20 Reasons We’re Thankful
2020 certainly has had its trepidation, apprehension, and sadness. Yet, here we are, the day before Thanksgiving, full of gratitude. It’s wondrous how hard times grant us a perspective to take stock and count our fortunes. We have many of them here at Norte and in Northern Michigan. There are too many to list, but here are 20 reasons, in no particular order, why Team Orange is grateful for this year:
- Our energetic and loving volunteers
- Gorgeous new sidewalks in Traverse Heights
- Citizen Advocates and School Champions–people who stand up, speak up and work on behalf of better neighborhoods
- Otwell Hub members – an expanding crew
- Youth leaders and young explorers
- Norte’s resourceful and enthusiastic Board of Directors
- Sidewalk chalk art in support of nurses and public health officials
- Making new friends, finding adventure, and counting smiles at Summer Bike Camp–even with orange masks, we see you smiling
- Norte’s astute, responsive, and reassuring COVID-19 Task Force
- Everyone who cleaned out the garage and gave a bike to Essential Grand Traverse
- The new 3 Mile Trail partnership
- Michigan’s largest youth mountain bike team–nearly 300 mountain bike families
- Our marvelous and supportive Business Champions
- Bike library expansions
- Dedicated citizens supporting the $2M Safe Routes To School grant
- All of our donors, including the unwavering monthly members in el Colectivo
- Our devoted and steadfast Community Partners
- Northern Michigan’s beautifully managed public spaces – places like Maplehurst, Palmer Woods, Glacial Hills, and Lake Dubonnet
- Our local bike shops–thank you for wrenching and your generosity
- Norte’s skilled and resourceful staff
We could go on and on. The Grand Traverse region is a community full of awesomeness. We’re thankful to be a part of it. It’s a marvelous place to work on building a new generation of happy, healthy, strong.
Happy Thanksgiving. And happy #optoutside day.
– Ty
P.S. Who are we kidding? We need to throw in at least two more. Thank you to BATA for tricking out bus stops with orange and to the EE-Train. Keep being amazing.
