Prendergast looks forward to having some downtime.

“I’ll head out and infiltrate other towns. Most of the time, it’s camping or backpacking. I like the cooler weather coupled with knowing there’s imminent change on the way.”

Need some fall-ish camping inspiration? With sites along the Boardman River, Sheck’s

The view from Hickory Hills.

To God Be The Glory

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14

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Place is a relaxing place to camp close to the comforts of Traverse City. Relax in a camp chair with a cold (or warm) drink, a book, and soothing sounds from the flowing Boardman. Petoskey State Park is also a great option, steeped in lush woodlands and in close proximity to Lake Michigan for a last dip before September comes to a close.

And last but not least, the Platte River Campground in Honor, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, offers its stunning views well after the crowds are gone. Pro tip: Platte will be closed for the month of May in 2024 due to some necessary updates, so reservations won’t be available until June 2024. Make this extra fall time count!

Welcoming New Patients for In-person & Telehealth Visits

With each passing summer, downtown Traverse City seems to grow livelier. This summer was no exception. With the return of the first Friday Night since 2019, paired with other favorite events like the Street Sale, Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market, and lots more, Derenzy and the DDA team have had their hands full.

“Now that the busy summer season is over, I like to reconnect with downtown merchants,” says Derenzy. “It’s a little easier to linger in all the unique shops and restaurants downtown offers. It also means our office is hard at work on planning for our fall and winter events.”

231-633-9393

Dr.

As far as downtown TC highlights go for the next few weeks, the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market runs through Oct. 29, offering plenty of time to enjoy the fall harvest. And the Michigan vs. Michigan State tailgate will be hosted outside at the Rotary Square on the corner of Union and

State on October 21. The game will be on a projector, with snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Brighid Driscoll writer at Northern Express

What are we looking forward to here at Northern Express? Beach time. The hot weather is mostly gone, but that’s not the only way to enjoy some time on the sand. If you can’t work on your tan while devouring that final beach read—our favorite way to spend an afternoon—opt for rock hunting instead. Van’s Beach in Leland is known for being a great place to spot Leland Blue stones, and Maple Bay Beach is a mecca for gorgeous finds, including our region’s calling card: the Petoskey Stone.

And speaking of Petoskey, the folks up at Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts—the go-to for when you can’t find stones of your own— have some handy tips on their website for finding Michigan’s hidden gems. That includes bringing a scooping device like a ladle, slotted spoon, or sand dipper to save your back; wearing dishwashing gloves to keep your hands dry and warm; and opting for a hat instead of sunglasses on a bright day, since it’s harder to catch those elusive rock patterns from behind your lenses.

But their best advice for this time of year?

“The best time to find rocks is during or after wild weather, when the wind has turned over the floor of Lake Michigan in crashing waves. Rockhounds head out on rainy days because the rocks are wet, and the beaches are empty. The best hunting seasons are spring (when the ice begins to recede to reveal the rocks brought to shore over the winter) and the fall (when the gales of November come early!).”

Locals’ Summer is all about doing what you love in the place you call home. And we’re happy that ours is northern Michigan.

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Jean Derenzy CEO of Traverse City’s Downtown Development Authority

Last year's rivalry tailgate in downtown Traverse City.

The World Is Her…Lobster?

Restaurateur Kat Steinbrecher introduces fourth Gaylord eatery: Kane’s Lobster Pot & Bourbon Bar

By Greg Tasker

If you’ve checked out Gaylord’s dining scene lately, you’ve likely eaten at one of Kat Steinbrecher’s popular family of restaurants.

There’s Mary’s Stein Haus, offering German and American fare. Porter Haus, with a menu featuring steaks, burgers, and seafood. Abi’s Bistro, open for breakfast and lunch. And now there’s Kane’s Lobster Pot & Bourbon Bar.

Kane’s comes after her success in those other ventures across town. Steinbrecher got her start in the local restaurant scene, first working as busser and hostess at what is now the Otsego Club. From there, she took on jobs as server, bartender, and bar manager at various restaurants, including the Pink Pony on Mackinac Island.

Three years after taking on a part-time job at Mary’s Tavern, a local landmark that opened after Prohibition, Steinbrecher purchased the bar, her first business venture. She was 29 and a single mother with two children.

“It was just a tavern, a shot and beer bar—there was no food,” Steinbrecher says. “We brought in a panini machine … we’d nuke White Castle burgers late at night and have pizza brought in. We were busy.”

Several years later, she bought the Stampede Saloon, a place where she had once worked. “I thought it was a great place. It was a great location, and I always thought it had a lot of potential,” she says.

The revamped business opened as Porter Haus in July 2017. The expansive restaurant has an Up North vibe, with light natural wood as decor, sports on TVs, and a menu loaded with tourist staples such as burgers, steaks, and seafood. Located across from Otsego Lake, the restaurant’s patio is a big draw in the summer, pushing seating to about 150. The eatery is also popular with snowmobilers in the winter.

Steinbrecher met Jason Cole in 2019, and he left his business to help her out as Porter Haus started to grow. He remodeled and built Mary’s Stein Haus and Abi’s Bistro

(named after their four-year-old daughter). After pivoting during the pandemic, Steinbrecher decided to rename and revamp Mary’s Tavern as a German-themed restaurant, offering Beef Sauerbraten and Schweinshaxe, among other German staples.

And then New Orleans came calling.

The Restaurant

Steinbrecher’s latest venture opened in July and offers an impressive menu of New Orleans-inspired fare and one of the best bourbon selections around.

Named after her two-year-old son, Kane’s is housed in the former Bearded Dogg Lounge, which closed in 2018 after a nearly 10-year run. Steinbrecher also purchased a neighboring building, Old Spud Warehouse, once a popular retail store selling furniture and home decor, and adjacent lots.

With kitchen and other infrastructure in place, the conversion to a full-service restaurant with Cajun and Creole fare was easy. “We painted the walls the colors of New

Orleans. We had a company print murals of alligators and bourbon barrels and added swamp decor,” Steinbrecher says, crediting the former Old Spud owners, Candi and Larry Edwards, for their help in the revamp. Candi provided decorative insight and Larry gave his carpentry skills. “We turned it over in a couple of weeks.”

Steinbrecher did her own research to create the Big Easy-influenced menu, gathering some tips from Bryant Bells, the culinary chef at Gordon Foods (and originally from New Orleans), and her own staff, many of whom have been with her culinary enterprises for years. She has about 70 employees.

While many of the dishes are traditional, Steinbrecher added her own touches. Standouts include Pork Belly Bites, Jambalaya, Shrimp and Grits, Crawfish Boil, and Maine Lobster. “The lobster is shipped in overnight. If we don’t get it overnight, we don’t accept it,” she says, adding that’s only happened once.

The dessert selection leans Southern as

well, with bourbon pecan pie, peach cobbler, and bread pudding among the offerings.

The Bourbon

Including a top-notch selection of bourbon was a no-brainer for the restaurant.

“Bourbon is America’s greatest spirit, and it’s really made a comeback. … We wanted to explore and make drinks [for] people like us, who may say, ‘Well, I don’t like bourbon,’ but can walk away saying ‘I just had the best

bourbon drink.’ We have many drinks that include bourbon for bourbon and nonbourbon drinkers alike,” she says.

The bourbon selection includes familiar brands such as Buffalo Trace, Angel’s Envy, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Colonel Taylor, Weller, and no less than three hard-to-find Pappy Van Winkle bourbons on the shelf.

Kane’s also offers customers an unusual option for their cocktails. They can smoke their own drinks (a technique usually left to

bartenders). “It’s a lot of fun. Try smoking a gin and tonic. Once you do, you’ll know what you’ve been missing,” Steinbrecher says

The Next Adventure

Now with four restaurants under her belt, don’t think the 43-year-old Steinbrecher has exhausted her entrepreneurial spirit.

Her upcoming plans include a concept for the Old Spud Warehouse, which sits next to Kane’s. Although Steinbrecher would have

loved for the retail space to have remained, the “amazing location has so much history to sit quiet for long.” She’s looking to work with local vendors to provide a unique dining and shopping experience in the space.

One venture, an Italian bistro, will be open by the end of the month. The bistro will have just six tables and offer breadsticks, salads, and a build-your-own pasta bar. The name has not yet been decided but son Cameron, 22, is a good bet for the

inspiration. She’s also looking to use another son’s name—Brendan—at some point.

“I promise you can watch us continue to grow. We have themes in mind for Halloween, the fall, and Christmas,” she says. “We want to partner with locally owned retail stores to have pop-up shops. We’re creating a whole experience … just watch out for that.”

For her entrepreneurial success, Steinbrecher was recognized by the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau as

the recipient of the 2022 Trailblazer Award, selected for her innovative remodels of empty buildings to create unique and memorable dining experiences.

“Dining is a vital aspect of travel and experiencing locally owned, distinctive cuisine is a priority for many guests,” Paul Beachnau, bureau executive director, said in a statement. “Kat has not only breathed new life into empty buildings, but she also gives them a creative flair that is especially

appealing to visitors.”

“This was a huge honor,” Steinbrecher says. “I was born and raised here and there were many times I thought about leaving … but I loved growing up here and I love watching all the changes and I want to be a part of that.

“I love that Gaylord is staying unique—

fundraiser for the Otsego Community Foundation. “I sat in a room with so many empowering women … it was a huge honor,” she says. When she spoke to that group, she shared, “If I can do it, anyone can do it. There will be times you feel like you’ve failed, but you will get back up and

Find Kane’s Lobster Pot & Bourbon Bar at

By Karl Klockars

September and October bring some of our favorite things to northern Michigan. Fall colors. Hunting season. Halloween candy. Sweater weather. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about one of the best parts of autumn: the return of Oktoberfest beers.

Despite the name, the original Munich Oktoberfest traditionally kicks off in September (having started on the 16th this year), and even though pumpkin beers used to reign supreme, fall has recently become the domain of the malty, sweet Oktoberfest brews that dominate menus for a couple months each year.

We reached out to a few leading TC-area brewers to find out what makes a great Oktoberfest beer…and what their autumn party plans look like.

Andrew Kidwell-Brix, Earthen Ales

With regular events like Small Batch Sunday and Two-Wheel Tuesday, plus bigger celebrations like their recent Shark Week Plus Beer, you might think Oktoberfest could be an afterthought for Earthen Ales.

Wrong: They’ve produced an Oktoberfest each fall for as long as the brewery has been open, meaning “this will be the seventh,” according to owner Andrew KidwellBrix. Their traditional Marzen-style beer hasn’t seen a ton of changes over the years, though this year they’re skewing even more authentic than usual.

“We’ve always done German malts; that’s always been important to us and gives us such a big flavor component to the style,” Kidwell-Brix says. “But this year, we are using German-grown hops as well.” (This is in contrast to the locally-grown European-style hops like Tettnang and Hallertau that were available in previous years.)

What makes up a good Oktoberfest at Earthen Ales? “For me, it has to have a rich malt flavor. We don’t like a whole lot of caramel in ours; you won’t find any caramel malts in the recipe, so it’s probably on the drier side. Even though we don’t serve it by the liter, we want it to be a beer that you could consume by the liter,” Kidwell-Brix explains.

Earthen Ales will also hold a Fall Fest with a variety of lagers, plus other continentalstyle beers alongside the O’fest. “It’s usually one of the last good opportunities to spend time outside before Halloween comes in,” Kidwell-Brix says. “The snow is not usually too far behind.” (Good thing Oktoberfests pair well with wintry days as well!)

It’s not really a secret, but there’s a lesser-known truth about Oktoberfest beers: There are actually two kinds of them. The more common style in America is the Marzen; traditionally a stronger, darker, and sweeter beer. The more modern “festbier” is the style actually sold at today’s Oktoberfest, which is lighter, brighter, and easier to drink one liter at a time. Which makes it pretty cool for Silver Spruce to produce two kinds of Oktoberfest each year.

Stuhr’s experience making Oktoberfest goes back before the birth of Silver Spruce, when he was a brewer in Asheville. “I’ve always made some form of an Oktoberfest. Where I was most recently, we had a GABF gold-medal winning Oktoberfest, so we definitely brewed that a lot,” he says.

Silver Spruce focuses mainly on lager styles and wood- or foeder-aged beers, “so Oktoberfest is right in our wheelhouse,” Stuhr explains.

Both of Silver Spruce’s Oktoberfests are as true to style as Scott can make them. “All our malt is imported from Germany; we use German hops, German lager yeasts and we give it a lot of time,” he says, ”We take it very seriously; it’s 100 percent by the book.”

That dedication to genuine German-ness pays off. “It’s probably our most popular beer. When the time comes that we have Oktoberfest out, it outsells everything,” Stuhr says.

Both of his Oktoberfests are out now, following a Sept. 16 party which featured other German style lagers, special food menu items, and live polka music for some extra gemütlichkeit.

Scott Stuhr, Silver Spruce Brewing

Joel Mulder, MiddleCoast Brewing Company

MiddleCoast also makes two different seasonal options for Oktoberfest, but as owner Joel Mulder explains it, they’ve opted to go beyond tradition for one of theirs.

The first brew is a classic Marzen using traditional Vienna and Munich malts, “and it’s brewed in a way to really highlight the malt with a lot of toasted malty flavor in there,” he says. The other is a bit different. “One we flavor with a little bit of pumpkin, so it’s a pumpkin Marzen.”

That brew came around following a lot of requests for a pumpkin beer, but it’s not your classic cinnamon-clove pumpkin spiced latte beer.

“We actually made a pumpkin beer that highlights the Marzen aspect of it,” Mulder explains. “We use a pumpkin natural flavoring—an essence of pumpkin. We do add some of the spices to let you know it’s pumpkin, but we definitely didn’t want to do one of those ‘pastry beers’ that just gets so sweet,” he says. “It’s quite lovely. It’s the only pumpkin beer that I’ll drink and go, like, ‘Ooh, that’s a good pumpkin beer.’”

Those beers and many others will be on display at the MiddleCoast annual Oktoberfest party, which will be indoors this year as opposed to previous years extravaganzas in an outdoor tent. Expect additional German styles like dunkels and pilsner alongside seasonal fare like bratwurst and sauerkraut plus live music. All of this is in the space that MiddleCoast now owns outright, and with their new brewstillery status, you can expect to see extensions of their Benevolent Spirits line of more high-proof options as well.

Brian Richards, North Peak Brewing

While North Peak’s annual packaged Oktoberfest, Dauntless, rolls out of their production facility in downstate Dexter, Brian Richards is hard at work crafting his own locallybrewed option to have on hand at the Front Street brewpub as well. Richards, who joined North Peak in 2019, cut his teeth in Marquette as head brewer at Cognition Brewing after spending some time at Blackrocks Brewing.

He’s been dialing in his Oktoberfest recipe for the better part of the past decade, and like many others, defines a good Marzen by its maltiness.

“It’s just gotta have a strong malt backbone with a little bit of the suggestion of a light sort of toffee note underlying in the background. Just enough hop character to keep the malt sweetness at bay, just to give it a nice balance but not provide bitterness,” he says.

That love of malt could carry that beer through other parts of the year as well, he says. “I love Marzen in general, so it wouldn’t be uncommon to see me just have a Marzen on the menu, not even as an Oktoberfest.”

North Peak is planning on having a robust series of dishes available during their autumn celebration including things like currywurst, sauerbraten, wienerschnitzel, and other delights. Expect to pair Richards’ true-to-style Marzen alongside it. “I try to just nail the style—I’m super traditional,” he says. “This is the one time of year where you want to have that one beer that you can always depend on to just taste like an Oktoberfest.”

James Warren, Workshop Brewing

Workshop Brewing has been refining its Oktoberfest since its debut in the mid2010s, and the beer has always been a big hit both in front of the bar and in the brewhouse.

“Something about this time of year just makes me and many others want to reach for something a little more malty,” says head brewer James Warren. That said, if you like a brew on the slightly lighter side, their popular Tap & Die seasonal release skews “more towards the festbier moniker,” Warren says. “The goal is to create something supremely sessionable while still being interesting enough to make you want to have more than one.”

This year’s brew comes with a change in malt providers (to the new and sustainable Proximity Malts), and for a beer that Warren describes as “a celebration of malt,” that’s no small adjustment. The 2023 batch is a bit more approachable on the ABV front as well. “We have also lowered the alcohol content on this year’s rendition, hoping to make the beer even more sessionable,” Warren says.

Their Tap & Die is out now, and they’re releasing a new batch of their Slater’s Axe German pilsner as well. Want something a little bit more exotic? Head to their new location, Kingsley Local Brewing, for a special version of that pilsner aged in an Ethanology gin barrel. No package options for these, either: “These will be on draft until they’re gone, so best to stop in when you next get a chance,” Warren warns.

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CHERRY ON TOP NAAN

Serves 4

Sweet, salty, creamy, fluffy goodness all on one plate.

Pickles Ingredients

•1 cucumber, thinly sliced

•1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

•2 tablespoons sugar

•1/2 teaspoon sea salt

•3/4 cup apple cider vinegar

•3/4 cup water

Tomatoes Ingredients

•1 pint cherry tomatoes

•2 tablespoons olive oil

•1/2 teaspoon sea salt

•1/2 teaspoon pepper

Naan Ingredients

•1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

•1/4 cup water

•2 cups flour

•2 teaspoons baking powder

•1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Hummus Ingredients

•2 15-oz. cans of chickpeas

•Generous 1/3 cup tahini

•1/3 cup lemon juice

•3 garlic cloves, minced

•1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt

•3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Pickles: Combine all ingredients in a shallow bowl in the order listed. Chill at least 30 minutes.

Tomatoes: Toss all ingredients together. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for one hour. (Very juicy tomatoes will get less char but will still have sweet, concentrated flavor.)

Naan: In a large bowl, mix yogurt and water. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead until the sides of the bowl are clean. Cover and let rest 15 minutes. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Divide dough into four balls. Working one at a time, press into an 8-inch circle. Place in a hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until there are brown spots on the first side. Flip and cook the other side. Repeat with remaining balls. Keep wrapped in a towel until ready to serve.

Hummus: Measure out 3/4 cup of the chickpea water, drain the rest. Add to a blender, along with the drained chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Blend until smooth. Add salt and oil. Blend again until smooth.

To assemble, divide naan on four plates. Spread a thick layer of hummus on each piece (there will be extra). Arrange on top cucumbers, onions, then tomatoes. If desired, crumble on some feta cheese.

Nora Rae Pearl is 99 percent foodie and 1 percent chef. When she is not writing about food, she can be found waiting in line at the farmers market hoping to get a croissant before they run out.

lOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you buy a bag of popcorn and cook it in your microwave oven, there are usually kernels at the bottom that fail to pop. As tasty as your snack is, you may still may feel cheated by the duds. I will be bold and predict that you won’t have to deal with such duds in the near future—not in your popcorn bags and not in any other area of your life, either literally or metaphorically. You’re due for a series of experiences that are complete and thorough and fully bloomed.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): My favorite creativity teacher is author Roger von Oech. He produced the Creative Whack Pack, a card deck with prompts to stimulate imaginative thinking. I decided to draw one such card for your use in the coming weeks. It’s titled EXAGGERATE. Here's its advice: "Imagine a joke so funny you can't stop laughing for a month. Paper stronger than steel. An apple the size of a hotel. A jet engine quieter than a moth beating its wings. A home-cooked dinner for 25,000 people. Try exaggerating your idea. What if it were a thousand times bigger, louder, stronger, faster, and brighter?” (PS: It's a favorable time for you to entertain brainstorms and heartstorms and soulstorms. For best results, EXAGGERATE!)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): "These are the bad facts," says author Fran Lebowitz. "Men have much easier lives than women. Men have the advantage. So do white people. So do rich people. So do beautiful people." Do you agree, Virgo? do. I'm not rich or beautiful, but I'm a white man, and I have received enormous advantages because of it. What about you? Now is a good time to tally any unearned blessings you have benefited from, give thanks for them, and atone by offering help to people who have obtained fewer favors. And if you have not received many advantages, the coming months will be an excellent time to ask for and even demand more.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Writer George Bernard Shaw observed that new ideas and novel perspectives "often appear first as jokes and fancies, then as blasphemies and treason, then as questions open to discussion, and finally as established truths." As you strive to get people to consider fresh approaches, Sagittarius, I advise you to skip the "blasphemies and treason" stage. If you proceed with compassion and good humor, you can go directly from "jokes and fancies" to "questions open to discussion." But one way or another, please be a leader who initiates shifts in your favorite groups and organizations. Shake things up with panache and good humor.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Novelist and astrologer Forrest E. Fickling researched which signs are the worst and best in various activities. He discovered that Capricorns are the hardest workers, as well as the most efficient. They get a lot done, and they are expeditious about it. I suspect you will be at the peak of your ability to express these Capricornian strengths in the coming weeks. Here’s a bonus: You will also be at the height of your power to enjoy your work and be extra likely to produce good work. Take maximum advantage of this grace period!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The British band Oasis has sold over 95 million records. The first song they ever released was "Supersonic." Guitarist Noel Gallagher wrote most of its music and lyrics in half an hour while the rest of the band was eating Chinese take-out food. I suspect you will have that kind of agile, succinct, matterof-fact creativity in the coming days. If you are wise, you will channel it into dreaming up solutions for two of your current dilemmas. This is one time when life should be easer and more efficient than usual.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): "When sex is really, really good," writes Piscean novelist Geoff Nicholson, "I feel as though I’m disappearing, being pulverized, so that I’m nothing, just particles of debris, smog, soot, and skin floating through the air." Hmmmm. I guess that's one version of wonderful sex. And if you want it, you can have it

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in abundance during the coming weeks. But I encourage you to explore other kinds of wonderful sex, as well—like the kind that makes you feel like a genius animal or a gorgeous storm or a super-powered deity.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): So it begins: the Building and Nurturing Togetherness phase of your astrological cycle. The next eight weeks will bring excellent opportunities to shed bad relationship habits and grow good new ones. Let’s get you in the mood with some suggestions from intimacy counselors Mary D. Esselman and Elizabeth Ash Vélez: "No matter how long you’ve been together or how well you think you know each other, you still need to romance your partner, especially in stability. Don’t run off and get an extreme makeover or buy into the red-roses-and-champagne bit. Instead, try being kind, receptive, and respectful. Show your partner, often and in whatever tender, goofy way you both understand, that their heart is your home."

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): From May 2023 to May 2024, the planets Jupiter and Uranus have been and will be in Taurus. suspect that many Taurus revolutionaries will be born during this time. And yes, Tauruses can be revolutionaries. Here's a list of some prominent rebel Bulls: Karl Marx, Malcolm X, activist Kathleen Cleaver, lesbian feminist author Adrienne Rich, Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh, artist Salvador Dali, playwright Lorraine Hansberry, and dancer Martha Graham. All were wildly original innovators who left a bold mark on their cultures. May their examples inspire you to clarify and deepen the uniquely stirring impact you would like to make, Taurus.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini writer Joe Hill believes the only fight that matters is "the struggle to take the world’s chaos and make it mean something." can think of many other fights that matter, too, but Hill’s choice is a good one that can be both interesting and rewarding. I especially recommend it to you in the coming weeks, Gemini. You are poised at a threshold that promises substantial breakthroughs in your ongoing wrangles with confusion, ambiguity, and enigma. My blessings go with you as you wade into the evocative challenges.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Author Crescent Dragonwagon has written over 50 books, so we might conclude she has no problem expressing herself fully. But a character in one of her novels says the following: "I don’t know exactly what I mean by 'hold something back,' except that I do it. I don’t know what the 'something' is. It’s some part that’s a mystery, maybe even to me. I feel it may be my essence or what I am deep down under all the layers. But if I don’t know what it is, how can I give it or share it with someone even if I wanted to?" I bring these thoughts to your attention, Cancerian, because believe the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to overcome your own inclination to "hold something back."

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In her book

Undercurrents: A Life Beneath the Surface, psychologist and author Martha Manning says she is more likely to experience epiphanies in "grocery stores and laundromats, rather than in the more traditional places of reverence and prayer." She marvels that "it's in the most ordinary aspects of life" that she is "offered glimpses of the extraordinary." During these breakthrough moments, "the baseline about what is good and important in my life changes." suspect you will be in a similar groove during the coming weeks, Leo. Are you ready to find the sacred in the mundane? Are you willing to shed your expectations of how magic occurs so you will be receptive to it when it arrives unexpectedly?

After Years of Bad Customer Behavior, Are Things Finally Getting Better for Local Restaurants and Bars? The answer is…yes and no

By Craig Manning

Good vibes.

For Gary Jonas, those two words encapsulate what the summer of 2023 was like at The Little Fleet, the popular food truck lot and bar he owns and operates in downtown Traverse City.

It shouldn’t feel like a miracle to hear anyone describe a summer that way. After all, what screams “good vibes” more than summertime in a beautiful beach town?

In recent summers, though, the good vibes have been in short supply at local restaurants and bars. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, something seems to have snapped in people’s brains, and rudeness has been the lingua franca of summertime customers.

An Epidemic of Bad Behavior

Take Jonas and The Little Fleet: In the spring of 2021, while participating in a restaurant roundtable organized by Northern Express sister publication the Traverse City Business News, Jonas spoke in detail about the (very bad) customer behavior The Little Fleet had dealt with during summer 2020.

“Where do I start with The Little Fleet?” Jonas said. “I would say, out of all places downtown, it seems like we took the brunt of it this summer. Maybe it’s the number of people that came through here. Maybe it’s the type of person that came through here. I don’t know. But it was rough. We tried to take it really seriously and make sure everybody had masks on all the time. And we got hassled. There was the rolling

of the eyes, there was the yelling, there was the getting our faces, there was the spitting in our faces, there was a gun flash. It was brutal.”

Masks and other COVID precautions were perhaps the main sticking point among customers during that first pandemic summer, but even as mask rules loosened

the Short’s post read. “We will ALWAYS have our staff’s backs so don’t be a jerk. And secondly: Good things take time. If you come here during the busiest time of the year, you’re going to wait. Period.”

These instances and others have prompted a big question: What are customers so mad about?

“I would say, in general, the tone and the mood seems to be greatly improved,” says Short’s founder and owner Joe Short.

“Even as a baseline, you’re still going to get those rando a**holes or people that are just never pleased. But in our pub meetings, I haven’t had any comments or discussions about unruly guests. I think that’s a good indication of how much better things were this summer.”

and then went away entirely during the summers of 2021 and 2022, local businesses didn’t get a reprieve from badly-behaved customers.

Last summer, for instance, Charlevoix’s now-shuttered East Park Tavern made national news when it closed early on a Saturday during the town’s annual Venetian Festival in July, citing excessive “mistreatment of our servers” from “rude,” “arrogant,” and “cocky” out-of-town customers.

That same month, Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire took to social media to address similar issues. “First and foremost: We will not tolerate this negative behavior,”

The answers vary. Sometimes, it’s a long wait for a table. Other times, it’s a short-staffed bar where getting a drink takes longer than expected. Occasionally, it’s an establishment not having hours of operation that suit a customer’s needs.

While all these things would cause frustration in customers even before the pandemic, though, the consensus from local businesses has been that patrons have been meaner, less patient, and more belligerent in recent summers.

Better Days?

But have we turned a corner? According to Jonas, The Little Fleet had “little to no

issues with customers this summer,” and he’s not the only person in the local service industry with that takeaway.

“I would say, in general, the tone and the mood seems to be greatly improved,” says Short’s founder and owner Joe Short. “Even as a baseline, you’re still going get those rando a**holes or people that are just never pleased. But in our pub meetings, I haven’t had any comments or discussions about unruly guests. I think that’s a good indication of how much better things were this summer.”

Short points to a few factors that might have made this summer more harmonious at the Short’s pub in Bellaire. For one thing, the business was well-staffed, with the kitchen in particular operating more efficiently than it has in years. For another, a new Short’s-owned beer garden across the street from the pub offered a spot for customers to keep themselves occupied while they waited for tables.

“The average wait time for us in the summer is about an hour, so it really helped having the beer garden,” Short says. “You go into the pub, get your name on the list, and then you can go across the street to the beer garden, get a drink, watch some live music, maybe grab some tacos from Osorio to take the edge off. The stuff that normally makes waiting for an hour miserable, we were able to shave some of those layers off with the beer garden.”

There were still incidents here and there. On the Fourth of July, for instance, Short says his wife Leah—who runs the kitchen at the Bellaire pub—had to diffuse a situation with an irate customer who was

up in arms after having waited less than half an hour for a food order.

“Leah was running food out to a table and happened to come upon the party, who had gone up to the counter to ask for their money back because the food was taking too long,” Short says. “And Leah told them, ‘This took 27 minutes, on the Fourth of July, for your party of six or seven people. Nobody’s going to give you food any faster than us tonight.’ She was a wizard, and really just shut [the confrontation] down.”

Even if those memories stick out in retrospect, though, Short says the summer of 2023 was encouraging overall, and he’s hopeful that future summers will continue the trend.

“It feels like we’re rounding the corner back toward being good humans,” he says. The New Kids on the Block

One obvious question is whether customers were actually behaving well during the summer of 2023, or if they were just behaving better, in comparison to the past few years.

To answer that question, we reached out to two restaurants that had their freshman summers this year: Loco Boys Brewing in downtown Traverse City, which opened in February; and Glendale Burger Shop in Leelanau County, which got its start in July.

“Overall customer behavior was an A, which I am super happy to report,” says Mike Mohrhardt, owner of Loco Boys.

Mohrhardt credits a substantial “signage presence” in the brewery for helping curb customer frustrations. “With our business model, we found that having signage everywhere really helped our customers understand everything from seating and how to order, to making them aware of the different spice levels on our menu. When our staff weren’t able to greet customers right away, the signage really helped them figure out what to do.”

At Glendale Burger Shop, owners Bray and Brittney McCabe report a similar “allaround positive experience” with customers this summer. The two owners were surprised by that outcome, as they went through some tricky summers while running their food truck—Glendale Ave.—at The Little Fleet from 2019 to 2022. Despite expanding to a bigger (and busier) brick-and-mortar restaurant, the McCabes say they had fewer issues with their clientele this summer.

“Customers seem to have a little more patience and understanding at our brickand-mortar versus the food truck,” the McCabes say.

A Long Way Yet to Go

Despite those positive takeaways from

summer 2023, the customer behavior problem isn’t fixed just yet.

So says Lauretta Reiss, owner and chef at Small Batch at the Cupola. That business—a bakery, restaurant, and caterer in Harbor Springs—spoke up on social media last summer about racist and bigoted behavior from customers. (“We had customers that used the N-word,” Reiss tells Northern Express, explaining that Small Batch employs several J-1 visa workers from Jamaica in the summer months.)

Reflecting on the summer of 2023, Reiss says what her business experienced this summer was the opposite of “good vibes.”

“Our customers crossed boundaries far too often,” she says. “I think a certain segment of customers conflate ‘service’ with ‘servitude,’ and we experienced a lot of that this summer. Some people were downright abusive to our staff.”

In Reiss’s view, the speed of modern life has created rampant entitlement and impatience in some people, “because of how quickly you can have anything at your fingertips.” Younger customers, especially, she says, “aren’t used to hearing that something is going to take a little more time.” The business model at Small Batch isn’t built for speed, which can lead to problems with customers who want instant gratification.

“We make everything from scratch,” Reiss says. “We’ll never open a can or use a microwave. We don’t do things like that. It’s done old school, and that’s how we think it should be done. If you’re not willing to wait, go to a drive thru.”

On one occasion this summer, Reiss says she had a customer barge into the Small Batch kitchen to complain about a long wait for food. “It’s something that has never happened to me personally,” Reiss notes. “To have someone come into my kitchen and get in my face when I was cooking over six burners? I couldn’t believe it.”

That customer ended up taking her food to go, but made a scene “screaming in the dining room” before leaving, and then called the restaurant later to complain more. “And then after we had closed, one of my line cooks was across the street and saw that same woman and her husband come to the door [of Small Batch] and try to get in,” Reiss adds. “We had already left, but I’m really not sure what would have happened had somebody been here.”

Potentially dangerous situations like that are why Reiss is happy to see the summer go.

“We’re looking forward to a calm fall,” she sighs. “For every rude person, we have 1,000 nice people, but those bad interactions really stick with you.”

saturday

PADDLE ANTRIM FESTIVAL: The Paddle Antrim Festival runs Sept. 14-16 & celebrates the amazing waterways & communities of northern Michigan. It includes a two-day paddle event through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. You may go anywhere from 7 miles to all 42 miles. Today is paddler check-in at 6:45am at Ohio Street Launch, safety brief, launch & Final Bash. paddleantrim.com/festival

TAP INTO THE TRAILS 10K/5K: 8am, 115 Backus St., Cheboygan. The 5K & 10K will explore how easy it is to access the North Central State Trail from downtown Cheboygan for a fairly flat course on both pavement & crushed limestone. $50; $40. runsignup. com/Race/MI/Cheboygan/TapintotheTrails

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AFSP OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK: 9am, Clinch Park, TC. Join AFSP-Michigan Chapter to walk for suicide prevention. Community partners will promote services throughout the region & there will be fun activities for all ages. Free. afsp.org/TraverseCity

UPPER MANISTEE RIVER CLEAN UP: 9am-1pm, DNR Boat Launch on M-72. Join Kalkaska Conservation District staff & Boardman River Clean Sweep volunteers to get the Manistee River cleaned of trash from the M-72 Landing (across the street from Shel-Haven Canoe Rental) to Yellow Trees. District staff will assist with shuttling boats & vehicles. Please bring your own boat & supplies to be comfortable on the river. To RSVP or with questions call the KCD office at 231258-3307. kalkaskaconservation.org/events/ seprivercleanup

ALL ARE WELCOME DAY 2023: 10am-7pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Enjoy activities like working together to make a banner, color a crown, build a snack, have fun with friends, make new friends, story time with Princess Jessilynn throughout the day & more. Free. mcleanandeakin.com/ event/all-are-welcome-day-2023

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ART IN THE BARN: 10am-5pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey. Held in front of & inside the Big Barn. Shop from 40 juried makers. $3; free 2nd day admission. daniellesblueribbonevents.com

FRIENDS OF THE LELAND TOWNSHIP

PUBLIC LIBRARY POP-UP BOOK SALE: 10am-2pm, Leland Township Library, Leland. Fill a bag for $10. lelandlibrary.org

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GREAT LAKES STRONGEST MAN/

GREAT LAKES FITTEST: 10am, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. Enjoy watching the strongest women & men compete. Great Lakes Strongest Man qualifies podium finishers for United States Strongman Nationals 2024. They are also hosting the Men & Women’s Pro Qualifying Classes, which offers a chance at a PAID Pro Contract with USS. In addition, there will be a CrossFit sanctioned event that will host 33 teams of 3 competitors. Spectator tickets are $10. ironpodium.com/browse/event/great-lakesstrongest-man-v

LEELANAU MARITIME HISTORY FESTIVAL: 10am-3pm, Leelanau Historical Museum, Leland. Enjoy lighthouse & ship models, maritime demonstrations, & displays. Featuring the 18th annual live exhibit “Wood Boats on the Wall.” Stroll the boardwalk along the museum to view classic wooden boats from around the region. Chris-Craft, Century, Garwood & other vintage water crafts will

be present with their captains for viewing & questions. Live music starts at 1pm by Billy & The Kid. Bring a lawn chair/blanket. Donations are welcome. Free. leelanauhistory. org/maritime-history-festival

WRITING THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

ESSAY: 10am-noon, Interlochen Public Library. A writing workshop for high school students with writing coach Molly Moynahan. 231-276-6767.

PAWS AT THE LIBRARY DAY: Traverse Area District Library, TC. Family story time: 11am; “potential pet” visitors: 12-2pm; How to pick a pet class: 2pm; & info on shelter pets in need of a loving home. There will also be a donation box all week for Cherryland Humane Society wish list items. Free. tadl. org/events

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28TH ANNUAL TASTE OF HARBOR

SPRINGS: Noon-3pm, Harbor Springs waterfront. Enjoy tastes from participating restaurants with your admission ticket; drink tickets for beer & wine are separate. $35 before Sept. 11; $50 after Sept. 11. harborspringschamber.com/events/details/28thannual-taste-of-harbor-springs-2023-12412

TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS 3AMERICAN GOLD CUP: Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg, Sept. 13-17. traversecityhorseshows.com/events

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TC TRAINING CAMP: NHL PROSPECT

TOURNAMENT: Centre Ice Arena, TC. 3:30pm: Detroit vs. Columbus. $15/day. centreice.org/drwtickets

BAYSIDE TRAVELLERS CONTRA

DANCE: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, TC. Beginner Workshop, 7pm; dances, 7:3010:30pm. Lone Pine Sound will provide live music for dancing. Ken Gall will provide calling for both workshop & dances. No dance experience or partner is necessary. Donations only. dancetc.com

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SAIL AWAY SUMMER WITH MANITOU

WINDS: 7pm, Oliver Art Center, Beck Gallery, Frankfort. Evocative music intertwines with imaginative short stories, legends, & poetry. This program of traditional works & originals bridges classical, Celtic, & folk styles, interspersed with spoken word. $36 members; $40 non-members. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

ATP PRESENTS THE 39 STEPS & OTHER TALES: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, Schmuckal Theatre, TC. Enjoy Senior Reader’s Theatre for an evening of suspense & laughter. Three pieces will be read: “The 39 Steps,” “Time Flies,” & “Mere Mortals.” Free will donation; no ticket necessary. oldtownplayhouse.com/aged-to-perfection/performances/the-39-steps-and-other-tales.html

HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO: 8pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. One of the most original forces in contemporary dance, bringing top choreographers & works to Chicago & beyond for 45 years. $5 - $127. greatlakescfa.org/events/ detail/hubbard-street-dance-chicago

sunday

IRONMAN 70.3 MICHIGAN: 7:50am, Frankfort. Swim 1.2 miles, starting right next to the transition area on Betsie Bay at Open Space Park. Bike 56 miles with the course traveling along highway M-22 & surrounding roads in Benzie County. The 13.1-mile run is made up of two out & back loops that will take place

The Dirty Des at Dusk Run is only part of the MoMITT Endurance Festival held at The Village at GT Commons on The Piazza, TC on Sept. 22-23. As you line up with Boston Marathon champion and 2 time Olympian Des Linden at 7pm, also remember to enjoy the North Peak Beer Garden, Left Foot Charley Wine Garden, food trucks and more! Friday’s festivities run from 6-10pm. Saturday will feature the MoMITT Rodeo Ride at 9am. This gravel-road epic race is for cyclists and riders of all levels. Sign up for either the Black course (100 miles) or the Blue course (55 miles). The Festival runs from 9am-6pm on Sat. momittendurance.com

on paved trails & roads around Betsie Bay, between Frankfort & Elberta. ironman.com/ im703-michigan

PFLAG MANISTEE MONTHLY MEETING: 1-2:30pm, First Congregational United Church of Christ Manistee. Honor & celebrate retiring board members whose combined efforts have educated & empowered the LGBTQ+ community & the people who love them.

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ART IN THE BARN: (See Sat., Sept. 16)

BEND & BREW YOGA: 11am-noon, Kingsley Local Brewing. Held with instructor Nicole Mathiasz. Free.

TC TRAINING CAMP: NHL PROSPECT

TOURNAMENT: Centre Ice Arena, TC. 11am: Columbus vs. Dallas. 2pm: Toronto vs. Detroit. $15/day. centreice.org/drwtickets

TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS 3AMERICAN GOLD CUP: (See Sat., Sept. 16)

ICA BEE YARD EVENT: 1-3pm, R.B. Annis Botanical Lab & Community Garden Pavilion, Interlochen. This apiary houses several honeybee hives that help to pollinate the fruits & vegetables growing at Interlochen’s R.B. Annis Botanical Lab & Community Garden. Connect with other local bee keepers or bring the family to learn more about both native pollinators & honeybees. Enjoy a honey spinning hands-on demonstration, scav-

enger hunt, learning about different parts of the hive, visiting bees, meeting Interlochen’s beekeepers, & more. Registration required. Free. events.blackthorn.io/en/A0Jp5f6/g/ mj5bZ75tHg/sustainability-and-nature-lecture-series-bee-yard-grand-opening-5a2u4w90cc9/cart-v2

PORCHFEST 2023: 1-5pm, TC. Hosted by the Traverse City Central Neighborhood Association. Showcasing musicians playing on porches throughout the neighborhood, from 5th Street to 13th Street, PorchFest is an outdoor family event made possible by the donations of time & talent of many local musicians. Featuring A.S. Lutes, John Richard Paul, Kewdi, Unkle Blue, Ken b 6 guitars, Pug Loop, Larz Cabot, Nick & Rokko & Friends, & more. Free. tcporchfest.org

ATP PRESENTS THE 39 STEPS & OTHER TALES: (See Sat., Sept. 16, except today’s time is 2pm.)

BENZIE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S GRAVESTONE MAINTENANCE TRAINING SESSION: 2pm, Weldon Township Cemetary. The Benzie Area Historical Society is offering this program with historian Jane Purkis to train volunteers in the correct methods of cleaning cemetery gravestones. Bring a cleaning kit: bucket, gallon or two of water, stiff natural brush, stiff sponge, old toothbrush, trowel, trash bag, & plastic or wood scraper. 231-882-5539. Free. benziemuseum.org/2023/05/25/2023-headstonecleaning-schedule

be lasting

MOZART & BRUCKNER WITH THE TSO: 3pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Maestro Kevin Rhodes will conduct a performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, accompanied by guest pianist Claire Huangci. Following the concerto is Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, “Romantic,” celebrated for its grandeur & emotional depth. $25.50 - $61.50. traversesymphony.org/concert/mozart-bruckner

monday

PRESCHOOL ADVENTURES IN ART: 9:3010:15am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Classroom, TC. Young artists will have an opportunity to engage in themed activities while exploring various art methods. Early registration encouraged to save your spot. $5. crookedtree.org/class/ ctac-traverse-city/preschool-adventures-artseptember-18

KID’S CRAFT LAB: FALL FOREST: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Tape up a whole forest & then sponge paint all of the colors of autumn. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org

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DR. JACOB ATEM, LOST BOY OF SUDAN: 6-8pm, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse, TC. This presentation by Dr. Jacob Atem brings to life his harrowing experience fleeing from Arab militias as a young child across 2,000 miles of African wilderness, his good fortune to be fostered as a teen in Michigan after living in a Kenyan refugee camp for 9 years, & his determination to make a difference for the people of Southern Sudan by co-founding the Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization. Free. docs.google.com/document/d/1DMevPFgH TOTNCcpyDtG71Xb91vsiee92so8MHInrg 7U/edit?usp=sharing

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POETRY OUT LOUD: 7-9pm, Poetess and Stranger, 445 E. Mitchell Street, Unit A, downtown Petoskey. Participants are invited to bring original poetry or prose to read; 3 minutes max per turn. $5 cover or a haiku about money. poetessandstranger.com

SLABTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION FALL MEETING: 7pm, Traverse Bay United Methodist Church, TC. To receive ongoing info, contact: slabtown.sna@gmail. com. Free. traversecitysna.org

tuesday

GUEST NIGHT – CHERRY CAPITAL MEN’S CHORUS: 6:30pm, The Presbyterian Church of TC, 701 Westminster Rd. Singers wanted! Experience the thrill of ringing chords in fourpart harmony. Free. cherrycapitalchorus.org

STORYTIME ADVENTURES: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Featuring “Red, Red, Red” by Valeri Gorbachev. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org

VOTING RIGHTS: IMPLEMENTATION OF PROP 2: Noon, Traverse Area District Library, TC. The LWVGTA will present a program describing the new voting rights adopted under Proposal 2, which was passed by a majority of Michigan voters in Nov. 2022. Mackenzie Walz, a Voting Rights Legal Fellow for Promote the Vote, will describe the enhanced voting rights. Free. lwvgta.org

MICROPLASTICS IN THE GREAT LAKES: 1pm, Leland Township Public Library, Leland. Heather Smith, Grand Traverse Bay waterkeeper at The Watershed Center, will discuss the fate of plastics in our water, the threat they pose to humans & wildlife, & ways in which we can all be part of the plastic pollution solution. Free. lelandlibrary.org

TECH TUESDAY: 3pm, Leland Township Public Library, Leland. For those who would like to use the library’s digital resources like e-books & audiobooks but don’t know where to start, or who have questions about the Libby app. Free. lelandlibrary.org

MAKE IT BENZIE - CHAMBER OFF THE CLOCK NETWORKING: 5-7pm, Lake Ann Brewing Co. Sponsored by Honor Bank & Cherryland Grocery. Enjoy light barbecue fare, music, libations, & an update on Chamber operations. Register. $5. business.benzie.org/events/details/benzie-area-chamberoff-the-clock-event-16855

PUBLIC FILM SCREENING: “ELI: A DOG IN PRISON”: 6-9pm, The Alluvion, TC. An unlikely friendship forms across racial lines when three prisoners are tasked with raising Eli, an unruly Labrador puppy, to become a highly-disciplined guide dog for the blind. Donation. thealluvion.org

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SELMA - FREE MOVIE & VOTER EDUCATION: 6:30pm, State Theatre, TC. Shown to encourage voter activism with voter education provided in the lobby before & after the film. Learn how the passage of Prop 2 in 2022 changed how & where we can vote. Free. stateandbijou.org

“AMERICAN GUN: THE TRUE STORY OF THE AR-15” WITH AUTHORS CAMERON MCWHIRTER & ZUSHA ELINSON: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Presented by the National Writers Series. Featuring guest host Benjamin Busch. Students: $10. cityoperahouse.org/node/530 ----------------------

CONSTITUTION WEEK: 7pm, Leelanau Township Library, Northport. Learn what the US Constitution says, as well as the Bill of Rights. Discussion led by members of the Job Winslow Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Free.

GRAND TRAVERSE HIKING CLUBSEPT. MEETING: 7pm, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Denise DeKett will give a presentation about karsts in Michigan & the Fiborn Preserve & Quarry near Trout Lake in the UP. Free. facebook.com/ events/3161577294135001

QUEER TALES BOOK CLUB: HIJAB BUTCH BLUES: 7pm, Traverse Area District Library, Nelson Room, TC. Chat about books that are by &/or about LGBTQIA+ people. This month’s book is “Hijab Butch Blues” by Lamya H. Get it through TADL or MeLCat. Free. tadl.org/node/7279

SWEETWATER EVENING GARDEN CLUB

MEETING & SPEAKER: 7pm, Acme Township Hall, Williamsburg. Featuring Garden Club member Margery Breit who will cover “Sowing Winter Seeds for Summer Plants.” 938-9611. Free.

wednesday

RAILROAD POINT INVASIVE SPECIES ID HIKE: 10am-noon, Railroad Point Natural Area, Frankfort. Join ISN Coordinator Audrey on a hike through the Railroad Point Natural Area. Learn to identify com-

mon invasive species. This trail does include an uphill portion that may be strenuous. Free. habitatmatters.org/events.html

OPEN STUDIO/CREATIVE HOUR: 3:304:30pm, Arts for All of Northern Michigan, 1485 Barlow St., TC. With Val. For all ages. RSVP: info@artsforallnMI.org. Free. form. jotform.com/232255263094151

AFTERNOON CHILL WITH THE CHAMBER: 4-6pm, Harbor Springs Area Chamber office, 118 E. Main St., Harbor Springs. Enjoy appetizers & beverages, learn about a new business, & find out what’s happening around town. Free. harborspringschamber. com/events/details/chillin-with-the-chamberoffice-2023-09-20-2023-12128

LAUGHS AT THE LIBRARY WITH TILT

THINK IMPROV: 6:30pm, Leland Township Public Library, Leland. No two shows are ever the same. Experience the fun & mayhem as they mash-up improv & literature. Held in back of the library on the river if the weather cooperates; otherwise held in Munnecke Room. Bring a chair or blanket. Free. lelandlibrary.org/programs-events

PREPARING FOR A BIG PROJECT: 6:308pm, The Leelanau County Government Center, Suttons Bay. Identifying when “we need help!?” & implementing an escrow policy. Featuring Claire Karner, AICP, East Bay Township director of planning & zoning, & Mary Reilly, AICP, Michigan State University Extension. RSVP: 231-256-9812. Free. ----------------------

PETOSKEY FILM SERIES: 7pm, Carnegie Building, Petoskey. Featuring “Dr. Strangelove.” Free; donations welcome.

thursday

DETROIT RED WINGS

TRAINING CAMP: PRACTICE: 8:30am, Centre Ice Arena, TC. $20. centreice. org/drwtickets

NMCAA’S LAUNDRY PROJECT: 8:3011:30am, TC Laundry, Garfield Plaza, TC. Free laundry service for those in need. Call 947-3780 with questions.

PRESCHOOL ADVENTURES IN ART: (See Mon., Sept. 18) ----------------------

COFFEE @ 10: “ARTS AND APARTHEID”: 10-11am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. How Collaboration Opens Conversation & Inspires Community. Discussion leader: Rachel Sytsma-Reed, Next Gen director, Great Lakes Center for the Arts. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ coffee-10-arts-and-apartheid-rachel-e-sytsma-reed-phd

KID’S CRAFT LAB: FALL FOREST: (See Mon., Sept. 18)

HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK: SOLD OUT: Sept. 21-24. Includes movies, a luncheon, book & bag readings, presentations & much more. hsfotb. org/2023-schedule

EAST JORDAN BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-6:30pm, City Hall, EJ Historical Museum, East Jordan. Free for Chamber members; $10 not-yet members.

DMC DANCE PARTY: PRIDE EDITION: 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Welcoming Hawk Owls back to campus with a joyful celebration of pride. Dance, enjoy snacks, & view art at this 18+ friendly event. One drink ticket provided with your reserva-

tion. $0-$5. simpletix.com/e/dmc-dance-party-pride-edition-tickets-138392

21ST ANNUAL C.S. LEWIS FESTIVAL: 7:30pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Today features the Manthei Keynote Address with Dr. Jerry Root: “C.S. Lewis and the Nature of Friendship.” Free, but ticket required. greatlakescfa.org/events/ detail/cs-lewis-and-the-nature-of-friendship

friday

DETROIT RED WINGS

TRAINING CAMP: PRACTICE: 8:30am, Centre Ice Arena, TC. $20. centreice. org/drwtickets

MORE TO EXPLORE: MAKIN’ MUSIC: 9:30am, noon & 2:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Experiment with the Museum’s collection of rhythm band instruments. greatlakeskids.org

STORYTIME: 10:30am, Leland Township Public Library, Leland. Stories & more for young people aged 0-6 & their caregivers. Free. lelandlibrary.org/programs-events

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PRESENTATION: Noon, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Fiber artist Susan Moran will use her Glen Arbor Arts Center residency to begin a body of work specifically inspired by Leelanau County. Using photographs & sketches of mosses, fungi, & rock surfaces, Moran plans to create a series of hand-dyed, printed & stitched textile collages. Free. glenarborart.org/eventspage/events-all

HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK: SOLD OUT: (See Thurs., Sept. 21)

21ST ANNUAL C.S. LEWIS FESTIVAL: 4pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Today features the Murder Mystery Dinner. Based on a yet-to-be-disclosed Lord Peter Wimsey story by English crime writer Dorothy L. Sayers. The event includes a predinner cocktail, a seated dinner, & the murder mystery hosted by Inspector Jim Russell of Murder Mystery, Inc. $75. cslewisfestival. org/2023-murder-mystery-dinner

BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: Sept. 22-24. Hot air balloon flights, Night Glows, family fun, artisan market & more. Schedule of events can be found online. Free. bayharbor.com/event-detail/balloons-over-bay-harbor-7/?glm_event_from=2023-09-22

ART IN THE BARN: Stone’s Throw Studio, 4872 N. Long Lake Dr., TC. A pop up show & sale featuring local painters: Lori Feldpausch, Lauren Everett Finn, Margie Guyot, Jessica Kovan, Wendy McWhorter, Mark Mehaffey, & Pam Spicer. An opening reception will be held tonight from 6-8pm.

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TC GERMANFEST 2023: 6-10:30pm, Trinity Lutheran Church & School, TC. “An Evening in Bavaria.” Enjoy lots of Gemütlicheit; from German edibles to singing, dancing, & the Bavarian atmosphere under the tent. Live music by Tommy Schober and the Sorgenbrecher Band. Enjoy German appetizers (brats, German potato salad, kraut, rye bread, Braunschweiger spread, beer cheese & more) with beer & wine offerings - imported Hofbräu beer & German white & red wines. Ages 21+. Benefits Trinity Lutheran School. $45. mynorthtickets.com/events/tc-germanfest-2023-9-22-2023

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THE MOMITT ENDURANCE FESTIVAL:

Presented By:

Celebrating our 23rd Season

July 25 through August 3, 2024

Tickets available @ store.biccenter.org/tickets

Tickets available April 1 @ store.bicenter.org/tickets

Complete Festival Information: baroqueonbeaver.org

Foot Charley Wine Garden, food trucks, & running & biking events. Sept. 22: The Dirty Des at Dusk Run: 7pm. Line up with Boston marathon champion & 2 time Olympian, Des Linden. Runners & spectators can also sign up for the VIP tunnel experience under the historic State Hospital. Sept. 23: The MoMITT Rodeo Ride: 9am. An American gravelroad epic, this race is for cyclists & riders of all stripes. Sign up for either the Black course (100 miles), or the Blue course (55 miles). momittendurance.com

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS FORUM: CAN DEMOCRACY WIN THE CYBERWARS?:

6:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Featuring Alexander Evans, Ph.D., Professor of Public Policy at the London School of Economics, former Cyber Director for the British Prime Minister. 6:30pm program; 5:30pm reception. $15 in-person ticket; $10 online livestream; free to current students & educators. tciaf.com/ event-sept-2023 ----------------------

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC: WSG PATRICE

RUSHEN: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. Grammy-nominated jazz pianist & R&B singer Patrice Rushen hosts this evening of music as Interlochen Arts Academy’s singer-songwriter & jazz combo students take the stage. Rushen is best known for her 1982 single “Forget Me Nots.” $24 adult; $19 child through college. interlochen.org/events/contemporary-musicspecial-guest-patrice-rushen-2023-09-22

RHUBARBARY HOUSE CONCERT: LAUREL PREMO: 7:30pm, 3550 Five Mile Creek Rd., Harbor Springs. Laurel is known for her rhythmically deep & rapt delivery of roots music, voiced on finger-style electric guitar, lap steel, fiddle, & voice. She is internationally known from her duo Red Tail Ring. dalescottmusic.com/dale-scott-calendar

saturday

BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: (See Fri., Sept. 22)

PEACE RANCH WILDERNESS 5K/10K RUN: The run starts at Peace Ranch, TC & winds through the hard-pack sand roads of the Pere Marquette Forest. Family fun activities such as cornhole, sack races, & road-apple toss will be available during & after the run, including photo opportunities with the horses. The event serves as a fundraiser to help those in need benefit from the mental health services at Peace Ranch. Registration & swag pick-up begins at 7:30am & the run begins at 9am. $40/ adult. peaceranchtc.com

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38TH ANNUAL LEELANAU HARVEST TOUR: 8am, Herman Park, Suttons Bay. Presented by the Cherry Capital Cycling Club, this scenic bike tour features 20, 40, 64 & 100 mile routes. All the routes start by riding on the scenic Leelanau Trail, free from motorized traffic. Following the tour, cyclists will enjoy a lunch at Herman Park. $65; $35 for ages 12 & under. cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org/LHT#registration

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BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL RUN: 13.1, 10K, 5K & 1 MILE: 8am, Webber Sports Complex (ballfield), Thompsonville. All courses are out & back on the Betsie Valley Trail. northmittenevents.com/events

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21ST ANNUAL C.S. LEWIS FESTIVAL: 8:30am-3pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Today features Saturday Seminar: “Writing and Friendship with C.S.

Lewis.” Discussions with Dr. Jerry Root, Don W. King, & Wayne Martindale. Continental breakfast & lunch provided. $50 full day; $30 half day; $20 student fee. cslewisfestival. org/2023-saturday-registration

DETROIT RED WINGS TRAINING CAMP: PRACTICE: 8:30am, Centre Ice Arena, TC. $20, $30. centreice.org/drwtickets

FALL STREAM MONITORING: 9am-1pm, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Volunteers of all ages can join the staff of Grass River Natural area to collect data for the biannual stream monitoring program. Teams will be collecting macroinvertebrates (creek “bugs”) at three sites & then will return to the Grass River Center to sort through their critter samples. Please bring hip waders if you have them. grassriver.org

THE MOMITT ENDURANCE FESTIVAL: (See Fri., Sept. 22, except today’s hours are 9am-6pm.)

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ANNUAL JEWELRY, GEM, FOSSIL, ROCK & MINERAL SHOW: 10am-5pm, Cherryland VFW Post 2780, TC. Sponsored by the Grand Traverse Area Rock & Mineral Club. Featuring a special area for young rock hounds, lapidary creations, jewelry, gems, minerals, & more. $2 donation; 12 & under, free. tcrockhounds.com

ART FAIR: 10am-4pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Presented by the Friends of PCL. 231-223-7700.

ART IN THE BARN: (See Fri., Sept. 22, except today’s hours are 10am-2pm.)

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COLORS BY THE LAKE: 10am-5pm, Village Green Park, Walloon Lake. Featuring ceramics, CBD products, accessories/clothing, digital art, drawing, fiber, jewelry & much more. daniellesblueribbonevents.com

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IPR’S KIDS COMMUTE LIVE! WSG SIX MILE STRINGS: 10am, Dennos Museum Center, Sculpture Court, NMC, TC. Classical IPR host Kate Botello will lead this rhythmthemed matinee featuring Six Mile Strings. Pre-concert activities will feature a Percussion Petting Zoo in the Dutmers Theatre, a rhythm themed art activity in the Discovery Gallery, & a guided experience with the Sound Wall. A to-go snack will be available for attendees following the performance. Free. simpletix.com/e/iprs-kids-commutelive-with-special-guest-tickets-138609

NATIONAL ALPACA FARM DAY: 10am, Rainbow Valley Family Farms, TC. Attendees will get an opportunity to pet, feed, & take photos with the alpacas. They will learn about these inquisitive, unique animals & the luxury fiber they produce. Free. rainbowvalleyfamilyfarms.com

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NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EVENT WITH ISEA: 10am-noon, Oryana/TART Trails lot, TC. Inland Seas Education Association will be leading this cleanup in partnership with the Great Lakes Educators of Aquatic & Marine Sciences. Remove refuse before it reaches the beach. Registration is encouraged. Park in the Oryana/TART Trails lot for a brief orientation. The group will gather again at noon to tally the total weight of collected items & to dispose of the waste. 231-271-3077, ext. 106. Free. forms.gle/sWYjx7jUiqYEhFo48

TRANSFORMATION ON THE TRAIL: 10am-2pm, Hull Park, Boardman Lake Trail, TC. Help clean up the trail &/or connect with local organizations & explore the healing power of expressive arts. Visit scbf.org/ support-us to volunteer.

IDENTIFY & EXPLORE WILD PLANTS: 10:30am, Whiting Park, Boyne City. Join herbalist Sierra LaRose of Bear Earth Herbals for a walk in the park to identify & explore wild plants & their edible & medicinal values. Meet at the green building. Call 231-5827040 to reserve your spot.

NCMC ATHLETICS HOST 2023 TIMBERWOLVES ATHLETIC RALLY: 11:30am-1pm, outside the NCMC Student & Community Resource Center, Petoskey. Music by Tim’s DJ Service, cookout fare, two bounce houses, face painting, yard games, raffle prizes, & a meet-and-greet with Timberwolf studentathletes. The first 50 attendees will also receive free entry into the Timberwolves’ 1pm volleyball game vs. Delta College. Free. ncmich.edu

K-9 COUNTRY CARNIVAL: 2-5pm, Great Lakes Humane Society, TC. Cake walk, kissing booth, fortune reading, hayrides, & plenty of dogs ready for adoption. Proceeds benefit the Great Lakes Humane Society.

CADILLAC’S CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL: 3pm, Cadillac Commons. Live music by Adam Joynt, Crosscut Kings, & The Gasoline Gypsies, cornhole tournament, & 23 brewers, including Short’s Brewing, Grand Traverse Distillery, The Mitten Brewing Co., Cheboygan Brewing Co., & many more. GA: $30 online pre-sale; $35 at door. Includes 5 5 oz. pours. VIP tickets: $65 online pre-sale; $75 at door. Includes GA + geek t-shirt, & 10 additional tasting tickets. Designated driver tickets: $10 at gate. cadillaccraftbeerfest.com

HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK: SOLD OUT: (See Thurs., Sept. 21)

“WOMEN COMPOSERS NIGHT” CONCERT: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. A Celebration of Musical Inspiration, Diversity, and Innovation. Renowned violinist Karisa Chiu, a rising star in the classical music world, will be performing Amanda Rontgen-Maier’s “Violin Concerto in D Minor.” Prior to the concert, the audience is invited to join GLCO conductor Maestro Libor Ondras for an optional pre-concert talk at 6pm. In addition, tickets include a post-concert reception. $35-$65. glcorchestra.org

MARK FARNER’S AMERICAN BAND: 8pm, Odawa Casino, Ovation Hall, Petoskey.

Legendary all-American frontman & guitarist Mark Farner was the engine that pulled the original Grand Funk Railroad to the top of the charts. He’s a platinum recording artist 30 times over. At age 70, hear his same intensity in hits like “We’re an American Band” & “Some Kind of Wonderful.” $30, $40. odawacasino.com/entertainment

sunday BALLOONS OVER BAY HARBOR: (See Fri., Sept. 22)

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BLUE RIBBON RUN - 5K RUN/WALK: 10am, Right Brain Brewery, TC. Held in memory of Curt Barrons. Presented by Byte Productions. Benefits the local chapter of Us TOO, a prostate cancer education & support group. The course takes you around the Boardman Lake loop. Register: events.bytepro.net/blue-ribbon-run. $30/ person. blueribbonrun.com

COLORS BY THE LAKE: (See Sat., Sept. 23)

ANNUAL JEWELRY, GEM, FOSSIL, ROCK & MINERAL SHOW: (See Sat., Sept. 23, except today’s hours are 11am-4pm.)

COLLIDER PHYSICS MULTIVERSE FROM THE TEVATRON TO THE LHC & BEYOND : 11:15am-4pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Explore the state of particle physics through a planetarium show about dark matter followed by a presentation by Professor Harrison Prosper on the knowledge we have gained at the particle energy frontier. Free. simpletix.com/e/collider-physics-multiverse-from-the-tevattickets-139687

DETROIT RED WINGS TRAINING CAMP: RED & WHITE GAME: Noon, Centre Ice Arena, TC. $25. centreice.org/drwtickets

WATERFIRE FEATHERED ARTIST SERIES - SAMANTHA HALL: Noon-5pm, WaterFire Vineyards, Tasting Room, Kewadin. Samantha Hall is a freelance illustrator specializing in colored pencil drawings. She is interested in nature’s beauty & simplicity. Free. waterfirewine.com/event-detailsregistration/waterfire-featured-artist-seriessamantha-hall

“IN TRANSLATION”: THEATER AS MIRROR? A DISCUSSION: 1pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Featuring a northern Michigan director, & the artistic director of a small, nonprofit theater company. Terri Heffron & Lesley Tye will be in conversation with GAAC Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal about their experience translating the contemporary world through theater. Free. glenarborart. org/events/exhibit-in-translation ----------------------

HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK: SOLD OUT: (See Thurs., Sept. 21)

ongoing

THE ALIVE POETS SOCIETY: Saturdays, 9-11am, Poetess and Stranger, 445 E. Mitchell Street, Unit A, downtown Petoskey. Read, discuss & write poetry together. Ages 17+. poetessandstranger.com

GREAT DECISIONS: COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CURRENT WORLD AFFAIRS: Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Join for an eight week series to discuss current affairs topics that are timely & important talking points for our society. Discussion Topics for 2023 are, in order: Energy Geopolitics, War Crimes, China and the US, Economic Warfare, Politics in Latin America, Global Famine, Iran at a Crossroads, & Climate Migration. The discussions will be led by local education professionals. You are expected to attend all 8 weeks of discussion, or as many as are left in the series. The discussions will be held every Weds. from 1-3pm on Sept. 20 through Nov. 8. Once you have registered, please obtain a copy of the Great Decisions Briefing book. tadl.org/great-decisions

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME!: Tuesdays, 10:30am, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library, lower-level Community Room. Preschoolers of all ages are invited to join for stories, songs & active fun. sbbdl.org

BLOOMS & BIRDS: WILDFLOWER WALK: Tuesdays, 10am through Sept., Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents to find & identify the unique wildflowers at Grass River Natural Area. Along the way look & listen for the birds who call Grass River home. grassriver.org

GROUP & COMPANY RATES

JACK & JILL GOLF SCRAMBLES

BIKE CART & GOLF CART RENTALS

DAILY DRINK & FOOD SPECIALS

farmers markets

BELLAIRE FARMERS MARKET: Fridays, 8am-noon, ASI Community Center & Park, Bellaire.

BOYNE CITY OUTDOOR FARMERS MAR-

KET: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-noon through Oct. 14. Veterans Park, Boyne City. Shop local produce, artwork & artisan foods at over 50 vendors. There will also be live music & kids activities. The Sept. 16 market will feature live music by Terry Coveyou. The Sept. 23 market will feature live music by Ben Traverse. boynecityfarmersmarket. orgboynecityfarmersmarket.org

CADILLAC FARMERS MARKET: Tues. & Fri., 9am-3pm. 117 W. Cass St., Cadillac. Featuring 60 vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, live music & more. cadillacfarmersmarket.org

DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY FARMERS MAR-

KET: Fridays, 8:30am-1pm through Sept. 29. Howard St., between Mitchell & Michigan streets, Petoskey.

ELK RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET: Next to Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, on US 31 by the swan. Every Fri. through Oct. 6, 8am-noon. Local growers & producers from all around northwestern Michigan. elkrapidschamber.org/farmers-market

HARBOR SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm through Oct. 14. Corner of State & Main streets, Harbor Springs. ----------------------

OLD TOWN EMMET FARM MARKET: Sat., 9am-2pm through Oct. 7 at Friendship Senior Center parking lot, Petoskey. Local homemade & homegrown products. Special events throughout the season include donation based cookouts, food trucks on site, & more. Follow the Facebook page for the schedule: @oldtownemmetfarmmarket.

SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET: Sat., 7:30am-noon; & Weds., 8am-noon. Parking lot “B” at southwest corner of Cass & Grandview Parkway, TC. dda. downtowntc.com/farmers-market

THE VILLAGE AT GT COMMONS OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Village at GT Commons, The Piazza, TC, Mondays from 1-5pm. Farm fresh eggs, fruits & veggies, meats, honey, maple syrup, & more. facebook.com/events/643530983769466/64 3530997102798/?active_tab=about

ART

CAROLYN DAMSTRA’S POP UP GAL-

LERY: Sept. 19-25, Art Shanty, Fishtown, Leland. Featuring Damstra’s latest original paintings of the Leelanau area & Michigan nature subjects. facebook.com/events/1349 778005939655?ref=newsfeed

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ON NATURE: CORLETT/DEANS/SAXON ART EXHIBITION: Sept. 16-30, The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee. Experience three artists, three friends, whose work explores the nature of the figure & the landscape in monotype & painting. ramsdelltheatre.org/art

BARBARA REICH EXHIBIT: Bonobo Winery, TC. Original artwork by plein air/studio artist Barbara Reich, featuring “Paintings from Around the Peninsulas.” Runs through Nov. 28. barbarareich.com

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JRAC MEMBER SHOW 2023: Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. This exhibit showcases the work of many Jordan River Arts Council members. Runs through Sept. 23. Check web site for days & hours. jordanriverarts.com

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ALAN MACIAG EXHIBIT AT MARI VINEYARDS, TC: Plein Air painter Alan Maciag exhibits gorgeous Michigan landscapes. Runs through Sept. twistedfishgallery.com/ event/alan-maciag-exhibit-at-mari-vineyards-with-twisted-fish

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ANNUAL JURIED ART EXHIBITION: Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Work in all media by regional artists. Runs through October 20. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

CHARLES CULVER PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION: On display throughout downtown Bellaire through Oct. Each piece of art will display a QR code to access an audio presentation providing history & background of the particular piece. bellairelibrary.org/programs/charles-culver-public-art-display-2023

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY - ART + PLACE + COMMUNITY: 10 YEARS WITH GOOD HART ARTIST RESIDENCY: Held in Gilbert & Bonfield galleries. The exhibit will contain works from GHAR alumni, including visual artists, writers, & composers, highlighting the unique breadth of creative work that has been supported by the residency over the past decade. Runs Sept. 16 - Nov. 4. An opening reception will be held on Sept. 16 from 5:30-7:30pm. It will feature a panel conversation & poetry readings. Tickets are $20, $25 & include heavy appetizers & a drink ticket. CTAC, Petoskey is open Tues. through Sat., 10am-5pm. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/opening-receptionart-place-community-10-years-good-hart-

artist-residency

- ART SPEAKS: CREATIVE ARTS STUDIO FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES: Held in Atrium Gallery. This exhibition features work created by students in Challenge Mountain & Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Creative Arts Studio program. Runs Sept. 16 - Oct. 21. Open Tues. - Sat., 10am-5pm. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/art-speaks-creativearts-studio-adults-disabilities

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:

- “INTERLACEMENTS: THE FINE CRAFT OF WEAVING”: Featuring nine Michigan artists including Boisali Biswas, Martha Brownscombe, Deb Cholewicki, Sharon Gill, Carol Irving, Jasmine Petrie, Carol Madison, Nancy McRay, & Shanna Robinson. A range of fiber art practices are explored. Runs through Oct. 28. CTAC - TC is open Tues. through Fri., 11am-5pm, & Sat., 10am-4pm. crookedtree.org

- “LOST AND FOUND: JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION”: Held in Carnegie Galleries. 28 artists were selected for inclusion. Selections were made by guest juror Kathryn Dimond, executive director of Detroit’s historic Scarab Club. Runs through Oct. 28. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/ lost-and-found-juried-photography-exhibition

- LIFETIME OF ART & TRAVEL: A FLORA RICCA HOFFMAN RETROSPECTIVE: Held in Carnegie Rotunda. This exhibit celebrates the artwork of the late prolific artist Flora Ricca Hoffman. Runs through Oct. 8. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/ lifetime-art-and-travel-flora-ricca-hoffmanretrospective

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:

- “A SEPARATE SHINING: SELECTIONS FROM THE TUSEN TAKK FOUNDATION COLLECTION”: The Tusen Takk Foundation & the Dennos Museum present this exhibition representing artists who have participated in its artist-in-residence program to date. Taking its title from the poem “Joy” by Hilda Conkling, the exhibition surveys the artist’s exploration of the intangible, the unseen qualities of joy, beauty, & hope. Runs through Jan. 7. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view/index.html

- “PASSAGES: THE ART OF RON GIANOLA”: Gianola’s paintings are the result of a fifty-plus year long experience with the Art Spirit, pursuing the possibilities of a personal transformative vision, engaging emotion, expression, & the poetry of visual music. Runs through Jan. 7. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-onview/index.html

- “STEPHEN DUREN: A LIFE OF PAINTING”: This exhibit brings together works by artist Stephen Duren that cover his sixtyyear career & bring greater definition to his

artistic contributions. Runs through Jan. 7. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view/index.html

GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:

- “IN TRANSLATION”: Held in Main Gallery. A multi-pronged project that explores how humans employ creativity & the arts to translate the world, contemporary life, contemporary social & political issues, & the world in which they live. The exhibit features the work of 32 visual artists from throughout Michigan, the Midwest, & California. Runs through Oct. 26. Hours are: Mon. through Fri.: 9am-3pm; Sat. & Sun.: Noon-4pm. glenarborart.org/events/ exhibit-in-translation

- BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD: Held in Lobby Gallery. A series of abstract landscapes out of the imagination of painter Alice Moss. This small show runs through Dec. 15. Moss’ focus is on Leelanau County roadways, woodlands, & beaches, all of which she has been walking, watching, & visiting since childhood in the early 1960s. glenarborart. org/events/exhibit-by-the-side-of-the-road

RAVEN HILL DISCOVERY CENTER, EAST JORDAN:

- SMITHSONIAN TRAVELING EXHIBIT:

Enjoy the newest Smithsonian Museum’s national traveling exhibit, “Spark! Places of Innovation” through Oct. 7. The exhibit features stories gathered from diverse communities across the nation. Includes photographs, engaging interactives, objects, videos, & augmented reality. Free.

- “YOUTH INNOVATION IN RURAL AMERICA”: Community-based youth design projects by local students. Runs through Oct. 7. miravenhill.org

Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.

BONOBO WINERY, TC

PATIO:

9/22 -- Nick Veine, 6-8

BRADY'S BAR, TC

6:30-9:30:

9/17 & 9/23 -- Timothy Michael

Thayer

9/22 -- Blair Miller

ENCORE 201, TC

9/15-16 & 9/22 -- DJ Ricky T, 9

9/23 -- The KnockAuffs, 7-10; Vintage Vinyl DJ Robbie Rob Greco, 10

HOTEL INDIGO, TC

Wed -- Trivia Night, 7-8:30

JACOB’S FARM, TC

6-8:30:

9/22 – The Wild Honey Collective

KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING

9/18 -- Trivia, 6-8

9/19 -- Open Mic, 6-8

9/22 -- Old Mission Fiddle Vine, 7-9

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC

BARREL ROOM:

9/18 – Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9

TASTING ROOM:

9/22 – Jacob McLeod, 5-7

LIL BO, TC

Tues. – Trivia, 8-10

Weds. – Open Mic Night w/ Aldrich, 9-11

Sun. – Karaoke, 8

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, TC 7-10:

9/16 & 9/22 – Clint Weaner

9/23 – Andrew Lutes

MARI VINEYARDS, TC

9/19 -- Pete 'Big Dog' Fetters, 6

9/21 -- John Piatek, 4-6

MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC

PATIO:

9/22 -- Rhett & John, 6-9

NORTH BAR, TC 7-10:

9/16 – Rebekah Jon

9/20 – Jesse Jefferson

9/21 – Drew Hale

OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC

9/24 -- Swingbone North, 5-8

ROVE ESTATE VINEYARD & WINERY, TC

9/22 -- Levi Britton, 5:30-8:30

SORELLINA'S, TC

SLATE RESTAURANT:

Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano,

5-8

Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on

Piano, 6-9

THE ALLUVION, TC

9/18 -- Funky Uncle, 6-8

THE COIN SLOT, TC

9/16 – One Hot Robot, 7-10

9/20 – BYOVinyl, 8

THE PARLOR, TC

8-11:

9/16 -- Jazz Cabbage

9/19 -- Jesse Jefferson

9/20 -- Wink Solo

9/21 -- Jimmy Olson

9/22 -- Chris Sterr

Emmet & Cheboygan

BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY

9/16 – Analog Groove Session w/ DJ Franck, 6:30-9:30

BIÉRE DE MAC BREW WORKS, MACKINAW CITY

9/17 -- Kirby, 7-10

9/24 -- Charlie Reager, 5-7

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY

PATIO:

9/16 -- Chris Calleja, 2-6

9/22 -- Michelle Chenard, 4-7:30

9/23 -- Michelle Chenard, 2-6

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY

9/22 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30

DIXIE SALOON, MACKINAW CITY

9/15-16 & 9/22-23 -- Pete 'Big Dog' Fetters, 8

GABRIEL FARMS & WINERY, PETOSKEY

9/20 – Sean Bielby, 3-6

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BAY HARBOR

7:30-10:30:

9/16 – Kevin Johnson

9/22 – Bill Oeming

9/23 – Typhoid Harry

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY

7-10:

9/16 -- Holly Keller

9/22 -- Moon Howlers

9/23 -- Brian McCosky

9/23 -- Rolling Dirty

THE PUB, TC

8-11:

9/16 – Old Mission Fiddle Vine

9/20 – Tyler Roy

9/21 – Steve Clark

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC

9/19 -- Open Mic, 7

9/20 -- Jazz Show & Jam, 6

9/21 -- Trivia, 7-8

9/22 -- Keith Scott, 8-10

9/23 -- StoneFolk, 8

9/24 -- TiltThink Improv Presents: Comedy Mixtape #6, 7-9

THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC PATIO, 6:30-9:30:

9/16 -- TC Guitar Guys

9/21 -- TSP

9/22 -- Snacks & Five

9/23 -- J Hawkins Band

TRAVERSE CITY WHISKEY CO.

9/16 & 9/23 -- Ben Richey, 6-8

9/20 -- Craig Jolly, 6-9

TURTLE CREEK CASINO, WILLIAMSBURG

MID-LEVEL, 5-9:

9/16 – DJ Mark Wilson

9/22-23 – Dominic Fortuna

UNION STREET STATION, TC

9/16 -- The Knockoffs, 10

9/19 -- USS Open Mic Comedy,

8-9:30

9/20 -- Parker Marshall, 10

9/21 -- Skin Kwon Doe, 10

9/22 -- Happy Hour w/ Rolling Dirty; then Odd Shaped Puzzle

9/23 -- Odd Shaped Puzzle, 10

Leelanau & Benzie

BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU

TASTING ROOM LAWN:

-- Bryan Poirier, 3:30-6

CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY 9/17 -- Rhett & John,

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE LEVEL4 LOUNGE, 7-9: 9/16 -- Drew Hale 9/22 -- Bill Frary 9/23 -- Levi Britton

FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CE-

DAR

4-7:

9/17 -- Looking Forward - CSN&Y

Tribute

9/18 -- Luke Woltanski

9/21 -- Keith Scott

HOP LOT BREWING CO., SUTTONS

BAY

9/16 -- Silver Creek Revival Band, 2-5

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE

6-8:

9/16 – John Piatek & Friends

SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY

9/16 -- The A to Z Band, 12-1; Elizabeth Landry, 1-2; Blake Elliott, 2-3; Luke Woltanski, 3-4; Courtney Kaiser Sanders, 4-5; Sav Buist, 5-6:30

9/22 -- Friday Night LIVE with Luke Woltanski, 5-8

STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT

9/19 -- Tim Jones, 7-9

SUTTONS BAY CIDERS

4:30-7:

9/17 – Levi Britton

9/24 – Luke Woltanski

ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES:

9/22 -- Jon Archambault Band, 9

OVATION HALL:

9/23 -- Mark Farner's American Band, 8

THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN

9/16 -- Lara Fullford, 8-11

9/21 -- Musicians Playground

‘Open Mic,’ 6-8

9/22 -- Heavens to Betsy, 8-11

9/23 -- Live Music (‘Beau Appetit’), 8-11

WALLOON LAKE WINERY, PETOSKEY

9/21 -- Duffy King, 6

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee

BEAR LAKE BAR, BEAR LAKE

9/16 -- Andrew Littlefield, 9

DICK'S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU

Sat. -- Karaoke, 10-1

DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT

3-6: 9/17 -- SkyeLea Martin 9/24 – Loose Change

FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH

Thu -- Trivia Night, 7 Fri -- Open Mic, 7

9/22 – Radel Rosin

9/23 – Lighting Matches

LAKE ANN BREWING CO.

9/16 -- Chris Skellenger & Paul

Koss, 3-6; Jack Pine, 7-10

9/22 -- Beauville, 7-10

9/23 -- Silver Creek Revival, 7-10

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH

9/16 -- Barn Dance w/ The Fabulous Horndogs & K. Jones & the Benzie Playboys, 3-9

9/20 -- Cruise-In, 4-7

9/22 -- Sam & Bill, 5-8

Antrim & Charlevoix

BARREL BACK RESTAURANT, WALLOON LAKE

9/21 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6

BIER'S INWOOD BREWERY, CHARLEVOIX

9/21 -- Open Mic Night w/ Host

John Eaton: Sign-up at 6:15pm; Music at 7pm

CELLAR 1914, CENTRAL LAKE

5-8:

9/16 – Grove of Trees

9/23 -- End of Summer Bash w/

Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish

ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS

OUTDOORS, 8-11:

9/16 -- Myron Elkins & The Dying Breed 9/23 -- The Pocket

FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE 9/22 -- DJ Bingo, 7-9

SHORT'S BREW PUB, BELLAIRE

BEER GARDEN:

9/16 -- Blair Miller, 6-7:30; Hatch-

THE UNION, NORTHPORT

9/16 -- A.S. Lutes, 7-9:30

TWO K FARMS CIDERY & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY

4:30-6:30:

9/16 – Rhett & John

9/23 -- Blair Miller

UPRIVER PIZZA, BENZONIA

9/20 -- Andrew Littlefield, 6

wing Rider, 7:30-9:30

9/22 -- Tai Drury, 6-7:30; Mega Weedge, 7:30-9:30

STIGGS BREWERY, BOYNE CITY 9/23 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6-9

THE EARL, CHARLEVOIX

ROOFTOP HI BAR,

&

Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish are hoping to see YOU at Cellar 1914’s End of Summer Bash in Central Lake on Sat., Sept. 23 from 5-8pm! They offer their high-energy rock n' roll, blues, and rockabilly.

WE ARE

considering

ACROSS

1. "Bye now!"

5. Barber's tool

10. Union underminer

14. Business higher-up

15. Give the slip

16. Saved GPS setting, usually

17. On the verge of

18. Gripped tightly

19. Natural soother

20. [Mystery Clue 1]

23. Partner of "neither"

24. Spacy character in the main "Derry Girls" group

25. [Mystery Clue 2]

31. Actress Hayek

33. Nullifies

34. ___-Caps (Nestle candy)

35. Big events on Wall St.

36. Tears apart

37. Velvet Underground singer

38. Litter peep

39. "Beetle Bailey" boss

40. 3x4 box, e.g.

41. [Mystery Clue 3]

44. One of the Gulf States

45. "Kill Bill" actress Thurman

46. [Mystery Clue 4]

53. Bowl-shaped skillets

54. PassÈ

55. Mystical presence

56. Steve of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" series

57. Synchronously

58. Bird sacred to ancient Egyptians

59. House member

60. One of the Gulf States

61. Heron's residence

DOWN

1. Minister (to)

2. Pink slip giver

3. Word before work or spirit

4. Initial offerings, sometimes?

5. Amp effect

6. Athletic footwear brand

7. Silent screen star Pitts

8. Reverential poems

9. Northern California attraction

10. "Want me to demonstrate?"

11. Measure for some dress shirts

12. Singer Tori

13. Apiary dweller

21. What Italians call their capital

22. Messes up

25. Place for an all-day roast, maybe 26. Blatant

27. Vowel sound in "phone" but not "gone"

28. Raul Castro's predecessor

29. "___ Upon a Time in Hollywood"

30. Lunch time, often

31. Actor Liu of the MCU

32. Sci-fi planet inhabitants

36. Reason to save

37. Words after "Oh jeez" 39. Train for a bout

40. Smallest U.S. coin

42. Kept occupied 43. Out of the blue 46. ___ de Ch„o (Brazilian steakhouse chain) 47. Peacefulness 48. Supercollider collider 49. "Father of Modern Philosophy" Descartes 50. Cartoonist Goldberg 51. Dwarf planet named for a

“Jonesin”

Crosswords

CLASSIFIEDS

MR.GETITDONE: Power washing, anything handyman, leaves, and junk. Call Mike at 231-871-1028. I CAN!

GTARMC ROCK & MINERAL SHOW -

Sept. 23 & 24, 2023: Saturday 10AM - 5PM

- Sunday 11AM - 4PM Entry fee: $2.00

Donation - Children 12 & under free when accompanied by an adult Cherryland VFW Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Dr. Traverse City

SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248

YACHT ROCK BAND: musicians needed. Lead singer/keyboardist in search of the smoothest backing band in Northern Michigan. Influences include, but not limited to; Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, Steve Winwood, and Huey Lewis and The News. Email Chuck at chanew@gmail.com.

COTTAGE FOR RENT: Traverse City 1BR Cottage; Fully Furnished; Includes All Utilities; New Appliances; W/D; A/C; Cable; Very Nice; Quiet Setting; No Pets; $1,700 per month; (231) 631-7512.

PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA RENTALBurnt Store Marina: Burnt Store Marina offers a waterfront restaurant, pickleball, golf courses, pool and fitness center. The full-Service marina has 525 deep-water boat slips. Boat rentals available or bring yours. The address is 3181 Matecumbe Key Rd, #12 Punta Gorda, FL 33955. Pictures available on Zillow. Contact our Realtor Sanjeev 941286-8120. 'sramachandran@thomasryan'

THE PENINSULA MARKET STAFF NEEDS

YOU!.............: Cashiers(must be over 18yrs) Prep and Pizza Cooks, Stockers w/projects,... NO Late Nights! Positions are P/T or F/T for the right individual(s) with open availability. In a nutshell, if your reliable, enthusiastic and love making others day better, Bring in your resume or do a quick application! We're located at: 14111 Center Road, Traverse City, Mi 49686

PAID PART-TIME WORK TRAINING FOR SENIORS 55+: For Seniors Age 55 and Over: Employment Specialist Trainee, Cashier, Stocking, Clerical Support. Applicants must be age 55 and over, unemployed, seeking work and meet program eligibility. Positions available in Traverse, Benzie, Manistee and surrounding counties. To find out if you qualify contact the AARP Foundation SCSEP office, 231-252-4544.

TRAVERSE CITY TRACK CLUB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB POSTING

The Traverse City Track Club is seeking an Executive Director to lead the overall management and day-to-day operations of the Track Club. https://www.tctrackclub.com/ news-updates

HIRING CHURCH DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS ED (DRE) UU of Grand Traverse hiring for Director of Rel Ed (DRE). Duties include teaching, organizing activities, working with families. $22/hr, up to 15 hrs/

BECOME A MEDIATOR Conflict Resolution Services is seeking individuals interested in training to become volunteer mediators. No experience required. Training provided. Volunteer when it works for you info@ crsmediationtc.org