July/Aug 2016 Issue

Grand Traverse

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WOMAN

northern michigan’s network for women ◆ July/aug '16

The

Education Issue

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Grand Traverse Woman

Grand Traverse

WOMAN2WOMAN WOMAN

By Kandace Chapple & Kerry winkler

northern michigan’s magazine for women

photograp

hy by scar

lett

Volume 13, No. 6 July/August 2016 Grand Traverse Woman P.O. Box 22 Interlochen, MI 49643 tel: 231.276.5105 www.grandtraversewoman.com https://www.facebook.com/grandtraversewoman/ Publishers Kandace Chapple Kerry Winkler Editor Kandace Chapple, kandace@grandtraversewoman.com Account Director Kerry Winkler, kerry@grandtraversewoman.com

We are identical twins. And, yes, we have switched places. Just once. In 6th grade, when we were so exactly identical that the world was ours for the taking.

It started because our cousins in the Yoop kept asking us if we’d ever switched. To be honest, we were the goodiest pair of two shoes you could find and we were shocked at the mere suggestion of it.

But the seed was planted. What would it take to mastermind such deceit?

Not much, it turned out.

By our 6th grade year, it had become something of a mystery to our Grandpa Nelson why we hadn’t switched places yet. Why not? he would ask, his eyes lighting up with glee at the potential of having a stunt double.

So it was all but a dare put out to us by our very own grandpa: We would switch classrooms. Mr. Solowiej and Mrs. Craker would be our hapless victims, fish in a barrel.

The plan was hatched: We’d switch at 2 p.m. on a Thursday with no tests or assignments due. We wouldn’t tell anyone. Our friends, especially our friends, would screw up the whole operation if they saw it going down. Better to make this an inside job, our first and last.

We wore identical outfits, fixed our hair the same and had only one defining characteristic: tiny little stud earrings. One set green, the other blue. Our mother kissed us goodbye unaware that her sweet twins had gone evil in the night.

We were a mess of nerves all day as we sat in our respective classes awaiting the designated time. At 2 p.m., we both asked to use the bathroom. And, because we were always so good, we had no doubt our teachers would say yes.

We met in the hallway.

Well. Should we?

It was the moment of (in)decision. We almost didn’t follow through but then we raced to the bathroom, confirmed how identical we looked in the mirror and high-fived. Off we went to each other’s room, sliding into each other’s desk, completely sure this would get us expelled.

But we both went undetected. Without a hitch. For first 10, then 20 minutes. We started to relax into our role reversal, feeling invincible and brave and undercover. What else could we get away with after today?

Which is just when Kandy’s (Kerry’s) teacher announced 4

July/Aug '16

Above: Kandy (on left) and kerry hang out at the May 2016 GTWoman Luncheon with outfits that are not identical and that they actually like.

THen: Kandy (on left) and kerry hang out at the Taquamenon Falls IN THE YOOP with their family sometime in the 1980s wearing unfortunate matching “bloomers” made by their loving grandmother.

a spelling quiz. Complete and utter panic ricocheted through Kandy’s chest. Should she just take the quiz and hope she didn’t ruin her sister’s grade? No way. Kerry was the unforgiving type.

Instead, Kandy raised her hand and asked for yet another bathroom break. Which she was granted without question, her good reputation serving her again, even as she lied for the second time that hour.

Kandy raced across the hallway to the other room and flagged her sister down from the doorway. Finally Kerry looked up and almost flipped out. Were we busted????? She casually (frantically) asked for her second bathroom break and came out.

“What!!!” Kerry screeched in a whisper.

“You have a pop quiz!” Kandy said.

“What!!!” Kerry screeched in another whisper.

And then we started rolling with giggles. Our deception was over and we were happy to be going back to our normal, safe, true identity. For added flair, when we saw Mrs. Mayville coming down the hall, we split up like Bonnie and Clyde, out of sight before she got to us.

After school was over, after Kerry had aced her own test, we decided we had to tell our teachers what we’d done, the guilt too much.

But when we confessed, we got the surprise: They did not believe us. In fact, refused to believe us, laughed us out of the room. It was hard to feel invincible after that.

That was the first and last time we switched places. To this day, we are still mistaken for each other on the street, at work, at school. It’s an innocent mistake and we get it.

But if you CAN tell us apart, we instantly fall in love with you. Believe us.

Account Executives Deb Dent, deb@grandtraversewoman.com Lisa Foley, lisa@grandtraversewoman.com Sherry Galbraith, sherry@grandtraversewoman.com Lori Maki, lori@grandtraversewoman.com Assistant Editor Lisa Maxbauer Price, lisam@grandtraversewoman.com COPY Editor Christine Kurtz DesignerS Bethany Gulde, www.bethanydesigntc.com cover photo Katy Bertodatto went back to school to finish her college degree... and her two boys got to see her deliver the commencement speech at The Big House! See her story on Page 8.

Photo by Beth Price, Beth Price Photography www.bethpricephotography.com Photographers Sarah Brown, Sarah Brown Photography www.sarahbrown-photography.com Beth Price, Beth Price Photography www.bethpricephotography.com Scarlett Piedmonte, Photography by Scarlett www.photobyscarlett.com Andrea Bogard, Northern Art Photography www.northernartphotography.com Administrative Assistant Melissa Cartwright, The Beancounter Contributing Writers Cathy Anthofer Kristen Lowe Heather Bartelmay Jessica Mason AJ Battaglia Stacey M. Popp Katy Bertodatto Marilyn Rebant Becki Bigelow Courtney Rehmer Barb Hinzmann Nancee Sexton impres salon spa Melissa Smith Erin Johnson Kimberly Waldie Abby Jordan Kate Walski Coty Kaiser Debby Werthmann Patrice (Popp) Korson Beth Wills Darcy Lewis Rose Zivkovich Zach Little Advertising Kerry Winkler at 231.276.5105 or kerry@grandtraversewoman.com Visit www.grandtraversewoman.com for rates.

Subscriptions To receive GTWoman at home, mail $20 (for 6 issues) to: Grand Traverse Woman, P.O. Box 22, Interlochen, MI 49643 Articles/Press Releases Letters, inquiries, press releases and GTWoman In Business submissions are welcome.

See www.grandtraversewoman.com for guidelines.

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 2016 Grand Traverse Woman LLC All rights reserved.

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July/Aug '16

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photo by Lisa Lirones

Grand Traverse Woman

Meet

Ms.

Michigan State

By Jessica Mason

This fall I will be competing for the title of “Ms. America.” (The Ms. America Pageant is for women 26 years of age and up who are single, divorced, widowed or married.) I will represent the entire state of Michigan as your Ms. Michigan State. But how I got here is a story in itself.

I grew up in Colorado but moved to Michigan for love. I’d reconnected with my high-school crush, and after dating long distance for too long, I finally moved here with my sons last spring. (Although I would have moved to the moon for this guy!)

In Colorado I was a professional dancer and teacher who owned my own studio. I left behind the life I had built when I moved, and I felt I had lost my identity. I was in a wonderfully supportive relationship, but I was the new kid in town and barely knew anyone. The adjustment was challenging.

I decided to put my time to use and began volunteering at Cherryland Humane Society. I cleaned cages. I have a high “ick” tolerance and knew the importance of giving animals, especially those under stress, a clean living area.

As soon as I started giving, I began feeling good about myself again. I was reminded: the best way to get into a community is to volunteer. What better way to feel visible and important than to matter to others? I wondered what more I could do to feel connected. Then I remembered something that made me happy earlier in my life: pageants.

I had competed in pageants and I knew the power of the crown. So I went for Ms. Michigan with the goal of becoming an official Michigander.

Everyone has different reasons for competing. For me, I wanted to be part of my community and I wanted to find myself again. Before you roll your eyes, think about all the things you once loved to do that you no longer do now. Think about the compromises you’ve made when it comes to taking care of yourself.

When people say they’ve let themselves go, they usually mean their figure. I think it can mean more. I had lost myself. When we don’t make ourselves a priority or put time into our own development, we either become stagnant or we lose what makes us unique. When I decided to go for Ms. Michigan, I had to snap out of it and get back on track.

As there is no state-level pageant for Ms. Michigan, the representatives are chosen on résumé, photos and extensive interviews. I submitted my application. In February I was officially chosen as Ms. Michigan State America 2016.

This is where my life changed. As I prepared for the next level of competition, I began serving the community in my new role. I was doing events regularly and seeing friendly faces instead of strangers. People knew me and I knew I was making a difference.

Each day I put to use my passion for being a big voice for tiny humans and creatures. I am giving of myself and making a difference. I have been able to help animals get adopted from Cherryland and AC Paw, make wishes

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come true with Make-A-Wish, raise money for March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society and even start my own free community dance team through the Salvation Army called the All-American Starz.

Along with my days, my heart is now full. I am organizing events and fundraisers, teaching dance to kids who might not otherwise have access and speaking at schools about “bully behavior.”

The issue of bullying is my “platform”—my ongoing focus. Being a mother, I know how important it is. Using examples of animal behavior, I teach children that “bad behavior” does not mean “bad kid.” By helping identify examples and causes of bad behavior instead of demonizing the child acting out, kids don’t internalize their own (or others’) bad choices.

In truth, the behavior is typically about something going on in a child’s life, and usually has nothing to do with the specific actions.

When people say they’ve let themselves go, they usually mean their figure.

I think it can mean more. I had lost myself.

My message is “Compassion Over Reaction,” which means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes instead of only seeing to the end of your own nose. I teach kids we can change the world with kindness and compassion.

There is the obligatory goal of “World Peace” that is often mentioned in the pageant world.

People see me in public at events, but they often don’t know what goes on behind the scenes as I prepare for the Ms. America competition.

Preparation, of course, includes intense physical training, but the best and

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largest part of my training is for the interview. Pageants are won and lost in interview. You have to become an expert on yourself, what you believe, what you want to do and how.

For me, the interview portion means clarifying my priorities and making a plan of action to effect the change I wish to create in the world. It’s a job interview for the coolest job ever.

I am so honored to represent the people of Michigan and to be a voice for those who often go unheard: kids being targeted by bully behavior, kids labeled as bullies and stuck in their own bad behavior, animals in need of basic care and love, families just trying to make it, and every other little “who” out there needing to be heard.

I’m eagerly looking ahead to the next step. I am working to become qualified and prepared to be the voice of our country—to literally and figuratively stand on a national stage and speak on behalf of all those who need a voice. The big pageant is in September in California.

The winner of the pageant receives the most beautiful crown I've ever seen, a jeweled sash and scepter, air fare and tickets to the 2017 pageant as well as national notoriety. The true value of the crown is not handed to you on stage, but comes through how you use your title. I already have a voice and a purpose, but being Ms. America will give me a national audience. It changes the impact I am able to have.

I’ve learned so much through this process. It’s through this work that I’ve found myself again. A crown is a microphone and I want my voice heard!

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Sunday Mornings Church in the Park at 9 am | Sunset Park, downtown TC Traditional Worship at 11 am | Sanctuary at 222 Cass Street

For more information about Jessica Mason, as well as her sponsors and appearances, please find her on Facebook, Wordpress and gmail as msmichiganstateamerica2016. She is also seeking sponsors through gofundme.com/msmichiganstate to help make her dreams possible.

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July/Aug '16

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Soaring

Grand Traverse Woman

to a degree

One single mom reflects on her epic journey to earn her diploma

By Katy Bertodatto Katy, giving the student commencement address at the University of Michigan

It was like soaring among the clouds…

This past April, at the age of 31, I was invited to give a speech to the University of Michigan graduating class of 2016—my graduating class.

Michael Bloomberg, (the former mayor of NYC) the commencement speaker, gave me some advice beforehand. He told me to focus on one face at a time. Unfortunately, The Big House was so huge the only face I could really see was my own, on the Jumbotron.

The other thing I recognized that day: my journey to that moment was a little unconventional.

Delayed plans In 2003, I moved to Traverse City from Mt. Pleasant to attend Northwestern Michigan College and learn how to fly. For two years I piloted small Cessnas and earned my private pilot’s license before switching gears and starting a family. I had every intention of eventually finishing my degree, but before I knew it I was married with two young sons, living the American Dream. Someone else’s dream.

I wasn’t done learning. I wasn’t done working. But I felt as though society was telling me it would be selfish to pursue my own dreams while my children were young. How dare I try to define myself as more than a mother? I shouldn’t.

I couldn’t. And I didn’t… for 6 years.

Then in 2011, while going through my divorce, I struggled to find employment. People said, “You should have thought about that before leaving with no education and no work experience.” Yes, I should have thought about that.

Up here a view of our Grand Traverse Bay can mean half the pay, but sunsets and sand don’t feed growing boys and I should have thought about that.

I finally landed a job making $11 an hour because someone believed me when I said I work

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hard. I spent that year budgeting carefully, eating Ramen Noodles on weeks when I didn’t have my boys so I could afford fresh produce when I did.

Still, I needed to work harder.

I picked up a second job, working nights in a bar when I didn’t have my kids. It was 9 to 5 in the office, 7 to 3 at Union Street Station. Sleep, wake, repeat. There were not enough hours in the days to sustain that kind of schedule, but I tried.

After a year of this, I had my first annual review with my day job. They complimented my work and how well I was doing for the company.

I was told raises were hard to come by in this economy but they thought I deserved one. I received a 10 percent increase but it didn’t solve my problems. I’m no mathematician but 10 percent on $11 hourly wasn’t going to cut it. That was the final straw. I realized, no matter how hard I worked, the fact remained that without a degree I was worth just over minimum wage. I should have thought about that.

Cleared for take-off I re-enrolled at NMC and Grand Valley State University through the University Center to finish my degree. Flight school no longer suited my lifestyle, but I took English classes that interested me and received my associates degree in 2013.

I was pushing toward my bachelors when I was informed that in order to finish with the degree I wanted, I would have to move to the GVSU campus downstate. I had three semesters left. I was a working single mother and a full-time student.

Commute to Allendale? Are you kidding?

I was so frustrated, I started applying to transfer to colleges all across the state. I thought some might be far-fetched but I received acceptance letter after acceptance letter. Then I got into the University of Michigan! People asked me how.

Well, I don’t know if it was my 4.0, my entrance

essays, or points for my blonde hair disability, I was accepted. But how would I ever afford it?

A couple weeks later, my financial aid award package was available for viewing. I remember opening it thinking maybe I shouldn’t have applied, dared to dream that big.

Reading the award, I cried because I knew my entire life was going to change. The University of Michigan was covering all of my expenses. All of them. People asked me how. I don’t know—just a combination of grants. Someone thought I was worth the investment. I was reeling. It was one of the most humbling moments of my life.

Given the opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious schools in the country, I knew I couldn’t turn it down. I had to find a way to make it work.

Gaining altitude I adjusted the schedule my sons’ dad and I had with our split custody so I could commute.

That meant driving to Ann Arbor late Sunday nights or around 4 a.m. Monday mornings to make it to my 8:30 class, and leaving after my classes on Thursdays to book it up North and pick up my kids from school. Even through the unpredictable Michigan winters, I was never, ever late.

With traveling 16 hours a week, plus school, I had to quit my jobs but my expenses were paid.

I would have had enough to live in Ann Arbor, but my situation was unconventional so I made the commute work.

I had to take 17 credits my last semester to finish my degree in Literature, Science and Arts in two years. U of M broke my 4.0 but a 3.5 isn’t bad. Well, 30,000-plus miles almost broke my car, but it’s still going and so am I. As graduation day approached, students were encouraged to submit a speech to be considered for commencement. I wasn’t going to do it. I’m

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not a confident public speaker and I didn’t think, as a non-traditional undergraduate student, anyone would be interested in my story.

I was driving the day the speech submission was due, and the same lines kept flying through my head. I pulled over and wrote 90 percent of my speech on the side of the road. When I got home I typed it up and sent it in just before the deadline. Still, what were the odds?

A couple weeks later, I received a congratulations voicemail: My speech had been selected by a panel of professors and my peers! I cried right there in the library. I don’t think I realized how badly I wanted that until I found out I had been chosen. My boys were going to see me deliver a speech in The Big House! For years I had been telling them the importance of education; now I would have the opportunity to show them.

View from the top When I stood up in front of more than 50,000 people to tell my story, I thought about how I made a move in 2011 to change my life, with no education and no work experience, instead of remaining forever in the world of “can’t.”

My advice to my fellow graduates: “Stick with the people willing to fail with you, be wrong with you, make mistakes with you, believe in you.” … “I stand here today knowing every tear, every mile, every mistake and every time I stumbled was worth it.”

I think my boys are proud of me. They know I did this to make a better life for us. They’ve watched me study, struggle and persevere. I’m hoping that influence sticks with them.

My piloting days are over but I still feel like I’m soaring. Flying is a surreal experience. You know you’re in the air and why and how. But if you think about it too much, it feels a little bizarre. So you don’t think about it. You just do it.

That’s how it feels to finally finish my degree. I knew it was crazy but I also knew I just had to stay moving and focus on the goal.

The last two years of my life have been pure survival mode. Now that I’m done and looking for a job, I expected to feel relief. But I can’t seem to pull back on the throttle. I just don’t think I’m a “glide” kind of person.

What I see clearly on the horizon is this: “Your current world doesn’t have to be your forever world. Nothing is impossible!”

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Katy Bertodatto resides in Traverse City with her two sons. She is currently outlining her first novel and submitting other work for publication. Katy may be reached at kbertodatto@gmail.com.

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July/Aug '16

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Grand Traverse Woman

The Daughters of the Dairy Lodge

An ice cream education New owner of the Dairy Lodge savors the lessons learned from her mother

By Stacey M. Popp

My mom, Carol Popp, was an inspiration to me

all of my life. She was a stay-at-home mom and raised eight children, plus took in more than 40 foster children. There were still four of us at home when she finally made her dream of owning an ice cream shop come true.

One day Mom announced that she and my dad were buying the shop where my sister Patrice worked. As a family, we thought owning the Dairy Lodge on Division Street in Traverse City was a great idea. Who wouldn’t LOVE having tons of ice cream?

We found out that Mom had held the dream since she was a teenager, when she served ice cream at Chickie’s Snack Bar in Lake Leelanau. It was her first job in the early 1950s and she loved it.

Mom shared her knowledge with us kids and all of her employees. In the beginning, the staff consisted of me; my sisters, Patrice and Stephanie; my brother, Dean, and our niece, Courtney. Mom taught us to provide the essence of the old fashioned soda fountain. It was a great education, exceptional job and a fun place to spend our summers.

Mom was so proud to offer the best soft-serve ice cream in town. She believed in serving premium ice cream and as many local products as she could find, all while having the lowest prices around. Quality was and is the hallmark of the Dairy Lodge.

Mom proved herself up to the challenge of ownership and grew the Dairy Lodge into a community treasure. People loved Mom and her trademark smile. And she instilled great customer service in all of her employees.

The locals loved Dairy Lodge favorites like the original sloppy joes, turtles, tin roofs, sodas, and, of course, old-fashioned malts and shakes. Tourists came back year after year. Mom viewed all of her guests as friends—and she had a lot of them.

Then in 2012, Mom was hospitalized and diagnosed with heart disease. Suddenly Dad, Patrice and I realized exactly how much effort it took to run the place. With three of us on the task, we were still stumbling around trying to figure out how it all worked. Mom had always made it look effortless!

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July/Aug '16

Stacey with her mom, Carol.

While sick, Mom continued to manage the business from her hospital bed, constantly telling us how to do specific tasks, and where to go to find the supplies we needed. At her bedside, I learned how to do payroll. She was still doing it in a ledger with a pencil and a big eraser to fix mistakes, which she seldom made.

I was honored that Mom trusted me with that aspect of her business. She made me feel like I could do the job I thought only she could do. She taught me so many things I didn’t know I could do.

Sadly, in 2013 Mom passed away shortly after heart bypass surgery. It was the worst time of my life. We closed the Dairy Lodge for a week while we attended to her funeral arrangements, and tried to get our bearings. We received flowers and cards from customers who loved her, and heard countless stories. She touched so many lives.

Shortly after, my dad sat down with Patrice and me (who had been co-managing) to discuss what would become of mom’s beloved Dairy Lodge. We decided we would keep it open for at least one year. We started to get the hang of how things worked. We held on longer.

In 2015, my dad was getting remarried and decided it was time to let the Dairy Lodge go. The word spread quickly and he got a few offers. When he started seriously considering one of them, my heart sank. I had always loved the Dairy Lodge, but mostly I couldn’t imagine my mom’s legacy being handed over to a stranger. What would become of it? I couldn’t picture my life without it.

I was so sad. That’s when a customer, who was to become a friend, asked why I wasn’t pursuing ownership for myself. I explained that I had no money, and didn’t know how I could make it happen. She said that she really wanted to see it stay in the family and asked me if she could help me come up with a plan. We started meeting and strategizing.

Armed with some new information, I approached my dad. I was nervous, but he listened and told me that he’d pray about it and let me know his answer.

A few days later Dad asked again to see if I really wanted to buy the Dairy Lodge.

I said, “I really do!”

That’s when Dad looked at me and said, “Then

The author, Stacey, taking over ownership of the Dairy Lodge.

I am going to sell it to you. It’s what your mom would have wanted.”

We hugged with tears in our eyes, knowing that this family tradition would continue.

Midway through last summer, I found myself following in my mother’s footsteps. I couldn’t be more proud to carry on her legacy. She taught me so much: to believe in myself, to choose quality, to keep things affordable and to make the customer feel great. I am so excited to continue all of the Dairy Lodge favorites, and add new things my customers want, like more food items, vegan sorbet, and dairy- and gluten-free items.

I remember people would often ask my mom, “When are you going to retire?”

She would always answer, “I am going to keep at it as long as I am still having fun!”

I think about that every day. I now know what Mom was talking about. I am having so much fun.

Like a kid in a candy store… or an ice cream shop!

The people who work with me, the regulars, the vacationers and really everyone who comes to the Dairy Lodge are such a source of joy to me! I feel so blessed.

We have kicked off another summer of serving ice cream and delivering my mom’s famous service.

I am honored when customers tell me how much I remind them of her. What an incredibly sweet compliment!

Stacey M. Popp is the owner of the Dairy Lodge in Traverse City. She can be reached at staceymariepopp@gmail.com.

To learn more about the ice cream shop, visit the page on Facebook.

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Grand Traverse Woman

The Daughters of the Dairy Lodge

A common bond

By Patrice (Popp) Korson

Patrice screen printing garments.

The author’s mom, Carol Popp,

Dad walked into my new office space for the first time and stopped in his tracks.

He looked stunned. Little did I know what he was going to tell me and how it would convince me I was making the right career move…

I had always known

I wanted to make a career out of graphic design, but wasn’t exactly sure how.

When I graduated from college in 1990, my first job was building ads for a small community newspaper. It was my initial taste of computer-generated artwork, and I instantly fell in love. The precise and clean image that a computer provided was so exciting to me. I’d originally learned design the old fashioned way, with rub-on letters, X-Acto knives, Rapidograph pens and Rubylith. This was a giant step forward. I worked in the design field in many capacities before finally finding textile screen printing.

During 15 years in the industry I always knew I wanted to be my own boss. Several of my family members encouraged me to go out on my own. But my biggest cheerleader was my mom, Carol, who was her own boss as the owner of the Dairy Lodge ice cream shop. As my biggest advocate, she often reminded me how talented she thought I was. But taking the leap just seemed too risky, I thought. So I never did.

In 2012, when my mom became ill, I quit my fulltime job to be able to spend time with her and help manage her business. Despite her hospitalization, she never waivered in her support of me, mentioning often that she thought maybe it was time for me to start the business I’d been wanting to start. I kept stalling.

By 2015, Mom had passed away, my dad was ready to retire and my sister Stacey had bought the ice cream shop. With her taking over and me no longer needed in the family business, there was no question where I should be heading. My heart was still in graphic design.

I started looking for a place to set up shop. My husband, Scott, and I agreed I should be close to our home in Lake Leelanau so I could serve both the people there and in Grand Traverse.

I found a rental space and made a verbal agreement with the owner. But, while I was working on my financing, I lost out to another tenant who had the funding to move in right away. I was disappointed.

I started looking for another space, but everything seemed to be fully occupied.

While driving around the village one day, I noticed an entrance that had no signage. It was positioned between two other businesses, a hair salon on one side and a flower shop on the other. I had never noticed it before. I peeked in the windows and could tell that it was not being used. I asked a few questions of the neighbors, tracked down the owner and made arrangements to see it.

At first sight it felt right. It was a small space, only 300 square feet or so, but it was an open area. I knew it would be perfect for my first shop, since I only

needed room to set up a screen printing press, a conveyor dryer, some darkroom equipment and an office.

I knew instantly that it was going to work well for me!

We shook hands, and I was soon given a key to get started on the work needed to suit my requirements.

My dream, Korson Creative, was becoming reality.

I wondered what my mom would think about my finally taking the leap.

My dad called me shortly after, wanting to see my space. He was offering his help with any odd jobs, and told me he had shelving he’d be happy to hang if I needed it.

A few days later dad met me at the shop to see what I was working with. As soon as he walked in the door he stopped in his tracks.

“Your mom spent a lot of time in here,” he said.

I was confused.

Dad proceeded to explain that the space I was renting was actually the location of Chickie’s Snack Bar... the ice cream shop where Mom had worked as a teenager. The place where she’d fallen in love with the type of work she would devote her whole life to.

It was the exact space!

Dad remembered the layout: where the soda fountain was, where the booths and tables were, where the bar and barstools were. My mom had often served him ice cream, as they were high school sweethearts at the time. In the 1950s, in small-town Lake Leelanau, this was apparently the place to be.

I had no idea until speaking to my dad that this was Mom’s old stomping ground. I knew it was meant to be. It explained how I found the space and frankly why the first space I tried to rent hadn’t worked out. I realized my biggest advocate—my mom—was working on my behalf the whole time.

A few months after all this transpired, my sisters and I (there are six of us) were going through some boxes of stuff at our childhood home. We stumbled upon an old photo of our mom. She was just a kid, maybe 15 years old. She was wearing an apron and holding an ice cream cone. It was taken in Chickie’s Snack Bar. My new office!

The incredible bond I felt to my deceased mom brought me to tears. What a blessing to have her watching over me at all times!

These days, as a business owner, I’m so honored to be able to share the tradition of kindness, respect and great customer service—service with a smile—that my mom shared. That was the cornerstone of her philosophy, not just in business, but in life.

Now Stacey and I each have a copy of that photo of Mom hanging in our respective shops: it’s a reminder of the legacy we carry on.

Patrice (Popp) Korson is the owner/operator of Korson Creative in Lake Leelanau. To learn more or to contact her, visit her blog at http://korsoncreative.espwebsite.com.

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Grand Traverse Woman

How Reining Liberty Ranch is helping vets heal

By Becki Bigelow

A local veteran rides Daisy as part of an 8-week program.

I am the daughter

14

Before learning to ride, veterans spend time caring for and communicating with gentle horses like Dakota.

of a WWII veteran.

Though my father was not physically injured, he brought his pain home after serving his country in the United States Navy.

I loved my Becki Bigelow father. I wanted to connect and share my life with him. I desperately wanted his approval.

But he was a complicated man—full of anger and prone to detachment. It was difficult to tell on a daily basis “who” would be coming home. I would wonder: would the evening be pleasant or terrible?

Combat veterans tend to avoid sharing their war stories with their families, so I never had a chance to process his negative interactions with me as being anything other than my fault. As a child, it was exhausting for me to try to understand what was happening.

Later, as a teenager, I finally reached the point of giving up. I felt defective. No matter what I did, I was unable to earn the love of my own father. How could the most important relationship in my life be so impossible to attain? Why couldn’t I figure it out?

I became deeply depressed. I truly didn’t want to fight any more. I began to entertain some very dark thoughts. Then… someone cared enough to give me a horse.

and free as any animal I have ever met. I was envious of her. I was only 13 years old, but that gift, from family friends, would be one of the greatest gifts of my life.

From the beginning, Spindle—named for her long, spindly legs—wasn’t able to be ridden. She had been left out to graze with cattle so when she moved she led the whole herd in a minor stampede. Yet I could see in her eyes that she wanted to approach me.

I didn’t know how to connect with this beautiful mare. I started to sit in the pasture, my face turned away from her, and read a book just to be near her.

Through trial and error, I discovered that if I stayed distant, she was more comfortable with my presence and did not want to run away.

It occurred to me that perhaps there was some wisdom in this situation that I could apply to my own life and lack of connection with my father. It was too big a thought for me at that moment in time, but it made a substantial impact in later relationships.

Soon Spindle was coming up behind me, sniffing my hair and resting her head on my shoulder where I could smell her sweet hayfield breath and feel the incredible softness of her velvet muzzle.

Time passed and eventually—after numerous re-mounts—we rode together, bareback. We finally connected. It was something I needed so very much.

The more that we learned to communicate, the deeper our bond grew, filling a void in my life. Earning that horse’s trust was deeply healing. I began to feel hope about the future.

Love at first sight The horse was beautiful, pale in color with blue eyes. She was a Tennessee Walker and was as wild

Two paths connect Life went on. I gained a career and marriage. I raised my own wonderful son and acquired many

July/Aug '16

successful relationships. A few years ago, I began to think about the current Iraqi conflict and the effect it was surely having on our recent veterans and their families. I didn’t want people to suffer alone, without an outlet. And I didn’t want anyone to feel detached like I had felt growing up. I knew what horses could bring to people in terms of healing, connections and communication. I felt compelled to do something.

But I wasn’t quite sure what, until I met a wonderful friend, Jennifer Lee. At the time Jennifer was the director of Horse North Rescue. She had rescued many horses and nurtured seven children, three of whom were adopted out of the foster care system. They had some special needs. She observed that when her children witnessed the rescue horses healing, they began to heal too.

There is big news at Reining Liberty Ranch. Due to the immense generosity of several area businesses, the Ranch now has a heated and insulated indoor riding arena, which means the veteran programming can run all year long.

Thanks to the following supporters for their help: Northbay Produce, Incredible Mo’s, Mark and Laurie Girardin and Schmuckal Oil Company.

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Grand Traverse Woman Jennifer set out to find a way to work with these wounded and neglected animals, while remaining safe. She spent thousands of hours with horses. She used what she learned to help others heal—it was her calling. We both look back and see our paths heading toward one another, even before we knew each other.

Jennifer and I were destined to team up and share the healing power of horses with those in need.

Witnessing vets grow On Dec. 17, 2012, the flag was raised over our newly formed non-profit, Reining Liberty Ranch.

After a 19-month wait, we were granted our IRS 501(c) (3) status and are currently a center member of PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International).

Reining Liberty Ranch is a community-based transitional program that serves veterans, their families and other disabled/at-risk individuals by offering programs centered on the horse-human relationship.

The ranch is a catalyst for healing.

I’m the executive director and I handle all things administrative. Jennifer works directly with our veterans during horse programs, which she designs, and oversees the overall health and care of our animals.

Our Horses 4 Heroes program is presented in two different eight-week phases at no charge to veterans.

The first phase is called Relational Horsemanship. Several incoming veterans and our instructors work in a riding arena learning the non-verbal language of the horse. The phase sup-

ports connections and communication.

During the second phase, veteran participants learn the basics of how to groom and saddle their horses, as well as how to ride independently. This phase supports a growing veteran community and physical activity. It has been amazing to watch our veterans progress from being participants to mentors.

Veterans enjoy meals in our Victorian farmhouse, built in 1890. The farmhouse acts as a veteran center where visits are welcome and coffee is available. Veterans who have completed a program may come and go freely from the ranch.

Veterans can bond even more during off-site activities, including tall-ship sailing trips and farm visits to learn how to raise pigs or shave llamas.

I have witnessed our veterans change and grow in so many ways. Many have found a place of community and a sense of belonging.

To this day I still think about my first horse and how she touched my life. I never had a real relationship with my father. It was simply impossible. His injuries in the Navy took most of him away: a tragic, though understandable, outcome for our warriors.

It is enough for me, however, to know all the positive impacts currently happening in my life and community. And to think, all this healing—mine and theirs—started with a horse.

Becki with her husband Dennis (a Navy Veteran) on the porch of the ranch house.

Becki Bigelow is the executive director of Reining Liberty Ranch. To learn more about programs or volunteering, visit reininglibertyranch.org, send an email to Reininglibertyranch@gmail.com or call 231.735.6347.

You can also find them on Facebook.

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Grand Traverse Woman

How one mom taught her daughter the value of volunteering

By Rose Zivkovich

I realized that she had no appreciation of what it meant to “give” rather than just “take.” There wasn’t any one particular moment that signaled this to me.

Instead, as a mother, I just developed an overall feeling about it. For Maya, any desire and drive to improve the lives of others and give back to our community was lacking.

This was a big surprise to me. My daughter constantly witnessed how I was volunteering my time to many organizations. I was a Girl Scout troop leader, a Make-A-Wish volunteer and a field trip coordinator for Homeschooling in Northern Michigan. I was also the fundraising chair for Friends of Michigan Midwives and the treasurer of Moms Clubs of Traverse City. The list went on.

It is fulfilling for me to know that I am making a difference in the world. It keeps me grounded and continuously grateful for all that I have and the life I am able to lead. Sometimes I stop to imagine life without generous people who are willing to give a helping hand—what a sad world.

My daughter, however, hadn’t gotten those messages. The problem was that I was volunteering my time—not she. So I started seeking opportunities for Maya to do some community service.

We started out small by cleaning up trash along the TART Trail, singing songs for patrons of a local senior center, and greeting handicapped children at the Festival of Trees. A nice start, but those were just one-day programs and I was looking for something a little more lasting. I wanted something meaningful and rewarding so that my daughter could really see the effects of her service.

I kept looking for answers. I even attended the Fuse North Volunteer Expo.

Out of all the organizations represented, no one offered an ongoing volunteer opportunity for children.

Next, we tried a food pantry, but that didn’t go as planned.

When we arrived, the staff on hand was not aware of the arrangement that I had made with the coordinator. They said that the food pantry room was unsafe for children. They were concerned that something could fall on Maya’s head.

So, since kids were not allowed in the room, I dragged bags of canned food out into the hallway to sort out into piles, and then I dragged each individual can back into the room to stack on the correct shelf. A little frustrating, as you can imagine!

I could see this wasn’t going to be a lasting answer for us. Heck, we had actually been kicked out of a food pantry!

That’s when I came across an organization from which Maya and I could both benefit.

16

July/Aug '16

Highland Street Photography

It was about a year ago, around my daughter’s 5th birthday, when

Rose, with her daughter Maya.

“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”

—Theodore Roosevelt SCRAP TC is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire creative reuse and environmentally sustainable behavior by providing educational programs and affordable materials to the community. It is a retail store that accepts donations of arts and crafts materials (including fabric, yarn, scrapbook supplies, office supplies, artist supplies, paper, frames, containers, etc.) and then turns around and sells the items at a very affordable price to teachers, students, lower income families, anyone in the public. The goal is to make art accessible to everyone.

SCRAP also offers classes on how to reuse materials so that people can keep items out of the waste stream and therefore out of the landfills. In 2015 alone, SCRAP diverted over 8,700 pounds!

I was looking for an answer to my volunteering question and SCRAP was looking for a new director. So I jumped at the chance and immediately took on the family-friendly volunteer position.

My 5 year old fit right in helping to sort yarn by color, checking markers to make sure they worked, taking money from customers and giving them change, greeting everyone who came into the store, and, of course, purchasing her own arts and crafts materials. She learned so much about organizational skills, math, public speaking, self-esteem and relationship building.

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Together we were inspired to try to declutter and “minimize” the stuff in her room at home. We filled several bags with coloring books, beads, jewelry, partially used craft kits and old greeting cards and donated them back to the retail space.

The most rewarding moment of all was when Maya recognized things that we can save from the trash to donate to SCRAP because she wanted to make the world a better place to live in and she knew that she can make a difference.

It’s hard to put into words, but I am immensely proud that not only has my daughter picked up the concept of the importance of taking care of our environment, but she has found an outlet for making a difference.

Parents can read and talk all about these things with kids, but Maya has taken the next step and is “doing” things based on her own initiative.

Finding donations for the store has become an everyday part of her life.

What a difference a year makes. This time, after her birthday party, Maya needed to tell me something: She wanted to donate the decorations from her party to SCRAP so other kids could have fun celebrating too!

Rose Zivkovich is the director of SCRAP TC. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, donations, the store or its classes, visit www.SCRAPTC.org, or stop into the store at 821 S. Garfield Ave. (next to Honeybaked Ham).

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Grand Traverse Woman

A local group helps homeless students

By Abby Jordan abby and her son jaiden.

Not a day

goes by that I don’t believe in the work my colleagues and I do. And what we do is fairly simple: help children who are homeless or living in inadequate accommodations have what they need to enroll, attend and fully participate in school. We do anything and everything in our power.

In six years with the Students in Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) in the TCAPS school district, I have learned more from a job than I had thought possible. I have cried in empathy and felt the pain of my students, yet found ways to laugh. On my best days, I have triumphed because the vulnerable kids and families I serve have made breakthroughs.

I remember early-on feeling overwhelmed by the stories I was told: the horrifying details of families’ unstable, sometimes outright dangerous, home lives and the ways they had adapted to survive. I am talking about thousands of our neighbors—many of them with full-time jobs—who are coming up short.

They don’t make enough to pay their rent or their mortgages, let alone have money to pay for school clothes, supplies or field trips for their kids.

STEP serves a variety of children, youth and families in several different types of living situations: for example, a couple who live with their three small children in a hotel room without a refrigerator or microwave. How will they prepare meals?

Or the young person who moves from couch to couch night after night because she fled home due to a parent’s drug abuse. How will that 14 year old get to school?

Or the siblings staying in a household with

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July/Aug '16

nine other people who arrive at school hungry and struggle to pay attention because all they can think about is eating. How can we feed them so they can focus on learning?

Or the family of three who haven’t had a bed to call their own for more than six months because they continue to stay with family members and friends due to not being able to afford a place of their own. How can we be sure the family has pillows, blankets and mats so they can get a good night’s sleep in order not to fall asleep in school?

Some examples of STEP support are making sure a child has free meals available at school, tennis shoes for gym class, cleats for a sport or fees paid for a lost library book. We also provide things like sleeping bags, personal hygiene products, backpacks and school supplies, undergarments, assistance with accessing housing programs and food pantries, academic tutoring, post secondary planning, as well as drivers license and personal documentation obtainment.

But one of the most important things we do at STEP is to reserve judgment. Our homeless students are so used to being judged because of their circumstances. When they feel judged, they lose hope for a better tomorrow and lose trust in people who might help.

I knew I had a passion for education early on in my life, but it was when I discovered social work that I realized why I was put on this planet. Through my time spent with STEP, I have realized there was this world of homeless education that would surely fit all my deepest interests and passions. It was here where I finally found clarity why education matters so much. It mattered to me and it mattered to the

children around me whose educations were at risk.

As the Director of STEP, I realized we are each on our own journey. For me, it has been a journey with trials, triumphs, worry, tears and laughter. I realized that each one of us can be a vehicle of change for others by showing compassion and kindness. We just need to step up. There is no other way to live than treating others the way you want to be treated. What I know to be true: Relationships make the most difference in people’s lives.

Abby Jordan has Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work and currently serves as the director of the STEP program for Traverse City Area Public Schools. She lives in Benzie County where she grew up and enjoys spending time with her family and friends but especially her 12-year-old son, Jaiden, and her new puppy, Charlie. You can contact her at 231.933.8991 or jordanab@tcaps.net.

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It’s a hot May afternoon at the Traverse City Central High School track. The bleachers have been cleaned, the water is stockpiled and the banner is raised.

It’s the day before the Girls on the Run 5k race. Therese Larson has a million things to do, but she’s wearing a smile from ear to ear. The last 12 weeks all come down to tomorrow.

“It’s that message, ‘I did this…. I can do anything!’” Therese said. “That’s what we’re hoping to have these girls learn from this program.”

The premise behind Girls on the Run (GOTR) is simple: third through eighth graders meet twice a week after school to learn about physical health, teamwork and self-love, all while training to run a 5k. The goal: to unleash confidence through accomplishment. Therese will tell you the effects last a lifetime. “[The girls] all have capabilities they don’t know they have,” Therese said. “Watching them from the beginning of the first practice to the end of the program, it’s just amazing to see them bloom.”

Run Girls Run!

GOTR International

Therese with her daughter Rachael.

Planting the seed Ask any female athlete, and she will tell you: great things happen when girls participate in sports. Therese is living proof.

A graduate of Lake Leelanau St. Mary, Therese started running in high school to stay in shape for basketball season. It naturally grew into something more.

How Therese Larson is teaching confidence through accomplishment

By Kristen Lowe

20

July/Aug '16

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Grand Traverse Woman

A program aimed at prevention Therese helped bring GOTR to Northwest Michigan 18 years ago. As a juvenile probation officer in Leelanau County, she saw the need firsthand.

“I was lucky enough to have a court administrator and judge who felt the importance of female-specific programming,” Therese said. “So we brought Girls on the Run to the area as a female-specific prevention program.”

Therese started with 60 girls that first year. From there, the popularity exploded. There are now almost 1,500 girls involved in eight counties, along with 215 coaches. Therese said the program sells itself.

“I’m just blown away every year, I get phone calls that people want it at their schools,” Therese said.

“It’s a beautiful thing.”

How it works GOTR is currently in 57 Northern Michigan schools. Coaches meet with small groups of 8 to 20 girls and teach life skills through lessons that get them moving.

The curriculum is in three parts: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large. Each team also does a local community service project.

“They’re learning self-love, how to be a team player and how to be part of the community at the same time,” Therese said.

The magic of girl time Therese said GOTR wouldn’t be possible without the 215 coaches who meet with their girls at their local school or track twice a week.

“All of these are strong women, who I feel get a lot from the program as well,” Therese said. “They’re

able to be involved with these young girls and show them, this is what it is to be strong, and these are the kinds of things that you can do someday.”

For Therese, seeing the girls’ excitement after they’ve reached their goal is the best reward.

“These little girls go out and they say, ‘I did a mile… I did two miles today!’” Therese said. “They’re constantly getting to a place where they feel more confident and can go further… just like in life.”

Therese knows the feeling. She still loves running to this day, especially for the camaraderie.

“I have a couple of great friends that I run with,” she said. “It’s great girl time.”

After all, “Girl time” is what GOTR is all about.

Therese Larson is the director of Girls on the Run and a juvenile probation officer. A Leelanau County native, she lives there with her husband and two daughters. To learn more about Girls on the Run, visit www.nwmigirlsontherun.com.

Tune In! All this year, Grand Traverse Woman and 7&4 News will be profiling some of the most powerful women in northern Michigan. Look for Kristen Lowe's reports on 7&4 News and her articles in every issue of Grand Traverse Woman.

Abby Reed Photography

“Running in itself is a wonderful release,” she said.

“You set a goal for yourself and you have something for yourself to reach.”

That off-season activity quickly became a passion. Therese went on to run cross country at Siena Heights University in Adrian. But it would be her career that would point her in the direction of launching a community-wide running program for young girls.

Join the NMC

CHILDREN’S CHOIR Auditions:

Sept. 8

6-9 pm

Call to reserve a 5-minute audition

231-995-1700 find out more at

NMCChildrensChoir.com www.grandtraversewoman.com

July/Aug '16 21

Grand Traverse Woman

‘Be bigger than the illness’ Finding daily joy despite setbacks

By Beth Wills

I was born

the second oldest of seven children. I was born healthy and athletic. I was honored with academic and athletic scholarships for college. I also worked at Munson Medical Center.

In addition to my good fortune, I had the opportunity in 1990 to travel internationally with a group of students from Aquinas College for the last four months of my senior year. Prior to the trip, I had to get a tuberculosis skin test, and I was cleared to travel overseas. I couldn’t wait to visit Ireland, Scotland and England.

During the first six weeks of my trip, however, while staying in a thatched-roof cottage, I became ill and could not shake a nasty, productive cough.

A local physician thought I had pneumonia.

When I returned to the United States, I had to have another TB test to be able to return to my work at Munson. This time, surprisingly, I tested positive for TB, but a chest X-ray was negative. As a precaution, I was prescribed a powerful drug for nine months. After that, I suffered peripheral neuropathy in my feet and noted several complex health challenges.

From that point on, I noted a huge and mysterious change in my metabolism and weight. I also began to suffer from allergies, depression and a list of other diagnoses that were unexplained. It was one health setback after another.

Later I was diagnosed with a hypothyroid condition and with no follicle-stimulating hormone, the pituitary hormone that controls ovulation. The news that I would suffer infertility was difficult because, being from a large family, I have always loved children.

The truth is: many years, medication, physicians and treatments compromised my system. Finally, at the age of 38, when I was blessed to meet a Mayo Clinic-trained reproductive endocrinologist, I began to learn more about the problems plaguing my body.

I never gave up my hope for a family. I tried outpatient surgeries, treatments and injections, as well as two rounds of IVF. I was even able

22

July/Aug '16

to produce 15 healthy eggs. Unfortunately my uterus was not viable for conception.

It’s true, in many ways things haven’t gone according to plan. Now that I am 47 years old I continue my faith and dreams for an adopted family and a fresh chapter.

Why am I sharing this laundry list of health setbacks with you? Because life isn’t just about setbacks. It’s about joy and perseverance.

Through the years I have found advice that helps me find peace:

Advocate for yourself What I’ve learned is never to give up and to remember that I am my own best patient advocate. My advice: When you disagree with a diagnosis, make sure to question the prognosis and outcomes that are shared. You know your body better than any health care provider. Work with providers who work with you as a health partner. Seek out positive support systems and people who love you for being you.

Use multiple tools I feel strongly that the health care system needs to be integrative and all health care providers including MDs, DOs, DCs, naturopaths, holistic docs, acupuncturists, nutritionists, massage therapists and psychologists should do what is best for the patient and work as a team whenever possible.

I have found that the body has the ability to heal. Personally, I find that health care providers who actually touch your body can feel the areas that need their healing touch.

Rule your attitude I try to keep a balance between having hope for my future and being realistic about my circumstances. That means living in the present moment and not allowing the thought of my illnesses to overwhelm me.

While I didn’t have any choice in my condition, I do have the power to choose how I will respond to my situation on a daily basis. I could choose

to dwell on the bitterness and anger, or choose to accept the condition, to look for the gift within it and to help others do the same. As hard as things might seem in the moment, I can always make peace with my health changes throughout life.

I choose to face my challenges, learn from each obstacle and persevere in a new direction.

Be bigger than the illness Above all, I try to remember that I am not my illness. Sure, it is a part of who I am, but only a part. I need to get along with the illness, be buddies with it in a sense, without giving in or giving up and being defeated.

Once you see the illness as a part of your life, not all of it, you will be ready to make the necessary adjustments. You will find your way to acceptance, understanding and perhaps even a deeper sense of the meaning of life than would have been possible before.

Acknowledge your feelings It’s a natural reaction to want to educate yourself about your diagnosis, but also search for meaning within and beyond your illness. I find joy in networking with women, helping friends with their children, socializing while selling Mary Kay skin care products, swimming, singing in a choir, reading to kids and assisting with crafts at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum and Horizon Books, spending time with loved ones, cooking, dining out, shopping at the farmer’s market, traveling, volunteering and watching movies.

I choose not to let my physical symptoms define me and I decide on a daily basis to keep moving. I do what I can when I can.

I am human. I am not a diagnosis code.

Beth Wills was born in 1968 in Southfield and lived in different cities in Michigan before settling in Traverse City where she attended middle school and high school in the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools system.

Beth attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids and has also resided in Florida and Illinois.

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Grand Traverse Woman

Who let the dogs out? (who, who, who, who?!)

Who let the dogs out?

When the dog was nice, the party was happenin' And everybody was havin' a ball When the kiddos started running at him, the dog came snappin' And the parents respond to the call.

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July/Aug '16 23

Grand Traverse Woman

After my fall I remember 2010 started out as a good year.

My husband and I were doing a major home renovation and things were on track. By mid-June, the house was framed, the interior walls were in place and the crew had completed the insulation.

Then my life changed.

Somehow, I fell eight feet down a stairwell into our open basement. Emergency personnel responded and I arrived at Munson Medical Center's Emergency Room, fighting for my life. The trauma team took over.

I missed the next two weeks, completely unaware of all that was occurring. I spent a month in the hospital recovering from broken bones and traumatic brain injury. Ever so slowly, I learned what had happened.

Therapy ensued: word association, basic skill acquisition, physical mobility. I visited numerous doctors and specialists and had more surgeries.

Before long, I felt a sense of urgency to put my life together again, not knowing if it would ever be the same, again.

I loved my old life: family, friends, dog, Friendly Garden Club, Elmbrook Golf League, Mawby’s Vineyards, my kayak group, and of course the Plein Air Painters of NW Michigan.

After my accident, 10 women from my painting group graciously welcomed me back, knowing that my relearning how to paint was still in progress. We

a group of women (And a lot of art!) helped me rebuild my life called ourselves the Magic Thursday Artists because we met on Thursdays. We all love the outdoors and Grand Traverse area, especially when the weather cooperates. Yet each woman brought a diverse background with her to the group.

When I first started painting with the Magic Thursday Artists, I only used watercolors. My fellow painters, who used various mediums, triggered my lost memories and past experience with acrylics and oils, and inspired me to try again. From there, I even tried pastels, which were completely new to me.

The Magic Thursday women were so optimistic.

I felt as though they gave me a road map: mentored me, tutored me and supported me when I felt like giving up or I just couldn’t get there...or there... or wherever!

I had so many questions for them, but never were they critical—only tender with their words.

Each member urged me to keep trying, and, thanks to them, I truly felt painting was back in my life.

This group laughed a lot. And what is healthier or more healing than that? Everyone had a story to tell. Some would quit in the middle of their painting to tell their news, and some could talk while painting, no problem.

Whenever sadness presented itself, we helped one another. These women helped me recover soooooo much! Not only have they helped me to improve my painting skills and continue to take risks, they have boosted my self-confidence and

By Marilyn Rebant

even made me more organized! Everything about Magic Thursday Artists has motivated me to do more for myself: cut my own mats, make or repair my own frames and frame paintings correctly. I’ve come a long way since my injury!

The Magic Thursday members are more than friends, they are true artists! They have exhibited as a group at the Traverse City Opera House, twice.

And, with July, August, September coming, we will be there again! We also exhibited at the Botanical Gardens and individually all over the area: Glen Arbor, Frankfort, Traverse City Art Walk, Inside Out Gallery, Right Brain Brewery, Grand Traverse Distillery, Dennos Museum, Bay Pointe Community Church, Bonobo Winery and many other places.

We’ve been painting together for quite a few years. It is a friendship that has become a major part of our lives. We love to paint; we enjoy our friendships and we pull together in times of need. I don’t know where I’d be without this beautiful, creative, healing outlet.

My best friend, Tani, explained that my body would take five to six years to fully recover... to the point that it could. Last month—June 17, 2016, to be exact—marked six years. I know what I have strived for and worked for. I have learned patience.

I am very thankful for my recovery.

What I’ve learned since the accident: I am lucky to be here and to be part of the Magic Thursday Artists. Life is good.

Art Show!

The 10 women of the Magic Thursday Artists will be displaying their paintings at the Traverse City Opera House from July 1 to Sept. 30. Come view the exhibit and attend the reception on July 6 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Marilyn Rebant was born and raised in Saginaw.

After receiving her Associate in Fine Arts degree, her focus was on raising her family. Thirty years later, it was time to return to painting. In 2005, she moved to Traverse City and joined the Plein Air Painters of NW Michigan. To contact Marilyn or learn more about the Magic Thursday Artists, email brocoli3@yahoo.com.

24

July/Aug '16

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman ‘Friends and Fine Editions’

USED BOOK SALE and LOCAL ARTISTS FAIR Peninsula Community Library located inside Old Mission Elementary School, 2699 Island View Rd.

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Pre-sale opens for Friends members from 4 to 7 July 21. Sign up as a member and enjoy a root beer float while you shop early.

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July/Aug '16 25

Grand Traverse Woman

ne ose

MAKEOVER

They did it! They completed the eight-week challenge and will never be the same. We caught up with the three amazing GTWoman Janes for an emotional recap of their experience. Read what they have to say and hear from the sponsors that helped make the magic happen!

See Jane Lose

Let’s hear from the amazing Fit for You trainers who got the Janes sweating and succeeding!

See Coty Kaiser, personal trainer There is so much that I could say about these fine women but I’ll try to sum it up briefly for you. First off, all three of them are wives and mothers, stress-load No. 1. All three of them also have to work, stress-load No. 2.

They struggled and were challenged for eight weeks but they were ready to step up and changed their lives for the better. That’s what they did right from Day 1.

In the first three weeks they were pushed physically and mentally to the max. The workouts were hard but they gave their best and accomplished all that was put in front of them. As they moved into week four they began to gain more control over their bodies.

Their passion for a new, healthy lifestyle drove them toward success. Erin cut her mile-run from 10:30 down to 8:15, Courtney lost an amazing 27 pounds and Heather dropped an astounding 8.6 percent body fat.

At the end of the eight weeks, they all emerged champions.

Well done, ladies. We are all proud of your accomplishments. Now let’s keep going and tackle new goals.

26

July/Aug '16

Zach Little, personal trainer

Jane Lose

I have done the Jane Weight Loss Challenge a few times and all of the women never cease to amaze me. I always love watching their transformation from Day 1 of barely being able to make it through the warm-up to saying at the end of the workout… “Oh, we are done already?!”

These women are a testament of what hard work can do. And they are also an inspiration to, and great role models for, their children, family and any other women they come into contact with. Now the hard part: I hope they all stick to the plan and hope to see them for years to come.

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman

www.grandtraversewoman.com

July/Aug '16 27

Grand Traverse Woman

Courtney Rehmer, 33 Your mom’s experience with gastric bypass was one of your motivations. What did she think about your Jane progress?

My mom and dad were very supportive. They live in Cleveland but made the trip around Easter to visit. My mom had all my meals ready for me the whole time she was here. She ground the turkey meat that was on the meal program and boiled my brown rice and measured out 5-oz servings for my lunch that entire week. I called her every Saturday morning following the weekly weigh-ins to let her know how much I had dropped. My dad also made the trip for a second time in May. He helped me train the final week. I’m a former runner, so getting a decent time on my mile was important to me. We went out to practice and I remember saying to him, “Dad, I feel like I really picked it up during that second half.” Like I was proud of my efforts. He responded, “Nah, you really didn’t!” Lol!

27 lbs

Lost

You recently had a baby. What advice do you hope your kids will learn about health?

When it comes to healthy eating and exercise, I don’t want my children to learn the hard way like I did. The extra slice of pizza, cookies and other treats really add up over the years and before I knew it, I had gained some major pounds. Our 4 year old is a picky eater, but will eventually give in and take a bite if he sees mommy and daddy doing it. My husband and I are really focused right now on healthy eating, so it becomes the norm for everyone.

At what one moment during the Jane experience did you feel most proud?

We were about six weeks into the challenge when I hit a turning point. The weight was coming off and it was showing. I actually looked forward to stepping on the scale. I had a (weight) number in mind and I reached that number during the very last weigh-in. It was a great feeling to set a goal and watch myself achieve it. That moment made all the blood, sweat and tears of the past eight weeks worth it! Okay, there wasn’t any blood, but you get the idea.

How was the Jane experience different than you expected?

I’d been going to the GTWoman Network Nites for the past five years, so I was familiar with the program. I was pretty nervous, given the stories I had heard, but I was excited, too. Deb Werthmann, our life coach, had asked us during one of our first meetings, “What if the challenge was simple?” Like not as hard as you made it out in your head to be. I embraced that question and turned all the scary stories I had heard into a positive. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I also knew that I was stronger than I thought. The challenge was by no means simple, but it wasn’t impossible as long as I kept my head in the game.

was

216 lBS

now

189 lBS

Height 5'7"

Lost pounds 27 lbs

Lost Inches 21.5"

photos by Sarah Brown Photography

28

July/Aug '16

What are you looking forward to most this summer?

I’m very happy with my new, toned arms. I came in 1st place for the most inches lost. Now my arms actually have some definition to them...not as flabby!

I’m looking forward to wearing summer dresses this year.

How do you feel about yourself knowing you completed this difficult challenge?

The scheduling was the hardest. My phone was constantly going off reminding me of an appointment I had to be at or a training session I didn’t want to run late for. Between work, the kids, and a household to manage, it really was a balancing act. I’ve kept up with the exercise program. I don’t want to let my husband and family down, or those who have helped me get this far, or the training staff at Fit for You or you, the Grand Traverse Woman reader. But probably most importantly, I don’t want to let myself down. I’ve worked too hard to turn back now! I've got this!

Courtney Rehmer is a wife and mother of two children. She is a co-host of the morning radio show on Z93.

the start

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman

yoUr fUTUre beGinS at Grand Valley in traVerse City YOUR PATHWAY

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July/Aug '16 29

Grand Traverse Woman

Erin Johnson, 41 Meeting new people in your new town was one of your motivations. Did you succeed?

I honestly don’t think I could have done the Jane program without the support from the other participants (eight of us total) and the incredible trainers and staff at Fit for You. It is an immediate bond when you are involved in something this intense, whether it be talking about different ways to eat chicken or commiserating over the week’s weigh-in (which didn’t always go as planned or hoped for!). I remember one morning, a few of us were warming up on the treadmills and watching some endless infomercial on TV. It was about some magic 6-in-1 cooking pan. They proceeded to cook everything that wasn’t on our nutrition plan—frittatas, lasagna, pork chops, macaroni and cheese, s’mores cake... We all looked at each other and without speaking, knew exactly what the other was thinking: “I could demolish some carbs right about now!” It has been so fun and inspiring to work out with someone who understands where you are at and what you are feeling…and who are as terrified of “the sled” as you are.

One of your goals was to regain some of your past strength. How does it feel knowing you can turn back the clock?

We all know it is pretty easy to put on weight, but not nearly as easy (or as fun) to take it off. I think my metabolism gave me the middle finger about two years ago and I didn’t do much to try to change it. I always believed I could get back into shape but wasn’t ready or willing to invest the time or energy. So after eight weeks I am so proud to prove that hard work really does pay off!

Overall, it just felt really good to get my body moving again and to remind myself that it is not impossible to escape the lure of the couch.

17 lbs

Lost

At what one moment during the Jane experience did you feel most proud?

If I had to pick one moment during the Jane experience that exemplified the program, it would be our final Saturday workout and weigh-in. Anne, who was one of my workout partners (and the Grand Traverse Bodybuilding and Figure Champion!!!), surprised me by showing up to run alongside me early that morning. This alone characterized to me what the challenge, and Fit for You, is really all about—making new friends who will support and encourage you, and push you to be better than you were the day before!

How was the Jane experience different than you expected?

I expected to lose weight, but I didn’t expect to be so completely spoiled while doing it!!! The Janes received such fantastic services, including makeovers from impres Salon Spa. (My kids didn’t even recognize that glamorous lady impersonating their mother!)

How have you changed on the inside?

I struggle with thinking of food merely as fuel. As I analyze my eating habits, I can see so many times that I eat out of boredom or even opportunity. (“Well, I’m not hungry but if someone is offering me Moomers…”) I am still trying to find balance.

How does it feel knowing that you’ve completed this difficult challenge?

One of the things I am most proud of is the fact that I really didn’t think twice about applying for “See Jane Lose.” It takes courage to have your age, weight and picture put out there for thousands of people to look at… and for videos of your red face, mediocre push-ups and jiggly butt to be posted on Facebook! I never thought of the years I spent as a rafting guide and outdoor instructor as doing something brave, but I was glad to find that I still have the same motivation and spirit to try something new and to get outside of my comfort zone as I did back then.

was

176 lBS

now

159 lBS

Height 5'3"

Lost pounds 17 lbs

Lost Inches 14.5" 30

July/Aug '16

the start

What’s the best compliment you’ve received so far?

“Your thighs look awesome!” This was said in regards to a picture a friend posted after we finished a road race. Okay…it was my sister who said it so maybe it shouldn’t count?! But small changes really matter. I’ve dropped two pant sizes and can dig out the clothing remnants from pre-baby many years ago!

Erin Johnson is a wife and mother of two daughters. She works as a public health nurse at the Grand Traverse County Health Department and a maternity nurse at Munson Medical Center. She is also an active volunteer in the community.

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Grand Traverse Woman

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July/Aug '16 31

Grand Traverse Woman

Heather Bartelmay, 45 Your husband’s recent weight loss was one of your motivations. What did he think about your Jane progress?

My husband has been nothing but supportive. He helps keep me motivated to continue working out and pushing toward my goals. Though his schedule is a screwy one due to the weird hours of his job, he encourages me to take time for myself to work out at the end of the day. We are like ships passing in the night—I get home, say hello, then immediately goodnight as he has to go to bed early. Saturday morning we have been taking a fitness class together. Though he is currently ahead of me in fitness level, I believe I am starting to catch up!

You loved the Jane perks. Which moment made you feel most like a queen?

Honestly, there were several moments like that. The ladies at GTOC really went above and beyond in making me feel special. Having the opportunity to get the facial and microderm treatments after a hard training session when my skin really needed the extra cleaning was a treat. What went through my mind as they did their magic is how lucky I was that it was offered to me. I loved the soothing buff and scrub to make my skin glow. I really enjoyed that and would like to give a “shout out” especially to Kim and Nancee at GTOC. Thank you so much, ladies!

25 lbs

What made you most proud during your eight-week program?

It was a huge accomplishment when I finally ran a full mile without pause, and without decreasing speed. I had not previously been able to make it that far without at least one break gasping for breath. We were in the final week and all had to run a mile during our challenge day to prove to ourselves that we could do something that felt so daunting the first week. It showed me how much strength I had gained. Since the challenge ended, I have increased my endurance from the 1-mile run to 1.6 miles. Weekly I plan to bump up the distance so that by mid July I am able to tackle that 5K I have my sights set on. That has always been my secondary goal, on top of the weight loss. And I’m on track to do it!

Lost

How was this experience different than you expected?

It was different in that I actually was successful. Not only that but in the top three finishers! Zack, my trainer, pushed me but also recognized when I limited myself. He let me know that I am indeed “Stronger Than You Think!” At times I didn’t appreciate the taunting truth but the results show that he was right. I have struggled with my weight for years. Now I know I can be successful when I focus on a goal.

How has your perspective shifted?

I expected that mile run at the end of the eight weeks to be wretched.

I won’t kid you, it was tough, but not nearly what I had psyched myself up for at the start of the program. I changed on the inside. Now I have more confidence in the results that I can achieve. No more excuses.

the start

What will life be like moving forward?

I now have a better understanding of what it is that I do need and how to eat. My family helps me. We are all eating healthier. I have continued my losing pattern post-challenge. I pulled my summer clothes out of storage, but none of them fit! The pants either fall off me or I look “droopy drawer” because they hang too low. Nice excuse for a shopping spree!

Heather Bartelmay is married to local news anchor Adam Bartelmay, and is mother to two children and one dog. She works in media sales for Midwestern Broadcasting (Z93, WCCW, WTCM).

32

July/Aug '16

was

206 lBS

now

181 lBS

Height 5'7"

Lost pounds 25 lbs

Lost Inches 16.5"

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Grand Traverse Woman

Active Kids Need Chiropractic Care!

Chiropractic care is gentle and can help provide relief without the use of drugs!

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Northern Lights Chiropractic, PLLC

Here for you at every age and stage.

When it’s time to welcome your family’s next generation, we are here to keep every member of your family healthy and strong.

From expert pregnancy care and delivery to newborn and pediatric care, we will share your excitement, answer your questions, guide your care, and celebrate every milestone along the way.

We love families. We would love to care for yours.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 231-935-8000 or visit munsonhealthcare.org/familypracticecenter.

1400 Medical Campus Dr. Traverse City, MI 49684 After hours, call 231-935-5000

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July/Aug '16 33

Grand Traverse Woman

The Janes Reveal was at GTWoman’s May Network Nite at Bill Marsh Auto.

Over 120 women celebrated the Janes!

Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic

pampered the Janes again this year!

Photos by Northern Art Photography

Skin Care We had a lot of fun with the Janes this spring. They were so enthusiastic and surprised to learn about all that our GTOC Aesthetics team has to offer. Aesthetician Nancee Sexton Stone treated the three Janes to eyelash-tinting, brow-waxing, facials and microdermabrasion treatments. And Kimberly Hope did some laser hair removal (upper lips, chins, underarms and bikini lines) for unwanted hair and chemical peels for skin rejuvenation. And just before the big “Reveal” one of the Janes decided to try some Botox and Juvederm filler! (Can you tell which one?) It was a pleasure to work with each of the Janes and a privilege to be part of this positive journey.

EyeWear Erin looks fantastic in the new, colorful Modo eyeglass frame she chose. Her lenses are high definition and made of the thinnest material.

Results are that she looks very nice in her new lenses. Her eyes are protected from glare with the anti-reflective coating. The surface of her lenses is scratch resistant. Enjoy, Erin!

Courtney selected a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. These are Polaroid lenses that block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays. These lenses have been awarded the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. Courtney’s eyes will be protected as well as the skin around her eyes. Many sunny days ahead, Courtney!

Heather chose a plastic Prodesign frame. She is wearing the polycarbonate material, which is one of the safest lens materials available. The lenses will not break. She looks great in her new glasses!

It was our pleasure working with these motivating women. We wish them great health in wearing their new eyewear!

At Your Service Cleaning tidied up the Jane’s home turf Keep reading to learn why owner Melissa Smith got involved in the effort…

At Your Service Cleaning loved having the opportunity to help the Janes by providing a free house cleaning because we know exactly what it is like to be a woman in these busy times.

As women ourselves, we know that many of us give too much and do not elect to provide time for ourselves. And we know it is hard to juggle personal needs and desires against what the rest of the world expects from us!

We were proud to sponsor these simply exceptional women who had the guts and courage to accept the challenge. By our cleaning their homes, these three women could take the essential time they needed for themselves.

It is truly the wish of those around them, who care about them, that they stay healthy and happy. These Janes are role models to their children and muses to their husbands. They are someone’s daughter, the apple of their eye, and ought to be loved and pampered.

In addition, as a woman business owner, I’m proud to run a company that is made powerful by the strength of each and every one of “my girls.”

I am inspired by all of my employees. I am also grateful to the women in my past who served as role models—those who embodied everything I wanted to be—who helped me to see what my goals were. That’s why I want to help other women see how resilient and amazing they really are.

And it can all start with something as simple as a clean house!

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July/Aug '16

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Grand Traverse Woman

Grand Traverse WOMAN

Girls Night Out THURSDAY, SEPT 29TH @ 5-7 P.M.

Wine, Food, Vendors

This is our kick off to the 2016-2017 Network Nite Season! The event will be held at The Corner Loft, recently voted as one of the “Top 3 Best Intimate Event Venues in Michigan” by Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine. The Corner Loft is located in downtown TC. We will have 20+ vendors with shopping (yay!), delicious food by Fab Fresh Foods, also wine by Black Star Farms, Bonobo Winery and more.

Tickets

$15 each or 2/$20

Grab your girlfriends & colleagues and purchase tickets today!

Visit www.grandtraversewoman.com.

Limited tickets, must pre-purchase.

Vendors

We are looking for vendors to provide a fun night of shopping for the gals!

Register your business online at www.grandtraversewoman.com or email kerry@grandtraversewoman.com for more info!

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Entertainment

Featuring Oh Brother Big Sister!

They are an eclectic sensation.

This brother and sister duo from Northern Michigan covers the music spectrum with entrancing harmonies and ingenious musical arrangements. With a comfortable, comedic essence that makes you feel like you’re with old friends in the comfort of your happy place. Oh Brother Big Sister is pure pleasure.

July/Aug '16 35

Grand Traverse Woman

The Janes received life coaching from

Debby Werthmann

imprés salon spa

rewarded the Janes with makeovers!

The stylists explain what treatments contributed to the total transformation It was such a pleasure for us to sponsor See Jane Lose again this year! Courtney, Heather and Erin put so much hard work and determination into the program, that it was just icing on the cake for us to be able to provide them a makeover experience! This year’s imprés Salon Spa team consisted of Cindy, Mallory and Stacey, who provided haircut, color, manicures and makeup to the Janes to complete their transformations.

Can success be as simple as making decisions? The answer is yes.

Having power over their daily decisions gave the Janes the advantage to complete the challenge with all they had. They actually found that the life-coaching process spilled out into every area of their lives.

Some of them were so busy that they forgot what an amazing feeling personal accomplishment is and how valuable it is to take time to notice. Seeing the Janes get stronger and more determined each coaching session was very gratifying.

MEETINGS We met every two weeks beginning in early February to give them a jump-start before the Fit for You sessions began. I assessed the needs of each woman from what they shared with me. Each of our sessions was different: we talked about their needs, wants, challenges and upsets, and praised the wins. Our last session dovetailed with their final Saturday gym challenge in early May. Our coaching sessions not only guided the ladies on how to process their emotions and think in a different way about each and every challenge, but also got them set up with a daily practice to help them maintain the progress and achievements they had each day.

JOURNALS In the sessions I taught simple meditations, different ways to journal, how to create and use powerful affirmations, how to use gratitude to get through tough spots, and how to visualize and manifest the outcomes they wanted.

Each Jane received my Wayfinder journal/workbook to get started.

It helped them reset any errant thinking, and held them accountable for moving forward, being happier and more fulfilled.

The journal has tracking pages to encourage daily progress. As well as examples of different affirmations as their emotional needs change and a powerful gratitude exercise that can bring tears of love to your eyes. Plus much, much more. Using the journal can help you shape thinking and create intention and success for the day.

SUPPORT Our meetings allowed the Janes to talk with each other in a relaxed and confidential environment, and deepen their bond with each other. Courtney, Erin and Heather worked hard every day. They had unwavering focus on what they truly wanted. I saw them change, not only in their bodies but also in the way they were now choosing to live their lives.

SUCCESS My mantra for the Janes is this: When you are interested in something, you do what is convenient; when you’re committed, you do whatever it takes.

Debby Werthmann is a master life coach, executive coach, mentor and life strategist. Learn more at www.DebbyWerthmann.com or reach her at 231.922.9432.

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July/Aug '16

Hair At imprés, we love to create dimension in the hair for both natural and dramatic looks. To achieve this we use Redken hair color, the nation’s #1 color brand. Redken color provides many options for our guests—from permanent, solid gray coverage to semi-permanent gloss. One of our favorite Redken color lines to use is Shades EQ, a conditioning color gloss that acts more like a conditioner than a color.

We also love Redken’s Chromatic line, an ammonia-free permanent color that adds shine and fortifies the hair. For Courtney, Heather and Erin, we used a combination of these colors to give them beautiful, shiny and natural results.

To complement their new hair color, each Jane also received a haircut to create a harmonious look for her personal style, hair texture and facial shape. Professional styling products were used to support their new cut and color by providing protection from color fading and giving volume and hold without added stiffness.

Nails Caring for the hands is just as important to us as caring for the hair. Regular manicures not only keep nails neat and polished, they also help strengthen nails and prevent painful hangnails, all while pampering and destressing that part of us that spends so much time giving to others—our hands. Each of the Janes received our spa manicure, which includes shaping the natural nail to enhance the hand shape, followed by a soothing hand bath in our foaming sea soak. Then the skin is exfoliated and cuticles are serviced, followed by a hydrating massage and choice of color.

Makeup The newest addition to our line of professional products is Smashbox, a cosmetic line created in an L.A. photography studio. Smashbox is perfect not only for special events and photography, it also offers a variety of products suitable for everyday to give longwearing, flawless results. With all of the shades available in Smashbox, there is sure to be a color to match any skin type! On the night of the big reveal, our stylists matched each Jane to the best foundation for her skin type and color, and a makeup look was applied to best complement her personal style and enhance her natural beauty.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Courtney, Heather and Erin for See Jane Lose! Their stories are inspiring and we were honored to be a part of their program. At imprés Salon spa, we love making people feel good about themselves, whether they just finished a marathon or just finished grocery shopping! So we would encourage everyone to take some time to do something for themselves. Why wait for a special occasion to get a new hairstyle, manicure, pedicure, facial or massage? These services offer so much more than just visual benefits, the most important being rejuvenation, relaxation and stress relief!

imprés Salon Spa is located at 901 W. Front St., Traverse City.

Call 231.941.9094 or visit www.impressalon.com.

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman

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July/Aug '16 37

Grand Traverse Woman

In March 2015 I was diagnosed with RSD/CRPS, also known as

‘My tattoo says: Improvise-Adapt-Overcome!’

By AJ Battaglia

Regional Sympathetic Disorder or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Did I know what RSD was? No, I did not. I had never heard of it. Immediately after my doctor’s visit I went home to search the Internet. That day began my journey with this painful condition.

My story really begins much earlier than my diagnosis however.

On Oct. 28, 2014, I was in a severe car accident. I was holding onto the steering wheel upon impact when my airbag deployed, causing major trauma to my left hand. When my small car was hit by an SUV at 55 mph, my seatbelt did its job, causing more trauma to my hip.

Ironically, the two things that saved my life were also the two things that caused the most damage to my body.

RSD is a chronic pain disorder that causes the affected areas to be hypersensitive, resulting in sensations like fire-and-ice or pins-andneedles. Even putting lotion on my arm would feel like I was rubbing my skin with sandpaper. I couldn’t stand the touch of anything rough, hot or cold on my left hand. Even the spray from the shower was too intense.

RSD affected more than my hand. It seemed to put my whole body into turmoil. The weather could be 90 degrees outside, but, due to the RSD, I would be freezing cold, drinking hot cocoa and sitting under an electric blanket.

Timers went off on my phone and watch five times a day, reminding me to take all the different medications I needed. And I could no longer sit on the hard bleachers at the school to watch my children play games due to the aches and the pains that went along with my new condition.

Forget the gimmicks! To raise your kids to be happy, self-sufficient adults, you must—Gasp!—have them work! new release!

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A game plan for navigating two of the most important challenges facing youth:

gaining academic skills through a quality education while acquiring practical skills learned by working outside of the home.

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Naked Confidence gives you the missing ingredients necessary for successfully losing weight and keeping it off. It goes much deeper than diet and exercise. Join a free webinar if you want to test drive the material. For more information go to www.AnneBonney.com/NakedConfidence.

“I am currently in Anne Bonney’s Naked Confidence program. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with self-image and weight issues. Anne provides a funny and pragmatic approach to body-image and weight loss. Since talking to Anne, I have lost 6 pounds in three weeks and also feel much better about my body.”

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www.AnneBonney.com/NakedConfidence 38

July/Aug '16

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Grand Traverse Woman

Suddenly, my entire life was interrupted with a diagnosis that seemed to have no end in sight. On top of it all, I suffered from PTSD. I kept looking for help. Along my journey I found a core group of caregivers and a great support system. Each and every one of them helped me improve in some way.

This year I have had to learn to improvise many things and adapt on others. I have mastered driving with one hand (with a little assistance). And I am finally able to cut vegetables with the help of a Pampered Chef tool called the “Hold and Slice.”

I’ve made a lot of strides. After my accident, I could only wear slipon shoes because my hands could not tie laces. But with the recent assistance of my physical therapist, who told me about an aid that can help, I was able to buy a new pair of tennis shoes. I’m proud to say I can finally put a pair of shoes on by myself again, without having somebody tie them for me.

I am finally ready to begin overcoming the remaining obstacles that have blocked my path since the day of my accident.

I have grown and learned so much since the crash. I am proud to speak out about RSD, my journey and how my support system has helped me. I was even asked to become the new spokesperson for the national JGF (Joey Giggles Family) organization, which has many branches, including a chronic pain support group online. I am very proud to be able to add this new “job” to my healing process. My future is brighter, as is my quality of life.

While sensitivity is still an issue, I have hope! Today, with medication, physical therapy, massage therapy and a therapist, my movement is slowly returning. Just five weeks into using a new spinal cord stimula-

tor, I find my pain levels are lowered. Plus my mood swings have lessened from the PTSD. On the one-year anniversary of the car accident, I chose to celebrate life and living versus looking back with regret and negativity. I had lunch with family and chose to celebrate with a new tattoo marking my accomplishments of the year. My tattoo says: “Improvise-AdaptOvercome!”

An amazing friend said these words to me six months after my accident. They hit home and made a huge impact on my life. From that day forward, I have taken these words to heart. I’m celebrating life and overcoming each obstacle.

One day at a time, one step at a time, I am an RSD fighter. I am RSD strong and with love and healing my journey continues on.

Will I always look back? Yes. But I also look forward to my future.

My “life interrupted” has now become a journey on a new path.

AJ Battaglia is the volunteer RSD spokesperson for the JGF Organization. She also volunteers for Bear Lake Days and the Bear Lake Community Services Food Pantry. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and looks forward to the day she will be able to ride bikes with her family again. She can be reached at abattaglia2009@aol.com.

Running Babies

4

Lauren & Theresa’s Run

August 6th, 2016 5k Run at 9:00 am Kid’s Run at 10:00 am Grand Traverse Commons PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Pre-registration: $25; 17 and under $15 thru July 29th On-Site registration: $30; 17 and under $20 (7:30-8:30am) Kids Fun Run: $5 Early Packet pick-up: 5:30 – 6:30pm Friday, August 5th at Traverse City West Senior High Prizes for all age groups!

Ad sponsored by Grand Traverse WOMAN

Like us on Facebook!

/Running-4-Babies

Endurance Evolution will be providing chip timing for the race.

www.grandtraversewoman.com

5K Trail

Run/Walk & KID’S FUN RUN

We are raising funds to support the Munson Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in their efforts to save babies. Join us on the beautiful trails of the Grand Traverse Commons at the State Hospital in Traverse City.

For more information, to register or to donate:

running4babies.com

Have picky eaters?

This new kids’ book features fun foods from 50+ local farms!

Find it in TC at Horizon Books, the Botanic Garden gift shop and Press On Juice.

Also on Amazon!

July/Aug '16 39

Grand Traverse Woman

44 years of education later . . . I have my

dream job

By Darcy Lewis

As I sat holding little Alison’s head in my hands, with our breathing synchronized, I was overcome with the feeling that all was right with the world.

Everything I had ever done and everything I had ever learned had led me to this place of healing with me and my kinesiology client.

The road to this moment was not straight and it was not narrow. It had many twists and turns. I grew up in Flint in the ’50s and ’60s. My mom was stuck, really stuck, with five kids, an eighth grade education and an abusive, alcoholic husband. Her message to me was: “Don’t ever be dependent on a man.”

I got the message.

I felt the need to learn skills that could make me enough money to support myself, where the supply was less than the demand. I graduated from dental hygiene school and got a job where I was making more money than my dad after 30 years at General Motors. But I would eventually learn that money wasn’t the only piece to the career puzzle. Finding a purpose was important too.

I liked my work and I was good at it. The problem was that it brought pain to my body.

Believe me, looking “down in the mouth” all day takes its toll. (A little “tongue in cheek” humor… see, I did it again!)

To try to rid myself of the pain in my neck, I used chiropractic, massage and Rolfing (a holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organizes the whole body in gravity). Nothing worked.

In the late ’70s, I found myself in beautiful Northern Michigan. There, I experienced my first “outside the box” thinking regarding health.

The dentist I worked for belonged to a group of dentists, led by Chuck Kelly, DDS, from Traverse City, who were learning holistic dentistry. That was only the beginning.

A few years later, while living in Houston, I showed up at a free talk on Touch For Health. It was a system of balancing posture and life energy to relieve stress and pain. During the presentation the speaker asked for a volunteer with neck pain. I raised my hand and was chosen. Within five minutes he was able to alleviate all of my neck pain—permanently. I signed up for the course and became an instructor within the year.

Excited about my new knowledge, I wrote to Dr. Kelly in Traverse City, sharing with him

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July/Aug '16

my enthusiasm for Touch For Health and how and I worked together six hours each day, beginaligned I was with the philosophy of holistic ning the protocol and continuing further and dentistry. I mentioned how my wish was to come further, until, on the fifth day, there were no more back to Michigan and work for him. I did just body corrections to be made. The process was that! complete.

I began attending yearly Touch For Health conIt was somewhere in the middle of those six ferences in San Diego. That led me to Educational days when I experienced that magical moment Kinesiology (the study of the mechanics of body with Alison. I felt that this was the very work I was movement.) After taking that class, I knew I had put on earth to do. It uses all of my skills! It uses to teach these techniques to teachers… but who muscle testing throughout (Touch For Health). It would listen to a dental hygienist? uses movement and breath work (Brain Gym).

Another twist in the road: I went back to school and got my B.A. in Elementary Education And there is even Temporal Mandibular Joint and Cognitive Impairment, and, eventually, an work inside the mouth (Dental Hygiene)!

M.A. in Learning Disabilities, from Michigan State.

“This was not the plan, or the life I kept adding “tools” to my course that I purposely set out on, bag and became a certified Brain Gym Instructor, using educationbut it… culminated into a miracle al kinesiology to enhance learnof life purpose.” ing through the science of movement.

Holding Alison’s head during the session, I I used these simple yet powerful movements daily in my classroom and taught them to teach- thought: This was not the plan, or the life course that I purposely set out on, but it is a series of ers so they could do the same.

I retired from teaching school six years ago seemingly unrelated twists and turns that culmito start my own business. I wanted my work to nated into a miracle of life purpose.

So here I am, doing this work 44 years after go deeper. Now I treat kids one-on-one, using intense sessions of multi-disciplinary holistic ses- graduating from dental hygiene school, 38 years sions to help them overcome structural, mechani- after learning about holistic dentistry, 36 years cal and emotional disorders. What could be bet- after my first Touch For Health class, 25 years ter than to help kids overcome their learning or after graduating from MSU and six years after behavior problems so that they can be successful retiring from teaching. It’s been a wild journey. and fit in?

When I checked back with Alison recently, Books Neural Therapy is one method I use. she reported improvement in her understanding, It is a non-invasive, non-medical therapy develmemory and memorization. When asked quesoped by Dr. Phyllis Books. The goal, using gentle tions about what she has read, she is surprised hands-on treatment, particularly in the head and that the answer comes easily. She is working more jaw, is to locate the communication breakdown independently and fluidly. It is thrilling to know in the nervous system and then readjust the parthis work is that powerful. At 65, I am right where ticular neurological pathways so the entire body I should be, making a difference, a difference that functions better.

And that brings me back to Alison, my first was meant for me. client in Books Neural Therapy, whom I treated this spring. She was a seventh grader diagnosed with Central Processing and Language Processing Disorder. She struggled in school to maintain concentration and mental clarity.

Alison’s mom and dad drove her up from Lansing during spring break; they camped out in a hotel for the five-day intensive program. Alison

Darcy Lewis, M.A., is a certified Brain Gym and Touch For Health Kinesiology Instructor/Consultant.

She enjoys public speaking, teaching and working one-on-one with clients. If you would like her to talk to your group about Books Neural Therapy or if you would like more information, she can be contacted at 989.350.3388 or darcylewis1@mac.com. Visit www.darcy-lewis.com.

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Grand Traverse Woman

The Christal Frost Show with Christal Frost & Colleen Wares Weekdays 10-12 WTCM NewsTalk 580 a different kind of talk

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July/Aug '16 41

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Grand Traverse Woman

A pastor’s wife ■

Living an (im)perfect life

By Kimberly Waldie The Waldie family: (L-R): Cal, Kimberly, Carey, AJ, Mikayla and Madison

My life was busy. I was a mother and, as a pastor’s wife, I had lots of extra events and responsibilities linked to the church. So when my husband started asking me to write a book about my life, I initially didn’t think much of it. I thought: How would I ever find time?

The bigger question, however, was what I had to offer readers. Honestly, my life more often resembled a reality sitcom than a thriving example of how to do ministry. And, as my husband kept asking about the book, my old fears resurfaced.

The pastor’s wife I was a Type-A perfectionist who carried the burden to please people to new levels when I got married and entered a life of ministry with my husband. This kind of pressure to make everyone happy eventually caused me to resent the very people I was trying to please. Resentment was my frequent companion.

When my husband told me he thought we should move from youth pastors to the lead pastors at our church, I cried. I didn’t cry because I didn’t love our church. I did. I didn’t cry because he wouldn’t be a great pastor. He is. I cried because, when I looked in the mirror, the woman who looked back didn’t fit the picture of what I thought a pastor’s wife should look like. I was far from a gentle or quiet woman. In fact, I loved a great argument!

Yet, after some thought, I believed God wanted us to follow this path and so I said, “Yes.” Those first years were a blur of activity as we jumped into leading our church with two young children. Along the way, I decided to go back to school and enrolled in the social work program at Ferris State University.

My senior internship led me to the Department of Human Services working in foster care/protective services. I thought my job as a pastor’s wife was hard! These people brought new meaning

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July/Aug '16

to the word “stress.” But it resulted in my heart being stirred to adopt.

ter and nothing would ever change that.

Slowly I realized my reality: I wasn’t a mistake.

Not as a mom, or a pastor’s wife or as a woman, for that matter. In fact, I was one that God had purposely chosen—in spite of my mess.

That was the beginning of real change for my family. For my son, it was the beginning of emotional healing as we settled into a new normal. For me, it was the beginning of emotional freedom: the freedom to love my children unconditionally, for love is always a choice. And the freedom to embrace life without question or resentment.

The trials of motherhood After graduation, we jumped into the foster care licensing process and began the dream of expanding our family.

Our daughter came to live with us at 12 weeks old. She was a healthy, joy-filled baby who bonded with us quickly.

Three months later, our son, age 8, arrived with a much different story. His was one of loss and pain—accompanied by a great deal of anger that took us off guard. For the first two years, I can honestly say I’m not sure how we made it through. There “Slowly I realized my reality: were so many emotions, behavior issues and transitions, but it was my I wasn’t a mistake. Not as a mom, anger that surprised me most. or a pastor’s wife or as a woman, As the chaos of life with an emotionally impaired child wore for that matter. In fact, I was one on me, my fear of failure came to that God had purposely chosen— the surface in full force. My reality was so unlike my dream. In many in spite of my mess.” ways, my son and I battled similar things as we desperately tried to control everything and keep our Every day that I dealt with difficult behavior fears at bay. I wrestled again with my purpose and was another day God showed me He gives us this feeling of complete inadequacy. the power to choose how we handle it. I finally gained freedom to be my unique self and toss The turning point aside that bar of “perfect” that I had carried I realized that for too long my worth as a around for so long. woman had been tied up in doing everything perThe realization of how pain and difficulty in fectly. What a lesson in frustration. In her book, life can shape us for good or bad hit me, as a Set Free to Live Free, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith woman, like a ton of bricks. The reality that I says: “When you aim for perfection, you discover have a choice in it all was freeing to this former it’s a moving target.” So true. I hadn’t realized Type-A, people-pleasing pastor’s wife. how much joy it was stealing from my life.

And those daily, small choices changed me Learning that lesson was the most wonderforever. We only get one time around at life; one ful and difficult part of my journey as a woman. chance to find joy in the journey; one chance to As God spoke to my heart in that season, He do things that last forever—and people last forreminded me that He didn’t love me because I ever—so we should make it count. was perfect, but rather because I was His daugh-

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Grand Traverse Woman

Finally, the book From there, I was finally ready to write my book: Help! I’m Married to the Pastor (Learning to Love Your Life of Ministry). So why did I write a book for women? I wrote because too many women look at their lives and believe they are a mistake. They often see only what they don’t have to offer. I wrote the things I wish someone would have told the younger me when I entered ministry. One of the joys of middle age is discovering what really matters and what you should let go of.

I’ve come a long way since I said, “I do” 23 years ago. This middleaged pastor’s wife is finally comfortable in her own skin.

Kimberly Waldie has served more than 20 years in ministry to adults, youth and children, and now alongside her husband as lead pastors of Living Hope Church in Traverse City. She graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree and is a speaker, life coach and author having just completed her first book, Help! I’m Married to the Pastor (Learning to Love Your Life of Ministry).

Find her writings and blog posts at: www.lifeinthecrashlane.com.

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Sarah Brown Photography

Grand Traverse Woman

The author, with daughters Hallie, Liddie and Anna, and husband Chris.

Forget the Mom Guilt Being true to who you are

By Kate Walski

“I wish I had gone to school today,” my 4-yearold daughter declared as she played next to me while I worked at my office. Ouch. My daughter was already going to preschool three days a week and now even our special days together weren’t as fun as before. Mom guilt strikes again.

I’m sure every mom has felt that pain piercing her right in the heart and making her feel she isn’t good enough. No matter how great of a mom you are—if you stay at home or work outside of the home—it is always there.

Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I wanted to bake cookies, be on the school PTO board, be a “room mom” for the classroom, clean the house, play with the kids…

But that isn’t quite how it turned out.

Whatever June Cleaver-style life I imagined was definitely not my reality. I quickly found that being a mom wasn’t about wearing an apron over my dress and a big smile on my face as I pulled the perfect pot roast out of the oven, while my husband walked in whistling and saying: “Honey, I’m home!”

Being a mom was dirty diapers, being awakened by children in the middle of the night, mountains of laundry all over the house, and trying not to be the last car in the school drop-off line. And yes, occasionally it meant sitting in the closet cry-

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ing and eating a candy bar.

Don’t get me wrong. I still feel that being a mom is the best thing in the world. The problem is mom guilt often made me forget the times I danced with my kids in the living room and slowly watched them turn into amazing little human beings.

I was restless. I felt guilty about having a hard time with all my unstructured time at the house.

It wasn’t what I had spent so many years working towards during college and the start of my career.

So, after staying at home with my children for six years I decided to start my own “part-time” business. I began doing event décor on the side: offering rentals for events and weddings including linens, furniture, centerpieces, lighting and more.

I also provided design consultations and day-of wedding coordination. Before long I became a onestop shop for event décor, doing as much (or as little) as clients needed to create their ideal event.

I’m not quite sure what I was thinking at the time. I was already so busy. My oldest was in kindergarten, my middle child was in preschool and my youngest was still home with me full time. I just knew I needed to do something for me.

I found out I got bored easily. I always needed a project to work on, something to plan. I guess I never really thought about that aspect of my personality when I envisioned being a stay-at-home mom.

As my business increased, I found myself so much busier and stressed out. I was trying to do everything by myself: all of my accounting, marketing, sales, proposals, research, prop building, painting, organizing, setting up, tearing down and more. All for 115 events that second year.

It was time to bring on some people to help me.

And to move into a new space. I felt bad having my youngest—who was still home with me—run errands with me or play by herself while I did some of my work.

Once again, the mom guilt struck. I love being with my children, but I also love what I do. It has been hard to come to terms with the fact that I am not the perfect mom and wife that I had aspired to be.

So many times I asked myself: Why am I doing this? When I asked my best friend, who knew me better than anyone, she answered, “Because it’s who you are.” She was right. This job started out as a plan to bring in extra income, but the reality is that I do it because it’s who I am. It’s what I’ve been trained to do. It’s what I love.

Once I accepted that reality, my only challenge was how best to balance the job I love with the family I love.

I learned one of the antidotes to my mom stress is reminding myself what I’m giving my kids. I am teaching them how to work hard. I am showing

www.grandtraversewoman.com

Grand Traverse Woman them that while they are important to me, they are not my entire world.

I don’t think it is healthy for anyone to be someone’s entire world. Before, I felt that they took me for granted. Now I think they appreciate spending time with me more because I’m not always there. I also think they know I will be there for all of the important things in their lives. I know they know that I love them. And I believe that is most important.

I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom so that my children would feel completely loved and supported. My own mom worked and I know that she loved me and would always be there for me. So maybe I am doing OK. Every mom needs to try to make the best of the situation and stay true to herself. In doing so, I believe that we will be the best moms we can be. We all feel guilty for something at some time and we all need to be supportive of each other.

I’m sure my kids will benefit in many different ways from my working.

So even when my youngest wishes to be at school instead of at work with mom, I can remind myself that I am still spending time with her while also giving her the opportunity to entertain herself. And that’s a valuable skill, right?

The next time you feel a dose of mom guilt coming on, try to look at the positives about yourself and the situation and cut yourself some slack. Just do the best you can. As it has been said: You might not be the perfect mom, but you are the perfect mom for your kids.

Top right and left, Bottom left: event décor examples.

Bottom Right: The author at a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony at her new business.

Kate Walski is the owner of Sweet Themes LLC, an event décor and design company. Originally from Traverse City, she worked in the Detroit events industry before returning to this area with her husband in 2007. After being a stay-athome mom to three daughters for six years, she started her company in 2013.

Along with décor rentals, she provides design services and day-of-coordination services for weddings. The Sweet Themes studio is located at 3470 Veterans Dr., Traverse City and online at www.SweetThemesMI.com. Kate can be reached at Kate@SweetThemesMI.com.

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WOMAN in business NEW Idea Stream, a full-service marketing communications firm located in Traverse City, has launched a new website showcasing their work and details of the services offered. Idea Stream has been helping Northern Michigan clients build their brand and build their businesses since 1997. They offer a broad range of design, media strategy and buying, website design, social media, public relations, communications and strategic marketing services. 231.933.6635, www. idea-stream.com “We’re excited to welcome Jennifer Edson to EXIT Realty,” said Holly Streit, Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Paramount. A native of Traverse City and a life-long resident, Edson said she believes Traverse City is some place everyone can call “home.”

231.946.4404, www.TCEXIT.com

Stacey M. Popp, owner/operator of the Dairy Lodge LLC, has continued the family tradition of serving sweet treats and soft serve ice cream at her family business.

Popp, after working for her parents at the Dairy Lodge for the past 30 summers, purchased the business last year. You can still find all your old favorites, including signature items such as the Cosmo Cone, Sundaes on a Stick, the Red, White and Blue Sundae, the Brownie Royale, and Sloppy Nachos. We now also carry vegan sorbet for those who have dairy allergies or want to live a vegan lifestyle. The Dairy Lodge also carries fat-free frozen yogurt and DoleWhip soft serve, a lactose-free option. Open seven days a week 11 a.m.

-11 p.m., May to October, on the corner of Randolph and Division. Look for the new blue umbrellas and red tables and the iconic “Shirley” sitting atop the igloo and cone. 231.941.4374

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Grand Traverse Woman United Way of Northwest Michigan has elected the following officers on their board of directors: Regina Jaeger, president; Jack Maddox, vice president; Robin Wybenga, treasurer; Kelly Duham; secretary. 231.947.3200, www. unitedwaynwmi.org Traverse City Golf & Country Club has welcomed Susan Ling as their membership and marketing director. Ling brings more than 30 years of professional experience in a variety of markets, most recently in hospitality in Northern Michigan. She graduated with honors with a B.A. in Business Management from Cleary University. She is a member of PCMA. Jennifer Okragleski has opened The Pink Anchor in downtown Traverse City, a boutique offering “colorful and timeless women’s clothing with designers from around the country.” The selection of dresses, tops, pants and accessories can go from work to a dinner date. Okragleski left a 13-year career in TV news in Detroit to return to Traverse City, where her broadcasting career started. Contact Okragleski about her plans to use the shop to give back to the community through fundraisers and non-profit events. 121 E. Front St., Suite 103, (directly behind Harbor Wear), 586.604.9543

Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors welcomes Realtor and TC native Shannon Beia to the team at 522 E. Front St., Traverse City. Beia has 17 years of real-estate experience including as an active partner of GT Properties, LLC, TC Development and Olde Town Properties. As a sales and marketing specialist, Beia has participated in the renovation and management of multiple commercial and residential properties in downtown Traverse City and the local area.

KA Construction, custom homebuilder located in Traverse City, has launched a new website showcasing their new logo and updated brand. Kris Arnold founded KA Construction in 2003 with his wife Susan Arnold. KA Construction has won three awards in the Parade of Homes including the 2015 People’s Choice Best Overall. 231.632.0139, www.ka-construction.com Nationally recognized architectural photographer Dietrich Floeter and Leelanau Press publisher Barbara Siepker capture the beauty and essence of 60 summer cottages and the nostalgia enveloping them in “Historic Cottages of Glen Lake.” In this revised second edition, six new cottages have been added, together with updated Revised Second Edition Includes Six Additional Cottages

Historic Cottages of Glen Lake

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Grand Traverse Woman text. The book contains 350 black and white photographs of the cottages’ interiors alongside detailed text. “Historic Cottages of Glen Lake” received the Historical Society of Michigan Award in 2008, the Michigan Notable Book from The Library of Michigan in 2009, and was a Foreword Magazine Book Award Finalist in 2008.

Located in Glen Arbor, the Leelanau Press is a nonprofit company that publishes Leelanau County authors, artists and history and hires local design and editing services. All book sale proceeds fund future books. Books are now available at local bookstores. 231.334.4395, www.leelanaupress.com Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. has announced that Jennifer Casey has been named Local/Digital Sales Manager of WPBN-TV (NBC) and WTOM-TV (NBC) in Traverse City. Casey will also oversee the local/digital sales of WGTU-TV (ABC) and WGTQ-TV (ABC) in the same market pursuant to joint sales and shared services agreements. Casey most recently served as the vice president of sales at Heritage Broadcasting in Cadillac.

Publisher Kristen Hains has released her third title in an ongoing series of coloring books: “Illuminations: The Mackinac Island Coloring Book for Grown-Ups.” Two

weeks of hot sales on the island even before the tourist season opens already have her preparing for a second printing.

The acclaimed co-author of “Beauty is Therapy,” Hains released “Abundance: The Coloring Book for Dancers of All Ages” in February and “Etchings: The Traverse City Coloring Book for Grown-Ups” in November. “Abundance” is now selling nationally and “Etchings” is in its third printing with wide release in Northern Michigan and beyond.

Laurie Irish has been promoted to Williams Honda sales manager.

She has been with Williams Auto Group since 2002, when she was hired as a sales consultant for Chevrolet; in 2007 she was promoted to the Internet Sales Division for the Preowned building; and in 2010 she became finance manager for Williams Honda. www.williamshonda.com Love Traverse City, an apparel and gift store located in Downtown Traverse City, is rebranding as Unparalleled Apparel after almost four years in business. They have also launched a brand new website, unparalleledapparel.com.

Unparalleled Apparel will essentially be the same store, and will continue to carry Traverse Cityand Michigan-inspired apparel and gifts, predominantly made in the USA along

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with the familiar Love TC products. In addition to a new name, Unparalleled Apparel has created a new product line, adding custom-designed, officially licensed collegiate apparel to the store.

They will carry University of Michigan, Michigan State and Central Michigan products to start. Unparalleled Apparel is located at 121 E. Front St., Suite 105, Traverse City.

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The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area (HBAGTA) recently recognized Leslie Roe, owner of Precision Plumbing and Heating Systems along with her husband, Bob, with the Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award recognizes their dedication, achievements and involvement with the HBA. 231.946.2305, judy@hbagta.com TBA Credit Union has finished another successful year of their Student-Run Credit Union Program. Over the past six years the SRCU Program has grown from six elementary schools to 18 participating schools in the Greater Traverse City Area. Over the past six years, the student members have saved more than $80,000.

“This year we reached a new milestone; it was our first full school year having our program in three middle schools—

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Grand Traverse Woman Forest Area Middle School, Traverse City East Middle School and Traverse City West Middle School,” said TBACU’s marketing director Christie Dompierre.

TBA Credit Union’s SRCU Program has had 1,541 volunteers since 2010 that have held volunteer positions as branch managers, tellers, bookkeepers, computer operators and marketing representatives.

231.946.7090, www.tbacu.com Rose Zivkovich, director, SCRAP TC, was nominated for the Environmentalist of the Year Award in the General category by the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council, NMEAC. Zivkovich was one of six recipients in this category honored for outstanding leadership in addressing environmental issues in Northern Michigan. Zivkovich was appointed as Director of SCRAP TC in January. Under her leadership, SCRAP TC has diverted an impressive 4,421 pounds of materials in 2016 alone. SCRAP TC takes donations of clean, reusable materials and makes them available to everyone in the region for about 1/3 of the retail cost. 821 S. Garfield Ave., www.scraptc.org ATHENA Grand Traverse has announced Sondra Shaw Hardy as the 2016 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient.

Hardy campaigned for public office and

was elected in 1970 as the first female member of the Grand Traverse County Commission, one of only eight total female commissioners in Michigan’s 83 counties at that time. She served for six years. She chaired the Tri-County Public Health Committee, initiating community mental health programs, being appointed to the Michigan State Board of Medicine and being appointed by Governor William Milliken to codify public health laws in the state in 1975. During that time, she also cofounded Cooper-Shaw Public Relations, which specialized in running political campaigns for women. Philanthropy became Hardy’s primary professional focus beginning in 1988 and continues today.

As Assistant Vice President of External Affairs at Western Michigan University, she raised $16-million annually and planned a $100-million capital campaign while also serving as an adjunct professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration.

Dawn Hemming, president of hemming& Wealth Management, was recently invited to speak and moderate at an Investment News conference in Dallas.

Hemming represented

the Women’s Advisory Board, a national initiative in the financial services industry to support and encourage women. She also attended Barron’s inaugural Top Independent Women Advisors Summit in New Orleans. This invitation-only event consisted of the Top 100 women financial advisors, honored annually in Barron’s magazine. Hemming specializes in client-centered practices with individual and small business retirement plan designs and investments utilizing the independent advisor structure. Securities and Advisory services are offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/ SIPC. Insurance services offered through hemming& which is not affiliated with SagePoint Financial, Inc. 600 E. Front St., Suite 201, Traverse City.

CENTURY 21 Northland announces that Meagan Alvarado, Karen Ardery, Lauren Prentice, Jane Darling, and Sheri Sutherland have been recognized with CENTURY 21’s Quality Service Producer Award. The award is an integral part of the CENTURY 21 System’s commitment to excellence and recognizes agent dedication to continuously exceeding

the service expectations of clients. Surveys are e-mailed to all customers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home through a CENTURY 21 System. Agents must receive a minimum satisfaction index of 85 percent to be considered for recognition. 231.929.7900, www.c21northland.com Jennifer K. Coleman, MHSA, FACHE, CMM, executive director of Grand Traverse Radiologists, PC, received the prestigious Calhoun Award at the 2016 Radiology Business Management Association’s Radiology Summit. The Calhoun Award recognizes outstanding contributions to radiology business management and to the RBMA and more specifically for championing radiology’s value and promoting clinical decision support (CDS). 10850 Traverse Highway,

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Grand Traverse Woman

Suite 60, Traverse City, 231.935.0497, www.grandtraverseradiologists.com The Corner Loft, which offers a unique and upscale event space, has been voted one of the “Top 3 Best Intimate Event Venues in Michigan” by Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine. The Corner Loft is situated in the heart of the Traverse City downtown district and can accommodate 128 guests. “It is the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, social and charity events, corporate meetings and much more,” said Marie Schwartz, owner. 201 E. Front St., 231.883.9367, www.cornerlofttc.com, info@cornerlofttc.com

EVENTS Expect the unexpected when you shop at the annual “Friends and Fine Editions” Used Book Sale and Local Artists Fair benefiting the Peninsula Community Library. Among the thousands of books of all subjects, shapes and sizes, one will find large print editions, movies, children’s books, travel guides, music, collectors books and… jigsaw puzzles and a collection of vinyl records! The book sale opens at 7 p.m. July 21 and runs until Aug. 3 at the Old Mission Elementary School, where the library is located. After opening night, hours are 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday and Thursday and 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. A Local

Artists Fair is being held in conjunction with the sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, July 23 ONLY. New booths this year include Shaker boxes and baskets, pressed-flower stationery and bookmarks, felted hats and flower pins and beaded bracelets. The sale is a fundraiser of the Friends of Peninsula Community Library.

2699 Island View Rd., 231.223.7700, www.peninsulacommunitylibrary.org Karlyn Haas with The Watershed Grand Traverse Bay announces a new summer fundraising event to support clean, healthy water in Grand Traverse Bay. The first annual Swim for Grand Traverse Bay on Saturday, Aug. 13 is a 2-mile point-to-point open water swim to benefit The Watershed Center. The swim begins at Greilickville Harbor Park and ends on the shore of the West End Volleyball Beach in Traverse City. An after-party with food, beverages, entertainment and prizes for the top finishers and fundraisers will follow next door at Clinch Park. Training opportunities for local swimmers are available through the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA and Y Triathlon. To register or for more information about swim, training and fundraising, visit www.swimforgtbay. com. The Watershed Center is a nonprofit organization that advocates for clean water in Grand Traverse Bay and acts to protect and preserve its 1,000-squaremile watershed, which covers portions of Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim and Kalkaska counties.

Grand Traverse Woman

events Join Grand Traverse Woman Magazine for our Annual GTWoman Girls Night Out on Thursday, Sept 29th from 5-7pm. It is our kick off to the 2016-2017 Network Nite Season!

The event will be held at The Corner Loft, recently voted as one of the “Top 3 Best Intimate Event Venues in Michigan” by Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine.

The Corner Loft is located in downtown TC. We will have 20+ vendors with shopping (yay!), delicious food by Fab Fresh Foods, also wine by Black Star Farms, Bonobo Winery and more.

Entertainment will feature Oh Brother, Big Sister! They are an eclectic sensation. This brother and sister duo from Northern Michigan covers the music spectrum with entrancing harmonies and ingenious musical arrangements. With a comfortable, comedic essence that makes you feel like you're with old friends in the comfort of your happy place. Oh Brother Big Sister is pure pleasure.

It’s a great way to kick off the networking season! Grab your girlfriends and colleagues and purchase tickets today!

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The Garth Brooks

Fiasco Garth on stage: We can see him!

We took the boys to their first “big” concert:

to get involved.

As everyone shouted at them, the two women scramGarth Brooks at the Van Andel in Grand Rapids. bled to pick up their signs, ironed them out on their “Will it be wild?” they asked.

I told them this was the big time, complete with thighs and put them up in front of our faces again.

Someone had to do something, anything. But when 40-somethings up past their bedtime and $12 beers at Tim leaned toward the women, I intervened. He looked the concession stand. especially threatening towering over the women and I But, given that it was in fact 40-somethings, I didn’t want us getting kicked out. figured no major shenanigans “Let it be. They must be would be going on. Their innoalmost done by now,” I said. cence wouldn’t be robbed and But silently I was working we wouldn’t spend the night in out exactly what I would say the middle of a brawl. if I got the chance. You know Wrong. what I mean. Coming up with The concert itself was amazthe perfect scorching speech to ing. The people were amazing. shout at her, a speech I would Some 9,998 of them were amaznever in a million years say to a ing and trouble-free. There were complete stranger. only two that caused a problem.

Or would I? And they stood two rows ahead The next song ended. And of us, holding up two signs the the applause ended. And a quiet entire time. swept through the crowd for a No one behind them could split second. And I snapped. see. We couldn’t see Garth on I reached forward and poked stage, and we couldn’t see him her in the back, my finger caron the big screen. The postrying the force of an anvil. ers were up, at varying heights, “Hey YOU!” I bellowed. The every single song. rocket was launched.

As you might imagine, things She put down her sign and Us, at the bathrooms, not in a fight. got heated. turned to face me. She immediSeveral people asked the women to take down their ately went into a frenzy, screaming the f-bomb over and signs. Politely. But the women and their boyfriends over and flipping me off with a craziness that, frankly, I laughed and drank and ignored the people booing at found satisfying. She was not having such a great time them and pleading with them. after all, was she?

Two little old ladies finally gave up and sat down, I tried to look tough as I stood there with my driving resigned to only listening to Garth on the world’s largest glasses on so I could see (not see) Garth and my hair in boom box. An hour into the show, another woman had a ponytail. had enough. She tore first one sign, then the other, out “I want to talk to YOU!” I said in the tone that makes of the two women’s hands. my kids immediately unload the dishwasher.

The boys looked at me and raised their eyebrows.

The man nearest me leaned slightly to the left to give “Everything’s fine,” I assured them. me more room to work. The woman and I were sucked I flagged down a woman in a t-shirt marked STAFF. into some kind of airless, noiseless zone where every “We need security over here!” I hollered. word I said was radioed straight to her addled brain.

Now is a good time to note that I am always the nice “We paid our money just like you to see this show!” girl in the group. The polite one. The one who would I shouted (pointing, almost breaking my finger with never cause a ruckus. The one who would try to calm effort). everyone down while flagging down security.

I saw a flash of acknowledgment cross her face even But the STAFF impersonator looked at me, looked at as she shouted f-bombs at me. the fracas and walked away. I can only assume that she I kept going. had her free t-shirt and nothing was standing between “How would YOU like it if I stood in front of YOU her and Garth. with a sign the entire show?” (point, point, strain, This is when I got the first inkling that I was about point).

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Again, I saw it in her face, that she knew I was right.

She answered with more swearing and shouting.

I cut her off.

“And my kids are sitting right here with your filthy mouth. You should be ashamed of yourself!” (Felt a little marmish with this one, but I carried on.)

Then, I was as close to her as I could get when I delivered my final, and fatal, blow, the blow I had imagined all my life, in my wildest good-girl dreams: “DO YOU WANT TO TAKE IT OUTSIDE?” My ponytail was on fire at this point and my 21-DayFix muscles had split the seams on my mom cardigan.

The woman suddenly stopped and turned her back on me. I waited. She said nothing more.

I was elated.

I had not sworn at her (despite every entry of the urban dictionary coming to me). I had not lost control (although I was shaking), and I had not let my eyes bug out of my head (entirely).

I had actually kept my composure while putting the screws to her in front of my children.

“Mom! You totally burned her!” my boys shouted.

“Did you hear what I said?” I shouted, delighted.

“No!” they shouted back.

But it didn’t matter. They had seen me stand up for myself. And it felt good.

I continued to watch her and waited. But instead of putting up her sign again, it looked like she was, could it be, crying? Her boyfriend started rubbing her back and she hung her head. She didn’t look back at me again.

Instead, they collected their things and those huge signs and left. They did not look at us and they did not look at Garth. They were finally done.

I felt like Superwoman. It was the first time, ever, that I had confronted a stranger like that. I was high with it!

(In fact, I had a few other people I was going to contact as soon as this concert was over.)

The party then officially started in our section. We could see Garth! Everyone cheered! Victory!

After the show, the boys went one way and I went the other to use the restrooms. My line was 10 times as long as the boys and while they waited for me, they heard security being called: Two women were fighting in the bathroom.

The longer they waited for me, the surer they felt.

When I finally did come out, they rushed me, happy to see I wasn’t in handcuffs.

“Mom, we thought it was you!” the boys said.

“Never!” I said with part shock, part pride. “Now let’s take it outside…”

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Grand Traverse Woman

trouble (in the) hood 1511

By Kerry winkler

The

River Trip

What makes the Buffalo River even prettier? A full-size Milky Way Bar.

Jeff had been asking me to do a long paddle trip with him and his friends for quite some time. I was hesitant to say yes. It would be the first long trip away from my kids in years. But finally, with some cajoling and reassurance, I headed out on a weeklong trip with him on the Buffalo River in the Ozarks.

On top of missing the kids, I would also be the newbie when it came to canoeing on technical rivers. The rest of the group had many years of experience and friendship among them.

We headed out early that first morning traveling to the put-in spot. I was getting more anxious by the minute. Jeff had forewarned me that when the leader, Bruce, told you to be ready, he really meant 15 minutes BEFORE that…not something I wanted to hear when I’m infamous for being tardy everywhere I go!

The van had not even settled into its parked position, when all of them yelled GO! They emptied out of that van like it was on fire. Lines were untied, canoes heaved up and off the top of the van, packs tossed into canoes. First I froze; then I jumped into action. My fear of being left behind was suddenly far greater than my fear of going. I grabbed lines and gear but not without squawking a few “Slow downs!” And “Just-a-Minutes!”

Then suddenly it was dead quiet. I whipped around. All my comrades were lined up laughing. One of them even (possibly) peeing her pants giggling at me and my frantic movements.

I “harrumphed” at them all, but did giggle a bit too.

We headed out into the beautiful teal river lined with rocky outcrops and cliffs. The same cliffs that had tumbled many a big rock into the

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river which we had to avoid with our canoe.

This was probably the worst part. Jeff was the one steering the canoe and I had to listen to his calls… or smash up the boat. I hate to listen.

And I hate it more when Jeff is right, ha.

The first stretch was a major wake-up call for me. It was fast and technical. I was suddenly very happy for Jeff to tell me exactly what to do to avoid destruction. There were major twists, turns, white caps and a few choice words from me.

Jeff was keeping an eye out for the dreaded “grey rock”—a large boulder in the river that was notorious for upending paddlers with its big drop. I was sweaty with each turn. I was sure we’d already navigated (and cursed) about a dozen grey rocks that would qualify in my book as troublesome, but, no, we kept moving along with the promise of bigger to come. We eventually came upon it and, much to my relief (and Jeff’s!), we all made it safely through the drop.

Perhaps ignorance is in fact bliss, as I saw the relief on their faces.

Another challenge of the trip was the food. I may or may not be known for being a bit picky.

They had packed all the food, I was just to show up and enjoy…but I was with athletes. I was sure it was going to be kale, pine nuts and tofu.

I was going to STARVE. After we had paddled eight or nine miles, my stomach was growling. We pulled up on a sandy spot for lunch. They had organized it all into sealed food buckets and rolled out the lunch pail. I waited and worried. Then out came…… peanut butter and jelly! Wait, it got better. After I scarfed down my PB&J, Roxanne said, “dessert time!” and handed out full-size Milky Way bars.

The crew just before they did a pretend “fire drill” to rattle the new girl on far left.

Yes, FULL SIZE. It was like Halloween at age 41. She was officially my favorite from there on out.

So the week flew by and I stood on tiptoe each night on those outcrops to get cell reception to call my kids (who were totally fine btw!) I was happy to let them know I had not ended up at “Fat Camp” after all (which is what I’d nicknamed the week in my head.) I was in fact in love with pork chops over a campfire along with a side salad of kale.

I had also conquered big boulders in the river, sleepless nights on rocky beaches and brisk, early morning departures. Apparently I can learn to love veggies, learn to pack up camp EARLY and happily listen to Jeff….but only after 92 miles on a tumultuous river.

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Grand Traverse Woman

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July/Aug '16

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