The Chronicle News No. 4 April 16 - April 30, 2022

LAFCU offers $2,500 personal grants to aid in debt repayment

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is now accepting entries for an essay contest that will award up to $7,500 in grants for those working to build a better financial life for themselves.

The entry deadline is Friday, May 6, 2022.

The LAFCU Pathway to Financial Transformation Essay Contest provides up to $2,500 to each

of three entrants. The funds will be applied to the winners’ outstanding debts.

“Debt can prevent a person from living life to the fullest — not just in what they can or can not buy or experience, but the added stress of too much debt can negatively affect relationships and lead

TEN FORMER DEMOCRATIC REPS ENDORSE PENELOPE TSERNOGLOU

EAST LANSING, MI —

Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) announced endorsements from ten former Democratic State Representatives earlier today including former Democratic Leader Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills), Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge), Hon. Laura Baird (D-Okemos), Joan Bauer (D-Lansing), Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga), Tom Cochran (D-Mason), Bob Constan (D-Dearborn Heights),

Kristy Pagan (D-Canton), Andy Schor (D-Lansing), and Francis “Bus” Spaniola (D-Shiawassee County).

“Penelope has the tenacity, leadership skills, and unique ability to bring people together for the common good that will make her an effective lawmaker. Her many achievements as an Ingham County Commissioner have prepared her well to be a strong advocate for her community. Her long history

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to health problems,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. “This contest focuses on the importance of a ‘Pathway to Financial Transformation’ when you’ve stumbled in your journey to achieve financial stability.”

Winners will be selected based

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Bariatric Surgery Changed This Patient’s Life in Unimaginable Ways

“There is so much shame and stigma associated with being overweight or ‘taking the easy way out’ with surgery,”

Over the past 30 years, obesity has become the most prevalent disease in the world, and more people suffer from the health effects of obesity than from any other disease.

This was the case for Alayna Wesener, who struggled with her weight her entire life. “At 30, I felt my entire future was ruined. I felt like I was going to die young. I needed a seatbelt extender on an airplane, I could barely tie my shoes, I couldn’t cross my legs, and for years I had unexplained infertility,” said Wesener.

Wesener spoke with her primary care provider about weight loss surgery a few times; however, her doctor wanted to see if she could lose the weight with diet and exercise first. “I finally decided to make the change after experiencing the loss of my older sister to heroin. I took in her young son, and I knew that I had to make a serious change with my own health so I could be there for him. At the time, I weighed 332 pounds, and I also didn’t want my parents to have to experience the loss of their other child.”

Wesener then reached out to Dr. Michael Kia, DO, FACOS, FACS, bariatric surgeon at McLaren Greater Lansing and McLaren Flint. “There is so much shame and stigma associated with being overweight or ‘taking the easy way out’ with surgery,” said Wesener. “I intentionally didn’t share with anyone that I was seriously considering having surgery besides my primary

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Courtesy Photo-Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer

Courtesy Photo-Alayna Wesener-Alayna holds a photo of her picture before bariatric surgery

Black History-Misty Copeland’s Journey of Leaps and Bounds

Author: Yanice Y. Jackson

Misty Copeland is not your typical Prima Ballerina. She is a trailblazer in a tutu. Misty’s well-chronicled journey to becoming the first female African American principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre has helped jumpstart conversations about racial representation in ballet companies. Misty is a strong, graceful and breathtaking performer continually breaking

the barriers of classical dance. Dance is her voice and a driving force in her life. She is pushing racial barriers and proving ballerina stereotypes are nonsense.

Misty Copeland if from Kansas City. During her childhood she endured a tumultuous home life to find her way to dance, eventually studying under California ballet instructor Cindy Bradley. Copeland joined

the studio company of American Ballet Theatre in 2000, becoming a soloist several years later and starring in an array of productions such as The Nutcracker and Firebird. An icon whose star shines beyond the world of classical dance, in late June 2015 Copeland became the first African American performer to be appointed as an ABT principal dancer in the company’s decade’s long history.

With a non-traditional entry into ballet, Copeland has created buzz outside of that world due to her being one of the few African American performers seen in classical dance. In a meteoric rise, she has continually acknowledged the responsibility she feels to brown girls looking to make their way in the art form. Her trailblazing accomplishments have been recognized by a range of institutions, and in spring 2015 she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, a rare feat for someone

from the dance world.

n June 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to dance with ABT in the dual role of Odette and Odile in Pyotry Ilycih Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Then on June 30 of that same year, Copeland scored a monumental achievement covered the world over, becoming the first African American performer to be appointed an ABT principal dancer in the company’s 75-year history. At a subsequent news conference, an emotional Copeland stated in tears that the announcement marked the culmination of her lifelong dream. Copeland has also been able to forge a career outside of the classic traditions of ballet via the guidance of manager Gilda Squire. In addition to having her own 2013 calendar, endorsement deals with COACH and American Express, a spoton Prince’s Welcome 2 tour, and a guest appearance on So You Think You Can Dance, Copeland

has been one of the stars of Under Armour’s “I Will What I Want” video campaign, with her clip receiving more than 8 million views and counting. Copeland is also a member of President Barack Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. The ballerina has also become a tour de force in the literary world, publishing two works in 2014: New York Times best-selling memoir Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, with journalist Charisse Jones as co-writer, and the awardwinning children’s picture book Firebird, with art by Christopher Myers

As time goes on Misty continues to define dance for herself and not allow others to define her success. Her breathtaking performances continue to inspire those wanting to follow in her footsteps. In addition, she has opened up a new world to a diverse audience who has decided to explore the world of classical ballet.

Misty Copleand and Prince perform during his “Welcome 2 America” tour at Madison Square Garden on February 7, 2011, in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Wireimage)

on their one-page essay about how they are trying to create a financial roadmap. Entrants are asked what actions have influenced their financial decisions, what progress they’ve made during the past year, and how the grant could help meet their financial goals.

“Applying for the grant is an opportunity for entrants to assess their financial situation, reflect on their

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accomplishments and look to the future,” Ellsworth Etchison said. “As a credit union, LAFCU has a responsibility to help make the communities we serve stronger. This program, which is part of our financial literacy program, helps us deliver on that responsibility.”

She said that the grants are ideal to use on a debt that is preventing the person from

obtaining needed services, such as a medical debt, or the grant can pay down or off a winner’s highest-rate loan. Any debt is eligible for the grant.

Entrants must live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, but are not required to be a member of LAFCU.

Information is at www.lafcu. com/ptft where entries can be uploaded. Winners will be selected May 27. About

One of the best things about our community is the number of different cultures that live in our neighborhoods. We are lucky to be able to experience an array of traditions, customs and lifestyles.

At Palmer, Bush & Jensen, we understand and offer services for all cultures. We know our differences are what make us unique.

of helping elect Democrats demonstrates her commitment to championing legislation that puts people first and truly improves lives,” said Greig.

“These ten former Democratic legislators served in districts across our state, from the mid1970’s through just a couple years ago. They all know, regardless of where they’re from or when they served, what it takes to be an effective legislator - deep community roots, compassion, drive, and a history of working well with others to get the work done. They’ve all been there and are putting their trust in me.

I couldn’t be prouder,” said Tsernoglou. Tsernoglou owns Practical Political Consulting. The nonpartisan firm is best known for supplying campaigns with voter data and their notable petition work, including working closely with Voters Not Politicians to create the MI Citizens Redistricting Commission, successfully invalidating the 2020 Right to Life initiative drive, and working with labor unions on causes like Protect Our Jobs.

As an Ingham County Commissioner, Tsernoglou

spearheaded the development and passage of two millages overwhelming supported by county voters: the Trails and Parks Millage which has now

raised over $20 million in improvements and expansion of Ingham’s trail system and the Animal Control Millage, which funded construction

of a $7 million cleaner, safer, more efficient animal shelter with expanded services for residents.

How to Help Your Children Become Financially Savvy Adults

By Deidre Davis, MSU Federal Credit Union Chief Marketing Officer

Teaching children about money early in life can help them learn healthy financial habits that will last a lifetime. Children who learn how money works at an early age often make better financial decisions — whether it’s budgeting to buy a toy they want or determining which car to buy.

One of the first steps to encourage healthy financial habits is to have a savings account. From there, you can share the fundamentals of building a savings account and creating savings goals. Many children (and adults) learn by doing. Show your children how to make deposits, withdraw money, and purchase items using funds in their accounts. This not only teaches basic money management skills, but also gives children a sense of ownership and control over their earnings.

To introduce budgeting, have your children plan for a family home-cooked meal. Help them understand that spending money on one item may keep them from having enough money for other items (such as dessert!).

When you go grocery shopping, give your child your list and budget. Then, have them select items and subtract the cost of each item as they add them to the cart. This is great way to teach about wants versus needs and how to maintain a budget.

One of the ways MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) promotes learning money management skills is by

celebrating National Credit Union Youth Month each April. This year’s theme “Save Small, Dream Big” encourages children to develop healthy financial habits by making saving fun and exciting.

We’re offering a free gift to all youth members who visit an MSUFCU branch throughout the month of April. Plus, we’re hosting a “Save Small, Dream Big” sweepstakes — all youth members who deposit at least $50 into their accounts by April 30, 2022 will be entered to win one of five $100 1-Year Add-On Certificates. Visit msufcu.org/ youthmonth for details.

MSUFCU offers youth accounts with interactive tools and resources to start the savings process and make learning financial basics fun and engaging. We offer five youth accounts:

• Sweet Pea (ages 0-2)

• Dollar Dog (ages 3-6)

• Cyber Saver (ages 7-10)

• Money Club (ages 11-13)

All MSUFCU youth members receive one virtual coin for every $10 deposited into their accounts. These virtual coins may be redeemed for items in the Youth Store through ComputerLine®, MSUFCU’s online account management system.

Making saving a habit is an important life lesson you can teach children today. Learn more about MSUFCU’s youth accounts at msufcu.org/youth.

1 Motorcycle loan special of .50% rate discount valid 4/1/22 through 6/30/22. Actual rate will vary based on creditworthiness, term, amount financed, and age of motorcycle. To qualify for discounted rate, motorcycle must be 600cc or greater. Financing for qualified MSUFCU members, consumer accounts only. Discount cannot be combined with any other motorcycle offer or applied to existing MSUFCU motorcycle loans. Loan must be disbursed by 6/30/22 to receive discount 2 The Ready to Ride Sweepstakes begins at midnight ET on 4/1/22 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET 6/30/22. One member who opens a new motorcycle loan between 4/1/22 and 6/30/22 will be randomly selected to receive a $500 MSUFCU Visa Gift Card. Motorcycle must be 600cc or greater to qualify. Winner’s account must be in good standing. Refinancing a current MSUFCU Motorcycle Loan does not qualify for promotion. Winner will be drawn 7/7/22 by MSUFCU’s Marketing department, whose decision is final. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries received during the sweepstakes period. If 1,000 entries are submitted, chances of winning are 1 in 1,000. Winner will be notified by email and/or phone and has 5 business days to respond. Failure to respond in 5 business days will result in the selection of a new winner. Winner must sign release form to receive prize. Winner is responsible for applicable taxes. MSUFCU employees, board members, and their families are

care provider.”

Wesener had a sleeve gastrectomy performed, which is one of the two most common bariatric surgeries. This surgery works by correcting the abnormal communication signals that have developed during the disease of obesity.

“Weight loss surgery has become safer in the United States than gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, or even joint replacement. It is one of the safest procedures that is performed,” said Dr. Kia. “The surgery is laparoscopic, which means we make very small incisions in the abdomen. Patients can expect a 7 to 10day recovery before they can return to work and general activity.”

By changing the biochemistry of how the brain thinks about food, patients no longer go through cravings and experience the feeling of being full without an emotional aspect.

“Today, I have run five full marathons, found the confidence to start my own business, and I have the most wonderful little blessing—a two-year-old little boy named Wyatt—and my handsome nephew has signed on to the Navy and leaves later this year. Without surgery, I don’t know that I would be here. I know this wouldn’t be my life,” said Wesener.

Years later, Wesener still maintains a healthy weight and lifestyle. Her passion about weight loss surgery has also led to her directly impacting five others in choosing surgery for themselves, and they are also maintaining a healthy weight years later. “I wanted to publicly share my story, the ups and the downs, with my friends and family, and truthfully anyone who would listen. This surgery not only saved my life but also completely changed my life. My biggest piece of advice is to make the appointment.”

Courtesy Photo-Alayna Wesener-Alayna holds after bariatric surgery

WE ARE ASKING YOU TO VOTE

MAY 3

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

The debt millage rate would not increase above the 2021 debt millage rate and would generate $129.7 million to enable 21st century learning.

For more information visit www.lansingschools.net/bond2022

KNOW HOW TO STAY SAFE THIS SEASON WHILE PLAYING SPRING SPORTS

Author: Lindsey Ulrich

Spring is here, and just as nature starts to awaken from winter, your body does too as you head outside and become more active. Playing sports is a great way to live a fun and healthy lifestyle, but injuries can and do happen often.

“Sports injuries tend to vary from minor sprains or bruises to more significant ligament tears or fractures,” said David Pohl, DO, physician at McLaren MidMichigan Physicians Family Medicine and Lipidology. “We often see injury patterns related to the specific sport played, and with most sports involving some form of running and/or jumping, we see a lot of lower extremity injuries in our athletes and active patients. Most commonly, the ankles and knees are injured, and for throwing and ball sport athletes, we commonly see injuries to the wrists, shoulders, and elbow.”

It is important to prepare and warm up your body before physical activity. This includes stretching, learning the proper form for the sport or activity you are doing, wearing the proper equipment, and not pushing yourself too hard, too fast.

“Be sure you are warming up with lower-intensity, repetitive activities to increase blood flow and elasticity of your muscles,” explained Dr. Pohl. “Wear protective equipment such as shin guards for soccer or a helmet for bicycling. Especially with outdoor activities, be sure your field or path is relatively safe and free from large potholes or divots.”

Even with good preparations, injuries can occur. There is a variety of treatment plans depending on how severe the injury is.

“For minor injuries, like a sprain, over-the-counter anti-

inflammatories, ice packs, wraps/braces, and keeping the injury elevated can help relieve some of the pain and swelling, and help the injury to heal,” said Dr. Pohl. “For more significant injuries, we might prescribe physical therapy to help regain some of the joint stability and muscle control. Sometimes a fracture would need a cast or potentially surgery to fix it.”

Sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, and healing can vary based on a number of factors.

“Typically, we would expect a minor sprain to fully heal within two to three weeks, but a more significant sprain could take up to two to three months to fully recover from,” said Dr. Pohl. “Often athletes will be able to return to their sport prior to full healing with

the assistance of bracing or supportive taping.”

Specific treatments are dependent on the injury. If you have a concerning injury or pain, talk to your doctor.

If you are looking for a new primary care physician, Dr. Pohl is currently accepting new patients.

Photo Credit: Mclaren Stock photo