Up and coming by Shoreline Media

Up &

Coming

A look at local leaders building our community We thought the timing was great — knowing the chamber would be calling for nominations for its 2015 Future Five — to ask for nominations as well for a similar set of area residents, which we are referring to as Up and Coming.

Wow, did the community respond. We have had so many nominations, we haven’t been able to write up all the stories yet, but here’s a start. Inside, we have the first glimpse at those nominated. There are many more!

We’ll keep writing up the stories and publish them in the Ludington Daily News — and we’re open to more. We also encourage our readers to send their nominations to the chamber for this year’s Future Five.

A special publication of the Ludington Daily News

Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

www.ludingtondailynews.com

The first Future Five ... where are they now? The first Future Five — Andrew Thomas, Brad Reed, Brandy Henderson, Megan (Payment) Josefowicz and Travis Miedema — were chosen in 2014 by the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce as inspiring young professionals.

“We have such great young people and they’re making such an impact,” said Kathy Maclean, chamber president and CEO. “We are so fortunate we have the opportunity to recognize them.”

The recognition, hopefully, will help encourage even more people to be active in the community, she said. Here’s a look at what the first Future Five have been up to since they were selected.

Andrew Thomas - age 34

Brad Reed - age 37

Megan Josefowicz - age 28

Travis Miedema - age 25

Brandy Henderson - age 27

A.M. Galleries, Starving Artist Brewing Co. owner

Todd & Brad Reed Photography co-owner

FloraCraft employee, Red Hat Security owner

Ludington Area CVB executive director/CEO

“I can say it’s been quite the year,” said Andrew Thomas. “First of all, we made it through the move of A.M. Galleries and love our new location,” he said of the move down Ludington Avenue and across the street to 310 W. Ludington Ave. “We moved in early December and have been having a great winter. We have returned to our roots in a sense and started focusing more on the custom picture framing. We have introduced The Frame Room and expanded our options including a large selection of ready-made frames,” Thomas said. Not only is Thomas the owner of one business, but two. “We are about a month out from the opening of Starving Artist Brewing Co.,” Thomas said. “This has been a couple years in the making and I am thrilled that it is nearing fruition. We will be a production-only facility for now with plans to open up for tours in the near future.” None of what he does would be possible without the love and patience of his wife and children, he said. “That is the foundation.”

Todd and Brad Reed traveled to locations throughout Michigan every Wednesday of 2014, including some local sites. “Well over 30,000 miles were driven to bring this new project to life,” Brad said. The hope is to have a new book available this summer. Reed has been active on the board and executive team of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, serving as the LACA board’s vice president. “I have continued to be on the marketing committee for downtown Ludington and I have spent time with Men CAN (a community action network associated with Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters),” he said. He recently joined the Community Foundation for Mason County board. A big highlight has been as a father, helping with soccer and other activities involving he and his wife Betsy’s children, Julia and Ethan. “In my free time, I love my CrossFit community. We help each other every day to get stronger, live healthier lives, and push each other to be our best. We lift each other up, even on days that we feel like we failed.”

West Shore Eye Care marketing /customer care, Mitten Bar/Barley & Rye co-owner

Travis Miedema has jumped with both feet into his new Red Hat Security business, started sales/ marketing and business management classes at West Shore Community College and is volunteering, too, all while he maintains his position as an assistant supervisor at FloraCraft. His business has provided security for downtown Ludington’s Octoberfest, the New Year’s Eve ball drop and Miss America’s visit. He’s also excited about diving into volunteer work with Men CAN, the community action network established for local men to take an active stance against violence. “I want the youth to see how men are supposed to act,” he said. “I’m a big supporter of (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters).” One of his biggest passions has been the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and he is growing his hair out again and will have his head shaved as a fundraiser for the cause. Since last year, he’s also turned a lot of acquaintances and friends into a network of extended family, and that, he said, is one of the highlights of the year.

It was a year of new activities and events in Ludington, and Brandy Henderson said it was great to be able to work with some fellow Future Five members and other local leaders. The community hosted the first official sunset bonfire on the beach last summer based on a winning idea from a Love Ludington workshop contest. “It was nice to be able to see that come to fruition,” she said. The two downtown Ludington murals that also came about through Love Ludington involved collaboration with artist/business owner and fellow Future Fiver Andrew Thomas. And in creating Brrrewfest, a winter craft beer festival at the James Street Plaza, Thomas and Megan Josefowicz were among the people Henderson worked with to make the first one a success. Henderson also is back to being involved with Friday Night Live, and recently became an official member of the Downtown Ludington Board. “It’s nice to be surrounded by passionate people who want to make this a vibrant place to live and work and play,” she said, noting there’s a movement in the community with young leaders taking on new roles.

It was a year full of activity and change for Megan (Payment) Josefowicz. To start, she and Brian Josefowicz were married on the day of the chamber’s annual dinner as she was being honored. She and Brian have been working to make their businesses gathering places for the community. They expanded the menu at Barley & Rye, a big undertaking, Megan said, and both The Mitten Bar and Barley & Rye are busier than ever. Meanwhile, The Mitten Bar continues to gain national attention. “We were recognized once again as one of the top 100 beer bars in the country,” she said of the Draft magazine naming. It was the fourth year in a row. “We were shocked.” She also recently took a position as customer care coordinator at West Shore Eye Care and said she is grateful for the opportunity. The next big thing? She and Brian are expecting their first child, due in May. “I look forward to the rest of 2015 with excitement,” Megan said. “We have more ideas and projects, but the most important will be the baby.”

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

| Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

and the winners

are...

www.ludingtondailynews.com

Nominations Are Now Being Accepted For:

2014 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD The purpose of this award is to recognize a business that has made an impact on our community through their business expertise and community service. The business must be located in Mason County and be a member of the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce. All members are listed on the Chamber website at www.ludington.org.

2014 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual or group for their accomplishments in offering service to the community on a volunteer basis.

FUTURE FIVE RECIPIENTS Future Five was a new award in 2014. It recognizes five area young professionals who are growing and excelling in their respective fields. These will be individuals who are currently influencing the growth, prosperity, and quality of life in Mason County and demonstrate the ability to positively impact the area in the future through professional accomplishments and community involvement.

2013 Business of the Year Kaines West MI Wire Co.

Nominations will be accepted through April 8, 2015 The Business of the Year and Community Service Award winners will be announced at the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Dinner on May 2nd (Kentucky Derby Theme) and the Future Five will be introduced.

2013 Community Service Award For Criteria and Further Details visit www.Ludington.org

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Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

Lisa Cooper

Making big dreams a reality after-school child care. From there, she looks at ways that project can cover the needs of isa Cooper has always the entire family. been a visionary when it That kind of thinking led comes to her community. to Oaktree Academy, a childIn 2014, she had her hands care center at the former full with the creation of both South Hamlin Elementary Oaktree Academy and HavenSchool, which was no longer shire Faire. being used by Ludington Area Oaktree Academy was Schools. launched to fill a need for adThe staff at Oaktree currently ditional child care in the area. cares for newborns to 13-yearThat dream of hers was fulolds from 5:30 a.m. to later filled with help from the United evening hours five days a week, Way of Mason County and the 52 weeks of the year. The cost Pennies From Heaven Foundais $3.75 an hour for children tion and a lot of great employ30 months old and younger ees. and $3.50 an hour for children “I am always looking for the older than 30 months. big picture,” she said. The center just recently celeShe starts with an idea like brated its five-month anniverBy Jeff Kiessel Daily News staff writer

sary with 110 children signed up for its programs. Beyond Oaktree, she and her father, Wayne Burgess, came up with the idea of Havenshire Faire, highlighting the Celtic lifestyle in a rural farm setting. The initial faire hosted vendors, Celtic music and a trebuchet. This year’s event is scheduled for two days in early October, Cooper said. Lisa said she married the love of her life, Paul Cooper, on Jan. 1, 2000. They have three children, Megan, Maddie and Ellie. She was nominated for Up and Coming by Michelle Hemmer.

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Jeff Kiessel | Daily News

Lisa Cooper announces plans to open Oaktree Academy.

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| Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

LETA BOWMAN

Helping shape the next generation

motor skills, social/emotional/ language development, and work habits.” eta Bowman is helping Bowman said besides the shape the community’s group time, she makes sure next generation with her she incorporates daily physical business, Leta’s Educational activity, a weekly Bible story Daycare. and a special focus on nutriBowman, a 2003 graduate tion. of Ludington High School, has Her lesson plans also include been operating her day care for holiday parties and field trips. nearly four years. Bowman’s day care is liBowman earned her bachcensed to allow up to 12 chilelor’s degree in elementary dren a day. education in 2009 from Grand Leta Bowman is surrounded by children at her day care center. “My days vary with full-time, Valley State University. part-time, and after-school life, from infant through todBowman said she takes the “It just seemed like an ideal children,” Bowman said. dler, as well as lower elementime to structure a well-roundprofession for me to keep usWatching the children learn tary,” Bowman said. “Each day ed plan for the week, keeping ing my teaching degree and my and develop is exciting for I provide a group share time. in mind each child’s educaexpertise,” Bowman said. “My tional needs and that they may This gives each child individual Bowman and something she reearly childhood development vary. time to speak about what is im- ally enjoys. degree, assisted by my minor “I enjoy working with chil“My day care is established portant to them. Children learn in business, has been the perdren, especially that of a young with the needs I personally academic skills, life virtues, fect combination. I love what age,” Bowman said. “To experifeel are important in a child’s sensory, cognitive, fine/grossI do.” By Melissa Keefer Daily News Staff Writer

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Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

Michael Heckman

Planning ahead is key to meeting goals By Steve Begnoche Managing Editor

lanning plays an important role in Micheal Heckman’s life, personally and professionally, yet he admits to discovering financial planning as a career accidentally. Heckman, 36, is a certified financial planner with his own Ameriprise brokerage in downtown Ludington. He first considered it as a possible career while staffing a booth for a local martial arts company at the Oceana County Fair. Across the aisle, a financial advisor had a booth, and over the course of their shared time at the fair, the two talked a dozen or so times. The idea Heckman might want to pursue that was planted and took root. Perhaps a seed was planted even earlier, though. Heckman said when his father died — his parents were divorced — as the oldest sibling, it fell to him to be executor of his father’s estate. He had to learn about insurance, finances and more and make the tough decisions. He was 19 years old. Heckman didn’t think about it much as he worked at Freedom Martial Arts and Lundquist Furniture, until that day at the fair. The Mason County native received his K-12 education at Mason County Eastern, an associate of arts degree at West Shore Community College, and a bachelor’s of business administration from Baker College. He was a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Scottville from 2009 to 2013, and hung out his own shingle with Ameriprise in 2013. He is one of only a handful of “designated financial planners” in the region. He’s also

Micheal Heckman

a certified divorce financial analyst, a role he said local attorneys told him there was a need for locally. Heckman, a divorced father with two sons, Teddy and Cody, said with that added training and designation, he can help clients in all phases of their life. “It’s a people business,” he said of financial planning, adding it’s also a goals business. He said he can’t help anyone until he knows their goals involving finances and life. For instance, do they want to leave money to children or grandchildren, to charity or just make sure they have enough to make it through life? While he uses investment models based on Nobel Award winning economist Harry Markowitz to help develop plans for individuals, it’s their wants and goals that help determine which model is right for them. When it comes to splitting finances between a couple getting divorced, a long view of the financial settlement can make a difference, he said. “Love is an emotion,” Heckman said. “Divorce is about money and assets.” He advises clients to look

Steve Begnoche | Daily News

down the road, not just to the settlement now, but also as to where it leads years later. In some cases, how assets are divided can play out differently. Getting the house might be good, but if one loses it years later because finances don’t match the cost, is that the best choice? “When you see the numbers on paper, see the projections, that’s huge,” he said, adding some forensic accounting goes into it. Heckman said he became a certified financial planner due to wanting to best be able to help people. The extra training required, he believes, gives him an edge. He liked that Ameriprise culture is closely aligned to that of certified planning. “I became a certified financial planner because that was the best way to help people,” Heckman said. Being a certified divorce planning advisor allows him to help clients in all aspects of life. “It was the life event I didn’t know how to deal with,” he said of divorce and the role of financial planning and why he sought the training and certification. He said he realized he was in

the correct business for himself one day when an elderly client had tears of joy because he helped the widow find a small pension she didn’t know existed. The added money monthly provided her with the funds she needed for basics such as gas for her car — something she had been putting off buying one month until her Social Security check arrived. Saving more and spending more, are both common pieces of advice he gives, based on a person’s situation. Giving advice, he said, is something being a certified financial planner gives him more latitude to do. As for those goals he said are so important, he said he has accomplished two professional goals he had set out: to establish his own business, and to get certified. Now he’s mulling over the next generation of goals. “Soft” goals not yet fleshed out include growing the business to be able to hire more staff and to hire financial advisors. But there’s more to life than work. Heckman is a former president of the Scottville Optimist Club who now lives in Ludington, where he is a member of Ludington Optimists, continues with martial arts, skis and golfs. He said he concentrates his energies devoted to charitable and community events through working with Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters, Men CAN, which is related to COVE, and A Few Friends of the Environment of the World, whose co-founder, Julia Chambers, has known him since he took a College for Kids course at WSCC in his middle school years. She nomi-

nated him for Up and Coming. “Having a planet for grandchildren and being safe, I can’t think of better things to spend time on,” he said. Heckman has done some counseling of COVE clients about finances and debt. He will be presenting a workshop concerning socially responsible investing this spring at AFFEW’s Earth Day event and, due to his interest in martial arts, has done some training for women in self-defense. “I’m pretty good at blending my interests,” he observed. Heckman recognizes that a lot of traditional organizations don’t have many younger people in them. “Our world is not going to get better unless we do something about,” Heckman said. He urges younger adults to find something they’re passionate about, and help or join an organization in that arena of interest. “If there’s not one that goes with your passion, create one,” he said. Organizations, he said, might have to evolve, too, if they wish to capture the younger generations. He said conducting a weekly meeting during which members talk about doing something a month later isn’t attractive to many action-oriented younger adults raised on instant technology. He urges organizations to consider doing a lot more action-oriented events, perhaps weekly. “I guess I’m where I’m supposed to be as a young person,” he said. “I’m pouring a lot into my business and community. As I get more resources I’ll help out more in the community.”

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

| Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

Adam Knudsen

Giving back through music, fishing the duo. “I was doing sound for them. I met Harvey through that and we’ve been friends ever since.” dam Knudsen is perhaps He said in recent years their best known as “Adam” from “Adam and Dave” music has been embraced by or, more recently, “Harvey and the local bars. Adam” or “Adam and Dave “It’s cool what’s gone on in and Harvey,” but he’s also one the last five years with The of the region’s most soughtMitten, with Brian and Megan after disc jockeys, a sound and (Josefowicz) getting that live video technician and a sucmusic going again and seeing cessful charter captain. the other venues in town join Knudsen, 36, lives in Ludingin and bring back the live muton with his wife, Heidi, a Ludsic scene,” Knudsen said. ington Beverage employee. He said he loves that younger By anyone’s standards, he’s a groups like Awesome Distracbusy, busy man, but he tries to tion and Good Times are gethelp out and give back through ting out and playing for people. the things he loves most — mu“It’s cool to see those young sic and the outdoors. people sharing their artistic He provides reduced-rate abilities and talents,” Knudsen services for a number of charsaid. “I loved doing it when I ity events each year and is the was younger and if I could play treasurer on the Ludington Brian Mulherin | Daily News every day I would, I just don’t Area Charterboat Association Adam Knudsen have the time.” board of directors. He said the live music scene this side of Lake Michigan and totally unseen. A Scottville native who went and arts scene in Ludington are I think we’ll continue to prove “Any of these events that go to Ludington Area Cathosomething the area should be that in the next few years.” on, I just want to see them have lic Schools, Knudsen had his proud of. While the rest of the world good productions,” Knudsen chance to leave the area and “I’m excited about Ludington, may live for the weekend, said. “I want to see that all their passed on it because this area to see the downtown business that’s where Knudsen makes technical needs are met. I want has everything he loves. people, the CVB and chamber his money. He booked his first to do things at a higher level “I had an opportunity when put on these events tailored to a so everybody walks away with I was 24 or 25 in Chicago to go DJ date for 2016 earlier this middle-aged crowd like Suds on week and he has just a couple a great experience. What I do and do sound down there at a the Shore and LudRock and the openings on his 2015 schedule. at the school or what I did (at venue,” Knudsen said. “It was musical events bringing people “During the school year, I COVE’s dinner), if everybody 18 miles from where I was stayto our area from out of town,” in the room can see or hear, it ing to where I would work and work about 80 hours a month Knudsen said. “That Brrrewat the school doing (audio and makes for a great event. If all it took about two hours to get fest was cool. It was very nicely video for) school functions and the things I do go unnoticed, there in the morning. done — very cold, but very cool. then typically Friday and Satit means I made the event as “I love this area, I love the I’m glad to see that transition urday I’m working every week good as it can be.” people, I love the community, that happened over the last 15 doing either live music, DJ-ing Knudsen said he’s been a just the small-town support, years and hopefully it continor production stuff,” Knudsen singer his whole life and he the way people genuinely care ues. Grand Haven doesn’t have said. “During the summer, I DJ grew up playing the violin. He about each other and step up anything on us other than more picked up a guitar about 18 when someone is in need. I love on Saturday and charter fish people.” Sunday through Friday.” years ago and has performed hunting and fishing, being a Knudsen was involved in the His jobs vary so much. When with Dave Kosla and now Har10-minute drive from my tree Lakeside Civic Players for years he plays live music in local vey Hargreaves all over town. stand. I think the Pere Marand now he’s excited about “It goes back to Lou Thunder quette River is the most under- clubs, he’s the center of attenTed Malt’s new choral project tion, but when he’s providing and the Rainmakers,” Knudrated river in the world. Ludthrough West Shore Commuaudio services, his goal is to be sen said of Hargreaves joining ington is the greatest port on By Brian Mulherin Daily News Staff Writer

nity College. “We have that new project we’re doing at West Shore, the Gold Coast Company select choir,” Knudsen said. “Our first show is in April. I’m trying to help that along to give people my age an opportunity with choral music.” Knudsen has built a healthy charterboat clientele and really looks forward to his summers. He might work weekends, but he enjoys that he doesn’t work as a fisherman on weekends much. “Last year, the only weekend that I fished was Ludington Offshore Classic,” Knudsen said. “Say I fish on a Wednesday — it’s me and six other boats and it is awesome. I never have to deal with the traffic.” Knudsen said he still gets a rush out of finding fish for people new to the sport. “I love taking people out who have never done it, watching somebody catch their first fish, being part of that,” Knudsen said. “I don’t get excited for the guys who know everything and want to kill every fish. I love taking kids fishing. When you go on a charter it’s pretty easy as long as you listen. You don’t need to have a lot of knowledge. If you do as instructed, you’ll be successful and it’s a lot of fun.” As he talked about the area, his eyes lit up and a smile came across his face. “This area has all the things I enjoy,” Knudsen said. “We have a very good music scene, a good fine arts scene, excellent hunting and fishing opportunities, outdoors opportunities in general — the state park is an incredible place to go and spend a day — everything that’s here is what I’m about.”

Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

www.ludingtondailynews.com

Joe Gorton

Making math more fun for students BY KEVIN BRACISZESKI DAILY NEWS STAFF writer

oe Gorton works to make math fun and interesting for Pentwater’s students and they repay him by coming to his room during his records period to work on problems. On one recent day, five students took advantage of his open-door policy and Gorton quickly moved from desk to desk helping them with clues. “I love it. It gives me an amazing opportunity to work with students on a one-on-one basis,” he said about working at Pentwater. “I think my biggest class is 24 so it gives me a lot of time to work one-on-one,” he said. “The whole student population is great.” Gorton, 31, is married to Abbie and they have a 4-year-old son named Oliver and a 2-yearold daughter named Elliot. This is his third year teaching at Pentwater and he is a local man — graduating from Shelby High School in 2002 before attending Grand Valley State University, where he earned a degree. Gorton said he did not specifically seek employment at Pentwater, but is now glad he’s there because of the tight-knit relationship between students and staff at the small district. He said he sent out many resumes after graduating college and Pentwater responded, inviting him to an interview. “And I was hired that day,” he said about that interview. “His leadership in technology integration and his deep commitment to helping students

He said a graphing app his students use can help things click in their minds as they work on problems. “And we have graphic calculators in the classroom and we use them a lot,” Gorton said. He also helps students with their homework electronically. “They can send a photo of their work showing where they’re stuck and I can try to send them the next piece of information to keep them going,” he said. “So it’s nice to have that technology.” Gorton said he receives one or two emails about homework each night. Gorton also said he tries to show his students examples of math in the real world by trying to get away from just numbers and using story problems and estimation. KEVIN BRACISZESKI | DAILY NEWS “They can look at an answer Pentwater math teacher Joe Gorton helps Carrie Griffis with a problem during a recent records period at the school. and say if it is realistic,” he He doesn’t teach class during his records period, but students know they can come to his room and work on problems said. during that time. He even uses props in his assignments, such as a stack of math. “You can go so many cups for students to study as ways with a problem and kids they work to answer the quesfind answers in many different tion how many stacked cups ways.” will it take to reach a certain He said math can become a height. class much like an exploratory Gorton also used action figscience class. ures and rubber bands while Gorton also integrates techasking students to design a nology into his lessons and is bungee cord that will allow the thankful a technology grant action figure to survive a fall has provided Chromebooks for “and have the time of his life.” Joe Gorton Pentwater’s students so they Gorton’s classroom is also can even take them home at open to students for after plex math in their everyday night to use for their lessons. school work while he waits for know math concepts and be world.” “This gives them another gym time for the junior varsity able to use them in the real He chose math as his subtool to use in all their classes basketball team he coaches. world are impressive,” Pentwaject, Gorton said, because he and math especially,” he said. “I’m here and I’m doing what ter Superintendent Mary Marfelt challenged by the idea that “There are so many graphing I want to do,” Gorton said shall said about Gorton. “He is many people think of math as a apps and other functions and when asked about his future. a great team player with all the boring subject. they give (students) different “My goal is to make this math incredible teachers and does a “It doesn’t have to be a static ways to look at math and work program great.” great job helping kids see comthing,” Gorton said about technology into it.”

‘They can send a photo of their work showing where they’re stuck and I can try to send them the next piece of information to keep them going.’

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

| Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING www.ludingtondailynews.com

Seth and Lindsay Earl

A local power couple in agriculture

By Brian Mulherin Daily News Staff Writer

eth Earl and Lyndsay Earl are a rare pair. For lack of a better term, they’re a young agricultural power couple. Seth, 30, is the District Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, while Lyndsay, 27, is the daughter of Free Soil Township dairy farmers Bill and Terri Stakenas and is a member representative for the Michigan Milk Producers Association. Both hold bachelor’s degrees from Michigan State University and with their experience, they could work anywhere in the world, but they chose to stay in Mason County. “What’s different here and what really separates the people in this county and community from others — and I worked in seven states — is we have some of the best growers and nicest people I’ve ever worked with,” Seth said. Seth was working in Mason County and Lyndsay was working in Coldwater when the two met. “Her dad introduced us because I worked with her dad professionally and then he told me he had a daughter who went to Michigan State who I needed to meet,” Seth said. “I started in the Fremont area and got promoted to a supervisor job that I moved to Coldwater for,” Lyndsay said. “After we had been dating a year we decided to get married so I asked to move back up here. Plus my family was up here.” The two recently celebrated the first birthday of their daughter McKenzie. Seth, who hails from Hills-

Seth and Lyndsay Earl are shown with their daughter, McKenzie.

dale, could have easily moved to Coldwater to be with Lyndsay but he was happy to have her here. “Honestly, I love the opportunities that it presents to raise a family,” Seth said of Mason County. “This area’s a great place to raise a family. There’s a lot of opportunities to raise kids outside, whether it be hunting, fishing, camping, things along those lines. That, plus the overall diversity of my workload is really what’s kept me here.” Lyndsay’s work takes her all over the state. She covers six

counties and 115 farms from Mason County to Kent County. She said her main job is quality control and troubleshooting. “We make sure farms are clean, passing inspections,” Lyndsay said. “Any time there’s quality issues we go out to the farm and try to figure out why, teach them the proper techniques of milking.” Lyndsay said at first the job could be challenging. She had to go in to farms and tell farmers and their seasoned hands how they were doing their jobs wrong.

Open committee and still would like to see a large ice fishing tournament in the area. He can be found fishing for crappies just down the lake from his home near Wilson Hill Park during the winter. Both are also on a committee for an upcoming Breakfast on the Farm event for Mason County. Lyndsay’s parents will host the meal and tour, which is designed to showcase the area’s agriculture and is expected to draw hundreds from around the state. The focus of the event is to educate people about where their food comes from. “A lot of people overlook agriculture and natural resources,” Seth said. “It’s the second biggest industry in the state of Michigan. It generates $101.2 billion annually.” They’re both proud to be affiliated with agriculture and this event will help them share what the area has to offer with many who are both familiar and unfamiliar with the business. “We try to be as involved in the community as we can be,” Seth said. They both also expect to be “It was very hard to get their 4-H parents very soon. respect at the beginning,” Lynd“As soon as she’s old enough say said. to start showing, we’re going to But being a 4-H veteran and get her in there,” Lyndsay said the daughter of a farmer who’s of McKenzie. “We did it as early been on state committees, she as we could up until we couldn’t was able to get her point across. anymore. “There’s a lot of good pro“It definitely helped getting ducers in this area, really good to know people in the industry. quality producers in the area,” When we were just starting, the she said. “Growing up, knowpeople we looked up to were ing everybody in the area, they seniors and as we got older we seem to respect me more knowwere kind of mentoring their ing I have a background in it.” kids and now their kids are Both are as involved in the older and our kids are starting. community as they can be. Seth “It’s definitely something we was part of the Michigan Ice look forward to every summer.”

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Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

Carrie Kosla

Helping community make connections Carrie Kosla shows off the dove donor wall at COVE’s new office/shelter complex. Jeff Kiessel | Daily News

By PATTI KLEVORN News Editor

arrie Kosla takes her job at Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters very seriously. “I realized really quickly it was an organization worth working for and supporting,” Kosla said. The staff works tirelessly to support COVE’s clients, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, she said. “Nothing I do compares to what they do, 24/7,” Kosla said. She is COVE’s fundraising/community outreach coordinator, involved in the capital campaign to build the agency’s new shelter/office complex, a state-ofthe-art facility that will house women and their children in individual apart-

ments within the complex and has the staff offices and programming space. Kosla’s day job is just a small portion of what she’s known for in the community. Kosla is on the board of the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Pageant, which she joined when she was working with the hospital foundation, all encouraged as part of community outreach by her former employer, Marc Lenz of LenzBalder Insurance. “I very much like the way the organization operates,” she said of the Miss America Organization, with which Miss Ludington Area is affiliated. “Every (Miss Ludington Area) has been incredible,” Kosla said. “We’re very lucky.” She tied the two interests — COVE and the pageant — together in inviting

See page 11

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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From page 10

2015 Miss America Kira Kazantsev to COVE’s recent groundbreaking. She agreed, to COVE’s delight. “I figured the worst thing I could hear was no,” she said. Kazantsev’s platform is “Love Shouldn’t Hurt: Protecting Women Against Domestic Violence.” “She’s a very dynamic young woman with a big heart for these issues,” Kosla said. Kosla is active in the theater group Lakeside Civic Players, and she has enjoyed volunteering with her fellow Civic Players, including Heather Tykoski. She thinks they will be co-directing another show together later this year. “We have a lot of things coming up,” she said. The theater group has brought shows from children’s theater to the Broadway hit “Rent” to the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. It’s also offered theatrical performances of TED Talks on various topics — including domestic violence — at the Ludington Library. If there’s a downtown Ludington event, she’s one of the volunteers helping. As a Downtown Ludington Board member on the marketing/events committee, she helps with everything from the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to Friday Night Live, Octoberfest and New Year’s Eve. Kosla books the entertainment for FNL. “I’ve had a really good time doing it,” she said of the downtown events. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun to see everybody there having a good time.” She works with a group of dedicated

people, she said. “There’s a younger crowd that’s starting to get involved and we have people we can count on.” Her focus is on community in part for selfish reasons, her children — David, 9, Selena, 4. “They’re the best kids in the world,” she said. She is 31 years old and a 2001 graduate of Mason County Central High School, who has attended both Davenport University and West Shore Community College, where she has continued to take classes through the years. Kosla has a sought-after vocal talent, coming from her Rangel family of musicians, with whom she has produced several albums and toured while she was growing up. If you haven’t heard her sing publicly lately, it’s because she’s been pretty busy in the community and in raising her children. She does sing in the St. Simon Church praise band, Faith 101, but her public performances are limited by time constraints of her volunteer work. That also includes her membership on the Habitat for Humanity of Mason County Board of Directors. “I love to enrich other people’s lives,” Kosla said, but noted it’s her awareness that this is the community where she is choosing to raise her children that drives her. “I’ll step up,” she said. “I don’t have time either,” Kosla said. “But I’ll make it.” She was nominated for Up and Coming by FloraCraft President and CEO Jim Scatena.

Daily News file photo

Carrie Kosla announces plans for COVE’s grand opening, which was held Feb. 17.

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Congratulations to our Up and Coming Community Leaders! Thank you for everything you do for our community. We appreciate you!

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Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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Michelle Kiessel

By PATTI KLEVORN News Editor

A leading role in the community whom she cares for, a full-time job at Oaktree Academy, and still manages to find time to pioneer new and exciting artistic ventures to keep this community culturally diverse,” he said. Kiessel was interested in the theater early on in life but too shy to participate. “I’d sign up to audition and scratch my name off the list,” she said. “My senior year (at Shelby High School) I thought, it’s now or never.” It was the first play in the school’s new auditorium, “Oklahoma.” She almost backed out again, but auditioned and landed the lead. Right away, it felt like home. “I really fit here,” she said. She has often wondered, if

ichelle Kiessel’s roles are memorable. She’s starred in community theater musicals — Fiona in “Shrek the Musical,” Maria in “The Sound of Music,” and Maureen in “Rent” and Sally Bowles in “Cabaret” among them. Her latest musical venture is as part of a new choir through West Shore Community College, West Shore Gold Coast Singers, with Bob Parker conducting. (Look for the first performance at WSCC April 12.) The 34-year-old was nominated for Up and Coming by theater friend Cody Hodges. “She is an absolute joy to

work with on stage, and especially watch. She has starred in, directed, and helped with many productions in the area and continues to do so,” Hodges said. He nominated Kiessel for her devotion to making the community a better place through the arts. “She has a beautiful family

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she hadn’t gone ahead with the play then, would she ever have had courage later in life. She has performed in and directed plays and taught theater to children through youth programs. “I think theater is a great vessel to bring things to light,” she said. “It’s entertainment first but there are messages people can come away with. They can be as obvious as ‘Rent’ or as gentle as ‘The Velveteen Rabbit.’” With two young daughters, Norah and Sydney, ages 4 and 6, Kiessel has put much of her theater life on hold. Her main role these days, in addition to wife and mother, is in her position at Oaktree Acad-

emy. She was hired by director Lisa Cooper to lead the program for children when they are not in school. Oaktree was created as a new concept, Cooper’s brainchild, which was made possible through United Way of Mason County’s leadership and funding from the Pennies from Heaven Foundation. “It really does feel like the community is wrapped around this project,” Kiessel said. “We’re trying to help fill a void.” Kiessel is grateful for her husband, Ludington Daily news photographer/staff writer Jeff Kiessel. “None of the theater stuff would be possible if Jeff wasn’t so supportive,” she said.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

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| Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

Becky DoDson

Taking customer service to a new level BY KEVIN BRACISZESKI DAILY NEWS STAFF writer

hen Becky Dodson is working the breakfast shift, many customers find their coffee — and a smiling Dodson — waiting for them when they get inside. “A lot of the regulars come in the morning and I get their coffee ready before they get in the door,” she said. “Just waiting on people, when you see the same person over and over again, you know what they eat and how they take their coffee. “One guy came in after a long time away and asked if I knew what his order was. It was a double Quarter Pounder with cheese, fries and a drink,” Dodson said. She began working at McDonald’s in 1995 and left to continue her education in geology at a college in Washington, D.C., before moving back to Michigan after 9/11. She then continued her studies at Grand Valley State University — but found it hard to commute five days a week to Grand Rapids and Allendale. “So then I started thinking about what I could graduate with quickly and make a decent amount of money so I went to X-ray school at Mid Michigan Community College in Harrison,” Dodson said. “So I was working here and going to school for that.” Dodson said she didn’t particularly like working in a hospital setting, but she did like working for orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jack Heethouse. “That was nice, but then he moved,” she said. “So I came back here and I’ve

been here ever since — seven years.” And many of the morning customers are glad she did return. “I want to nominate Becky Dodson because she does such a good job with service

(at McDonald’s)” said co-worker Cheryl Gage. “The people who come in the morning for coffee all love her. She knows their names, she knows their coffee. She knows every one of them.” One of those customers,

began. “He said he would get two hugs today,” Dodson said. And he did. “She is a good friend,” Harmon said about Dodson. “She’s got a nice attitude toward everything. When I leave, she’ll give me a hug. I don’t imagine I’m the only one she gives hugs to. “Each time I go in she asks me how I feel and most times I feel OK,” he said. Harmon said he met Dodson about a year ago at a time when he had just completed seven weeks of radiation treatment for cancer. “I mentioned it to Becky one day when I went in there and we’ve been friends ever since,” he said. “To me, she is an exceptional person,” Harmon said. “I am just glad I met her and I think Becky Dodson takes a cus- her prayers for me have had a tomer’s order at the Lud- benefit.” ington McDonald’s. Dodson said she isn’t really sure why people confide in her. “I have people come up to Becky Dodson hugs Frank me and just tell me things,” Harmon of she said. “I don’t know what Walhalla. it is about me, but they just come up to me and tell me about themselves.” KEVIN BRACISZESKI | Daily News Recently, while answering questions about herself, Dodson kept looking around to see how busy the restaurant was getting and to wave to people as they entered the door. “That’s Bob,” she said about Frank Harmon of Walhalla, a man who was busy on a lapeven stopped to see her twice top. “He knows I like geology on a recent morning. so he prints things off for me. The first time, he and his He’s a nice guy.” wife, Jackie, gave her a ChristHer favorite part of her job? mas tree that lights up and a “The customers, just seeing greeting card. He then came them,” Dodson said. back just before the noon rush

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Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

Adam sheren

Giving back to build a better community

they are going to do. It takes six months to plan out a oneday event.” dam Sheren and his He also helps with the wife, Ashley, tried living United Way of Mason County and working outside campaign within West Shore of Ludington — sometimes Bank, helping organize fun separated by jobs in different events where people can cities in the process — but contribute some funds and they jumped at the chance to win the chance to enjoy a return home “jeans day” during which where Adam they can dress casually at Sheren gives work, or win a couple hours back to try to off work. build a better Sheren said he’s not one to community. sit still. The couple “I am a landlord, a property has one son manager with five rental propand is expecterties in Ludington.” ing another child in April. He buys homes, fixes them “It’s just nice to be able to up and rents them out. give back. That’s why my wife “That’s my passion. I love and I came back,” said Sheren, building, constructing and dewho by day for the past sevsigning,” he said, “giving peoeral years has worked as loss Jeff Kiessel | Daily News ple a nice, safe place to live.” mitigation and special asset He relates how someone manager for West Shore Bank. Adam Sheren works at West Shore Bank and he and his wife buy and renovate rental property. He volunteers once commented to him “so His wife, Ashley (McDonald) through work United Way of Mason County campaigns and through his role on the board of Habitat for Humanity you’re a slum lord?” of Mason County. Sheren is a first grade teach“It burned me a bit,” he said. er at Lakeview Elementary “No, I’m not a slum lord.” School. “I was in Arizona, I back? tition. Another popular game people to help, but you have He said he invests money in had no plans where I wanted He’s a board member of involved “Plinko,” such as to be willing to ask,” Sheren properties he buys through to be outside of Ludington” Habitat for Humanity and is a used on “The Price is Right.” said. “If there’s no one asking, the couple’s Adley Properties. Adam continued. leader in raising funds for the Strategically placed food there’s not going to be that (Adley is a combination of the “The community here is so agency that helps build homes and kegs of beer also helped out there.” first syllable of his name and tight-knit. We were given so with people who contribute participants enjoy the day at Community organizations the last of Ashley’s name.) He many opportunities as kids. sweat equity and purchase the Hemlock Golf Course. “It was have different types of roles said every single thing was That’s not something that’s houses with no-interest loans. unique, I liked it,” he said of that can be filled. It takes peo- brand new: plumbing, electrijust going to happen.” Sheren led the a successful the day. ple willing to plan, coordinate cal. “I try to make sure I’m not Members of the community Raise the Roof golf outing that In addition to coordinating and manage events — somegoing to get a phone call in the must pitch in to make sure netted Habitat about $10,000 Raise the Roof, he helped put times for months before an middle of the night,” he said there are opportunities, the and was enjoyed by the more on another new fundraising event happens — and it takes of his approach of ensuring 30-year-old Ludington native than 20 teams that particievent like “Hoops for Homes,” people to fill the roles on the their places are nice. “It makes said. pated. An avid golfer himraising $1,000. days an event takes place, he sense to put money in a house “I think our generation is do- self, Sheren said to make the “If there are not people getsaid. up front.” ing a very good job trying to event more fun, it included ting on boards, helping with “We have a very easy time to He said he’s always looking pick up where the older genoffbeat competitions such as different fundraising events, fill the roles, put up a house, for a new property to work on. eration has left off. It’s nice to a waterballoon hole in which it’s not going to keep happen- paint trim, do the roofing,” It’s another way of buildbe able to come back and give participants used a launcher ing,” he said of the good that he said of his experience with ing a community, something back and benefit the lives in to fire water balloons at a tarp comes out of such community Habitat for Humanity. “Not Adam Sheren likes and wants the community,” he said. some 80 yards away in a clos- service. everybody is so keen on plan- to continue to do. So how does Sheren give est to the pin kind of compe“I don’t find it hard to find ning out every aspect of what BY STEVE BEGNOCHE Managing Editor

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| Ludington daily newS/UP AND COMING

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

Ryan Cox

Two communities, several roles

By Jeff Kiessel Daily News Staff Writer

yan Cox wears many hats in his daily life. He is a teacher at O.J. DeJonge Middle School. He is the mayor of Ludington, a reservist with the Ludington Police Department and, when he finds time, he spends it working at his parents’ Scottville business, Cox’s Sales and Service. At 32 years old, Cox understands the art of community service. “I guess everything I do is service-oriented,” he said. As a teacher, I service the students that I teach,” he said. “At my parents’ business, I service the customer, and with the positions of mayor and reserve police officer, I serve the community.” Ryan just finished his first

Jeff Kiessel | Daily News

Ryan Cox wears many hats in life, including a teacher at Ludington’s OJ DeJonge Middle School, Ludington mayor, businessman, police department reserve officer and community volunteer.

year serving the people of Ludington as their mayor. Cox enjoyed leading the city council meetings and learning the process of being a public

figure, and he said he received a lot of help in the process. He also enjoyed being at or taking part in many of the events throughout the year,

Fourth of July activities, the Petunia Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Gus Macker and Lakestride. These events bring in thousands of people to the community every year. Cox joined the Ludington Police Department as a reservist around 2011. “I started doing this as a way to get involved in the community,” Ryan said. The position of reservist is a completely voluntary one, he added. “As a reservist, you get a chance to see a different side of the community and work with the people who protect you every day,” he said. Working with his parents at the store they have owned in Scottville for 37 years is something he has done all his life. “I go in there and get my

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hands dirty,” he said. I have a lot of childhood memories at the shop, Cox said. He not only likes getting his hands dirty and working on the machines, but also the interaction with the customers. It gives him an opportunity to catch up on life in his hometown. Ryan, who is married to Tracy, began his teaching career with Ludington Area Schools eight years ago. He started out teaching social studies and survival skills.He is currently teaching in the middle school and loves the interaction with his students. He does hope that he is making an impact on his students and hopes one day they will look back on their education and have good memories of him and his life lessons.

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