June/July 2022 Issue of 517 Magazine

SHUFFLING THE DECK DOWNTOWN

Development at former market hopes to play a role in the city’s ongoing shift

BEING FAIR AND BALANCED IN AN INFLUENCER WORLD On the Record with television journalist Ann Emmerich B U S I N E S S

A N D

L I F E

IT TAKES

A VILLAGE

TO START A PARTY

GLOBAL VILLAGE MARKS 30 YEARS OF GETTING GREATER LANSING ON THE DANCE FLOOR

PLUS

June/July 2022

NOTABLE NEWS, Good Reads and more

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publisher’s note

517mag.com

Y

Lansing’s Entertainment Heart Beats Strong

ou must admit, there’s so much summertime competition in Michigan that it’s hard to get a little attention.

Don’t get me wrong, I love this state. It has anything and everything anyone could ask for, but without all cringey, hey-look-at-me, egocentric exhibitionism you get with a New York, California or (ugh) Florida.

Instead, we have a more laidback and subtle Midwest sensibility. We already know what we have to offer. It’s up to everyone else to find it out for themselves.

However, when it comes to getting a little summer love from our fellow Michiganders, I can’t help but feel that Greater Lansing gets a bit of the short shrift. If people aren’t talking about the haps in the state’s largest metropolitan areas like Detroit or Grand Rapids, then they’re waxing poetic about getting out to Michigan’s east or west coast, or — perhaps above all —making plans for a summer escape to that region whose boundaries are always a source of great debate, “Up North.”

In that respect, it can seem like Greater Lansing is the girl at the ball whose dance card goes unfilled, which I know isn’t true because we have an exceptional convention and visitor’s bureau with a passionate staff that goes above and beyond in promoting our endless list of amenities. I guess I just want everyone to know what we have — and perhaps that stems from the immense pride I feel from living here.

For the rest of my fellow Lansingites, we already know what a gem is all around us. From recreation and nightlife to tastes from around the globe and cultural showcases, Greater Lansing has it covered when it comes to keeping us informed, entertained and interested. The influencer’s who help spread that word help to enlighten us.

As we step into summer, we’re looking at the region’s entertainers and influencers in this special June-July issue of 517 Magazine. Inside you’ll find all the insider information you need on the people setting the pace and events taking place to help you explore and rediscover what this area has to offer in the coming months. Consider it a locals guide for the locals by the locals.

And don’t feel the need to keep any of that information to yourself. Spread the word.

517 Business and Life, Volume 4, Issue 5, June/July 2022.

Publisher Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz

517 Business and Life (USPS#020-807) is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan.

Managing Editor Mary Gajda mary@m3group.biz

Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $22 per year for postage and handling or $38 for two years. Call (517) 203-3333 or visit 517mag.com to subscribe.

Postmaster: Send address changes to 517 Business and Life, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Copyright @2022. 517 Business and Life. All rights reserved.

Editorial office: 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933.

517mag.com

Tiffany Dowling Publisher

Creative Director Chad Hussle chad@m3group.biz Lead Editor Christopher Nagy Contributors Rich Adams Teece Aronin Kyle Dowling Mary Gajda Rich Keener Christine MacIntyre Metro Melik Christopher Nagy Tedi Parsons Omar Sofradzija Graphic Designers Kathryn Aspin Audrey Spring Client Strategists Megan Fleming megan@m3group.biz Melissa DeMott melissa@m3group.biz Photographers Mary Gajda Kathryn Aspin Kyle Dowling Metro Melik Audrey Spring M3 Group 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933 P (517) 203-3333 Subscription subscribe@517mag.com

we want to hear from you!

Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Please send to: 517 Magazine, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, or email info@517mag.com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

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This poses a new and substantial financial threat to drivers because in addition to being potentially liable for a significant award for pain and suffering compensation, drivers could now be financially liable for millions of dollars in medical costs over the lifetime of the person or persons injured in the car crash the driver caused.

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Remember, some areas are not covered by typical umbrella policies. It’s important to chat with your insurance agent or trusted financial advisor when considering if umbrella coverage is right for you, your family, or your business.

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contents

June July

2022

15

45

Shuffling the Deck Downtown

It Takes a Village ... to Start a Party

Development at former market hopes to play a role in the city’s ongoing shift

Global Village marks 30 years of getting Lansing on the dance floor

517 5

contents

business

lifestyle

11

AREA SNAPSHOT

36

PLACES

19

TRENDS

38

GOOD READS

20

NOTABLE NEWS

24

STATE/NATIONAL

39

RECIPE

30

ON THE RECORD

42

HOME HELPERS

31

PERSPECTIVES

44

POLL

32

BIZ TIPS

48

NONPROFIT

50

PLAY

A Snapshot of Local Business News Affecting the 517 Pod People Professional Highlights from the 517 Region A Brief Look at State and National News Affecting Our Region Being Fair and Balanced in an Influencer World Social Butterfly

The Art of Influencing Responsibly

DEPARTMENTS

2 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 52

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517

WRAP UP

Lights, Camera, Action!

Williamston’s Sun Theatre marks milestone anniversary Managing Your Personal Brand Three books to help take control of your image Vegetable Skewers with Halloumi Cheese Let There Be Light Tips for elevating your IG feed for businesses and beginner social media influencers Best of the 517 Influencers and entertainers All of the Above Hip Hop Academy Building community through musical culture Visit 517living.com for More Lansing-Area Activities

A NEW GENERATION OF EYDE

517-903-EYDE

300 S. Washington Square, Suite 400 | Lansing, MI 48933

EYDE.COM

“When we first started out we knew right away to partner with Dart Bank. They worked with us to build and grow our business. It’s incredible knowing Dart Bank believed in us from the beginning. They truly are a community-focused business.”

- Ernest Tisdale, Owner of The Hidden Gem

Learn how Dart Bank can help your business grow today!

• Business Checking • Loans

• Credit Cards

• Online Banking

517.676.3661 dart.bank/business-banking

• Employee Benefits

• Treasury Management

business

AREA SNAPSHOT p.11 TRENDS p.19 NOTABLE NEWS p.20 STATE/NATIONAL p.24 ON THE RECORD p.30 PERSPECTIVES p.31 BIZ TIPS p.32

SUMMER IN THE CITY If someone says there is nothing to do in the 517 in the summer, they haven’t checked out their own backyard. Summer in Greater Lansing is filled with festivals and fairs, as well as plenty of other entertainment. Lansing 5:01’s Dam Jam Music Festival, coming July 14-16 at the Brenke Fish Ladder in Old Town; the 29th annual Car Capital Auto Show held by the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum on July 30; the annual Island Art Fair in Grand Ledge; and the DeWitt Ox Roast and Arts Feast are just a few of the many, many events that hit our streets.

From downtown Lansing to Williamston, Mason, Eaton Rapids, Charlotte and everywhere in between, these events bring people out year after year to celebrate summer in the city. It’s good for business and it’s good for your wellbeing. So, get out and be a tourist in your own town all summer long. Look for more events on page 50.

517 9

JOIN THE TEAM! VISIT OUR CAREERS PAGE TO SEE IF THIS SEAT BELONGS TO YOU.

WWW.M3GRO UP. BIZ/CARE E R S

Choose your type For RVs, consider how often you want to camp, and if you have children or pets to bring along. This will help you determine the most appropriate RV floorplan, and what amenities you will want to have.

HIT THE ROAD, OR WATER, THIS SUMMER: Tips For Buying an RV or Boat

If you’re buying a boat, consider how and where you will use it. Do you want to go fishing, water skiing, or just float around on the water?

Or maybe you want to do all three.

Used or new?

Budget

The main benefits of buying a new RV or boat include being the first to use it and choosing the exact features you want. While buying new can be more costly, new vehicles generally come with extra perks such as manufacturer’s warranties and extra features.

First, figure out what you can afford. Keep in mind that once you purchase an RV or boat, you will likely have additional expenses including fuel, maintenance, registration and insurance, and end-of-season storage.

With a pre-owned RV or boat, you may pay a lower purchase price and there may be less depreciation

By Deidre Davis, MSU Federal Credit Union’s Chief Marketing Officer Summer is the time for outdoor adventures such as road trips, camping, or going out on your favorite lake. If you’re in the market for an RV or boat, here are some tips to help ensure a smooth buying process.

compared with buying new – similar to buying a used car.

Additionally, depending on the type of boat or RV, insurance may be less expensive.

MSUFCU offers MSUFCU offers low-rate loans with flexible terms. There is no application fee, no down payment required, and no prepayment penalty. Plus, the rate is the same, whether the RV or boat is new or used!

For more information, visit msufcu.org/RVloans or msufcu.org/boatloans.

DEIDRE DAVIS

Chief Marketing Officer MSU Federal Credit Union deidre.davis@msufcu.org | 517-333-2424 Headquarters: 3777 West Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

business / AREA SNAPSHOT

A snapshot of local business news affecting the 517 Pictured: An office mural representing Nevin Speedbrecker’s work. See his ArtPath exhibit at site No.4 on the trail.

TWO BUSINESS PLAN EXPANSIONS IN REGION

ARTPATH PAINTS THE WAY THROUGH LANSING RIVER TRAIL

BY TEECE ARONIN

BY RICH KEENER

Tailgaters Dunkin’ and Nothing Bundt Cakes are expanding to new locations in Greater Lansing.

Tailgaters Dunkin’ opens its new store in Holt this fall at the corner of Holt and College roads. It is owned by Steve Tomkovich and his family: wife Ashley, father-in-law Chris Haddad, brotherin-law Jeffrey Haddad, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Danni and Brad Schertzing. Tailgaters is the convenience store portion of a Sunoco gas station with offerings that include bourbon, wine and craft beer. The attached Dunkin’ speaks for itself.

Tomkovich said they look forward to joining the Holt and Mason communities and that being even a small part of someone’s day feels great. Tailgate Dunkin’ prides itself on family and respect for employees.

“This has always been more than just a business to the family; it’s their way of life,” said Tomkovich.

Nothing Bundt Cakes has a June opening planned at 2090 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos. The partnership includes Kelly and Jerry Yurgo and Wendy and William Kinney. Also family-owned, the bakery makes everything on-site from scratch and offers a variety of Bundt cakes, including a gluten-free choice. The store will handle large business events, weddings and graduation parties.

“We specialize in B2B gifting, and delivery is available,” said Jerry Yurgo, adding that bringing joy to people tasting the cakes for the first time is rewarding.

“At Nothing Bundt Cakes, our goal is to bake a cake that not only reminds you of home but ... opens you to a new world,” he said.

Lifelong Lansing resident Nevin Speerbrecker has been creating art since he was 14.

Now with more than 30 years of experience, Speerbrecker is displaying his latest work — a mural called “Lansing the Hidden Garden” — near the Grand River Bridge in Old Town Lansing as part of ArtPath 2022. Speerbrecker hopes his piece helps residents appreciate the hidden beauty of the city.

“It’s a painting of a partly open gate and the wildlife beyond it,” Speerbrecker said. “And the effect is that you’re looking into one of the many beautiful hidden garden spaces in Lansing.”

ArtPath consists of sculptures and murals along nearly 3 miles of the Lansing River Trail on the east bank of the Grand River.

Surprise encounters of art and nature afforded by works such as Speerbrecker’s is what ArtPath is all about.

“There are parts of the River Trail that are stunningly beautiful,” said Katrina Daniels, exhibitions and gallery sales director at the Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center, which puts on ArtPath in partnership with the city of Lansing. “The places that we are reimagining are more underserved. The art just completely changes the way the space feels.”

Daniels said the artwork offers visitors the chance to see the community in a different way.

“That can be an impetus for wanting to do more,” she said.

ArtPath is in its fifth year. The exhibition is free and will run through Sept. 5. For more information about ArtPath, including an interactive map, visit lansingartgallery.org/artpath/.

517 11

business / AREA SNAPSHOT

MIDDLE VILLAGE MICRO MARKET GROWS ENTREPRENEURS

BY RICH ADAMS

DOWNTOWN SOCIAL DISTRICTS GET A REFILL

BY RICH ADAMS

Start small, think big. That’s the idea behind Middle Village Micro Market on South Washington Square in Lansing.

“Middle Village was conceived as an answer to the growing vacancy rate downtown and in response to Downtown Lansing Inc.’s strategic action plan and vision for supporting entrepreneurship and diversifying the business mix downtown,” said Downtown Lansing Inc. Executive Director Cathleen Edgerly.

The space is shared by participants to sell products, and merchants receive training from small-business experts from the Lansing area, Edgerly explained. The goal is to have Middle Village merchants move out of the market and into their own stores downtown.

One graduate is Nikki Thompson Frazier, owner of Sweet Encounter Bakery and Cafe as well as the Sweet Encounter Kids Culinary Academy operating from the Knapp’s Centre.

“I won the Lansing Built to Last competition and am operating for one year rent-free,” she said.

She said her business has increased to the point where it will support a permanent brick-and-mortar business plan.

Edgerly said Middle Village was established during the 2021 holiday season.

“The public was excited to have additional ‘shopportunities’ available downtown for their holiday shopping,” in addition to already-established downtown merchants, she said. A new cohort of merchants were welcomed to the market this spring to participate in the program for a year.

Edgerly said the vendors learn downtown culture and traffic patterns while operating between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Once they graduate, they are expected to maintain those hours. Other graduates of the micro-market are Capital Hippie and A Novel Concept.

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One of the adjustments the city of Lansing made during the COVID-19 pandemic was the establishment of social districts, special zones in the downtown area, Old Town and REO Town.

Patrons of bars — most of which were limited to indoor options — were allowed to carry their covered alcoholic drinks out of the establishment and enjoy them outdoors as long as they stayed within the designated boundaries of the districts. To the same end, East Lansing blocked Albert Avenue, allowing al fresco socialization.

Now it appears as if the social zone concept is here to stay.

Lansing’s resolution establishing the districts has been extended indefinitely, providing more options for downtown patrons and boosting business for bars and restaurants with social district permits.

Heath Santoriol, a supervisor at Midtown Brewing Co. in Lansing, said social zones had a positive impact on business during the pandemic. As the restrictions have eased, the zones have proved beneficial for the brewery, especially during events.

“In general, they were able to help out during the pandemic itself,” he said. “During events like Block-Aid in June, we tend to get a lot of people outdoors (in the social zones). It helps with social distancing and people are able to be more responsible.”

Albert EL Fresco is also making a repeat performance this summer in East Lansing, said city Community and Economic Development Administrator Adam Cummins.

“While out and about, we also encourage community members to support the many local businesses in downtown East Lansing and participate in our new Take-Out-Tuesdays program,” he added.

NEED TA L E N T M A N AG E M E N T STRATEGIES?

CONNECTING WITH BUSINESS. STRENGTHENING OUR WORKFORCE. camw.org

1-800-285-WORK

Capital Area Michigan Works! is a proud partner of the American Job Center network. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this piece will be made available in an alternative format upon request to Capital Area Michigan Works! Relay Center. Call 711 or 844-578-6563 (Voice and TDD). Funding for Capital Area Michigan Works! is received in part from the U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Michigan. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Center.

FEATURE

SHUFFLING THE

DECK DOWNTOWN

DEVELOPMENT AT FORMER MARKET HOPES TO PLAY A ROLE IN THE CITY’S ONGOING SHIFT

BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA 517 15

The

people behind the Lansing Shuffle Food Hall & Social Club aren’t trying to replace the shuttered Lansing City Market. Rather, they’re trying to evolve the site from being a place to shop into a platform to socialize, hang out and simply enjoy life.

“The community misses that original food market (that preceded the redeveloped market building Lansing Shuffle will occupy). There’s a huge disconnect. People still remember the old one, and they weighed the new one against that,” said Jonathan Hartzell, Lansing Shuffle’s managing partner, adding that his new development will offer “a completely different experience.”

Lansing Shuffle, which is expected to open to the public this fall in the old market site on Riverfront Drive along the Lansing River Trail at the Grand River, is a multifaceted food hall and entertainment center modeled after the Detroit Shipping Co. complex, whose developers are behind the project here.

“What we create is something that’s approachable from lunchtime to happy hour to late night. It’s approachable for families to couples to empty-nesters. There’s something

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to experience for everyone: The whole twist-and-turn of different food likes and tastes, different cocktails,” Hartzell said. “I think it’s unfair to compare us to the last iteration (of the market) just because there’s so much more investment in the area, and our experience is set up for entertainment as opposed to shopping.

“We’re hoping people look at this as a showcase of Lansing, and that it’s something to be proud of, so when they have friends come visit them, they’re going to say, ‘You’ve got to check out the shuffleboard club,’” he added.

The 14,000-square-foot space has room for seven restaurants, a large dining hall, two full-service bars, an ice-cream bar, a rentable private lounge, a covered riverfront patio, a performance stage and an outdoor shuffleboard pavilion. Eateries will include Browndog, featuring small-batch ice cream, burgers, fries and upgraded Americana dining; Osteria Vegana, which calls itself the world’s first vegan Italian restaurant; and Yeti Kitchen, a micro-kitchen concept offering traditional and hybrid versions of Nepali street food.

“We’re super community driven, super diverse and trying to be inclusive.

And it kind of fit what I think the city

was looking for: Come, showcase our community here and let everyone feel welcome,” Hartzell said. “Perfect. That’s what we love doing.”

More than just being a place to go, city leaders are hoping Lansing Shuffle will be a hub for connecting people to and from the riverfront, the rest of downtown Lansing and the Lansing River Trail, fueling activity and commerce along the way.

“We don’t really utilize our riverfront downtown,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. “We go to cities all over the country and people love the riverfront.

They love sitting and having a drink or some food on a porch by a riverfront. … We wanted to make the riverfront an exciting place where people wanted to come as a destination.”

Schor doesn’t see Lansing Shuffle as a final puzzle piece of downtown redevelopment. Far from it. Rather, he considers it a part of an ongoing shift.

FEATURE

“

WE COULD STILL USE A FEW LANSING LOCALS. WE’RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR ETHNIC-INTERESTING. … THAT GIVES A POINT OF INTEREST TO SHARE THE FLAVORS OF YOUR COMMUNITY,” HARTZELL SAID. “WE’RE GOOD WITH LOOKING FOR SOME STARTUPS FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF (RESTAURANT) SPOTS AND HOPING WE CAN FIND SOME DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH THAT CAN BRING AN INTERESTING CONCEPT.”

“Downtown is changing with the post-pandemic future of work, and we’re seeing some changes in our downtown,” Schor said. “We want to make sure that we keep our small businesses in business, but we are really seeing a lot of people want to live downtown.

“Regardless of people working at home or working at work, people want to live in a downtown setting where they can walk to things. When you have more people living there, you have more of an activation of the whole area,” Schor said.

“Lansing is becoming a destination place downtown. We also want to see it thrive during the day — and with additional housing options, it really could be a

whole new downtown in five years.”

Schor said the city will seek federal aid to help spark that office-to-housing shift.

“If we can convert office space into housing, then two, three, four years down the line we’re going to have a lot more people living downtown, and that will absolutely open more businesses; we’ll have businesses open later and open on the weekends,” he said. “It’s similar to what you saw in Grand Rapids.”

In the meantime, Hartzell is continuing his search for additions to Lansing Shuffle’s culinary lineup, creating opportunities for midMichigan entrepreneurs.

“We could still use a few Lansing locals. We’re always looking for ethnicinteresting. … That gives a point of interest to share the flavors of your community,” Hartzell said. “We’re good with looking for some startups for the last couple of (restaurant) spots and hoping we can find some diamonds in the rough that can bring an interesting concept.”

Ultimately, the success of Lansing Shuffle will depend on its ability to become a no-brainer landmark at which to meet and bring people.

“Hopefully, it gives a good central point of, ‘This is Lansing,’” said Hartzell. “That’s our hope.”

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A Common Goal FOR A COMMON GOOD Formerly known as Michigan Children’s Trust Fund, Children Trust Michigan is the only statewide organization solely focused on child abuse and neglect prevention. We provide education, guidance and resources, as well as raise critical funds for our network of partners in all 83 counties.

Every child in Michigan deserves a safe, healthy and happy childhood. Like you, we won’t give up on the mission to enrich the futures of children and families for generations to come.

Together, we can end a cycle of abuse and neglect.

It matters to us, and we believe it matters to all.

michigan.gov/childrentrustmichigan

business / TRENDS

POD PEOPLE THE ON-DEMAND POPULARITY OF PODCASTS

What you want, when you want it. The appeal of podcasts isn’t exactly need-to-know, top-level-clearance-only information on the level of the formula for Coca-Cola or KFC’s 11-herbs-and-spices recipe. In today’s on-thego world, podcasts offer personalized information and entertainment on demand and on your schedule. It’s no wonder so many businesses are turning to them to build brand awareness and gain a more intimate connection to customers. Podcast subjects run the gamut from consumer knowledge and sports to lifestyle and true crime. There’s something for everyone. Here’s a few popular podcasts from right here in Greater Lansing.

REAL TALK WITH TEDI & LISA Hosts Tedi Parsons and Lisa Allen-Kost come together to discuss anything and everything.

They celebrate the art of conversation by touching on everything from the day’s hottest topic and cooking to health and solving the Da Vinci Code. Real Talk with Tedi & Lisa podcast episodes are provided twice a month. Parsons is president and CEO of The Professionals Forum LLC. Allen-Kost has been director of commercial sales at Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood since 2018. tlrealtalk.com

MICHIGAN REIMAGINED Host Chris Buck interviews community leaders working to drive Michigan’s vibrancy and economic sustainability.

Buck spent most of his adult life climbing the corporate ladder, relocating around the country and traveling the world. He landed in mid-Michigan in 2008 after long stretches in Seattle and Philadelphia and has made it a mission to advocate for midMichigan vibrancy efforts and connecting with the community. His podcast is featured as the final segment on Business Rap every Thursday at 9 a.m. on the Spotlight Radio Network. spotlightmediastudios.com/ podcast/michigan-reimagined

THE GOOD GIRL PODCAST Billed as “a podcast of women’s confessions,” Cameo King’s The Good Girl Podcast is redefining what it means to be good through uncomfortable truths about ourselves.

King calls those truths confessions. Through those confessions, The Good Girl Podcast has become a space of unabashed conversation that addresses some of the deepest and raw thoughts of women. As the website states, “It’s unapologetic talk about who we are.” thegoodgirlpodcast.com

SO DEAD So Dead made its worldwide debut Jan. 8, 2019, when truecrime-obsessed friends Jenn Carpenter and Dani Fairman decided to share tales of true crime and the paranormal from their home state of Michigan. Together, they put out 45 episodes of Mitten madness in the first season, built a solid fanbase and hosted several sold-out live shows. Carpenter has continued the venture solo into a fourth season, giving guests a guided tour of the wild, unsavory and unexplained side of Michigan history. sodeadpodcast.com

LIFE STUDIES PODCAST In spring 2021, local lawyer and author Sally Babbitt teamed up with Deb Hart, a trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator and co-host of “Morning Blend” of WYSM Fox 47, to create the Life Studies Podcast. Guests have shared their personal stories on everything from becoming a film producer and teaching school in a remote Alaskan village to building a life after prison, traumatic brain injury, cancer, abuse and other hardships.

The podcast offers insights into how struggles were faced and what gains were made. thelifestudies.com

ADVENTURES IN BUSINESS Professional speaker, business consultant and certified trainer Lisa Fisher joins Amy Zander as they interview Lansingarea entrepreneurs, employers, managers, volunteers, students and more. The Adventures in Business podcast is dedicated to the voices of today’s entrepreneurs. Its description states, “Adventure is not just an action — it’s an attitude. We will broaden your horizons and understanding of what it is like to be a working person today, in this moment of time on this planet we call Earth.” The podcast gives guests a chance to share with the community who they are, what they do and why they do it. coachlisafisher.com/ adventures-in-business or zeediamedia.com

THE AM MAYHEM PODCAST WITH MOJO AND DAVE Twenty years ago, Mojo and Dave Wellfare had the No. 1 morning radio show in the Capital City. Now they are back together to bring listeners The AM Mayhem Podcast with Mojo and Dave. Since January 2021 they have been reconnecting with former fans as well as hosting local and regional guests through their new podcast. theammayhempodcastwithmojoanddave.buzzsprout.com

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business / NOTABLE NEWS ews our n COM y t i bm AG.

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@517

INFO

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 517 REGION LEPFA Makes Staff Changes With spring in full swing, the Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority announced staff promotions and additions as well as welcomed three new members to the board of commissioners.

The new leadership team includes Mindy Biladeau, vice president of sales and services; Michelle Green, vice president of

finance; Dan Ray, executive chef; Rebecca Chesnut, event logistics manager; and Karen Wilson, food service operations manager.

In addition to the leadership announcements, LEPFA named new staffers James Hall and James Granger as building engineers and Angela O’Neal as human resources/payroll coordinator. Matt Arens also made the move from part-time to full-

time facility worker.

Complementing the internal team are three new appointments to the LEPFA board of commissioners: Paul Collins, principal at Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone; Danielle Lenz, vice president at Edge Partnerships; and Maureen McNaulty Saxton, vice president at Van Dyke Horn Public Relations.

COVERAGE THAT FITS YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR BUDGET

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and an integrated treatment plan, designed specifically for each patient’s needs.

McLaren, MSU Partner on Inpatient Behavioral Health Care McLaren Greater Lansing and Michigan State University Health Care have partnered to provide more access to behavioral health care for seniors at the hospital’s inpatient geropsychiatry unit.

McLaren’s geropsychiatric evaluation and management services unit recently moved to the new health care campus. MSU Health Care provides psychiatric expertise and the latest in inpatient mental health treatment for seniors and works with the hospital’s internal medicine team to manage any medical concerns. The unit is also a training site for the next generation of physicians focused on

addressing the mental health crisis nationally.

“This partnership brings together our commitment to provide continuous improvement and quality care for older adults in our community,” said Kirk Ray, president and CEO of McLaren Greater Lansing.

The GEMS program provides mental health care for older adults over the age of 60 who may be suffering from conditions such as depression, prolonged grief over the loss of a loved one, confusion and dementia, memory problems, trouble with self-care, suicidal thoughts, and more. The program includes inpatient psychiatric and medical assessment plus neuropsychological testing

Peckham Celebrates 45 Years Peckham commemorated 45 years of its ongoing mission to provide opportunities for greater self-sufficiency and independence for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Peckham’s journey began in 1976 with just a few service contracts. Since then, Peckham has grown to 13 locations, operates five successful business lines across three states and is home to an award-winning workplace culture. Since opening, Peckham has served more than 125,000 individuals with disabilities and helped nearly 25,000 move into community employment.

“For the last 45 years, Peckham has been driving a mission of providing opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive, not only in work, but in their community and in their personal lives,” said Jo Sinha, Peckham president and CEO. “The rippling effects of this mission have extended well beyond our wildest

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business / NOTABLE NEWS imagination. Thousands of individuals have been able to reach their full potential, and it is because of the contributions of amazingly talented people with disabilities that have truly made Peckham the successful, longstanding organization it is today.”

“As a native of the Capital Region, I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead an organization that is making a tangible difference and creating meaningful change in our communities. I’m privileged to be part of those efforts,” said Taylor.

Andy Reule and fellow nurses

Peckham’s name honors former state of Michigan Rehabilitation Services Director Ralf A. Peckham. Today, Peckham offers more than 30 different rehabilitation and human services programs. They range from art to career planning, pre-employment screening to facility-based training, youth programs, organizational employment and residential services. In total, these programs serve nearly 3,000 individuals each day.

Habitat for Humanity Announces New Leadership Habitat for Humanity Capital Region announced that Brent Taylor has joined the organization to serve as president and CEO. Taylor, who succeeds Vicki HamiltonAllen, has extensive organizational development and nonprofit leadership experience, with over three decades of experience across corporate, entrepreneurial and nonprofit organizations. He served as president and CEO at the Wyakin Foundation in Boise, Idaho, for over five years before returning to his home state of Michigan last year.

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Sparrow Eaton Names Nurse of the Year Sparrow Eaton Hospital has named Andrew Reule as its 2021 Nurse of the Year.

Reule, a registered nurse on Sparrow Eaton’s medical surgical team, has been a nurse for eight years, having recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary. Prior to becoming a nurse, he worked as a certified nursing assistant in the emergency department while attending nursing school.

“This was a total shock to me, honestly.

This job takes so much more than just a single person, so I have to recognize the team behind me. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today if it weren’t for my peers and the friendships I’ve made while working here,” Reule said.

“We are all just a piece of the puzzle — from our cafe team, our environmental services team, our PCTs, our physicians — and that’s what makes us great here at Sparrow Eaton.”

WKAR News Earns Top Michigan APME Awards The radio news team at WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University has earned the Outstanding News Operation award from the

Michigan Associated Press Media Editors for 2021. The team at the public broadcasting station serving mid-Michigan earned 11 first-place and five second-place awards, and WKAR’s Megan Schellong received the Rising Star Award for 2022.

APME is a nonprofit group of newsroom leaders and journalism educators who work closely with the Associated Press to promote journalism excellence. The Michigan chapter of the APME announced the awards April 21.

“I’m so proud of the recognition that the WKAR news team has earned,” said Drew Henderson, WKAR senior director of broadcast operations. “Local journalism is essential, and listener support makes our news coverage possible.”

Michigan APME honors are awarded in three print, one television and two radio divisions. WKAR competes in Radio Division II. Outstanding News Operation awards are given in each division based on points earned by winning in other categories.

This marks the second year in a row that WKAR has been named Outstanding News Operation in Radio Division II. The Rising Star Award is statewide and recognizes the achievement and ability of those with five years or less in journalism. This is the second time in three years that a WKAR news team member has won the award.

Gift of Life Honors Sparrow Pathologist Dr. Michael Markey, a Sparrow Hospital physician and chief medical examiner for five counties in Michigan, is one of 17 individuals, four partner organizations and one hospital to receive a 2022 Donation Champion Award from Gift of Life Michigan, recognizing his extraordinary efforts to help fulfill the wishes of donor families.

“Gift of Life Michigan is so fortunate to have so many dedicated partners assist us with our mission of honoring life through donation,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “Every year there are so many worthy nominees, and it is always a difficult decision.”

Markey, who leads the forensic pathology department at Sparrow, serves as the chief medical examiner for Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella and Shiawassee counties. He was

nominated for the award for implementing best practices that ensure Gift of Life staff is notified as soon as possible to ensure donation can occur.

“It’s more about being supportive of the process and making sure that all of the staff knows it’s part of an important mission that the office has,” said Markey, who has been a forensic pathologist and medical examiner for about 20 years, including 19 at Sparrow.

Byrum & Fisk Joins MCMA Leadership Team The Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association announced Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, led by partner Mark Fisk, will join current MCMA Executive Director Stephen Linder as coexecutive director.

The appointment of Byrum & Fisk was unanimously approved by the MCMA board.

“I am pleased to announce that Mark Fisk will be joining me as co-executive director to support the MCMA’s dedication to providing safe, tested cannabis products to Michigan consumers in a regulated market and take our bipartisan approach to the next level,” Linder said. “Mark’s extensive background will be a great asset as we enter the final stages of the passage of the Michigan Cannabis Safety Act, which would help ensure all cannabis in Michigan is tested, clearly labeled, tracked, licensed and taxed.”

MCDC Notes Retirement and Promotion Dave Kramer, Michigan Certified Development Corp. vice president of operations, retired from the post May 31. Marnie Spitzley was promoted to fill the position at the MCDC. Kramer joined the MCDC in 1998 as a portfolio manager when it was still part of state government. When the decision was made to exit the state in 2002, he served as a senior loan officer. He has been a key contributor to the growth MCDC has experienced from a 2.25-person operation originating a couple of dozen loans each year to 24 employees generating over 100 loans annually and more than $1 billion of Small Business Administration 504 financing and $3 billion of total economic investment throughout Michigan during Kramer’s tenure.

Spitzley graduated with honors from

Aquinas College in 2010, joining MCDC as an intern in 2011.

M3 Group Becomes Subsidiary of Reseda Lansing-based M3 Group, a full-service marketing, communications and advertising agency founded in 2002 and currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, has become a subsidiary of Reseda Group.

Reseda is a credit union service organization founded and owned by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. M3 Group, which owns 517 Magazine, joins a team of companies under Reseda supporting credit unions. M3 Group continues its focus on growing its current client operations as well a division to support credit union financial services.

“The old phrase is ‘The best is yet to come.’ I believe that,” said M3 Group founder Tiffany Dowling, who will continue to lead the agency in developing and implementing strategy, processes and culture. “Any time you have reached a particular milestone like a 20-year anniversary, you think about succession and new challenges. I’m excited to see what new opportunities emerge and also to work with the talented people at Reseda Group and MSUFCU. The integrity, innovation and team of experts secures an amazing path for M3 Group moving forward.”

Reseda Group believes in building better for members through investment in innovative partners. This strategic support allows credit unions and member communities in reaching their financial goals.

MSUFCU is also committed to making a positive impact for credit union communities through investment enabling stakeholders to achieve financial security, goals and their dreams.

“As we continue to evaluate programs and services needed for credit union success, it was apparent that marketing, digital strategy and overall communications was critical,” said April Clobes, president and CEO of MSUFCU and president of Reseda Group. “There’s no need to build the capacity from scratch when there are organizations that have built a model that works and can hit the ground running. The M3 Group team of creatives will be a tremendous asset

to credit unions and other Reseda Group subsidiaries.”

Jayson Nault

Nault Named President of ACEC/M The American Council of Engineering Companies/Michigan named Jayson Nault from Tetra Tech as its 2022-2023 president.

Nault has been a vice president of Tetra Tech since 1999 and has worked for the firm over 30 years. In addition to becoming president of ACEC/M, Nault currently serves on the contracts committee. In 2020, he led the team that received the ACEC/MDOT Partnership Award and was the consultant project manager for the I-696 project in Macomb County that won the ACEC/M Eminent Conceptor Award.

Nault joins fellow ACEC/M officers Vice President Jon Kramer of OHM Advisors in Livonia, Treasurer Eric Morris of HNTB in Lansing, National Director G. Ramanujam of Somat Engineering in Detroit and Past President Christopher Cook of Abonmarche in Benton Harbor.

The 2022-2023 ACEC/M board of directors include Barb Arens of Cincar Consulting Group in Detroit, Eric Barden of Spicer Group in Saginaw, Rick Chelotti of Bergmann in Lansing, Chuck Gemayel of SME in Plymouth, Cheryl Gregory of Rowe PSC in Flint, Connie Houk of Prein & Newhof in Cadillac, Jeff Schumaker of Fishbeck in Grand Rapids, Scott Shogan of WSP in Detroit, Matt Stacey of Wade Trim in Taylor and Oge Udegbunam of Tyme Consulting Engineers in Livonia.

business / STATE/NATIONAL

A BRIEF LOOK AT STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS AFFECTING OUR REGION PRODUCT SHORTAGES LEAD TO PAPER CHASE

BY CHRISTINE MACINTYRE

The product shortage trajectory seems consistent with the past year and worse in some cases. Shortages have included home building supplies, computer chips, toilet paper and food. But one often overlooked industry — printing — has significantly struggled. Paper products required by sustainable printing businesses are hard to come by, and in some cases, industry professionals are literally having to chase down paper.

Of course, we can count on Michigan to flex its agricultural muscle, providing an ample supply of locally sourced vegetables; beans; and fresh meat such as beef, poultry and pork. However, the damper on paper availability continues to affect the production of materials such as textbooks, leisure reading materials, magazines, commercial forms, first-class mail, label supplies, newspapers and more.

Sheridan Books, a leader in the printing and publishing industry, is well-acquainted with the volatile state of paper availability. Senior Sales Executive Mike Johnson said the struggle to secure coated and uncoated paper continues.

“North American printers struggle as mills are on allocation,” he said. “Where mills used to keep excess inventory, they no longer do. So mills are peeling off that inventory to supply anxious, desperate printers with the paper they need to keep the presses running to the point where now they have no surplus inventory.”

Recent strike action at a leading paper mill, UPM, hindered the acquisition of paper products for companies such as Sheridan.

While the strike recently ended, printing industry leaders are still

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concerned that market tightness is not likely to recover soon due to backed-up workloads for order management and supply chain teams.

In addition to consolidation and mill shutdowns, a spike in demand for corrugated, brown packaging paper; sanitary products; and paper to replace plastics to create a greener planet has led mills to pivot to these recession-proof, higher-margin markets.

“The fine-paper market, primarily book printing, makes up only about 5% of the global paper market. So, we don’t bring a big stick into the fight, which means these mills are more dismissive of our needs than those markets where they know they’ll make a greater profit,” said Johnson.

Previous print and publishing options were plentiful, ranging from one-color through four-color printing on a selection of coated, uncoated and lightweight text stocks. However, with less availability, options are dwindling.

“I urge my customers to remain flexible, as I expect disruptions in this sector to last throughout 2022 and possibly into 2023,” said Johnson.

D

ear Friends and Community Leaders,

Be an everyday hero in the fight against suicide. Mark your calendars for the 2022 Lansing Out of the Darkness Community Walk taking place on Saturday October 1st, 2022 at Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing, MI. We support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s bold goal of reducing the suicide rate 20% by 2025. Suicide is a leading cause of death – and it is preventable.

Attend the 2022 Lansing Out of the Darkness Community Walk and become a leading mental health advocate in our Lansing community!

To register visit: www.AFSP.org/Lansing

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We create communities that are smart about mental health.

If you’d like to become a company sponsor of the 2022 Lansing Out of the Darkness Community Walk, email HairUnitesUs@gmail.com. Sponsorships gratefully accepted until August 31.

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We raise awareness, educate the public and reduce stigmas against suicide and mental health.

To Volunteer: send an email with the subject line 2022 Lansing Walk Volunteer (email address above).

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We identify and support those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

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We identify and support at-risk community members.

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We identify and support those who have an at-risk loved one.

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We deliver an outstanding annual walk event for our community.

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Sincerely and with my gratitude, Liz Winowiecki, 2022 Lansing OOTD Walk Co-Chair

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business / STATE/NATIONAL

BALANCE IS THE GOAL FOR MICHIGAN TRAVEL THIS SUMMER

BY CHRISTINE MACINTYRE

Michigan’s lush landscape and deliciously warm summers make for great travel opportunities. Unfortunately, the pandemic put a hiatus on outings for many, if not most, people; however, sunny days and higher temperatures tend to lure people out of their extended hibernation.

The last couple of years’ trends assist in predictions for summer. Dave Lorenz, vice president of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Travel Michigan, asserts that previous data demonstrate that as soon as Michiganders could travel, they did — storming beachfront communities, exploring nature trails and soaking up the fresh air.

“In the summertime, we primarily went ‘up north,’ both Michigan residents and others who know Michigan from the Great Lakes area,” said Lorenz.

West Michigan Tourist Association Executive Director Dan Sippel agreed, stating, “The U.P. showed strong growth in vacation activity last year, and it looks like that will be the case in 2022.”

Those who understand the travel economy say that last summer’s travel patterns resulted in an uneven rebound. While beach towns and smaller northern Michigan communities were bursting with eager patrons and, therefore, seeing a tremendous

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rebound, more prominent cities in southern Michigan, such as Grand Rapids and Detroit, eagerly awaited people’s return, according to Lorenz.

Lorenz said this year’s focus is balancing travel volume to help offset summer weekends. In 2021, communities found it difficult to sustainably manage large volumes of travelers in the same place and time.

“We’re encouraging people to visit busier, hot-spot destinations during the week, reserving the weekends for lesser-known destinations to ensure the best travel experience,” said Lorenz.

Sippel added that the tourist association recommends booking travel plans sooner than later.

The Pure Michigan campaign inspires Michiganders to explore, sightsee and take advantage of the state’s unique offerings. The tourist association issues a Carefree Travel Guide, a resource that gives people ideas for places to go and things to do — including local events, lodging properties and more — dispersed throughout the state at welcome centers and rest areas and online.

Lorenz remains enthusiastic about summer travel, prompting Michigander’s creativity and desire to discover what “Pure Michigan” means to them.

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business / ON THE RECORD

BEING FAIR AND BALANCED IN AN INFLUENCER WORLD ON THE RECORD WITH TELEVISION JOURNALIST ANN EMMERICH

BY MARY GAJDA

YOU CAN FIND ANN EMMERICH ON FACEBOOK AT @WILX ANN EMMERICH. SHE ANCHORS NEWS AT 5, 5:30, 6 AND 11 P.M. FOR WILX-TV 10

Emmy Award-winning WILX TV-10 evening anchor Ann Emmerich has been in broadcast journalism since her college years at Central Michigan University. Outside of a break to raise her three sons as a stay-at-home mom, Emmerich has worked hard in various roles throughout the years since to earn the credibility it takes to be a trusted bearer of news.

She’s been that trusted source in the Greater Lansing area for over 18 years. That’s an increasingly difficult role in today’s world, as TV personalities have to present themselves with journalistic veracity on social media as well. Emmerich recognizes the weight the role carries and the balance it requires.

“I got into news because I love news,” Emmerich said. “My father was in the news business as a meteorologist in Detroit. It just was in my blood. But being recognized wasn’t in my comfort zone.”

It’s hard not to be recognized when you’re not only a face on TV but also on social media. Emmerich admitted the social media part is tricky.

“You want to maintain your journalistic integrity and not make judgements, and you also have to put boundaries on how much you want to share about your personal life,” Emmerich said. “It’s a way to connect with our viewers that we didn’t have before, and I enjoy that part of it.”

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The changing digital landscape can be a challenge to navigate. It was during the early days of the pandemic that Emmerich could really see the divisive responses on social media to ever-changing news on the topic. Seeing that divisiveness gave her pause — but her matterof-fact approach got her through.

“At the end the day, I’m just a journalist,” Emmerich said. “I want to get information to people and tell both sides of the story. I don’t have an agenda other than giving people information.”

Outside of sharing any breaking local news and weather on social media, Emmerich shares recipes, photos of flowers from her garden and tidbits about her family with their approval.

“There are pros and cons to it, like anything,” Emmerich said.

Yet these days, sharing at least part of her life on social is, indeed, part of her job.

“I’m fortunate that I feel like I’m connected to my viewers, and I try to maintain that balance. I’m not a controversial person, and I feel like people who follow me do so because I try to remain authentic,” she said.

She also is more of a listener by nature.

“I just want to be a journalist,” she said. “I ask questions, and then I listen. That’s the way I’m trained to think, and that’s how I carry it through my personal life and on social media.”

business / PERSPECTIVE

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY A Q&A WITH BLOGGER, INFLUENCER BROOKE CUMMINGS OF MY CASUAL MOM

BY KYLE DOWLING

Q& A

Why did you start the blog My Casual Mom? I started over four years ago. My daughter was about to go into kindergarten, and I had been a stay-at-home mom for five years. So, I was trying to figure out what I was going to do when she started going to school. I had been in sales and staffing before, and a lot of people asked me to sell their jewelry or clothing, and I kind of just didn’t want to stick to one brand. But my friends told me I should just start a blog, and I was like, ‘No, I’m too boring.’ They convinced me, and my husband and I were out on a date, and we decided the name of it. And that’s how I started a blog.

You have 53.8K followers on Instagram alone. Where would you be without social media?

Facebook and Instagram have made my page what it is. While I have a website, and I have subscribers to that, it’s nowhere near the number of readers that I have on Instagram and Facebook. Many of my collabs have come through my Instagram page.

Can you tell me a little bit about the offers that you get as a social media influencer?

I mainly focus on fashion. So, I’ve worked with Walmart, which is a big brand.

They’ve been doing a lot of great work with influencers to recreate their brand image.

We’re also building a house right now, and after speaking with our contractor, Eastbrook Homes, I’ve been able to do some work with them. I never thought that I would be doing paid collaborations with a builder their size about a home that I was building. I didn’t think I’d come that far.

What are the positives of using influencers as marketing?

I still read magazines and articles, and I still see billboards. But with the way the world is going online, I just think people are consuming so much more on social media sites, and there’s a place in general media for influencers. I have a specific niche, being a 43-year-old mother living in Michigan, I’m college educated and am at a certain spot in my life. So, I’m able to connect with my followers on many of those levels and show them fashion or services that they might be interested in.

What are your plans for My Casual Mom? I don’t want a team. I have a few girls that help me behind the scenes, and I am good with that. I want to enjoy my life, and the first few years the blog kind of took over my life. So, my goals are to keep growing. But I also want to enjoy my life and enjoy my family and enjoy this stage that I’m at right now.

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business / BIZ TIPS

THE ART OF INFLUENCING RESPONSIBLY

BY TEDI R. PARSONS PRESIDENT AND CEO THE PROFESSIONALS FORUM LLC

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Today, more than ever before, we hear the word “influencers” a lot, which is usually associated with the younger generation who have a strong presence on social media platforms (e.g., Tumblr, LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, etc.). But what are influencers and what role do they play in today’s ever-changing world?

An influencer is someone who has a specific knowledge, authority or deep insight into a subject matter. Influencers have a long history in marketing their own brands along with assisting celebrities, athletes and companies to sell their products or services. The rise of social media over the past five years has made influencers extremely popular. One of biggest influencers in the social media game is Kim Kardashian, who, because of her own brand, is worth a reported $1.8 billion in 2022, according to Forbes.

A recent study done by InfluencerMarketingHub.com found that participants ages 13-24 were twice as likely to evaluate an influencer by his or her social media presence and follower count over older audiences. Further, the study found that there’s no denying that influencer marketing is a lucrative business. The market grew from $1.7 billion in 2016 to $9.7 billion in 2020. In 2021, it soared to $13.8 billion, indicating steady growth.

In 2022, the market is projected to expand to a whopping $16.4 billion industry.

So, does being a top influencer come with any responsibility? From this writer’s perspective, yes. As the old saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility,” meaning influencers must share in the responsibility of ensuring they are well educated on any product or topic that they share and must accept the “power” they have to influence others. This should include having a strong moral and ethical compass when introducing a product, brand or service to your audience and followers.

We as followers or audiences of influencers must do our part as well. We must ensure that we do not put our full faith and trust in others before we have done our homework — specifically asking ourselves, “Do I fully trust and believe in this person, product or service?” After all, we give others the power to influence and change us, and with great power comes great responsibility.

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lifestyle

PLACES p.36 GOOD READS p.38 RECIPE p.39 HOME HELPERS p.42 POLL p.44 NONPROFIT p.48 PLAY p.50

BACK IN THE GAME Local radio veteran Chris Tyler has been entertaining country music fans for decades. He spent 23 years at Townsquare Media’s WITL-FM before leaving in 2020 and joining Brock Fletcher’s team with Keller Williams Realty.

Now, he’s joined Midwest Communications as the morning host of Classic Country on WWDK “94.1 Duke FM.” “I am extremely excited to be back on the air in midMichigan and on Duke FM,” Tyler said. “The truth is that after I left, I never really ever expected to be in radio ever again. I was one of the lucky ones who was blessed with an extremely successful multidecade career doing something that I really loved; and it was fine with me when I walked away because I felt that I had left, as they say, ‘everything on the field.’”

Tyler is humble and grateful to still be in the game.

“For all of the people I’ve worked with and for, and most importantly the people who have invested their time with me on the air — whether you’ve listened for two minutes or 22 years-plus here in midMichigan — none of this would’ve happened without you. Thank you,” he said.

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lifestyle / PLACES

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! WILLIAMSTON’S SUN THEATRE MARKS MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY PHOTOS AND ARTICLE BY METRO MELIK

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t ent a cont more G.COM A 517M

The curtain first rose on the historic Sun Theatre 75 years ago.

Built by the Montgomery family in 1947, the Sun Theatre quickly became a destination landmark in downtown Williamston.

Technology, time and a little internal turbulence found the theater rundown and nonfunctioning. Russ Robitaille came home one day to announce to his wife, Carol, that he happened to be getting his hair cut in a local barbershop when he made a deal to purchase the movie house. That was December 1979. It was an allhands-on-deck family affair to rehab the building by gutting the theater, replacing the seats and reopening a short three months later in February 1980.

In 2001, the Robitailles son, Dan, and his wife, Lisa, purchased the theater, continuing not only the family tradition but the community tradition of the venue as a favorite local meeting spot. There are groups of friends that make it a point to meet at the Sun Theatre and happen to see whatever may be playing.

As times changed, the theater also changed.

In 2013, movie companies announced that they were phasing out film and would convert to digital formatting. The conversion to a digital movie theater projector would cost $60,000. The Sun Theatre’s beloved patrons from near and far donated to the cause and helped the theater raise the funds for the upgrade in 50 days. Now the Robitailles are able to get movies sent to them on a hard drive, which are then uploaded to the projector.

When you visit the Sun Theatre in Williamston, come for the camaraderie. Enjoy some ice cream, a cold soda pop and some fresh popcorn. And if you stay long enough, you will be able to enjoy a movie.

Or maybe you would want to rent out the theater and invite 349 of your closest friends.

The Sun Theatre has a 350-person capacity.

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lifestyle / GOOD READS

MANAGING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND THREE BOOKS TO HELP TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR IMAGE BY 517 STAFF

‘WOMAN OF INFLUENCE: 9 STEPS TO BUILD YOUR BRAND,

As author and motivational speaker Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar once said, “If people like you, they will listen to you; but if they trust you, they’ll do business with you.”

Whether you are a CEO, real estate agent, car salesperson, a marketing guru, an Insta-star, a podcaster or the lead singer in a popular local rock brand: Your personal brand is everything. If you’re not taking care of cultivating your own brand, you run the risk of others doing it for you.

Not sure where to begin or need some inspiration? Here are a couple of good reads to get you started.

‘BRANDING PAYS: THE FIVE-STEP SYSTEM TO REINVENT YOUR PERSONAL BRAND’

This book by Karen Kang demonstrates how you can refocus your skills and land your dream job. Building upon techniques used by the marketing firm that launched the Apple brand, you’ll discover the methodology to help you reinvent yourself and reach new heights.

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ESTABLISH YOUR LEGACY AND THRIVE’

This book has been called by a reviewer “a must-read for all emerging women leaders.” Published in 2019 by Jo Miller, it’s a hands-on road map to guide you through building your brand. Miller can’t be denied, her experience includes working with clients from the likes of GM, Microsoft and more.

‘PERSONAL BRANDING: A MANIFESTO ON FAME AND INFLUENCE’

The 2021 release by Isaac Mashman breaks down personal branding and explains its significance to your past, present and future success. In a Facebook post, Mashman said he wrote the book to “help people understand what personal branding is and why it’s important not only in your life and business but in the world around you as well.”

Have you read an inspiring nonfiction, business-related book that you feel our readers should know about? Let us know at info@517mag.com.

lifestyle / RECIPE

VEGETABLE SKEWERS WITH HALLOUMI CHEESE

EXTRAS

BY 517 STAFF WAIT, GRILLING CHEESE ON SKEWERS? YES. HALLOUMI CHEESE IS SEMI-HARD AND HAS A HIGH MELTING POINT, SO IT MAKES A GREAT ACCOMPANIMENT TO YOUR GRILLED SKEWERS.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED FOR ABOUT 6 SERVINGS: Use these ingredients to make a Greek-inspired vinaigrette.

• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar • ¼ cup of olive oil • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice • Extra lemons for garnish • Minced garlic (or 2 cloves to mince) • Dried oregano • 1 teaspoon of mint leaves, finely chopped • Salt and pepper to taste

You can: Reserve some of your vinaigrette to drizzle over your finished skewers.

Glaze with a mixture of lemon juice, grain mustard, honey and olive oil.

Squeeze lemon over and enjoy or serve something like with pita bread and tzatziki.

Whisk together the ingredients listed and toss in: 2 cucumbers, cut in rounds — or you can substitute with zucchini, cut into rounds • 2 red onions peeled and cut in chunks, or pearl onions • 1 pint of grape tomatoes • 1 pound of halloumi cheese, cubed Begin threading the items alternatively onto skewers and grill over direct heat until the cheese browns and the cucumbers (or zucchini) has slightly softened. This can take 4-5 minutes per side.

•

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S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S E M E N T

CONTRIBUTE!

DONORS MAKE EDUCATION HAPPEN AT LANSING’S COLLEGE

BY ANDY BRENT

As Lansing Community College students go on to strengthen and support our community, the LCC Foundation – by connecting concerned donors with opportunities to make a difference – makes it all possible with scholarships, funds and other resources. Students cannot learn unless their tuition is within reach, and cannot excel academically, professionally or personally without food in their stomachs and a safe place to sleep at night.

Each summer, the LCC Foundation celebrates Star Day of Giving, a philanthropic effort that seeks to bridge gaps between student enthusiasm and success by allowing donors to target their gifts toward specific programs and facilities. This year, the Foundation will ask donors to support twelve vitally important areas of LCC in support of student success and community fulfillment: + Lansing Community College’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) provides resources that foster awareness and empower students with knowledge, tools and experiences that promote global citizenship and a more inclusive campus. + The LCC Athletic Department fields nine intercollegiate teams. LCC competes in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association, and is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Our sports include men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s track and field, softball and baseball.

+ The Lansing Gap Scholarship was established by the LCC Foundation and the Lansing Promise, as well as several generous donors, to help bridge the funding gap for LCC students who are eligible for Lansing Promise, the H.O.P.E. scholarship, or other scholarships but are not eligible for federal financial assistance. + LCC offers a veteran emergency fund through the Foundation in order to help veterans and veteran dependents who are in financial need.

Funds can be awarded to students to assist with rent payments, utilities, groceries, gas, books/ supplies, insurance, and more. Qualifying students receive up to $200 per request. + Fostering S.T.A.R.S offers support and resources to foster youth alumni ages 14-23 to improve college graduation and career achievement rates. + LCC Cares provides emergency funds for rent, food and other basic needs to qualifying students in need.

Funded by individual donors who want to make a difference, LCC Cares keeps students in school so they can learn the skills that will lift them out of poverty. + The LCC Learning Commons provides tutoring and support services to keep students learning and on track toward the achievement of their goals. The Learning Commons asks donors for $1,500 this Star Day to provide calculators for students in MATH106.

Join us this summer in supporting LCC students and faculty. Though Star Day of Giving is June 7, the LCC Foundation accepts donations to these and other programs year round.

Visit lcc.edu/starday to learn more.

Photography by Kevin Fowler

+ The LCC Foundation created the Next Generation Careers Scholarship so that every member of the community might have the chance to receive the education and training necessary for careers in a rapidly changing job market. Gifts to the scholarship are not only an investment in an individual’s skills and training, they are a valuable investment in mid-Michigan’s economic future. + The Stars Fund exists to support general operations of the LCC Foundation. This endowed fund acts as a permanent resource for the Foundation, providing much necessary funding to facilitate our students’ academic success. + LCC’s Take a Stand! Sit In! event occurs each semester during the academic year. LCC employees and community artists “take a stand” with engaging sessions and workshops, allowing attendees to “sit in” on creative, constructive discussions about social justice, equity and inclusion. The college envisions this event to grow and develop across the campus and larger Lansing community. + The LCC Library empowers the LCC community to learn, teach and discover. This year on Star Day of Giving, the Library is asking for dedicated donors to help raise $2,000 for updated learning kiosks.

+ Career & Employment Services (CES) assists students and alumni with exploring career options, developing employability skills, learning job search strategies, and connecting with employers. For this year’s Star Day of Giving, CES asks donors to contribute to secure an important speaker for its national career program. + The LCC History Program’s time capsule project will create a digital history time capsule based on artifacts and stories collected from the greater Lansing community. By creating a digital time capsule for our communities, LCC History faculty and students are actively engaging in preserving the voices of community members to tell their stories about this specific period in history. This summer, the history program asks donors for $3,000 to help complete its ambitious project.

Donors like you make education possible for deserving students in Greater Lansing. By supporting targeted programs and projects on Star Day of Giving, your money goes to work immediately. LCC students go on to become important assets for Lansing’s workforce, which means you can appreciate the results of your donation every day in the professionals you meet and the services you engage.

Join us this summer in supporting LCC students and faculty. Though Star Day of Giving is June 7, the LCC Foundation accepts donations to these and other programs year round. Visit lcc.edu/starday to learn more.

lifestyle / HOME HELPERS

LET THERE BE LIGHT TIPS FOR ELEVATING YOUR IG FEED FOR BUSINESSES AND BEGINNER SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS

BY 517 STAFF

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Having a well-followed and appealing social presence like the ones you are following on Instagram is an achievable goal if you are willing to put the time into it.

Sure, professional photography with a DSLR camera can amplify your social media presence.

But with better and better cameras available on cellphones and a bit of creativity, your imagery and videos can still stand out and be impactful.

Here are a few tips that could elevate your work.

First and foremost, lighting is key.

If you want to really elevate your social media aesthetics, light is the one thing you want to master.

Many influencers are using LED ring lights and other constant lighting for indoor video and photos. Prices vary wildly on these items, so it’s worth doing your research. The Diva Ring Light is consistently popular for videos among influencers, as well as the Lume Cube and Neewer models. If you aren’t a fan of those lighted iris circles they create, you can opt for the square video lights.

No budget for lighting of any kind? Natural light can be your best friend. You simply have your subject or product at an angle near a window and diffuse the light with a sheer curtain if needed. Shoot with your back to the window but not blocking the light to your subject. Subtle movement of the subject can dramatically change the lighting. In this instance, practice makes perfect. Best natural lighting when you are outside? Find open shade and embrace natural diffusers like clouds.

Our expert tip, avoid using a cellphone camera flash. It makes an image flat and unappealing.

You can also elevate your photos by researching depth of field, the rule of thirds and playing with angles. Popular tips include flipping your camera upside down for vertical images and using panorama mode for not just horizontal but vertical images.

Your backgrounds should be consistent with your branding or your platform. Research your favorite brand or influencer and notice how each post has a commonality not only in look but in the words. Creating trust and an affinity for your posts will come through consistency.

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lifestyle / BEST OF...

best of

Starfarm leader singer Whitney Spotts poses for us downtown circa 2018.

BY 517 STAFF

INFLUENCERS AND ENTERTAINERS Our June/July combined issue of 517 Magazine focuses on influencers and entertainers in the region. In this issue’s poll, we asked our readers: Considering any local celebrity, group or entertainers, who are your favorites and why?

Performers

It’s no surprise that popular local band Starfarm garnered attention in our poll. The ’80s-inspired band based in East Lansing epitomizes fun and 1980s nostalgia. Performing this summer at everything from Gizzard Fest in Potterville in early June to the Portland St. Patrick Summerfest on June 25, don’t miss an opportunity to see them. Starfarm is also regular performer at the Nuthouse Sports Grill in Lansing. Learn more about the band and see the full performance schedule at starfarmband.com.

Honorable mentions go to Global Village, Tell Yo Mama and Phil Denny, just a few of the well-known area performers who also received votes.

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Good Humans

Sheri Jones

TV Stars

David Andrews

517 Magazine has featured both David Andrews of WILX TV-10 and Sheri Jones of WLNS TV-6 in the past, and their popularity is no surprise. Both are longtime news anchors that have become Lansing staples. As well as being a trusted news personality, Andrews’ social media presence has become popular for his daily doses of humor through personal memes.

Jones has long been known for her work with area Crimestoppers and has been called a guiding light in the community.

Priscilla Bordayo is an advocate, worship leader, motivational speaker and interior decorator from Lansing, and she received votes in our poll for her work in the community.

Bordayo is the Crime Survivors for Priscilla Bordayo Safety and Justice statewide manager. She recently received a 2020-2021 Governor’s Service Award for her advocacy for those who were sexually assaulted or experienced domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vote! Didn’t see your favorite in our article?

Make sure you’re answering our monthly polls on our website at 517mag.com/poll.

FEATURE

IT TAKES A VILLAGE ...

TO START A PARTY

From left: “Boone” Dottery on drums, Brad Fowler on trumpet, David Wullaert on trombone and Marcus Darden on tenor saxophone rock out at Nutty fest.

Photo credit: Beige Planet Photography

GLOBAL VILLAGE MARKS 30 YEARS OF GETTING GREATER LANSING ON THE DANCE FLOOR

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

It

just may be the most rock ’n’ roll statement ever uttered.

“When we first started out, it wasn’t uncommon for our bar tab to be more than we were getting paid as a band.

When there are 11 people in the band, we might have gotten paid $300 for the night, but the bar tab was $400,” said Michael Fredericks.

Thirty years on, Global Village is still going strong — at least as far as the music goes. The bar tab nowadays is much more reasonable.

As the bass player and band manager, Fredericks is still bringing the noise, the funk and the fun to audiences throughout Greater Lansing on a regular basis when Global Village takes the stage. Formed in 1992 through the merging of several local bands and various musicians, the ranks of Global Village have waxed and waned over the decades with anywhere from seven to more than a

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lifestyle / FEATURE

dozen performers filling the typical bass-guitar-drums posts backed up by the bawdy brassiness of a horn section. This summer the popular band is marking a significant milestone of tapping toes and shaking tailfeathers with a sold-out 30th anniversary concert July 9 at The Studio at 414, 410 E. Michigan Ave. in downtown Lansing.

“That night is a once-in-a-lifetime show, and we’re going to bring back the majority of the band from 1992,” Fredericks said. “We’re going to go back and do a whole set of the music we used to do. Then we’ll do a second set from the version of Global Village that’s out now. There’s three original members of Global Village still: myself, our trombone player and our saxophone player. That band is going to play a set. The third set is going to be a combination of both groups. That will be up to 26 musicians on stage playing. That’s going to be cool.”

Aside from Fredericks, the current lineup of Global Village includes vocalist Augie Martinez, Bob Motycka/Doug Fritch on guitar, Austin Tipton/“Boone” Dottery on drums, Marcus Darden

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on saxophone, Dave Wullaert on trombone and Elise Berner on trumpet. Fredericks described the music as Motown, but it covers a much wider swath that includes R&B, funk, country, rap, hard rock, soft rock — pretty much anything that is going to get people up and moving.

“The beauty of Global Village is that it’s always a party. It is 100% of the time a party,” Fredericks said. “When people come, they have a great time at a Global Village show because we always have a great time at a Global Village show. That’s been the key to the longevity of the band. We’re not the best musicians, we never have been the best musicians. But when you entertain people, they don’t really care about that. They’re not listening for the nuances in the music; they’re just having a great time. They’re out there dancing, laughing, having fun.”

The band has opened for everyone from Smash Mouth and the Commodores to the Spinners and Smokey Robinson, but the leap to playing to large crowds is one that was born out of humble expectations.

FEATURE

The initial goal of Global Village seems a bit quaint now.

After forming, the band set its sights on eventually building enough of a following to book a show at the Small Planet in East Lansing, one of the largest bars in the area during its heyday. It only took about three months before that goal was met.

“When we came out in 1992, the music scene was unbelievable in East Lansing — just amazing bands,” Fredericks said. “There was a lot of competition, and most of them were bands performing original music. In Global Village, we were a cover band. We just played music we liked to play. Well, people dance to what they know. The original bands were phenomenal, but people didn’t really know the music. But people packed the dance floor when we were out playing ‘Brick House,’ so we shot up pretty fast.

When we moved to Saturday nights at the Small Planet, that was when we knew we were making it because that’s where the best area bands or touring bands were playing.”

That’s not to say Global Village never tried its hand at writing original tunes, yet that brief experiment nearly ended the band.

Fredericks said it was a case of too many cooks in the kitchen, and the arguments it produced forced Global Village into a short hiatus.

Members eventually came back together, playing a gig here and there to hang out before throwing themselves fully into reuniting as a covers-only band. They haven’t looked back since.

“It’s a relationship. It’s a 30year band,” Fredericks said. “That’s longer than most marriages. Those guys are my brothers, and we’re there for each other; but at the same time, sometimes you’re going to fight like siblings. … We’ve all had those shows where we’ve not wanted to do it at some point. But once we got on stage and started playing together, the power of those songs and the way we work off each other, it just kind of gets you out of the funk.

That’s what it is: We still love what we do, and you can really see that in the show.”

And hopefully also feel that from the show. Fredericks said the band has done its job if people are walking away happy at the end of the evening.

That’s always been the secret.

“We don’t worry about ourselves and the presentation of the show as much as we worry about entertaining the audience.

Our goal is to entertain the audience. Our focus is always on the audience,” he said. “We’re constantly watching the audience and changing the show as it goes. We have a setlist every night, but I don’t think there’s ever been a single night where we’ve stuck to that setlist song for song.

“The best part of my job is laughing with the band members and watching the audience reaction to the music, how happy they get,” Fredericks added. “I really enjoy the time with the guys that I get, but we really love to entertain and see the faces as we entertain. We entertain from 5 years old to 95 years old, and we have been doing that for 30 years. We still get to do it to this day.

We’re really blessed, in all honesty. There aren’t a lot of bands out there for 30 years that can still play when and what they want to play.”

For information about Global Village, visit globalvillageband.com.

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lifestyle / JACK DAVIS LEGACY NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

ALL OF THE ABOVE HIP HOP ACADEMY BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSICAL CULTURE

BY KYLE DOWLING

After a career as a hip-hop artist, working with independent labels from San Diego to Japan, Ozay Moore and his wife settled down in Lansing to begin a family.

Moore began All of the Above Hip Hop Academy after working with Detroit Public Schools, pairing Common Core curriculum with elements of hip-hop culture, primarily beat-making and rhymewriting. While he was working in Detroit, he realized there was no such program in the city he was living in, Lansing.

In 2010, he changed that, mentoring others in a loose organization. In 2017 it became an official nonprofit organization.

“In the beginning, I thought about a blueprint of what a

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NE N NE N NE NEE NE NEE NE NEE NE N NE N NE

curriculum could look like. We started as an after-school program and a summer camp. … And then we were brought in by the southside YMCA to do some more classes,” said Moore. “Our classes focused on mentoring youth through hip-hop culture, teaching the five elements of hip-hop culture: graffiti art; DJing; breaking; and MCing, which is the rap component; along with a knowledge component of the history.”

All of the Above Hip Hop Academy wants to use those core tenets of hip-hop culture to build community and pass along the rich history to the next generation. It finds local artists to act as mentors and guides for the students, sharing experiences and knowledge to a new generation.

All of the Above does many events to showcase students’ talents, including taking over the Afterglow Market for the afternoon, along with other events in downtown Lansing. Every Saturday, the Blue Owl in REO Town holds Beats and Brewers, where DJs play lo-fi hip-hop so folks can hang out and study. The DJs are kids who have graduated and continued DJing.

“I want to build a self-sustained talent pool here in the Capital City of artists who want to take their craft seriously,” said Moore.

“But also leverage their gifts and talents to be able to give back to the community in a way.”

Those who would like to get involved don’t have to be hiphop aficionados. There are plenty of ways to contribute. Visit alloftheabovehiphop.org for details.

EED R E T E N T I O N STRATENEED R E T E N T I O N STRATE NEED EED R E T E N T I O N STRATER E TR EN NEED E TTEI O NN T I O N STRATE STRATEGIES? EED R E T E N T I O N STRATEED R E T E N T I O N STRATEEED R E T E N T I O N STRATEED R E T E N T I O N STRATEEED R E T E N T I O N STRATEED R E T E N T I O N STRATEEED R E T E N T I O N STRATENEED R E T E N T I O N STRATE EED R E T E N T I O N STRATENEED R E T E N T I O N STRATE EED R E T E N T I O N STRATECONNECTING WITH BUSINESS. STRENGTHENING OUR WORKFORCE. camw.org

1-800-285-WORK

Capital Area Michigan Works! is a proud partner of the American Job Center network. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this piece will be made available in an alternative format upon request to Capital Area Michigan Works! Relay Center. Call 711 or 844-578-6563 (Voice and TDD). Funding for Capital Area Michigan Works! is received in part from the U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Michigan. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Center.

lifestyle / PLAY

Take Part in America’s Birthday Bash

t ent a cont more G.COM A 517M

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION PARADE AND CONCERT July 4 The celebration starts in Lansing with the annual Fourth of July parade beginning at 11 a.m. around the Capitol Loop. The performance by the Lansing Concert Band will begin at 8 p.m. at Adado Riverfront Park with breathtaking fireworks to follow.

Visit lansingmi.gov/julyf ourth for all the details.

THIS MONTH’S EVENTS Editor’s note: Please call event venues directly to make sure times and dates haven’t changed due to cancellations and postponements related to COVID-19.

517 Juneteenth Weekend June 16-19 Join the 517 area in celebrating Juneteenth with a festival of capitalize Black culture, expression and freedom while also reflecting on 157 years of African American emancipation.

This year’s Juneteenth Weekend will feature events and activities with a free festival in REO Town on June 18.

Visit 517juneteenth.com for more information and a schedule of events.

Zoo Nights June 16 and July 21 Just for guests 21 and older, enjoy a happy-hour event featuring food and drinks from local restaurants and companies. Visit your favorite Potter Park animals after hours! For full details, visit potterparkzoo.org/event/zoonights-1.

Follow our friends at 517living.com for other upcoming events in the region.

Grand Ledge Music in the Park June 23-Aug. 18 Looking to bring some music into your afternoon? Bring your friends down to Jaycee Park for various shows throughout the summer. See the schedule at grandledgechamber.com/ music_in_the_park.php.

FrankenFest June 25 The scares come early with FrankenFest, featuring a showcase of literary guests, haunt aficionados and paranormal experts

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that are sure to have your hair standing on end. Experience Lansing’s historic TurnerDodge House along with fantastical attractions, mystical exhibits and inspiring artworks. Visit frankenfest.com.

Capital City Comic Con July 8-10 The convention is back in Lansing with the Capital City Comic Con at the Lansing Center. Join in on the celebration of all things anime, comic book, fantasy and science fiction.

Visit capcitycomiccon.com for more information.

ScrapFest July 8-9 Find some of the best repurposefocused art at ScrapFest. Join the scrapmetal sculpture competition, eco-art vendors, family activities, live music and amazing food. For details, visit facebook.com/ScrapFestArtFestival/.

Car Capital Auto Show July 30 The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum’s 29th annual Car Capital Auto Show is in downtown Lansing, held on the grounds around the museum, the Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing Board of Water and Light, and the Lansing River Trail. Proceeds from the event go to the museum’s preservation fund. For details, visit reoldsmuseum.org/events/ auto-show.

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WRAP UP

SIX SUMMER HITS Local bands you should check out this summer

BY KYLE DOWLING

If you’re looking to catch a show this summer, consider one of these fantastic local talents.

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STARFARM Are you looking for that sweet 1980s nostalgia? Starfarm is a fantastic ’80s cover band that’s been around Lansing for years, rocking the house every time.

TELL YO MAMA A band for those that like to groove, Tell Yo Mama has a great catalogue of soul, funk, rock, blues and more.

ATOMIC ANNIE The band was founded in 2016, covering all the music that they love from ’60s and ’70s rock, ’80s MTV classics, and ’90s alternative rock and pop.

GLOBAL VILLAGE Rocking and rolling since 1992 and influenced by musicians like the Blues Brothers, Fishbone and Kiss, Global Village brings the party — and everyone is invited.

MIRANDA AND THE M80S Brought together in 2015, Miranda and the M80s features 1980s cover songs, playing the pop/rock songs of a variety of artists from Prince, Journey, Pat Benatar and Madonna.

RACHEL CURTIS Rachel is an independent singer-songwriter from Lansing who plays contemplative folk and daydreamy, smoky pop music — not just locally but nationwide.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

ALL STUFFED UP and Nowhere to Blow The Role of Allergies in Airway and Sleep Dysfunction PART TWO: According to the CDC, we’ve experienced a 50% increase in food allergies between 1997 and 2011. Now one in every 20 kids has a food allergy. Beyond a stuffy nose, a child with an allergic reaction visits the emergency department every three minutes in the U.S. We must remind parents that genetics is not believed to play a significant role here because our genetic makeup certainly hasn’t changed much in the 50 years, as we’ve witnessed this skyrocketing trend.

How is This Happening?

Today it’s a better-known concept that the increase in food and environmental allergies also has to do with a lack of exposure to early-life microbes. While we are born from a relatively sterile environment, we swiftly become a massive bug factory. It seems the more assorted our bug populations become, the healthier we are presumed to be. And vice versa!

Sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? But it should come as no surprise because it is just as we observe in nature. Forests, lakes, oceans and other wildlife habitats flourish with a wide diversity of lifeforms. Whenever you see that lack of diversity, you witness firsthand a suffering habitat.

As such, there’s a heap of good research pinning the big rise in allergies, asthma, autoimmune deficiencies, inflammatory bowel diseases, autism, diabetes, certain types of cancer and even obesity on our deficient microbiome.

The root causes (and solutions) of our modern microbial inadequacy are many: overuse of antibiotics, processed foods, a glut of C-sections, decreased connection to the outdoors and over-sanitization of our environment.

But that’s not all. We’re also staring at a huge decrease in agricultural diversity in our diets. Sadly, 75% of our food comes from only 12 plant species and five animal species.

What Can We Do? It’s hard for physicians to keep up with the changing recommendations for allergy prevention and treatment. In 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics agreed that we should delay the introduction of cow milk until age 1; eggs until age 2; and shellfish, fish, peanuts and tree nuts until age 3.

But in 2008 the pendulum began to swing the other way. It was determined that the current guidelines were ineffective — and maybe even contributing to the worsening crisis.

Hence, the new recommendations by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology are that allergenic foods should be introduced like other whole foods. Present them one at a time, gradually, in small quantities, starting at 4 to 6 months (soon after vegetables and meats), and ideally before they are 7 months old.

Back to Airway …

Do you see how all of this is connected? Through expanded learning, it’s exciting to see our role in the ability to help kids identify food allergies/sensitivities and uncover new strategies that might aid their sleep disordered breathing.

Dr. Susan Maples is a dentist in Holt. She is also a speaker, health educator, and author of “BlabberMouth! 77 Secrets Only Your Mouth Can Tell You to Live a Healthier, Happier, Sexier Life” and “Brave Parent: Raising Healthy, Happy Kids (Against All Odds) in Today’s World.”

Reach her at Susan@DrSusanMaples.com

Total-Health-Dentistry.com 517-694-0353

S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S E M E N T

CONNECTING TO YOU: STUDENT VOICES RISE WITH LCC CONNECT

BY ANDY BRENT

The student perspective is central to everything at Lansing Community College, and this spring, the school is taking that a step further by amplifying student voices on air.

To energize student interest in the opportunity to podcast, LCC introduced the Podcast Power-Up in April. The Podcast Power Up is a two-round showpitching contest for LCC students to share their voice and vibe on-air on WLNZ 89.7, and on-demand WLNZ is the college’s long-running station, dedicated to local programming, news and regional music artists.

In 2021, the college entered into an agreement with Michigan Radio, bringing familiar programming such as “Marketplace,” “BBC Newshour” and Michigan Radio’s flagship program “Stateside” to WLNZ’s airways.

As part of the agreement with Michigan Radio, LCC will continue to produce original, local and collegeoriented programming for WLNZ. The block of podcasts – known as LCC Connect – play live on WLNZ beginning at 1 p.m. Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays. LCC Connect is also available on-demand, allowing listeners to tune in to locally relevant content at any time.

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Photography by Kevin Fowler

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Recorded Increasingly, pilots LCCwill Connect beConnect reviewed by the Recorded LCC Recorded Connect pilots pilots team will be willreviewed be reviewed by the

by LCC the LCC Connect Connect teamteam ngly,its LCC itsConnect intentions culture.

Increasingly, LCC programming will begin toand offer a student based perspective. on the shows engaging and and evaluated flow, evaluated content based based on the on shows the shows engaging engaging flow,flow, content content student programming perspective. will begin toevaluated offer a student perspective. and energy. Those selected to move forward and and energy. with energy. on-air Those Those selected selected to move to move forward forward withwith on-air on-air “We’ve using a phase-in production approach willto beour contacted no later than production production Aug. 1, will 2022. be willcontacted be contacted no later no later thanthan Aug.Aug. 1, 2022.

1, 2022. roach to“We’ve ourbeenbeen using a phase-in approach to our Connect programming to include as much of the as much Connect of the programming to include as much of the community as possible,” LCC “The Broadcast Podcast Power Services Up is an excellent“The chance “The Podcast for Podcast LCC Power Power Up isUp anisexcellent an excellent chance chance for LCC for LCC adcast Services community as possible,” LCC Broadcast Services Manager Daedalian Lowry students said.said.

“We’ve to tellalready us already about built ideas a revolving students around students to their tell to us tellabout us about ideas ideas revolving revolving around around theirtheir We’ve already Manager builtDaedalian a Lowry “We’ve built a strong foundation withwith LCC personal staffstaff and interests faculty and fronting possibly personal own personal podcastinterests interests and and possibly possibly hosthost theirtheir ownown podcastpodcastand faculty strong fronting foundation LCC and faculty fronting host their ourto current shows and and now radio we’re program,” excited to Lowry move said. “Not everyone radio radio program,” has aprogram,” Lowry Lowry said.said.

“Not“Not everyone everyone has ahas a excited our move current shows now we’re excited to move the next phase; bringing professional students recording onboard!” studio sitting around professional professional the house recording recording studio studio sitting sitting around around the house the house entsinto onboard!” into the next phase; bringing students onboard!” so, this is a huge opportunity for LCC students. so, this so, this is To a huge ismy a huge opportunity opportunity for LCC for LCC students. students.

To my To my Podcast Power-Up contest knowledge, is open there to allto iscurrently no currently other college orknowledge, university knowledge, that there there is noisother no other college college or university or university thatthat openThe to all The currently Podcast Power-Up contest is open all LCCLCC students, and has allaformats, podcast topics andtopics radio and and platform like LCC has ahas Connect, podcast a podcast so and and radio radio platform platform like LCC like LCC Connect, Connect, so so mats,enrolled topics enrolled and students, and all formats, ideas are welcome, withwith an toemphasis have students on shows a part of it – that’stoawesome!” have to have students students be abe part a part of itof – that’s it – that’s awesome!” awesome!” asis on shows ideas are welcome, an emphasis onbeshows that highlight the student experience at LCC. nce at LCC. that highlight the student experience at LCC. The Podcast Power-Up is a unique opportunity The The Podcast Podcast for Power-Up Power-Up is a unique is a unique opportunity opportunity for for LCC students to create something new.

LCC LCC’s LCC students efforts students to create to create something something new.new.

LCC’s LCC’s efforts efforts to include students in LCC Connect programming to include to include students students in LCC in LCC Connect Connect programming programming is essential to WLNZ’s mission of inclusion is essential is and essential to WLNZ’s to WLNZ’s mission mission of inclusion of inclusion and and accessibility, something Robinson believes accessibility, accessibility, will help something something Robinson Robinson believes believes will help will help Lansing get to know LCC’s vibrant student Lansing Lansing body. get get to know to know LCC’s LCC’s vibrant vibrant student student body. body.

Up“The is“The anPodcast Podcast Power Power UpUp is an is an LCC excellent students excellent chance chance forfor LCC LCC students students “LCC Connect is available wherever people’s “LCC “LCC Connect ears Connect is available is available wherever wherever people’s people’s earsears s revolving to to telltell us us about about ideas ideas revolving revolving are, whether in their car radio or streaming are, are, whether in their whether in their in their car radio car radio or streaming or streaming in their in their al interests around around their their personal personal interests interests ear buds from on-demand platforms; the earPodcast buds ear buds fromfrom on-demand on-demand platforms; platforms; the Podcast the Podcast Power-Up extends that coverage to include Power-Up Power-Up student extends extends thatthat coverage coverage to include to include student student eir and own and possibly possibly host host their their own own voices into our vibe and vision, allowing voices Lansing voices into into our vibe our vibe and and vision, vision, allowing allowing Lansing Lansing am.” podcast-radio podcast-radio program.” to program.” connect with students’ good works to both connect toon connect withwith students’ students’ good good works works bothboth on on campus and in the community,” Robinson campus said. campus and and in the in community,” the community,” Robinson Robinson said.said.

To enter, students must be currently enrolled To enter, To enter, atstudents students mustmust be currently be currently enrolled enrolled at at LCC, planning to enroll for 2022.LCC, As LCC, an orunpaid planning or planning to enroll to enroll for fall for 2022. fall 2022.

As an Asunpaid an unpaid fter evaluation The The contest contest ofhas initial two has two rounds rounds andorand after after evaluation evaluation of initial of fall initial opportunity Podcast Power-Up volunteer hosts volunteer are opportunity opportunity Podcast Podcast Power-Up Power-Up hosts hosts are are June entries, to entries, participate finalists finalists will be willselected bevolunteer selected in June in June to participate to participate considered considered considered must ambassadors ambassadors of LCC of LCC and and shows shows mustmust theirinshow. aninin-studio an in-studio pilotpilot production production of their ofambassadors their show. show. of LCC and shows reflect that responsibility. Interested students reflect reflect that may that responsibility. responsibility.

Interested Interested students students maymay visitLCC lcc.edu/powerup forMichigan more information. visitvisit lcc.edu/powerup lcc.edu/powerup for more for more information. information. es through “As “As LCCMichigan LCC Connect Connect shares shares LCC stories stories through through Michigan ramming Radio, Radio, toitoffer is it important is important for our for programming our programming to offer to offer To listen LCC Connect programmingTo listen To listen to LCC to LCC Connect Connect programming programming C President a robust a robust Steve student student perspective,” perspective,” LCCto LCC President President Steve Steve any‘Podcast time, visit lcc.edu/connect. at any at any time,time, visitvisit lcc.edu/connect. lcc.edu/connect. odcast Robinson PowerRobinson said.said.

“That’s “That’s whyatwhy the the ‘Podcast PowerPowerConnect Up’ is Up’ the soisexciting so exciting – it affords – it affords LCCLCC Connect Connect the the mostopportunity important opportunity to share to share thatthat which which is most is most important important ommunities.” to our to students our students withwith our college our college communities.” communities.”

the Podcast Submissions Submissions Power-Up for the for first the first round round of the of Podcast the Podcast Power-Up Power-Up n April Contest 15Contest andwill June be will 3,accepted be accepted between between AprilApril 15 and 15 and JuneJune 3, 3, ed for 2022. the 2022. contest, For students For students all to be toconsidered be considered for the for contest, the contest, all all or video applicants applicants example must ofmust provide provide an audio an audio or video or video example example of of ission, their LCC’s their vision Connect vision for afor show. a show.

After After submission, submission, LCC’s LCC’s Connect Connect n and Team listen Team will toreview will their review entries entries application application and and listen listen to their to their

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