Welcome to Women Today - Fall 2008 Edition

Beth Anne Piehl, Special Sections Writer
 
Ask most any woman if you can tell their story in the newspaper and there’s a good chance you’ll hear something along the lines of, “I’m not sure I have a story to tell.”

But everybody has a story to tell — it’s what life is all about. The paths we take to get to some destination, the efforts we’ve made on behalf of others, our connection and love for families, our reliance upon our friends who do special things in the face of daunting circumstances — they’re all stories waiting to be told.

The 10 local women selected to be featured in this 2008 Women Today each has a unique journey of her own, a special talent, a skill that benefits others, a deep love for their children, a desire to, as one of those featured said, “get in the goo and go.”

A young mother battling widespread cancer; a nurse who takes the extra time with patients at the free clinic; an artist mom who is looking to start her own business; a local prosecutor protecting the community and putting drug dealers behind bars; a parks director providing top-quality recreation opportunities around Northern Michigan; a woman carrying on her landmark family fish business; a leader of a local chamber of commerce at age 32; a teacher and mother dedicated to organic foods and educating others about the benefits; a professionally-minded woman who traded a whirlwind international lifestyle to be able to connect with her community more; a mom juggling work, volunteering and caring for two young sons, one suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Indeed, there are stories everywhere. Inside, you’ll find 10 amazing women sharing theirs.  

Featured Articles:

• Home The 10 local women selected to be featured in this 2008 Women Today each has a unique journey of her own, a special talent, a skill that benefits others, a deep love for their children, a desire to, as one of those featured said, “get in the goo and go.
• Michele Sturt With an empathetic heart and a desire to help others, Sturt is one of the medical professionals who keep the free clinic in Petoskey operating.
• Kelly Kaatz Her latest kid’s toy-turned-entrepreneurial endeavor are creative, one-of-a-kind playmats, hand-sewn and decorated with her artist’s eye for detail – and her knowledge, simply, of what is fun for children.
• Lisa Hoyt Since 2007, she’s been responsible for all facets of chamber membership including networking events like Business Before and Business After Hours, Breakfast of Champions community recognition program, Festival on the Bay, the fall golf outing and more.
• Laurie Gaetano-Mier Since childhood, the fast-speaking, fast-smiling county parks and recreation director has held a love for the outdoors.
• Erin Bemis “It’s home. There’s no other way to describe it,” said Bemis, who at 32 holds one of the community’s top leadership roles, as the executive director of the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Jinks Jervey Page There is something striking about meeting Jinks Jervey Page for the first time. She’s tiny, petite, wearing a fitted brown knit cap this day of the interview, and she has such a beautifully shaped face.
• Maria Barton Along with her SANE prosecutorial duties, Barton is an assistant prosecutor in each of the six local counties of Chippewa, Mackinac, Cheboygan, Otsego, Emmet and Charlevoix.
• Kellie Sutherland While some things have changed over the last 60 years since John Cross started the business, the tradition of a family-run enterprise endures.
• Lauren Hinchman Since childhood she had felt a strong interest in biology and teaching others, an urge to camp and explore nature and wildlife.
• Megan Mainland Raising two sons, one with cystic fibrosis, Megan Mainland juggles work, caring for her family and learning all she can about the disease that struck her child.
• Northern Moms In a time when lives are busy and family time is every mom’s top priority, local parents are making virtual connections.
• Women Voters In past presidential elections, Veronica Deveso could have told you by now who she was backing and why. Not this time.
• Zonta: Enriching Women Zonta is an international service organization with a mission to advance the status of women worldwide.