Readers Choice 2020

September 12, 2020

ourmidland.com

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

Page 2 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

ourmidland.com

MidMichigan Providers Voted 2020 Reader’s Choice Award Winners MidMichigan Health would like to congratulate the following health care providers and facilities for being selected as 2020 Reader’s Choice Award Winners.

Jennifer Grossman, D.O. Pediatrics

Adam Hamilton, M.D. Pediatrics

Family Medicine Associates of Midland

Emergency Care

Hugo Juarbe, M.D. Pediatrics Family Medicine Associates of Midland

Physical Therapy

Shannon Martin, D.O., M.P.H. Family Medicine

Tammy S. Phillips, M.D. Family Medicine

Urgent Care

Thank you to all the readers who voted to recognize these providers and services.

We are proud to be part of a team that is bringing you excellent care.

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 3

2020

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

ourmidland.com

Shier’s Deli & Catering a Mid-Michigan favorite

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

George and Kristen Shier take a brief break to pose for a photograph in their deli and catering business, Shier’s Deli & Catering, located at 2218 N. Saginaw Road, in Midland. The couple jointly own and operate the business that has cooked up quite a reputation for its hot pasties, handcrafted sandwiches and George’s own specialtymade smoked brisket. (Photo by Jon Becker)

It’s a Monday in mid-August, five months into the grip of COVID-19, and a quintessential small familyowned business in Midland remains standing.

notoriously tough one, requiring a steady, almost maniacal ability to work long hours, often at the expense of family time or a social life.

Shier’s Deli & Catering is closed on Mondays, but that doesn’t mean it’s an off-day for the husbandand-wife team of George and Kristen Shier, who have owned and operated the deli and restaurant that bears their name since 2014.

Even when you’re closed, your mind is constantly thinking and evaluating, especially during these unprecedented times. You have to really love it, and the Shiers clearly have a passion for the food industry.

The restaurant business is a

It’s food prep Monday and the

The distinctive red storefront awning of Midland business, Shier’s Deli & Catering.

The Midland family-owned business is a MDN Readers’ Choice Award winner, taking home a silver for best caterer and a bronze for best sandwich. (Photo by Jon Becker)

Shiers would love to say they are preparing to re-open their quaint, UP-influenced restaurant for in-person dining. But that’s not an option right now because the eight-table, 26-seat-capacity deli isn’t large enough to allow for social distancing.

So the Shiers, like many small business owners, are continually making adjustments and “taking it one day at a time,” said Kristen Shier. “That’s all we or anybody else can do. We’re open for takeout and delivery only.”

Shier’s Deli & Catering may not have the name recognition of many other local eateries, but it has certainly earned the admiration of legions of loyal customers who swear by its UPstyle pasties and smoked brisket, and offerings that include a house favorite, the “Smokin’ Joe.” “It’s like a Philly cheesesteak,” said Kristen. “It has a smoky flavor.

George has a smoker and really has a system that brings out the Continued on pg 9

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

SUSHI Gold Silver Bronze CASUAL DINING Gold Silver Bronze

An all-too familiar sign at local restaurants as they battle for survival during COVID-19. This particular sign is posted at Shier’s Deli & Catering, a fine example of a business adjusting on the fly to weather the crisis and keep its customers fed.

(Photo by Jon Becker)

Continued from pg 8 flavor in our meats.”

If you like pastrami or prefer a reuben, coupled with a delicious bowl of soup, Chef George Shier will hook you up. His housesmoked meats and specialty pastrami and corned beef are all the rage among food lovers.

Whether it’s a burger, a sandwich or anything else on the eclectic menu, the Shiers’ vision to offer distinctive, homemade food that customers crave is a hallmark of the business.

As one customer put it: “I’ve been coming to their deli for years and have never had a bad meal. To me, consistency is key and Chef George never has a bad day, at least not when it comes to prepping and cooking food, anyway. Just an awesome little deli.”

A Midland native, George got his culinary training at the prestigious Johnson & Wales University. The Shiers lived in Colorado for about 10 years before returning to Midland in 2010.

In Colorado, George began selling pasties out of a food truck and, struck by how much people liked them, decided to do the same in Midland. He sold the UP favorite and other handcrafted sandwiches at the Midland Brewing Company, where he struck up a friendship with the late Cliff Dawson, a veteran of the food and beverage industry, who lent his own flair for cooking and restaurant management to the mix.

“Cliff came to work for us when we opened the deli and catering business,” said Kristen. “He had Continued on pg 10

Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 9

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Continued from pg 9

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a lot of restaurant experience in various capacities. Just a friendly guy. A big guy with a big personality. Customers loved him.

He helped us a lot. He was born in the Upper Peninsula and lent that UP charm to our place. We all miss him.”

Kristen calls their restaurant and deli “the best-kept secret in Midland. Six years into business and people say to me, ‘Oh, we didn’t know you were here.” (Hint: look for the big red storefront awning).

That is beginning to change, though, as Shier’s won a Silver Award (best caterer category) and a Bronze Award (best sandwich category) in the MDN Readers’ Choice Awards.

ourmidland.com larger scale since COVID,” said Kristen, noting that the majority of customers have been good about social distancing, wearing masks and following other health and safety precautions.

The Shiers have been married for 19 years and have worked side-by-side for the past six. The couple that works together, stays together?

“It’s not all smooth asphalt road,” said George, a smile creasing his face as he gets ready to operate for yet another week in the COVID-19 climate. “There have been a few potholes over the past six to seven years.”

He added: “We got married four days after 9/11 and here we are today dealing with COVID 2020.

We’re transitioning as best we can.”

“The recognition is a good thing for us,” Kristen said. “We rely a lot on word-of-mouth advertising, so it’s nice to get some formal recognition, too.”

And Midland “foodies” are all the better for the couple’s dogged determination to keep their labor of love, Shier’s Deli & Catering, up and running.

The restaurant started using Door Dash delivery service just prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Just look for the big bright, red awning at 2218 North Saginaw Road, about one-half mile west of Eastman Avenue, on the north side of the road. It’s worth finding.

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Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 11

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Page 12 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Reader’s Choice winner Belle’s Bakery believes simple is best

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

Sometimes simple is best. It’s a guiding philosophy that is working well for a Midland bakery owner as she builds a business that the community is developing quite a taste for.

old location. It was a great place to start. We have a much bigger kitchen here and far more overall space. We have room for display cases and a showroom. It also provides us with better visibility.”

Kathe Annelin has turned a longtime hobby, baking, into a profession as the owner of Belle’s Bakery, a small business whose variety of homemade-like sweets and treats evoke images of grandmothers’ finest bake goods and memorable times.

An added bonus is the building came equipped with two drive-up windows, a walk-up and a drivethrough window.

“Basic, simple and homemade,” is how Kathe Annelin describes her baking style, an approach that has earned Belle’s Bakery a MDN Readers’ Choice Gold Award for Best Bakery and a Silver for best cake shop. “I knew I couldn’t do everything, so we try to be unique in what we offer.”

She’s been in business for about a year and a half but her passion for baking goes back a long way.

Annelin began making cakes for her family and friends about 28 years ago. She later took her first cake decorating class in downtown Midland. Before long, the same circle that raved about her baking skills urged her to parlay that talent into a livelihood.

The bakery specializes in cakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.

Cookies, cupcakes and holiday treats are other store staples.

Customers also delight in finding old-fashioned donuts, bread made from scratch, cheesecakes and coffee at Belle’s. Annelin has expanded her store offerings by reaching out to Katie’s Kitchen, Creation Coffee, Robaire’s Bakery, Cheeky Cheesecake and Scratched Bread, well-established businesses whose specialties now can be found at Belle’s brick and mortar shop, located at 601 S. Saginaw Road.

“We’re blessed to have 2 drive-up windows that allow us to operate during this time,” she said.

Robin Bott, a sixth grade teacher at Northeast Middle School, right, picks up a gift of cookies Tuesday, May 5, 2020 from Belle’s Bakery and chats with Melissa Bressette, president of Northeast’s Viking Parent Association, left. The gifts were arranged by the VPA in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

“It’s a great creative partnership that allows us to offer more unique products to the community,” Annelin said. “I didn’t know how to make a donut. Robaire’s is famous for its donuts. They are old-fashioned bakery donuts and that’s what I wanted. Everybody in Midland wants donuts and we have great ones here.”

Midland business, makes muffins for Belle’s, and Cheeky Cheesecake and Scratched Bread are two other Midland companies whose offerings add to the Belle’s Bakery experience.

The bakery was located next to Pop Pop’s Gourmet Treats on Ashman Circle before relocating in late March to its current location at 601 S. Saginaw Road, formerly the site of U.S. Coney & Cone.

Robaire’s has been a Mt. Pleasant fixture since its founding in 1961, and Annelin is pleased to offer their donuts at her shop on Fridays “We moved here right when COVID and Saturdays. Katie’s Kitchen, a hit,” Annelin said. “I loved our

“I left Blessed Sacrament School (where she worked for 17 years) about 3 and half years ago and haven’t looked back,” she said.

“We’re starting slow and thought ‘how can we make this work’”? We didn’t expect COVID to last this long, so like everybody else, we’re taking it one day at a time.”

The shop’s name stems from her daughter’s name, Campbelle.

Belle’s Bakery. Say it aloud and it does have a nice ring to it.

Continued on pg 13

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

ourmidland.com Continued from pg 12

positive, so encouraging.”

“We call her Belle,” Annelin said.

Annelin is investing in her start“We think the name and the bakery up business conservatively as she work well together.” navigates through the weight of COVID-19 and other challenges The small operation has three people on staff, excluding Annelin, involved in building a brand. who credits her family for “I’m being frugal. I told my frequently helping out. husband, John, that I wouldn’t get Belle’s Bakery is open four days too far in debt,” she said. “We’re a week, Wednesday and Thursday, repurposing everything we can 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Friday and here. We’re determined to leave as Saturday (donut days). Friday hours little an environmental footprint are 9 a.m. -3 p.m. and Saturdays as possible.” the shop is open from 9 a.m. – 1 It was a Monday morning, a p.m. Cupcakes, desserts and a day Belle’s is closed, when she “lot of little cakes” are popular customer choices right now. There was contacted by the MDN and are plans to expand store hours in informed of her Gold and Silver Readers’ Choice Awards. the future.

“I’ve worked in Midland for many years, so I knew this going into the business, but this community is amazing,” she said. “People are so

Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 13

“Monday is my bill-paying day, so you just made my day,” she said.

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Page 16 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Auburn furniture store in its 63rd year of business

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

There are plenty of furniture stores but only one Tri City Furniture, an iconic Auburn business now in its 63rd year of bringing the very best in American-made products to Mid-Michigan families.

pieces that may still work with their new vision, as well as considering color tones of existing fireplaces and flooring,” said Kathy Kilbourn. “Each piece of the room is important if we are to bring it all together.”

It’s a vision Ronald Fahrner had when he founded the store back in 1957, and is now carried out by second-generation owners Kathy Kilbourn, Fahrner’s daughter, and her husband, Lee.

If clients have questions on how to pick a paint color, choose a new floor, or change the backsplash in their kitchen, the knowledgeable staff at Tri City can help. Color tones are constantly changing.

Gray-based colors are a popular choice right now, according to Kathy Kilbourn,

The couple has remained true to the company’s roots, resisting the urge to sell cheaper, imported furniture because “we believe that American manufacturers create far superior products,” said Kathy Kilbourn.

A whole lot of Midland Daily News readers and other satisfied customers agree with the Kilbourns’ business philosophy.

The store took home two Gold Awards —one for furniture and one for home decorating — and a Silver Award in the mattress category in the MDN’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards.

When you enter the Tri City showroom and watch the couple engage with customers, it’s clear the Kilbourns truly enjoy what they do. To them, it’s more about building relationships and trust.

Do that, and the sales will follow.

“We love finding the perfect furniture pieces for our clients,” said Kathy Kilbourn. “Decorating a room with comfortable pieces

“We’re consultants for your entire home,” said Lee Kilbourn. “If you’re not at ease and comfortable in your own home, where can you be?”

Pic captions (L-R) Lee and Kathy Kilbourn demonstrate the comfort and quality of one of their store’s recliners, a popular item that helped Tri City Furniture garner a gold for furniture in the Midland Daily News’ Readers’ Choice Awards. The 3rd generation Auburn family business also won a gold for home decoration and a silver for mattresses.

is our goal for clients. We want to make sure they fit, as well as have the look and durability that will last with their family.”

something you are proud of and are excited to show your friends,” said Kathy Kilbourn.

The Kilbourns consider themselves The store’s staff attends several lifestyle consultants because their markets a year to keep up with business involves so much more what’s going on in the world of than furniture. They frequently do design. Checking out new products, home visits that allow them to construction, and ensuring the measure specific rooms, and they right feel are very important so design floor plans to show clients that they can help the clients find different options that work in their just the right piece. space.

“We want your room to be

“Being in the room lets us see

Tri City Furniture has solid wood furniture made by American manufacturers as well as Amish bedroom pieces, dining rooms and accent pieces. They also carry Serta mattresses, a leading mattress manufacturer headquartered in Michigan and owned by a thirdgeneration Michigan family.

“Serta makes a quality product and stands behind one of the best warranties in the industry,” said Kathy Kilbourn.

Because Tri City Furniture stays up to date by working with the best furniture manufacturers in Continued on pg 17

ourmidland.com

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 17

well as redesigning structures with actually spend more time listening and partner with America’s most public spaces such as churches trusted brands to provide the very and assisted living homes. best in comfort, style and quality.

“We offer special design, color “Tri City Furniture has been in specifications, and lighting and business for 63 years and we flooring,” said Kathy Kilbourn. remain committed to upholding High-pressure sales tactics? Not the legacy of Ronald Fahrner,” a chance at this landmark Auburn said Lee Kilbourn. “We don’t take business. The Kilbourns won’t shortcuts in our commitment to be found talking over customers providing quality products and in an effort to make a sale. They service.”

Three generations of family (L-R), Krista Hall, Kathy Kilbourn and Lee Kilbourn pose for a photograph in the showroom of their Auburn business, Tri City Furniture.Hall is the daughter of store owners Lee and Kathy Kilbourn.

Continued from pg 16 America, finding just the right piece for each and every customer is now so much easier.

“Today you can actually design your own piece,” enthused Kathy Kilbourn.

That means you have choices of overall length, different arms, legs, wood color choices, seat depth and back height. Fabrics or leather, cushion styles and firmness are other options.

“As we guide you through the options, your perfect piece is created just for you — a customized piece of furniture that doesn’t cost you a whole lot extra,” said Kathy Kilbourn.

The Tri City staff’s attention to detail is impressive. No stone goes unturned when it comes to evaluating suppliers to ensure that quality has not been compromised.

As Kathy Kilbourn notes, “Just because a manufacturer has

Thank you for voting us the service.

BEST From in Midland! electrical small circuit repair to major lighting upgrades.

been building a product one way doesn’t mean that it is continuing to produce quality items. This is one of the biggest problems with this industry today. Furniture that was purchased 10 years ago from an American manufacturer may now be built in China. That is happening with well-known brands.”

Kathy Kilbourn’s reputation as a style maven landed her a weekly segment on WNEM-TV 5 entitled “Design Time.” The 5-6 minute program teaches people about home décor, providing tips on decorating for the holidays, furniture, paint colors, fabrics and choosing the right mattress, among other topics.

“It gives you inside information on what to look for so you’re a smart shopper,” said Lee Kilbourn.

Tri City Furniture works with a number of quality commercial companies as well. This means they are adept at helping clients redo offices and meeting rooms, as

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Readers Choice: Primrose Retirement Communities offer sanctuary for seniors

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

Now this is living. That core philosophy goes into every aspect of Primrose Retirement Communities and helps explain why one of Midland’s newest retirement communities has quickly developed a reputation as a sanctuary for seniors.

“I have never viewed my craft as cooking for a retirement community,” he said. “I’ve always approached this just as in my own restaurant. We offer fine dining.

My job is to create menus that our residents want in their restaurant.”

Pan seared ribeye steak, sous vide pork chops and house-smoked BBQ ribs are popular dishes at Primrose.

Primrose opened its Midland senior living community in July 2019, and today is home to 95 residents. As company founder Jim Thares has said: “We’re in this business to help seniors enjoy a healthy, happy lifestyle.”

“The meals have been excellent,” said Carol.

Mission accomplished in Midland.

“Primrose sold itself,” said Joe and Pat Downey. “We were impressed with the lovely villas, the friendly staff and the many activities available. There’s so much here: weekly happy hours, the beautiful clubhouse, an exercise room and the tasty and varied food options.

This is senior living at its best.”

The entrance sign to Primrose Retirement Community of Midland, located at 5600 Waldo Ave.

knowing that whatever happens, assistance is just a moment away.”

their way to make residents feel welcome and special.

The Primrose Difference runs deep. “Eighteen months ago, we made a deposit on a villa when it was “People ask me what makes us under construction,” said Carole better and different,” said Jane The community offers 28 and Hank Steffens. “It appeared Johnson, sales director. “I have independent, but fully to be just what we were looking an easy answer. It’s our people. maintenance-free villas, 50 one for as a retirement community Whether it’s our executive director, location. Truly it is! Hank and and two bedroom assisted living a nurse, cook or housekeeper, we apartments and 24 spacious I both agree that this is a all share a common passion for private studios in its specialized phenomenal place and all the staff doing the right thing.

The right assisted living for those with is exceptional.” dementia and Alzheimers Disease. thing at Primrose is to provide Food, of course is an important a safe and enjoyable home for Primrose may not be licensed as consideration, and Primrose seniors. It doesn’t hurt that we a skilled nursing facility, “but we Retirement Community of Midland have an amazing campus either.” have a very high clinical capability,” is fortunate to have a talented A chapel, wellness center, business executive chef on staff by the said Jill Place, RN, director of center, movie theater and onsite nursing. “With our continuum of name of Brad Valley. Seniors can therapy are some of the amenities be tough food critics, but Valley’s care and licensed nurses and care residents enjoy. An added touch: team on-site 24/7, our residents approach has won the day at enjoy being able to age in place, staff consistently goes out of Primrose.

“Our residents enjoy our food because we care and focus on their wants and needs,” Valley said.

“The team I have the privilege of working with has a true commitment to producing quality food from scratch.”

Primrose Retirement Communities, a North Dakota-based company with senior living facilities across the nation, evaluated a number of markets in Michigan before deciding to build in Midland.

Jessi Weldon, Primrose’s director of sales and marketing, said Midland kept rising to another level when viewing benchmarks the company uses to screen communities. The company looks at overall population, number of seniors, local median income levels, medical services and how the community is already being served by senior living facilities and its comparative quality. It’s quite a process from conception to completion.

Continued on pg 25

ourmidland.com

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 25

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY Gold SVSU Silver Northwood University Bronze Delta NON PROFIT Gold Silver Bronze

Willa Stauffer, a resident of Primrose Retirement Community, happily enjoys a beverage and a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers in her Midland home.

Continued from pg 24 “Finally,” Weldon said, “there was a boots-on-the-ground visit to the community, and we found Midland to be even more impressive in person.”

Weldon also credited City of Midland officials for being forthright and fair to help the company meet the city’s development benchmarks.

Terry Purves moved his father into a Memory Care living space the first week Primrose opened.

“He absolutely loves the community,” he said. “His health, happiness and most importantly, his mental status, have all improved. The front office staff are every knowledgeable and extremely helpful. They were all of great assistance as we moved him in.”

The Steffens couldn’t agree more.

“Their cheery smiles and greetings warm our hearts,” the Steffens said. “The extra touches like the birthday flowers, card, welcome sign and garden basket add personal touches which we didn’t anticipate, but for which we are grateful. We could go on and on but I want to say ‘job well done.

You have done wonders opening a new facility. Many thanks!’”

“I would highly recommend Primrose of Midland to anyone,” said Purves. “If I could give more than five stars I would. The medical staff is top notch and does a great job. The daily staff is also fantastic and they are so attentive, caring and engaging.

They have my father doing things and participating in ways he never has done before. I don’t he would or could be happier anyplace else.”

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Midland’s first couple of dance and theater share talents as instructors Dean/Black School of Performing Arts wins Reader’s Choice award

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

It wouldn’t be a stretch to call Rochelle Black and her husband, Alex, Midland’s first couple of dance and theater. The two, who both began formal training at the age of 3 and stuck with it, went on to earn an impressive list of acting and theater credits, Rochelle primarily acting roles in movie and television, and Alex mainly musical theater. Today, the young couple can be found sharing their considerable gifts as lead instructors at the Dean/Black School of Performing Arts.

The venerable business, founded 59 years ago by Gloria G. Dean, Alex Black’s grandmother, has earned the respect of generations of Midland dancers of all ages for its top-notch instruction in just about every dance form imaginable, ranging from jazz, tap, ballet, creative movement, contemporary and a new offering this fall, hip hop.

Alex Black is third generation in a family business that is owned and operated by his mother, Sandra Black, an accomplished performer in her own right.

“My grandmother founded the business in the basement of her Midland home,” said Alex Black.

“Then it was my mom and now me carrying on the family tradition.”

And what a tradition it is, even in the time of COVID-19, as the acclaimed dance studio nimbly

and safety protocols Dean/Black Performing Arts has in place, are coming to the studio for lessons.

Given the current environment, others are more comfortable taking virtual dance classes.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure everyone is safe,” said Alex Black, a classically trained dancer who, oddly enough, has always enjoyed hip hop.

“I grew up with hip hop even though I was classically trained,” he recounted, smiling. “I didn’t have a choice. What was I going to do at 3-years-old, tell my mother no, I don’t want to take dance lessons?”

Alex Black

adjusts its operation to keep its business alive and students dancing.

children and grandchildren of students that have been former students.”

“We’re getting through it,” said Alex Black. “We just got done with summer intensives and had a competition team in intensives.

It’s definitely been an adventure dealing with all of the executive orders and restrictions.”

Sandra Black is president of Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, an educational and training school for teachers and students.

“I think what makes our studio so special is that we are a familyrun business that has been in business since 1961,” said Sandra Black, an accomplished performer in her own right. “We are teaching

“All of my teachers stay up to date on dance trends, music and different methods of teaching different levels and genres of classes,” she said.

The studio’s students range from 3 years old to adult age. Some, adhering to the strict health

Growing up in Midland, Alex Black enjoyed sports, participating in football, baseball and basketball.

Yet as his flair for performing became increasingly apparent, he faced a choice.

“It got to the point where I had to choose,” he said. “I was doing both sports and dance until about the age of 10 and knew if I was going to pursue dance seriously and make something of it I had to totally commit to it.”

At 16, he got his first big break when the Minneapolis Dance Theater brought its production of Nutcracker to Midland.

‘The director had seen me do our Continued on pg 28

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Dan Reimer

Christie Hall

Tony Lechner

Tom Strouse

Jennifer Horton

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of Midland

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Remember to call a RE/MAX of Midland agent for all of your real estate needs.

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Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 27

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ourmidland.com Choice Award, a gold for dance lessons, won’t be the esteemed studio’s last. It’s built a culture predicated on family and passing on of knowledge gathered over generations. It’s a tight-knit organization.

Continued from pg 26 Nutcracker back in Minnesota and cast me for a part,” Black said.

He is a graduate of Midland High and attended Wayne State University as a BFA dance major, talent scholar and Allesee Award recipient. He has traveled extensively to perform, but there is one particular showbiz moment he most cherishes.

“I met my wife while doing a show in New York,” he said. “We’ve been together ever since.”

Rochelle Black made her professional debut at the age of 13, choreographing for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons and the WNBA’s Detroit Shock. She later landed roles on the big screen as a featured dancer in the Disney film, “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.” To further her career, Rochelle Black moved to Los Angeles, where she continued teaching, choreographing and auditioning for acting roles. A big break came when she landed a major role as a recurring character in the FX series, “The Stain.”

“My wife has an extensive background in dancing and in the acting profession,” Alex Black said.

Students of the Dean/Black School of Performing Arts.

‘She’s appeared regularly in TV shows and movies. I have more of a musical theater background.”

of Performing Arts’ rich tradition.

Sandra Black likes nothing better than running into former pupils Today, Rochelle Black is happy with and their parents. The studio’s impact often extends beyond her new and most important role. dance skills.

“I retired from performing in 2017 “I many times will have someone when Alex and I decided to start in passing tell me about their fond a family,” she said. “We planned memories of classes and recitals to relocate to Midland after the birth of our daughter, and are very during their years at Dean/Black,” excited to focus all of our time and she said. “One parent told me that we helped to shape the young energy on the dance studio.” woman that she is today. From a This month (September) marks the shy, introverted young girl, to a third year that Alex Black has been confident and sure woman and part of his mother’s staff. He and parent.”

Rochelle also direct Sandra Black’s dance company and are more than You get the sense that the Dean/ capable, as third generation family, Black School of Performing Art, Inc’s latest MDN Reader’s of carrying on Dean/Black School

“We all at Dean/Black are family,” said Sandra Black. “My office manager is a former Dean/Black dancer from many years back. Her daughter danced as well as my head tap teacher. She danced as a young child, graduated, went off to school and returned years many years later.”

The Dean/Black Family has created a culture, one that both stimulates and challenges perceived limitations. The staff has high expectations for itself and wants its students to be driven as well.

“I love the atmosphere at the studio,” Sandra Black said.

“Disciplined and structured yet fun and energetic. I want every student that passes through our door to feel challenged and come away with a greater knowledge of the genre of dance they took, as well as the desire to continue and the feeling of confidence that they have gained from learning and growing.”

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 29

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Page 30 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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LaLonde’s Market a Midland staple spanning generations Founded in 1958, meat market and grocer has grown considerably

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

You know you’ve arrived when your name is closely linked with your community. Midland is noted for a lot of things and one of its signature difference-makers is a multi-generational family company, LaLonde’s Market.

Founded in 1958 by Charles “Chuck” LaLonde and Joyce LaLonde, the neighborhood meat market and grocer, located at 4007 Jefferson Ave., has grown considerably through the years. Its success is fueled by an unwavering commitment to personal service and principled dedication to only selling the highest quality seafood and meat products. In a time when customer service seems to be a lost art and many products don’t seem to be made like they used to be, there’s LaLonde’s, a staple of a Midland community that recognizes excellence when it sees it.

The market won two golds in the MDN’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards, one for the best place to buy meat and another for the top choice to purchase seafood.

LaLonde’s Seafood Spectacular Sale set the table for others to attempt to but not quite duplicate.

LaLonde’s stands alone as a neighborhood grocery store and meat market whose reputation attracts people from far beyond its City of Midland neighborhood.

LaLonde’s does not cut corners.

It has carefully crafted a family brand of excellence that it isn’t

MacNellis had been working at LaLonde’s since 2001 before purchasing the business and has steadily expanded the store’s gourmet selections, meal solutions and specialty meats. Its homemade brats and wide selection of tasty, no-prep, pre-seasoned and prestuffed burgers are the stuff of Midland food legend.

“Since we’re a smaller store, we can better adapt to customers’ changing tastes and needs,” said MacNellis. “Our merchandising reflects our ability to stay fresh and current.”

Scott MacNellis has steadily expanded LaLonde’s Market’s gourmet selections, meal solutions and specialty meats. (Photo provided/LaLonde’s Market)

worth deviating from to save a few bucks.

“We sell only the highest quality beef,” said Scott MacNellis, who along with his wife, Emily, bought the store on Jefferson in the spring of 2012. “A lot of places spend a lot of time on the phone trying to negotiate cheaper prices from suppliers. I don’t do that. I don’t have the time.”

Besides, MacNellis has cultivated an excellent working relationship with two quality suppliers that

have gained his trust.

“They know our high standards and don’t disappoint us,” MacNellis said. “We offer Angus pride beef and our seafood supplier gets different grades of everything.”

As for the store’s continued success, now led by third generation owners, MacNellis, a former Midland Public Schools teacher, has a modest answer: “I surround myself with people who make me look good.”

When MacNellis answered the call to step into an ownership role, he went in with his eyes wide open. He wasn’t taking over just any store. He was taking over LaLonde’s, founded by Charles LaLonde, who passed on to his son, Steve, who had further established the store as a staple of a community known for its discerning tastes.

“Absolutely there was pressure,” MacNellis acknowledged. “I married the butcher’s daughter and bought the store. I don’t stress on it though. There’s more pressure for me to take care of the 30 employees that count on me for a paycheck.”

The employees have remained working throughout COVID-19.

Continued on pg 31

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 31

owner. If You Think My Floor is Shiny, You Should See My Bosses’ Head, a reference to the folliclychallenged MacNellis that is inscribed on another marker.

online or self-check, there comes a time when you want to be taken care of. We offer customers service at a reasonable price.”

And you only get one chance to make a first impression.

“It’s a delicate balance of combining catchy fun phrases to convey serious messages,” MacNellis said.

To turn a phrase, LaLonde’s has continued to make fillet out of ground chuck in a most challenging, unprecedented environment. It is one marked by uncertainty, myriad restrictions and mandates and heightened anxiety among a public that longs for a return to some semblance of normalcy.

“Our job is to establish relationships with people in 15 seconds or less,” he said. “When I can step back and watch satisfied, smiling customers getting informed, personal service, I know I’ve done my job.”

LaLonde’s, a Midland mainstay since 1958, consistently draws rave reviews from customers.

“It’s awesome,” he said of his store’s latest MDN Reader’s Choice “It’s a unique opportunity to teach awards. “It’s really nice to be honored and recognized for what good customer service,” MacNellis said. “As much as young people buy you do.”

LaLonde’s Market can provide the mixings of the perfect summer cocktail.

(Photo provided/LaLonde’s Market)

Continued from pg 30

said. “We’ve been extremely busy. It’s fortunate for us to be LaLonde’s was one of the first in the grocery business. A lot stores in Midland to offer curbside of people are learning to cook pickup and establish social and are not comfortable going distancing inside its establishment. out to restaurants even with “We were doing a lot of the things limited capacities. We want the restaurants to survive, which already,” MacNellis said. “We may seem strange to hear from regularly get inspected by the me because they are our main County Health Department and competition. But the community began amplifying our sanitization needs our restaurants.” and safety measures once COVID hit. The biggest thing we’ve had In-store, LaLonde’s staff has to do is adjust to people with the brought a creative approach as highest level of anxiety and listen it attempts to lighten the mood to our medical experts to make a bit when implementing social our vulnerable populations feel distancing guidelines. A sign on comfortable here.” a dot on the floor right inside MacNellis said business has been good and they haven’t had to lay off any of its employees.

“We’ve been going in the opposite direction of many retailers,” he

the back door reads: You Look Marvelous. Thanks for Being Here. Another social distancing marker asks customers to support a local restaurant. The staff even pokes good-natured fun at the

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Page 34 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Bayside on an impressive winning streak

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

Gary Vogel, owner of Bayside Home Care in Midland, may have to consider a building expansion.

He’s running out of wall space and trophy cases to display all of the awards the company has received through the years.

The company he and his wife, Kimberly, founded 12 years ago

with the express purpose of keeping seniors in their homes as long as possible, is a multiple award winner in the Midland Daily News’ 2020 Readers’ Choice Award as a top employer and caregiver.

The latest honors, as voted on by Daily News readers, saw the home health care business garner two coveted awards, a gold for home

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care and a bronze for best place to work. The company also has past Readers’ Choice awards to its credit.

Earlier this year, the agency, for the seventh straight year, was recognized for being among the best home care providers in the country by an independent

entity, Home Care Pulse. That puts the Midland business in select company, as only the top-ranked home care agencies across the

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ourmidland.com Continued from pg 34 company’s collection of regional and national awards. “We’re there around the clock, 24-7, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to allow people to live in their homes as long as possible. We’re fortunate to have staff here that has found their calling as professionals who truly want to help people.”

The home care provider is local, family-owned and dedicated to promoting independent living. And the desire for seniors to remain in their homes today is more pronounced than ever, according to Vogel.

“In this coronavirus climate nobody is really excited about going to a nursing home or assisted living facility,” he said.

“The risk, as we’ve all seen, is too great.”

Kimberly and Gary Vogel harbor no ambitions to be the largest home care provider around. They simply want seniors to have a quality and affordable option that allows them to remain where they are comfortable: their own home.

“I’ve never had anyone tell me they can’t wait until it’s time to leave their home for a nursing home or some other facility,” he

said. “A priority for us is to educate.

Try home care first. Everyone wants to stay at home. We’ve helped hundreds of Mid-Michigan residents over the years do just that.”

Vogel said even having one of his staff come into a home for a few hours a day to make sure a client is taking their meds or getting sound nutrition and making sure they’re safe can avoid crisis situations.

“It can make all the difference,” he said. “We can help in so many ways it’s worth considering because if you sell Mom or Dad’s house, move them out and discover the facility is not what it was cracked up to be, what do you do now? All their stuff is gone.”

Services offered include: memory care; rehab care; veteran attendant care; accident recovery care; senior care; and disability care.

Vogel is a certified senior advisor, meaning he has a better understanding than most of challenges facing the elderly. One of the biggest concerns is falls, which can cause broken bones and even death to seniors. That’s why Bayside makes it a point to provide fall prevention presentations to various community organizations.

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According to the Vogels, there’s another important reason to consider hiring Bayside Home Care.

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“Many don’t realize the implications or possible consequences of self-hiring caregivers,” said Vogel. “All home health aides are employees of

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“With the resources that are available today, people can stay in their home right until the end,” he added.

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Page 36 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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Midland Eye Associates eying expansion plan

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

Midland Eye Associates has been serving the Mid Michigan community for more than 80 years and clearly has a vision for growing a practice that is recognized as a leader in its field. Already equipped with the latest and greatest in technology and led by two highly regarded optometrists, Dr. Carl Erickson and Midland native Dr. Paul Kimball, the practice is in a period of transition as it embarks on an ambitious expansion plan that will allow it to offer more services to more people.

citizen discovered it was pouring rain as she was about to exit the building. One of the staff members walked the woman out with an umbrella and held the doors open for her, a gesture that was very much appreciated.

“We believe in customer service and being up-front and transparent with people,” said Erickson, an honors graduate of the Michigan College of Optometry where he earned his doctorate of Optometry.

Midland Eye Associates is located at 217 N. Saginaw Road, an area that Erickson noted is ripe for investment. The practice’s plan to increase its physical footprint from 2,000 square feet to 5,500 square feet has been delayed — but not derailed by COVID-19.

A two-time Gold award winner in the Midland Daily News’ 2020 Readers’ Choice awards, Midland Eye Associates specializes in providing comprehensive primary vision care for all members of your family.

Dr. Carl Erickson

“Our employees care about people,” said Erickson. “We have 10 people And it’s not just the technical currently on staff that we feel knowledge of everything eyes strongly are second to none.” for Thanks s U Voting er! cap s d #1 Lan

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Glaucoma management care, macular degeneration care, cataracts (pre-op and post-op) diabetic management care and treating red-eyes and foreign bodies are among his specialties.

“We now have three exam lanes.

Once the project is completed, we’ll have 9 exam lanes and will be able to increase services.”

Erickson said the building expansion is an investment in the community that the City of Midland supports.

“I think the city sees this corridor as the next area it would like to further develop,” he said. “It meets their criteria for an improved business corridor. Dr. Kimball was born and raised in Midland, so he’s certainly happy to see what’s in the works here.”

Complete examinations at Midland Eye Associates include digital photo documentation of your eyes, testing for glaucoma, cataracts and other medical eye health issues.

The eye doctors point out that conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can affect eyesight.

“We monitor and watch for changes in your eye health, and give you the best vision care possible,” said Erickson. “Routine eye exams are our bread and butter, but we offer a number of other services. We’re a medicallyoriented practice.”

“A new emerging trend is myopia contacts that are used for nearsightedness,” he said. “They reduce the risk for retina detachments and glaucoma. This is a service we have that is mainly kid-based.”

Staying on the cutting edge of technology and a commitment to continuing education are hallmarks of a practice set in a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.

“Our dedicated team is definitely what sets us apart,” said Erickson.

“Customers tell Dr. Kimball and me all the time how much they appreciate our friendly and courteous service.”

These customers certainly weighed in when it was time to rate local optometrists in the categories of best eyewear and best eye doctor.

“Right now, with the pandemic still with us, these honors are kind of humbling,” said Erickson. “People are on edge and yet still took the time to recognize us. These are whole team awards.”

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Page 38 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

ourmidland.com

Ieuter a trusted and respected friend in the insurance business

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

When you call Ieuter Insurance, one of the most trusted and respected agencies in Midland for an eye-popping 80 years, an actual person — and a friendly one at that — will more than likely answer the phone. If you do happen to get voicemail or decide to send an email instead, rest assured that your message will be returned on the same day. Clearly, that’s not the case at a lot of places these days, but there are certain core values at Ieuter that continue to stand the test of time.

takes great care of their clients companies to work for. To its employees, the family-run business and staff, and actively supports the represents much more than a community in a big way.” paycheck.

“Our commitment to the “Ieuter is not just a place to community is a huge part of our work, it’s a place of loving, caring success,” said Kurt. “You would people who really care about their be hard-pressed to find an event employees, their insured and the going on in Midland where we community,” said Ieuter’s Allison aren’t supporting it financially Lambert. or with people from our office attending.”

Kurt Ieuter, one of the agency’s

“Easy. You are part of an amazing team that is supported by awesome management,” she said.

“Getting paid to do what you love for a company that respects and encourages you equals dream job.”

“We try to have a unique environment,” Kurt said, noting that during May-September employees are given the flexibility to come in an hour earlier each day so they can take every other co-owners along with his father It’s part of the Ieuter culture to get Friday off. The flex time has Cal and brother Karl, said success its people out and active in the helped boost morale and spike doesn’t come by accident. community. productivity. An extended weekend Providing personalized service “We believe the success of our “We live in such a great community during Michigan’s short summer with a sense of urgency, no business is due to the way we season can have that effect. and we want to do what we can matter what’s going on in the treat people,” he said. “We treat to make it even better,” said Kurt.

“We’ve found we are much more world, happens to be a company our customers as friends and our “Our team is encouraged to get cornerstone that has helped the efficient Monday-Thursday during employees as family members. We involved in areas that interest independent, full-service agency this time and people are really care a heck of a lot about them. We them.

In fact, we have a community rise to the top of its industry. And happy that they don’t have to burn want them happy.” relations committee that help did we mention it just so happens vacation to take a Friday off,” Kurt figure out where people can get A happy employee is a productive to be a great place to work? said. employee and smiling faces are in involved.”

The votes have been tallied and The agency also offers perks abundance at Ieuter.

Employee Vicky Jezewski oozes Ieuter Insurance Group has risen to throughout the year like massage the top in the MDN’s 2020 Readers’ “Working at Ieuter is the best,” said enthusiasm when asked why Ieuter Continued on pg 39 Dawn Sczepanski. “The agency Choice Awards as one of the best is the best place to work.

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Continued from pg 38

during stressful or busy times. Kurt days, during which a masseuse will said they also try to do ice cream days throughout the year, family come in and do chair massages nights at Loons games, dinner boat

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“The best thing about these events is it’s the employees who come up

with the ideas,” he said. “Total team effort. We want and need everyone involved to keep things running smoothly.”

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Page 40 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

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Blasy Electric a top-notch spark for Midland community

By Jon Becker for the Daily News

There’s a reason that Blasy Electric, Inc, a fixture in the Midland community since 1965, continues to rack up awards and accolades for residential and commercial work, both on high-profile projects and smaller ones alike.

“It’s because we have the best employees,” explained Brad Blasy, second generation owner of a company founded by his father, Don, after learning the electrical company added another honor to its growing list: The 2020 Daily News’ Reader’s Choice for Best Electrical Company.

the historic flood in mid-May, you tend to believe him.

“I can’t give the service teams enough credit,” Blasy said. “They really answered the call during the flood. They worked multiple days in a row, evenings, weekends, doing whatever it took to restore power.

It got to the point that I had to about force them to take a day off to retain their sanity.”

Mandy Marr, Blasy’s service team leader, was front and center during this pressure-packed and stressful time.

Blasy has been part of the business for 24 years, the last year and a half or so as its president and CEO. He’s seen and done a lot during his lengthy tenure with the company. So when he mentions how impressed he was when his crews sprung into action to help restore power to so many homeowners and business owners left in the dark (and worse) during

“She does a phenomenal job of interacting with customers,” praised Blasy. “She provides the personal attention our company is noted for and schedules our service electricians so efficiently.”

No job is too big or too small for a company that has done major work for many high-profile Midland organizations such as the Great Lakes Loons, Midland Country

Club, Northwood University, the Midland Center for the Arts and Mid Michigan Medical Center, to name a few.

awards through the years.

The company also gives back, philanthropically, to a community that has supported it for 55 years.

The same level of skill and The company has about 35 attention to detail is given to every employees and each of them, like job, regardless of scope and price. service leader Mandy Marr, take “I am so proud of our employees for their commitment to work as a team and value each and every job,” Blasy said. “One of our company’s top goals is 100% customer retention and customer satisfaction. We’re able to reap the benefits of this and other awards because of the type of culture we’ve built here.”

seriously a shared responsibility

Blasy’s commitment to safety has earned it a number of national

that the Midland community and

to uphold the company’s solid reputation. The company has name recognition, earned over decades of stellar electrical service and contracting. Blasy combines small town values with big-time resources. It all adds up to electrical work, performed by highly trained and dedicated staff, beyond continues to rely on.

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Page 42 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

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Neither rain, snow, sleet or COVID-19 stops MidMichigan Urgent Care-Midland

By Jon Becker for the Daily News Horrific mid-May flooding may have forced MidMichigan Urgent Care-Midland to temporarily relocate but it took each and every one of the qualities that make it the community’s “go-to” place for all of its urgent care needs with it.

Now located in the Towsley Building on the campus of MidMichigan Medical CenterMidland, after floodwaters forced it out of its facility at 3009 N. Saginaw Road, the Urgent Care staff not only adeptly — and quickly — adjusted to a new physical location caused by the devastating flooding in Midland, COVID-19 compelled their team of skilled and experienced medical professionals to treat all of their patients outside.

“We’ve been snowed on, rained on and faced other Michigan weather challenges as we run from the Towsley Building to treat patients outside,” said Dr. Kirk Bortel, an Urgent Care team leader and family medicine specialist. “We’ve been treating 100% of patients

would receive in a traditional setting.

“The biggest thing for me that makes us stand out is we really care about taking care of patients,” said Bortel. “We have caring and compassionate physicians, each with over 20 years of experience, along with PA’s and nurse practitioners that are outstanding.”

Dr. Kirk Bortel chats with Leonard Reese of Bay City at an ambulatory testing center on the campus of MidMichigan Urgent Care Midland on Saturday, March 21, 2020.

(Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

in their cars. It’s a way to protect patients and staff. It’s been a great thing for our patients.”

variety of medical professionals

Urgent Care offers walk-in treatment for people of all ages.

The staff, which consists of a

been treating patients in a parking

including five physicians and two advanced practice providers, has structure — with the same level of care and compassion patients

He’ll get no argument there from readers of the Midland Daily News.

They voted MidMichigan Urgent Care-Midland, the community’s top choice for Urgent Care services.

Winning a Reader’s Choice Gold is yet another example of how Urgent Care, and the entire Mid Michigan Health System for that matter, has connected with all of the communities it serves.

COVID-19 and all of its challenges has brought out the best in the Urgent Care team.

“We have an incredible group of people,” said Diane Szyperski, now Continued on pg 43

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ourmidland.com Continued from pg 42 in her 10th year as Urgent Care manager. “Whatever the situation is, our people adjust and get it done. We had four days to relocate after the flooding. We have an amazing team.”

Bortel agrees wholeheartedly.

“I cannot emphasize enough that we really care about our patients, so much so that during COVID we are seeing are ill patients in their cars—rain, snow or shine,” he said. “This is because 99-plus percent of COVID transmission occurs indoors. Seeing ill patients outside allows our non-ill patients and our occupational health patients to come inside to a safe environment.”

A highly-trained staff is a defining characteristic of the Urgent Care team.

“One example of this is that our x-rays are performed by BoardCertified X-Ray technicians,” said Dr. Bortel. “This is important to get the best quality images, to make the most accurate diagnosis, along with limiting radiation exposure.”

Approximately 30,000 patients a year seek treatment at MidMichigan Urgent Care-Midland.

Offering walk-in care for people of

all ages, the staff treats everything from strains and sprains, minor fractures, and minor emergencies, to colds and sore throats, and minor burns, skin rashes and insect bites. Allergy shots, blood pressure checks and camp and sport physicals are among the other services provided.

The year 2020 has required a special kind of resolve for Urgent care staff. A lot came its way and in a hurry.

“We had a rough start to the year,” Szyperski said. “It began with a big flu season in January and February.

We were treating 100-plus people a day and then we transitioned to COVID and then the flooding.”

employees’ needs. Services include DOT physicals, pre-employment physicals, fit testing, ongoing health surveillance, including lab work, workmen’s compensation injuries, drug screens, and more.

“We have an occupational health coordinator and two physicians that each has 25 years of

The Urgent Care team also prides itself on its Occupational Health Program. This entity partners with regional businesses to provide the best care to meet their

Thank you to everyone for your support and for voting for us

experience in occupational health,” Bortel said.

MidMichigan Urgent Care-Midland is a subsidiary of MidMichigan Health. Officials are currently assessing the health systems’ facilities and expect to decide on a permanent home for Urgent Care within the next few weeks.

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Yet when the proverbial rubber meets the road, Urgent-CareMidland is able to rise to the occasion.

“The best thing I like about working here is our amazing staff and the care they provide,” Szyperski said. “We don’t have a lot of turnover. Most of our staff has been with us 20-plus years. That makes a difference.”

Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Page 43

ourmidland.com

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Page 44 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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2020 READERS’ CHOICE

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