517 Magazine March 2023 Issue

Why We Celebrate Women

It’s often defined as a celebration and commemoration of the contributions women have made to U.S. history.

Yet there’s something about the word “contributions” that doesn’t always sit square with me when we talk about March being Women’s History Month. It’s not that women haven’t made tremendous contributions and sacrifices for the betterment of this nation. They have, and they certainly continue to do so.

It’s also not that I find the word contributions overtly troublesome. It’s more that the word seems a bit flawed or perhaps inexact. So much of women’s history in the United States isn’t as much centered around aspirations common to the nation as a whole as it is around efforts to simply have a seat at the table, to have voice in the conversation, to have the power that has been earned, and to be afforded the equal opportunities and recognition that is rightfully owed.

Women have made ubiquitous advancements that touch every corner of our lives, whether it’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics or art, literature, entertainment and music. They have also been pioneers when it comes to rights, entitlements and liberties that have helped to make an unbalanced world stage more level.

There is still more of a shift that needs to be done, but we are getting there and will get there. That is what I love the most about Women’s History Month: It allows a pause to honor and acknowledge the willpower and tenacity previous generations have shown in the face of tremendous adversity. Plus, it also inspires and empowers us to emulate the courage of the past to continue forward into the future.

The footsteps that have gone before us made our journey that much easier. It’s up to all women to continue to imprint our marks and further unencumber the path ahead for those still behind us.

517 Business and Life, Volume 5, Issue 2, March 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.

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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

Teece Aronin

Shelley Davis Boyd

Kyle Dowling

Mary Gajda

Rich Keener

Christine MacIntyre

Metro Melik

Christopher Nagy

Tedi Parsons

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

Tiffany Dowling Publisher

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WOMEN’S HISTORYMONTH

The Original Women in Business

Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madam C.J. Walker, is widely known as the first female entrepreneur in history, as recorded in Guinness World Records. The haircare salesperson-turned-entrepreneur was a self-made millionaire and made her mark in history. Her unforgettable story was fictionalized and shown on Netflix as the miniseries “Self Made” starring Octavia Spencer. Mary Katherine Goddard, very possibly the U.S. government’s first female employee, was also Baltimore’s first postmaster. She made her mark as the publisher of The Maryland Journal. Goddard printed the first copy of the Declaration of Independence with the identities of its signers divulged. Just two of the originals who should be remembered this month along the likes of Eliza Lucas Pinckney; Annie Easley; and the first lady on Wall Street, Muriel “Mickie” Siebert.

Who inspired you to get where you are in your career field today? Honor them during Women’s History Month by sharing your story.

A snapshot of local business news affecting the 517

SUCCESS STORIES FROM WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

BY RICH ADAMS

Tiesha King started Thrift Witch in 2018 in the REO Town Marketplace. Business has been so good for the store specializing in dark art products that she relocated to Old Town and outgrew her first store there within a month.

From Old Town to REO Town and DeWitt to Mason, womenowned businesses have had similar success stories.

King runs a show series called the Dark Art of Michigan out of the Avenue Café. Between shows, people would ask how to contact the artist who makes the baby-head candles.

“I was kind of brokering deals before I opened the store,” she said. “One of my many mentors is Ted Stewart at Metro Retro, who pushed me to open my first little space.”

King advised women considering opening a business to do two things: find a good tax accountant and take care selecting a landlord.

King is now mentoring two woman-owned businesses in a smallbusiness incubator located next to Thrift Witch.

Dr. Jennifer Whitman owns DeWitt Chiro. She interviewed at many practices in the Lansing area before she met with a female chiropractor in Holt who worked for another practitioner before opening her own office. She suggested Whitman skip that step.

“She encouraged me — and convinced me — that I had all the knowledge and skills to start my own practice, and so I did,” she said.

The main challenge she faced was time.

“I became a mom soon after starting my practice and now have three children,” Whitman explained. “Splitting time between the office and home left little ‘me time,’ but I am glad I powered through those tough years to get where I am today.”

She said any woman considering opening a business needs to do the homework.

“Seek guidance and coaching from someone who has done what you desire to do,” she said.

Celeste Hude owns Victorian Tailor in Mason’s Maple Street Mall. She has been a tailor for 35 years and said business grows yearly. Owning a business is in her genes.

“Most in my family have had their own businesses, and I had this idea to try it,” she said.

She’s been in her current location for 14 years. Hude said one challenge is getting enough hands-on help, noting she has between one and three staffers who come in and spend a few days sewing.

She advised any women aspiring to own a business to simply rip off the Band-Aid.

“I would tell them just to go ahead and do it,” she said. “You can’t sit around thinking ‘I should do this, or I should do that.’ Find a way to make it happen.”

CORATTI’S PIZZERIA BAR & BOCCE COMING TO EAST LANSING

BY TEECE ARONIN

Bocce, anyone?

Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar & Bocce is expanding. With one location already in Howell, another is slated to open in East Lansing on Aug. 1 at 321 E. Grand River Ave. The venue will include two bocce courts, two full bars and a menu similar to its predecessors.

“The city has been great to work with, and we’re happy to be growing,” said owner Pete Coratti. “We pride ourselves on our Detroit-, American- and Napoletana-style pizzas, and we use wood-fired, 900-plus-degree ovens. We think people of all ages, including students, will agree that it’s a fun place to be.”

The area is pulsing with foodies and diverse dining options. Jessy Gregg, East Lansing mayor pro tem, said the city looks forward to the new arrival.

“We are excited for Mr. Coratti to bring his unique blend of food and entertainment to downtown East Lansing. In our recent developments, we’ve seen new construction and renovation of existing spaces, but this is the first time in my experience that we’ve had a new business undertake such a dramatic expansion of an existing building,” Gregg said. “When they open, Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar & Bocce combination will nicely bridge the interest of all our East Lansing populations — young families; an adult night out; and, of course, our Michigan State University students.”

Coratti’s on Main, located in Milford, is a third Coratti’s location, offering a more elegant and intimate dining experience.

BACK2THETEE OPENS IN FORMER J.C. PENNEY BUILDING

BY RICH ADAMS

When J.C. Penney Co. filed for bankruptcy in May 2020, it announced it was closing 13 stores, including the Owosso store. The building at 201 S. Washington St. didn’t remain empty for long. It was transformed into 13 store opportunities, and Back2theTee recently opened in one of those areas.

Back2theTee owners Chris and Stephanie Ross have converted the space to a mini pro shop and a multi-sports simulator that enables golfers to test their skills indoors.

Their experience in golfing inspired them to open a golf shop, Chris Ross said.

“We chose golf as we are golfers ourselves and we want to help the community with creating a golf program, especially with our youth,” he said.

The facility will provide club fitting and accessories through Cleveland Golf/Srixon, as Back2theTee is a distributor of the brand. The simulator offers 45 courses, with courses being added throughout the year, he said.

“Lessons, junior programs, leagues and fun nights are just some things we will offer golf-wise right now,” Stephanie Ross said. “Our simulator is multi-sport, which means we have other sports and activities like baseball, bocce ball, basketball, football and zombie dodgeball, just to name a few.”

The store will also offer private events and birthday parties for kids as well, she said.

Hours for the store vary according to season, so customers are encouraged to visit Back2theTee’s Facebook page for information.

We at 517 Business and Life would like to express our deepest sympathy to those affected directly and indirectly by the horrific events that took place on the Michigan State University campus the night of Feb. 13, 2023. Our March issue was already complete as this tragedy was unfolding. We plan to process, learn the facts and address this in a future issue. As a publication that relies on words to convey information and express emotions, we simply cannot find the right ones at this moment. As a partner of the businesses and residents in Greater Lansing, we are shocked and devastated that these unthinkable actions have touched the community we so profoundly love. For now, we send our support and condolences to the Spartan Nation as we all attempt to understand and hope for unity and healing.

LEADING LADY

ERIN SCHOR CULTIVATES CULTURE, COMMUNICATION IN THE CAPITAL CITY

BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA

The great women of history aren’t only found in textbooks. For Lansing first lady Erin Schor, wife of Mayor Andy Schor, one such heroine can be found in her family’s photo albums: her mother, Sue Carey.

“She was a huge inspiration,” Erin said. “She was a teacher for many years and was just always very involved through church work, through other means, really trying to help people, trying to serve, using what resources we had to help the community. I think I have striven to follow the example, to give back to others, because we’ve been so lucky.”

Those are lessons Erin has carried through her personal and professional lives, including her two decades working in midMichigan politics and her time as first lady, the latter of which began with her husband’s election to city leadership in 2018.

The role of first lady is “sort of a hybrid” of formal and informal duties and “has its up and downs. We’ve had some amazing opportunities,” including joining a delegation of Michigan dignitaries in 2019 in traveling to Japan for the 50th anniversary of Lansing’s sister city relationship with Otsu, Japan.

“That was exciting and unique,” Erin said.

“It’s also been a very challenging several years. Public officials have been subject to a lot of anger and a lot of threats, and we’ve been no exception,” she said.

“That’s been hard on our family, but it’s an exciting world to figure out how I can help the city and how I can help the mayor.”

As first lady, Erin has been able to serve as the founding chair of the city’s Arts and Culture Commission that’s been supporting arts in the city in general and specifically envisioning the city’s needs for a performing arts space.

“Now, that work is moving forward,” she said.

That work is hardly cosmetic. After all, culture is the hot commodity in making a community desirable to live in and stay at.

“More and more, people these days, as they are determining where they want to make their home and where they want to work. They look for a place and find a job there rather than the other way around,” Erin said. “That’s why we see places like Austin (Texas) and Nashville and even Grand Rapids attracting so many young people and retaining those who go to school there. So, that’s been a huge focus for the mayor.

“We want Lansing to grow, but we can’t rely on the same industries

we always have. … If we want people to live and work downtown and fill our neighborhoods, what can we do to make the city vibrant? Arts and culture are a big piece of that,” she added.

Overall, “she said she’s just trying to make her corner of the world a better place.

“I am motivated by my faith, and I know how lucky we are as a family,” she said. “We work hard, but there are a lot of people who work hard and never seem to get ahead, so we’ve really tried to set the example for our kids to share what they can and try to make the community a little bit better.”

“We want Lansing to grow, but we can’t rely on the same industries we always have. … If we want people to live and work downtown and fill our neighborhoods, what can we do to make the city vibrant? Arts and culture are a big piece of that.”

What can other women learn from Erin’s history? She has some ideas.

“To women out there — particularly young women, but anyone who’s looking to get involved — it’s often said that the world is run by those who show up,” she said. “I think women in particular have a tendency to wait to be asked or to be noticed — and in my experience, it’s not necessary. Just jump in and people will be happy to support you and possibly even put you in charge of things, but don’t wait because the world needs your time and talent.

“The other advice that I would stress is the importance of cultivating relationships with people whose thoughts and whose backgrounds aren’t necessarily the same as yours,” she continued. “I think that we have more in common than we might realize. There is so much we can learn from one another.”

Erin is also aware her generation of women are being watched by the next, including her daughter, Hannah. The Everett High School junior is thinking she’d like to emulate her aunt, who is a doctor. She finds the medical field “incredible.”

“If you look at 100 years ago, we didn’t have half the things we do, and it keeps growing every day,” Hannah said. “That’s something I want to be a part of.”

Sounds like she’s ready to start making her own history.

GETTING TO KNOW HANNAH SCHOR

Hannah Schor, 16, is a student at Everett High School.

Schor is inspired not only by her mom, Erin, but by her teachers and her boss, Kiki Wilson, who owns Kiki’s Gymnastics in DeWitt. She enjoys arts and crafts, hanging out with a diverse group of friends, and watching TV.

She also knows the success of her future is in her hands.

“Success, you have to get for yourself,” Schor said, noting that she plans to carry the life lessons she’s learned from her parents to her own family someday. “And just being able to see other people succeed, that that makes me really happy.”

Schor aspires to be like her doctor aunt, Shannon Dillon. Schor said her aunt’s work-life balance is motivating.

“She is a pediatrician, so she helps kids. I think just seeing her have a family but also working is inspiring because I know that I can do the same thing someday,” she said.

Erin Schor with son Ryan, Mayor Andy Schor and daughter Hannah.

Photo by Gary Shrewsbury.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 517 REGION

inpatient psychiatry units. Creamer also redesigned treatment planning to ensure patients are involved in their plan of care, and she is working with other behavioral health leaders to increase activity therapy for patients.

Lussier Joins Dickinson Wright

Behavioral Health Manager Receives DAISY Leader Award

Sparrow’s manager of behavioral health has been recognized with E.W. Sparrow Hospital’s first-ever DAISY Leader Award for her continued compassion and passion for people struggling with mental illness.

Beth Creamer, who works at the behavioral health unit at the E.W. Sparrow St. Lawrence campus, has been a mental health nurse for decades and goes above and beyond to ensure patients receive leadingedge care. She works diligently to keep patients and caregivers safe while providing compassionate care.

Since being named department manager in 2020, Creamer has diligently worked to update the behavioral health facility, advocating for additional cameras, badge access and new security policies. She also helped to implement a new referral process to pull patients out of Sparrow emergency departments and into the adult and geriatric

Dickinson Wright announced that Cole Lussier has joined the firm’s Lansing office as of counsel. Lussier most recently served as general counsel for the Michigan Senate, where he managed litigation, provided legal advice regarding potential legislation and the legislative process, and served as chief legal adviser to the Senate majority leader.

Lussier’s practice focuses on government affairs, regulatory matters and litigation. He has particular expertise regarding legislative issues and also assists clients with matters before regulatory and enforcement agencies.

GLSA Names Ziehmer as Executive Director

The Greater Lansing Sports Authority named Meghan Ziehmer, former associate director, as its new executive director.

In her 14-year career at the GLSA that

began as a sports intern, Ziehmer has served as tournament director or event chair for several national-level events with organizations such as the NCAA, National Junior College Athletic Association, USA Figure Skating, USA Hockey, USA Archery, USA Gymnastics and the Professional Disc Golf Association.

In addition to continuing to provide event services to locally organized, committee-driven events, Ziehmer will be responsible for overseeing the sports team by developing strategies and budgets to help initiate and expand sport development in the community.

Maner Costerisan Announces Executive Promotions

Maner Costerisan, a regional business consulting and public accounting firm, announced two promotions and additions to its principal group, and a new board member.

Maddy Henry was promoted to principal in January 2023. She joined Maner Costerisan’s tax department in 2012.

DAISY Leader Award winner Beth Creamer

Cole Lussier

Meghan Ziehmer

Jordan Smith was promoted to principal in January 2023. He joined Maner Costerisan as part of the firm’s merger with Stevens, Kirinovic & Tucker PC LLC in January 2019.

Jeff Straus was named to the firm’s board of directors.

Sparrow Boards Add Community Leaders

Noted business, higher education and medical leaders have been appointed to the boards of directors that govern Sparrow Health System and its subsidiaries.

Sandra Pearson, former president and chief executive officer for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, has joined the board that governs the entire health system.

Joining the E.W. Sparrow Hospital board are:

• Deborah Allen, judicial assistant/ event planner for Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Douglas Shapiro and president of E.W. Sparrow women’s board of managers.

• David Thomas, associate partner at Podium Risk Management.

A trio of leaders have become members of the Sparrow women’s board of managers. The new members are:

• Julia Cawood, a former teacher, author, businesswoman and Sparrow volunteer.

• Marianne Cox, retired manager at Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln and Sparrow volunteer.

• Lou Ann Smith, case call clerk at the Michigan Court of Appeals and Sparrow volunteer.

As a community-based and communitygoverned health system, board involvement is essential to Sparrow’s success. Board members provide leadership and guidance, representing the needs of patients and our community.

A host of community leaders have also joined the board of the Sparrow Foundation. New members are:

• Colin Cronin, vice president and coowner of DTN Management Co.

• Patrick Dean, president and CEO of Dean Transportation.

• Price Dobernick, business manager and financial secretary of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 333.

• Deb Ginsburg, past president of the Sparrow women’s board of managers.

• Amy Scoby, senior vice president of marketing and business development for the Christman Co. Sparrow’s community hospitals are also benefiting from the guidance of numerous new board members.

Local Insurance Agent Receives National Award

Greg Lemanski with State Farm Insurance Co. in Lansing recently received the National Quality Award for Life and Annuities for the 22nd consecutive year.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors recognizes agents whose persistency records indicate competence and dedication to the insurance industry and their clients. Agents who earn the award have tangible evidence signifying the products they sell will meet the client’s needs.

Resch to Lead Lansing Chamber Board

Matt Resch of Resch Strategies will serve as the 2023 board chair of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Resch succeeds Mike Zamiara of Niowave, who will remain on the board as past chair. Lisa O’Connor of Publicom will serve as chair-elect and will serve as board chair in 2024.

In addition to Resch, Zamiara and O’Connor, the 2023 board officers will be Mark Burzych of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC as legal counsel, Luke Terry of Rehmann as treasurer and Tim Daman as president and CEO.

The board includes several newcomers, including Kelly Preston of Capital Steel & Wire, Tom Ruis of PNC and Susi Elkins of MSU Federal Credit Union.

Maly Joins MCDC as Senior Loan Officer

The Lansing-based Michigan Certified Development Corp. announced the addition of Eric Maly as senior loan officer for the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. His responsibilities with the MCDC will include marketing the Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program by working with lenders, smallbusiness owners and other referral sources to secure 504 financing.

Maly comes to the MCDC from Huntington National Bank, where he was vice president of business banking.

“Eric’s background and experience make him an ideal fit for MCDC” said President Mark Williams. “He will be a great addition to the organization and to the small businesses in an important region of the state. His appointment helps us advance our mission of enhancing economic development and job growth in rural areas.”

Maddy Henry

Jeff Straus

Jordan Smith

THE NEWEST & MOST EXTREME WAY TO TEAM-BUILD IS HERE

team then rotates throughout, quickest time wins — but every time you hit a wall or another kart, seconds get added to the total time. If you hit a cone, your team is disqualified.

Written By Jacki Krumnow, High Caliber Karting & Entertainment marketing director

Photograph By Tyler Kozinski, High Caliber Karting & Entertainment content creator

“Remote work has left our offices empty, both physically and emotionally. We’ve been looking to solve that detachment problem because we know that people belong together. Working together. Playing together,” said Jordan Munsters, president and CEO of High Caliber Karting & Entertainment. “We saw a need for businesses to reconnect their employees and work closely again. We decided to fill this new void the High Caliber way — with fun.”

Introducing EXTREME TRUST FALL ACTIVITIES

at High Caliber Karting. The new activities now available at the local go-kart facility include Blindfolded Go-Karting, Problem-Solving Axe-Throwing and Gellyball Volleyball.

What exactly are these activities?

Blindfolded Go-Karting, aka Extreme Trust Falls

A person will start as the blindfolded driver, another will start as the spotter, and the rest will be ready to swap positions with the spotter and driver. The spotter will speak directions into a headset for the driver, guiding the driver around the track. The

These extreme trust falls strengthen your team’s ability to communicate while having fun on a go-kart track. Don’t worry though: You’ll be racing at a slower speed for this activity.

Problem-Solving Axe-Throwing

Up to 16 teams of two to four players work together to solve a problem with a math-based answer. Each team member will take turns throwing the axe to score points until you get the exact number of the answer. The first team with the correct answer wins. The teams work strategically as a unit while developing skills like quick thinking and creative problem-solving.

Don’t Let the Balloon Touch the Floor with Gellyball Blasters, aka Gellyball Volleyball

Remember that old game of keeping a balloon from touching the floor back in your childhood? We found a way to up the ante with Gellyball Blasters.

It’s a strategic game that gets teams working together and communicating as a unit to score the most points against their competitors, who you can distract and blast with Gellyballs. Groups up to five battle one another to keep the balloon from touching their side of the field while blasting it with Gellyballs. It gets your team to efficiently communicate together to tackle a simple but fun problem — with blasters.

AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

BY SHELLEY DAVIS BOYD

I have been fortunate throughout my life to have been in the company of many extraordinary female leaders.

As a teen, I watched my stepmother leave her stable government job to open an environmental engineering company that she led for 31 years. I’ve witnessed my best friend take a few ideas and grow them into flourishing and sustainable organizations. Two longtime friends who I bonded with as our kids went from babies to teens and adults who have created history: One by being elected governor of our state; the other by becoming a leading expert on legal ethics and an author on gender bias of women, publicly considered but not appointed to the Supreme Court.

My favorite thing about the inspirational female leaders I know is to watch them become who they are meant to be. Seeing them step into roles with grace, authenticity, determination and humility has been awe inspiring. No matter what their background, I’ve witnessed them rise to the occasion in the face of adversity while never wavering in their commitment to doing what was right.

When I take a step back and look at the totality of their success as leaders, a few traits rise to the surface.

WORK ETHIC. None of the women I admire have expected a free pass. Each of them became experts in their areas by putting their head down and doing the work. None of them delegates work they wouldn’t do or haven’t done.

SOLUTIONS ORIENTED. Rather than bemoaning the issues at hand, the women I admire roll up their sleeves, think innovatively, bring people together and find a path forward. The only purpose the past serves is to help them ensure mistakes are not repeated, not as something that needs to be opined about and relitigated endlessly.

SUCCINCT SPEECH. You never have to wonder what the women I admire mean. They speak thoughtfully yet clearly. Their words are measured and spoken with confidence. You will rarely find their language peppered with “ums, ahs or you knows,” and you wouldn’t confuse their statements with questions seeking approval.

SUPPORT OF OTHERS. Whether it’s a listening ear, advice, referral or speaking of names in the right room, the women who inspire me support other women without hesitation. They realize that for there to be a balance in leadership, we must join together and help others make their way up the ladder.

Leadership is a team sport. To be successful you must walk your talk. I’m honored to know several women who demonstrate that every day.

EXTRAORDINARY FEMALE LEADERS AND THE TRAITS THAT GOT THEM WHERE THEY ARE

AMONG THE STARS:

LOCAL STUDENT BEATS ODDS AT LANSING’S COLLEGE

BY ANDY BRENT

In 1957, Lansing Community College was founded to address the needs of local healthcare and manufacturing. As Lansing and its industries evolve, so too does the college’s purpose. These days, students come to LCC to find fulfilling careers and/or take care of transferrable credits for a fraction of a university’s price, before moving on to achieve four-year credentials or beyond.

More tangibly, LCC connects students – any student who wants to learn – with opportunities they might not have known were available. Many LCC students are first-generation college students, come from marginalized and underserved communities, are single parents or otherwise face significant obstacles to achieving the dream of education.

One such student is Tyler N., a Lansing native and a first-generation college student. He overcame housing insecurity and other issues to study at LCC before earning a scholarship to the University of Michigan, where he will major in sociology. Tyler had to learn to be successful, because the circumstances of his early life were challenging. A child of a single parent, Tyler and his family had to struggle through poverty and violent neighborhoods just to survive.

The circumstances surrounding his early life made school difficult for Tyler.

“I left high school, my GPA was 2.8,” Tyler said. “I had a 1080 on my S.A.T. and, was trying to figure out what to do with my life. I was thinking maybe I wanted to be a computer animator. I started looking, and found LCC had a program for digital animation. I wanted to go to a bigger school, in California, but I didn’t have the money, grades, support – having a program I was interested in high here is Lansing was a big deal for me.”

Before discovering his opportunities at LCC, Tyler sometimes felt overwhelmed navigating life’s challenges. Sometimes, trouble started just trying to walk out of his own neighborhood.

“There is a period of time when I was living in a really run-down area and it’s all potholes and gunshots and a vandalization hub. My neighbor at the time, he’d walk around with this, like, massive gun strapped to his chest for some reason, and that was not good.”

Once he enrolled at LCC, Tyler could focus more easily in the safety and security of LCC’s dedicated student spaces. “I spent as much time as could on campus because it was much easier to do homework and concentrate there. I didn’t have to listen to my neighbors screaming at each other. That was terrible.”

“I appreciated LCC’s campus,” Tyler continued. “The building I was living in is falling apart, part of the roof was coming down. It was a dilapidated place overall. But, at LCC, with the campus so green and the friendly people, and the safe and quiet places to study, I was able to really focus in and do well.”

Tyler’s commute, work and housing situation remained in some flux at the beginning of his time at LCC, making the transition from high school difficult. Tyler’s artistic skills were not as developed as some of his classmates, and he began to falter academically.

“I initially thought, I took six and seven classes in high school, right? I’m sure I can handle 12 credits – its just four classes, right? Wrong. I was struggling. So, I reached out to my success coach and joined TRiO (now the ACCESS program), and I was able to build a strong support network.”

At LCC, students enjoy 24/7 tutoring opportunities, dedicated academic success coaches, opportunities for emergency aid, scholarships, IT help and the ability to rent necessary equipment (like laptops), counselors and helpful support staff. The holistic support of this studentsfirst college community benefited Tyler’s progress.

“One thing that helped me out a lot was having a support network because I found that each person or resource were all kind of loosely connected,” Tyler said. “So, they all sort of knew each other and knew what they had to offer the student organization, who had management workshop, time management workshops, and they had field trips, and they had a computer lab. I was able to have a dedicated study space and as a group of people to help me out. They were able to remove that fogginess from my mindset.”

By the time he started his second year at LCC, Tyler was beginning to find success. His grades improved, and he began to think about what he might accomplish after graduation. Tyler changed his major to art history because the tactile aspect of digital animation was challenging, but he still loved art. Success in this area convinced Tyler he could move on to a four-year university.

“I changed my major twice,” Tyler said. “And I was able to, with the help of the support networks I had with TRiO and my success coach and counseling and all that, I was able to get a clear vision about what I want to do, what I do well. I definitely started thinking about transferring at that point.”

It was at this time, however, that Tyler’s employer moved to a new location, causing him issues with his commute that threatened both his progress and even his tuition at LCC. If he couldn’t get to class on time because of work, or work on time because of class – what could Tyler do? Fortunately for Tyler, LCC had answers.

“When my job moved, my hours got much less flexible, and I was working after class until after 9 p.m.” Tyler said. “I didn’t have time to do my classwork. I went to the LCC Foundation for help, and ended up working there my second year. That was much better.”

Finding employment with the LCC Foundation –which had previously helped Tyler during his first year with expenses related to school through its LCC Cares program – allowed Tyler to truly thrive.

“Once I was able to work at the Foundation, I got like 80% of my homework done while on campus,” Tyler said. “I still do. And with the income I make from this job, I was able to help my mom move us out into a better place. I’d received academic support from the Foundation myself, and it was essential to me continuing studies at LCC at that time – so I was definitely able to believe in the mission.”

LCC Foundation Executive Director Cathy Zell sees the good her organization can do for students in Lansing every day.

“Students like Tyler come to LCC to take the next step in their journey,” Zell said. “At the Foundation, through the generosity of our donors, we help students find financial footing so they can realize their tremendous potential, change their lives and build up their communities.”

As his final year at LCC drew to a close, Tyler began looking at his options. What had been a so-so GPA had become quite impressive, nearly 4.0, and Tyler was invited on several campus visits across Lower Michigan.

“I was able to visit MSU and Wayne State and Eastern and U of M,” Tyler said. “That kind of helped me determine, where do I want to transfer and what environment do I enjoy? Ann Arbor was a nice mix between suburban and urban. I could see myself being there. So, I made sure that I worked my backside off to get there. Of course, having that support network was invaluable.”

Making the decision to bet on himself at LCC has made all the difference for Tyler, who believes community college is a wonderful option for all.

“I would recommend going to community college, especially if – like me – you didn’t do so great in high school, or if you’ve had some sort of some sort of life adversity that you’re not sure you’ll be able to get through,” Tyler said. “Maybe you can get a certificate or an associate degree, and you could even stop there, depending on what your goals in life are. But I would definitely recommend that people come.”

Lansing Community College enrolls excited learners yearround. To discover your LCC future, visit lcc.edu/youbelong.

For more information on life-changing LCC Foundation programs, visit lcc.edu/foundation.

Photography by Kevin Fowler

“I was able to have a dedicated study space and a group of people to help me out.

A BRIEF LOOK AT STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS AFFECTING OUR REGION

NASA GRANT HELPS MSU RESEARCHERS BOOST AGRICULTURE FIGHT

BY RICH KEENER

Even in the best of circumstances, farming is a difficult undertaking. Recurring troubles, such as extended droughts and the onslaught of pests seeking to devour a harvest, require those working the land to fight a type of battle most of us never see.

Over thousands of years, farmers have discovered new methods to aid in their fight. These include conservation practices that improve soil health and build drought resilience, as well as pest control through the application of substances as varied as herbs, oils, soap and tobacco.

In the 21st century, the fight has gotten decidedly more high-tech, and NASA is calling on researchers at Michigan State University and elsewhere to provide new weapons.

The MSU researchers are part of a team of more than 30 stakeholders nationwide who will use a five-year, $15 million grant from NASA to strengthen U.S. agriculture as it faces climate threats.

“In the U.S., there are more than 20 million jobs related to farming,” said David Roy, interim director of MSU’s Center for Global Change and Earth Observations and a professor of geography in MSU’s College of Social Science. “This grant will empower sustainable, productive and resilient agricultural decision-making and policy.”

Lin Yan, an assistant professor with the MSU center, is also part of the team. He said the grant, known as NASA ACRES: A Climate Resilient Ecosystem Approach to Strengthening U.S. Agriculture, began in January and is funded through NASA’s Domestic Agriculture Consortium. The consortium aims to enable more organizations to use earth science information for the benefit of agriculture and to expand the community of domestic stakeholders and users skilled with using earth science for agricultural benefits.

The funds will allow Roy and Yan to refine the methodology they employed for an earlier NASA grant, in which they developed an automated computational method to extract the locations and boundaries of crop fields from satellite imagery.

“The hope is that in the future, this data can be used to help farmers improve the climate resilience of their farms,” Yan said.

Roy said satellite technology plays an important role in gaining insight into the problems facing farmers.

“This work fits very well with our mission to utilize the latest geospatial technologies to characterize ongoing changes in climate and land, understand the forces leading to these changes and their impacts, and help provide solutions to problems to improve human and societal well-being,” he said.

TICKETMASTER ISSUE OVER SWIFT TICKETS GAINS ATTENTION OF LAWMAKERS

BY CHRISTINE MCINTYRE

It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair. Those words from the mouth of singer-songwriter Taylor Swift in her song “Change” sum up the scramble for tickets to her The Eras Tour by her fanbase collectively known as the “Swifties.”

Swift announced the tour last November, and Ticketmaster granted presale access to more than 1.5 million people; however, nothing short of chaos ensued after the presale opened Nov. 15.

The Ticketmaster website quickly flooded, causing it to crash. As a result, Swifties experienced hours-long wait times and technical glitches. Ticketmaster called off the public sale, citing “extraordinarily high demands on ticketing systems and insufficient remaining ticket inventory.” However, Swifties can purchase tickets through resale sites such as StubHub. For example, tickets for June 9 performance at Ford Field in Detroit sell for between $518 and $99,999 each.

Several factors play a role in ticketing and ticket debacles like this one.

“In our 2018 report, we found that ticketing companies charged fees averaging 27% and 31% of the ticket’s price in the primary and secondary markets,” said Michael Clements, the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s director of financial markets and community investment. “We also found that some ticket websites did not clearly display fees or disclosed them only after users entered payment information.”

However, Evan Gallo, New York State Sen. James Skoufis’ chief of investigations and council, said transparency only goes so

far. After that, there needs to be more accountability.

“One thing Ticketmaster pointed to in the latest Taylor Swift debacle, as well as with Bruce Springsteen a few months back, was the level of bot activity infiltrating and permeating their system,” Gallo said. “There are plenty of nefarious actors out there that use advanced technologies to gum up and take advantage of sales.”

However, lawmakers are holding Ticketmaster accountable.

“They refuse to turn this information over to the appropriate law enforcement entities ... who could prosecute these bad actors with just a shred more information,” Gallo noted.

While lawmakers work to bring transparency to the price of tickets and fees for the future, Gallo said, “When a business essentially has very little meaningful competition, they’re at liberty to jack up fees as much as they want. They know what they’re doing by presenting a menu to their clients and suggesting they maximize revenue at every available instance.”

Speaking of maximizing revenue, dynamic pricing for platinum tickets allows ticket prices to fluctuate from minute to minute based on demand.

“It’s a disgrace,” said Gallo.

Swifties are frustrated and, in some cases, furious over the debacle. Even Swift called the situation “excruciating” in an Instagram post. As a result of the snafu, dozens of fans have filed a class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation.

ON THE RECORD WITH EAST LANSING FIRE CHIEF DAWN CARSON

BY MARY GAJDA

On Sept. 20, 2021, the crack was widened in the glass ceiling for women, and history was made as Dawn Carson was sworn in as the first female chief of the East Lansing Fire Department.

There were few women in fire service when she began her career in 1994. Women had to overcome the opinion that they weren’t strong enough to do the job. Even as they were passing agility tests that some men weren’t successfully completing, Carson said thick skin was important as women had to prove themselves capable.

“It takes a lot of work, regardless of your gender, to move up the ladder,” Carson said.

Twenty-seven years later, she stepped into her new role.

While some women have struggled with doubters as they achieve significant titles, Carson said her experience was different.

“I feel I have had a great deal of support along the way,” Carson said. “Chief (Randy) Talifarro, whom was my last chief and mentor, was a good role model; and he encouraged me to take classes and obtain certificates that would prepare me.”

Those included acquiring her master’s degree from Siena Heights University in organizational management, National Fire Protection Association Fire Inspector I certification and a Professional Emergency Management credential.

Carson is humble but confirmed the hard work her position requires. When asked for advice she’d give any women considering a role like hers, she said education is key.

“Get as much education as you can,” Carson said. “There are numerous opportunities out there.”

Education has been at the forefront of her life. Growing up in Temperance, Carson attended Central Michigan University to get her bachelor’s degree in sports medicine. She attended Lansing Community College studying to be an emergency medical technician as a hobby and worked at Grand Ledge Ambulance for three years on weekends. She’s taught at LCC as an EMT adjunct professor for 30 years and also as a paramedic instructor. Carson is now retired from her teaching life due to her busy schedule but also recalled completing the sign language program from LCC.

“This was spurred by having a deaf patient I could not communicate with,” she said. “One basic class turned into an entire program.”

For Women’s History Month, Carson effortlessly recalled a woman who inspired her.

“This question is easy,” Carson said. “Kathy Van Patten. She was the first female in the fire department here in East Lansing. She was a role model and supporter for me. She always told me I could go as far as I wanted. It would just take hard work and determination. She still lives in the area.”

Carson has enjoyed serving the citizens of East Lansing even in their most difficult times.

“I have a passion for serving, which has made my career one I enjoyed coming to every day,” she said. “Do what you love, and it never becomes work. I have enjoyed my career, and it is an honor to serve in the position as chief. I owe many thanks to the role models before me.”

What is the Shi Collective?

The Shi Collective is a collective of coaching and consultation offerings that are meant to support the entire human experience, from relationships to businesses. Shi means “master teacher” in Japanese and also is a play on words with the homophones shi and she.

You have a background of higher education including a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in international management, but you also have a lot of diverse skills. You’ve done everything from being a dance educator to a doula, a master reiki practitioner and wellness professional. As a transformational life coach, how to you use these skills to help empower others?

Everything is connected. As humans, there is no experience that we have that does not eventually inform another. My formal degrees taught me how to understand the systems that make up our world. My experiences of being a coach and serving others in the capacities that you mentioned allowed me to earn a Ph.D. of sorts in the infinite possibilities of humanity. My work consists of listening to the needs of each client and intuiting what is needed in every moment of our time together to create a lifetime of impact.

Describe your typical client and what changes they see after working with you?

Although I see all types of individuals, typical clients are women between the ages of 30-55 who desire to become crystal clear on why they are here and their undeniable purpose. The standard tool I use with all clients is human design analysis that outlines everything about us, from key aspects of your life’s work to relationships or couples,

A MASTER TEACHER

A Q&A WITH AMEENAH ASANTE OF SHI COLLECTIVE

BY MARY GAJDA

parent to child and business teams that need to operate effectively. After the initial session with a client, they have shed years of imposter syndrome, self-doubt and confusion around their next best steps to have the time, money and love they truly desire.

What is something you want people to know about you?

A fun fact about

me is that even though I was born and raised in the 517, I lived in Japan for 15 years from the age of 22 to 37. Having this rich cultural experience is an extremely important part of my life that allowed me to hone many of the skills I most appreciate today, such as creativity and seeing each person for who they truly are.

Any parting thoughts?

I really enjoy working with new clients. I have worked with longterm business teams from a West Coast university, to a famous actor out of New York and London, to a corporate executive from Goldman Sachs. Entrepreneurs, coaches, small-business owners alike.

To reach Asante, visit calendly.com/ameenah-asante/20min or email Ameenah.Asante@gmail.com.

Can We Develop Chronic Inflammation from Food?

Inflammation has become a buzzword in today’s health world, though it’s poorly understood. So, let’s start there.

Acute inflammation is a good thing! It helps keep us alive. In response to injury or infection, our immune system signals an immediate response, sending helper cells (white blood cells) to clean up and repair the site. Imagine a small cut on your finger. Within seconds of the initial sting, the surrounding skin turns red, puffs and generates heat. That’s the result of your capillaries opening up to transport a truckload of macrophage cells to gobble up invaders (bacteria and foreign particles). Macrophages produce cytokines, a collection of chemical communicators that signal the need to recruit more (or less) help.

Acute means the inflammation is relatively short-lived — it’s resolved within days to weeks.

But what if it never goes away? What if the cytokine storm persists in response to a never-ending source of insult? Then it’s called chronic inflammation, and it spells trouble with a capital T. It erodes the inner lining of all your blood vessels. The lining is called endothelium, and when damaged it allows bad stuff (like oral bacteria and small cholesterol droplets) to invade and thicken blood vessel walls. Many refer to this as a “plaque.” This is how chronic systemic inflammation (CSI) is at the root cause of our number one disease, cardiovascular (heart) disease.

Chronic inflammation has infectious root causes such as gum disease, but also noninfectious triggers like obesity, insulin resistance and food sensitivities.

And it turns out, you don’t need specific food sensitivities to develop CSI. Ultra-processed food inflames all by itself. It’s less

about the food and more about the way it’s processed, including preservatives, flavor enhancers, sweeteners, thickeners, coloring agents, etc.

Consider the difference between a plain Frito and a Dorito. A Frito, while it’s certainly not deemed the healthiest, has only three ingredients: corn, oil and salt. A Dorito has more than 44. It’s hard to know the exact number since some of the chemicals listed are proprietary blends and their true makeup is undisclosed. I’m not trying to demonize any particular “food” but only to create a healthy respect for the added work it takes your body to clean up the chemical spill caused from just one chip.

Some conditions that are linked to a pro-inflammatory diet are COPD; arthritis; and gut issues such as IBS, UC, Leaky Gut and Crohn’s.

How can you reduce inflammation? Start by achieving healthy gums and boycotting ultra-processed foods/drinks. Next, check out the Mediterranean diet. It’s the most widely studied because the Mediterranean population has the least dietary inflammation. It’s low in sugar and has a broad range of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, healthy fats and whole grains. It’s also considered the easiest to sustain because we don’t have to deprive ourselves of any one macronutrient. Yes, it requires some food prep — and, no, you can’t get it from a drive-thru window. But a little extra work to reduce your inflammation is a gift you can give yourself in 2023.

Dr. Susan Maples is a dentist in Holt. She is also a speaker, health educator, and author of “BlabberMouth! 77 Secrets Only Your Mouth Can Tell You to Live a Healthier, Happier, Sexier Life” and “Brave Parent: Raising Healthy, Happy Kids (Against All Odds) in Today’s World.” Reach her at Susan@DrSusanMaples.com

GLAMOMS:RESOURCESFORLOCALWOMEN

GLAMoms is Greater Lansing Area Moms — a resource network designed for local moms that serves our community both through a website and social media. Founded locally by Julie VanAcker and Christine McCallister, GLAMoms is part of the Local Moms Network. Here at 517 Business & Life, we recognize that moms should be included in our mentions for Women’s History Month — and these two moms should be recognized for their service to the community, local businesses and area parents through their network.

We asked them to tell us what women have stood out to them in history who have inspired them to be the women they are today.

“My female inspiration came from the trailblazers who influenced who I am, a duo who were ahead of their day both professionally and personally — my grandmothers,” McCallister said.

VanAcker agreed: “My grandmother has inspired me most. She was an independent, fiery, kind soul who made things happen. … My mom is following in her footsteps. I am so fortunate to have had and still have such strong, positive role models in my life.”

Follow GLAMoms on Facebook @Greater Lansing Area Moms and online at greaterlansingareamoms.com.

ART IS MORE THAN IT SEEMS

AT LA FILLE GALLERY

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY METRO MELIK

Think about the first time you saw a magic trick and how enthralled you were. There was a sense of excitement in wondering how the magic happened. I had a similar feeling when I first visited Tiffany Marie Klein’s studio space hiding in Old Town Lansing. That small 600-square-foot space was filled with magic. Klein was just starting her venture of turning her dreams of artful creation into reality.

Over the years, those dreams found creative ways of making spaces seem much more than they were. From there came what you can now find in the shadow of the

Capitol on Michigan Avenue, where La Fille Gallery currently lives.

When she first saw the space, the thought of breathing life back into a building that hadn’t been used for decades seemed daunting. Self-doubt caused Klein to pause. As she spent time in the building, imagining possibilities and solutions, she spoke to the universe to show her a sign. She turned a corner lifted a toilet seat and found a wise old owl painted on the bottom of the lid. It was then that Klein knew it would be a wise decision to move her operation to the10,000-square-foot gallery space — where she could invite people in to explore how they can create artwork that spoke about the tapestry of life. You’ll find owls in many of her works.

Klein invites the public to immerse themselves in the work; and it is easy to do because it wholly surrounds you. You’re basically swimming in shapes and colors that bring excitement to your soul. As you touch a counter that feels like marble, or rub your hand down a column that feels like wood, or slide your fingers through the grooves formed by what feels like rope, she reveals to you that it is all made from concrete.

That’s when you realize that your mind is playing tricks on you — but the true magic is in the art of Klein. She’s more than an artist; her creations make her seem more like an amazing alchemist.

See for yourself. La Fille Gallery is at 336 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing.

She’s more than an artist; her creations make her seem more like an amazing alchemist.

WOMENWHO CHANGEDTHEWORLD

5 GOOD READS FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

BY 517 STAFF

“THE RADIUM GIRLS: THE DARK STORY OF AMERICA’S SHINING WOMEN” is a historical nonfiction bestseller by Kate Moore that shares the true story of incredible heroes who were exposed to radium in factories across the U.S. and their brave struggle for workers’ rights — even while they were fighting for their own lives. Their harrowing yet inspiring battle ultimately saved thousands of lives through research into nuclear bombing and lifechanging regulations.

“NOTORIOUS RBG: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG” by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik is a runaway bestseller that shares access to the late U.S. Supreme Court justice through never-before-told stories by Ginsburg’s family, close friends, clerks and colleagues. The book also includes rare archival photos and documents.

“A BLACK WOMEN’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES” by award-winning historians Daina Ramy Berry and Kali Nicole Gross is a powerful look at the past and examines the lives of courageous Black women from enslaved women to religious leaders, artists, activists and more — and how significant they were in shaping the future of the country. The book has been called “the perfect companion to ‘An Indigenous People’s History of the United States’ and ‘An African American and Latinx History of the United States.’”

“THE SIX: THE LIVES OF THE MITFORD SISTERS” by Laura Thompson was an instant New York Times bestseller. The book shares the dynamics of six glamorous daughters of the British aristocracy. Their lives head in vastly different directions with rivalries, political strife, tragedies and bad choices in the midst of some of the most extraordinary moments in history. Love them or despise them, their resilience and lives have proven to be fascinating nonfiction subjects.

“SOPHIE SCHOLL AND THE WHITE ROSE” by Annette Dumbach and Jud Newborn is the compelling real-life story of Scholl, who was a in a pseudo-Nazi organization at the age of 12 before she came to realize she was on the wrong side of history. By the time she went to Munich University, she was fervently opposed to the Nazi regime and partnered with her brother and a group of friends to make a difference by writing and distributing anti-war leaflets through the nonviolent resistance group the White Rose. The story was dramatized in the movie “Sophie Scholl: The Final Days” in 2005.

DESIGNTRENDS FOR2023

LET THERE BE ART … AND LIGHT!

BY MARY GAJDA

Michigan-based Big Wall Décor noted that the hottest home design trends for 2023 are light and art.

“People are longing for eco-conscious homes with multipurpose interiors that create a relaxing and comfortable flow, focusing on appropriate-sized furniture, larger-than-life artwork and oftentimes incorporating rich color hues with enhanced lighting.”

Here in the Great Lakes State, many spend a lot more time inside during the winter, and this is the time of year when we start staring at our walls wondering how we can freshen things up. Pantone’s color of the year for 2023, viva magenta, indicates trends are looking toward pops of color. The hybrid shade is a vibrant crimson tone that is both warm and cool. Yet instead of painting the wall with a color that may be overly stimulating, consider changing out your art with trending colors.

Big Wall Décor has seen a huge growth in its large-scale, noncanvas, sustainable and transportable, original artwork.

“People are recognizing that big space and empty walls make a home feel vacant. We see homeowners yearn to create an authentic and engaging space, where conversation and tranquility combine,” said Nick Ford, founder of Big Wall Décor.

“We were very aware and educated of other products in the market for large-scale art, but they weren’t sustainable, interchangeable or mobile,” he added. “Big Wall Décor was created to make art more affordable and diverse; therefore, people can swap out art, save and reuse.”

But as with any great art, a spotlight will really help it shine. Big Wall Décor said lighting fixtures, multiple hues and eco-friendly options are top of mind for homeowners. Michigan winters also prove time and time again that lack of light affects our mental health, so letting the light in is key to fostering healthy and positive energy.

“We have seen so many of our customers switch from group offices to individualized spaces during the pandemic. The at-home workspace is now a multipurpose area of the home that needs to be properly balanced between business and personal space. Once people began working more and more hours from home, they realized the lighting needed to be completely different,” said Ford.

So whether it’s that vibrant pop or more subdued and calming art, letting the light in and changing out your wall décor is a low-cost way to completely change up your living or work space, giving you a fresh attitude and just the right mood for what you want to achieve in 2023.

Jamison Gish, “A Hiding Place”

orin Cumberbatch doesn’t sell services as much as she provides an experience.

“That’s my biggest goal. I tell my girls all the time: You can provide a good service, but it’s more about getting involved with people,” said the owner of Skin Studio 211. “When you go to get your hair cut, the person can do a good job, but it’s more that the person knows you. That’s why they come, and that’s the environment I keep here. I want customers to see that and feel that, feel like they’re family. We have more of a chill vibe than corporate. I want people to feel like they belong here. I want them to know everyone who works here, and I want to know everything about them. I think that’s what makes us different, because people sometimes come here just to see us and just hang out with us.”

The team of estheticians at Skin Studio 211 provide clients with a pampered touch that covers everything from massage, facials and waxing to lashes, chemical peels and sugaring. The name of the business was inspired by Cumberbatch’s grandmother, whose birthday was Feb. 11.

Cumberbatch opened the original location of Skin Studio just west of Lansing in June 2020 and followed it up with a second location in East Lansing in September 2021, all in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the success Cumberbatch has seen in the Greater Lansing community over the past two years, starting the business was never the initial intent of the former Queens, New York, resident.

“It just kind of happened,” she said. “This was not on the vision board.”

I’ve always been more of a leader.

So, having my own business was not a surprise to people who know me.

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

SKIN STUDIO 211’S LORIN CUMBERBATCH PUTS FOCUS ON PEOPLE OVER PRODUCTS

Cumberbatch was in Michigan while awaiting back surgery when the pandemic closures began to occur. While riding out the shutdowns, she began weighing the pros and cons of working in New York versus Michigan.

“I applied to some jobs, quite a few jobs, but no one would hire me. One, because of the pandemic. And, two, because they knew I would be out as soon as I got the job because I still needed that back surgery,” she said. “I had my esthetician’s kit, and I was already licensed in New York and Michigan. So, I just said, ‘Hey, let me just see if I can open something up — get a room just to make some money.’ Then I got an entire suite. Within the first month I was fully booked and adding one employee then another.

“I just realized that I made more money being here versus being on the job (for someone else). I’ve always been more of a leader. So, having my own business was not a surprise to people who know me. It just kind of took off,” she added.

Those qualities of leadership weren’t just getting noticed by the people who knew Cumberbatch. Last September, she was included among the 16th annual 10 Over the Next Ten Awards, a program hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and Lansing 5:01 recognizing young professionals in the region who are expected to make a significant impact to the community in the coming years.

“There were no Black estheticians in the Lansing area, and she decided to open a shop to provide that service. Not only did she meet this need, but she also did it during the COVID pandemic,” the chamber wrote in a news release on the awards. “As owner and CEO of Skin Studio 211, Lorin welcomes all races through her door even though she originally set out to meet a need in the Black community. … She regularly donates gift cards and volunteer time to worthwhile fundraisers, back-to-school drives, community sports teams and other school activities. She also created the Black Book Drive, which is now in its third year.”

More recently, Cumberbatch was presented with the 2023 ATHENAPowerlink Award, a national mentoring program by ATHENA International that connects

chosen women business owners with a skilled advisory panel. The specified panel of advisers will donate an estimated $25,000 in business consultation services to help Skin Studio 211 achieve the next level of success.

In a statement, Lansing chamber President and CEO Tim Daman noted the chamber is “excited about the growth Lorin Cumberbatch has already achieved with Skin Studio 211 and looks forward to her continued success as a result of her involvement with the ATHENAPowerlink program.”

The ATHENAPowerlink program has already begun paying dividends. Cumberbatch said she comes from a family that doesn’t have a background in business ownership, and having access to experts and mentors has been a rewarding experience.

“I’ve only been in it for a month, and they’ve already actively done things in my business. I’ve already seen change that I wouldn’t have access to or would have even known even known about,” she said. “Then the 10 Over the Next Ten means a lot because it’s helped me realize that people see me doing things — actively changing Lansing and actively creating things instead of talking about what we don’t have here.”

Cumberbatch says it’s part of an overarching philosophy of community building and investing in your own backyard.

“I just look at it like this: The community pretty much pays us; they make us successful. So why can’t we just donate a $50 gift card? They just spent $20,000 with us? Why shouldn’t we volunteer our time and help out where we can and truly be a part of the community instead of just doing business in it,” she said.

When done with authenticity, that commitment and dedication can easily morph into a mutually beneficial relationship.

“I know my first client from when I first started in the beauty industry, period, like back in 2014. She still sees me to this day. For almost nine years, she has been coming to me. I’ve seen her have kids. I’ve seen her kids graduate,” Cumberbatch said. “It’s cool to have clients that I’ve known for a long time because they’ll say things like, ‘Oh, I remember when you were just doing XYZ,’ so it’s kind of like they’ve seen me grow. But at the same time, I’ve seen them grow. There’s one girl who I did something for when she was 13, and now she’s in college and about to have a baby.

“Things like that make me feel old a little bit,” Cumberbatch laughed, “but it’s also pretty amazing.”

For more information on Skin Studio 211, visit skinstudio211.com.

AMEALFROM

THEMAGNOLIASTATE

WARM UP DINNER WITH MISSISSIPPI POT ROAST

BY MARY GAJDA

I’M A SLOW-COOKER POT ROAST KIND OF GIRL. MY USUAL METHOD INCLUDES BEEF STOCK, ONION SOUP MIX, POTATOES, CARROTS, GARLIC AND ONION. A SOCIAL MEDIA POT ROAST POLL REMINDED ME OF THE POPULARITY OF MISSISSIPPI POT ROAST, AND I HAD TO TRY IT. I DON’T KNOW WHY IT TOOK ME SO LONG! WHILE I STILL LIKE MY STANDARD RECIPE, I CAN SAY THIS TWIST RESULTED IN AN INCREDIBLY TENDER AND JUICY ROAST WITH A BURST OF PEPPERONCINI PEPPER AND SUBTLE BUTTERY FLAVOR. NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE RAVE ABOUT IT.

INGREDIENTS:

• Chuck roast

• A packet of ranch dressing mix

• Unsalted butter (You can use half if you want a lighter version)

• Au jus gravy packet

• 6 or 7 whole pepperoncini

DIRECTIONS:

Add your roast to the slow cooker and sprinkle with your full aus jus and ranch packets. Add butter and pepperoncini (use less peppers for less kick).

Cook for up to 8 hours with your slow cooker on low. You’ll know your roast is done when it easily falls apart. You can serve over cooked rice, noodles or even mashed potatoes.

TIPS:

For more kick, add anywhere from a 1/4 cup to a 1/2 cup of pepperoncini juice.

You can substitute banana peppers for the pepperoncini, they are just slightly sweeter.

Garnish with chopped parsley for pretty plating. You can also make a great sandwich by adding a slice of cheese and your favorite bun.

3 TIP S TO M A K E S AV ING E A SIER

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

Achieving your financial goals often comes with adding to your savings. Learn how to grow your savings easier with these three financial wellness tips.

1 Use a laddering s t ra t eg y f or cer ti fica t es

Certificates can offer higher dividends for fixed terms and are a great way to reach your short- or long-term savings goals.

Certificate laddering is a financial strategy using certificates of different terms to build your savings. By opening certificates with varying terms, you can build your savings while having access to some funds sooner.

2 Name your savings a f t er your goals

Separating your savings into sub-saver accounts and adding a title of what each is for can help in multiple ways. With each sub-saver account, you can designate specific funds toward your chosen goals. This also allows you

to have automatic transfers into these set accounts.

3 . Round up t o pay yourself. Rounding up on your purchases is a great way to save effortlessly. Typically, by using an app, you can link your debit card to round up to the nearest whole dollar or even $5 every time you use it.

MSUFCU is here to help you reach your savings goals. Through our various certificates, the Savings Builder account, or rounding up with MSUFCU’s app, Spave ®, there’s a savings tool to make it easy for you.

A PLACE OF WELCOMING

EATON RAPIDS SENIOR CENTER

BY KYLE DOWLING

Serving its community for more than 45 years, the Eaton Rapids Senior Center began as a lunch club that met at the old high school. As the group expanded, it rented a room from the city in exchange for cleaning the public restrooms.

It took the center nine years to build up the funds through fundraising, a cookbook and traveling shows to afford its own building. Members have added to the building through upgrades and additions. The building was vacant at the time it was acquired and needed love and attention to make it what it is today.

“We always have coffee or tea on for anybody who wants to come in,” said Rita Honeysett, director of the Eaton Rapids Senior Center. “We love to see anybody who’d like to come in and visit.”

The Eaton Rapids Senior Center is not just a place that hosts events, it’s a community of people who enjoy one another’s company and want to spend time together in a shared space.

“We also come together to support that community,” Honeysett said. “If someone needs help, whether it’s a trip to the doctor or financial help, we sit down with them and help them find the resources they need.”

The center hosts many events, from lunch shows to trivia to bingo, all open to the public. Since COVID-19 began, the center has had less people attending events; however, as life settled back to normal routines, the center is hoping more people will be interested in coming.

“I want people to know that it’s not just sitting around drinking coffee,” Honeysett said. “We have so much more to offer when it comes to activities. We want to get people out of their homes again and into our Wii bowling competitions or trivia night.”

If you have a talent and would like to show if off, the center is looking for people to come in and demonstrate their skills over lunch. The center has featured dancers, musicians, artists and talks from people like a Holocaust survivor. If interested, reach out on Facebook or contact the Eaton Rapids Senior Center.

Whole Lotta Rosie

ROSIE THE RIVETER DAY

March 21

Enjoy presentations from original Rosies and the American Rosie the Riveter Association. Tours and refreshments will take place indoors before moving to the Capitol steps in Rosie bandanas for a group photo. For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/rosie-day-tickets-444138057887

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.

Songwriters Night at EagleMonk

Brewery — Open Mic

March 1

The monthly EagleMonk Pub and Brewery songwriter’s open mic is March 1. It’s the perfect spot to work on your new material. Signup starts at 6:30 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Original tunes only. Acoustic guitar and microphones are available for use if needed. For more information, visit facebook.com/profile. php?id=100063535542761.

Brrs, Beers and Brews: The Old Town Lumberjack Festival

March 4

The fourth annual Brrs, Beards & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival returns this month. The event features feats of strength, outdoor vendors, beard and mustache competitions, beer, bourbon, and more. For more information, visit facebook.com/ events/497314735588412/?ref=newsfeed.

Michigan Horse Expo 2023

March 10-12

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

The Michigan Horse Expo is one of the top three-day horse expos in the country. It is held at the Michigan State University Livestock Pavilion in East Lansing. This year’s expo will celebrate the 40th annual event and the 50th anniversary of the Michigan Horse Council. For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/ michigan-horse-expo-2023-tickets-415706979767?aff =ebdssbdestsearch.

Lansing Bourbon Fest

March 11

The fourth annual Lansing Bourbon Fest includes two sessions. Session 1 is from 4-7 p.m. Session 2 is 8-11 p.m. at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. This festival will feature 100-plus whiskeys, a VIP section and a cocktail station. There will also be a few non-bourbon options such as beer and wine. For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/4thannual-lansing-bourbon-fest-tickets-488681588787?af f=ebdssbdestsearch.

Wharton Center Presents: “Beetlejuice”

March 14-19

Based on Tim Burton’s film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. For more information, visit whartoncenter.com/events/ detail/beetlejuice.

Run for the House

March 19

The 5K course will guide you out onto West Road and through the paved paths on Michigan State University Federal Credit Union’s campus. The 10K course will guide you to State Road west to Granger Meadows Park and back to MSUFCU. Both courses will be chip timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/MI/ EastLansing/RunfortheHouseMichigan.