Bay Life North November/December 2015

Shine Bright NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | www.BayLIFENorth.com | www.facebook.com/BayLIFENorth | ISSUE 24 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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Reach places previously Reach places previously only accessible by paw. only accessible by paw.

The world keeps getting smaller.

Leave a small footprint.

® The 2016 Subaru Outback.

33 mpg, * it’s the fuel-efficient midsize crossover Introducing the all-new 2015 At Subaru Outback.

Atmost 33 mpg, * it’s the most fuel-efficient midsize † ® ™ traction. Being a Symmetrical All-Wheel All-Wheel Drive withDrive X-MODE provides incrossover America.in with X-MODE provides go-anywhere America.† Symmetrical

2015 IIHS Top SafetyBeing Pick provides of mind.

Go ahead, explore the season. traction and stability. named apeace 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick provides peace of mind. All Love.

It’s what a Subaru, a Subaru. to better help you makes explore the season. Love.

It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

Outback. Well-equipped Well-equipped at Outback. at $24,895 $24,995**** ®

subaru

1747 S. Garfield • Traverse City, MI 49686 † † Subaru and Outback registered *EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy foreconomy 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i models. mileageActual may vary.

Based onvary.

EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy forfuel 2015 (231) 947-9000 • www.cherrycapitalsubaru.com Subaru, Outback, andare X-MODE are trademarks. registered trademarks. *EPA-estimated hwy fuel for 2016 Subaru OutbackActual 2.5i models. mileage may Based on EPA-estimated hwy model vehicles within the vehicles IHS Automotive, Polk CUV segment. **MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration actualtax, price.

2015 2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | Non-Luxury BAY LIFE Midsize NORTH economy for 2015 model within the IHS Automotive, Polk Non-Luxury Midsize CUV segment.

Actual mileage may vary. **MSRP excludes destinationfees. and Retailer deliverysets charges, title, and Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited has an MSRP of $29,995.

Vehicle shown with available accessories. registration fees. Retailer setspictured actual price.

2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited pictured has an MSRP of $30,695. Vehicle shown with accessory and aftermarket equipment.

1747 S. Garfield • Traverse City, MI 49686 (231) 947-9000 • WWW.CHERRYCAPITALCADILLAC.COM

Legendary homes, like legendary people have a face that always stands the test of time. The only question you need to ask yourself is this: “Does my home have what legends are made of?�

Well, our homes do.

B.C.D.

Interiors

&

REMODELING / KITCHEN DESIGN / BATH DESIGN / INTERIOR DESIGN

541 W. FRONT ST. TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684 P.231.946.6882 F.231.941.8377

BAYCABINETRY.COM

Leave a Little SPARKLE Wherever you go.

FROM THE

publisher

heartstrings, especially if they affect smiling, innocent children. (Thank goodness The Michael’s Place breakfast actually provides tissues!) We did the usual things: wrote checks, bid on items, raised our paddles, sponsored events and took photos for the magazine. But we were inspired to ask ourselves, what more could we do with our resources?

I

My husband, Tom, and I attending the wonderful celebration event for Big Brothers Big Sisters at The Boathouse Restaurant.

absolutely adore the Holiday Season. It may have a little something to do with a free pass to wear sequins, dresses, high heels and anything sparkly, shiny and glittery to just about anywhere. (If you know me personally, you may be smiling and nodding.) Life is a party after all, right? Speaking of parties, it’s the one time of the year you actually have dates scheduled on your endlessly over-busy calendar to finally spend quality time with family, near, far and wide, and dear friends, neighbors and acquaintances, new, old and everything in-between, and everyone is in a holly jolly good mood.

(This could be the spiked eggnog, though.) All around the towns, houses glow with luminous lights and breathtaking decorations, lighting up our children’s faces too, and twinkling trees line the quaint, bustling main streets, creating the air of Christmas magic. Everywhere you go, the spirit of the joyful season is alive. (Except the mall: Do not go there!)

But nothing compares to the best part I love: the True Feeling of the season that comes from within. From giving instead of receiving, exercising humanity and being a selfless doer to make our tiny corner of the world we live in a little better for those less fortunate than ourselves, making spirits bright, and to teach and share those lessons with our beautiful children.

It’s sad that we tend to make more of an effort at the Holiday season, but it’s a great place to start, which is a huge part of our feature in this issue. Just recently, the influx of local events to celebrate, honor and fundraise for so many deserving non-profit charity organizations was overwhelming. But they all share that common thread: a passion for making a difference in people’s lives all around our area. We personally attended many of these events, and many brought tears as they all tug at the

It made sense that we print 10,000 magazines that we distribute all over the area, and all those thousands of readers could be touched or inspired in some small way, maybe some in a big way. If you only do one of the 24 suggestions on our list, we have fulfilled our Christmas wish of spreading some extra joy this season.

Creating a little more sparkle is also a fun theme throughout the pages, too. Shaun and Paul Schneider found a diamond-in-the-rough, waterfront, run-down cottage and turned it from drab to fab, proving the ultimate holiday saying true—Just Believe!

Believe in Santa, too! We sat down (not on his lap) for a jolly chat with awesome local Santa Jim Jordan. He’s the Downtown TC Santa who lights the tree, Toys for Tots, Festival of Trees and The Boathouse’s Santa, to name a few. His sparkling eyes, warm smile and big heart create treasured memories for all our children, and us parents, too. A big Thank You for all you do, Jim. It was a true pleasure. (Please don’t put me on the naughty list?)

To beat those Winter blues, we highlight The Blue Tractor for a warm and cozy date night. It turns out the historic site has been the local watering hole and gathering place for over a hundred years. We didn’t have a clue! Can you imagine the stories it could tell. That place has been leaving a sparkle in people’s lives for a very long time.

So create a lasting impression and sparkle this holiday season with your laughter, your smile, your heart, your giving spirit and even your outfit. And as you spread joy, remember Cinderella’s dying mom’s words to live by, Have courage and be kind. “For where there is kindness there is goodness, and where there is goodness there is magic.” Speaking of Cinderella, she also sported a killer dress and sparkly shoes, too. (Just sayin’!)

So leave a little sparkle wherever you go, because Life won’t sparkle unless you do.

WINES FOR SPECIAL DAYS.

W I N ES FO R E V E RY DAY.

Today feels like a ________ day.

For the past 41 years, we’ve been passionate about producing wines that pair with whatever the day brings. Cold, crisp, Northern Michigan days spent on a snowy trail, an empty beach, or a bustling downtown sidewalk. Thankful, joyful days spent sharing time with family and friends. Warm, fireside days toasting old traditions, celebrating the season, and ringing in the new year. And especially days reserved for something special. Cheers to today.

Come for a taste.

Visit our tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula.

Buy CGT online.

Visit our online store at: www.store.cgtwines.com

Open daily, year round • Wine Tasting & Tours • 8 miles North of Traverse City • 12239 Center Rd. (M37) • (231) 223.7355 • www.cgtwines.com

2015-16 Performing Arts Series DECEMBER “The Nutcracker” December 10 - 12 Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert Interlochen Arts Academy Band and Choir December 10 - 12

2016 EVENTS Richard Goode, Piano February 9 WINTERLOCHEN with Mucca Pazza February 20 Interlochen Arts Academy Winter Dance Performance March 4 & 5

tickets.interlochen.org • 800.681.5920

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BLUE CHRISTMAS The Blue Tractor’s building in Old Town Traverse City has been a gathering place for hard working folks to Eat, Drink and Be Merry, for over 100 years.

Who are we to break a tradition?

SPREADING JOY It is said, that every act of kindness grows the spirit and strengthens the soul. The Joyous Holiday Season is a great place to start. Be inspired to spread kindness to one person a day and imagine the amount of Happiness you would dispense in a Lifetime.

JUST BELIEVE We have no doubt that Shaun Schneider believes in Santa Claus and Christmas Magic. She imagined a run down, overgrown, completely camouflaged waterfront fixer upper to be the ideal coastal living home. All her husband Paul saw was a lot of work. She envisioned right, but it was a lot of work too.

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departments

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SAY CHEESE

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THE SCOOP

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BEHIND THE DISH

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FEELING GOOD

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THE DISH

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MOVERS & SHAKERS Colleen Paveglio and Michael Long

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STYLE IN THE CITY

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A VIEW FROM ABOVE

By Jim Anderson

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NORTHERN KIDS

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HOME STYLE

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HOME SCOOP

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ASK ANGELA THEN & NOW BAYLIFE LOVE

By Chris Klau

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

PHOTO BY DRE MAGSIG - DRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Holiday Skin Care Open House December 2 • 10am – 6pm (or order by phone starting cyber Monday!)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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TennIs

fITness

get up and go

spa

J O I n T h e C l u B - M e M B e r s h I p s ava I l a B l e

dIne

enjoy seven ways to play as a Club Member at Traverse City’s most inclusive health and fitness facility. Three levels of Club Memberships are available, including Corporate Memberships. Or, sign on for a seasonal plan.

Call 231-534-6586 for more details.

GOlf

shOp sOCIal

#gtresort Owned and Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

GIVE THE GIFT O F ADVENTU R E TH IS WI NTER

Crystal Mountain gift certificates can be used for lift tickets, overnight stays, spa services, dining, and more. It’s the perfect present!

Gifts certificates can be purchased online at CrystalMountain.com/give or by calling 844.207.8510.

38151 Baylife North Crystal Holiday Certificate Ad.indd 1

10/23/15 1:57 PM

LIVING THE NORTHERN DREAM PUBLISHER /EDITOR

Teri Gorsline Editor@baylifenorth.com PUBLISHER

Tom Gorsline COPY EDITOR

Pam Schipper STYLE EDITOR

Kristy Kurjan CONTRIBUTERS – WRITERS Rachelle Robinson, Darric Newman Vickie Reese, Kym Gauthier, Kristy Kurjan, Angela Goodall, Chris Klau

Pictured from left: Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers and Chris (Jonkhoff) Hater (sixth generation funeral directors) Peg Jonkhoff (Administrative Director/co-owner). and Dan Jonkhoff (fifthe generation funeral director/co-owner.

CONTRIBUTERS – PHOTOGRAPHERS Chris Klau, Tom Gorsline, Jason Hulet Dre Photography, Todd and Brad Reed Photography Jim Anderson – Anderson Aerial Photography ART DIRECTOR

Fran Sherman GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Sushil Dhungana SALES EXECUTIVE

Margaret Carlson Sales@baylifenorth.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Jan Staycer Jans@baylifenorth.com 231-709-5221 ADVISORY BOARD

Katie Horvath, Erica Mohr, Greta Myers Lauren Jeffries, Kristy Kurjan and Angela Goodall ABOUT THE COVER

Bay Harbor Lights by Brad Reed Todd and Brad Reed Photography toddandbradreed.com BAY BREEZE Media LLC

P.O. Box 1273 – Traverse City, MI 49684 231-715-6087 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AND INQUIRIES

editor@baylifenorth.com Bay Life North Number 24 is a bi-monthly publication of BAY BREEZE Media, LLC. Advertising Rates available upon request by calling 231-715-6087. 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. 2015. 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. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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BIG Thanks for BIG Hearts It was a BIG event for Big Brothers and Big Sisters on Sep 24th when they hosted a BIG VIP Thank you dinner at the Boathouse Restaurant. Welcomed by the smiling Executive Director Cecilia Chesney, BIG Sponsors and BIG Supporters of the wonderful organization all attended. Not forgetting also the Big Brother and Big Sisters themselves who tirelessly volunteer their time and attention to mentor community kids desperately in need of someone to look up to.

Brenda and Ro ss Biederman

Chris and Sandra Mohrhardt Nick Edson accepting an award with his Little Brother Amy Looyenga and Rebecca Blue

Mary and John Cueter

Biggs Exc. Dir. Cecilia Chesney and Boathouse owner Doug Kosch

Bill and Debbie Marsh

Ann Bollinger and Connie Deneweth

Ashley Taggart, Cheri Wickman and Bryan Taggart with Jeanne and Mike Ascione

40 Years Strong The Women’s Resource Center celebrated a huge milestone Oct 8th celebrating 40 years of helping the victims of Domestic Violence in our community, opening their door with a safe place to turn. The event hosted by Executive Director Juliette Schultz and her staff was filled with supporters, donors, volunteers, even a local prosecutor and a judge. They all came out to commend the steadfast work and progress so far, and the never-ending task of its needs and existence in the future.

Sandy Hen schell, Sue Gresens and Liz A scione

Carrie Douglas and Christina Meyer

Crystal Thomas and Paula Smith

Prosecuting Attorney Bob Cooney and Marjie Rich

Frances Alfs, Jane Alexander Krysinski and Mark Hoffman

Rachel Roe, TJ Andrews and Heather Abraham

Wish You Were Here We would love to highlight your vacation photo! Take us along in your suitcase and simply snap a pic and we’ll show everyone. It’s one step better than Facebook!

Dennis and Barbara Piskor with Len Farrell

Juliette Schultz with son Rowan

Kathleen Shannon and Judge T.J. Phillips

Mother and Daughter Barb and Ruth Bloomer

TOOK AL ESTATE WATERS RE S STAYS IN RS OF HOME GA NE VE OW IN S N PPEN MANDY BROW LY. WHAT HA YLIFE CHAD AND GAS RECENT ITH YOUR BA IP TO LAS VE T PHOTO W EA GR A LITTLE TR A NG TAKI ITS SS LE VEGAS, UN IN HAND! MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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Christmas is in your Heart, not under the Tree.

THE FORCE IS STRONG This is the Best Christmas Present EVER for Star Wars fans, and movie fans in general. The anxiously awaited Cherry Blossom 14 Multiplex and IMAX theatre is promising the doors will be open just in time to awaken The Force! The world has been waiting for the movie of the century: Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which actually premieres December 18. The estimated opening for the theatre is

December 4, so this gives a little time for the new theatre to work out any kinks. It’s a 60,000-square-foot entertainment mecca, and the coveted IMAX theatre will seat 500 before a screen 36-feet high and 65-feet wide. That will make even Yoda look like a giant, let alone Chewbacca! Rumor has it moms and dads can even wash all that popcorn down with beer and wine. Make mine an extra-large combo.

MORE MOUNTAIN 2016 will be the 60th anniversary of Crystal Mountain, and they plan to celebrate in a big way—bigger and better than ever. They recently announced that a huge, $11 million expansion project is underway. They will add eight new downhill trails and a triple chair lift, in addition to a modern hotspot named “The Backyard,” a new downhill skiing and snowboarding complex that should be ready for the upcoming season. As if that’s not enough, they will also begin construction work on the Inn itself with an expansion that will add 25 more hotel rooms, a rooftop terrace that will serve as an open-air parlor and event venue, and a whole lot more. The best reason to support the mountain is that this many years later, they are still family owned.

Crystal Mountain, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville. 231-668-6628.

Crystalmountain.com

BLUEWATER HALL The Grand Traverse Yacht Club expanded their event space and rental capability recently by purchasing the Knights of Columbus property on West Bay Shore. Announcing the new name as Bluewater Hall.

The just over 6000 square foot building also includes 165 ft. of waterfront including a permit for a 200 ft. dock. The most notable benefit is the addition of 70 more parking spaces. The current GTYC building is already a popular venue for everything from weddings to graduation parties, and they hope the Bluewater Hall with a few upgrades and a fresh new outlook will be just as desirable. Consider this a new hotspot to rent for your next big celebration.

For more info gtyc.com

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MAKING A LIST...

CHECKING IT TWICE! Feeling Good is Retail Therapy! And it’s all about Gift Shopping LOCAL: Support your community and small businesses. Downtown shopping is a small-town treat and something to cherish. Skip the over-commercialized mall and embrace Local.

Dec. 4, Petoskey: Downtown Holiday Open House.

Shop till you drop from store to store, with treats and specials galore. 6 – 9 p.m. 231-622-8501. www.petoskeydowntown.com (updated 2015) Dec. 5, Charlevoix: Flurry Fest & Holiday Merchant Open House. Merchants will be armed with samples, refreshments and more at participating stores. 231-547-2101. www.charlevoix.org (2015) Dec. 5, Harbor Springs: The Annual Downtown Merchant Holiday Open House. Enjoy a fun-filled day of shopping and an unforgettable evening of Holiday Festivities.

(2015) Dec. 10, Traverse City: Ladies' Night. A salute to the ladies; enjoy food, refreshments and specials for your shopping needs as well. www.downtowntc.com Dec. 17, Traverse City: Men’s Night. Celebrate the spirit of the evening as well as the season. Merchants will have instore specials, gift-wrapping, refreshments and prize drawings. www.downtowntc.com

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SANTA SCOOP

Santa Jim Jordan

Traverse City Downtown, Toys for Tots, The Boathouse Brunch and The Festival of Trees to name a few.

How did becoming Santa start?

About 10 years ago my wife (who loves Santa) bought me a Santa Suit, and it just locally evolved through word of mouth. Last year I did 43 appearances between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

You studied at Santa School what’s the most surprising thing about the experience?

How seriously it’s taken. There were people from 18 states and 3 different countries. They teach you the history, and that the Red is for the Holiday Spirit. The White is the purity of St. Nicholas, and of course they teach how to answer all the children’s questions.

What is the strangest thing a child has ever asked for?

One year a little girl asked for a Goat Barn, but I saw her dad nodding his head yes behind her. Another little girl asked for a rubber snake, and I told her she would get into trouble with that.

I saw her the next year and she said “This year I want a doll, I did get into trouble.”

Lifting all those kiddo’s has got to be tough on the old knees?

Last year I added up at an average weight of 30lbs each, to how many I lifted came to about 8 ½ tons! But for ladies night one year at Red Ginger, these were the Happiest Thighs in the world!

How do you deal with the real life wishes?

It is hard when I have children with parents divorcing, or their dads in Afghanistan, but I have a little prayer book I write in, and also keep little glass angels to give them.

How does being Santa affect your family?

My wife loves it, she jokes she married Santa and actually comes with me on most of my events. My 26 year old son uses it to meet girls, “my dad’s Santa!” And for my grandchildren they never see me at an event.

What’s unique about Santa Jim? I’ll put glitter in my beard, and tell the kids its magic dust I sprinkle on the reindeer to fly. I have a wooden box with colored crystals that light up. I also have a stamp for their hands, Naughty list or Nice list! For private parties, I like people to email ahead and tell me some real facts so I can surprise the kids What’s the best thing about being Santa?

Well it’s the best gig in the world, seeing their faces light up. I love when the kids that are afraid to sit on my lap, then next year make that big leap.

Tell us something about Jim Jordan?

On Christmas Day, I am exhausted! I shave my beard off, and don’t start to grow it out until July of the next year.

Bring a non perishable food donation for a Portrait with Santa. Sun Nov 29th, 1-3 at Dre Photography Studio 115 Ames St, Suite G, Elk Rapids.

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PHOTO BY DRE PHOTOGRAPHY

All is Merry & Bright Embrace the Spirit of the Season with all these Holiday Happenings!

Nov. 21: Northwest Michigan Toys for Tots Kick-Off Event. The Great Wolf Lodge, Traverse City. Santa will arrive by helicopter! Bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate. Noon to 2 p.m. traverse-city-mi. toysfortots.org Nov. 20-22: Zonta’s Festival of Trees. A not to be missed 3 day magical celebration held at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. zontacluboftraversecity.org.

Nov. 27: Charlevoix Tree Lighting Celebration & Holiday Parade.

231-547-2101. charlevoix.org Nov.28: Stafford's Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade. The parade will wind through Downtown streets and end at the Perry Hotel where children can meet with Santa. Parade starts 10:00 a.m. petoskeydowntown.com

Nov. 28: The Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting 100th Anniversary.

6:30 p.m. with caroling afterwards. harborspringschamber.com Dec. 4: Santa’s Arrival in Downtown Traverse City, Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House. Antique Fire Engine Rides and live entertainment at the corner of Cass and Front throughout the evening.

5:30 -9 p.m. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. downtowntc.com Dec.5: Holiday in the Village: Suttons Bay Family Day. Family activities all day with Santa arriving by fire truck at 5 p.m. Visit with Santa at the Village Inn after helping him light the Village Christmas Tree. suttonsbayarea.com

Dec. 6: 36th Annual Community Sing: Handel’s “Messiah” hosted by Central United Methodist Church, led by Byron Hanson, conductor. "Many people have said the 'Messiah Sing' represents the start of their Christmas season.” 222 Cass St. 231 946-5191. tccentralumc.org Dec. 12-13: Home for the Holidays.

The NMC Grand Traverse Chorale and Children's Choir return for the Symphony's annual holiday celebration to capture the spirit of the season. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Lars Hockstad Auditorium. traversesymphony.org Nov. 28 – Dec. 19: Every Saturday Santa’s Workshop: Stafford’s Perry Hotel, Petoskey.

12 to 2 p.m. Capture magical moments with Santa and visit on his sleigh on the Rose Garden Veranda. It’s free – bring the camera!

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New Chef in Town Tony Gojcaj stopped by Copper Falls Steakhouse a few times on trips up north this past Summer. He owns and operates two successful restaurants (Willow Tree) in West Branch and Saginaw, and after 19 years of visiting Traverse City was eager to expand his cuisine and passion further north. He took over the reins of the former Steakhouse on September 6, and if you have popped by since then you will be wowed at the diverse and delicious new menu. It includes mouthwatering seafood and Mediterraneanstyle dishes. “I want people to know that there is a new ownership and a new concept.

I love what I do and have a wonderful family with a beautiful wife and four children and want this to be a happy place and create some excitement,” says Tony. Along with the overhauled, enticing menu, he is adding some extra Happy with an extended Happy Hour almost unheard of from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close that features an array of $5 dishes like Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Ahi Tuna Cajun seasoning on Fried Won Tons and Asian Coleslaw. Pull up a stool for me! They had me at Bacon. 1796 S. Garfield Ave., TC. 231-943-1103

I’m dreaming of a White Christmas, but if the White runs out, I’ll drink the Red.

Cider House Rules Our area is already well known for its wineries and micro-breweries. The next big thing is Cider! Cider, commonly known as hard cider as you probably are aware, is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples, and it’s happening news! Just a few weeks ago Mark and Madelynn Korzon opened the doors to their new Suttons Bay Ciders on Hilltop Road near Ciccone Vineyard. And downtown Traverse City just said so long to the EuroStop Cafe and will say Cheers to a new cider joint named the Taproot Cider House.

Early adopters already in the know have been chugging cider at Northern Naturals down the street, which just closed. But Jen Mackey, the Taproot Cider House owner, came from there and is excited to be branching out, hoping for a mid-December opening. It all sounds Cider-li-cious to me. 300 E Front St., TC.

Tickle your Taste Buds It’s that tempting time of the year again when Amical shakes up the normal menus with best-selling cookbook cuisines from all over the world, bringing them to glorious life, bursting with flavors. Make your reservations early! Some are back for an encore, they were so popular. The week of December 7 will highlight “My Paris Kitchen” by David Lebovitz.

Looking forward to 2016, you’ll find Vietnamese food, Mexican food and 660 Curries.

(Maybe not quite that many?) 229 E. Front St., TC. 231-941-8888. Amical.com

MAKE YOU’RE FAVORITE FOR THIS THANKSGIVING; RESERVATIONS! Shake up your Family Holiday this year and make a new tradition! Make reservations and let the professionals slave over the hot stove and wine and dine you! Juicy turkey and all the fixins’ have never tasted so good when someone else is left with a pile of dirty dishes! You’ll conserve that valuable energy needed for what’s really important, Black Friday Shopping Stamina!

ACME Aerie Restaurant & Lounge, Grand Traverse Resort Thanksgiving Buffet grandtraverseresort.com 231- 534-6000 GLEN ARBOR Blu glenarborblu.com 231- 334-2530 PETOSKEY Visit staffords.com for details on all of their restaurants!

Stafford's Bay View Inn Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet and Turkey’s To Go 231-347-2771.

Stafford's Perry Hotel Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet 231-347-4000

Stafford's Weathervane Restaurant Classic Holiday Buffet and Turkey’s To Go 231-547-4311.

THOMPSONVILLE Crystal Mountain at the Crystal Center Thanksgiving Buffet crystalmountain.com 855- 995-5146 TRAVERSE CITY The Boathouse Restaurant Special Menu boathouseonwestbay.com 231-223-4030 Copper Falls Thanksgiving Buffet Copperfallsteakhousetc.com 231- 943-1103

The Great Wolf Lodge – Camp Critter Bar & Grille Stafford's Pier Restaurant Plated Thanksgiving Dinner, Carved Tur- Thanksgiving Buffet key Dinner Tableside, and Turkey’s To Go greatwolf.com 231-941-3600 231-526-6201 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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HARRINGTON’S

BY THE BAY

secret recipe:

PAN ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH APPLE PANCETTA CHUTNEY, WHITE CHEDDAR AND DRIED CHERRY BRIOCHE BREAD PUDDING. (THE PERFECT HOLIDAY ACCENT RECIPE)

Joshua Vinocur Executive Chef "I've always loved cooking and food because they afford the chef a blank canvas upon which to create something unique using both artistry and science."

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For Apple Chutney:

For Bread Pudding:

finely diced pancetta minced shallot diced granny smith apple cinnamon Jack Daniels honey whiskey lemon juice salt and pepper

Fresh baked Bay Bread Company brioche heavy cream egg yolk sharp aged white cheddar dried cherries salt and pepper

Procedure:

Procedure:

1) Render pancetta in a saute pan over medium heat

1) Cube brioche

2) Add shallots and sweat until aromatic 3) Deglaze pan with whiskey 4) Add apples and lemon juice and continue to cook until apples are softened but not mush 5) Season with cinnamon, salt and pepper 6) Reserve warm

2) Shred white cheddar 3) Whisk egg yolk, heavy cream and salt and pepper together in a large bowl until well incorporated 4) Add cubed brioche, shredded cheddar and cherries 5) Place mixture in greased baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, rotating frequently 6) Remove from oven and rest

vino

UNCORKED

wicked

GOOD EATS Off the Beaten Track!

Foodie Gems you need to discover.

Underground Cheesecake Co. In a season that seems to be forever full of pies in every flavor and a sugar cookie in every color, the decadently sweet treat of freshly made cheesecake is a deliciously different concept. So as you make your list and check it twice, make sure it includes a visit to The Underground Cheesecake Co. in the Villages at The Grand Traverse Commons.

Meander along the stone hallways of the Mercato, and you’ll find the mouthwatering delicacies filling enticing glass displays, shamelessly tempting the taste buds. The Underground Cheesecake Co. caters to all fancies, big, medium and little with Whole cheesecakes, Bite-size cheesecakes and Slices of cheesecake, oh my! There is an array of flavors that include English Toffee Crunch, French Silk Tart, Mint Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Marble, to name a few. These superstars are sure to be the highlight of any party where they’re served all season long.

It’s no mistake that the word “Desserts” backwards spells “Stressed.”

Ease up on your busy holiday multitasking. You can grab a bite on the run here in the Mercato too, with homemade soups, sandwiches and even salads. It’s all situated inside the perfect mini Michigan Farm Market, shelves filled with an array of items from preserves and honey to Cheese boards and more.

800 Cottageview Drive, Suite 10 (Mercato), 231-929-4418 mifarmmarket.com

Darric Newman is the wine aficionado and co-owner of Folgarelli’s Market and Wine Shop

Holiday Wine Picks With the holiday season quickly approaching, many wonder what wines to pair with what foods. For the most part, I suggest you drink what you like. If you are into sweeter wines such as Late Harvest Riesling, don’t force yourself to drink a huge, bold and tannic wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon. But for those that enjoy drinking a wide array of wines, here are some suggestions for you to pair with your upcoming holiday feast.

If you are cooking Turkey or another lighter meat, I would suggest you pair it with a fuller bodied white such as Chardonnay or a lighter bodied red such as Pinot Noir. The chardonnay typically carries enough fruit with balanced acid to accompany these types of dishes while the lighter bodied pinot noir, with great aromatics and bright flavors works as well.

For those planning to cook a bit bolder meal such as Beef Tenderloin or a heartier Game Meat, pairing up a bolder, more structured red is the way I would go. A big Napa Valley Cabernet with bold tannins, dark fruit flavors and a rich mouth feel holds up to the rich flavors of beef.

Another suggestion would be a delicious Nebbiolo from Piedmont Italy boasting earthy flavors powdery tannins and dark fruit flavors. There are obviously a great number of other wines that would match up to any type of dish you are preparing, so just stop in and we can help you out.

Just remember that wine is part of the meal and just plain out fun. Enjoy the holiday season.

Cheers, Darric Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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FEELING

GOOD

Tis the Season to Be Jolly

Get your Halo GLOW! Restoring your luminous inner glow with ravishing, radiant skin from your glorious youth and without hibernating for a lengthy recovery sounds like a wish that only Santa’s Christmas Magic could deliver. Well, Ho Ho Ho, the secret is out. That wish can now be granted exclusively at the Center for Skin Care at Copper Ridge with the revolutionary Halo Treatment, a laser that simultaneously treats dermal and sub-dermal layers of the skin. Think of it as a magic wand, as its promises are mindblowing. Who says you have to be in the big cities to keep up with the latest technology? Normally if you wanted great results in attacking all those pesky signs of aging head-on, it meant aggressive treatments and hiding away while you recover. Halo has changed this entire concept, maximizing WOW results while minimizing downtime. Sign me up, it sounds amazing! It’s even being launched at a 20 percent savings to entice us to act now. Hello! What a great way to start a new year with a Fresh New Face. Your confidence will be way up, ready to tackle anything.

Plan to find out more and bring your BFFs to the Best Holiday Event in town at the annual “Aesthetics Unwrapped” Open House on Dec. 2. It even includes wine, small bites, demos, discounts, door prizes and more.

4110 Copper Ridge Dr., Ste. 242, Building D, TC. TC-plasticsurgery.com.

HELP IN HEELS Looking Fabulous in Heels is a prerequisite most ladies insist upon. Men just don’t understand our shoe obsessions, so it’s hard to admit then, the havoc our poor feet really endure. But now help is a-foot, in heels, introducing the only Female Foot Doctor in town who may sympathize just a little better. Dr. Sarah Miller just joined the popular practice of Dr. Jeff Szczepanski at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Specialists. She just moved here and is ready to put her best foot forward and get her feet wet.

3537 W. Front St., Ste. C, TC. 231- 935-8800. www.greatlakesfoot.com

BABY IN TOW Help to get your pre-baby figure back and meet other moms just like you at Fit4MOM. Local mom Jessica Cavender recently launched this local division of the national fitness program. It’s a great way to get out and about with your baby and have fun. Their specialty is a Stroller Strides class, which includes power walking/jogging and intervals of body toning, all with your stroller and kiddos in tow. With the holiday season upon us and extra treats everywhere you turn, the timing couldn’t be more perfect to sign up. traversecitywest.fit4mom.com 24

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

Elizabeth Blair

FinePearls

BFFs

Pearls and Diamonds 115 W. Main Street | Harbor Springs, MI | 231.526.7500 ElizabethBlair.com | westmainpearls.com Member Cultured Pearl Association of America

SEE SOMETHING

SPECTACULAR The search is on for Miss Nelson, who seems to have vanished.

Hopefully the students of Room 207 will find her before it is too late – for them!

Kids, download the Miss Nelson is Missing coloring sheet and return it to the Box Office to get $1.00 off your ticket.

Saturday, November 28 11:00 AM & 1:30 PM

Ticke ts $8

BEST FOR AGES 4 & UP

CityOperaHouse.org 231.941.8082 • 106 E. FRONT STREET • TRAVERSE CITY

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Colleen Paveglio

Marketing & Deputy Director at Traverse City Downtown Development Authority.

Front St is always a happening fun place thanks to you and your team. What is your favorite event and why?

Street Sale of course! The event has been running since 1958. A lot of behind the scenes work goes into this one day sale event. Plus I must admit I score a lot of great shoes on that day!

Can you give us any scoop on new things in store for Downtown?

There is always something going on but a biggie is that we will be launching a new website in November. We are really excited about the new features, easier navigation and most of all, interactive maps that are going to be so cool!

What’s one thing in Traverse City you couldn’t live without?

Water, being on the water is truly my happy place. I embrace winter the best I can, but I am so looking forward to a good swim again.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Being a mom for sure! I certainly knew it would be hard, but balancing work and family has been very challenging. But as the saying goes, the hardest, yet most rewarding thing I have ever done is become a parent.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

I have a few, but since my reading is subject to children’s books lately, I am really digging Dr. Seuss.

Think! You can think any think that you wish OR Be who you are and say what you mean Because those who mind, don’t matter And those who matter, don’t mind What is one thing checked off on your bucket list?

Italy….My dream to was to travel to Italy for so many years and my husband and I decided to go on our honeymoon there. My love for the arts and really all things food and wine made our time there incredibly special. We can’t wait to go back!

It’s the Holiday season, what’s one of your family traditions?

Our family traditions are to all be in the kitchen. Our family LOVES to cook and there is nothing better than sipping on wine and creating a fantastic meal together for the holidays. My mom has always had the traditional formal dinner wear, so setting a beautiful table with a handmade centerpiece from cuttings in the yard is something that we enjoy…and Grand Traverse Pie of course. I now take my tablescapes pretty seriously as well and love to entertain.

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Michael Long Executive Director of The Great Lakes Children’s Museum You came to Traverse City from another Children’s Museum give us a brief bio to introduce yourself to our community?

I’m a Naval Academy graduate who got into nonprofit in the early 1990’s. I served 5 years on the founding board of a very similar children’s museum in northern Wisconsin, then became the Executive Director in 1999. Between 2008 and 2014 I worked as an Executive Director for a non-profit membership association serving administrators in a large school district. When I saw the opening in Traverse City, I jumped at the opportunity to get back into something I have always enjoyed and have a knack for doing.

Under your new direction what are you excited to accomplish at the Museum?

Change – and there’s been a LOT of it in the last year, which has been mostly about accomplishing the Trustee’s very aggressive strategic plan which called for three new exhibits. We met those three and we are focused on more exhibit and new fun program changes. We are also doing other things to make sure every penny we can squeeze goes into serving kids in one way or another.

What message do you hope families that visit the museum, take away?

Play is much more than learning. When adults play with their children the learning experience is amplified into a desire for a life-long love of learning.

You’ve been here just over a year, what has surprised you about living in Northern Michigan so far?

The traffic – I expected SOME seasonal variation – but even in the “off-season” the roads are bustling with activity.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Movies, music, working out, and running Do you have a specific superpower that helps being around kids all day?

Nah. The only super power at work here is when adults engage in play with their children and generate those spontaneous “aha” moments. That’s what keeps me going and I think what keeps ALL the staff focused on why the Museum is crucial to the community.

What is your favorite quote, you try to live by?

Inch by inch, it’s a cinch What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To make a bucket list.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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A girl should be two things, Classy and Fabulous – Coco Chanel

By Kristy Kurjan

Antiqued Accessories Clutch $3.99 Goodwill

Aged Elegance Bracelet $59 TCBling.com

Vintage Beauty Necklace $59 TCBling.com

Vintage Glamour Dazzling style is timeless. So as you glam up for this year’s holiday season, rekindle classic and elegant, paying homage to the refined exquisite tastes of old. Meador the consignment stores for vintage treasures, and small luxuries that are truly one of a kind. We also feature Nancie Billingsly’s unique hand-made jewelry blending old and new. Her striking collection effortlessly replicates the drama of yesteryear. Add one of her remarkable pieces to any LBD and you’re simply stunning and dressed to impress.

Glamour IS Gorgeous Clutch $24 Zany Boutique

Sparkle and Shine Necklace $39 TCBling.com

Bejeweled!

Necklace $59 TCBling.com Deep Purple Pumps Shoe $49 Zany Boutique

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Aerial Photos make a great gift Idea! www.andersonaerialphotography.com

231.947.4598 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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The season of love, light and sparkles is upon us! Start checking names off your holiday shopping list at The Exchange Boutiques in Traverse City and now also in Suttons Bay. Bring on the holidays!

Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list can seem overwhelming. Fear not!

Our helpful Holiday Gift Guide makes shopping

130JANUARY/FEBRUARY NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 2015 | BAY | BAY LIFE LIFE NORTH NORTH

a breeze. Best of all, by shopping local you can experience our unique products first hand to assure you find the perfect gift every time.

Northern Michigan winters call for warm and snuggly accessories like our boot cuffs, gloves, scarves, hats, earmuffs, leg warmers, mittens, socks and more. We feature dozens of different colors and styles at prices ranging from $12 to $29.

Give the ultimate gift of relaxation, thanks to products that will transform your home into a spa. The Exchange boutiques feature an exclusive range of candles, soaps, hand creams, votives, diffusers, solid perfumes and fragrances. All made in the US, none tested on animals. Peace of mind at prices ranging from $12 to $50.

Our elegant shopping bags serve as the perfect gift wrap. Holiday gifts, done!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JANUARY/FEBRUARY2015 2015| | BAY BAYLIFE LIFENORTH NORTH

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BLUE TRACTOR

Blue Christmas As the clocks wind back, the long dark chilly nights slowly emerge. Winter hibernation starts to look good and our needs and wants for dinner plans attract the simplicity of comfort food and a warm cozy atmosphere reminiscent of being right at home. The cure for these winter blues exists just down the road in the heart of old town Traverse City at Blue Tractor. In fact, framed on the wall is a quote: “Give people a place where they can relax, knock back a few, and enjoy great food.” Sounds perfect to me!

Apparently, this is not news for a lot of people (who knew?), as the historic sign out front states (which I for one never noticed before). This site has been a local gathering place since 1886, when it was founded as Novotny’s Saloon by a lumberjack named Antoine Novotny. It was apparently the social center of the city’s south side. Life 32

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was good for Novotny’s until the dark years of Prohibition closed its doors. It was purchased in 1939 by William H. Dill who changed the name to Dill’s, and the bar now open with spirits flowing once again flourished. The second floor was even home to The Salvation Army and a dance hall, before a fire in 1978 destroyed the original wood building. A near replica was built 10 weeks later, which still stands today!

Through all this history, the place has been a local mainstay to eat, drink and be merry!

So it turns out it’s a long tradition, one that Blue Tractor of today prides itself on.

Blue Tractor’s name is a tip of the hat to the original blue collar patrons of this historic site. The tractor is homage to the history of the farmers and the farm-to-table fresh produce they serve. Just in case you ever wondered, now you know.

Blue Tractor’s name is a tip of the hat to the original blue collar patrons of this historic site

Walking in from the cold, you are instantly warmed and welcomed by a roaring fireplace.

What’s better than that? The atmosphere is relaxed and casual with rustic walls made from actual barnwood; the décor is eclectic and original with a menagerie of mostly tools, and sport relics so we could say it resembles an early era man-cave with old wooden skis, antique wood chop saws, a wooden canoe and huge round gears hanging from the ceiling. The commanding bar is actually the original Dill’s Bar, just added onto a little. It sure looks inviting for a drink after a long hard day, and it tempts your taste buds with 12 taps in tow that include Michigan Microbrews. If you need more encouragement, come for happy hour where all pints are $3 and all bottles, too! It’s a sweet setup where you can enjoy a myriad of sporting events, perfectly pairing those pints with big flat screen TVs that dominate every NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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“Give people a place where they can relax, knock back a few, and enjoy great food.”

nook and cranny. Is it a coincidence that on Sundays they offer $1.50 Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers and Mimosas? I think not, Couch Potato.

Shake up your Sunday, get off the couch and get your football frenzy fix on right here instead.

We promised you comfort food, so let’s get into the meat and potatoes of their epic menu. Almost everything is made fresh from scratch, and the major focus is the beloved staple American BBQ. Juicy, flavorful and divine melt-in-your mouth meats of brisket, pork, chicken and ribs are all in-house smoked, slowly cooked over hickory coals in a custom outdoor BBQ pit. It gets better: What food evokes more memories of growing up, sitting at a happy table with friends and family than good old-fashioned and hearty, oozing, cheesy rich and steaming hot Mac-n-Cheese? Dare we say it? The Mac-n-Cheese here may just be better than your Momma’s and even your Grandma’s. Yep, we said it. Every bowl is made to order, and the mouthwatering five choices to ponder over include their original three cheese and herbed breadcrumbs, BBQ Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken, Smoked Sausage and Ham. Bodacious burgers beckon too, especially The Cuban, which is topped with pit-smoked pulled pork, jack cheese, pickles, lettuce, secret sauce and yellow mustard—YUM. Deep dish pizzas here are called Tractor Pies, and one huge favorite is The Big Pig with ham, bacon and peperoni. Come extra hungry for that one. Or come for just the Pizza-anda-Pint special for $12.95! With all this comfort food, it might sound equal to eating like a bear going into hibernation, but you don’t have to resign yourself to an entire winter of roomy sweatpants. They do have Greens on the menu as an option, and they are delicious and flavorful, just not hot and steamy when “baby, it’s cold outside!” But here’s a thought if you do overindulge: Since Blue Tractor is right in old town, many can simply walk to get there, burning off those comfort calories coming and going.

Another hidden gem perfect for the holiday season—known to some, but not to all—is Blue Tractor’s private party place that can host up to 80 people. It’s secluded all the way off to the left of the building where the patio used to sit. It is a completely separate room, furnished with tables and chairs and elegantly decorated with chandeliers and antique huge mirrors.

If you look closely, one of the mirrors hanging on the wall is an original from Dill’s, dating all the way back to 1939. Boy, if only that mirror could talk, the stories it could tell. It’s been a tradition to gather there for over 100 years already, so who are we to break it now? Go eat, drink and be merry, cure those winter blues and make some stories to tell of your own.

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FREAKY

FAST! FREAKY

GOOD!

SERIOUS DELIVERY!

TM

Your Uptown G ro ce r y

1217 E. FRONT ST. 231.929.2999 ©2014 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Full service to find your place.

Marsha is also listing agent for The Village, an award-winning mixed use campus of historic buildings.

“You’ll feel like you’re on cloud nine when you’re living in your Grand Traverse area dream home. If you’re buying or if you’re selling, I will work tirelessly to get you where you want to be.”

marsha@marshaminervini.com 500 S. Union Street | Traverse City, MI 49684

Marsha Minervini

(231) 883-4500

Creative, Inspiring, Humorous and Unique Gifts for everyone on your on your Holiday List ~ and don't forget a lovely Holiday bouquet!

SANTA KNOWS...

LANDMARK LANDMARK YOU WANT BOOKS

BOOKS

(231) 922-7225

800 COTTAGEVIEW DR, STE 45 TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684 www.landmarkbookstc.com www.landmarkbookstc.com

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER WITH SOME MEXICAN HEAT

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons 231- 947-1167 | premierfloraldesign.com

吀爀攀愀琀 礀漀甀爀猀攀氀昀⸀⸀⸀ 礀漀甀 搀攀猀攀爀瘀攀 椀琀℀

䴀䤀䌀䠀䤀䜀䄀一 吀䔀䔀匀 倀刀伀唀䐀䰀夀

䴀䄀䐀䔀 䤀一 吀䠀䔀 唀匀䄀

䐀䔀匀䤀䜀一䔀䐀 ☀ 倀刀䤀一吀䔀䐀

䈀夀 䴀䤀䌀䠀䤀䜀䄀一䐀䔀刀匀 1333 YELLOW DRIVE 231-943-1453

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叠攀 嘀椀氀氀愀最攀 愀琀 䜀爀愀渀搀 吀爀愀瘀攀爀猀攀 䌀漀洀洀漀渀猀 㠀 䌀漀琀琀愀最攀瘀椀攀眀 䐀爀⸀ 匀琀攀 ㄀㔀 吀爀愀瘀攀爀猀攀 䌀椀琀礀Ⰰ 䴀椀挀栀椀最愀渀 ㈀㌀㄀⸀㤀㌀㔀⸀㄀㜀 ㄀ 猀椀氀瘀攀爀昀漀砀樀攀眀攀氀爀礀琀挀⸀挀漀洀

䘀䤀一䐀 䄀倀倀䄀刀䔀䰀 ☀ 伀吀䠀䔀刀 䴀䤀䌀䠀䤀䜀䄀一 䴀䄀䐀䔀 䜀䤀䘀吀匀 伀一䰀䤀一䔀 伀刀 䤀一 伀唀刀 匀吀伀刀䔀匀 䰀伀䌀䄀吀䔀䐀 䤀一

吀䠀䔀 嘀䤀䰀䰀䄀䜀䔀 䄀吀 䜀刀䄀一䐀 吀刀䄀嘀䔀刀匀䔀 䌀伀䴀䴀伀一匀

䄀一䐀 䐀伀圀一吀伀圀一 吀刀䄀嘀䔀刀匀䔀 䌀䤀吀夀

圀圀圀⸀ 䠀䤀䜀䠀䘀䤀嘀䔀吀䠀刀䔀䄀䐀匀 ⸀䌀伀䴀

Joy

SPREADING

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

Mother Theresa Let your joyful spirit shine from within this holiday season by Spreading Joy. In unpredictable ways disperse cheer to those less fortunate and practice random acts of kindness to those simply least expecting it. You’ll inspire more giving and the ripple effect of heartfelt cheer.

The recipient of your act of kindness benefits, and so do any witnesses. Oh, and you just may enjoy the feeling of giving so much that it turns into a giving spirit that lives on well past the holidays.

Believe in Magic: Here are 24 little inspirations of where to begin.

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Donate dog or cat items (Pet food, chew toys, cat litter etc.) to AC Paw Pet Shelter or Cherryland Humane Society. Or better yet if you are able, consider adopting one of the many animals that needs a loving family home. acpaw.org. www.cherrylandhumanesociety.org

Donate diapers, wipes or baby food to your local Baby Pantry. GT Baby Pantry is open the

2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 10am to 4pm. 1050 Peninsula Dr. Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Traverse City. Suttons Bay Baby pantry is located in the old middle school wing of Suttons Bay Public School open every Monday 3 – 5pm.

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Invite an acquaintance or

co-worker without local relatives, to be welcomed at your family’s

Thanksgiving.

Buy new hats, socks, mittens or gloves to donate or make a monetary donation towards new boots to Boots for Kids. Bootsforkids-tc.org (Last year they

furnished boots to over 800 local children k-5).

Pay it forward; buy

a stranger’s coffee at your

Run an errand for someone less mobile than you.

local coffee shop.

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Make Christmas wishes come true!

Have your kids ring a local Salvation Army Bell for 30 mins. (Giving the actual

volunteer a much needed break). Or be a

volunteer bell ringer this year. satraversecity.org

Adopt a Family with the Women’s Resource Holiday Needs Program. WRC advocates work with client families to fill out holiday wish lists, so donors are able to purchase gifts. Womensresorcecenter.org.

Lewis, Volunteer Coordinator at (231) 941-1210 ext. 103 or klewis@wrcgt.com

Be a volunteer at one of your church’s holiday events.

Give an unexpected generous tip to make someone's day.

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Donate Blood and save a life. MIblood.org or redcrossblood.org

Help a super busy friend and take care of their kids for the day.

Visit an elderly neighbor and offer to put up their tree and holiday decorations.

Donate your old winter coats and blankets directly to a shelter in need. gtsafeharbor.org

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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Earn your angel wings and sign up to become a Big Brother or Little Sister. You can make a BIG difference and be a much needed mentor in a child’s life, long after the holiday

season is over. 231-946-2447 bigsupnorth.com

Help grieving children heal with Michaels Place. Volunteer Dec 5th: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm to help Christmas shop at the GT Mall with children who have lost a parent. Gift

cards are provided for the children and volunteers take them shopping to buy gifts for their surviving parent. Its lots of FUN, and a great way to help grieving families find some joy during the holiday season.

231-947-6453 mymichaelsplace.net

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Bake cookie’s with your

kids and hand deliver together to an assisted living senior center. One example: Bay Ridge 3825 Scenic Ridge T.C. 231-932-9757

Shovel the walkway of an elderly neighbor.

Collect cans of food and donate to a local food bank. Father Fred 826

Hastings T.C. 231-947-2055.

Donate a bike for Bikes for Tykes, or volunteer your time to assemble bikes.

Toysfortots.org billmarshbikes.com

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A good listener can be trained to help at the Third Level Crisis Center. thirdlevel. squarespace.com

Sign up your whole family for sorting day at Toys for Tots. traverse-city-mi. toysfortots.org

Have your kids deliver festive treats and a wish of Happy Holidays to all your neighbors,

If you’re blessed to still have your mom in your life call her and tell her you love her!

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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 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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BY J I M A N D E R S O N

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A WHITE CHRISTMAS Photographer Jim Anderson of Anderson Aerial Photography captures the stark contrast Winters Tale of West Bay's marina's.

The bright spot being, the blue of the bay still manages to sparkle and shine.

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NORTHERN

KIDS

Being a kid on Christmas was the Best Thing Ever— But It turns out Having Kids on Christmas is!

Toy Magic Every toy donated to Toys for Tots makes a BIG difference. Just in case you ever wonder what all those donation boxes amount to, here are 2014 final numbers:

❊ 7,876 kids helped ❊ 26,541 toys distributed ❊ $17,752 in donated cash ❊ 14 agencies served ❊ five counties served This record in the number of kids helped and toys distributed, and a whole lot of awesome volunteers, all adds up to give local less fortunate kids a truly Magical Christmas.

Off the Shelf The popular Elf on the Shelf has been getting a bad rap lately, with a lot of competition from “The Kindness Elves.” These are little cuddly looking elves that show up giving your kids kind deeds written on hearts to accomplish, instead of just flying around and getting into mischief. The backlash began from many parents forgetting to hide the elf every night.

Some moms (and kids) just thought the elf was way too creepy looking. Other moms didn’t agree with the message of blackmail to Santa about being good. (Son of Nutcracker, say it isn’t so?) I would feel like a better mom promoting kind deeds and selfless acts. But we’ve had our elf since 2013 and our daughter would be devastated if he left, she LOVES him. Here’s a great alternative we came across on overthebigmoon.com/elfon-the-shelf-printable-good-deed-cards to use your existing elf for GOOD, too. Simply print some of the pre-done cards and have your elf deliver them. (Save these for the nights you had a few glasses of spiked eggnog or stumbled in late from a Christmas party and forgot to hide him!)

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Speaking of ELF If you have been eagerly awaiting the opening of ELF (Eat – Learn – Frolic) lovingly brought to the community by local moms Melissa Whitman and Ellen Fred, it looks like the wait is almost over. They are shooting for an early December opening for their family-friendly café and play place, located at the GT Commons. The highly anticipated Elf will offer a “healthy” café and coffee bar, children’s classes and events, indoor and outdoor play areas, and membership packages. It’s the perfect recreation just in time for winter.

1371 Gray Dr. Suite 400, T.C. 231 715 1730. eatlearnfrolic.com

the holidays at

Sweetwater Threads

aRe Moovellous The flavors of the season are waiting for you Cinnamon, Pumpkin, Peppermint and Egg Nog too Yule logs, cakes and Santas all inside our doors Christmas tradition and memories from our family to yours oRdeR eaRly!

7263 N Long Lake Rd Traverse City

231-941-4122 www.moomers.com

www.sweetwaterthreads.com

(231) 946-5191 | tcCentralumc.org | 222 cass, Downtown tc

YOUare welcome HERE. Sunday Mornings Chapel Worship at 8:15 am | Casual Worship at 9 am Sunday School at 10 am | Traditional Worship at 11 am

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Oh Holy Night The Stars Are Brightly Shining Lux and Luster

Glitz and Glamour

Making Spirits Bright It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Nothing evokes the spirit of the season like surrounding your home with elegant accents that shine. Tammy Simerson, owner of The Red Dresser assisted in making our home style page sparkle. In one quick shopping trip we found all these treasures, and more than we could fit!

1253 W. South Airport Rd. T C. 231-929-8150

Shimmer on Shine a Light

Sparkle on

Gleaming Glow 50

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Building Family Dreams One Custom Home At A Time

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YOUR GRAND TRAVERSE REAL ESTATE EXPERT • Long time Traverse City Resident • Award-winning agent and a Top Producer • Accredited Buyer’s Representative • Active Community Member - TC Economic Club Board - Rotarian - Women’s Council of REALTORS • Fine Homes And Estates Marketing • Certified NegotiationSpecialist • Certified Staging Professional

“If you can DREAM it, we can BUILD it.” – Brian Mohr

LOU ANNE FORD, Associate Broker 231-645-3643 • louannef@gmail.com

“Put my experience and commitment to work for you” 231-645-3643 louannef@gmail.com Serving the Greater Grand Traverse Region for more than 14 years

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year

Give a Gift Add a simple gift to your table setting.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry It’s the holidays, that joyful season of opening up your home to family and friends and entertaining as much as your little heart desires. Here are a few ideas to make sure your parties pop and be remembered long after the season is over.

Glitter Glasses Make your own with Martha Stewart's Multi-Surface Glitter acrylic craft paint.

CHRISTMAS CRACK - TOFFEE  50 saltine crackers  2 sticks butter, cubed  1 cup soft light brown sugar, packed  2 cups chocolate chips  1 cup M&M's

Pre-heat oven to 325°.

Line 9x13 pan with foil. Spray cooking spray and line pan with saltine crackers.

Melt butter and sugar over low medium/low heat. Stir until butter is melted; bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly.

Once bubbly, remove from heat and pour evenly over crackers.

Spread mixture quickly with a knife so the toffee doesn't harden.

Place pan in oven and bake for 6-8 minutes.

Remove and sprinkle chocolate chips on top, let the chocolate chips melt for a few minutes and then spread with a spatula. Sprinkle M&M's on top, place in the freezer for 30 minutes. Break into pieces.

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Christmas Crackers Add the fun English Tradition to add POP to any table!

ASK

ANGELA

BY ANGELA GOODALL

Giving Gifts with a Personal Touch I’m lucky enough to work in an industry where I get to create beautiful spaces for people to enjoy special moments of their lives including holidays. Here at Kitchen Choreography we take this time to say thanks in a personal way; with homemade gifts. It’s a great way to exercise your creative juices and create a one of a kind gift for the special people in your life. My staff and I spend hours making homemade treats, wrapping them in that special way and hand delivering them. Below are a few ideas to get you inspired to give a gift with a personal touch too.

A family-friendly gift that’s inexpensive and easy to do is your favorite cookie recipe in a mason jar. Stack the dry ingredients in layers, attach the recipe card with ribbon to the top and be sure to include a couple of cool shaped copper cookie cutters. Kids will love making the cookies and the cookie cutters keepsake will certainly make it an annual tradition.

For the men on your list try making your own spice rub for bbq.

This custom spice mix combined with some stainless steel BBQ utensils or meat brander is sure to get you an invite to next summer’s grill out.

notch is to include a cheese board. We make own cheese boards from Corian and etch them with our logo but you can find several creative ways to personalize yours.

I hope these simple ideas get your inspired to give this season. If you have great personal gift ideas I would love to hear from you.

Send them to me via email or through our website. I plan to feature our Top 10 favorites on our Facebook page.

KITCHENCHOREOGRAPHY.NET

The Kitchen Choreography Crew led by husband and wife team Angela and Mike Goodall.

Everyone loves to give wine and we are no exception, giving several bottles or our favorite locals. One idea to step it up a NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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believe 2392

J U S T

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON HULET

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Shaun and Paul Schneider

t’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. This quote by Henry David

Thoreau couldn’t ring more true for Shaun Schneider.

A few short years ago she had gazed starry-eyed at a quaint old 1950s cottage for sale, nestled on the waterfront of West Grand Traverse Bay. She envisioned a nauticalinspired dream house with views of the glistening bay from every window and the unbelievable 227-foot sandy beach frontage to be pure utopia.

Unfortunately, her husband Paul didn’t see the same thing.

He couldn’t visualize a perfect, relaxing coastal home.

“All he saw was a lot of work,” recalls Shaun. And quite frankly he was right, if you only looked at the basic harsh reality. The cottage had been abandoned three years before, and had sat in foreclosure. It was a free-for-all spot for the neighborhood with items dumped and stored, used fireworks and party trash everywhere. The other setback was the entire property was camouflaged in Ivy and Virginia Willows. There was zero amount of the coveted shoreline anywhere in sight, thanks to years of neglect that had resulted in a massive mountain of vegetation.

The hard work didn’t deter Shaun and Paul; they have been married for almost 30 years. They are soulmates, best friends and the epitome of a dream team (which this project definitely needed).

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"After we actually saw the shoreline, we realized we had something special"

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They are also experienced sailors and recognize that a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor, so after a choppy start, Shaun and Paul were finally convinced that this house was a true diamond in the rough. They decided to act, jumping on the opportunity to let their dreams set sail! Just in time, too, as savvy Shaun wasn’t the only wise investor envisioning the beauty beyond. Four to five other people were ready to put in offers and the bidding window was about to close.

They went in strong, with great advice from local realtor Lou Anne Ford, and made it happen. Then the adventure began.

Already living in a gorgeous home in Cedar Cove, Paul and Shaun made a pact that they downsize and sell their existing home before they got in too deep. The concept seemed easy enough, except the housing market a few years ago wasn’t exactly predictable, so they started to fix up the cottage enough to rent as a plan B. “Every spare minute we spent working on it,” recalls Shaun. On the completely covered waterfront, they had to hand-pull everything. “As we finally got through it all and actually saw the shoreline, we realized we had something special. We yelled out in joy like we had just struck Oil; we felt like the Clampetts in the old ‘Beverly Hillbillies’ TV show” laughs Shaun.

As luck would have it, just as the cottage was move-in ready for renters, their home finally sold. So for the next nine months, they lived in the cottage and started to plot and plan, deciding they would tear it down.

They would build a new home from scratch, but stay with the same basic footprint, just making it a lot wider. Even their fireplace in the kitchen is only six-inches away from the original one, and the attached garage is NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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actually the old one, just re-covered to match, thanks to a great money-saving idea by Shaun’s dad.

The finished home is very deceiving. The front faces the busy M-22, protected by a big white fence. Inside, they designed the closets and utility rooms to face the roadside to help buffer traffic noise, which is also muffled by snow a good part of winter. The home blends beautifully like it’s been there for years, boasting a classic East Coast Architecture, which is a nod to Shaun and Paul’s love of sailing in their favorite place, Annapolis, 58

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Maryland. The home is symmetrical in front and looks very uniform, but sauntering around to the waterfront paints a different picture entirely. Stunning windows give way to different room sizes high and low, jutted out with nooks and crannies galore. It’s all framed beautifully by a celestial patio, a constant and rewarding reminder of their impressive “hands-on” job of landscaping and transforming the shoreline. “It’s constant work, though,” Shaun says.

What wasn’t intense manual labor was the fun factor of decorating the inside of the house. The dramatic dark wood floors are graced by elegant furniture accessorized perfectly with a dominant nautical influence

—as Shaun’s friend and Interior Designer Kristin Lutz calls it, “very Ralph Lauren.” “Kristin was so great at helping me with design elements, she even showed up here for a cocktail party with a sample wallpaper book,” laughs Shaun.

A Classic in the Making.

Your kitchen. Your home. Your life.

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 “Perfect” to life.

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Their beloved furniture collection was meticulously measured to fit the new house perfectly

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231-347-3982

210 Howard St. Petoskey, MI 49770 gattlespetoskey.com

The result is a remarkably unique butler’s pantry boasting wallpaper with a theatrical Eastern flair. “She said, ‘This will be your favorite room in the house,’” says Shaun, “and she was right.”

A painstakingly rare project Shaun took on, as they built the home, was to meticulously measure each existing piece of furniture they owned as the furniture was placed into storage. This was all for the sole purpose of building the house to accommodate the furniture. The furniture collection was vast and included Antique heirlooms and classic staple pieces from Ethan Allen. “We only had to purchase three new pieces for the entire house,” says Shaun.

Kristin lightly enhanced the already beautiful space with delicate and whimsical finishing touches that only a designer could dream up, giving the home a striking first impression that becomes a lasting one. “She would just show up with a table full of items and we NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | BAY LIFE NORTH

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The water glistens all the way to the tip of Old Mission, and at night even the lighthouse glows

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Northern Michigan’s most experienced stone artisans.

In-house design, fabrication and service.

would pick things. Up there on that shelf, next to each other are President Obama’s book and Sarah Palin’s—it makes a fun talking point!” laughs Shaun.

The home’s crowning glory is the spectacular views of the dazzling blue bay. Reflecting brightly through every window, the water glistens all the way to the tip of Old Mission, and at night even the lighthouse glows, truly a sailor’s delight. Right outside there is a charming sight, too—graceful swans that frequent a special rock where they preen, primp and groom, putting on quite a show. The swans visit so often, they have lovingly named them Louis and Coco. It seems oddly symbolic of the journey they embarked upon, seeing the beauty and potential of their now treasured home. Sometimes a rough start makes for a beautiful ending, and the tale of the Ugly Duckling taught us that, when he realized he was a swan. It’s what you see that counts. As the marvelous white swans spread their wings in pure glorious grace, so, too, does Shaun and Paul’s exquisite finished home.

View extensive photo galleries at www.stratusmarble.com

1760 Northern Star Drive, Traverse City

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231.929.2848

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PARK PLACE HOTEL

THEN: Antique Postcard Circa 1930

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NOW: 2015

To Arrange A Visit Call Ann McMann at 231.225.9735

Senior Living on the Water We offer 1 & 2 bedroom assisted & independent living apartments in an intimate lakeside setting.

• Three chef-prepared meals plus snacks each day • Full activity calendar and transportation services • Expert care staff on duty 24/7

1400 Brigadoon Ct, Traverse City | BoardmanLakeGlens.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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B A Y L I F E

BY CHRIS KLAU

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished" - Lao Tzu This season calls for slowing down not speeding up. Allow yourself to get lost in nature with those you love most. Fully take in the true spirit of the season. Give more than you get. Find happiness in the little things that make this time of year so spectacular. And know that by cherishing the moment, you will look back fondly at another year of forever treasured holiday memories. Wishing you and yours much peace and joy!

chrisklauphotography.com

“It is our Mission at David Webster Construction to bring our clients dreams to reality. We accomplish this with unsurpassed attention to detail, while exceeding our clients expectations at every level. This requires a very dedicated team of professionals who understand the quality and commitment needed to meet our standards. Old Mission Windows plays a key role in our success and making dreams a reality.”

— David Webster, Owner

Old Mission Windows

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395 Huges Drive

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Traverse City

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231-947-2120

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www.oldmissionwindows.com

Local’s receive 10% OFF* spa treatments

Give the Gift of Relaxation Purchase a Spa Grand Traverse gift card and receive $20 off* your next spa treatment valued at $99 or more. From manicures to massages, facials to hairstyling, Spa Grand Traverse has everything you need to unwind and recharge.

As a part of your Spa experience, enjoy our indoor pools, hot tubs, sauna, and ďŹ tness classes. * Certain restrictions may apply. Offer expires December 31, 2015.

231-534-6750 | grandtraverseresort.com Owned & Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians

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