Welcome to Kid Koncierge of Northwest Michigan! Whether you are a resident, a visitor, or a newcomer to our beautiful region we hope that you will enjoy visiting our site. Our goal is to get you connected to the hundreds of businesses, services, and agencies that provide products or services for our kids.
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Naturally Fun
Hazelnut Kids looks to add more product lines, possible
brick-and-mortar shop
Adding new product lines, giving to local “green” efforts and becoming a finalist in a national competition all top Tracy Coe’s list of accomplishments in the seven months the Traverse City entrepreneur has been at the helm of Hazelnut Kids.
And the mom of two has plenty of other plans in the works, including considering shipping internationally and possibly opening a brick-and-mortar store in Traverse City.
“We are movin' and shakin' and excited to find even more ways for kids to simply play -- naturally, of course,” said Coe, whose Hazelnut Kids sells wooden and organic cotton toys for babies and kids.
Coe took over Hazelnut Kids last year from Sheri Novak, who started the natural toy company less than five years ago. Long a fan of the products, Coe was thrilled to take over when Novak opted to sell.
“I always hoped I would be the first to know if Sheri ever decided to move on,” said Coe, mother of a 6-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter with husband Ben (owner of Thats'a Pizza). “You can imagine how excited I was when she actually called and offered me a chance to take over … I have never been happier to go to work.”
Here’s what Coe – and her two employees Bridgett and Shannon – have been up to lately and are looking to take on in coming weeks:
- Planted 4,500 trees through Trees for the Future.
- Made a “substantial” donation to GT Regional Land Conservancy.
- Nominated along with nine other earth-friendly businesses across the country for the recognition given by Washington, D.C. non-profit Green America. The award is a “celebration of the leaders of the green economy, and a challenge to corporate America to follow their path,” according to the organization.
- Considering a traditional brick and mortar store here in Traverse City.
- Considering shipping internationally.
- Adding new lines of products weekly such as: Woodman Concept do-it-yourself kits;
Clementine natural art materials; Wildcraft, an herbal adventure game; games and play kitchen items from Educo; and new wooden educational puzzles from Beleduc.
Learn more about Hazelnut Kids at www.hazelnutkids.com
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if you know of a local kid (or kids) with a story to share!
Local Third Grader Leads Charity Can Drive for Children in Need
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — When was the last time you ever heard of any good news coming with a visit to the principal's office?
Eamonn McGonigle, a third-grade student at The Children’s House of Traverse City, was more than a little inspired by the “Pennies for Peace” initiative held at the school last year.
“On the way home he talked to his mom about it and she told him that one person can make a difference, but it has to start somewhere and with an individual, says Enda McGonigle, Eamonn’s father.
The grade-schooler did some research online and—with winter coming—came up with the idea for a can and bottle drive to raise money to buy warm clothes for area children in need.
“He chose the name “Bottles for Boots/Cans for Coats" to kind of go along with the "Pennies for Peace" vibe,” say McGonigle.
Then came a visit to the office of Head of School, Michele Shane, to pitch his plan.
“Eamonn wanted the whole school to get involved,” says Shane. “And I thought it was a wonderful idea and a great opportunity. Problem solving, leadership, writing, math, etc., Eamonn and his class got to use these skills for a real-world purpose, which is exactly what we try to promote in our integrated curriculum—one where students are encouraged to pursue their interests and think for themselves.”
Eamonn’s efforts raised over $100, which was then used to buy socks given to Traverse City’s “Boots for Kids” program. The goal now is to hold similar, student led drives on alternating months throughout the coming school year.
“This has been a great and positive experience for Eamonn,” says his father. “He genuinely likes to help people and this gave him a real opportunity to do something concrete. I think this will also inspire him to tackle more projects like this in the future.”
For more information and/or interviews please contact Missy Russell, Advancement Director at The Children House, by phone 231.929.9325 or via email at
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Eamonn McGonigle (right) pictured with “Boots for Kids” founder, Don
Schmuckal beside socks purchased with proceeds from bottle/can drive |
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