CAWLM January 2017

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JANUARY 2017

HEALTH & HAPPINESS GUIDE

CHANNELING YOUR CREATIVE SIDE IN 2017

INSIDE!

DROPPING THE MIC

Jane Aldrich retires after 31 years

Jennifer Bucienski

A passion for health care

Khanh Q. Nguyen, DO Corporate Medical Officer

Khanh Q. Nguyen, DO Corporate Medical Officer

Khanh Q. Nguyen, DO Khanh Q. Nguyen, Corporate Medical DO Officer Corporate Medical Officer

Joseph Marogil, MD and Laura Kelsey, MD

n o ti a c o L g in s n a L r u O it Vis , Suite 201,

Joseph Marogil, MD and Marogil, MD Joseph Joseph Marogil, MD Laura Kelsey, andMD

and 5123 West St. Joseph Laura Kelsey, MD Laura Kelsey, MD Lansing, MI 48917

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Our physicians and clinical Center for Vein Restoration is nationally recognized as the leader in teams the are dedicated to relieving leg pain, treating the vascular cause of severe leg treatment of vein disease and varicose veins.

Our are dedicated to relieving leg pain, treating the vascular cause of severe leg physicians and clinical tea treatmentwounds, of vein and disease and varicose physicians and clinical teams eliminating unsightlyveins. veins. Our And with nearly all procedures covered wounds, and eliminating unsightly veins. to And with nearly all pain, procedures covered are dedicated relieving treating are dedicated to relieving the vascular cause of severe legthe vascular cause of severe by insurance, we leg offerpain, moretreating treatment options thanleg most other vein clinics. by insurance, we offer more treatment options than most other vein clinics. wounds, and eliminating unsightly veins. And with nearly all procedures cove

wounds, and eliminating unsightly veins. And with nearly all procedures covered by insurance, we offer more options than most vein clinics. bytreatment insurance, we offer moreother treatment options than most other vein clin

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For individual or group health plans, Physicians Health Plan has coverage that really works for you This fall, hundreds of thousands of Michiganders who do not have healthcare coverage are facing the daunting task of finding it through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Likewise, many small business owners are searching to provide coverage for their employees that won’t hurt the bottom line. Thankfully, there’s a solution that includes award-winning customer service and supports our mid-Michigan region: It’s called Physicians Health Plan (PHP).

PHP is a locally owned and managed health plan that understands the importance of affordable healthcare and is now offering cost-effective group and individual healthcare plans, as well as a host of new services, to even more people in the region.

“I’m actually very excited,” says Kevin Kaplan of PHP. “We’ve been working to improve the health of our community for more than 35 years. This year, we’re offering a new telehealth service and have expanded the availability of our Exclusive Network to cover more counties, making access to quality, affordable care easier for our members when and where they need it most.”

PHP is offering a wide range of plan choices on the 2017 Exchange during open enrollment, which runs now through Jan. 31, 2017. Its expanded Exclusive Network covers Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, Ionia, Montcalm and Shiawassee counties.

“There has been a lot of talk about large rate increases this year nationally, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a plan that provides quality coverage and competitive rates,” noted Kaplan.

According to Kaplan, PHP has also been successful in partnering with small businesses to provide quality, comprehensive coverage for their employees, including health and wellness programs, at a rate they can afford. Teaming up with PHP offers employees many advantages, including:

“We know that to an employer, and especially a small business, their workforce is very important - often like family. Together, we can find a solution that meets their needs and our award-winning customer service means they can focus on their business while we handle ours.”

People need choice.

Everyone’s talking about convenience of care. PHP works hard to keep members healthy through a range of treatment options, including FastCare, an affordable and fast alternative to an emergency room or urgent care clinic for Patients 18 months or older who need treatment for basic medical services or non-life-threatening conditions. When your Physician isn’t available or you need emergency care like on-site X-rays, stitches or treatment for broken bones, there are Network Urgent Cares throughout mid-Michigan. And, of course, you can always choose from an expanded network of hospitals, ensuring that the healthcare you need is always within reach.

New to the lineup is PHP’s innovative new telehealth service, or 24/7/365 access to a doctor through your phone, mobile app or online. For the same cost as an office visit, you can see a board-certified Physician from anywhere – home, work, or while you’re traveling.

Health plans designed for you.

Whether you’re a small business in the market to cover your workforce, or an individual searching for health insurance, there is sure to be a plan designed with you, your needs, and your budget in mind.

PHP is working hard to keep mid-Michigan healthy.

Individuals looking for coverage can visit ChoosePHPmi.com. For small business coverage, contact your insurance agent, call PHP Sales at 517.364.8484 or visit PHPMichigan.com.

» Lower premiums » Exclusive network including local hospitals and physicians » Award-winning customer service » Extensive four-tier pharmacy coverage » Preferred partnership with Delta Dental » Additional benefits of being a subsidiary of Sparrow Health System

A health plan that works for you.

PHPMichigan.com

JANUARY ON THE COVER 17

Aldrich retires after 31 years

18

Channeling your creative side

20

Jennifer Bucienski

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Health & Happiness Guide

IN THIS ISSUE 4

From the Publisher

5

Good News

6

Business Profile

7

Decor Diva

8

Book Corner

9

Movie Review

10 Recipe 11

Financial Facts

12

Fashion & Beauty

14

Creative Soul

15 Reflections

20 2 Our JANUARY On Cover:2017 Jennifer Bucienski| Exclusive photography by Erika Hodges

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Local Women

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Business Coach

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Tri County Events

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My Community

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614 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: (517) 203-0123 • Fax: (517) 203-3334 Email: info@cawlm.com CAWLM.COM

ISSUE I • VOLUME X PUBLISHER Tiffany Dowling SALES MANAGER Jennifer Hodges MEDIA MANAGER Jill Bailey ACCOUNT MANAGERS Ausin Ashley Megan Fleming Manny Garcia PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Kelly Mazurkiewicz COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Ami Iceman-Haueter ART DIRECTOR Mark Warner GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Angela Carlone Kerry Hidlay Nikki Nicolaou PUBLICATION PHOTOGRAPHER Erika Hodges EDITOR Megan Martin WEB MANAGER Skylar Kohagen EVENT CALENDAR MANAGER Jaime Hardesty CONTRIBUTORS Cathy Blatnik Deidre Davis Melissa Dowrick Taylor Kelsaw Alexandria Kobryn Lisa Kost Adam Lansdell Sarah Spohn Caitlin Taylor ADVERTISING INFORMATION (517) 203-0123 Interested in hosting a distribution location?

Give us a call at 517.203.0123 or email at info@cawlm.com.

group

Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle is published monthly by M3 Group, Lansing, MI. All rights reserved. © 2016 M3 Group

No part of this magazine may be reproduced whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher.

CAWLM.COM

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Adventures

ANTICIPATING A NEW YEAR OF

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself; changing yourself (and) changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.”

This quote by Neil Gaiman really represents my philosophy on life. I’m not sure it’s always intentional, but I love to try new things and expand my understanding of the world. I try not to get complacent and comfortable. There are times when I do think to myself, why did I do this? But, it’s in the most difficult moments that I feel the most alive.

And, when I hit the wall with one of my new adventures, I simply remind myself that I only live once and I want to make sure I try as many seemingly crazy things as possible. The reality is that I already know when I start a project that something isn’t going to work out. There will be a bit of disappointment and

a ton of stress to save the idea, but honestly, I try and glean the positive aspects from the failure.

I think knowing that I’m willing to fall down and take the time to get back up, dust myself off and start again makes me a good candidate for entrepreneurism … and life. I do struggle with the stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while going through the ups and downs. It’s a challenge for me to stay on a workout plan and eat sensibly when I am dealing with chaos.

And, because I’ve done this roller coaster ride for years, I know how I need to respond. This year, I’ve enlisted the buddy system for working out. If someone else is relying on me, well, I’ll get up and go. Right?

This year, I hope that you appreciate the many advances in health care and all the people it takes to make things happen, like Jennifer Bucienski, who has dedicated her life to make sure things go just as they should in health care. I’m amazed by surgeries that used to keep people down for weeks; now get people up in a matter of days. It’s like a miracle. They say 40 is the new 20. I may not always feel that way

(especially not after an hour-long Crossbody class).

But, I do think that the amazing people in health care make all the difference – from direct providers to human resources to management. They are selfless and work diligently to make sure their fellow humans are utilizing health care to its best advantage.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the adventure that Jane Aldrich is embarking on. After 31 years as a voice in this community, she has decided to leave WLNS and do something new and exciting. I actually can’t wait to see what happens next. Whatever it is, I’m sure she will dive in with positivity and passion. Have a blast Jane!

Happy New Year!

Tiffany Dowling | Publisher

Participating Schools

2017

January 26 - February 23

Bath, Charlotte, Dansville, DeWitt, East Lansing, Eaton Rapids, Everett, Fowlerville, Grand Ledge, Haslett, Holt, Lansing Catholic, Lansing Christian, Mason, Okemos, St. Johns, Waverly, Webberville, Williamston

MSUFCU Headquarters in East Lansing @MSUFCUArt

3777 West Road, East Lansing, MI Sponsored by

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msufcuart

View the art and vote online

www.msufcuart.com

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WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Do you have a business or personal milestone announcement relevant to women of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties? Please submit it to info@cawlm.com by the first of the month prior to the issue you wish it to be printed in. CAWLM reserves the right to edit all submissions for style, grammar and length. We look forward to sharing your good news!

LifeTech Academy announces partnership with tinkrLAB LifeTech Academy, Michigan’s Cyber School, is working with local entrepreneurs in the midMichigan area to support STEAM education, through a private-public partnership that will bring young people access to cutting edge tools and opportunities in the tinkrLAB’s new maker space, the tinkrZONE. The tinkrLAB is currently located inside of the Meridian Mall in Okemos, Mich.

Within the tinkrZONE are 3D printers, laser cutting machines, vinyl cutting machines, screen printing

and space to learn about robotics and coding.

“We’re proud to sign the tinkrLAB as our newest Strategic Partner” said Matthew D. Anderson, chief brand officer with Engaged Education, the company that supports LifeTech Academy. “This opens doors for our Learners to engage in real-world, hands-on, project-based learning with incredible tools and pieces of equipment. The skills they are learning in the tinkrZONE today will fulfill the needs employers have tomorrow.”

The space will be utilized multiple times per week

by LifeTech Academy as a location to participate in unique hands-on educational opportunities and encourage young Learners to experiment and be enlightened to a wide range of potential new career interests.

“It’s so cool,” exclaimed Xavier Zeller, 7th grade Learner at LifeTech Academy. “I get to learn how to play with a laser program and 3D printers in middle school! I don’t know of any other school that gives us these kinds of opportunities.”

For more information visit, tinkrlab.com.

Komen Michigan’s new “Fueling the Cures” initiative aims to reduce breast cancer deaths in rural communities Komen Michigan (Komen MI) announced the launch of “Fueling the Cures,” a breast health education program for rural communities, during its annual Powerfully Pink Luncheon at the JW Marriott in December.

“Many women living in rural Michigan have limited access to breast health services and often forgo annual screenings and follow-up care due to lack of transportation or difficult driving conditions during snowy Michigan winters,” said Komen MI Executive Director Jennifer Jurgens. “Our goal is to save lives and ensure these women have year-round access to life-saving breast cancer screenings and eliminate any barriers that may keep them from getting the care they need.”

“Fueling the Cures” is a rural outreach and breast cancer screening initiative supported by Crystal Flash, which donated $25,000 to start the initiative.

Through this multi-phased corporate and nonprofit partnership, Crystal Flash will work with Komen MI to educate and provide breast cancer screening opportunities for Michigan’s rural communities. This program aims to increase screening compliance and reduce late-stage diagnosis rates.

“Our partnership with Komen MI is critical in reducing breast cancer deaths in rural communities across Michigan,” said Marc H. Foerster, vice president of sales and marketing for Crystal Flash.

“We partnered with Komen MI because we are in these communities delivering propane every day and want to help fill the gap by distributing breast cancer education materials and connecting our current customers with necessary screenings and care. Our next step is to generate another $25,000 through our employee and partner matching program.”

There will be approximately 832 breast cancer diagnoses, 265 late stage diagnoses and 170 breast cancer deaths in Michigan’s rural communities served

by Komen MI each year, according to data from Komen MI’s 2015 Community Profile. If women in these communities received proper screenings and treatment, Komen MI could save approximately 275 lives each year. Evidence shows if women just used the resources that are available to them now, breast cancer mortality can be reduced by 30 percent.

“Fueling the Cures” aims to educate 10,000 Crystal Flash customers about breast cancer risk, the importance of screenings and available breast health resources in their community. Crystal Flash is distributing educational materials with billing statements and will leave a breast health ”door hanger” at each home during propane deliveries this winter.

Komen MI is currently raising funds to expand the “Fueling the Cures” program by providing mobile mammography and follow-up diagnostic testing as needed. The Eaton Corporation has donated $12,500 to support mobile mammography. Komen MI estimates it needs an additional $83,000 to begin implementation and is seeking sponsorships and donations to fund this life-saving program.

For more information about “Fueling the Cures,” visit KomenMichigan.org or call 616-752-8262.

Bippus Charities donates $1,000 for home heating assistance program in Eaton & Ingham counties Eaton County Treasurer Bob Robinson and Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing, received a $1,000 check from John Bippus, of Bippus Charities, to support the home heating assistance program and electric bills support program from Capital Area Community Services (CACS), a community action agency.

The donation will help support the CACS home heating program, which delivers various home heating assistance services to families in Ingham and Eaton counties during the long winter.

Treasurers Robinson and Schertzing serve on the board of directors for CACS and received the donation on behalf of the agency. John Bippus is also the owner of Bippus USA, which provides property tax auction services for Eaton and Ingham counties.

“This is a way for me to give back to the communities in which I do business,” said Bippus.

“I’ve been doing this for many years to be an example of good citizenship in business.”

“We are grateful for Bippus’ donation, which will help to keep folks warm during the upcoming winter months,” said Robinson.

CAWLM.COM

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BUSINESS PROFILE

BY ADAM LANSDELL | PHOTO BY LEA K. PHOTOGRAPHY

TURNING A PASSION INTO A LABOR OF LOVE

Marla Glenn, owner of Fit In Fitness, LLC

F

itness is an all important aspect of many of our lives. It’s a vessel for maintaining your health both physically and mentally. There’s no doubt that incorporating exercise into your schedule can do leaps and bounds for your lifestyle, but, for many of us, the act of actually working out is easier said than done. Global fitness is on the rise, and a big contributor of the ever-evolving industry can be attributed, in part, to personal training. Simply having someone there to guide you along your path to better health is a motivator that many people are beginning to rely on, so as not to slack or get behind on their goals.

One local business that’s embracing the trend is Fit In Fitness, LLC., owned by Lansing’s Marla Glenn. However, while the industry is just now acknowledging the importance of personal trainers, Glenn has been a keen observer and a difference maker, longer than most. Having been a certified personal trainer since 1998, Glenn’s involvement with the industry is about much more than finances, it’s about improving the lives of others.

“I’ve been into health and nutrition since I was a little girl. I watched my health-conscious mother teach aerobics for years and developed a passion for health and wellness,” explained Glenn. “The most rewarding part of working with others on their physical fitness is hearing that first testimony from

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them about how they feel or look better sooner than they anticipated, especially when it’s affecting their lifestyle in a good way.”

The satisfaction of helping others achieve their goals is just one of the perks that comes along with being a personal trainer. Another is the flexibility.

The business provides trainers to work within their own timeframe. However, time is limited and like other personal trainers, Glenn can only take on a small number of clients at a time; she typically takes on no more than five at a time.

One of the reasons Glenn chooses to keep her client base small is not because of her inability to find clients, it’s in her effort to better personalize each individual’s fitness regimens for optimal results.

“I actually have not had to do much client hunting, my clients have come by word of mouth and I’m proud of that,” mentioned Glenn. “Every program I use is unique to my client and her current needs.

I specialize in an approach to fitness that is larger in scope than your typical personal trainer, tailored to “fit” into a busy woman’s life. I focus on helping my clients reduce stress and to take the next steps to a healthy lifestyle.”

Those looking to get fit are often skeptical of personal trainers, with their unique and off-canter

techniques seeming foreign. Glenn sees fitness as a revolving door of trends and fads, but is optimistic in her ability to continue changing the lives of her clients in the years to come.

“This industry changes with every new fitness fad. But what makes us healthy doesn’t change.

I keep the scope of my business narrow enough to exceed the expectations of my clients. In this regard, the broader industry doesn’t really affect me,” explained Glenn. “People are understandably suspicious of a million different ways to be and stay healthy. So even my personalized and proven strategy can be regarded as too good to be true.”

The challenges of owning your own business can often be followed with an overwhelming amount of satisfaction. Owners like Glenn continue to bring truth to this statement by turning their interests into a labor of love.

For more information on Fit In Fitness visit marlaglenn.com or call 517-202-7269.

Adam Lansdell is an Alumni of Grand Valley State University, and currently a Communication Specialist with M3 Group of Lansing. With a passion for all things creative it comes as no surprise that he’s also a musician, movie buff and graphic designer.

Adam spends his down time biking, and spending too much of his personal income on concert tickets or vinyl records.

DÉCOR DIVA

BY MELISSA DOWRICK

COZY IDEAS FOR WINTER

decorating Looking for ideas on how to decorate after the month of December?

Keep your home extra cozy during the cooler months and bring that warmth to your space. I like to use neutral and natural elements such as birch logs, pinecones, candles, evergreen clippings and more.

But there are many ways to keep the spirit alive! Take your festive decorating ideas beyond the holiday season with these seasonal tips!

• Use greens: think of the window planters sitting bare in front of your house or use a decorative basket to display some of those Christmas tree clippings you’d normally just throw out • Lanterns with candles • Winter themed pillows on outdoor furniture • Snowman décor • Pinecones • Wreaths • Reindeer décor

• Wood/birch wood sprinkled in your display • Moss • Use and mix metallic pieces • Mirrored items • Sleigh decorations • Metal décor (stars, buckets with greenery, etc) • If you have plants like boxwood in planters keep them lit with white lights • Snowflake décor • Plaid blankets or ribbon in your décor

Many of these tips can be used on the inside or outside of your home to keep the winter cozy and bright. Until the snow starts to melt, there is no need to box everything up and put it away. Have some fun this year with your décor style!

Melissa Dowrick is a MSU graduate and M3 Group event planner. She is a wife, dog mom of two and a first-time expecting mother. Her favorite season is fall and she loves fashion. She embraces all the good things because life is too short to be unhappy!

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CAWLM.COM

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BOOK CORNER

BY KALYNNE MCINTYRE

“Modern Romance” comically explains the dating scene of the 21st century Add some humor to your 2017 reading list with “Modern Romance,” by Aziz Ansari. While Ansari is known for his standup comedy, this book is more than just your typical comedian-gonewriter biography. “Modern Romance” discusses all facets of today’s dating world, including how it’s changed compared to past generations, what role technology plays in romantic involvements today and why dating is still so … awkward.

Teaming up with Eric Klinenberg, an NYU sociologist, Ansari discusses how, in just a few decades, the process of finding love has changed dramatically.

In the past, people would find someone they were romantically interested in based on how close they lived to one another’s families. They would then go on a few dates, meet each other’s families, get married and have kids. But

that’s no longer the case! People are waiting longer than ever to get married and now, the stakes are higher. In most cases, people won’t settle for anything less than love when looking for a spouse. And, with the rise of dating technology (online dating, apps, etc.) how could you ever decide?

Ansari addresses all these points and more, walking his readers through each chapter like the stages of a relationship. Starting with “Chapter One: Searching for Your Soul Mate” and ending with “Chapter Seven: Settling Down,” the book covers everything from “old-school” romance to the woes of Tinder dates.

The best part of the book, however, is how relatable it is. If you’re still in the dating game, you probably know someone that’s experienced some sort

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of aspect of “modern” dating: breaking up with someone via text; debating whether or not to swipe right; filling out a dating profile on match.com, or even having the dilemma of snooping through a significant other’s phone. No matter what your experience has been like, Ansari finds a way to relate his findings to your own experiences.

While Ansari interjects plenty of humor into the book (mostly his own romantic experiences, good and bad), “Modern Romance” is still based on facts. At its core, the book is the summary of a large-scale research project, spanning multiple platforms, thousands of participants and hundreds of miles, in the hopes of trying to draw a map of our culture’s new romantic landscape.

Whether you’re married, single, in a relationship or swearing off love this

New Year, this book is full of laughs and gives great insight into what’s going on in modern dating culture.

Kalynne McIntyre currently works as an Account Coordinator at Hiebing in Madison, Wisconsin.

A Minneapolis native and Michigan State University alum, Kalynne is a contributor to both Greater Lansing Business Monthly and CAWLM. When she’s not reading the latest article from Wired or trying out Instagram’s latest updates, she’s most likely planning her next travel adventure.

MOVIE REVIEW

BY ADAM LANSDELL

A DISNEY PRINCESS REDEFINED Disney’s “Moana” is a step forward.

Initially, the idea of a Polynesian princess flick that fumbles around with depicting mythology and ethnic principles was a red flag for many — however, as always, Disney prevailed by taking precautionary steps to not only respect culture, but imbue a sense of preservation. This film champions the importance of knowing where you come from and exceeding people’s expectations.

It’s a step forward, not because it hurdles adversity and skepticism, but because of its ability to redefine the generic Disney princess story, ushering in a new era for strong women and young girls. While our title character, Moana, is in fact a princess by definition, she’ll be the first to remind you that her destiny doesn’t fit the mold. The young The CAWLM movie review is brought to Polynesian girl, who is heir to the you by Studio C! where movies taste better! throne of an island of people, is motivated by the endless possibilities (517) 381-8100 that the ocean around her presents. www.studioctheatre.com Distancing herself from the arbitrary 1999 Central Park Drive need for love and romance that Okemos, MI 48864 captivated her predecessors, Moana’s heart instead lies with her love for her family, her people and the sea.

With romance in the rearview, Moana’s story unfolds. Paired with the lovable, yet pretentious, demi-god Maui (Dwayne Johnson), our titular lead embarks on the journey of a lifetime to return her nation’s land to fruition. Along the way we’re greeted with what may be Disney’s most alluring visuals to date. The consistent aesthetic throughout is an essential element of the film’s dedication to honoring the culture in which it crafts and inhabits. The film’s final moments are simply breathtaking and regardless of the attention you pay to the film’s strong cast of characters, the technical achievement here is worth your deliberation.

Music is a defining element of all great Disney animated features, with the songs of some of our favorite films lasting much longer than the messages found within each film or scene. In “Moana,” this rings true more than ever.

Disney is known for its dedication to crafting memorable sing-alongs, often contracting some of music’s biggest names to do the leg work. This time around, Disney has brought on “Hamilton” creator, Lin-Manuel Maranda, and the Broadway rhyme-smith lives up to the expectation. The past year has been an immensely successful year for the artist and “Moana” is a foretelling sign that more magic is yet to come from Maranda in coming years as he continues to flex his abilities into the mainstream. “How Far I’ll Go” will likely be the new “Let it Go,” while “You’re Welcome” is reminiscent of Aladdin’s “Friend Like Me.” Simply put, “Moana” is a journey worth taking that redefines the role of princesses for generations to come. The empowering story is an achievement in itself, but the film’s impressive visuals and memorable soundtrack catapult it to the top. While it’s worth the debate, “Moana” is poised to take its place on the mantle alongside Disney’s greatest.

Adam Lansdell is an Alumni of Grand Valley State University, and currently a Communication Specialist with M3 Group of Lansing. With a passion for all things creative it comes as no surprise that he’s also a musician, movie buff and graphic designer. Adam spends his down time biking, and spending too much of his personal income on concert tickets or vinyl records.

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RECIPE

A New Year and a New You!

At Another Look Hair Institute we specialize in stimulating hair growth with fabulous products like

MINESTRONE FROM THE KITCHEN OF CATHY BLATNIK January is National Soup Month! In honor of this, here’s a delicious and healthy recipe for a soup that’s sure to keep you warm this winter.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 cups chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 2 cups chopped carrots 28-ounce can stewed and sliced tomatoes (undrained) 6 cups water 14-ounce can chicken broth 15.5-ounce can light or dark red kidney beans (drained) 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 1 teaspoon basil ½ teaspoon marjoram 1 teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

DIRECTIONS Located within:

Image Day Spa 1020 East Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI (517) 484-5062 www.anotherlookonline.com 10

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• Melt one tablespoon of butter or margarine in the bottom of a large stockpot • Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until almost soft. Add the carrots, tomatoes, water and broth • Drain the liquid from the kidney beans and add them to the soup • Add the basil, marjoram, pepper and salt.

• Cover with lid and let simmer for 30 minutes • Add elbow macaroni and let simmer for an additional 10 minutes

enjoy!

Cathy Blatnik is originally from Maryland, but has been living in the Midwest for more than 15 years. She has been "retired" from the paid workforce since 1996 to raise her family, which includes her husband, adult stepson, an adult daughter in college and a son in middle school. She has been baking and cooking for as long as she can remember in "Cathy's Kitchen." She is very excited to be able to share her recipes with other home cooks!

FINANCIAL FACTS

BY DEIDRE DAVIS

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION:

Protect yourself from identity theft Fraud and identity theft can happen to almost anyone.

Scammers are constantly trying new and different tactics to obtain potential victims’ personal information to use for their own illegitimate gain. As the new year begins, MSUFCU has some helpful tips and suggestions to keep your personal information and identity safe for this year and all the years to come.

SHRED documents containing any kind of personal information before disposing of them.

There are many different documents from which identity thieves can glean personal information. Your social security number is one of the most useful pieces of information to thieves and should be closely guarded, but there is a wealth of other information that can be used for fraudulent purposes. Some of the documents where this information may be found include expired driver’s licenses and passports, medical documents or records, tax information, loan information, credit cards and statements, credit union account statements and paper communications, preapproval mailings and credit reports. If it contains any personal or secure information that you wouldn’t provide on social media, shred it!

BEWARE of social media invitations from people you don’t know. Social media is prevalent

in today’s technology-centric world. With sharing so much of our lives online, it’s important to know exactly who is able to view what you post. Status updates, pictures, opinions and preferences might seem like useless information, but to an identity thief, a surprising amount of data can be found in what might seem mundane. “Soft information” is data that does not directly give scammers access to your identity — account numbers or passwords — but can provide scammers with details about your life to later use for verification or in conversation when applying for loans or services remotely. Having this information allows thieves to present themselves as you when photo or visual identification is not possible, like phone, mail or online applications. Refrain from blindly accepting connection requests on social media to reduce the chances of that happening.

CHECK your credit report regularly. One of the best ways to monitor identity theft is to regularly monitor your credit report. If a thief has successfully stolen your identity and is opening accounts or services in your name, the most guaranteed way for you to find out is seeing it on a credit report.

Scammers open accounts and services in the victim’s name so that when the account is overdrawn or the

bill is not paid, the victim is punished instead of the thief. A successful scammer will prevent the victim from finding out for as long as possible, but regularly pulling your credit report allows you to catch any recently opened accounts or services earlier than the scammer would like. While damage may have already been done by the thief, it will be considerably less if caught early. You can receive one free copy of your credit report from each of the three main credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — once per year at annualcreditreport.com. You are able to pull all three reports at once, but you will be able to better monitor your credit report throughout the year if you pull one report every four months. For example: if you request your Equifax report today, in four months you could request your Experian report. Four months after that, you could request your TransUnion report. Four months after that, it will have been a full year since you pulled your Equifax report and you will be able to pull it again for free.

Deidre Davis is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at MSU Federal Credit Union. MSUFCU’s headquarters are at 3777 West Road East Lansing, MI 48823. Contact Deidre at deidre.davis@msufcu.org or (517) 664-7877.

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Act. Donate. Get Involved. komenmichigan.org

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FASHION & BEAUTY 6 2&3

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While the holidays have come and gone, winter is here to stay for a while and sometimes the bitter cold makes it hard to get out of our pajamas. The women at Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine and Kellie’s Consignments have teamed up to bring you some cozy and stylish winter looks for your wardrobe!

(1) Black fleece pants $9; (2) Calvin Klein purple fleece jacket, $19; (3) North Face top $19; (4) Freebird boots $99; (5) Gloves $8; (6) Brooks Brothers tan coat $129; (7) DKNY purse $72; (8) Scarf $10; (9) Cowl-neck sweater $8; (10) Loft jeans $11; (11) Colin Stuart fuzzy boots $49; (12) Blue quilted purse $14; (13) White Nike shoes $39; (14) Black Sherpani purse $32 All available at Kellie’s Consignments.

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8&9

2017 Sparrow Gala

Enchanted Evening Join us for an evening of food, fun, dancing and casino-style gaming to benefit Obstetric Services at Sparrow.

Tickets are available for purchase now!

For details and information, please visit our website, Sparrow.org/Gala or call 517.364.3620

SATURDAY, FEB. 25, 2017 UNIVERSITY CLUB OF MSU 3435 FOREST ROAD, LANSING

Presented by

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CREATIVE SOUL: YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS AND CREATIVE LIVING

BY DAWN GORMAN

TRANSFORMATIONS & CULTIVATING

the artist within January. A whole new and exciting year looms before us — full of promise and possibilities. It's a time of transition and change. Our promises to start exercising, read more books, take up gardening, make lists and grow spiritually.

Our lives are marked by change. As Elizabeth Gilbert said in “Eat, Pray, Love,” “One must always be prepared for riotous and endless waves of transformation.” We know change is always there, hovering in the in-between but our feelings about it are mixed. We resist and rail against it, we know in the end it's good, but we like it best when we are the catalyst.

For some reason we believe, or have been told, that creativity for creativity’s sake is frivolous, a waste of time. This could not be further from the truth.

Julia Cameron, author of “The Artist’s Way” said, “No matter what your age or your life path, whether making art is your career or your hobby or your dream, it is not too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity.”

Aside from the health benefits, exploring creativity just feels really good; it helps us experience gratitude,

beauty and a sense of wonder and accomplishment.

And so, I encourage you all to take on a creative project (or lots of them) this year.

Art therapist Mary Ablao and her Studio Retreat staff are all about creative exploration. You can try mandala and vision board workshops, jewelry making, art journaling and so much more.

Discover creative journaling! Holly Makimaa at Your Transformational Journey facilitates journaling and writing workshops that focus on areas of healing, spirituality, growth and change.

Jane Reiter at TangleWrangler offers a variety of Let your creative flag fly. Your inner artist could classes for anyone wanting to find a be sparked by taking relaxing method of creative expression, a cooking class, “For some reason we including Coloring Club, finger knitting, learning to make soap, redecorating your believe, or have been Zentangle, you name it. bedroom or knitting a told, that creativity If you aren’t sure what your calling sweater for your dog.

No matter where your for creativity’s sake is is or where you want to go next, check out the Carey On website, creativity lives this frivolous, a waste of reginacarey.com. Regina Carey offers year, plan to embrace time. This could not be personal and group women’s coaching it along with all the amazing transformation further from the truth.” sessions that help women explore their transformation leanings. it can bring.

Don’t know where to begin? Here are a few ideas to set you on your creative path.

If you need more information, you can also contact the Arts Council of Greater Lansing at lansingarts.org.

Lisa Dulany at Messy & Company has a mission to help people find and express their creative sides. She provides creative workshops, gatherings & adventures from intuitive painting to making tea blends and flower crowns. Check out messyandco.com for more info.

Join us for the first mom & me tea party and lunch to celebrate women Saturday May 13, 2017 Old Town Marquee Tickets available at CAWLM.com PRESENTED BY: C

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Dawn Gorman lives in Lansing’s Old Town and is the communications and events manager at the Arts Council. She loves festivals and arts events and loves to connect over creative ideas.

REFLECTIONS

BY TEECE ARONIN

RESOLUTION EVOLUTION My brain is still vibrating from the holidays. But I did manage to make a few resolutions which I expect will actually “take.” I know I can do it because I’ve already had to do it with other kinds of change, and at least resolutions are a choice.

My kids and I came to Michigan (my home state), five years ago, from Maryland (their home state). It was the too familiar story of the divorce you swore you’d somehow dodge but couldn’t; the support system and the job you’d need moving forward but couldn’t find in your current state — and I mean “current state” in every possible sense, as there were times I swore I was losing my mind.

My ex-husband said he’d understand if I took the kids to Michigan, where the cost of living was more affordable and where I had a safety net of family and life-long friends, it would help me get back on my feet.

I searched for jobs in Maryland and Michigan simultaneously in case keeping the kids rooted near

their dad proved possible. But Maryland never came through with a job — Michigan did.

We left most things in storage and packed a rental car with only the basics. The transmission on my van died two weeks prior, so when we arrived in Michigan, we were without our own car and homeless.

My cousin and his wife had always said they’d take us in and we stayed with them until we found an apartment. My aunt owned a car she had long-since stopped driving and had long since paid off, so another need was filled when she offered it to me.

Soon, the kids and I were in our own place and had been adopted by a stray cat and a shelter dog. We were a very different family from the one we would have thought we’d ever be, but we were also doing something none of us had thought possible at first — adapting. After the initial adjustment, we began to thrive; even with the universe throwing in the occasional surprise that forced us to readjust — just to keep us on our toes.

That’s where we still are in a lot of ways: thriving, readjusting and thriving some more. But we’ve traded apartment living for our own little house — and we have another cat.

I’ve never been big on resolutions. For the last few years, I’ve been forced into so much change that choosing to take on more change seems masochistic.

I don’t see it that way anymore.

I’ve learned there’s a difference between starting over and new beginnings. The difference is me. If I can make the kinds of changes I’ve made during the past five years, surely I can resolve to lose a few pounds.

Teece Aronin is a blogger and columnist. Teece writes a humor/health and wellness column for the Oakland Press and is the Featured Writer for October at TrueHumor.com. Her artwork is available at the Redbubble.com store, phylliswalter, and Teece seriously considers any request for workshops, coaching, and speaking engagements.

Read her blog at ChippedDemitasse.BlogSpot.com, contact her at paronin1@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @taronin.

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LEADERS AT EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS

BY ANGELA BAILEY, TEAM LEAD, MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS Angela Bailey is a team Bailey enjoys the fast-paced lead in the Manufacturing and evolving environment at Emergent and the critical Operations Group at thinking required to make Emergent BioSolutions. progress on a regular basis.

She joined the company “Our work is continually more than five years ago changing and challenging,” as a technician in the Bailey said. “From small Laboratory Resources tasks to big ones, it forces department after earning you to learn and make a degree in Zoology yourself better every day.” from Michigan State University. Since joining Having worked in Emergent, she’s also multiple departments on held the position of team campus, Bailey realizes lead and supervisor, and the importance of broadrecently transitioned from Laboratory mindedness, hard work and Resources into gaining perspective from Manufacturing Operations others. “Important to your ― where BioThrax® success and that of your organization,” Bailey shared, (anthrax vaccine Angela Bailey, team lead in Manufacturing “is a willingness to keep adsorbed), the only FDAOperations Group at Emergent BioSolutions an open mind. Ideas from licensed vaccine to protect those with different backgrounds and technical against anthrax disease, is manufactured.

knowledge can provide valuable insight to help solve your problems. And if you have a problem, try to propose a solution to remedy it.

Being successful is about giving 110%, even on the tough days.”

Away from Emergent, Bailey enjoys spending her time outdoors. She hikes, camps, visits local dog parks, likes boating and riding quads.

Emergent BioSolutions is a global specialty biopharmaceutical company seeking to protect and enhance life by offering specialized products to healthcare providers and governments to address medical needs and emerging health threats. Bailey enjoys the evolving environment of Emergent, and the challenges she’s conquered that have molded her into the leader she is today.

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LOCAL WOMEN

Connie Lehman-Ranshaw Becoming a business owner: A CHOICE WRITTEN IN THE STARS

BY CAITLIN TAYLOR | PHOTO BY ERIKA HODGES According to Native American mythology, the coyote is a trickster. As soon as someone begins taking things too seriously, the coyote is known to trip them up, reminding all to enjoy life.

offering intuitive readings, classes, hypnotherapy, massage, reflexology, gemstones, crystals, books and more. In early October, the business moved locations to accommodate a growing staff, clientele and retail.

After working for the state of Michigan for 25 years, the coyote inspired Connie Lehman-Ranshaw to take an early exit and do what she’d always wanted to do — open her own business. It was only fitting that she call the spiritual and metaphysical store Coyote Wisdom, named after the trickster himself.

“Connie is forward-thinking as far as leading her team and coming up with new and fresh ideas,” said, Sue Dyer, a psychic reader at Coyote Wisdom. According to Dyer, Lehman-Ranshaw is focused on implementing strategies to attract a younger demographic to the store.

As a new business owner in Lansing, LehmanRanshaw made a commitment to herself.

“I can get really focused on my work and intense about it,” said, Lehman-Ranshaw. “So I decided that this had to be fun.” Meaning the coyote is doing his job.

Committed to keeping herself out of debt, the business began small. Now, 12 years later, Lehman-Ranshaw has expanded Coyote Wisdom from an abstract idea in a file folder on her desk, to a spiritual hub; 16

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While Coyote Wisdom offers a variety of intuitive readings, Lehman-Ranshaw holds a close connection with astrology and largely identifies as an astrologer.

“I’ve always liked it, because it’s more of a science — it’s not something you pull out of the air,” she said. “It tells a story about a person and it evolves as the person evolves.”

When giving an astrology reading, Lehman-Ranshaw meditates beforehand and says a short prayer to become more centered. She then jumps into reading her clients’

Natal Astrological Chart. Determined by birth date, time and location, the chart shows the astrological signs that clients fall into at different points in their lives.

“It was my first time experiencing anything like this with Coyote Wisdom,” says Janie Wakefield, a Coyote Wisdom client from Lansing. “I was a bit apprehensive, but when she spoke of things only I would have known, she made a believer out of me.”

Lehman-Ranshaw sometimes uses tarot cards to read the specific energy surrounding a person at a given moment.

“Having my own spiritual practice has even helped me to stay grounded,” said, Lehman-Ranshaw.

Above all, Lehman-Ranshaw noted that she’s proud of her success and enjoying her path as a business owner, an astrologer and a mom.

“Just to watch customers evolve and see them grow is the most satisfying thing,” she said. “That’s what I’m here for.”

LOCAL WOMEN

Jane Aldrich Dropping the mic: EMBRACING A NEW BEGINNING

BY MEGAN MARTIN | COURTESY PHOTO When Jane Aldrich was young, she and her family would drive from Ann Arbor, Mich., her home town, up north every summer. She recalled that on her annual drive, she would see the TV 6 station from the highway. And although no one could have ever guessed that this young girl knew she would someday work there, Aldrich said that a higher power always gave her the sense that it would be so.

And after years of being the face of mid-Michigan, Jane Aldrich, anchor at WLNS 6 News is dropping the mic. Aldrich, who has been with WLNS for 31 years, announced in October that she would be retiring in January. While she is most known for her work in the community and many achievements in local journalism, Aldrich started out like many other young aspiring women — by working hard and getting as much experience as possible.

Beginning at Alma College as an intern at a radio station, Aldrich had big dreams of getting into television broadcasting. With her limited

experience, she moved to East Lansing to pursue her dream, only to be shot down by a former general manager at TV 6, at the time, WJIM. “I got an interview and he said he would offer me a sales position selling AM radio,” said Aldrich.

“I asked if there was potential for me to move into television and he said that he just didn’t think I had what it takes to make that transition from radio to television.” Aldrich was devastated. After about a week, she realized that it wasn’t up to him to decide her future.

“I said to myself, ‘wait a minute, whose life is this anyway?’” she said. After that, she hit the pavement working multiple jobs, taking classes at Lansing Community College in television production and working at multiple part and full time jobs, including radio.

“I think you can learn something valuable from any job you have,” she said, acknowledging her faith as a large piece of what kept her going.

On Oct. 14, 1985, Aldrich began as an anchor and reporter at WLNS 6 News and never looked back.

She has anchored the noon, 5, 6 and 11 p.m. shows, won numerous awards and began her franchise, “Tell Me Something Good,” a show that reports interesting and uplifting local news, among many other great community works.

As she approaches retirement, Aldrich admits that she doesn’t have all the details of what she’ll be up to, but she feels that it is time for her. She plans to continue her keynote speaking, dive into more life celebratory work (officiating weddings and funerals), writing a book, which she is in the process of completing and is developing a website for people to contact her through, janealdrich.com.

“I hope that I have been of service to the community and the station,” Aldrich said. “It’s been my honor to represent mid-Michigan. I couldn’t have done it without my wonderful coworkers, management, my family and friends and my faith in God.” CAWLM.COM

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DIY QUICK CRAFT

BY AMI ICEMAN-HAUETER

A Little Help with a Lot of Extras Sometimes, you or someone you love may need a helping hand with daily activities, but you also desire a vibrant and engaging lifestyle. In our warm and welcoming Resident Center, you can enjoy everything Burcham Hills has to offer— as well as amenities and services tailored for you—all under one roof.

• Staff available 24 hours a day for assistance and care • Delicious dining experiences, including after-hours menu options • Robust recreation and activity opportunities • Well-appointed private residences • And more!

It’s the support you need coupled with the lifestyle you deserve. For award-winning assisted living, look no further than Burcham Hills. Call us today to schedule a personal tour and learn more.

(517) 351-8377 2700 Burcham Drive East Lansing, MI 48823 BurchamHills.com NP/CAWLM/10-16

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Just bowl with it Inspiration is everywhere and isn’t it handy that since the invention of Pinterest we can capture it all in one place?

Now the trick is just picking a place to start in the endless pages of ideas and jump in with both feet. I found this fun project years ago but it got lost in the creative clutter. As I was digging for inspiration, there it was, just waiting to be tackled. Believe it or not, this DIY is simple, fun and adds a little extra organization to life — I’d say win, win, win!

So get going — and just bowl with it!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED • • • •

Air dry clay Stamp or textured items (be creative!)

Paint or ink pad (optional) A bowl for a mold

WHAT TO DO • Cut a chunk of the clay block and use a rolling pin to flatten the piece to your desired thickness.

• Use a stamp (with or without ink) to make impressions in the clay.

Have fun with the pattern and design. Mix and match colors, patterns and layout to customize each bowl.

• Place your mold bowl over the clay face down and press down to “cut” through the clay. Pull away the excess clay.

• Flip your mold bowl over and gently pull up the clay. Place the final piece inside the mold bowl patterned side up to dry for 24 hours.

• Remove the bowl from the mold and flip it over on its face to make sure the bottom is completely dry.

• Once the clay has hardened completely, your cute little bowl is ready to catch keys, bobby pins, bracelets or really anything you have laying around your house!

Ami Iceman-Haueter is the Brand Manager at M3 Group. Iceman-Haueter is a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelors in creative advertising.

BUSINESS COACH

Networking Tips

BY SUSAN COMBS

FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2017

With a new year, comes new opportunities. January gives us the chance for a clean slate. One area to consider for this year is to be purposeful in building and maintaining your business connections.

Networking can be an opportunity to gain new clients, to get a new job or on the flip side, help someone.

Here are some tips for successful networking:

coaching skill takes practice. So often when someone is speaking, we are thinking of our own response instead of truly listening. Try to listen longer. Make eye contact. Put away the phone! If you are curious and interested in others, you have a much better chance of making a fruitful connection.

STRIVE TO BE KNOWN AS A HELPFUL RESOURCE. I try to be a resource for my clients. Part of doing well is being clear on what I can and can't offer. Do you want to start a mentor program? I can help you with that. Does your organization need leadership development training? I can do that too. But if you need help ushering through a major change initiative, I'll refer you to my friend, April Callis Birchmeier.

KNOW YOUR “STORY.” Be prepared to talk about what you do and try to weave in an interesting story. People love stories and will have an easier time remembering you at a future event if they connect you to a memorable story.

DEVELOP NETWORKING GOALS. In coaching, we often encourage our clients to “set your intentions.” By this we mean to think through what outcome you’d like to achieve. Who do you want to meet? What do you want to learn? Set your intention before you walk into the room.

BE CURIOUS. Networking is a two-way street. You should “ask” as much as you “tell.” Listen, really listen. This valuable

Last year in the Leadership Lansing program, we had great networking success. This relatively new program of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce attracted 35 participants in its first year. I co-facilitate this program with fellow coach, Ross Woodstock. In the program, we provide opportunities in each session for our participants to connect and network.

On one of our many field trips, two participants — Glenn Simon, vice president at Granger Construction and Patrick Maltby, COO of Dewpoint — got to talking about what they were working on at their

companies. They ended up partnering on a bid for the new Ford Data Center. Happily, they won the bid and were awarded a contract to the tune of $70 million.

Now there’s a case for the power of networking!

So, think about establishing some networking goals for yourself in 2017. Be genuine in your interactions and build trust in your networking conversations.

Susan Combs, MBA and Professional Certified Coach, works with coaching clients to create fresh starts, enhance their leadership skills and increase their confidence. She is a co-facilitator of the chamber’s Leadership Lansing program.

Susan provides one-on-one coaching, teambuilding training, and manages corporate mentor programs. She lives in Lansing with her 12-year-old son, Max, and their golden retriever puppy. Visit SusanCombsCoaching.com for more information.

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JENNIFER B Giving new beginnings to others

BY MEGAN MARTIN

When Jennifer Bucienski graduated from high school, she thought she definitely was going to go into health care.

“I wanted to go into respiratory therapy,” she said.

After graduating from Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development and Management, she went into the field to do just that, only to realize that while being a hands-on care provider wasn’t for her, her passion for the health care industry remained.

Now, with more than 20 years of experience as a human resources professional within the health care industry ensuring that others are properly cared for, Bucienski is entering into a new beginning in her career with a new role as the chief experience officer at Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital (HGB).

Bucienski has been with HGB for nine years, formerly the vice president of Human Resources, where she focused primarily on the employee experience. What’s exciting about her new role as the chief experience officer, according to Bucienski, is that she gets to work with both the employee and the patient, ensuring that those two experiences are the best they can be.

“It has been proven that if you have unhappy employees, you will have unhappy customers,” said Bucienski. “We’ve all seen it where the server at a restaurant was just berated by their supervisor and they come out to the table and they don’t want to treat the customer well. We want to provide excellent employee experiences so that they will offer the best care to our patients, and so that they enjoy working here.”

In addition to overseeing the employee experience, another facet of Bucienski’s new role is acting as the compliance officer for HGB, making sure that 20

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all federal and state requirements are met, contracts are fair, bills are correct and much more.

“Compliance is an experience as well,” she explained. “I have to implement and adhere to the rules, but it needs to be a positive experience to make that happen as well.”

What Bucienski is most looking forward to in her new role is the amount of freedom she will have to work with the patients and the employees.

Considering it a clean slate, she noted that they’ve been measuring patient satisfaction with surveys for years so that she can set new goals based on the data that those surveys provide.

“My role will be doing a deeper dive into the analysis of those surveys to really figure out what would make this an excellent experience for our patients that they will come back. It certainly starts with employee experience.”

And part of creating a great employee experience, of course, is figuring out a good system to maintain a work-life balance for every employee, and while Bucienski admits to working hard – sometimes during nights and weekends — she says that for her family of five, it’s all about give and take.

“I set my schedule and work the best I can around that,” she said. Her three children, Celia, 16, Gavin, 14 and Erin, 13, are active in school and extracurricular activities. While the oldest can drive, which Bucienski admits to being a big help, she noted that her husband Charles’ career as a middle school science teacher at Olivet Community Schools is what really allows their family dynamics to work.

When asked if she felt that there was a role reversal happening in current culture regarding jobs in the household — the husband takes the

BUCIENSKI

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It has been proven that if you have unhappy employees, you will have unhappy customers more demanding job and the wife takes on a more flexible career path to allow more time with the children — Bucienski agreed that she has seen it more in her generation than in the past.

“I’ve seen many women take sort of this role within the family,” said Bucienski. “I think that with the women in my generation, a lot of us are just really determined. We were the first latchkey kids – we saw our moms at work … we were striving to do more.

We wanted to be as successful as both of our parents and that really drives us and pushes us to do more.”

With her observation, Bucienski acknowledged the cultural shift as a good thing, and that is something that she and Charles have encouraged and passed along to their children as well.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is hard, but what’s harder still is creating this environment as a boss. Bucienski noted that without HGB’s CEO, Matt Rush, she couldn’t encourage it as much as she does.

“He really encourages that motto for us. Without his behavior and his vision for creating that atmosphere, none of us could do that.”

She recalled in previous employment situations where her supervisors expected her to work long hours and didn’t encourage family time with a successful career.

“That’s part of my job as the experience officer, to make sure that we get the work done and that we get the family time too.”

EXERCISE YOUR HEART IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE LECUONA, TENREIRO, RODRIGO, CHÁVEZ, GINASTERA, MÁRQUEZ

Celebrate 2017 with the Y! Join this month and pay a $17 enrollment fee.

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HEALTH & HAPPINESS GUIDE CAWLM.COM

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HEALTH & HAPPINESS GUIDE ADVERTISEMENT

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What is the Halo? It is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. It is actually two lasers in one. One laser heats the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate collagen, and the other addresses the superficial layer to improve texture, pore size, and give you that Halo glow. This treatment is also great for hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and scars.

So why the Halo? Over time, your skin can lose its youthful glow due to sun exposure and your body’s natural aging process. Previous lasers couldn’t effectively remove this damage because they were either too shallow or too deep.

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The Halo treatment is very comfortable with minimal down time. Other lasers, such as the CO2 laser, can result in weeks of redness and swelling before you see results. The Halo recovery time is usually less than seven days, and the results are much more noticeable. You can even wear makeup the next day! Halo simply produces healthy, beautiful skin that will last for years to come.

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Lansing Rheumatology:

More than a medical practice My name is Iris Zink and in August 2016, my husband and I opened an Early Arthritis Intervention Clinic in East Lansing, Michigan. The notion of the clinic was sparked by the overwhelming need of the community, fueled by my 16 year career as a rheumatology nurse practitioner and was confirmed with a dream that recently has turned into reality.

Michigan has the eighth highest arthritis prevalence in the country. According to the Arthritis Foundation of Michigan, about 2.4 million out of the 10 million Michigan residents suffer from arthritic conditions. Currently, there are just over 100 practicing rheumatologists in the state creating a waitlist upwards of six months for patients waiting to see a practitioner. Few of the state’s rheumatology practitioners are willing to accept Medicaid or Veterans insurance, further reducing access to healthcare for an entire slice of the population. It is not uncommon for patients to drive two to three hours within the state to see an arthritis specialist.

Over the past two years, as president of the Rheumatology Nurses Society, I have had the

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JANUARY 2017

unique opportunity to travel on a weekly basis to rheumatology conferences, participate in advisory boards with other key opinion leaders within the industry and present lecture materials so that other rheumatology experts can provide high quality evidencebased care to their patients. As I travel nationally and lecture to groups of healthcare professionals, I say, “The biologic medications for arthritis are so amazing that someday we will forget how deforming and disabling arthritis used to be.” Someday is here, if we can serve these patients in a timely manner. There is a body of evidence suggesting that early intervention is the key to preventing the three D’s of arthritis and autoimmune disease: deformity, disability, and death.

In March of this year, after being approached by several area physicians to take over two different rheumatology practices in the Lansing area, my thoughts were racing. I considered their offers, helped develop a plan and prayed about it. Then, I had a dream. In my dream, Dr. Carol Beals,

my former employer, Dr. Niti Thakur, a previous partner of Dr. Beals, along with my deceased mother told me that my purpose in life was to open an arthritis clinic to serve the underserved. It sounds funny, but this dream sealed the deal. We moved forward with our plan.

With the support of an amazing network of nurses on the Rheumatology Board of Directors and the physicians from the Association of Women in Rheumatology, Lansing Rheumatology was reopened. So far we have served more than 400 patients.

We are helping people every day. I have had the opportunity to serve young mothers who could barely diaper their infant or climb stairs. I have seen them get better with medications. I have had veterans thank me for allowing them to perform simple tasks such as opening a water bottle, for giving their life back to them.

I could not have done this without the support of my amazing husband Chris Title, who is also a Nurse Practitioner and my family. Chris is passionate about helping people and has been instrumental in the operations of the clinic and with serving those individuals who are home bound. He is so devoted to helping others that he has performed home visits and transported patients to the office for treatment.

Our family of six daughters has also served in the mission, having all helped with getting the clinic up and running.

Our practice and office is like a home away from home for our clients. We pride ourselves in making the office look like a home space, rather than a medical office. This is our dream, helping people, serving the underserved along with treating people well. I have been blessed with this opportunity. Our practice manager, Amy Lienhart says, “What we are doing here is bigger than all of us. We aren’t seeing patients, we are treating people.” We are living our dream.

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UNDERSTANDING

CONCUSSION

Concussion is a serious injury.

Seek serious help.

BY AMANDA CARR Gaining a better understanding of concussions leads to better Assault diagnostics, treatment and prevention 10% of this injury. Concussion symptoms may appear mild, but can lead to Falls Struck by/ significant, life-long impairment 35% Against affecting an individual’s ability to 17% function physically, cognitively and psychologically. Appropriate diagnosis, referral, and education will help individuals with concussions achieve optimal recovery and to reduce or Motor Vehicle Unknown/Other avoid significant consequences of the Accidents 21% injury. Origami’s Concussion Care 17% Clinic provides expert assessment and education designed to help you better • If someone shows any signs or symptoms of understand how to respond to your unique injury. concussion, they should not return to play, work, or activities until they are properly evaluated. “When in doubt, sit them out.”

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? • After a concussion, individuals need to be A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury monitored for at least the first 24-48 hours.

(TBI) that occurs from a direct or indirect hit Seek medical help immediately if symptoms to the head. It may or may not involve a loss of change or worsen. consciousness.

GROUPS AT GREATEST RISK OF CONCUSSION • Infants and children (ages 0 to 4) • Adolescents and young adults (ages 15 to 24) • Older adults (ages 75 or older)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION Physical

Headache Nausea Balance problems Dizziness Visual problems Fatigue Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to noise Numbness/Tingling Dazed/Stunned

Emotional

Irritability Sadness More emotional Nervousness

Cognitive

Feeling “foggy” Problems thinking Feeling slowed down Difficulty concentrating Memory problems Confusion Answers questions slowly Repeats questions

Sleep

Drowsiness Sleeping less Vomiting Sleeping more Trouble falling asleep

• Symptoms may not seem that significant initially, but may continue to evolve and become more severe with time.

PROPER FIT OF A HELMET • The pads touch the forehead and cheeks • The back clears the nape of the neck • It fits snugly, but you can slip one finger under the chinstrap • The front brim sits about two finger widths above your eyebrows • There is little or no space between goggles and helmet’s front edge

WINTER SAFETY TIPS • Taking proper care in the snow and ice can prevent or reduce injury.

• Thoroughly and regularly salt driveways, sidewalks and stairs.

• Walk carefully across parking lots and provide children and seniors with additional support.

• Ensure proper footing when shoveling snow or scraping ice off the car.

• Wear shoes with good rubber tread for traction to reduce slipping.

• Wear a helmet and protective equipment during winter sports.

• No head first sledding.

Amanda Carr is an Occupation Therapist, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, and Clinical Manager at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center. Contact Amanda at Amanda.Carr@OrigamiRehab.org or 517-455-0274.

Origami’s Concussion Care Service offers comprehensive, individualized concussion assessment and treatment.

Trust the area’s brain injury experts for your concussion care.

(517) 336-6060 OrigamiRehab.com

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HEALTH & HAPPINESS GUIDE

Expecting?

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Having trouble sleeping?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW… If expectant mothers didn’t already have it hard enough to get a good night sleep, research shows that sleep disorders may be caused by pregnancy or an existing sleep disorder that may become worse. This is not great news for pregnant women who are already struggling to get the sleep they need to maintain their health and the health of their growing baby. For the sleep deprived expectant mother who just wants to get a good night sleep, the biggest challenge may be learning how to cope with a whole new disorder.

Which Sleep Disorders are Common in Pregnancy?

When it comes to pregnancy related sleep disorders and expectant moms, not all sleep disorders are equal. There are six sleep disorders that seem to be the most prevalent during pregnancy.

Insomnia: Is a complicated condition. According to guidelines from a

physician group, insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when a person has the chance to do so. People with insomnia can feel dissatisfied with their sleep and usually experience one or more of the following symptoms: fatigue, low energy, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances and decreased performance in work or at school.

Restless Leg Syndrome: Many people with Restless Leg Syndrome find

it difficult to describe the feeling in their legs. It may be like a crawling sensation, an electric feeling, or water running down your legs, itchy bones or just fidgety, jumpy or twitchy legs that are uncomfortable. Some people describe a deep painful feeling in their legs. The unpleasant feeling causes you to have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. Typically, when the unpleasant feelings occur they occur every 10-60 seconds and so you become quite restless and disrupt your sleep.

Heartburn: Afflicts most moms-to-be at some point because progesterone,

the hormone that relaxes muscles in pregnancy, also relaxes the stomach valve that

3515 Coolidge Road , Suite A East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: 517-755-6888 | Fax: 517-657-7759 26

JANUARY 2017

keeps acid out of the esophagus. In addition, the growing uterus crowds the stomach, forcing acid into the esophagus. Sleep Apnea may cause symptoms to worsen.

Snoring: Snoring during pregnancy is more of an annoyance than anything else. However, it may also be a sign of sleep apnea, a disorder that can deprive you and potentially your baby of oxygen. Most prevalent in the third trimester and in women who are overweight. It may cause complications which is why it is important to let your doctor know if you are snoring more than usual.

Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing over and over during sleep. In addition to contributing to some long-term health problems, sleep apnea can cause complications during pregnancy. If left untreated, sleep apnea has been linked to gestational high blood pressure and the development of preeclampsia, a very serious pregnancy complication that can endanger the life of both mother and baby. Additionally, sleep apnea has been linked to low birth weight babies. As the impacts of sleep apnea during pregnancy can be so significant, it is very important that any pregnant woman who thinks she may have sleep apnea or who is experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness discusses these concerns with her doctor as soon as possible.

Frequent Urination: Frequent urination is considered normal during pregnancy but may be increased with undiagnosed sleep apnea.

Sleep disturbances are a common during pregnancy and can make it difficult to get the right amount of sleep. Stress, pregnancy-related discomfort, heartburn, nausea, and the movement of the baby can all make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms continue to get worse as the pregnancy progresses. Sleep problems should be discussed with your doctor to ensure there are no underlying problems that need to be addressed. You can also schedule your appointment with Dr. Oktai Mamedov at Comprehensive Sleep Center. He is Board certified in sleep medicine and can diagnose and treat you during your pregnancy. Call today to schedule your consultation at 517-755-6888.

DR. OKTAI MAMEDOV, MD

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HEALTH & HAPPINESS GUIDE QUICKLY RECOVER FROM EXERCISE

Aches & Pains The old saying, “no pain, no gain,” is not without its grains of truth. Moderate soreness in the muscles may indicate that time spent in the gym is working, but sharp pains may be indicative of injury.

Workout soreness that persists can derail workout plans and may deter some people from exercise. As the body becomes acclimated to certain exercises, soreness may be less prevalent, and there are ways for people to speed up their rates of recovery.

WHY DO MUSCLES GET SORE? Muscle soreness can occur a day or two after exercising. Doctors used to think it resulted from a buildup of lactic acid in muscles, but now they say that it is actually muscle damage that is taking place.

Exercise that pushes the muscles affects the fibers in muscle tissue, especially specialized structures that hold the fibers together. When you exercise, you are breaking down or tearing muscle, and the body produces swelling and soreness as part of the healing process that increases muscle strength.

WARM UP AND COOL DOWN. One way to prevent extreme soreness is to follow proper guidelines before and after a workout.

Stretching and gradually building to your peak workout can help. This acclimates the body incrementally to the workout. Afterward, stretching and a cool-down period can help lengthen the muscles once more and ease any discomfort that might follow.

CONSUME POST-WORKOUT PROTEIN. Before retiring after a tough workout, consume a light, protein-rich snack. The protein will help the body repair muscles overnight. Extra protein at breakfast also can give muscles the necessary fuel to start rebuilding.

CHOOSE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS AND BEVERAGES. Consuming foods and beverages that are known to limit swelling may help your body recover. Such foods and beverages include tart cherry juice, leafy greens, whole grains, fatty fish, turmeric and beets.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS. It’s good to push yourself to improve fitness goals.

However, overdoing it may mean extreme soreness, or worse, an injury that is difficult to recover from.

Experts recommend heavy exercising every other

day to give muscles the chance to heal. If you choose to hit the gym daily, try to rotate working different muscle groups each day. If you feel muscles twitching during workouts, reduce the weight.

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HEALTH & HAPPINESS GUIDE

BY KERRY HART, LLMFT

Cuddle & Connect Make the most of this year by nurturing the good feelings in all relationships through bonding. Reap the benefits of oxytocin by getting close to friends and family of all kind. The act of bonding can be one of the most powerful gifts you can give to others and will enable the overall strengthening of relationships.

BONDING WITH YOUR PARTNER Cold weather is still lingering, so bonding indoors can be as easy as watching a movie on the couch after the kids have gone to bed. Make an effort to physically connect while you emotionally connect to increase your physical desire for your partner as well.

Trying new activities has also been proven to bring partners together. If you feel things are a little dull or too routine, find ways to mix it up! Cooking together is a fantastic way for couples to bond. Perhaps there

is a class you can take together. Learning a new skill will encourage you to work collaboratively with your partner and increase your teamwork skills, which will improve your relationship.

According to livescience.com, physical touch is a powerful, scientific way to strengthen your relationship. Oxytocin is commonly known as the “cuddle hormone” as it tends to be released when people cuddle or physically touch in an affectionate way. It’s proven that relationships improve with the increase of positive physical touch, so be sure to cuddle with your partner as often as desired.

ALL ABOUT OXYTOCIN The fun does not stop there, however. Oxytocin can have many positive effects including pain relief, stress reduction and it provides an immune system boost.

Oxytocin also affects relationships between parents and children. Oxytocin is released by the mother during the birthing process, increasing the bond between mother and child. Once the oxytocin is released, mothers will find their babes irresistible, increasing their need for positive physical contact with the child.

Studies have also shown that cuddling with the child will increase their oxytocin levels, increasing the bond a child may feel towards their mother as well.

Oxytocin also has a positive effect on men in both their parental relationships as well as their couple relationship.

Physical touch with their child will increase a male’s desire to bond with that child, as well as a desire to play with the child. This positive physical touch will in turn promote a burst of oxytocin within the child, causing a stronger bond to form between the father and his kin.

Men who have experienced oxytocin bursts have been proven to be more faithful to their romantic partners than men who were neglected as children.

The chemical can also be released through play with a dog or a cat. Cuddling with your furry friend can bring your oxytocin levels up, increasing your bonds with your little buddy in a social way. Regardless of who you choose to bond with, oxytocin can positively affect your day-to-day life. Reigniting the spark in your life, be it in your romantic relationship, parental relationship, or in your relationship with yourself, will have many positive benefits.

Kerry Hart, LLMFT is a couple and family therapist in private practice. She is located in both East Lansing and Grand Rapids. kerryhartcounseling.com

We’re ready to help you succeed!

Sparrow Bariatric & Weight Management Services can help you take off – and keep off – unhealthy weight, so you can fit back into your life.

Call 1.800.Sparrow to attend an information session. To learn more, go to

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Choose Wisely. Choose Sparrow.

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JANUARY 2017

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THE TRUTH ABOUT

Weight Loss

IN 2017

BY DR. SUSAN MAPLES Are you confused and frustrated by your attempts at weight loss? Let’s rethink your strategy.

Most of us believe that it boils down to simple math: CALORIES IN – CALORIES BURNED = CALORIES STORED

So, a calorie is a calorie is a calorie! Right? Not! TURNS OUT ALL CALORIES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL! Compare 300 calories of orange juice for breakfast (or soda, or your favorite coffee shop morning drink) to 300 calories of broccoli (about 10 cups). The first leaves us starving, in about an hour and a half. And the broccoli? Full for hours … and okay, maybe farting.

Here’s why the difference: Any food high in refined sugar has a tsunami effect — it converts to a mother-load of glucose which goes straight into your bloodstream. Next the corresponding load of insulin, released by the pancreas, to transport the sugar from your blood. But where does it go? Unless you just climbed Everest or ran a marathon, your cells only need a trace of sugar. The rest gets stored as FAT — and not just the ooof-my-jeans-are-too-tight, sub-cutaneous fat, but the most dangerous, visceral fat — the kind that accumulates around your vital organs and plagues you with heart disease, fatty-liver disease and metabolic syndrome. (Incidentally, flour stimulates a sugar surge too. Any grain that has been de-shelled and ground into flour, is easily converted to glucose in the bloodstream.)

Perhaps the biggest fat-builder (and cavity-causer) is the sugar we drink, but let’s face it, the vast

majority of foods from a box, bag, drive-through or restaurant are loaded with sugar and flour. As Americans, we are averaging 22 to 40 teaspoons of sugar every day! Ouch! Meanwhile, the World Health Organization and American Heart Association recommend a 75% reduction.

dumping sugar into refined foods and throwing away the fiber.

WHY WILL A HIGH-FIBER DIET HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT? 1. No one likes to be hungry. High-fiber foods will satisfy you SO much longer. You’ll crave less, consume less and even conquer your icky food addictions

Cutting sugar will also reduce your caries disease (tooth decay) which is also out of control in the U.S. As a caring dentist, my personal mission is to help patients realize that our lifestyle choices effect much more than teeth. In countless ways, your mouth gives me powerful clues about what’s going on in the rest of your body.

So, what’s the big difference between 300 calories of juice and 300 calories of broccoli? I’ll give you a hint. It starts with an F and makes you fart. You guessed it ... FIBER! (FYI, It’s our #1 nutritional deficiency). Turns out fiber is our antidote to the sugar problem. Think of fiber like straw or hay.

It absorbs water, makes a thick, glue-like mass of the food so it releases sugar slooowwwly, which mitigates the insulin response. Instead of the sugartsunami, we get … drip, drip … drip …

Visualize fiber like straw or hay. It’s a filler that never gets absorbed into the body. It stays in the digestive tube until it exits the poop-shoot. That’s why high-fiber diets make bigger, softer, floatier poops — an un-talked-about sign of health, by the way.

2. Fiber helps your brain recognize leptin, the appetite-regulating hormone your fat cells produce to let you know you’re full 3. Fiber also reduces ghrelin — the stuff your stomach secretes to make it growl 4. High fiber foods come with good baggage — phytonutrients that restore health to your cells If you’re serious about substantial and lasting weight loss and improved health in 2017, consider 38-50 grams a day — and 2/3 from soluble fiber.

To quote a local colleague, Dr. Carla Guggenheim, “that’s like a basketball-sized portion of fruits and vegetables a day! And if you’re super serious about weight loss, make it 80% vegetables and 20% fruits!” Let this be the year you will finally lose that health-threatening fat … and feel amazing!

Sugar and fiber are quite the duo. They were born together, in plants, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Mankind separated them,

Dr. Susan Maples is a dentist in Holt.

She is also a speaker, health educator and author of BlabberMouth! 77 Secrets Only Your Mouth Can Tell You to Live a Happier, Healthier, Sexier Life. Reach her at Susan@DrSusanMaples.com

Susan Maples, DDS

Personalized Dentistry for A Lifetime of Health

Learn more mouth body connections... w w w . D R S U S A N M A P L E S. c o m

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TRI COUNTY EVENTS

EVENTS JANUARY 1-3

Festival of Trees, Lansing Embrace the holiday spirit and join the friends of Turner Dodge House for the 5th annual Turner Dodge House Festival of Trees! All three floors will feature as many as 60 trees decorated for the holidays. Money raised from the admission price will go toward projects to preserve and enhance the house. Cost is $5 per person. Visit lansingmi.org for more information and tour hours.

JANUARY 4

Separation & Divorce Group, Haslett, MI From 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 1640 Haslett Rd, Suite 100, an ongoing, confidential support group in all phases of the divorce process. You are not alone in one of life’s most stressful and challenging transitions. You may be feeling an overwhelming range of emotions. Sharing your feelings with others who are going through something similar can greatly improve strength and reduce feelings of fear, confusion, sadness, anger, guilt, shame and more. Cost: $100 for four weeks. Call 517-898-8541 or email gita@mahabirwellness.com to register.

JANUARY 6

The Shopping Lunch, Okemos Kellie’s Consignment invites you to shop and network during your lunch. Lunch will always be

available for $5 a person. This event will take place on the first Friday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5000 Marsh Rd.

“green & white” gift. You can also reserve and print your free tickets by visiting msufcu.org.

JANUARY 11

JANUARY 7-8

Lansing Bridal Show, Lansing Lansing Bridal World is featuring its 33rd bridal show. Bridal World is mid-Michigan’s largest and longest running bridal event! Bridal World has the experience, advertising and vendor sponsorship to offer you the very best selections to help you plan your dream wedding. Vendors include Becker’s Bridal, David’s Bridal, Men’s Warehouse, Fantastic Finds, The Wedding Gallery and so much more! Doors open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the fashion show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $4 in advance at Becker’s Bridal and $6 at the Lansing Center Ticket Office. You can also purchase tickets at bridalworldshows.com. For more information contact bridalworld@comcast.net or call (989) 534-1135.

JANUARY 10

MSUFCU Night at MSU Women’s Basketball, East Lansing Show your Spartan spirit and cheer on the women’s basketball team as they take on Ohio State University!

Show proof of MSUFCU membership at the ticket office to receive two free tickets to the game. Don’t forget to visit the MSUFCU table to pick up your free

Healthy Eating-Make Your Own Sushi, Stockbridge Chef Ming Louie will be presenting this free cooking workshop at the Stockbridge library. This cooking workshop features recipes, entertaining cultural anecdotes and more. Create a vegetarian, gluten-free sushi roll to eat while you learn! Class is at 4 p.m. Registration for this workshop is required. Please call (517) 851-7810 to register.

JANUARY 20

Mud & Mug, Lansing Get your hands on some clay, try the pottery wheel, enjoy the company of your friends or meet new ones. Bring your own food and drink to enjoy while learning how to work with clay. Novices and experts welcome! Mud & Mug is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at REACH Studio Art Center. Visit reachstudioart.org for prices and registration details.

JANUARY 20

The Basics of Tea, Okemos It’s important to know the right temperature for steeping and how long to steep your tea when you’re preparing it. Learn all about the proper way to steep and sample different teas with snack pairings

REAL PEOPLE REAL MORTGAGES

MERCANTILE BANK MORTGAGE SERVICES

There are plenty of mortgage options out there, but chances are there is only one that is just right for you. Let a Mercantile Bank mortgage lender help you find the perfect mortgage for your life and your future. No gimmicks and no games, just solid mortgage options with competitive rates designed around your needs.

Visit MercBank.com/Mortgage to find a local Mercantile lender and to see our current loan specials. *All loans subject to credit and collateral approval.

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JANUARY 2017

TRI COUNTY EVENTS at this free and informative presentation at the Okemos library. The Basics of Tea starts at 1 p.m. and registration is required.

Call (517) 347-2021 to register.

JANUARY 22

Polar Bear 5k Run/Walk, Okemos This family friendly 5k is fun for all ages and abilities!

Runners and walkers who preregister will receive a race t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each of the 15 divisions, male and female.

Admission is $22 in advance and $25 on race day.

Visit meridian.mi.us to find more information.

ARTS

JANUARY 10-15

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, East Lansing Beautiful - The Carole King Musical is a jukebox musical inspired by a book by Douglas McGrath. This true story of King’s rise to stardom is sure to inspire audiences.

From King’s start as a teenage songwriter, to being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband, Gerry Goffin we follow King through the bumpy road to stardom. Rock out to many of the hit songs

King wrote and co-wrote including: “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “The Locomotion.” Find tickets and more information at whartoncenter.com.

JANUARY 26

Absolute Music Chamber Series, Lansing The Absolute Music Chamber Series offers its eighth season at the acoustically superior Urban Beats Event Center in Lansing’s Old Town. In this highly welcoming space, everyone sits only a few feet from the musicians to experience chamber music up close and personal. Convert guides introduce the artists and their programs and facilitate an after concert discussion among the audience and the musicians. This talk-back provides a chance for the audience to connect with the musicians and understand the passionate process that creates a performance. Light refreshments are served following each concert. Tickets are $20 online, $22 at the door and student tickets are $5 available only at the door. Visit lansing.org to find more information or to purchase your tickets.

CLINICS JANUARY 17

How to Repair Your Credit, East Lansing Have you pulled your credit report and discovered some issues? Learn what the next steps are with this informational seminar.

Discuss some strategies and

ideas of how to address items that are on your report and other steps you can take to make improvements.

Dispel some of the myths about credit repair and the companies that promise they can fix your credit for a fee. This seminar is from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union Farm Lane Branch. Find more information and registration details online at msufcu.org.

JANUARY 18

Hormonal Effects on Exercise, Charlotte Learn how hormones affect the female body during exercise and how to vary workouts to maximize results. Dinner is included for those who pre-register

by Monday, January 16. Call (517) 541-5800, option 1 to register. This free event will be held at 5:15 p.m. at AL!VE, 800 West Lawrence Avenue, Charlotte.

JANUARY 20

“The Benefit of Walking” Mayor Mark Meadows, East Lansing Connecting to nature is fundamental to our wellbeing. Humans have an innate drive to experience the outdoors, and this connection has a direct relationship to our wellness and over-all health.

Mark Meadows will share how his time spent in the great outdoors has helped him maintain his physical, mental and spiritual connection. Mark started walking the Appalachian Trail several years ago.

Starting in Springer Mountain in Georgia, this year he will finish the 2,160 mile trail in Maine. This free presentation will be held at 819 Abbot Road in East Lansing from 1 to 2 p.m. Visit cityofeastlansing.com for more information.

CAWLM.COM

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MY COMMUNITY

MASON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY On Dec. 8 the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce, hosted a December Mixer Holiday Party sponsored

by MSUFCU at the Ingham County Fairgrounds Community Building. From 5 to 7:30 p.m., more than 200 people gathered for music from Sound Source entertainment and food provided by a number of Mason area restaurants, food trucks and caterers.

PHOTOS BY DOUG KLEIN Bonnie Root & Pegge Klein

Peter Robinson, Mary Kelsey & Bill Noud

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JANUARY 2017

Dale Kohlsmith & Desiree Waters

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EXPLORE NEW POSSIBILITIES

THROUGH MUSIC MSU Community Music School (CMS) offers music programs for people of all ages, incomes, and abilities, including: • PRIVATE LESSONS

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visit www.cms.msu.edu or call (517) 355-7661 CMS is the outreach arm of the MSU College of Music

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MY COMMUNITY

CARE FOR CAREGIVERS CRAFT SHOW Throughout the year, Sparrow’s Care for the Caregivers fund provides monetary gifts for those who work in the medical field who are in need. On Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., makers and crafters from across the greater Lansing region gathered to host a sale of holiday gifts. Proceeds supported the Care for the Caregivers Fund.

PHOTOS BY ERIKA HODGES

Pauline Stebbins & Monica Phelps

Cameron Smith

Felicia Stanley

Nicole Villarreal

Jody Malson & Tammy Yantz

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35

MY COMMUNITY ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES 34TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY THANK YOU OPEN HOUSE Sponsored by MSUFCU, St. Vincent Catholic Charities hosted their 34th annual Community Thank You Open House on Friday Dec. 2 from 6:30 to 10 a.m. 99.1 WFMK’s Danny Stewart and Monica Harris broadcasted live from the event which included a complimentary breakfast and creative displays highlighting programs at St. Vincent Catholic Charities.

PHOTOS FROM JOHN KARASINSKI

STVCC Adoption & Foster Care

Volunteers from Jackson National

Monica Harris & Danny Stewart of 99.1WFMK

STVCC Refugee Services

Michigan State University Evans Scholars

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JANUARY 2017

MY COMMUNITY

MSU COMMUNITY CLUB’S HOLIDAY RECEPTION The MSU Community Club’s Holiday Reception took place on Friday, Dec. 2 from 1 – 3 p.m. The gathering was to celebrate the season, continuing their tradition of supporting MSU Safe Place by bringing unwrapped toys, sheets, pillowcases and blankets for children in the area. The Earl Nelson Singers Company served as the entertainment.

PHOTOS BY KATHY ESSELMAN

Jan Lincoln

Gladys Thompson & Verna Holley

Erica Schmittdiel

Sandy Goodman & Gladys Thompson

Earl Nelson Singer & Director Verna Holley

JOIN GREATER LANSING BUSINESS MONTHLY as they present the 23rd Annual Entrepreneurial Awards.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

Cocktail Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by the awards program at 7:15 p.m.

Eagle Eye Golf Club, 15500 Chandler Road, Bath Twp

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT GLBMAWARDS.COM glbmawards.com DIAMOND SPONSOR:

PRESENTED BY:

CAWLM.COM

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MY COMMUNITY

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT PETCO On Saturday Dec. 10 and Saturday Dec. 17 from 1 – 4 p.m., pet parents from across the greater Lansing region came out to their local Petco stores to strike a pose with Santa. Donations for the photos were donated to help animals in need this holiday season. Pet lovers from all around came out to get in the spirit of Christmas and to capture a lasting memory with their furry friends.

PHOTOS BY ERIKA HODGES

James Gilroy, Alore Niemi & Buddy

Sydney Moroney, Capital Area Humane Society Volunteer

Catalina Pozo & Bella

Jessica Wenger & Ginger

Derek McMiel & Wolf

Dine to Donate C

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JANUARY 2017

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JOIN US 4 – 8 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 16 at one of six area Applebee’s

20% of the evening's earnings will go to support Komen Mid-Michigan Visit CAWLM.com for more information

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS 1642 Packard Hwy, Charlotte

6270 S. Cedar St, Lansing

2450 Coolidge Rd, East Lansing

2284 Woodlake Dr, Okemos

5400 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing

2440 Ontario Dr, St. Johns

MY COMMUNITY

SOULFIRE On Saturday Nov. 12, the Firecracker Foundation hosted its annual fundraising event, Soulfire 2017.

In its fourth year, 12 survivors of sexual trauma shared their stories in a photographic art project in conjunction with McShane Photography and stylist Heather Jarous. The gallery reveal was sponsored by Jackson National Community Fund.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ROXANNE FRITH Soulfire 2017 celebrates the fire within survivors of child sexual abuse with the lighting of sparklers

Mayor Virg Bernero & Teri Bernero

Settling a divorce is complicated, financially and emotionally. Stephanie specializes in financially equitable divorce settlements, helping you make the right choices. With proper planning, professional help and the right support, long-term financial security can be more within your reach.

Mindy Warner, Patrick Sandoval, Lauren Manston-Domino & Laurie Manston-Domino

Tashmica Torok, Executive Director for Firecracker Foundation & Jena McShane, McShane Photography & Soulfire Calendar photographer

As the only

Certifed Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFATM ) in Lansing*, she believes that freedom and independence are core values of successful women, regardless of marital status.

Call me today at 517.253.8563 for a complimentary initial consultation.

Stephanie Milosavlevski CFP®, CDFATM, Financial Advisor

EXPERIENCE A HIGHER STANDARD OF CARE

BRIGHTSTAR CARE®

> Companion & Personal Care > Bathing & Hygiene Assistance > Transportation > Medication Management > Light Housekeeping & Laundry > Meal Preparation

> Skilled Nursing Care > Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s & Other Condition-specific Care > Post-op Care > Guaranteed Compatibility® > Respite Care

2139 Commons Parkway • Okemos, MI 48864 • 517.253.8563 stephanie.j.milosavlevski@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/stephanie.j.milosavlevski *Source: Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFATM). The initial consultation provides an overview of financial planning concepts. You will not receive written analysis and/or recommendations. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. o wns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM and CFP (with flame design) i n the U.S. Investment advisory services and products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Amerip rise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2 016 Amerip rise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved.1603991ACMR0916

BrightStar Care® of East Lansing

517 679 1700

brightstarcare.com/east-lansing · cmiller@brightstarcare.com Independently Owned & Operated

CAWLM.COM

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PROFESSIONAL GUIDE DR. OKTAI MAMEDOV, MD

TODD A. MOYERBRAILEAN, D.O. Dr. Moyerbrailean is board certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, also known as Urogynecology. As an Urogynecologist, he has advanced training and expertise in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction in women, sometimes caused by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting or chronic disease.

Dr. Moyerbrailean specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and its associated symptoms, including loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty with urination or moving bowels, overactive bladder and burning or other pelvic pain. Dr. Moyerbrailean is now accepting new urogynecology patients.

Dr. Oktai Mamedov received his Medical Degree from Azerbaijan Medical University. After receiving his residency in Internal Medicine in 2010 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore, affiliated with Johns Hopkins, he completed a Fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Dr. Mamedov is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and is proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of sleep disorders in adults and children. Dr. Mamedov is the Medical Director of Comprehensive Sleep Center in East Lansing, MI.

517-484-3000 | www.alliance-obgyn.com (517) 755-6888 3515 Coolidge Road, Ste A East Lansing, MI 48823

Main Campus South Campus 1560 Turf Lane 1100 South Cedar St. East Lansing, MI 48823 Mason, MI 48854

KELLY KING

COLLEEN PITMON

With more than 10 years of management experience, Kelly King, executive director of the YMCA’s Oak Park branch, has put a strong emphasis on building relationships, campaign leadership, supervision and fiscal management. Overseeing the day-to-day operations of several YMCA facilities has instilled a sense of leadership in her, which has enabled her to think strategically, hone her risk management skills and has helped to ensure the development of staff and board members. Her experience with motivating donors and volunteers to help carry out the organization’s mission has also further enhanced her skill set, and has made her an asset to the YMCA.

Colleen Pitmon oversees 4 of the Credit Union’s Branches in the Greater Lansing area and provides support to all 17 branch locations. She is part of a co-AVP of Branches team responsible for overseeing the strategic direction for the branch network, to provide superior service by assisting members and offering financial education. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business from MSU. MSUFCU has an asset size of over $3.3 billion, nearly 230,000 members worldwide, and more than 730 employees in the Greater Lansing and Oakland County areas. The Credit Union has also been recognized for a number of awards for innovative employee solutions and programs.

(517) 827-9690 YMCA, 119 N Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 333-2424 or (800) MSU-4-YOU 3777 West Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823

BECCA SCHLAFF

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MANNY GARCIA

Becca Schlaff is the most recent addition to Another Look Hair Institute’s growing team as a Hair Loss/Addition Specialist.

Schlaff graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Fashion Design and Art Education, then completed her education in cosmetology at the Douglas J Aveda Institute, where she graduated with honors. She believes in the mindbody-spirit connection and as someone afflicted with the condition trichotillomania, Schlaff has a unique perspective.

She also works part time as an artist. Schlaff looks forward to helping empower others in the calm, confidential and caring environment of Another Look Hair Institute.

Manny Garcia has been an Account Executive for the past four years with M3 Group Publications. Garcia works with many clients on their print, digital and video marketing campaigns within Greater Lansing Business Monthly (GLBM), Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine (CAWLM) and the newest addition to M3 Group Publications, ing Magazine. Garcia volunteers his time within the community and is on the board for the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GLHCC), an ambassador for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Rotary Club of Lansing. Garcia is very passionate about Lansing and is excited to be a part of a growing and vibrant community. #LoveLansing #GoGreen

(517) 484-5062 1020 East Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48906

(517) 203-3333 614 Seymour Ave. Lansing, MI 48933

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

@CAWLM

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PHP works for you.

Everyone deserves great health coverage, and at Physicians Health Plan, we agree. Locally owned and managed for more than 35 years, PHP understands what is important to the people who live and work in our region.

And our region is growing to include more counties, making access to quality, affordable care easier for you.

Our Marketplace plans include: » An expanded Network that now encompasses Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Montcalm, and Shiawassee counties » Choice of doctors with no need for in-network referrals » Four-tier Pharmacy coverage and a partnership with Delta Dental » Coverage for emergencies at work, at home, and at play – in every state and 196 countries around the world » Award-winning customer service Open Enrollment for 2017 runs now through Jan. 31, 2017. You have a choice, and who you choose matters.

Learn more and enroll today

ChoosePHPmi.com

For small businesses coverage, call 517.364.8484

A health plan that works for you.

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o BALANCE TRANSFERS o APR UNTIL JUNE 30

Transfer the balances from your high-rate credit cards to your MSUFCU Visa by February 28, 2017, and receive 0% APR on those balances until June 30, 2017.¹ You’ll have the convenience of making only one monthly payment while saving money.

Once the 0% APR on your balance transfers expires, the balance transfer rate reverts to your standard rate, between 8.9% APR and 17.9% APR.

Moving Your Balances Is Easy

Go online

Use a transfer check

Request your balance transfers through ComputerLine or the mobile app.

Complete a balance transfer check(s) and mail to your other creditor(s).²

Contact us to receive your special 0% APR balance transfer checks and move your high-rate balances to your low-rate MSUFCU Visa today.

You may also request the special 0% APR on balance transfers through ComputerLine or the mobile app. Remember to have your latest credit card statement from your other creditor(s) to ensure you have all the information needed when filling out your balance transfer request(s) online.

Federally insured

by NCUA

msufcu.org

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 0% on balance transfers is valid on balance transfers made between January 1 and February 28, 2017, and applies only to balance transfers from another financial institution’s credit card to your MSUFCU Visa Credit Card. The 0% APR on balance transfers is valid until June 30, 2017. After June 30, 2017, the balance transfer rate will revert to your standard rate, between 8.9% and 17.9%.Balance transfers must take place between January 1 and February 28, 2017, and your Visa Credit Card account must be in good standing to qualify for the special rate. Accounts 60 days late revert to the Penalty Rate of 17.9%. This special rate is for balance transfers only and does not apply to purchases and cash advances. 2The total amount of the enclosed check(s) may not exceed your available credit limit. If the amount listed on the check(s) is above your available credit limit at the time your check(s) is processed, MSUFCU may decline the check(s). Before filling out the attached check(s), please verify your available credit limit and check for any transactions that have not yet posted to your account.