CAWLM November 2016

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NOVEMBER 2016

HOLIDAY STRESS & HOW TO MANAGE IT

The Girl on the Train

Fall

BOOK VS. MOVIE

table-scapes

Ideas for decorating your table for fall

Catrine Medawar

ON FAMILY, BUSINESS AND HELPING OTHERS

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NOVEMBER 2016

ON THE COVER 8

Holiday stress & how to manage it

10 Fall table-scapes

17 The Girl on the Train 22 Catrine Medawar

IN THIS ISSUE

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From the Publisher

15 Health Benefits of Pumpkin

5

Good News

16 Feature: Ele's Place

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Nonprofit Profile

19 DIY Quick Craft

7

Business Profile

20 Financial Facts

9

Art Column

21 Recipie

12 Fashion and Beauty

24 Local Women

13 Business Coach

28 Tri-County Events

14 Feature: Olivet College

32 My Community

On Our Cover: Catrine Medawar| Exclusive photography by Chris Amos

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inside the gift guide!

November 2016

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

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

November 2016

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The Holidays

FROMTHEPUBLISHER

A TIME FOR REFLECTION

We’ve put the jack-o’lanterns away and put the scary movies and television shows on pause until next season (okay, not The Walking Dead. We’ll tune into the zombie apocalypse through the holidays of course).

Nevertheless, it’s time to accept that the holidays are upon us and we need to plan accordingly. I will concede that planning for the holidays or dealing with family can be a bit scary for some of us.

As we’re closing in on the end of 2016, it’s easy to get caught up on what’s ahead. There’s always so much to do around this time of year, but I always like to take a peek backward as well. Taking stock of the past is an opportunity to be thankful and reflect of the many blessings we each have. It was a big year of changes for me – some easier to plow through than others. I’ve learned a lot about myself and discovered whom I can count on. I’m very blessed in this area because of my amazing support system.

This time last year, I was putting a bow on the sale sign of my house, selling the contents (seriously - everything), negotiating the purchase of a condo and conducting a minor renovation. Time passes quickly, but I definitely feel like I’ve been in my new home forever; moving

downtown has felt like a homecoming. I am celebrating year one and looking forward to many, many more.

As we approach the holidays, it was fun to feature our very own Catrine Medawar. She’s been a savvy business woman in our area for many years. Catrine is committed to community and her family. She spends time managing her bustling business designing jewelry and managing business affairs. Catrine is also committed to her faith and is just a lovely person all the way around.

I’m sure Catrine would agree with me when I say that now is a good time to consider your holiday giving or volunteering strategy. It’s a busy time of year but it’s extremely important for us to remember that there are those less fortunate. Even though all nonprofits would welcome donations this year, I recommend discovering a charitable organization that could really use your support, like the super small ones that make a difference for people right around the corner.

The good news, is that more people are giving.

Where were the donations going in 2015 according to charitynavigator.org?

• Giving to education charities was up 8.9 percent • Donations to human services charities were up 4.2 percent • Health charities experienced an increase in giving of 1.3 percent • Environment/animal charities saw an increase of 6.5 percent • Arts, culture and humanities saw an increase of 7 percent

Choose to support whatever cause means something to you this season. I try to spread the love to many charitable organizations throughout our community. It is a gift to them, but also to yourself.

Happy holidays!

Tiffany Dowling | Publisher

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GOODNEWS C

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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!

Susan G. Komen announces bold initiative to cut breast cancer mortality in half by 2026 Susan G. Komen Michigan (Komen MI) announced its commitment to cutting breast cancer mortality in half right here in Michigan by 2026. This is part of Susan G. Komen’s national announcement of its Big Bold Goal to reduce breast cancer mortality over the next 10 years by 50 percent.

“Komen MI is committed to saving lives and reducing breast cancer mortality in Michigan, and if women use the breast health resources that are available to them today, we can immediately reduce breast cancer mortality by 30 percent,” said Komen MI Executive Director Jennifer Jurgens and breast cancer survivor.

Komen MI has identified several barriers preventing Michigan women from receiving the breast health services they need, including financial, cultural and language barriers, transportation issues, and a lack of knowledge. Komen MI is working to address these barriers through targeted, culturally-relevant education programs, screenings, diagnostics, transportation and survivor support programs. Through these efforts, Komen MI has touched more than 85,000 lives in Michigan in 2015 alone.

“We applaud Komen MI for tirelessly working to ensure all women receive the breast cancer screenings and treatment they need,” said Dr. James G. Herman, Sparrow Cancer Center Medical Director and Komen MI partner.

“Our partnership with Komen MI allows us to provide

life-saving services to our patients. Through community programs and a continued commitment to cutting-edge breast cancer research, we will be able to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality over the next 10 years.”

Money raised by Komen MI stays right here in Michigan to support lifesaving programs and research. Over the last 20 years, Komen MI has provided over $12 million to local breast health programs.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer early on, which provided me with the best, possible prognosis. I am grateful for everything Komen MI is doing to ensure all women have access to much-needed breast health services,” said Jennifer Nelson, chief business development officer at the Michigan Economic Development Center and breast cancer survivor. “We can’t wait any longer to achieve this bold goal.

Now is the time to take action so we can save the lives of countless women who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.”

Community members looking to help support Komen MI’s bold goal can sign up for the Race for the Cure on Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. in Ah-Nab-Awen Park in Grand Rapids.

People can also get involved with Komen MI by hosting a fundraiser, making a donation or becoming a volunteer.

For more information about Komen MI and its bold goal, visit komenmichigan.org.

Musicians bring outstanding music to Turner-Dodge House Who knew the Lansing area had such remarkable classically-trained musicians? The Friends of Turner-Dodge House, that’s who. And each month they continue to sponsor their performances at the Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center.

October’s performers, Wei-Qin Claire Tang and Igor Cetkovic, on piano and cello respectively, are some of Lansing’s best.

Internationally recognized cellist, Igor Cetkovic is originally from Belgrade, Serbia, and has served with orchestras across Europe and the United States, including the Bergen Philharmonic, Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, the Belgrade Philharmonic, and as principal cellist of the Serbian chamber orchestra, the St. George Strings.

Currently, Mr. Cetkovic is Acting Principal Cellist and Artist in Residence with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Assistant principal cellist with the West Michigan Symphony, Principal cellist with the Saginaw

Bay Symphony and section cellist with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra.

Wei-Qin Claire Tang was admitted to the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in southern China at age 12, and went on to perform as a soloist with the Hongkong Philharmonic at age 15. After moving to the U.S., Ms. Tang earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree in piano performance from Michigan State University.

The two performed together on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016 in the Music Room of the Turner-Dodge House and Heritage Center.

The Friends of Turner-Dodge House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 as Dodge Mansion.

Congratulations to 2016 REALTOR® Active in Politics, Kim Laforet!

REALTOR® Kim Laforet of Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood has earned the REALTOR® Active in Politics (RAP) Award for the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® (GLAR).

Laforet, who has served as commissioner for the Delta Township Planning Commission for the past 10 years, feels honored to receive this recognition.

Think ‘Child Protection Registry’ when your children use the Internet The Michigan Child Protection Registry and Secretary of State, Ruth Johnson is promoting the free and secure service that can block adult-oriented ads from reaching their children’s email inboxes, tablets, cell phones or instant messenger IDs. “It can be a struggle to keep up with what our kids are doing online,” said Johnson. “Internet service is available in schools, libraries, homes and on cell phones, tablets and laptops. Protecting your child from unwanted Internet content can be a challenge, which is why I am pleased to promote The ‘ProtectMiChild’ website. It offers parents and schools a secure and simple way to put some controls in place regarding the Internet content children see.”

Parents or schools may register the electronic addresses for any devices at ProtectMiChild.com. The secured registry is housed on the Secretary of State website at ProtectMiChild. com. Once the child’s cell phone number, email address and Instant Messenger ID are entered into the system, the registry will block adult ads for all the registered contact points for three years or until the youngest child with access to the contact point reaches the age of 18. Companies that send messages that advertise or link to prohibited products or services are required to remove the registered contact email, phone number or IM within 30 days from their mailing lists.

U.S Census figures from 2014 show that youth under the age of 18 comprise about 22 percent of the state’s population. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, teens spend an average of 2.3 hours per day engaged in electronic communication and recreation and nearly twice as much time on the weekends.

“We live in a digital age,” Johnson said. “To keep our children safe from influences and products that are not age appropriate requires action. The ProtectMiChild Registry provides us with the tools we need to help control the Internet content to which our children are exposed. It’s a great resource and I encourage parents and schools to use it to protect their kids.”

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NONPROFITPROFILE

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES

HELPING FAMILIES HEAL

BY ALEXANDRIA KOBRYN St. Vincent Catholic Charities, located in Lansing, is a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families during hard times. Since 1948, St. Vincent’s services include a children’s home, foster care and adoption services, counseling and immigration law clinics.

St. Vincent is known for its children’s home and services, but due to the recent presidential election, immigration has become a hot topic. John Karasinski, associate director of community relations and marketing, says there is more of a push within the nonprofit to bring awareness to immigration law.

“It has definitely been in the forefront of the media and somewhat of a political issue over the past year with the elections coming up and the lack of knowledge and awareness out there,” he said.

“Trying to take that upon ourselves to increase the awareness and educate those who may not be aware of how the system works and who these people are, will make for better experiences here.”

According to Karasinski, St. Vincent’s staff consists of two full-time attorneys that together have 28 years of professional experience. They serve those who are in need of support in becoming a naturalized U.S.

citizen, renewing a travel visa and U.S. families who are looking to reunite with members living abroad.

Gina Snoeyink, director of counseling and children’s services, oversees programs and services that fall under those umbrellas. She helps staff with substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling and the Seasons program. Seasons offers support for families of individuals that are chronically ill.

“Other support groups in the community offer support for just the sick person. But we want to make sure we’re encompassing the entire family because they’re all affected by something like that,” Snoeyink said.

Snoeyink has been with St. Vincent for 14 years, starting out as a foster care therapist. Now that she is Director of Counseling and Children’s Services, she does not work firsthand with the children and families anymore, but is passionate about helping when needed.

“The resiliency I see in children is amazing. The trauma and things that they go through and their ability to heal and still move forward is inspiring.

And I think one of the things that makes me keep

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

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

November 2016

At the end of November, St. Vincent will begin its holiday giving campaign to support their clients during the holiday season. The campaign will start around Thanksgiving and continue through the first two weeks of December.

“We have giving trees set up at Meridian Mall and several stores at Eastwood Towne Center where we have angel packs for all of our clients: adoption and foster care programs, counseling services and refugee clients,” Karasinski said. “People are able to pull a tag, make a donation, purchase a gift and drop it off at any of those locations. All of those gifts go to our clients days before Christmas.”

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 Sigma Sigma Sigma, she’s cuddled up with a good book or out seeing the latest new movie.

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BUSINESSPROFILE Cara Kaye (left), Kristin Porter, Cedes Powers and Morgan Brenneman are just a few of the women at FAB.

Connecting women in the sports community

BY MEGAN MARTIN | PHOTO BY ERIKA HODGES Kristin Porter is the first person to admit that she is lucky in regard to how her career has played out.

“I’ve always kind of had an idea that I wanted to work in sports,” said Kaye. “I’ve learned when people say that, it could really mean 100 different things. Through [FAB] we get to meet people who actually work in sports and see what they do.

It has opened my mind about the types of jobs I will be searching for when I graduate. Instead of just something in marketing, I could now look for something in operations, a sector of athletics that I never would have thought of before this.”

“I was in the right place at the right time and knew the right people,” said Porter, Michigan State University’s Men’s Basketball Operations Assistant.

“I have my dream job. But for girls or women who don’t just happen to be in the right place at the right time, or know the right people, I want to give them a tool to be intentional about how to get from college to their dream job.”

So, Porter decided to start an organization called FAB, short for Females in Athletic Business, in order to give students and industry professionals opportunities to make the connections and resources they need to succeed in the world of sports.

Launched in February of 2016, the business is only approximately nine months old, but with 257 members in 16 states, no one would have guessed that this budding new organization is less than a year in the making.

“Right now our organization’s members are just about 50 percent students and 50 percent professionals,” said Porter. “We’re really proud of that and it’s really happened without much effort of trying to keep it even.”

Keeping the organization’s members at around a 50:50 ratio is important for both parties because the more even the numbers are in that respect, the better the organization will be able to do its job of connecting students with professionals and vice versa.

“Our whole goal is to help give students and professionals the connections and resources they need,” said Porter. “For students, that means

Kristin Porter, director and founder of Females in Athletic Business (FAB) connecting them with job shadow, internship or networking opportunities.”

But what FAB offers doesn’t end with the students.

For professionals, FAB can represent professionals and their businesses at job fairs, free of charge, connect professionals with students for internships and connect professionals in the industry through networking events.

“We just had a student do a job shadow with someone who works with the Columbus Blue Jackets because she’s interested in working in the NHL,” explained Porter. “The Blue Jackets is one of our professional partners and the student is one of our members. That’s sort of how the connections work.”

Cara Kaye, a senior at Michigan State University studying marketing, works with Porter at FAB doing social media. As both a student and a worker, she has felt the impact of FAB.

Cedes Powers, a sophomore at Michigan State University, has had a similar experience with the organization, saying that she didn’t realize there were so many options and that FAB exposes students to what’s out there in regards to career options.

“The events really give us a chance to network and get to know the right people in the industry,” said Powers. “That’s huge.”

FAB hosted its first event in September, the Strong Women in Sports Summit, where many key speakers including Lauren LaParl, recruiting coordinator for the Detroit Pistons, gave career advice and spoke on specialized topics.

With Suzy Merchant, head coach of the Michigan State University Women’s Basketball team, as its chairwoman and the ever-driven Porter leading the helm, this organization and business is one to watch. Visit fabsportsorg.wixsite.com/faborg for more information.

Megan Martin is the Editor of Capital Area Women’s Lifestyle Magazine and Greater Lansing Business Monthly. She is a foodie who loves art, tea, the great outdoors and spending time with her family, her Fiancé and her miniature dachshund, Oakley.

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HEALTHYLIFESTYLE

Tips for managing your holiday stress

BY KAREN GALLAGHER My children don’t come right out and call me Scrooge….and I can’t say I hate the holidays, that is a strong word, but I don’t like parts of the rigmarole.

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

November 2016

In order to deal with stress, we must ask ourselves; what is stress? Dr. Trevor Powell, in his book, “Stress Free Living,” defines stress as, “when you see your environment as taxing or exceeding your ability to cope.” It can also be described as physical or mental tension which disrupts equilibrium.

Stress impacts our bodies, behaviors and emotions. Physically, it may increase heart rate, cause high blood pressure, back aches, rashes, tense muscles, difficulty breathing or swallowing. Health concerns related to stress may include, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), migraines and diarrhea. Behavioral problems may also occur from stress such as inactivity, excessive drinking or smoking, accident proneness, eating and/or sleeping problems.

Emotional and cognitive issues include unprovoked fear or panic, apathy, nervousness, anxiety, moodiness, irritability, anger problems, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, frequent forgetfulness and negative self-talk.

Stress may increase when there are circumstances which have been challenging for your family. Recent loss of a family member, job change, a move, physical illness or other tragedies typically increase grief during the holidays. The best advice for coping with this is to not avoid the problem. Whatever helps your family address the grief is helpful.

Most importantly, don’t ignore it.

I think most of us can agree — we have holiday stress, it may not be a negative stress but may lead to a sense of being overwhelmed. There are techniques to help you keep your head above water.

The following are tips to keeping stress levels low this holiday season: Delegate. Don’t be a martyr, ask for help (ie. cooking, cleaning up or wrapping).

Speak the truth. Express your feelings to your family and friends as needed. For example, "I am feeling tired, overwhelmed or angry."

Don’t overspend to please others. Stay within your budget. Do what is best for you.

Avoid perfectionism. Good enough is good enough. Stay realistic about your expectations.

Reframe the situation. Focus on what makes you grateful not on what went wrong. Stay positive.

Be assertive. Say no as needed to keep you sane. Set boundaries and make plans that are best for you.

Manage your time. Ask for help, avoid procrastination and start early on planning, shopping and cooking.

Set short-term goals and long-term goals for your prep.

Modify traditions. The meal can be held at a restaurant one year, travel to visit family and add some alone family time to the trip.

Set aside time for self-care. Make time for yourself. Step away from responsibilities to take care of yourself.

When in the middle of an event which causes stress, put the problem in perspective. Hug the ones you love and realize that January 2 is right around the corner.

Karen Gallagher is founder of the Wellness Institute of Michigan and has been a clinical practitioner for over 25 years. She enjoys the outdoors for all seasons, loves cycling and any water related activity.

CREATIVE SOUL: YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS AND CREATIVE LIVING

BY DAWN GORMAN

EAT, DRINK & BE WRITERLY

When a passion meets a challenge Autumn is not an ideal time, perhaps, to embark on a project that may take over one’s life for the entire month - but some people like to live life on the edge.

November is National Writing Month. Fondly known as NaNoWriMo, the event draws in upwards of 500,000 aspiring novelists who take to their keyboards on Nov. 1 to produce 50,000 words in 30 days. Last year, more than 300 writers from the Lansing area participated in this event. I was one of them.

NANO WHAT?

So what is NaNoWriMo? It works like this: you create a profile on the website (nanowrimo.org), where you announce to the world that you are participating; then you start writing - like mad.

You have until Nov. 30 to produce your novel, to bring forth exactly 50,000 words (or more), and if you do it, you “win!” Not cash, not a book deal or a new car - but rather, an immense feeling of pride and accomplishment.

THE WRITE PATH

NaNoWriMo paves the way for writers to experience the adrenaline rush of putting words on paper at breakneck speed, drinking coffee at midnight, pulling all-nighters and spending the day in pajamas in front of the computer. And if writers start to go crazy, the online and local community cheers each other on, shares ideas, helps each other get unstuck and supports one another through the often excruciating, sometimes maddening, process of writing.

“NaNoWordSprints,” or staff-run word wars.

Forums are also available and it connects you to people participating in your region, so participants can attend community write-ins. The most important aspect of NaNoWriMo, is that it holds you accountable. To announce a win, on day 30 participants upload all of their text to prove that you actually wrote 50,000 words. And then you get to feel the ecstatic joy of telling others that you did it, which feels amazing!

PIE, TEA AND WORDS

Last year, NaNoWriMo provided an exhilarating experience for me, one that boosted my belief in my writing skills and was so deliciously satisfying, that I’m doing it again this year. In fact, as you read this, I am most likely in a café somewhere - feeding my soul with word love, eating pie, drinking tea, all while writing my heart out. I will be ebullient and grateful, maybe a little stressed, but mostly just glad to be partaking in NaNoWriMo-ing once again! Tis the season!

NANO-NOTABLES

Although November has arrived, it’s not too late to participate in NaNoWriMo 2016! Go set up your profile, and start writing! Make sure you connect to your region, and if you are on twitter, do the wordsprints! NaNoLansing holds write-ins at Old Chicago in Okemos every Thursday in November at 7 p.m. Check the Nano website for more information.

THE BIG LEAP

START TO FINISH

• Capital City Writers Association • Finish the Damn Book • Lansing Poetry Club • Writing at the Ledges • Local Writerly Events and Conferences • Write on the Red Cedar • A Rally of Writers • Fiction 440, Lansing • Lansing State Journal “Lansing Story Tellers” • RCHA, WKAR “Pop-Up Stories”

Luckily, the NaNoWriMo concept is brilliantly built to help writers. It keeps you on track and awards points for accomplishing certain tasks.

Each profile page has a word log and a graph, so you know exactly where you are at daily.

It offers tons of online support like Twitter

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GET CONNECTED

There are some great groups in the Lansing region if you are looking for support, resources or writing buddies. Google them for more info:

There’s no one right way to prepare for NaNoWriMo. Some writers do lots of preplanning - outlines, research, plot sketches.

Others jump right in with nothing more than an idea and a dream. My prep was largely mental.

I had a character in my head and I knew what I wanted her to do, but mostly, I was determined to finish it; plus, I told everyone on Facebook, so I had no choice.

‘Tis almost the season...

Are you ready??

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

November 2016

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DÉCOR DIVA: MY PERFECTLY IMPERFECT HOME

BY MELISSA DOWRICK | PHOTO BY ERIKA HODGES

Fall table-scape

How to decorate your table for fall gatherings It’s that time of year, pull out the stretchy pants in preparation of the bottomless parties and meals!

Fall is the kickoff of holidays, football and lots and lots of food. This year you’re bound to be hosting one of these gatherings, so why not put a little special touch on the table décor.

Here are some ideas how: • Changers • Table runners • Napkins • Plates • Name tags

There are many different ways to spice up your designs by implementing the decorative elements of the season into your home and on your table.

Festive centerpieces can consist of things like pumpkins, leaves, garland runners and other seasonal décor such as squash, gourds or Indian corn. The table

• • • •

and centerpiece are the focal points, but try sprinkling the seasonal décor around the room to make it festive.

Candles Napkin rings Serve ware Centerpieces

Have fun with the season, bring a little holiday spirit into your home and enjoy the festivities!

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

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November 2016

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Holiday party attire

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The season is changing and so is our wardrobe. Just because the neutrals are back in style doesn’t mean our clothing needs to suffer. Each season brings new and exciting things! This fall slip into the sheer, sparkly lace, velvet and suede. The holiday festivities are about to start so the ladies at Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine and Kellie’s Consignments have partnered up to bring you some new fall looks for your wardrobe.

(1) Shoes by DKNY, $16; (2) Black envelope handbag, $29; (3) Necklace & earring set, $14; (4) Black long sleeve shirt, $9; (5) Spiked necklace & earring set, $14; (6) Clutch

by Michael Kors, $59; (7) Purse by Alfani, $8; (8) Black strapless dress, $12; (9) Gold glitter heel, $18;(10) Stone necklace & earring set, $22.99; (11) Glass decanter, $19; (12) Set of two wine glasses, $8; (13) Black bangles, $3; (14) Belt, $7; (15) Sequin dress, $22; (16) Heels by Steve Madden, $16; (17) Color block skirt, $18

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All available at Kellie’s Consignments.

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November 2016

BUSINESSCOACH

HOLIDAYS ALL AROUND US

BY SUSAN COMBS November brings the start of the holiday season for us in the U.S. We eagerly anticipate turkey, family and football for Thanksgiving. December brings us office holiday parties, family gatherings, Christmas and Hanukkah. As more and more of our organizations become wonderfully diverse with leaders and coworkers from around the world, it behooves us to pay a bit of attention to the holidays celebrated by other nationalities and cultures, especially our neighbors to the north and south, Canada and Mexico.

Our neighbor to the north also celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday, but in October. The Canadian Thanksgiving is the second Monday in October.

Like the U.S., they celebrate with turkey, family and football. Did you know the first Thanksgiving celebrated in North America was in Canada, arrived in Newfoundland in 1578.

Canada also has a July holiday - July 1 which is Canada Day. This holiday celebrates Canada becoming a self-governing dominion of Great Britain (July 1, 1867). Store windows are decked out in white and red with the Canadian maple leaf flag proudly displayed.

We both share the same Labor Day holiday in September, but of course, they spell it Labour.

Their unofficial kick-off to the summer season starts with Victoria Day, which is usually the

to Your Next Holiday Gathering!

Monday before our Memorial Day. This day honors the birthday of Queen Victoria and the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth. They celebrate with parades and fireworks.

Our neighbor to the south celebrates several different holidays. For Americans, Cinco de Mayo is probably the most well-known Mexican holiday. May 5 commemorates the defeat of the French army in the Battle of Puebla. This is not to be confused with the country’s Independence Day, which is Sept. 16. As in the U.S. and Canada, Mexican’s Independence Day includes shows of patriotism with the green, white and red colors of Mexico’s flag proudly displayed. Their Independence Day celebrates the country’s freedom from Spanish rule.

Mexico also celebrates a Labor Day, but it is celebrated on May 1. One of Mexico’s most celebrated days is Dec. 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe Day, a religious holiday. Other holidays include Constitution Day, the first Monday in February; and Benito Juarez Day, the third Monday in March. Benito Juarez is a national hero, known for making reforms to create a democratic federal republic.

If you saw last year’s James Bond movie, Spectre, you were treated to a scene in Mexico City during the holiday, Day of the Dead, also known as All Souls’ Day or All Saints’ Day. This is a holiday to remember deceased relatives and friends. All

Saints’ Day, November 1, and Day of the Dead, Nov. 2, are bigger than Halloween in Mexico.

These are by no means an exclusive list of the national holidays celebrated by our neighbors. In my work, managing corporate mentorship programs with Mentor Roadmap™ materials, I collaborate with Toronto-based author and coach, Jennifer Britton. When we schedule our working calls over Skype, I have to mindful of the Canadian holidays, such the ones I’ve listed here, as well as others celebrated in the province of Ontario.

My brother works in sales in the plastics industry, he does quite a bit of work in Mexico, so he naturally must pay attention to the Mexican holidays. As more and more of us work across our borders, take time to learn a little about our neighbors’ holidays and cultures. Ask coworkers from those countries how they celebrate the holidays. And to everyone in our Lansing community, have a delicious and happy Thanksgiving!

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

Susan provides one-on-one coaching, team-building training, and manages corporate mentor programs. She lives in Lansing with her 12-year-old son, Max, and their golden retriever puppy.

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FEATURE

BY KRISTINE RICHMOND

OLIVET COLLEGE TO OFFER STUDENTS NEW OPPORTUNITIES Imagine receiving the opportunity to obtain a college degree in three and a half years, from a program that has a 99.9 percent job match guarantee — all while also receiving free course credits. Olivet College, a leader in insurance education throughout the state of Michigan, is making this a reality. With the insurance industry in need of replenishment in leadership roles, the college is partnering with local school districts and insurance companies throughout the state to educate the next generation of leaders.

“There is an increased need for employees due to the reduction of current leadership in the field. This presents a great opportunity for Olivet College to take what we are good at and make it more accessible to our local community,” said Maria Davis, Ph.D., provost and dean of Olivet College.

Olivet College’s insurance curriculum, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, is well-known and highly respected across the state. The new opportunities presented by the college for high school students will not only strengthen their school as an education destination, but provide an unappalled opportunity for students in the years to come, with a new ability to accelerate program completion.

“This is an amazing opportunity for students,” said Davis. “We’re extremely fortunate to offer credits to students looking to make an impact in the field and create careers around insurance. It gives students a leg up on the competition in terms of both education and finances. We’re hopeful that this program will open the doors for more students in the years to come” Olivet College’s recently formed partnership with the Lansing School District (LSD) will offer a new program for high school students this fall called the Insurance Academy where they can earn nine free Olivet college credits “Our students deserve to have multiple options for career choices and it’s the mission of the LSD to help them get ‘opportunity ready,’” said Yvonne Caamal Canul, superintendent of the LSD. “A program such as this one, will not only provide students real-life experiences from which they can learn, but will also build a life-long commitment to being a successful member of our community by joining a growing industry.”

two days per week at AF Group learning about the insurance field while gaining hands-on experience.

Students will also be able to attend seminars and engage in campus life at Olivet College.

“We look at this program as a chance to educate students and plant the seeds early about the opportunities available to them. We are very involved in the community and are excited to provide students an opportunity to further their education,” said Lynette Long, manager of Talent Management and Learning for AF Group.

The future is bright for students looking to join an ever expanding field of opportunities.

For more information about Olivet College’s Risk Management and Insurance program, visit olivetcollege.edu/academic-dept/riskmanagement-insurance.

Kristine Richmond is the Public Relations Specialist at M3 Group. She specializes in helping clients tell their stories of changed lives, fiscal success, philanthropic support and more by creating engaging messages that grab customers’ attention and cause them to act.

Students enrolled in the Insurance Academy will spend three days per week in the classroom and

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November 2016

Pumpkin HEALTH BENEFITS OF

BY LEANNAH SEESE

With fall in full swing, pumpkins, gourds and squashes are everywhere, from decorations to pumpkin spice lattes. It is time to harvest these from the garden, and the biggest and best pumpkins get plucked for jack-o-lanterns. While the sugary pumpkin-flavored drinks are tasty, they aren’t the healthiest; however, pumpkins (and squash), are quite nutritious, have significant health benefits, and can be prepared in endless ways that are delicious.

WHAT’S IN PUMPKIN?

One cup of raw pumpkin has only 30 calories and .1 g of fat, and it has 198 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A as well as other necessary vitamins such as potassium (11 percent), vitamin C (17 percent) and small amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamin B-6—so, save the guts of the jack-o-lanterns to use in recipes! Canned pumpkin (but not pumpkin pie filling) is sufficient to use if raw pumpkin isn’t of interest. Look for canned pumpkin without any added sugar, salt or preservatives. Depending on how pumpkin is used and prepared, the nutritional information may change slightly.

Pumpkin seeds are also a great option for a healthy snack. One cup of unsalted, roasted pumpkin seeds contains 285 calories, 12 g of fat, 12 g of dietary fiber (that’s 49 percent of the recommended daily value!), 44 percent of the daily value of zinc, 42 percent of the daily value of magnesium, and 75 percent of the daily value of tryptophan. Tryptophan is a necessary is a precursor to neurotransmitters, serotonin and melatonin.

THE BENEFITS

The above nutritional information translates into a few significant health benefits: • • • •

Boost vision, thanks to the high dose of vitamin A Lower blood pressure with the phytoestrogens found in pumpkin seeds.

Sleep better and stay happier from the tryptophan found in seeds.

Stay full and protect your heart with high-fiber levels.

SATISFYING A PUMPKIN PALATE

To roast pumpkin seeds at home, take pumpkin seeds, leaving some of the membrane on the seeds for flavor, and coat with grapeseed or sesame seed oil. Place them on cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt. For a sweeter option, use coconut oil and sprinkle all or a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice on the seeds. Bake at 350 F for roughly 30 minutes or until they begin to brown; let cool, and enjoy! Squash seeds work, as well.

Instead of a sought-after pumpkin spiced latté in the morning, incorporate pumpkin into a healthier breakfast option: pumpkin pancakes or waffles!

Simply add puréed pumpkin to the batter along with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Make sure when using canned pumpkin that it isn’t pumpkin pie filling. For every two cups of batter, add 1/3 - 1/2 of a cup of pumpkin, and about 1/4 teaspoon of each of the four spices, less or more to taste.

Soups are a great way add a variety of nutrients from different vegetables to a diet, many of which come from the garden. Try the Pumpkin Vegetable Soup recipe (on the next page) that uses pumpkin as the base, and exchange vegetables to your liking!

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FEATURE

ELE’S PLACE CELEBRATES

25 YEARS

Upton, Bo's wife, Hallie and Beckley Stover spoke on behalf of the organization, what it did for them and how it’s impacted their lives. in Jackson and an Ele’s Place Lansing Community Board Chair. The Lansing Director of Programming, Patricia Gundrum, thanked many of the volunteers and staff including Kelly Koerner, associate program director at the Lansing location, in recognition of her outstanding work for the organization.

“In our support groups, we went around the circle and talked about our loved one or family member that died,” Hallie Stover said, speaking of her experience at Ele’s Place. “I said that my sister had died and her name was Ele. I remember afterward, another child coming up to me and asking, ‘is your Ele, the Ele?’ I told him yes and he just gave me a big hug.”

In 1991, Ele’s Place was established and named in honor of Ele Stover, who died in 1989 at the age of 11 months. Since its inception, Ele’s Place has dedicated itself to helping children and their families heal by embracing the grieving process after the death of a loved one.

“She’s kind, compassionate and the backbone of this organization,” said Gundrum.

Each of the Stover siblings took a turn talking about their experience with their sister’s death and the impact Ele’s place has made on their lives. Each sibling agreed that it brings them great joy to know that their sister’s legacy can live on to help other grieving children in need.

On Thursday Sept. 29, Ele’s Place celebrated its 25th anniversary by hosting its fall reception at Ele’s Place, located at 1145 W. Oakland Ave. in Lansing. Hor d’oeuvres, music, a silent auction and mingling welcomed guests and friends of the nonprofit.

“I’m forever grateful to our staff for the work they do and buying into what we do here,” said Powers.

“It’s a team effort.”

BY MEGAN MARTIN Coping with the death of a loved one is a hard thing to deal with at any age, but for children, a circumstance like the death of a sibling, parent or loved one can present a completely different set of emotional challenges.

The speaking program was emceed by Mick Story, vice president of corporate development

Kate Powers, managing director of Ele’s Place Lansing, also acknowledged the staff of the organization.

The presence of the guests of honor — the Stover family — made the night particularly special. Ele’s siblings, Beckley, Hallie, Upton and Bo’s wife, spoke on behalf of the organization, what it did for them and how it’s impacted their lives.

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

Ele’s Place now has four locations; Lansing, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Flint and has provided support for more than 25,000 grieving individuals.

For more information, visit elesplace.org.

November 2016

Megan Martin is the Editor of Capital Area Women’s Lifestyle Magazine and Greater Lansing Business Monthly. She is a foodie who loves art, tea, the great outdoors and spending time with her family, her Fiancé and her miniature dachshund, Oakley.

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BOOK VS. MOVIE: “THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN”

BOOKANDMOVIEREVIEW

A movie & book for the thrill seeker Every time a best-selling book turns into a major motion picture, it’s hard not to compare the two. “The Girl on the Train” is a story that has gripped audiences of both literary and film fanatics, but did the movie live up to the book, or did the book outshine its film counterpart? Our reviewers have given you their opinion below, but we want to know yours. Visit cawlm.com to cast your vote as we try to determine which was really better!

D

eception. Abuse. Revenge. Murder. All the classic topics one might expect to find in your prototypical thriller. These phrases all ring true in the disturbing book to screen adaption of The Girl on the Train. While its trailers might lead viewers to believe the film is poised to be a carbon copy of the acclaimed, 2014 David Fincher film, Gone Girl; that might not necessarily be true.

Just outside of New York City, we’re introduced to our lead, Rachel, portrayed

by Emily Blunt. Rachel is a daily commuter of New York’s metro system and often finds herself gazing out of her car in a haze of depression, at a specific set of houses. Rachel is a disparaged woman, an alcoholic and suffers from manic depression. Consumed by her failed marriage and the weight of her internal battle with alcoholism, her life is a pane of gray and it seems all of the lives around her are vivid perfections.

Blunt’s representation of this distressed women is very convincing and often times unsettling. As a viewer she consistently has you teetering on a sense of concern and sympathy. Even when uneasey, you can tell the troubled woman is not to blame for the direction her life has taken. As the story progresses we learn there’s more to her tale than what's on the surface. This role seemingly came naturally to Blunt, who is known for her ability to take on gritty roles in the genres of action and drama. Nonetheless, her portrayal of the haunted, struggling young woman was impressive.

During the daily commute, Rachel finds herself obsessed with the wife of one of the nearby homes.

Every day, in a drunken haze, she finds herself living vicariously through the young women, Megan – portrayed by rising starlet Haley Bennett - and her seemingly perfect marriage with her husband, Scott. Rachel feels she knows the intricate details of her life through a crafted fiction. Obsession leads our troubled lead to become invested in the couple

T

here are some books that grab a hold of you as you read them, introducing you to a wild ride full of twists and turns. Paula Hawkins’ new thriller, The Girl on the Train, falls into this category, telling a knotted tale full of secrets that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Told from the perspective of three different characters, The Girl on the Train unfolds one layer at a time until you’re thoroughly hooked. The three perspectives are from; Rachel, an alcoholic divorcé who rides the same train day in and day out; Anna, Rachel’s husband’s ex-mistress, now wife, who is desperate to keep her family together and far away from Rachel; and Meg, Anna’s new neighbor, who outwardly seems to have it all but is secretly hiding a dark past and living a lie.

For the past several months, Rachel has watched Meg and Anna in their respective houses from her seat on the train every single day like clockwork, noting their every move and imagining herself in her old life. One day, she sees Meg doing something completely out of the ordinary, and it rattles her. The next morning, Rachel wakes up after a long night of drinking,

emotionally and eventually, literally, as she finds herself engulfed in the investigation of Megan’s disappearance.

While the murder and its motives may seem clear from the get go, you may find yourself surprised at the way this story is told. Director Tate Taylor cleverly uses flashbacks consistently as a vehicle to show Rachel’s perspective on past events that lead to the downfall of her marriage, but we come to learn that her memories aren’t necessarily factual. Rachel’s struggle with alcoholism leaves her vulnerable and in turn, her recollection is dissipated by her inability to clearly recall the facts, even her whereabouts on the night of Megan’s disappearance.

This lack of firm knowledge takes viewers on a path of unknowing as we venture on with Rachel to unravel the facts surrounding the murder - even questioning if she’s to blame.

The film climax is met with a sense of symbolism, as the truth is uncorked. While the film may have some issues with pacing, it maintains a plotline that is gratifying in the end. If you’re are a fan of mysteries and the thrill that comes with chasing a murder tale, then look no further, you’ve got yourself a mainstay of the genre’s modern undertakings.

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

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

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hung over, injured and full of regret. She can’t remember what happened, but knows that something did happen … something bad. A few hours later, she finds out that Meg has gone missing.

Once she learns about the woman’s disappearance, Rachel feels certain she had something to do with it. Did she see something that could help that day? Is she remembering things correctly, or is she wrong? Or, worse, is she somehow responsible? Likened to Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train will have you on the edge of your seat, desperately trying to puzzle out what will happen before you reach the end of the novel.

Before The Girl on the Train, Hawkins worked as a journalist for fifteen years. She currently lives in London. For more information about her work, visit paulahawkinsbooks.com.

Kalynne McIntyre loves action movies, puppies and all things Italian.

November 2016

CAWLM.COM

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“I wouldn’t let cancer win.

I had more to live for.”

Tim Brannan celebrates two birthdays - the day he was born and the day he received his final chemotherapy treatment at the Sparrow Cancer Center.

On Aug 31, Brannan of DeWitt celebrated the sixth anniversary of his final chemo session. He’s convinced that the care he received at Sparrow is a large part of why he can look forward to turning 50 on Feb. 24. His non-Hodgkin lymphoma, discovered in 2010, is in remission “Thanks largely to Sparrow, I got a second chance at life,” Brannan said.

In recent years he has devoted much of his life to giving others second chances.

Brannan and his wife, Michele, adopted two hard-to-place African-American teenage boys. They also have two biological daughters, who, Brannan said, deserve some of the credit for the family’s decision to adopt the boys: “They gave up a piece of their mom and dad so that we could do this.”

Speaking of second chances, Brannan, who is a professor of education technology at Central Michigan University, founded a charter school in north Lansing - Blended Learning Academies, a secondary high school for at-risk youth. He was inspired, in part, by his adopted son’s experience in conventional public schools.

“We had just adopted a bouncing baby 14-year-old from Flint, and when Josh hit the DeWitt School System it was like hitting a brick wall, and so I recognized the fact that kids don’t all learn the same and we had to provide a different opportunity.”

The school opened in fall 2014, with an enrollment of 52. In 2015 there were 67 students, and that number is now in the mid-80s. The school recently held its first graduation. Fifteen students at Blended Learning Academies completed all requirements needed to earn high school diplomas.

“I almost feel like a proud dad handing out diplomas and giving these young people a new lease on life,” Brannan said. “They’ve earned the right to go on in life with a second chance, and to make a life for themselves.”

As for Brannan’s personal battle for a second chance … that began one May day in 2010 when he noticed a lump in his groin. The next day he went to see his primary-care physician, who sent him to get an ultrasound. During the procedure he was trading jokes with the nurse.

“All of a sudden.” Brannan recalled, “she gets deathly serious on me and I’m like, ‘Oh boy, that’s not so good.’ It was like the air got let out of the room and she said, ‘Excuse me, I’ll be right back.’ A couple minutes later she came back in and said they were going to send me to Sparrow Hospital at St. Lawrence for a CAT Scan immediately.”

During treatment for Stage 3 lymphoma, Tim Brannan was inspired to start a charter school for at-risk youth. Today, Tim and the school are thriving.

See Tim’s story. Sparrow.org/Cancer 18

Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

November 2016

The diagnosis was Stage 3 lymphoma.

“It had spread everywhere in my body except for my bone marrow at that point,” Brannan said.

The next day Brannan met with the oncology team at the Sparrow Cancer Center. More tests were ordered and by the following week, as the results of the diagnostic tests were still coming in, Brannan’s chemotherapy treatments already had begun.

The Sparrow staff, Brannan said, was kind, compassionate and highly competent.

“Sparrow had an individual plan for me,” he recalled. “Everything was laid out in a full-care plan, including treating side effects like nausea and various sores and discomforts.

Brannan added: “Every oncologist that I met at Sparrow, though they came from different medical backgrounds, all shared a common interest in Tim Brannan beating cancer as an individual. … I don’t know why anybody would want to go anywhere else.”

Choose Wisely. Choose Sparrow.

Decorative

DIYQUICKCRAFT

BY AMI ICEMAN-HAUETER

kitchen towels When the holiday season rolls around I never know what to bring as a host gift to all the different shindigs that undoubtedly pop up. I don’t like to show up emptyhanded but I never know the right balance between too much and too little. Well this year, I finally found the perfect gift that any host can use – kitchen towels!

Think about it, whether they’re on display or used for practical tasks like cleaning, no one (in my opinion), can ever have enough kitchen towels, especially with so much cooking taking place this season. So I set out to jazz up some classic, affordable kitchen towels that would make my other treats feel a little more special.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Kitchen towels (minimal texture is preferred); I got a deal on a pair of nice towels and if you keep your eyes peeled you can even find six-packs for a steal!

• Fabric paint (colors of choice) • Paint brushes and cleaning supplies (i.e. water, paper towel, etc.)

• Stencils (optional but recommended for lettering) • Cute sayings (optional): I found a few cute and generic holiday greetings on Pinterest that were seasonally specific

STEP 1

Determine how much space you’ll need for your saying or design and fold the kitchen towel accordingly, leaving only the width you need exposed for your design. If the towel is thin be sure to put a piece of paper towel behind the design space so that the paint doesn’t seep through.

STEP 2

Layout your design to ensure the spacing will work and mark placements as needed with a pen.

STEP 3

Paint! Have fun and watch your design come to life. Think about mixing colors on your brush for a faded or tie-dye effect or fill in stencil breaks if you’re looking for a more modern look.

Tip: If you are working with stencils, make sure to wipe the back of them before using them again to eliminate any extra paint that could transfer.

STEP 4 Let dry.

STEP 5

Photo by Erika Hodges The best part about this project is that anyone can do it and it can be customized throughout the year for any occasion. If you’re headed to a wedding next summer wrap a customized initial towel around some kitchen utensils, or capture your kiddo’s handprint on a towel for grandma’s birthday, so she can always have her little helpers in the kitchen with her. The sky is the limit, so get in there and get messy – you’ll always have a cute towel to clean it up!

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

Make someone’s day! Wrap the finished product around a bottle of wine with a ribbon before your next party, or treat the towel as a bag and fill with wrapped chocolates and tie at the top for a sweet and useful gift.

Triumph over cancer.

See Tim’s story.

Sparrow.org/Cancer

Choose Wisely. Choose Sparrow.

November 2016

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Money FINANCIALFACTS

BY DEIDRE DAVIS

CLEVER WAYS TO SAVE

Saving money can be difficult, especially if you have many expenses. Devoting a portion of each paycheck to a savings account isn’t always possible, or you may not always be able to deposit as much as you would like. To help, let’s talk about ways you can reduce your spending to save money.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Do you have a lot of subscriptions or memberships you don’t really use? Cutting down on these services can mean huge savings. It’s easy to forget how much you’re spending on that TV package, gym membership, skin care line, or dating app because it comes straight out of your account and often automatically renews. Try: • Sharing with a friend or family member. Is there a subscription service you are both paying for when you could split the cost? Make sure to check the terms and conditions of your service first; some do not allow sharing.

• Evaluating any subscriptions you have that send you products each month. You might get a similar array of products free when you buy items you already like. Check out the deals going on when you purchase your favorite products, and you might be surprised to find you’ll get more at no additional cost!

SHOP BY THE PRICE, NOT BY THE DEAL

Stores advertise deals such as: “buy 2 for $10” or “3 for $13.” These deals might be great deals, or they might be deals that cause you to spend more than you want or need.

Try only buying sale items you need. Buying three discounted bottles of shampoo may sound like a great deal, but do you really need three bottles? The more you buy, the more it will clutter your home and possibly go unused, wasting money. Plus, you may find a better sale later.

Have you or your family been impacted by sexual trauma?

We are here to help.

Offering free, high quality mental health therapy, trauma sensitive yoga, and a caretaker support group for children and families living in the tri-county area.

517-242-5467 | 1146 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48910 www.thefirecrackerfoundation.org

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

November 2016

EATING AT RESTAURANTS

Going to dinner is fun, but how much are you spending on food and drinks? If you go out to eat three times each week, you could be spending up to $10 in soft drinks. By ordering water instead, you’ll save up to $40 per month! Over one year, that could be $480 in a savings account for emergencies, a down payment for a car, or a professional wardrobe for that new job.

Appetizers also could cost you a lot in the long run.

Ordering a $7 appetizer twice per week will add up to $56 per month or $728 per year. If you order that $7 appetizer only once a month instead, you’ll be able to save over $600 in one year!

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.

Turkey pot pie

assisted

Living with Heart

FROM THE KITCHEN OF CATHY BLATNIK

INGREDIENTS PASTRY: • • • •

2 cups white flour 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup and 2 tablespoons shortening 5 tablespoons cold water

FILLING: • • • • • • • • • •

1/3 cup unsalted butter 1/3 cup white flour 1/3 cup chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon thyme 14 ounce can chicken broth 2/3 cup milk 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped 16 ounce package peas and carrots, frozen

Thank you for voting Grandhaven Living Center "Best Assisted Living in Lansing and Grand Ledge".

We are grateful to share life's journey with your community.

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees • In medium bowl, put in the flour and salt. With two knives, “cut” in the shortening until it resembles small peas • Add the water and mix with a large spoon until a dough begins to form.

Divide the dough in half • On a lightly floured board, roll each half into a 9.5-inch circle. Put half into a 9-inch ungreased pie pan and set the other half aside while you prepare the filling • In a large stockpot, put the butter, flour, onion, salt, pepper and thyme.

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with large spoon, until mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the broth and milk • Heat mixture to boiling, stirring constantly and then boil and stir for one minute. Remove from heat and add the chopped turkey and the frozen peas and carrots. Mix well and then pour into the pie pan • Place the reserved pastry on top and tuck the edges in.

Cut a slit in the top to allow the steam to escape while it’s baking • Cook uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is just beginning to brown. Let cool about 5-10 minutes before serving

enjoy!

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!

3145 West Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing Phone: 517.485.5966 grandhavenlivingcenter.com

Assisted Living | Moments Memory Care | Respite Care

A Leisure Living Managed Community www.leisure-living.com

November 2016

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A

family-owned business can be tricky to uphold. Having generations of family members with the same — or even similar — career interests is hard to come by, but for the Medawar family, jewelry seems to run in their blood, considering their now booming jewelry business dates back to 1920. It takes a strong woman to own her own business — that’s no secret — and Catrine Medawar, owner and president of Medawar Jewelers, is no exception.

Medawar attributes much of her success to her family, faith and upbringing. Growing up in Lebanon, her father was a minister and her mother an executive secretary.

“I don’t remember a time when we didn’t have company,” said Medawar. “My parents taught me about hospitality and love.”

After starting an Arabic church in Lebanon, her family relocated in the mid-70’s to the South Bay area of California, due to the Lebanese Civil War. Here she finished high school and attended California State University Dominguez Hills, attaining her bachelor’s degree in psychology.

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

She was just about to attain her master’s degree when her friend, Pierre Medawar, convinced her to move to Lansing, Mich. to attend Michigan State University (MSU).

“He was a friend of mine at the time, and I had told him that I wanted to pursue my PhD. but couldn’t find a school that I liked. He was telling me about MSU and I said to myself, ‘sure I’ll try it.’”

After moving to the Lansing area in 1985, she never ended up finishing her masters or pursuing her PhD. as planned, but instead, began working with Pierre at his jewelry store, where her passion and interest in jewelry blossomed. After marrying into the Medawar family and working at the stores for a number of years, her interest in jewelry became a passion.

She took classes from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), conducted research and traveled the world to look at designs and trends so that she could better implement them into her stores.

“I have been all over the world,” Medawar said.

“Vietnam, Paris, Italy … I wanted to learn as much as I could about jewelry so that I could bring the best of the best to my stores.”

November 2016

Although all six of her jewelry business locations are thriving, what Medawar is most proud of, is her work at women’s prisons in Lebanon, where she brings supplies and services to women who are in need or are stuck in an unfortunate situation.

“I go there once or twice a year and bring them items they need. These women are treated wrongly, most of them aren’t deserving of being in a prison. So many of them need prescriptions and other necessities that they can’t get – it’s a third world country,” she explained.

Her involvement in the women’s prisons started 15 years ago, when her father began a relationship between his church and the women’s prisons.

Medawar said that a few times, she and her sister have traveled to Lebanon to help the women, literally risking their lives to get them the supplies they need.

“We’ve been shot at before,” she said. “It’s a big part of my life, helping people. It’s one of my passions.”

Aside from helping people; friends, family and “future friends,” as she refers to strangers, Medawar enjoys traveling and scuba diving in her spare time.

e n i r t Ca

r a w a d e M SPARKLING PERSONALITY, SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNER & COMPASSIONATE PHILANTHROPIST

BY MEGAN MARTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS AMOS | HAIR & MAKEUP BY JESSICA LEWIS OF HEAT BLOW DRY & BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

“I love to travel and see new cultures and sights,” she said. “Although, one of my biggest fears is the water. In 2011, I decided I needed to face that fear and I went scuba diving in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana). It is such a beautiful experience, I have literally cried underwater before.

You feel so small.”

While the Medawar’s divorced in 2012, she said that she and her e x-husband of 27 years still maintain a positive relationship.

“We continue to be best friends and business partners,” she said, noting that Medawar Jewelers is still very much a family affair, with the Medawar’s two adult children, Jon-Pierre and Christina coowning the family’s six locations.

“Jon-Pierre is a master jeweler,” she explained. “He has been a jeweler since he was four years old, he would sit on his father’s lap and learn, he has always wanted to do this.” Medawar noted that she and Jon-Pierre recently partnered together to get their newest location in Brighton up and running.

“He and I work so well together,” she said.

“It’s very awesome that I am able to run a business with my children.”

Christina Medawar, her daughter, coowns the stores as well, mainly working at the Jackson and Portage locations.

“Christina received a degree from MSU in public relations,” Medawar said. “She loves

people and is extremely creative. She is involved in community events and charities all around Michigan, all this aside from running her store in Jackson.”

While Medawar is extremely knowledgeable in jewelry and jewelry making due to her own research and pursuit of higher education in the industry, she said that her formal training in psychology is something she uses every day.

“People come into the store and I talk with them, hear their stories, sometimes I pray with them,” said Medawar. “But that’s what I love about the service industry, I love to help people and develop relationships with them.”

Working in the jewelry industry for 31 years, Medawar said that she has now had the pleasure of working with multiple generations of customers, particularly for engagement rings and jewelry of that sort.

“It’s awesome to see the second generations of customers coming in, the fact that I know their parents and families is a great experience.”

November 2016

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LOCALWOMEN

Sonia Buonodono Co-founder and co-owner of Eaglemonk Pub & Brewery

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH COOL BREWS

BY SARAH SPOHN

Owning and managing a microbrewery wasn’t always the plan for Sonia Buonodono. With years of business industry experience between her and her homebrewer husband Dan, combined with a love for beer, the idea became pretty clear. The Lansing area teacher began drafting up plans for Eaglemonk Pub & Brewery about 10 years ago.

“We built our house together,” Buonodono said. “So we thought we could build a business together.”

The two began going to conferences and trainings on how to start a microbrewery, and later looked for property. It was during the 2010 Olympics that the pub’s namesake came to light: Eaglemonk. The eagle represents a symbol of America, and monks traditionally make good beer at monasteries. Since opening in August of 2012, Buonodono admits she’s learned plenty of lessons over the years, both in and out of the business world.

The business has experienced a slow and steady growth, including the impressive 1,458 mugs hanging from the microbrewery’s rafters as part of the mug club. The lifelong membership is full of 24

Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

regular customers. All the mugs are made by three different local potters, something that’s important to Buonodono - keeping things local. Everything from the grains and hops used to make the beer on-site, to the fallen tree from the neighborhood that has been repurposed to be the bar top are local.

The arts are proudly represented and supported at Eaglemonk too, with weekly music nights, monthly art receptions and book club meetings. On the first Sunday of each month, there is an artist reception, featuring a different Michigan artist. While she’s busy managing the front of the house most nights, checking emails, booking bands to play and helping curate art for displays, Sonia also enjoys life behind the camera lens, as a professional photographer.

“Someday I might have a month on display,” she laughed.

Her favorite part of being the co-founder and co-owner of Eaglemonk Pub & Brewery are the customers.

“We wanted to create a very comfortable, inviting space,” said Buonodono. “We know a lot of our

November 2016

customers by name, and our customers get to know our employees.”

Camaraderie and a sense of community comes along with the cozy atmosphere of the bar.

“It’s really fun when regulars tell the new customers how the pub works,” she said. “It kind of feels like we have everyone over to our house every day.”

Being a part of the growing Lansing brewing and beer scene makes Buonodono proud to be the area’s first microbrewery. Contrary to popular belief, she says they don’t feel in competition, but rather, enjoy visiting other area breweries, bars, and pubs.

Continuing to support locally made products, businesses and venues is important to her.

“We don’t consider ourselves competition as much as we do (consider ourselves) partners,” she said.

After all, it’s a love for bringing people together over beer that has made Eaglemonk what it is today, so you can bet its love and hoppyness that continues to grow.

Why

BIKRAM yoga?

UNPARALLELED HEALING BENEFITS FOR ALL AGES, SIZES, AND ABILITIES

www.bikramyogacapitalarea.com Renee Knake, 42, East Lansing, MI, and Houston, TX Law Professor - Practicing regularly since 2013

“

Bikram Yoga has made the transitions of my personal and professional life much easier and more pleasant. It has nearly eliminated my chronic back pain of 15 years. And it has trimmed a minute off of my mile in my half-marathons. I do not know of any other way you can spend 90 minutes and get all of these benefits. The time is there if you make it.

”

GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH • Only 5 Spaces Available for CAWLM Readers

FREE MONTH

Get a of yoga lessons for you AND a friend, when you attend an intake consultation/private lesson by December 15.

Only $99 for one intake lesson (for one or

two NEW students), plus one month* of unlimited therapeutic yoga classes for both of you.

Email ann@bikramyogacapitalarea.com by 11/30 to book. *30 consecutive days starting the day after the intake lesson.

1355 e. grand river ave.

(M.A Medical Anthropology, M.A. Asian Studies) is trained in the lineage of Bishnu Ghosh and Bikram Choudhury, has been teaching in the lineage for 12 years, and has over 4000 hours of experience with all ages and levels of ability. Bikram Yoga Capital Area is an independent yoga school, 100% locally owned, and not part of a franchise or chain. Come experience highly personalized hatha yoga in an authentic, undiluted therapeutic lineage; get ready for dramatic healing and major changes in your physical and mental state!!

November 2016 CAWLM.COM

25

LOCALWOMEN

Jessie Stipcak Owner of Reno’s Sports Bar & Grill

FROM SERVER TO OWNER

BY ADAM LANSDELL | PHOTO BY MARK WARNER

For many young people, the service industry is a great first job. The restaurant industry provides a training ground for learning the basic skills of communication, collaboration and punctuality that is essential in almost all jobs. When Jessie Stipcak joined Reno’s Sports Bar and Grill as a part-time waitress in 1996, she never expected to find her lifelong passion.

At the time, Stipcak was a Michigan State University student, pursuing her degree in mathematics and accounting, but after a few short months she quickly realized her true calling was the service industry. After only a year of employment, Stipcak found herself as the general manager of Reno’s East, prompting her to switch her major to hospitality business.

“I realized that I really needed to be in an industry that I love,” said Stipcak. “I enjoyed getting to know the customers and helping people have a good time.”

Her loyalty was rewarded with shares of the company and when her mentor, owner Steve Fata,

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

was ready to retire he offered her the opportunity to buy the business. In 2003, Stipcak became the new owner. Her ambitious nature led her to take on ownership of the other Reno’s locations as well.

As Reno’s locations continue to expand and grow with their patrons, Stipcak is conscious not only of her role as an owner, but also of her impact on developing employees.

As a new owner, Stipcak quickly found herself making big changes to the locations in an effort to satisfy the desires of her customers and separate Reno’s locations from competing restaurants and bars.

“My mentor Steve Fata was the key to my development. He really helped me learn everything [there was] to know about the business. Learning from his successes and his mistakes gave me an advantage,” said Stipcak. “Steve was always very open and willing to let me try out promotions and experiment with the things I was learning in class.

I’m still learning and I want to give my staff the opportunity to learn with me, just like Steve did for me. It makes running the business more enjoyable.”

Stipcak’s progression with the company not only led her towards inheriting ownership opportunities, she also opened the Reno’s North location in the fall of 2015 to help expand her brand and build relationships with the community of Delta Township.

She was quickly embraced by the surrounding communities of Dewitt and St. Johns.

“My initial vision, moving forward, was to develop more entertainment options such as new outdoor patios and weekly activities. Atmosphere is important and people want open air in the summers,” she said.

November 2016

Her past experiences and ability to keep an open mind are what allows Stipcak to remain empathetic.

Understanding and sympathizing with employees is something you won’t find in most bosses. Her perspective on the industry is seemingly complete and yet, ever expanding, just like her businesses.

To snore

snore

Two-thirds of American adults say they live with someone who does it. It can be loud, unpleasant and bothersome to those around you. What is it you ask? Snoring.

Snoring occurs when the upper airway relaxes during sleep and vibration occurs creating a soft to loud noise.

OR NOT TO

asleep, maintaining sleep and hyperactivity. If a child has enlarged tonsils or adenoids, they could be the cause of snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea and may need to be removed to correct the problem. Children with behavioral problems are often misdiagnosed as Attention Deficit Disorder and should see a sleep specialist to aid in proper diagnosing.

Is snoring hazardous to your health?

What do I do if I snore?

Snoring can reduce the quality of sleep for bed partners and the snorer. Being awoken by elbows to the rib, shaking and yelling during the night by your partner is not conducive for quality sleep. Primary snoring can be influenced by large tongue or tonsils, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking and medications. For some people, it is just snoring, but for others it may be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Talk to your doctor if you experience snoring or symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Your doctor can refer you to Comprehensive Sleep Center for a consultation with Dr. Oktai Mamedov to determine if you need further evaluation.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a disorder that increases the risk of high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, depression and even sudden death. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common sleep disorder affecting nearly 20 million Americans today and that number is growing.

A sleep specialist is educated and well versed in sleep medicine. Dr. Mamedov treats over 70 sleep disorders and has been practicing in the Lansing area for more than five years. After receiving his residency in Internal Medicine in 2010 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore, affiliated with Johns Hopkins, he completed a Fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Dr. Mamedov is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and Internal Medicine and is proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of sleep disorders in adults and children. Dr. Mamedov is the Medical Director of Comprehensive Sleep Center in East Lansing, Mich. and is a member of the AASM. He speaks English, Azeri, Turkish and Russian.

How to differentiate between primary snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is often equated as a natural part of aging. It can increase over time with age and weight gain; men are more likely to snore than women. It is frequently overlooked and may be detrimental to your relationship. Forty-one percent of women say they are tired because their husband snores. In some cases, partners must resort to sleep in separate bedrooms.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea sufferers experience frequent snoring, pauses in breathing while sleeping, restless sleep, morning headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness. This can lead to other health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack. As with snoring, bed partners routinely arouse the bed partner so breathing will commence during apnea occurrences.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring in children may also cause difficulty in concentration, mood changes, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling

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

What's a sleep specialist & why is it important to see one?

Why should I choose Comprehensive Sleep Center?

Comprehensive Sleep Center consists of a dedicated Board Certified Sleep Doctor, Registered Polysomnographic Sleep Technologists, Certified Medical Assistant and an experienced Billing Department. You can rest assured knowing our highly trained staff is there for you every step of the way.

The state of the art and newly renovated sleep lab includes six hotel style rooms for overnight testing and two exam rooms. Home sleep testing is also available for qualifying patients. Mask fittings, CPAP education and follow up after treatment are available to patients who need a little more assistance with therapy.

DR. OKTAI CAWLM.COM MAMEDOV, MD November 2016

27

TRICOUNTYEVENTS

EVENTS NOVEMBER 3-10

East Lansing Film Festival, East Lansing Celebrating its 19th year, this world-class film festival showcases independent features, documentaries and shorts as well as offering tributes, seminars, premieres and parties.

The films and seminars will be at various locations around East Lansing. Visit elff.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 4

The Shopping Lunch, Okemos Kellie’s Consignment invites you to shop, network and take your lunch to go. A free salad shaker and salad bar are open to the first 50 ladies through the door from 12-1:30 p.m. Kellie’s Consignments is located at 5000 Marsh Rd, Okemos.

NOVEMBER 5

McLaren Annual Gala, Lansing McLaren Greater Lansing Healthcare Foundation’s Annual Gala celebrates philanthropy and the

community’s support for greater care. Mingle with fellow supporters and Legacy Award honorees over cocktails. Enjoy an elegant dinner and dance to the beat of live music. Try your luck at blackjack, roulette, Texas Hold’em and craps for a chance to win prizes. Funds will help the Emergency Department and Oncology Services. To register or view sponsorship opportunities visit mclaren.org.

outcomes. The workshop provides resources for helping the family cope with divorce, managing the legalities of divorce and understanding the financial considerations of divorce. The workshop is held at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center the second Saturday of every month.

Register and find more information online at secondsaturdaylansing.com.

NOVEMBER 5 & 6

NOVEMBER 12

Singers on the Grand, Grand Ledge The Singers on the Grand launch their 19th year. Music performed will include selections from Oliver! and Little Shop of Horrors along with Gershwin favorites and many more.

Performances are at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Grand Ledge Opera House at 121 S. Bridge Street, Grand Ledge, Mich. 48837.

NOVEMBER 12

Votes for Women!, Lansing The fight for the right to vote has been a long battle for women, especially in Michigan.

Join the Michigan Historical Center to learn about the road to women’s suffrage. Visitors will create a special “Votes for Women” sash to take home. Activities and admission are free on Family Saturdays. For more information visit michiganwomen.org.

NOVEMBER 13

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop, East Lansing The Second Saturday Lansing divorce workshop works to provide you with the tools, resources and information needed during this difficult time. A team of specialized expert advisors have helped numerous families in the Greater Lansing area navigate the divorce process with positive

In Her Cups Bras for a Cause Art Auction, Lansing The in Her Cups for a Cause Art Auction is an event to help support and empower women who have been affected by cancer, domestic violence and other traumatic events. Artists, community members, organizations, companies and individuals submit bra artwork to be auctioned off at the event.

The ladies of the Mitten Mavens roller Derby

BE

Act. Donate. Get Involved. komenmichigan.org

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

November 2016

TRICOUNTYEVENTS team and cancer survivors will be modeling the bra creations for the live auction. All proceeds raised go to programs and services at the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, specifically the Cancer CARES program. All art entries should be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 9. Tickets are $25 for one ticket and $40 for two tickets. Tickets can be purchased by visiting womenscenterofgreaterlansing.org or by calling the Women’s Center at (517) 372-9163.

NOVEMBER 13

MSU Global Festival, East Lansing The MSU Union invites you to view their showcase of cultures and diversity of the MSU community.

Exhibits, demonstrations and live performances bring to life cultures from the 130 countries represented at MSU. Families can participate in children’s games and hands-on activities.

The world gift shop offers unique items for sale from around the world, with all proceeds benefiting a special scholarship fund for the spouses of international students. Admission to this festival is free and you can find more information by contacting Joy Walter at (517) 353-1720.

NOVEMBER 14

Fall into Cooking, Williamston Stop by for an hour of cooking basics, food safety reviews, quick cooking tips and time saving dinner ideas. The class is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Williamston library. A light snack will be provided. Visit cadl.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 18

Silver Bells in the City, Lansing Enjoy the 32nd annual Silver Bells in the City. Joshua Davis will be the parade grand marshal. Davis, a Michigan native, was a finalist on Season 8 of NBC’s “The Voice”. Light up your night at the 19th Annual Electric Light Parade. Where over 70 floats all gloriously lit with thousands of lights will be presented. Silver Bells also brings local High School marching bands, horse drawn carriage rides, the arrival of Santa and more. Stop by The Silver Bells Village and start your holiday shopping, get refreshments and purchase your 2016 Silver Bells commemorative ornament. Silver Bells is a Lansing tradition you can’t miss out on. Visit silverbellsinthecity.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 19

Silver Bells 5k, Lansing Join downtown Lansing for the 6th annual Silver Bells 5k run/walk.

Participants are encouraged to wear their most quirky holiday costume to win prizes. Costume categories are: Christmas traditional, loudest bells or bling, ugliest sweater, Christmas movie and most original or homemade.

The top three in each age group will be awarded a medal. The race will be timed and the top three finishers in each age group will also be awarded a medal. Register by Nov. 15 and receive a long sleeve tee. The race begins at the Capitol Grounds at 9 a.m. Visit downtownlansing.org for more information and registration details.

NOVEMBER 19

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Party, Dansville Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Dansville library as they create a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Fun activities and delicious food will be presented all around one of our most beloved Thanksgiving stories. Visit cadl.org for more information.

November 2016

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TRICOUNTYEVENTS NOVEMBER 19

Impression 5 Science Series: Paper Circuits, Lansing The Downtown Lansing Capital Area District Library is inviting staff from Impression 5 Science center to teach children ages 8-12 about the science of circuits. Use copper tape, batteries and LEDs to make a greeting card, then make it light up. Children ages 6-7 may attend with an adult helper. This class is limited to the first 25 to arrive. Find more information at cadl.org.

NOVEMBER 20

!

If you are looking for experts in hair loss, look no further.

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We are certified Trichologists, hair and scalp specialists who diagnose the causes of hair fall, hair breakage, hair thinning, miniaturization of hairs, and diseases of the scalp.

Breakfast with Santa, Lansing Kids of all ages can enjoy a hot pancake breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Clause at Troppo. Get into the Christmas spirit by spending the morning decorating cookies, writing letters to Santa and enjoying holiday arts and crafts. Tickets are available at Troppo and are $10 each, children under 2 receive free admission. Breakfast with Santa begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. For reservations call Troppo at (517) 371-4000.

NOVEMBER 24

Lansing Turkey Trot, Lansing Gobble as you run with the Lansing Turkey Trot.

This scenic Thanksgiving-themed run goes through Downtown Lansing passing the state Capital and Christmas tree. Visit runmichigan.com for registration details.

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Innovation. Continued education. Cutting edge.

We are your solution for hair loss.

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ARTS NOVEMBER 3-6 & 10-13

Disgraced, Lansing Amir Kapoor is a successful Pakistani-American lawyer who is rapidly moving up the corporate ladder while distancing himself from his cultural roots. Emily, his wife, is white; she’s an artist, and her work is influenced by Islamic imagery. When the couple hosts a dinner party, tensions mount as the conversation touches upon Islamic and Judaic tradition, the Quran and the Talmud, racial profiling and Sept. 11 and the Taliban. Tickets can be bought at pepperminkcreek.org.

NOVEMBER 8 - DECMEBER 21

Holiday Exhibition, Lansing Stop by the Lansing Art Gallery to view an annual holiday exhibition featuring the artwork of over 100 Michigan Artists. Stop by lansingartgallery.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 9-27

Located within:

Image Day Spa 1020 East Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI (517) 484-5062 www.anotherlookonline.com 30

Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

November 2016

Wicked, East Lansing Take a look at the Land of Oz long before Dorothy ever dropped in. Wicked tells the story of two unlikely friends Elphaba, the witch of the West and Glinda the good witch. The two rival between opposing personalities, viewpoints, love interests and reactions to the Wizard’s corrupt government. Known for its thrilling scores including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good.” Wicked has been praised by The New York Times as “the defining musical of the decade.” Visit whartoncenter.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the award winning musical.

NOVEMBER 27-29 & DECEMBER 4-6

A Christmas Carol, Lansing Enjoy a new adaptation of the classic Christmas Story by Charles Dickens.

Music and humor are added to the story of the ever famous Ebenezer Scrooge,

TRICOUNTYEVENTS Tiny Tim and the Spirits of Christmas. Audiences are invited to come early to celebrate at Fezziwig’s holiday party to meet the characters before the performance. You can purchase tickets and find more information at riverwalktheatre.com.

FUNDRAISERS NOVEMBER 6

Spartans Fighting Cancer 5k Come run on the beautiful Michigan State University campus to support Spartans Fighting Cancer. T-shirts will be provided and medals will be awarded for the top three runners in each 10 year age bracket. Race is timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. For any questions please contact Karol Chubb at (517) 664-1314 or at karol.chubb@cancer.org. You can find registration information at runmichigan.com.

NOVEMBER 11

Veterans Day Run to Remember, East Lansing Celebrate and honor a Veteran you know and Veterans everywhere by running in this fun 5k.

The race starts near “the rock” in East Lansing at 542 Auditorium Road. The race kicks off at 6 p.m. and is sponsored by the Michigan State University Veteran Association. Find more information at eventful.com.

Independence Village of East Lansing Discover personal freedom, spacious apartments and peace of mind thanks to convenient safety features. Independence Village of East Lansing,

CLINICS

offering exceptional Independent Living services.

Long Term Care Planning, East Lansing Many elders fear the prospect that their savings could be consumed by the cost of providing care for themselves or their spouses, if they become afflicted with dementia or another chronic condition that is not covered

by Medicare or private insurance. This program will show you the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and what can be done to protect your assets should the need for nursing home care arise.

Audience members will be armed with the truth about long term care costs and options so that they can avoid falling prey to the many scams that target elders who fear the costs of long term care. You can register for this class by visiting msufcu.org.

world-class services and myriad recreational and

NOVEMBER 15

NOVEMBER 16

Tai Chi Class for Cancer Survivors, Lansing This class is designed to increase strength, flexibility, range of motion and balance. Participants will also learn to reduce stress and anxiety. Tai Chi is taught by a certified teacher and can also be done from the seated position.

The class is every Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. and is free for cancer survivors and those who support them. Class takes place at the McLaren Greater Lansing Education Building in room B. For more information contact Michele Loree at (517) 975-7814.

NOVEMBER 22

Creative Writing Class, East Lansing Join former MSU evening college instructor Ray Thibeault for this 10-week class exploring the basic skills of fiction writing. Topics will include dialogue, characterization, setting, theme, description, syntax and pacing. Students will discuss short stories, handouts and writing exercises, as well as prepare a piece of their own writing for class feedback.

This class is limited to 12 participants and is $75 for members and $80 for non-members. For more information and registration details visit cityofeastlansing.com, or call (517) 337-1113.

From thoughtfully designed floor plans to social opportunities, residents may just find that we have thought of everything. Our onsite activities director always has something interesting planned for our residents such as religious services, arts and crafts sessions and more. If an emergency should arise, residents and friends and family will enjoy peace of mind knowing that a hospital and medical facilities are just moments away.

Call or visit us online for more information.

An Independent Living Community

INDEPENDENCE VILLAGE OF EAST LANSING

2530 Marfitt Road East Lansing, MI 48823 tel 517-337-0066 | fax 517-337-9627

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BWL CHILI COOK-OFF On Friday, Oct. 7 the Lansing Board of Water and Light hosted its 21st Annual Chili Cook-Off at Adado Riverfront Park. The event ran from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and it’s this year’s theme was football. Dozens of vendors dished out a variety of chili recipes from mild to spicy, including local restaurants, non-profits, businesses and organizations. The event included live music by local musicians and bands, a merchandise tent and a chili-dog eating contest.

PHOTOS BY MANNY GARCIA

BWL Chili Cook-off

Cole Beahlen, Mohamed Ahmed, Erica Gonzales, Tanisha Robertson & Nick Berry

124 W. Allegan St., Ste. 700, Lansing, Michigan 48933

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

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November 2016

Stephanie Milosavlevski CFP®, CDFATM, Financial Advisor

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

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Anisa Nieto & Greg Bowe Jr.

Debbie Demeyers, Jamie Leija, Tiffany DeMyers, Ernestine Hernadez & Amy Kremkow

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MYCOMMUNITY

CONNECTIONS AND COFFEE On Oct. 4, Greater Lansing Business Monthly hosted its networking event, Connections and Coffee at the University Club of Michigan State University 8 – 9 a.m. Professionals from across the greater Lansing area met for a light breakfast and networking. Alicia Brink from Komen Michigan was the featured speaker of the morning. Connections and Coffee happens once per quarter, visit lansingbusinessnews. com for information about the next event.

PHOTOS BY ERIKA HODGES

Maggie Quinn & Ali Blondelo

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

Tom Parks & Clark Burkle

Kristin Margelot & Amanda Washburn

Greta McHaney-Trice & Isha Bhatt

Ariniko O’Meara, Kristin Creighton & Adam Purdue

November 2016

MYCOMMUNITY

CREATIVE PLACE MAKERS SUMMIT On Oct. 6, the 2nd Annual Creative Placemaking Summit was hosted at the Arts Council of Greater Lansing. National and statewide placemaking researchers presented cutting-edge work that can advance placemaking in the capital region. The Creative Placemaking Summit is a great way to build knowledge and networks, share your knowledge, build a more diverse base of connections or enhance your skill set.

PHOTOS BY RYAN LOGAN

Laurie Hollinger & Guillermo Delgado

Virg Bernero, Mayor

Mary Thiefels

Jamie Bennett, Art Place America, CEO

Dr. Katherine Loflin

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LEADERS AT EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS

BY LOAN NGUYEN, COMPUTER SYSTEM VALIDATION SPECIALIST AT EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS Loan Nguyen is a computer system validation specialist with Emergent BioSolutions, where the only FDA-licensed vaccine for anthrax disease, BioThrax®, is manufactured. At Emergent, she works with Information Technology compliance matters and ensures Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act compliance.

the Information Technology Department as a LIMS Analyst and moved to Computer Validation.

Nguyen said―second only to the people she works with― that her favorite thing about Emergent is the abundant opportunity to grow your skills and develop as an employee that ultimately helps employees accomplish their goals.

Though it wasn’t always a perfect transition, Nguyen appreciates the skills she’s established through her work with various departments and projects.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Nguyen began her career with Emergent eight and a half years ago in the Environmental Monitoring Group, where she worked Loan Nguyen, Computer System Validation in the microbiology “Always be confident in Specialist at Emergent BioSolutions lab. Because her group your abilities. You’re in was a heavy user of the Laboratory Information your position for a reason, and it’s an opportunity Management System (LIMS), she was asked to join to learn and bring you closer to your team. Two

things that can really propel your career are a willingness to learn and a willingness to work hard,” said Nguyen when asked about her advice to incoming employees or those transitioning into a new position.

Outside of work, Nguyen is an avid traveler. Her favorite place, and recent destination, is the Swiss Alps. She also enjoys cooking in her spare time.

Emergent BioSolutions is a global specialty biopharmaceutical company seeking to protect and enhance life by offering specialized products to healthcare providers and governments to address medical needs and emerging health threats. Nguyen began her career in the microbiology lab, but soon found herself navigating the world of information technology.

November 2016

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MYCOMMUNITY

LOCAL FOOD FAIR AT ALLEN MARKETPLACE The third annual Lansing Maker Week was the first week of October. Part of this year’s Maker Week was a local food fair that took place at Allen Market Place on Oct. 5. While this farmers market occurs weekly at the corner of Allen Street and E. Kalamazoo St., this Maker Week edition of the food fair included extra vendors and cooking demonstrations for free, with fun activities for people of all ages.

PHOTOS BY ERIKA HODGES Anna Stouffer-Hopkins & Ryan Versterate

Kathaleen Parker, Owner of Soulful Earth Herbals

Katy Joe & Althea

Apryl Costerisan

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

November 2016

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MYCOMMUNITY

ZONTA CLUB SILENT AUCTION The Zonta Club East Lansing Area hosted a Silent Auction held at the Old Town Marquee to benefit local charities that support the advancement of women and girls in the Greater Lansing area. For the 5th year, Lansing Area Zonta Clubs have donated mastectomy comfort pillows to Sparrow Hospital Cancer Center.

Participating in the donation were the Zonta East Lansing, Michigan Capitol Area and Lansing Clubs.

PHOTOS BY AUSTIN ASHLEY

Zonta Club Silent Auction

Ashley Barbeau, Kristin Creighton, Bhanu Sisodia & Caitlyn Kuskowski

Robbi Jameson & Greg Brown

Brenda Sternquist & Zey Ustunol

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Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

November 2016

MYCOMMUNITY

PINK DESSERT WARS On Oct. 11, local restaurants and caterers faced off to compete for prizes and awards at the 3rd annual Pink Dessert Wars, located at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Lansing. A panel of expert judges were present to give out the judge’s award, but there was also a people’s choice award given as well! Congrats to the all the participants, but especially to Glazed and Confused, taking first place in all categories!

PHOTOS BY ERIKA HODGES

Pink Dessert Wars was sponsored by Pioneer Sugar

Taleah Ivory, Kassi Skibinski & Jon Gjidoda

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Kaitlin Windsor, Claire Van Raaphorrst & Alicia Brink

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November 2016

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PROFESSIONAL GUIDE

ASHLEIGH MILLER

DR. OKTAI MAMEDOV, MD

Ashleigh Miller oversees the Credit Union’s E-Services and Specialty and Support Services departments, which focus on serving members through electronic communication, and providing member and employee support for a variety of specialty accounts, respectively. She is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction for both departments, to provide superior service by assisting members and offering financial education.

MSUFCU has an asset size of over $3.25 billion, 220,000 members worldwide, and more than 720 employees in the Greater Lansing and Detroit areas. The Credit Union has also been recognized for a number of awards for innovative employee solutions and programs.

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

ZOE DEOL, MD, FACS

(517) 755-6888 3515 Coolidge Road, Ste A East Lansing, MI 48823

CRYSTAL COON

Dr. Deol is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine; and she now serves as an assistant clinical professor in their department of surgery. She has been in surgical practice in Metro-Detroit for 15 years; but has limited her specialty to endovenous surgery over the past 4 years. She recently opened an office for Center for Vein Restoration in Lansing, and looks forward to caring for the community where she earned her medical degree. She is focused on academic excellence in healthcare, yet treats her patients with the care and love she would give her own family.

Crystal Coon is from Owosso, Michigan. After attending University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Coon worked as a Memory Care Manager at Sunrise Senior Living with the intent to attend a physicians’ assistant program after graduation.

After obtaining a bachelors of science in brain, behavior and cognitive science, she pursued a career in the adult inpatient psych unit. Quickly missing the elderly population, Coon returned to Brookdale Senior Living as the Memory Care Program Manager and realized she craved more responsibility. Coon has been at Grandhaven Living Center since May 2016 as the Associate Director of Resident Care.

(855) 565-8346 5123 W St Joe Hwy #201 Lansing, MI 48917

(517) 485-5966 3145 W. Mt. Hope Ave. Lansing, MI 48823

ABBY BROWN, N.P., C.N.M. Abby Brown received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hope College and went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing with majors in Nurse-Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner from Vanderbilt School of Nursing. She worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner as well as a Registered Nurse before joining the Alliance Team in 2013. Brown is excited to care for her OB patients in a new way as she begins her role as Healthcare Facilitator in Alliance’s CenteringPregnancy program. Brown works at both Alliance locations and is currently accepting new patients.

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

South Campus 1100 South Cedar St. Mason, MI 48854

ANN CHRAPKIEWICZ Ann Chrapkiewicz is sought out by yoga practitioners across the U.S. for her consultation, therapeutic instruction and mindfulness coaching. With more than four thousand hours of teaching and practice, as well as a graduate-level academic background in health and healing practices, Chrapkiewicz brings a well-rounded approach to her yoga school. She is the single mother of a ten year old and she has used her yoga practice to help heal from an eating disorder, broken bones and PTSD from domestic violence.

(517) 862-8926 1355 E. Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823 40

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

Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle

November 2016

CASSY PUSKALA As a 10-year breast cancer survivor, Cassy Puskala understands the delicate journey that survivors have to take.

It has become her mission to make sure that journey is one of ease, comfort and hope. Puskala is currently working for Another Look Hair Institute and Front Room Underfashions.

Together, the local businesses have been invited to have space at the new Sparrow Cancer Center opening next summer. Puskala will oversee the operations at the cancer center location. She is also working on her yoga teacher certification and teaches a class of fellow breast cancer survivors at the Westside YMCA. Puskala is a great addition to Another Look Hair Institute.

(517) 484-5062 | cassy@anotherlookonline.com 1020 East Saginaw St. Lansing, Michigan. 48906

BILL MCLEOD Bill McLeod has joined CASE Credit Union as their newest Mortgage Manager. Beginning his journey in the mortgage industry 19 years ago, McLeod has developed a wide range of skills and expertise. Prior to joining CASE Credit Union’s management team, McLeod held the Mortgage Manager Position at MSUFCU.

(517) 393-7471 | www.casecu.org 7527 Delta Commerce Dr. Lansing, MI 48917

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The Willows at Okemos 517-349-3600 4830 Central Park Drive Okemos, MI 48864 willowsatokemos.com

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