atof Cedar
The phrase “Me Generation” was coined as a descriptor for society in the 1970s, when self-fulfillment seemed to reach a higher plateau than social responsibility and the selflessness that helped define the 1960s was beginning to yield to the “greed is good” selfishness of the 1980s.
In other words, it was not meant as a complimentary phrase.
Yet I was turning that phrase over in my mind recently and the idea occurred to me that now might be a good time to reclaim, redefine and rebrand “Me Generation” in a softer light that is desperately needed today.
We are living in strange and trying times where decency and respect can appear to be in dwindling supplies. It can be difficult to make it through the evening news, let alone the daunting task of wading into the thick, dark and unsettling ooze that the prevalence of social media has fostered — where the air of anonymity has come at the expense of common civility.
It sometimes reminds me of the famous quote by American poet Maya Angelou: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” The problem is that the ceaselessness of it all can descend like a black shroud and exact a weighty mental toll on many among us.
Perhaps now more than at any other point in my lifetime, it’s critical to consider your needs first and put your mental well-being at the top of your personal priorities list.
It’s likely that we all know someone who is struggling, or we suspect may be struggling, to maintain that delicate walk of mental balance right now. The most important role we can perform as part of our ethical conscience of humanity is convey support and understanding to them that it is OK to seek the assistance they need. That it takes immense strength and courage to take that step. That it is time to put themselves at the forefront. That it is time to be selfish.
Join the Me Generation and put your mental wellness first. Operators are standing by, your membership card is in the mail and help is just a conversation away. People who want the best for you are all around. Believe me.
Tiffany Dowling Publisher
517 Business and Life, Volume 4, Issue 8, October 2022.
517 Business and Life (USPS#020-807) is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan.
Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $22 per year for postage and handling or $38 for two years. Call 517-203-3333 or visit 517mag.com to subscribe.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 517 Business and Life, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Copyright @2022. 517 Business and Life. All rights reserved.
Editorial office: 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. 517mag.com
Publisher
Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz
Mary Gajda mary@m3group.biz
Kathryn Aspin kathryn@m3group.biz
Christopher Nagy
Contributors
Rich Adams Teece Aronin
Kyle Dowling Mary Gajda
Rich Keener
Christine MacIntyre
Metro Melik
Christopher Nagy Tedi Parsons
Omar Sofradzija
Audrey Spring Chad Hussle Kameron Chauvez
Megan Fleming megan@m3group.biz Melissa DeMott melissa@m3group.biz Devon Kirby devon@m3group.biz
Mary Gajda
Our September issue of 517 Magazine’s Perspectives column had improper quotes attributed to Steve Bakkal, chief strategist for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. We regret the error. For the revised article, visit 517mag.com/ business/perspectives/a-qa-withsteve-bakkal-chief-strategist-forthe-medc/.
Metro Melik Rich Adams
M3 Group 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933
P 517-203-3333
Subscription subscribe@517mag.com
to: 517 Magazine, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, or email info@517mag.com.
As kids get ready to head back to school, it’s important for them to be at their best physically and emotionally each day. But the challenges kids face today, add much complex to their parents. That is why I wrote the book “Brave Parent Raising Healthy, Happy Kids (Against All Odds) in Today’s World.” I hope to help wannabe Brave Parents sort out critical issues with evidence-based solutions and build actionable plans.
Here are five tips for parents to focus on as we head back to school:
• The one-finger rule with packaged goods: Kids love packaged snacks, and parents like the convenience and ease they serve as lunchbox fillers. If your child can’t cover the ingredient list with one finger (usually meaning there are more than five ingredients), ditch it. If anything in the ingredients sounds less like real food and more like a chemical additive, take a minute to Google it. You might be grossed out about additives that make this “food” not really food at all.
• Eliminate all sugary beverages: Purge them all. This includes fruit juice, sports drinks, sweetened water, sweet tea, soda and energy drinks. Sugar consumption is the root of all evil when it comes to obesity and metabolic disease stimulus. It’s not that sugar is inherently bad, because every human cell requires some for energy. But unless your kids are wrestling a gorilla or running a marathon, a little goes a long way.
• Better sleep hygiene: Design some pre-bedroom-time routines that help your children wind down. Establish a screen-time curfew. Keep your child’s room as dark as possible. Avoid scary or violent content before bed. Nix the caffeine. Drop the temperature, keeping their room cooler at night. Vigorous play and physical activity during the day is conducive to better sleep at night. Make sleep time a quiet time because even low levels of noise can rob your child of deep, restorative sleep.
• Never neglect emotional, social and cognitive health: It’s equally as important as physical health. Teach your kids how to reduce stress and worry. Help them recognize the signs of depression. Help your child develop character, grit and integrity. Show them how to overcome obstacles. Talk to them about the dangers of drugs and addiction. Teach them the importance of self-care. Most important, your first job as a parent is to love them deeply and unconditionally, something that too many kids are sadly lacking today.
• Foster a daily dose of get-up-and-go: Kids who exercise develop all elements of metabolic health — better heart and lung fitness, stronger bones, more restful sleep, emotional stability and improved cognitive function. Just as you wouldn’t think of letting your kiddo go without food, water or sleep in any given day, please start to think about daily exercise as essential for your child’s overall well-being.
Give yourself grace as you adjust to your new schedule — it will get better with time. There’s so much uncertainty in the world right now, but following these back-to-school wellness tips will help. Cheers to a new school year. You’ve got this!
BeABraveParent.com
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
Total-Health-Dentistry.com 517-694-0353
Open enrollment is a period each year where a person can purchase and apply for health insurance for the upcoming year, without a qualifying event.
Plans that have an annual open enrollment also have specific exceptions that allow enrollment at different times during the year, but there need to be extenuating circumstances, also known as qualifying life events.
This could include marriage, having a baby or adopting a child, changing jobs and aging out of a parent’s health plan.
It’s important to remember that you will not be eligible for the special enrollment period if you lost your health insurance because you didn’t pay your monthly premiums.
Questions? This is a great time to call your insurance agent for the most up-to-date advice.
Open enrollment for 2023 coverage runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 in Michigan; however, if you want to have a plan for Jan. 1, you must have your enrollment in by Dec. 15. Any plans submitted between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 would begin Feb 1.
Community life in Haslett is expected to see a boost this winter, thanks to the opening of the American House Meridian project on the corner of Haslett and Marsh roads.
Meridian Township Neighborhood and Economic Development Director Amber Clark said she is excited about a reinvigorated plaza bringing people together, similar to the scene in the area over 10 years ago.
“You could go and just hang out and eat and see your friends and see the community,” Clark said. “That’s exactly what we’re trying to bring back to that area.”
Clark said that ever since the anchor business on that corner — L&L Food Center — closed in 2011, the other tenants have slowly left, and the Haslett community has been vocal about wanting a place that provides public space, to “see and be seen.”
American House Meridian will be a mixed-use project, with commercial and retail businesses occupying the first floor and the three floors above consisting of 132 independent living units for residents ages 55 and older. Residents will be able to enjoy amenities such as a state-of-the-art theater and fitness center.
When the township talked to developers, it also stressed the need for free amenities and attractions open to the public.
“This is a unique way to handle the amenity spaces, sharing the features our residents enjoy with the Haslett community,” said Dale Watchowski, president and CEO of Redico, the Southfieldbased owner and developer of the project. “We are very excited about the project and its potential in the Haslett and Meridian Township community.”
BY RICH ADAMS
While many businesses had to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, few had to perform a triple swivel like WestPac CEO Patrick Smith.
Smith is developing the former Lake Trust building on Washington and Capitol avenues into the City View apartments. The complex will feature 172 apartments with stunning views of the cityscape. Smith said he had to change direction after losing a bid to relocate Lansing City Hall to the site, switching gears to developing office space.
“I looked at doing office space, and then COVID hit and office space was taboo, because everyone was working from home,” he said. “At that point I said the one thing that is always needed is housing.”
A market survey confirmed housing was needed to make downtown Lansing more walkable. Smith sees City View as linking downtown to REO Town.
The apartments will share a lot with the city’s proposed performing arts center, Smith added.
“I think that will bring an additional asset to our community in terms of performing arts that will also change the entire walkability dynamics of Washington Avenue,” Smith said.
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor looks forward to additional downtown housing.
“Downtown Lansing is seeing some great growth in our housing market, and more and more people are looking to live downtown. I’m excited to see so many people choosing to move here and help to activate our downtown 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Schor said. “These new apartments, along with new businesses, are another great step toward this incredible transformation.”
Base rental rates for the apartments start at $1,069 for a studio, $1,239 for one bedroom and $1,609 for two bedrooms. In addition, storage units in the common area of each floor will rent for an additional $120 per month.
There are two new restaurants to choose from on the east side of the Greater Lansing region.
In East Lansing, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is opening its first Michigan franchise on Grand River Avenue across from the Michigan State University campus.
Julia Doyle, director of public relations, touted the freshness of the food.
“All of our food is cooked to order, served hot, fresh and as fast as possible — we do not have heat lamps in our restaurants,” Doyle said. “Our chicken fingers are handmade in our restaurants every day. They are always fresh and never frozen and made from premium chicken. Our award-winning secret ‘Cane’s Sauce’ is also made daily in each of our restaurants by our managers.”
The restaurant also offers crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw and Texas toast. The 3,000-square-foot eatery will seat 65 and have a walk-up window. It is expected to open in early October.
Joe’s on Jolly is the newest addition to the Okemos dining culture, and owner Joe Goodsir said the restaurant, which seats 355, has many unique features.
“We’ll have classic shareables, and we have great salads, great handhelds, wagyu burgers that no one else in the area has, plus we have gourmet Neapolitan-style pizzas and five great entrees,” said Goodsir, who also owns Capital Prime.
An outdoor dining area behind the restaurant, Joe’s Backyard, has a variety of seating, a bar and picnic tables set up next to a firepit.
“It has a more casual feel to it, and it has two cornhole lanes,” Goodsir explained.
There’s also an indoor arcade room with seating.
“There’s nothing like it in Okemos,” Goodsir said. “Meet at Joe’s, eat at Joe’s.”
t was for less-than-ideal reasons but almost mundane when Michigan State University made headlines in 2020 as the victim of a ransomware attack that threatened the release of university personal records and financial documents.
Cyberattacks targeting large corporations and institutions are seemingly becoming commonplace as each additional level of security created brings out more intense and refined techniques to find and exploit vulnerabilities.
Yet while it’s the recognized and familiar names that typically receive the lion’s share of media coverage, it’s the smaller businesses — and even individuals — that can suffer the most harm from malware hackers.
“If they’re uninsured, it can actually take someone right out of business,” said Pam Lambropoulos, owner of Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing. “They’ll take a computer and hold it ransom. I have a friend who owns a business. Her computer
was held ransom, and it costs you a lot of money if you have to pay that ransom to get back into your computer. It can happen to a personal computer, too; but there’s a lot more information on a business computer, so the hackers are more apt to get the payout from a business.”
Having been in the insurance industry for 33 years, Lambropoulos has seen firsthand the growth in businesses seeking out cyber insurance as a form of protection.
Everyone from global organizations to mom-and-pop shops rely to some extent on technology to conduct day-to-day business, and a cyberattack can have tremendously negative ramifications on a company — not just financially from a ransom but also potential liability from the theft of thirdparty data, loss of customers and permanent damage to a brand’s reputation.
“Cyber insurance policies help cover the financial losses that result from cyber events and incidents,” according to an article in TechTarget. “In addition, cyber-risk coverage helps with the costs
associated with remediation, including payment for the legal assistance, investigators, crisis communicators and customer credits or refunds.”
At Great Lakes State Agency, roughly 80% of commercial clients purchase cyber insurance and about 70% of individual clients opt for the coverage. In a way, Lambropoulos said, cyber insurance is an extension of the coverage for identity theft that has been available for decades — just kind of an updated version reflecting the growing reliance on technology.
“Identity theft on a homeowner’s policy has been an option since I started,” she said. “Most people didn’t add it because it wasn’t as easy to steal identity then. You didn’t use your phone for everything. You went into the bank and withdrew your money. So, identity theft wasn’t as prevalent as it is now with someone hacking into your computer or hacking into your cellphone.”
While the business side of cyber insurance is about protecting the information of both the business and the customers, there
Pam Lambropoulos, owner of Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing.are additional reasons behind the coverage individuals seek out.
“When we talk to people on the personal side, if they have kids, that’s where they can get hit with cyberbullying or they may be logging in to unprotected websites and unprotected internet connections. … Cyberbullying is such as big thing now on social media and cyber protection on a home policy would cover for things like counseling if it’s needed, monitoring of the computer or relocation to a different school.”
The importance of being protected is definitely being recognized. According to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, as cyberattacks nearly doubled between 2016 and 2020, so, too, did the number of insurance clients seeking cyber coverage, up from 26% in 2016 to 47% in 2020.
“In a survey of agents and brokers in late 2020, about threequarters of them said they were seeing increasing demand for cyber coverage. … It seems likely that we will see continued increasing demand given the cyberattacks we’re seeing in the news almost every day,” John Pendleton, the GAO’s director of financial markets and community investments, said in a podcast.
Pendleton noted that the cost of coverage has been rising in recent years, but he added that may be due to the perceived risk also increasing. However, Lambropoulos said that, like any other type of insurance policy, it comes down to what you want covered. The question becomes: How much are you willing to risk losing what you have invested your life into building?
“If you’re a business that holds onto people’s information or enters people’s information into your system, you need to look into this,” Lambropoulos said. “Even if you just have a home computer, it’s something to consider. It seems minor, but people have all their photos on their computer. You don’t want to lose that. You don’t want to lose those memories. It sounds minute, but those are the things people don’t want to lose.”
Cyber insurance can cover a wide range of areas including but not limited to: money-bill-alt Legal fees and expenses. BULLHORN Notifying customers about a data breach.
Undo-alt Restoring personal identities of affected customers. Sync Recovering compromised data. tv Repairing damaged computer systems.
SHIELD-ALT Privacy and security liability.
“Cyber insurance policies help cover the financial losses that result from cyber events and incidents,” according to an article in TechTarget. “In addition, cyber-risk coverage helps with the costs associated with remediation, including payment for the legal assistance, investigators, crisis communicators and customer credits or refunds.”
Dollar-Sign Breach event expense. HAND-HOLDING-USD Breach reward expense. Business-time Cyber business interruption and extra expense.
FILE-INVOICE-DOLLAR Cyber extortion response costs. lock-open Cyber theft. Newspaper Cyber media liability.
FILE-INVOICE-DOLLAR Fines and penalties.
The Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Judges are integral to the awards each year. Not only do they spend hours reading nominee submissions, but they meet to discuss and thoughtfully approach finalizing their list of winners. It is not an easy task; but in the end, they are committed to choosing winners that play a pivotal role in business in our community. Here’s a look at the 2022 panel of judges.
Bryan Benton is an assistant manager of the Michigan chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, a trade association that represents the electrical contracting industry.
The NECA is the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. In his role with NECA, Benton negotiates labor contracts, helps resolve grievances between labor and management, and provides advice and resources to the 200 signatory electrical contractors who operate in the jurisdiction.
Benton also founded and ran his own Lansing-based electrical contracting company from 2006 to 2014. Benton holds a number of licenses, degrees and certifications in the electrical construction field.
Laurie DeBruin is founder and owner of Chrysalis Enrichment Center LLC. In addition to being a small-business owner, she is a local musician in the #517music scene, where you can find her performing on weekends.
DeBruin strives to illuminate the path for everyone’s personal healing journey. She is a firm believer that we all need a voice that is heard effectively and that will lead to our own personal path toward healing. A 1998 graduate of the University of Michigan, she received her bachelor’s degree in English education with a strong emphasis on psychology and linguistics.
DeBruin is a published author and lecturer who can be hired for corporate or small group training on many topics regarding communication, stress management, conflict resolution and self love. She is a wife and mother of three young adult sons.
Sara Dolan is the chief financial officer at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and MSUFCU’s wholly owned credit union service organization subsidiary, Reseda Group.
Dolan serves on the Ele’s Place finance committee, McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation board, the Delta Dental of Michigan board and the Renaissance Health Services Corp. board. She was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Electronic Recording Commission. Dolan is also active within the credit union industry, serving on several boards and committees, including the boards for Silvur and Spave, as well as the investment committee for Curql Fund.
Dolan recently received the 2022 Outstanding Service Award from the finance council of the Credit Union National Association, which recognizes a credit union leader who is dedicated to his or her credit union’s core values and provides exceptional support to employees, members and the community.
A member of the Gillespie Group leadership team since 1998, Rachel Michaud is the vice president of the residential and commercial real estate developer. She is responsible for both the strategic growth of the organization as well as building the team needed to do so.
Under her leadership, Michaud has built a team of directors and a support team that is focused on strategy and best operational practices that are integral to the success of each and every development.
With more than 25 years of experience and knowledge within the real estate development and management industry, Michaud has grown the company tenfold and was recognized in 2022 as a Notable Women in Construction, Design and Architecture by Crain’s Detroit Business.
Debbie Petersmark is the vice president and general manager of WILX Media, a Gray Media Group station that operates WILX-TV 10 (NBC) in Lansing, along with WILX.com and several cable channels.
Petersmark joined WILX in 2000, becoming general sales manager in 2014 and vice president and general manager in 2018. Prior to that, she spent 10 years at the Sparrow Foundation. She is a member of the board of directors for the Sparrow Foundation and currently serves as the vice chair of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters board.
Petersmark grew up in an entrepreneurial family, working alongside relatives at Holden-Reid Clothiers in Lansing. She often works with local business owners and appreciates the hard work, sacrifice and joy that come with being an entrepreneur.
A lifelong resident of East Lansing, Petersmark holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University.
Triterra, a Michiganbased environmental consulting firm, announced the addition of two new staff members.
Trenton Singer joined Triterra as a geologist. Singer acquired a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from Michigan State University while also participating in the Army ROTC and serving part time in the Michigan Army National Guard. Singer assists with the design, installation, implementation and reporting of vapor mitigation systems in response to vapor intrusion complications on contaminated properties.
Tami Haase joined Triterra as a senior industrial hygienist, working as a part of the industrial hygiene team. Haase started her career in 1987 in the industrial hygiene field by performing
air sampling for asbestos and lead while also performing building inspections. She now performs prerenovation/demolition hazardous material inspections to identify the presence of asbestos, lead, mold, PCBs and other hazardous materials. Haase also manages and oversees hazardous materials abatement to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies.
Ghannam Joins Horizon as Market President Sam Ghannam has joined Horizon Bank as the new market president for the Lansing region. He is located at 1600 Abbot Road in East Lansing.
Ghannam has nearly 25 years of banking experience, with the last years as a senior relationship manager in commercial banking. In that role, he managed and worked with businesses throughout the region to meet their banking needs, while staying connected with the various industries he served.
In his new role with Horizon Bank, Ghannam will lead a team of commercial lenders that will serve clients by providing
customer service, unique solutions and understanding of their industry needs. In addition, as the regional president of Horizon Bank, he intends on expanding the outreach of the bank in the Lansing area by looking for unique collaborative and philanthropic opportunities in the communities served.
Sparrow Ionia Hospital recently honored a highly skilled nurse and surgical team with DAISY Awards for their compassionate care, outstanding nursing skills and always putting patients first.
Emergency department nurse Amber Spitzley was named DAISY Award honoree based on a patient nomination for her attentiveness and kindness during the patient’s long stay. Spitzley has worked at Sparrow Ionia since 2018.
Tami Haase
Trenton Singer
Sam Ghannam
DAISY Award honoree Amber Spitzley
“Amber is always compassionate to each and every patient she encounters,”
said Sparrow Ionia Hospital emergency department manager Tara Lanz. “She is incredibly hardworking. Our hospital and community are lucky to have nurses like Amber.”
Sparrow Ionia surgical caregivers received a DAISY Team Award after being nominated by fellow caregivers for their support, responsiveness and exceptional care. The team is known for helping with critical events, assisting departments in need and providing education assistance, among other things.
“Our surgical team is continually prepared to support the emergency department and inpatient units during critical events,” said Lanz. “The team’s
efforts and willingness to work seamlessly with the team involved is imperative to helping us provide safe, quality care. They repeatedly exemplify teamwork.”
The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate, and skillful care given by nurses every day. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
Kate Powers has assumed the role of interim president and CEO of Ele’s Place Inc. Powers joined the organization in 2014 as the director of major and planned gifts for Ele’s Place headquarters.
DAISY Team Award
From 2015 to 2018, she served as the senior managing director of the Ele’s Place Capital Region branch. In 2018, Powers moved back to headquarters to serve as the chief operating officer and chief development officer.
Prior to joining Ele’s Place, Powers worked for more than 20 years in the nonprofit and higher education sectors as a fundraiser and administrator. Powers fills the role left vacant by the departure of Dan Layman, who has served as president and CEO since 2015. An Ele’s Place Governing Board transition team is in place to search for a permanent president and CEO to lead the statewide organization.
Great Lakes Christian College welcomed Frank Weller as its new president.
Weller is a graduate of Great Lakes Christian. He earned his master’s degree from Huntington University and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Bethel Seminary. Weller joins the staff at Great Lakes Christian College with a background in ministry and leadership.
Prior to his presidency, Weller served churches in Kokomo, Crawfordsville and Butler, Indiana, before moving to Michigan, where he became the lead minister at South Lansing Church of Christ. Weller has
also served as an adjunct professor at Great Lakes Christian in the areas of homiletics and church leadership.
Child and Family Charities broke ground on renovations to the new Jackson House. The effort marks the start of a comprehensive transformation to a portion of the former McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital site. Jackson House will serve as a safe place for teens and youth without a stable home environment.
The Jackson insurance company and its associates donated $940,000 to underwrite the cost of Jackson House.
You want your employees to get the care they need — and so do we. At Blue Cross, we work hard to provide the best coverage in Michigan. With more plan options, more efficient, higher quality care, and access to no-cost programs such as Coordinated Care Core, a Blue Cross plan adds up to smarter care and better coverage for you and your employees, so you can attract the best talent, and keep it too.
Jackson employees also volunteered their time to clean out and prepare the building for renovations.
“Jackson is grateful for its longtime partnership with Child and Family Charities and looks forward to supporting their important mission with donations and associate volunteerism for years to come,” said Danielle Robinson, Jackson’s assistant vice president of corporate philanthropy and executive director of the Jackson Charitable Foundation. “We know the meaningful impact the Jackson House will have on our community.”
Each year, Child and Family Charities serves over 15,000 individuals of all ages and needs.
Through its six divisions and 30 programs, the nonprofit organization works in partnership with companies like Jackson to address the needs of an everevolving community.
Chris Trumble has joined Horizon Bank as a customer service representative in the Okemos office at 2151 W. Grand River Ave.
Trumble has more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He has held previous positions including teller, loan officer and universal banker. In his most recent role, Trumble was a senior personal
banker where he oversaw daily branch operations.
In his new position at Horizon, Trumble will open and maintain accounts, process loan applications, and process teller transactions. He will provide product and service support to customers and businesses.
Trumble attended Western Michigan University as an elementary education major, and he completed the general management program at the University of Phoenix.
Sparrow Medical Group Charlotte 111 welcomed family care provider Dr. Leighla Smith to its team.
Smith joins providers Dr. Linda Chermak and nurse practitioners Stephanie Keilen and Elise Wildern.
The addition of Smith allows patients more access to a primary care physician, as well as greater ability to get same-day appointments and support for chronic health conditions.
Smith is a board-certified physician who embraces a philosophy of comprehensive health care for the entire family. She enjoys working with her patients to develop healthy habits
for life, including balanced diet and active lifestyle.
“I always knew I wanted to go into family medicine in order to support growing families,” said Smith, who lives in Charlotte with her husband and their two children.
Three attorneys in the Lansing office of Warner Norcross + Judd LLP have been selected for the 2023 Best Lawyers in America.
The peer-review award, which denotes legal excellence in specific practice areas, individually recognized:
• Jeffrey W. Bracken: commercial litigation, eminent domain and condemnation law, construction litigation, and environmental litigation.
• James C. Cavanagh: government relations and health care law.
• Troy M. Cumings: government relations.
The three Lansing attorneys are among a total of 108 Warner attorneys, representing more than 50 different practice areas, to be included in the 2023 list.
Chris Trumble Dr. Leighla Smith
When it comes to mental health, a lot is at stake, in personal lives and the workplace. While mental illness does not discriminate, they are primarily silent illnesses — and people often suffer in silence because of the stigma enveloping the topic.
Unfortunately, mental health is a personal issue that employees can’t easily leave at home; however, more businesses are addressing the realities of the topic.
“Businesses are starting to talk more about mental health in the workplace, but they’re playing catch up,” said Kevin Fischer, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Michigan. “I’m glad corporate America is getting involved in the conversation; but for far too long, they have not done so.”
The lengths to which mental illness takes a toll on business are far-reaching. NAMI’s statistics indicate that American companies lose $193 billion annually in earnings directly attributed to mental illness. Fischer said that is due to the tremendous effect mental illness has on productivity in the workplace.
“Most businesses don’t know that it’s that big of a burden because they don’t talk about it,” said Fischer.
While many places of employment offer employee assistance programs, they are often unknown to employees.
“Little do they talk about or make employees aware that they provide mental health services or what those services are,” Fischer said.
Some companies have initiatives dedicated to fostering change, including American Express.
“At AmEx, raising awareness around our programs and services that support colleagues on their individual health journeys is more important than ever before,” said Dr. Charles Lattarulo, director of the American Express Healthy Minds program, which prioritizes mental health and provides ample resources to employees.
Poor performance and unexplained absences are not uncommon in employees facing mental health challenges. Fischer utilizes personal experience to educate how mental illness affects employees and employers. For example, his son, diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in 2007, became the focal point for Fischer, who, at the time, held a corporate office position at a leading corporation.
“His diagnosis was very serious,” Fischer recalled.
Constant worry led to underperformance at work, and he often had to prioritize.
“I’d get a call from the university my son was attending, the hospital or law enforcement stating that my son was in the hospital because of a mental health emergency. So, I would walk off the job and drive five hours to care for my son,” he said
Until 2009, when Fischer quit his job, his employer remained in the dark.
“I received poor performance reviews and had conversations with my boss about my lack of performance, but I never told them why. It wasn’t fair to them,” he said.
Productive conversations about mental health need to become commonplace in business environments.
“We’re talking about mental health, but still not making employees feel comfortable to be open and honest,” Fischer said.
The global pandemic hindered the care of patients diagnosed with breast cancer, as it did many aspects of life.
Breast cancer treatment is an essential aspect of health care, with complex roots involving patient care, quality treatments, research, technology, innovation and more. Even COVID-19 couldn’t stop experts from facing breast cancer head-on, including the continuation of quality care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 264,000 breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women annually. Breast cancer deaths include 42,000 women and 500 men in the U.S. each year. Treatment of the disease consists of surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, radiation therapy or a combination of those. Doctors of varying specialties work together in the treatment, including surgeons and oncologists.
The Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Matthew P. Goetz is a professor of oncology and pharmacology, Erivan K. Haub professor of cancer research, enterprise deputy director of translational research, and director of Mayo Breast Cancer SPORE. He said that the significant impact that COVID-19 had on most oncology practices “was related to surgical access.”
Dr. Amy C. Degnim, Joe M. and Ruth Roberts professor of surgery at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, agreed.
“In the first few months of the pandemic, surgical access was greatly reduced,” she said.
In addition, safety was a concern across the board.
“The primary issue was that in the very early days of the pandemic, it was not clear how we could operate on patients and deliver general anesthesia in a way that would have a low risk of infection and good safety protocol for health care workers,” Degnim said.
With an abundance of caution, innovation and adapting to what was becoming “normal,” Degnim said they ironed out protocols for preoperative patient testing, and experts teased out the most optimal health care worker precautions.
“During that time, patients were assessed regarding level of urgency,” she said. “Those who needed surgery most urgently were operated on using the precautions that we had. Patients who were less urgent were deferred.
As a result, many wait-listed patients received active medical therapies for breast cancer treatment while waiting for surgery.
Those issues have eased substantially, said Goetz. After the initial effect, health care workers and surgical teams put themselves in overdrive, working “overtime to catch up and complete surgeries for all the patients who were delayed,” according to Degnim.
Currently, the pandemic has minimal impact on breast cancer care, including surgical scheduling. While preoperative COVID-19 testing is still in practice, Degnim said, “in the unlikely event that a patient does test positive for COVID, then their surgery is delayed until they are no longer infectious.”
Living in the suburbs is different than living in rural Michigan. That’s why you choose to live and raise your family in the peaceful backdrop of Michigan’s countryside. Most people don’t realize that a standard homeowners policy doesn’t protect all the unique risks that come with countryside living. A country estate policy is designed to protect you and your family from these unique risks.
Owning land comes with additional risks not associated with living in a suburb or neighborhood. Whether it’s the personal property and toys you use to explore—or if you rent your land to local farmers, you’ll want to know you have a policy that covers your circumstances.
How do I know if I’m eligible? If your annual gross income from a small farming or animal operation falls under a set limit (which varies by state), you may be eligible for this insurance.
How it works: From the equipment, outbuildings, to the animals themselves, a country estate policy covers many unique aspects to what your small farm aspirations are. Whether it’s a man cave, tool barn, or just a place for your family to enjoy life—all these aspects are important to you and your family’s countryside living.
Here are a few of the coverage benefits available on a typical country estate policy:
• Farm personal property: Farm personal property coverage generally gives you blanket protection for things like hay and grain, equipment and portable buildings, tools and supplies, and livestock. Many people buy blanket coverage or may also insure some items separately.
• Animals such as cattle, horses, mules, or donkeys; pigs, sheep or goats are covered. Keep in mind that
each kind of animal has specific coverage limits, (For example, $1,000 for horse, $500 for a goat, let’s say.) Often animals might need to be insured outside of any blanket country estate coverage.
• Outbuildings: Base homeowners insurance policies typically only cover 10 percent of your home value for all barns, sheds, fences, or other buildings that aren’t attached to your home. Country estate insurance can protect buildings you use for farming, like barns used for livestock, pole buildings used for machinery storage, and corn cribs etc. Coverage varies depending on building type and condition.
• Cargo: Cargo coverage may also be included as part of your farm personal property coverage. It protects against loss to property (like livestock) while being transported, loaded, or unloaded.
• Specialty/Decorative Fencing: Some carriers offer additional coverages for various specialty or decorative fencing such as chain link, redwood, vinyl, or small livestock loading pen or corral fence. Important to note: some country estate policies only cover specialty or decorative fences like those previously mentioned. Some carriers do not insure general farm fencing.
• Signs: Coverage may also be available for farm signs that are permanently attached to a building, freestanding and permanently anchored or portable.
Consider Country Estate Coverage: So, as you can see, country estate policies offer many unique coverages that expand or are not available on a typical homeowners policy. If you’re a hobby farmer or run a small farm on the side, country estate coverage may well be something to consider for your property. Ask if country estate coverage may be a better option for you the next time you chat with your insurance agent or financial advisor.
Credit card rewards are a great way to get the most out of everyday spending, cash back being one of the most convenient and flexible reward options.
If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few strategies you should consider to make the most out of your cash back credit card and use it to your advantage.
To start, it’s important to look for cash back credit cards that will reward you for the types of purchases you spend the most on. For example, if you spend the most money on groceries and gas, a card that offers a high cash back percentage in those categories might be a good fit for you. It’s also helpful to look for cards that offer a set amount of cash back on all other purchases that are not defined by a specific category. This will ensure that no matter what you’re buying, you will still receive some cash back in return.
Once you know what cash back credit card to look for, you can consider how to use the cash you earn. One example is to plan ahead for holiday spending. By saving your cash back rewards to your savings account, you’ll have more funds available to put toward your holiday spending.
The bottom line: Find a credit card that matches your spending habits and offers cash back on all purchases.
MSUFCU offers two types of cash back credit cards. The Credit Union’s Visa Signature® Credit Card offers a 3%, 2%, 1% cash back structure. You’ll receive 3% for groceries; 2% for gas, travel, and universities; and 1% on all other purchases. MSUFCU also offers the Platinum Plus Visa Credit Card with 1% cash back on all purchases. For more information, visit msufcu.org/visa.
Chief Marketing Officer
deidre.davis@msufcu.org | 517-333-2424
Headquarters: 3777 West Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823
DEIDRE DAVIS
MSU Federal Credit Union
BY MARY GAJDA
You’ve been publicly lauded for being so incredibly helpful to people with insurance questions whether they are or are not your client. It seems your goal is simply serving your community. What makes the people of Greater Lansing so important to you?
That’s an easy one. I grew up in the Lansing area. These are my people. And, honestly, I came from the nonprofit sector, so I am still surprised and delighted to be making more than minimum wage. It’s more a mission than a job.
What do you think one of the biggest issues facing those headed toward retirement is as it relates to medical insurance?
Overwhelmingly, the biggest issue that people are concerned with is cost and then coverage. A number of people who are under 65 say that they’ve been working only for the benefits, and we are able to find them an inexpensive medical plan based on
income. If the future retiree is over 65, they are worried about having the knowledge to make the “right choice” for Medicare coverage. Either way, we help answer their questions and send them off feeling more comfortable and prepared.
What is your best advice for helping our parents find the best rates/coverage?
Once someone is on Medicare, they should be communicating with their agent every year to make sure that they are still in the right plan. Plan costs and formularies, the list of drugs that plans cover, change every year, and we review both with our clients every fall during open enrollment. They can change plans from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, so it’s not a big window. People should reach out to their agents and ask for help reviewing.
we can have the client apply for a copay assistance card. We have been doing this for a while and have quite a few tricks up our sleeves. We can’t promise that we’re able to help in every situation, but many times we can.
As we age, it is so important to have an advocate. Check in and see if they’ve reviewed their policies recently. Find out if there are any points of concern with their current plan. CMS publishes star ratings for each plan on a five-star scale, so you can find out if the plan they have is rated well. Have a plan in place if parents can’t care for themselves, like a power of attorney, and make sure that is filed with their plans and Medicare proper.
Medicare is really great coverage. There are actually not many situations where you’re looking at catastrophic financial loss. In the rare circumstance where something does happen, there are sometimes resources that we can refer people to. The main gap in Medicare is in specialty drugs, for instance, and
Can you give an example of another thing retirees/seniors can do to get the best coverage and avoid catastrophic financial loss?
Many businesses today offer unique opportunities to get and stay healthy in the workplace. That may include a state-of-the-art fitness center, offering additional healthier options in the vending machines or lunch break walking clubs.
Companies have discovered over the past 20 years the benefits of having team members work toward and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Some of these benefits include seeing fewer sick days being used, lower insurance premiums and healthy employees putting more energy into their work.
But are we remembering there is more to being healthy than having glowing skin and a tone body?
As we work toward eating healthier, working out more and maintaining our weight, we must also have a strong focus on ensuring we are mentally fit as well. Employers should offer resources and trainings to their team that includes information on mental health. Many times, we learn of a team member’s struggle with mental health after something tragic happens (e.g., suicide attempts, workplace violence or worse) and are left thinking “What did I miss?” or “What could I have done differently?”
Understanding and recognizing that a team member may be struggling with some form of depression or mental illness is key to getting them the help they may need from a licensed and trained professional. Some signs that you or a co-worker may be suffering from depression or some other form of mental illness could be:
a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities or engaging with others, apparent fatigue or having sleep problems, changes in everyday eating habits, being angrier and more irritable, outwardly expressing negative thoughts, and a loss of confidence, to name a few.
It is important that we are mindful of not invading or overstepping into others’ personal space. We should be well trained in understanding the signs of depression and mental illness and how we might assist others in a kind, non-pushy and empathetic way. One good way to do this is for employers to ensure they can offer outside professional assistance to those who want or need it. This could include working closely with a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker, who can step in when a team member is in distress.
There are also a lot of other great resources out there for employers to offer their teams, a few include: BetterHelp.com, Mental Health America (an online guide for employees), FreeMentalHealth. us (the state of Michigan) or call 988 (a 24-hour suicide prevention). It is important to note that we should only seek and offer professional outside help if someone agrees to it.
Let’s all work together to remove the negative stigma of mental health and come together in mind, body and spirit.
Join us at theprosforum.com to learn more about how we can help your organization to grow, prosper and succeed.
of human resources professionals believe offering mental health services can boost workplace productivity.
of HR professionals believe mental health services can increase employee retention.
According to a survey by the SHRM Foundation and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.
Long-Term Care Planning Month’s mission is to create awareness among senior citizens and their caretakers to understand and prepare for the costs of health care for adults.
Care plans are developed with a nursing home resident in mind and address both medical and nonmedical concerns. It’s also helpful for someone living alone or at risk of falling.
It’s never too early to plan for senior living, assess your financial future or meet with a professional adviser. An elder-care attorney can also be very helpful.
Local elder-care attorneys include Family and Elder Law of Mid-Michigan, found online at family-elder-law.com, as well as Crenshaw Peterson & Associates at crenshawpeterson.com; Loomis Law at loomislaw.com; and Foster Swift Collins and Smith PC at fosterswift.com, just to name a few. It’s important to do your research to find the fit right for you.
You’ll also find a few great tips regarding seniors and health care coverage in our Perspectives column on page 31.
Life is busy. Responsibilities, wants and desires pull us in many directions.
The competitive struggle can be daunting. The ambition to succeed and the eagerness to please, or even make ends meet, can be suffocating. Even with all this, it’s not difficult to find a sanctuary for being calm and at peace. And that can help you live well.
After the pandemic lingered, Alexis Schneider observed that people were clamoring for connection. Through the chaos, people still wanted to be able to live well, and that’s where the story begins — in her backyard.
Schneider has a history working with people with disabilities as well as a background in mental health. However, the question she posed is, “Where do seemingly
Alexis Schneider in the transformation therapy room.
lifestyle / PLACES 34 517 The member’s Healing Lounge.
healthy people go?” It would seem that there isn’t a support group for those who have things under control but could use a little guidance along with camaraderie.
With that, Schneider purchased a bell tent and invited people to sit in a circle, allowing them to come “naked and afraid” but fully clothed. As she was hosting community campfires, she was working with people on finding ways to slow down their minds and body so that they can get back to the center. Through that experience, Schneider created Livewell, tucked away and hiding in plain sight on the east side of Lansing at 2820 Covington Court.
Services offered at Livewell include independent healing services, energy medicine, counseling, music therapy and body movement therapy along with workshops, an infrared sauna, a salt booth, a healing lounge and a community gathering space. Schneider wants to empower people to use the space so they have an opportunity to get “unstuck” from everything that weighs them down.
“Life can be busy, and the emotional layers can make you feel like you’re losing in life,” Schneider said. “At Livewell, it can help you dissolve these layers. Healing is a process. People are grateful to have found the space to have this experience with others so they wouldn’t have to feel alone. It’s helping people get back to love.”
The community gathering space for meditation and movement room with instructor Erin Meadows.
The Founder’s Space and transformation therapy room .
The infrared sauna room.
If you’re reading books about your challenges with diet, exercise, changing your mindset, your relationship with food or similar topics, you’re most likely looking to improve your health or that of someone you love.
Chances are you’ve tried everything. But you may not really understand why it is that you can’t seem to get it together.
While important to your health, the answer isn’t always completely related to diet or exercise. Did you also know mental health correlates directly to your physical health?
In laymen’s terms, you can’t fix what’s broken until you address the root cause. For many people, there is a trauma that needs to be addressed. When you are traumatized, your brain sends signals that protect you, which in turn can create chaos.
Our Good Read for the month of October is the New York Times bestseller “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk.
Van der Kolk has more than 30 years of research and clinical practice in his toolbelt and dives into why traumatized people experience intense anxiety, numbing and rage, as well as how trauma affects the control they have in life. The book helps the reader understand what trauma does to the body and how one can truly heal through a range of therapeutic interventions.
The book is available in hard copy or as an audiobook. For more information, visit besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-bodykeeps-the-score
At the very least, it can get you started on the path to better mental health and help even the score.
More than 2 million adults in the state of Michigan have a disability — this is more than one in four adults in our state (Centers for Disease Control).
As an organization fiercely dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion and that serves any and every human through unique workforce development programs and services, we’re looking forward to celebrating and highlighting people with disabilities through National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2022, happening right now throughout the month of October. We were elated to see the U.S. Department of Labor announced “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation” is the theme this year.
“A strong workforce is the sum of many parts, and disability has always been a key part of the equation,” said Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams in a press release. “People with disabilities make up a wonderfully multifaceted group. By recognizing the full complexion of our community, we can ensure our efforts to achieve disability inclusion are, in fact, truly inclusive.”
Further, it’s important to me to bring to light the unique struggles of people with invisible disabilities — especially in the
workplace. According to the Invisible Disabilities Association, “invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses or activities. Unfortunately, the very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions and judgments.”
Invisible disabilities can sometimes or always limit daily activities, depending on the person and their condition. These limitations range from mild to severe. Daily activities include work, and employers must be aware and sensitive to their employees who have disabilities — those we can see, and the ones we can’t.
Five years ago, my best friend suffered a brain injury and became one of the many with an invisible disability. I’ve seen firsthand how this impacts every facet of her work, from mental health to physical pain to nausea looking at screens. Mental health conditions are considered disabilities in the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the World Health Organization estimates the COVID-19 pandemic increased depression and anxiety cases by 25%.
This month, I encourage job seekers and business leaders alike to challenge themselves on how they perceive and treat people with disabilities, and people who may have a disability other know nothing about. Business can explore disability services and training to create opportunities for people with disabilities to be successful in your workplace through CAMW!’s partners at Peckham, Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons and Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
To learn more about NDEAM, review resources and join the national conversation, visit dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ ndeam.
Carrie Rosingana is the CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!. Visit camw.org for assistance with career exploration or staffing needs. CAMW!, a proud partner of the American Job Center Network, offers services in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties at our Lansing, St. Johns and Charlotte American Job Centers.
With 21 years of experience serving successful women and their families in the Lansing area, Stephanie uses her comprehensive approach to financial planning to provide advice for women who want to be empowered and informed as they make complex decisions about their future.
As
only
independence are core
women,
consultation.
status.
BY 517 STAFF
OCTOBER IS FOR FALL, ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS, FOOTBALL, COZY SWEATERS AND GREAT FOOD.
EVERY TIME WE PASS BY A CARAMEL APPLE IN A STORE, WE WONDER, “CAN I JUST MAKE MY OWN? WHAT’S THE TRICK TO GETTING EVERYTHING TO STICK JUST RIGHT? CAN I DO THIS WITH THE KIDS IN THE FAMILY?”
LET’S TRY IT!
• Apples, firm and semi-sweet Granny Smith, Gala or McIntosh are great choices
• Classic, store-bought caramel bits
• Your choice of milk or dark chocolate, such as Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers
• Sprinkles, chopped peanuts or even potato chips
• Craft or popsicle stick
• Wax paper, cookie sheet
If melting chocolate chips,you may need to addvegetable shortening to getthe right consistency.
Chilling your apples for a daywill help the caramel stick. Buy plenty of caramel andchocolate to cover as manyapples as you wish, an11-ounce bag of caramelsshould cover about 5 apples.
Wash your apples in warm water and dry completely. Chill in the fridge for a day.
Insert a sturdy popsicle stick into each apple and set aside.
Slowly melt your classic caramel bits with a bit of water or 2 tablespoons of milk in a sauce pan over low heat.
Once your caramel is silky smooth, working quickly, hold the apple over your saucepan and spoon the caramel over it until it’s completely covered. You could also simply dip the apple into the caramel — watch your fingers!
Set your apple on a waxed-paper-lined tray or cookie sheet and let set in fridge.
When the caramel is set, drizzle melted chocolate over the apple. You can lightly drizzle or cover the entire apple.
Before it dries, customize your apple with sprinkles, chopped nuts or anything you’d like.
Let set and enjoy! *Don’t forget safe storage in a refrigerator.
I’ve been around the block with a paintbrush … at least twice.
While I wouldn’t say I have chromophobia, I do have a deep aversion to color within my home. Rooms with any unmuted color mostly drive me to the brink of anxiety. The interesting part of this is that I love color outside of my home. Our publisher’s offices range in teal to a neon green, and I adore it. Why that is so is an enigma to me.
I have tested the waters of hues within my home for my husband’s sake. We’ve barely been in our home a year and a half, and our living room, dining room and kitchen have sported three different paint colors. I just couldn’t do it. I recently went back to my comfortable Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray, which is actually a beige, and found it calming, clean and sharp.
Needless to say, my aversion has given me plenty of experience with painting. Here are some of my favorite tips for painting like a pro.
Don’t go too cheap on your brush or rollers or paint. Not buying from the bargain bin (like I previously had done) made all the difference in this last round of painting. It resulted in less layers, more even painting and a flawless finish. A medium, 3/8-inch nap roller from Wooster worked well for me, as did a higher quality of paint.
Start with the tedious cutting in on edges one wall at a time.
Then roll the paint on to finish that wall. I found a slanted, 2-inch sash brush was most ideal for corners and edges. I slowly work my way to the edges, and I always have a damp rag handy to immediately clean up mistakes. When you switch from roller to brush, cover the paint tray with a slightly damp towel — it will keep your tools not in use from drying out.
Buy a bucket of paint rather than, say, three cans.
Multiple gallons of paint could have slight variations of color. Since my projects usually cover multiple rooms, I buy a three-gallon bucket of paint. It starts out heavy, which is the only flaw to this plan. It’s always good to have extra on hand for touch-ups.
Use a tinted primer before you paint.
It helps conceal patched areas and covers up old colors. It will also help your paint appear more vibrant.
Protect your furniture and floors.
I use canvas drop cloth for my floor, move my furniture to the center of the room and cover it with plastic.
Lastly, avoid distractions.
Put your phone aside. Play music you love — Yacht Rock for me — and allow yourself to be one with the brush. It’s all in the wrist. Up … and down. Mr. Miyagi would be proud.
Happy painting!
Will you help to brighten the path for all who come to Child and Family Charities?
To best serve families and youth, we are moving our organization to one centrally located campus in Lansing, providing a continuity of services between programs.
You, too, can Be the Light for our community by helping us raise the final $2.2 million to get us across the finish line.
BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY
PHOTO BY METRO MELIK
ust a handful of minutes outside Lansing, the loud and hectic hustle and bustle of urban life slips by and gives way to the region’s more pastoral calming beauty.
It’s in this serene setting where Yoke Farms harnesses its magic from the natural surroundings.
The health and wellness retreat and events center sits on 32 contiguous acres spread across three properties in rural Meridian Township, offering weekend and weeklong getaways as well as daylong clinics that help rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.
“Michigan is a beautiful state, and I thought this is an opportunity where we could do something here for local people,” said Yoke Farms owner Kelly Eyde. “When you talk about the quality of life that people seek but can’t really seem to put together for themselves, I wanted to extend that opportunity to our community. People can find that here without having to travel a long distance to do it.”
Booking Yoke Farms can be done a-la-carte style from the website for the business. Potential guests can reserve whatever amenities meet their needs — from massage and yoga to equine events, wine-tasting and a personal chef. The retreat house itself is a five-bedroom residence that includes everything from a wealth of quiet spaces to a gourmet kitchen and an eight-seat theater with a concession stand.
It’s about more than mental well-being,” she added. “It’s physical, mental, spiritual. On the spiritual side, when you connect with nature and animals, you start to incorporate that into your cells.HAPPY HORSES | PHOTOS BY SEELEY PHOTOGRAPHY OUTDOOR ARENA
Yet it may be the access to the outdoors that is the biggest attraction. With hiking and skiing trails and a saltwater pool available for recreationists, the property also includes chickens, peacocks, emus, dogs, cats, horses and a pond stocked with fish.
“That’s another option for people too. They don’t have to leave the property for anything,” Eyde said. “If they want to sit by the pond, I’ve got a waterfall out there with fish in the pond. They can catch and release or catch and take and eat if they wanted. I’ve got some good bass in there and some and some perch. I think I’ve got some sunfish in there, too.”
The goal of coming to Yoke Farms, she added, is finding rest and relaxation as well as making a new connection with the surroundings of nature.
“I’ve always felt that if you have a connection with nature, you are a little closer to your creator; and I feel that people are seeking that — especially during hard times,” Eyde said. “When their focus is on either their jobs or other big demands on them, they don’t have enough quiet time in their own mind to reflect.
“It’s about more than mental well-being,” she added. “It’s physical, mental, spiritual. On the spiritual side, when you connect with nature and animals, you start to incorporate that into your cells.”
The retreat and events center are just the latest additions under the Yoke Farms brand, which Eyde started in 2007, but the new amenities connect with her overall vision of living a healthier lifestyle.
“The history of Yoke Farms started about 15 years ago with my concept of incorporating good food into my living environment and then expanding on that. So, I started looking for anti-inflammatory foods or super foods,” Eyde said.
She eventually found that emu meat contains a high quality of lipoproteins and was a central part of the paleolithic diet. In addition to the meat, Eyde said that emu oil has antiinflammatory properties, and she began marketing a variety of internal and topical lotions, creams and capsules containing the oil. She has since expanded her product line on the Yoke Farms website to include everything from emu leather and peacock feathers to CBD oil and peafowl.
“The people that have given me the feedback, they’ve come to me with chronic conditions — colitis, diabetes, high cholesterol, psoriasis, celiac, acne — and all of them have been able to manage their skin or their internal condition,” Eyde said. “My website has a blog where I’ve put together a lot of factual information about the quality of the emu oil, along with some research that the medical field has been doing throughout the world.”
Opening the retreat house for extended stays and the space for special events or educational clinics was a natural progression for Eyde, who has a background in real estate as part of the Eyde development, construction and management firm familiar to residents throughout Greater Lansing.
“I did property management for about 25, 30 years. Hence the reason why I leaned into farm management, property management, here,” Eyde said. “The apartments that I managed
were sold … and I was in a comfortable spot that I could semistep away from a rigid professional life and do more for myself on the farm.”
Eyde said she sees the retreat house being used for corporate gatherings, writing or books clubs, scrapbooking groups, yoga, and more.
“When you look at health and wellness, you’re looking at a pretty broad canvas,” she said. “I think a lot of people will just be looking for something where they can get away, for something exclusive and private, and away from mainstream everything — where you’re not driving through a neighborhood or a city or anything like that, where people could peer in on them.
“My neighbors are far enough away that they would never know who’s here,” she added.
For more information on Yoke Farms, visit yokefarms.com
THE BONUS ROOM MEDITATION ROOM
For the past 15 years, an East Lansing-based nonprofit has eased the financial burdens of cancer patients enduring some of their most trying times.
Founded by Suzi Wyman and Barb McKessy, It’s a Breast Thing has awarded grants to hundreds of individuals enduring breast cancer treatment since the organization started in 2007.
“Barb and I are hairdressers, and we started it because so many of our clients have gone through it over the years,” said Wyman. “We just felt that there were so many people who fell between the cracks and needed help. We had always supported breast cancer prevention in one way or another, but we decided we wanted to kind of raise the bar and do more. That was when we decided to put together It’s a Breast Thing.”
The nonprofit hosts its signature fundraiser each October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and features a bra-decorating contest, with the 12 selected winning designs showcased in a calendar modeled by breast cancer survivors. The evening also includes health-related exhibitors and educational programming.
Throughout the remainder of the year, It’s a Breast Thing continues to fundraise and hold events, such as the large garage sale held this past August.
“We also have a big outreach group that interacts with the community through speaking engagements in the different counties that we service and work with the nurse navigators, oncology nurses, social workers,” Wyman said. “We service 19 counties in mid-Michigan. We started out with four. We also spend a lot of time working on putting together other fundraisers to support our grants.”
Initially, It’s a Breast Thing directed its donations to a variety of organizations helping breast cancer patients or working toward a cure. Today, the nonprofit directly helps individual patients through its grants.
“We incorporated in 2010 and started giving out grants in 2012. Since that time, we have given out about 550 grants,” Wyman said. “It’s helped so many people. It just warms your heart to be able to do that for people who are going through such a difficult time. In no way, shape or form do they need to let us know what they do with that money. That’s up to them to make that decision. Many of them
use it to help pay down medical bills, purchase prosthetics or wigs, for transportation to and from treatments, or for child care while they’re in treatment. We really don’t feel it’s our place to direct them as to what is important for them.”
Awarding the grants is the most personally fulfilling aspect of what Wyman does.
“Getting letters from people and different cards from people just telling you how much it has helped, what it’s done, how it’s changed their life — it just makes me feel so great to know that we’re able to help so many people,” she said.
For more information or to donate to It’s a Breast Thing, visit ItsABreastThing.org
Oct. 23
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.
Eaton Rapids Area District Library is offering kits that contain a pumpkin face magnet craft. Available first come, first served. Visit eradl.org for more information.
Cristo Rey’s 10th annual Run for Giving 5K starts at the Brenke Fish Ladder and hits the Lansing River Trail. The race is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible and a great time for all. Visit runsignup.com/Race/MI/Lansing/ CristoRey5k for more information.
This annual event happens at the Lansing Center and offers attractions, activities, trick-or-treating, character meet and greets, live entertainment, and much more. Family packages are buy five, get one free. Children under 3 enter for free. Visit how-tohalloween.com for more information.
Follow our friends at 517living.com for other upcoming events in the region.
The Mason Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Witches on the Town from 2-6 p.m. throughout downtown Mason. Put on your pointy black hat, grab your broom, and fly on over for treats and goodies from local businesses. Leave your little “monsters” at home for this bewitching event. Your registration includes a mailed packet featuring the wristband to be worn during the event, a passport of participating businesses for treats and goodies, a map of Mason, and local business coupons. Visit business. masonchamber.org/events for information.
Bring your four-legged friend to a fun-filled afternoon of trick-or-treating around downtown Mason. While the name may say trick or treat, this event is all treats for your dog. There is an $8 preregistration fee for each dog or $10 at the event. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ingham County Animal Shelter in Mason. Register at masonchamber.org
Arts Night Out 2022 Nov. 4
Head to Old Town Lansing to celebrate local artists and businesses at Arts Night Out. From live music to curated exhibits, art demos and crafts, you’re sure to find something new to love and explore. Come and meet the artists and explore that shop you’ve been meaning to step into. Visit myartsnightout.com for more information.
Head to the Lansing Center as zombies invade the Capital City. The 12th annual Downtown Lansing Zombie Walk returns with registration starting at 3 p.m. inside the Lansing Center by Exhibit Hall C. Walkers must purchase tickets to participate. Advance tickets are just $5. Visit downtownlansingzombiewalk.com for more information.
1. Publication Title: 517 Business and Life
2. Publication Number: 20807
3. Filing Date: 09/15/2022
4. Issue Frequency: Monthly
5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 10
6. Annual Subscription Price: $22.00
7. Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication and Contact Person and Phone Number: 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, Ingham County; Tiffany Dowling 517-203-3333
8. Mailing Addresses of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, Ingham County
9. Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher – Tiffany Dowling, 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933, Ingham County; Managing Editor – Mary Gajda, 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933, Ingham County
10. Owner: M3 Group LLC, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933; Owner: Reseda Group, 337 West Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823
11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None
12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months
13. Publication Title: 517 Business and Life
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: 09/15/2022
15. Part A: Extent and Nature of Circulation, Average Number of Copies of Each Issue During Preceding 10 Months:
a. Total Number of Copies: 7,014
b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution:
1. Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions: 1,761
2. In-County Paid/Request Mail Subscriptions: 5,253
3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: 0
4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS: 0
c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulations: 7,014
d. Non-requested Distribution:
1. Outside County Non-requested Copies: 0
2. In County Non-requested Copies: 0
3. Non-requested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 0
4. Non-requested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 50
e. Total Non-requested Distribution: 50
f. Total Distribution: 7,064
g. Copies Not Distributed: 25 h. Total: 7,089
i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 99.29
Part B: Extent and Nature of Circulation, Number of Copies of Single Issue Nearest to Filing Date:
a. Total Number of Copies: 6,884
b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution:
1. Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions: 1,634
2. In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions: 5,250
3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, County Sales and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: 0
4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 0
c. Total paid and/or Requested Circulations: 6,884
d. Non-requested Distribution:
1. Outside County Non-requested Copies: 0
2. In-County Non-requested Copies: 0
3. Non-requested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 0
4. Non-requested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 50
e. Total Non-requested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 50
f. Total Distribution: 6,884
g. Copies not Distributed: 10
h. Total: 6,944
i. Percent Paid and/or Request Circulation: 99.28
16. N/A
I certify that 50 percent of all my distributed copies are legitimate requests or paid copies
17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the October 2022 issue of this publication.
18. I, Lisa Truong, Operations Manager, certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/ or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).
Once considered a bit on the counterculture fringe of the 1960s and 1970s, meditation has earned a spot in the mainstream when talking about the mental, emotional and physical health of today — helping with everything from depression and high blood pressure to sleep quality and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Here are five benefits to meditation for you to sit and mull over.
Relief from the stresses of life is something everyone seeks, especially during these zany times. Harvard Medical School noted that psychological distress and fatigue skyrocketed during the pandemic. Throw in political divisiveness and social unrest, and we all could use a break. Stress reduction is one of the most common reasons people turn to meditation.
Reduced stress can translate into reduced anxiety. According to Healthline, studies have shown that meditation helped reduce anxiety in people with general anxiety disorder. On top of that, meditation may also help control job-related anxiety. Employees who used a mindfulness meditation app for eight weeks experienced improved feelings of well-being and decreased distress and job strain.
CRAVINGS CONTROL Prevention.com turned to a study from the Journal of Behavioral Medicine that found an app designed to use elements of meditation and mindfulness helped reduce cravings to snack. For 28 days, a group of overweight participants meditated for 10 minutes. At the end of the trial, they’d curbed craving-related munching by 40%.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, meditation can help people better tolerate pain. Licensed professional clinical counselor Trisha Miller noted in the article that meditation helps people to calm down and observe sensations in the body, which helps to relax and accept discomfort. “When you meditate, you are relaxing your mind and body, and that leads to the release of endorphins or ‘feelgood’ hormones,” Miller said.
An article in Forbes cited a University of California Los Angeles study showing that long-term meditators had betterpreserved brains than non-meditators as they aged. Participants who’d been meditating for an average of 20 years had more gray-matter volume throughout the brain. Although older meditators still had some volume loss versus younger meditators, it wasn’t as pronounced as non-meditators.
