Traverse City Record-Eagle - Stephanie Beach: Northern Notes

Northern Notes: Special gift for birthday
Annabelle Stachnik is a third-grader at the Grand Traverse Academy and her friend, Anna Jackson, is a second-grader. The two share the same homeroom. When Annabelle received an invitation to Anna's seventh birthday party, Annabelle's mom, Alaina Stachnik, was so impressed that Anna asked her guests to consider making a donation to a local food pantry instead of giving her gifts. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Shop wants to keep kids warm
The Thistledown Shoppe, the wee shoppe with a big heart in Suttons Bay, is sponsoring a community project to help children fight the winter chill.
Northern Notes: Backpacks for students
The Traverse Bay Sunrise Rotary Club initiated its signature project "Backpacks for Kids" in 2004 and since then the program has provided more than 6,400 backpacks to students in Traverse City Area Public Schools. This year, the club donated 1,300 fully supplied backpacks. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Help 'make a difference'
The Cherryland Post 2780 VFW Ladies' Auxiliary in Traverse City is asking the community's help to make a difference. The auxiliary is collecting canned goods and dry goods for the Goodwill Inn. Donations may be dropped off at the VFW Post, 3400 Veterans Drive, through Oct. 23, which is VFW "Make a Difference Day." (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Coat drive keeps kids warm
The leaves are just starting to change colors, which means that Jack Frost and Old Man Winter aren't far behind. Radio Station KHQ and Skilled Manufacturing of Traverse City want to make sure area children are protected against the winter elements and have kicked off their third annual KHQ/Skilled Manufacturing Cares of Kids Coat Drive. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Community generosity shines
The annual Father Fred Foundation fall garage sale was a lot of hard work that paid off with record-setting proceeds of more than $25,000. The Traverse City Rotary sold a total of $4,505 in raffle tickets to help its campaign to end polio all over the world. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: View of bay for birthday
Longtime Traverse City resident Ardie Haughn got a birds-eye view of East Grand Traverse Bay as a gift for her 80th birthday. Ardie's birthday was Aug. 18, but because of weather delays she soared over East Bay on Aug. 30 on her first parasailing adventure. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Guardian angel mystery
As Julie Smith was crawling to the grass after falling off her bike, a lady in a big dark SUV stopped and asked if she needed help. By that time Julie had realized that her ankle was badly broken and admitted that, yes, she certainly could use help.
Northern Notes: Knitters appeal for yarn
Residents at Glen Eagle Retirement Community work all year making knitted and crocheted items for Operation Christmas Child, but exhausted their yarn supply and need help to refill their cupboard so they can continue. The group would welcome any yarn donations so they can keep creating scarves, hats, mittens, finger puppets, purses and more. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: 'Big Fishy Thank You'
The Grand Traverse Area Sport Fishing Association's Community Outreach Committee, co-chaired by Amanda Rommell of Tiny Bubbles Charters, and Christine Murphy of the Frankfort Tackle Box, organized a twilight charter fishing adventure to thank 27 volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan.
Northern Notes: Garden visitors invited
Those who drive past Barbara McCann's Northport home on M-22 often comment on how nice her yard looks. Even though she invites them to stop, few take her up on the offer. Barbara's gardens, along with those of four other Northport residents, were on display during the second Northport Garden Tour. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: No expiration on thanks
Its never too late to say thank you. Josette Hoch of Kingsley wrote to thank the woman who helped her husband at the scene of an automobile accident two days before Christmas 2008 by providing comfort when no one else was there for him.
Northern Notes: Sky-diving helps sanctuary
Lynn Watson of Traverse City likes to take risks and has always wanted to try skydiving. The 68-year-old recently got her wish. "This is something I've wanted to do all my life, plus I have a very tolerant husband who's used to the craziness," Lynn said. (The rest of this story, plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Stranger to the rescue
Stacey Smith of Williamsburg, her four children, her mother, her brother and his fiancee visited Elberta Beach on Lake Michigan recently to celebrate Stacey's mother's birthday. Although it was cold, the waves were big and looked like fun so Stacey's 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter were playing in the waves. They got pulled out too far and when the wind shifted the waves became huge.
Northern Notes: Random act of kindness
Barbara Riehl, of Starvation Lake, was shopping at the Tom's Food Market in Acme on June 28, when a young man who was bagging approached her with a dozen yellow roses as she was unloading her groceries onto the conveyor belt. When he told Barbara the roses were for her, she told him there must be a mistake because she hadn't bought any flowers. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Jubilee House is grateful
Jubilee House opened three years ago next door to Grace Episcopal Church and allows local homeless to shower, do their laundry, use the Internet and receive mail. It is run entirely on donations and is operated by Grace Episcopal.
Northern Notes: Project shows success
Hettie Molvang of Traverse City wrote with a touching story that also illustrates the good job Traverse City Area Public Schools' teachers are doing. Hettie's grandson, Seve was a fourth-grader this past school year at Eastern Elementary School. The teacher, Roberta Rogers, was instructing the class about the economics of wholesale and retail, buying and selling.
Northern Notes: Volunteers help Fred
The Father Fred Foundation was blessed recently with a number of exceptional volunteers who helped with major exterior improvements. Members of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America and Home Depot employee volunteers prepared, power washed and painted building exteriors, while other professional volunteers completed essential concrete work as a part of landscaping plans.
Northern Notes: Family sends thanks
Cree McPherson's freshman year at Traverse City Central High School is over, but instead of looking forward to a fun summer, the 15-year-old faces a July trip to the Mayo Clinic for major heart surgery. Cree was diagnosed with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy over spring break after a fainting episode at school. A trip to her doctor led to an appointment with a specialist who diagnosed Cree in the advanced stages of the genetic condition that is classified beyond high risk and rare in someone so young. It cannot be cured, only alleviated.
Northern Notes: Happiness wears jersey
Northern Notes: Teens thanked for integrity
Barbara Bee, of Traverse City, would like to thank the two young teens who found and returned her purse and wallet to her on May 20. Barbara was out and about and doesn't know where she lost her purse. She hadn't even realized it was missing until the boys came to the door and told her husband they had found her purse. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Lynch memories sought
What unique gift would make your mother's 90th birthday special? Karen (Lynch) Holcomb decided that she would like to fill a memory book with all the wonderful heartwarming stories that make up her mother's extraordinary life. She would like to gift her mother, Alberta Lynch, with the book on her birthday, which is July 5.
Northern Notes: Thanks for bouquet
Leola Yankee, who lives at Boardman Lake Glens Assisted Living in Traverse City, wrote to share just how kind people are in Traverse City. On Mother's Day, Leola was in Tom's Food Market on 14th Street. The lady in line behind her had a bouquet of roses and Leola commented on how beautiful the flowers were.
Northern Notes: Rescuers save couple
Recently, Jim and Connie Winter-Troutwine of Grand Rapids were getting ready for an enjoyable long afternoon paddle down the Manistee River. Moments later they were shivering on the river bank, trying to figure out what had happened.
Northern Notes: Group thanks Moore, Theatre
The public, plus friends and supporters of the Community Living Programs, had the opportunity to attend a free screening of "I Am Sam" recently at the State Theatre. It also was a chance for the public to learn more about the programs. The Grand Traverse Area Community Living Management Corp. is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1975 and dedicated to providing quality supportive housing and essential support services for adults with disabilities.
Northern Notes: Knitters say 'hats on'
Needles were flying early in March at the Thistledown Shoppe of Suttons Bay and when the yarn was gone, Thistledown knitters had completed 36 handcrafted wool watchcaps to present to Leelanau County Road Commission Superintendent Herb Cradduck.
Northern Notes: Hugs from strangers
Rena Rudkin, of Buckley, called with a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful couple who came to her rescue early in April when Rena's husband collapsed outside JoAnn's Fabric in Traverse City. Rena had driven her husband to Traverse City for a biopsy. After the procedure, he said he felt fine so Rena took the opportunity to stop at JoAnn's for some fabric. When she came out of the store, the situation had changed.
Northern Notes: 100th birthday wishes
Best wishes go out to Jane Kennedy Belanger Barker who will celebrate her 100th birthday on Monday. Jane's family celebrated her birthday on April 11.
Northern Notes: Grandma receives help
Kerri Hamilton, of Traverse City, would like to thank Vic Dunbar, who came to her aid after she fell in the parking lot at the Grand Traverse Mall. Kerri was walking to the mall carrying her 7-month-old grandson, Noah, when she caught her foot on the edge of a pothole. (The rest of this story plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Angels help neighbors
A large number of "angels" work and live in Leelanau County. Just ask Jane Nichols, president of the Leelanau Christian Neighbors.
Northern Notes: Never too late to thank
It may almost be time for the annual Community Easter Day Dinner, but it's not too late to thank everyone for their generosity in helping make the 20th annual Thanksgiving Day and 19th annual Christmas Day meals successful. On Thanksgiving, 951 meals were delivered and 350 guests were served. On Christmas, 913 meals were delivered and 360 attended the meal. Both meals were prepared and served at Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City.
Northern Notes: Giving Christmas spirit
On an evening in mid-December, Wendy Sobeck had the pleasure of being a parent-chaperone at a Christmas party for students from Traverse Heights and Blair elementary schools hosted by Hagerty Insurance. (More on this story, plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: 'Bunnies' needed
The Father Fred Foundation is looking for volunteer bunnies to help area children have a happy Easter.
Northern Notes: Mattresses aid charities
Guests who buy mattress sets on March 22 at Art Van Furniture, 1775 Oak Hollow Drive, Traverse City, also will be helping local charities. All day on March 22, Art Van will donate a mattress to either the Father Fred Foundation or the Goodwill Inn homeless shelter for each mattress purchased. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: TC still a small town
Alicia Ames, of Traverse City, has always thought Traverse City is a small town at heart, even though it's growing by leaps and bounds. She most recently experienced that small-town spirit when she hit a rut in the road while returning from shopping and immediately received a message from her car that the tire pressure was low. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Vince wants Molly to call him
Vince Mack of Traverse City would like Molly from Lake Leelanau to contact him. On Feb. 8, Mack was skiing on the TART trail between Traverse City and Suttons Bay. At some point along the trail, Mack's new phone fell out of his coat pocket. After rewalking his route several times, he decided it was gone for good.
Northern Notes: Knitters needed for plowers
Knitters in Leelanau County are being offered the chance to say "thank you" to the hard working people who plow the county roads. Thistledown Shoppe, in conjunction with Brown Sheep yarn, is looking for volunteers to knit hats. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: A good example
Karen Buell, who lives near St. Francis High School in Traverse City, was backing out of her carriage house garage recently when her car got stuck. Joe Kinney, a student at St. Francis High School, saw her plight as he was on his way to school. He stopped and tried to push her out. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Generosity warms body, soul
Kathy Dawkins, of Suttons Bay, would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Thistledown Shoppe's drive for crocheted, knitted and other new items for youth in foster care and also for those who have aged out of foster care. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Turkey Trot's a success
EverywhereUGo would like to thank everyone who volunteered and participated in the first Traverse City Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day 2008. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: Angels renew faith
Goodwill prevailed throughout the holidays as Christmas angels came to the aid of residents in the Grand Traverse area.
Northern Notes: Toys brighten holiday
Christmas morning dawned a little brighter for approximately 6,000 area children who might not have had a Christmas without the generosity of everyone who supported the Toys for Tots campaign.
Northern Notes: Boys & Girls Clubs embraced
Sara Weatherholt, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Traverse, wrote on behalf of the staff, the board of directors and the members of the club to thank the organizations and companies that were so generous during 2008. (Plus more good news from around our community.)
Northern Notes: Faith gets a boost
Monday, Dec. 8, was one of many cold, snowy, blustery days we've had so far this winter that make drivers question why they are on the roads. Margaret Kozan of Traverse City was at Cherryland Center and starting to think she was crazy to be out in such bad weather, when her car got stuck. Luckily, two gentlemen came to her rescue. (Plus more good news from around the region.)
Northern Notes: 'Elf' brightens holiday
Following in the footsteps of St. Nicholas, an "elf" quietly has been at work in Leelanau County bringing holiday cheer to senior citizens. "Rosie Steffens is director of the Commission on Aging for Leelanau County," Sheriff Mike Oltersdorf wrote. "She is not content to live the 9 to 5 life of a governmental department head."
Northern Notes: 45 families get dinners
Amy Maeder, job coach at New Campus School, wrote to thank everyone who helped them provide Thanksgiving dinner for 45 families. "Unbelievable! The word got out and the community responded," Amy wrote.
Northern Notes: Thanks to kind rescuers
Dottie LeSueur of Elk Rapids would like to thank all the caring and helpful people who came to her rescue when her car "died" as she was backing out of a parking space in front of JoAnn Fabrics in Traverse City. Dottie wrote that a very nice gentleman from Roscommon and a lovely lady from Traverse City named Sue, plus two young men, managed to get her car into an out-of-the-way area.
Northern Notes: Tree keeps hands warm
With Old Man Winter knocking on northern Michigan doors early this year, the Interlochen Public Library's Mitten Tree comes at the ideal time.
Northern Notes: Family thanks 'angels'
Amelia Campbell's husband, parents and family wrote to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped Amelia after she was hit by a car on South Airport Road at Cherryland Center on Sept. 20.