CAWLM July 2016

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AUGUST 2016

ART FOR ALL

Katalyst Gallery brings unique art to the Lansing community

I Scream, You Scream

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FASHION

MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM RECIPE INSIDE

Tips for kids and teachers

Yvonne Caamal Canul THE WORLD IS HER OYSTER, LANSING IS HER HOME

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AUGUST 2016

ON THE COVER 8

Art for All, Katalyst Gallery

10 Back-To-School Fashion

18 Yvonne Caamal Canul 26 Make Your Own Ice Cream

IN THIS ISSUE 4

From the Publisher

24 Entertainment Alley

5

Good News

25 Financial Facts

6

Nonprofit Profile

27 A Pet’s Tale

9

Careers for Consideration

28 Feature: Be Brilliant Bags

12 Queen of the Road

29 Lifestyle

13 DIY Quick Crafts

30 Tri-County Events

14 Local Women

34 My Community

22 Feature: Habitat for Humanity

18

On Our Cover: Yvonne Caamal Canul | Exclusive photography by Erika Hodges

CORRECTION

In the July issue of Capital Area Women’s Lifestyle in our cover story on Sandra Seaton, James Seaton, professor of English at Michigan State University, is the correct name for Mrs. Seaton’s husband, not John, as it was printed.

Capital Area Women’s Lifestyle would like to apologize to the Seaton family for the misprint and to anyone else that this misprint has affected or confused. The corrected version can be found at cawlm.com/ article/sandra-seaton-the-art-of-storytelling/

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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 VIII • VOLUME IX Publisher

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TIFFANY DOWLING Sales Manager

JENNIFER HODGES Account Managers

MANNY GARCIA MEGAN FLEMING AUSTIN ASHLEY DEREK DRUMM

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Media Specialist

JILL BAILEY Production Director

KELLY MAZURKIEWICZ Communications Director

AMI ICEMAN-HAUETER Art Director

MARK WARNER Graphic Designers

NIKKI NICOLAOU KERRY HIDLAY Publication Photographer

ERIKA HODGES Editor

MEGAN MARTIN Web Managers

KYLE DOWLING SKYLAR KOHAGEN Event Calendar Manager

JAIME HARDESTY Contributors

CATHY BLATNIK DEIDRE DAVIS MELISSA DOWRICK TAYLOR KELSAW ALEXANDRIA KOBRYN LISA KOST SHIREEN MOHYI SARAH SPOHN CHRISTINE TOTH

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

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August 2016

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FROMTHEPUBLISHER

Engage in Learning the Way That’s Right for You I can feel it in the air. It’s time to go back to school to learn something new or to get prepared for a bright future. I’m not sure what it is about August that starts to get your mind in a malleable place.

Maybe it’s the heat? Or, it could be the force of summer relaxation on the psyche? Either way, it happens every year and those of us who look forward to learning… engage.

Engaging in educational pursuits doesn’t mean it has to be traditional. Whatever your views on technology and connectivity, it has created choice in education.

As we know, not everyone learns the same way.

Therefore, it has opened up opportunities for finding a better fit for you personally. Don’t get me wrong; I’m more old school. In fact, I have picked up several industry books for the team and myself many times. I have hundreds of digital books on my iPad but there is something about cracking the spine of a printed book that makes me happy. And, they are much easier to share. Learning should be a shared activity.

I think Lansing School District Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul would agree. She has spent the last few years planning to create an environment where school, business and community connects to advance education. It was no small feat to bring everyone together. She has an impressive vision and used her education-know-how to get people on the same page. Featuring her amazing accomplishments and the talented woman herself in our education issue is a pleasure and a privilege.

Because there isn’t one way to get to where you’re going, it’s acceptable to try multiple options.

Today, students can blend learning with traditional classroom and online environments. There are new school options that give students a real world experience or are fully online. It is changing the landscape and it has to. Students are different. They are evolving in a new age. We’re used to students graduating from high school and immediately moving on to college, but sometimes students want a “gap year.” I know, right? I couldn’t have

imagined a gap year or working my educational pursuits into an eight to 10 year span, but it’s happening more and more.

My oldest son has completed enough credits for two associate’s degrees from Lansing Community College and was just accepted into the writing program at MSU at 24 years old. I’m super proud of him. It’s his path and even though it was difficult in the beginning to let him make his own choices, it will hopefully payoff for him and his future and will ultimately be more gratifying. After all, he did it his way.

Do it your way - be sure to keep learning.

Tiffany Dowling | Publisher

POTTER CENTER COMING EVENTS OCT. 1, 2016 5 and 8 p.m.

OCT. 21, 2016 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 29, 2016 7 p.m.

NOV. 4, 2016 7 p.m.

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DEC. 9, 2016 7 p.m.

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MARCH 18, 2017 7 p.m.

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Tickets on sale now. Call 517.796.8600 or online at www.jccmi.edu/pottercenter 4

Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

August 2016

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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!

OKEMOS MUSIC ACADEMY WINS NATIONAL MUSIC ACADEMY AWARD Okemos Music Academy, located at 3444 Hagadorn Rd. Okemos, Mich., formerly known as “String Connection,” has grown into one of the largest private music lesson schools in the state of Michigan with over 300 weekly students.

20TH ANNUAL ELE’S RACE The 20th annual Ele’s Race took place on Saturday, July 23. Formerly held on a Sunday, the annual race still had a great turnout, with over 1,000 runners registered beforehand. The race began at 8 a.m. when runners lined up to race. The certified 5k course started and finished at Jackson National Life Insurance company headquarters, located at One Corporate Way in Lansing. There were 16 age divisions, both divided between male and female.

Awards were given to the top five finishers in each race division and the top five “family finishers.”

Grand Prizes were awarded to overall male and female, overall male and female masters (ages 4049), and overall male and female grand masters (ages 50 and over). For race results and photos from the event, visit elesplace.org.

John Dewey, owner and director of the academy was given the prestigious award of “2016 Music Studio of the Year,” beating out the other seven music studio finalists from the United States and Canada. The award was presented by national business coach, Marty Fort at the Music Academy Success conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In celebration of this honor, Okemos Music Academy will be hosting an awards ceremony on August 15 at 1 p.m. Faculty, students, local officials and members of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CAPITAL REGION’S 2ND ANNUAL HOME-IN-ONE GOLF OUTING COMING SOON Habitat for Humanity Capital Region is hosting their 2nd Annual HomeIn-One golf outing on August 15 and registration is now open! Taking place at the picturesque private Country Club of Lansing, the event will begin bright and early with a shotgun start at 8 a.m., where coffee and pastries will be available. An on-course lunch is provided at around

3 p.m. when the event comes to a close, an awards ceremony will take place.

To reserve your team’s spot, visit habitatcr.org/ upcoming-events/home-inone-golf-outing. All proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity Capital Region.

MASON PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP EXTENDED TO 25 MORE STUDENTS An additional 25 fifth grade students in the Mason School District have been selected to join the ranks of more than 125 Mason Promise Scholars.

Established in 2006, the Mason Promise Scholarship program selects a new group of students each year.

The Mason Promise Scholarship is continuing its community fundraising; this year’s goal to raise an additional $50,000. The Mason Promise Scholarship is financed through private donations and grants from individuals and organizations.

Mason is one of more than 80 “We sincerely thank everyone for all the communities in the nation who are now community support over the past years investing in early college goals through and encourage additional contributions programs like the Mason Promise to ensure that we can continue to support Scholarship. Students are chosen in these students and uphold our promise fifth grade and upon graduation from to advance their education,” said Liz Mason High School are eligible to Luttrell-Wilson, co-chair of the Mason utilize a two-year scholarship to attend Promise board.

Lansing Community College. Selection Sheri Jones, news anchor at WLNS, talks to Mason students about the importance criteria includes academic capability, For more information about the Mason of education. motivation, behavior, parental support Promise Scholarship program, contact and economic need. The scholarship’s Pathway Program provides mentoring over co-chairs of the program, Liz Luttrell-Wilson at (517) 676-0500, ext. 228 or Matt the six years between selection and graduation from Mason Public Schools.

Stuard at (517) 676-6490.

August 2016

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NONPROFITPROFILE

BY ALEXANDRIA KOBRYN

UPWARD BOUND // HELPING STUDENTS IN GREATER LANSING REACH THEIR POTENTIAL A college education is becoming more difficult for students to attain, whether it be for financial reasons or an absence of motivation to further one’s education after high school. Upward Bound, a non-profit organization affiliated with Michigan State University, assists high school students in their work to prepare for the transition into college. “[The mission] is to generate the motivation and the skills that are necessary to graduate from high school, enter college and attend until you get to college graduation,” said Upward Bound Program Director, Glenda Hammond.

To qualify, students typically are either from lowincome families, a student with a disability or they are potential first-generation college students.

“As we are preparing the students academically, we are also working on other aspects of the student’s development, such as cultural enrichment, social development, leadership development, character building and civic engagement,” said Hammond.

“All things that we feel will make a student well-balanced.”

According to Hammond, the program started with President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. With his platform of war and poverty, he provided legislation that started the very first Upward Bound program.

The summer component of the program, however, is much more intense. Students are on campus every day for six weeks taking courses, visiting different areas and buildings on campus and volunteering within the community.

“It started as an exposure-based program where we would expose students to a campus environment and various activities that would motivate them to want to go to college,” said Hammond. “From that, it evolved into a more substantial program where we developed objectives and activities that would ensure that, with these services, these students will get into college.”

Members of the community have a variety of opportunities to get involved with Upward Bound, by becoming a mentor or a volunteer. “[College students] can apply during the summer and the school year to become a paid tutor. If one has a teaching degree, during the summer they can apply to become an instructor.”

Students are recruited in the ninth grade and commit to the program year-round until high school graduation. Recruitment occurs every November at three different high schools that Upward Bound partners with in the Lansing area: Eastern High School, J.W. Sexton High School and Everett High School.

Upward Bound will celebrate its 50th anniversary from Aug. 19-21. Alumni of the program and members of the community are invited to celebrate 50 years of success.

“We have a very long record of students getting accepted into college. Our average college placement rate is 95 percent or better,” said Hammond. “Fifty percent of our students will have graduated from college.”

During the academic year, students meet with their mentors on Mondays after school for homework assistance and study skills instruction.

Alexandria is an intern with M3 Group.

She is currently a senior studying magazine journalism at Kent State University. When she isn’t working or volunteering with her sorority, she’s cuddled up with a good book or out seeing the latest new movie.

“During their senior year, we are teaching them how to complete college applications, develop their resume, helping them with their financial aid, applying for scholarships and taking the SAT,” said Hammond.

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

August 2016

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August 2016

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BUSINESSPROFILE

BY KYLE DOWLING | PHOTOS BY ERIKA HODGES

Katalyst Gallery & Gift Boutique K

atalyst Gallery and Gift Boutique has been showcasing retail, fair trade and designer pieces of art since September 2010 and has contributed a great deal to the greater Lansing arts community ever since.

come from a Handmade Jewelry Show in Montreal and picked up some pieces. Each of them is unique and there isn’t another like it.”

Everything in Katalyst is for sale, and Sarah works hard to make sure that nothing that is brought into the store is a duplicate.

Sarah Christiansen, owner of the gallery, started her business in a very non-traditional way. Formerly working as a photographer and designer for the Lansing State Journal, she decided to leave her career in journalism due to a downsizing scare in her industry.

“I had always wanted to open my own art gallery,” said Christiansen.

Christiansen knew about a year and a half prior that her job was going to be eliminated. So she started writing a business plan to open Katalyst at the Small Business Technology Center at Lansing Community College while looking for locations in Old Town.

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Katalyst participates in a number of art events in the greater Lansing area including a new favorite, Arts Night Out, a monthly event series that inhabits one of four different Lansing neighborhoods to experience urban space and creativity in unexpected ways.

Sarah Christiansen, owner of Katalyst Gallery and Gift Boutique.

creating opportunities for up-and-coming artists, more often than not housing their first public show.

“Usually Katalyst is their first showing and I’m really proud of that.”

“I love to stay in Lansing because the Old Town Commercial Association does a great job of bringing traffic and events to Old Town,” said Christiansen.

Aside from her talents as a new business owner, Christiansen is a photographer and displays her own canvas-printed photos at Katalyst as well.

Each month, Katalyst features a new artist, each from Michigan. From each artist, Christiansen tries to grow the gallery’s permanent collection by buying a couple pieces from each show.

Katalyst is more than just a gallery, it functions as a shop as well, selling art and artsy items like camera lens-shaped mugs, or pieces of art that can be colored by the buyer.

“Artists usually contact me when looking for a show,” explains Christiansen. She has a knack for

“I work to make sure that everything in my store is unique and interesting,” says Christiansen. “I’ve just

Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

August 2016

“Arts Night Out is awesome, I love it,” said Christiansen. “It’s brought so much attention to the great art in the area and is great exposure for artists, my gallery and Old Town.”

When asked about where she would like to take Katalyst, Christiansen said that she would like to continue to feature artists in her gallery. Recently buying the building in Old Town, she said she’d like to expand the floor space a little in order to include more merchandise for people to sell.

For more information, find Katalyst Gallery and Gift Boutique on Facebook, as well as their website at katalystgallery.com.

Kyle Dowling is an employee of M3 Group and is pursuing a writing degree at MSU. He enjoys fiction writing, video games and movies.

CAREERSFORCONSIDERATION

LORRAINE ROBBINS:

BY ALEXANDRIA KOBRYN

Taking nursing to the next level When one thinks of nursing as a profession, a PhD isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but it might be soon. Lorraine Robbins, associate professor in the College of Nursing at Michigan State University, knows the importance of higher education in any setting, but she feels particularly strong about nursing.

“With increasing education, there are greater opportunities in nursing,” she said.

Robbins began her higher education journey at Pennsylvania State University in Hershey, Pa. where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

For years after, she worked in hospitals in the Washington D.C. area, but she began to feel as though working in hospitals was not enough for her.

program at Widener University in Chester, Pa.” Robbins started a doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. While there, Robbins completed a post-master’s as a pediatric nurse practitioner, focusing on the physical activity of adolescents.

“I was really interested in other opportunities and just expanding my education because I didn’t want things to be routine. I always felt I needed to do more to progress in my career,” said Robbins. “When I went to the University of Michigan, I became really interested in health promotion and assisting adolescents in increasing their physical activity.”

Her interest in adolescent physical health also stemmed from having her own children.

Robbins went to Atlanta, Ga. where she entered a family nurse practitioner program at Emory University. She eventually accepted a faculty position back at Penn State.

“[My children] are very sports-oriented,” she said.

“I noticed that their classmates weren’t very active and I realized that something really needed to be done to help increase their participation.”

“A lot of my time was spent with undergraduate nursing students in the Hershey Medical Center,” said Robbins. “I decided to further my education again and I enrolled in a nursing education PhD

Currently at MSU’s College of Nursing, Robbins teaches master’s and doctoral level courses like professional role development for nurses, research courses and research translation.

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During the past few years, Robbins has focused on running programs within the Lansing School District that help increase the physical activity of girls between the ages of 11 and 14. “[The program] involves an after school physical activity program three days a week. They also meet with a health professional to talk about their barriers and issues and how they can increase their physical activity,” said Robbins. “They complete a tailored computer program giving them strategies for increasing their physical activity.”

Like with any profession, there are aspects of the job that she loves, as well as ones that she doesn’t enjoy quite as much.

“I wish I had more time. I work an average of 50 hours a week. It’s because of the need to juggle various responsibilities,” said Robbins. “For example, service-related responsibilities plus the teaching and the research. It’s very demanding.”

Alexandria is an intern with M3 Group.

She is currently a senior studying magazine journalism at Kent State University. When she isn’t working or volunteering with her sorority, she’s cuddled up with a good book or out seeing the latest new movie.

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LIVE JAZZ EVE RY WE D N E S DAY! August 2016

CAWLM.COM

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FASHIONANDBEAUTY

BY MELISSA DOWRICK PHOTOS BY ERIK A HODGES

I

t’s that time again to start thinking about what you’ll need to buy for the kids to go back to school. New outfits are fun to buy, but keep in mind the items that are already in the closets and how to refresh those looks!

Move aside kids; this teacher is way too cool for school! Kerry Shadbolt is an art, graphic design and digital photography teacher for Williamston High School and she is looking fabulous and ready to take on the classroom. Shadbolt has taken a classic work wardrobe with the sleek, black top and pant and paired it with a colorful cardigan.

She looks professional and comfortable in her outfit. Sometimes we overthink our attire, but like Shadbolt does in her second look, wearing a pant or skirt with a nice blouse is all you need to be ready to run out the door. Layering is fun but simple and classy is the way to go this season! This teacher is ready to take her new look to her new classroom!

Back to school

fashion look great this fall

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

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The transition from summer to fall clothes can make shopping a challenge. The fluctuating weather often makes our two wardrobes compete and leaving us unsure how to dress with the constant weather changes. The first step when you’re back to school shopping is to make a mental note of the staples you’ll absolutely need to fill your closet with.

These are items such as neutral tones that can be worn alone or you can use to layer as the weather cools down. But, make a little room for some fun purchases too. Your closet will thank you later!

For example, basic tees - those can be easily paired with a colorful patterned cardigan. Another tip for the new year is to keep your outfit simple and be bold with your accessories.

Necklaces can completely change your outfit to make a statement. From fashion forward shoes, to watches and scarves, you can find ways to spruce up your look with minimal effort and time.

In the next few weeks we will be bombarded with advertisements for new notebooks, backpacks, clothing and more. The back to school shopping rush can be overwhelming for any parent, especially when you have more than one child you’re shopping for. Our fashionistas this month have pulled clothes from their own closets to show us exactly what they will be wearing this year. Getting your kids’ opinions and setting a budget will help keep you on track so you aren’t wandering the malls aimlessly or spending too much money.

Back to school shopping is not just for the kids, it’s for the teachers too! Instead of dragging your feet, remember that there are deals for just about everybody from toddlers to adults. Get the kiddos ready but don’t forget to splurge a little on yourself as well. Don’t we all need to get the new stylish looks for the fall?

Emma Grace Hodges has picked this insanely cute romper as her go-to school outfit. It’s a very tasteful and complementing style for girls. It is schoolappropriate and the best part is that it’s a one-piece outfit - no need to worry about putting together a shirt-skirt combo or matching with jeans. Styling and accessorizing is made easy and she looks like a million bucks!

Zak Hardesty has a smile that captures your heart and eyes that will make you melt. We can all agree how handsome he is, but he is also very stylish! Hardesty has picked out a very fashionable look. He has taken the term “snappy casual” and defined it!

His relaxed jean and plaid button up is the perfect look, but he went one step further and dressed it up with a bow tie. The tennis shoes are a perfect balance to keep it cool, yet sophisticated.

The ladies will be swooning over his handsome looks as well as his wardrobe!

Ripped jeans are in and they make a statement to anyone’s outfit! Chelsey Wiltse has put the perfect look together with her ripped jeans, sandals and a patterned t-shirt. Her simple accessories complement her look. Watch out boys, she is going to be a heartthrob!

Rachel Wiltse has picked a fantastic simple, classic and favored look. The dark denim, white tee, plaid button up and matching shoe is perfection.

The plaid shirt is a great accessory and can also be worn in a variety of situations.

The red tennis shoes compliment and pull the outfit together perfectly.

August 2016

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QUEENOFTHEROAD

Travel planning for autumn

BY LISA KOST It may be August, but it is time for you to think about searching for the perfect place to go on a fall color tour. While Michigan may be one of the best places, many Michiganders might be surprised to know that there are other great spots around the country worthy of your next colorful fall adventure – and don’t wait to plan – thinking ahead can help you snag the best rates and alleviate any travel stress. Here are my top four non-Michigan color tour destinations:

ASPEN, COLORADO

A city named after a tree has got to be good, right?

Aspen trees turn a bright yellow in the fall in midSeptember through early October and shimmer brighter than any diamond. You can find them in Aspen, or save some money by going to Rocky Mountain National Park. The Stanley Hotel now has an exclusive arrangement with REI and can arrange all of your backpacking and hiking adventures.

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OREGON

Designated as a National Scenic Area, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest national

scenic area in the United States and has the greatest collection of waterfalls in North America. Names like Horsetail, Ponytail and Bridal Veil surround the valley in water, and you will find breathtaking views from Rowena Crest and the loop and around Dog Mountain.

MONTREAL, CANADA

Get your passport ready for this over-the-border experience. Rates drop as much as 50 percent in the fall and there are many gorgeous destinations to seek those fall colors, such as Mount Royal Park in the middle of the city, or find a quiet evening to visit the annual Lantern event at the Botanical Garden – go during the week for the best time to catch 1,000 Chinese lanterns floating against the fall sky.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

For something closer to home, don’t forget about the windy city. Chicago deals abound during the fall – pay close attention to discounts to hotels and major attractions. The Chicago Marathon takes

Visit the boutique at Kean’s for unique MSU clothing & jewelry

Fun, trendy, comfortable and just in time for the upcoming sports season.

406 S. Jefferson St. Mason, Michigan 48854 | keansstore.com | 517.676.5144 M–F 10am–8pm Sat 10am–6pm Sun 12pm–5pm 12

Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

August 2016

place on October 9 in Grant Park and is a great time to see fall foliage and watch runners from more than 100 countries fulfill their dreams.

A huge part of traveling is taking the time to plan – whether that be airfare, lodging accommodations or even where you’re going to eat - if a trip is well planned, it can be the difference between a stressful vacation that leaves you more tired than before you left and a relaxing, enjoyable, memorable experience. Many of these destinations can easily be a weekend road trip, but thinking about your trip and planning, even a month or two in advance, can make or break your vacation. Get the ball rolling now so you can enjoy all that fall has to offer!

Lisa Allen Kost was bitten by the travel bug at an early age. Growing up an “Army Brat” she has lived abroad and is always eager to book her next trip — no matter the destination. When she is not traveling, Allen-Kost calls Okemos home and is a commercial realtor with CBRE|Martin. Her favorite travel companions are her husband, Jim and their children.

DIYQUICKCRAFTS

BY MELISSA DOWRICK

JUMBO JENGA

One of my favorite things about summer is taking the party outside with family and friends. There is nothing better than grilling out and playing yard games. There are many great lawn games that are staples for a summer barbeque but jumbo Jenga is a fun way to get everyone involved. It is quick and easy to make and only costs you about $30, providing hours of entertainment with family and friends!

assisted

Living with Heart

My hubby and I made one for our wedding and it was used as a guest book. They wrote their names and fun messages that we enjoy reading every time we play! We can take it outdoors to play during the warm months and clear a spot on the floor as the cooler months take over. You can use the same idea and have your guests sign the blocks when they come to your house to play!

MATERIALS • Wood (4- 2x4x16) • Sandpaper • A hardware assistant,

hand saw or circular saw

DIRECTIONS STEP 1 Purchase the wood.

Lowes or Home Depot should have what you’re looking for.

STEP 2 Have a hardware assistant cut the wood to size for you. If you want to do it yourself, you’ll need 4 pieces, each at 2x4x16. In total, you’ll need 74 pieces. Each piece will need to be cut to 10.5”.

STEP 3 Use the sandpaper to round the edges a little to prevent slivers.

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LOCALWOMEN

Charese Horn Founder of You Against You

LENDING A HELPING HAND

BY KYLE DOWLING | PHOTO BY ERIKA HODGES

For 10 years now, Charese Horn has been working for the Michigan Department of Treasury, doing everything from tax processing for business taxes to working in the scheduling department. Horn’s latest position is in the Office of Privacy and Security, where she helps various departments get access to the paperwork, applications and databases they need.

But that is just her day job.

Horn began a program she calls YAY, or “You Against You.” The program began in February 2016 with a mission to provide women with guidance and support on their journey toward self-love and acceptance, positive thinking, emotional stability, healthy relationships and physical and spiritual wellness.

Once or twice a month, women get together to discuss areas they need help with, whether it’s about relationships, work or family.

“I feel like I relate really well to people who are hurting,” explained Horn. “So, I wanted to find a way to help people and that’s what pushed me to start YAY.”

“There are about 160 people in the YAY group. We post inspirational images and try to help support each other,” added Horn.

Her YAY program was so successful that Horn decided to start a sister program called YAY Fit. She leads all YAY Fit classes, each boot camp style. Unlike the other YAY activities, men are allowed to attend YAY fit.

“I started it just to get people active,” explains Horn.

YAY Fit meets six days a week in various locations such as Delta Elementary for hill workouts or Waverly High School for working out on the bleachers. All meets are shaped for all fitness levels and focus on speed and agility workouts.

“There are about 100 people in my YAY Fit group,” says Horn. “We usually get around 40-50 people depending on the day or what we are doing.”

Each YAY Fit session is $3 for a drop-in or $25 for 10 sessions.

As of right now, YAY normally meets at Horn’s home in Lansing and sometimes travels outside when the weather is nice.

“Three years ago, I decided to get fit,” said Horn. “This led me to want to help others build their confidence through fitness.”

“YAY is free for any woman who needs someone to talk to,” says Horn.

“I’ve been through a lot,” said Horn. “Being able to influence people in a positive way means a lot to me. I’m not worried about affecting people on a large scale, but if I can help one or two people, then I’m happy.”

The program also creates events and girls’ nights out in order to foster an atmosphere of respect and fun. Members of YAY mostly hear about the program through word of mouth or through Facebook. Horn said she isn’t actively advertising for this program.

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For more information on YAY and YAY Fit, search You Against You or YAY Fit on Facebook.

LOCALWOMEN

Alexa Jones CEO at TheraB Medical

NAVIGATING THE PATH TO BUSINESS SUCCESS

BY MEGAN MARTIN | PHOTO BY ERIKA HODGES

As if being a 25 year-old woman navigating the path of adulthood as a young professional isn’t hard enough, Alexa Jones is all that and she’s the CEO of TheraB Medical; a medical company working on producing a new treatment for infant jaundice. No big deal, right?

“My life is a lot of figuring out how to run a business and how to launch a product,” said Jones, saying that she didn’t study business in school, so running one is something she has to learn as she goes.

Jones did, however, study engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), the birthplace of her idea for TheraB. As part of Jones’s capstone engineering class, she and her two partners, Vu Hoang and Oliver Bloom, were assigned a final project – to engineer a treatment for jaundice for infants in third world countries.

The three realized that the treatment options for jaundice here in the U.S. were essentially the same, each based on a treatment called phototherapy; a treatment consisting of small doses of bright light that is exposed to the skin for increments of time, think tanning beds for babies.

Jones explained the two main types of phototherapy – the first being a boxshaped incubator with lights in it, the other very similar to a blanket with lights in it that the baby lays on during treatment.

“The current ones have to be connected to batteries or plugged into walls, which makes any sort of bonding difficult,” said Jones.

And thus SnugLit, Jones’s idea, was born – a wearable version of phototherapy that doesn’t need to be plugged in and gives the baby mobility to be held, fed, cuddled or played with.

During school, the trio was simultaneously entering business model competitions with their idea. When they started winning, the project took off on its own.

“We ended up winning a lot of money, as well as services, such as help with marketing,” explained Jones.

After graduating, Jones moved to Salt Lake City to work at Goldman Sachs bank while working part-time on launching the company. In November, Jones moved back to the Lansing area to run TheraB full-time. While she did admit to loving Salt Lake City, she was happy to be running her own company.

The biggest challenge in managing her own company, according to Jones, is figuring out how to know what to do on her own.

“Freedom is so great, but it’s challenging. I have to decide every day, should I be doing A or B? It’s intimidating because you don’t know what will happen, but it’s exciting because I get to impact how things pan out and what will happen in some respects,” she said.

“So many parts of our story, MSU, Sparrow, McLaren and more have already been a huge part of our story. We look forward to continuing it here in Mid-Michigan.”

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In a 2011 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollments into online courses for grades K-12 had tripled since the previous 2006 survey, soaring to 1.8 million during the 2009-10 school year, with 74 percent of these enrollments in high school courses.

Online learning gives high school students the opportunity to access intriguing courses that may not be available through their brickand-mortar school — perhaps a specific world language or an interesting elective. A growing number of students are even using online courses to gain extra college credits or to prepare for the workforce by earning technical and specialty trade credentials.

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“Students become engaged in their learning when they get to choose classes that speak to their personal interests and passions,” says Lynda Cloud, EVP of Product Development at K12 Inc., a leading provider of online curriculum for grades K-12. “School can become something they look forward to and a chance to test-drive a future career by gaining exposure to a subject.”

Online courses can offer a far wider set of topics that can be offered by most traditional brick-andmortar schools. K12’s extensive portfolio includes online courses and titles covering every core subject, Honors and even AP® courses, as well as an impressive number of electives. Lessons are 16

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A career in sports and entertainment marketing may be just the thing for students who dream about becoming an agent for a celebrity entertainer. What we like: This course is just one of many courses offered by K12 through their online Career Technical Education clusters, designed to give students a head start on their career goals by earning technical and specialty trade credentials.

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YVONNE CAAMAL CANULl a m r o n w e n a

BY MEGAN MARTIN

A few years back, Yvonne Caamal Canul got a postcard in the mail. The message on the card, neatly written in cursive script, was to inform Caamal Canul that her hairstyle was not “appropriate or befitting for the position she held as superintendent of the Lansing School District.”

“You don’t get to this position by being mealy mouthed and thin skinned,” laughed Caamal Canul, after she explained what had occurred.

Anyone who has met her knows that this eccentric superintendent certainly doesn’t carry either of those attributes, and it shows in her work. In the four years that she has been in this position, she has reconfigured the entire district, creating 12 elementary schools, five middle schools and three high schools, moving over 100 classrooms, and more - you get the picture.

almost every setting an educational professional can. She’s won numerous awards including a Certificate of Leadership and Achievement from the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan, the National Educator Award from the Michigan Education Association and she was chosen as the Michigan Superintendent of the Year in 2015.

Yvon

With all of her accomplishments and experience, it only seems fitting that she holds such a high position in the school district, however, her role in the community and as a business woman speaks to a different side of the job.

ne

rid

in

g

a ca With over 40 years of me l in experience in the education Many people don’t think of Egypt industry, working in a multitude school districts operating as an of settings including teacher, principal, organization or company. curriculum director, state department of education official and as a corporate executive in the private “I don’t know about many businesses with a $150 sector, Caamal Canul has seen and worked in million budget,” said Caamal Canul. “There aren’t 18

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a lot of companies around here who have 2,000 employees or 12,000 clients, our clients being our students. And that doesn’t include the parents!”

While the job is a huge undertaking, Caamal Canul says “it’s all about our core mission,” that being, getting kids to self-actualize and helping them to become who they dream of being.

As superintendent, Caamal Canul holds a number of responsibilities, including setting a vision for the district, developing coherence across the district, managing a budget, labor relations, working with the board of education, dealing with real estate (the schools and the property it sits on), and much more.

One of the biggest parts of Caamal Canul’s job, according to her, is relations with the public.

“We are stewards of the public money, which gives additional pressure because you have to answer to the public, not just a board of directors and shareholders,” she said, noting that every decision she makes requires multiple layers of planning in order for it to be effective. Admitting that she’s obsessed with data, Caamal Canul is very careful when making decisions in her job; saying that she

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wants to be able to back up the decisions she makes with valid reasons for why she’s doing it and why it will benefit the district as a whole. Her perspective is neatly summed up by a saying that she uses frequently in her office – her staff knows it like a mantra – vision without implementation is hallucination.

“The public always feels, and rightly so, that they have ownership of every decision you make,” she said With public relations being one of the most important aspects of her job, Caamal Canul goes back to the idea that her job as a superintendent in the Lansing School District isn’t for the weak, and while she certainly isn’t that, many are surprised to hear her call herself an introvert.

In fact, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing her speak, sitting in on board meetings that she attends, or seeing her interact with people in the community, it would be difficult to say that she is an introvert.

Her witty, welcoming personality is infectious, but spending time in the public and talking to people is not the easiest part of her job.

“I’m an introvert,” she said. “The distinction between introversion and extroversion is where you get your energy from. Extroverts need to go out and get energy from people, which is why they’re always out 20

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extroverting. Introverts get energy from themselves and quiet spots and under a blanket,” she said, explaining that this position is the most extroverted job she has ever had.

“Even when I was consulting and traveling all over the world, at least I had 15 hours back from Shanghai to be by myself.”

She learned Portuguese as her first formal language, then Spanish and then English. Caamal Canul’s multicultural upbringing was not just a result of living in Latin America during her formative years, her parents were extremely multicultural as well; her mother was brought up in an Italian speaking home and her father was born into a French Canadian, French speaking family.

While Caamal Canul did “We’re polyglots,” get a chance to travel Caamal Canul joked. “I for work, she has also know how to sit down and done a lot of traveling shut up in five languages.” in her personal life, her Yvonne with her husband, Victor entire adolescence was She said that she was M. Caamal Canul (left), brother, extremely diverse. From fortunate enough to grow Paul R. Goudreault and mother, age five until her mid-teen up the way that she did – Jane DeMaso Goudreault. years, Caamal Canul and her speaking multiple languages, family lived in Latin America due so that she was able to meet and to her father’s job as a cultural attaché converse with her partner and love of with the U.S. Foreign Service. her life Victor Caamal Canul, a native of the Yucatan Peninsula; the two just recently celebrated “That culture is totally who I am,” she said. “When 24 years together. you move to a country where a language other than English is spoken and [everyone is] visually diverse “He’s a wonderful guy. Everyone on the board from yourself, you grow up not thinking there is a calls him St. Victor,” she joked. “Apparently difference between anyone.”

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FEATURE

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

BY KRISTINE RICHMOND

Pulling up to an early 1900s Foursquare-style home in Lansing’s Old Town, it’s hard to not notice a flurry of people standing on scaffolding, climbing ladders or on the porch with brushes in hand busily painting the home in Spartan green and white.

The homeowner of this century old home on Capital Avenue is Kelly Jo Kitchen, a five-year Old Town resident, retired Holt school teacher and Spartan alum, who is also one of the many volunteers helping Habitat for Humanity Capital Region revitalize homes in Old Town during Rock the Block, a weeklong neighborhood revitalization program that was held July 18 – 22.

“I could not afford to paint my whole house, but Habitat made it so easy to do. They knocked door to door in my neighborhood and said we are Habitat and we are coming to paint and I said that would be so fabulous,” said Kitchen. “What we are doing today is going to last for years. The legacy of the work that’s been put in is really going to be fantastic, and it preserves the house.”

Habitat for Humanity’s first two Rock the Block events transformed Old Town. In July, more than 250 volunteers painted or made minor repairs to six homes, mowed four to five blocks of residents’ front lawns and spruced up Turner Mini Park and Robert P. Busby Memorial Garden. During May’s Women Build edition of Rock the Block, 350 volunteers 22

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painted three homes, replaced porches, mowed 85 lawns and put in a new community garden.

It takes a village to truly make this kind of impact on a community. Habitat for Humanity makes it a priority to build local partnerships from every sector of the community – from local businesses and individuals, to faith communities and national partnerships - that volunteer or provide funding and supplies to make this huge effort a success.

Rock the Block does more than just repair houses.

According to Habitat for Humanity Capital Region Executive Director, Vicki Hamilton-Allen, “the community is the backdrop to our everyday lives, when effort is made to improve the neighborhood, it creates a sense of safety and pride for the local residents.”

Lillian Werben, vice-chair of Habitat Young Professionals (HYP), helped paint a house on Walnut Street along with a bunch of volunteers from HYP. Having been a part of a family-owned business, Elderly Instruments, for 44 years, she is committed to bettering her community and is funneling her passion towards empowering young professionals to do the same.

“We thought it was going to be like pulling teeth to get young professionals interested. Yet we have a waiting list for 75 extra people because we don’t have enough projects. It’s cool to see what the

younger people can bring to the table. This is only the second Rock the Block, but the longevity of it is well-suited for younger generations because we will be here to see it through,” said Werben.

The work Habitat for Humanity is doing in these neighborhoods with the help of many community partners is restoring hope in residents’ hearts and lives. And the visual impact on Old Town is real.

In fact, local businesses are taking notice. One of Habitat for Humanity’s key partners is the Old Town Commercial Association, whose mission is to revitalize the commercial district.

“We focus on the business district, but we also have a community stake in what’s happening in Old Town.

Having an effective relationship with the residents helps our business community as well.” said Ben Rathbun, director of the Old Town Commercial Association board, chair of Habitat Young Professionals and Habitat volunteer. “The Rock the Block revitalization project drives up property values, which makes the whole community better.”

Werben further emphasized why an effort like Rock the Block, just makes sense. “If we can make Lansing flourish as best as we can, it does nothing but bring more people to us, it brings more revenue for our city, it brings more well wishes, crime goes down and people are happy with everyone else. It’s a small start with a big finish. A big finish with hope.”

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ENTERTAINMENTALLEY

BY TAYLOR KELSAW

Hollywood’s going

back to school If you’re going back to school this fall, get ready for some rewarding hard work. If you’re lucky, you could be in classes with professors from Hollywood like Angelina Jolie Pitt or Mathew McConaughey.

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Academy Award Winner, Matthew McConaughey, along with Hunger Games director Gary Ross, will be teaching a filmmaking class at the Moody College of Communication as well as the University of Austin, McConaughey’s Alma matter.

Yes, it’s true, a very fortunate thirty students will be admitted into the higher-level class where McConaughey and Ross will take them through clips of their new film Free State of Jones and break down the newly released historical drama. The class will only be open to juniors and seniors, but there are no prerequisites or fees required.

Jolie Pitt, who works as an actress, director, and currently the UN Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) special envoy — joins the London School of Economics in the UK as one of four new visiting professors that will contribute to the master’s program run by the Centre for Women, Peace and Security and perhaps is now considered to be the first of its kind internationally. The course’s outline will include the study of how to build strategies to combat sexual violence in conflict.

As well as delivering guest lectures to students in fall of 2016, Jolie Pitt will conduct workshops, public events and her own research.

Jolie Pitt has stated, “I am looking forward to teaching and to learning from the students, as well as to sharing my own experiences of working alongside governments and the UN.” Other actors/celebrities who also teach or have taught at universities include:

JAMES FRANCO: As an actor his career has diversified into not only directing and screenwriting, but also academic pursuits. Currently a PhD candidate at Yale University, he has also taught graduate film students at New York University where he lectured a one-semester course about adapting poetry for film. Franco has also taught in the English and Film schools at University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California and California Institute of Arts; in some cases, attracting A-list actors like Natalie Portman to his students’ film projects.

KEVIN SPACEY: The Academy Award-winning actor has always found time to

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August 2016

pass on his knowledge to willing learners. In 2008, he was made a visiting professor at Oxford University, replacing Sir Patrick Stewart in the role of Cameron Mackintosh, visiting professor of Contemporary Theatre at St. Catherine’s College.

SPIKE LEE: Since 2002, the Oscar-nominated veteran filmmaker and director serves as artistic director of the graduate film program at New York University. The popular graduate film classes receive too many enrollment requests to honor them all.

Taylor Kelsaw is a former Californian, presently living in Michigan with his family. He is an actor, radio personality and creator/television producer of The Evan Michael Show. He has worked in marketing, film and television production for more than 30 years on such shows as Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Live with Kelly and Michael, Access Hollywood, 24, The Matrix I, II, III and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

FINANCIALFACTS

BY DEIDRE DAVIS

Compound interest 101 What is compound interest?

Standard interest is calculated on the original amount invested in the account. Compound interest, however, is calculated on the original amount and any previously accrued interest. For example, let’s say you invested $3,000 into a Roth IRA account with an annual compound interest rate of 2 percent. At the end of the first year, you would have $60 in interest for a total of $3,060 in your account. If you decided not to invest any more money into that account, at the end of the second year you would have $3,121 because the 2 percent interest rate would be calculated on the $3,060 — not the original $3,000.

Is compound interest good or bad?

It depends on whether you are investing money or acquiring a loan. If you take out a loan with compound interest, you want to make sure that

you pay at least the minimum amount due by your payment due date each month. If you start falling behind on loans with compound interest, it can be difficult to catch up on payments. In time, you could end up paying more in interest than the original loan amount.

However, investing money into a savings account with compound interest can be beneficial. By keeping money in a savings account, your money can grow significantly over time without having to continuously invest more.

What types of savings accounts have compound interest?

Typical savings accounts don’t have high compound interest rates because they usually have limitations on risks. Certificates, Roth IRAs, bonds, and stocks are some of the different investment options with potentially high interest

n a s u Dr.S and

. s m e l a p e Ma T D .D.S

rates. Those with higher risks — such as stocks — usually have higher rates. Some of these have strict rules that control when you are allowed to withdraw funds.

How do I start an account with compound interest?

The earlier you begin investing, the greater the end reward. If you are interested in learning more, contact your financial institution to discuss the different ways to invest and what each option means. Remember, you don’t need to be rich in order to start investing. Begin with what you can and invest more in the future when you are able.

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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FROM THE KITCHEN OF CATHY BLATNIK

INGREDIENTS • One 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1 pint heavy whipping cream • 1/4 cup sprinkles (if desired)

• Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a small bowl and add the two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix well with a large spoon and set aside.

• In a large bowl, pour in the pint of heavy whipping cream. With an electric mixer, beat the whipping cream on high speed for about three minutes or until soft peaks form.

• Gently “fold” in the condensed milk mixture into the smaller bowl with a large spoon. At this point, you may add the sprinkles if you wish.

• Mix well with a large spoon. When well combined, pour into a loaf pan (8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches) that is lined with parchment paper and then covered with plastic wrap (so ice crystals don’t form) or use glass “Mason” jars. Put in the freezer for a minimum of eight hours.

enjoy!

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VANILLA ICE CREAM

DIRECTIONS

Call or visit us online for more information.

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NO CHURN

Cathy Blatnik is originally from Maryland, but has been living in the Midwest for more than 13 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!

August 2016 4/6/16 1:46 PM

Puppy proofing your home

APET’STALE

BY JILL BAILEY | PHOTOS BY ERIKA HODGES Every other month, our pet expert and Canine Coaches dog trainer, Jill Bailey, will answer your pet questions. Email her at jill@m3group.biz.

For more information on Canine Coaches visit caninecoaches.com.

With the arrival of a couple new additions to the M3 Group family, the parent company of Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine, a Yorkie puppy and a Miniature Dachshund puppy, it’s a perfect time to talk about getting your house and family ready for that new puppy!

There are many things to do to prepare for a new pup, assuming that the puppy has been introduced to all human and animal family members, the first step is to puppy-proof! Remember the importance of managing the environment; if you don’t want your puppy to have something, don’t leave it where they can get to it.

A few things to keep in mind: • Keep trash cans out of reach or bags tied so the puppy can’t get into them.

• All cleaning supplies, medications and chewing hazards must be out of the reach of your puppy. Their natural curiosity will keep them investigating everything, so keep all potentially toxic items out of reach and closed up in cupboards. This can include certain plants and flowers as well.

• You might not think twice about that paperclip on the floor, but if there is a puppy in the house you should! All small items like office supplies, hair ties, earrings or any jewelry, etc. should be put in a place out of your puppy’s reach.

• Be sure to have a safe, fenced in area for your puppy to go to the bathroom. If you don’t have a fenced in area, be sure you have them on a leash (preferably with a harness.) Either way, don’t leave your puppy unsupervised. Remember to praise highly after they do their business outside.

• When puppies are first learning to handle stairs, it can be very scary for them. I personally used a baby gate to block off stairs.

You can also use baby gates to block off one room of the house, clear of all hazards, to give your puppy a safe play area. Again, your puppy should be supervised during play time.

• Please enroll your puppy in a training class.

This is so important not only for training purposes, but for the socialization aspect with other puppies, humans and experiences, such as different sounds or surfaces.

Keep in mind that puppy proofing your home is very similar to baby proofing. Anything your puppy

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shouldn’t have should be out of their reach. Get your puppy on a schedule as soon as possible. Dogs like routine, they should have certain feeding times and bathroom breaks, and be sure to schedule time for exercise and playing too.

Getting a new puppy is such a fun and exciting experience for the whole family, be sure to make it a great one for your new puppy too!

Jill Bailey is the Media Specialist at M3 Group by day, by night she is helping train dogs for Canine Coaches! Having a life-long love of dogs, Jill decided to get her training certification in 2012. Visit caninecoaches.com for more information.

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FEATURE

Be Brilliant Bags: Fabulous & Functional

BY CHRISTINE TOTH Have you ever wished that your purse was bigger, more organized or more functional for your hectic day-to-day life? Marsa Truscott and Andrea Billups, the owners of Be Brilliant, wished the same. The two were looking for a bag that fit all aspects of their busy lives while making them look put together and feel elegant. Traveling to boutiques across the country, the two made multiple trips to New York’s Fifth Avenue to find the bag they envisioned. The problem? There was no such bag. They either had to sacrifice functionality for fashion or the other way around. After realizing that their dream bag did not exist, Truscott and Billups decided to invent it.

To create a product that would meet the needs and be loved by busy women across the nation, Truscott and Billups knew that research was crucial. Not only was feedback gathered from women who are already in the workforce, but from younger women too.

“Having the weigh in from young millennials is valuable market research. They have great ideas.

Grown-ups are ground down and kids still believe in everything,” said Billups.

Along with various other methods, they turned compliments into helpful research. Say a person came up to them in the airport and said “Hey, I love your bag!” They not only say thank you, but they 28

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of fashion and function. It is composed of beacon leather and the lining is made out of the same materials as a wetsuit. This allows your electronics to be stored in the bag without having to cover them or worry about water damage. The entire bag is crafted in extreme detail down to the zippers, which are vinyl to protect valuable items such as iPads. The tote comes in a variety of colors including: pewter, black and rose gold.

Andrea Billups (left) and Marsa Truscott, owners of Be Brilliant Bags

also ask WHY the person loves it. This helped them gain insight.

After research, meetings, pitches and building relationships: Be Brilliant Bags was born. Truscott and Billups wanted to make a product that helped people better themselves. Their corporate philosophy: give to others, love yourself. “Product solves a need, but there’s a much bigger and positive impact. That’s the passion for our fashion,” said Truscott.

The average woman buys three handbags a year, but the goal of Be Brilliant is to have one bag for all your needs. The Brilliant tote is a true blend

Their plan for the future is to expand, but not too quickly. This is to prevent haphazardness and ensure the company can be deliberately controlled.

Their vision is to have a flagship store in New York with corporate offices upstairs and a shop downstairs. For only being in the marketplace for a year, Be Brilliant is ahead of where the pair thought it would be.

“We are virtually almost out of product. By the time our product arrives in September, we should be in good shape,” said Truscott.

To learn more about Be Brilliant bags, visit bebrilliantbags.com.

Christine Toth is a Social Media intern at M3 Group. She is in her last year at Michigan State University, majoring in journalism and minoring in public relations. She is a foodie, loves baby animals and Game of Thrones.

LIFESTYLE

BY CATRICE LANE

FINDING A LIFESTYLE THAT WORKS FOR YOU

THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS Take a moment to think about a person you consider successful. Now ask yourself, what is it about that person’s life that makes you feel that they’re a success. Evaluating success and progress keeps me honest and focused on the end result. In the February 2016 issue of CAWLM, I published a list of my “Drop in the Bucket” goals for the year.

Evaluating my own success and progress keeps me on track to ensure that I reach the goals I set four months ago.

Formerly, I used to view success as a person who climbed the corporate ladder, made an amazing salary and was regarded as an authority in their profession. While my definition wasn’t entirely wrong, I believe it’s important to challenge my motivation for applying that meaning to it. If I’m being completely honest, fear probably shaped my view of success; for example, my fear of being excluded or living life with lack of purpose may have been the reason why a career was such an important measurement of success to me. Why not; it’s natural to link your self-worth to your skills and abilities. However, that doesn’t make it true.

Creating my own definition of success is the best way to go. Since my sense of purpose is unique to me, the way I measure the accomplishments in my life should

be as well. I thought a lot about success when I had a chance to confront my fears and self-doubt. I found myself comparing my situation to others and placing my own value on what I thought made other people important. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have role models and acquire the best that life has to offer, but you don’t have to experience life as if it were “a one size fits all” situation.

My definition of success is being true to myself and living up to my potential. It doesn’t exclude folks that have dedicated their talents to building an awesome career. On the contrary, it includes many others that may have a desire and/or passion that is specific to their life.

I encourage you to understand who you are and your capabilities. Whether it’s being a successful parent, professional, public servant, etc., become committed to asking and answering the question, “what is my definition of success?” Recognize temptations, unhealthy fears, plan ahead, monitor your progress, persist when times get tough and make an effort. Don’t feel obligated to live by anyone else’s definition but be inspired to create your own.

My definition of success is being true to myself and living up to my potential.

Feel free to share your answer to the question with me on my Facebook page – Drop in the Bucket List, or email me directly at catchat359@gmail.com.

For some people, success is challenging to define because there are so many images of people around us that it’s difficult to comprehend our own purpose. We can become overwhelmed with selfdoubt, depression and anxiety when the outcome of our situation doesn’t match the images that we see.

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TRICOUNTYEVENTS

EVENTS AUGUST 1-6

Ingham County Fair, Mason Horse lovers will enjoy the variety of horse shows offered at this annual fair.

See animals offered by the 4-H Clubs in the area.

Sports shows, R.V. shows, flea markets, sporting events and craft shows draw thousands of visitors to this fun-packed fair. Adult tickets are $6, children’a tickets are $3 and children under the age of three are free! The fair is located at 700 East Ash Street in Mason. Visit ingham.org for more information.

AUGUST 5-6

St. Michael Fun Fest, Grand Ledge St. Michael’s Parish in Grand Ledge is inviting you to its annual Parish Fun Fest. Join the fun with a euchre tournament, concessions, live music and a beer tent. Saturday activities include kids’ games, bounce house, raffles worth $10,000 in prizes, a live and silent auction and mass under the big tent at 4 p.m. Mass will be followed by their traditional barbeque chicken dinner and live music. For more information, call St. Michael Parish at (517) 6278493 or visit stmichaelgl.org.

AUGUST 6

Summer Reading Carnival, Downtown Lansing As summer comes to an end make the most of the warm weather at the Capital Area District Library with games, prizes, refreshments and a hula-hoop dance demonstration. Visit cadl.org for more information.

AUGUST 8-6

Lansing Jazz Fest, Lansing Enjoy three stages of national, regional and local jazz acts at the 21st annual Lansing Jazz Fest held on the streets in Old Town. Support Old Town and enjoy an afternoon of jazz. The event will be held at 1210 Turner Street in Lansing. Visit jazzlansing.com for more information.

AUGUST 12-14

Great Lakes Folk Festival, East Lansing The Michigan State University Museum presents the Great Lakes Folk Festival in downtown East Lansing. Produced by the MSU Museum’s Michigan Traditional Arts Program, you can join the celebration of culture, tradition and community. The festival offers a variety of traditional arts and storytelling, authentic ethnic food, an arts marketplace and many special activities for kids. Visit greatlakesfolkfest.net for more information.

AUGUST 26-27

Michigan Pride March, Rally & Festival, Lansing Support the LGBT community by joining their 30

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26th celebration of pride in Michigan’s capital. The march kicks off at 12 p.m. at Adado Riverfront Park and travels through downtown Lansing where it ends at the front of the State Capitol.

Join people from all walks of life while you enjoy floats, vehicles, walkers, entertainment and much more. Parade registration and participant information can be found at michiganpride.org.

ARTS AUGUST 13-15

Two Naked Guys with Impeccable Taste, Lansing This comedy written by Roger Rochowiak and directed by Bob Robinson will be presented at the Renegade Theatre Festival. The story centers around two rival self tanner product salesmen forced to share a hotel room. They soon come to find out that they have to sell their products at a nudist camp. Interesting and hilarious characters will keep you laughing through this pure fun production. For tickets and information, visit riverwalktheatre.com

AUGUST 18-20

Renegade Theatre Festival, Lansing Enjoy theatre performances ranging from comedy, drama, musicals, children’s theatre, performance art, puppet theatre, readings of new works by local playwrights and improv. Performances are presented by Lansing’s most prominent theatres as well as by independent producers. The festival is located at the northern end of Lansing’s Old Town. Visit renegadetheatrefestival.org for more information.

AUGUST 20

Art Fest, Lansing Old Town is hosting its third annual Art Fest. This exciting art fair offers a variety of vendors from food trucks to sidewalk sales. Peruse over 30 artist booths representing photography, wood, leather, metal and other mediums of art. The art fair runs from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit lansingmi.gov for more information.

AUGUST 24-27

Ernie, East Lansing Mitch Albom’s hit play dedicated to Ernie Harwell is making its premier at the Wharton Center. “Ernie” is based on Ernie’s last night at Comerica Park when the Hall of Fame broadcaster is about to give a moving thank you to Detroit. Just before he walks onto the field, he encounters an unusual boy who is eager to know more about him. The boy coaxes Ernie into giving one final broadcast – the “broadcast of his life”. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at whartoncenter.com.

FUNDRAISER AUGUST 6

JDRF One Walk, East Lansing Join the JDRF One Walk as they search for their single goal of creating a world without Type 1 diabetes.

Walk to raise money for life-changing research for the millions affected by this devastating disease.

Contact Great Michigan Walks at sfarmer@jdrf.org or call (248) 355-113 for more information and registration.

AUGUST 11

Pizza Party on the Capitol Lawn, Lansing Support the Fostering Futures Scholarship with this fifth annual event to help support an important cause. A $5 minimum donation will not only provide you with a slice of pizza, pop and ice cream, but it will make a difference for young adults that have been in foster care to go to college. For more information, visit michigan.gov.

AUGUST 26

5th Annual BWL Local 352 Golf 4 Charity Scramble, Lansing Join the Board of Water & Light as it raises money for the Wounded Warrior Project and Pennies for Power at Eagle Eye Golf Course. Contest and prizes are offered including a 50/50 drawing, hole-in-one and win a car, and trophies for men’s and women’s longest drive, longest putt and closest to the pin. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. You can register online at lbwl.com.

EXHIBITS AUGUST 1 - 25

Great Escapes, Lansing Join the Lansing Art Gallery as artist Zahrah Resh debuts her work titled Great Escapes. The collection of paintings will assist the viewer in finding calm, quiet respite, joy and rejuvenation of spirit.

Viewings begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. Visit lansingartgallery.org for more information.

CLINICS AUGUST 1

Physician Lecture: Pre- and Post- Menopause, What to Expect, Charlotte Join Dr. Seiler as he discusses what menopause is, how to know it’s happening and what to expect after.

Topics include symptoms, hormones and life changes.

A dinner will be provided and pre-registration is required by calling (517) 541-5800 opt. 1. This is a free event from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visit hgbhealth.com for more information.

LANSING PROMISE A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE

The Lansing Promise launched its efforts by awarding its first scholarships in the fall of 2012

458 142 74%

74% persistence rate

86%

86% persistence rate

2012 - 2013 School Year

$92,698 2013 - 2014 School Year

$152,990 2014 - 2015 School Year

$238,123 2015 - 2016 School Year

$375,666 2016 - 2017 School Year

$600,000+ Estimated

Donate online at www.LansingPromise.org

Like us on Facebook!

August 2016

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@LansingPromise

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MAKING EDUCATION

ENGAGING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

A

s an educator, I expected my own kids would be well behaved in school and do what their teachers expected them to do. I could not believe it the first time I was told that my son was not completing work and disrupting his classroom. He later shared with me that he didn’t really understand the value of the assignments to begin with, and felt like a failure for not understanding the work and for getting in trouble. Professionally, I had always known that all kids really learn differently, yet that was the moment where it really hit home and I truly understood the issue. Parents need educational options that can engage their children at their individual levels. With the help of an amazing group of people, I set out to create a schooling option in which kids, like my son, would thrive. It’s called LifeTech Academy.

My son is the perfect example of a student who is bright, yet disengaged from his learning. He didn’t see how a lesson applied to him, so he’d focus on

things that he liked instead. As we were researching and creating an educational model for the school that would become LifeTech Academy, something that we knew would be valuable to get kids engaged in their education, was to make the learning about them. A model of making learning interesting and relevant to each individual became our goal.

Creating The Model To make sure we hit the target, we interviewed countless people! Students, parents, teachers, innovators and notably, business leaders were all included. All of them said we needed to make a school that let kids explore themselves, and their passions. The lessons we learned from these individuals showed us that just preparing students for college was no longer good enough, especially for employers. The people who hire tomorrow’s workers wanted to see those future employees are confident in themselves and the decisions that they make, that they can communicate with others well, that they can lead themselves, and that they understand how to cope with stress. As a result of this feedback, we created something called Strategic Partnerships.

Strategic Partnerships Strategic Partnerships are formal relationships with businesses and nonprofits so the Learners of LifeTech Academy have unique educational opportunities that open their eyes to potential future careers that they may not have been aware of, teaches them applicable real-world skills, and may provide high school credit toward their graduation. The Strategic Partner benefits from the relationship in a variety of ways, including receiving help with entrylevel projects, building long-term employment pipelines, and the ability to play an influential role in the education 32

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of young people. Some of the school’s Strategic Partners include Douglas J, the Greater Michigan Construction Academy, LAFCU and Dale Carnegie Training.

One LifeTech Learner has visited M3 Group once a week since the end of 2015 to learn about graphic design. At one point she was given a project to work in tandem with the actual design team creating a potential logo for a company. She and the team at M3 Group worked so closely together that the quality of her work was strong enough for her design to be included as an option for the client! Here is a young girl learning in a way that is interesting and relevant to her interests, and she’s earning high school credit at the same time!

Credit Through Competency LifeTech is able to award credit in scenarios with Strategic Partners because the curriculum is 100 percent project-based learning. This means learning like adults learn. At the end of the week, there is no multiple-choice test to affirm that learning took place – Learners are expected to demonstrate competency in order to be awarded credit. Three Learners once demonstrated competency in understanding how a bill becomes a law by working together through a three-day weekend to create an entire board game!

They made clay figurines for the pieces, drew out the game map, created rules, and demonstrated extreme understanding of the law-making process.

No one made them work on the project all weekend – they did it because the way they showed they understood the concepts was something that pertained to their interests, so they wanted to work though the weekend.

LifeTech Today Today, LifeTech Academy is Michigan’s Cyber School. Serving grades 7-12, the public charter school is free to all who attend. Being that LifeTech is a cyber school, there are Learners enrolled from all over the state of Michigan. This makes LifeTech

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Academy an ideal schooling option for a variety of young people, including those who are highly self-motivated, kids who need more flexibility in when they learn, teenagers with children, and one of our fastest growing demographics – Homeschool families.

Since we began this journey a number of years ago, one of the things I hear the most is, “wow, I wish this opportunity existed when I was in school!” That statement is typically followed with the question I am asked most frequently, “how can I get involved in this exciting new school?”

LifeTech is always adding Strategic Partners, which

is certainly a way that a business can get involved.

We hear that many people want to support the school or an educational program financially, so we created a 501(c)(3) called Engaged Outreach that provides an avenue for businesses and individuals alike to assist in expanding upon the offerings at LifeTech Academy, or to help bring these types of opportunities to other schools and communities that will help young people to be successful.

My son is now a Learner at LifeTech. He and countless kids like him are thriving because they have the opportunity to learn in a way that is interesting and relevant to them. Now I invite you to join us in making education engaging for young people.

Angelina Zeller is the founder of LifeTech Academy and the CEO of Engaged Outreach, a non-profit that supports innovative ways of educating people. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Educational/Instructional Technology from Michigan State University, and has been recognized as the Greater Lansing Catalyst of Change, as well as one of 2015’s Most Innovative Educators.

LifeTech Academy is Michigan’s Cyber School. Serving grades 7-12, the public charter school is tuition free for all Learners. With a goal of making education interesting and relevant to each individual, LifeTech partners with businesses and non-profits to provide unique learning experiences in a project-based learning environment. For more information, please visit LifeTechAcademy.org or call 517-325-5469.

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MYCOMMUNITY

COMMON GROUND On July 5 through July 10, thousands of people attended Common Ground Music Festival in downtown Lansing. In its 16th year, the festival took place at Adado Riverfront Park and this year, it hosted headliners like Tim McGraw, Dierks Bently, A$AP Rockey, Jason Derulo, Rise Against, AWOLNATION and more.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE TOTH

Heather Richmond & Eric Zeiger

Jeremy Ramiraz, Lauren Dix & Drew Edington

Chris Chandler & Andres Isern

Terrell Jackson, Cleo Goldman & Tommy Manuel

Brendan Schulz & Allie Davids

Celebrate! with Bake N’ Cakes “Butter Makes it Better”

BEST

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EVER! BEST. SUMMER. EVER.

Enjoy Summer Camp with the YMCA of Lansing CampattheYNow.com 34

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MYCOMMUNITY

SCRAPFEST On July 15 & 16, locals and visitors alike flocked to Old Town to see sculptures and art pieces of all shapes and sizes, each made completely out of scrap material. A beer tent, live music, kid’s activities and a live auction rounded out the event to make it a weekend to remember.

PHOTOS BY CRISTINE TOTH

Elana Miller & Kyle Giallonardo

Alissa & Bob Sweet

Artist Ken Wesner

Katt Ferrin, Jacke Zussman, Michael Boggus & Darus Ward

Scrapfest

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August 2016

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MYCOMMUNITY

THE HATCHING The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and Spartan Innovations hosted its third anniversary edition of The Hatching on June 29, 2016 at Lansing Brewing Company. Entrepreneurs, business leaders and other locals came out to hear the new business ideas and drink a few brews.

June’s winning idea was called Friends Host, presented by Anna Song, a website that aligns with online social networks to offer safer and cheaper lodging experiences when traveling.

PHOTOS BY KRISTINE RICHMOND

Victoria Morris & Andrew Belanger

Tony Willis, Mayor Virg Bernero & Audrey Tipper

Quin Stinchfield, Rachel Michaud, Andy Fox & Jerry Norris

Laurie Lonsdorf, Taylor Brehm, Kristi Schwartzly, Whitney Roberts

Desiree Melfi & Geno Bozzo

SPICE UP YOUR FITNESS! Pole, burlesque, belly dance, suspension and cardio classes.

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MYCOMMUNITY

GIGI’S CUPCAKES GRAND OPENING On Friday, July 15, members of the East Lansing community welcomed the new franchised cupcake shop, Gigi’s Cupcakes, to the area from noon to 2 p.m. Sparty and the founder of the franchise, Gigi Butler made special appearances. $1 from each cupcake that was sold at the event was donated to Ele’s Place, the first 50 customers received free PF Changs appetizer cards and there were raffles and giveaways including a Kitchen Aid Mixer, Alex & Ani bracelets and more.

PHOTOS BY ERIKA HODGES

Gigi Butler

Betty Lively & Dick Henderson

Gina Farhat & Gigi Butler

Debbie Rose

Melanie Kacynski, Leah Thaczyk & Kristen LaPorte

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LEADERS AT EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS

BY LA KESHA HUDDLESTON At Emergent BioSolutions, La Kesha Huddleston is a Lab Analyst in the Quality Control, Analytical Product Testing department. Her primary responsibility is to test BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), a product manufactured in Lansing, to help ensure it meets quality standards and is safe for patients. In addition, she reviews non-conforming events, writes standard operating procedures and serves on Emergent’s 5S committee, a program that maintains organization and safety in the workplace.

Huddleston, a graduate of the University of Michigan, Flint has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Following graduation, she worked for a local TV station as a receptionist and eventually became the office manager of sales. From there, she transitioned to substitute teaching.

assessed for more than 10 laboratory tests, ranging from atomic absorption to western blot. Eventually, she would like to continue her education by going back to school.

La Kesha Huddleston, Lab Analyst, Quality Control at Emergent BioSolutions.

When an opportunity became available at Emergent, Huddleston jumped at the chance to use her education.

knowledge that I learned through my education and expand it through my work at Emergent,” she said.

“Science is something I truly enjoy. I love working in the lab and seeing how various tests progress.

I’m happy to have been able to take my base

She enjoys the development opportunities that Emergent provides and has participated in multiple trainings. In addition, Huddleston has been skills

Aside from the important work she does at Emergent BioSolutions, Huddleston enjoys baking, a skill she plans to pursue further. Bowling, shopping, and going to movies are all some of her favorite pastimes, as well as being active in her home community of Flint, Mich.

As a global specialty biopharmaceutical company, Emergent BioSolutions develops and manufactures medical countermeasures for CBRNE threats and emerging infectious diseases. La Kesha Huddleston enjoys being able to use her degree in chemistry to ensure Emergent’s products are safe and effective.

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MYCOMMUNITY LANSING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BLACK & WHITE BALL Lansing Symphony Orchestra’s Black and White Ball took place on Saturday May 21 at 6 p.m. at the Country Club of Lansing. The Black and White Ball is one of the Symphony’s largest fundraisers of the year and included a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner, entertainment and a live auction. Guests enjoyed dessert and dancing, closing out the night.

PHOTOS BY ED DICHOZA Aleda Knol, Jody Knol & Patrick Anderson

Danielle Robinson & Catrice Lane

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Cathy Zell, Jamie Paisley, Melissa Nay & Brian Doyle

Katie Thornton & Peter Newman

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Maestro Timothy Muffitt & Elise Muffitt

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E R E H E TODAY S I T R E R SPACE A DV U RVE YO RESE

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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

• MUSIC THERAPY

• EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSES

• SUZUKI PROGRAM

• CHILDREN’S & YOUTH CHOIRS • ADULT BANDS/PROGRAMS

NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT FOR FALL 2016-17 BEGINS AUGUST 15!

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM AT 517.203.0123 38

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

4930 S. HAGADORN RD. EAST LANSING, MI 48823

MYCOMMUNITY

FESTIVAL OF THE MOON On June 24, the Festival of the Moon took over Old Town Lansing. The 17th annual festival included music from live bands, foods from local and regional vendors, wine and beer, beer supplied by Bell’s Brewery. The festival continued the next day, June 25, for its second installment, the Festival of the Sun. PHOTOS BY MEGAN BRYAN

Ja’Nay McClaster, Jayda Perkins, Monica Woods, Jordyn McClaster, Dina Krois & Bradley Hildonbrand

Aimcriers

Anna McDonald & Teresa Henry

Kenzie Hoffman & Bryant Trierweiler

Stephanie Clark, Michelle Ferris, Jody Morise & Justin Morise

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PROFESSIONAL GUIDE

SAMEERAH SHAREEF

CATRINE MEDAWAR

One of the newer members of the Alliance team, Sameerah is a certified nurse midwife. She holds several degrees including a Master’s of Science in Nursing and has worked in the discipline of Maternal Child Health since 1985. Sameerah has taught at numerous nursing schools, including MSU, and presented workshops nationally on the topics of pregnancy and normal birth in a hospital. She especially enjoys visiting with her OB patients and talking to women of all ages about self care. Sameerah is accepting new patients.

Catrine Medawar started in the jewelry industry over 30 years ago with Medawar Jewelers West Lansing and has become co-owner of five Medawar stores and counting. With a degree in psychology, customer relations and human resources have always been her top priority. She enjoys seeing returning clients bring there kids to purchase there own engagement rings.

Catrine travels the world in search of new designs and trends to bring to Medawar Jewelers. She volunteers her time in Michigan and overseas empowering women to become self-sufficient and to become the best they can be.

517-484-3000 | www.alliance-obgyn.com Main Campus 1560 Turf Lane East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 347-8808 2168 W Grand River Ave Okemos, MI 48864

South Campus 1100 South Cedar St. Mason, MI 48854

DARCY QUISENBERRY

EILEEN MACALLUM

We are pleased to introduce Darcy Quisenberry. A graduate of Cornerstone University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, she has been part of the Grandhaven family for over 5 years as Community Development Director. She truly enjoys educating families about senior housing and navigating the “maze”. She serves the community by helping plan the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Caregiver Retreat, both in Lansing. Her passion for this industry keeps her always wanting to learn more and serve others. When she’s not at work she’s the proud mom to 3 growing boys and has been married for 22 years.

As director of the department, Eileen oversees Quality Assurance at Emergent BioSolutions’ Lansing site. Originally from Canada, she has spent most of her career in the pharmaceutical industry and is passionate about vaccines and their ability to protect and enhance life. She thrives on the responsibility that comes with ensuring vaccines, like BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) — the only FDA-licensed vaccine for anthrax disease, manufactured

by Emergent — are safe for patients. Outside of work, Eileen enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with her grandchildren. A working mom and grandmother, Eileen’s advice for young women is, “Don’t try to do everything. But you can be a mom and have a profession.”

(517) 897-2499 3145 W Mt. Hope Ave. Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 327-1500 3500 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lansing, MI 48906

DANIELLE DENEAU

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CANDICE TESS

Deneau oversees MSUFCU’s communications department, which is responsible for the Credit Union’s internal and corporate communications via digital and print mediums. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication from Michigan State University and currently serves as a member of Wharton Center’s NextGen@Wharton Steering Committee. MSUFCU has an asset size of over $3 billion, 210,000 members worldwide, and more than 650 employees.

Owner of Stilettos & Steel Fitness and certified pole fitness instructor, Candice Tess is focused on empowering women through dance & fitness. With a background in Kinesiology and business, in addition to several pole & aerial certifications, she aims to put a new “spin” on building women’s strength and confidence. Candice has been teaching group fitness in different settings since 2003, but found her true passion in pole fitness in 2013. She enjoys the vast diversity it brings by encompassing many forms of fitness including, dance, gymnastics and yoga.

Students of all ages and fitness levels are welcomed to the weekly classes offered at the studio.

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

(517) 802-8265 Stilettos & Steel, 6400 W St Joe Lansing, MI 48917

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine

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Healthcare at the speed of life Sparrow FastCare offers convenient, affordable healthcare provided by Sparrow Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. And you don’t have to be a Sparrow Patient to come in—just someone who wants exceptional care without the wait.

Walk-in services for:

» » » »

Treatment of minor injuries and illnesses Basic lab tests Camp/sports physicals Vaccines

Most insurances accepted. Co-pays apply.

High deductible plan or no insurance?

Only Sparrow offers this level of care at an affordable price.

Choose Wisely. Choose Sparrow.

Convenient locations in Downtown Lansing, Frandor, DeWitt Meijer and Okemos Meijer.

Walk-ins welcome or schedule an app0intment online at Sparrow.org/FastCare

Patients must be 18 months or older. Some age restrictions apply for select services.

For emergency care, on-site X-rays, stitches or treatment for broken bones, please visit a Sparrow Urgent Care or a Sparrow Hospital Emergency Room.

1%

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CASH BACK Earn 1% cash back every time you use MSUFCU’s Platinum Plus Visa.¹ Your cash back never expires and you can redeem it at any time for any amount!

With rates as low as 12.9% APR, the Platinum Plus Visa is nearly 4% lower than the national average for a rewards card.²

t! f i G Free Receive a free tote bag when you use your new MSUFCU Visa Credit Card

by September, 30, 2016!³

Apply today! msufcu.org • 517-333-2222 • Visit any branch

¹ Members will earn 1% cash back on all purchases. Cash back is not earned on tax payments, any unauthorized charges or transactions, cash advances, convenience checks, balance transfers, or fees of any kind. Account must be in good standing to redeem cash back. Returns result in the loss of cash back equal to the amount returned. Negative cash back will be given if returns or credits exceed purchases. Visit msufcu.org/rewards for full terms and conditions. ² APR is Annual Percentage Rate.

12.9% APR is lowest rate offered for Platinum Plus Visa Credit Card. Rate offered is based on member’s credit score. ³ Offer valid until September 30, 2016. To receive the tote bag, you must be an MSUFCU member and open a new Platinum or Platinum Plus Visa and either make a purchase with, or, transfer a credit card balance from another financial instituion to your MSUFCU Visa Credit Card by September 30, 2016. First-come, first-served. Visit msufcu.org for full details. Federally insured by NCUA.