Bay LIFE North May/June 2013 by Traverse City BAYLIFE Magazine

MAY/JUNE 2013 | THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTHERN MICHIGAN FAMILIES

Up! Paddle

ISSUE 9 | www.BayLIFENorth.com | www.facebook.com/BayLIFENorth | Fabulous & Free

CHERRY CAPITAL SUBARU

Family room.

With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, more interior space and an available power rear gate, there’s a whole lot to love about the all-new 2014 Subaru Forester. ®

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • Seven airbags standard1 • 32 mpg hwy 2 • 170-hp SUBARU BOXER engine ®

21,636

Starting at

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • 30 mpg hwy3 • 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick • Built in a zero-landfill plant

22,918

Starting at

EFA-01

DDA-01

Cherry Capital Subaru

1747 South Garfield Traverse City, MI 49686 Ph. 231.947.9000 www.cherrycapitalsubaru.com

1 Subaru, Forester, Outback, Tribeca, Legacy, Impreza, WRX, STI and SUBARU BOXER are registered trademarks. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) (airbags) affords the driver and the front and rear outboard passengers additional protection in moderate to severe frontal and side-impact collisions. This system provides supplemental protection only, and seatbelts must be worn in order to avoid infuries to out-of-position occupants upon bag deployment and to provide the best combined protection in a serious accident. Children should always be properly restrained in the rear seat. 2 3 EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i CVT models. Actual mileage may vary. EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i CVT models. Actual mileage may vary.

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

a sea change. o n a s p h a lt. a sea change. o n a s p h a lt.

INTRODUCING THE ALL- NEW CADILL AC X TS It breaks new ground at every turn. With revolutionary Magnetic Ride Control reading the road up to 1,000 times per second and legendary Brembo ® front brakes commanding the corners, it ’s luxury performance that yields to no one. See how the all-new INTRODUCING THE ALL- NEW CADILL AC X TS It breaks new ground XTS is bringing the future forward at cadillac.com/xts at every turn. With revolutionary Magnetic Ride Control reading the road up to 1,000 times per second and legendary Brembo ® front brakes commanding the corners, it ’s luxury performance that yields to no one. See how the all-new XTS is bringing the future forward at cadillac.com/xts

1747 S. Garfield • Traverse City, MI 49686

(231) 947-9000 • www.cherrycapitalcadillac.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY MAy/june 2013 2013 | BAY | BAYLIFE LIFENORTH NORTH

4/28-328439-WR

✓ Factory Authorized Service Department ✓ Professional, Knowledgeable Sales Staff ✓ Locally Owned and Operated for over 60 years ✓ We Service What We Sell FREE PARKING AT THE DOOR Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm, Saturday 8am - 5pm www.maxsservice.com

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

135 E. State Street • Downtown Traverse City • 231-947-6830

Medical excellence. Made for babies. Treating a child is not the same as treating an adult. This simple fact led to the creation of the largest, most advanced children’s hospital in West Michigan—where more than 50 pediatric specialties and programs meet the unique needs of kids, from infancy to age 18. For parents and children alike, there’s no place quite like it. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Creating greater possibilities for kids.

helendevoschildrens.org

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

from the

editor

It’s been a long, cold lonely winter; it feels like years since it’s been here, here comes the SUN... the beatles Sun and Sugar High! My little Cake Pop Teaghan, snapped on 4.26 the first day of this year without a jacket!

he Sun is Shining, Spring is in the Air, and this issue you are holding in your hands is our Biggest Yet! And while we have your attention with that Wow statement, we would also like to welcome our new graphic designer Ashley Williamson. Who took on this challenge of an extra 16 pages, for her first issue, head on and by the horns. She went with the flow, with every curveball we threw at her. But she did demand cupcakes! I hope you agree she did an amazing job, and enjoy as much as you ever have before. I truly love what I do, especially with this issue. I diligently thought Spring while watching and counting snow storm after snowstorm outside pound my window, each accumulating snow days. (That my 5 year old of course reveled in) While the Winter Freeze took hold and didn’t let go, for my job I got to dream about the warmth of the sun on my face, crystal blue dazzling waters, savoring the freshest of seafood, and happy hours “outside” sipping Margarita’s. Boy did I embrace it, the daydreaming paid off and some of the most captivating waterfront views that you can enjoy while wining and dining are just a few pages ahead.

Even though inside I remained Sunny, it seemed like the elements and times ticking was all against us, with vengeance. It is quite apparent with the home feature we bring to you. It is a dream home being built by Builder Brian Mohr and his wife Erica and in June is being featured in The Parade of Homes tour, and if you have ever lived through the challenges of construction, you can appreciate the ups and downs and highs and lows, definitely the fact that it never quite goes according to plan. So much so, that we photographed it in the “not yet finished stage”, so you can truly imagine the inspiration and patience it takes to actually accomplish dreaming and building such a home. The fact that we were thrown a few

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

last minute little hiccups with construction, for our photo shoot we decided to bring you this story in 2 parts, so next issue you get to see the Finished Dream Home in all its glory, down to every thought out detail. So we hope you enjoy dreaming along with them to see the future. Those that dare to dream are amazing. But those who endure, work hard and sacrifice to keep their dream alive and eventually become a huge success are truly remarkable. That epitomizes the story of one of Northern Michigan's beloved locals, the gem of the north, Becky Thatcher. Her passion for this area and the evolution of her jewelry taking her all around the world left me in awe. We also feature her neighbors down the road Marti and Randy Chamberlain owners of the elegant waterfront restaurant, blu in Date night, and just down the street in Traverse City and Glen Arbor, Becky’s other neighbors the Broneah brothers. Matt and Keegan Myers, who have shot to urban legend worthy fame with their M-22 brand, lifestyle and challenge sport event. They have paved the way to make our area a Utopia for others to dream of living and playing where us lucky ones get to call Home. Speaking of Lucky, Tom and I just want to say thank you to all our advertisers that believed in us and have supported us along the way, and to the new ones that all just jumped on, it’s a fun ride and it’s not slowing down. So dig in, and enjoy all those extra pages, make some date nights of where to eat, Find some fun things to do, where to go and what to buy. I hope you are inspired, learn one thing you didn’t know, and the most important thing? Sit Outside and read it, cause Here Comes the Sun!

231.518.4148

Across from East Bay

www.URHOUZZ.com

4444 US 31 North

Traverse City, MI 49686

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Retire into a life you love. Work with a Financial Advisor who understands the challenges women face as they prepare for the future. A well-planned and well-funded retirement is all about freedom. Freedom to spend time with your family. Freedom to pursue philanthropic interests. Freedom to work — or not — based on the things that interest you most. At Morgan Stanley, we can help you plan for a rewarding retirement. Our Financial Advisors take the time to understand your individual situation, your passions and your goals—and to enlist the resources Craig Rosenberg

you need to meet them.

Portfolio Manager First Vice President Financial Advisor

To see how we can help you, please call us at the number provided.

300 E. Front Street, Suite 300 Traverse City, MI 49684 231 932-7212 craig.rosenberg@ms.com

GP11-01088P-N07/11 7177439 SEG003 10/12

Dentistry has come a long way, come and experience the difference! Pain free injections • Warm blankets emergency aPPointments available daily

Ronald Chao, D.D. S.

We welcome

Dr. Brandon Boike to our dental practice!

(231) 947-4380 2815 N. Garfield Road • Traverse City

PROGRESSIVE • COM PASSIONATE • THOROUGH 8

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Photo by: Raquel Smith for Oneupweb

may/j u n e 2 0 1 3

features 32 Water, water everywhere Favorite Summer Hot Spots, to enjoy Dinner & Drinks with a View 46 Becky Thatcher: The Gem of the North From Northern Michigan to Worldwide, her jewelry has become as well renowned as David Yurman and Tiffany, we introduce you to The Lady Behind the Name 56 m-22 catch the wave Behind the Brand & The CHALLENGE Walk Run, Paddle, and Bike. Glen Arbors Big Event in its 5th Year. 68 the house that brian built Building a Parade of Homes Showpiece as Your New Family Home? Piece of Cake for Brian Mohr!

Photo by: Joe Dinda

Photo by: Greta Myers

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

may/j u n e 2 0 1 3

departments 14

say cheese

16 the scoop

18 the dish

20 feeling good

22 style in the city What to Wear 24 summer trends Venus

26 date night blu 40

a view from above By Jim Anderson

42 little sPROUTS & tykes

BIG KIDS & TEENS Two Awesome Amazing Local Kids

62 HOME STYLE Labadieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Place Casuals

HOME scoop

67 ASK ANGELa Cleaning Out the Closet 76 then and now The Central United Methodist Church 78

Northern Michigan Exposed By John A. Gessner

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH may/june

FUN TIMES with SPECIAL PEOPLE in THE VILLAGE

WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY

31 37

W 11th

EVIEW

Public Park

SILVER

Hiking Trails

Historic Barns

FRANKE

Great Wolf Lodge

Public Park

DIV IS ION

COTTAG

ELMWOOD

Munson Medical Center

LK ER ILV WS Meijer 31

W FRONT

DOWNTOWN

W 7th W 8th

W 14th

Tom’s

Shop, Taste & Explore a Local Original

The Village is a “pocket of cool in Traverse City.” — Forbes Magazine 1200 W. Eleventh St. at Cottageview Drive, 2 blocks West of Division/ US31. One mile Downtown Traverse City, Michigan! thevillagetc.com · The Minervini Group: 231-941-1900

Remind them to wear a helmet. Remind your little ones to always wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding, or playing a favorite sport. You also can support helmet safety by purchasing Kohl’s Cares collector’s-edition books and plush stuffed animals. All proceeds support local child safety efforts. munsonhealthcare.org/4seasonsafety

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N E W E S S

941-1220 941-1220 www.comfortcentertc.com

458 US 31 South US 31 US 31 Chum’s Chum’s Corners Corners 458 458 USUS 3131 South South Traverse City Traverse City City “We furnish the comfort, the REST is easy” Traverse 943-4220 943-4220 943-4220 www.tccomfortcenter.com www.COMFORTCENTERTC.com

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MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

US 31 S.

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T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E R N M I C H I G A N FA M I L I E S

PUBLISHER

Tom Gorsline Tom@baylifenorth.com EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Teri Gorsline Editor@baylifenorth.com COPY EDITOR

Pam Schipper CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chris Klau, Angela Goodall, John A. Gessner, Kim Burch, Vickie Reese, Kym Gauthier, Kim Kearns,Taylor Price, CONTRIBUTING PHOTGRAPHERS

Ken Scott, Chris Klau, Raquel Smith, Greta Myers, John A. Gessner, Angela Brown, Jason Hamelin, Jim Miller, Photography by Scarlett, Tom Gorsline, Jim Anderson, Bill O’Brien, Jennifer M. Johns, Mike Drilling of Windborne Studios, Jason Hulet – Hulet Photography, Susan Carlson, Gary L. Howe, Andrew Williamson Photography

NT_3.6x4.8_TrollOrng_Layout 1 4/22/13 1:25 PM Page 1

ART DIRECTOR

Ashley Williamson ADVERTISING SALES ENQUIRES

sales@baylifenorth.com BAY BREEZE Media LLC

P.O. Box 1273 Traverse City, MI 49685 231.421.5786 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AND INQUIRES

editor@baylifenorth.com

Presenting a NEW, limited edition bead, Royal Orange. Created in royal style to commemorate Prince Willem-Alexander's accession to the throne in the Netherlands, this regal bead is only available while supplies last.

ABOUT THE COVER

By Ken Scott Taken June 9th 2012 Little Glen Lake M-22 Challenge... sunrise! Sun didn't show itself until later, but yellow was definitely on the palate this am! ©KenScottPhotography.com

Bay Life North Issue 9 is a bi-monthly publication of BAY BREEZE Media, LLC. Advertising Rates available upon request by calling 231-421-5786. Free distribution to over 550 locations throughout the Grand Traverse Bay and Northern Michigan. Bay Life North is owned exclusively by BAY BREEZE Media, LLC. 2012. All content of this publication is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher. Bay Life North is a registered trademark of BAY BREEZE Media, LLC.

In vibrant orange, the Royal Orange bead is elegantly faceted and will surely add some royal flare to your Only... Trollbeads collection!

$43

Shop Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 11-4

Traverse City

143 E. Front Street 231.929.9665

Alden

9043 Helena Street 231.331.6438

Elk Rapids

144 River Street 231.264.6420

Call 800.405.6909 to order by phone or Shop online @ NiftyThingsOnline.com

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Photography by Jennifer Johns, A Girl and Her Camera Photography

you go girl! Girl power reigned at The Women’s Expo, held April 20-21 at the Civic Center in Traverse City. There were over a hundred booths of all things Girlie, and a few practical ones too.

Rachel Gillis and Lea Piche of Piche Family Chiropractic striking a pose at “A Girl and Her Camera Photography” booth.

“Snazzy” Creations’ Debbie Palik.

Amy Thomas “working it” at the Exposed Booth.

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Angela Stricker and Gina Jackie Wagner supporting Women’s’ Resource Center.

Stephanie Jenkins of Fit for You, posing incognito at Jennifer John’s booth too.

Brenda Durga of Initials Inc.

Miranda DeGrove and Kelley DeGrove of Owens Soft Water.

The 7 Monks booth was hopping.

The Chamber's Small Business Celebration Candidates Showcase was held April 10 at NMC's Hagerty Center. Congratulations to the top ten finalists! The recipient of the Chamber’s 2013 Hagerty Small Business of the Year Award will be unveiled May 29 at the SBC Awards Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Hagerty Center. Photography by Bill O'Brien

Left: TV 9&10's Meredith Barack interviewing Evan Smith of Cherry Capital Foods. Congrats on making the top 10! BELOW Left: The road well-travelled at M22. BELOW RIGHT: Bonnie Kelsey, left, and Steph Petrik of Dinghy's Restaurant in Frankfort.

Traverse City’s Best Beauty Secret!

• Smashbox • OPI • Too Faced • Stila • Butter London • Royal Apothic & More! The friendly staff at Cherry Tree Inn of TC.

authorized retailer of

134 E. Front St. • Traverse City • 231.995.0551

134 E. Front Street Traverse City 231.995.0551 authorized retailer of

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH 134 E. Front St. • Traverse City • 231.995.0551

People who gossip with you, Will Gossip About You.

Bay Dreaming

It’s official. Traverse Bay Live has launched a streaming 24-hour webcam, perched from high atop the roof of the Wet Mitten Surf Shop on the Darga Building on Front Street. Now, while stuck in your office dreaming of sunny days “out there,” you can still enjoy a view of the sparkling blue bay LIVE! Envision yourself kayaking, on the paddleboard, sailing or fishing. This will tide you over till you can get out there. A click of your mouse will transport you. You can see if you’re missing out on a party or just get a glimpse of tranquil blue. It’s all here. Don’t come just for the view though. Traverse Bay Live promises to be quite the hub for local info and resources, and it is already supported by many local businesses. From “Where to go” for dining, shopping, lodging, recreation and more to “What’s up” around Traverse City, this webcam streams live 24/7. This great idea is sponsored by the guys at Wet Mitten. They also have one in their surf shop in Grand Haven, and they have big dreams and aspirations for TC. traversebaylive.com

Plato’s Closet Shopping for your tweens and teens just got a little easier on your wallet. Plato’s Closet should be open soon in the Kids Creek Plaza on Division. The popular franchise has stores in states all up and down the East Coast, and this store is locally owned. So far, they have only been “buying” your kids’ clothes, all the popular “must have” hip brands like Abercrombie, Hollister, American Eagle, etc. The very brands that drain mom and dad’s wallets! It’s the ultimate Green store, as it continuously recycles by buying up clothes to turn around and sell. 1525 South Division Street #106 231.943.1151

Holiday Heaven Have you driven by The Holiday Inn on Front Street lately and wondered, “What’s with all the dumpsters in the parking lot?” Here is your answer: a 4.5-million dollar renovation! The whole place is getting a major overhaul, and this isn’t just cosmetic surgery either! The entire place is being renovated, including all hotel rooms, outdoor beach patio, pools, restaurants, lobby and meeting spaces—all sparkly new! Why? Well, the hotel was purchased last year by an investment group—a very wise one because we all know that the hotel is a Little Slice of Heaven, sitting on prime real estate with a breathtaking view of the bay and a stellar beach. But looking in the mirror at the cold hard truth, it was tired and old and showing its age. It badly needed a facelift! Top-notch management has been put in place to make sure it celebrates a June reopening and doesn’t miss a day of our visitor seasons. Good luck guys, that’s a challenging goal. We’ll be excited to see the Big Reveal! 615 East Front Street, Traverse City • 231.947.3700

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

presents… .

Last years TC Scoop was a huge hit! so let's do it again!

M USIC & LYRICS BY PHIL CO LLINS

JULY 11-21, 2013 Milliken Auditorium

From last years TC Scoop event, Bigs Director Cecilia Chesney with daughter Mary, son Jake with a tag along friend.

Tickets: mynorthtickets.com

(800) 836-0717

www .miracleproductionstc.com

2nd Scoop The family fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters is back, and it’s even BIGGER. It will be held Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at F & M Park, and it is generously sponsored by Cherryland Electric Cooperative. Not to miss fun and treats galore include Moomers Ice Cream! It’s a kid-friendly event with tons of activities like face painting, balloon art, a kidzart project, an ice cream–eating contest and more. Police and Coast Guard officers will be there to join in the fun, too. Tickets can be purchased at the event: $5 for four tickets, 6 and under free (receive 2 tickets) and $20 Family Price includes 16 tickets.

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

They should put more wine in a bottle, so there’s enough for two people.

Announcing!

An Inaugural Event! Get your taste buds ready to experience the very first Petoskey Restaurant week May 17–24! Bring your

appetite and be ready for culinary delights galore. More than 20 Petoskey and Bay Harbor restaurants will be serving specially priced Lunches for $15, Meals as 2 for 1, and Three-course offerings for $25 to tempt and please your palate. Captivating Cuisine and Foodie Heaven, you heard it here first! After the May debut, they also plan one for October, too. Yum. petoskeyarea.com photo by: Andrew Williamson Photography

9 Beans More If you were devastated when Jen & Nic Welty closed up their Front Street location of 9 Bean Rows last December, now you can rejoice! We have big news, kind of… at press date it was on the hush hush. So hush, we can’t actually tell you in print! Scout’s honor, they made me guard the secret like Fort Knox. But what I can disclose is they have expanded and Chef Paul Carlson is joining the team. They all met when he first operated the Hearth & Vine café at Black Star Farms. The baker, the farmer and the chef is an ideal trinity when it comes to artisan breads and cuisine created with the freshest ingredients possible. In addition to artisan baked goods (Jen) and fresh, local produce from their farm in Omena (Nic), Paul will be taking their products and creating farm-to-table culinary creations. Paul will also be using locally grown products from other local farms. For the Big Announcement, check out www.9beanrows.com or facebook.com/9beanrows photo by Susan Carslon: 9 Bean Rows’ Jen and Nic Welty with Chef Paul Carlson

Picnic Under the Pines The NMC Barbecue is May 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is one our area’s most popular

and enduring traditions. The annual event brings thousands of people to NMC's main campus for an old-fashioned picnic, a tour of the grounds and family activities, too. The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fundraiser picnic in 1956. Oleson’s Food Stores continue to donate the food, and hundreds of volunteers turn out to make the event happen. For tickets: 231.995.1020

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

photo by: Tom Go rsline

Wine by the Waterfront Plan a trip to downtown Harbor Springs on Saturday, June 29, 4 to 7 p.m. for an evening of wine tasting, live local music and more at the Harbor Springs Waterfront Wine Festival. This annual event draws a sophisticated crowd and is a summertime favorite. A huge tent is erected on the waterfront and is filled with wonderful wine and fabulous food merchants so that guests can sample a little bit of everything, as well as enjoy the breathtaking waterfront views. visitharborspringsmichigan.com • 231.526.7999

Sip Happens! Don’t miss it If you haven’t got your tickets to The Traverse City Wine & Art Festival that is held annually at the Grand Traverse Commons, you’d better do it now! This year will be the hottest ever as the live music features formerly elusive “Rodriguez” who shot to stardom in the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man. All the fun happens June 21 to 22 at this celebration of the region’s wineries and the spectacular culture of Northwest Michigan. More than 4,000 people attended last year, but if that wasn’t enough, this year an exciting new addition is the exclusive Friday evening “Winemakers Party.” We’re talking total VIP treatment here, where attendees get to try some of the area’s best wines while chatting with the winemakers who created them. We’ll raise a glass to that. Cheers! traversecitywinefestival.com Photo by: Gary L. Howe MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

It is not happy people who are thankful; It is not happy people who are thankful; it is it is thankful people who are who happy. thankful people are happy.

The Outside Beckons! The fresh air, the sunlight, the scenery, the open space—there's a lot about being outside that can inspire more activity, and the research proves other benefits too: It’s Therapy It’s been proven that just five minutes in a green space can improve your mood and self-esteem! You’re Smarter A 20-minute walk in the park can improve your attention and focus. Creates a Habit People who exercise outdoors are more likely to stick with it than those who exercise at the gym. Weight Control Outdoorsy people have a lower risk of being overweight. More Energy Twenty minutes of fresh air is as invigorating as a Cup of Coffee.

Peddling for Dollars Feeling good is synonymous with getting outside and moving, and here’s a great cause to set you in motion. May 25 make a goal to participate in the Conquer The Village Mountain Bike Race. It’s to benefit our local beloved Hickory Hills. It’s a multi-lap short loop and high-intensity race full of fun for riders and spectators located at Traverse City Commons. Starting in front of Left Foot Charles in the Village where food venders and sponsors will be set up, the loop is a total of 3.5 miles and will take you around the barns and the copper ridge area (yes, there are hills!). The loop is broken into tracks depending on your skill level, gusto or just plain determination! This means that the beginners can skip the major climb, but still be up for the challenge. 8:30 a.m .to 7 p.m. www.conquerthevillage.com • 231.883.3525

Walk the Dog Another good cause to get you outside and moving! Woofers on the Run and Canis Major Pet Care are organizing Traverse City’s very own Dog Walking Group. Join them and get fit with your four-legged friend, enjoy the trail and meet other dog lovers. Starts May 1 and will be held the first and third Monday of every month through October. 6.30 p.m. at the Civic Center 1 Mile loop trail. Meet at the basketball courts. Don’t forget to bring friendly, vaccinated dogs, non-retractable leashes and poop scoop bags. info@woofersontherun.com

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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New From Nifty Things!

Custom made from the finest sterling silver, our "Marathon" beads create a lasting memory of your running achievements.

Nifty Things! The Most Unique Gift and Jewelry Stores in Northern Michigan

Available in 5K, 10K, 13.1 and 26.2. All are $39 ea. These beads fit on most add a bead bracelet brands. Free shipping on all bead orders!

• Shop Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 11-4 • Traverse City 143 E. Front Street 231.929.9665

Alden Elk Rapids 144 River Street 9043 Helena Street 231.331.6438 231.264.6420

Shop online @ NiftyThingsOnline.com

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Life’s Too Short to wear boring clothes! Love Marks Floral Blazer $92

Scarf $42

Niandra by Nina $186

MM Couture Tank $66

Owner Darla Stites makes sure that Fabulous Fashions are what you’ll find at her gorgeous stores What to Wear, located in downtown Traverse City and Elk Rapids. They are unique and eclectic boutiques with trendy women's apparel and accessories complete with a secret weapon: Killer Shoes! She takes pride that women of all ages, generations and sizes will enjoy shopping in the fresh and feminine atmosphere of these stupendous stores. For 13 years, What to Wear has been creating a true shopping experience from head to toe! Must haves include luxurious comfortable fabrics, lots of color, rocking jeans, jewelry, and stunning cocktail dresses, too. At What to Wear, Darla and her attentive staff strive for every woman to walk out feeling beautiful, inspired by modern and vintage designs, and a little sassy!

Razzamatazz by Poetic License of London $115

126 East Front Street, Traverse City • 231.932.0510 141 River Street, Elk Rapids • 231.264.6401

Fancy Me by Poetic License of London $140

Henry & Belle Super Skinny Jeans $150

Marbella Sneaker by Desigual $94

Line & Dot Dress $138 22

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

See Spring Clearly

Elizabeth Blair

FinePearls

30% off a complete pair of prescription eyeglasses! Enjoy the blooming colors of Spring in northern Michigan with 30% off* a complete pair of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses. Visit our state-of-the-art facility downtown Traverse City today. *Some restrictions apply - See store for details.

Important Strands, Magnificent Dimensions 115 W. Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI www.facebook.com/TraverseVision

336 W. Front Street

(231) 941-5440

231.526.7500 ElizabethBlair.com Traverse City, MI

boutique • salon

clothing • gifts • jewelry bath • body • fragrances

231.944.1969 116 south union • downtown tc • MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Beauty is being the best possible version of

yourself on the inside and out

Layered Eyeliner Black liquid eyeliner along the lashes with a line of bright or white liquid eyeliner above.

Venus The Roman Goddess embodies beauty, enticement, seduction and persuasive female charm. Venus the Boutique, owned by Susan Ruoff opened in 2000 with the concept to bring sophisticated beauty to Traverse City by focusing on unique "big city" product lines. Ladies, shopping here gives you all the secret weapons to become the goddess Venus! (I’m sure your husband will approve!) You can find all the named brands the celebrities covet and more. Venus is locally famous by known hip divas as the best place for the hottest jewelry from LA and New York at fabulous prices. It’s the best place in TC to buy a gift for your BFF, mom or your daughter. Always ON TREND! Speaking of which, Susan shared with us what’s Hot!

Get Cheeky Pink and peaches are the new hue. Wake up your complexion with blush.

Bright Eyes The colors are intense, sometimes unexpected, and surprisingly versatile.

Ombre! The trend has moved from hair to lips and eye shadow, fading darks to lights and lights to darks.

Layering Bangles No rules, pile them on, wear anything together.

Venus Owner and Professional Make Up Artist Susan Ruoff

Luminizer Light reflecting, gives face an allover glow, or dewy look.

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Be Fit. Be Fabulous.

Life’s a party, Dress like it!

Locally made www.yobodymo.com

Painted Bird Gallery, Sutton’s Bay • LaVoie Designs, Alden Art and Soul Gallery, Traverse City • Crystal Mountain

Specialty Store

122 Cass Street, Traverse City, Mi. 231.933.0001 • DuneBerry.com HW Bay North 2013.pdf 1 3/14/13

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Stand Up Paddle, Rentals and Lessons Group Rates We deliver! Surf and Skate

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LOCATED IN: Downtown Traverse City, East Front Street

STAND UP PADDLE • SURF • SKATE • KITE • APPAREL

www.wetmitten.com 231.929.3388

www.thehappywomanstore.com• 309 St. Joseph St • Suttons Bay MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Do You ‘blu?’ If you already “blu” then you are amongst the long list of premiere guests who are privy to exquisite fine dining elegantly framed by the backdrop of one the most stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. It also means that you relish in relinquishing your appetite to Chef Randy Chamberlain’s Spontaneous Genius, offering a menu he masterfully creates on a daily basis. You are an adventurous eater, who loves surprises, tantalizing your taste buds taking them on amazing journeys with Randy’s cuisine. We know for sure, you adore his partner in crime at blu and beyond, hostess with the mostess, sommelier and wife Mari. photography by Angela Brown

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There Randy got his start, washing dishes at 8 years old; he remembers “I’ve always been in the kitchen.” By age 20 he had a great head start; he had been working for his parents and serving breakfast lunch and dinner, but had bigger dreams, and knew he had a lot to learn. All signed up to go to Culinary school, he read the curriculum and realized the whole first year he would learn nothing new, he’d already been in the kitchen for 6-7 years. He took the

The passion behind blu, husband and wife team Randy and Mari Chamberlain.

If you have never experienced blu the fabulous waterfront restaurant in the picturesque town of Glen Arbor, that overlooks the glistening blue water, we are thrilled to introduce you to this local gem, for it is Date Night Dining Decadence at its finest. First of all chefs like this, and dynamic husband and wife teams, who make this look so effortless, only come around “Once in a blu Moon.” This is not their first rodeo, and combining the many years of experience Randy and Mari have lovingly committed to the hospitality industry, in the twenty something years leading to blu, they certainly deserve the array of accolades they are now achieving. Randy moved to Northern Michigan from Detroit when he was 5 years old, and his father was the quintessential “Entrepreneur” trying his hand at many businesses before settling with a family style restaurant, that they ran successfully for many years on Garfield Rd named “Chamberlains.”

Blue Lump Crab Puffs

“It had to be Fine Dining. I get to buy the best of everything with no compromises.” chance not to go, actually losing his deposit which he didn’t take lightly as it was a hardship on his parents, but knew he had to leave the comfort of his family’s business, to experience bigger lessons and learn from other chefs. That he did, for the next twenty plus years all around Traverse City and Leelanau County Randy put in his time, and soaked up the knowledge every different chefs kitchen could offer him. As Randy recalls “There are things I do every day that are from the people I learned from.” What he most admired at the time, where the unique things in food coming from the big cities like New York, Chicago and California, and most of these inspirations were all learnt working alongside the longtime local chef Phil Murray. Randy

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Chef Randy creating a Food Memory: Bucatini Americana with sea scallops.

worked with Phil at one time for 15 years and the next time for 10 years. It was also working alongside Phil he met his wife Mari. Like any made for TV love story begins, Randy lovingly quotes with a smile, “We actually despised each other at first.” But on the second stint of working together at the now gone restaurant, “Windows” they went from despise to love and at that very restaurant Randy proposed over dinner, and they even held their wedding reception there. (Along with something blu I’m sure) Timing is everything, and Randy had dreamed of opening his own place, many times, and luckily they all never quite panned out. In 2005 the building of Le Bear where blu is today, stood a little restaurant barely making it on the food, but saved by the glorious view. The

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this page, clockwise: Tuna Tartar with radish, marcona almond and mint oil. Scallops en croûte dijionaise.

owners of the Bear building wanted a name chef with a brand to proudly put on the sign outside, and Randy knew he wasn’t quite there just yet. But chef Phil Murray’s name was, so it became “Windows at le Bear” for quite a while, but it was managed by Randy and Mari becoming a great practice run to see what they could accomplish, they worked in perfect harmony, and the raving reviews started to pour in, and with just the right amount of hard work and patience the day came for it to be offered to Randy. Just a little hiccup, it was now the winter of 2007-2008, the economy was tanking and bistros were all the rage! But fearless in their endeavor Randy and Mari just knew “This is it, this is our time, it can’t fail.” Why blu? As Randy explains the name change “It’s named for the water and the sky. Every day of the year there’s a notion of blue. With the exception of a few gray days of course! “ The name is actually even trademarked in Michigan, and if you happen to see a little blue and white striped mini cooper with the tag “chefblu” running around town, you may just guess who that could be?

Rack of Lamb with garlic and gnocchi. Photo by Jason Hamelin

So this year, marks the 5th anniversary of blu, and to all those naysayers who pessimistically predicted doom and gloom, join me in “Go Blu” and congratulate Randy and Mari on a 20% growth every year.

“We’ll never get rich doing this, but there is an extreme richness our lives receive from doing this.”

this page, top left: The elegant dining room overlooking Lake Michigan. above: Tasmanian Salmon with polenta, arugula, scallops and tomato.

That’s not easy to do with a restaurant with only 40 seats! “Because of my size limitations it had to be fine dining. I get to buy the best product, with no compromises, I’m in the kitchen and I love it.” Summers of course are booming, but Randy and Mari give back and thank the locals who support them when it’s the off season, by offering crazy specials like Friday night dinners for two with a bottle of wine for $59! “We’ll never get rich doing this, but there is an extreme richness our lives receive from doing this.” Your exceptional evening at blu would begin warmly greeted by Mari, with impeccable service by wait staff dedicated to excellence, the elegant white linen tables are set for a dinner to remember , wine glasses at the ready to lovingly cradle magnificent wines from the world and the area. All the while the captivating blue view will leave you breathless. The menu just had the finishing touches edited and was printed at around 5pm. Take a breath, for here begins your journey, it could be Fish from Hawaii, Truffles from Italy, or something you’ve never heard of. Everything you will encounter is the finest and the freshest all made from scratch, with the promise to be outstanding. Chef Randy hopes to create just for YOU, A Food Memory, the abiity to make a lasting impression on you. The OOH and AAH, and WOW, the savoring of bold new flavors, experiencing a taste, magically able to whisk you away, years from now to a bewitching place: Forever blu, that with just a whisper of a thought, it will propel you back to blu, forever making a memory of dining in this Utopia of Spectacular Cuisine.

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Bringing Fine Foods to Harbor Spring Since 1960 ORGANIC FRESH AND LOCAL FOODS ENORMOUS WINE SELECTION ALWAYS 15% OFF 6 BOTTLES OF WINE OR MORE

HarborSpringsIGA.com 300 West Lake Street Harbor Springs, MI 231.526.2101 Suzanne@hsiga.com

A lively mix of Northern Italian Cuisine with a dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients, excellent service and a casual atmosphere!

Mickey Cannon, Chef/Owner

231.922.7795

12930 South West Bay Shore Dr. Traverse City, Michigan 49684

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wining and dining by the

WATERFRONT

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water... water... everywhere... The Palatial Water Views are the very essence of Northern Michigan; they allure and hypnotize the people who migrate to our home towns every summer. We get to live where other people dream to vacation! So for the short fleeting season cherish these great outdoors, the serene sweeping views of sand, sky and crystal blues of fresh water. You have to eat, so do it with a view! We picked just a few tried and true favorites, with a sample of what to expect; we hope it entices you to experience them for yourself. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your sunglasses, your appetite, and oh yeah, your wallet!

the cove Always a fun atmosphere, with a great deck overlooking the river in Fishtown. An array of fish and meat dishes to savor from casual to fine dining, including The Coves famous freshly made New England Style Clam Chowder. Fun Tip: The place to be for live music on the deck Memorial weekend, and must try a famous Chubby Mary (homemade bloody Mary with a chub fish).

111 River Street, Leland â&#x20AC;˘ 231.256.9834 thecoveleland.com

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the bluebird River view and a tradition since 1927! 3rd generation family owned! Classic menu that includes seafood, steak, pasta and Lake Michigan Whitefish cooked 4 different ways. A more casual menu is offered in the Tavern, including wraps, sandwiches and pizza. Fun Tip: Award Winning Whitefish and Famous Cinnamon Rolls made exactly the same way Leone and Martin first did in the early days.

102 East River Street Leland • 231.256.9081 leelanau.com/bluebird.com

harbor 22 A nautical flair, with a modern twist. Great lakes inspired menu, with fresh and locally sourced cuisine. The view overlooks the Harbor West marina, and beyond, full of luxury boats and the blue bay. The summer hot spot is the outdoor dining on the patio with a full bar. Fun Tip: Try the Fish Taco’s and cool off with Sangria Made in House.

Red Wine, Brandy, Orange Liqueur, Citrus juice and honey. 12719 South West Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City 231.922.2114 • harbor22.com

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Your Neighborhood Bakery ARTISAN BREADS SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ESPRESSO’S & MORE!

601 Randolph Street, Traverse City 231.922.8022

Every Batch From Scratch

Macarons • Cakes • Party Room Special Events • Gift Cards

Open 10am ‘til the last cupcake! 445 E. Front Street (across from Bubba's) 231.633.CAKE (2253) www.simplycupcakestc.com photo by: Photograpraphy by Scarlett MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

boathouse restaurant Fine Dining and Elegance, a beautiful water lined drive up Old Mission Peninsula is your appetizer for the main event! Stunning views and a contemporary menu awaits of French cuisine. Seasonally inspired known for their impeccably fresh seafood and decadent Kobe Beef. Fun Tip: With 300 ft. of direct frontage on Bowers

Harbor, it’s the only restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula on the water. Plan a summer day touring the wineries and top off your day with dinner here! 14039 Peninsula Dr., Traverse City • 231.223.4030 boathouseonwestbay.com

photo by: Don Rutt

photos by: Whitman Photography

apache trout grill Traditional and delicious fine dining, amazing views of West Bay, boasts fresh seafood and killer ribs. Fabulous Sunday brunch, bustling happy hours at the outside Tiki bar, with live music. Dine inside, with the doors open, or outside on the deck. Fun Tip: Dine on a Wednesday night and sail away with views of the Sailboat Races next door at the Grand Traverse Yacht Club.

13671 South West Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City 231.947.7079 • apachetroutgrill.com

knot just a bar It’s Knot Just a bar, it has food too! Great laid back pub atmosphere, fish and burgers with a stellar view overlooking the postcard picturesque Omena Bay. The first original location is in The Harbor Master Building in the Bay Harbor Marina, and has a wow worthy view of Little Traverse Bay. Fun Tip: Omena location: Pop in the door

to the right and sip some wine tastings at Leelanau Cellars Winery. Either location is accessible by land or sea! 5019 Bay Shore Drive (m-22), Omena 231.386.7393 • knotjustabar.com

photo by: Jim Miller

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art: local 124 N Maple Steet, Traverse City (behind Lil’ Bo’s) 231.620.0458 www.cogscreekgallery.com

dockside Classic lake ambience, on the gorgeous Torch Lake. The perfect place to gather with friends, accessible by boat or land. Casual dining with burgers, wraps and basket fare on the menu, with a few surprises. A celebrated Up North Summer tradition for generations of folks, the planks of the entire dock have inscriptions from different people/events. Fun Tip: Thirsty Thursdays are a must $2 Burgers and Beers!.

6340 Old Torch Lake Drive, Bellaire • 231.377.7777

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stafford’s weathervane Enjoy views of the river and the drawbridge. Local fish and seafood trump the menu here. The stone building itself is famously built by Earl Young. Fun Tip: Try the famed Oak Planked Whitefish, and be sure to admire the Huge Stone Fireplace.

Pine River Lane, Charlevoix 231.547.4311 • staffords.com/weathervane

photo courtesy of: Staffords

blu Exquisitely prepared cuisine in an intimate setting topped off with spectacular views of Sleeping Bear. If you read the Date Night on page 26, you should have already made reservations! Just tell Randy and Mari we sent you. Fun Tip: Chef Randy Changes the Menu Every Day. So every dining experience is always one of a kind and unique.

photo by: Angela Brown

Lake Street, Glen Arbor • 231.334.2530 glenarborblu.com photo courtesy of: blu

stafford’s pier Dudley’s Deck is where you will have a memorable outdoor experience. For Upscale dining The Pointer Room is for more traditional fare still overlooking windows with a view. Fun Tip: True Waterfront as the Pier Restaurant was built on original pilings over the harbor.

102 Bay St., Harbor Springs • 231.526.6201 staffords.com/pier

photo courtesy of: Staffords

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Crooked River Lodge & Suites

Your gateway to all things north! Located in Alanson on the picturesque Crooked River, recreational and winter activities are within arms reach. Just across the road is access to hundreds of miles of trails connecting you to Indian River, Harbor Springs and Mackinaw. • Family friendly • 40 guest rooms and suites • Indoor pool and hot tub • Lodging packages • Complimentary breakfast Take a virtual tour

6845 US 31 N, AlANSoN • 231-548-5000

crookedriverlodge.com

AwArd winning wine List Over 300 wines A wide seLectiOn Of Beers & spirits The New York Restaurant in downtown Harbor Springs offers an eclectic cuisine in a comfortable setting, overlooking Little Traverse Bay’s waterfront featuring fine gourmet dining, a professional and attentive wait staff and talented bartenders. Our restaurant opens daily at 5:00 p.m. and features nightly appetizer and dinner specials, which may include such delicious dishes as oysters on the half shell, mussels Provencal, walleye, rack of lamb and many other favorites.

Corner of Bay & State Streets in Downtown Harbor Springs 231-526-1904 • www.TheNewYork.com

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by J i m A n d e r s o n

Clinch Park Jim Anderson of Anderson Aerial Photography captured this spectacular aerial image of the first Grand Traverse Balloon Classic held June 18 2011. 25 balloonist from around the State launched in the early hours from the open space of Clinch Park into a brilliant overhead blue sky as hundreds of spectators cheered from nearby boats and lined the shoreline of West Bay.

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ÂŠ anderson aerial photography

Our Legendary Steaks, Seafood and Prime Rib Have Made Us a Northern Michigan Landmark Ph. 231-946-3991 7208 secor road

www.booneslli.com Traverse ciTy, michigan

www.M22.com

Traverse City - Glen Arbor MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children.

sprouts &

tykes

Erma Bombeck

The Human Touch Pretty sure you already knew this, but researchers now confirm the best place for a crying baby is in his or her mother's arms. When fretful babies are picked up and carried by their mothers they experience an automatic calming reaction, researchers report. Well, duh! But it was just recently published in a medical journal, so now it’s official! It also could help explain why calm babies start crying as soon as they are put down. This insight could help ease parents' frustration and help prevent child abuse, the researchers say. Now that’s a good revelation, because when parents are less frustrated, child abuse may be less likely to occur. The bad part is if you can’t plop them down, you’re never going to get anything done again! Or just wear earplugs while doing the chores.

Pay Attention

A study done in California just found that two thirds of parents use their cell phones while driving with their kids in the car. And about one third TEXT! “These findings highlight the dangerous behavior of adults driving distracted, especially with children in the car, exposing both themselves and their children to increased risk for a crash," said Dr. Linda Hill, a clinical professor in the department of family and preventive medicine at UCSD School of Medicine. It’s something we all know we shouldn’t do, especially with your innocent kiddos in the car. That call or text can probably wait.

Little Reminder written by Diane Loomans

If I had my child to raise over again. I'd build self-esteem first and the house later. I'd finger paint more and point the finger less. I would do less correcting and more connecting. I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes. I would care to know less and know to care more. I'd take more hikes and fly more kites. I'd stop playing serious and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I'd do more hugging and less tugging. I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often. I would be firm less often and affirm much more. I'd model less about the love of power. And more about the power of love.

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A New Pie in Town! Cherry Pie, Grand Traverse Pie, and now Mud Pie! Cool Moms with cool kids now have a new place in town to shop. The nation’s first ever Mud Pie brand boutique just opened a few weeks ago in the Grand Traverse Resort Mall. Mud Pie has a fabulous array of apparel and accessories for women and the home, with a huge focus on the most adorable wear for babies and toddlers. They also give back to babies! Mud Pie will donate a dime to the March of Dimes for every pair of their signature baby socks sold, now through March 2014.

(231) 946-5191 | TCCENTRALUMC.ORG | 222 Cass, Downtown TC

YOUare welcome HERE.

Sunday Mornings Chapel Worship at 8:30 am | Casual Worship at 9 am Sunday School at 9:45 am | Traditional Worship at 11 am Church in the Park starts June 16, Sunset Park downtown TC

Because YOU deserve a Sugar Kissed TREAT! 127 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 231.421.9156

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big kids &

teens

Most children threaten at times to run away from home. This is the only thing that keeps some parents going. Phyllis Diller

Declan Hilt:

A Dog’s Best Friend We just had to introduce you to a local Big Kid, who is an entrepreneur extraordinaire at the ripe old age of 10! Declan Hilt is the creator, baker and founder of D’s Dog-Gone Goodies. He has a booming business making natural treats for local dogs. He is so resourceful that Oryana even carries his treats—after all, they are organic— and Fox Grand Traverse has them available in its prestigious showroom! He has a Facebook page, his own e-mail and a QR code. He even donates proceeds of every sale to benefit the Cherryland Humane Society (so far, he has donated $500) and contributes to his college fund of course! Declan was inspired by a love for his dog, Bauer. Last summer while reading National Geographic magazine on the

family boat, he saw a dog treat recipe and showed it to his mom to make some for Bauer. They tweaked the recipe just a little, due to lack of ingredients available in the pantry! Turns out, that tweak was the secret ingredient and the treats were great. With Bauer’s doggie paw of approval, Declan decided to sell them. What’s next? He is working on getting the approval underway for a vending machine at the TC Doggie Park, featuring none other than D’s Dog-Gone Goodies of course! facebook.com/DsDogGoneGoodies Declan Hilt with his dog Baur at Fox Grand Traverse Showroom. GM Steve Winters and Natalie Dehner in the background.

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from Her Heart: Every Day Taylor Weckstein is an amazing teenager! Imagine your 11-year-old wanting to GIVE her extra bank account money to a needy and poverty-stricken family. That’s what Taylor told her Mom Wendy a few years ago. After researching many nonprofits, she decided to start her own named G1FT (Giving 1 Family at a Time). The nonprofit’s work goes way beyond dropping off a one-time care package; Taylor literally visits the family she helps at least once a week, helping with all their needs to provide them stepping stones to finally bettering their own situation. So far she has helped five different families, and she has raised $15,000 with bake sales, garage sales, organizing more than 20 fundraisers and receiving grants for her cause. She also asks local businesses to donate their services and products to help her needy families. As Mom Wendy says, “Who could say no to this freckled cute girl asking for help for others?” Her admirable efforts and big heart have been noticed and she has been nominated as a distinguished finalist in the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Michigan. She also has her biggest fundraiser coming up, The Mother’s Day 5K on May 12.

Help Support Taylor in her awesome efforts: sites.google.com/site/traversecityg1ft

The Nature of Being a Kid

By John A. Gessner

With the return of the birds and the heat of the sun, come the sounds of spring and summer. These wonderful sounds of life include the vibrant song of the cardinal, the hum of a dragonfly over an inland lake, and if we’re lucky, the squeals and laughter of a child having fun outdoors. Splashing, giggling, and little feet running as fast as they can are all sounds that typically accompany summer, yet are in low supply in recent years. In an age where 88% of youth report using a computer daily, and only 11% report using parks and natural spaces every day — we are in for one quiet summer (stats according to a recent survey conducted by The Nature Conservancy). Multitudes of research and studies conducted by organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency and The National Environmental Education Foundation continue to show the positive physical, emotional, and social benefits of children playing outdoors. We know that the connection between children and being active outdoors is vital. So vital, in fact, that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. It may sound like a burden, but your child’s health is at stake. This recommendation starts to seem easier when you incorporate favorite pastimes like climbing trees, building forts, and catching frogs (you know, things you used to do as a kid). Getting outside and back to classics such as bug hunting and fort building is what summer camp at the Grand Traverse Conservation District is all about. Our camps are designed on the belief that playing in the outdoors can be fun and educational; in nature, those two themes run together. Just because school’s out doesn’t mean learning stops. Whether we’re canoeing, geocaching, hiking, building forts, or catching bugs, the joy and learning of the task are so intertwined that it’s impossible to have one without the other. The lessons at camp go beyond which stones skip best across the water, campers leave with new friends, a taste for adventure, and a sense of environmental stewardship that will empower them to protect the places we live and love for a lifetime.

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Becky Thatcher

the

Gem

North

of the

"On a day you don't forget," say's Becky. March 17th many years ago, Becky on Lake Michigan searching for colored rocks. photo courtesy of: Becky Thatcher

You may know Becky Thatcher for the exquisite, hand-crafted jewelry that she has been designing for the last three decades! Her array of spectacular gemstones from around the world and here at home are an Up North Staple, synonymous with stunning designs inspired by nature.

photo by: Greta Myers

She has a loyal and steadfast following of women who travel far and wide to indulge in a treasure or two from one of the Becky Thatcher four local stores. For many, taking home a forever piece from their summer vacation in Northern Michigan is a real tradition, and they add to their unique collections every year. It is such a beloved jewelry line that women in the know from Chicago to LA and Singapore to London recognize the brand with a twinkle in their eyes, confirming to each other, “That’s a Becky Thatcher!?”

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left: Becky at home with her beloved Icelandic horse Uggi, and her sisters horse, Round.

“In my life, it was either horses or or jewelry,”

Here’s what I’m sure you probably don’t know: She dropped of high school senior year to pursue her dream of riding horses! Becky practically ran away from Ohio and moved to Middleburg, Virginia, which is the Washington, D.C., suburb known as Horse Country. Her love for making jewelry had begun just as early though. She treasures childhood memories of exploring the beach during summers at her parents’ cottage in Northern Michigan. Becky made her first real piece at summer camp when she was only 10 years old, and she took classes at age 16. “In my life, it was either Horses or Jewelry,” recalls Becky.

Becky does more than create spectacular jewelry. She has an impressive list of accomplishments to boot! These include a permanent piece at the Muskegon Museum of Art, her own White House Christmas ornament, serving as a treasurer for Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG), teaching at Interlochen Arts Academy, working as a metalsmith, and interning and teaching many young artists who are now successful in their own right. And that’s just to name just a few!

photo by: Greta Myers

left: Celebrating 30 years! The legendary little Glenn Arbor cottage which is the flagship store, Becky Thatcher still creates in today.

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Local Stone Leland Blue Link Bracelet. photo by: Colleen Macaddino

After a few years of making jewelry in Virginia and tirelessly working the circuit of craft shows in many states, she knew her heart was in Northern Michigan and she was determined to come here. She walked down the street in Glen Arbor with friends and saw the perfect little oasis. “Wouldn’t that be neat!” she said of the little building that is now celebrating its 30th anniversary as her flagship store! The little cottage must have been meant to be, but that doesn’t mean it happened easily! Becky bought the building with friends, and they had no extra money left for the realtor so they gave him 1/3 of the building as his fee! (He actually had a little antiques business inside the building for years.) Becky and her friends were on a mission and very resourceful, pooling all their skills for a “do it yourself” renovation, maxing out her credit cards entirely in the process!

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People thought she was crazy. It was the first new business to open in more than 20 years! She had a little studio in the corner, where her creations would come to life. This was not easy in the winter as the cottage had no working furnace and just a little woodstove! And did we mention this was also Home? She lived where she worked, which she loved as she could work any hours of the day. As a single mom with Devin her young son, looking back she remembers it was priceless that she had those opportunities. Every year a little more section of wall would get cut, as the store

expanded and the word got out. Eventually, the antiques got squeezed out, and she was able to buy her friends’ portions back, too. When did she know she had made it? “When I got a furnace!” she says. “That was the first big thing! The next one was a dishwasher, and then a garage.” Becky laughs, her eyes wide and excited. She was still doing the art shows then, too, and the Glen Arbor Town Hall was the big one. “I displayed everything on my mother’s tea cart, with black velvet,” she says, adding that she still uses that tea cart today in her Tuesdays Tea.

“It was like falling into this world of color,”

A Sonora Sunset Jasper bracelet photo by: Greta Myers

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to the moon and back. Riding a reindeer with the reindeer people in Mongolia.

Becky began branching out from the local Leland Blues and Petoskey Stones and experimenting. This led her on journeys around the world to faraway places like Tahiti, Australia, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Sri Lanka and beyond to hunt for more obscure, unusual stones. Becky traveled to the most famous cutting centers in the entire world, marveling over precious gems in their raw states. There were pearls, boulder opals, tourmalines, sapphires, tanzanites, Mandarin garnets, rubies, zircons and pink spinels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was like falling into this world of color,â&#x20AC;? she recalls. In the mines of Australia, they would show her a tub of more than 1,000 stones of blue Chrysoprase. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certain stones had a glow to them. My mother always taught me to shop and said look for what speaks to you,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That experience helped me immensely, as stones would sing to me.â&#x20AC;? Just in case you are wondering, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too hard for Becky to choose a favorite, but she does have a love affair with opals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Opals are wonderful, and so individual, just like people.â&#x20AC;? The little cottage became a big cottage and a veritable Aladdinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cave of Wonders, filled with these rich, dazzling and exotic jewels. It also grew to bustling with a staff of Bead Queens who were now helping, keeping up with the demand for Becky Thatcher jewelry pieces. And on a normal Tuesday Tea came along a man, a chemical engineer named David. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He came for tea, and by the end of that summer we were married,â&#x20AC;? says Becky.

The wall of beads in Becky's workshop.

Ä?ÇĆ&#x2026;ÇĄ Ć¨ÇĄ Ĺ&#x2020;ÄŠÄťÇŠÄťÇĄdÇŠĆ¨ÇĄjÇ&#x20AC;Â&#x2039;ČŁĂ˘Ç&#x20AC;Ç&#x2C6;Ă˘ÇĄÇĄ Ĺ&#x2020;ÇŠČŞÇĄÇĄÂłÇĄÇĄÇťÇĆ&#x2026;Ć¨ĹŽÇÇĆ¨Ä&#x;ĂŞÄ&#x;Ç?ÇĄ facebook.com/thecottagemoon

photo by: Greta Myers

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Pictured in the mountain tops of Nepal, she even sneaked along a bar of local grocer’s chocolate to celebrate.

Traveling around the world used to be just for the finest gems. These days it's to volunteer at missions and schools with husband David Watt. They’ve traveled to Mongolia for a camping expedition on horseback along the Siberian border. They’ve also hiked to a base camp on Mt. Everest in the Himalayas and, did we mention she has ridden elephants on both continents? Today, Becky is most proud of the fact that her jewelry has a “Transporting Effect,” as she calls it, “that every time someone looks down at their jewelry they have an Up North experience, they decompress. Maybe they remember the blue of Glen Lake. It’s satisfying for me to able to provide that serenity.”

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

The funny thing is she actually accredits all of her business success to her accountant. He told her, “What’s your wildest dream? Dream big!” This brings us full circle to her other dream. She fell in love with an Icelandic pony she named “Uggi” with her sister Cookie’s influence. (Cookie got one, too.) If you visit the Glen Arbor store, be sure to say hi—Uggi spends his summer days right behind the store. Tuesday Teas are still an event, and David is still there. These days he teaches about the gemstones while you sip tea and eat fabulous scones made by a friend who is a chef at N.M.C. Of course, the highlight is still the Brilliant Becky Thatcher Designs.

30 Wineries / 30 Artists / 12 Restaurants Live entertainment featuring...

Rodriguez

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 3-10 PM

of Searching for Sugar Man Tickets available online... traversecitywinefestival.com/tickets/

TWO GREAT WINE EVENTS! ONE FABULOUS TIME!

WINEMAKERS

party FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 • 6-9 PM

22 local wineries, 7 great restaurants Mingle with the Winemakers Eat incredible local food

Celebrate the wine, food and culture of Michigan’s Wine Coast

Visit traversecitywinefestival.com for more info! MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Inside the M-22 store on Front Street.

Matt Myers Sr. leading the Challenge Meeting

the evolution of a brand:

the

catching

m-22 is not just a road sign. It’s a celebration of a lifestyle that has rapidly become a hot brand. June also marks another m-22 Milestone— the 5th year anniversary of the intense endurance race that is the m-22 Challenge. This sunny surfer vision was created by kiteboarders in search of epic wind and waves. Founders Matt and Keegan Myers are Northern Michigan born and bred, known locally as The Broneah Brothers or BROthers of NEAHtawanta (Signifying the Neahtawanta Point where they grew up.).

written by Chris Klau event photography by Raquel Smith for Oneupweb store photography by Chris Klau

The m-22 brand was created to express a common passion and love for life in Northern Michigan. It embraces the simplicity, appreciation and awe of our natural wonders— bays, beaches, bonfires, dunes and vineyards, cottages, and friends and family everywhere.

The M-22 Brothers Keegan and Matt Myers MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Pounding the Pavement: last years runners on a mission.

The m-22 brand was already rocking, but it got kicked up a notch in 2009. That’s when Matt and Keegan decided to create a world-class event in the amazing beauty of their own backyard of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. ABC’s Good Morning America called the area “The Most Beautiful Place in America.” This new event is inspired by all that is right about living the Bay LIFE! This includes spectacular scenery, healthy and clean activities, and the ability to achieve an amazing goal together as a community. Five years later, Volunteer Director Matt Myers Sr. is leading the first of what will be many meetings for the 2013 m-22 Challenge. It is clear that the event’s secret ingredients for success are the culture and community spirit it fosters. Folks from all walks of life quickly fill the m-22 shop on Front Street in downtown Traverse City. These volunteer directors, many whom have been part of the challenge crew from the very beginning, are eager to chip in and donate their time, energy and resources to make the event a huge success. And what an unbelievable success it is!

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

The first event in 2009 drew around 130 folks. The registration for this year’s event was capped at 900 participants and was full in a matter of hours! The m-22 Challenge will be held this year on Saturday, June 8, and it starts at Little Glen Lake Picnic Area. The event draws a wide range of athletes from all across the country now. Competitors are elite racers and first-time challengers, couples that cross the finish line together and self-proclaimed old ladies like Jan Price. Jan competed in a past challenge and said, "I had so much fun and I'm an old lady!" Athletes begin the 22 mile-long course (makes sense, huh?) with the 2.5-mile run that includes the "Dune Climb.” The first male and female to summit the dune are crowned “King and Queen of the Dune,” and all racers are rewarded with the spectacular view at the top. After completing the rest of the run, racers hit the 17-mile bike portion. Athletes pedal through Glen Arbor along the Crystal River, m-22 and Inspiration Point. And participants get lots of encouragement along the way. “I found the support from the residents along the route to be very cool. I have never been to a tri that has had so many people along the course cheering," said a past competitor.

The Challenge: Walk Run, Paddle, and Bike. Just do it!

The M-22 Challenge will be held this year on Saturday, June 8, and it starts at Little Glen Lake Picnic Area.

Don't forget to take in the stellar views of The Most Beautiful place in America

Racers can separate themselves from the pack during these 17 miles before coming to the most unique portion of this tri-sport event, the paddle. In the final leg of the race, competitors can use a kayak, standup paddleboard, or anything else they can dream up as long there is just one paddle that is not affixed to the boat. After the 2.5mile paddle on beautiful Little Glen Lake, it’s out of the boats and a sprint through the water to the finish line!

The atmosphere at the finish line is like no other. Cheers are just as loud for every finisher—top to bottom. And the last competitor to cross the finish line is awarded the "I Finished the m-22 Challenge" trophy!

Est. 1995 “Cedar Creek was showing it long before Restoration Hardware. Come by and see us.” Kevin Graves

The triumphant finish line!

M-22 medals for all who beat the challenge!

415 S. Union Street Traverse City, MI 231-933-4321 www.cedarcreekinteriors.com

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Spectators have a blast too taking in all the excitement.

If you would like to experience the event, there is great opportunity to volunteer and be a part of its amazing energy. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll meet lots of great people at the same time. If you are interested in volunteering, you can email events@m22. com or go to the m-22 Challenge website, www.m22challenge.com, and click on the volunteer link. And if you are looking for a bonus to this amazing event, you are in luck! m-22 donates a portion of the proceeds from the gross sales of every registration (as well as every m-22 product sold) to the Leelanau Conservancy. This is done to express the devotion m-22 feels to preserving our natural environment. And

the m-22 Challenge is a Zero-Waste and Green-Certified event. That means that waste is not only minimized but collected and processed via recycling/composting at local facilities, thanks to Bay Area Recycling that is one of the outstanding sponsors of the event. Speaking of sponsors, the community comes together to represent this in an epic way, and all the businesses involved are listed on the website. And if you just can't get enough of the Challenge, there is going to be another event in October called the m-22 Team Challenge, an event that will be very similar to the June Challenge. But this event will exclusively feature stand-up

The Challenge Participant's that look like an army of determined ants marching up the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

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paddleboards for the paddle section of the race. Registration for that will likely open in July at www.m22challenge.com, so make sure to keep your eyes open for more info on that! So... if you are into nature, fun athletic events, supporting your community or all of the above, definitely make time to get out and check out the race. Volunteer, sign up for the next Challenge or just go and cheer your tail off for the athletes in the most beautiful place in the country. And support the brand, the passion and the vision that supports it all, m-22. It's not just a road, it's a way of life... the feeling you get when you realize there is no other place you would want to be!

M-22 donates a portion of the proceeds from the gross sales of every registration (as well as every M-22 product sold) to the Leelanau Conservancy.

New to downtown Traverse City! Fine Artisan Soaps | Organic Lotions & Creams Aromatic Soaking Salts | Gift & Travel Sets

27 Holes of Championship Golf The Little Nine - Par 3 Course Sunset Bar and Grill Lake Ann, MI

231.275.5500

On the SW corner of Cass & Front Street (231) 421-9160 greatlakesbathandbody.com

mistwoodgolf.com MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL 2013 tickets.interlochen.org • 800.681.5920

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

THE AVETT FEATURING BROTHERS JOSH GROBAN W I T H T H E T RAV E RS E STEVE MILLER BAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA KRIS KRISTOFFERSON

NEGRA BRIAN WILSON LUNA DANCE THEATER WITH WILSON PHILLIPS AL JARDINE AND DAVID MARKS

TRACE ADKINS

TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET

GARRISON KEILLOR’S

HARRY CONNICK, JR. BRANDI CARLILE MELISSA ETHERIDGE DWIGHT YOAKAM

SHEMEKIA COPELAND “A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION” KEVIN JOHNSON “RADIO ROMANCE” TOUR

ZZ TOP HAMLET THE CAPITOL STEPS

INTERLOCHEN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

THE RUGS ARE HERE!

Stewart-Zacks 130 E Front Street

CLARKE-EVERETT DOG & CAT HOSPITAL, P.C.

Lou Anne Ford associate broker

Your key to Traverse area Real Estate

231. 947 . 3900

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M. Saturday, 8:00 A.M.- Noon After Hours Emergency Services Available 24 Hours General and Emergency Pet Care Ser vices Small Animal Medicine, Surger y, Dentistr y

Dr. Stuart Everett Dr. Sara Lint 241 E. State St. Traverse City, MI 231.645.3643

Member Of Grand Traverse Area Emergency Veterinary Group Member Of American Animal Hospital Association & Better Business Bureau

1525 CASS ST., TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684 MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

I am sick of the four walls and a ceiling. I have need of the sky. I have business with the grass. Author Richard Hovey

The Luxury Universal Fire Pit by Homecrest Outdoor Living

It is finally the season to extend your living space “outside,” celebrating our beautiful summer days and long nights with family and friends, soaking up the views and blue skies and making memories. To find your Dream Furniture, discover Labadie’s Summer Place Casuals founded in 2000 by owners Norm and Vie. They are guaranteed to have something to Wow you! Norm, who is 80 years old, still works every day. He credits his mom for his work ethic and his uncanny eye for quality! As his mom taught him years ago, “Quality doesn’t cost, it pays," he says. He is committed to carrying the best brands of furniture at discount prices. Labadie’s has the largest collection in the state with 65,000 square feet of indoor showroom, including more than 200 groupings of furniture and even 300 umbrellas to choose from! That’s a lot of choices to be dazzled by, and the service they offer is second to none. Envision your perfect outdoor space and take a trip there soon—the lazy, hazy days will be here before you know it! 14000 U.S. 31 South, Beulah • 231.325.6000 summerplacecasuals.com

The Cabo Collection By North Cape International Reflections Collection By Lloyd Flanders

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Natural Stone: Creating Beautiful Spaces • • • •

for your home l cottage l workplace

Visit our extensive showroom, shared with Tilestone Imports, for slab selection, design ideas and assistance Unparalleled selection ~ granite, marble and quartz Local ownership and expertise, fabrication, installation and service Inspiration photo galleries at www.stratusmarble.com

1760 Northern Star Drive, Traverse City

231.929.2848

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

What i love most about my HOME, is who I SHARE it with. Irish Blessing

water fountain Make a stunning focal point in your garden and it will bloom.

Happy Outdoors! While the weather is giving us a sneak peek of spring, be inspired for your best Outdoor Summer Ever! Plan to update and create your perfect outdoor space. That way, when the weather is outdoor ready, you’ll be ready to relax and entertain. Needs or Wants? Here are a few ideas...

Outdoor Kitchen It’s more of a splurge, but would be happening spot all summer.

2. Stepping Stones: A quick update and adds a unique touch to any pathway. 64

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True Lifetime Warranty High Quality Materials • Low Price Guarantee • Windows • Doors • Siding • Shutters

Call TODAY for Your FREE Estimate Outdoor living Turn your porch into a whole extension of your home.

231-947-9488 We Bring Our Showroom To You!

Porch Swing Nothing says summer like sitting or sleeping on a porch swing. 10021 E. Cherry Bend Rd. • Traverse City or visit us online windowstc.com

Enhance the value, beauty & comfort of your home.

Hunter Douglas offers stylish options for every décor.

Stop in today and get a FREE "The Art Of Window Dressing" book! Whether your look is cottage chic or high-rise elegance, we have Hunter Douglas window fashions just for you. We can help you choose from a wide variety of styles, textures and colors.

Garden Pond A soothing pond adds a natural and serene feel to your backyard.

We also offer: Custom Draperies, Home Accessories, Interior Design, Occasional furniture & area rugs Temporary Shades, Service & Repair Since 1980

Trend Window & Design 817 Bay St Traverse City MI Mon - Friday 9:00-5:30 Saturday 10:00-2:00 Oher Hours by Appointment 231-941-1241 trendwindowdesign.hdwfg.com trendwindow817@gmail.com

35008

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Celebrating 10 years of Exemplary Design!

Caution:

No swimming on a full belly. Your bath. Your home. Your life.

231-347-3982 210 Howard St Petoskey, MI 49770

Visit us at our new showroom at 420 South Division Street. www.KitchenChoreography.net 231.932.9700

Designed especially with your family in mind, Kitchen Choreography offers cabinetry and interior design services for every room of your home. Complete with our exceptional service and attention to detail, we bring your version of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Perfectâ&#x20AC;? to life.

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Andrew Williamson

williamsonphotography.com 231 941 4099 portraits, interiors, exteriors, product

closet design: shane d. inman photo: hulet photoagraphy

ask

angela

photo: greta myers

by angela goodall

Angela Goodall is the lead designer and co-owner of Kitchen Choreography with her husband Mike. Celebrating 10 Years of Exemplary Design! Dedicated to excellence in kitchen and bath design and redesign throughout northern Michigan.

Cleaning Out the Closet Spring is here, maybe... A tradition around our house growing up was “Spring Cleaning,” a weekend that my mom, sisters and I would spend looking into all of the hidden corners and cleaning things. I still celebrate this tradition at my home.

I am a naturally organized person, but living in a 100+ year old home with limited closet space, has made me develop a very specific approach to storing and organizing our clothing. I thought I may inspire one or two of you by giving some helpful hints in organizing this area in honor of our changing seasons. consider the season: Start with

a very dedicated approach to specific seasonal clothing. Sweaters, wool pants or skirts, heavy dress shirts and such should be removed from the closet and stored in totes either under the bed or in another area of the house. Keeping in mind as you swap out these items that the rule around my house is “if it hasn’t been worn in a year it gets donated.”

analyze your current storage:

Now that we can see what type of storage we have, this gives us the opportunity to analyze your current storage before filling it up with all of our spring and summer clothing. Do you have enough shelves vs. hanging? Would some drawers come in handy? There are many local suppliers of closet organizing systems, so contact a professional if you need to add some different options to your current closet. They should come to your house and discuss the particular way you like to store items and make recommendations as to where you may have some space that could be changed to suit your needs. Girls, take into account your shoes and handbags. Scarves are also very hot right now, so look at some additional hooks for them. Do

you have a full length mirror for viewing your whole outfit? How about the ironing board and iron? Would it be best to have it located in the closet vs. laundry room so clothing can be ironed as it's getting ready to be worn? Develop a system: Lastly, as you

are putting your clothing away develop a system. My closet is organized by separating tops from bottoms. The tops are then hung by color and sleeve length. My bottoms are set up in a fashion of 2 pairs of pant then 1 skirt or dress. This makes my work week attire so much easier to decide at 6 in the morning, when all I need is to pair up the next bottom piece in line with a top. Shoes are in the shoe closets, and easy to grab, scarves and jewelry is organized in drawers with specific compartments, so quick to complete the look. I can only encourage you to start here and some of these practices will likely flow through the rest of your home. Good luck and happy cleaning! MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

built

the

HOUSE thatBrian

Erica and Brian Mohr looking at their home layouts.

Imagine the pressure of being a builder, creating from the ground up (and the footers below) a complete, 100 percent custom home. That alone is a challenge not for the faint of heart. But let’s throw in the added little nugget that it’s not just any homeowner you need to WOW. It’s yourself and your wife, who are the picky clients for the one-of-a-kind home you are building. And by the way, not only is this your DREAM HOME, but it also just happens to be a on the coveted list of spectacular showcase homes that will be featured as one of only 17 in the Local Red Carpet Rollout of the area’s finest built Magnificent Homes. We’re talking The Parade of Homes here. The view of West Bay from their living room window.

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

clockwise: The kitchen with 2 islands and stone brick oven. With their son Brady and daughter Dillyn in the Living room. Custom cabinetry being added to the stone fireplace.

Your daunting task is to reach utter and complete perfection by a certain date with every single detail accounted for, picked out, chosen, delivered, installed, finished and flawlessly in place! The list is an endless array of furniture for every room, kitchen cabinets, appliances, granite, tile, flooring, hardware, stone and windows. Everything must be accounted for and planned down to the paint colors for rooms (already painted, of course), the curtains you will hang and the art that will adorn all the walls—and let’s not forget the light fixtures overhead. This is a glimpse into the world of Brian Mohr of Calybr Homes and his family, wife Erica and adorable children Dillyn and Brady. Good Job Erica started a “Dream Binder” to reference three years ago! Yep, this house has to be finished by June 15. Believe it or not, it’s in great shape to happen! Fortunately, Brian has lots of experience, adding up to 35 custom homes already under his tool belt. We will be revisiting the home in our next issue to show you the final WOW product in all its glory. But for this part, we wanted to tell you the story of what goes into the planning and building, as well as the patience it takes to achieve your dream house. Plus, we wanted 70

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to take you “behind the scenes” into the life of a builder whose finished product will be showcased in The Parade of Homes. Brian and Erica really have been meticulously planning this Dream Home for the last three years. “Why not?” says Erica. With their unique backgrounds, they don’t fear taking on such a project. Both grew up with parents in construction and real estate, so this sort of undertaking is just second nature. Building, buying, selling and moving was a normal part of their childhoods. Erica remembers, “I always had to pack up my Michael Jackson posters.” Erica’s mom is Lynne Moon, a superstar in local real estate, and Brian’s step dad Cal Karr is also a builder. Some of this house’s Wish List “must haves” are very unique. The stunning brick oven in the kitchen was inspired by a trip to Italy. “I try to build every home as if it will be my own,” Brian says, noting that it is the quality of materials and workmanship and not the actual choices that make the foundation of a beautiful home. “Even though the personal choices of the homeowner may not be my taste, it’s not my house, but it’s the finished product and counts,” he explains.

“Your daunting task is to reach utter and complete perfection by a certain date with every single detail accounted for, picked out, chosen, delivered, installed, finished and flawlessly in place!”

B.C.D.

An average remodel lifespan is 20 years...

541 W Front St. Traverse City, MI 231.946.6882 baycabinetry.com

Please choose -KITCHEN DESIGN -BATH DESIGN

-INTERIOR DESIGN -SPACE PLANNING

wisely where you decide to spend your time.

-HISTORIC RENOVATION -PROJECT MANAGEMENT

-SALES & INSTALLATION -LICENSED BUILDER & CKD MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

“You can never underestimate the talents of good trim carpenters or professional painters. They are the most underappreciated people.”

above: Erica making big decisions for stone choices. below: The master bath, the tile above the tub and marble inset.

Once the house is built, he says, “You can never underestimate the talents of good trim carpenters or professional painters. They are the most underappreciated people.” For this reason, he has worked with mainly the same crew for the past seven years. He knows that this team will consistently deliver high-quality work. “My painters spend a week just prepping,” Brian explains. He suggests that you try to finish any home “under budget” so that you can splurge on finishing it. “The finishes are so important,” he emphasizes. “Don’t skimp on them.” What were the two things that Brian and Erica knew they had to have in their Dream Home from experience with living without? “A mud room and a huge pantry,” Brian says. “Everyone that has kids should have a mud room.” A luxury this house has for sure is an oversized and opulent kitchen. It is 21 feet long by 16 feet wide, bigger than most living rooms, and features two islands—one for cooking and prepping and the other for seating complete with a custom wine rack—a main kitchen sink and a bar sink. “That’s where there will be beer and juice boxes,” Erica says. Without a doubt, the kitchen will be the shining star of this home. It was designed by Angela Goodall of Kitchen Choreography with a lot of help from Erica and her Dream House Binder! “It was easy,” Erica says. “I knew exactly what I wanted, and it was all in my binder. She (Angela) instantly got my vision.” Once the plans, layout and “must haves” had all been incorporated into the blueprints, the decision to include the home in The Parade of Homes showcase was an easy one. This will actually be Brian’s seventh parade home, so he’s not new to the last-minute stresses that a looming deadline generates. “I’m excited for you to see this house in two weeks,” he enthuses. “It will totally all come together.” With his experience, Brian knew where his control lay in the construction and contactor end. That left the Devil in the Details and the important cosmetic selections up to Erica. She embraced this challenge, armed of course with her

2013 Moorings Now Available!

Complete Marine Service top: Brian in builder mode (Calybr Homes) with his sub-contractor crew. bottom: Not just any kitchen! The highlight is the stone brick oven.

10% DISCOUNT TO ALL NEW HEATED & COLD STORAGE CUSTOMERS Outside Mast-Up Storage Open Year ‘round

Authorized Gas & Diesel Sales & Services, Hull Painting, Varnishing, Re-Finishing, Engine Re-powering, Prop & Shaft Repair, Transmission Repairs, Stern Drive Repairs, Hauling and Launching, Rigging, Electronics Service & Ship’s Store

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

top: The staircase in the main foyer. bottom: The three-car garage also doubles as the workplace.

binder. She enlisted a little help from interior designer Shane Inman here, and she is thrilled that she did. “He really helped me set the tone. We pushed our comfort zone, and challenged new things.” A dark wooden floor and strong elements like black windows and doors are definitely not the norm. Of course, picking out paint colors is a bit trickier. “We are still trying to find the perfect shade of grey,” Erica admits. Of course, Erica and Brian know what to expect when designing and building a house, but their kids have managed to have fun, too, and love coming to the big construction site that will soon be called “Home.” Erica says, “All they requested was Dillyn wanted a purple room and Brady a blue one!” They are also excited that they will be able to walk to their elementary school. It all adds up to the perfect recipe for a family’s dream home, and with three years of planning, it wasn’t an accident! Take a meander through this finished house and see for yourself. The Parade showcase starts on June 15 and continues through June 23. Check out the website for all the information: www.hbagta.com

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS! Y SUMMER DAY CAMP GRAND TRAVERSE BAY YMCA

June 17 to August 30 K-Camp, Traditional Camp, Leaders Club and Sports Camp: 11 different summer sessions! (Each session is one week, Monday-Friday)

Science and Nature Camp: Six one-week sessions offered June 17 to July 26 Art Camp: Four one-week sessions offered July 29 to August 23 Stop by the Y at 3000 Racquet Club Dr. Traverse City or call Thomas at 231-933-9622 for more information. Registration forms can be found at www.gtbayyma.org.

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

America’s

Laminate Vinyl Hardwood Flooring Ceramic Tile

CARPET BARN Anniversary Sale!

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AMERICA’S CARPET BARN IS JUST LIKE A MARRIAGE...

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FREE FLOORING INSTALLATION During our Anniversary Sale... Going on NOW! 883 US 31 SOUTH TRAVERSE CITY • 231-943-PIGS (7447)

countertopS carpet harDwooD laminate tile

SaleS • Service • DeSign 1430 Trade Centre Drive Traverse City 231-9297207 400 Main Street Frankfort 231-352-8130 www.tilecrafttc.com

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Central United Methodist Church written by Kim Burch

THEN This photo taken in the 1930’s, highlights the dome-shaped building nestled along the Boardman River, now known as Central United Methodist Church. The “Church with a Dome” was built by architect W.E.N. Hunter in 1913 on donated land from Perry Hannah, “The Father of Traverse City.” Historical Photo courtesy of The History Center of Traverse City

NOW Central Church, now with

just under 1000 members, has become a true gem in our historic neighborhood. By opening its doors to the Traverse City community and offering a venue for musical events, local fundraisers and support groups, as well as a welcome place for the homeless and hungry; Central carries out its mission to reach beyond their doors and meet people wherever they are on their life journeys. The next time you’re in downtown Traverse City, take a moment to admire the stained glass windows, enjoy a quiet moment in the prayer garden along the Boardman River, or maybe even walk through those grand entrance doors and find your home under the Central Church dome. Image by Anderson Aerial Photography

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

PREMIER ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENTS ON THE WATER

You vowed to stay together “so long as you both shall live.” We can help. Our flexible wellness care options are designed to help our residents and their families enjoy each day to the fullest. For couples, this means assistance can be customized for each person, allowing spouses to stay together in their own apartment even when their care needs are different. To learn more about the benefits and value of living in our beautiful family-centered community, stop by or call Rose Selkirk at 231.225.9735 to arrange your visit.

1400 Brigadoon Court • Traverse City, MI 49686 • 231.225.9735 • BoardmanLakeGlens.com

o ld to w n p la y h o u s e

june 15, 2013

Black & White Gala City Opera House 112 1/2 E. Front Street A sublime evening awaits you! Mingle with friends of the theatre, give back to your community playhouse and enjoy delicious food. Highlight the night with a performance by OTP’s talent singing and dancing in an original revue of Broadway music with a twist of “lime”.

5:30 PM Reservations Required: 231.947.2210

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH

northern michigan

exposed

by john a. gessner

Dusk Falls on Old Mission Waves lap gently against an outpouring of large lake boulders, smoothed by the steady hand of time and placed beautifully by the Lake herself. The sun fades, another day closes; a light wind gives me a chill. Spring lingers, but the scent of summer is in the air. Behind me, a woodpecker echoes from the tree-lined shore, in search of food or it's mate. All alone on the rock-strewn shore, a heron flies overhead... And then dusk falls, and all stands still. 78

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ÂŠ john a. gessner | www.johnagessner.com

MAy/june 2013 | BAY LIFE NORTH