Sept/Oct 2018 Issue

Grand Traverse

WOMAN SEPT/OCT '18 • HEALTH ISSUE

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WOMAN2WOMAN

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE & KERRY WINKLER

Grand Traverse

WOMAN northern michigan’s magazine for women

Volume 16, No. 1 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

 years!

Grand Traverse Woman P.O. Box 22 Interlochen, MI 49643 tel: 231.276.5105 www.grandtraversewoman.com BLOG: www.kandacechapple.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/grandtraversewoman PUBLISHERS Kandace Chapple Kerry Winkler

This issue marks the 15th anniversary of GTWoman! Here are our top 10 highlights over the years, whether we like them or not:

EDITOR Kandace Chapple, kandace@grandtraversewoman.com

NOT QUIIIITE OUR FIRST PHOTO, BUT THE OLDEST DIGITAL PHOTO WE COULD DIG UP: CIRCA 2009! WE HAVEN'T AGED A BIT.

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Kerry Winkler, kerry@grandtraversewoman.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Deb Dent, deb@grandtraversewoman.com Sherry Galbraith, sherry@grandtraversewoman.com Lori Maki, lori@grandtraversewoman.com

 The time on our first motor coach trip to Chicago when

 The time we blew out a tire on the way to Chicago and

we decided to go to our first-ever drag queen club. The bouncer eyed 10 women from Northern Michigan, as green as they come, and put us in seats surrounding the stage.

The show was about to begin. But, alas, we were the show.

We did not realize we were supposed to tip the dancers.

(We did not realize there would be dancers.) And, not a one of us had anything smaller than a $20 bill on us. We were badgered relentlessly by the dancers as being cheap.

The performers literally changed the lyrics of their songs to harass us. What did we do? We cheered, of course! We eventually paid our $20 penance to a dancer named Red Hot Chili Pepper and walked out of there a whole lot savvier (but poorer).

the bus had to pull off the interstate and ended up in a gas station with bars on the windows. We told everyone to stay put or we’d get shot. At least half of the bus got off and invaded the gas station for additional beverages. Turns out, the bars on the window were to ward off women like us.

ASSISTANT EDITOR Eva Nienhouse, eva@grandtraversewoman.com

 The time we were on the “Ron Jolly Show,” and we told

COVER PHOTO Jasmine Birgy shares her story about surviving a heart virus. See her story on page 6.

Photo: Capture Me Photography www.captureme-photography



The time our first issue arrived and the ink was smudgy and dingy. And Kandy told the driver to put the 10,000 issues back on the truck, and the driver said, “Are you kidding me?” And Kandy said, “I don’t think I am.”

And 15 years later, she can’t believe how smooth she was in her front yard staring down a guy six inches taller than her standing in her pole barn. Kerry was home watching Y&R, so it was a solo battle. The papers did, in fact, go back. We got a new printer, and here we are 15 years later with the same salesman (Pete!), and this better be pretty crisp text you’re reading.

him it was super easy to start a business. What we meant to say was, it was super fun. We mixed up our adjectives.

Ron looked at us like we were super crazy instead. So. We like to go back to that time we broadcast how it was super easy to whip up a magazine. We keep waiting for someone to ask us to teach a business class with credentials like that.

 The time we put together a women’s team for Bowling for Kids against a men’s magazine, and we called our probowler dad to the scene and called him, “Leslie” and put a pink bandana on him and indoctrinated him onto the women’s team. We won.

 The time we were asked to do our first-ever presentation for a women’s group and only two women showed up.

It was more of a one-on-one, really.

COPY EDITOR Christine Kurtz DESIGNER Bethany Gulde, bethany@grandtraversewoman.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Sarah Brown, Sarah Brown Photography www.sarahbrown-photography.com Scarlett Piedmonte, Photography by Scarlett www.photobyscarlett.com Beth Price, Beth Price Photography www.bethpricephotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erin Banton Jasmine Birgy Abagail Byar Jennifer Coleman Connie Hamilton Lowe Breena Johnson Shaina LaFond Sarah Orth Tara Rybicki Wendy Sobeck Whitney Waara ADVERTISING Kerry Winkler at 231.276.5105 or kerry@grandtraversewoman.com Visit www.grandtraversewoman.com for rates.

 The time on another Chicago trip when a guy with a

 The time we decided to host our first Network Nite

“dad bod” offered us a ride in a limo. Sure, he could have been a serial killer. But there were 12 of us that night and only one of him and he looked plenty harmless. Especially since he was wearing a Chicago Cubs jersey and we had just watched his other dad-bod friends leave him in the bathroom while they went to the next bar. Plus, in our dozen, Lisa was about 9-and-a-half months pregnant. He was clearly buying a limo ride for a group of moms who didn’t want to pay for a cab. Who’s the killer now, mister?

a few years later and booked a table for 30. Instead, 120 women show up and we were in a (good) panic that felt a little better than No. 8 on this list.

SUBSCRIPTIONS To receive GTWoman at home, mail $20 (for 6 issues) to: Grand Traverse Woman, P.O. Box 22, Interlochen, MI 49643

 The time we hired a couple of comedians to entertain at

ARTICLES/PRESS RELEASES Letters, inquiries, press releases and GTWoman In Business submissions are welcome.

See www.grandtraversewoman.com for guidelines.

 The time a man refused to give us a quote on business cards because our magazine would “never make it.” A few years later, the same guy found himself organizing a talk for his company… and his boss asked him to book us to do a presentation on our success. We pretended we didn’t remember him. But we had a voodoo doll that said we did.

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our Girls Night Out (recently), and they were so incredibly risqué that we might as well have been back in Chicago at that drag queen show. We were in shock. But, once again, we cheered and paid them. Turns out, not much has changed in 15 years.

We hope you enjoy this issue and we want to thank you for 15 years of so much fun (and yes, some days were so fun they were easy!). Here’s to another great year as we head to our Sweet 16!

MISSION STATEMENT Grand Traverse Woman is a bimonthly magazine dedicated to the interests of women in the five-county region. Our mission is to provide women with a publication that is educational and inspirational. We strive to maintain a positive, well-balanced and genuine forum for women's issues. (We also like funny stuff.) © Copyright 2018 Grand Traverse Woman LLC All rights reserved.

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Grand Traverse Woman

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Grand Traverse Woman

A DAMAGED HEART AND A New Start

CAPTURE ME PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JASMINE BIRGY

ON THE OUTSIDE, I appeared to be an average 22-yearold girl. I worked full time, frequented the bars and naturally thought I was invincible. Despite the seemingly normal impressions I made, most of my time was spent hating myself.

I picked myself apart and was constantly obsessing over my size and weight—even at my smallest, I saw myself as repulsive. The only time I enjoyed my own company was when I was too drunk to function. My actions ultimately only fed the self-loathing that grew inside me. I made selfish and destructive choices that carelessly hurt and pushed away, others.

I could hardly stand to look at my reflection in the mirror. I was ashamed of all my failures and mistakes. I was living a life with zero self-respect and no self-worth. There is always tomorrow to make a change, right?

It took one day to make me realize I was so wrong.

On Dec. 30, 2014, I woke up to nurses and family surrounding my hospital bed at Munson Medical Center.

I had been admitted with chest pain and an elevated heart rate. Although it wasn’t exactly clear what was wrong with me, it was critical enough that a helicopter was on standby. I was airlifted to a hospital in Grand Rapids. The doctors came into my room and asked my parents to step outside.

Moments later, I heard my mom belt a bloodcurdling scream—a sound I will never forget. I could hear my dad, a man I had never seen cry, sobbing. I heard “No” being cried out over and over by my mom and stepmom.

I was dying.

I was dying, and my initial feeling was not of sorrow, pain, or even anger; it was of relief. I felt calm, as if the life I had been living had no meaning or purpose. As quickly as the feeling of relief washed over me, the feeling of love and sorrow—thanks to my family—quickly followed. I needed to fight, not for myself, but for the people who loved me.

A virus had attacked my heart. It damaged the heart muscle so badly that I went into cardiogenic shock. Because my heart wasn’t pumping enough blood, my organs began to shut down. The doctors told my parents that had we waited one more hour, I would have already been dead.

The plan was to put me on “ECMO,” a machine that would pump and oxygenate my blood while I was put on a transplant list. I would stay on life support until I had a functioning heart. At this moment, the best-case scenario was receiving a successful heart transplant. I was not expected to leave the hospital with my own heart, if I was lucky enough to leave at all.

Nearly a week later, Jan. 5, 2015, I woke up. I could hear the excitement in my parents’ voices as they said things like, “Welcome back, sweetheart!” and, “You’re OK. Everything is all right.”

This was the first day of my new life.

My heart had healed itself while I was on life support, and I no longer needed a transplant. I was expected to have a full recovery and walk out of the hospital with my very own, fully functioning heart. This is a gift I will forever be grateful for.

Over the next few weeks, I regained muscle memory—from the smallest motions of lifting a spoon to my mouth to huge steps like walking on my own—I had to relearn it all.

JASMINE IN THE HOSPITAL

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Grand Traverse Woman

I thought rehabilitation was the most physically and mentally demanding trial I would ever endure, but it was only the beginning.

Two months after being released from the hospital, I was readmitted with pericarditis.

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium—the membrane surrounding the heart.

There are two types of treatment to relieve the inflammation. One involves steroids: the other does not. My body did not respond to the non-steroidal treatment, which left me with no other option but the steroids.

My steroid treatment started in March 2015.

This was supposed to be a short-term treatment, and I would be weaned off steroids over the course of a few months. I gained a few pounds, had mood swings and dealt with chest pains during each taper, but it wasn’t all that bad. I was enjoying my life and my time with family.

I sought counseling to learn better how to start loving myself and ways to let go of the past. I was grateful for just being alive and was filled with so much hope for my future.

In August 2015, I had a pericarditis relapse.

Again, my body would not respond to anti-

inflammatories, so I was put back on steroids.

I have been battling ever since.

While still fighting my poor self-image, I gained 50 pounds over the course of two years while my exercising limits were restricted to nothing. Each steroid taper brought substantial fatigue and throbbing chest pains. I didn’t know how to control my anger and emotions and would often lash out.

Multiple sleepless nights were spent thinking about death, fearful I wouldn’t wake up in the morning. I’ve shed more tears than I ever thought possible.

With every relapse, a piece of my hope is torn away. I hit rock bottom, and it grows more and more difficult to climb out. I feel hopeless every time I hear that it isn’t over yet. Although my mind and body are exhausted and each day seems impossible, I always manage to trudge through, and I’ve evolved into a better person because of it.

Often, I am asked how I live such a positive life despite all I have gone through and continue to go through. Instead of being miserable and pitied, I choose to be grateful and inspiring.

Through these hardships, I have learned to

love myself and stay hopeful. I wake up each morning, feel my heart beating, bend over to touch my toes and count all of life’s blessings.

I’ve learned life is shorter than we believe.

It’s too short to hold grudges and live with hate in your heart. Spend life loving others, but above all, loving yourself.

I know now that I am loved beyond what I could ever comprehend, and I believe every single morning that I wake up with a beating heart is a gift. My only regret is needing a death sentence to realize it.

Jasmine Birgy has lived and worked in Traverse City for five years. She is currently being treated at the Cleveland Clinic for chronic pericarditis, and she is optimistic that these obstacles will be behind her someday soon. She can be reached via email at jasmineib@icloud.com.

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more

Colorful than pink:

What needs to be done still

BY ERIN BANTON

WHEN I

was a little girl, I loved the color pink. Pink was everywhere and for everything. Even the walls of my bedroom were painted the perfect shade of bubble gum. As I entered my teenage years, though, I outgrew my love for the color pink. Years later I was diagnosed with breast cancer and pink, a color that had been a source of such joy all my life, haunted me.

I have now been diagnosed twice. The first time was in June 2015, when I was 34. My youngest of three sons was 1 year old at the time, and I was diagnosed with Stage I Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in my left axilla.

I found my own lump. I had no family history and was considered low-risk. I had my first and only mammogram to assist in my diagnosis, which led to an ultrasound and biopsy. Days later, I received the news in person that I did, in fact, have breast cancer. I left the radiologist’s office with my information in a plastic bag, a pretty pink ribbon on it. Little did I know at that moment, pink was coming back into my life for good.

So, what’s the hype with the pink? I’ll be honest, I didn’t have any issues with pink ribbons during my first diagnosis. I embraced all the pretty pink flowers, blankets, giftwrap, apparel, water bottles and more. I learned that if it’s about breast cancer, it’s PINK! Football players wear their pink socks to raise awareness. Schools hold “pink out” events. October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has turned into “Pinktober.” All of this support and awareness is appreciated by breast cancer patients, but how is all this pink raising funds to find a cure? Why is breast cancer, “the pink campaign,” getting so much of the attention?

In May 2017, two years following my first breast cancer diagnosis, I found another lump. It was in my left armpit area and in the same location as the first one. I was baffled.

I couldn’t be going through breast cancer a second time, I thought.

So, for almost two-months, I shrugged off this new lump. I figured it had to be scar tissue from my bilateral mastectomy surgery two years prior. I had done everything to rid myself of cancer the first time. I did the surgeries. I did the treatments. I took care of myself. The wheels in my head kept turning, but my gut kept telling me this lump wasn’t right. I finally called my oncologist to schedule a check-up.

My oncologist appointment finally arrived.

I remember feeling fairly optimistic it would be nothing. But within minutes of my doctor feeling the lump, I knew my life was changed forever. There I was, the “pretty pink breast

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cancer survivor” being told I needed a diagnostic ultrasound and possible biopsy (again).

“This just cannot be happening again,” I said to my husband.

Soon after my diagnostic ultrasound, the radiologist was confident I needed a biopsy as soon as possible. He was concerned and mentioned two possible lymph nodes of concern as well. I could not breathe. My eyes welled with tears.

I couldn’t look at my husband. I was scared and disappointed. I was supposed to be a cancer survivor celebrating all my years cancer-free, not dealing with a recurrence within two years.

Madness and sadness overwhelmed me.

I walked out to the car with fists of rage, carrying that same pink-ribbonadorned bag from two years earlier. I got home and threw it as hard as I could on my bed.

“That stupid PINK RIBBON!” I shouted. I never wanted to see another one again.

I quickly learned that breast cancer is much more colorful than pink. In May 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). That lump I

had shrugged off was breast cancer again. This time, it metastasized to multiple lymph nodes, my liver, bones and brain.

I have now been living with MBC for 15 months. In my first year with MBC, I have endured oophorectomy surgery, which removed my ovaries, four different chemotherapies, and radiation on four sites.

I will be on treatments, regular blood draws and scans for the rest of my life. I will always be living with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. The survival rate of five years is 22 percent. The median survival is three years. It’s a terminal condition.

There’s nothing “pretty in pink” about a Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer diagnosis.

Actually, MBC has its own ribbon. (See inset.)

MBC had to create its own ribbon because the

Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) has its own ribbon. It’s tricolored with pink, teal and green. Pink is for originating in the breast, teal represents that men also get breast cancer and green represents the metastases beyond the breast. MBC had to create its own ribbon because the “pink ribbon” campaign does not fund Stage IV. Please visit www.metavivor.org for more information and to donate.

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Grand Traverse Woman

“pink ribbon” campaign does not fund Stage IV. When I learned that the first month after being re-diagnosed, I was appalled. Most breast cancer organizations direct only 2 to 5 percent of funds to Stage IV support, funds and research. That means 95 to 98 percent of most breast cancer charities are funding the PINK. According to metavivor.org, breast cancer patients are not dying with stage 0, I, II, or III. But, 41,000 men and women are dying annually with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. That’s 113 MBC patients each day. This death rate has not changed in 40 years, and MBC is the fifth leading cause of death globally.

There’s no doubt that breast cancer certainly deserves the awareness. It’s estimated to impact over 300,000 newly diagnosed men and women in 2018. According to breastcancer.org, as of January 2018, there are more than 3.1 million people in the United States who have a history of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is also becoming more prominent in our sweet city, Traverse City. There has been an increase in local incidences in patients 50 or under, and Traverse City reports the highest breast cancer numbers in the entire state. Awareness and proper funding need to be in place to support cancer patients. Breast cancer is so much more colorful than pink.

Please visit metavivor.org to learn more about Metastatic Breast Cancer and/or to make a donation where 100 percent of the proceeds go toward MBC research and support.

Erin Banton is a cancer patient advocate for friends and family members and group administrator at Traverse City Breast Friends and Be Brave Breast Friends on Facebook. You may also follow Erin’s personal journey at caringbridge.org/visit/erinbanton.

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HOW A FACEBOOK POST CHANGED EVERYTHING

BY ABAGAIL BYAR

PHOTO BY LISA LIRONES

HAVE you ever gone somewhere you didn’t want to go? Did something that

WHAT IS SPARK IN THE DARK? Spark in the Dark is a rapidly growing Northern Michigan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations in our community to directly help one another in times of need.

With a membership of over 8,300 individuals to date, Spark in the Dark estimates that in 2017 alone they were able to assist in approximately 12,000 situations by connecting people to one another for everything from advice to employment to physical items such as baby clothing and furniture.

The organization is focused on bringing the human connection back into giving by providing a platform where people can directly connect with one another to provide support, kindness and encouragement along with physical items given to one another in times of need.

Visit www.sparkinthedark.org or Spark in the Dark on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/sparkinthedark.

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you didn’t want to do? And did it out of desperation? Me too, and it changed my life forever.

Three years ago, I had began attending a local church seeking purpose, something different. My life had taken bad turn after bad turn, and I needed to make a major shift. I was struggling and depressed and felt that I had no direction.

So six months in and after multiple invitations, I dragged myself into my first women’s Bible study in the fall of 2015. Terrified and apprehensive, I went. I recall thinking the following, as I walked through the church doors: “It isn’t too late to turn around–and run.”

“I love God. But I don’t like large groups. Especially of women I don’t know.”

“Escaaaaaaaaaaaaape!”

“Ah crap. Spotted. Too late to turn back now.”

It’s important to note that before walking into this church, I had experienced abuse, the effects of alcoholism, the death of a parent, rape, teenage pregnancy, the beginning of a VERY bad divorce, single motherhood, and even a brief stint of homelessness – just to name a few.

Regardless of my past, I was always intentional about being optimistic and kind. But, because of my upbeat personality, it was often assumed that I was young and lacked life experience. In my early years, I used to thoroughly enjoy helping those who labeled me as naïve, insert their foot into their mouth with my horror stories.

Until one day, after a particularly impressive pity party for one (thrown by yours truly), it occurred to me that leveraging my pain and darkness to gain respect and admiration from my peers was not only ineffective, it was creating a bigger divide when what I really wanted was connection. Once I started attending church, I decided that I would no longer lead my story with the darkest moments in my life, as I had found that, in doing so, those dark moments often led ME mostly down paths I did not like.

THE SPARK As I sat at my table waiting for the women’s study to begin that day, I took to the bad habit of eavesdropping.

To my left, three women discussed their desire to volunteer, but their frustration with endless paperwork and inconvenient volunteer hours. They said it lacked the fulfillment they were seeking.

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To my right a woman was offering a bedroom set to a young lady who had just gotten out of an abusive relationship and had been left with nothing.

“It’s just collecting dust in my garage–I would rather you have it. Having something of your own is empowering.”

THE DREAM This next part you can call whatever you want, I call it “the God dream.”

I went to bed that night pondering the conversations I had overheard– wondering if helping others was the fulfillment I was missing. If so, how could I help when I didn’t have much money, or time for that matter?

I drifted off that night and found myself in a dream that has been familiar to me since the passing of my dad when I was 12– a bench in the woods where I would sit with my father and discuss life.

Only in this dream, it wasn’t my dad who appeared. A figure joined me that was as solid as it was translucent. I often describe it as having a face that was both everyone and no one all at once. Ever changing from young to old, thin to plump, every race and every color. The figure had only one message for me: “Connect others. Do not judge them, love them. Do not worry where they came from or what they have done. Lead them with love and kindness, have a heart to help. You do this, and I will do the rest.”

Yes, it sounds a little crazy. YES, I do feel crazy every time I share this story; but sometimes the biggest and most important moments of your life are the ones that leave people looking at you a little sideways, wondering if you are stable.

THE FACEBOOK POST I woke up unable to shake the voice, but with a strange clarity on exactly how to connect people. That night I created a Facebook page called “Spark in the Dark.” I added 50 people with varying backgrounds thinking that if it could connect even a few people it would be a success. The only direction I gave on the page was: “Our mission here at Spark in the Dark is to connect people in need, charities/nonprofits/organizations, and those who want to help all in one spot to make the world a better place. We simply ask that you post what you need, and post what you can afford to give. As a group, let us start a spark in someone else's darkness and help to make the whole world bright.”

By morning there were 350 members and the numbers and free items offered continued to climb by the hour.

Now, I had intended for the group to help PEOPLE; however, in true Spark in the Dark fashion, the micro community had different ideas right out of the gate (and still usually do).

THE GUINEA PIG Our first “client” was a diabetic Guinea Pig who needed to be rehomed at a rescue center. No, I am not lying–a brown adorable floppy eared guinea pig was the first Spark member in need of help! The radical acts of kindness that continue to happen in this group never cease to amaze and inspire me and while we still help the occasional animal, our scope has broadened significantly.

People sometimes struggle to understand why a group such as this took off so quickly, as it is far from the first “free group” on Facebook. Initially, many are under the impression that it is all about “stuff” that individuals need or have to give away–and that is a part of it; but nowhere near the most important part.

THE BLANK CHECK One of my favorite examples of why Spark in the Dark is so successful happened a year and a half ago when a single mother of two young boys came to me desperate to keep from being evicted.

I could tell immediately that she was a strong woman not too keen on asking for help, but she had three days to find $1,300 or be homeless. We were her last resort. I posted on the group on her behalf that Thursday and anxiously awaited a miracle.

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Friday passed with no help, and that Saturday was the slowest day I have ever experienced… I alternated between staring at the post waiting for something to happen and counting my money to see if I could somehow afford to give her the $1,300 myself, but I, too, was a single mom raising young kids and didn’t have an extra two dimes to rub together.

Around midnight, right as I felt my heart sinking into my chest because she was the first person we hadn’t been able to help – Ping! I get a Facebook message from a woman I did not know telling me that she wanted to donate $500 to the woman being evicted because she had been in a similar scenario as this mom many years ago; $500 was not $1,300 but it would help.

Even now as I type this, the tears run down my cheeks as I recall what happened next and the power it still holds over me.

We decided we would meet at the church Sunday morning. We all walked in, three strangers (and two little boys) and after hello’s and a hug, the check was given. It wasn’t for $500. And it wasn’t for $1,300. It was signed, and blank. The mom was told to write it for whatever was needed to save her home and get her back on her feet. We all wept openly together that day. For the mom, for the boys, and perhaps even for our shared spark in humanity and kindness in that moment, in the church on the hill where it all began.

THE FUTURE Almost three years later, Spark in the Dark is an official nonprofit with an office at Mosaic Church and has over 8,300 members in the Northern Michigan area working together to meet the needs of strangers in their community.

Last year alone, we were able to assist in around 12,000 situations by connecting people with everything from advice to employment to physical items (such as baby clothing and furniture).

At the end of the day, Spark in the Dark isn’t about the “stuff,” because there will always be stuff, it is about something far more powerful: Community. Compassion.

Connection. And perhaps most importantly, about what happens to the soul when a spark is ignited.

ABAGAIL WITH HER CHILDREN, AIDEN AND SCARLETT

Abagail Byar is the proud mother of two children, Aiden and Scarlett, the founder of Spark in the Dark, and the program director of Helplink in Traverse City. She is also currently a serving and founding member of the Mosaic Church launch team, and exploring pastoral ministry through the United Methodist Church. You can email Abagail at sparkinthedarktc@gmail.com.

2018

Grand Traverse Woman LUNCHEONS WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10, 11AM-1PM

Meet Abagail Abagail will be the keynote speaker at GTWoman’s Oct. 10th “Be the Spark!” luncheon at The Hagerty Center.

Hear more about her powerful story and perhaps even ignite a little spark of your own! Visit www.grandtraversewoman.com for more information and to join us.

Sept/Oct '18 11

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Your Child’s Future Begins Today Preparing for pregnancy. Nurturing your newborn. Caring for your growing child. Being a parent is a rewarding experience – and a lot of hard work.

Most parents have questions, or could use some trusted guidance, Healthy Futures is here.

Healthy Futures is a collaboration of health care providers across the region, health departments in northern Michigan, and Munson Healthcare.

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HOPE against

ADDICTION How one mother found her way back

BY CONNIE HAMILTON LOWE

NOT

in my wildest dreams did I ever see myself sitting in a state prison, counting down the days on a 41-month sentence. Also to my surprise was how I got there—an addiction which robbed me of my life.

I hope this catches the attention of all readers. Maybe I can assist in providing hope or solace or anything that might help lift the stigma away from the addicted.

The buzzwords “opioid crisis,” and the problems that come with them have hit this town and surrounding area with a vengeance.

This can only be stopped by an all-hands-in community that is well-informed, educated and aware.

MY OWN PERSONAL HELL To my surprise I discovered that this terrible disease could sink its claws into anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or socioeconomic status. Including me.

In my 20s I owned a successful business, was starting a family, and was healthy.

Everything was looking up. I came from a family that was well educated and from “the right side of the tracks,” as one would say. I lived on a beautiful horse farm surrounded by family. It was there I raised my two sons and worked as a riding instructor. My true passion was working with special needs children.

But all of this came to a grinding halt after a bout of intensive back surgeries rendering me in excruciating, endless pain. I was prescribed a cocktail of narcotics and other assorted medications. Before I could even gather my senses, my once rational self began to spiral downwards… eventually all the way to the bottom.

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Sept/Oct '18

Addiction took root in me. It violently ripped me from my family, my identity, from all that I knew and loved. The high was all that mattered, regardless of what the cost. I was prescribed 100 Xanax, 60 Ritalin, 150 OxyContin, 100 Norco, and 120 Methadone after my back surgery.

In the beginning it was great for the pain but soon after it started to take control over my mind. When I tried to get off of the narcotics, I lost total control of my body. I became violently ill, and had zero impulse control.

Suicidal ideations and depression became a part of my daily life.

My addiction was dark but it got worse—it turned criminal. I became acquainted with numerous drug dealers, who in turn introduced me to heroin and crack cocaine, and all that comes along with it. Looking back, I found it was astonishingly easy to obtain drugs in this town. To the lay person, a drug addict or dealer might blend in. However, when you are entrenched in this world, they are strikingly obvious.

As I fought my addiction, a revolving door of rehabilitation centers did not cut it. I admitted myself into treatment centers but always returned home to old friends and old behaviors. Because of this, my sons suffered terribly.

I still struggle with this today.

I was in and out of county jail for various offenses related to illicit drug use. Every once in a while I experienced a brief stint of sobriety and a clear head.

Throughout all of this, I had suicidal ideations. A persistent sense of worthlessness clouded any leftover hope I so desperately clung to. The darkness around me was too

much to bear for long, so back to using I would go. For about 10 years I struggled with my addiction.

ROCK BOTTOM This pattern continued until I reached the point that most addicts call “rock bottom.”

Luckily I did not wind up dead. In the end, I found myself held hostage in my own home by people who were as afflicted as I was, or worse. I literally could not escape or physical and emotional abuse would follow. I experienced abuse, regardless. But, I could support my habit by living like this.

My children were living with my sister during this time. By the grace of God, He removed them from this situation. I was so addicted I couldn’t even comprehend what this was doing to them. They were young, 8 and 12. I stayed in this rut, living in fear for myself and my family.

At some point through all of what seems a blur now, I got caught, plain and simple. It was off to prison for me. I was 52 years old, and I was looking at a lot of time. At this point I had essentially lost everything.

LIFE IN PRISON After several months of detox, I had a clear head for the first time in many years. It was the best worst thing ever. Amidst my searching for cause and identity, I had a tendency to be consumed by my guilt and shame. The barrage of emotions I experienced took my soul and mind to places I never even imagined.

Even though prison is a terrible place (that’s an understatement), I decided to make the most of it. My life was like a blank canvas

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Grand Traverse Woman

which began to change right in front of me.

The women around me came from all walks of life. There were also numerous women who died, whether it was via an overdose, suicide or a combination of the two. I was placed in a unit with “lifers.” Some of these women did the most unspeakable things; others should not have been there in the first place. Many were somewhere in between the extremes.

Nonetheless, there I was, with them, and a Bible. That was it. The combination of my faith and a couple of these women, bolstered by my family’s support, were the only things that got me through. I had no choice but to bear-down, recover, get out and make change happen.

Looking back on the whole thing, I feel it was the first time in my life I truly felt empowered. Like I had something to say about my destiny. I delved into scripture daily, and involved myself in any program that was offered there.

Surrounding myself with those who were not using was also a crucial part of maintaining sobriety. I spent a lot of time on lockdown because of all the violence behind prison walls.

I was out of my element and my days consisted of me in my 6 by 8 cell, sometimes for days on end.

My grown sons asked me: “How can you be there and not want to use?” Ironically, drugs are everywhere in prison; it’s like a giant drug warehouse. It was easier for me to get high there than ever before! I am proud to say that I stayed “clean” while there, and I am still clean to this day, celebrating four years of sobriety. I am soon approaching a year of my release from prison.

Fla., to become a Certified Equine Therapist through Path International. This winter, I will be taking a course through NMSAS (Northern Michigan Substance Abuse Services, Inc.) to become a recovery coach.

I no longer live in guilt and shame. Living with a clear head is a phenomenal blessing.

I want to help this community where I have spent my life, and I hope I can give back. I am organizing a free community event Sept. 9 called

“Anchored in Hope,” that will bring together resources for families and individuals looking for answers, solutions and hope in the face of addiction. Our community offers multiple pathways of recovery and a kaleidoscope of organizations willing and equipped to help anyone of ANY AGE struggling with addiction.

This event will open doors to recovery options and answer any questions for those seeking answers.

Anchored in Hope will be held Sunday, Sept. 9 from 2-4 p.m. at Casalae Farms, 920 N. East Silver Lake Rd., Traverse City. This is a FREE community event designed to give HOPE to those individuals and families struggling with addiction, and for those who want to be part of the solution. Learn about the resources available and how you can help combat this growing epidemic. The format will consist of testimonies from those directly affected by addiction and local guest speakers including Prosecuting Attorney Bob Cooney, Claire Scerbak, M.S., LLPC/Co-founder of St. Max’s Fellowship for Teens, and Tory Werth, NMSAS Recovery Support Coordinator. The event also features singer-songwriter Miriam Pico. For more information, visit the event page at https://www.facebook.com/anchoredinhope2018/.

SELF EXONERATION

Prison was a necessary evil for me. The choice for me was death or worse. However, this is not nearly everyone’s take on all of this.

In fact, most women who get out usually do not make it far. The recidivism rate for incarcerated women is very high, and many have repeat offenses, and/or return to past behaviors.

I had many tough, yet therapeutic, conversations with my children and family, as well as with fellow inmates. It was in my constant dirge of isolation that I began to forgive myself and, most importantly, educate myself on why I got here.

I was very nervous about returning to the community, fearing I would not be accepted.

I could not have been more wrong. I have a great support system and a strong network of friends.

I keep myself busy and am keeping myself safe. I no longer crave my old life. Today I do have a choice and am stronger than I have ever been. I do not miss my past, and I am rather excited for my future. I am happy to say that in October I will be attending a course in Naples,

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Grand Traverse Woman

MEET THE NEW FACE of the TC CHAMBER I’VE JUST DRIVEN 13 hours to bring my sons back to their birthplace. They are lucky; they will spend this week among friends, with the people who were ever present during the first years of their lives. We will play tourists in our old hometown of Washington D.C., hit up museums, swim at the community pool, eat great food and visit…and it will, hopefully, leave little sparks in their minds of the lives they don’t quite remember anymore.

We left Washington four summers ago. The boys don’t ask me why. They don’t wonder why their parents would have chosen to leave behind their friendships, careers, home and a fairly comfortable existence to start over again 800 miles away. But if they did ask, I would have a lot to say.

Our story is a familiar one in Northern Michigan.

I’ve met countless people talking about their own moves from Chicago, or Grand Rapids, or L.A., and we can all share a knowing look. Maybe it’s because we have a silent agreement that Northern Michigan has "something special."

Many of us had blissful childhood memories of the region, and those tugged at our hearts until we had to get back. The draw could have been the sparkling waters, or the awesome trails or slopes, or some combination of foods and shops and creativity that flows through our community.

The romantics may be drawn to the rotation of cherry blossoms and lavender and sunflowers, or the big vistas across the vineyards down to the bay.

Many of us are fortunate to have family here, too.

My husband and I grew up in small towns. I’m from Marquette, my husband, Sam, is from Salem, Ohio. We wanted our kids to be able to walk out the door and go play freely.

In Traverse City, they walk to friends’ houses, ride bikes on wooded trails, adventure around the neighborhood, ice skate on local lakes, pick wild berries and take school field trips to the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

In DC, we walked them to their friends’ houses; they ice skated in our tiny backyard; we drove to visit the woods; bought fruit at the farmers’ market, and made field trips to art galleries. Our friends in DC are such an impressive crowd; I always took so much energy and excitement from their careers and accomplishments. (Plus, many of them were far from family, too, and we figured out how to support each other without that family safety net in place.)

The thing is, since we moved to TC, we’ve been lucky to connect with a group of equally supportive, kind, fun-loving and genuine people. I have come to realize that the word network means something vastly different in TC than it does in DC. In TC, it references the interwoven connectivity of the people, the fabric that holds us all up and keeps us

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BY WHITNEY WAARA

BY WHITNEY WAARA

from slipping through the cracks. In DC network is essentially a verb.

So what is it that has made this region so special? Why are so many people and families attracted to Northwest Lower Michigan? Personally, I can point to five factors that made this place feel like home long before we actually moved the furniture.

1. Education and Learning. I’ve been delighted with the educational options for our kids, starting with our public schools. We can find and try just about any sport or artistic activity; camps and outdoor adventures abound. As my kids get older, I’m excited that they will have the choice to take advantage of great partnerships—like the collaboration between TCAPS and NMC—to earn college credits or explore the trades.

2. Regional Prosperity and Economic Diversity. This area certainly thrives on tourism, but much of our business community doesn’t blink an eye when the weather changes and the visitors slow down.

A resilient economy comes from diversification, creativity, adaptability and the dedication of local business leaders.

3. Excellent Healthcare and Healthy Options. My family members are big believers in preventive medicine: we like to get outside, eat fresh and local whenever possible, and—for the times when we need it—we have access to excellent quality medical services from a caring healthcare community.

4. A Thriving Non-profit Community. It’s the volunteers who really keep this region moving!

We have a rich and dedicated variety of non-profit organizations that help ensure access to public spaces and trails, education and training, arts and entertainment, and so many critical community services.

5. Inspiration. We live in stunning surroundings.

I grew up on the shores of Lake Superior, and my heart broke when I moved off to college and I could no longer see the lake every day. It took me 20 years

to get back to a lakeside community, but this has been the best move I’ve ever made to keep a healthy heart and soul.

Much of my former career as an operations manager and business planner in DC was focused on working at the national level, and it felt pretty far from the day-to-day lives of real people. It was always meaningful, but I’ve set my goals on working more closely within my own community.

Now, in joining the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, I’m lucky to have the chance to dive deep into my passion for community; to learn from and support and create with the amazing people who have put their hearts and souls into our region.

There are some things I miss about city life, for certain. We don’t have the Smithsonian in our backyard anymore. We have to travel to see a professional hockey game. We don’t walk down the street and hear many different languages, and we can’t take the train anywhere (just yet).

But we can pick cherries and apples and berries just up the street. The food and drink scene here is unparalleled. The people here have that something special—a combination of a welcoming attitude, strong work ethic and resolve.

I’m confident our region will remain strong and continue to grow. New individuals and families will find their way here as well, and be wowed by what they find, just as we were, in the place I call “home.”

Whitney Waara is the new executive director of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Sam Augusta, live on Old Mission Peninsula with their three boys ages 4, 7 and 10. Whitney earned an MBA in marketing from the Kent State University School of Management, and holds an undergraduate degree from Kalamazoo College. She launched her career in the Washington, D.C., area where she worked as a consultant for Arthur Anderson, LLP, Sprint and the US Postal Service. From 2004-14, she worked for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. After relocating here in 2014, she worked as the executive director of the Land Information Access Association (LIAA). To learn more, visit www.tcchamber.org

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Reading is an early predictor of academic success.

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Grand Traverse Woman 29th Annual

Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 | 8:30 am - 2 pm Traverse City Elks Club 625 Bay Street, Traverse City, MI 49684

Recovery Plus is an annual conference for women who have had or who are currently living with breast cancer.

Participants will enjoy a continental breakfast, special “pampering” session, informative presentations, lunch, and a fashion show.

Guest speakers include: Leah A. Carlson, MD Updates in Breast Imaging — Indications, Pros, and Cons of 3D Tomosynthesis and Screening Breast MRI

Mary Raymer, LMSW, ACSW, DPNAP Why it Really Should be All About You — Fighting Breast Cancer in Your Mind

Empowering individuals and organizations in our community to directly help one another in times of need in order to create a stronger and more connected community since 2015.

The event is sponsored by the Zonta Club of Traverse City and Munson Healthcare’s Breast Cancer Navigator Program.

Cost is $30. Register by Oct. 11 online at munsonhealthcare.org/RecoveryPlus2017event or call 800-533-5520.

sparkinthedarktc@gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/sparkinthedark 231-360-8919

Look Beyond Your Weight Understand your body composition with the InBody 570 The Healthy Weight Center in Traverse City provides a new way to jumpstart your weight-loss journey: the InBody 570, a tool that reveals your percentage of body fat, muscle strength, and total body water. With help from our experienced team, this machine supplies you with the knowledge and inspiration to get – and stay – on track.

The Healthy Weight Center, located at Munson Community Health Center, offers a range of medically supervised programs in a safe environment.

With support from both a dietitian and an exercise specialist, and access to a medical rehabilitation gym, you’re on your way to a successful approach to living healthy.

Start on your wellness journey today by calling us at 231-935-8606.

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Sept/Oct '18 19

Grand Traverse Woman

Taking Care of Me HOW I SHED 110+ POUNDS

BY WENDY SOBECK

MY DISINTEREST in athlet-

conceived my amazing son, Joey.

When we wanted another child a couple of years later, I used the injectable drug that worked with conceiving my son. And, after the first round, along came my equally amazing daughter, Heavenly.

I endured over five years of hormonal roller-coaster hell with fertility treatments, a miscarriage and two pregnancies that really did a number on my body.

ics started young. After a major back surgery when I was a teenager to repair my severe scoliosis, I was fearful of doing anything that would hurt my back. When I became a mother, it was hard to put my own needs first. But in 2017, I decided that my journey to health and fitness was necessary. It wasn’t selfish to take care of me, and in the time since, I’ve lost over 110 pounds.

I’m stronger and happier than ever.

SHAPE UP

I raised my kids while working full time and I became I’ve always been a pretty overweight and out of shape. happy and confident person. I’ve Everyone else's needs were had loving, supportive friends WENDY IN THE SAME 5K RACE, ONE YEAR APART. ON THE LEFT, WENDY IN 2017 WITH A FINISH TIME OF 50:38 AND A PACE OF placed above my own. and family. I've had confidence 16:20/MIN. A YEAR LATER IN 2018, WENDY FINISHED WITH A TIME OF 36:45 AND A PACE OF 11:51/MIN. But in February 2017, after a in my brains, my career, that I serious conversation with my gastroenterologist about my weight, it was the can make people laugh and my abilities as a parent (for the most part). “wake-up call” I needed. I finally decided to reclaim my body and my health.

But I’ve not always been confident in my physical abilities. I was a skinny, I got over the notion that it was selfish to make time for myself to take care uncoordinated kid. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with a very severe case of ME! of scoliosis (curvature of the spine); 57 degrees to the right in one spot, and March 17, 2017, St. Patrick's Day, was my "Day 1.” I quit drinking pop 55 degrees left in another. It was beyond the stage for bracing. I needed (Pepsi was my favorite daily go-to), and I now drink water, water and more surgery. water!

So, a week before my 13th birthday, I had a procedure called Harrington I researched foods that fought inflammation and followed a handful of my rod and spinal fusion. I now have two steel rods, as well as a bone graft taken fitness-conscious high school classmates and friends. from my hip, stabilizing my spine. The middle two-thirds of the vertebrae I realized that any changes I made to my eating, had to be changes I could of my spine are a solidly fused mass, but I do have flexibility at the top and live with for life. I didn’t want to deny myself any foods (like chocolate… a bottom. girl’s gotta live!), but I knew I had to eat healthy at least 95 percent of the For the rest of my school years, I was not allowed to take gym class or time. participate in contact sports (there went my football career!)

I cut out sweets except for the occasional treat. I started eating lots of I harbored the notion that I could not do many things that others took for fruits and vegetables, lean proteins (primarily chicken, fish and ground turgranted. Don't get me wrong, I thank God for the medical technology that key), and healthy fats such as avocado, extra virgin olive oil and nuts. I’ve also allowed me to have this surgery. Curvatures such as mine would have led to greatly reduced my intake of carbohydrates—carbs are my nemesis. horrible disfigurement and health complications from the spine and rib cage

STRAIGHTEN THE CURVE

twisting, crushing my heart or other internal organs.

LITTLE MIRACLES I went on with my life, never being athletic in any sense of the word. My parents were also understandably protective of my doing any harm to my back.

Over a decade later, months before my wedding, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that prevents the ovaries from functioning properly. It often leads to infertility and results in obesity, among other possible symptoms. I knew I wanted children and that my condition would make conceiving more difficult.

Once I was married, tests proved that the problem was just on my end.

My husband already had a daughter from a prior marriage. After two years of blood draws, procedures, eight rounds of oral fertility, a heart-breaking miscarriage and two rounds of very expensive injectable fertility drugs, I finally

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Sept/Oct '18

STAYING ACTIVE On Day 1, I also promised myself I'd exercise at least three days a week.

That first day I literally just walked one mile. But I kept doing it over and over, and the weight started dropping off. I bought myself a Fitbit that kept me motivated and monitored my progress.

Little by little, I increased my distance and the speed of my walks. Then, after a few months, I added running sprints into my power walks.

I had lost about 35 pounds and was still quite heavy. I was concerned with how I looked running and wasn’t sure I had proper form. So, one evening before my walk, I asked my husband to come outside and watch me run up and down the driveway to see if I looked goofy.

I did a few laps and my husband just laughed and said, “Well, you are a little crazy, but you look fine! You just look like someone running. Don’t worry about it and just go for it.”

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Grand Traverse Woman RUNNER WITH A CAPITAL R At the end of June 2017, I completed the Goodwill Inn Run for Shelter 5k Run/Walk. Crossing that finish line was beyond incredible. It was such a huge personal victory, I wanted to cry. I wasn't even last! But it wasn't about winning or placing. I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.

I also added some at-home elliptical and free-weight workouts and joined a gym. I even met with a trainer who curated a few workouts for me.

All of a sudden, I’ve become someone who loves to exercise! But, the most surprising thing of all to me and those closest to me is my newfound love for running. I have continued to improve, both in speed and distance, and I look forward to my next race in September—this time a 10K. I feel so much healthier, stronger and physically fit, something I’ve never really felt in my life. I am so incredibly proud of myself and finally have realized I am capable of so much more.

HAPPY WITH ME I am over 110 pounds down from my highest weight and just a few pounds shy of my goal weight. But, even if I don’t lose another pound, I am happy with myself and my life. I am not perfect, nor do I want to be: I am just Wendy. I'm trying to be the healthiest version of me I can be.

I have a whole new outlook on my life now, and I want my kids to know that they can do anything they put their minds to. I want others to go for their dreams and accomplish something they didn't think they could. Don’t doubt yourself. You can do it!

Wendy Sobeck is a 47-year-old wife and mother of a teenage son, daughter and adult stepdaughter. Since March of 2017, she has lost over 110 pounds and has become a “Runner.” Wendy has been the traffic and billing manager at Midwestern Broadcasting Company in Traverse City for over 24 years.

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COMPASSIONATE CONVENIENT CONFIDENTIAL Empowering Cancer Patients To Improve Their Quality of Life Through Exercise

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Grand Traverse County Health Department www.gtchd.org/581 231-995-6113 Medicaid Accepted/Uninsured Welcome

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FOR SO LONG, we have referred to our feminine parts by a multitude of different terms, but why? For most, including myself, the thought of bringing up vaginal health to another individual causes some serious blushing or feeling of uneasiness. We call them “private parts” for a reason, but this secrecy has caused us to feel uncomfortable, even when there are actual issues.

My goal is to break down these walls and allow women to talk about these symptoms. They can often be treated with new laser technology, two of which are called the diVa and divaTyte. The idea of a laser impacting women in a way that is “life changing” sounds far-fetched.

The diVa laser, though, is the only one of its kind that utilizes revolutionary technology. It resurfaces vaginal walls and triggers new, healthy tissue growth. The ergonomic handpiece utilized during treatment is single-use and has high-precision automation to ensure safe outcomes. The divaTyte is a separate procedure that can be used in combination with the diVa to address external skin.

One of our patients called to inquire as to whether we offered this laser in our practice. This patient’s bravery sparked a series of events that none of us could have seen coming and, because of her outcome, she let us share her story.

THE CALL Our patient had been experiencing symptoms of vaginal dryness and pain during sexual intimacy. After her hysterectomy, she tried years of hormone replacement therapy, vaginal tabs and various lubricants with little success. She took to the internet to do some research of her own, where she discovered vaginal lasers.

While there are several on the market, this patient chose the diVa for a few reasons: the actual treatment time is between 3-5 minutes (the entire appointment is approximately 1 hour), the procedure is minimally invasive with little downtime, and there were testimonials from patients experiencing similar symptoms. She discussed the procedure with her gynecologist and began to search for a local provider.

www.captureme-photography captureme.photography@live.com 22

Sept/Oct '18

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman THE NEXT STEP After she called our office, we decided to bring in trained professionals as well as the laser to administer the first treatment for our patient. About one week after treatment, she said that the laser helped change her life for the better. It improved vaginal lubrication, diminished the pain she experienced during sex and, according to the patient, strengthened her sexual relationship with her spouse.

Since our official launch of the diVa, other patient responses have been positive as well.

The laser addresses internal vaginal symptoms, while the divaTyte laser addresses external ones. We have seen young moms, menopausal women, breast cancer survivors, women with vaginal dryness, women that pee when they jump, laugh, or cough, and women with changes in labial skin. Over the years our bodies change, whether it is hormonal, due to childbirth, or menopause. I want women to know that if those are symptoms that you experience, the laser can help.

The lasers are used in two different ways. One is used for the vaginal tissue inside responsible for lubrication, and the other, the connective tissue outside that addresses flexibility. The treatments increase elasticity and sensation. There is also an increase in the collagen density that allows for more structural support of the bladder and improvements to urinary control.

Typically, the diVa procedure costs between $1,200-$1,500 per treatment, with a recommendation of 3 total treatments one month apart. This includes treatment for internal symptoms with the diVa laser, regardless of symptoms. Over time, a yearly maintenance treatment with the same diVa procedure may be recommended should symptoms recur. This cost is reduced to $1,000 per treatment.

When considering cost, it is also important to note the amount of money currently spent on lubrication items, medications, pads, etc. in order to “deal with” the symptoms experienced. While the procedure is not covered by insurance, patients can use their Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help with the cost.

DON’T LIVE WITH IT, ADDRESS IT As women, we don’t always talk about our vaginal health, but we’re in it together. There is no need to “live with” vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, urinary stress incontinence or vaginal laxity. There is help to safely and effectively improve these symptoms as well as vaginal health.

Breena Johnson is a certified Physician Assistant, has worked for The Center for Plastic Surgery and Skin Care for four years and is the practice’s diVa and diVaTyte laser specialist. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment call the office at 231.929.7700 or visit the website www. thecenterforyou.com.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9-11:30 am

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Hotel Indigo Traverse City

Love your skin.

We can help.

Free Collagen take home mask with every facial!

Why not try something new?

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MOUNTAIN BIKE CLASSIC Saturday, Oct. 20

A beautiful 12-mile looped course starting and ending at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, MI

CASH!

MEDALS!

SWAG!

Age divisions for men & women (watch for the GTWoman team!)

Beginner: 1 loop • Sport: 2 loops • Expert, Pro & Elite: 3 loops REGISTRATION & INFO: www.endomanpromotions.com or 231-651-0957 Visit crystalmountain.com & use special promo code for lodging: PEAKRACE.

www.grandtraversewoman.com

DERMAPLANING FACIAL • Improves skin texture • Stimulates collagen synthesis • Softer, smoother, brighter skin • Removes peach fuzz

EYEBROW MICROBLADING

TC Studio 1136 E. 8th Street Traverse City www.tcstudio8.com 231.715.1069

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100 TCCallStudio for OFF

Appointment

Sept/Oct '18 23

Grand Traverse Woman

Don’t just say embroidery, say...

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your next order of $200 or more.

Embroidery Sandi Pascarelli co-owner Screen Printing Promotional Products

At the corner of South Airport Road and Lafranier in Traverse City

One-time use only. Limit one offer per customer. Not valid for previous purchases or in conjunction with any other offer.

1567 W. South Airport Road Traverse City, MI 49686

231.932.0688 www.embroidme-traversecity.com

Walk With Me. Wish With Me. Join us for an amazing event and help make wishes come true!

Walk For Wishes® - Northern Michigan is a family-friendly community event that raises funds to grant future wishes while celebrating our wish kids, families and supporters. Make the first step and get involved today!

Need a local attorney?

Find one in our Attorney Directory at

Saturday, September 22 The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Register for FREE today at walkforwishesnorthmi.org

LEAD SPONSOR

www.GTLABA.org

Are you an attorney but not a GTLA Bar member?

Join Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim Bar Association to be in the Attorney Directory and for other benefits.

I'm looking for female models 21+, no modeling experience needed.

If you're interested please email Sarah stating WHY you want to model and attach a photo of yourself to: sarah@sarahbrown-photography.com

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www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman

EXPERIENCE INTERLOCHEN

interlochen

presents BalletX • Sept. 14 International Affairs Forum with Susan Goldberg • Sept. 20 Artists from Interlochen at Kirkbride Hall Sept. 27, Oct. 11, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 SIRO-A • Sept. 28 Arts Academy Collage • Oct. 5 Vijay lyer • Oct. 13 Milliken Auditorium, Traverse City Floyd Norman: An Animated Life Oct. 13 Sphinx Virtuosi • Oct. 22

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Interlochen Arts Academy Theatre Co. Nov. 2-3 Marcin Dylla • Nov. 14

Violet Interlochen Arts Academy Theatre Co. Nov. 15-16, Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 From NPR’s Snap Judgment, Stand-up Storytellers James Judd & Jen Kober • Nov. 29

NPR’s From the Top • Mar. 15 RED GREEN - THIS COULD BE IT! April 1

Swan Lake Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Co. Dec. 6-8

Tartuffe Interlochen Arts Academy Theatre Co. April 19-20

Sounds of the Season Interlochen Arts Academy Band and Choir • Dec. 14

In The Mood A 1940’s musical revue April 23

Stefan Jackiw & Conrad Tao Jan. 19 WINTERLOCHEN with brotha James • Feb. 16 PEG + CAT - LIVE! • Feb. 22

Jeff Coffin with Interlochen Jazz Ensemble • April 26 Chloe Benjamin, author • May 1

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Interlochen Arts Academy Theatre Co. May 10-11

Cirque Mechanics 42FT - A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels • Mar. 5

tickets.interlochen.org www.grandtraversewoman.com

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center • Mar. 13

•

800.681.5920 Sept/Oct '18 25

Grand Traverse Woman

Traverse Health Clinic PRIMARY CARE SERVICES (all ages) Management of Acute & Chronic Health Issues Routine & Annual Physicals Women’s Health: Annual Exams Pap Tests Breast Screening Family Planning Pediatrics: Sick Visits Well Child Visits $40 Sports & Camp Physicals

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH/COUNSELING SERVICES

Connecting You to the Care You Need When you call Traverse Health Clinic or walk through our doors – whether it’s to treat your child’s earache or for help with managing your stress – you’ll get outstanding service from a group of dedicated professionals. We aren’t just talking about our award-winning team of primary care providers, therapists, LPNs, RNs, and medical assistants who care for you as our patient.

We’re also talking about this group of amazing women. They’re a few of the people – together with your provider and the rest of our clinical team – who care about making your experience here as our patient the best it can possibly be. All along the path to improving your health and wellness with us, these women and many others are your connection to the care and support services you need, when you need them most.

There’s Jamie, one of our phone room receptionists who goes above and beyond to schedule your appointment when you absolutely have to see us that same day – and can even do it one-handed! When you arrive, there’s Jody and Judy to greet you with a warm welcome at check-in.

We accept most insurance plans but if you’re uninsured, our enrollment and eligibility specialist, Erin can help. She’ll guide you step-bystep through your application for health insurance coverage or our sliding fee scale, so you can rest easy about your family’s health and the family budget. And there’s Karen V., coordinating your referral to that specialist who will work with you and your provider here to get your health back on track.

If you or someone in your family needs counseling services, our behavioral health coordinator Sharon will set up your appointment with one of our licensed therapists, or get you signed up for group therapy.

And if someone needs help with an addiction, it’s Sharon who can link them to our Recovery Program, an integrated, whole-person treatment program.

While these women don’t write prescriptions or treat patients themselves, they are an integral part of everything Traverse Health Clinic does to care for you and your family.

Specialties Include: Anxiety Depression Relationship Issues Stress Management Substance Use Disorders Trauma Individual Counseling (ages 12 & up) Couples Counseling Family Counseling Group Therapy Traverse Health Recovery Program

SUPPORT SERVICES & PAYMENT OPTIONS Health Insurance Marketplace & Healthy Michigan Plan Application Navigation Assistance with Transportation to & from Your Appointment Help Accessing Affordable Dental Care Translator Service Sliding Fee Scale (Based on family size & income) Payment Plans Available (For out-of-pocket expenses)

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS

• Patricia Bauer, M.S.N., R.N., F.N.P. Family Nurse Practitioner • Virginia Barrett, M.S.N., R.N., F.N.P. Family Nurse Practitioner • Jennifer Bowling, D.N.P., R.N., A.G.N.P. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner • Roger Gerstle, M.D. Family Physician & Medical Director • MaryLee Pakieser, M.S.N., R.N., F.N.P. Family Nurse Practitioner • Linda Rasmussen, M.S.N., R.N., A.N.P. Adult Nurse Practitioner

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS

• William C Fowle, L.M.S.W., L.M.F.T., C.A.A.D.C. Clinical Social Worker • Toni Hernalsteen, L.M.S.W. Clinical Social Worker • Jill Strahan, L.M.S.W. Clinical Social Worker • Jennifer Strange, L.M.S.W., C.A.A.D.C. Clinical Social Worker & Behavioral Health Manager • Courtney Whinnery, L.P.C., C.A.A.D.C. Licensed Professional Counselor, Substance Use Disorder Services

231.935.0799 TraverseHealthClinic.org 1719 S. Garfield Avenue (next to Taco House) Traverse City, MI 49686 Monday & Wednesday Tuesday & Thursday Friday

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8:00am – 8:00pm 8:00am – 5:00pm 8:00am – 4:00pm

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman

Addiction Treatment Services

Hearing Solutions

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to promote the overall health, wellness, and recovery of individuals impacted by substance use and behavioral health issues by meeting the treatment needs of our clients and community.

VALUES

We value the diversity, ideals, culture, and beliefs of the individual. By focusing on person-centered, trauma-informed care, we are better equipped to address the biological, physiological, and social dimensions of the individuals we serve. To promote recovery across a continuum of holistic and meaningful care, we utilize evidence-based strategies with multi-faceted approaches, engaging the client and acknowledging their specific needs. As such, we believe that the best way to promote optimal health and well-being begins with acknowledging individual personalities, priorities, strengths, triumphs, and obstacles in order to provide forms of care that mirror individual needs.

We are doctors, therapists, case managers, social workers, chefs and more! From vastly different backgrounds, we came together with something in common: we’ve all been affected by addiction in some way, and we all want to build a healthier community. Each of us is wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting people who are working to overcome addiction and maintain an active recovery lifestyle. We’re here to help.

www.addictiontreatmentservices.org • 800.622.4810

Holly Donaldson, D.C. • Chiropractic Care

Dr. Sandra Leahy and Dr. Kathleen Sawhill, Doctors of Audiology

Take care of your heart… and your hearing You’ve had your vision checked, your blood pressure checked, but have you had your hearing checked? Often overlooked, hearing loss can affect women of any age and is linked to many other health concerns; including cardiovascular disease. The inner ear requires adequate blood flow. If a change in this blood flow occurs through trauma or cardiovascular disease, it may result in hearing loss.

Benefits to both your hearing and your heart: • Exercise. Those who exercise and are in good cardiovascular health may have less chance of developing hearing loss.

• Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a diet rich in this nutrient may not just be good for your heart, but may also lower risk of hearing loss.

• A lower BMI. A larger waist size and a higher BMI have been shown to lead to a higher incidence of hearing loss.

SAIL INTO BETTER HEALTH. Many women come to me for chiropractic care with the same problem: pain from their workouts. It might be from biking, running, sailing or strength training. There’s so many ways to help! I love bringing health back to my patients. I love being outdoors and working out, too, and often have been “in your shoes.” Let me help you get back to your active lifestyle. There’s nothing worse than sitting out because of back pain or a hurt knee or shoulder!

Chiropractic care has been shown to help improve health such as flexibility, reduction of pain, and increased mobility. With the right adjustments, and sometimes a little tweak to your form, you can be back doing what you love.

When I’m not in the office, I’m in the woods or on the water with my family and dogs. And, most days, you’ll come in to the office and find my mom, son, a dog or all three to greet you at the door!

Holly Donaldson, D.C. 231.929.1335 • www.traversecitychiropractic.com

www.grandtraversewoman.com

In honor of World Heart Day on September 29, we encourage you to take care of both your heart and your hearing. Talk with your doctor about your hearing health and get your hearing checked regularly. Early detection, management and monitoring of your hearing sensitivity is important. When hearing loss is addressed appropriately, it can improve quality of life and overall health and well-being.

3241 Racquet Club Dr. Suite B, Traverse City, MI 49684 231.922.1500 info@hearingsolutionstc.com www.hearingsolutionstc.com

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Grand Traverse Woman

JOVIA Wellness Connecting You to the Care You Need

OUR VISION: Elevating Lives

OUR MISSION:

We provide space for deeper connection to self and others by offering private sessions, group classes, life-enriching events & workshops to guide the individual to their innate wisdom.

OUR VALUES:

Physical Space Inspires Peace Open and Accepting Congruent with Our Message Increasing Vitality Living a Joyful Life

CARE PROVIDERS:

Dr. Heather Rassel: chiropractic energy adjustments aligning the spine, freeing the nervous system blocks and balancing the subtle energy centers of the body aka chakras Cathy Colburn: Intuitive coaching sessions - facilitating the client to go internal, release emotional blocks, discover and heal limiting beliefs.

Jen Mac: Teaching various classes on how to meditate, master your mind and find balance with your emotions through workshops, speaking and guided meditations.

Christine Ballard: Massage & bodywork Several other guest teachers, speakers and workshop leaders

www.joviawellness.com 231-252-3100 226 E 16th Street Traverse City

Heather would like to personally invite you and your friends to Joy-Fest, a “get-to-know” JOVIA event Friday, October 5th from 5-8 PM. Please RSVP to heather@joviawellness.com with number of guests attending. Refreshments, entertainment and enJOYment!

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Would you like a deeper connection to “self”? Often times we loose that connection, the one we had as children, or we have difficulty maintaining it. With high demands on human beings, we end up onthe-go constantly and rarely take the time to just be. Due to the inherent mind-body connection, the stress can effect us mentally and physically, overloading our adrenal glands, causing disfunction in our endocrine system and then our immune system (not always in that order). Trouble sleeping, anxiety, frequent colds, skin problems, you name it, are all manifestations of being disconnected from our true self. The body is saying, “Hey! Something is wrong here!”. It is typical to treat problems from the out-side-in, temporarily relieving and masking the symptoms, leading to more side-effects and compounded health issues down the road.

True healing comes from with-in, where the “power” is deep within the cells of our body. “How do we connect to our true selves, find our inner healer, the center of our be-ing?” It starts with just being, not doing or thinking. The most direct way is through meditation. For most people this is very unnatural, I know, because that was me.

I was familiar with this concept at a young age, observing my parents rest their minds and bodies EVERYDAY through meditation. I remember my Mother taking me to local group meditations where the facilitator lead us “internally”. I became aware of my body, with my breath relaxed every body part and bathed them with golden light.

I only went with my Mother a handful of times, however that early meditation practice set my mind up in a positive way. For example, I visualized physical outcomes in high school and college sports, it was my pre-game mental exercise. It also helped my self confidence and decision making as a young woman. When presented with peer pressure, I would “listen” to my body and get the answer that was best for me. Later, this practice helped in graduate school exam taking and even experiencing pain free childbirth. The mind-body connection is truly amazing!

The challenging part is taking the time to meditate daily and rest the body and the mind. I had pushed this essential exercise aside in my thirties because “I was too busy”. The stress caught up with me and when I had thoughts of suicide I realized I NEEDED to go internal, where the answers were.

Literally in a week of starting to mediate again, I felt calm and in control of my mind, body and my life. I was able to see clearly what was important to me and able to make healthy, decisive decisions. I realized it was my choice to be happy now, in that moment and take a stand for me, by consciously choosing my life path.

By connecting to your true self through Universal Intelligence (God, Source Energy, what ever name resonates with your vernacular) it allows you to center your mind, your body and therefore your life. Research is being done on how the body actually follows the mind, through the study of quantum mechanics. I enjoy studying Dr. Joe Dispenza, who is conducting studies on the physiological effects on the body from meditation. He has examples of patients who have completely healed their own physical and psychological issues through mediation, when drugs did nothing but create more side effects avoiding the root cause of their dis-ease. It is simply fascinating how powerful our mind is and the deep connection it has to our body, ultimately effecting the function of it.

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman

Northwood Obstetrics & Gynecology

The Center for Plastic Surgery & Skin Care

Steven V. Thomas, MD, FACS Christopher C. Jeffries, MD, FACS

Above: Kelly Werback, MD

Northwood Ob/Gyn: Continuing Exceptional Care What makes Northwood Obstetrics & Gynecology stand out? “Without a doubt, the people who work here,” according to Dr. David Wright, the founding member of Northwood Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Northwood Ob/Gyn was established back in 1989 by Drs. Julie Quinn and David Wright. The practice has grown substantially since then and now includes six physicians, five of whom specialize in obstetrics. The newest addition to Northwoods’ team is Kelly Werback, MD, who is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. She, along with Dr. David Wright, is also a certified menopause practitioner.

With the addition of several new physicians over the years, the patient population has grown as well. Despite this growth, many patients agree that the service they receive today is the same individualized attention that they were given years ago when the practice first opened.

“It is common for us to see patients’ daughters request appointments with the same doctor that delivered them 18 years ago,” said Practice Manager, Anna Ohler. “I am newer to the area so I didn’t grow up hearing about Northwood’s reputation, but it was obvious to me from day one that women in the community really trusted in the longevity of the staff and providers employed by the practice.”

“It is a privilege to practice alongside individuals who share similar philosophies with respect to caring for women in all stages of life,” added Dr. Wright.

The complexity of healthcare has also grown over the years, with new laws and insurance requirements that can take face-to-face time away from doctors and their patients.

“Finding a balance that will satisfy these new requirements while still giving our patients the time they deserve has been a top priority for us,” says Dr. Wright. “We have been in the same location with the same staff for over a quarter of a century, and we plan to continue serving our community for years to come.”

David D. Wright, MD • Peter T. Bump, MD • Stephanie M. Morreale, DO Diana L. Novak, MD • Melissa E. Bibicoff, DO • Kelly A. Werback, MD

SKIN CARE: Mischelle Fisher, Amanda Kilborn, Denise Loveland, Caroline McManus, Karen Tosiello, PA-C, Janette Wiseman, LPN CLINICAL CARE: Haley Borsvold, RN, Leslie Casperson, RN, MSN, Breena Johnson, PA-C, Meghan Kratochvil, CMA

As Northern Michigan’s premier provider of plastic surgery and aesthetic skin care, The Center for Plastic Surgery & Skin Care is focused on YOU. From the first call to the post-procedure, it’s our goal to make you feel comfortable. We take time to get to know you, reassure you and support you.

We make you feel special, because you are special!

We are proud offer the latest in plastic surgery procedures and body treatments to boost your confidence and let your true beauty shine. Board Certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Steven V. Thomas, Dr. Christopher C. Jeffries and our skilled team of clinical professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your beauty goals and making your experience with cosmetic, reconstructive or corrective surgery the very best it can be.

• Facial, Breast & Body Surgery • CoolSculpting • diVa Vaginal Laser Therapy • ProLipo PLUS Laser Liposuction Your skin speaks volumes about your health and vitality. To refresh and restore your skin to a youthful glow, we offer a full menu of aesthetic skin care services to enhance your natural beauty. In consideration of your specific skin condition and beauty goals, our expert skin care specialists can recommend one or a combination of treatments to get you feeling fabulous.

All services are performed in the comfort of our in-clinic treatment rooms and backed by our doctors, whose advice and expertise is always available upon request.

• • • • •

Neurotoxins (i.e. Botox) Dermal Fillers (i.e. Juvéderm) Microblading Facials & Peels Halo Laser

• • • •

Forever Young BBL Laser Laser Hair Reduction HydraFacial Visia Complexion Analysis

While we’re certainly focused on lifting wrinkles, faces and trouble areas, we’re really all about lifting spirits. And patients are not shy in telling us that we’ve helped them restore confidence, become empowered and generally feel fantastic. We’re a talented, trained team, with you at The Center.

Call us today to schedule your consultation: 231.929.7700

3960 West Royal Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 P: 231.947.0404 F: 231.947.2190

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Traverse City at Copper Ridge 231.929.7700 TheCenterForYou.com

Sept/Oct '18 29

Grand Traverse Woman

BODY POSITIVITY:

At Peace With My Body

BY TARA RYBICKI

FOR AS LONG as I can remember, whether I was 8 or 18, there’s always been something

JESS WHALEY PHOTOGRAPHY FOR GRACELAND FRUIT

I wanted to change about my physical appearance. I wasn’t satisfied with my own body, and I wanted to learn how I could improve myself from the inside out. I also wanted to help others do the same.

I became a dietitian. Although my interest in weight management started with me, my journey has come to include helping others find peace with their bodies too. That’s why I created “Love Body.”

GROWING INSECURITIES When I was a child, I thought my nose was too big. I vividly remember staring into the mirror, dreaming that I could change it. It seemed that, if I could just have a smaller nose, things would somehow be perfect. My world would be right.

When I was a teenager, I felt I had too much cellulite. I looked at pictures of models in magazines and my heart ached. I remember crying when I put on my bathing suit, because I didn’t look like them; I so tightly tied my value as a person to my physical appearance.

In my mind, those models had so much more worth than I did.

NUTRITION AND EXERCISE These thoughts continued into my adult life, and I went on to study nutrition and dietetics at Central Michigan University. I also obtained my dietitian credentials as well as a master’s degree in dietetics. For the past decade, I’ve worked in several areas of nutrition including community health, weight management, diabetes education, nutrition advisement and more.

When I learned I could encourage positive thoughts by consuming wholesome food and exercising regularly, I did find some solace. For the first time, I was getting the necessary nutrients.

Exercising more made me feel better naturally.

I didn’t realize how critical these things were to maintaining a healthy outlook. Over time changing my lifestyle led to changes in my body, too. I became stronger and more fit. But I still felt lingering sadness about certain external areas of my body. I was not perfect, and in my mind I needed to be.

INSPIRATION I’d always wanted to write a book about weight management. One day, I was especially feeling the pull to write more than usual. As this motivation came over me, I stumbled upon an article in Grand Traverse Woman magazine.

The article was written by an old schoolmate of mine, Sarah Bernstein. I read that she was a lifestyle coach in Traverse City and had been offering workshops to help women achieve their dreams. I reached out to her and asked if she would meet me for coffee. I didn’t know exactly what the discussion would be or where it would lead—I just knew

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that I needed to meet with her.

During our meeting, we caught up on our lives since our high school graduation. We talked about our husbands, our children, and we also discussed the potential of writing a book. Then, about piloting a workshop together.

To be honest, I hadn’t even considered offering a workshop, but, through our conversation, it came up as something we wanted to do. I thought about my two daughters, who inspire me daily. I didn’t want them ever to experience the negative selfbody concepts that I have struggled with. I wanted to help other women who might be struggling.

So, we landed on a concept: offer a collective science-meets-soul anti-diet approach to achieving a healthy body and mind. We called it “Love Body.”

LOVE BODY Sarah and I created Love Body to help nourish deeply both the body and mind. It is a multi-session workshop co-facilitated by me and Sarah, who is not only the co-founder, but also my mentor. We found this approach empowered our participants to break from the chain that prevented them from moving forward, from getting healthier.

Our approach combines the science that I know as a dietitian, with Sarah’s inspiring messages as a lifestyle coach. Through surveys, we learned that our participants sought overall increases in mood, confidence, energy and body image.

I offer insight on what foods are critical for true body nourishment and we discuss how to add them into one’s life. Sarah helps participants see their bodies through fresh, non-judgmental eyes.

Love Body participants practice their new skills

in-between sessions and we reflect at the next workshop. We also participate in group fitness activities that show how to make exercise peaceful and fun.

At our first reflection, we saw improvements in food choices and exercise frequency. This is exactly what we had hoped for! We want participants to love their bodies while on their journey to health and weight loss. We serve them at Leelanau Studios in Traverse City.

LOVING MY BODY, TOO I originally thought we were offering Love Body to help only our participants, but I found that I too experienced a profound mindset shift. I still have my personal fitness goals and will continue to stay active, of course. But, I no longer tie my previously perceived imperfections to my value as a woman.

I no longer connect my cellulite to my sense of worth. Instead, strong, meaningful, motivating and reassuring messages fill me up. Painful, hurtful thoughts dissolve, including those that I have struggled with as far back as my memory goes. I feel liberated. I feel free.

Tara Rybicki, a Northern Michigan native, received her Master of Science Degree in Nutrition from Central Michigan University. She has been a Registered Dietitian since 2003 and is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. She currently works as a Nutrition Advisor for Graceland Fruit, located in Frankfort. She is the mother of two little girls, wife to a Virgo and a novice forager. They live in Traverse City. To learn more about Love Body, visit www.lovebodywisdom.com.

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman

WHY AM I STILL HAVING THYROID SYMPTOMS?

Michigan Health and Wellness

My lab tests are normal!

HYPO THYROID

HYPER THYROID

Dr. Tony Aboudib at Michigan Health and Wellness has been a Chiropractor for over 30 years. “Dr. Tony” has always been on the cutting edge of new treatments to help his patients. He runs a full-service wellness clinic and for years has been using spinal decompression and chiropractic care to treat herniated and bulging discs and to help his patients find pain relief without surgery or addictive drugs. He has since expanded to use decompression for cervical and knee conditions to help patients with neck compression injuries and bone-on-bone knee pain.

Dr. Tony also utilizes Chiropractic Neurology to treat patients with neurological problems including vertigo, tremor, depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia and more. He offers neurofeedback and has the only Theta Chamber in Michigan to help patients with addictions.

BRAIN FOG

Find the cause, don’t just treat the symptoms.

65

$

THYROID EVALUATION

AND REVIEW OF YOUR CURRENT LAB TESTS

3337 S Airport Rd W #2 231.431.5213 www.michiganhealthandwellness.com DR. TONY ABOUDIB, DC

Advanced Studies at the Institute of Functional Medicine and Functional Medicine University.

Graduate - American Functional Neurology Institute.

Board Eligible for the Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board.

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Seven years ago, Dr. Tony began his advanced studies toward Functional Medicine certification through the Functional Medicine University. This is a unique approach to medicine that seeks to find the cause of an ongoing condition such as thyroid, IBS, SIBO, weight gain, etc. rather than just treat the symptoms.

To expand his offerings, Dr. Tony added cold laser therapy and PEMF (Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field) therapy for healing at the cellular level. The clinic recently added a Shockwave (Pressure Wave) therapy device. This amazing technology is used to treat arthritis, back, neck and hip pain, frozen shoulder, bone-on-bone knee pain, plantar fasciitis, sports injuries and so much more with no down time.

He also offers a digital body scan that can provide answers to many unsolved health problems by comparing the body’s frequencies with known healthy frequencies in a 24 page report.

Expires 10/31/2018

The newly renovated clinic is located at 3337 South Airport Rd, Traverse City. You can reach the clinic at 231-421-5213 for a free consultation or find us online at www.michiganhealthandwellness.com.

Sept/Oct '18 31

Grand Traverse Woman

Celebrating 15 Years!

JOIN US FOR GTWOMAN’S ANNUAL

F R I D AY, S E P T 2 8 T H F R O M 5 - 7 P M GTWOMAN TURNS 15 AND WE ARE CELEBRATING! Join us at our kick-off event for our GTWoman Network Nites 2018-19 Series at Black Star Farm’s Centennial Barn! You’ll enjoy their pastoral views, award-winning wines, and savory appetizers from their culinary team while celebrating with your girlfriends.

GTWOMAN WELCOMES BEN WHITING! An award-winning magician, actor and playwright, Ben Whiting’s career spans from the Las Vegas Strip to New York’s Off-Broadway playhouses. When not traveling the world entertaining major corporations, such as American Express and GE, you’ll find him performing for private clients such as Oprah’s HARPO Studios and Cheney Mansion. Known internationally for his humor, originality, and ability to connect with his audiences, Ben will combine these skills with world-class sleight of hand and mind reading to offer you an entertainment experience second to none!

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SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: Be a part of the only women’s networking evening events in the area.

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YOUR TICKET INCLUDES APPETIZERS, WINE AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!

To purchase tickets, find vendor info and learn about other upcoming events visit www.grandtraversewoman.com.

Tickets $15

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Sept/Oct '18

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Grand Traverse Woman

2018

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5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Our 25th year making a difference in the lives of local women battling cancer.

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I WAS NEVER one to think about how instantly life can change. How one

How medicine made me sick and changed my career path

BY SARAH ORTH

simple decision can completely alter the path of life. But when I suddenly thought I could lose my life, my whole vision changed.

From a young age, I had a passion for human health. I loved learning about how bodies function and was very aware of how exercise and food made me feel. I wanted to understand my body so that I could help others understand theirs, too. Through all my unexpected twists and turns, I’ve channeled this hope for health. I eventually found a way to guide others, but first I had to guide myself.

When I was growing up, my parents led an active lifestyle. I trained as a gymnast from age 3 until middle school, where I played basketball, volleyball, softball and ran track through high school. My passion for human health, coupled with my love for sports, gave me the perfect career path.

I studied Exercise and Health Sciences at Alma College, where I was also a collegiate athlete in volleyball and track. I graduated at age 22 and took a job at Munson Medical Center as an exercise specialist.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE I worked in the department focused on cardiac patients. My role included running routine EKGs, as well as performing Nuclear Exercise Stress Tests.

I loved working with the patients, but I often felt incredibly sad knowing people had needed help long before they had been admitted to the hospital.

I saw that a lot of the patients didn’t need to suffer with the conditions they had—many of their cardiac issues stemmed from their lifestyle choices.

Through my role at the hospital, I made connections with a private practice cardiology clinic and was offered a position. I took the job, but I still worked daily with people who were not well and not getting much encouragement for a healthier way of living.

MY OWN ILLNESS About six months into my time there, my own health took the front seat.

I was dealing with the usual sinus congestion of seasonal allergies. One of the physicians I was working with suggested I have allergy testing done. At my appointment, I was told I was allergic to just about everything from cats to bananas (I had eaten bananas my whole life without issues).

I was prescribed four allergy meds and given an order to start injections.

This was a big deal for me. I am not someone who likes to take medication for anything. And, as I left the allergist’s office that day, I remember my gut telling me to not take the meds. To this day, I still can’t figure out why I started taking them. I knew better.

About a month passed. One day, after my lunch break at work, I experienced what I now know was a massive panic attack. I had never had one before. My co-workers thought I was having a cardiac event and quickly hooked me up to the EKG monitor. They called my husband, and I ended up going home to rest.

SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

KATHARINE G SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Unfortunately, the panic attacks did not stop… for months. I was having them anywhere from two to five times each day. I lost my ability to function normally, had to quit my job, and spent almost three months enduring uncomfortable testing, including almost daily blood tests, intestinal biopsies, and neurological and psychiatric evaluations.

Panic attacks were now just one of dozens of symptoms, from insomnia to extreme weight loss. Still, I had no answers.

At one point, I was on the allergy meds, a cardiac medication, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication. Deep down, I knew this was NOT healthy for me. A trip to Mayo Clinic was the next step. Doctors said it was possible I had cancer, but it wasn’t being detected in the tests I had completed locally.

I did not make that appointment at Mayo. I needed more time. I was a healthy, active, 24 year old with a passion for natural health. Why was I suddenly so ill?

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Grand Traverse Woman

I refused to continue on this path and started researching like crazy.

One night, while reading the blog of a young father, I got a glimmer of hope. His story was hauntingly close to mine. His health crisis had been caused by Zyrtec—one of the medications I started taking after my allergy testing.

At that moment, I decided to stop ALL medication. Within 48 hours, many of my symptoms were better and I had not had another panic attack. I knew I had figured it out and couldn’t have been happier.

STARTING OVER I was feeling better every day, which gave me the mental freedom to focus on the road ahead. But through my new, clear lens, I saw that my marriage was not healthy on many levels either. There were signs prior to my being sick, but I always pushed through because my heart was deeply rooted in the relationship.

I decided to end that marriage and never felt more alone, yet empowered. I found strength in connecting with friends and people who were like-minded in health. I even signed up to do a kite boarding camp I had wanted to do for years. Rock bottom is a great place to start over.

I chose to continue with a job in the medical field, only this time I questioned everything I saw. Why do we push meds, both prescription and over-the-counter, but never take the time to heal with food?

Our choice of food can cure us or make us sick. Our bodies are made of living cells and need living fuel to function properly. If we continually feed it dead food, such as processed and packaged options, we will end up sick. Often we swallow pills simply because our doctor tells us to. But it is ultimately up to us to decide what way we will go.

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MY CAREER CHANGE I decided to start my own business: Better Balance Fitness and Wellness. After healing my body, cleansing it from the toxic load of meds, I wanted to help others do the same.

It was not easy. I got remarried and my husband and I were fighting the 2009 recession, barely holding on, when we found out I was pregnant with our first child. It seemed like a bad time to quit my job to pursue my own business.

Throughout my pregnancy, I worked part-time at a family practice clinic and worked on building my clientele. I was working in western medicine, yet planning a home-birth, learning how to grow our own food, and treating any ailment at home with nutrition. I was living a double life.

The physicians I worked with thought I was off my rocker. In fact, a lot of people thought I was losing my mind to think choices like organic, whole foods and making lifestyle changes could prevent— even cure—many diseases. The U.S makes up around 5 percent of the world’s population; yet we consume 50 percent of all pharmaceuticals.

We are one of the sickest civilized countries in the world, but we don’t have to be.

I have since grown a full-service holistic health coaching business and I will never look back. I’ve watched my father, grandfather and numerous friends battle cancer. Some survived, and some we now hold in our hearts. If I can help even one person avoid suffering from a lifestyle disease, I will be content.

Sarah Orth was born and raised in Leelanau County and now resides there with her husband, Adam, and three children Kiah (8), Cora (5) and Easton (2.5). She owns Better Balance Fitness and Wellness. Sarah's office is in the Centerpointe building in Traverse City. She can be reached at 231.499.6767 or sarah_betterbalance@yahoo.

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Grand Traverse Woman

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Sept/Oct '18 37

Grand Traverse Woman

S a vi ng Old Missio n Sc hool 'How Hard Could It Be?'

BY JENNIFER COLEMAN

AS A PARENT, it was hard to hear that my child’s school was going to close. After all, it was the school I had attended. The school where everyone knows everyone. Where neighbors surround neighbors, daily. From the bus drivers to the teachers, the principal to the custodian, to the beloved lunch lady who knew just how to cook the perfect homemade apple crisp, we always felt supported.

Old Mission Peninsula School (OMPS) is a very special place, and you feel it as soon as you step onto the school grounds. For generations, the school has brought the community together in many ways.

Inside the building, there’s an area dedicated to the history of the school. It notes the original seven schoolhouses strategically placed to keep education close to peninsula families. There are class photos dating back decades. I chuckled when my son asked where my photo was. I had to direct him to the “black and white” section.

So, when asked, “Do you want to start a foundation to help save the school?” I couldn’t say no. There is a special place in my heart and mind for that gem on the peninsula. I remember once, in sixth grade, we earned the coveted responsibility of the maple sugar house. We collected sap, boiled it down and made our very own maple syrup.

After saying “sure” to the committee, I was introduced to five others who would, over the next three years, work tirelessly to confirm the community’s vision of the school and make that vision a reality.

THE TEAM So, who were these six unsuspecting people who got things started? Many think we have been friends for years. Though we knew of each other casually through different projects, we didn’t know each other well at all, and our unique talents created a formidable team. Many of us already had demanding jobs and juggled family responsibilities on a full-time basis, which made for very long days and nights.

We became fast friends. We challenged each other without offense (mostly), told each other the hard facts, and worked endless hours on solutions. We faced hurdles, but it was as if there was something larger at work—the dedicated people who support this school and its success.

We all experienced tremendous personal

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growth throughout this project. There were times where we needed to lean on each other, and we never asked for how long or why. We just knew we had to be there.

We have all faced personal challenges and losses over the last three years, but we never gave up. At one point, our original six officially became five, but our sixth remained engaged, even recruiting one of our spectacular new teachers.

CREATING A NEW START Our first assignment was to create a nonprofit foundation that could buy the school and return it to its community. Next, we had to identify the best way to meet the community’s wishes for a sustainable, free school, open to all.

To formalize the vision of the “new” school, we incorporated ideas from the community work group that had formed when the school’s possible closure was announced.

We also created surveys, the results of which kept us focused on what we needed to accomplish. Survey data strongly supported saving the school, identified a community need for early childhood care and a desire to extend classes beyond the fifth grade.

There was also strong support for the school to serve as a community center for things like summer camp and a local farmers and art market, both of which successfully opened this summer.

At the core of the school: academic performance. We selected the top-rated EL curriculum, a perfect fit for our vision and the campus.

OMPS is where kids want to learn and teachers want to teach. The school will provide an active, meaningful and challenging educational community where learning is collaborative, accessible, and focused on continuous improvement and social and character growth.

The new Old Mission Peninsula School (OMPS) offers Kindergarten through 6th-grade classes. It is a public school, chartered by Grand Valley State University. Childcare and Pre-K programs will also be available on-site at the school.

In addition, Bay Area Transportation

Authority (BATA) will be adding a new public bus route on Old Mission Peninsula that will serve Peninsula Township and provide service during Old Mission Peninsula School hours.

OPENING DAY OMPS opens September 4, 2018, which for many of us will be a most exciting day at the end of this long journey. But it will also be bittersweet. I’m not sure any of us really knows what to do with our time after Sept. 4. It’s been an adventure full of hard work, frustration, excitement, sorrow and joy all wrapped up in one glorious project.

This new school will not only help our kids, but it will shape future generations of kids. I have no doubt that after some well-deserved rest and relaxation, this group of five will set our eyes on another goal and make it happen.

We’ve found that there’s perseverance on the peninsula with this truly committed community.

As for our asking, “How hard could it be?” it turns out it was pretty darn hard. But, we stuck to our vision and we kept getting things done.

A special thanks to GVSU, the National Charter Schools Institute, Angel Care, BATA, GTACS and the endless supporters in helping us cross the finish line.

For more information, visit OMPschool.org, OMPEF.org or email info@ompschool.org.

Jennifer Coleman graduated from Old Mission Peninsula School and went on to complete her B.A. and MHSA at the University of Michigan. She returned to the area after living in Chicago for many years. She works for Grand Traverse Radiologists, PC, a group of 20+ sub-specialty radiologists serving the Northern Michigan region.

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Grand Traverse Woman

In Touch

HEALING & CHIROPRACTIC

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Sept/Oct '18 39

Grand Traverse Woman

Gradually, I became heavier, more sedentary, and less able to exert myself for even a little interaction with my children. My deteriorating physical state sank me into a deep depression. Something had to give.

So, there I was, looking at photographs that should have brought me joy.

Pictures of sandy little fingers and toes, of toothy grins showing the pride of misshapen sand castles, of our kids shouting with laughter as they were tossed into the air. The joy was spilling out of every single photograph. Yet I felt little personal joy in these images.

It was as if the images all had some terrible filter, and in a way, they did.

I couldn’t see the beauty of our experience. The lens was clouded by my own self-loathing. I did not want to waste another moment with that sort of fog in my mind. Time was just too valuable.

MAKING A CHANGE I set the pictures down and went to my husband, Chris, with a plea for help.

I knew, without a doubt, that I was beyond the point of making any significant changes on my own. I needed someone to hold my hand to the fire. Chris agreed that we both needed a change, whatever it took.

I desperately searched online for a local program. Fit My Life was first on the list, and the reviews were effusive and encouraging, so I called. Co-owner and trainer, Gordon Briley, answered on the second ring.

IN FOR A SHOCK

How I lost weight and found me!

AND HOW MY HUSBAND AND I LOST 80 LBS. TOGETHER

BY SHAINA LAFOND

I WAS LOOKING at photographs taken on a sunny beach in southern Florida. I recognized everyone: my dear husband, our beautiful, smiling daughters, and my loving in-laws. But there was someone in the picture that I was struggling to place. Was that woman really me? Had it really gone so far?

It had. I knew I had to make a change. And, although my weight loss journey wasn’t easy, I knew I needed to do it for myself. And I am so happy that I did.

COMFORT FOOD After back-to-back babies, a stressful move away from our familial support system, and an endless Northern Michigan winter, the self I knew had all but disappeared. Food had become both my one solace and my downfall.

I spent all day loving and cooking (often eating only the small scraps left behind), playing and cleaning and wiping chubby bottoms. And then, when the kids were finally asleep for the night, I’d find myself blinking into the light of my refrigerator.

My underfed tummy growled, and any impulse-control I had went out the window. I stuffed whatever struck my fancy into my mouth, cold and scarcely chewed. Then I’d stumble to bed, pleading with the universe for a few hours of rest before another busy day.

UNHEALTHY ROUTINE Months and months passed by like this. I starved myself through inattention by day and gorging by night. I drank too much, moved too little, and slept just enough to allow for basic motor function.

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When I walked into the gym for my first meeting in March of 2017, I was incredibly intimidated. I was a former frequenter of sleek, suburban gyms with row upon row of cardio equipment, a zillion TVs and floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

Not here.

High ceilings boasted rings for swinging and ropes for climbing. Giant metal contraptions were set up in confounding configurations, and men and women alike spooked me by crashing heavy barbells to the floor.

There were a few nods to cardio equipment, but the largest section of the facility was a swath of vivid green turf. What appeared to be the sort of equipment football players used for tackle-training stood at either end.

I nearly turned right back around, but I was lucky that Gordon spotted me before I had the chance.

We sat in his office, and I walked him down the road I’d been traveling.

When he asked what I’d had for breakfast that day, I answered sheepishly. I’d had half a banana and the remaining cereal from one kid’s bowl. I told him that it took more than 10 minutes for my heart rate to settle after making the trip up and down the stairs for those middle-of-the-night calls.

NO LOOKING BACK I began training three times per week and used what I learned for at-home workouts on my off days. I used Gordon’s nutritional guidelines to build back the metabolism I’d punished for so long. Chris, with his longer, more erratic hours, had to be a bit more creative to fit in workout, but I made sure that he had the foods he needed to energize him—both at work and at the gym.

I spent hours in the grocery store reading nutritional labels. I mapped out meals, prepped and cooked. I plugged everything into my fitness app to make sure I was eating enough.

And, though it took months to think of food as fuel, eventually, it worked.

While I’d always been proud of my body—for the life it grew and fed and sustained—I had a new respect for its strength, agility and capability. Between the two of us, my husband Chris and I lost nearly 80 pounds in nine months.

The more we lost, the more active we became.

FIT FAMILY Chris and I began a shared love of mountain biking that brought us closer than ever before. The more our girls watched us prioritize our health—and our sanity—the more they emulated us. We even found ways to involve them, including using them as weights! They noticed that women could be strong, too, and began flexing their own little muscles.

Our newfound energy meant that we played more and experienced more

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Grand Traverse Woman as a family. The community at the gym gave us a sense of belonging that we had been missing. We shared recipes and tips, successes and struggles, signed up for races and challenged each other. Our lives truly transformed for the better.

FUELING FOR THE FUTURE The more I shared my love of developing flavorful, beautiful and healthy recipes with our fitness community, the more positive feedback I received. The more I talked to others, the more I noticed a host of common struggles.

I spoke with members that found it easy enough to eat healthily, but they were bored with their options.

Some ate the same foods over and over, afraid to implement a variety of ingredients that might inadvertently cause them to stray off course.

Others felt it took too much time to plan and prep and portion, valuable time they could be spending with loved ones. And some, overwhelmed with the sheer amount of effort, simply gave up.

How could I help? Could I couple my background in food service with my newfound nutritional knowledge to help others find success? Could I provide local support to those who craved a new start? I certainly could try!

FULL CIRCLE

BEFORE, IN FLORIDA.

This journey began as a personal one to help bring me back to myself. Amazingly, it has also led me down a new career path—to help others find their way back too. Now I spend my work days creating shopping lists and menu plans, building food products to fuel gym members pre- and postworkout, and offering full service fitness food preparation.

In reclaiming my own life, I’ve found a way to help others reclaim their own health and perhaps a bit extra of the most precious commodity: time.

This year, we returned to that sunny beach in Florida.

Without the haze of depression and with my new confidence in my own skin, all I can see in every single photo is pure joy.

AFTER: BACK IN NAPLES, FLORIDA. THIS TIME, FEELING STRONG, CONFIDENT, AND JOYFUL!

Shaina LaFond, owner of Fuel My Life TC, is loving life on Old Mission Peninsula with her husband, Christopher, and their two young daughters, Marlowe and Camille. She is an avid reader, mountain biker, fitness nut, and food and wine enthusiast. She looks forward to season after season of gorgeous Northern Michigan weather and the bounty that comes with it. You can reach her at shaina@fuelmylifetc.com.

Time to have your furnace serviced.

FLU SEASON AHEAD

1-866-BOB-HEAT

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Sept/Oct '18 41

Grand Traverse Woman

JOIN US FOR GTWOMAN’S ANNUAL

Celebrating 15 Years!

F R I D AY, S E P T 2 8 T H F R O M 5 - 7 P M

Join us at our kick-off event at Black Star Farm’s Centennial Barn!

Grand Traverse

WOMAN IN BUSINESS

NEW

Dr. Anna Lammers, OD, FAAO

BAY

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VISION CARE 231.947.1691 BayFamilyVisionTC.com

Dr. Amy Mummert, OD

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Now accepting patients at our new location.

522 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49686

Dan O’Neil for STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Vote for Dan O’Neil!

• Candidate for State Representative for the 104th District / Grand Traverse County • Born and raised in Traverse City • Small business owner and attorney fighting for the rights of working people • 10–year Traverse City Planning Commission Member • Raised their three children in Traverse City

Vote Vote Dan Dan O’Neil O’Neil for for State State Representative Representative www.voteoneil.com www.voteoneil.com Paid for by Friends of Dan O’Neil PO Box 954 Traverse City, MI 49685

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Sept/Oct '18

The new Old Mission Peninsula School (OMPS), a public school chartered by Grand Valley State University, opens on Sept. 4. It offers kindergarten through sixth grade classes, as well as childcare and Pre-K programs. Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) will be adding a new public bus route on Old Mission Peninsula to serve residents and visitors of Peninsula Township. It will also provide service during Old Mission Peninsula School hours.

Dena Schweitzer is the director of academics and the school is located at 2699 Island View Rd., Traverse City.

231.492.0327, www.OMPSchool.org.

State Savings Bank has promoted Dee Krug to mortgage originator for Benzie and Leelanau Counties. She will develop and expand the bank’s lending presence in these markets. Krug brings 20 years of banking experience to her new position, and she will continue to be based in the Frankfort office.

Bobbie Frasier has been promoted to manager of State Savings Bank’s Frankfort office.

Frasier has more than 14 years of banking experience and has been with State Savings Bank since 2004.

In her new role, she will oversee office operations, assist customers with consumer lending and more.

Michele Carroll has been promoted to personal banker at the Empire office. Carroll will open new accounts and assist customers with their banking needs. She has five years banking experience and has been with State Savings Bank for one year. www.ssbankmi.com

Craig Wealth Advisors welcomes Stephanie Volz as client service manager. Volz is responsible for client onboarding, account maintenance and more. Volz is an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP), and she is fluent in payment systems and fraud risk management. Volz previously was the assistant vice president and client services manager for Traverse City State Bank. 2915 Garfield Rd. N., Suite A, Traverse City, 231.943.2920, www.craigwealthadvisors.com Whitney Waara has been appointed executive director of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to moving to Traverse City in 2014, Waara spent a decade working for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She also worked as a consultant for Arthur Anderson, LLP, Sprint and the US Postal Service, and she owned and operated a USDA certified organic produce farm. Waara earned an MBA in Marketing from the Kent State University School of Management, and she holds an undergraduate degree in business and economics from Kalamazoo College.

She and her husband, Sam Augusta, have three sons ages 4, 7 and 10. www.tcchamber.org The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce also welcomes Molly McCallister as event and program coordinator. She was previously an event producer for Gordon Food Service based in Grand Rapids, where she managed a multi-million dollar budget for 19 national trade shows a year.

Before that, she planned and managed more than 100 industry events a year for a national procurement and logistics contractor based in Virginia Beach, Va. tcchamber.org

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman Angela DiLorenzo of Berkshire Hathaway has launched Michigan Lifestyle Homes, a local real estate office specializing in Northern Michigan homes. Michigan Lifestyle Homes has over 20 years of real estate experience with deep roots in Northern Michigan. Michigan Lifestyle Homes lists and sells residential and commercial properties and provides buyer representation, relocation assistance, home value assessments, and custom home building. 630 E. Front St., Suite 200, Traverse City, 231.632.5105, www. michiganlifestylehomes.com Dr. Barbara Doremus has opened a new psychology practice in Traverse City called InSight Behavioral Wellness of Northern Michigan, LLC. Doremus has almost 20 years experience working in mental health and has been in private practice providing adults individual therapy since 2014.

Her specialty areas include forensic evaluation, pre-surgical bariatric assessments and psychological testing.

She also has experience treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma-based disorders, personality disorders, anger difficulties and life stress. 231.392.6155, drd@ibwnmi.com Laurie Grabe has opened Expressions P e r m a n e n t C o s m e t i c s .

Expressions specializes in microblading eyebrows and permanent eyeliner and uses quality, sterile products. Grabe is a Certified and Licensed Permanent Cosmetic Technician.

Find “Expressions Permanent Cosmetics” on Facebook or contact Grabe at 231.620.7153.

KUDOS Grand Traverse Pavilions celebrated 20 years with a re-dedication ceremony and unveiled the Pavilions Plaza, which features a fountain and healing garden. “The idea of incorporating a healing garden, including a fountain, in the front circle for the Grand Traverse Pavilions was part of the original building plans,” according to Deborah Allen, executive director

www.grandtraversewoman.com

of the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation, “Over the past 20 years since the Pavilions opened its doors in 1998, designated donations to the Healing Garden Fund have been assigned for the future creation of a fountain feature at the entrance of our campus. Our 20th anniversary seemed like the perfect time to complete the fountain project.” 231.932.3018, www.gtpavilions.org/Beautification Events North has received the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certificate on behalf of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The WBENC is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the United States. Events North recently celebrated its ten-year anniversary and was just named “Best Meeting Planning Company” at the Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine’s Best of Michigan Awards for the eighth consecutive year. Allison Beers can be reached at Allison@ eventsnorth.com or 231.883.2708. ww.EventsNorth.com

Comprehensive Dental Care for the Whole Family

8 7 6 E . F r o n t S t r e e t | Tr a v e r s e C i t y, M I 4 9 6 8 6

231.947.6880 | www.RoseStreetDental.com

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Beth Melcher, owner of MoneyFit, has been named to Intuit Inc.’s Accountant Council. Melcher is one of 26 council members who will share their insights, experience and expertise to help Intuit develop new products and services for accounting professionals and small businesses worldwide. 231.421.6531, beth@ bemoneyfit.com

Odom Re-Use owners, Bruce and Cathy Odom, hosted a 20th anniversary celebration this summer and received $690 in donations from the event. The donations will benefit Bay Area Recycling for Charity (BARC), which suffered a total loss this winter in a fire. Odom Re-Use is one of the only for-profit businesses that focuses specifically on building material re-use in Michigan. It operates without subsidy or tax breaks of any kind. Odom Re-Use Co. is a full-service salvage, deconstruction and retail building materials operation. 5555 Brentwood Ave., North, Grawn, 231.276.6330, www.odomreuse.com

With our favorite back-to-school

Vitamins and Supplements Nature’s Plus Animal Parade D-3

Megafood Kids Megaflora Probiotic

Nordic Naturals Omega 3s

Garden of Life Multivitamins

ORYANA COMMUNITY CO-OP

260 E. TENTH ST | TC | 231.947.0191 | ORYANA.COOP Sept/Oct '18 43

Grand Traverse Woman

Grand Traverse WOMAN

Wed. Nov. 7th • 5:00-7:00 pm

LET YOUR

R E N N I ANIMAL OUT! *within reason

ACCENT YOUR OUTFIT WITH YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL PRINT!

Grab your leopard-print outfit or those sassy striped shoes and join us for our GTWoman’s Network Nite on Wednesday, Nov. 7th! Northwood Animal Hospital will host us in their AAHA accredited facility. Enjoy appetizers and adult beverages while catching up with old friends and making new! It’s a night of networking, relationship building and laughter.

Bring along a co-worker, BFF or animal lover for a fun night! Tickets are $15 or 2/$20 - Register today at www.grandtraversewoman.com!

Grand Traverse

LOCATION SPONSOR

WOMAN

CORPORATE SPONSOR Harbor Springs Charlevoix Traverse City

Just south of Chum’s Corners at 7966 US31 in Grawn

Kim Spiker, RN, is celebrating her 20year anniversary with Digestive Health Associates of Traverse City.

She completed her RN degree from Northwestern Michigan College and she specializes in and administers infusions for inflammatory bowel disease therapy. She is also responsible for patient triage, management and education for their health conditions.

Kathy HolmstromBaker, PA-C. is celebrating five years with Digestive Health Associates.

Holmstrom-Baker graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy Physician Assistant Master’s program and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Madonna University. She also spent 16 years as a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Farmington Hills. Digestive Health Associates of Northern Michigan, P.C. is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the digestive tract. 231.935.5710, www.dha-nm.com Dawn Hemming, President and Founder of Hemming & Wealth Management, was named to the 2018 Champions Circle by independent broker-dealer SagePoint Financial. This honor goes to the firm’s "most elite" among SagePoint’s more than 1,300 independent advisors. 600 E. Front St., Suite 201,Traverse City, 231.922.2900, www.hemmingwm.com Andrea Galloup with Century 21 Northland has been named the Traverse Area Association of Realtors (TAAR) 2018 Realtor of the Year. Galloup was nominated and selected for her spirit, activity in civic affairs, involvement in TAAR and the local community, and business accomplishments. Galloup works out of the Traverse City office and can be contacted at andrea@agalloup.com. www.c21northland.com Century 21 Northland recognizes the following agents for the sales achievement of 30 to 34 units and receiving the Platinum Sales

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Achievement Award: Dana Allen, Kate Tester and Luba Childs. Allen and Tester also received the Quality Service Pinnacle Award. Allen can be contacted at dana.allen@ c21northland.com.

Tester can be reached at Katie.tester@ c21northland. com.

Childs can be reached at luba.childs@ c21northland. com. The following agents: Sheri Sutherland, Renae Hansen and Meagan Alvarado received the Gold Sales Achievement Award, which requires the production of 25 to 29 Units. A licensed Realtor since 1986, Sutherland works out of the Village of Northport office and can be reached at sheri@ c21northland.com.

Hansen and Alvarado also received the Quality Service Pinnacle Award.

Contact Hansen at renae.hansen@ c21northland. com.

Alvarado can be reached at malvarado@c21northland.com.

EVENTS Old Town Playhouse has scheduled another season of laughter, tears, song and pure escape that Playhousegoers have come to expect. Five Main Stage productions include Mamma Mia, A Christmas Carol and Tommy. The Studio Theatre @ the Depot offers small-ensemble productions such as Sylvia and Marjorie Prime. The Young Company will entertain you with The Little Mermaid, A Woman Called Truth and The Three Musketeers. 231.947.2210, www.oldtownplayhouse.com The National Writers Series yearround book festival announces a slate of eight nationally renowned authors. NWS events will be broadcast to a listening audience of 250,000, produced by Interlochen Public Radio. The Sept./Oct. schedule includes: Sept. 30, Dr. Mona Hanna

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman Attisha, author of What the Eyes Don’t See, pre-reception at 5 p.m.; Oct. 10, Joe Hill, author of Strange Weather; Oct. 20, Amy Goldstein, author of Janesville: An American Story; Oct. 21, Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage. www.nationalwritersseries.org A free SCORE Workshop, The Business Side of Writing, will be held Oct. 9 at TADL on Woodmere. Making a living from writing can come in lots of various ways; from publishing your book (traditional or self) to writing for others. A panel of experts who all work in writing and publishing will share their knowledge, experience and insights and what it takes. This panel has been cultivated to answer all of your writing for profit questions.

The panel includes: Kandace Chapple, editor and publisher of Grand Traverse Woman Magazine; Lisa Maxbauer-Price, journalist and author of “Squash Boom Beet,” a book on veggies for kids; Amy Reynolds, owner of Horizon Books in Traverse City; Shenandoah Chefalo, SCORE mentor and author of “Garbage Bag Suitcase,” a memoir about growing up in foster care; and more speakers.

Visit www.upnorthscore.com for more upcoming workshops.

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Grand Traverse Woman

I like wiggle butts You Pet lovers can’t deny When a pooch walks in with a wiggly, waggin’ tail And a wet a nose in your face They get active…

To keep your pets active & healthy: ‘Just say no’ to obesity!

Clean those teeth!

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Sept/Oct '18

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman

12 SEATS LEFT ON BUS #4!

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Tony Award®-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in “Hello, Dolly!” – the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls “the best show of the year!” Winner of four Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival, director Jerry Zaks’ “gorgeous” new production (Vogue) is “making people crazy happy!” (The Washington Post). Breaking box office records week after week and receiving thunderous raves on Broadway, this “Hello, Dolly!” pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/ choreographer Gower Champion – hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history. Rolling Stone calls it “a must-see event. A musical comedy dream. If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, you’ll be seeing something historic. Wow, wow, wow, indeed!”

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Visit www.grandtraversewoman.com for more information and to reserve your group. www.grandtraversewoman.com

Sept/Oct '18 47

momma 1513

Grand Traverse Woman

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE WWW.KANDACECHAPPLE.COM

Motocross MAYHEM

MOTOCROSS has entered our family life, much to my protest. It started with my 13-year-old son Nelson asking to race his four-wheeler. When I said no, he narrowed his mission: just one race? When I still said no, he went one smaller: one race and he would come in last.

It’s hard to deny someone who’s willing to throw away his hopes just for a taste of the dream.

That was in May. Since then, we’ve been to several races, and his father is currently building him a motocross track on our property, going for Father of the Year. Things, clearly, have escalated. I realized soon enough that I was going to have to get behind this sport after all.

PUT TO THE TEST Case in point: Nelson and I just spent 12 hours at a motocross event. Just us two. Nelson wanted to do the last race of the season, but Tim was going to be out of town. Despite my misgivings, I knew this was my moment. I could come out of this as the Mother of the Year.

Giving myself a pep talk, I decided I could do this. I could drive a truck. I could help unload a quad. I could hang with the guys, in the dirt and dust. No problem, I could even pass for one of the boys in my current state of makeup.

We arrived at noon and stayed until nearly midnight. The afternoon unfolded nicely. First, hours of practice and then, two races late at night.

But, I was on deadline for this issue. So, was I surprised to find there was no cell signal in the middle of a field off a dirt road miles from a tiny Michigan town? Of course I wasn’t.

However, I could get a signal if I sat by this one tree in a camping chair with an aluminum frame. Was I conducting radio waves? Electricity? I couldn’t be sure, but if I stood up or the tree branches blew east instead of west, I was off the

grid. I knew I was an awful blight to the atmosphere, on my laptop, in country boy heaven. But what could I do? I had an issue to pull together and it was the big year-end race. I swallowed my pride, sent Nelson out to practice, and exposed my laptop to adverse conditions. All for the love of my child, in my bid for Mother of the Year.

THE RACE His first race started at my bedtime: 9 p.m. There were huge lights overhead and mud flying below.

The riders all looked the same: brown. I was nervous and scared and anxious, all alone in the stands while Nelson raced his heart out, loving every minute of it. He had nerves of steel. Meanwhile, it was the longest three laps of my mothering life.

But he rocked it out, and when he came off the track, I tried to offer some meaningful feedback, since his dad wasn’t there to do so. Everyone else was commenting on engines and tires, but I offered this tidbit: “It’s a good thing you had your headlights on!”

A small hesitation in the hubbub as Nelson gave me a too-long stare, a moment where he possibly pretended I wasn’t his.

Finally, this: “My lights were off.”

So. I’m pleased to report that I got excellent footage of another rider.

THE SECOND RACE By 11 p.m., Nelson still had one race left to do, and I was fried. I got in the truck and refused to get out. I was done.

I was on the 11th hour of sitting in an open field exposed to the elements like my laptop, my cell signal had blown away and the year-end motocross party had built into an all-out deafening roar. I was tired, dirty and couldn’t pick my own son out of

the crowd. I was starting to think that this was beyond my mom powers.

Nelson popped up outside the truck window just then. Smashed his face on the glass. “COME ON, MOM!” He was still all-in, raring to go.

I didn’t open my window; I locked the doors.

“I’M LEAVING WITHOUT YOU.” He gave me a thumbs-up and left, into the night.

And didn’t come back. And it was getting late. And I found myself in a very dark truck in the middle of a bunch of men, by myself, no flashlight and no will left to survive.

That’s when I realized he must be at the start line, and I was going to miss his race… AGAIN. Worse, I had missed the opportunity to give him my usual racing tips of “Live” and “Come in last.”

I ran over to the track and forced my 43-year-old eyes to perform like never before. It was time to be the ultimate mom, even as my heart raced with fear for him. But I found him on the start line just in time and I filmed him, every turn, every near miss, every jump. Yes, there he was! I was getting it all!

I couldn’t wait to show Nelson the footage, especially after he’d avoided dying without even being told to do so.

But when he looked at the video, he said the usual: “That’s not me, Mom.” “Yes it is!” I screeched.

“No, that’s me.” He was right behind the guy I had filmed, also dressed in mud.

“Close enough,” I said. “GET IN THE TRUCK.” After loading the quad, eating a giant food-truck pretzel and heading out for a two-hour drive home at midnight, I just had to ask, “Who’s the Mother of the Year now?”

His response?

“Still Dad.”

Kandace Chapple is the editor and co-publisher of Grand Traverse Woman. She loves books, mountain biking and family. When her two kiddos, Cookie the dog, or work aren't calling, she’s out mountain biking on the gorgeous dirt trails of Northern Michigan. You can reach Kandace at kandace@grandtraversewoman.com. Read her blog at www.kandacechapple.com.

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Sept/Oct '18

NORTHERN ART PHOTOGRAPHY

THE MOTOCROSS BEING BUILT AT HOME.

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Grand Traverse Woman

trouble (in the)1412 hood 1713 momma

BY KERRY WINKLER

The RIDE-ALONG

MAX AND SERGEANT BOSLEY AFTER A 12-HOUR SHIFT OF KEEPING THE STREETS SAFE IN HART.

geant Scott Bosley of Oceana County. I was nervous—but Max was excited. Max was interested in law enforcement and wanted to job shadow. We called Scott to do the rundown. Level of danger?

Minimal - Max would stay in the car if things got hairy. How long was shift? 12 hours during the night—That was OK, who better suited for an allnighter than a teenager? What about the all-important task of feeding a teenager?? Gas station food would suffice—just as I feared. Hopefully the worst part of this would be the grease stains on his good shirt.

Off we went to Hart on a Saturday afternoon.

Scott told us the best days to kick up some trouble were hot summer weekend nights. That Saturday was a hot, muggy 80-plus-degree day. (I was thinking, how about a nice Monday evening during a cold snap, pretty please.)

Scott and his wife, Amber, (we’ve known each other since high school) put us up in their home. I should say they put me up. I was camping out for the night at the ready to rescue Max but under the guise of catching up with Amber. When we arrived, Scott was prepping with his bulletproof vest and other assorted devices. He asked kindly if I’d like to see what a taser felt like. Good old Scott. Then he turned to Max with a little too much glee and a wink to me and said, “Let’s go get some bad guys!”

Amber and I headed off to town to get some dinner with her son. I casually kept my phone ringer volume on high just in case. Amber was used to this. I was not, so she kept me busy doing other

www.grandtraversewoman.com

things besides worry.

As we were heading back, we saw police lights up ahead and I got excited: I was going to be able to document Max’s evening with a photo shoot for his baby book! Amber eased up onto the scene of a boat on a trailer tipped into the ditch. I said, Max is going to kill me if he catches me doing this and I’m sure Amber was silently agreeing with Max. But no, it was another policeman, so we kept moving.

We got home and ding! I got a snapchat from Max. I opened it up. He had sent a slightly blurred picture of taillights as Scott talked to someone who’d been speeding at 92 mph. I relaxed a bit— Max was clearly inside the car from the angle of the picture and speedsters wouldn’t be too scary. Then next snapchat came in at bit after midnight—this time they were eating a lunch packed by Amber (who saved them and Max’s good shirt from gas station food).

Next snapchat was about how many deer they saw. OK, this seemed mild. Too mild. It was 80 degrees in the dead of the night. Where were the beer brawls? The fireworks? The sweaty irritated fights among relatives? I was lucking out, even if Max was not.

Finally, the snapchats dried up—had he fallen asleep? Was he stuck in the middle of a wild raid?

Why did I let him do this? But I forced myself to go to sleep. After all, the safest place to be is with an officer.

I heard the scuffle of the door as they rolled in after 7 a.m. and I hurried to see how it went. Amber had cooked a big breakfast and the boys sat down.

Max was tired but happy. He shared more stories of the night—from the speedster to helping extract a woman from a bad situation and giving her a ride home to the man riding in the back of an open tailgate on a car just for fun.

Max had gotten out of the car at a few stops and was closer to the action. Scott had also taken him to the police station, where he’d been razzed a bit by Scott’s cohorts, all in good fun. Max loved it. The camaraderie, the technology in the car, watching how it all went down. He learned a lot and didn’t seem to mind that there were no gunfights or beer brawls (thank goodness!)

Next up, Max is looking for a ride-along with a conservation officer to check out that department.

I am happy Scott was generous with his time and took Max along. We are thankful for our police force and all they do to protect us!

Kerry Winkler is the co-owner and co-publisher of Grand Traverse Woman Magazine. She has two teenagers who are perfect…at being teenagers. She likes to bike, hike and find new trails in the area with her dog Bobby. She can be reached at kerry@grandtraversewoman.com. If you are a conservation officer and can offer a ride-along to a high school senior, let her know!

NORTHERN ART PHOTOGRAPHY

MAX went on a “ride-along” with our friend, Ser-

Sept/Oct '18 49

Grand Traverse Woman

RIDE INTO FALL!

ELECTRIC BIKES - We are one of the largest Electric Assist Bike dealer in the state. Whether you’re commuting, mountain biking, or just cruising around town, we have a wide selection of electric bikes to fit your needs. We carry Trek, Cannondale, Felt, and Electra electric bikes. Stop in for a try today. You’ll love the ease of your next ride!

BIKES GALORE - We also carry road, mountain and children’s bikes, along with fat bikes, bamboo bikes and foldable bikes. Every girl needs a bike… or two.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES - Ride in comfort and finally get those spandex bike shorts… plus add a little bling to your bike with a new bell!

Come in for our

BACK TO SCHOOL TUNE-UP SPECIAL (for moms too!)

and locks, racks, bags, 20% OFF lights baskets, panniers and bells.

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Sept/Oct '18

We LOVE what we do!

Service is the difference. With more parts in stock than any shop in Northern Michigan, chances are we have what you need.

Whether you’re building a custom ride or you need a flat repaired on your garden cart, we are here to serve. You will leave with an accurate estimate of the services requested with no surprises. Upon completion you will receive a text informing you that your bike is ready to be picked up. A well-maintained bike is a happy bike (and gal!)!

736 E. 8TH STREET, TRAVERSE CITY www.brickwheels.com 231.947.4274 www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman

Fighting to Keep Your FamilY happY, healthlY and nearbY 3 Four Straight Years of Increased Local K-12 School FundingThe highest in 15 years!

3 Keeping Kids Safe with Increased School Safety Funding 3 Made Combating Area’s Opioid Epidemic a Priority 3 Championed Approval of $14.7 million NMC Expansion Project as Vice Chair of Higher Education Subcommittee 3 Protecting Michigan’s Natural Resources- Expanding TART trail and Preservation Areas with Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board and Pure Michigan Campaign 3 Advocated to expand 10 Cents a Meal program partnering with local farmers to give healthy meal options to area school children 3 Facilitated Expansion of 4-year Nursing Degree at NMC 3 Passed long-term local and state road and infrastructure solutions 3 28+ years helping small businesses thrive as a commercial loan officer - creating hundreds of new jobs for our area 3 Respected Member of House Appropriations Committee as well as serving on 20+ local, state and national boards, including three governor appointments 3 Grand Traverse County Commissioner - 22 years 3 Stood Up to Lansing Leadership to do What's Right

the Courage to Choose What’s right.

VOTE www.InmanForStateRep.com

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NOV 6

the experienCe to get it done.

PAID FOR BY LARRY TH INMAN FOR STATE REP 8971 CROCKETT RD WILLIAMSBURG MI 49690 www.InmanForStateRep.com www.grandtraversewoman.com

PAID FOR BY LARRY INMAN FOR STATE REP 8971 CROCKETT RD WILLIAMSBURG MI 49690

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Grand Traverse Woman

Karastan National Carpet Sale Bergeron

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Every carpet, every style, every color made by Karastan, America’s premier carpet manufacturer, is on sale now through the end of October at Carpet Galleria. Choose the carpet that best fits your needs, and experience real savings, savings that you can believe in.

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The Perfect Carpet For Every Decor It all began in 1928, when Karastan began to develop the technology to produce more styles, more colors, more weaving techniques than ever before. Karastan continues to push the technological envelope today with “Color Point” tufting, a system that produces one-of-a-kind carpet styles.

The Highest Installation Standards At Carpet Galleria we are committed to maintaining the highest installation standards in the industry. We back that up with our Lifetime Installation Warranty, a program that guarantees your carpet installation for as long as you own your home.

Photography by Ken Scott

521035 Sept/Oct '18 S. Garfield Avenue, Traverse City

231-947-4808www.grandtraversewoman.com • carpetgalleria.com