Leelanau Essentials—the workers who keep us safe during the pandemic. Meet Little Traverse Inn’s Nicole Anderson
From staff reports
They are doctors, nurses and healthcare workers. They stock the shelves, slice the deli meat, and run the registers at grocery stores, they deliver your meals curbside, delicately pinching the paper bag between gloved fingers. They are the EMS first responders, the firemen and the cops. They are the distilleries that turn spirit byproduct into hand sanitizer. They drive semi trucks and delivery trucks and bring packages and food. They are postal workers. They run the food banks and the church pantries. They keep the school cafeterias open to make sure the needy families get breakfasts and lunch. They pick up our recycling and our garbage. They watch our children, and they care for our elderly. They are the farmworkers—both with and without documents—who harvest our crops.
Even as our community and our society shut down and we stay home to socially distance ourselves, these essential workers of Leelanau County show up every day and walk to the front lines to fight for us in this world war against a murderous pandemic. Let us honor our Leelanau Essentials.
Nicole Anderson, Little Traverse Inn
The Little Traverse Inn (LTI), on M-22 between Glen Arbor and Leland, has launched a program called “Feed the Community” during the coronavirus and stay-at-home state shutdown. Launched by owner Graeme Leask, meals are cooked at LTI and served via carry-out and delivery. The Scottish gastropub’s meal on the first week, which fed 20 families, was barbecue pulled pork with mashed potatoes and gravy, scalloped corn, bread and salad. Nicole Anderson is one of the more animated members of the LTI staff.
What does my job mean to me?
My job means to me a chance to see our local community. We talk about travel, beer, and life. I work other jobs in Leelanau County and enjoy my few nights at the Inn. Graeme is family orientated. I have always felt part of the team here and consider the LTI team a family. He has always accommodated his staff during any life crisis and has done so now for the community.
What does it mean to the community?
People have picked up food for for their elderly neighbors, people in need, and to help support us. I see faces that are smiling and usually have a dog in the car sharing a bit of good cheer. The people in this community have helped with donations or delivering food, and it truly is amazing. I dress up goofy on Fridays and hope at least one person smiles. Someone laughed at me dressed like Micheal Jackson last week and said that is just what they needed. I look forward to my shift and am happy to deliver a smile, food, and a bit of love.
How has my life changed during the pandemic?
With kids at home it’s very hard for them. So my family dynamic has changed. Making sure they’re in a positive mind set, cooking different things, and motivating them is a full-time job. I appreciate a smile or a wave from people. You take those little things for granted when you’re moving too fast. This has allowed me to appreciate the small things and wash my hands a million times a day!
Dear readers—who would you like to nominate for our Leelanau Essentials profile series? Do they have a compelling story they’re willing to share? Have they proven themselves essential to the community in recent weeks? Can they send us a photo of themselves and answer the following questions: What does my job mean to me? What does it mean to the community? How has my life changed during the coronavirus? Send submissions to editorial@GlenArborSun.com.
