BAYLIFE Magazine Sep/Oct 2023

NOTE FROM THE publisher

Our Traverse City summer weather was spectacular. But as I reflect, I regret that I didn’t plan a summer holiday (that’s the English word for vacation). For the last few years my teenage daughter, Teaghan, and I have always taken a girl’s trip to Europe. That sounds extravagant, but it’s not, I swear. For less than what airfare and staying in a fourstar hotel for a long weekend in a big American city costs, we have explored countless countries, culture, history, and cuisine in wonderful places such as Athens, Rome, London, Paris, and beyond. The only must is to begin our long overseas journeys from our hometown airport, Cherry Capital. It’s a stressfree guarantee. A quick ride to the airport, easy drop off, with the friendliest TSA agents and the shortest lines. 9 times out of 10 you’ll see people you know and catch up. Full disclosure—for the budget price, we sit in economy seats at the back of the plane. Good thing we are both short and don’t need a lot of room!

This true small-town luxury of starting your journey at home by hopping on a plane to discover the world made me realize just how much the airport has grown. The last few domestic flights I have taken were on big planes. And the airport was so busy, I didn’t see anyone I recognized. As we delved into the details, Cherry Capital Airport has become the third busiest airport in Michigan. It now runs 17 nonstop flights, and this year is on target to be the busiest on record. So, to get more of the scoop, we visited the airport’s second floor offices

and met with Kevin Klein, the Executive Director and CEO, to get all the facts to bring the story to life in the pages of this issue. The huge growth is the epic shift in the way people want to live, work, and play. That shift of realizing what’s truly important in life played a major role in the couple’s home that we feature. The second marriage for both Kerry and Mark Kurowski blended five kids. Since dating, they planned to build their forever home up north. They purchased two small cottages on Clam Lake that came with 160 feet of waterfront but were just waiting for the time to be right to make the big move from Southwest Michigan. That’s when life happens and throws you curveballs. This husband and wife are lucky to be alive after both suffered devasting illnesses at different times. Revaluating their life, they choose the road to happiness that pointed north. In the summer of 2019, they decided to move forward with their dream house. On a Monday in 2020 they tore down the two cottages; on the following Friday Governor Whitmer shut down the state. Don’t worry, their story has a happy ending, and they are still at the pinching stage when they wake up to the waterfront every day.

So, as we slowly revert to early morning schedules with kids heading back to school, fall sports in full swing, homework, and a little less traffic (can I get an Amen!) , steal a quiet moment to yourself, sift through the pages, spot a few familiar friends, and enjoy. Life is what you make it.

“It’s a big world out there, it would be a shame not to experience it.”

J.D. Andrews

“Five years ago, before my family and I moved to Northern Michigan, I had seen images of Whaleback Natural Area. This incredible landscape fascinated me to where I made special six-hour round trips just to visit and photograph it. Now we live just 30 minutes from Whaleback and go there to hike any chance we get.”

michiganskymedia.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON HULET

PUBLISHERS

Teri and Tom Gorsline

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Tom Gorsline

editor@baylifenorth.com

COPY EDITOR

Hannah Ryder

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rachelle Robinson, Todd and Brad Reed

Hannah Ryder, Chad Lindsey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tom Gorsline, Todd and Brad Reed Photography

Jason Hulet Photography

Tyler Leipprandt - Michigan Sky Media, Harpe Star Photography

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Bethany Gulde

www.bethanydesigntc.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Teri Gorsline

teri@baylifenorth.com

BAY BREEZE MEDIA LLC

10966 S West Bay Shore Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 231-715-6088

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AND INQUIRIES

editor@baylifenorth.com

@BayLifeMagazine

@BayLifeMagazine

THE JONKHOFF FAMILY AND CARING STAFF ARE THE ONES YOU CAN TRUST AND DEPEND ON… Today and Tomorrow.

Dan Jonkhoff Funeral Director Emeritus Retired, Peg Jonkhoff Administrative Director, and daughters Christy Jonkhoff-Hater and Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers) Funeral Directors, CFSP, 6th generation co-owners

ON THE TOWN Traverse Symphony Orchestra

All That Jazz Fundraiser Park Place Hotel August 7, 2023

Page Sponsored by

TSO Board President Susan Cogswell with Dr. Kedrik Merwin, TSO Executive Director

Peg and Dan Jonkhoff, Jackie and Francis Gingras

Maureen and Bruce Kuiken

Susie and Bill Janis

Sharon Edson, Sam Mitchell

Matthew Desmond and Julie Hearn, Sakura Takano and Tony Vu

Cindy and Jay Ruzak

Suzanne and Kent Mueller

Brad Mackler, Ramona Pleva

Tim and Marva Sinclair, Judy and George Prewitt

Gerry Pierce, Debbie Rough

Mike Fox and Teri Gorsline

Jim and Linda Niederhofer

ON THE TOWN Annual Summer Club Party – Amalfi Coast Traverse City Country Club

August 5, 2023

Chris and Lindsey Rogers, Amanda and Chris Renkiewicz

Kip Costigan and Suzanne Stepan

Andy and Terri Blanchard

Karen Archer, Michele Cerny, Bill Archer

Peter and Kathy Schroeter

John and Beth Cafaro

John Hathaway, Jim and Marrya Mellinger, Angelic Hathaway

Candace Joyner and Paul Schmuckal

Ralph Cerny and Carol Poslton

Arne and Judy Lundmark

Ginny Fey, Carol Nette, Regina Jaeger, and Teri Hedrich

Bob and Joyce Gingras

and Teri Gorsline

John and Susan McElduff

Bob and Sheri Fenton

Dan Jonkhoff, Rick Birndorf, and Peg Jonkhoff

Ken and Becky Osborne

Lindsey McNamara, Jen Gaston, Dorothy DeBlasio, Karen Archer, Karlene Siwek, Angelic Hathaway

GOLF . SWIM . GATHER . DINE

ON THE TOWN

Old Town Playhouse Annual Gala City Opera House June 22, 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARPE STAR

OTP Executive Director Deb Jackson with husband Dr. Mark Jackson

Laura and Tom Lavelle, Sue and Gary Brown

Chris and Tiffany Radu, Katie and Charlie Sole

Tammy and Todd Space

Chris and Amanda Renkiewicz Dan Mello, Camille Colatosti

Christine and Mike Zenn, Renee Ascione, Amy Beehler

Sara Hartley, Betsy Willis

Fred and Laraine Schorr

ON THE TOWN

Old Town Playhouse Annual Gala City Opera House June 22, 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARPE STAR

Larry Avery and Clover Keyes Roy Andrew and Lindsay Raymond

Tom and Marsha Andres Juanita and Noel Watson

Norm and Cile Plumstead

Lauren and HT Snowday

Janis Haine John and Deb Hobbs

Cathy and Ken Louis

Wayne and Marlene Stilew

Joani and Phil Callighan

Michael Binstead and Terri Heffron

Shawn and Noelle Riley

ON THE TOWN Fundraiser Season

We handpicked the hippest and happening events of the season to see and be seen at. Mark your calendars, book your babysitters, and reserve your tickets. All are worthy causes, so raise those paddles high! Dress to impress and smile for the Baylife camera to get your photo in our coveted On the Town pages. We’ll see you there.

Dinner in the Hills - Boots & Bling

Saturday, October 14th

Always a blast! A big tent overtakes the parking lot. Dress in the theme and get ready to have fun in the hills. To benefit Mt. Holiday.

Location – Mt. Holiday Mt-holiday.com

Gladhander 2023 - Journey Through Narnia

Saturday, October 28th

Now in its 41st year, Gladhander is one of Traverse City’s oldest and most prestigious gala event. To benefit GTACS. Location – St Francis High School Gym. Gtacs.org

Barley, BBQ & Beats

Friday, October 20th

Already a hit event downstate, it’s the first time in TC. It’s a Whiskey, BBQ and Music Festival with live music, local BBQ from leading pitmasters, and handcrafted cocktails. To benefit Hospice of Michigan. Location – The Cathedral Barns. hom.org/barley-bbqbeats-2023

The Admiral’s Ball

Saturday, November 11th

After a two-year break, get ready for the biggest and best TACS gala ever.

Dinner & dancing with live music from the awesome band The Broom Closet Boys. To benefit Traverse Area Community Sailing.

Location – Traverse Country Club. Tacsailing.org

Chad Lindsey, City Opera House

Chad Lindsey MEET

New City Opera House Executive Director

You moved here from leading a theatre in New York, but grew up in Saginaw? “Like many creative people, I’ve lived with a strong work ethic, healthy curiosity, but a . . . soft focus. I’ve dabbled in many artistic fields. I wanted to be a photojournalist and attended camp at MSU. One of my pieces won the Dow Christmas Card contest. In college at Valpo (and after that in Chicago), I was a singer, a stage actor, and a dancer. In LA, I played boyfriends, cops, doctors, and a chicken farmer on television. I toured Europe as a member of a spectacular failure of a boy band for a bit. I designed furniture and wrote plays. I finally found myself drawn to the intersection of community and performance, spending the last ten years leading a devised theater company and running an experimental performance space in Brooklyn. The challenge of supporting and preserving live performance is my focus. That brings us to this amazing opportunity at City Opera House.”

What are you most excited to tackle first in your new role? “I’m focusing first on listening to the community, finding out what we’ve been getting right with comedy, music, lectures and more. See where we could take a few risks or expand our programming to surprise our most ardent supporters and bring in new faces too. It’s clear Traverse City loves her Opera House, and I encourage everyone to consider the uniqueness of our amazing cultural asset and keep the love coming!”

What 3 words would best describe you?

“Gusto, wilderness, maker.”

Are there any words of wisdom that you live by?

“Be gentle with your past and bold with your future.”

What’s a bad habit, you’re willing to share with us? “Eating the rest of it to avoid having to put it in a container.”

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

“I dream about being able to plumb or rewire an entire house . . . which is a kind of a superpower. And flying.”

What is one thing you have checked off your bucket list? “Moving back to Michigan! CHECK!”

You’re new to the area; what is one thing you have already discovered in TC you love? “I’ve already enjoyed some great food, summer at the beach, and I finally broke down and bought a real adult mountain bike and I’ve been attacking all the great trails in the region! Of course, nothing compares to City Opera House! We have a great season starting October first, and I can’t wait to see everyone at a show!”

“Fall Colors on West Bay” Last sail is Oct 16, 2023!

Book your private two hour sailing cruise aboard BAYLIFE. Only $299 for two!

Scan QR code or visit sailingtc.com for available booking dates on BAYLIFE with Captain Tom Gorsline. 231.715.6088

TRAVERSE CITY SAILING CHARTERS

Welcome Aboard

THE MOON MOHR TEAM Over 40 Years of Professional Sales Experience

OUR FAMILY HELPING YOUR FAMILY

LYNN MOON 231.218.6667 moonu@charter.net

ERICA MOON MOHR 231.499.5558 emoonmohr@gmail.com

Big Move

Antiquities Warehouse of Grand Traverse has finally made their big move to West Front St. The hidden gem for one-of-a-kind treasures to transform your home was previously on Garland in the warehouse district. For months they been overhauling the Front Street building and remodeling it into a chic industrial space,

which is now their forever home. To celebrate they just cracked open two containers of new inventory out on the floor, one from France and the other from their headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. Their eclectic array always boasts showstopper conversational items. They specialize in architectural design pieces, French

Beautiful Discovery

Have you discovered Bohmey Beauty yet? It’s the new sister location of their bustling Ann Arbor store that launched in 2019. Bohmey Beauty in TC is a fabulous find “unique lifestyle boutique” tucked in the back of the Warehouse building. Next door to Hexenbelle, they opened their doors with quiet launch and has quickly become the newest hot spot for savvy shoppers. Founded by Angeline Pratt, this little store reflects her big purpose. “I discovered the passion to launch Bohmey Beauty as I researched clean and conscious brands from all over the world. Our high-quality products range from skincare and make up to clothing and house goods, and we keep evolving.” The space is light and airy with a contemporary feel, just like the products you’ll find inside. Especially the ILIA cosmetics and ultra-cool lounge pants just longing for you to find them.

144 Hall St., Traverse City bohmeybeauty.com

doors, industrial lighting, repurposed goods, and unique finds from around the world. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Inquire about after-hours or private appointments.

421 West Front St., Traverse City Antiquitieswarehousetc.com

Angeline PrattBohmey Beauty Founder

Friske Farm Legacy

The third generation of Friske farmers boldy demolished the old farm stand to reinvent and reinvigorate their family’s brand. “We wanted to build something bigger and better, a place we’d love to come for great food and family fun,” explains Rich. The have built a farm stand utopia that enhances all aspects of the customer experience. It’s monumental in size and choice. A café with a brick oven, local ice cream, a from-scratch bakery rolling out donuts, pies, scones, and cookies, and shopping galore for everyone from jellies to toys makes Friske Farm Market a must-visit. It’s like a Mall of America serving up good old fashioned family values. “It’s unlike any other. We even have an indoor playground. We have aways been a year-round market, but now we can really facilitate it,” said Jon. Friske Orchards was established by their grandparents in 1962. “We are all in this together, my siblings and I, our spouses and our parents that worked it before us. We feel very blessed, and lord willing we’ll pass it along to the fourth generation.” Fall is the perfect time to visit, taking in a scenic drive. US 31, Ellsworth, 10 miles south of Charlevoix

Farm to Table

As Fall begins, the “Local Yokels” of Old Mission Peninsula, aka organic farmers Jen and Ben Bramer, will transform their farm stands into seas of orange, especially at the corner of Gray and Center Rd.

“It’s an awesome sight to see rows and rows of pumpkins,” Jen said. They’ll have a huge assortment of pumpkins, gourds, and fall produce. Their produce is their wow factor. “98% of the plants we grow from seed in our greenhouses. This allows us to select varieties with the best flavors. We are very picky about our quality standards.” They grow everything as organically as possible too. Soon Jen and Ben are planning to transform the inside of the barn.

“There is a lot of work to do, but we are excited. We are lucky to be able to live and work in this dynamic community.”

Local Yokels Farm, 1887 Gray Road and 13130 Center Road, Traverse City Localsyokelsfarm.com

The Friske Family - Second generation Wendy and Richard Jr. Third generation owners and spouses - Evelyn & Jon, Heidi & Kenny, Rich III & Kasey. With fourth generation kiddos.

GOOD EATS

PepeNero 10 Years

PepeNero

Locals and visitors alike know that Sicilian native Chef Giorgio Lo Greco, owner of bustling restaurant PepeNero, brings to life an unforgettable trip to Italy in every bite. Only here can you find the ultimate authentic Italian/Mediterranean experience complete with a talented staff that speak fluent Italian as they describe the heavenly wine list. They frequent fivestar reviews and famous foodie clients. It’s a dream come true that started much smaller. This August marked the 10th year anniversary since Giorgio and his beautiful wife Monica opened their “little Italy” inside The Village’s Mercato in a tiny space where they pursued the American Dream. Growing up in Palermo, Giorgio began cooking at age seven in the family kitchen. Later he worked at his uncle’s famed restaurant in Sicily. He later became a Top Chef on luxury cruise ships that took him all over the world, and there he met Romanian native Monica (she speaks four languages). He was smitten and they married in 2008 right here in northern Michigan at their friend’s Ciccone Vineyard. PepeNero opened its doors August 2013. Giorgio’s kitchen premiered secret family recipes handed down from generation to generation to sold out reservations night after night and along with his secret weapon Monica, they changed how Traverse City viewed Italian food. The small inside space spilled out into the corridors with tables and chairs in true European café style (which today houses Red Spire Brunch House). After bursting at the seams and a long build-out process in 2016, they moved into the spectacular space you enjoy today.

700 Cottageview Dr, Unit 100, Traverse City pepenerotc.com

2016 photo throwback - Chef Giorgio Lo Greco and wife Monica

The Perfect Match: Lighter Style Red Blends and Charcuterie

CHEERS with Folgarelli’s Wine Crew

Here are two medium bodied red blends that pair beautifully with Charcuterie fare. One wine is from South Africa (SA) the other from Old Mission Peninsula (OMP). Both winemakers share the same philosophy when creating their red blends.

The 2020 Essay Red Blend from the Coastal Region of South Africa is an assemblage of four varietals blended to create a whole greater than its parts. It is a medium-bodied red with an expressive nose and a soft, lush mouthfeel. The blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Cinsault offer flavors of ripe plum, dark fruit and a bit of spice.

Closer to home, winemaker Sean O’Keefe at Mari Vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula also believes in balance through blending. The 2021 Troglodyte Rosso is a seamless blend of Pinot Noir, Teroldego, and Merlot delivering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. This is a vibrant and aromatic wine with flavors of ripe cherries and juicy red fruit with a hint of vanilla.

Both wines are young, fresh, and juicy with just the right amount of acidity and lighter tannic structure. They are perfect for Charcuterie whether it’s an elaborate work of art or an impromptu picnic.

“The joy of dressing is an art.”

AUTUMN HUES

– John Galliano

MAPLE Janess Leone Belt $183 Ella’s, Traverse City

WARM Moonstone Sweater $76 Bohmey Beauty, Traverse City

COZY Papillon Puffer Long Vest $95 Relish, Traverse City

EARTHY Nevada Bag $389 Ella’s Traverse City

BREEZY Dress $82 Haven, Traverse City

TSO Community Music School

COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

In an epic crescendo, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra just unveiled their new Community Music School, to be housed in the old Kmart building at the Cherryland Mall as part of a lease agreement from the Traverse City Curling Center. In a pitch perfect plan with multiple programs all under one roof, they will teach the gift of music in harmony for the young and old. With new parent and baby classes, private music lessons, and a Senior Band, which will focus on offering beginning lessons and ensemble performances for seniors and retirees, as well as a Youth Orchestra.

“We hope to be inclusive; no student will be turned away for finances,” said Executive Director Dr. Kedrik Merwin. One teaching method, the Suzuki method, starts when kids are as young as three years old. “It’s from spark to passion. This school is not about bricks and mortar; it’s about the community.” It will also be the new headquarters of the TSO, along with teaching studios and a 4,800-square-foot hall for community events. “It’s the next giant leap for the TSO.”

Being an existing structure, the proposed buildout price tag of 2 million dollars is doable. To date, 1.5 million has already been promised from public and private donors, TSO board members, and generous local grants. It’s enough for the work to begin this fall, leaving a $500,000 price tag they hope to raise additional donations from the local people it will serve.

As TSO Maestro Kevin Rhodes added, “You can do nothing great if you don’t begin.”

It’s so exciting for our area; music crosses all barriers. If you would like to consider a donation to help bring it to life, visit traversesymphony.org.

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

Hans Christian Andersen

HOME GROWN & LOCAL

Black Star Farms

“The property was named Black Star Farms after the stylized star in the marble foyer of the estate house, which today is their award-winning inn.”

— CHEERS TO 25 YEARS!

The Black Star FamilyManaging Owner Sherri Campbell Fenton with dad Kerm Campbell and brother James Campbell

HOME GROWN & Local with Black Star Farms 25th Anniversary

Tell us the family history of Black Star Farms.

“The real passion began percolating when we were living in Western Europe. Our parents were in one of the greatest wine regions of the world and this was where they truly developed their appreciation for fine wine. Fast forward to a vacation home in Traverse City in the ’90s, Dad, who grew up on a farm in Kansas, decided to jump in and plant his first vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula and protect the land from development. They later bought a farm with a large home begging to be a small inn. We were already growing grapes, so they found a winemaker and a few business and grower partners, and Black

What makes Black Star Farms unique?

“Our flagship and original property near Suttons Bay is a setting unlike any other. The photo-worthy estate vineyard at the entrance was inspired by our family trips down the Rhine River where vines grow up on terraced vineyards. Two dozen privately boarded horses often roam the rural and peaceful 160 acres. Guests can stay at the winery in a small 10-room inn overflowing with Midwestern hospitality. We host gorgeous events. Guests and the public can dine at Bistro Polaris and enjoy Mediterranean inspired fresh, local cuisine. Proteins and vegetables come from our own or nearby farms. Our post and beam tasting room has public and exclusive tasting opportunities along with a Wine Club room. Three miles of recreation trails entice guests to explore our forests and

Tell us about your award-winning wines.

“The crème de la crème was in 2018 when we entered six wines in six categories of the 2018 Canberra International Riesling Challenge. All six entries medaled, and our Arcturos 2017 Dry Riesling won Best in Show. A record number of Rieslings, 567, from six countries entered and it was only the second time that an American wine came out on top.”

What are you most proud of?

“Our incredible hospitality teams. Every time I am told how team members help make somebody’s visit exceptional, it makes me smile. Their dedication and ownership in what they do is remarkable.”

“My father said it the best: to make the best better!”

10844 E. Revold Rd., Suttons Bay - 360 McKInley Rd., Traverse City

The Little Airport That Could: Traverse City’s Gateway to the

It’s official: we live, work, and play in a premiere “jet set” area!

While you were summering, our darling hometown Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) logged monumental moments on the tarmac.

On June 1st American Airlines flew a non-stop from Dallas on a main craft jet. They joined all the other airline jets that day making TVC history. 2023 is trending to be the biggest ever with a projected 620,000 travelers in tow.

In aviation terms, our once modest and unassuming airport is becoming a player in the big leagues to justify bigger planes, expanded routes, and competitive prices. “There aren’t more airplanes, there are more passengers. It’s the doorway to our region and it’s what makes us strong. We are seeing more people using the airport as a major asset,” explains Kevin Klein, TVC’s Executive Director.

The airport currently services 17 nonstop flights with five airport carriers.

The airport employs 27 people through maintenance and operations.

The airlines employ 1,200 people and between businesses and private pilots, it’s around 800 additional people.

In 2022, to ease the traveling experience, the airport added 3.2 million dollars (from airport revenue) in upgrades that included an additional 424 parking spots, a third TSA checkpoint line for shorter screening lines, and 130 feet of extra space to park aircraft along the north side of the terminal. “We opened it to use and needed in the first ten minutes,” laughed Kevin. “We directed the pilot to park there for a short time, to which he replied, ‘Whoa, that wasn’t there yesterday!’”

Over 2,000 workers are associated on the grounds of the airport daily.

Cherry Capital Airport supports an impact of over $1 billion to our

The ever-growing airport just landed a hefty 5.2-milliondollar grant, awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration specifically for Traverse City’s significance to the thriving tourism industry for the entire northern Michigan area. These funds will allow updates on three existing terminal jet bridges. “Two of the jet bridges came from the old terminal in 2004 and were already refurbished and 20 years old. Gate four was brand new; they just see so much traffic. Our goal is always to ease up congestion. Gate two will be impacted when we add another concourse.” What? Huh, excuse me? “We have room to grow there is lots of potential,” Kevin assures us.

region. Who knew?

Yep, that’s right. Our beloved little airport is just winging it and bursting at the seams.

With our bustling airport being such a global selling point, the migration fueled the recent real estate boom. 2021 was the airport’s busiest year, with 602,000 travelers. Our charming cherry airport is pushed to its capacity. We know, you want it to remain small town and cozy, but resistance is futile. It’s time to change your altitude.

A key factor:

“COVID made a dynamic shift. People realized you could live and work where you want to play,” Kevin said.

The airport’s “Up North” ambiance was meticulously planned in the Frank Lloyd Wright design of Arts and Crafts with warm cherry wood tones, copper light fixtures, open and natural settings, a roaring fireplace, and glowing stained glass. The expansion is hoping to simply mirror an identical concourse that will add a holding area and house four to six additional gates.

“We have been working on a Terminal Expansion Project for a while. Right now, we are in the justification phase. We look at capacity, building standards, security, and everything. We must forecast the future. Then we submit it. This September we meet with the FAA. The next steps are financial and environment. All that takes about a year to complete. Then we’ll design and finalize those phases. Shovels in the ground would hopefully be by late 2024 or 2025.” The tremendous potential for growth has Kevin and his arsenal of researchers predicting and drafting into the year 2035 as another phase!

Once it’s ready for take-off, rest assured it will always feel and represent a welcoming Northwoods lodge.

How Did it All Begin, You Ask?

Between 1935 and 1937, the airport was under construction on Veteran’s Drive that now houses the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens Cemetery. It opened under the name Ransom Field and in 1938 welcomed its first airline traffic from Pennsylvania Central Airlines.

During the Second World War the airport became a top-secret naval base where the U.S. Navy trained officers to land on an aircraft carrier anchored in West Grand Traverse Bay. Also, under classified security, revolutionary drone technology training was being taught. At that time in the war the Japanese were

using Kamikaze (a Japanese aircraft loaded with explosives and making a deliberate suicidal crash on an enemy target), and the US was experimenting with warfare options. After the war, the airfield reverted to the city.

The City of Traverse City built the TC Airport on Garfield Avenue and operated it until 1974. It later moved to the Coast Guard Air Station. In the 1990s–2000 it became a municipal airport operating with Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties along with the city. The then current terminal was 48,000 square feet, because of restraints on the north side, they expanded on the south side. In the fall of 2004 Cherry Capital opened a new 121,000 square feet terminal and demolished the old one. In 2014–2015 a new air traffic control tower was added. In 2021 the airport became an Airport Authority.

This photo shows the Naval Aircraft Carrier on West Bay - See the Park Place and the Fifth Third Bank buildings on land.

More about kevin

What About Costco?

As Kevin explained this for us: “The airport works from three key principles: Safe, Secure, Self Sufficient.” The massive parcel of land that surrounds the tarmacs and runways of the airport was carefully planned over many years…except for a tedious rogue forest, where the trees were not the same species. “They were cheaply planted after the war as part of a ‘back to work’ program. The trees were obstructive to the runway and were housing wildlife that wasn’t safe and secure by a jetpowered airplane runway.” To keep everyone safe the trees became a removal project. At the same time, Costco was looking to expand to Northern Michigan and their first plan had fallen through. “Bringing Costco to town made use of the land, and with a 20-year lease commitment it guarantees the airport to be self-sufficient.” And having a Costco in town isn’t so bad either; they added excellent job stability and they strive to support Traverse City local companies inside their gigantic warehouse.

Kevin C. Klein, Accredited Airport Executive

Always talking business, economics, and tourism, you have seen him on TV, quoted in the Ticker and the Record-Eagle. To bring our story to life we visited Kevin in his second floor corner office. Wowzah— it’s flooded with light with wall-to-wall windows and a front row seat to the tarmac operations he oversees. It’s surrounded by collectable model airplanes, carefully curated along the windowsills. Each look like they are flying alongside the backdrop.

“I’ve been collecting them for years, each one has a story,” he laughs. His favorites are the ones from his boys, a Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet of Blue Angel fame and a Delta 747. His career in aviation is as long as he can remember. “I started pilot training in high school in Saginaw then attended Western Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Aviation and Operations Management. I worked in Kent County, Grand Rapids, with Skyway Airlines and Midway Express, then went over to St. Louis, Missouri.” Through the 1990s he ran Teterboro Airport, part of the New York and New Jersey Port Authority. Upon returning to Michigan, he became the Operations Supervisor of Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. In 2002 he brought his family to Traverse City, starting as TVC’s Operations Manager, and was promoted to Assistant Airport Director in 2004. In 2011 he took the reigns as the Airport Director, becoming Chief Executive Officer in October of 2021. Kevin was instrumental in securing several prestigious awards for Cherry Capital Airport including the FAA Airport Safety Excellence Award, the Balchen/Post Award for Winter Safety Excellence, and the Air Line Pilots Association’s Airport of the Year. He was awarded Airport Manager of the Year by the Michigan Association of Airport Executives in 2017.

The airport’s success is because of Kevin’s passion; he’s such an asset for our community. Today his boys Mark, Joe, and Nicholas are 24, 21, and 15. Words of wisdom he lives by are, “Planning equals performance” and who is his hero? “My wife Leslie. Without her I am certain I would not be the person I am or want to be.” The next time see you see a model airplane, we bet you’ll think of him!

Behind the Scenes of

TVC

Originally established as a one-plane detachment to provide search and rescue service to the Great Lakes, Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City was commissioned in 1945.

“On June 29, I had the opportunity to hang out with the crew at the United States Coast Guard Traverse City Air Station. I joined them on a flight to do some SAR (Search and Rescue) training and hoist training at the North Manitou Shoal Light Station.”

1. The Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk is 64’ 10” long and 21,884 pounds fully loaded.

2. It operates in all weather and can reach speeds in excess of 160 mph.

3. The unit operates multiple flights a day. They schedule over 40 hours a week of flight time alone, on top of countless hours of ground training.

4. There is a crew on duty 24/7, 365 days a year.

5. For every 1 hour a helicopter flies, it requires 28 maintenance hours.

Here are some things you may not know about the Traverse City Air Station:

TYLER LEIPPRANDT

The man behind Michigan Sky Media’s spectacular images.

Summertime on West Bay!

by Tyler Leipprandt of Michigan Sky Media

Greilickville - West Bay looking North, over M-22, Elmwood Township Marina, Center Pointe Marina, Harbor West Marina, and Cedar Lake.

michiganskymedia.com

@michiganskymedia

Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams

We’re pleased to announce our team has been recognized on the 2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list.

The Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a rating. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

Investment and Insurance Products:

EVERGREEN

Velvet Slouch Chair $1049 HomeWorks Interiors, Traverse City Homeworksinteriors.store

HONEYCRISP

Beacon Pendant $1801. Ella’s Interiors, Traverse City Swingbyellas.com

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN

FLOCK

Mongolian Fur Chair $2500 Nest InDesign, Traverse City Nestindesign.com

NUTMEG

Solid Wood Coffee Table $2599 HomeWorks Interiors, Traverse City Homeworksinteriors.store

HARVEST

Uttermost Root Console Table $1999

Golden Fowler Home Furnishings, Traverse City

Goldenfowlerhomefurnishings.com

“There is no better designer than nature.” - Alexander McQueen

FALL MAKEOVER

The Front Porch

Pack up the summer brights. It’s Fall, y’all! Transition your décor to immerse into the season of change. As the air feels crisp, and the leaves turn, your porch is the perfect perch for taking in the fall foliage. Find inspiration here and don’t forget the hot cider.

✔ Hang fall wreaths.

✔ Add lanterns and candles.

✔ Add cozy blankets.

✔ Switch out your rug.

✔ Switch-out throw pillows.

✔ Place a mass of pumpkins and mums in varied hues and sizes.

It’s a practice that doesn’t happen often anymore, the naming of houses. But when you know, you know, and Kerry and Mark Kurowski had no question that the name they chose fit when they affectionately christened their custom house Old Blue Chair. The hit Kenny Chesney song was an unquestionable choice because, after years of travel and a shared wish for a lake house upon retirement, all they wanted was to look over Bellaire’s Clam Lake and revel in the feeling of home.

Written by Hannah Ryder Photography by Jason Hulet

The feeling of home

is one that the Kurowskis wanted more than anything, not just for their family but for anyone who would step over the threshold. “We wanted to make people feel like they could just kick off their shoes and not feel like they’re in a museum,” Kerry explains. The couple always knew that they wanted to enjoy lake living and in 2017 purchased two 400-square-foot cottages on the shore of Clam Lake for the slice of paradise that was the 160 feet of lake frontage. “I had never built a custom home before,” Kerry shares. But she knew the two things that would get her started into her foray into the custom-building world: a large kitchen and Angela Goodall of Kitchen Choreography.

Kerry admired Angela well before beginning construction and was elated to work with both Angela and the entire Kitchen Choreography team, whom she now calls friends. What Kerry requested was quite simple. “Food is my love language, so I told Angela I wanted a big kitchen with a house around it!” The result is a stunning chef’s kitchen with lake views, extensive cabinet space, and a massive island, which is referred to as Kerry’s “starship command.” The kitchen is not just gorgeous but also quietly efficient. “Angela asked me how many knives we had, what side I wanted the dishwasher on, all of that,” Kerry recalls. After laying out the plans for the home, Mapleridge Construction got to work making the vision come to life.

The Kurowskis commitment to local craftspeople didn’t just extend to the businesses they patronized. “In our contract, we specified that 80 percent of the craftsmen needed to be within a 30mile radius of Bellaire,” Kerry explains.

“We wanted to keep everything as local as possible—our framers even live across the lake from us!”

“Food is my love language, so I told Angela I wanted a big kitchen with a house around it!”

“The home is full of color and pattern but done in a way that complements the lake views and open layouts.”

home is

open and allows natural light to flood what feels like every space. Small details blend into the background: warm wooden floors and bannisters, plenty of storage and shelves, and one-of-a-kind pieces from local artisans. The spaciousness allows guests and family alike to choose to curl up in the living room or take in the day from the upstairs covered porch that allows a luxe porch experience. When the sun goes down, there are plenty of light fixtures that not only provide a welcoming glow but are intricate and fun all on their own.

The

wide

“We wanted to make people feel like they could just kick off their shoes and not feel like they’re in a museum.”

but is done in a way that complements the lake views and open layouts. Cool blue tones are balanced with unique, patterned tiles and wallpapers, drawing the eye in without clashing. Kerry found and fell in love with an intricate paisley and floral wallpaper but was unsure where to place it; Angela suggested putting it on the ceiling of the butler’s pantry. “I asked her, ‘Can we do that?’” Kerry recalls. And they did. As a result, the crisp white of the cabinetry makes both the ceiling wallpaper and the sunflower floor tile coexist wonderfully. “It’s my safe space if the house is busy!” Splashes of color even appear in bathrooms via beautifully patterned tile that isn’t often found in a house, but Kerry wanted to do something new and uncommon with the house. The payoff means there’s always something gorgeous in every corner.

The home is full of color and pattern

“It’s my safe space if the house is busy!”

Immense care was taken to build the stunning house. Each bedroom was created to hold a king-sized bed. “We’re tall people,” Kerry shares, “so we needed king beds.” The bunk room provides the ultimate sleepover space for the younger kids, and two Jack-andJill bedrooms upstairs provide seamless flow—and saves a bit of space. Tall ceilings with eyecatching lines give the house an airy feel, and the palette of colors, from white to light pink to a sumptuous dusky blue, makes the home seem larger than life. Good thing too: the Kurowskis have many family members and friends to host!

“We’re tall people,” Kerry shares, “so we needed king beds.”

In the foyer, another light fixture draws the eye, making the viewer take a longer look to identify the butterflies that appear above a burst of light. It’s a subtle piece that stands for much more. “My daughter Mollie loved butterflies,” Kerry says of her daughter, who passed away from leukemia in 2014. “It’s a bit of Mollie in our home, and it’s so unique.”

Family is everything to the Kurowskis and their blended brood. The home was designed to be large enough to hold everyone and is the destination for a get-togethers, one of which is the annual Christmas in July that they celebrate the Saturday closest to July 25th. “We made the decision that all our grandkids should wake up in their own bed on Christmas, so we started celebrating in July.” There’s also ample backyard space where the family partakes in a yearly tournament of Kubb, a yard game they call “The Great Equalizer,” with plenty of campfires and s’mores to celebrate the winners and soothe the losers.

The house surpasses just being a house; instead, it is a home thanks to the love and care taken by the people who worked on it and the people who live there. It’s everything the Kurowskis had hoped for. “Our wedding bands say, ‘we chose happiness,’” Kerry beams, “and this house is the last piece of that puzzle to be together and to be happy.”

“My daughter Mollie loved butterflies.”

216 CASS STREET

Walton, Smith, Phillips & Dixon, P.C.

216 CASS STREET - LADIES LIBRARY, CIRCA 1908

Photo courtesy of the Publisher’s collection

CUSTOM VIRTUAL TOURS

Show off your business, house, school district, or any other space by a custom virtual tour. We have been working with clients for years with the newest technology and the ability to customize your virtual tour to fit your needs. Scan the QR code below to check out a recent tour we created.

has worked with the

Painted Michigan

by Todd Reed

Fall is perhaps the best time of year for not only Sunday drives, but Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. Why? Because the maple trees along Northern Michigan highways and byways often change colors faster than chameleons. The day-to-day color differences of leaves on the same tree are often astounding.

toddandbradreed.com