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Articles by Christie Minervini
Opinion: Allowing schools downtown is an investment in our community
Minervini As a City Commissioner representative on the Planning Commission, I recently learned that Traverse City’s current zoning code omits private schools, colleges and universities as allowed uses in the C-4 district. The issue came to light after a private Montessori junior high school was preparing to lease a vacant downtown office space. Our planning director explained that this was likely an oversight, and that school uses are typically allowed in downtown districts.
Forum: Electing more women benefits everyone
It’s been nearly 100 years since the 19th amendment guaranteed women the right to vote, but they are still greatly underrepresented in public office. Today, equal representation is needed not only to more accurately reflect the electorate, but also to encourage better performance in our leadership. Despite the well-publicized gains made in 2018, women make up only 24 percent of the U.S. House of Representatives and 25 percent of the U.S. Senate.
Honor Through Craft
Bob DeKorne wanted to give back.
Divine Restaurant Duo: Sorellina & Slate
As Traverse City’s restaurant scene continues to grow, two of its newer additions fill a gap — literally and figuratively — that brings both physical change and what its owners deem “market-niche diversity” to downtown’s Front Street. The intriguing twist: They’re both under the same roof.
From Spuds to Sportswriting to Spirits
Kalkaska native Chris Iott grew up on the family’s potato farm southeast of the village of Kalkaska and worked there with his two brothers and five sisters. While his brothers took over the operations of Iott Seed Farms, Iott went into journalism, where he spent 20 years, much of it as the sports editor of the Jackson Citizen-Patriot, covering the Detroit Tigers. He’s recently launched Social Sound, his own social media business.
Northport’s Impact on the Civil War
Northport's location at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula is a little like that of an island; you don’t pass through on the way to somewhere else. But a century and a half ago, when the primary means of transportation was by water, it was a key port — and one that played an important role in the Civil War. The town’s and region’s story is included in John Mitchell’s book Grand Traverse, the Civil War Era. The historian, who lives in Omena, elaborated on it in a conversation.
Richard Reed Parry - Quiet River of Dust - Anti/Epitaph
Parry’s spent plenty of time working with his main musical project, the Canadian Grammy-winning indie-rock outfit Arcade Fire. But on his solo work, he’s more ’60s avant-garde than current-day dance-tronica.
Muse Is Back With a Brand New Theory
British modern rock band Muse is returning with its eighth studio album, Simulation Theory, produced in collaboration with Rich Costey, Shellback, Mike Elizondo, and Timbaland.
Republicans Deceiving Us (and other ho-hum developments)
Keeping track of issues in a complex society can be an exhausting task. With over 300 million Americans living under the authority of nearly countless levels of government, it is not hard to imagine why many citizens sit out voting…even in those rare places where Republicans aren’t trying to obstruct our rights to get to the polls. Recent actions in Republican controlled states to make it harder to vote are even more obnoxious than the President they are trying to protect.
Jim's Joint B.B.Q.'s The Smokestack
Jim’s Joint B.B.Q. in Honor abstains from both rules and region. And man, does that work well for those of us who worship at the shrine of smoke. Without the commandments of either Carolina or Texas barbacue cramping their style, Pitmaster Jim and Pit Boss Susan Johnson concoct a spicy (read: flavorful, not hot), saucy, smoky heaven all their own.
Honor Through Craft
Bob DeKorne wanted to give back.
Tis the Season for Car-Deer Collisions
Denny Guernsey knows more than a little about car-deer accidents. As a principal agent at the Ford Insurance Agency in Traverse City, he’s kept busy this time of year fielding calls from clients who have had an unfortunate meeting with a buck or doe. And he has first-hand knowledge, too. “About 12 or 15 years ago, my wife was coming back to Traverse City from Petoskey on U.S. 31, and a deer jumped the guardrail and hit the car,” he said.
National Security Expert Richard A. Clarke Weighs In
Dire predictions abound in this era of 24/7 news coverage and punditry in real time. The question is: whose opinions should we trust? As part of the National Writers Series, one of America’s leading security experts, Richard A. Clarke, will appear at 7 pm Thursday, Nov. 15, at the City Opera House to help readers sort out fact from fiction.
In Search of Bruce Catton’s Benzie County
The country’s preeminent Civil War author grew up in a backwoods Benzonia, learning about the war from local Union Army veterans decades after the war’s end. Their lessons — about a country divided, states rights, and the price people will pay for freedom — are as relevant today as they were then. Northern Express pages back through Bruce Catton’s past. Benzonia of 1899 was a pretty quiet place, but you wouldn’t know that from Bruce Catton’s memoir of growing up in the small Benzie County town.
Running Scared?
Earlier this month, six of seven Republican candidates for the Grand Traverse County Commission abruptly pulled out of a public forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area (LWVGTA). While they expressed no qualm with the local organizers or their long history of fairness and nonpartisanship, they took issue with League of Women Voters (LWV) National CEO Virginia Kase's civil disobedience surrounding the Brett Kavanaugh hearings.
Oma’s Cherry-Infused Vodka
Distiller Kyle Miller’s “Oma” — that’s German for grandmother — has been infusing her vodka with Traverse City cherries since she emigrated to the Mitten State from Germany in 1952. Borrowing a little bit of Oma’s pluck and a lot of her recipe, Miller has bottled Oma’s cherry vodka and skyrocketed it to the shelves of 96 Meijer locations in Michigan and 81 stores in Texas, plus scored limited distribution in Wisconsin and Illinois.
Adorable little kitty or stone-cold killer?
Three years ago, our family moved into a newer home in a quiet neighborhood on the south side of Traverse City. We fell in love with the mature trees in the front yard, and my husband and I looked forward to having an attached garage for the first time in our adult lives. But our favorite feature was a small private patio and garden that we could enjoy through French doors from the den.
“We Really Ought to do Something About This.”
2011 was a tough year for me, both professionally and personally. I had purchased a gallery in downtown Traverse City two years prior and was struggling to save it while my marriage was deteriorating. As a result, I was pretty self-absorbed and unpleasant to be around. One morning, as I was unlocking the front door of my gallery, I woke a couple of men who were sleeping on the patio benches behind the building. At first, I was annoyed and even felt a little violated.
Social Media Misuse and Incivility is Hurting Democracy
We've all experienced it. An unkind remark while scrolling through the online comment section; then another, even more provocative. Finally, the attacks get personal as trolls disrupt the conversation, making unfounded claims and spinning conspiracy theories in an attempt to challenge others' opinions. In this new frontier of digital media, many acknowledge that civil discourse has become the exception, rather than the rule.
What Does it Mean to be a Progressive?
Early in 2017, I joined Woman2Woman TC (W2WTC), a local non-partisan group formed to take action on protecting human rights, ensuring civil liberties, preserving the influence of evidence and reason, and promoting public policy through the election of progressive candidates. As the new chair, I am sometimes asked, “Isn't a progressive actually a 'liberal?'” For decades, conservatives have used the word “progressive” as a euphemism for “liberal” — a word that's even become a slur in some circles.
Draining the Swamp
Sandy Pensler is running for the United States Senate in the Republican primary. He joins former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bob Young and businessman John James as the only official Republican candidates, so far. The winner will take on Democrat incumbent Debbie Stabenow in November. We know this because Pensler is the first out of the box this year with a television commercial. He's committed $5 million of his own money to help improve his lack of name identification.
Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy Coming to Michigan
In a major musical coup, northern Michigan’s inaugural Camp Greensky Music Festival, helmed by the members of local favorite band Greensky Bluegrass, have snagged Jeff Tweedy, frontman of Wilco, for their very first two-stage festival event coming up May 31–June 2 on the Hoxeyville festival grounds in northern Michigan.
Columnist-Turned-Novelist Anna Quindlen Visits National Writers Series Stage
In 1995, having decided the world had enough instant internet pundits, Pulitzer prize-winning New York Times columnist Anna Quindlen charted a new path for herself as a writer of fiction and non-fiction books. It was a move she’d often considered.
Super Summer Getaways
Looking for a summertime sabbatical in northern Michigan? You’re in luck. Even though many Up North cottages are rented out a year in advance, just as many are still available for fun in the sun. We checked with local consultants, real estate and rental agents, and the trusty ol’ internet to get leads on little-known but-still available (as of press time) properties across the region — all ripe for an unforgettable summer getaway.
Four Mini Road Trips
Longing to get the heck out of Dodge, but don’t feel like venturing too far away? Check out these easy-to-get-to destinations. Each are a sweet six-hour drive — or less — from northern Michigan but promise plenty of spring break fun for you and your family. Frankenfun Nicknamed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” the town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, is only three hours from Traverse City and Petoskey. It leans heavily on farming and tourism, and the latter is where you’ll benefit.
You Gotta Have Art (And Time and Support)
Who isn’t inspired by a little time Up North? For decades, artists have been flocking to northern Michigan to lose themselves in its sublime beauty, slower pace, and appreciative audiences. As evident by the ever-increasing numbers of galleries, art walks, installations, and cultural events around the northwest lower Michigan region, hundreds of artists — and their work — have made a home here.
Camp Chasm in Charlevoix
There’s a township just northeast of Charlevoix with miles of Little Traverse Bay shoreline along its northern end, and at its south, miles of Lake Charlevoix shore. In between lie 42 square miles of rolling farmland, curving country roads, nature preserves, and woods. It’s a paradise that’s attracted vacationers and retirees for generations. From the outside, it looks like a place of peace and leisure. Lately, it’s been anything but.
Staycation Time!
A lot of local families are counting down the days until they can jet off to somewhere warm. Not one of ’em? We feel your pain. If you’re sticking around for spring break, there’s a good chance you’ll be stuck with gray skies and cold temps, but there’s no reason you need to endure a cacophony of kids whining about being bored — or go broke trying to keep ’em entertained.
Tipped Wages Set the Table for Poverty, Sexual Harassment
At a recent conference in Detroit, I had an opportunity to meet Saru Jayaraman, co-director of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC United) and hero of the gender equality movement. She was presenting at session titled “Closing the Gender Equity Gap.” While I have been aware of pay inequality for a long time, she presented a mind-blowing study that connected low hourly tipped wages with an increased rates of poverty and sexual harassment for restaurant workers.
Useful Innocents
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson In January, Campus Reform — which bills itself “a watchdog to the nation's higher education system” — asked college students in New York for their reaction to quotes from Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. The students gave heartfelt responses that universally rejected Trump’s ideas.
Useful Innocents
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson In January, Campus Reform — which bills itself “a watchdog to the nation's higher education system” — asked college students in New York for their reaction to quotes from Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. The students gave heartfelt responses that universally rejected Trump’s ideas.
Ironic Budgets
President Donald Trump presented his idea of a budget last week. It was about what you'd expect. Let's see ... he would cut food stamps by 22 percent and add a work requirement, which isn't really a budget item at all. He wants the government to send food boxes instead of money to recipients. He proposes a 14 percent cut to subsidized housing and the complete elimination of the public housing capital-improvement and repair fund.
RestauranTour
Please be seated for these abbreviated versions of the restaurant reviews we’ve featured since our last RestauranTour issue. Bon Appetit! The Torch Lake Cafe Torch Lake It started as a church back in the 1800s but was restored to its former glory and turned into a rockin’ dining destination by owner Leanna Collins and her husband, Jim Hettinger, both performers.
Camp Greensky Springs Into Festival Territory
Kalamazoo jam-band-turned regional phenomenon Greensky Bluegrass (pictured) have announced the launch of their inaugural Camp Greensky Music Festival, set to run May 31–June 2 at a location to be determined (the band posted a “save the date” announcement on their website).
Birds of a Feather Cook Together
Sometimes the best ideas happen during something as small as a chat between friends. That was all it took to get the ball rolling on the upcoming Birds of a Feather dinner happening this March at The Little Fleet in Traverse City: several great culinary minds thinking alike.
Super Duck
Valentine’s Day may be over, but S2S/Sugar2Salt in Traverse City is still stealing hearts, as it has been since opening in June 2017, with an inspired, locally sourced menu of sweet and savory indulgences that will have you falling in love with breakfast all over again.
The King Bourbon
One true harbinger of spring for those of us lucky enough to call Northern Michigan home is the tapping of maple trees for sap. Grand Traverse Distillery believes that’s something to celebrate – with a maple syrup-infused craft cocktail at its downtown tasting room.
Northern Michigan’s Legendary Dishes
What are the most iconic and legendary dishes in northern Michigan? You know the type: the dishes that locals make all their out-of-town friends or relatives try when they visit, or the ones that restaurants tout as “world-famous” on their menus. From soups and sandwiches to pastas and entrees, northern Michigan is fortunate enough to have many of these dishes. But which ones are most essential? The Northern Express set out to find the answer.
Ben Frost -Fortitude - Mute
The Australian composer based in (appropriately) Iceland was the perfect choice for the soundtrack to the British psychological thriller television series. His chilly synths and electronic experiments set up a virtual wall behind the storylines of the show; and on its own, the album brings elements of the show in via repetitive and familiar themes and dialogue snippets.
Igoe’s Last Show, Your Last Chance
Those who were in the audience the last time Tommy Igoe played the City Opera House might think they know what to expect. After all, the masterful drummer and his powerhouse Birdland Big Band roared through a supercharged set of tunes, mostly from his then-recent recording Eleven, with attitude, swing, and plenty of chops. But this is a different time, a different set of tunes, and a different band. “We have five horns and five rhythm.
Black Star Farms' Half-million Dollar Flash Détente
Northwestern lower Michigan is well-known for its wine, but the weather can throw a wrench into the works. Frigid winters, late frosts, or summer storms can damage, even destroy an entire year’s crop. Witness the harvests — or lack thereof — in 2014 and 2015. Even in those years where there is a good harvest, weather variations can impact the grapes and prevent the resulting wine from reaching its peak.
Small-town Character is a State of Mind
As we move past the November Traverse City election and look forward to 2018, the close vote totals illustrate that there is no clear mandate for future decisions regarding growth. Like many other communities, Traverse City continues to wrestle with issues of development and change. I have found that where there is economic growth and prosperity, there are always those of us who want to stop or stall progress.
Leadership is Bigger Than any one Issue
In the lead-up to election day on Tuesday, Nov. 6, I'd like to share some thoughts about our representative democracy and what makes a good mayor or city commissioner. In reality, most citizens are not very familiar with what our local representatives do on a day-to-day basis. We simply trust our elected officials to study public issues on our behalf and make the best decisions possible. That is what representative government is designed to do.
Homegrown Hoxeyville: Secluded Jams and Scenic Views
Hoxeyville might be the only music festival where attendees boat with their favorite band. But set as it is on 150 acres of farmland inside the Manistee National Forest and near the banks of the Pine River, informal canoe excursions, morning swim sessions, and mounting biking are as common as hammock naps in the trees. But what reigns supreme? Music — heavy on folk, roots, and blues — made by an expansive mix of local up-and-comers and regional touring musicians.
Chef’s Choice: Inspiring Cookbooks
Ever wonder what cookbooks your favorite chefs read and use? We’ve sought out the tomes that are tops on the shelves of some of northern Michigan’s best local chefs and cooks.
Cast-off food finds a different fate in northern Michigan
With little mention, countless rescues are taking place every week across the Grand Traverse area. None involve boating accidents or even a stubborn cat up a tree. Those rescued are vegetables, dairy products, and other goods diverted from dumpsters and destined instead to feed hungry people in Leelanau, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Antrim, and Kalkaska counties.
Replicas of Columbus’s ships to dock in Traverse City
Columbus would be proud. It’s been more than 500 years in coming, but two of his ships are making their way to Traverse City. The Niña and Pinta will dock at Clinch Park’s northwest wall on Aug. 17 and will be there through Aug. 22. The ships will open for tours from 9am to 6pm daily, starting Aug. 18. The Traverse City visit is part of the South American-made ships’ ongoing tours of the western hemisphere.
Housing Should Be a Right, Not a Privilege
My interest in the problem of homelessness in Traverse City was born out of a casual friendship with two men who spent many nights sleeping on the back deck of a downtown business I opened in 2009. I remember thinking, “How is it possible that we have people living on the street in Traverse City? We don't live in a third-world country!” I was confused as to how our relatively affluent and incredibly caring community could look the other way when it came to a need as basic as shelter.
Northport’s Tibetan Yak
Chris Butz has some advice to beef lovers: “Try yak, you’ll never go back.” Butz, who raises Tibetan yaks at Gill’s Pier Ranch, just outside Northport, contends that yak meat is where the next culinary movement is at. “It’s grass-fed and environmentally friendly while also being high in protein and omega 3 and 6,” said Butz.
Is the Party Over?
Robert Heghmann, a Trump campaign donor and former campaign volunteer from Virginia, has filed suit against the Republican National Committee (RNC), the Virginia Republican Party, and various officers of both organizations. He claims they are guilty of mail fraud and racketeering. Heghmann says the organizations raised money by claiming they would elect Republicans who would repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), knowing full well they could not. His evidence?
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