1Must have an active checking account to be eligible for a
Builder account. Rates subject to change at any time. The Savings Builder is a tiered rate account which pays a different
rate on the amount of funds in each tier. Each dividend rate will apply only to the portion of the account balance within each balance range tier and not the entire account balance. A higher daily balance will result in a lower APY being earned. No minimum balance required to open a Savings Builder account or to earn dividends. Limit one Savings Builder account per account. Youth accounts, business accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts are not eligible for a Savings Builder account. Rates are variable and may change after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings. Rate as of 11/26/22. 2Dividend rates are subject to change weekly. Certificate rate is fixed for the term of the Certificate at the time it is opened. Additional deposits can only be made to the 1-Year Add-On Certificate. A total of $10,000 may be added to a member’s 1-Year Add-On Certificate(s) each year. Earnings assume funds remain on deposit for the term of the Certificate and are compounded monthly. An early withdrawal could reduce your initial investment and penalty applies if funds are withdrawn prior to maturity. Rate as of 11/26/22. Visit msufcu.org for full details. Federally insured by NCUA.
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Optimism has been hard to come by in recent years and sometimes an even harder self-sell. As we enter the new year, what was once a reinvigorating reset of fresh opportunity has perhaps been replaced by a default of “what dawning hellscape is lurking around the corner this year” for many of us. It’s an easy mindset to fall into. The problem, unfortunately, is that it once you are prey to that pitfall, it can be difficult to climb free again.
I still prefer to enter the new year with the hope of the unwritten. There’s something that will always remain exciting for me in viewing it as a clean and unblemished page where a new chapter waits to be authored.
I don’t consider that being blindly idealistic. On the contrary, I would argue that an optimistic and hopeful point of view is firmly rooted in reality. All I have to do is look around to find the supporting evidence I need. And that is the problem with pessimism — sure, it’s a point of view, but it’s a very myopic one. I’m not looking through rose-colored glasses; I’m simply looking through a lens that provides a wider view and fuller picture.
When I look around, I see people who demonstrate authentic kindness, an endless well of compassion, and a ceaselessness in their determination to use their skills and knowledge to build their communities.
We’re spotlighting a number of these people in this special January/ February issue of 517 Magazine. This issue’s business feature focuses on seven individuals who stood out in 2022 and what their plans are for the coming year.
We are built to endure and exceed by design; and when there are so many people whose work and commitment inspires, encourages and uplifts those around them, it’s difficult not to be hopeful about what 2023 will bring.
517 Business and Life, Volume 5, Issue 1, January/February 2023.
517 Business and Life (USPS#020-807) is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan.
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.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 517 Business and Life, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Copyright @2022. 517 Business and Life. All rights reserved.
Editorial office: 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. 517mag.com
Publisher
Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz
Managing Editor Mary Gajda mary@m3group.biz
Creative Visionary Kathryn Aspin kathryn@m3group.biz
Lead Editor
Christopher Nagy
Contributors
Rich Adams
Kyle Dowling Mary Gajda Rich Keener
Christine MacIntyre Metro Melik Christopher Nagy Tedi R. Parsons Kevin Shaw Omar Sofradzija
Graphic Designers
Audrey Spring Chad Hussle Kameron Chauvez
Account Executives
Megan Fleming megan@m3group.biz Melissa DeMott melissa@m3group.biz
Photographers
Mary Gajda Metro Melik
M3 Group 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933 P 517-203-3333
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Dowling PublisherLetters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Please send to: 517 Magazine, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, or email info@517mag.com.
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We all do it. We commit to fresh starts every January. Mostly in our personal lives involving health goals and bucket lists.
Those same fresh starts can be considered for business, whether you own, manage or are looking to be promoted in one. Here are a few ideas on things you could be working on to make 2023 a successful year in business.
Quit fighting change and resolve to improve your organizational process. This will save you time, hassle and potentially money in 2023.
Refresh your marketing plan. If you didn’t create a 2023 plan in the fourth quarter last year, time is a wastin’. Don’t let the moment pass you by — hash out a marketing plan now. If you’re lost, hire a marketing firm to help.
Resolve to network more. Get out there and meet people — shake hands, fist bump or … whatever people are doing now. Be seen, heard and recognized by being a star networker.
Educate yourself by choosing just one opportunity for growth, be it a seminar, class or a sit-down with someone you want to learn from.
Be aware of the changing world around you. Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to company culture, growth and success. If you haven’t taken steps to improve DEI in your business or workplace, the time is now.
Like any flourishing tech company, TechSmith Corp. relies on collaboration and teamwork among its employees to ensure success.
But until very recently, TechSmith was scattered across five buildings, making working together more difficult. CEO Wendy Hamilton said the company needed to be under one roof in a space that accommodated hybrid work, supported collaboration and connectivity, and “reflected who we are as TechSmithies.”
“TechSmith is a midsized tech company with Midwest values and culture built on trust and support,” Hamilton said. “We wanted to enable relationship building across all employees, regardless of level or department.”
In September, TechSmith moved into its new, 63,000-squarefoot headquarters on the Michigan State University campus at the corner of Crescent and Harrison roads in East Lansing.
The MSU Foundation developed and owns the facility, which combines innovative technology with aesthetic design. Microphones placed in the ceiling amplify voices during meetings, interactive whiteboards enable both remote and conference room participants
to brainstorm together while separated physically, and design considerations leverage natural light to maintain a connection to the outdoors and enhance well-being.
MSU Foundation Executive Director David Washburn said TechSmith is the anchor for its vision of an innovation park on campus.
“We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to assist on this project, and I think MSU will lead in the space for years to come,” Washburn said.
TechSmith is learning how to be intentional about in-office work while still offering employees flexibility regarding where and when to work.
In the meantime, Hamilton is delighted with the new facility.
“It just feels different being here,” she said. “I enjoy the impromptu conversations, the tree-filled views outdoors and a nicer office setup than at home. I had only planned to come in a few days a week, but I come in every day.”
A long-abandoned building in downtown Lansing is getting a new life as Hall 224, a venue for live music, weddings and more.
The building at 224 S. Washington Square dates back 99 years and most recently was a hookah lounge.
In its new transformation, Hall 224 has a standing-room capacity of 900 in its 6,000-square-foot space, according to the venue’s website. Hall 224 can accommodate parties of up to 225 in formal banquet seating and 400 in a theater arrangement.
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said Hall 224 will fit well in downtown Lansing’s transformation into a walkable community.
“I am so excited that this long-blighted building will now be revitalized and activated. This is great for downtown and for Lansing and our entire region,” Schor said. “My administration and our Lansing economic development team worked hard with the owners to ensure this project will happen. This venue will once again come alive with energy, music, art and great events.”
Schor noted that Hall 224 will fit in with entertainment developments in the works.
“Hall 224 fills a much-needed gap in live music and entertainment space in Lansing,” he said. “The new space will also be the perfect complement to the city’s larger Ovation venue, planned for further south on Washington Square.”
The venue features two floors of entertaining space with a second-floor mezzanine that overlooks the open-concept main floor, according to the website. The lower level includes hospitality spaces for clients to utilize in conjunction with their events. It is expected to open this spring.
BY RICH ADAMS
Williamston is all abuzz about the Hive Cafe opening downtown, and Eaton Rapids finds itself in a pickle.
The Hive Cafe is a renovation of The Hive school spirit shop at 122 W. Grand River Ave., said owner Will Long, who also owns downtown Williamston businesses the Studio Shop and the Makers Nook.
Long said he will eventually offer food at the cafe this year but currently offers craft soda and bubble tea.
“We’ll be a place where families can go and have fun,” Long said.
The cafe — named The Hive for the Williamston High School Hornets — will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and open until 10 p.m. on weekends, giving Hornets fans a place to hang out after sporting events.
In Eaton Rapids, pickleball is on the mind of Joe Mitchell, president of We Are PickleballERs. Through crowdfunding platform Patronicity and assistance from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Public Spaces Community Places program, the small group of pickleball enthusiasts have built four courts that will open in the spring after they are painted. Mitchell said a local contractor and excavator donated its services to the project. The courts are open to the public.
The courts are located at the Eaton Rapids Athletic Complex across from the high school.
“This is a good community project with a lot of buzz going on,” Mitchell said. “In my opinion this is going to be one of the most used facilities in Eaton Rapids once people play. Play it once and you’ll fall in love with it.”
High Caliber Karting & Entertainment’s junior year was its most successful one yet. The business broke records; hosted its largest events to date, like the Sparrow Gala; began hosting live music; introduced new activities; and won SIX different awards in the community — one of which was 517 Business & Life’s 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year, presented to owner and CEO Jordan Munsters. The business didn’t just do this with hard work and dedication, though. The team immersed themselves in the East Lansing community, showing that if they support the public, the locals will support High Caliber.
Starting off strong in April, High Caliber set new standards for the go-kart industry by debuting the Handicapable Go-Kart,
where people in wheelchairs can have fun racing their friends by using hand brakes and accelerators instead of foot pedals — creating more inclusion within the entertainment business and mid-Michigan as a whole.
Throughout the summer, Munsters ran as one of the Sparrow Foundation’s Dapper Dads. A donation campaign that directly raised funds for local women’s health advances. He ended up raising $25,000 and earned first place among the local dad’s racing to raise the most donations.
Over Labor Day weekend, High Caliber hosted its second annual Meridian Motorfest, the biggest car show with the most classes and contents to win in central Michigan. The free event started as a way to let the car community come back together during COVID-19 and give younger enthusiasts something to do outside.
Last but not least, was the inaugural First Responder Appreciation Day. It was a huge success. EMTs, firefighters, emergency dispatchers and police officers were invited to spend the day having fun at High Caliber for free. Munsters implemented the Appreciation Day in hopes of setting a standard in Lansing, encouraging other business owners to take the chance to say thank you to the individuals who put their lives on the line every day at work.
From one successful business to all the other owners reading this article, ask yourself: How best can I help make my community a better place? Then aim to do that in the new year, because High Caliber plans to double its impact in 2023.
Have you strategically considered the message you are sending when you make an in-person presentation to a prospective client?
Companies that are in the business of selling their product or service to another business compete in the highly competitive business-to-business space. B2B sales often culminate in a formal interview to clarify a proposal and introduce a team to a client.
Strategically planning your interview should be a process that has already been defined by the leaders of your company. Firms that successfully make in-person presentations have a coordinated plan of attack that covers the following important areas.
If your firm has a chance to make a pitch, you should start by gathering the interview team and spending 30-60 minutes discussing the audience you’ll be addressing. How many people will you be presenting to? Who are the decision-makers? What is the hidden pain of the customer? How much time have you been given? Is there a formal agenda? Will you need handouts or a slide show?
Those are just a few of the things that you should be thinking about before you walk into an unknown room with your team. Understanding your audience is the most important thing you can do during preparation.
Now that you know your audience, you should carefully craft your message using the strengths of your team to deliver an impactful message.
Have you ever been a part of a presentation team where one person did all the talking? That team likely did not rehearse and assign talking points to the presenting team. Prospective buyers will be much more impressed with a “team” of qualified service providers than with a single, charismatic speaker who carries the presentation.
Savvy buyers know that the “sales guy” won’t likely be around when the going gets tough. Successful firms rehearse and make actual “team” presentations by scripting and rehearsing their presentations.
Our firm was once engaged in a very important pursuit that required an intensive request for proposal and interview process. After the process, we were awarded the job. The buyer told us how impressed he was with our previous experience and raved about what a great presentation we gave.
However, one of the final factors that swayed his decision was when we humbly and sincerely asked for the job.
“You were the only firm that said they wanted the job, and that made us feel really special,” he said.
Asking for the work is an obvious but often forgotten closing strategy.
If your sales process culminates in an in-person interview, make sure you are maximizing your opportunity by being strategic in your interview preparation.
BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA
By many measures, the 2020s have — so far — been a tumultuous time. Whether it’s politics, the economy, public health, the environment or even society at large, a sense of stability we once took for granted feels a lot less certain these days. Despite the unsteady ground under our feet, these seven mid-Michiganders are doing something special in Greater Lansing that’s making a positive mark on the business community and beyond — and giving us hope for better days ahead. Let’s get to know these 7 in the 517.
Amber Clark joined the Meridian Township government in 2020 “with a goal of building on the positive improvements the community already had in place.” To that end, she helped shepherd the redevelopment of a fading commercial district in Haslett that’s creating new community spaces in a traditional business area.
“In addition to tackling development projects, I wanted to bring Meridian Township something that would bring people together,” Clark said.
That led her to help launch the township’s first Juneteenth celebration in 2021, among other initiatives that put a spotlight on the township’s growing yet sometimes overlooked diversity.
“We knew we were on the right path when many attendees and volunteers were experiencing a celebration of Juneteenth for the first time. We are proud to be a community that values the diversity of our neighbors,” she said.
“There are several ethnicities, cultures and people that call Meridian home. I felt a community that provides an inclusive space for all peoples is the place I want to raise my son in.”
When Cathleen Edgerly — a selfdescribed “lifelong Lanstronaut” — took over leadership of Downtown Lansing Inc. in 2019, she “had no idea what the landscape ahead would bring. I knew it would be hard work … but then COVID hit and, as we all know, devastated downtown Lansing and changed everything. However, in this time of change and challenges, the downtown business owners, property owners, residents and other partners are working to build back better to bring downtown not just back to what it was, but to build a better, more functional and more equitable neighborhood.”
To that end, DLI has:
• Attracted more than $6 million to support small businesses downtown.
• Worked with Advent House and other coalition members to work with those who are most in need in the community.
• Opened Middle Village Micro Market, a business incubator giving retail entrepreneurs a physical space from which to launch new retail initiatives.
“I’ve never really thought of what I do as ‘special.’ All I do is try to bring people together,” she said.
After a professional basketball journey that took him to 11 different countries over 11 years, there was no doubt in Desmond Ferguson’s mind that his next chapter would happen in his hometown of Lansing, where he started Moneyball Sportswear in 2002.
“Investing in where I come from and my community” was important, he said. “I figure when you have any type of success, you should give back to where you come from.”
His business has blossomed, growing into three retail locations. Along the way, he’s underwritten free basketball clinics for kids for nearly two decades, created the Moneyball Pro-Am basketball tournament and arranged donations of socks to the homeless every winter.
“I want to be able to show the next young man or woman, boy or girl, that they can do it and go further than I have,” he said. “Obviously, growing up in Lansing, Michigan, I’ve been able to see Magic Johnson go to almost unbelievable heights not only as an athlete, but more so as a businessman. It let a lot of people dream and think big outside of just the 517 area code.”
Ferguson’s path has been “a grind” at times.
“Lots of peaks and valleys,” he said. “But when you do something that you’re passionate about, it’s worth it.”
“I would like to see the Lansing region to become recognized as one of the premier communities when it comes to being welcoming, economic mobility and living (a) good quality of life,” said Tony Willis. “And more specifically, I want this to be true for Black, brown and other underrepresented groups of people who typically fall into marginalization.”
To that end, at the Lansing Economic Area Partnership he is helping to create programs, partnerships and policies including:
• The Elevate business accelerator, focused on Black business owners.
• The Small Business Boost program, in partnership with the city of Lansing.
• The Leave a Legacy small-business succession planning program.
“My inspiration comes from two places,” he said. “First, I want my three sons to have all the opportunities they desire to live out their best life and grow into people that God needs them to be. Secondly, I understand how economic inequity and its continued rise is further creating a society of haves and have-nots, which only diminishes an output of the whole.”
From the minute he opened the doors to his first location of GoodFellas Bagel Deli in downtown Lansing in 2019, Lansing native and 2013 Waverly High School graduate Adrian Joseph knew he wanted to do more than just offer great food.
“I wanted to offer myself to the community,” he said. “So we embraced opportunities to sponsor events, donate time and food, and show our love and appreciation whenever we could.
“There’s always someone or something that needs a helping hand or encouragement in our community. I’m here to help as long as I’m able to. And I hope others in the community feel the same or are inspired by our efforts to help,” he continued. “I’m doing this because I care. I know I am able to help. I know I am able to be a lasting productive member of this community. I take pride in this community. I grew up here. My parents grew up here, and my grandparents and great-grandparents. I owe this city.”
In the roughly 15 years since her days as a championship golfer for Michigan State University, Rachel Sampson has spent much of her time working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector.
“Those experiences and the heart for Lansing that has grown along the way led me to my home at Tri-Star Trust Bank,” she said.
While offering wealth management, trust administration and philanthropic solutions, its name “truly embodies the foundation of the company.”
“I have always been genuinely interested in understanding how our community works through the eyes of anyone willing to share: from the groundbreaking thought leaders and trailblazers of yesterday and today to tomorrow’s CEOs sitting in our classrooms. … Every job I’ve had and every place I go, I try to stay focused on building those human connections and engaging in meaningful interactions,” she said. “While it feels second nature to me, I’m told there may be an element of ‘special’ to that philosophy.”
Rich Schaafsma is part of an exciting project with long-standing customer/ partners Biggby Coffee; its co-founder and co-CEO Bob Fish; and Fish’s wife, Michelle Fish — “to source coffee direct from coffee farmers” in Nicaragua, Mexico and Zambia. That’s a bigger deal than a coffee industry novice may think.
“Our Farm Direct payments are based on producers’ needs. Our goal is to pay them fairly and equitably, with real knowledge and respect for their hard work,” he said. “Coffee is so much more than the beans or ground coffee in a bag you buy at the supermarket. Our mission is to ensure that the money we pay for coffee goes to the producers, and not to an opportunistic third party.
“This is in stark contrast to the traditional way of purchasing coffee ... which considers neither the cost nor financial needs of the producers,” he added. “I believe this is the right way to buy coffee. Intentionally. With purpose.”
Biggby’s goal is to have Farm Direct purchases represent all of its coffee purchases by 2028.
“We should feel proud that we have a Lansing-based business changing the way coffee has been sourced,” Schaafsma said.
MSUFCU Gifts $5.5M to Michigan State University
Michigan State University Federal Credit Union announced a $5.5 million donation to Michigan State University that will advance three MSU arts programs over five years. The gift from MSUFCU includes $2.5 million for the MSUFCU Arts Power Up Endowment, which will fund two pilot programs: the Power Up arts residencies at the STEAMpower Project and the Power Up to Start-Up program. An additional $2 million will support the MSU Museum CoLab Studio, which evolved from the museum’s partnership with Science Gallery International. Another $1 million will support the College of Music’s MSUFCU DREAM Fund.
“As MSUFCU celebrates 85 years of partnership with MSU, we’re proud of all we have accomplished together on behalf of campus and community,” said MSUFCU President and CEO April Clobes.
Foresight Group and Engineering Graphics Inc. have merged.
Owned by Mark and Mike Lamond, EGI has served the Lansing area for more than
50 years with grand-format printing and finishing services. By joining forces with Foresight Group, one of the largest printers in mid-Michigan, EGI will further enhance its service offerings, including commercial printing, mailing, large-format display graphics, vehicle graphics, promotional products, sign-making and installations, and access to new technology.
“EGI is proud to join with Foresight Group, an innovative leader in our industry,” said Mark Lamond. “We will be able to offer our customers expanded products and services, along with the quality they have come to expect at affordable prices. It’s a win-win for EGI and our valued clients.”
This is the ninth acquisition for Foresight Group since 2011, having already acquired Huron Valley Printing and Imaging, White Pine Printers, Logan Brothers Printing, Discount One Hour Signs, Goetzcraft Printers, Stamprite and Aldinger Inc., and Higgins Electric Sign Co.
Peckham received the Community Impact Award during the Michigan Manufacturers Association MFG Excellence Awards. The Community Impact Award
recognizes a manufacturing business that has shown exemplary leadership in serving its community or state.
Peckham was recognized for its commitment to community service and advancing the manufacturing industry in the Lansing, Flint and Charlotte regions.
Priscilla Bordayo, statewide manager for Michigan at Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, was a recent recipient of a Governor’s Service Award.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission honored 10 winners of the 2020-2021 Governor’s Service Awards who supported
significant needs and made a difference in food distribution, health or supporting other community issues during the pandemic.
“Through the historic challenges of the last couple of years, countless Michiganders stepped up to support their loved ones. On National Volunteer Recognition Day, we acknowledge those individuals, businesses and organizations that went above and beyond, selflessly devoting their time and resources to make a difference for their fellow Michiganders,” said Whitmer.
Read more on Bordayo in our On the Record profile on page 24.
Triterra, a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm, announced the addition of two new staff members.
Luke Wright joined Triterra as a senior industrial hygienist, working as a part of the industrial hygiene team. Wright acquired a bachelor’s degree in geology from Calvin University in Grand Rapids. Wright focuses on lead inspections/ risk assessments, asbestos building inspections, mold investigations and radon assessments.
Vince Fountain joined Triterra as an industrial hygienist, working as a part of the industrial hygiene team. Fountain worked in the construction/restoration industry for roughly 12 years and began his industrial hygiene career in 2019.
The board of trustees of the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum named Sara Schultz as the executive director.
“The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is primed for new programs and new possibilities. I’m excited to come on board during this pivotal time in its history,” Schultz said.
Schultz has 15 years of experience working in nonprofit organizations, primarily museums. Schultz comes from a four-year directorship role at The American Museum of Magic in Marshall. Prior to that, Schultz was the museum manager of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, priming her for this latest endeavor.
“Sara’s background as executive director of a nonprofit museum combined with experience managing a historic automobile facility will help to further advance the mission of the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. Her accomplishments in her earlier positions make Sara the perfect person to drive the future of the museum and help grow the legacy of R.E. Olds,” said Gary Doty, president of the board of trustees.
Sparrow Eaton Hospital has honored a highly skilled nurse with its first-ever DAISY Award after she comforted an autistic child uneasy about undergoing surgery.
Surgery nurse Emily Bradford was named the DAISY Award honoree based on a nomination from a family member of a patient for her compassion and attentiveness to the autistic child. Bradford, who has worked at Sparrow Eaton since 2016, was recognized for her compassionate care, outstanding nursing skills and always putting patients first.
“Emily exudes patience, understanding and empathy with every patient she cares for,” said Sparrow Eaton Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Tiffany Friar. “She is joyful and reliable, and her team genuinely adores working alongside her. We are incredibly lucky to have nurses like Emily on our local team.
Origami Rehabilitation has received the highest level of accreditation following a thorough survey conducted by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Origami was recognized for its serene and therapeutic environment, tenured passionate team, variety of unique specialty services, and for being a “onestop shop” for all things rehabilitation.
Peckham received the National Service Impact Award during the Governor’s Service Awards Nov. 17.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission celebrated numerous individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations who are leaders in volunteerism, service or philanthropy. Peckham was recognized for its success with the AmeriCorps Economic Opportunity Coaching program.
The Economic Opportunity Coaching Program serves people with disabilities, refugees and low-income individuals. The program is designed to assist individuals in gaining financial literacy and employability skills via oneto-one and group coaching sessions. The program has four focus areas: financial literacy, employability skills, adult literacy and tax preparation.
Today, you will see many businesses using the hot buzzword of the day: belonging. This word is used to indicate that the business believes they have an inclusive culture, but sometimes there is a misunderstanding of what “belonging” really is and what it truly means.
According to vocabulary.com, “belonging is a sense of fitting in or feeling like you are an important member of a group.” In theory, that sounds amazing; yet how often do we really feel like we belong or are truly embraced in the workplace? From this writer’s perspective, you cannot have a strong sense of belonging if you do not have a truly welcoming, affirming and inclusive culture.
For those who are in marginalized groups or are seen as different, belonging is the hope; however, the reality is not feeling included even at those organizations that believe they are doing the right thing. Simply having a diversity, equity and inclusion program in place does not guarantee that your organization is truly a welcoming, affirming and confirming space for those who do not fit into the majority.
We need to do a better job at creating a culture that includes everyone. This means we take a step back and do a deep dive into what inclusion truly is and what actions need to be put in place to ensure that every voice is heard and validated within our organization. Sometimes, that will require us to confront some pretty tough and difficult conversations, such as, discrimination, harassment and racism.
Begin by doing an internal DEI audit of the organization, which means reviewing every policy, procedure and HR function, as well as taking a very close look at what leaders’ beliefs and attitudes are toward diversity and inclusion.
Confronting and tackling those difficult and sometimes painful discussions can be the difference in creating welcoming and safe spaces, where everyone is welcomed and can belong.
Want to learn how you can create a strong welcoming, affirming and inclusive culture? Contact us at theprosforum.com. We are ready to help your organization to grow, prosper and succeed.
A new year offers new possibilities. You can make 2023 a better year for you financially with these five financial New Year’s resolutions.
1. Pay yourself first
Accomplish this by contributing to your 401(k) or IRA, savings accounts, or an emergency fund before you pay other expenses. You’ll see how quickly your savings can grow.
Take a look at your budget and see if you need to make any adjustments, such as reducing your gas budget because you’re
working from home a few days a week, or increasing your savings toward a down payment if you plan to purchase a home soon.
3. Maximize your credit card rewards
Maximize the rewards from your credit card by using it to pay for monthly expenses. Then, pay it off each month with funds set aside for these expenses, and reap the rewards without adding to your debt. Cash back is the most flexible rewards option as you can use it to purchase whatever you’d like.
4. Pay down your debt
Create a plan to reduce your debt. To accomplish this, you could make an extra payment each month, consolidate the debt into a lower-interest rate loan, or reduce spending on other items and apply those funds to the debt.
5. Create or update your will
Having a will ensures your assets are distributed to the people you choose. Once your will is created, review it periodically to make needed updates.
MSUFCU is here to help you with your financial resolutions. Our MSUFCU Mobile app, low-interest rate loans, and our Visa Signature ® cash-back credit card are some of the many options we offer to assist you with achieving your financial goals and dreams.
BY CHRISTINE MACINTYRE
The “quiet quitting” phenomenon is a viral trend spurred by TikTok in which employees don’t quit their job; instead, they disengage from work. Rather than subscribing to the hustle culture mentality that “work is life,” quiet quitters perform their duties but no longer go above and beyond. Rather than the term “quiet quitting,” some people prefer the term “acting your wage.”
Quiet quitting is all about doing the bare minimum — nothing more. While some people pride themselves on being overachievers, quiet quitters set professional boundaries. Some quiet quitters mentally check out from work, while others don’t accept additional work without additional pay.
“I have heard of (employees mentally checking out from their work) after they announce that they will retire,” said Teri Sand, Capital Area Michigan Works! business services manager.
However, some employees believe they can’t quiet quit because of race or gender. Quiet quitters still want or need to keep their job; however, they don’t feel compelled to do more than required.
Michigan State University’s WorkLife Office advocates for honoring work and personal life. Director Jaimie Hutchison said the bottom line is that people are not hesitating to disengage from a workforce that does not feel like it’s accepting them as a whole person.
“When employees don’t feel supported at work — when they don’t feel supported as a whole person — they start to lose loyalty,” she said.
Caregiving challenges, flexible work challenges and toxic work environments will lend to an employee’s decreased commitment.
“It’s old-school to tell employees to leave their baggage at the door when you enter work,” Hutchison said. “We are finding that is impossible to do.”
As humans, employees have many dynamics that make up their whole
person, including societal roles, emotions, experiences, diverse perspectives, diverse identities, physical and mental health issues, and the complex wheelhouse that is the brain.
“Employers need to address all aspects of their employees’ personalities,” according to Hutchison.
Once that happens, employees feel supported and can devote more attention to productivity.
In her presentations regarding recruiting, Sand includes the importance of retaining current employees.
“The proactive approach toward retention and employee engagement is to keep your workers happy and productive and employed with you,” she said. “Stay interviews are ideally done at least annually. It’s an opportunity for a worker’s supervisor to ask about the person’s goals and how the company might help. The conversation doesn’t have to be formal; in fact, the supervisor may get better information if it’s not.”
Technology fuels today’s economy, resulting in a rise in techrelated employment. Defying expectations of cutbacks, hiring freezes and layoffs, tech sector employers in the U.S. added workers for the 23rd consecutive month, and tech unemployment rates continue to fall. While industries such as hospitality and travel took a hit in recent years, careers in the tech industry demonstrated their resiliency.
The Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA, a leading voice for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem, reported that companies across the economy hired an estimated 84,000 new tech workers in September. Nationally, around 30% of all job postings were for tech-related positions, many offering flexible remote work options.
Considering the misconception that one must be a technical wiz to succeed in a tech role, job seekers often overlook these positions. As a result, employers are desperate for tech talent and, in many cases, are willing to train suitable candidates to fill positions. Steven Ostrowski, CompTIA’s senior director of corporate communications, said tech careers are a plausible option for those just entering the workforce, career-changers and even veterans.
“People can learn the technical skills easier and quicker than soft skills,” he said.
The chief information officer of the state of Michigan, Laura Clark, noted that “technology has paved a new and better path
for Michigan residents.” However, online activity via digital avenues has “created an ever-increasing need for cybersecurity measures to keep sensitive information safe.” Clark said the state is partnering with educational institutions throughout Michigan to promote careers in information technology and “to make Michigan a hotbed for IT talent.”
“Cybersecurity is the most in-demand job if you’re looking for work, and the hardest to fill if you’re looking to hire,” said Ostrowski. “You don’t have to look far from the daily headlines to see why cybersecurity is so important. As a result, companies are searching desperately for cybersecurity workers at all career levels.”
Workers in data science, analytics and mining are also in demand.
“Companies collect data from their customers and, for the longest time, struggled to figure out how to use that information to be more efficient, to do more business and to connect with their customers better,” said Ostrowski. “They’ve finally figured it out, and now they need the people who can implement it.”
Help desk and technical support employees are also in demand. While those are entry-level positions, there is an elevated level of responsibility as these are frontline workers.
“There’s tech backing every business and industry; it’s everywhere we turn. Thus, there’s a need for tech workers,” Ostrowski said.
An FBI report released in October has placed Lansing on a list it doesn’t want to be on. Michigan has four of the top 20 most violent cities in the nation — and Lansing now joins Saginaw, Detroit and Kalamazoo as the four most violent in the state.
Priscilla Bordayo, statewide manager for Michigan at Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, said the dubious distinction for Lansing is proof that more change is needed.
“The same old approaches don’t work,” Bordayo said. “We need to invest in proven solutions that tackle the root causes of crime, including trauma recovery, violence prevention, mental health services and elevating victims’ needs.”
Bordayo’s opinions don’t come from speculation; she has been in the thick of it serving the community for years working with crime survivors. When she’s not doing that, she’s meeting with elected officials or planning awareness events.
“I know crime exists, but so does healing,” Bordayo said. “I hear over and over again that victims want what happened to them to not happen again. They want change in how the justice system responds to crime, and they want more funding put into them and their needs.”
Bordayo is working to bring awareness for CSSJ’s services and bring healing to the community through prioritizing prevention, accountability and recovery from harm. CSSJ plans to bring trauma recovery centers to Michigan.
“People need a place to go when they have been affected by trauma,” Bordayo said. “If you are physically hurt, you have
a hospital to go to, but what about when you are emotionally and mentally harmed? My goal is to get more people healed. The more people we get healed, the less crime we will see.”
Spreading awareness of the availability of victims’ compensation is on Bordayo’s docket. CSSJ worked to pass historic victims’ compensation reform through the Safer Michigan Act, which was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year. Changes will go into effect this summer and will expand victim compensation coverage to account for actual costs resulting from violent crime victimization, increase time crime victims have to apply for help, and remove the two-day reporting requirement and other red tape in the process.
In 2022, CSSJ launched its Member Support Program, which offers resources for healing and wellness, including counseling support, sound therapy and indigenous healing practices. Bordayo said more businesses should become aware and share information about those resources. Support of events through partnerships can go a long way as well.
“We are holding our second annual Survivors Speak Event at the Capitol on April 27,” Bordayo said. “Last year, we had 400 victims/survivors across Michigan gather during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. We would love to see the support of our local businesses.”
To find out about partnerships, resources or to join the Lansing chapter of CSSJ, contact visit cssj.org
Read more about Bordayo and her recent honor as a Governor’s Service Award winner on page 16.
Sometimes dreams get delayed as life marches on.
For Ernest and Carmen Tisdale, their grand plans of entrepreneurship and building something for themselves were put on the back burner for a full decade before an opportunity presented itself to purchase The Hidden Gem Event Venue, formerly Charlar Place, in Holt.
Tucked in a scenic setting off Cedar Street, The Hidden Gem lives
up to its name — and the Tisdales and their extraordinary team have dedicated themselves to making special events for individuals, couples, families — and a large gathering of their closest friends.
When did you open The Hidden Gem Event Venue?
Jan. 31, 2020, just before COVID shut us down.
What amenities are offered at The Hidden Gem?
We are a full-service venue offering indoor and outdoor seating, in-house and offsite catering, bar services, and decorations.
How and why did you get into the event business?
It was a vision of ours to own our own venue when we were hunting for wedding venues for our own nuptials back in 2009. We wrote a business plan for it around that time, saved it on an old computer, and forgot about it until 2019 when we dug it back up and ran with it. We wanted to start a business. But, most importantly, we desired to build a legacy for our family.
With the season of engagements coming up with Valentine’s Day, why should people keep The Hidden Gem in mind for their special day?
Our No. 1 priority is customer service, and most of our clients would attest to that. Our full-service package options are intended to ease the burden for many brides and/or families seeking to simplify the planning portion of their special occasion. Our passion is service, and that is reflected in each of the services we offer.
The best part of the job is working with a team of kind, talented and multifaceted individuals ready to take on all the challenges in this industry. On top of that, we are blessed to be an integral part of the most memorable occasions in many people’s lives.
The Hidden Gem Event Venue is at 4230 Charlar Drive in Holt. For more information, visit thehiddengemvenue.com.
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You may be considering a new workout as you kick off the new year. It’s important to remember that before starting any intense new workout, you should check with your health care provider.
Your personal trainer would tell you that right now is a great time to start and not to procrastinate. Some disagree. Research from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania shows the best day to start a workout is a Monday.
Morning workouts are ideal for fat burning and lowering blood pressure, according to experts, but you may actually have better performance if you wait until the afternoon because you’ll have some food in your system to help with energy levels.
Tips for success? Ease in, don’t overdo it from day one. Always warm up and cool down to prevent injury. Finally, identify your “why” to keep you motivated. You’ve got this!
A wondrous journey can begin by simply turning the page. Books can enlighten, educate, and inspire.
Nyshell Lawrence, owner of Socialight Society, wants people to know that her bookstore inside the Lansing Mall does just that. It is also a place where faith is merged with feminism.
“Faith sometimes leaves feminism out,” Lawrence said. “People should not be hesitant to explore both simultaneously.”
Lawrence goes on to say that she wants people to know that Socialight Society is, “a
sanctuary for women. Women can feel seen. It feels like home. It feels like comfort.”
Socialight Society’s normal open hours are middays Tuesdays through Fridays, all day Saturday and every second Sunday of the month. It’s also a space for book clubs and women’s groups, as well as author events. Socialight Society is a collection of curated classic, contemporary and children’s titles predominantly written by Black women, a genre traditionally underrepresented in traditional bookstores. Socialight Society also carries gift items created by Black women-owned brands that are both local and national.
Lawrence talks about the importance of people knowing that Socialight Society is a space that “showcases what is great and sometimes dismissed in greater society.”
Lawrence wants Socialight Society to be a space “where people can come in, specifically Black, to gather, talk and meet to truly build community at its core essence and Black excellence.”
Aim your light to carved-out corners of representation and acceptance, grab a seat, and feel at home and at peace at the Socialight Society bookshop.
A new year often sparks ponderings and searching for deeper meaning. We stress to ourselves, if only we could just lose weight, start over, change jobs, etc. we could be happy. But in truth, the answer is already within us and the only change we have to make is to open our minds.
A great book to set us straight on the power of this sort of thinking is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. It has been translated into over fifty languages and has sold millions and millions of copies.
Even the synopsis will give you goosebumps. Man’s Search for meaning is Frankl’s account of the time he spent in Nazi concentration camps. His adversity led to the conviction that primary human drive is not pleasure but finding the true meaning of life – It’s not It’s not the circumstances that we find ourselves in, and for some they can be dire. Its through purposeful work and courage in the face of It’s understanding our purpose. Why are we here? How can we take responsibility for our emotions and find worth in living in the now? Frankl’s writing explains that his psychotherapeutic method of identifying that “why” and imaging the outcome can be a game changer.
Flourish by esteemed author Martin E. P. Seligman has been described as an optimistic handbook on finding happiness. Focusing on positive psychology, this New York Times best-seller concentrates on well-being. Flourish shares examples and interactive exercises to help the reader really dig into the five pillars, or PERMA, which include exploring engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment in order to find fulfillment in life and work.
Both books have similar concepts shared in different ways. It really comes down to how you resonate with each author’s approach.
Cheers to finding your “why” in life and achieving your happiness goals in 2023.
21 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.
CDFA® Financial Advisor
Combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, white pepper and water in a bowl and set aside.
OUR 517 MAGAZINE PUBLISHER’S HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTIES YIELDED SOME PRETTY FANTASTIC POTLUCK FOODS FROM STAFF. ONE OF THE STANDOUTS WAS INCREDIBLE CHICKEN WINGS POWERED BY FLAVOR WITH MANDARIN WING SAUCE THAT LEFT US ALL CLAMORING FOR MORE.
WHETHER YOU AIR FRY, DEEP FRY OR BAKE YOUR WINGS, THIS SAUCE WILL BE THE CROWD PLEASER THAT COMPLETES THEM.
• 6 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 6 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
• 6 tablespoons of white vinegar
• 6 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
• 1 1/3 cup of water
• 6 garlic cloves
Along with the above ingredient list, you’ll want vegetable oil, corn starch, sesame seeds and green onion on hand as part of the process. Don’t forget your wings!
Mince 5-6 cloves of garlic. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a nonstick saucepan on medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
Add the bowl of sauce to the pan right away and bring to a complete boil. Let the sauce boil for about 3-4 minutes.
While the sauce is boiling, mix one tablespoon of corn starch with 1/2 cup of hot water. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
Then, using a whisk, slowly add the cornstarch into the saucepan while briskly whisking the sauce. The sauce should thicken up after about 2 minutes of whisking. (If you find the sauce is not thick enough, make more of the cornstarch slurry and slowly add in a little bit at a time until it thickens to your liking.) Turn off the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil into the sauce. Stir to combine.
Mix the sauce with your cooked chicken wings right away.
Plate and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Twenty-three years ago, in 1999, Lansing Community College resolved to bring back scholarship softball. It was originally thought the team would have to compete at the club level for a season or two before players could possibly be prepared for varsity, intercollegiate competition. Bob Every, who would be the Star’s head softball coach, knew differently. Every was prepared to field a varsity softball team in 2000.
In their first year, the Star’s softball team played to a 44-10 record, and advanced all the way to the national finals. That a team could emerge from nothing, without external belief, to achieve such success, is a testament to competitive spirit.
Two years later, LCC softball won the NJCAA Division II National Championship, compiling a 49-7 record.
Women athletes are often required to fight through such existential crises – will we have enough funding? Will we have funded opponents? – just to play the sports they love, let alone excel against the highest levels of competition. At LCC, women have been leading the way in athletics for decades.
In 1970, LCC added cross country, wrestling and tennis as varsity sports, joining the already established golf and basketball teams. All five varsity teams were for men only. In the 1971 LCC student guidebook, female students were advised to look into intermural sports, as there were no varsity options for women at LCC at that time. Intermural offerings included horseshoes, badminton, paddleball, bowling, touch football and table tennis.
That all changed with Title IX.
Title IX was enacted by congress as a progression of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, expanding constitutional protections against discrimination to women. Title IX became law in June 1972, and protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
By 1977, a Title IX project was fully underway at LCC, and women’s basketball was competing. By 1980, LCC women were competing in varsity basketball, cross country, track and field, volleyball, golf, swimming and softball. Softball was removed in the 1980s, and revived in the 2000 season, although swimming and golf have been permanently removed as LCC programs.
Current LCC athletic director Greg Lattig thinks Title IX has been tremendous for intercollegiate athletics.
“Title IX has been instrumental in providing athletic opportunities for females in educational athletics,” Lattig said. “The number of sports and participants, the career paths to pursue, and the recognition have increased in 50 years, but current events remind us we still have work to do in these areas. Having said that, it took action like Title IX to move us in the right direction. The value of educational athletics is important for every gender, and the equal opportunity that women have gained from Title IX has created an athletic environment centered around bringing all people together to contribute and work together as a team to learn and develop as a person.”
LCC Stars women have made the most out of their opportunities to compete. Since 1978, more than 80 LCC women varsity athletes have earned All-American honors. Also during that time, LCC women have won 54 conference championships, 16 state championships and 41 regional championships. In addition to softball’s 2002 National Championship, the Stars women have won 12 national championships, including back-to-back runs for the Cross Country team in 2021 and 2022.
James Robinson, head coach for LCC Cross Country and Track and Field teams, believes the opportunity to compete makes all the difference for women collegiate athletes.
“The skills required to succeed in cross country and track and field closely mirror the skills required to succeed in life,” Robinson said. “Discipline, persistence, goal setting, hard work – all are required both of the runner and the person who finds success in life. Over the past 40 or so years, women have had an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of these qualities in athletic settings. Running requires a tremendous amount of personal responsibility. You run for your team, but by-in-large the athlete runs alone. That is a unique combination, and very closely matches the responsibilities people face in life.”
The interdisciplinary skills and commitment to process athletes learn along with their formal education can be invaluable. Former LCC athlete Kelly Babcock knows her time at LCC prepared her to exhibit poise for the competitions she would confront in life.
“As the first person in my family to pursue college athletics, I felt LCC was a solid stepping stone that could propel me towards a bright future both athletically and academically — and it proved to be exactly that,” Babcock said. “The friendships I made, the National Championship title we won, and the degree that I earned still hold a valuable place in my life today. Competing as a collegiate athlete is an incredible opportunity gain a sense of confidence and work ethic that can hold value for a lifetime. I’m incredibly proud to say that so many of those principles were gained during my time at LCC.”
The holistic attitude of success that permeates from LCC women’s athletics – from before the days of Title IX through today – cannot be better summarized than by Coach Robinson, who roots his runners’ performances in a dedication to personal responsibility and excellence.
“At LCC, our runners compete at a really high level, as our tradition of success indicates,” Robinson said. “We tell our runners their standard is a pursuit of excellence, because a commitment to improvement is the only way to compete to the standard required of us. I often reflect that, outside of my education, participation in sports has taught me more than anything else – I am proud to help extend the opportunity for such an education on to women runners at LCC.”
“As the first person in my family to pursue college athletics, I felt LCC was a solid stepping stone that could propel me towards a bright future both athletically and academically — and it proved to be exactly that.”
t’s likely a common dream for many young girls — imagining growing up to be a professional singer, maybe even an actress on Broadway.
And for many young girls, reality gets in the way of those plans, and the current of life flows in another direction entirely. Yet Chivon Kloepfer wasn’t going to let those waters take her completely adrift from her dream. She still conveys compelling and informative stories through her work, and she certainly has won a dedicated audience as the 5:30 p.m. news anchor for WLNS-TV 6.
“I was born in Guelph, Ontario, so I grew up in Canada and came over on a softball scholarship to play at Central Michigan University,” Kloepfer said. “I took some acting classes while I was there, but I really couldn’t fully jump into it
because I was playing on the softball team, and it would have clashed with my softball schedule. At the same time, I really got into journalism and broadcast journalism at school, and I grew to love it. There’s still a performance element to my job, so it satisfies me in a lot of different ways.”
Kloepfer came to WLNS from 9&10 News in Cadillac over a decade ago and has become a trusted mainstay at the Lansing station for viewers who have come to rely on her for fairness, accuracy and dependability as she grew from weekend reporter to morning anchor to her current anchor position.
“I think that the trust comes from just doing the job every day the right way,” Kloepfer said. “It’s attention to detail. Sometimes you have to ask uncomfortable questions, but it’s about getting all of
the sides. It’s about accurate reporting, good news judgment and never mailing it in. Those are the fundamentals of good journalism; and if you’re delivering those things, people are going to start trusting you.
“There’s also the human element to it. You have to be someone who people can connect with,” she added. “I think that goes along with going out and meeting people and showing them that, ‘Hey, I’m like you. I live in this community. These issues are important to me, and that’s why we bring them to you.’ That all plays a big role in it.”
That’s not to say it was automatically easy. “Terrifying” is how she described the first on-air experience of her career.
“I didn’t get to go live on location for a long time. They work you in slow, so your first on-air experience is literally reading two sentences. Then you throw to your story
that you’ve worked on all day, then you say your one sentence at the end. That’s basically it: three sentences on camera,” Kloepfer said. “I could not put my makeup on before the shot because my hand was shaking so bad. I was so nervous. Everyone was trying to calm me down. ‘It’s just two sentences. Just read the prompter, you’ll be fine.’ I was terrified, but it was fine. Then the next time you’re a little less nervous; and you’re a little less nervous the time after that. Before you know it, you’re OK and comfortable.”
The human element and being part of the community Kloepfer mentioned are part of the reason she has remained at WLNS for so long in an industry that often sees news personalities moving on to larger markets once they’ve established a name and reputation for themselves.
“When I was on the morning show, there’s a special thing that happens because it’s longer and there’s more time for the viewers to really get to know you as a person. You have a lot more time to express yourself and engage with the community
because you’re not so rushed to get to the next story,” she said. “I just felt the love with this community when I was working on the morning show. It was wonderful. I got to meet so many cool people, and I just fell in love with the people here at the station and in the community. I felt like I fit right in here.”
That sense of belonging also helped spur Kloepfer’s dedication to actively contributing to the community, whether it was delivering for Meals on Wheels, serving as a board member for Highfields Inc., or working with breast cancer awareness organization Susan G. Komen for the Cure or supporting organ-donation nonprofit Gift of Life Michigan. Although she has scaled back on her duties at the station as well as in the community to focus on her duties as a mother to three small children ages 5, 3 and 1, Kloepfer said she’s anxious to get back to her personal outreach efforts.
“I would say the last six years have sort of been a family blur, because I didn’t have the easiest pregnancies,” Kloepfer said. “Everything’s been so family focused
the past six years. But the kids are a little bit older, and I feel like I’m starting to get a little bit more of myself back again to where I can participate.”
Participating, being an agent for progress and improvement, is what Kloepfer cited as the best part of her job at WLNS.
“If you asked me that years ago, when I first started in this business, it would be a very different answer. But right now, it’s knowing that what I do is important — that I am making a difference and am impacting, hopefully, positive change. I’m telling stories that are tugging at people’s heartstrings and encouraging them to do differently and maybe do better in their communities.”
And what would she have said was the best part of her job when she was first starting out? Well … obviously.
“You get to be on TV,” she laughed. “You know, it’s cool. It’s a cool job. What I do is pretty neat. Every day is different. I mean, I still feel that ‘wow.’ It’s hard work — and it’s a lot of work — but you get to meet a lot of cool people.”
I’m telling stories that are tugging at people’s heartstrings and encouraging them to do differently and maybe do better in their communities.
BY KYLE DOWLING
Everybody needs a home, and the nonprofit Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary in Grand Ledge is the forever home for many senior farm animals — providing them with the care and enrichment that they need while also educating the public on how to improve animal welfare.
“We practice and promote animal welfare in addition to being a resource for the education of the public,” said Bob Worthy. “Helping to educate students and future veterinarians who study at MSU and other schools by giving them an opportunity to receive large-animal experience during their undergraduate studies is very important to us as well.”
Victoria and Bob Worthy are the owners and operators of Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary, with Victoria having been in animal rescue for over 35 years — more than 20 of which have included rescuing farm animals. She began her work with dogs, cats and other more exotic pets, working and volunteering with numerous rescue groups in the region.
Mitten Misfits was run as a hobby for years; however, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, its population boomed. With the increase in residents, Victoria reached out to local veterinary students for
assistance. The operation also received its status as an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
“Our current misfit population consists of horses — both full sized and miniature — donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs — both full sized and potbelly — chickens, ducks, peafowl and a turkey just pardoned for Thanksgiving by the governor of the state of Michigan,” said Bob.
If you’re looking for a way to help Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary, the Worthys are always looking for volunteers to help care for the animals or help to manage the operation, but even just sharing the work of the organization on social media is appreciated.
The continued success the Worthys have had has put a strain on their ability to house and properly feed the animals in their care, so they also are accepting contributions through fundraising or animal food items. They’d also like to continue growing their facilities to meet the needs of animals in the area. With five horses on the waiting list, the couple hope to build an additional barn to give these animals their forever home.
Visit mittenmisfits.org for more information about how you can get involved.
Jan. 15
Stress less at the Michigan State University Broad Art Museum with this monthly making series. It’s a new year and a new semester. Have you spent any time on introspection? This month the Broad Museum is helping people to start journals to help focus and reflect on hopes, dreams and anxieties. All the materials will be provided, but feel free to BYOS — bring your own supplies. Registration for this free event is required. Visit broadmuseum.msu.edu for details.
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.
Cozy Mystery Author Night Jan. 19
When the winter months have you down, there’s no better time to curl up with a good mystery novel. Come brave the elements and join three Michigan authors at the Okemos Schuler Books to share in their mystery novels. Darcie Wilde, Darci Hannah and Frank Anthony Polito will be there to share their love of literature. Visit eventbrite.com/e/cozy-mysteryauthor-night-tickets-463886977437 for details.
Blue Man Group Jan. 20
It’s everything you know and love about Blue Man Group — signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy. The men are still blue, but the rest is all new. Featuring pulsing, original music; custom-made instruments; surprise audience interaction; and hilarious absurdity — join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages. For details, visit whartoncenter.com
Taste of Blacksmithing Jan. 21
Follow our friends at 517living.com for other upcoming events in the region.
Have you always wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing? Come join a three-hour workshop, where you’ll learn how to taper and bend steel as you forge an attractive iron heart. No previous experience necessary, they’ll show you everything it takes to make. For details, visit lansingmakersnetwork.org/ classes-and-workshops/class-policies/
MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit Jan. 26 – Feb 22
This annual exhibit features art from 17 greater Lansing area high schools. The public is invited to view the art in person and vote at MSUFCU Headquarters Building One in East Lansing, or online at msufcuart.com
Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo Feb. 10-12
Explore a variety of businesses through exhibits, activities, main-stage presentations and shopping that aim to provide a weekend of entertainment, education and enjoyment tailored to women and their families. Bring your friends and join the fun at the Lansing Center. For details, visit kohlerexpo.com.
Riverwalk Theatre Presents: “Misery” Feb. 9-19
The play follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “No. 1 fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Sheldon is convalescing, Wilkes reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Sheldon is forced to write a new novel, and he quickly realizes Wilkes has no intention of letting him go anywhere. For performance details, visit riverwalktheatre.com/ season-34.html.
Feb. 11
Join pastry chefs Holly and Sarah at the Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing for a fun afternoon making delicious French macarons with friends or partners. Visit eventbrite.com/e/macaron-workshopw-michigan-made-treats-tickets-473445898427?aff =ebdssbdestsearch for details.
5 ideas for a 517 Valentine’s Date
BY KYLE DOWLING
It can be difficult coming up with new date ideas, whether it’s the first date or you’ve been together for 50 years. There’s always something new to experience together, so peruse some ideas we came up with for you.
There’s nothing better to warm you up in these cold months than some adrenaline. Take your date out to High Caliber Karting and Entertainment, Zap Zone or even Escapology at Spare Time Entertainment. No better way to get to know someone than by racing around a track or solving puzzles to escape a room!
Whether it’s hot or cold, there’s always the great outdoors. The Waterloo Recreation Area in Jackson, the Lansing River Trail or Potter Park Zoo are some great outdoor activities. Just remember to check the weather beforehand.
Take your date out on the town to visit the many boutique stores in downtown Jackson or downtown Lansing. Get dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants in Lansing’s Old Town, like Meat BBQ, or the Rusty Mug in REO Town. Perhaps take a walk along the Bright Walls tour through Jackson to see the fantastic murals throughout the downtown.
Just because it’s a date, doesn’t mean you should stay at home. There are plenty of wonderful options for a bed and breakfast, such as the Willowicke Inn, the English Inn or Cozy Koi Bed and Breakfast.
Take a class at the Jackson School of the Arts and learn ballroom dancing together. Or for some more relaxed steps, the Green Door or the Exchange might be more your speed.
