2019 ANNUAL REPORT
OUR MISSION
Norte is dedicated to building stronger, better connected and more walk/bike friendly communities by empowering the young and young at heart.
OUR VISION
Happy, healthy, strong communities. Kids learning to move and be physically active as part of ordinary life — like going to school or the park or the library or the beach — and then inspiring their parents, teachers, principals, neighbors to do the same is, in our opinion, a powerful means to sustainable well-living and community healthfulness. Independent, happy, confident, ready to learn youth are empowered to be guardians of their health, develop lifelong habits to move more and sit less and be leaders in their neighborhood.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Letter from Chris Hinze, Board President 4 Remembering How We Got Here 5 What Norte Does Best 6 Jack: An Active-For-Life Kid by Brian Matchett 7 Happy, Healthy, Strong Communities by Design by Gary Howe, Advocacy Director 8 Norte’s 2019 Business Champions 9 What’s In A Norte Budget? 10 Thank You To Our 2019 Donors 14 Impact & Accomplishments 16 Norte’s 2019 Community Partners 17 Norte’s 2019 Volunteers 18 Raising My Words: I Advocate by Kaischa Smith 19 Youth Leadership And Evan by Melzar and Laurie Coulter 20 The Norte Team 22 The Otwell Hub 23 Letter from Ty Schmidt
I love bikes. But more than the bike itself, I love what the bicycle adds to my life. Free
exercise on my morning bike commute to work. An instant stress reliever after a tough day. An active way for my family and I to travel to our favorite destinations. A way to escape into the woods - just to name a few of the amazing benefits the bicycle. As a #girldad to two amazing young girls, of course I wanted to instill my love for bicycles into them as well. For my oldest daughter, Stella, that was no problem. She took to the bicycle right away and I’m already struggling to keep up. As for my youngest, Olive, that was another story. Her balance bike had started to collect a serious layer of dust in the garage. If I was lucky, I might be able to get her to sit on the bike for a few seconds but even that was a rare occurrence. She just didn’t have the confidence to get going. And then she did a 180. The Norte Estrellas program came to her preschool and that made all the difference. Ben and the volunteers made riding bikes fun. They slowly showed the kids the skills they needed and gave them plenty of time to practice. Equally important was the social aspect. The preschoolers loved “bike day” because they had an opportunity to be silly with their friends — all while being physically active and learning an important life skill: how to ride a bike. Now Olive loves riding her bike and wants to ride every chance she can get. Olive’s story is just one of hundreds, maybe thousands now, across the region of those young and young at heart who have been encouraged and empowered to be more physically active directly because of Norte. I am truly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve this amazing organization as Board President. Norte has an incredible staff and countless volunteers who are working to bring Norte’s vision of happy, healthy, strong communities to Northern Michigan. But they can’t do it without you. Thank you for your support of Norte and please help us keep the momentum going.
With gratitude,
Board President
Chris Hinze NORTE | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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Celebrating Our Strength and Impact by
REMEMBERING HOW WE GOT HERE 2013 2014
Norte is founded with one bike train to Eastern Elementary in Traverse City
The Bike Más Project launches at Traverse Heights Elementary Bike trains expand Vasa Domingos begins
2015
Kids Bike Library launches Farmers Market Bike Valet TC Rides gets started
2016
Traverse City Summer Bike Camp begins with one session Pro Walk/Pro Bike Advocacy committee is founded El Liderato Youth Leadership Council forms
Estrellas Balance Bike begins as a summertime meet up at F&M Park
2017
Winter Walk Wednesdays begin Clubhouse opens with Community Bike Shop Estrellas Balance Bike grows to 15 area schools
2018
Expand to Elk Rapids and Northport
Wheelhouse opens Amigos, our program for kids with special needs, begins The Solution, a bike mechanics education series, begins $4.5 million bond to accelerate sidewalk building mostly in the Traverse Heights neighborhood is approved First Advocate Academy “More Girls on Bikes” initiative begins
2019
Expand to Kalkaska and Suttons Bay Two safer crosswalk signals installed on the Grandview Parkway Revisioned 8th Street with northern Michigan’s first protected bike lane Explore Academy starts Grand Traverse Regional Youth Mountain Bike Team grows to become largest youth mountain bike team in the state of Michigan Kids Bike Library grows to 160 bikes
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WHAT NORTE DOES BEST ACTIVE FOR LIFE KIDS Kids learning to move and be physically active as part of ordinary life — like going to school or the park or the library or the beach — and then inspiring their parents, teachers, principals, neighbors, community to do the same is, in our opinion, a powerful means to sustainable well-living and healthfulness. Independent, happy, confident, ready to learn young people are empowered to be guardians of their health, develop lifelong habits to move more and sit less and be leaders in their neighborhood.
HAPPY, HEALTHY, STRONG COMMUNITIES What steps can we take to get kids off the couch, off their screen and outside? How can we reduce childhood obesity, insane car lines at schools, traffic congestion, air pollution and social isolation? Organized sports and recreation are great but Norte believes that embedding walking and biking into our daily routine, is a significant part of the answer. Norte is raising awareness and promoting best practice infrastructure, progressive policies and people-first design that advance complete streets, traffic calming, and more equitable access.
GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY Norte believes that people of all ages and abilities have the right to safe access to where ever they need to go by foot or bike — schools, parks, neighborhoods, beaches, businesses, public transit — you name it! Norte Pro Walk/Pro Bike Advocacy makes this a reality by working alongside awesome people, organizations, and communities.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP At Norte, we believe young people are to be seen, heard, and valued by their community. We believe in their abilities to take action and contribute to making their neighborhoods safer and healthier places to live. Norte is committed to not just being youth-focused, but youth-driven too. Our youth leadership council, empowers young people to stand up, speak up, get involved and do good in their community.
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JACK: AN ACTIVE-FOR-LIFE KID by Brian Matchett
My son, Jack, has truly been empowered as an active-for-life kid thanks to his involvement with Norte. At the beginning of his 5th grade year, Jack made a pact with his younger brother Max (1st grader at the time) and a neighborhood friend to ride their bikes to school every day: rain, snow, ice, or sunshine. In June of 2019, together all three accomplished their goal. Jack continued his Norte life with a Summer Bike Camp, which provided him the knowledge and confidence to become independent around town on his bike. Participating in Norte’s Mountain Bike Team in his 6th grade year helped Jack in a different way. Multiple times a week, Norte helped him to scratch his itch for speed and technical trail riding, and to make new friends from multiple schools in the Grand Traverse area. He explored new areas and trails such as the Boardman Lake Trail, VASA Trail, The Commons, and the NMC property, all of which Jack now loves to take friends and family to go exploring, hiking, and biking.
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Jack has great pride in the proficiency he has developed around maintaining and repairing his own bike thanks to The Solution bike mechanics classes he has taken. He remembers well a time that he got a tree branch jammed in his bike, but with the help of the empowering information he received from his instructor, Ben, and 20 minutes of work and repair, he was able to get his bike back on the trail. When Jack is not attending a Norte class or practice, he loves to spend his free time building mountain bike trails and jumps at a local woodlot with his brothers and friends. “Norte feels like a family to me. I’ll be out in public and I see Ty, Ben or another Norte person, and they are always there if I have a question or to have a catch-up conversation.” Thanks to his Norte involvement, Jack truly is an active-for-life kid!
HAPPY, HEALTHY, STRONG COMMUNITIES BY DESIGN by Gary Howe, Advocacy Director
The happy, healthy, strong community provides dignified accessibility for everyone. When we cross the street, we don’t need to run or play frogger. When the family gathers after a day at work and school, the 10-year-old leads the way with confidence to the ice cream shop. On the way home, the family swings by the park and stays till dark visiting with neighbors. The happy, healthy, strong community is built on top of equitable policies set in school administrative buildings, city and township halls, and conference rooms. Decisions are considered in the abundance created by collaboration and creativity, rather than in the vacuum of short term budget constraints and scarcity mindset. Policymakers strive to understand the cascading impacts of their decisions on health, equity, and connections. The result is safer, more active places where we come together by design. Everyone feels valued, everyone is celebrated, and everyone is encouraged to realize their full potential.
The happy, healthy, strong community is what Norte celebrates, envisions, and works to create and maintain. It is the fundamental metric by which we measure our daily work. Our success is measured by the number of smiles generated in community slow rolls, summer camps, and strider bike socials. We see Norte’s impact when citizen advocates engage and represent their community with confidence and clear voices. We revel in the story of the person inspired to walk to work by all the people biking and walking around town in bright orange winter hats. And, then inspires their co-workers to join them. The happy, healthy, strong community isn’t a dream--we see expressions of it every day. Our task at Norte and across Northern Michigan is to advance these experiences, celebrate them, advocate for them, and make them the foundation of our work. The happy, healthy, strong community is by design.
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LUX CHAMPIONS ($1,500) 9&10 News Anne Schwartz Realtor
TITAN CHAMPIONS ($5000+) 100+ Women Who Care, Grand Traverse and Leelanau Boomerang Catapult Hagerty Northern Michigan Community Health Innovation Region
SUPERSTAR CHAMPIONS ($5000) Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cherry Capital Cycling Club Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Ironman Foundation Inc. Kiwanis Club of Traverse City McLain Cycle & Fitness Rotary Charities of Traverse City Superior Physical Therapy TentCraft Traverse City Track Club
DYNAMO CHAMPIONS ($2,500) 4Front Credit Union Carlton & Company Cherry Republic Grand Traverse Pie Company Iceman Promotions Parallel Solutions Solution Studio TBA Credit Union TentCraft The Little Fleet Up.Bike Zonta Club of Traverse City
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Bowerman, Bowden, Ford, Clulo & Luyt, P.C. Cherry Capital Cycling Club Crystal Mountain eFulfillment Service Grand Traverse Children's Clinic, P.C. Keen Technical Solutions League of Michigan Bicyclists Miner's North Jewelry Munson Healthcare Northway Orthodontics Record Eagle Sunset Tree Removal, LLC Teter Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort Traverse City Elks Lodge #323
ACE CHAMPIONS ($1,000) Cedar Run Eye Center, PLC Epicure Catering Fifth Third Bank Grand Traverse Children's Clinic, P.C. Grand Traverse Oral Surgery Great Lakes Orthopaedic Center, P.C. Great Lakes Stainless, Inc. Mari Vineyards Max's Service Miller Energy Oryana Community Co-op Sarya Orthodontics State Farm Agent Susan Soffredine Rauser Tee See Tee The Filling Station West Bay Exploration
RAD CHAMPIONS ($500) Air Way Automation Alfie Logo Gear Baird Foundation, inc Bethany Design BikeLaw.com Brick Wheels
C & M Insurance Services Agency. LLC Charles Schwab Traverse City Chelsea Bay Design Cherry Republic City Bike Shop CMB Construction Common Good Bakery Copy Central Danbrook Adams Raymond PLC Down Syndrome Association of Northern MI Downtown Traverse City Association Fresh Coast Market Fuel My Life Grand Traverse Construction Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic Groundwork Center Hallmark Construction Honor Bank Iceman Promotions Image360 Impres Salon Keen Technical Solutions Kolo TC Krios Consulting Laser Printer Technologies Left Foot Charley M13 Capital Marathon Automotive Maxbauer Ace Hardware McLain Cycle & Fitness Miner's North Jewelry My Secret Stash National Cherry Festival Northern Building Supply Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association Nuart Signs Old Mission Associates Quantum Sails Raduno Rare Bird Running Fit Safety Net Sanctuary Silver Spruce Brewing Spectrum Technology Services State Farm Agent Susan Soffredine Rauser Suttons Bay Bikes Sweet Pea Tandem Ciders Team Bob's Teter Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc That'sa Pizza The State Theatre/Bijou By the Bay The Workshop Brewing Co. Trattoria Stella Traverse Area Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic Traverse City Roller Derby Traverse City Wine and Beers Tours Zany Consignment Boutique
WHAT’S IN A NORTE BUDGET? Lots. Few organizations Norte’s size strategically weave funding pieces together as Team Orange does. Diversity in funding is key to ensuring a successful and enduring impact. What’s the most important piece of the funding pie, though? You, our generous donors and partners.
ANNUAL BUDGET 2014 2015
$3,497.00 $36,571.00
2016 2017
$63,805.00 $119,246.58
2018
$234,865.67
2019
26+18+1715145e
$403,627.04
SUPPORT
2019 TOTAL SUPPORT = $458,000 26% 18% 17% 15%
Individual Donations Fee For Service Foundation Grants Corporate Donations
EXPENSES
2019 TOTAL EXPENSES = $403,627.04 89% active for life kids and happy, healthy, strong communities programs 11% Operation, administrative, fundraising
14% Government Grants 5% Special Events (Net) 5% Merchandise Sales
89+11+e
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OUR 2019 DONORS
Thank you to our amazing and very generous 2019 donors for supporting happy, healthy, strong communities. $10000+
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Hagerty Mahogany Foundation Michigan Fitness Foundation Northern Michigan Community Health Innovation Region Rotary Charities of Traverse City Tim Werner & Petra von Kulajta
$5000-9999
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cherry Capital Cycling Club Ironman Foundation Inc. Kiwanis Club of Traverse City Superior Physical Therapy Traverse City Track Club
$2500-4999
4Front Credit Union Amgen Foundation Staff Giving Program Grand Traverse Pie Company League of Michigan Bicyclists MI Cares For Tourism Parallel Solutions TBA Credit Union TentCraft The Little Fleet Susan & George Townsend Twilight Rotary Club of Traverse City Zonta Club of Traverse City
$1000-$2499
Anonymous Bay Area Contracting Bowerman, Bowden, Ford, Clulo & Luyt, P.C. Cedar Run Eye Center, PLC Crystal Mountain eFulfillment Service Fifth Third Bank Grand Traverse Children’s Clinic, P.C. Grand Traverse Oral Surgery Lori Grossnickle Tim & Sally Hanley Scott Hickey Higher Grounds Trading Co. Brad & Tara Hochstetler Paul & Laura Jacobson Mari Vineyards Michael Chetcuti Foundation Miller Energy Miner’s North Jewelry Munson Healthcare Northway Orthodontics Philip S Harper Foundation Shannon & Derk Pronger Kathryn & Bernie Riker Anthony & Natalie Rupard Anne & Luke Schwartz State Farm Agent Susan Soffredine Rauser Sunset Tree Removal, LLC
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The Right Hand Fund Meg Thomas Ackerman & Glen Ackerman Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort Traverse City Elks Lodge #323 Up.Bike West Bay Exploration
$500-999
Air Way Automation Alfie Logo Gear American Online Giving Foundation Anne Schwartz Realtor Erica Austin & Todd Gignilliat Baird Foundation, Inc BikeLaw.com Sally & Chad Black Kevin Bozung & Beth HolmesBozung Gloria & Leith Butler C & M Insurance Services Agency, LLC Peter Carlton Charles Schwab Traverse City Cherry Republic CMB Construction Beth Collins Paula Colombo & Curt Cummins Common Good Bakery Community Foundation Serendipity Endowment Kenneth & Emily Davies Dean Day Maellen DeBruyn Ken Decan Down Syndrome Association of Northern MI Downtown Traverse City Association Carly & Dan Ellis Cynthia & David Foley Fresh Coast Market Frozen Rabbit 5K Fuel My Life Grand Traverse Construction Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic Honor Bank Kolo TC Krios Consulting Macare & Dusty Lumbrezer Marathon Automotive Stephanie & Lee Mathewson Michelle Mercer Robert Mittelstaedt & Renee Huckle Mittelstaedt Casey & Marissa Moore National Cherry Festival Optimist Club of Traverse City Charlie & Clare Pryde Quantum Sails Rare Bird Rotary Club of Traverse City Nicholas Routson Safety Net
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Diane Samarasinghe Sanctuary Silver Spruce Brewing Ed Slosky Kaischa Smith Bill & Peggy Stych Sweet Pea Team Bob’s The Workshop Brewing Co. Traverse Area Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic Zany Consignment Boutique
$250-499
Benevity John & Rebecca Bercini Sarah & Karl Bielman Anne Bonney Dan Brady Burdco Incorporated Susan Carlyon City Bike Shop Ross & Wendy Clement Nancy Cotcamp Lew & Virginia Coulter Paul & Chris Deyo Sandra Dunn Carl & Amy Ferguson Pat Friedli Pat & Katie Gibson Tom & Georgine Grapes Heavy Riders, LLC David & Karen Hilt Chris & Katie Hinze Impres Salon BJ Ingwerson & Mary Kuhn Intrepid Cycling Todd Johnson & Amanda Campo Johnson Rebecca & Jim Kalajian Keen Technical Solutions Randall Kiessel Jennifer Klabunde Barbara Knuth Patricia Koch Will & Tracy Kramer Arthur Kubert Tony Lentych & Heather Fraizer Patricia & Findley Lewis M13 Capital Dan & Kara Madion Laurine Madison Samantha Maldonado Becky Mang & Homer Nye Kim Marian & Rob Lovell McLain Cycle & Fitness David Mengebier Luke & Paige Miller Jennie & Pat Nestor Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association Bill & Carin Northway Cathy & Sean O’Connor Bob & Laura Otwell John & Sue Paul Beth Pawlowski Rachel & Jason Plum & Family
Tim & Stacey Pulliam Royce Ragland & Kenneth Bloem Evelyn Richardson Tracy Ruegsegger Kurt Schuler Megan & Dave Shapiro Short’s Brewing Company Bill & Mary Smith Teter Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc That’sa Pizza Traverse City Roller Derby Bill & Jessica Unger Russ & Sue Van Houzen Carol Vernam Jim Walters DJ Wiener & Christina Wien Kasey & Nick Wierzba Henry & Michelle Witkop
$100-$249
Deborah Allen Kimberly Alm Ed Andres & Nancy Turner Steve Andriese Joan Antle Gary & Mimi Appel Elizabeth Argo Bret & Sarah Bachert Anna & John Bachman Backcountry North Cindy Barnard Karen & Jack Barnwell Joe & Bonny Barrett Shawna Batcha Kim Bazemore Jake Bee Adam & Marika BeVier & Family Rebecca Bigelow Megan & Ross Blackport John & Karen Boals Lynne Boersema Zachary & Jen Boivin Al Bonney Bonobo Winery Julie & Daniel Boss Barbara & Harry Boyce Julia Braverman Jim & Danielle Bruckbauer Debbie & Rod Burley Bryan & Kristy Burns Christine & Dan Buron Denise & Mike Busley Linda Butka Michael & Jessica Caruso Josephine Case Keith Cheney Cecilia Chesney Lisa Chimner Christa Clark Connie & Bill Clark Susan Cline Marylou & Don Coe Doug & Sue Coffin Carolyn Collins James & Amy Coneset Paul Conlen Sheri & Steve Constantin
Jim Cotant Glenn Cousineau Yvonne & Don Cunkle Rennie Cutler Sandra Daley Dea & Bill Danly Elizabeth Dell & Mark Waddell Max Dickinson & Kaitlyn Burns Peter Doren & Karen Mauro-Doren Betsy & Steve Duede Jennifer & Tim Dutmers Sally Dykhuis Charles & Lynn Ebinger Epicure Catering Katherine Epple John Fahey Juliana Fernandez Joan & Patrick Fitzgibbon Bruce & Cathy Flowers Gerri Flowers Elizabeth Footh Rob Frank Susan Frye Stephanie & Todd Galdes Sarah & Michael Gano Laura Garneau Mark & Karen Gerlando Mandy Gibson Mary Gillett Lauren Golba Chrissie Gonzales Andrew & Erin Gorecki Gray Institute Jennifer Groseclose Nancy Grote Dave & Krista Haapala Holly Hack Kim Hagerty McKeel & Soon Hagerty Debra Hall Kelly & John Hall Tami Hall Philip Hamburg Jill & Brian Hammer Terri & Mark Hanson Sara Harding Margaret Hardy Scott & Cindy Hardy Hauler Cycles Charles Havill John Heiam & Lois Goldstein Fred Heslop John Hilt Gary Hoensheid Melissa Hogan Jessie & Eric Houghton Erin House Gary Howe
Tim & Lisa Hughes Yarro Ireland & Jeni Wares Beccy Janis Maxwell Janis Marie Jannausch-Hooper Jon Jensen Barbara Jewell Laura & Ron Jolly Jolly Pumpkin Kelly Jones Ruth Jones Elisa Julien Marilyn Kamp Virginie & William Kanner Jessica & Andrew Kempf David & Tracey Kempsell Marguerite Kenney Renee Killian Leonard & Constance Klein Sally Knott Hannah & Ryan Krombeen Janet Kronk Karen Kuehlhorn Kristin Kuehn Kristen Kurjan Shaina & Christopher LaFond Melissa Lakies Christopher Lamb Chelsea Leggett Barbara & Jake Lemieux Julia Lilley & Brad Platt Scott & Jeni Lockhart Michelle London Claudia Lounis Heidi Lynn Glen & Tracie MacPherson Charity & Tim Madion Melanie & Eric Mannix Pete & Mary Mantei Ben Marentette & Matt Turner Kristin & Peter Marinoff Erin & Andy Mars Don Masch Terri & Richard Mattarella Cheryl Mazurek Jennifer & Jim McClellan Elizabeth McKellar John & Donna McNeil Kathryn McNitt Keelan & Meri McNulty Sara McVay Rebecca Mead Alison & John Metiva Katie Miller & Joel Roskamp Montessori Children’s House Sherrie Moseler Veronica Moyer Sarah & Troy Naperala
Tim Nelson & Nancy Johnson Matt Newbill Eric Norris Mickie & Kevin Novorolsky Melissa O’Brien Oliver Specialties Becky Osborne Lisa Otto Robert Pacer Andrew Page Gavin Palm Perry & Heidi Pentiuk Doug Petersen & Hjarsti Coonrod Jennifer Petterson Scott & Pam Phillips Lisa & Fred Pilgrim Carrine Pomaranski Jeane Poos Roger & Barbara Raehl Marynell & Scott Ripmaster Madeline Robinson Stephen & Jillian Robinson Lisa Robitshek Glen Ruczynski & Ali Bridson Jennifer Satchwell Joan Schloop Ty & Johanna Schmidt & Family Wayne & Kathleen Schmidt Paul Schmuckal Hans Schwab Marie Schwartz John Serratelli & Kay Serretelli Kenneth Shtino Laurlynn Shugart George & Kimberly Shumar Al & Marjorie Siefert Jim & Shannon Sitek Lisa & Fred Sitkins Blythe & Sean Skarshaug Linda Sliwinski Annie Smith Barb Smith Jason Smith Kim & Dudley Smith Kristen Sonnemann-Grams, David Grams & Family Dan & Emilie Spalla Marcia Spitzley Leslie Starsoneck Wayne & Joni Sterenberg Cassy & Jeb Stone Todd & Janna Stone Elizabeth Straebel Suzanne Straebel Kristen & Gabe Talaga Carl & Emily Taphouse Mike & Terry Tarnow JT Taylor, Rachael Franks Taylor & Family Julie Terhune Steven & Anndrea Terry Barbara Thompkins Eunice Thompson & Jim Lagowski George & Sally Thompson Bridget & Dan Thuente Lucinda Timmer Toyota4Good Traverse City Downtown Development Authority Maria Tucker Marta Turnbull Fame Turner Mark & Suzanne VanderKlipp Mary Van Valin
W.K. Kellogg Foundation Michael & Shawn Ward Priscilla Ware Andrea Warren Therese Waters Andrea & Kevin Webber Jennifer Weil Andrew & Alicia Weir Donald Weir Zach & Sarah Wessels Tracey Westerman Rita Whaley William & Anna White Paul Wieland Brent Wiersema & Stephanie Morreale Melissa Winter Doug & Susan Wipperman Sharon & Wayne Workman Tom Wyant YourCause, LLC Linda Zalewski
$50-99
Ashley Alexander Brian Allen & Liz Belt Meagan & Peter Alvarado Joann & Jim Anderson TJ Andrews & Mike Grant Susan Arnold Nicholas Baisden Rasa Baker Jessica Barbara-June Pat & George Bearup Barb Beauregard Laura Berk Janice & Steve Beyer Anita Bilbao Edward & Jeanine Bottrell Patricia Brian Tim Brick Emily & Drew Buchholz Cammie Buehler Matt & Kelly Bulloch Wade Burch Jake & Jill Burden Ashley & Thomas Burpee Jeanie & Colin Bushong Chuck & Susan Cady Polly Carlton & Patrick Cotant Rosemary Carrico Casey’s Excavation Kiki Cheney Hattie Christie Melissa & Eric Clone Doug Cole Jessica & Brian Colton Community Foundation Rotary Endowment Keith & Birgit Conway Janice Cotant Chris Cracchiolo Kallie Craker Kelli Cravey Donna & Steve Crum Mary Culik Dan Curnayn John Daniels Barbara & William Danly Heath & Clarissa Day & Family Raymond Dean Don Delsi Jean Derenzy John & Cindi Despelder Diane Doherty
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Cheryl Donakowski Peggy Drabek Einstein Cycles Amie Elve Michael Foley Kelly & Chris Forsyth Don & Carissa Funk Vase Matka Galoci Abbi Gee Paul & Valerie Gerhart Cynthia Glines Janna & Mark Goethel Mike & Patty Goodreau Laura Gougherty Andrea Grant Jason Grant Courtney Greening
Rorie Lewis Alexa Likens & Peter Flowers Chris Loud Sara Luichinger Stephie & Greg Luyt Bethany Mach Jane & Steve Manchester Joe & Mary Marshall Michael McDonald Nick McLain Kent & Lindsay McNeil Kim McNeil Mel Ervin Ford Inc Lisa Meleski Barbara Meredith Steve Michael Sunny & Andy Miller
Joanie Griner & Norm Licht Solveig Gustafson Staci Haag Tracy Halasinski Shey Hamel Elisabeth Hammerberg Heather & Jay Harrington John & Loretta Harris Leanne Hartmann John Haskin Steve Haskin Chuck & Nancy Hathaway Allison & Andrew Hayes Laurie & Scott Hebert & Family Heather Hensell Marcy Hermann Heather N Hess Wallace & Dolores Hibbard Emily Hoiles Ruth & Terry Hoiles Carole & Daniel Howland Andy & Megan Humphrey Arthur Hutchinson Kristy Jackson Chad & Heather Jordan Megan Kelto Caroline & Mark Kennedy Brian & Carey Kerr Ellen Kerr Susan Kraus Erin Kricher Barb Krueger Megan LaPine Monica Larsen Heather & Ryan Lee Cory Leier Lauren Leitner
Beth Milligan Rich & Cindy Milock Stacey Mitchell Miranda Monroe Karen Mueller Wendy & Todd Nienhouse Greg North Joan O’Neill Carla & John Olds Shannon & Eric Olshove Kyle Ostrowski Kerri Otto Bill Palladino & Jen Harris Mary Parks Brad Pauly Mary Pauly Muriel & Robert Peaver Nick Perez & Jessica Bachmann Karen Petersmarck Amy Peterson & Michael Naughton Christine Pigorsh Jane Porubsky Jonathan Rauch Mark & Kristie Reicha Timothy & Tamera Reicha Elizabeth Reid Ryan & Kally Reiter Ed & Libby Reynolds Jennie Rose Tamela & Aaron Rubin & Family Michele Rudd & Roger Putman Gary & Susan Ruoff Judy Sam Sue & Bob Sandtveit Fred Sang Trevor & Katie Schmitz
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Gail & Tim Schwartz Judy Scott Kourtney Sebastian Mary Beth & Bill Sellers William Shaver Leslie Sickterman & Rob Bacigalupi Steve & Kayla Six Charlotte Smith Randy Smith & Paula Gale Russ & Tina Soyring James Stanley Jana Staron Jackie & Chuck Stein Cal Steinorth & Laura Jaquish Leona & Paul Steinroth Jill & Frank Stiltner Robert & Amanda Strang Jason & Alison Stuart Sara Theisen TJ Thorington Suzanne & Joe Threet Christine Tibbits Kenneth Tkindt & Casey T’Kindt Katie Tomczyk Sean Tower Sara Tucker Kathy Tuckerman David Tupper Susan Turner John & Carrie Urbain & Family Barb VanderMass Wade & Janet VanHouzen Rick & Gail Venner Morgan Ventimeglia Kevin Vlach Maureen & Hans Voss Darian & Kira Walkup Ashlea & Chris Walter Gina Wells Jeff Wentzloff Susan Wenzlick Jenny & Brad White Kim White & David Bucholtz Jillian Wierenga Kathy Wilder Larry Wills Michael Wills Ben & Libby Woodworth Phil & Robin Woodworth Michelle Young Linda & Jim Zeratsky Rose & Mark Zivkovich Jure Zove
$1-49
Sarah Ables Jason Allen & Suzanne Miller Allen Richard & Karen Allen Scott Alpers AmazonSmile Foundation Paula Anderson & Scott Pyle Rachel Ann Paul & Judy Arnold Rebecca Arthur Jessica Ashmore Mary Lou Babich Sam Bagenstos Lisa Baldyga Emily Ball Jason & Amanda Barnes Stacy Bates Lyndsay & Nick Batsakis
Marcus Bennett Chelsea & Jason Berg Paul Bird William Black Dylan Bladecki Mollie & Troy Blasius Franny Bluhm Katherine Bonne-Miller Marc Boquet Dennis Boulanger Alice Bowe & Katelyn Johnson David Bradbury Stephanie Bransdorfer William Britton Eleanor Brockway Kacey Brotten Irma Brownley & Daniel Novak Lori Brunette Marc & Bria Brunette Pam Bufe Paul Bunn Christina Burger Jamie & Anthony Burley Brian Buysse Sarah Jane Bye Karen Byrne Chris Campbell Jonathan Campbell Nancy Campbell John Campo Ryan Carlson Cynthia Carlton Brendan Carney Joel Casler Amanda Cecilio Greg Chapman Kandace & Tim Chapple Kristi Charles Shelly Charron Jessica Chipman Emmy Lou Cholak Leanne Chouinard Michelle Chouinard & Peter Haines Jim Coats Sara Cockrell Jenna Coffey John & Elara Coleman Cynthia Cook —Susan Cook Tommy Corbett David Cox Scott Coxon Alex Crawford Anita Crisman Don Culhane Jamie Cullen Hannah Cumler J Curtice Lauren & James Dake Nelson Dake Carol Dalstra Pete & Carol Danly Melanie Davis Lee Day-Shirley & Patrick Shirley Amanda & Mike DeBruyn Brett Dense Carolene DeWitt Lindsey Dickinson Seth Doherty Debbie Donner Harris Jaden & Sarah Drews John & Cindy Duby Ashlee & Thomas Duddles
Scott Dunham Sally & Don Dunlop Peggy Ellibee Andrea Elliot Patricia Ellsworth Stephanie & Robert Ellul Robin Emineth Jamie Enger Nick & Melissa Erikson Kaylee Erlewein Diana & George Ernst Paul Farquhar Margaret & Tom Fjeldheim Iggy Fly Katy & Tyler Foor Beverly & Robert Forslund Frank & Catherine Forsyth Bridgit Frank Tobias & Jen Freebourn Jessica Gauthier Allison Geary Brian Getz Michael Getz William Gillanders Chris Gladieux Susan & Rob Glazier Jodie Gobler Carrie Gold Jessica & Brett Gosney Kathy Gray Richard Gray Great Lakes Equestrian Festival Miranda Green David Griffin Kelly Guswiler Anne Haines Laura Halberg Rob Hanel Jack & Joelle Hannert Perry Harmon Lauren & Matt Harris Jill & Nathan Hartmann Rachel & Tom Hartwig Chaz Hasman Will & Abby Havill Julie Hay & Tony Hansen Robin Heintz Franklin Hernandez Roxan Hessenaur Christine Hill Robert Hilt Peter & Sarah Hinck Brianna Holden Natalie Hool Gail Hooper Theo Hyde Kristi Jackowski Jeff Jacobi Haley Janicek Philip Jarvi Tom & Laura Jewell Sarah Johnson Erin Kazmierski Ian Kesterson Jon & Christa Kiessel Patty Kinaschuk Jamie Kliebert Tara Knapp Katie Kniss Harold Knopp Tyler Knudtson Linda Koebert & Mike Vickery James & Caroline Kulczyk Jessica Kyriazis Ryan & Katie LaMott
Stephanie & Ben Lamphere Ted Lawrence Melissa Leake Anne Leonardi Misaeng & Zach Liggett Robert Lipinski & Kathryn Klein Ali Lopez Isabel Lorton Ricardo Lung Terri Lutes Kyle & Tiffany MacDermaid Brian Maguire Heidi Mahler Tom Mair & Susan Odgers Chad Marlatt Gail Mars Mike McCollum Julie McManus Tabitha McNeil & Katherine Brege Shalom McZennerson Rob Meendering Steve & Shanon Mentzer Kedrik & Sarah Merwin Vic Mesenbring Kristine Meyer Doug Millson Christie & Raymond Minervini Jenny Mischley Katelyn Mock Lisa Molmen Anne Montgomery Beth Moore Nathan Moore Anne Elise & Tim Morris Eric Morris Kimberly Morse Jennifer Munch Tonya Munro Elissa Murray Dottie Myers-Hill Brenda Natzke Kelly Naughton Patricia Neff Heather Neitzke & Scott Keely Network For Good Sue Nichols Linda Nicklyn Joanna & Fred Norris Mary & Larry Nykerk Brian O’Boyle Thomas & Alissa O’Hagan Jason Olmstead Scott & Rebecca Ostlund Nicole Ott Jen Palm Kiley Park & Mike Alpers Ed Parker & Carol Thompkins — Parker Theresa Parrent Colleen Paveglio & Brian Lillie Nancy Pavelek Susan Peake Ken & Stephanie Peltier Tyler Pembroke Jenni Peoples Renee Pepmiller Amy Peterson Amy Peterson Curt & Gussie Peterson Samuel Petty Joanne & Roger Pfeiffer Jennise & Paul Phillips Tom & Martha Phillips Eric Piedmonte Cile & Norm Plumstead
Debar Pojar George & Tiffany Pomaville Julie Potvin Charli Prangley Beth Price Kathleen Primo Kelly & Dario Primo Ingrid Pylvainen Kirk Ranney & Lesley Eddington Nan & Pat Ray Linda L Rea Abbie Rebe Peg Reihmer Sarah Rewold Matt Rivera Keith Roberts Erin Robertson Margaret & Jon Robinson Jennifer Rohlen Andrew Romzek Jennifer Root Meghan & Curtis Rosenstengel Bea Roxburgh Morgan Rudish Biz & Jerry Ruskowski Matt Saffron April Samsey Jewel Samsey Brennan & Rachel Sang Laura Savoie Brande Schiller Michelle Schmaltz Karen Schmidt Steven & Caitlin Schmidt Tannin & Sarah Schmidt Bob Schuelke Rob Selle Amy Shamroe Heather Shaw Erika Shenk Kristen Shook Angela Sides-McKay David Sikkema Andy & Jill Sill & Family Jodi Simpson Margo Sirrine Kelly Slater Elizabeth Sloane Amber Smith Dave & Carrie Smith Mike Smith Renee Smoltz Hesper Smyth Kathy Snedeker Cody & Sara Sovis Fern & Doug Spence
Casey & Matt Stachnik Kelly Stachnik Dwight & Cindy Stevens Amy & Mike Strom Abe Sudheimer Melissa Talaga Russell Taylor Rebecca Teahen & Ben Purdy Roberta Teahen Hans Teichman Alexis Teichmiller Terracycle Dan Tiesworth Kristy Tompkins Mike Trahey Rebecca Travis Adam Truckey Jennifer Trudell Jenny & Levi Truelove Michelle Turner Nicole & Chris Turner Dan Unknown Randi Upton & Austin Birch Karen Urish Seraphina & Neil Vajda Sarah Vano Annerose Von Kulajta Erin Vossberg Peggy Wagner Paige & Ben Waldron James Walker Becky Walter Jenny & Jason Walter Emily Walters Mike & Carrie Walters Robert Walters & Terra Banfield-Walters Shawna Walton Anna Weaver Lindsey Weeks Chris Wenger Karessa Wheeler Duncan White & Shannon HeckWhite Laura Wick Joanna Wildermuth Kathy Wilkinson Stephanie & Josh Wilson Patricia Woods Lindsey Wynkoop Celeste Yoskovich Jerry Zeits Greg Zenn Jerry Zeuts Aaron & Sara Zuelke Hannah Zwakenberg
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IMPACT & ACCOMPLISHMENTS Thanks to many, many awesome people, we continue to dream big: from one neighborhood bike train in 2013 to a thriving advocacy organization positively impacting Pro Walk/Pro Bike policy, systems, infrastructure, and healthy habits across the Grand Traverse region.
A dozen-ish reasons to be proud!
3+2
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MORE WALKABLE TRAVERSE CITY
CITIZEN ADVOCATES
Our advocacy efforts help Traverse City build/fix three miles of sidewalk and embrace two safer crosswalks installed on Grandview Parkway
780 DONORS
Kind and generous people who help Norte fulfill its mission 14
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Teens and adults engaged and activated through the Explore Academy and Advocacy Academy
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PROTECTED BIKE LANE
Norte helps advocate for Northern Michigan’s first protected bike lane on 8th Street in Traverse City
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SCHOOLS
In-school and after school programs across the Grand Traverse region
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2342
BUSINESS CHAMPIONS
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
More — lots more! — kids and adults than ever impacted with lifelong skills
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
We couldn’t do what we do without our valued relationships
Organizations who contribute $500+ annually to happy, healthy, strong communities
8 + 39
TEAM ORANGE
Core staff of eight and nearly forty awesome program coaches and instructors
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COMMUNITIES Traverse City area, Elk Rapids, Northport, Kalkaska, Suttons Bay
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VOLUNTEERS
The heart and soul of Norte and happy, healthy, strong communities
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YOUTH MOUNTAIN BIKERS
Michigan’s largest youth mountain bike team
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NEW BIKE FRIENDLY BUSINESSES
Norte (Platinum-level) and Boomerang Catapult (Bronze-level) both received League of American Bicyclists certification
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OUR 2019 COMMUNITY PARTNERS 100+ Women Who Care Grand Traverse and Leelanau 4Front Credit Union 9&10 News Air Way Automation Alfie Logo Gear AmazonSmile Foundation American Online Giving Foundation Amgen Foundation Staff Giving Program Anne Schwartz Realtor Backcountry North Baird Foundation, inc Bay Area Contracting Benevity Bethany Design BikeLaw.com Birch Street Elementary Blair Elementary School Blk/Mrkt Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Boardman Review Bonobo Winery Boomerang Catapult Bowerman, Bowden, Ford, Clulo & Luyt, P.C. Breakaway Cafe & Coffee Bar LLC Brew Cafe Brick Wheels Burdco Incorporated C & M Insurance Services Agency, LLC Carlton & Company Casey’s Excavation Cavallino Cafe Cedar Run Eye Center, PLC Central Grade School Central High School Central Michigan Paper Co Charles Schwab Traverse City Chef’s Inn Chelsea Bay Design Cherry Bay Orchards Cherry Capital Cycling Club Cherry Knoll Elementary School Cherry Republic Cherry Street Elementary Cherry Tree Inn Cherryland Middle School Christ Church Traverse City City Bike Shop City of Traverse City CMB Construction Common Good Bakery Community Foundation Rotary Endowment Community Foundation Serendipity Endowment Copy Central Costco Courtade Elementary School Crystal Mountain Cuppa Joe Danbrook Adams Raymond PLC Detroit Bikes Dish Cafe Down Syndrome Association of Northern MI Downtown Traverse City Association
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East Bay Township East Middle School Eastern Elementary School eFulfillment Service Einstein Cycles St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School Endoman Promotions, LLC Epicure Catering Espresso Bay Father Fred Foundation Fifth Third Bank Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan Fresh Coast Market Frozen Rabbit 5K Fuel My Life Fun Promotions, LLC Fustini’s Gallagher’s Market GoGo SqueeZ Goodwill Inn GOREC Grace Episcopal Food Pantry Grand Traverse Academy Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden Grand Traverse Children’s Clinic, P.C. Grand Traverse Construction Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic Grand Traverse Oral Surgery Grand Traverse Pavilions Grand Traverse Pie Company Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Gray Institute Great Lakes Equestrian Festival Great Lakes Orthopaedic Center, P.C. Great Lakes Stainless, Inc. Groleau’s Farm Market Groundwork Center Habitat for Humanity Racing for Home Hagerty Hallmark Construction Hauler Cycles Here:Say Storytelling Higher Grounds Trading Co. Honor Bank Iceman Promotions Image360 Immaculate Conception Impres Salon Intrepid Cycling Ironman Foundation Inc. James C Smith Fine Jewelry Jolly Pumpkin Kalkaska Public Schools Keen Technical Solutions Kiwanis Club of Traverse City Kolo TC Krios Consulting Lakeland Elementary School Laser Printer Technologies League of Michigan Bicyclists Left Foot Charley Long Lake Elementary School Love Thy Neighbor
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Lucky Jack’s Lulu Fuel M13 Capital M22 Mahogany Foundation Mama Lu’s Marathon Automotive Mari Vineyards Max’s Service Maxbauer Ace Hardware Maxbauer’s Meat Market McLain Cycle & Fitness Mel Ervin Ford Inc MI Cares For Tourism Michael Chetcuti Foundation Michael’s Place Michigan Fitness Foundation Michigan Runner Girl Mill Creek Elementary School Miller Energy Miner’s North Jewelry Montessori Children’s House Moomers Morsels, LLC Mud Sweat & Beers Mundos Roasting & Co Munson Healthcare My Secret Stash National Cherry Festival Nauti-Cat Cruises Network For Good New Campus School NMC Food Pantry Northern Building Supply Northern Michigan Community Health Innovation Region Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association Northway Orthodontics Northwestern Michigan College Nuart Signs Oak Park School Old Mission Associates Old Mission Peninsula School Oleson’s Food Stores Oliver Specialties On the Rocks Optimist Club of Traverse City Oryana Community Co-op Paige Lee Interiors Parallel Solutions Pathfinder School Peace, Love and Little Donuts People For Bikes Philip S Harper Foundation Pirates Cove Quantum Sails Raduno Rare Bird Record Eagle Red Mesa Rotary Charities of Traverse City Rotary Club of Traverse City Running Fit Safety Net Sanctuary Short’s Brewing Company Silver Lake Elementary School Silver Spruce Brewing Spectrum Technology Services State Farm Agent Susan Soffredine Rauser
Step Up Northern Michigan Sugar 2 Salt Sugar Beach Resort Sunset Tree Removal, LLC Superior Physical Therapy Suttons Bay Bikes Suttons Bay Public Schools Sweet Pea Swingshift & The Stars Table Health TART Trails TBA Credit Union TBAISD New Campus Spirit Pantry TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis Team Bob’s Tee See Tee TentCraft Terracycle Teter Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc That’sa Pizza The Greenspire School The Little Fleet The Salvation Army The State Theatre/Bijou By the Bay The Village at Grand Traverse Commons The Workshop Brewing Co. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort Toyota4Good Traverse Area Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer Traverse City Community Garden Traverse City Downtown Development Authority Traverse City Elks Lodge #323 Traverse City Roller Derby Traverse City Track Club Traverse City Wine and Beers Tours Traverse Heights Elementary Trinity Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran School Twilight Rotary Club of Traverse City Up.Bike Vada Color Vasa Ski Club Village of Kalkaska Village of Suttons Bay W.K. Kellogg Foundation West Bay Exploration West Middle School West Senior High School Westwoods Elementary School Willow Hill Elementary School Women’s Resource Center Woodland School Yen Yoga & Fitness YourCause, LLC Zany Consignment Boutique Zonta Club of Traverse City
OUR 2019 VOLUNTEERS Janis Adams Tony Anderson Tom Auer Bret Bachert Anna Bachman John Bachman Kristine Baker Stephen Bangle Julia Barresi Erin Baumann Brian Beckwith Tyler Bevier Janice Beyer Sarah Bielman Sally Black Eric Blackburn Anne Bonney Emily Boss Joe Bottenhorn Sarah Bourquin Alice Bowe Kevin Bozung James Bradshaw William Britton Emily Buchholz Matt Bulloch Paul Bunn Kristin Bunte Anthony Burley Jamie Burley Bryan Burns Kaitlyn Burns Brian Buysse Madisen Byrne Polly Carlton Allison Cavanaugh Piper & Brady Cavanaugh Shelly Charron Michelle Chouinard Hattie Christie Ross Clement Doug Coffin Sue Coffin Birgit Conway Kara Cooper Patrick Cotant Evan Coulter James Dake Evan Dalley Leah Dalzell Bob Davidson Clarissa Day Heath Day Sage Day Amanda DeBruyn Mike Decker Sarah Dekett Hailey DeMarr Nancy Denison Stacie Dent Victoria Derks Ann DeVogel Chris Deyo Paul Deyo Jillian Dilloway Hilary Dodge Anna Dunlap
Carly Ellis Dan Ellis Grady Ellis Alison Eno Gina Erb David Eskeli Gretchen Evenhouse Joan Fitzgibbon Rachael Franks Taylor Sarah Friess Kris Galoci Sarah Gano Hildegard Gasser Xiomara Gerlach Mark Gerlando Amanda Gillis Jason Gollan Andrew Gorecki Erin Gorecki Kyle Gould Justin Gozzard Evan Gray Marlene Griffin Holly Hack Hillary Haenlein Peter Haines Salina Halliday Stephen Hannon Nathan Hartmann Steve Haskin Abby Havill Will Havill Laurie Hebert Suzie Hebert Wallace Hibbard Karen Hilt Chris Hinze Beth Holmes-Bozung BJ Ingwerson Yarro Ireland Kristy Jackson Mike Jackson Andrew Jacobson Laura Jacobson Shannon Jensen Katelyn Johnson Sara Johnson Barry Jones Jim Kalajian Rebecca Kalajian Virginie Kanner Brian Kelley Caroline Kennedy Ella Kirkwood Kathryn Klein Leonard Klein Anne Klimek Danielle Koch Shannon Kochis Tom Krueger Todd LaBonte Shaina LaFond Melissa Lakies David LaValley Misty LeBlanc Heather Lee Emily Llore
Chris Loud Nick Loud Greg Luyt Steve Maas Becky Mang Lauri Mannion Mary Mantei Pete Mantei Paul Marek Andy Mars Erin Mars Lee Mathewson Bryan McKenna Keelan McNulty Marley Meindertsma Alison Metiva John Metiva Leland Michaels Katie Miller Mike Miller Emily Modrall Lisa Molmen Casey Moore
Carey Owens Fred Page Germania Parks Joe Paye Nick Perez Amy Peterson Kathy Pilon Bea Plum Jason Plum Jonathan Pool Alexia Post Kelly Primo Shannon Pronger Charlie Pryde Brian Pugh Erin Reicha Mark Reicha Tim Reicha Jenny Reid Stephen Robinson Lindsey Rogers David Rosier Parker Rubin
Carrie Smith Erin Sorenson Cody Sovis Wes Sovis Dan Spalla Emilie Spalla Derrick Suba PK Suba Helly Taylor Matteo Taylor Jen Teeples Karl Tessin Mateo Thelen Hannah Thomas Kim Thomas Meg Thomas Ackerman Sally Thompson Suzanne Threet Juli Tiesworth Mike Trahey Keely Trombly Levi Truelove Bill Unger
Mandy DeBruyn, 2019 Volunteer of the Year and the inaugural recipient of the Paul Deyo Service Award Chris Morehead Craig Mulder Kathi Mulder Steve Nance Kyle Naperala Jeff Needham Bethany Newell Lisa Newhouse Sabrina Newton Gretchen Novorolsky Christi Nowak Homer Nye Natalie O’Brien Erica O’Hearn Shannon Olshove Caroline Oosterhouse Bob Otwell Laura Otwell
Tamela Rubin Anthony Rupard Biz Ruskowski Harmony Rutledge Diane Samarasinghe Brennan Sang Rachel Sang Jameson Schmidt Johanna Schmidt Trevor Schmitz Alexander Schwartz Mary Beth Sellers George Shumar Angela Sides-McKay Avery Sill Rob Simetz Kayla Six Rebecca Sketch
Jessica Unger Carrie Urbain John Urbain Russ Van Houzen Randy Waclawski Gordon Wagoner Ashlea Walter Mike Walters Mindy Walters Corrine Wetherbee John Robert Williams George Wilson Stephanie Wilson Tonisty Winterer Aleasha Witt Tara Wituszynski Tyler Wituszynski
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RAISING MY WORDS: I ADVOCATE by Kaischa Smith
For better or worse, I’m pretty soft-spoken. If only I had a nickel every time someone’s first response to me was, “Come again?” Or, my favorite since becoming a teacher, “Use your teacher voice, Kaischa.” The irony is, when I use my “teacher voice” in my classroom, I don’t generally raise my voice. Instead, I have a small microphone, almost endlessly strapped around my neck. I like it because it allows me to project without shouting, yelling, or screeching. In essence, I keep the peace and raise my words. Over the last year, I’ve been inspired to raise my words more outside of school, in my community of Traverse City. The inspiration? Being hit at 35 mph while using the Grandview Parkway crosswalk near Elmwood Avenue. The crash devastated my body, which required extensive treatment and a year of physical therapy to recover. It did not, however, devastate my spirit. I’ve come to the profound realization that living is not anything to take for granted. Moreover, my existence, my message, have meaning and power beyond what I used to recognize. Driven by that gratitude and a desire for positive social impact, I’ve found
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an avenue to share my voice with Norte’s advocacy efforts. I share their passion for happy, healthy, strong communities and fully support the effort of safe, accessible, and connected places to walk and bike. Last year, Norte helped me tell my story. I spoke with reporters, AM talk show hosts, and met with transportation officials. Since then, the Michigan Department of Transportation has improved what I affectionately call “my crosswalk” with signals that stop traffic for people crossing the street. I’m thankful for that improvement, yet at the same time recognize we need growing effort and investment that prioritizes safety across the community as standard. My question to you is: How are you using your voice? How do you raise your words? In Norte, I’ve found a community where my voice is respected, valued and part of something larger than myself. Transformation happens when voices join, and I invite you to be part of a healthy, happy, strong transformation. ..... Kaischa Smith currently sits on Norte’s Pro Walk/ Pro Bike/Pro Place Committee. She told her story on Norte’s blog in July 2019 in a post titled, “Recovery Through Advocacy, One Step at a Time.”
YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND EVAN by Melzar and Laurie Coulter
Our son Evan struggled with classwork in Elementary and Middle School. We tried lots of options to keep him still and focused, and no amount of effort could get him to learn his “math facts.” It’s hard enough growing up and even more difficult when you know that you aren’t keeping up. Evan has a ton of other virtues though, just not the ones that get measured. He is the most empathetic and compassionate of our children, and excels in visual arts and working with his hands in general. Now as a Sophomore at Central High School he has a bright future, in no small part due to Norte. Evan began riding with Norte in Middle School, but his real connection was with the Norte Clubhouse. He enjoyed working on bikes and began learning from Ben Boyce and others. He liked it so much that he would take the bus from school to practice early so that he could work on bikes first. We believe his enthusiasm was fueled by the feelings of confidence, empowerment, and trust that were present there. In true Norte spirit, he would often commute by bicycle from our home in Acme to both practice and the trails in town. Evan worked in the shop at Brick Wheels last summer and continues to work occasionally during the school year. He continues his bike commuting habit back in the Clubhouse days, and even at 16 is in no hurry
to buy a car. Thanks to the skills and exposure to bike commuting from Norte, he already has the independence and freedom that a car would offer, but without the expense. Evan has a passion for messing around on (and with) bikes, but is more likely to be found shredding a downhill section than cross country racing. In fact, he can’t shed his shop rat tendencies even while racing. His chain broke during the Traverse City Trails Festival race, and he fixed it right on the course. Someone asked me if anyone helped him, and the truth is, there’s not many more qualified than Evan. He raced the Iceman last year and was later than we expected getting to the finish line — because he stopped many times to help other racers with mechanical problems. We are grateful that Norte has provided an opportunity for Evan's talents to be developed and appreciated, and that he has the skills and confidence to work at Brick Wheels. These are life lessons that will benefit him even if bicycling is no longer a big part of his life. ..... Evan Coulter currently sits on Norte's youth leadership council and is enrolled in the Precision Machining Program at the Career Tech Center with hopes to someday work for a bike component manufacturer. NORTE | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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THE NORTE TEAM OUR STAFF
Ty Schmidt Executive Director
Ashlea Walter Development Director
Ben Boyce Program Director
Mike Decker Volunteer Coordinator
Jamie Burley Clubhouse Manager
Abby Havill School Coordinator
Gary Howe Advocacy Director
Roger Amundsen Outreach Coordinator
OUR COACHES Roger Amundsen Erin Baumann Zach Beery Alice Bowe Ben Boyce Mary Brisbois Marc Brunette Jamie Burley Shelly Charron Patrick Cotant Steve Crigier Lauren Dake Heath Day
Cindy Diver Dan Ellis Nate Farran Karen Gerlando Tracy Halasinski Abby Havill Jon Houlberg Yarro Ireland Aislyn Johnson Becky Kalajian Steve Maas Shawn McNamara Tabitha McNeil
Keelan McNulty Brad Miller CJ Miller Luke Miller Lisa Molmen Gretchen Novorolsky Alex Post Kirk Ranney Erin Reicha Tim Reicha Steve Robinson Johanna Schmidt Ty Schmidt
Anne Schwartz George Shumar Joe Slonecki Cody Sovis Rob Strang Brian Thelen Luke Tjosvold Katie Tomcyzk Bill Unger Andy Weir John Williams
OUR SENIOR ADVISORS Meg Thomas Ackerman | Rick Brown | Casey Cowell | Jim Huckle | Mark Neithercut | Bob Otwell
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OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Chris Hinze President Elect
Jason Plum President
Evan Gray Vice-President
Shelly Charron Secretary
Brian Beckwith Treasurer
Greg Luyt Director
Rachael Franks Taylor Director
Anthony Rupard Director
Ryan Schrock Director
Nick Perez Director
Biz Ruskowski Director
Chelsea Bay Dennis Director
OUR COMMITTEES Youth Leadership Council Kyle Naparela, Chair Will Haapala Drew Cummins Sage Day Grady Luyt Charlie Black Amelia Werner Carter Schmidt Carter Debruyn Ella Debruyn
Will Unger Colin Miller Alex Schwartz Gwen Urbain Max Werner Ainsley Biehlman Avery Sill Evan Coulter Gwen Schmitz
Pro Walk/Pro Bike Advocacy Committee Chris Hinze, Chair Kelly Primo William White Jeanne Esch Corrine Wetherbee Connor Miller
Janice Beyer Lauren Dake Kaischa Smith Bill Danly Tracy Halasinski John Roberts
Fund Development Committee Rachael Franks Taylor, Chair Kevin Bozung Kaitlyn Burns Meg Thomas Ackerman Al Bonney Anthony Rupard
Local Advisory Committee Chairs
Kalkaska: Harley Wales Elk Rapids: Lauren Dake Suttons Bay: Tracy Halasinski Northport: Corrine Wetherbee
Personnel Committee
Ryan Schrock, Chair Jan Adams | Shelly Charron Polly Carlton | Kate Greene
The Otwell Hub, established in 2020 to honor individuals who annually give $1000+, honors Laura and Bob Otwell’s commitment to happy, healthy, strong communities and the power of thoughtful, intentional, and inclusive community connection. Members of The Otwell Hub receive an invitation to our annual VIP dinner at The Franklin in mid-November, an invitation to our VIP springtime slow roll experience in May, and personal updates throughout the year from our Executive Director. “Norte brings people together and empowers them. Norte programs and advocacy are inclusive, reaching across demographics. They’ve been a catalyst, impacting health, education and our ability of getting around in an active way. When we see a group of Norte kids cycling down our street and hear their laughter, it warms our heart.” — Bob and Laura Otwell
DREAM BIG AND WORK HARDER WITH TEAM ORANGE! In 2020 Norte is working hard to reach over 3000 young—and young at heart—with our transformative educational programming. Norte couldn’t further our grassroots movement to transform the culture of health across the Grand Traverse region without your commitment of time, talents, and treasure. There are many ways to share your passion and expertise to help Norte achieve our mission of building stronger, better connected and more walk/bike friendly communities. A few fun and easy ways you can help include: becoming a member of El Colectivo by contributing on a monthly basis, aligning your business goals with Norte as a Business Champion, signing up to volunteer in our free and open-to-all Community Bike Shop, or serving on our Advocacy committee to share your passion and valuable voice with Team Orange. YOU are the vital chain to our community’s happy, healthy, strong future and what’s possible for Norte. Gracias! — Ashlea Walter, Development Director
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“We are proud supporters of Norte’s efforts to get more people outside and living healthier, more active lives. Our Bicycle Friendly Business certification will hopefully serve as a model for others: if our small business can do it, anyone can do it,” said Emily Modrall, Boomerang Chief of Staff. “Norte helped make the application process easy and successful. I look forward to seeing a cluster of Bicycle Friendly Businesses in Traverse City. We can put Traverse City on the map as the most bikefriendly business community around.”
Johanna and I believe that bicycles are so much more than status symbols or toys.
They’re powerful tools in promoting independence, freedom, confidence and stronger, betterconnected communities. Whether it’s commuting to work year-round or riding across town to a Grand Traverse Pavilions summer community concert with our two sons, Carter and Jameson, bikes are a huge part of our family’s lives. I grew up in Dauphin, Manitoba, while Johanna is a Michigan native. We met in Tucson, Arizona. It was in Arizona that we not only fell in love with each other but with the Hispanic culture and people, Mexican food and the Sonoran desert. We moved north to Traverse City in 2006 to be closer to Johanna’s family. The name Norte is a mashup of our time in Tucson and our family finding home in northern Michigan. Norte: “North” in Spanish. Upon arriving in Traverse City, we began to notice things as we settled in: insanely long carlines wrapping around neighborhood schools, hardly any kids walking to school, and even fewer kids biking. Because we job shared—we were both Physical Therapists at Munson—we had the time and decided to try to help. We invited neighborhood families to drop their kids off at our house so we could bike with them to Eastern Elementary where our boys attended. I would lead the “bike train” in the morning and Johanna would pedal home with the group in the afternoon. First, we had 2-3 kids join. Soon it was 8. Then 15. A light bulb went off. We collectively wondered, “What if this could happen at all of Traverse City’s neighborhood schools?” We reached out to some friends and talked them into forming their own trains and that’s how Norte, the Grand Traverse area’s bike-centric, youth-focused, advocacy organization, was born. Thanks to many, many awesome people, it’s been a wild 7-year journey. I can’t wait for what’s next. Viva Norte!
Ty Schmidt
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PO Box 781, Traverse City, MI 49685 elgruponorte.org | hello@elgruponorte.org | 231.883.2404