517 Magazine - May 2023

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tmc f i rst.ne t

Spring Into New Beginnings

e always think of the beginning of the new year as the reset button, the clean slate, the revised starting point. However, we never truly get off the starting blocks until spring finally decides to rise from its slumber, shake the dust of winter snow from its eyes and amble on over for its annual visit.

And, since this is Michigan, it’s definitely a leisurely amble. Mother Nature has sure worked on her own timetable this year, whether we like it or not.

But spring is the more definitive revised annual starting line because it’s all about renewal and regrowth. Not only is it the time of year that the world awakens, and we begin to see the green and yellow buds of rebirth slowing come alive all around us, but it’s also the time when we ourselves begin to become more alive and begin to take in our surroundings with slightly softer and more appreciative eyes.

It’s also the time of year when we’re more prone to think about change as we stumble out of our self-imposed winter dormancy and begin to take stock of the revitalized possibilities. There’s the gardening project awaiting to reconnect you with the earth. There are innumerable tasks around the house — both inside and out — that we are finally inspired to tackle to give our homes that new style and restored shine. The real estate market begins its upswing as more people decide to take the leap and embark on significant life changes, either buying homes or taking next steps in business to look for a brick-and-mortar storefront.

And that’s why this issue of 517 Magazine is focusing on home and garden and residential and commercial real estate — because it’s top of mind and … it’s just that time of the year. We’re out and about. We’re active. We’re off the starting blocks once more and sprinting toward our new goals.

I wish you all swiftness of foot this season. Run hard. Run fast.

I’ll see you out there on the track.

Tiffany Dowling Publisher

517 Business and Life, Volume 5, Issue 4, May 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

we want to hear from you!

Letters 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.

Publisher

Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz

Managing Editor Mary Gajda mary@m3group.biz

Chief Strategy Officer

Shelley Davis Boyd

Senior 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 Parsons

Omar Sofradzija

Graphic Designers

Audrey Spring

Chad Hussle

Kameron Chauvez

Account Executives

Megan Fleming megan@m3group.biz

Melissa DeMott melissa@m3group.biz

Austin Pabian austin@m3group.biz

Photographers

Mary Gajda Metro Melik

M3 Group 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933 P 517-203-3333

Subscription subscribe@517mag.com

Pam Posthumus Signature Auction

NEW BEGINNING. Enduring Commitment.

We believe child abuse and neglect can be prevented when communities come together to build and support stronger families. Join Children Trust Michigan at our annual gala and help us raise both funds and awareness to prevent child abuse and neglect in all 83 counties in Michigan. Collectively, we can make a difference to create safer and brighter futures for our children.

MAY 16, 2023 | 4:30 P.M. |

PURCHASE TICKETS

Use your smartphone camera to scan this QR code or visit https://ctfauction.cbo.io to register for the auction and purchase tickets!

To learn more about Children Trust Michigan visit childrentrustmichigan.org

Hillary Henderson and Megan Busque

business

MCMMAGIC

A Furniture Style that Outlasts the Trends

MCM, mid-century modern, is still incredibly popular in contemporary interior design. Carmen Weatherbee’s Off Skate Vintage is an MCM-focused vintage store on Bridge Street in Grand Ledge.

“Authentic MCM design is timeless and built with a quality we do not see in today’s fast fashion world,” Weatherbee said. “The mid-century pieces I curate have stood the test of time and can survive for many more years with minimal care. Today’s new furniture is not built to last; it is built to make you keep coming back for more.”

Weatherbee noted the design elements never completely went away, and you can continue to see MCM design in movies and TV throughout the decades. And a lot of new furniture still borrows from the iconic designs of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Yet can it blend effortlessly with any decor style or make a statement independently? Weatherbee said absolutely.

“I cannot think of a design style it will not blend well with. The core elements of the design style are simple and sleek, and any other piece can take the room in any direction you want to go in,” she said.

For more information, visit offskatevintage.com

A snapshot of local business news affecting the 517

OFFICIALS SEE ECONOMIC OPTIMISM FOR THE REGION

BY RICH KEENER

Economic growth in Lansing has been on a rollercoaster ride over the last five years.

That is the assessment of Lansing Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Karl Dorshimer — and it’s safe to say many Lansing business owners, workers and customers agree.

Low interest rates, low inflation, stable construction costs and strong economic growth were common in 2018-2019; however, 2020 brought COVID-19, economic shutdowns and great uncertainty about the future.

Dorshimer said Lansing has seen a steady recovery in its economy during 2021 and early 2022, with manufacturing and the production of critical goods and services powering recent growth.

“I am excited about what the future holds for Lansing,” Dorshimer said. “It’s a complicated situation, but I believe the Lansing economy will weather any downturn and be poised to spring back when costs and interest rates drop back down sometime later this year or in early 2024. I anticipate that once this happens there will be a surge in economic development in Lansing, and we will again head into a growth phase.”

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor is similarly optimistic, citing several Lansing projects in his account of the city’s growth. These include the rehabilitation and transformation of the former Sears site on Michigan Avenue to ROECO, a regional mixeduse entertainment destination; the construction of the Ultium Cells battery cell manufacturing plant, which will employ 1,700 people; and many others.

The mayor said more housing and new investment lead to more jobs and a better future.

“We can be a vibrant, lively city and provide great amenities for our residents and visitors, while also focusing on the future growth we need to compete with our region for more jobs and development opportunities,” Schor said.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES IN LOCAL COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

BY MARY GAJDA

Martin Commercial Properties released its biannual Market Insights report detailing the status of mid-Michigan’s real estate market in the industrial, office and retail sectors. The report provides in-depth analysis of vacancy rates, lease renewals, typical lease rates and more.

“We’re seeing an interesting dynamic play out as midMichigan businesses continue to adjust to the realities of the postpandemic environment,” said Martin Commercial Properties CEO Van Martin. “Industrial space remains scarce, which is driving up rates, and the retail sector is showing resiliency with quite a lot of activity in the market. But there continues to be plenty of uncertainty in the market for office space as businesses take a cautious approach to their lease renewals.”

Significantly, the report’s findings for the retail sector show vacancies fell from 17.8% in the first half of 2022 to 16.1% in the last six months of 2022, while absorption remained steady. New national chains and mom-and-pop eateries were in abundance, like Crumbl Cookies in Delta Township and Joe’s on Jolly in Okemos. The Lansing Mall continues to shed vacancies; recent leases include Daily Dealz, The Venue and Zap Zone. Activity is also bustling along Lake Lansing Road. The corridor is slated to welcome Dave & Busters, Panda Express and more, while Wellnow Urgent Care and Chipotle are under construction just east of U.S. 127.

On the industrial side, vacancies of leased space in the Greater Lansing area averaged 3.5% in the second half of 2022, up from 1.7% in the prior six-month span and up from 0.5% from a year ago; however, it remains one of the lowest rates that the Greater Lansing area has historically seen.

The average market vacancy rate remained flat for office space, and stabilizing vacancies and rental rates suggest that the office market is adjusting to the new normal.

For the full report, visit https://martincommercial.com/ wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FINAL-Lansing-Industrial-MarketInsights-H1-2022.pdf

OLIVE BURGER ELEVATED TO FESTIVAL EVENT

BY RICH ADAMS

The olive burger is a Michigan thing. In fact, it might have been birthed right here in Lansing. On June 24 the olive burger will be celebrated at Jackson Field.

The Lansing Foodies Facebook group, with the help of the Facebook Community Accelerator Program, will stage Lansing’s first Olive Burger Festival.

“Our mission is to celebrate all of the wonderful things about the Lansing-area food scene,” said Erin Brains, the Lansing Foodies events coordinator. “Olive burgers are definitely an iconic feature that is abundantly available all around the Lansing area — and so we think it’s only right that we should be deemed the Olive Burger Capital of the World.”

Lansing Foodies was founded in 2018 by Brains and her husband after they moved to the Capital City from Oregon, where they were members of a similar foodie group. What started as a Facebook group composed of three family members has grown to more than 40,000 members over the past five years, said Brains.

“We wanted to make sure we could find all of the most delicious food in town when we moved,” said Brains.

In late 2022, Lansing Foodies was chosen to participate in the Facebook Community Accelerator Program, from which — in addition to intense coaching — the Lansing Foodies received a grant from Global Giving. The grant, along with other partnerships and sponsors, provided funding for the festival, Brains said.

While burgers will be the star of the festival, Brains said the event will be family-friendly.

“We want this to be a very fun day for people of all ages. We will have entertainment, including live music, roaming entertainers, games and a kids’ play area,” she explained. “Our hope is that the event is accessible and enjoyable to everyone in the area, even if you don’t like olive burgers.”

The festival will run from noon to 7 p.m. at the ballpark. More information can be found at lansingfoodies.com/about-obf. An online petition to recognize Lansing as the Olive Burger Capital of the World is at change.org/p/make-lansing-michigan-the-olive-burgercapital-of-the-world

ATESTEO TO BEGIN INSTALLING EQUIPMENT IN Q3

BY RICH ADAMS

The East Lansing headquarters of ATESTEO North America could be geared up and testing services for hybrid and fully electrified automotive drivetrains and components by the third quarter of this year.

ATESTEO North America, part of the IHO Group, is constructing a 35,000-square-foot facility off West Road, which eventually will hire a staff of engineers, technicians, mechanics and electricians.

“Before the end of this year, we foresee hiring up to 20 people. Once all the test benches are operational, we expect to create over 45 jobs in the region,” said Roy M. Schulde, president of ATESTEO North America.

“Our initial local hires will travel to our headquarters in Germany for training in April and May,” he said. “This will help ensure a smooth start with the testing equipment installation and commissioning in East Lansing.”

East Lansing was selected for, among other factors, a lower cost of living than Detroit, Schulde said. ATESTEO North America is investing about $700,000 in real property improvements and will pump $26 million into machinery and equipment in the first five years. Schulde said proximity to Michigan State University was also a factor in the decision to locate in East Lansing.

“ATESTEO has a business model of locating testing facilities close to engineering universities, which has benefits in recruiting for our engineering positions,” Schulde said. “This provides benefits to both the employee and employer. As an employee, the students can continue their studies while earning money, gain real-world experience and help them decide whether they want to continue with a career at ATESTEO after graduation.”

THE BODY YOU HAVE NOW REALLY DESERVES A BRA THAT FITS.

BY LAUREN PALMER Owner of Curvaceous Lingerie

“Oh my GOD. My bra strap is literally being held together by one string and duct tape, and I have a board meeting in 10 minutes. Please don’t break, please don’t break. What’s that? Oh, sure I can help move the chairs.” (SNAP) “Oh, #@$%!”

I’m constantly astounded by the lack of care we give ourselves when it comes to our undergarments. Specifically, our bras and underwear.

I get it, I have zero time myself. My weight has fluctuated 30 pounds over the past year. But you know what? Mom always said you prioritize your bras and your shoes.

Can you feel your bra on your body RIGHT NOW without moving? When your body moves does your bra stay put, or does it shift around?

Did you know that when you put a bra on you shouldn’t have to touch it until you take it off again at night?

A comfortably fitting bra is essential to basic functioning. We have too many things to do in a day to be constantly

distracted by something we are wearing. A bra is a support garment. It has a job.

COVID has really changed the attitude our customers at Curvaceous have about their bras. Considering the new preference for comfort, we have shifted a lot of our product selection to wire-free. You can get a decent amount of support from wire-free if it is fit appropriately and is the right shape for your body.

But did you know you can also wear an underwire that is comfortable if fit appropriately?

If you have another 25 pounds of weight loss to go, fine! But if you’ve already lost 50 and are wearing the same bra as before, you know that isn’t working. If you’re at a halfway point, please give yourself the gift of a fitting and purchase a couple bras that will work for your weight-loss journey.

And if you aren’t shifting weight, ask yourself if you perhaps need a refit? Have bras always been an issue? We can help. We carry bras A-O cup, 28-52 band. Make a fitting appointment, and I promise you’ll feel better. You and your body deserve it.

GROWING GREEN

FIVE ECONOMIC BENEFITS FROM COMMUNITY GARDENS

BY 517 STAFF

They create green space, provide a source of social connection, increase healthy options and advance food security; however, community gardens also provide a number of economic benefits to an area. Here’s a look at five:

PROPERTY VALUES

A number of studies have shown that the creation of a neighborhood green space through a community garden has a positive effect on surrounding property values. Some cite that the enhanced aesthetics, sense of place and increased supervision have boosted property values by as much as 9.4% over five years.

FOOD SAVINGS

Estimates vary dramatically, but a community garden could result in food savings of anywhere from $70 to $380 per season, according to a 2020 study from Utah State University. While that may not seem significant enough to lift anyone out of a socioeconomic status, it’s hard to deny that it’s a pretty good hit to the grocery bill.

INVESTMENT YIELDS

Every dollar invested in a community garden of 10 square feet yields $6 of edible fruits and vegetables, with those same 10 square feet generating 18 servings of food. That’s a sixfold return on investment, which makes a huge difference in low-income neighborhoods or in urban areas where access to fresh produce is scarce.

BUILDING SKILLS

As noted by the Detroit-area nonprofit One New Humanity, gardeners themselves can benefit economically by building skills such as learning techniques in food production, planning and business. Community gardens that set up stands at farmers markets also engage with and stimulate the local economy.

MUNICIPAL SAVINGS

Developing/maintaining a community garden is less expensive than parkland space, partially because gardens require a smaller area and 80% of their cost is in labor. Plus, residents instead of municipal employees maintain the sites. Gardens can also be folded into broader community programs for children and seniors.

SAMANTHA LE, CARSON PATTEN WORK AT MARTIN TO BRING MILLENNIAL WORKFORCE BACK TO GREATER LANSING

BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA

ike many college graduates from mid-Michigan, Samantha Le eventually moved away after finishing her studies, landing in Chicago for a few years. Now that the 2011 Michigan State University alum is back in Lansing, she’s looking to bring home a few more of her peers.

Le and Carson Patten, a 2019 MSU graduate, are part of a team at Greater Lansing real estate powerhouse Martin Commercial Properties that’s aiming to build a younger, stronger community through commerce.

“Our biggest goal here is to bring businesses into Lansing and mid-Michigan so we can retain the millennial workforce and attract those who moved away,” Le said, adding that the under-40 cohort consists of people with “very similar stories to Carson and me.”

Reversing the ‘Brain Drain’

The team wants to see the Lansing market grow.

“And to do that we want to see top concepts in this market that we see in larger markets, and we want to make Lansing a cool place to live so it attracts younger talent and younger professionals to stay here after they graduate,” said Patten.

“MSU graduates — typically after they graduate — they go to different markets; they go to bigger cities like Chicago or Grand Rapids or wherever in the country,” causing what’s often referred to as a “brain drain” in mid-Michigan, Patten added. “We want to play a part in keeping some of the talent local and within this community.”

Patten and Le’s team has already begun doing just that by luring new-to-here brands like Crumbl Cookies bakery and fitness retailer Hotworx. They are also looking to help fill two of the largest mixed-use developments in the area: the $260 million Red Cedar project and the $63 million Haslett Village Square.

“We know what our generation wants,” Patten said, adding that his team is taking a

“boots-on-the-ground approach going after retailers we think would be successful here and that would attract the younger crowd to stay here. It’s more than just putting a sign up and waiting on phone calls. It’s actively targeting groups we think would be a good fit, meeting them in-person and pitching them on coming to Lansing.”

We want to play a part in keeping some of the talent local and within this community.

Millennials Taking the Lead

The team’s target generations are no longer in the backseat when it comes to driving regional economies.

“Millennials right now are the largest generation in the workforce, and I think our relatability to this population, to this new wave — just being on the verge of being the next leaders, entrepreneurs, executives — I think that’s really helping set us apart in that we all have the same goal of shaping our community,” Le said.

Critical to the team’s success is identifying the right retailers to lure. That’s because younger shoppers are looking for more than just things to buy. There is rising demand for what is called “experiential” retail, where shoppers get first-person experiences and amenities along with products.

“The way that people shop isn’t the same way people shopped 20 years ago,” said Le. “They want to experience retail in a different way, and so we’re adapting to that.”

How the team is tackling such challenges is also a differentiator.

“The commercial real estate industry, as a whole, is traditionally older,” Le added. “We see this as a huge opportunity for us. We think we have a real innovative approach to deal-making and creative strategies.”

For instance, their team creates short-form video newsletters for monthly distribution that highlight the latest trends and happenings in commercial real estate.

“We think this type of information distribution is a really fresh take on what we’re seeing,” Le said.

New Tech Equals New Tools

The team is also utilizing tech to more effectively and efficiently do the things real estate agents have always done.

“Technology is constantly advancing, and we need to really understand and utilize these tools to keep up with rapidly fluctuating market trends,” Le said. “For example, we’re seeing huge advancement in AI (artificial intelligence) capability.”

While AI and other digital tools are still evolving, they are important assets moving forward to better deliver speed and efficiency in sharing and making sense of information.

“We’re seeing more data than ever that tracks consumer habits, and these metrics are really helping us understand what retailers need to be successful in different areas,” Patten said.

The challenge facing the team is more than just attracting the next cool thing. There’s a bit of: “What comes first, the chicken or the egg?” at play here, according to Le.

“Demographic data doesn’t yet support some retailers expanding in a smaller market like Lansing,” Le said. “We need population density to get popular retailers to enter our market, but we need popular retailers to attract population density and a millennial workforce to come live here in Lansing. That’s really the largest challenge we’re seeing today, but Carson and I are up for the challenge.”

Samantha Le

Carson Patten

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 517 REGION

Reseda Group Named New CUSO of the Year

Reseda Group, a wholly owned credit union service organization of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, received the 2023 New CUSO of the Year Award by the National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations. The recognition, along with other CUSO of the Year Awards, was announced during a presentation at the NACUSO Network Conference in Las Vegas.

Each year, NACUSO celebrates CUSOs striving to make a difference within the credit union industry through its CUSO of the Year Awards. The New CUSO of the Year category recognizes organizations established in the last five years.

MSU Health Care Names Human Resources Director Michigan State University Health

Care selected Kathleen Fox as director of human resources.

Fox’s professional experiences include executive-level management, strategic program management, benefit and budget forecasting, training and employee development, and employee relations.

Before joining MSU, Fox served as the vice president of human resources for Midwest Vision Partners.

Gossen Joins Spave as Junior Partner Ambassador

Spave, a fintech company and credit union service organization, announced Melissa Gossen as its new junior partner ambassador.

Gossen joins Spave with more than 10 years of experience in financial education, sales and customer relations. As junior partner ambassador, she will play a role onboarding and assisting new and existing credit union and nonprofit organizations partnering with Spave.

McCarty Named President at Sparrow Clinton

Kris McCarty has been named president of Sparrow Clinton Hospital. McCarty has served as interim leader of the hospital since June and was given the permanent position after a nationwide search. She succeeds Beth Daugherty, who retired last year.

McCarty has been with Sparrow for 17 years, having previously served as vice president of patient experience for Sparrow Health System, director of the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital at Sparrow and director of rehabilitation services.

Kris McCarty

Melissa Gossen

Matelonek Hired as Chamber Multimedia Specialist

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce announced the hiring of Amanda Matelonek as multimedia specialist. In her role, Matelonek will be responsible for managing and updating website content, creating graphics, and assisting with executing marketing and communication strategies.

Before joining the chamber, Matelonek worked at the Michigan House of Representatives for five years.

AARP Michigan Announces New State President

AARP Michigan announced the appointment of Lorri Rishar as its new state president, the top state volunteer post within the organization’s network of volunteers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lorri on board as AARP continues its important work to empower people 50 and older and advocate for what matters most to Michiganders as they age,” said AARP Michigan State Director Paula D. Cunningham.

Okemos Business Owner Wins National Award

Denise McGinn, owner of Association Guidance, has received the 2023 Smart Women in Meetings: Visionary Award presented by Smart Meetings Magazine. McGinn and her business provide management expertise and specialized administrative services to nonprofit organizations in a professional costeffective manner. The business specializes in event management. The company celebrated 30 years in business in January.

Year and recognized six area tourism-related businesses as Hospitality Heroes for the contributions to the region.

Heather Cooper Kim was recognized as the CTA Star of the Year. Among the Hospitality Heroes, the Lansing Center, Morton’s Fine Catering, Marriott East Lansing at University Place and Lansing Brewing Co. were recognized for their work to help the Lansing Center serve 1,000-plus guests at the 2023 MLK Day of Celebration.

Holiday Inn Express in Okemos was celebrated for gathering supplies and housing people affected by the Knob Hill Apartments fire at the end of December 2022.

The owners of Saddleback BBQ were honored for paying off school lunch debts, helping fellow restaurants in need and donating to those impacted by the Knob Hill Apartments fire.

GLCVB Celebrates Hospitality Heroes

The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau held its annual meeting on March 2 and celebrated the CTA Star of the

Ele’s Place Capital Region Announces Board Chair

Ele’s Place Capital Region appointed Mike Gilmore, president and CEO of The 4100 Group, as chair of the Ele’s Place Capital Region Community Board. Luke Wilcox, of Sparrow Health System, accepted the role of vice chair.

Amanda Matelonek

Denise McGinn

Mike Gilmore

Hospitality Heroes

“I support Ele’s Place for many reasons, the most compelling of all being love for my community,” Gilmore said.

Remodeling Company Places in Statewide Pitch Competition

Megan Dowell, owner of Knowing Your Home, a subsidiary of Do-Well Remodel, placed third in a statewide pitch competition through Michigan Women Forward.

Knowing Your Home is a class taught by Dowell, a licensed builder, on how to take care of your own home maintenance.

Projects Recognized at ACEC/ Michigan Excellence Awards

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan recently honored firms for engineering and surveying excellence during the association’s annual Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards Gala.

The Engineering Eminent Conceptor Award went to Bergmann Associates Inc. of Lansing for the I-69 and I-475 interchange project.

Engineering Merit Awards were presented to Benesch of East Lansing for

the U.S. 31 connector design-build and C2AE of Lansing for off-site infrastructure for McLaren Health Care.

Field-Foster Named to Lawyers of Color’s 2023 Power List

Monique C. Field-Foster, executive partner of Warner Norcross + Judd LLP’s Lansing office, has been named to Lawyers of Color’s 2023 Power List.

Lawyers of Color is a nonprofit devoted to promoting diversity in the legal profession and advancing democracy and equality in marginalized communities. The Power List is a collection of minority leaders in the legal profession and includes attorneys, law school deans, and legal media and nonprofit leaders.

Kester specializes in municipal finance, where he has served as bond counsel or underwriter’s counsel on a wide variety of bond issues.

Sparrow Clinton Honors DAISY Award Recipient

A Sparrow Clinton Hospital nurse was recently honored with the DAISY Award for compassionate care and dedication to helping patients.

Nurse Cory Mygrants was named a DAISY honoree based on a letter from a patient’s family member, recognizing his extraordinary bedside manner and identifying him as a “supernurse.”

So Named to 2023 Hall of Fame

Dickinson Wright announced that Kester So of Lansing has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2023 Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes Michigan legal leaders over the age of 60, or who have practiced for 30 years or more, for their careers and contributions to the community.

Luke Wilcox

Kester So

5 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN THINKING ABOUT A NEW HOME

ByDeidreDavis,MSUFederalCreditUnion’sVicePresidentofMarketingandCommunications

If you are in the market for a new house, being prepared and understanding your options is key. There are several things to do before you complete the purchase. Here are five:

1. Budget for transitional costs. As you save for a down payment, you should also save for other expenses, such as a home inspection and short-term rent should you sell your current house before finding a new home or if you need to break your apartment lease.

2. Ask questions. Ask your real estate agent all of your questions. You hired them for their expertise and guidance, and understanding the

homebuying process is one of the smartest things you can do.

3. Be open to change. While you may start with a “must-have” list, don’t be surprised if you change your mind based on your budget or what is available. You may also need to prioritize the nonnegotiables or possibly delay your purchase until you can afford everything you want.

4. Don’t stress over the superficial. When you are looking for a new home, keep in mind much can be changed or fixed to meet your preferences. Don’t let small projects or updates, such as an unappealing paint color, get in the way of buying a great home.

5. Address the home inspection. No house is perfect, and an inspection is important to find small items that need to be fixed or larger issues that could become deal breakers. If you encounter a safety or structural issue, it’s vital to fix the issue or walk away.

MSUFCU offers a wide range of mortgage products, from a First-Time Home Buyer program to conventional or adjustablerate mortgages, as well as home improvement loans and home equity lines of credit. Members can also easily apply for mortgages through the MSUFCU Mobile app. For more information, visit msufcu.org/homeloans.

LESSONS WE LEARNED ALONG THE WAY

SHARING

WHAT WE KNOW WITH THOSE JUST STARTING OUT

BY TEDI R. PARSONS President and CEO, Michigan Diversity Education Center

In high school, most of us learned how to type (some of us on manual typewriters), how to cook, sew and make vases out of wood. But what we did not learn are those real-life transferable skills that are needed in the workplace. A lot of us started our professional lives through trial and error, usually with one mistake after another.

It would be great if we could share the lessons we’ve learned along the way with the younger generation that is preparing to head off to college or embarking on a professional career. Such lessons include:

• Show up on time or perhaps 15 minutes early.

• Put in a full eight hours of hard work. Make your day count for something.

• Listen and learn. Do not go in with the attitude that you know it all.

• Show respect for your boss, co-workers and yourself. Others will respect you for this.

• Work overtime when asked. Put in that extra effort to show your value and worth.

• Don’t gossip and talk poorly about others. Be an example of someone others can trust and someone in which they can confide.

• Take credit only for your work, and give others credit for their work.

• Push yourself and work hard, setting the example of what you want others to see and believe in.

• Create a strong career plan/trajectory, forging a path for your continued professional success.

• Know it’s OK to make mistakes; learn from those times and use them to continue to evolve and grow.

• Above all else, believe in yourself, have strong integrity, be honest and trustworthy, and know that you are the only one who can determine your future success.

No matter if we are just starting our first job or are a seasoned professional, each of us can use these pearls of wisdom to ensure we are being the very best version of ourselves, both personally and professionally.

Want to learn how you can create a strong welcoming, affirming and inclusive culture? Contact the Michigan Diversity Education Center at mi-dec.org. We are ready to help your organization to grow, prosper and succeed.

Reliability

you can trust.

Martin is more than just a commercial real estate firm executing real estate transactions; they are a trusted partner. No matter the size, scope, or location of the assignment, Martin makes it happen.

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Our local success coupled with national transactional experience cannot be matched by any competing firm.

Proven Track Record

Our long-standing relationships with the largest companies in Mid-Michigan is the ultimate testimonial that Martin makes it happen.

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For over 60 years we have obtained market knowledge and shared it with our clients so they can make the most informed decisions.

Accreditations & Designations

The professionals at Martin never settle. We continue to better ourselves to be the best professional partner to our clients.

A lot of my success was because of the assistance provided by Martin Commercial Properties. I was inspired by their company’s culture and the morals, ethics, and fair transactions that formed the foundation of their business.

Ron

Boji, President The Boji Group

A BRIEF LOOK AT STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS AFFECTING OUR REGION

competent and educated workers, solid gross domestic product growth, low tax rates, business credits, and limited regulations are inviting to potential business owners and residents alike.

Arizona’s influx of residents and tourists who are also consumers further encourages the business economy. A three-year study conducted by Spectrum Location Solutions demonstrated that between 2018 and 2021 Arizona came in fifth for most attractive states for businesses leaving California. Profitable industries include real estate, manufacturing and health care.

“It is true that Los Angeles has high cost-of-living expenses compared to Phoenix, but the average wage is also higher in Los Angeles,” said U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics economist Nicholas Chung, noting that higher wages, better employment benefits and lower living costs are examples of factors that typically encourage relocation.

IS ARIZONA THE NEW CALIFORNIA?

BY CHRISTINE MCINTYRE

A pleasant climate year-round, breathtaking ocean shorelines, diversity and opportunity are just a snippet of California’s attractiveness. Recently, however, increasingly more people uproot their lives to live and run businesses in the Grand Canyon State.

With 39 million people, California is the nation’s most populous state. Arizona’s population is 7.4 million, up about half a million from the 2010 census results. As the secondfastest-growing state, its population is climbing more quickly than the national average. This begs the question: Is Arizona the new California?

Arizona’s climate appeals to businesses, especially for small-business owners and entrepreneurs. The high number of

The U.S. Census Bureau provided the following statistics to give some perspective. In Arizona, the median monthly housing costs for individuals living in owner-occupied units with a mortgage in 2021 was $1,545, opposed to $2,548 in California. Further, median real estate taxes in 2021 were $4,804 for Californians, compared with $1,717 in Arizona. Finally, the average household income in Arizona was $69,056; the average in California was $84,907. While Californians earn slightly more on average, the cost of living is substantially higher than in Arizona, which potentially offsets the difference in job earnings.

“Looking at the (data), you’ll see California’s prices were higher than the national average, and Arizona’s were lower than the national average. California is at 111.8% of the overall national price level. Arizona is 96.7%,” said Connie O’Connell, chief of public affairs and outreach at the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

According to World Population Review, California’s population density in 2023 is 251.3 per square mile; Arizona’s is 63 people per square mile. High population densities often equate to high housing costs, more traffic, high pollution and stress on natural resources. However, with approximately 113,594 square miles of area in Arizona, there’s room for businesses to sprawl out while still enjoying the benefits of a healthy economy with promising growth potential.

REALTORS: HOUSING MARKET CORRECTION NOT LOOMING

BY CHRISTINE MCINTYRE

The ebb and flow of the real estate market are expected. Homebuyers and sellers witness inevitable peaks and dips. Historically, events aided the ebb and flow. Most recently, the coronavirus pandemic resulted in many changes in homebuyer trends. Coalescing demographic trends, government policies, and supply-and-demand imbalance resulted in soaring home prices and fierce competition in the housing market.

People wonder if a housing market correction — a period of declining home prices that is likely to continue for at least a few years — is in motion. Some experts posit the inevitable correction; however, others use statistics that indicate otherwise.

“The last six months have been difficult for the real estate market as mortgage interest rates topped 7%, pricing out many consumers,” said Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors. “Today, rates are under 6.5%, and buyers are tired of waiting on the sidelines. Finally, February sales showed an early spring in home sales activity and the strongest year-over-year growth since July 2020. Prices are flat nationwide, allowing buyers in some markets to negotiate power rarely found throughout the pandemic.”

However, the supply-and-demand issue won’t allow too much dip. Since inventory is short, potential buyers will still

have to compete. Even homebuilders can’t quench demand quickly enough, although Bankrate’s chief financial analyst, Greg McBride, said supply and demand will eventually balance.

Bill White, associate broker with Howard Hanna Real Estate, said that the residential real estate market in Jackson County indicates an abundance of buyers in what he refers to as “the sweet spot price range of $150,000 to $250,000.” He said that price range is seeing the same trends.

White said new listings are down 23% year over year, average sales prices are off 8.8% and closings are down 15.8%.

“The rapid increase in interest rates from sub 3% to 7%plus caused people to pull back, but are for the time being settling below 7%, which is the historical norm,” he said.

Similarly, Michigan real estate broker Derek Bauer said the real estate climate in Michigan still favors sellers. Moreover, Bauer said he does not foresee any event that would cause a market correction since supply and demand are so far removed.

“Even if the supply picked up by half, we still would not be in a buyer’s market. So even if prices pulled back 5% to 20%, I don’t see that causing any alarm,” he said.

UNIVERSAL REMODELING AND 2023 DESIGN TRENDS

ON THE RECORD WITH JENI CONLIN OF THE MERIDIAN COMPANY

BY MARY GAJDA

Jeni Conlin has been with The Meridian Company for nearly 11 years — and as a kitchen and bathroom designer, she has seen plenty of trends come and go. Yet one thing that remains the same is the pride in bringing clients’ visions to life when it comes to creating a space for them to enjoy for years to come.

“Being able to work alongside the best group of professionals that physically turn these visions into a reality is beyond rewarding,” Conlin said.

As far as trends go, Conlin said the black, white and gray trend is holding strong, but there are some newish color concepts gaining more attention.

“I’m starting to see a pull toward lighter, more neutral tones like creams and taupes, as well as pops of color like shades of green and blue, whether it be paint or even cabinetry color,” Conlin said. “Gold toned and black fixtures, like faucets and accent pieces, have become increasingly popular. These trends are sure to make your kitchen and or bathroom a statement piece.”

More than color, fixtures or other aesthetics, the need for universal design features never go out of style. Universal remodeling, which focuses on ease of access and safety in a kitchen and or bathroom, is for people in all stages of life.

“For example, barrier-free or low-threshold showers, which means little or no physical barrier from your bathroom floor into your shower,” Conlin explained. “This makes it more convenient for someone with mobility issues who may be in a wheelchair or use a walker.”

Conlin also said increasing the size of doorways, adding grab bars to showers and/or by toilets, wall-hung cabinetry or cabinetry with raised toe kicks to allow a wheelchair to get closer to a sink or countertop surface without bumping into it, and lower wall cabinets in the kitchen with pull-down accessories are also integral universal remodeling upgrades many should consider.

“The great thing is these features are not limited to people with mobility issues or want to age in place,” Conlin said. “They are for people of all walks of life who enjoy a seamless, safe bathroom design with less obstacles.”

The Meridian Company can help potential customers with inhome consultations, budget planning, material and fixture selections, and computer-aided-design software renderings for larger projects to help in visualizing a new kitchen or bathroom. The company is uniquely qualified for such projects because it is a one-stop shop.

“The Meridian Company has the resources and trade professionals to carry out the entire scope of work for a kitchen and or bathroom remodel,” Conlin said.

Jeni Conlin

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Dirt School bicycle playground and skills park at Burchfield County Park introduces your young riders to the world of off-road cycling.

• Bikes and helmets are available for loan at park.

• Free in-county rides to the park from CATA.

FOR THE BIRDS

A Q&A WITH KATE FURTAW, OWNER OF WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED IN EAST LANSING

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

Did backyard bird-watching gain in popularity due to the pandemic as people found themselves at home?

Definitely. Many people set up feeding stations outside their windows while working from home. Since many people weren’t traveling as much, people were enjoying their own yards more.

What is the joy people get in bird-watching?

I think it is a nice way to connect with nature and something outside of ourselves. It feels good to set up a feeder and quickly have birds coming to your own yard.

What is Wild Birds Unlimited?

WBU is a backyard-bird-feeding store and hobby shop. There are over 350 locations in the U.S. and Canada. All stores are independently owned and operated.

When did you purchase the business?

I purchased the business in February 2021. I had been a customer of this store for several years when I heard it was for sale. It felt like a great opportunity to try something new. The more research I did, the more it felt like a perfect fit.

How can people attract birds to their feeders while keeping unwanted ones (as well as other critters) away?

By serving high-quality seed. All of the food in our store is considered no-waste, meaning it contains no filler seed such as milo or wheat. If you want to keep critters away, you can add a baffle, which would block anything from climbing up the pole, or add a cage around your feeder to block access. Another option would be to serve food that the critters would not like. For

instance, the squirrels and blackbirds do not like safflower. Another option is to serve a food treated with hot pepper, which will detract the mammals.

Everyone needs a supervillain. Are squirrels the nemesis of your business?

I think people are pretty divided on their opinion of squirrels. We have many customers who try very hard to avoid feeding them, and we have other customers who buy special feeders and food just for the squirrels.

What is the best part of your job?

Without a doubt, the best part of my job is the people — my staff and the customers. I have an amazing staff that I love working with. The customers are incredible. We know most of our customers by name and enjoy getting to know them and their families. People come into the shop excited to tell us about their feeders and the birds they are seeing.

Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 2200 Coolidge Road in East Lansing.

Kate Furtaw

Can Gum Disease Lead to ALZHEIMER’S?

If you’ve ever witnessed someone you love slip away from the vibrancy of life with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Dementia, you have my knowing sympathy. Sadly, the prevalence of this disease is on a steady rise, and it’s projected to affect 160 million people globally by 2050!

The real tragedy of this diagnosis is fueled by our inability to respond with medical advancements of any kind that can help prevent or reverse the cognitive decline. That may seem shocking, given the effective treatment strategies we’ve developed for many other non-communicable diseases: Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, most cancers, etc.

Why can’t we seem to design an effective medical remedy for Alzheimer’s? The answer lies in its complexity. Research has uncovered a litany of lifestyle-related contributing factors, including Obstructive Sleep Apnea, exposure to environmental toxins and yes, Periodontal (gum) Disease. But before we dive into that, it’s important to reference genetic risks.

The genetic test for pre-disposition to Alzheimer’s is readily available—and the gene is called APOE-4. Anyone can succumb to Alzheimer’s, but genetics helps. Inheriting one copy of the gene (from one parent) puts you at 30% increased risk, and two copies (one from both your parents), 50-90%. Because there’s no magic remedy available, many avoid testing. I get it. But Dr. Dale Bredesen, author of The End of Alzheimer’s offers hope, even for the genetically unlucky. His ReCODE protocol (an acronym for Reversal of Cognitive Decline) is helping thousands of patients, prevent—and YES, reverse—early stages of dementia.

Keep in mind that all disease, including this one, progresses on a cellular level. With Alzheimer’s the neurons (brain cells) develop amyloid proteins and tight weaves that strangulate the natural wiring-and-firing. Far beyond the genetic predisposition, lifestyle-related risk factors are individualistic. In simplifying the complexities, Dr. Bredesen was able to classify Alzheimer’s into three root-cause sub-categories. 1) chronic systemic inflammation, 2) lack of production of neuron-supporting substances, and 3) exposure to environmental and food toxins.

While inflammation has a variety of root causes of its own, one of the most common is Periodontal (gum) Disease. Common, because it doesn’t generate pain, so most people don’t know they have it until it’s a significant health threat. Today, Periodontal Disease infects 50% of US 30-year-olds and 70% of 50-year-olds! How does it contribute? Red, puffy, inflamed gum tissue is an open portal for dangerous strains of mouth bacteria, yeast, and Herpes (Simplex 1) Virus to enter the blood stream. Evidence has revealed the presence of all three of these bug families living inside the shrinking brains of many Alzheimer’s patients. One of the bacteria strains responsible for gum disease, Treponema denticola (Td) is both neurotropic (lives inside of live nerve tissue) and motile (travels along the neurons themselves). Candida (yeast) and the Herpes Simplex 1 (virus), can also enter inflamed gum tissue and travel to infect the brain. Even if you don’t have “pockets”, bleeding-when-flossing or red gums, it’s best to have a saliva test for the presence of all five of the most dangerous periodontal bacteria including Td and nine different strains of Candida (yeast).

Learning about prevention of all three sub-categories of Alzheimer’s is a gift, even if you’re genetically unlucky…in fact, especially if you’re genetically unlucky. For more information, check out Dale Bredesen’s book and ReCODE protocol as well as Ingar Olsen’s 2015 publication, Can Oral Infection be a Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease?

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

lifestyle

‘BORNETOBEWILD’

Wildtype Nursery preserves and protects Michigan’s natural landscape

Wildtype Nursery on North Every Road in Mason specializes in growing plants native to Michigan from Michigan genotypes and serves two groups of customers.

“The wholesale customer is typically a contractor, nature center, U.S. Forest Service or DNR and sometimes traditional garden centers,” said owner and President Bill Schneider. “This makes up the majority of our sales. But the retail side has grown handsomely over the last five years even prior to the pandemic.”

So handsomely, in fact, that Schneider only opens Wildtype to the public 11 days a season and limits customers to 45 people per hour.

“Our plants are ‘borne to be wild’ because they are intended or well-suited to be used for naturalizing, sometimes called rewilding,” Schneider said. “We do not grow cultivars, although they have an important place in traditional horticulture; but even so, many of our customers are using our plants in commercial and residential landscapes for a variety of environmental reasons.”

It’s great to know Michigan has a champion that helps protect the state’s natural landscape.

THE HEAT IS ON

They have to get the fire scorching to create super-cool things — and it works so well that Melissa Wallick, client relations specialist and apprentice at Fireworks Glass Studios in Williamston, has a “feeling of awe that they can take hot honey syrup and can create amazing stuff. The glass blowers are incredible, and the team has an infectious enthusiasm.”

Oddly hidden in plain sight is a welcoming place where the art of glass blowing is shared freely for whomever ventures inside. Scheduled tours are encouraged, where one can see a demonstration, speak to the artists directly, take pictures and learn about the magical mystical art of glass blowing, all while near a furnace that heats up to 2,000 degrees.

It’s not until you see the making of a piece that you realize just how intricate, delicate and festive a piece of blown glass art is.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY METRO MELIK

MINDS ARE BLOWN AT FIREWORKS GLASS STUDIO

“It’s mental and physical. You need body and core strength to create a piece that challenges you fully,” said Rhonda Baker, lead glassblower.

You also need to be able to handle the heat. On an average production day, it can be 90 degrees in the facility. During the summertime, it can be over 120 degrees.

Doug Waggott has been volunteering at Fireworks for seven years. He spoke about the advantage of going big beyond torch glass blowing: “You don’t get to express yourself as well in a small medium. I’ve been watching glass-blowing artists work for seven years. You realize it’s a craft. You get glassy-eyed. You also realize it is one of the most challenging things you can do. Stay hydrated.”

Often people wander into the gallery not knowing that it existed. They have an opportunity to watch the waltz that the artists do when they create their pieces. It is a team effort. As potential customers see the endless possibilities of the power of glass, they’ll come back with ideas for a one-of-a-kind piece.

“Then a customer has a story to tell when they give a gift. The story is the bonus,” Waggott said.

According to Baker, when you visit Fireworks Glass Studios in Williamston, you soon see “it’s not just a gallery; it’s an experience.”

The glass blowers are incredible, and the team has an infectious enthusiasm.

Rhonda Baker, lead glassblower

NOPLACE LIKEHOME

5 HOME AND GARDEN READS TO HELP YOU LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

BY 517 STAFF

“THE INSPIRED ROOM: SIMPLE IDEAS TO LOVE THE HOME YOU HAVE” by Melissa Michaels gives a relatable voice to her guide on practical decorating ideas. Michaels provides improvements that are attainable for nearly anyone, including tips for lighting, color and basic design principles that will elevate a room to its full potential. Photos of her own personal space inspire readers to add texture, visual points of interest and personal style to create a room that feels like home.

“QUICK & EASY CURB APPEAL” from Better Homes and Gardens provides ideas for simple projects that make the front of your home more attractive. From transforming walkways to sprucing up the porch and entry ways, this book offers ideas and inspiration that will help create a lasting first impression for your home. It even offers must-dos for reselling the home as well as resources and maintenance references.

“VERTICAL GARDENING: GROW UP, NOT OUT, FOR MORE VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS IN MUCH LESS SPACE” by Derek Fell is a great read for those of us lacking the space to nurture gardens like we had in our childhoods. In this

book, Fell shares tried-and-tested varieties of vegetables, flowers and fruits, as well as recommends the best plants for space-saving vertical gardening along with 100 color photos that show his methods for paving the way to successful cultivation.

“MICHIGAN GARDENER’S COMPANION: AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO GARDENING IN THE GREAT LAKES STATE” is one of six books in a series by Rita Henehan. In this book, Henehan explains what Michiganders need to know to lengthen their growing season with chapters focusing on lawns, vegetables, flowers and trees. It also looks into plant disease and invasive plants in Michigan.

“HOUSE PLANT JOURNAL LOG BOOK” from Nina Bird is great for those who like to keep track of their plants through journaling. Users can keep track of watering, sunlight and soil needs; fill out trackers; and more with room for photos, journaling and space for plant species to be recorded. A great gift for someone who is just starting their obsession with plants, this logbook is meant to help the reader formulate the right environment for their plants to thrive.

Hillary Henderson, Megan Busque bring the personal touch to real estate

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

ou don’t have to be crazy to be in this line of work, but it helps.

The frantic pace, the 24/7 schedule, the willingness to bend over backward to deliver — these are all qualities of the successful real estate agent. As for the crazy part — as off-the-cuff and facetious as Megan Busque was being when she riffed the response — it indeed does have a kernel of truth in there.

“Seriously, you have to be a people person. You have to be a problem-solver and find ways to work through things,” Busque said. “Plus, you have to realize that this, for most people, is going to be the biggest transaction of their lives. To them, it may seem like a life or death situation, but our job is to help them realize that this is just a business transaction. If this house isn’t the one that does the deal, there will be another.”

Flexibility, objectivity, communication and listening to what is important to the client also all play a large role in the career path, added Hillary Henderson, Busque’s real estate partner as Busque & Henderson Realtors at RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals in the Lansing area.

“We don’t want people to make a decision and then regret it,” Henderson said.

Busque and Henderson have been partners on the regional real estate scene since 2018. Henderson grew up in the real estate industry, with her family owning an agency in Adrian. Busque started out managing a hair salon when a regular client and family friend in real estate convinced her to take a stab at it.

“Megan and I were at different firms, but we were always friends and have many of the same social circles and contact base. So, at one point, it just made sense for us to team up,” Henderson said.

“I think we balance each other out. We’re very similar, but we’re also different in many ways,” Busque said. “We have the same work ethic, and we move at the same pace. We both think the same. I don’t even have to ask her on something. I know what her answer’s already going to be.”

Having someone else to lean on can help stabilize the work-life balance, but it’s also a continuous process to perfect.

“It’s an ever-evolving situation. We try very hard, but when things come up, we’re working,” Henderson said. “And that’s OK. We like it that way.”

“You have to ride the highs and the lows, and you have to take advantage of the time that you have that you’re busy,” Busque added. “The times that you’re slower, you just kind of have to go with the flow. You have to be very flexible in this business for sure.”

Just having those clients and helping them fulfill their dreams is really special.

Hillary Henderson

As the real estate season ramps up for spring and summer, there is already a rosier outlook. In March the National Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales reversed a 12-month slide in February, registering the largest monthly percentage increase since July 2020.

“Things changed mostly during COVID … when we were in quarantine. Basically people were having to make offers on homes sight unseen. They weren’t doing inspections. No appraisals. It was a strange time,” Busque said. “Now there’s not that panic mode, and it’s kind of normalizing. Inventory is still low, so that hasn’t changed.”

“The other thing that hasn’t changed is that we saw a lot more people needing walls and home offices and home gyms,” Henderson said. “That’s still there. A lot of people are continuing to work from home or are working hybrid. I think that changed everyone’s perspective, but you never know what is going to happen from day to day.”

One thing that will likely remain a constant is the attraction people have to the region with it being the state capital and home to a major research university.

“We have all these things that keep us a stable place. People are always going to be coming here and people are always going to be transferring from here to other places,” Busque said. “We’re always going to have those things to keep the market going.”

What keeps the market going are the people who need the assistance and guidance of Henderson and Busque — and that’s what gets them up in the morning.

“If we’re helping someone who’s having a baby and then they send us the baby pictures when they’re 4, it’s almost like watching your own kids grow up,” Henderson said. “Just having those clients and helping them fulfill their dreams is really special.”

“It’s in the relationships we make and watching them be so appreciative and seeing how happy they are,” Busque noted. “It’s a lot of trust they put in us, and it’s a pretty good feeling to know that someone has that trust in you. We meet some cool people and form relationships

with those people. We’ve had people who bought their very first home with us, and now they’re coming back to us with a family and they need more space. It’s those things that make it great.”

“And it’s fun,” Henderson said. “We’re not sitting staring at the same thing every day. Every day is different, and you never know what the day is going to bring.”

You have to be a problem-solver and find ways to work through things.

WHATISTHAT?

IDENTIFYING PLANTS, FLOWERS AND BIRDS WITHOUT BUYING AN APP

BY MARY GAJDA

I have fat thumbs. That’s not anything I’d normally want to share; but because my hefty digits accidentally showed me capabilities I didn’t realize my phone had while scrolling, it became clear to me that there may be a few others who need to be in the know. Especially those of us in the age group where doing things digitally doesn’t come as naturally as it might to the younger generations — or those of us not interested in buying apps.

It all started when I was landscaping last spring and took a photo of a bush to send to my mother, a master gardener, to identify. My thumb grazed up the image on my phone and up popped an option to “look up — plant.” I tapped the button and, lo and behold, the answer was found through Siri with applicable links for more information. I was able to use that to identify several of the plants around my new-tome home, which helped me to more easily prune and care for them.

More recently, I put some clear bird feeders in my second-story windows to enjoy birds. “What is that?” I said out loud to my non-

birding self, having not been this close to such a cute little guy like this before. I snapped a photo, swiped up on my iPhone, and pressed the “look up — bird” option to find my little friend was a blackcapped chickadee.

It is simple, free and fun to start getting answers like this without an app or a wordy Google search. You can also choose to hit the information icon that pops up on the bottom of your screen instead of swiping up.

Android users can use a similar feature on their phones by snapping a picture, viewing it and tapping the “lens” feature.

The function can also work on other wildlife as well as works of art, landmarks and more through the camera feature. Of course, you’ll need a more recent phone to have these capabilities, and the search availability can change based on your region.

Sure, there’s an app for just about anything these days. But it’s just nice to know you don’t need an app for everything.

JOIN THE TEA M!

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LET’SGIVE’EM SOMETHING FOCACCIABOUT

DELICIOUS SAME-DAY BREAD IS A PIECE OF GARDEN ART

BY 517 STAFF

AH FOCACCIA … THE SOFT AND AIRY SPONGE OF GOODNESS THAT LEAVES YOU WANTING MORE. IT’S GREAT WITH SOUP, HUMMUS OR ON ITS OWN. IF YOU’RE FEELING ARTSY, YOU CAN MAKE IT GORGEOUS WITH GARDEN ART. MANY COOKS WILL MAKE FOCACCIA OVER A PERIOD OF DAYS FOR A WONDERFUL RISE, BUT SOME OF US DON’T WANT TO WAIT QUITE SO LONG WHEN WE GET THE URGE. THAT’S WHY WE SAY: WAITING? FOCACCIA BOUT IT WITH THIS SAME-DAY RECIPE!

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 10 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 set aside to drizzle

• 3 teaspoons of active, dry yeast

• 2 1/2 cups of bread flour

• 1 teaspoon of honey or a teaspoon of natural, granulated sugar

• 2 cups of warm water

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• Wooden spoon

• Baking sheet

• 2 mixing bowls

• Tea towel, plate or plastic wrap to cover the rising bread

Optional: seasonings and garden vegetable toppings of your choice

FRIENDLY TIP:

When adding the first ingredients, watch the mixture for up to 5 minutes to see if it froths. That will show you have live yeast.

WHAT TO DO:

Add the honey (or sugar), 1/3-cup warm water and yeast to a large mixing bowl.

Add a tablespoon of olive oil, salt and the remaining water and mix. Add the flour and mix the dough until it forms a semi-smooth ball. Move your dough ball into a bowl that has been coated in olive oil. Cover and set aside for up to 8 hours.

Prep your baking pan with a generous coat of olive oil and gently spread the dough without trying to stretch it to each corner. Cover with a tea towel and place it in a warm spot to rise again for about 2 hours.

When the 2 hours are up, create shallow dents in the dough using your fingers or use the end of a wooden spoon. Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Add seasonings of your choice as well. Place in a preheated oven at 400 degrees and bake until the top is golden, drizzling again with remaining olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

SIDE NOTES:

Turn your focaccia into a work of art by adding an array of thinly cut veggies into garden art. Fresh herbs, olives, spiralized carrots, red onion and peppers in all colors, and halved cherry tomatoes make great choices.

Dried oregano or rosemary and some minced fresh garlic make great toppings to add a burst of flavor well.

Patience is a virtue. For really, really good focaccia — an overnight in the fridge will do wonders. When you are ready to be really patient, look into sourdough focaccia recipes.

AVOID RAINY WEATHER AND SUMMER BUGS

HOST YOUR OFFICE PICNIC OR EVENT AT HIGH CALIBER KARTING & ENTERTAINMENT

No need to worry about your summer office party getting rained out or those pesky Midwest mosquitoes ruining your lovely event. Take the worry away from wild summer weather and host a fun indoor office picnic with activities, catering, and a VIP room at High Caliber.

“We had an absolute blast at our bachelor’s Party on April 1st, We raced two tracks (I won the blue) and did axe throwing and even added on the throw bowling at the last minute. Elena, our concierge was AMAZING to work with and always there with a smile when we needed something without being overbearing. I can’t recommend High Caliber enough for any group events or just a great place for a date night or to hang out with some buddies! I will be getting with Danielle again later this year to schedule a shop Christmas party for my work. The food was great, The VIP room made us feel like royalty and the events were just as fun as the atmosphere. Thank you again for a great experience, and I can’t wait to come back!”

Andrew Thornton General Manager Gerber Collision, Michigan Center

FROM THE GROUND UP

LANSING HOUSING COMMISSION NEARS COMPLETION ON PROPERTY RENOVATIONS

BY KYLE DOWLING

When Doug Fleming was appointed as executive director of the Lansing Housing Commission nearly five years ago, the public housing authority was classified as a “troubled agency” by the federal government. Within the first six months, Fleming and his team turned the commission around and raised that designation.

“This was our first big achievement,” said Fleming. “But we knew there were more issues to tackle.”

His next big project for the agency, which is a quasigovernmental body that governs aspects of housing in the Lansing area and often provides low rent or free apartments to qualified residents, was to update existing infrastructure of buildings that the Lansing Housing Commission oversees.

Changing the designation of the properties under the U.S. Housing Act and partnering with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and other agencies allowed the Lansing Housing Commission to invest $60 million into the renovation of 580 units in Lansing. The renovations included new security for all the facilities, new flooring, paint, appliances, central air conditioning and more.

“These buildings had almost 50-year-old infrastructure and needed to be brought up to current standards,” said Fleming. “Currently we’ve completed two of the projects, with the other two in the final stages. We want our residents to feel proud of their homes.”

All the units have now been brought up to Uniformed Federal Accessibility Standards, meaning that they meet the government’s requirements for people of all ages and abilities — things such as light switches placed at the correct height, enough room for a wheelchair to turn around in the bathroom and grab bars for stability.

“A normal housing commission may have taken up to 10 years to complete the renovation of all four of these properties,” said Fleming. “But we felt strongly that this needed to be done quickly because of the age of our buildings and the need in the community. My team has worked hard to bring this together to finish this in the five-year period that I’ve been here.”

Where the Wild Things Are

ZOO NIGHTS (21+)

May 11

Zoo Nights is an easy-going, happy-hour-style event featuring the tastes of local restaurants and beverage companies. Take the opportunity to see the zoo after hours, visit with all the animals you love and play some backyard games. For more information, visit potterparkzoo.org/event/zoo-nights-1-21/.

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.

Downtown Planting Day

May 13

Join your community for Downtown Planting Day starting at 10 a.m. Grab your gardening gloves and shovels and dig in to further beautify the downtown district. Meet at the Downtown Lansing Inc. office, 112 S. Washington Square. Sign up today at signup. com/client/invitation2/secure/167007751896618054/ false#/invitation.

2023 Pam Posthumus Signature Auction

May 16

The annual gala hosted by Children Trust Michigan at the Breslin Student Events Center on the campus of Michigan State University gives attendees the chance to ensure kids have a safe and healthy future free from abuse and neglect by taking part in a silent and live auction. The funding raised through the auctions helps strengthen families and communities across the state to create environments where children can be safe, happy and healthy through education and support. For more information, visit michigan.gov/ctf/how-to-help

LOVE Lansing

May 17

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

Celebrate with neighbors at the South Washington Office Complex, 2500 S. Washington Ave., for the LOVE Lansing Neighborhood Celebration. This celebration will recognize neighborhood leaders and watch captains for their amazing efforts in creating excellent communities across Lansing. Refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner and dessert will be served. For more information, visit lansingmi.gov/906/LOVE-Lansing.

Spring Arts and Crafts Show

May 20-21

The annual Michigan State University Arts and Crafts Show is a seasonal tradition for the MSU community. The show is a fundraiser for the University Activities Board. All vendor booth fees go directly to the board,

a group of student members and part-time student coordinators who design and implement events, most free of charge, for MSU students to connect and foster community. For more information, visit uabevents.com/ AnnualArtsCrafts.

East Lansing Art Festival

May 20-21

For 60 years, the East Lansing Art Festival has brought art to the streets of East Lansing. The East Lansing Art Festival’s mission is to enhance the sense of community and appreciation of art, culture and creativity in East Lansing and the Greater Lansing region. For more information, visit elartfest.com.

Lansing Pride Festival

June 17

Celebrate pride and diversity in the Greater Lansing area by attending the 2023 Lansing Pride Festival in Old Town. Visit lansingpride.org/lansing-pride-events for a complete schedule of activities.

Save the Date – 2023 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards

October 5

Known as one of the biggest business awards celebrations in the region, the 29th annual Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards are set to take place at Eagle Eye Golf Club and Banquet Center on Oct. 5. The event honors business owners and leaders throughout the region with categories including Entrepreneur of the Year, Business of the Year, Socially Responsible Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurial Spirit and Nonprofit of the Year. Nominations are now open. Visit greaterlansingawards.com for information.

Francis Park

How many roses can you name? The formal rose garden at Francis Park, 2701 Moores River Drive in Lansing, has over 155 varieties of roses and has been recognized for its outstanding rose garden maintenance.

WRAP UP

EMBRACING SPRING

Five outdoor activities to enjoy this season

BY KYLE DOWLING

We all feel it. When the weather once again starts to become bearable, we can’t wait to finally awaken from our winter hibernation, get back outside and enjoy the world. Here’s five outdoor activities to celebrate the season.

MSU Gardens

The Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens, 1066 Bogue St. in East Lansing, are a 14-acre garden and a resource for any gardeners or lovers of leaves. Children of all ages are welcome to hike around and look at all the displays and garden designs.

Fishing Spots

There is a plethora of fishing spots around if you’re looking to spend some quality time by the river. Burchfield, Hawk Island and Lake Lansing Park South are some of the parks in Ingham County that have access to fishing.

Build a Bat House

Don’t settle for a normal bird house when you can build a bat house. Bats are healthy for the environment and keep the bug population down. And just like birds and bees, bats are fantastic pollinators.

Garden Shops

Get your hands dirty with your garden this spring. If you need some supplies, local garden shops have your back. Whether it’s flowers or vegetables, they’ll always be able to help.