517 Magazine February 2021 Issue

517 B U S I N E S S

A N D

COMING INTO FOCUS Okemos grandmother finds new love in pandemic through nature photography

ON THE RECORD Heart to heart with Dr. Susan Maples

L I F E

the

HEART of the matter

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

February 2021

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publisher’s note

I

The Beat Goes On in Lansing

think many people hoped that turning the page on 2020 would magically cure the struggles that we faced throughout the past year. Although we’ve continued to gain positives inch by hard-won inch, we still collectively face a health crisis and will undoubtedly deal with the fallout of continued economic strife. However, it has also given us an opportunity to show our commitment to community and strengthen the binds that tie us all together.

I like to think of it as a reflection of the Greater Lansing region’s heart.

When someone is said to show heart, it’s typically a reference to demonstrated grit, drive and fearlessness. That’s all true; however, I consider heart to also be the source where a few of the gentler traits of the human condition — kindness, empathy, compassion — reside.

Those softer examples of heart that sprang forth over the past year, where individuals and businesses facing dire personal chapters were raised and buttressed through a shared sense of community, have reaffirmed my faith in Greater Lansing.

Fittingly, February is American Heart Month, which seems a good a time as any to take stock of the area’s heart health — both literally and figuratively. On a literal level, it’s no secret that heart disease is an issue we have neglected on a personal level as well as a communitywide topic. The issues that comes with quarantines and emotional stresses hasn’t helped.

Figuratively, the heart health of Lansing is beating stronger than it may ever have before. Yet perhaps our strong figurative heart can be used to address our literal one. With a new year and new hope on the horizon, this month can be an ideal opportunity to renew our commitment and strengthen our resolve to do more to prevent the preventable.

This issue of 517 Magazine includes information and resources on how you can increase your heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We stood together for the past year to tackle the worst health crisis many of us will see in our lifetimes. We can stand together once more for this one.

517 Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 2, February 2021.

517 Magazine (USPS # 020w807) is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933.

Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan USPO. Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $22 per year for postage and handling or $38 for two years.

Call (517) 203-3333 or visit 517mag.com to subscribe.

Publisher Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Managing Editor Mary Gajda mary@m3group.biz Creative Visionary Chad Hussle chad@m3group.biz Lead Editor Christopher Nagy

Postmaster: Send address changes to 517 Magazine, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Copyright @2021. 517 Magazine.

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Contributors Rich Adams Aaron Applebey Teece Aronin Melik Brown Susan Combs Kyle Dowling Mary Gajda Erin Hagen Christopher Nagy Omar Sofradzija Jack Tany Jessica Trotter

Editorial office: 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. 517mag.com

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517 | 2.21

2021 KITCHEN

REMODELING We’ll design the Kitchen of your Dreams – Call us today Call 517-339-6300 for the Meridian Advantage or visit themeridianadvantage.net for more information.

contents

2/21 13 The Heart of the Matter Cardiovascular health is good for business

39 Coming into Focus Okemos grandmother finds new love in pandemic through nature photography

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business

contents

22

11

AREA SNAPSHOT

17

TRENDS

18

NOTABLE NEWS

21

BIZ TIPS

22

STATE/NATIONAL

24

ON THE RECORD

25

PERSPECTIVES

A Snapshot of Local Business News Affecting the 517 The Business of Prevention Professional Highlights from the 517 Region Business Love A Brief Look at State and National News Affecting our Region Heart to Heart with Dr. Susan Maples Dealing with the Unexpected

lifestyle

30

28

PLACES

30

FAMILY CORNER

32

STYLE

33

FOOD

34

NONPROFIT

Snow and Romance Nature and tranquility can be found in two secret hideaways Celebrate Black History Month with a Great Read Setting the Tone Making a Valentine’s date night at home special Best of the 517 Sweets All Heart American Heart Association saves lives through prevention

play 40

REASONS TO PLAY

42

OUT & ABOUT

Visit 517living.com for More Lansing-Area Activities Pics Submitted by Readers!

DEPARTMENTS

2 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 44

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517 | 2.21

WRAP UP

How to Build Your Emergency Savings

By Deidre Davis, MSU Federal Credit Union’s Chief Marketing Officer

Unexpected expenses can be challenging on many levels, but you can be better prepared financially if you have savings set aside in an emergency fund.

Why do you need an emergency fund?

An emergency fund allows you to pay for expenses you have not budgeted or planned for, or cover costs if your income changes. This could include a medical emergency, home repairs, veterinarian bills, vehicle repairs, or unemployment.

According to bankrate.com, approximately 28% of adults do not have any funds set aside for unplanned expenses. A good rule of thumb is to have an emergency fund with three to six months’ worth of expenses, with $1,000 being a good starting point.

You can reach the $1,000 goal for your emergency fund in six months by transferring $167 from your checking account to your savings account each month (or $42 each week). In one year, you could reach the goal of $1,000 by transferring $84 a month (or $22 each week) to your emergency fund.

A helpful method to ensure that you consistently save is to set up automatic transfers to occur every payday so that the money goes into savings before you have a chance to spend it. This will help make saving a regular habit.

rates, especially if you have a good credit score. Contact your financial institution to discuss how refinancing your auto loan or mortgage — or both — could save you money, and then divert those monthly savings into your emergency fund.

What type of account should I look for?

When you are starting out, it’s best to look for a savings account that offers a higher interest rate, has no minimum balance requirements, and no fees. Remember, you don’t want to access these funds unless you need to, but they should be accessible without a fee.

MSUFCU recently introduced its Savings BuilderTM account, which is designed to help you save for life’s events faster. Unlike traditional savings accounts, Savings Builder pays you more on your initial savings, helping you grow your savings faster. For more information, visit msufcu.org.

For more information about this loan or anything else related to how MSUFCU can support your business, visit msufcu.org/backtobusiness.

Deidre Davis is the chief marketing officer at MSU Federal Credit Union. MSUFCU’s headquarters are at 3777 West Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Contact Deidre at deidre.davis@msufcu.org or (517) 664-7877.

Are there ways to save?

One way to save money is to take advantage of low loan interest

Keri Kordie, CNM

Desirae Michalisko, CNM

Sarah Schultz, CNM

Jodi Williamsen, CNM

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business

AREA SNAPSHOT p.11 TRENDS p.17 NOTABLE NEWS p.18 BIZ TIPS p.21 STATE/NATIONAL p.22 ON THE RECORD p.24 PERSPECTIVES p.25

HEART AND SOUL With so many state employees working from home, downtown businesses have worked hard to stay open.

For example, Soul Nutrition recently celebrated one year in business and is still serving up healthy teas and shakes in spite of COVID-19. If you are making one resolution this year, focus on supporting small businesses through the purchases of gift cards and more to help get them through the next few months.

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business / AREA SNAPSHOT

A snapshot of local business news affecting the 517

ICONIC TEMPLE BUILDING GETS NEW LIFE IN OLD TOWN

BY RICH ADAMS

The Temple Building, which stood empty for a decade, is undergoing a resurrection.

The structure at Cedar Street and East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue is being transformed into 31 apartments and office and commercial space as part of a $10.5 million makeover.

Richard Preuss, owner of Preuss Pets across Cedar Street from the building, said he welcomes the renovation, which is being developed by Michigan Community Capital.

“This area is kind of that gateway area, one of the first things you see when you drive in,” Preuss said. “And (the renovation) dresses up the whole neighborhood. It’s kind of hard to have a nice suit when your tie’s got a stain on it.”

Preuss said that when the building was a church and later a club, there was a lack of parking; however, he

noted a parking structure is included in the renovation plans and will ease the parking issue.

Lauren Palmer is owner of Curvaceous Lingerie, which sits across Cesar E. Chavez Avenue from the Temple Building. She said the renovations will be huge for Old Town.

“With increased retail and live/ workspace included in the renovation, it’s only going to help contribute to the vibrancy of the area,” Palmer said.

“This year, Old Town has seen a lot of new businesses move in and move around in general. That being said, most of the new businesses are concentrated further west than we are. It will be a most welcome change to have a boost down on our block.”

Developers say the renovation should be complete in spring 2022.

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business / AREA SNAPSHOT TELEMEDICINE ZOOMS DURING PANDEMIC

GRAND LEDGE PROJECT MOVES FORWARD WITH HELP FROM MEDC

BY RICH ADAMS

BY TEECE ARONIN

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck last spring, we have added phrases to our vocabulary, such as social distancing and personal protective equipment.

Another term used is telemedicine, which allows physicians to conduct a video visit with patients via platforms developed for physicians.

Sparrow Health System has seen an increase in virtual health visits since last spring. While telemedicine was part of Sparrow’s strategic plans, the pandemic hastened its use.

“We were moving ahead in this arena well before COVID, because we saw it as a piece of the way health care would be delivered in the future,” said Sparrow Director of Retail Health Care Patrick Sustrich.

“It’s safe to say that COVID accelerated our progress in implementing our virtual strategy.”

In March 2020, Sparrow conducted no virtual office visits. A month later, 4,500 patients were seen in video settings.

The summer months saw a decline in telemedicine when offices reopened for in-person visits, but remote appointments picked up in the fall when the state imposed another round of restrictions.

On a national basis, the American Medical Association credited telehealth for keeping patients and doctors connected.

“Telehealth and remote care services have proven critical to the management of COVID-19, while also ensuring uninterrupted care for 100 million Americans with chronic conditions,” said the association’s president, Dr. Susan R. Bailey.

Sustrich agreed.

“You’re going to see patients gravitating toward this type of care out of convenience, and it’s going to help increase access to health care,” he said.

A Grand Ledge project designed to strengthen existing business and draw new business to the city received a boost from the state.

The city was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. for an access road surrounding Willis Industrial Park on the northeast side of the city. The city is matching the funds with a $74,046 contribution, making the combined total for the project $149,046. There were nine other Michigan awardees of site-readiness grants issued through the Michigan Build Ready Sites program. Grand Ledge filed its application for the grant last March.

City Manager Adam Smith said the site is currently being referred to as “C Drive” and would be officially named later.

He added that the MEDC grant will extend the road south an estimated 235 feet, providing access to potential development sites in the southwest corner of the industrial park. According to the performance schedule detailed in the grant agreement, the project’s starting date was Oct. 19 with its completion date set for Oct. 18, 2022.

The project description stipulates that the city will conduct infrastructure support on city-owned property within the industrial park and that infrastructure activities include engineered drawings, stormwater improvements, curb and gutter, and final asphalt surfacing for two new roads in the park. This is to support new businesses locating there or the expansion of existing businesses to strengthen the tax base for the city and the region.

Willis Industrial Park is home to a mix of industrial, laboratory, distribution and manufacturing tenants and is 10 miles from Capital Region International Airport.

MSU REINSTATES ON-CAMPUS POLICY FOR SOPHOMORES

BY AARON APPLEBEY

What was once avoidable for Michigan State University sophomores is now a fact of campus life. The university and Residential and Hospitality Services has reinstated its secondyear on-campus living requirement for the fall 2021 class, a policy that has gone unenforced since the 1980s.

Residential and Hospitality Services Communications Director Kat Cooper said that in the 1980s MSU experienced

12

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record enrollment and lacked the space to accommodate students. The president at the time, Cecil Mackey, waived the requirement out of necessity. In the 2010s, MSU saw decreases in the number of students choosing to live on campus their second year. The number dropped from 55% of second-year students living on campus in 2011 to 45% in 2017.

“The pressure of being off campus and away from the resources that can help (students) be successful adds a layer of stress and anxiety that students don’t need and that do not help them persist to graduation,” said Cooper.

Cooper said sophomores often experience turbulence — dissatisfaction with their chosen

major or general malaise. Living on campus fosters a sense of belonging that the university hopes will soften such anxieties.

East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens added that while the policy may affect the East Lansing housing market, the decision also presents opportunity for students.

“People sign leases three weeks into their first year,” he said. “That’s not really something we’ve been ever able to prevent.”

With the policy in place, MSU believes students will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their post-dorm lives.

MSU noted that married students, local students and students with dependents are exempt from the policy.

FEATURE

the

HEART of the matter

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA

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Y

ou’ve got to have heart — or so the old saying goes — but workers must have healthy hearts, too, because good health is good for business.

“At nearly $330 billion each year in medical expenses and lost productivity from premature death, heart disease, stroke and their risk factors are expensive health conditions — in fact, cardiovascular disease is the most costly disease in the United States,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Heart-healthy employees are better for business. They save employers money, have better morale, miss less work and are more productive than less healthy employees.”

Yet a workplace can be a tough location to maintain a healthy lifestyle. After all, the pressure and processes of production don’t naturally segue toward habits for living well.

“If you are a sedentary guy at work or a female that just sits at their desks, we expect that at home you are more active,” said Dr. Awais Kang, a cardiologist for McLaren Greater Lansing. “But with a busy lifestyle that everybody has nowadays, sometimes exercise gets put along the side. The biggest risk factor (for heart trouble) is a sedentary lifestyle: somebody who sits at their desk all day (and) they’re not getting their steps in. When they go home, they feel tired.

They are eating unhealthy foods. They don’t exercise. And they end up developing heart disease. So a lot of times patients do complain that they are not active and they’re busy because of work.”

Another level of complexity was added by the coronavirus pandemic, which kept many workers at home and physically inactive, shut down workplace health programs and gyms, fueled stress, and made people worried about going to medical centers for preventative care or treatments of other conditions.

“All of that has really been an issue” since coronavirusrelated restrictions began, said Dr. John Wald, a neurologist, stroke program director and neurology program medical director for Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson. “Illnesses didn’t take a vacation, but (emergency rooms) were quite empty

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“ HEART-HEALTHY EMPLOYEES ARE BETTER FOR BUSINESS. THEY SAVE EMPLOYERS MONEY, HAVE BETTER MORALE, MISS LESS WORK AND ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE THAN LESS HEALTHY EMPLOYEES. “

~ CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

because people were afraid to come in and catch COVID. It was a double-edged sword. Some people who didn’t like to drive every day picked up some healthy habits” during new free time once spent commuting. “My dogs make me take a walk every day. … The other side of the coin is, people also weren’t getting out” because of COVID fears and shutdowns.

Plus, while some found working at home more relaxing, Wald noted others discovered working at home has been stressful when factoring in lack of boundaries between home life and work life.

“It’s very concerning,” Kang said. “Actually, I would say most of the patients I see now have gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic because they’re scared to go outside, they’re scared to exercise, they can’t go to gyms anymore.”

FEATURE

Employees can take small steps — literally — in taking charge of their workplace heart and stroke health.

“Don’t take the elevator; take the stairs. If you have a desk job, I’d like people to stand up every hour at least and go for a little walk,” said Kang, adding that McLaren has its own McLaren Mile program encouraging its employees to take mile-long walks during the workday. “Any time you can be active, be active.”

Likewise, employers can encourage good habits through policies and actions.

“A lot of jobs now are working with insurance companies and they’re putting in incentives. … If they stop smoking or they start

exercising and their cholesterol gets better and their weight goes down, then they get some kind of benefit,” said Kang. “This is really big and key.”

Workers don’t have to wait to return to their workplaces postpandemic to get healthier now.

“What people can do — especially if they’re working at home, in-between their Zoom meetings or in-between their work — they should continue to remain active,” said Kang. “Whether that’s walking around the house a few times before doing your next project or walking up and down the stairs a few times in your house or even going for a walk around your neighborhood, you should try to do that every day.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO Heart disease and stroke experts from various mid-Michigan hospitals have various tips on how to maintain heart-healthy workplaces.

For employers: • Offer incentives and resources (healthy foods, gym discounts, standing desks) for employees to stay fit.

• Minimize the need for employees to work excessive hours and become stressed.

• Pay attention to employees’ need to maintain health by allowing time for doctor’s visits and such.

For employees: • Avoid inactivity. Take occasional walks around the workplace, use stairs instead of elevators, etc. Eat healthy lunches and snacks.

• Get a full night of sleep on a regular basis and act on health warning signs (chest tightness, arm numbness, etc.).

Plus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a free employers’ toolkit for preventing workplace heart disease and stroke that can be downloaded at cdc.gov/dhdsp/pubs/toolkits/employers_toolkit.htm.

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•Our state-of-the-art gym and warm water pool allow our therapists to use many different techniques to help relieve pain and increase functionality, balance, and strength!

•The Dobie Road Outpatient Clinic offers Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Warm Water Aquatic Therapy for community members age 10-110.

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business / TRENDS

THE BUSINESS OF PREVENTION Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death and disability, and they can raise the cost of doing business. By investing in workplace health measures and strategies, employers can help reduce the cost of these conditions.

Heart disease and stroke account for one death every 34 seconds. In 2005, the cost of heart disease and stroke in the United States was estimated at $393.5 billion, with increases only expected to continue as the baby boomer generation continues to age.

Comprehensive worksite health programs focused on lifestyle behavior change have been shown to yield a $3 to $6 return on investment for each dollar invested.

It takes between two and five years after the initial program investment to realize these savings.

A comprehensive health promotion program that includes sustained individual risk reduction counseling for employees as well as lower-cost policy and environmental interventions is the most effective approach to support healthy lifestyles and prevent heart disease and stroke.

There is strength in numbers. Studying successful programs of other employers can provide a blueprint to get started. Partnering with state and local prevention organizations can also provide a wealth of information and free resources to get started on the road to a healthier workplace.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov/dhdsp/pubs/docs/six_step_guide.pdf

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business / NOTABLE NEWS

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 517 REGION 7 Figure Studios Offers U-Haul Trucks The Grand Ledge-based 7 Figure Studios has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer.

The business at 902 W. Jefferson St. will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, pre-tow inspection, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.

U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer moving equipment since 1945. With the COVID-19 outbreak creating challenging times for small businesses, more than 20,000 dealers across the United States and Canada are creating supplemental income through their U-Haul partnership.

CP Financial Named Among Top Workplaces CP Financial Credit Union has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2020 honor by the Detroit Free Press. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a thirdparty survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution and connection.

“We are so humbled to receive the award of Top Workplace for mid-size organizations for the seventh year in a row,” said Chrissy Siders, CEO of CP Financial Credit Union.

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“Attaining this honor during a year such as this is a true testament to our commitment to value people over profit, process and product.

Our team is driven by purpose, and their resiliency has been on full display as they inspire the pursuit of a life well lived for our members and communities alike.”

Stokosa Receives Health Care Award East Lansing resident Jan Stokosa, clinical director at Stokosa Prosthetic Clinic and fellow in the American Academy of Jan Stokosa Prosthetics, received the Crain’s 2020 Health Care Hero award.

Several patients nominated Stokosa for the recognition, including one who wrote: “Over the past 26 years, Jan Stokosa proved to me over and over that he clearly understands human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics when it comes to mobility. He has demonstrated that his skills and talents in creating a prosthesis appears to have no limits. He is very committed to finding the right solution for each patient.”

Stokosa credited his father as his mentor and hero who guided his path. He helped create the University of Michigan Hospital’s

Prosthetics Department. He has practiced the past 46 years in the Lansing area. He cofounded the Institute for the Advancement of Prosthetics in 1978 in Lansing, later opening his clinic in Okemos in 1989.

Martin Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer Martin Commercial Properties hired Susan Simpson as the company’s new chief financial officer.

Simpson joined the Susan Simpson executive leadership team in mid-November. She will oversee the finances and financial strategy of Martin and its affiliates and will lead core administrative functions related to human resources, information technology and insurance.

Simpson comes to Martin with 18 years of progressive experience in coordinating executive financial activity and capitalizing on market opportunities. Her most recent experience includes six years with the Jack Doheny Co. in Northville.

Chris Buck, senior managing officer and chief operating officer, said Simpson’s impeccable qualifications and exceptional skills in strategic planning, communication and

business negotiation will further strengthen Martin’s position as a premier commercial real estate company in Michigan and beyond.

“Susan is going to bring a level of leadership, partnership and strategy to the Martin brand that we haven’t seen before,” Buck said. “I value this role immensely and the right person in this position is critical for the future of our company.”

First National Announces Executive Promotions The board of directors of First National Bank of Michigan recently announced the promotion of two key members of the bank’s Cindy Kole executive team, Cindy Kole and Steve Piper.

Kole was promoted to executive vice president, following her accomplishments as senior vice president and chief operating officer.

Steve Piper She has more than 30 years of experience in banking, including wealth management, private banking, human

resources and retail banking. During her nearly four years at First National, she has helped oversee the growth and efficiencies of the bank. Kole represents the bank serving on several community boards and committees.

Piper, with over 30 years in the banking industry, has been promoted to executive vice president, following his leadership and contributions as senior vice president and chief operating officer since 2016. His experience and leadership helped the bank remain a strong commercial and consumer lending institution. Piper currently serves on the board of Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services.

“At First National Bank of Michigan, we have a foundation of experience with a talented team of employees in place,” said Daniel Bitzer, president and CEO. “These promotions reflect the incredible leadership and hard work of both Cindy and Steve.”

Babbitt Receives Certificate in Forensic Psychology Sally D. Babbitt of Babbitt Legal Group has completed a post-graduate certificate in forensic psychology from San Diego State University. Babbitt will use her credentials in her litigation practice as well as expanding into jury and litigation consulting and in pursuing her writing in true crime. Babbitt’s practice focuses on estates, trusts and probate

litigation as well as mediation services. She has been practicing in the Greater Lansing area for 20 years and currently is located in Delta Township.

Farmers Insurance Agency Opens in Haslett Matt Starkweather opened a new Farmers Insurance Agency on Feb. 1 at 1640 Haslett Road, Suite 120, in Matt Starkweather Haslett.

Starkweather graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2005 and moved to the Lansing area working in health care sales and management before becoming an insurance agent in 2014.

“Being a staff member wasn’t the goal, but helping protect customers’ assets and the future of their families was something I certainly wanted to do,” he said. “So after seven years of working for an insurance agent, I’m finally ready and able to start my own agency. I’m really excited to be in a position to serve the community and have the opportunity to make sure my clients have the insurance coverage they need when life happens.”

Whether you’re lacking data to make more informed decisions, could use some help connecting the dots between your nancial systems or are worried about cash ow, we can help. With better technology, the right strategic plan and clear metrics, you’ll be better prepared to make smart moves.

business / BIZ TIPS

BUSINESS LOVE EMPLOYERS INVEST IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE LANSING COMMUNITY

BY SUSAN COMBS

We are fortunate to live in a community full of businesses that support so many of our local charities. Making a social impact is important to all of us, but especially to the millennials in the workforce. Being involved on a local nonprofit board or a committee is also a fantastic way for young leaders to build and hone their leadership skills by spearheading a charitable effort. Here are just a few examples of how our Lansing businesses show some love: •

•

Around the holidays, Dewpoint, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, and other businesses support the Greater Lansing Food Bank and Toys for Tots. AF Group employees also contribute significant volunteer time to the food bank.

Some area employers give their employees paid time off to volunteer with community charities. Each employee at Dewpoint receives $150 annually and four hours of paid time off to donate to their charity of choice.

Full-time employees at Michigan State University Federal Credit

•

Union receive eight hours of volunteer time off, and part-time employees receive five hours.

According to MSUFCU, offering volunteer time off allows the credit union “to have a positive impact on the community while living out the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’”

Peckham holds a holiday “blaffle” — a blessing and a raffle fundraiser that provides families in crisis with gifts and needs during the holiday season.

A few examples of what companies have done to support the community during COVID-19 include: •

•

To assist the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, MSUFCU hosted a concert for 70 people in the backyard of its headquarters.

Peckham distributed nearly 150,000 items of personal protective equipment — including gowns, N95 masks, sanitizer and more — to nearly 30 Michigan-based organizations

•

•

•

serving people with disabilities during the pandemic.

Peckham’s manufacturing division made 22,000 hospital gowns for local health care systems, and the division also sewed 6,000 face covers for every Peckham employee.

Dewpoint, MSUFCU and other area employees shined a spotlight on various initiatives to support our local restaurants.

During this past summer, NCG Cinemas offered a Friday popcorn special where if you bought a $20 NCG gift card, you also received a bucket of popcorn as well as a movie pass, and NCG donated another movie ticket to caregivers and first responders.

There are too many initiatives to list where businesses have done and are doing to their part to support the Greater Lansing community and its residents, but the efforts employers make toward the betterment of our region reflect the level of personal involvement the business community invests in raising the area to new heights.

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business / STATE/NATIONAL

A BRIEF LOOK AT STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS AFFECTING OUR REGION

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‘FRONTLINERS’ PROGRAM PROVIDES FREE TUITION

BY JACK TANY

Essential workers have played a pivotal role on the front line in the battle against COVID-19.

The Future for Frontliners program, the first of its kind in the country, will provide tuition-free postsecondary education opportunities for essential workers throughout Michigan. The program is similar to the GI Bill, where the federal government supported soldiers returning from World War II by providing educational opportunities.

Frontline workers who take advantage of this program will help reach Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s goal to increase the number of workingage adults with a technical certificate or college degree from 45% to 60% by 2030.

“The Futures for Frontliners program is our way of saying thank you to those who have risked their lives on the front lines of this crisis,” said Whitmer. “This program will ensure tuition-free college opportunities and give these dedicated Michiganders an opportunity to earn a technical certificate, associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree. I want to assure all of our workers, we will never forget those of you who stepped up and sacrificed their own health during this crisis.”

The unique scholarship program for Michiganders without college degrees who worked in essential industries during the state shutdown during spring 2020 will allow them to chase their dreams.

The scholarship provides the frontline workers with tuition-free access to local community colleges to pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate, either full time or part time while they work.

Workers would have had to work in an essential industry at least part time for 11 of the 13 weeks of the shutdown, not be in default on a federal student loan and have not previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.

An estimated 625,000 Michigan workers are eligible for the program.

ALL BETS ARE ON: ONLINE SPORTS GAMBLING COMES TO MICHIGAN

BY JACK TANY

MINOR LEAGUE HAS BASES COVERED FOR PANDEMIC PROTOCOLS

BY JACK TANY

Michigan recently upped the ante on gambling in the state as legal online sports betting became available to residents in January.

Sports fans in Michigan have had the opportunity to bet at retail sportsbooks in Detroit as well as at tribal casinos throughout the state for some time; however, the stakes were raised this year when partnerships opened access for residents to top sports betting apps, such as FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings and FOX Bet. On May 14, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court acted to bust Nevada’s monopoly on legal sports betting, allowing more states to get in on the action and reap the tax benefits.

The court, in a 6-3 ruling, struck down a federal law that required states to ban gambling on the outcome of sporting events. Since that ruling, which left the legality of sports gambling up to state-level

Throughout the state and the country, baseball is just another business that took a bit of a beating in 2020.

From the West Michigan Whitecaps to the Great Lakes Loons to the Lansing Lugnuts, minor league baseball had to pivot to find novel ways to bring back some of the income lost by pandemic restrictions. Many also stepped up in tough times.

The Loons lent a hand after the Midland and Sanford flooding in 2020, becoming the home of the local farmers market for the 2020 season. It also opened its parking lots for a mass testing clinic.

Now it’s time to think about spring and opening day — and when it comes to COVID-19 safety protocols, the Lansing Lugnuts have their bases covered.

According to General Manager Tyler Parsons, the team has worked closely with the Ingham County Health Department to formulate procedures for the safety of patrons, employees, players and coaches at Jackson Field.

“We hosted a number of events in 2020 and had strict protocols and staff training in place for each of those,” explained Parsons. “We know

government, several states — including Michigan — moved to legalize sports betting.

Sports betting is now legal and fully operational in 20 states plus Washington, D.C. Legal sports betting in Michigan commenced March 11, with two Detroit-area casinos launching on the same day. The move came less than three months after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act into law. The new law provides for wagering on a wide variety of sports, including college contests.

Michigan has the potential to be one of the biggest sports betting and online gaming markets in the country, and its legislation allows for a competitive market with multiple operators. Michigan Sharp projects that online casinos and sports betting could bring in $650 million in annual revenue for Michigan’s commercial and tribal casinos.

we live in an ever-evolving world right now, and we are going to continue to work with health experts to make sure Jackson Field is the safest environment possible.”

Parsons said the Lugnuts received a wealth of feedback on safety protocols from other venues and organizations as well as the fan base of the Lugnuts. He noted it’s imperative that the organization listens and uses that information to put policies in place that make the stadium safe and welcoming for the fan experience.

“We are looking at a number of things such as mobile food ordering, touchless bathroom amenities, increased cleaning schedules and cashless points of sale for 2021,” Parsons said.

“We will continue to work with our team to finalize these as we get closer to the season and have more clarity from the federal, state and local level on any potential restrictions.”

Details still being firmed up at the start of 2021 between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball included schedules, league alignments and the number of games in the season.

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business / ON THE RECORD

HEART TO HEART WITH DR. SUSAN MAPLES

BY MARY GAJDA

LOOK FOR OUR ARTICLE WITH DR. SUSAN MAPLES ON THE TIES BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND HEART HEALTH AT 517MAG.COM. 24

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Holt-based Dr. Susan Maples is an erudite dental surgeon, never pressing pause on gaining new knowledge that helps her treat everyone from well patients to those with deep-rooted issues.

In the face of COVID-19, one would assume patients might avoid the dentist’s office. After all, in such a setting the patient and team member are in extremely close proximity to each other in what Maples calls the “splash zone” with no possibility of the patient wearing a mask. However, as Maples explained, her practice as well as countless others are proof that dentistry can be safe during a pandemic.

“We’re very fortunate that throughout the history of this very novel virus, we’ve had zero contract tracings back to dental offices from patients, not even in Wuhan,” Maples said.

The field of dentistry applied extra safety measures so long ago, Maples explained, that adding the few extra levels of care wasn’t as difficult as it might have been for some other areas of the health care industry.

“That’s why we attribute such a low transmission rate even in areas where they never closed,” Maples said.

The extra precautions at Maples’ practice include the wearing of heavy-duty protective equipment, special rinses and vacuums, air purifiers near a patient’s head, and careful screening.

“I’ve been blessed that our patients have trusted us so much — knowing that as a total health dentist and with the research and colleagues I have around me, we’ve really surrounded this and done it well,” she said.

Maples’ primary interest has been to protect and keep her team healthy.

“If I can keep them healthy, there’s no question I’m keeping my patients healthy,” she said.

Now having been vaccinated, her team members can look forward to their own optimal health while caring for patients, and Maples can continue her quest to learn and grow.

“I’m going back to school to get a degree in functional integrative medicine in the Andrew Weil Integrative Medicine Program,” Maples said, eager to add to her knowledge base to help patients with a list of problems that may not have been addressed at the root cause.

“I use the mouth as the window to what’s going on,” Maples said. “I can watch the body heal, and the mouth is a really big indicator of how well we’re doing.”

By all indications, Maple’s practice is doing well enough because of a firm grasp on safety protocols and strong resolve to keep her team safe. And that’s a bright spot in what has been a rough year for many businesses.

business / PERSPECTIVE

JUST DESSERTS A Q&A WITH DEANNA RAY OF EVERYTHING IS CHEESECAKE

BY KYLE DOWLING

Q& A

How did you start Everything is Cheesecake?

It started with my family. They really liked my baking, and it has progressed from there. In 2017, I left my job to start baking cheesecakes full time. It was just me out there with a cooler full of cheesecake under a blue tent. Now I have my own food truck that I sell my cheesecakes out of. I use the kitchens at Jackpots Bingo Hall to bake them, but I am looking for a space to open my own place.

Tell us about your product and what makes it so special?

I think what makes my cheesecakes so special is the crust. We do different types of crusts depending on the cheesecake, including cookie crusts. We get so many compliments on the crust of the

cheesecakes. We also do special orders; people will call and ask if we do stuff like peanut-butter-and-banana cheesecakes.

How has the pandemic affected your business?

We took a couple of the first months off from baking, and during that time we provided lunch for kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After things became clearer as to what we could do, we opened following all the guidelines of cleanliness and social distancing.

What are you most excited to do when this pandemic is over?

I am most excited to see all my customers and get everything back to normal. People have told me to take some of the time to relax, but baking is what I love to do.Â

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lifestyle

PLACES p.28 FAMILY CORNER p.30 STYLE p.32 FOOD p.33 NONPROFIT p.34

GO RED FOR WOMEN Did you know Black women are disproportionally affected by heart disease, leading the death rate regardless of age? According to goredforwomen. org, only 36% of Black women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk. It’s all about salt intake and genes. So what can you do? For starters, lower the amount of sodium and salt in your diet. For more information, visit goredforwomen.org.

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lifestyle / PLACES

WELLS HALL AT MSU OFFERS A GRAND VIEW OF THE RED CEDAR RIVER.

THE TOLLGATE WETLANDS OFFERS A QUIET SANCTUARY.

SNOW AND ROMANCE NATURE AND TRANQUILITY CAN BE FOUND IN TWO SECRET HIDEAWAYS PHOTOS AND ARTICLE BY MELIK BROWN

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t ent a cont more G.COM A 517M

DID YOU KNOW? Cold temperatures can help you burn fat and calories.

While you’re out

THE RED CEDAR RIVER IS SHOWN AT MSU.

walking in a winter wonderland,

a few words of advice

you’re getting a good workout.

Every area has a few hidden gems — places that serve as alcoves for peaceful reflection and to draw our bonds closer to nature and one another.

Some are familiar with two of these best-kept secrets in the 517. They are places where if you know, you know. And if you don’t know, you should — and are about to.

The first is an area on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing that is a wonderful landing place for observing nature in and around the Red Cedar River. The picturesque landscape is a tranquil oasis where you can escape into peaceful wonderment. Near Wells Hall, in the shadow of Spartan Stadium, there’s a spot where you can get close to the Red Cedar River and watch rapids flow under a canopy of trees. Some of the braver ducks may walk up to you asking for a snack.

The second locale is the Tollgate Wetlands in Lansing. The constructed wetland pond off Wood Street and across from Groesbeck Golf Course is probably one of the city’s lesser-known hideaways.

It is a man-made ecosystem that captures nonpoint source pollution from the surrounding neighborhood. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s something that was built to filter the bad stuff out of the water before it seeps back into the ground.

What that means for you is that you can take a leisurely stroll in a wooded wetland area. You may see wildlife walking around or in the air. There are clearly defined walking paths and benches dotted throughout the space. Nothing like being able to lose yourself amid nature in the middle of a city.

Oftentimes a romantic scene is shown to be rolling vistas, seascapes or exotic locations. Snow and romance are rarely thought to go together.

However, the 517 is in the middle of the Mitten.

It would be helpful to find some spaces that you and your special someone could explore that would combine the two. Snow brings a different level of peace to the air that encourages thoughtful reflection. And a cool breeze is an extra excuse to hold someone close.

DON’T FEED OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS BREAD. Bread is pretty much junk food for birds.

Without the plant nutrients they need to grow properly, baby birds are more likely to be malnourished.

The constant availability of human-supplied junk food keeps ducklings from learning how to forage healthy food for themselves.

Grown-up birds who gorge on carbs are more likely to become unhealthy.

Rotting bread can grow mold that makes ducks sick and contribute to the growth of algae. This, in turn, attracts vermin that spread diseases to birds as well as humans.

lifestyle / FAMILY CORNER

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH A GREAT READ

BY JESSICA TROTTER

Given all the upheaval in the last year, I think it’s worth taking time to celebrate African American history as American history. To that end, I’m highlighting a selection of great picks for your reading pleasure.

The national bestselling “A Promised Land” by Barack Obama or the National Book Award-winner and definitive biography “The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X” by Les Payne and Tamara Payne would both be great nonfiction choices.

But let’s go beyond titles you might already know about.

Another great pick highlighting an important group of unsung heroines of the civil rights movement is “The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation” by Anna Malaika Tubbs. The book was released this month.

For something different, try Donna Hill’s “Confessions in B-Flat.” It’s a historical romance between a protégé of King and a firebrand follower of Malcolm X,

set against the backdrop of 1964 Harlem in New York City.

Thinking of children’s books, two wonderful picture books on Aretha Franklin were released last year. “RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul”

by Carole Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison is a great read-aloud pick, while “A Voice Named Aretha” by Katheryn Russell-Brown and Laura Freeman would be a better choice for children reading on their own.

Finally, because it fits too well not to mention, be on the lookout for “Libertie” by Kaitlyn Greenidge, which is due out in March and available to reserve now at your library.

This highly anticipated novel of historical fiction follows the coming of age of the freeborn daughter of an African American woman medical doctor.

As always, if these don’t hit the spot, check out picks by the staff at Capital Area District Libraries on CADL’s homepage, or use the BookSleuth P.I. service to get personalized recommendations at cadl.org/ booksleuth-pi.

cool pets THE LOVEBIRD Lovebirds, otherwise known as genus Agapornis, are inquisitive members of the parrot species. They are known for the bond they tend to form with their mates. Don’t let their small size fool you, lovebirds require a large cage. They also need lots of toys to keep them busy, as well as good nutrition to maintain their health.

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recipe

HEART-SHAPED VALENTINE CANDY WHAT YOU NEED: SILICONE HEART MOLD COCONUT OIL VALENTINE SPRINKLES CANDY MELTS OR BAKING CHOCOLATE You can choose from a variety of candy bases. For this recipe, I used pink candy melts and Ghirardelli baking-chocolate drops.

WHAT TO DO: This is just a measure-by-eye recipe, but for this treat I put a handful of melts into separate bowls, assorted by color of course.

Layer each of the hearts in your mold with your candy sprinkles.

Next, pick your first choice of color for the melts and microwave in 15-second increments until the candy melts to smooth. Be sure to stir each time you check.

Once melted, spoon the candy over the sprinkles in one layer, gently tapping the mold until it is even.

Repeat with your other candies and put in the refrigerator to set for about an hour before removing the heart-shaped pieces from the mold.

TIPS: You can put just a few drops of coconut oil in to help with smoothness and shine. Be sure you don’t burn your melts. Microwave times vary, but each batch of candy took about 90 seconds to melt for me.

craft idea PAPER-HEART WREATH All you need is scissors, ribbon, three pieces of colored cardstock and a stapler for this cute but simple craft.

• • • • • •

Cut ten 1-inch-thick strips of cardstock so that each measure 8.5 inches long.

Fold the strip in half.

Pinch one end and then fold the two open ends to make a heart and staple shut.

Repeat with the remaining eight pieces of cardstock.

Line your hearts up and start stapling them to each other to form a circle.

Staple in your ribbon and hang it where St. Valentine will see it.

lifestyle / STYLE

SETTING THE TONE MAKING A VALENTINE’S DATE NIGHT AT HOME SPECIAL

BY ERIN HAGEN

V

alentine’s Day makes me think of romantic dinners and gestures.

But if you aren’t comfortable going out, you can make someone feel special or adored right at home.

First and foremost, make the evening feel special by getting dressed up, putting on makeup, doing your hair and giving yourself the gift of self-care. Cast the yoga pants or sweats aside and make an effort. It will show you are present and in the moment.

My husband did a romantic date night at home, and it was very special. He told me he was taking me out and for me to dress up. Once I was ready, he took me to our family room where he had a romantic table for two lit with candles and he put a

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picture of the Eiffel Tower on the TV, which created the perfect view. Then the best part was he had our kids dress up and be the servers. I think he paid them because they did an excellent job and were very attentive.

Key elements for date night are lighting and scenery. Make sure the lights are low and lots of candles are lit. Nice touches like fabric napkins and tablecloths soften the overall feel of the room. On the table, it’s nice to have some things that sparkle in the candlelight such as wine glasses or glass candleholders. Of course, some fresh-cut flowers are always a lovely and romantic finishing touch.

While this is a fashion column, a date night in isn’t necessarily about the fashion. It’s all about the heart you put into it.

No matter what you decide to do to make your loved one feel special, any effort will make them feel special and will be appreciated.

While this is a fashion column, a date night in isn’t necessarily about the fashion. It’s all about the heart you put into it.

lifestyle / FOOD

best of

BEST OF SWEETS WE ASKED OUR READERS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT IN THE 517 FOR SWEET TREATS?

BY MARY GAJDA

FLOUR CHILD BAKERY

PARK LAKE CREAMERY

BAKE N’ CAKES

Flour Child Bakery on Bridge Street in Grand Ledge is a scratch bakery and makes great pastries, according to our readers. From brownies to pistachio-and-chocolatechip cannoli, we can see why. Something cool we found on the website at flourchildbakeryandcafe.com?

The business offers lactation cookies for preorder. The product is said to have ingredients that help nursing moms. How sweet is that?

Located on Park Lake Road in Bath, Park Lake Creamery is known for premium ice cream, gourmet coffee and artisan chocolate.

Its Facebook page @ParkLakeCreamery shows mouthwatering coconutalmond bars and even a tutorial for using Park Lake’s crafting chocolate to make the perfect mocha. Park Lake Creamery’s co-owner and chocolatier, Konstantin Zsigo, will mostly likely have his hands very full for Valentine’s Day.

A cruise down Kalamazoo Street in Lansing will lead you to Bake N’ Cakes for everything from custom cakes to fresh-baked cookies, cheesecakes, pies and cupcakes. Perhaps you could start the day with a fresh cinnamon roll and end it with a piece of Bake N’ Cakes’ popular carrot cake.

This family-owned business has been around since 1983 and prides itself on using the finest quality ingredients.

Visit bakencakes.com.

HONORABLE MENTIONS We’d need pages upon pages to mention all the favorites, but our readers love Hinkley Bakery in Jackson for hot-glazed doughnut holes, Gigi’s Cupcakes of East Lansing for gourmet cupcakes, Mitten Raised Bakery in East Lansing for sweets galore and the Social Sloth Café and Bakery in downtown Lansing for flavors with a Turkish ethnic twist and a Mediterranean touch. Keep supporting all of these fine bakeries and small businesses.

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lifestyle / JACK DAVIS LEGACY NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

ALL HEART AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION SAVES LIVES THROUGH PREVENTION

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

For nearly a century, the American Heart Association has saved the lives of residents and bolstered community health by raising awareness and promoting prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. The AHA has invested more than $4.5 billion in research into preventing the issues, and February marks biggest push to raise awareness as American Heart Month. Normally a month full of events and campaigns, this year American Heart Month will be a bit different for the AHA due to the continued concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

“In Lansing, we’ve done events with lawmakers at the Capitol in the past, but everything is so tentative this year. It’s really a matter of trying to feel out where a lot of these companies are right now and how comfortable they are right now,” said Cindy Bouma, the American Heart Association’s communications director for outstate Michigan, which includes the Greater Lansing region’s AHA office in Okemos.

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“Probably the most active right now would be out in the schools,” she added.

“A lot of them will have the Kids Heart Challenge jump-roping event going on, but we know a lot of them aren’t in-person right now, so we’re trying to juggle what that will look like.”

One way individuals can bring attention to the dangers and risks of heart disease and stroke is to sport red Feb. 5 for National Wear Red Day. “We also have some virtual events taking place statewide and some school events, so there will still be ways people can get involved,” Bouma said. “There will be some silent auctions taking place, they can wear red on National Wear Red Day, they can do a benefit for the American Heart Association with their staff.”

While the AHA’s overarching message focuses on heart health, Bouma noted that many residents are likely unaware of the depth of the issues the organization addresses.

“We are concerned about diabetes and the role it plays in heart disease.

We’re concerned about hypertension.

We’re concerned about cholesterol, physical activity. A lot of people are really surprised at how much the American Heart Association is involved in the health of Michigan residents,” she said.

Overall, the public is extremely open to the message of the AHA, which is viewed as a reliable organization due to the wealth of scientific research that backs its mission.

“I think trust in the AHA starts there.

We learn to pivot, and we’re perfectly placed to turn on a dime for something like COVID, which will have long-lasting effects on heart disease. We don’t know the effects on the lungs, but it certainly seems like it’s going in that direction,” she said.

“There’s so much still to learn, but between our science community and our experts and our volunteers we have throughout all of our communities in the area, we can really bring a lot of people together and work on large issues.”

The Greater Lansing office of the American Heart Association is at 2469 Woodlake Circle, Suite 100, in Okemos. For more information, call (517) 319-1050 or visit heart.org.

FEATURE

FOCUS

COMING INTO

OKEMOS GRANDMOTHER FINDS NEW LOVE IN PANDEMIC THROUGH NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

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F

DENISE MCGINN CREATED A BOOK OF HER NATURE PHOTOS FOR HER GRANDCHILDREN AS A CHRISTMAS GIFT.

rom an outsider’s perspective, it can be difficult at times to fully see the motivation pumping the artistic heart.

“Sometimes if I was drinking coffee in the morning and saw him, I would run outside in my pajamas. My neighbors probably think I’m crazy,” said Denise McGinn. “I’m out there in my pajamas running through the yard or sneaking stealthily behind the pine tree trying to get as close as I can without him seeing me.”

The “him” in question is an elusive blue heron patrolling the banks of the Red Cedar River, whose waters cut through the backyard of McGinn’s Okemos home. The grandmother of four first spotted the heron when she moved into the residence about two years ago, as the graceful beast took flight over the riverbed.

Getting a picture of the bird had been a pursuit of McGinn’s since she took up nature photography to fill her time during the pandemic; however, she became so skilled at the new hobby that she compiled 175 of her best works into a book for her grandchildren at Christmas called “Grandma Denise’s Yard.”

“We live on the Red Cedar River, and we get a ton of animals and birds that come by. I thought it would be fun to get some good photos of them,” McGinn said. “When COVID hit, I had all this free time on my hands. Normally we would rent a house in Grand Haven

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and spend a week there with our kids and grandkids. I’d saved up all year for my part of that trip, and I had this extra money when we had to cancel because of COVID.” After purchasing a Canon Rebel EOS T7, getting some tips and tricks from friends and acquaintances, and buying a new lens for the camera, McGinn honed her skills on her latest artistic avenue primarily in the backyard of her home.

“Then people started asking me what I was going to do with all these pictures; I think I have about 3,000 now,” McGinn said. “My oldest grandson, who is 14 and follows me on Instagram, started commenting on my pictures quite a bit and how much he likes them.

I started wondering if he would like a book of them. Then I decided, ‘OK, all the grandkids are going to get the book.’ I started keeping track of what varieties I was getting. I joined Facebook group called Birding Michigan because I was having trouble IDing some of them even though I have a birding app on my phone.”

She said photography has become a bit of an obsession for her now.

As a quilter, she always had a creative side, and this new hobby tapped into that vein perfectly. Now she’s focused on fine-tuning her skills even further by paying closer attention to background, colors and framing.

“I think I’m also one of those lifelong learners who are always trying to learn something new,” she said. “This was something I

FEATURE

DENISE MCGINN TOOK UP A NEW PANDEMIC HOBBY PHOTOGRAPHING NATURE IN HER OKEMOS BACKYARD.

knew nothing about and thought I could probably get good at. The learning process has been good for me as well. I think for me it was a good distraction. Obviously, we haven’t been able to see family.

We haven’t been able to spend time with kids and grandkids. All our trips have been canceled. All the things you used to do are gone. So I had all this extra time on my hands.”

Her next evolutionary step has brought her indoors, where McGinn has been trying her hand at still photos and playing with backdrops and lighting. Yet nature will likely always pull her back outside.

“There are certain things out there that I haven’t been able to photograph. I need a skunk. I need an owl picture. And I believe we have coyotes in the woods next to us,” McGinn said. “There are some bucket-list items that I’d like to get. That’s part of the fun. I never really know what I’m going to see. It’s always a surprise.”

And what about that cagey blue heron that helped launch this adventure? You probably already guessed the answer.

“When I got the camera, it became one my goals: to get that blue heron shot of him flying down the riverbed. Is it ever going to happen again or was it a once-in-a-lifetime thing?” McGinn said.

“The heron is really skittish, and I spent months trying to get that shot. I finally did get two great pictures.

“I like a good challenge,” she added.

“

All the things you used to do are gone. So I had all this extra time on my hands. ~ Denise McGinn

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Call me today at 517.253.8563

Refinance Your Mortgage

With 20 years of experience serving successful women and their families in the Lansing area, Stephanie uses her comprehensive approach to financial planning to provide advice for women who want to be empowered and informed as they make complex decisions about their future.

for a complimentary initial consultation.

As the only Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) in Lansing*, she believes that freedom and independence are core values of successful women, regardless of marital status.

Stephanie Milosavlevski

CFP®, CDFA® Financial Advisor 2139 Commons Parkway Okemos, MI 48864 • 517.253.8563 stephanie.j.milosavlevski@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/stephanie.j.milosavlevski *Source: Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFATM). Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with plaque design) in the U.S. The initial consultation provides an overview of financial planning concepts. You will not receive written analysis and/or recommendations. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved. 3204073ACMR0820

If you’re looking to enlarge your garage, add a new bathroom, build your dream kitchen, expand a wing of your home, or lower your payment, now is a great time to consider refinancing.

Contact Melanie Squires (NMLS# 1458101) at 517.347.7640 to discuss your options.

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play REASONS TO PLAY p.40 OUT & ABOUT p.42

LET IT SNOW While we’re not quite through the novel coronavirus pandemic, the snowy season does give us opportunities to get out and do something fun with members of our households — like sledding. From the sled hill at Hawk Island Park in Lansing to cross-country skiing at Burchfield Park in Holt or snowshoeing through Sleepy Hollow State Park in Laingsburg, there are plenty of places for fun in the snow throughout the region.

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play / REASONS TO PLAY

Plenty to Celebrate as Spring Approaches Winter has definitely made its way through Michigan, but the sun is setting later and hope rings through the air with more vaccines making their way to the general public. Not only does February celebrate romance with Valentine’s Day, but it brings to us National Freedom Day and National Wear Red Day, to name a few.

February is also National Heart Month and a good time to invest in your heart health.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH National Black History Month runs through March 1 and has received official recognition from governments here in the United States as well as Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. You can honor Black History Month by supporting a Black-owned businesses, visiting a Black history or civil rights museum, donating to a Black organization, reading a biography of an influential Black figure and so much more.

Opportunities are endless and should be explored not only this month but every day of the year.

THIS MONTH’S EVENTS Editor’s note: Please call event venues directly to make sure times and dates haven’t changed due to cancellations and postponements related to COVID-19.

MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit Through Feb. 24 The annual MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit will be displayed at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union headquarters on Wood Road in East Lansing. Visit MSUFCUStudentart.org to place your votes. Watch for the winners to be announced on a televised awards show airing March 14 on WILX-10.

2021 Blue Cross Winter Warm Up Community Challenge Through March 28 This eight-week program includes weekly Zoom sessions, a daily workout calendar and more. All sessions will be conducted by certified Good Form Running and Walking coaches. The finale 5K Fun Run/Walk event and celebration will be held at Hawk Island Park on March 28. If in-person events are not

possible, the finale event will be held virtually. For information, visit runsignup.com/Race/MI/GreaterLansing/2021BlueCrossWinterWarmUpCommunityChallenge.

Voice of the Heart: Online Sound Meditation Feb. 28 Join Gentle Earth Sound Therapy & Holistic Wellness for an online meditation session. This is a donationbased offering via paypal.me/gentleearth. To watch, tune in to bit.ly/gentleearth at 8 p.m.

Save the Date The Izzo Legacy Run/Walk/Roll This April event includes the 3-Point 5K Run or Walk, the 3-Point 5K Roll and others, including the Virtual Izzo. For details visit runsignup.com/Race/ MI/EastLansing/TheIzzo.

Follow our friends at 517living.com for other upcoming events in the region.

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Check out our events and collections that honor the history and contributions of African Americans.

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Visit cadl.org

STUDENT ART EXHIBIT

JAN. 27 – FEB. 24

play / OUT & ABOUT

PICS SUBMITTED BY READERS AND STAFF!

SUBMIT YOUR PICS AT 517MAG .COM

2.

1.

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1. KIMBER ROMPS IN THE SNOW Photo by

2. WINTER IN HASLETT Photo by

Rachel Esterline Perkins of Haslett

Debbie Richards

517 | 2.21

3. J.R. WARD RECEIVES HIS SECOND COVID-19 VACCINE AT MCLAREN HOSPITAL

Photo provided by J.R. Ward

4. TERRA FORMS: THE SAGA OF A COSMIC TREE

Photo by Samantha Harkins

TEACHING NUTRITIONAL HEALTH AND SELF-CARE WITH EXPOSURE TO DENTISTRY AS A CAREER — THROUGH — HEALTH-AFFIRMING SCIENCE EXPERIENCES WITH EVERY CHILD AT EVERY VISIT! There is no extra charge—it’s our pleasure to partner with parents to nurture skills, beliefs and behaviors for a lifetime of health.

Dr Susan Maples & Team “ W E ’ R E D E D I C AT E D T O T O TA L H E A LT H

You

D E N T I S T R Y, W H E R E W E F O S T E R O P T I M A L H E A LT H FO R

. A N D Y O U R E N T I R E FA M I LY ”

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B O A U S T T V C A A L F E N N U T F I N E E’S D V I F A OF RS OWE Y FL

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4.

RED ROSES ARE KNOWN AS THE DEFINITIVE SYMBOL OF LOVE AND THE MOST POPULAR FLOWER TO GIVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY.

ROSE COLORS HAVE INTENDED MEANINGS. FOR EXAMPLE, RED ROSES DENOTE LOVE AND PASSION, PINK ROSES REPRESENT GRACE AND ELEGANCE, AND YELLOW ROSES ARE A SYMBOL OF FRIENDSHIP.

5.

3.

LIKE ROSES, LILIES COME IN DIFFERENT COLORS AND HAVE DIFFERENT IMPLICATIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, WHITE LILIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH PURITY AND INNOCENCE WHILE ORANGE LILIES SYMBOLIZE PASSION.

Sources: beautyharmonylife.com, thespruce.com, davidmoney.com, fiftyflowers.com

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THE MAJORITY OF OUR VALENTINE’S DAY ROSES HAVE BEEN GROWN IN SOUTH AMERICA DUE TO ITS WARMER CLIMATE, BUT CALIFORNIA IS THE LEADING PRODUCER OF DOMESTICALLY PRODUCED CUT FLOWERS. VALENTINE’S DAY IS A BIGGER PAYDAY FOR THE FLORAL INDUSTRY WHEN IT FALLS ON A WEEKDAY BECAUSE LOVERS TEND TO SEND MORE ELABORATE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS TO THE RECIPIENT’S OFFICE, WHERE IT CAN BE OGLED.

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Capital Area Michigan Works! is a proud partner of the American Job Center network. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this piece will be made available in an alternative format upon request to Capital Area Michigan Works! Relay Center. Call 711 or 844-578-6563 (Voice and TDD). Funding for Capital Area Michigan Works! is received in part from the U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Michigan. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Center.

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