Editor’s note: This article was published in Grand Traverse Scene magazine’s Summer I 2026 issue. Pick up a free copy at area hotels, visitor’s centers, chambers of commerce or at the Record-Eagle building at 1764 Forest Ridge Drive in Traverse City. Click here to read GT Scene in its entirety online.
Every now and then, we get lucky in life and are given opportunities to work with individuals who add joy to our world, lift us up and make us proud. That’s how I feel about the talented journalists who work for this magazine.
As the editor of the Grand Traverse Scene for the past four years, our reporters have reminded me why I got into journalism in the first place — to tell great stories that touch the hearts of readers. But maybe what this team of writers, photographers and designers don’t know is that they’ve touched my heart and made it easier than it should be to put together a great publication.
From the bottom of my journalism-loving heart, I want to thank each of them for their hard work, consistent planning, communication and fantastic work they’ve done for not only me, but for our community.
When I think back on how some of our writers started at this magazine, I’m amazed at how far they’ve come. Take Stephanie Sawyer, for example. I met her through her dad, Bill Sawyer, and step-mom, Michele Husley, who live in Suttons Bay where my husband and I live. Bill told me how his daughter loves to read and how I should meet her. So, when Stephanie, who lives in Texas, was in town visiting her folks, we had lunch.
We hit it off right away. She was working in retail, but expressed her love for reading and writing. Although she had never written for a publication before, I took a chance on her and asked her to write our Regional Reads column, highlighting Michigan authors. That was three years ago, and I can confidently say that she’s turned that column around, made it more interesting to read and her love for books shines bright through her prose.
I also have to highlight the talented Isabelle Plamondon, who I first met at Hansen’s grocery store in Suttons Bay. She worked there part-time while in high school, and she started writing for the White Pine Press, Northwest Michigan College’s student newspaper. But her talent goes beyond that, as she also took several writing classes through the National Writers Series’ Raising Writers program. After watching her graduate high-school and grow her writing career in college, I knew she had to write for this magazine. Thank you, Isabelle, for saying “yes.”
We have three journalists with the last name Barber who work for the GT Scene: David L. Barber and his wife Jeanne Barber, and Sally Barber, no relation to David or Jeanne. All three Barbers have been absolutely delightful to work with the last four years. David and Jeanne always pick up extra stories when we need more content. They also get me stories well before deadline, as does Sally. A huge thanks to all of you.
I’d be remiss to not talk about Christopher Smith who writes our satirical essays. He makes me laugh, pushes the boundaries with his writing and is a stellar communicator. He’s also become a friend. Thank you for being you. And, Lindsay Hibbard, it amazes me how you always come up with the most perfect illustrations for Christopher’s essays. Bravo.
Daniel Fortune, you and I have worked together on many projects over the years. You’re so kind, eager and multi-talented. Thanks for saving my butt on last minute stories a few times.
Life throws us new opportunities that fill our calendars, pushing us to make tough decisions about “what’s next” in our careers. Thus, my tenure as editor-in-chief of the GT Scene has come to an end. I’m leaving to pursue my marketing career, helping businesses and nonprofits grow their clout throughout our region.
Scene will continue, as will the terrific work of those who make it possible, including our readers who support us through subscribing to the Record-Eagle and the businesses that advertise with us.