517 Magazine - September 2023

517 B U S I N E S S

A N D

RISE OF THE ROBO-AGENT

A Q&A with Andrea Burns, chief underwriting officer at AF Group

AN IMPACT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

East Lansing’s Kathryn Kluzak named Educator of the Year

L I F E

LOOKING AT THE INSURANCE LANDSCAPE WITH ADAM GILROY

PLUS! The importance of an insured workforce Five insurance policies you didn’t know existed September 2023

Notable news and more!

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publisher’s note

I

Human Touch Helps Ensure Insurance Confidence

n an odd way, an insurance agent is a little bit like a police officer.

On the one hand, when one shows up on your doorstep, it’s a fairly good indicator you’re having a bad day. On the other hand, you always want one around when you need them most. And, of course, they both are duly sworn to serve and protect.

There are a lot of outside forces putting a strain on the insurance industry in recent months — skyrocketing rates due to inflation, the risks and bad actors that come with the use of artificial intelligence in the industry, and an irresponsible TikTok trend that caused several major providers to drop automotive coverage on certain vehicle models this year.

We’re looking at a variety of issues throughout the insurance industry in this edition of 517 Magazine because it’s relevant and hyper-local since many of the big players in the field call Greater Lansing home, but also because it’s a topic in which not many people outside that arena have a deep understanding.

That last point is why having an actual living, breathing insurance agent at your side is so important.

By design, insurance is meant to protect you financially in the event of the unfortunate and unforeseen, but it is also a complex and unwieldy beast that bucks the one-size-fits-all approach. Just as you are likely proud of your unique individuality, your insurance requirements are similarly unique and need to be personally tailored to you.

A licensed and reputable insurance agent is going to offer expert knowledge and guidance in the untamed insurance landscape that will offer you the choice, value and service to provide you with the protections that best suit your specific needs. Plus, they serve as advocates and advisers who adapt with you as your needs change throughout life.

We have grown comfortable as a society to the ease of having all our wants and needs just one click away — and efficiency and convenience are certainly not always bad things. However, there are some circumstances in life where the rewards of having peace of mind are worth a little more time, effort and patience.

In the long run, a little bit of the human touch is irreplaceable and indispensable.

Tiffany Dowling Publisher

Special thanks to Pam Lambropoulos of Great Lakes State Agency who served as an adviser on this issue of 517 Magazine.

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517 Business and Life, Volume 5, Issue 7, September 2023.

Publisher Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz

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.

Managing Editor Mary Gajda mary@m3group.biz

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.

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

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Paid advertorials appear in 517 Business and Life, including print and other digital formats, and are marked with the words Special Advertisement. 517 Business and Life does not endorse or evaluate the claims made by the special advertisements and views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or owner.

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Chief Strategy Officer Shelley Davis Boyd Senior Creative Visionary Kathryn Aspin kathryn@m3group.biz Lead Editor Christopher Nagy Editor Stacy Bogard Contributors Rich Adams Stacy Bogard Kyle Dowling Mary Gajda Christine MacIntyre Metro Melik Christopher Nagy Tedi Parsons Omar Sofradzija Graphic Designers Audrey Spring Kameron Chauvez Account Executives Megan Fleming megan@m3group.biz Kim York kim@m3group.biz Photographers Mary Gajda Metro Melik M3 Group 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933 P 517-203-3333 Subscription subscribe@517mag.com

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contents

Sept. 2023

Lifestyle feature: Kathryn Kluzak

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In Good Times and Bad

An Impact that Lasts a Lifetime

Looking at the insurance landscape with Adam Gilroy

East Lansing’s Kathryn Kluzak named Educator of the Year 517 5

contents

On the cover: Adam Gilroy

business SNAPSHOT 8 AREA A Snapshot of Local Business News Affecting the 517

TRENDS 15 BIZ We’ve Got You Covered NEWS 16 NOTABLE Professional Highlights from the 517 Region

20 STATE/NATIONAL A Brief Look at State and National News Affecting our Region

THE RECORD 22 ON Working With an Insurance Agent 101 TIPS 23 BIZ And the Award Goes to ...

27 Rise of the Robo-Agent PERSPECTIVE

lifestyle 30 PLACES A Memorable Impression

Science center lets kids open their minds

HELPERS 32 HOME Waste Not, Want Not

Habitat for Humanity ReStore helps homeowners save

READS 38 GOOD ‘Aging Optimally’ Part 1

41 RECIPE Imitation as Flattery

Copycat Fuji apple chicken salad

43 NONPROFIT Good Times and Great Friends at Ethel’s Place

44 PLAY Visit 517living.com for More Lansing-Area Activities

DEPARTMENTS

2 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 45 WRAP UP

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AREA SNAPSHOT p.8 BIZ TRENDS p.15 NOTABLE NEWS p.16 STATE/NATIONAL p.20 ON THE RECORD p.22 BIZ TIPS p.23 PERSPECTIVE p. 27

DO YOU NEED UMBRELLA INSURANCE? STANDARD LIABILITY COVERAGE MAY NOT HELP YOU WEATHER ANY STORMS You wouldn’t head out into a rainstorm without an umbrella. The same applies to protecting your assets in case you are found liable for an incident.

Commercial umbrella coverage gives your business extra protection to keep your business covered in the event your standard liability insurance isn’t enough.

For example: •

A customer trips and falls in your retail space.

•

Your product causes injuries requiring hospitalization.

•

An employee sues, and you are found negligent.

Is a personal umbrella policy just as important? It may be — accidents happen. A personal umbrella policy provides coverage over and above your standard homeowners and auto insurance policies.

Property damage, certain lawsuits and liability situations could cause a devastating outcome to your financial situation.

Make sure you speak to your agent about whether an umbrella policy is the right move for you.

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business / AREA SNAPSHOT

A snapshot of local business news affecting the 517

TOSCANA OFFERS WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE FOR EVERYONE

BY RICH ADAMS

A little bit of Tuscany has come to Greater Lansing, and it is impressive out of the gate.

Local foodies and wine lovers can find a comfortable landing space at Toscana, a newly opened Italian restaurant in the Red Cedar Development project off Michigan Avenue in Lansing.

The restaurant offers a wide wine selection and fresh, authentic Italian dishes. There is an attractive dining space for more formal date nights, a casual hangout section for wine tasting, a patio with a firepit for those who prefer the outdoor experience and valet parking.

“We’re working really hard on our wine selection,” said general manager Eric Weber, pointing to self-serve wine dispensers. “We use argon gas to keep the wine fresh and sealed, so every wine pour is like fresh wine.”

The self-serve dispensers use a pre-loaded card and will dispense wine in 1-, 3- and 6-ounce pours.

“So, it’s a sip, half or full glass of wine,” Weber said. “This gives people a chance to try things that might be out of their normal range.”

In addition to a variety of fresh pasta dishes, Toscana’s selections feature premium steaks and seafood and perfectly chilled cocktails.

Weber said he is working with Fairway Meat Packing in Detroit to keep the supply local.

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The restaurant offers a “pick-your-steak-at-the-table” service, according to a news release, and has live entertainment and a variety of decadent desserts.

Toscana’s ambiance is garnished with an amazing number of plants, all provided by Lansing’s The Plant Professionals.

“We’re bringing in a massive amount of live plants, both in the interior and patio area,” Weber said. “We’ve just filled every nook and cranny with live plants.”

The main dining room accommodates about 300 people. There is a private room for meetings or parties that can be set in a variety of formats and can include a private bar as well. The room opens onto a private terrace.

“That’s something nobody offers,” Weber said. “You rent a private room, you get a private patio as well.”

The restaurant also features a market area where diners can purchase their favorite wines and Toscana-branded items, such as wine corks, aerators and wine bags.

With parking being at a premium in the Red Cedar Development, Toscana wants the parking experience to be worry-free with a valet option. Diners will drop their vehicles off at the entrance and a thirdparty valet service will take it from there, Weber explained.

business / AREA SNAPSHOT

MSU LEADS GRANT TO MAKE AI MORE RELIABLE AND USEFUL WHILE TRADER JOE’S IS IN LIMBO, OTHER PROJECTS SPRING TO LIFE

BY RICH ADAMS

The long-awaited Trader Joe’s project will apparently continue to be long-awaited.

The project, first announced in 2021, has moved in slow motion after demolition of existing buildings on the Grand River Avenue site took place in early 2022. After supply chain issues, the developer’s building permits expired in the spring.

“There have been no new permit applications,” said Tim Schmitt, Meridian Township director of community planning and development.

While that might come as bad news for some, it doesn’t mean business growth has become stagnant elsewhere in the Lansing region.

Meat on the West Side is a butcher shop at 315 S. Bridge St. in Grand Ledge that opened in the spring. Ron West, who has been in the meat trade for 40 years, owns the business, said Chris Brady, who was staffing the cash register.

Brady said an opportunity arose to rent space from Flour Child Bakery and Café. After six months of planning and filling the space with coolers and freezers, Meat on the West Side opened.

“Business has been great,” she said. “We have had no complaints.”

In Dimondale, Nurture Studio opened its doors in July at 257 S. Bridge St., offering “adaptable,” yen and vinyasa yoga.

Owner Bri Goodyear Luginbill said yoga has helped her maintain movement while dealing with a chronic illness, BeckwithWiedemann syndrome.

“I have a rare disease that affects my muscular skeletal system,” Luginbill said. “I tried to find something to help me not have to go back and forth to the doctor’s office. Yoga is really helpful in helping me realign when I get out of alignment.”

Her goal is to focus on people with movement issues through gentle movement and working on muscle strength.

BY 517 STAFF

Before taking over the world, the machine uprising will first have to go through a team at Michigan State University.

The Office of Naval Research within the U.S. Department of the Navy has awarded a $1.8 million grant to Parisa Kordjamshidi and her colleagues to make interactions with artificial intelligence more reliable and transparent to build consumer confidence.

Kordjamshidi, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Computer Science and Engineering, is working with fellow MSU assistant professors Yu Kong and Vishnu Boddeti as well Dan Roth from the University of Pennsylvania.

“Every day, these AI models impress us, but we’re still not sure how trustworthy and reliable they are,” Kordjamshidi said in a news release. “Even when they provide the right answer, they might be right for the wrong reasons. We need to know what is their line of reasoning. That’s not very clear right now, and that’s the challenge.”

The team is working to help AI understand natural, everyday human language — rather than computer code — and put that understanding to work in following human instructions for navigating a realistic environment. The goal is to help AI better process a range of inputs such as text, images and video to make human interactions with computer systems more powerful and seamless — with a longer view to enable advances in a variety of applications, including education, navigation and multimodal question-answering systems.

“We want to be able to connect this to the real world, to physical environments,” Kordjamshidi said. “Even if an AI system is 70% reliable, that wouldn’t be high enough for many serious realworld applications.”

The core of the team’s idea is to combine modern algorithms with an earlier approach to AI that started rising to prominence in the 1980s. Now known as classical or symbolic AI, these algorithms worked to teach computer systems explicit forms of reasoning and logic.

However, symbolic AI systems could not scale up with realworld complexity and weren’t robust enough to handle noisy or incomplete information, Kordjamshidi said.

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FEATURE

IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD LOOKING AT THE INSURANCE LANDSCAPE WITH ADAM GILROY

BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA

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FEATURE ou could say insurance is Adam Gilroy’s intrinsic inheritance.

Gilroy’s late father, Nelson, started Capital Insurance Services in 1980, and Gilroy has been in the game 24 years. His mission, and favorite part of the job, is to serve others and know they are protected.

To say it’s been a challenge these past several years would be an understatement.

Between his father — and mentor — passing and then the pandemic and resulting inflation causing a bit of mayhem in the industry, things haven’t always been easy.

However, Gilroy remains steadfast in his mission and has no plans to stop doing what he is doing. His goal now is to educate the public that things are a little bumpy, and there is no choice but to ride it out with some advice from your agent.

Insurance is not a topic in which the general public is well-versed. In fact, the insurance industry is feeling a bit of blowback from customers who feel the rising rates are simply an effort to profit.

A toxic stew of inflation, supply chain issues, growing weather-related calamities and more have increased the cost of disasters big and small — and those costs are being covered by premium hikes seen by homeowners, automobile drivers and businesspeople alike.

“When you’re talking property coverage, across the board — commercial or personal — inflation is causing that, supply issues are going to be causing that and climate change … bigger storms and wildfires,” said Gilroy, president of Capital Insurance Services in Lansing.

Inflation + Supply Chain Issues = Costly Repairs In June, CNN reported that insurance rebuilding and replacement costs grew by 55% from 2019 to 2022. That trend has persisted: A reconstruction cost analysis report from Verisk Analytics found that commercial reconstruction costs jumped by nearly 6% from July 2022 to the same month this year.

“Because of inflation, it inflates even the insurance premiums because to repair a

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Because inflation and the cost of goods has gone up, the cost of repair is going up, so the insurance carriers have to offset and increase their rates.

house, lumber is a lot more expensive than it was five years ago,” according to Gilroy.

Same with commercial property coverage: “When there’s damage done to a building, it’s going to be like your home insurance,” he said. “Because inflation and the cost of goods have gone up, the cost of repair is going up, so the insurance carriers have to offset and increase their rates.”

Inflation is blamed as the primary culprit in an average auto insurance policy costing nearly 14% more at the start of this year than at the beginning of 2022, according to CBS News, citing a Bankrate study.

Supply chain issues play a role there too.

“You have a car that two years ago or five years ago we could have gotten fixed in 30 days, and now it’s taking 60-90 days, waiting on parts that are on backorder” and driving up related costs, according to Gilroy.

Sharing ‘A Pool of Risk’ That’s Getting Riskier Then there is the growing scale and scope of natural disasters. That prompted State Farm to halt issuing new property

FEATURE

and casualty policies in wildfire-stricken California after suffering losses there of $4 billion in 2021 alone, according to CBS News.

“In mid-Michigan, we don’t have all those catastrophic events. We’re more fortunate,” Gilroy said. “But in the overall industry, those are important things to know about and see.”

And, yes, calamity in the Golden State can impact premium costs in the Great Lakes State. How? Think of what insurance is in the first place.

“It’s a pool of risk. If you’re with State Farm, those losses in California are affecting their costs — and they need to gain revenue because of that,” Gilroy said.

In the medical arena, Gilroy noted that malpractice insurance rates are being spurred by “frequency and severity” of claims: More claims are being made, and exorbitant jury awards are more common.

“But that’s just in one little niche of the commercial space,” he said.

What Can You Do? Here Are Some Ideas While inflation and supply chain problems are expected to ebb, you don’t have to wait for costs to come down. While

suggested strategies to tackle premium hikes can be very industry specific, there are some general rules you can follow, especially with personal policies: Save claims for the bigger losses.

“Don’t treat your insurance policy like a maintenance policy. It’s more for catastrophic events,” Gilroy said. “Let’s say all your patio furniture gets blown off in a storm and you put a claim in with a $1,000 deductible and your furniture was worth $2,500. You get $1,500. That’s not worth it.”

Do preventive maintenance. Just like proper exercise and diet can preempt medical problems, taking care of property can prevent claims from even happening.

“People have ice dam claims where the ice breaks up the roof and starts leaking into the house,” Gilroy said. “Do the maintenance involved to insulate the house correctly, so you don’t have little claims like that.”

Use an agent. A trained, licensed and experienced agent can help policyholders create a customized policy tailored to their exact needs, as opposed to self-selecting an off-the-rack policy that may not reveal its shortcomings until a claim is submitted.

“Your average Joe going out there and choosing their own coverage will probably pick the lower ones because they’re just looking for a cheap premium, and that could bite them in the long run.

They might not have the right coverage in place,” Gilroy said.

Although the insurance industry has been standing against strong headwinds as the ripples from the past few tumultuous years continue to subside and quiet, it’s simply the nature of an unpredictable world.

This, too, shall pass — as it always has.

In the meantime, Gilroy is staying the same course and following the same objective: Ushering his clients through both the good times and the bumps in the road ahead.

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Book a bra fitting if any of this is new information — perhaps for her and yourself! Neither of you will regret it.

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business / BIZ TRENDS

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED FIVE INSURANCE POLICIES YOU DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY Home. Car. Life. Health. Everyone knows and has insurance coverage for the staples of day-to-day living. However, the insurance industry runs deep, and there are policies out there that protect you for the events that you never even considered. Here’s five of them, ranging from the practical to the odder end of the spectrum.

KEY PERSON INSURANCE This is a policy purchased by a company covering the life of an owner or key individual who is considered crucial to the operation. In the event of the death of that person, the policy provides the necessary funding to continue forward while a suitable replacement is found or a new business strategy is developed. Another business-smart policy to look into is a buy-sell agreement.

KEY PERSON INSURANCE This is a policy purchased by a company covering the life of an owner or key INSURANCE BICYCLE individual who is considered crucial Cycling is a to growing trend, can be extremely expensive and sometimes is even a the operation. In the event the death Bicycle insurance can provide peace of mind on the road or trail, bitof dangerous. of that person, the policycovering provideseverything the from theft and damage to crash protection on virtually anything necessary funding to continue on twoforward wheels. Coverage can include road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, while a suitable replacement is found or triathlon bikes, commuter bikes, trikes and more. It puts power in your pedal. a new business strategy is developed.

Another business-smart policy to look into is a buy-sell agreement.

CONTEST INSURANCE According to U.S. Hole in One, which provides insurance for hole-in-one contests for golf outings and tournaments, contest insurance or contest prize coverage “is a contractual agreement that mitigates the risk involved in offering a large prize for a contest.” Instead of keeping large cash reserves, promoters pay a premium to an insurance company to cover contests that have low odds of success.

COLD FEET INSURANCE Yup, it’s for exactly what you think it is. Also called a change-of-heart policy, it can protect against reluctant grooms or runaway brides. But it does require foresight.

In order to get back those deposits, the claim must be made 365 days before the wedding. And only the financially invested party other than the bride and groom is eligible for the policy. Sorry, jilted lovers.

GHOST INSURANCE Having a haunting by an entity that isn’t as friendly as Casper? The U.K.-based specialty insurance provider Ultraviolet has a policy called “spooksafe insurance” that protects from the paranormal and supernatural — and not just ghosts and poltergeists but vampires and werewolves too! Plus, if you want to cover all your bases, you can also get alien abduction insurance. Because the truth is out there. Way out there.

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business / NOTABLE NEWS

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 517 REGION First National Appoints Board Member First National Bank of Michigan appointed Rachel Michaud to its board of directors.

“We are pleased to welcome Rachel Rachel Michaud to the First

National Bank of Michigan board,” said Daniel Bitzer, president and CEO of First National Bank of Michigan. “Rachel’s extensive experience in real estate, commercial construction, marketing, sales and management will be invaluable to FNBM as we continue to grow our business and pursue our mission to serve our local communities.”

Michaud is the vice president of Gillespie Group in Lansing. Her responsibilities include oversight of all day-to-day business operations of Gillespie

Group, all leases, overall asset management and equity services.

Moerland Named to NSBA Leadership Council Dr. Deborah Moerland, owner of FirstLight Home Care of Greater Lansing and Brighton, was recently named to the National Small Business Association Leadership Council.

The NSBA is the nation’s oldest smallbusiness advocacy organization. Moerland joins the NSBA Leadership Council

Our business is caring for yours.

ews our n COM y t i bm AG.

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alongside other small-business advocates from across the country as they work to promote the interests of small businesses to policymakers in Washington, D.C. “As a small-business owner, I see daily the importance of being involved and active when it comes to laws and regulation,” said Moerland.

Bowers Named Vice President at CMS Energy CMS Energy and its principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy, announced Holly Bowers as vice president of gas engineering Holly Bowers and supply.

Bowers fills the vacancy from the retirement of Dennis Dobbs and will be responsible for overseeing the company’s natural gas engineering and supply teams that provide safe, reliable energy service to 1.8 million gas customers.

Bowers previously served as the executive director of operations compliance and controls for Consumers Energy. She joined the company in 1998, has more than 25 years in the company’s gas business and has worked in multiple areas.

Addiction Medicine and Gynecology Practice Opens in Okemos Connected Health, a new addiction medicine and comprehensive gynecology practice, opened its doors and began accepting patients in July.

The practice was founded by Dr. Lori

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Burke and Dr. Jennifer Hoffman.

Working together as obstetriciangynecologists, Burke and Hoffman found there was a lack of information and general uneasiness for treating opioid use disorder in pregnant women. They dedicated themselves to learning more about the specialty of addiction medicine to provide seamless and objective medical care throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum.

MSUFCU Receives Marketing Awards Michigan State University Federal Credit Union has received two national awards for its creative results in marketing.

In 2022, the credit union created a branded wrap for a Capital Area Transportation Authority bus that drove through the MSU campus throughout

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business / NOTABLE NEWS ews our n COM y t i bm AG.

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October and November. The design aimed to promote MSUFCU’s brand awareness among MSU students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.

The MSUFCU campus bus wrap won two awards for outdoor design: the Credit Union National Association Diamond Award and the Marketing Association of Credit Unions Gold Award.

Sports Authority Names Powers as Events Manager The Greater Lansing Sports Authority named Barbara Powers as its new sports events manager.

“Barbara is bringing more than Barbara Powers 10 years of sports industry experience to the GLSA,” said Meghan Ziehmer, executive director of the GLSA. “I’m excited to have her on the team and see her contribute to the GLSA’s mission to be the leading voice of sports tourism in Greater Lansing.”

Prior to joining the GLSA, Powers worked for seven seasons in hockey operations at Michigan State University.

McLaren Karmanos Institute Named a Center of Excellence The Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing has been accredited by the American College of Radiology as a Center of Excellence. Staff, equipment, treatment planning and chart reviews, as well as patient safety policies and quality control, are all among the criteria assessed by the college.

“My role is to ensure, on the backend, that the treatment plan that has been created

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for the patient is of the highest quality and safety and meets all best practices,” said Michael Huberts, Karmanos Cancer Institute lead medical physicist.

The three-year accreditation recognizes that the Karmanos Cancer Institute’s radiology treatments are carefully planned and precisely delivered by a team of experts using state-of-the-art equipment to meet specific goals for their individual needs.

So Appointed Chair of Member Selection Committee Kester So, a member in the Lansing office of Dickinson Wright, was appointed chair of the Member Selection Committee of the American College of Bond Kester So Counsel.

So specializes in municipal finance, where he has served as bond counsel or underwriter’s counsel on a wide variety of bond issues, including but not limited to bonds for health care, public power, higher education, transportation, unemployment insurance and more.

Mayberry Homes Named ‘Housing Giant’ Mayberry Homes has been named a “Housing Giant” by Professional Builder magazine for the fifth consecutive year.

The magazine ranks homebuilders by total revenues in the previous year, listing the top 240 in the nation.

Mayberry ranks 231st on the list based on more than $46 million in revenues for the sale of 116 homes.

“To be named among the nation’s top builders by Professional Builder

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demonstrates the value of our homes and our communities within the Greater Lansing area,” said Robert K. Schroeder, the company’s president.

Eikey Joins Triterra Triterra, a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm, announced the hiring of Erik Eikey as an industrial hygienist and a member of Erik Eikey the company’s industrial hygiene management services team.

Eikey conducts hazardous material surveys to identify the presence of asbestos, lead and mold within building materials. He also conducts on-site air monitoring during asbestos abatement jobs to ensure worker safety and ensure that rules and regulations are followed.

Eikey has over five years of experience working in all aspects of industrial hygiene.

He attended Michigan State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in geology.

Public Relations Firm Announces New President Piper & Gold has appointed longtime Chief of Staff Cassie Cotton as the agency’s inaugural president.

Kate Snyder, the founder and CEO, remains in the Cassie Cotton CEO role.

This appointment marks a significant milestone for Piper & Gold, as it welcomes the company’s first president in its 11-year history.

repairs, medical bills, or major home repairs. It also can be used to temporarily cover your bills should you become unemployed or otherwise lose income.

A common rule of thumb is to have an emergency fund that can cover three to six months of expenses. To determine how much you need, calculate your living expenses including mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, and vehicle costs.

Then, set an attainable goal and build from there until you can cover your living expenses for at least three to six months.

Every September, we observe National Preparedness Month to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for unexpected emergencies that could impact you physically and financially. To help reduce stress and the chance that an accident put you in debt, now may be a good time to start saving for a rainy day.

Set Up An Emergency Fund An emergency fund is one way to help you achieve financial security and establish peace of mind when life’s unexpected events occur, such as car

MSUFCU offers a Savings BuilderSM account designed to help you build your savings faster so you’ll have it when you need it

most. Unlike traditional savings accounts, Savings Builder pays you more on your initial deposits.

Refinance To Save Another strategy is to refinance your auto or mortgage loan, which could potentially save hundreds or thousands of dollars over your loan term. MSUFCU offers low-interest rates when refinancing your loans, allowing you to put more savings toward your emergency fund.

Keeping your finances in good order during tough times can be difficult, but there are strategies to take, and help is available. It’s important to evaluate your unique situation and then take the steps needed to make sure you stay on the right financial path.

business / STATE/NATIONAL

A BRIEF LOOK AT STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS AFFECTING OUR REGION

THE IMPORTANCE OF AN INSURED WORKFORCE

BY CHRISTINE MACINTYRE

The Medicaid eligibility process has restarted nationwide, and how this redetermination impacts employers is crucial.

While the number of employees transitioning from Medicaid to employer-sponsored health insurance coverage may result in higher premiums for employers, the coverage benefits surpass the alternative — employees forgoing coverage altogether.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, hundreds of thousands of Michiganders stand to lose coverage throughout the staggered deadline reenrollment timeline. Michigan’s Medicaid programs cover more than 3 million residents — a number that skyrocketed in part due to the previous public health emergency. However, MDHHS will reevaluate these participants’ qualifications in batches through May 2024 via beneficiaries’ completion of paperwork detailing income and items that help determine eligibility.

Common reasons for ineligibility include failure to return completed paperwork by the deadlines and surpassing the

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income threshold. Losing health insurance coverage can feel like a crisis for many individuals, but knowing they have employer support can ease the burden and make navigating their options less daunting. Employees who are unsupported and left in the dark about these changes and their options are more likely to fall through the cracks, leaving them uninsured.

According to UnitedHealthcare, the negative implications resulting from uninsured employees include “worse health outcomes, increased absences from work, decreased productivity and, ultimately, higher overall costs for an employer,” since uninsured individuals “are less likely to seek or receive care, especially preventative care.” The fact that uninsured individuals are a major injury or illness away from a true crisis, potentially affecting people’s lives and finances, means employers should proactively assist employees in navigating the health care reform as it evolves.

Communication and transparency are vital components in ensuring employees stay covered. Employers must be diligent in ensuring employees are informed about employersponsored health insurance options. Employers should encourage employees who are Medicaid beneficiaries to update their contact information on the MI Bridges website; remind employees to fill out and return renewal packets on time; inform employees of employee-sponsored coverage options and applicable special enrollment periods; and inform employees that high-quality, affordable coverage is available at healthcare. gov. Many Michiganders can purchase plans for less than $10 per month.

“Michigan employers can play an important role in helping their employees stay healthy, engaged and on the job by communicating about the eligibility redetermination process with those who may be affected,” said Laura Hall, communications director for the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox agreed, stating that employers should share important information with employees about both the process and other coverage options should they lose Medicaid coverage.

Michigan.gov/staycovered offers “a toolkit with sample newsletter content and social media that employers can use to share this information,” said Hall.

TIKTOK TREND CAUSES AUTO THEFT MAYHEM

BY CHRISTINE MACINTYRE

A viral TikTok trend that led to an uptick in car thefts nationwide highlights people bypassing vehicle security features and starting cars, namely Kia and Hyundai models, with a screwdriver and USB charger.

The thieves who initiated the trend by posting videos promoting their exploits utilized the hashtag “Kia Boys.” While subsequent videos posted by some social media users were meant to warn others of the potential hazards, the flood of videos spurred people to embark on carjacking endeavors.

Unfortunately, the trend was not victimless. Vehicle owners fell prey to auto insurance disruptions as insurance companies in some states attempted to deny or limit auto coverage for these vehicles deemed vulnerable to theft.

“Our new bulletin clearly states that such actions are not allowed in Michigan,” Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox said in a statement.

Only specific makes and models of 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles that use a mechanical key, not a key fob and button, are targets. After witnessing the ease and quickness with which the thieves performed the crime, law firms nationwide filed class-action lawsuits citing manufacturer defects. According to the Associated Press, Hyundai and Kia agreed to a $200 million settlement to assist vehicle owners with out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the theft of their vehicles.

Pam Lambropoulos, insurance agent and owner of Great Lakes State Agency, said customers were concerned. Insurance companies had to act quickly “to see how best to handle the situation.” She said that Kia and Hyundai, “to their credit, came out with a fix quickly and seemed to communicate well with the owners of the vehicles to let them know what they were doing for them.”

Michele Tinson, senior manager of product and safety public relations at Hyundai Motor North America, said the company has taken comprehensive action to ensure vehicle security and provide customer reassurance. Efforts include: •

Making engine immobilizers standard on all vehicles produced as of November 2021.

•

Development of software upgrades to equip vehicles with an ignition-kill feature.

•

Free anti-theft software upgrades to the nearly 4 million vehicles involved.

•

The launch of a website dedicated to the generation of consumer awareness for software upgrades and eligibility.

•

Initiation of reimbursement programs for the purchase of steering wheel locks.

•

Free steering wheel locks to law enforcement agencies across the country for distribution to local residents who own or lease the affected vehicles.

•

Collaboration with AAA insurers on a program to offer insurance options for affected owners and lessees.

Nationally, Hyundai is at 15% completion.

“Hyundai has distributed more than 80,000 steering wheel locks to more than 650 law enforcement agencies. All software available for all affected vehicles has been released,” said Tinson.

Efforts across the board — including those of manufacturers, law enforcement, insurance agencies and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — are ongoing to thwart carjackers and thieves.

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business / ON THE RECORD

WORKING WITH AN INSURANCE AGENT 101 ON THE RECORD WITH BRIAN SONGER OF THE BARRY & SONGER AGENCY

BY STACY BOGARD

Being an insurance agent is much more complex than you would think. It’s almost like being a forensic researcher, counselor, psychic and more rolled into one. Expecting an agent to provide a quote from only an email or based on paperwork from another agency would be a disservice to them and to you.

Taking the time to really get to know potential and existing clients and their needs is integral to how Brian Songer, co-owner of the Barry & Songer Agency, does business. The agency, which writes through Farm Bureau Insurance, has been operating in Lansing since 2002. From the “basics” of home, life, auto and commercial to more specialized needs like farm, directors and officers, and disability, there’s really nothing that Songer; his partner, Tim Barry; and their team can’t do.

“While each of us needs insurance protection, our needs are unique, and the best way to help is to understand those needs,” Songer said.

He achieves this by sitting down with each client, going through worksheets to guide the process and simply having a conversation.

“We find out what their exposure is and what their needs are to present the best proposal and options,” he said.

“There’s an impression that insurance is a blanket that covers all — and it really doesn’t,” Songer added. “You can buy every type of insurance in the book, and there are still going to be some things that

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you’re not covered against; but we can look at your biggest exposures, make sure that we’re on the same page and you can make an informed decision about what coverage to go with.”

Some unique examples are if you have employees who are driving their own cars for work — you really should have hired and non-owned auto coverage. Or, what to consider if you have employees working remotely in other states as workers’ compensation is state-specific. Or, what about loss of business income?

“Most people tend to really zero in on property — vehicles, buildings, tools, etc. — that may be lost in a fire or other catastrophic event, but it’s also important to consider other scenarios when your business is out of commission for an undetermined amount of time,” Songer said. “How are you going to pay your mortgage? How are you going to pay your employees? We try our best to walk clients through situations they might not consider.”

In addition to the services provided through the agency, staff make a concerted effort to give back to the surrounding community. They are actively involved in the Kiwanis Club of Lansing, Loaves and Fishes Ministries, and the Agent Charitable Fund of Michigan, among others.

“Similar to how we approach helping our clients, the goal of our work in the community isn’t because it’s good advertising or gets our name out there, but because it’s the right thing to do,” Songer said.

business / BIZ TIPS

AND THE AWARD GOES TO ...

REWARDING SOCIAL JUSTICE WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION

BY TEDI R. PARSONS PRESIDENT AND CEO, 2B INCLUSIVE LLC

The 2023 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards coming Oct. 5 is an opportunity for individuals and businesses to be recognized and honored for their entrepreneurial giving spirit and the great work they are doing, which is having a positive impact throughout the Greater Lansing region.

You, too, can create an opportunity to recognize those in your organization who are changing the culture and shifting the needle through their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Sometimes we may forget the important work taking place within our organizations that focuses on DEI. Perhaps this is due to not enough exposure, or perhaps it’s because DEI does not bring in revenue. However, when it’s done right, it can save organizations thousands of dollars annually through attraction and retention efforts because it creates a space and place where team members feel valued and seen, meaning they elect to stay and grow with the organization.

A strong DEI leader/champion, who is visible and who is supported from the top down, can be an indicator of the investment

the organization is making in creating and enhancing an open, welcoming and affirming culture where everyone is given the opportunity to grow, prosper and succeed. A place where equity and equality are key factors.

More than ever before, our DEI leaders/champions need our encouragement and support. The 2023 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards is just one way others are recognized, but you also can recognize those who are making positive changes within your organization by creating your own awards ceremony.

Letting your DEI leaders/champions know that you truly appreciate them and their efforts will send a strong message to everyone within your organization about the importance you place on diversity, equity and inclusion.

To learn more about the 2023 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards, visit greaterlansingawards.com.

To learn how you can create a strong welcoming, affirming and inclusive culture, contact us at 2binclusive.com. We are ready to help your organization to grow, prosper and succeed.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

For Shannon Nixon, LCC’s Insurance and Risk Management Program was an obvious choice. Nixon can work toward her associate degree while working in the insurance industry and accruing credentials that will bolster her resume after graduation.

INSURANCE FOR SUCCESS:

INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT CAREERS THROUGH LANSING’S COLLEGE

BY ANDY BRENT

The opportunity to serve others is often important to motivated graduates when embarking on a career.

As threats both natural and human-made creep into headlines, threatening personal property and investments, many with a mind for service have chosen to study for a career in the exploding insurance industry.

People depend on insurance to protect them. The industry is growing, too. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 500,000 insurance jobs exist in the U.S., with more than 32,000 jobs added each year. Insurance sales agents can earn more than $50,000 per year, a wage that grows each year as demand for hiring grows.

Lansing Community College (LCC) offers the only associate degree program in Insurance and Risk Management in the country. Also, LCC has developed opportunities for students to earn designations needed in the industry while they earn their degree through insurance industry partners. All of LCC’s insurance courses are offered online or HyFlex, which means students can be live in the classroom or Webex, or watch the recorded lecture and participate online, as fits their schedule and preference.

“I chose to work in insurance because of the abundant opportunity for career growth within the industry,” Nixon said. “The insurance industry is not limited to selling insurance. There are many different career paths within the industry including being an agent, IT, data analytics, risk management and claims. LCC has a wonderful Insurance & Risk Management Program which has helped me obtain my first designation in insurance and shown me how expansive this industry is. The program is flexible and has allowed me to successfully work full time while also getting my degree.”

According to Michael E. Maurer, divisional director of business development for Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, the insurance industry has a variety of challenging careers available that involve technology, analytical skills and compassion in their ability to communicate. It is this professional drive combined with care for one’s clients that makes the insurance industry attractive to many young people looking for a career.

“We need young professionals who are interested in helping people, evaluating information and making decisions to protect property and individuals to choose a career in insurance,” Maurer said. “Lansing Community College is providing a huge benefit to the industry.

The risk management program created by Mary Stucko combines lessons learned in the classroom with real-life skills practiced in internships/apprenticeships or observed through job shadows and industry professionals visiting the classroom. The students also operate a chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma – a national known insurance service organization with over 100 chapters in the U.S.” LCC was the first chapter of GIS at a community college anywhere in the country.

The evolving nature of the world, and the impact this has on insurance as a profession, necessitates recruiting energetic young people into the industry.

By partnering with local industry leaders, LCC can combine its advanced insurance and risk management curriculum with the knowledge needs reported by partners experiencing hiring difficulties. This dynamic approach to insurance education puts LCC’s program graduates at the top of many hiring lists in Michigan.

Earl Major, vice president for human resources for Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, appreciates LCC’s input-driven insurance education model.

In order to find such talent, companies like Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana rely on institutions like LCC. The Insurance and Risk Management curriculum enables companies like Delta Dental to reap the benefits of recruiting local talent.

Photography by Kevin Fowler

“In an ever-changing world, the need for employees with diverse skill sets remains a constant in the global economy,” Major said. “In order to find such talent, companies like Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana rely on institutions like LCC. The Insurance and Risk Management curriculum enables companies like Delta Dental to reap the benefits of recruiting local talent.”

LCC’s Business Program Faculty Chair, Mary Stucko, helped construct the LCC Insurance and Risk Management Program, bringing with her decades of professional experience across multiple roles in the insurance industry, along with a long career teaching insurance and risk management at the college level. Her goal is to provide an up-to-date pertinent education while offering the students the opportunity to network with insurance companies to gain insights as to where their primary interests lie in the industry.

“The insurance industry has a hiring shortage with a tremendous number of employees retiring over the next decade,” Stucko explained. “There are careers

available in all areas, from marketing to accounting to claims adjusters in Lansing, as well as nationally. These companies provide great work-life balance lifestyle with job security, and many jobs people can work from home.”

Educating insurance professionals for multiple roles in the industry starts with securing their understanding of the essential purpose of their work. This creates empathy for clients, an essential trait for insurance professionals who often have to assist clients during monumental days in their lives, from purchasing home and life insurance to dealing with the results of a disaster or calamity. That’s why Earl Major trusts Delta Dental’s partnership with the college.

“Consistently, LCC has earned a reputation for excellence in education, and, like Delta Dental, is a force for good,” Major said. “Kudos to Lansing Community College, and to a fantastic partnership!”

LCC enrolls students for insurance and risk management classes year-round. For more information, please visit lcc.edu/insurance.

Providing Solutions to Medical Professionals in Michigan for Over 30 Years.

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Contact us for a free analysis of your coverage needs. capitalinsurance.com | 517-482-7900 4299 Five Oaks Drive, Lansing, MI 48911

business / PERSPECTIVE

RISE OF THE ROBO-AGENT A Q&A WITH ANDREA BURNS, CHIEF UNDERWRITING OFFICER AT AF GROUP

BY MARY GAJDA

What is robo insurance?

Robo insurance is technology that provides automated information to both insurance consumers and companies at their point of need. The so-called “robot” is intelligent, in that it understands typical questions that may be asked by consumers as well as data points that insurers frequently need, using complex learning algorithms to translate responses into appropriate, usable content without human intervention.

Robo insurance technology via chatbots can help customers gain deeper insights into questions that they may have about their insurance purchase, while automating some of their purchasing actions. Aside from price accuracy, this automation also benefits the customer and the agent because fewer questions need to be asked during the quote process, thereby simplifying the quote experience.

What are the dangers?

Robo insurance works for smaller, less complex insurance risks. Simple changes on a small commercial policy or a personal lines policy — like modifying an address, adding a location or vehicle, or changing a deductible — are strong use cases for robo insurance capabilities. However, some more complicated changes would require more understanding of the risk exposures, and therefore may not be as easily or most effectively handled through automation.

Insurers need to be willing to work with customers in ways that those customers want to interact. While customers may be willing to use automated services for their

personal homeowner coverages and their personal automobile coverages, more than 70% of small-business owners today strongly prefer to work with an insurance professional directly. Insurers need to be willing to offer omnichannel customer engagement, including continuing to have person-toperson servicing departments to meet the varying needs of their customers.

Robotic automation has limitations as well. Customers may find that they are able to get certain answers from the online tool (the “bot”), but may find that there are other answers that cannot be provided by the bot.

In what ways does AF Group utilize artificial intelligence?

AF Group has a historically strong customer service model, where we emphasize the human interaction to best serve our customers. Our customers value their ability to talk directly with claims, underwriters and other service center staff to answer their questions. We continue to listen to our customers’ needs as we expand our capabilities to support them in their evolving communication preferences. Therefore, our focus for artificial intelligence has been more focused in the risk selection and pricing processes to drive efficiencies.

To date, our artificial intelligence utilization tends to be more transparent to the customer. We, like many insurance carriers, utilize third-party vendors to capture information about our insureds and prospects that drives decision-making and coverage selection, including business firmographic information and building classification

information to assess risk acceptability.

With the amount of change occurring in the insurtech space, we find plenty of opportunity for continued refinement of our customer-facing interactions to continuously improve our use of robo insurance options in the marketplace.

Any advice for readers?

Robotic capabilities are here to stay.

Carriers that don’t use automation to capture risk insights and exposures will be adversely selected against and will experience higher loss ratios compared to their peers in the marketplace. Provide feedback to your insurance company representatives about your experiences in using online self-service tools — whether good or whether something needs improvement. It’s through this feedback that the insurance industry can improve to meet the needs of our valuable customers.

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lifestyle

PLACES p.30 HOME HELPERS p.32 GOOD READS p.38 RECIPE p.41 NONPROFIT p.43 PLAY p.44

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS IT WORTH THE PEACE OF MIND? Picture it: You’re on a long-dreamed-of cruise when suddenly you witness your partner showing signs of stroke or other serious illness. Suddenly, they are being medically evacuated via helicopter to the nearest hospital. Not only do you have to figure out what your medical insurance will cover, but you have to manage the costs of a very outof-network hospital stay for your partner, hotel and meals for you, and the cost of getting home.

The results could be catastrophic.

Or, perhaps you have to cancel a trip for personal reasons — you’ve had a significant travel delay that forces you to find accommodations while you wait or you lose a valuable, irreplaceable item that was in lost luggage.

Travel insurance is designed to protect against risks and financial loss, but it is solely up to you whether you make the decision to purchase it.

You may feel you are healthy, your travel plans offer limited risk or you are simply not worried about the risks.

Regardless, it is important to know travel insurance exists for business and personal use.

You should always speak with a professional — your local insurance agent — about whether the peace of mind is worth the additional cost to you.

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lifestyle / PLACES

A MEMORABLE IMPRESSION Forget first impressions. The fifth impression is apparently where it’s at for countless youth in Greater Lansing.

Play and learning are neatly wrapped in fun and discovery at Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Drive in downtown Lansing. Nestled on the banks of the Grand River, the center is a place where youth can use their exploration experiences at the center to build their connection to science,

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Raiden and Ciarán Brown

SCIENCE CENTER LETS KIDS OPEN THEIR MINDS STORY AND PHOTOS BY METRO MELIK

said Micaela Balzer, director of innovation and learning.

“It’s a hands-on way to have a relationship with science,” Balzer said. “It actually allows you to touch science — not just read about it in a book. It’s a new way to have a relationship with science.”

In 1972, Marilynne Eichinger set out to create an open and free environment for children and families to learn together

using their hands. She opened Impression 5 Science Center — a dynamic, interactive space for families to play, create and challenge their understanding of science together. Impression 5 refers to the science center’s purpose of encouraging guests to explore the world and make meaningful connections to science using all five senses.

Impression 5 is geared toward children up to 14 years old, but kids of any age can find something to get excited about at the museum because there’s so much to explore.

The First Impression Room for young scientists from birth to 4 years old allows kids to kick off their shoes in an enclosed space where they’re safe to roam, touch, crawl, climb, splash and build. The center’s Think Tanks let teens learn how to turn slime into a business. During school breaks, there are Learning About Basic Science day camps.

Impression 5’s mission is to make science accessible to everyone — and at more than 160,000 visitors annually, it sounds like that’s a mission accomplished.

It actually allows you to touch science — not just read about it in a book.

It’s a new way to have a relationship with science.

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lifestyle / HOME HELPERS

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE HELPS HOMEOWNERS SAVE

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

Being a little buyer-savvy when it comes to home repairs doesn’t just benefit you, it also benefits the wider community when you’re doing it at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

The ReStore is essentially a thrift store operation that accepts donations of housewares, construction materials, appliances, furniture and more, then sells the items to the public at a significantly reduced cost. The funds raised through the program are used to finance the work of Habitat for Humanity throughout the community.

Habitat for Humanity Capital Region has two ReStore locations up and running in Ingham County, 1941 Benjamin Drive in Lansing and 954 E. Grand River Ave. in Williamston.

“It gives people the opportunity to donate some stuff and keep it out of the landfill. And it also gives people the opportunity to come in and shop and purchase things at typically half or less than what you might find in a retail environment,” said Brent Taylor, CEO of Habitat Capital Region. “But, ultimately, all the net proceeds from the ReStores go to build homes in the community and build ramps in the community. So, the donor public who donates to the ReStore and the shopping public who shops there — what they’re really doing is creating change in the community and creating opportunities for folks to own homes and live in safe, affordable homes. That’s really why the ReStores exist.”

That creation of change and opportunity continues to grow. To date, Habitat Capital Region has built/rehabbed 132 homes in the area in partnership with Habitat buyers who purchase the residences

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with affordable mortgages, repaired 158 local homes to help owners preserve and restore the safety of their residences, and installed 900 ramps to provide accessibility and build independence.

Not only are ReStore customers having a positive impact in Greater Lansing, but they can also lay claim to some unique discoveries. Because inventory at the ReStores is continuously rotating based on what is donated, they can be a treasure trove of interesting finds.

“Oftentimes, we have items that a person can’t find new anymore, whether they’re antiques, unique artwork or things that aren’t widely available,” Taylor said. “We get some fairly old furniture pieces that have workmanship or attention to detail or carvings that you don’t really see anymore. Sometimes we get an executor of an estate who has a house filled with many, many years’ worth of accumulated goods that haven’t seen the light of day in a while.

“You never know what you’re going to find when you come in,” he added. “It’s a constantly new experience. We have lots of customers who come in regularly just to see what’s new since the last time they visited.”

Both local ReStore locations are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesdays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

The stores accept cash, debit cards and credit cards for purchases.

For donations of large items to the ReStore, Habitat Capital Region provides a pickup service four days a week for a nominal fee.

For more details, visit habitatcr.org/restore/.

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FEATURE

An Impact that Lasts a Lifetime East Lansing’s Kathryn Kluzak named Educator of the Year

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

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FEATURE

Kathryn Kluzak has been teaching in East Lansing for nearly a decade.

s any teacher can attest, the job title isn’t shed once you step outside of the school doors.

And Kathryn Kluzak is certainly no exception.

“I think what most people don’t realize is how much of the experience I take home. There is that personal component of it,” said Kluzak, a kindergarten teacher at East Lansing’s Robert L. Green Elementary School. “These students, they’re not my children. They don’t live at home with me, but they become my kids, and they have a significant impact on my life. And the impact that I have on their lives is unlike any relationship I could ever describe. You learn so much about them, you learn so much about their families; and you take home not only the good parts but also the hard parts.

“You just want to help them always; you want to be in their lives always. They become a part of you,” she added. “Even though my former class left me (at the end of the school year), tonight we’re doing an

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ice-cream meetup just so I can see their faces and see how their summers are going.”

The summer for Kluzak was particularly stellar, starting off in June by being named the 2023 Educator of the Year in the Michigan Lottery’s Excellence in Education program.

Each week during the school year, the Michigan Lottery selects one outstanding public school educator to receive the Excellence in Education Award.

The award includes a $1,500 cash prize and a $500 grant to the educator’s classroom, school or school district. At the end of the school year, the Michigan Lottery selects one weekly winner to receive the Educator of the Year Award and a $10,000 cash prize.

“The Educator of the Year Award was incredible. I still don’t think I’ve fully processed that I won. Honestly, I was overwhelmed and still am,” said Kluzak, who was nominated by her teaching partner at Green Elementary, Maddie Brosky.

“The monetary part is really nice just because of student loans and being a homeowner, but I think the meaning of the award comes from the positive response I’ve received from educators who I’ve come across in my career, as well as educators who I might not be as close to who have reached out.

I didn’t realize the broad scope and impact from my teaching to not only learners but colleagues.

It’s meant a lot.”

Michigan Lottery Commissioner Brian O. Neill

FEATURE noted the positive impact Kluzak has in the classroom during the presentation of the award at the school.

“Her hard work, and the work of educators across Michigan, is critical to ensuring all children have the tools they need to grow and succeed,” he said in a news release. “I am extremely pleased to name Kathryn Kluzak the Michigan Lottery Educator of the Year.”

Kluzak has been teaching for nearly a decade, starting in early childhood education at the Spartan Child Development Center on the campus of Michigan State University before moving up into the elementary level.

“I went into education because I’ve always really liked working with children,” she said. “At first, I thought I wanted to teach high school because I really like math. I had an awesome math teacher in

high school. When I got to college, I realized I really loved working with younger kids.”

Although a worthwhile and emotionally rewarding pursuit, Kluzak noted that the education business isn’t exactly a cakewalk, especially for those starting out. With almost 10 years of knowledge under her belt, she had some words of wisdom for those who are entering the field.

“My greatest piece of advice would be making space for yourself to reflect as a human, but also recognizing that the first few years are really tough. I think it’s really important not to sugarcoat how difficult the first few years of teaching can be,” she said.

“You’re beginning to find yourself early on in your career. As a 22-year-old, you’re just starting to navigate the world as a young adult, and it’s important to recognize that it’s OK to ask for help. Teachers want

Photo by Michigan Lottery

to help, and there are veteran teachers available to support them.”

Yet, the good days are always going to outweigh the difficult ones, Kluzak added.

“The best part of my job is watching young people become humans — watching them navigate the world around them, watching them in the good times and the tough times, and seeing them conquer adversity and recognize that they, too, can get through those hard things,” she said.

“I just love watching kids grow up, seeing them go from kindergarten, first grade, second grade. Now I have former students who are in high school who reach out to me through email. I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh. One of my former students emailed me. They’re such an adult now.’ That has to be the coolest part. It’s really awesome watching them grow and learn new things and seeing their brains click. It’s really cool.”

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lifestyle / GOOD READS

‘AGING OPTIMALLY’ PART 1 TIPS FOR EVALUATING AND TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR STRESS

BY DR. CAROL L. MONSON

This is part 1 of a three-part series on the book “Aging Optimally” by local author Dr. Carol L. Monson.

Stress is a physical, mental or emotional condition causing our body, mind and spirit to experience tension. Stresses are external from our environment, our mind or our interaction with others; or stresses are internal from illness, medical procedures and what we tell ourselves about them.

We live in stressful times, witnessing crises daily on TV, the internet and social media. Whether it is politics, terrorism, inflation or business concerns, we hear or see stress-inducing situations constantly. It seems the times we are living through are the worst we have ever known. Is this the new normal or another phase that will pass? What does this continuing stress do to us? Stress affects our immunity, sickens us and increases aging.

In my book, “Aging Optimally: Essential Tools for Healing Body, Mind and Spirit,” I write about how you can learn how to control your stress. Deciding you want to control your stress is the first step. Defining your stress is next.

Stress is a continuum from minor to major stressors. Make a list separating your stressors into these categories by rating stressors from minor 1-3 (least stressful) to major 3-5 (most stressful). Decide if they are external (E) or internal (I). Begin coping with them.

Some tips include: •

Turn off your devices for most of your day. If you must use them for work, limit personal use to a small part of the day.

•

Set a specific, small time for your daily news. Choose a time well before bedtime.

•

Choose your news wisely; avoid sources that sensationalize.

•

Set a daily time for just you. It can be for meditation, exercising or an activity that relaxes you.

•

Change your perception; recognize that you are a major cause of your external stress and some internal stress.

•

Take responsibility for your stress; most people believe someone or something else is responsible for their stress.

•

What makes your stress better or worse? Choose what makes it better.

•

When you change your perception and your behavior, others will change their reaction to you.

•

Evaluate your stress behavior by asking yourself: “What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t get my way?”

Often the answer is “nothing.”

Dr. Carol L. Monson is a family physician and psychotherapist. Her book is available on Amazon, and her website is agingoptimally.org.

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I N N O V A T I V E P R O G R E S S I V E T R U S T E D

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lifestyle / RECIPE

IMITATION AS FLATTERY COPYCAT FUJI APPLE CHICKEN SALAD

BY MARY GAJDA WHICH CAME FIRST? THE FUJI APPLE SALAD OR THE PANERA FUJI APPLE SALAD? I guess it doesn’t matter, because even if you think you “invented” a recipe, most likely someone has done the same thing — unless you attempted to use grape Kool-Aid in your frosting recipe rather than powdered sugar as my brother, Robert, has done. Now that was an interesting cake.

I fell in love with the Fuji apple chicken salad at Panera Bread.

I found it fairly simple to re-create; and when I compared my version to those online, they were pretty similar. Nailed it!

WHAT YOU NEED: *Note: Salad is in the eye of the beholder. You know how “much” of an item you like, so we’ll let you choose how many onions, tomatoes and apple chips.

•

A bag of mixed greens. Don’t forget to prewash.

•

Apple chips. Some like the crunchy; I prefer slightly soft.

•

2 large, baked chicken breasts, sliced, diced or shredded.

•

Candied pecans or walnuts.

•

Tomatoes. I love the tasty little flavor-bomb tomatoes available at my local grocery store. Just slice them in half.

•

1 cup of Gorgonzola cheese in crumbles. You can substitute blue cheese if you’re not a Gorgonzola fan.

•

Red onion sliced very thin.

•

Dressing. You can go with a white balsamic vinaigrette, a traditional balsamic vinegar or buy the Panera Fuji apple salad dressing.

WHAT TO DO: Simply mix your salad and drizzle dressing to taste. A dash of black pepper is always welcome on my salad. Enjoy.

What restaurant favorite would you like to make at home? Let me know by sending an email to mary@m3group.biz.

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lifestyle / JACK DAVIS LEGACY NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

GOOD TIMES AND GREAT FRIENDS AT ETHEL’S PLACE SOCIAL EVENT IS FOR THOSE WITH DEMENTIA OR MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

BY KYLE DOWLING

There’s always room for one more at Ethels’ Place.

The new monthly social event from AARP Michigan is a casual, welcoming gathering designed for individuals living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, along with their family and friends. AARP is hoping to foster more social connections in the community by bringing back in-person events.

“The purpose of Ethel’s Place — and memory cafés generally — is to provide an opportunity for people living with dementia and their friends and family to connect and have fun in an inclusive, welcoming setting,” said Lisa Dedden Cooper, AARP Michigan manager of advocacy. “It’s something people can put on their calendar and look forward to every month.”

The café includes singing and refreshments, so people can come, relax, meet new people and have fun in an environment for people and their family

members who may be dealing with a form of dementia.

Cooper said that music is an important part of what is done together at Ethel’s Place, with research showing that listening, singing and making music can help support brain health as people age.

“People with strong social connections live longer and are physically and mentally healthier than people who are socially isolated,” she said. “And staying socially connected is important whether a person has dementia or not. But too often, people living with dementia and their care partners become increasingly isolated.”

Mark and Brenda Roberts love to spend their time at Ethel’s Place. Mark is living with vascular dementia and looks forward to the event every month.

“Since my dementia diagnosis, many of my friends have fallen by the wayside,” he said. “I look forward to Ethel’s Place every month. I get to visit people and have

fun. The AARP volunteers always make me feel welcome. They have become my friends. It is a great day out for my wife and me.”

“Besides the karaoke, another thing I like about Ethel’s Place is I meet people in similar situations, and we can provide each other with encouragement,” Brenda added.

“Sometimes we might get a little tearyeyed, but most of the time we are talking and laughing. It feels good.”

Ethel’s Place is held on the first Thursday of every month from 2-4 p.m. at The Venue, near the northwest entrance to the Lansing Mall. Admission is entirely free of charge and AARP Michigan invites anyone who’s interested to attend.

For more information about Ethel’s Place and to register for the next event, visit aarpmi.org/ethelsplace or call 877-926-8300.

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lifestyle / PLAY

t ent a cont more G.COM A 517M

Stepping Up for Mental Health LANSING OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK Sept. 24 The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. Get details at afsp.org/lansing.

THIS MONTH’S EVENTS Editor’s note: Please call event venues directly to make sure times and dates haven’t changed.

Frontier Days | Sept. 8-9 The Charlotte Frontier Days is a festival full of the Wild West that was started to promote and fund projects in the city of Charlotte through community involvement and effort. For more information about the fair and a schedule of events, visit charlottefrontierdays.org/.

BluesFest Michigan | Sept. 14-16 Hosted by the Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art, BluesFest is a blues festival taking place in Old Town Lansing that will showcase diverse styles of blues. The festival attracts well-known and up-and-coming musicians from across the state and around the world. The full performer lineup and schedule can be found at micharts.org.

Food Truck War | Sept. 16 The first Food Truck War is taking place in the lot of Royal Scot Golf and Bowl. There will be a competition for best presentation, best bang for your buck, most original and the people’s choice. There will also be a beer tent, kids’ zone, live music, contests and games. For more information, visit facebook.com/photo?fbid=634952662006558&set=a.447885304046629.

Woldumar Bluegrass and Folk Jamboree | Sept. 17 Join the Woldumar Nature Center for performances in the big barn and jam circles. All are

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

welcome, so bring an acoustic instrument and jam along. Performances will be held from Joel Mabus, Jessey Adams and Dante Flores. For more information, visit facebook.com/folkgrass.

Capital City River Run | Sept. 23-24 The 30th anniversary of the Capital City River Run is coming this month. The event includes a half marathon; half-marathon relay; 5K walk/run; and the Sohn’s Kids Race, which takes place at 11 a.m. Sept. 23 at Impression 5 Science Center, with a pizza party in the museum. For more information, visit facebook.com/ccriverrun/.

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WRAP UP

SURE YOU KNOW INSURANCE? Five insurance fun facts from the past

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

Since insurance plays such a large role in the mid-Michigan region — with numerous industry-known names, such as Jackson, AF Group and Delta Dental, calling the region home — it stands to reason that a few tidbits of industry trivia and fun facts should be common knowledge in the area. Let’s see how much you know.

Fire of London The Great Fire of London that swept through the central portion of the city from Sept. 2-6, 1666, is often cited as the impetus behind today’s modern property insurance.

The blaze started at a bakery on Pudding Lane and quickly became a raging firestorm. In 1680, the Fire Office was established to help insure properties. By 1690, 1 in 10 London homes were insured.

Founding Father of Insurance Ben Franklin is defined by a lot of things: statesman, author, inventor, diplomat and unique hairstyle among them. However, this Founding Father is also the founding father of the first U.S. insurance company. In 1752, Franklin and other leading citizens founded the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire.

Body of Work

Padre for Life

Underwriting Nessie

We’ve all heard about celebrities insuring parts of their bodies.

Supermodel Heidi Klum insured her legs for $2 million. The apparently immortal Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards insured his hands for $1.6 million. Singer and actor Jennifer Lopez insured her derriere.

Among celebrities, the most commonly insured body parts include vocal cords, legs, hands and fingers.

Matt LaChappa never pitched in the major leagues, but he suffered a heart attack while warming up in the bullpen for the San Diego Padres minor league affiliate. He survived, but the condition meant he would never work again; however, the Padres essentially provided him with a contract for life so his family would never have to worry about having the critical medical insurance LaChappa needed.

In 1971, whisky manufacturer Cutty Sark offered 1 million pounds to anyone who could capture the legendary Loch Ness Monster of Scotland. Lloyd’s of London agreed to underwrite the contest under the condition that it would get to keep the legendary sea creature.

Nessie, of course, proved to be a no-show and is presumably still lurking beneath the waters of Loch Ness.

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