In 2001, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians collaborated with internationally acclaimed architect Douglas Cardinal, to create the StrongHeart Civic Center, a place where tribal members could continue to carry on their traditions and culture. Douglas Cardinal recalls his journey in becoming an architect, and the process of envisioning Strongheart with the community.
Five Traverse City architects, Suzannah Tobin, Ray Kendra, Peter Smith, Michael Fitzhugh and Ken Richmond took part in a live conversation entitled, Architecture Design and Community Influence. The dialogue focused on elevating awareness for enduring design and the importance of community involvement. The production was recorded on October 17, 2023, at The Alluvion in Traverse City, and made possible with the support of Boomerang Catapult and Tusen Tukk Foundation.
In 1982 DeAnne Loll decided she wanted start her very own natural foods restaurant in a place that had more trees than people. After moving to Traverse City and starting the deli at the Oryana Food Co-op, she partnered with Robin Webb-Bransky and Betty Demers to create Northern Delights in the heart of Benzie County. The restaurant was hailed as an ‘oasis in the middle of nowhere.’ Northern Delights was later sold to a young Jim Barnes. He hired a vibrant group of students who ended each shift with a communal meal and a cool plunge into Lake Michigan. That oasis in the middle of nowhere became somewhere, and now the Grand Traverse region is recognized as one of the premiere culinary destinations in the United States.
Gerry Shiffman believes the most important investment is the one we make in youth. In 2021 he founded Seaside Sailing Excursions and Charity Charters LLC, a sailing company with the mission of providing free of charge sailing excursions for youth who may otherwise not have such an opportunity.
Traverse City is a city of neighborhoods. Within these neighborhoods are residents who love the convenience of living in a 15-minute city, and the relationships they have with their neighbors. The City is rewriting its Master Plan, and part of the process includes asking the residents what they want to preserve, enhance or transform within their own neighborhood. Over 240 residents of Traverse City and beyond participated in the sessions led by City Planning Director Shawn Winter and his colleagues on April 19, 20 and 22, 2023. The Traversecityist attended each session and pulled out the highlights.
Lois Golightly described herself as a common person with an ability to connect with people. Her curiosity and creativity prompted her to serve the Traverse City community with dedication and devotion. In honor of Women’s History Month, the Traversecityist devotes this episode to her legacy.
What do Abu Dhabi, the Namibian Desert and the Leelanau Peninsula have in common? Rob Karner discusses his connection to the land around him, and how it has influenced his identity and values.
As one of the world’s most easily identified geographical boundaries, Michigan’s lower peninsula is commonly called “the mitten.” Michiganders often reference where they live by displaying their open right hand. Between the pinky and the ring finger is Traverse City, Michigan. The geography of this midwest American region is the common denominator that influences the values and collective identity of the people here.
Oxford Essential World Atlas, Oxford University Press, Cover Design: Brady McNamara CoverImage: Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan, U.S. @ European Space Agency
Last summer, I was walking down Front Street in Downtown Traverse City, and there in the center of the window display of my favorite book store was a world atlas. The cover for this atlas was a satellite image of the Leelanau Peninsula, or as Michiganders call it, the pinky finger. I immediately wanted to know the back story. How was this corner of the world selected for the cover of the Eighth Edition Oxford Essential World Atlas? I contacted the Oxford University Press Art Department, and their staff was able to share the story behind the selection process. I shared this backstory with friends who had a keen spatial perspective. One of those people was Rob Karner.
Rob Karner sailing Sleeping Bear Bay, photo courtesy of Jeffrey T. Karner
Featured Music : Jones Grove, Composed by Gretchen Carr
