Guest workers a “life saver” for Glen Arbor’s summertime economy
Left to right: Suleyman Kanal from Turkey, Iosif David Calus and Anamaria Lacramioara Petrut from Romania, Blu co-owner and chef Randy Chamberlain, and Jorge Toribio from the Dominican Republic. Calus is a swimming coach back home in Romania, and Petrut is a school counselor. Her middle name, Lacramioara, means “Lilly of the Valley.” Photo by Norm Wheeler
From staff reports
“I can’t imagine a town like ours continuing without the heavy support system that these workers coming from other countries provide to allow our economy to thrive,” said Randy Chamberlain, the co-owner and chef at Blu. Glen Arbor’s fine dining establishment currently employs five workers who are visiting the United States on J-1 student visas. They are Suleyman Kanal from Turkey, Iosif David Calus and Anamaria Lacramioara Petrut from Romania, Jorge Toribio from the Dominican Republic, and one more who arrives from Albania on July 15. Calus is a swimming coach back home in Romania, and Petrut is a school counselor. Her middle name, Lacramioara, means “Lilly of the Valley.”
“They are unbelievably focused and dynamic workers. They’re up since 5 a.m., working different jobs around town. Their work ethic is very present,” said Chamberlain. “I don’t know what we’d be doing right now without these kids. They are a business saver.”
Housing guest workers poses a hurdle for some business owners, but Chamberlain lucked out. His son Brandon began managing the dining room at Blu a year ago after working for 17 years at Trattoria Stella in Traverse City. The previous employer had set up Brandon’s home to house workers. Those beds are now occupied by Blu employees who commute from Traverse City to work in Glen Arbor—either on the BATA bus or in Brandon’s car.
“None of these kids, with the exception of those from Romania, had ever been on an airplane before,” said Chamberlain. “They are taking in the whole American experience, from the sizes of our houses, to the junk food in our stores.”
To show gratitude for their hard work, Chamberlain has rewarded them with dinner parties on Sundays and Mondays, when the restaurant is closed. He may take them on a trip to Mackinac Island, as well.
Guest workers throughout Glen Arbor
The Homestead currently employs 33 guest workers from Jamaica who live in the resort’s employee housing units and work in food and beverage, housekeeping, laundry, and buildings and grounds.
“We are very grateful to have their help,” said Homestead president Bob Kuras.
Anderson’s Market employs nine workers on J-1 visas. Their home countries include Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. The earliest arrived in mid-May and the grocery store’s last ones depart on Oct. 1.
“They are a fantastic group of young people that we are really enjoying getting to know,” said Jamie Blough. “We are learning just as much from them as they are from us. We are very fortunate to have such a great group help us through these crazy couple of months!”
Cherry Republic has eight J-1 workers from the Dominican Republic, Jordan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Two work in the retail store and six as prep/line cooks in the kitchen.
Crystal River Outfitters employs three students from Turkey.
“They have been a delight,” said Katy Wiesen. “It is been very enjoyable to get to know Irem, Beyza, and Ali. All three have settled in very well and it has been fun to share the area with them. When a lot of our local and summer college and high school aged kids have to head back to school early August, it is extra beneficial to have them on our team as we are still so busy through the fall. At that time, we also hope to do some extra fun activities with them. We are hoping to continue to grow the program.”
