The Chronicle News Number 44 December 16-31 2023

The Chronicle News Partners with Community Organizations to Feed Families and Bridge Digital Divide

On December 16, 2023, The Chronicle News partnered with Lansing Community Catalyst Corp., Transformation GEMS, and Believe Family Outreach for their Annual Food and Essentials distribution. The event was held at the office of Transformation GEMS (Gifted Entrepreneurs with Millionaire Status) located at 3333 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, Michigan.

Nominations Encouraged for Michigan Lottery’s Excellence in Education Awards

The Michigan Lottery is celebrating 10 years of recognizing outstanding educators with the 2023-24 Excellence in Education awards. During the program’s 10 years, the Michigan Lottery has recognized more than 300 public-school educators across

Michigan and highlighted the impact they have in their respective communities.

Nominations are currently open, and parents, students, school staff members,

and others are encouraged to nominate outstanding public-school educators for awards. All public-school employees may be nominated for the awards, which recognize educators who go “above and beyond” to

Rakim Allah - Legendary Icon of Hip Hop

When thinking about the foundation and culture of hip-hop, Rakim is thought of by many hip-hop enthusiasts as one of the Greatest Rap Artists in history. Rakim is an American rapper who is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential MCs the world has ever seen.

Born William Michael Griffin, on January 28, 1968, in Wyandanch, Long Island, New York, to an artistically inclined family. His father, William Griffin Sr. was a soft-spoken and sensitive man, and his mother sang opera and jazz. He and his brothers also played various musical instruments.

At the age of 16, he converted to Islam, adopting the name Rakim Allah after joining the movement ‘Five-Percent Nation’. With time, he appeared as the most vocal spokesperson for ‘Five-Percent Nation’; his faith was luminescent in his lyrics. Rakim is also one-

half of the celebrated hip-hop duo ‘Eric B. & Rakim’ whose complex lyricism boosted the hiphop genre to new heights. An expert exponent of the art, he is placed on the same pedestal as some of the great -

est luminaries of rap music such as Big Daddy Kane, KRSOne, LL Cool J, Melle Mel, Chuck D, and Kool G Rap.

While much of his elevated status is due to his teaming up with Eric B., his solo career too is brilliant and a source of inspiration to many; his music sets new standards for the artists following in his footsteps. His unique style and lyrical prowess have influenced countless artists within the genre.

Courtesy PhotoRakim Allah also known as the God MC, Kid Wizard, the R and the 18th letter. Has had a career in hip hop that has spanned five decades.

Inventions by African Americans That Changed History

The United States and the world owe so much to African American people. As leaders in education, politics, culture, and science, they’ve made substantial contributions to society that have saved lives, influenced business, and so much more. Here are a few little-known or rarely attributed inventions by African Americans that changed history for the better.

REFRIGERATION

It’s debatable who really invented air conditioning. Several individuals had a hand in developing modern PTAC units, but Frederick McKinley Jones invented the first portable refriger-

ation units. Jones had several impressive inventions and developments to his credit, including a ticket-dispensing machine for movie theaters, a device that synced audio with silent films, and a portable X-ray machine! Jones’s most important invention might be portable refrigeration. He created refrigeration systems for trucks that worked well and weren’t disrupted by motion or jostling on the road.

Out of the Park: The History of the Baseball Bat

Baseball is one of the most beloved sports in America, and every player uses the same thing at some point on the field: a baseball bat. From the minors to major league baseball, the baseball bat has been a key piece of equipment for decades. Do you know the fascinating story behind the evolution of the baseball bat? Let's explore the history of the baseball bat!

THE EARLY YEARS

The earliest baseball bats resembled clubs and were made of hardwood. The first true baseball bat was known as the "wagon tongue" because it was flat and had a thick end that was easy for players to grasp. Later on, players began carving their own bats from various woods, such as hickory, ash, and maple, to fit their personal style.

It wasn't until 1859 that New York Giants pitcher Amos Rusie became the first player to use a commercially sold bat. The "Pete Browning" bat was known for its unique shape and produced by the Louisville Slugger Company. These bats are still widely used today!

STANDARDIZATION

In the early 1900s, baseball bat manufacturing shifted from handmade to mass-produced. Hillerich & Bradsby Co., which still produces Lou-

isville Slugger bats, used machines to make baseball bats. The popularity of baseball was rising, so production had to keep up.

The quest for the perfect bat material led to the development of metal bats in the late 1970s. They were made of lightweight aluminum instead of wood. While this material was more durable, its long-term use was restricted to amateur players and some college leagues due to safety concerns.

EVOLVING TECHNOLOGIES

As technology evolved, composite and alloy bats en-

tered the market. These baseball bats enhanced player performance, but they didn't last because people claimed they gave batters too much power. The ball traveled further off the bat, giving players more time to get to the base as catchers scrambled to catch the ball. Eventually, modern bats made of alloys have become vital parts of this iconic sport.

THE LEGACY OF HARDWOOD

Despite the changes over the decades, wooden bats are traditional. Still, picking the right bat is a matter of taste. Some pro ath -

letes have returned to their cache of hardwood bats in recent years, prompted by persistent concerns over bat safety and the demand for a more authentic ball game. Wooden bats enable players to feel every hit in a way that metal bats can never replicate.

From wagon tongues to Louisville Sluggers to metal bats and back to wooden ones, the history of baseball bats has come a long way from its humble origins. Professional and rookie players need the right equipment to enjoy this sport. The baseball bat is the most necessary equipment for any ballplayer.

LAFCU’s Kelli Ellsworth Etchison honored for second time as Notable Leader in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU’s chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer has been recognized for a second time this year by Crain’s Detroit Business, a leading business publication in Michigan. Kelli Ellsworth Etchison was named one of the 2023 Notable Leaders in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) based on her success and accomplishments over the past 18 months. She was also recognized as a Notable Leader in Marketing in April.

"I've always encouraged Kelli to use her voice to make an impact, and boy, has she done that," said Patrick Spyke, LAFCU CEO. "Kelli has worked tirelessly to provide equitable access to our products and services and has championed a more inclusive culture where LAFCU members and staff can feel seen and heard. The significant impact of her efforts and advocacy related to DEI can be felt across our entire organization and the community."

The Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leaders in DEI distinction honors individuals in Michigan who have taken on the responsibility of providing diverse, equitable and inclusive experiences for their organization and clients/ members. When they are not at work, these individuals also help and advocate for DEI-related issues at nonprofits and community organizations, allowing them to extend their reach with this important message and further their impact

and power to effect change.

Ellsworth Etchison leads the credit union’s strategic marketing, community, and public relations efforts and oversees LAFCU’s marketing department. She added the title and responsibilities of chief diversity officer (CDO) in 2020, a position she proposed and the first in the credit union’s 87-year history. She also oversees LAFCU’s college scholarship program that provides tens of thousands of dollars to high school seniors and non-traditional students.

Since her historic appointment to CDO, Kelli has established a DEI program for over 150 LAFCU employees and an employee-led DEI committee that created LAFCU's DEI mission statement, core principles, and a tagline based on the credit union’s name, "LAFCU: Listening Allows For Cultural Understanding." Kelli’s work has driven a

significant shift inside LAFCU that allows for an enhanced culture of diversity. DEI education is now introduced during employee orientation and continues throughout the year with training and discussions. Additionally, a video is shown to job candidates during their interview that discusses the inclusive culture LAFCU fosters so candidates can decide whether it would be a good fit personally and professionally.

“I am honored to be recognized by Crain’s Detroit this year as a leader in both my role as chief diversity officer and chief marketing officer,” said Ellsworth Etchison. "It's been a true privilege to serve as LAFCU's CDO and advocate for DEI. The entire team, particularly the employee-led DEI committee, deserves immense credit for their dedication and enthusiasm. Together, we're fostering a diverse

and inclusive culture, bringing about positive, and making tangible improvements in the community."

Crain's Detroit Business published this year's special section of Michigan’s top DEI leaders in the Nov. 13 print issue and online at www. crainsdetroit.com/notables/ crains-notable-leaders-diversity-equity-and-inclusion.

ABOUT LAFCU

Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. It was named a Best Credit Union to Work For in 2020. LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low-interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.

Courtesy Photo-Kelli Ellsworth Etchison serves as the credit union’s chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. Kelli was recognized for her success and accomplishments in both roles by Crain’s Detroit Business. She was recently named one of the 2023 Notable Leaders in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and a Notable Leader in Marketing in April 2023.

Lansing Junior Roller Derby announces boot camp for new skaters

Kids 7-12 years olds of all genders, backgrounds, and abilities are welcome - No skating skills required!

EAST LANSING, Mich.

– Lansing Junior Roller Derby (LJRD) is offering their first basic skills boot camp training program to kids interested in learning the sport of roller derby. In-person orientation will be held Sunday, January 7th, at Court One Training Center, 7868 Old M-78 in East Lansing, from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, when interested persons can also be fitted for loaner gear. The ten-week boot camp program begins Wednesday, January 10th from 5-7pm. The fee to participate is $80 due by the first day of boot camp. Loaner equipment is available, but please bring a mouth

guard and a water bottle. While most sports require a certain physique, roller derby is uniquely inclusive of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Most boot campers entered the program with little or no skating ability. With enough

coaching, practice and group support – which LJRD has plenty of – new skaters will quickly advance their skills and become safe and ready for game play.

Roller derby is a unique sport in that both offense and

defense are played at the same time. Five-member teams compete during two-minute sessions called “jams” in which points are earned by passing opposing players, so strategy, awareness of the track, and team cohesiveness is key. And while the sport was once perceived as being showy and staged, it has since evolved into a legitimate sport. LJRD prides itself on providing participants the best...

Mamma Mia is Coming to the Wharton Center

EAST LANSING, MI – MAMMA

MIA! is coming to Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall Tuesday, January 16, through Sunday, January 21, 2024! Tickets will be available at the official Wharton Center Ticket Office, online at whartoncenter.com, or by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON.

Since premiering in London in 1999 and on Broadway in 2001, the irresistible musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter, and three possible dads on a Greek island paradise, all unfolding to the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies: MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again. To date, MAMMA MIA! has

been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $4 billion at the box office.

MAMMA MIA! opened on Broadway in 2001 where it played for a record-breaking 14 years, first at the Winter Garden Theatre, then at the Broadhurst Theatre. The show also toured North America from 2000–2017 with four different touring companies spanning this period.

Also produced by Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.

A second film, MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time. The films starred a host of stars including Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried,

Dominic Cooper, Lily James, and Cher.

With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material, and arrangements by Martin Koch.

The North American tour is booked by The Booking Group with casting by Tara Rubin Casting.

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East, and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal. Amy Jacobs of Bespoke Theatricals is the Executive Producer in association with Work Light Productions.

GET BACK TO WHAT MOVES YOU

At McLaren Greater Lansing’s Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute, our goal is to get you back to your life safely, comfortably, and as quickly as possible. From hips to knees to shoulders, expert care is close to home.

Learn more at mclaren.org/lansingorthopedics.

Empowering Health Care: McLaren Greater Lansing's Women's Giving Circle Makes a Difference

In the heart of McLaren Greater Lansing, a group of remarkable women is reshaping the landscape of health care through compassion, dedication, and collective giving. The Women's Giving Circle (WGC) through McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation stands as a testament to the power of unity, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to providing the best possible health care for its community.

Throughout the year, WGC members gather for various meetings that go beyond traditional philanthropy. These meetings serve as a platform for inspiration, edu-

cation, and social connection, creating a unique blend of purpose and camaraderie. As a WGC donor, you become part of a community that believes in making a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

The WGC meets four times a year:

1. Voting Meetings: At the core of WGC's mission is the collective decision-making process. Donors convene to vote on grants that will support McLaren Greater Lansing. This year, on December 7, WGC members chose to champion the acquisition of a vascular access ultrasound for the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab).

Courtesy Photo: McLaren Greater Lansing’s Women’s Giving Circle supports and funds several programs and projects that help shape the future of health care.

Financial Freedom in the New Year: Your 2024 Budget Roadmap

BY BETSY YOUNG MSUFCU Vice President of Marketing and Communications

If taking control of your finances is on your list of resolutions in 2024, here’s a quick guide to kickstart your financial journey and turn resolutions into actionable steps for a financially fulfilling year.

1. UNDERSTAND THE WHY : Budgeting Matters. Your budget is the blueprint for your financial house. It presents a clear snapshot of your income and expenses, helping to identify areas where you can save and allocate funds more efficiently. Understanding spending patterns is the first step to financial management, setting the stage for achieving your goals.

straightforward approach ensures your budget becomes a sustainable part of your financial routine.

3. BUILD YOUR SAFETY NET : Start an Emergency Fund. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected expenses can derail plans. Shield yourself by establishing an emergency fund. Aim to save three to six months of living expenses in a separate savings account. Consider an MSUFCU’s Savings Builder for faster savings – it pays more upfront to help you save for life’s events faster.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE : Find a Sticky

Budget Strategy if you’re new to budgeting, simplicity is key. Start by listing your income, then essential expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries. Categorize discretionary spending like entertainment and dining out. Be realistic about your spending habits and plan for occasional expenses like birthdays or holidays. A

The new year is the perfect time to take control of your finances. Embrace budgeting as an empowerment tool, understand spending habits, and build an emergency fund for success in the coming months. Let 2024 be your year to turn resolutions into achievements on the path to financial freedom.

Stock Photo-Wix free images

5 Joyful Activities to Plan for the Holidays

It’s easy to get caught up in shopping for presents and preparing your home for Christmas, but there are many more ways to feel jolly. From timeless traditions to creative new ideas, these activities are sure to add an extra dash of magic to your celebrations. Here are 5 Joyful Activities to Plan for the Holidays

BAKE HOLIDAY TREATS:

Get into the festive spirit by baking some delicious holiday treats. You can make gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or even a Yule log cake. The possibilities are endless!

WATCH HOLIDAY MOVIES:

Snuggle up with your loved ones and watch some classic holiday movies like “Home Alone”, “Elf”, or “It’s a Wonderful Life”. You can

also watch new holiday movies that come out every year.

GO ON A HOLIDAY LIGHT TOUR:

Take a drive or walk around your neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful holiday lights. You can also find holiday light

displays in your city or town.

HAVE A GAME NIGHT:

Gather your family and friends and have a game night. You can play classic board games like Monopoly or Scrabble, or try new games like Cards Against Humanity.

READ HOLIDAY BOOKS:

Get cozy and read some classic holiday books like “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens or “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore.

 THE CHRONICLE..............................................................................................................................................................From

More than three hundred and fifty dinner kits with various types of meat (from 1910 Food Market), sides, and nonperishables were loaded into cars, along with toys and nonperishable items. There was also a Coat Drive held simultaneously, inside of the Transformation GEMS office. Believe Family Outreach hosted the Coat giveaway.

The Chronicle also helped bridge the digital divide within Michigan by handing out ten Dell Chromebooks (Sponsored by Comcast) These laptops were distributed to new business owners and community members within Ingham and Wayne County.

With the help of communi-

ty partners, sponsors, and volunteers, the Chronicle News was able to uphold a 25-yearold tradition of a holiday food distribution started by original Chronicle News Publisher Jay Price.

The Chronicle News would like to thank the volunteers, private donors, and supporters in the community. We would also like to give a special thank

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you to our generous sponsors Comcast, Young Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, Shaheen Chevrolet, and Transformation GEMS for helping make this event possible.

If you would like more information about these organizations or would like to donate or volunteer for future events, please contact info@lansingcatalyst.org.

Why do some men commit domestic violence? Trauma and social isolation may play a role

BY LAURA VOITH Associate Professor of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University

Support for survivors of domestic violence is important, but to end domestic violence once and for all, society needs to understand the people who perpetrate it and how to successfully intervene.

Domestic violence is very common in the United States.

Nearly half of women and men in the U.S. experience sexual or physical violence, stalking or psychological harm or coercion in a romantic relationship during their lifetime.

Domestic violence is also experienced unevenly across the U.S population. Young people are most vulnerable, with nearly three-fourths of female victims reporting that their first experience of domestic violence occurred before age 25. People of color and LGBTQ+ people also

experience considerably higher rates of domestic violence than the national average. And despite similar rates of domestic violence across men and women, women report more severe effects on their lives, including higher rates of injury and need for medical care, needing help from law enforcement and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

I am a social worker who has spent the past 10 years studying how men come to use violence against their inti-

mate partners, since the effect of their violence is often the most severe. My research has found that consistent supportive relationships with attentive adults in childhood and adulthood, along with stress management that takes trauma into account, are two promising approaches to prevent domestic violence.

‘Good Times’: 50 years ago, Norman Lear changed TV with a show about a working-class Black family’s struggles and joys

BY ANGELA M. NELSON Associate Professor of Popular Culture, Bowling Green State University

Iloved watching Norman Lear’s trailblazing television shows when I was growing up in Dalzell, South Carolina, in the 1970s.

“Good Times,” my favorite, debuted on Feb. 8, 1974 – nearly 50 years ago. CBS aired the show about the daily struggles and triumphs of the working-class Evans family until Aug. 1, 1979.

Lear, who died at 101 on Dec. 5, 2023, forever changed sitcoms. His characters were more diverse, and their predicaments included situations that had previously been out of bounds for humorous TV programs, such as child abuse, unemployment and alcoholism. As a result, they more accurately reflected modern life in America than their counterparts that predominated through the 1960s.

“Good Times” stood apart from Lear’s other successful comedies because it featured, as Lear put it, the “first full black family on television.”

I have been researching “Good Times” and other shows with primarily Black casts since 1989. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the show’s strong female characters and its many nods to Black popular culture.

COMPELLING CHARACTERS

“Good Times” starred actress Esther Rolle. She had previously been cast as a domestic worker with the same name but in a different city in “Maude,” another popular show Lear produced. “Maude” was also a spinoff – its main character originated on “All in the Family,” Lear’s first breakthrough hit.

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Esther Rolle, right, and John Amos starred in the pathbreaking 1970s Black sitcom. Moviepix via Getty Images

Why Continuous Education at Your Business Is Important

As a forward-thinking business owner, you understand the immense value of investing in your company’s growth and long-term success. One of the primary ways to ensure sustainable growth is by providing continuous education opportunities for yourself and your dedicated employees. This continuous education at your business is

incredibly important, helping your team prepare and combat any challenges that emerge during day-to-day work. With the right education and preparation, you and your team can tackle these issues with ease.

INDUSTRY CHANGES

In today’s ever-evolving and fast-paced world, industries undergo constant shifts

and changes. This dynamic environment requires businesses to stay updated with these changes in order to remain competitive and relevant.

Continuous education plays a pivotal role in providing you and your employees with invaluable opportunities to learn about the latest industry trends, cutting-edge technologies, and best practices.

By actively engaging in continuous education, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of emerging market trends, identify new growth opportunities, and enhance their ability to innovate.

make a difference in the lives of children. To nominate a public-school educator, go to https://www.michiganlottery. com/excellenceineducation.

“Public-school educators play a critical role in our students’ lives by serving as role models, offering encouragement and motivation, and teaching critical skills that prepare Michigan’s students for future success,” said Acting Lottery Commissioner, Jessica Weare. “The Lottery’s Excellence in Education awards shine a light on dedicated educators who go above and beyond for their students and inspire them to reach their full potential.”

The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year. One outstanding educator will be selected each week and will receive a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school

year, one of these weekly award winners will be selected to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.

Winners of the weekly award are featured in a news segment on the Lottery’s media partner stations: WXYZ-TV in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, FOX 47 in Lansing, WNEM-TV in Saginaw, and WWTV-TV in Traverse City.

The winner of the 2023 Educator of the Year award was Kathryn Kluzak, a kindergarten teacher at Robert L. Green Elementary in East Lansing. Hundreds of educators were nominated during the 2022-23 school year, which was the ninth year of the Excellence in Education awards program.

Thirty-four of these nominees, including Kluzak, were selected to win a weekly award. Previous winners of the Educator of the Year award:

2022 – Spencer Vanderhe-

ide, a high school teacher with Kenowa Hills High School in Grand Rapids.

2021 – Janice Smith, a school social worker at Fisher Magnet Lower Academy in Detroit. 2020 – Megan Sidge, an Autism Spectrum Disorder teacher at Hickory Woods Elementary in Walled Lake.

2019 – Stewart Kieliszewski, an Earth science, biology, mechatronics, and media teacher for eighth through 12 graders at the Ubly Community Schools.

2018 – Kerri Moccio, a first-grade literacy intervention specialist at Bedford Elementary School in Dearborn Heights.

2017 – Linda Holzwarth, a social studies teacher at Portage West Middle School in Portage. 2016 – Daniel Carr, a Spanish and sports marketing teacher at Waverly High School in Lansing.

2015 – Michael Craig, a special education teacher at the Charles Drew Transition

Center in Detroit.

Excellence In Education award nominees should demonstrate the following qualities:

4Excellence – Their work consistently helps students and/or their schools or school districts advance to higher levels of academic achievement.

4Dedication – They consistently go above and beyond expectations to help students succeed.

4Inspiration – Their work inspires others around them to exceed expectations either academically or professionally.

4Leadership – They demonstrate clear leadership skills in their positions with their school or school districts.

4Effectiveness – The nominee’s work has clear and positive results on the educational advancement of students within the school or school district.