BRADY EVENTS AND MARKETING INC. www.elizabethmarasco.com www.kudosjourney.com
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As we step into a new season, it’s the perfect time for a refresh. Whether it’s your space, your mindset, or your goals summer is a powerful reminder that change is constant, and growth is always possible.
In this issue of Kudos Magazine, you’ll find inspiring stories, wellness insights, and ideas to help you live fully and embrace what’s next. I encourage you to commit to learning something new this summer whether it’s a fresh hobby, a healthier habit, or a bold step forward in your business.
As someone who’s passionate about helping small business owners and entrepreneurs grow, I specialize in creating smart strategies to increase your visibility both online and offline.
From local print promotions to digital content and automation, I’m here to help you connect with the right audience and turn attention into results.
If you’re ready to gain more exposure, elevate your brand, and grow in today’s everchanging market, let’s chat.
Visit www.ElizabethMarasco.com to learn more.
Here’s to learning, growing, and creating something beautiful this season.
Elizabeth Marasco
Brady Events and Marketing Inc.
Kudos Magazine Publisher
Celebrate Father’s Day Fun Ways to
No matter what you plan, the real magic of Father’s Day is in the time you spend together. Whether Dad prefers an action-packed adventure or a quiet day surrounded by loved ones, these simple, heartfelt activities help make him feel seen, appreciated, and celebrated.
Grill & Chill Backyard Bash
Turn your backyard into Dad’s ultimate hangout zone!
Fire up the grill with his favorite burgers, ribs, or kabobs, and let the good times roll with classic yard games like cornhole, ladder toss, or even a water balloon battle if it’s a hot day. Decorate with simple picnic vibes, play his favorite tunes, and surprise him with a “King of the Grill” apron. Bonus points for making a signature BBQ sauce or spice rub with the kids!
Unplug and connect with nature and each other. Plan a peaceful morning at a nearby lake, river, or fishing dock. Pack a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and Dad’s favorite drinks, and don’t forget sunscreen and a few extra chairs. Whether you catch anything or not, the real win is the conversation, laughter, and quiet moments spent side by side.
DIY Day: Build, Paint, or Tinker
Create something together—and build more than just a project.
Spend the afternoon tackling a simple hands-on activity that matches Dad’s interests. You could build a birdhouse, paint cornhole boards for future family fun, create custom “Dad” mugs, or even assemble a model car or LEGO set. It’s not about perfection it’s about connection. End the session with root beer floats or ice cream sundaes as a sweet reward.
Movie Marathon & Dad’s Snack Bar
Bring the cinema home with all of Dad’s favorite things. Transform your living room into a cozy movie theater. Let Dad pick a double-feature (action classics? 80s comedies? Pixar films with the kids?), and set up a DIY snack bar with popcorn, nachos, candy jars, and themed drinks. Make it extra fun by giving everyone a pretend movie ticket and naming the “theater” something silly like “Dadflix” or “Popcorn Palace.”
Donuts, Coffee & Scenic Drive
Kick off the day with treats and an open road. Start Father’s Day with a box of fresh donuts, gourmet coffee, and a casual ride to somewhere special. Whether it’s a peaceful country road, his childhood neighborhood, a local park, or a classic car show let the conversation flow and enjoy the ride. If he loves music, make a playlist with songs that remind you of him or let him DJ the dri
Protects What Matters Most UpdatingEstatePlans
As spring arrives in Michigan, many of us are busy cleaning out closets, opening windows, and starting fresh. But while you're refreshing your home, it's also the perfect time to review something even more important your family's future security.
Your will and estate plan are not "set-itand-forget-it" documents. They should evolve with your life. Births, marriages, divorces, changes in assets, even changes in the law all of these life events can mean your old documents no longer reflect your current wishes.
"If you really boil estate planning down, what you're doing is giving yourself peace of mind," says Matthew Abraham, founder of Abraham Law in Fenton. "Life will throw you curveballs.
The question isn't if, but when. A good estate plan makes sure those surprises don't turn into disasters for your family."
Family Business Focused on Families
Matthew isn't just an attorney. He's part of a family tradition of service that started when his father began practicing law in 1974.
"Our office is literally across the river from where I went to elementary school," Matthew shares with a smile. "We've been living and serving families here in Fenton, Linden, Holly, and all across southeast Michigan for decades."
Unlike large, impersonal firms, Abraham Law offers the deep
WATCH INTERVIEW CLIP WITH MATTHEW ABRAHAM - ABRAHAM LAW,
▶ TURN ON AUDIO | CLICK PLAY OR VISIT: https://youtu.be/G4rIRTetxqI
knowledge of a big practice with a small-town, handson approach. "We care about the people we serve. We get to know your family, your assets, and your goals. That's what makes a plan work the personal touch."
Estate Planning Is For Everyone
One of the biggest myths Matthew hears is that estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly.
"Estate planning isn't about how much money you have," he explains. "If you have a family, a home, a business, a retirement account—or simply people you care about—you need a plan."
Recently, he met with a couple in their early seventies who wanted to protect their grown children and grandchildren. Their biggest question? Should their children have estate plans too?
"The answer was absolutely yes. Once you have a spouse, kids, or even just financial accounts, it's time to start planning," Matthew says. "It's not about age. If you have a pulse, you need at least the basics: a will, a financial power of attorney, and a healthcare power of attorney."
Powers of Attorney: The Unsung Heroes of Planning
Most people think a will is enough. But Matthew points out that powers of attorney are just as critical.
"A financial power of attorney can prevent a court from assigning a conservator you didn't choose," he explains. "A healthcare power of attorney ensures someone you trust can make medical decisions if you can't. Without these, you could end up with strangers making choices for you—or worse, leave your loved ones struggling in court."
Abraham Law's comprehensive estate plans always include these essential documents. They even go further, integrating HIPAA compliance, living will language, and more—ensuring every box is checked, no matter what life brings.
Keeping Loved Ones Out of Probate Court
Probate court can be a nightmare: expensive, slow, and public. Matthew's goal is simple—help families avoid it whenever possible.
"Our planning strategies are designed to keep families out of probate. That's not just for the wealthy. For many middleclass families, avoiding probate can save tens of thousands of dollars and months or years of stress."
Business Owners and Caregivers Need Special Protection
Many of Matthew's clients are business owners or caregivers. He helps small business owners develop succession plans to ensure their businesses and employees—are cared for if something happens.
Caregivers, especially those looking after aging parents or grandparents, also need careful planning. "Healthcare powers of attorney and living wills become absolutely essential. Without them, even basic decisions can get tangled up in legal red tape," he warns.
The Biggest Obstacle? Getting Started,
The hardest part is taking the first step," Matthew says. "People don't know where to begin, who to call, or what to ask. That's why we make it easy. We walk you through every part of the process and remove the confusion."
Spring is a season of renewal. This year, take a moment to spring-clean not just your home, but your peace of mind.
Talk to your parents and grandparents. Review your own documents. Laws change. Families grow. Plans should grow too.
At the end of the day, estate planning isn't just paperwork. It's a gift to your loved ones. It's a safety net. It's the security of knowing that no matter what life brings, you've done your part to protect the people who matter mo
The Heart of the Matter: A Mission to Transform Men’s Health
In a world where men’s health is often an afterthought in public conversation, Dwayne Parker is changing the narrative A retired healthcare administrator, heart transplant survivor, and founder of Men’s Health First, LLC, Dwayne’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of community support.
From Administrator to Advocate
For over 25 years, Dwayne worked behind the scenes in the healthcare system, serving in behavioral health, marketing, human resource administration, and in 2023 he became a Certified Men’s Health Educator. (CMHE). This wide-ranging career gave him a unique lens into the inner workings of wellness, particularly the gaps and unspoken struggles men face regarding their health
However, his passion for men’s health wasn’t born solely from his career it was personal Despite having insurance, Dwayne spent years helping his father navigate a complex healthcare system That journey, filled with frustrating gaps and missed opportunities for preventative care, became a pivotal point in Dwayne’s mission. But nothing could have prepared him for his own health battle.
A Heart Transformed
In 2017, Dwayne was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy heart failure Over the next several years, his journey would involve a pacemaker, a defibrillator, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and finally, in 2024, a life-saving heart transplant “The process was long, intense, and spiritual,” Dwayne shared. “It tested everything my patience, my commitment, my faith.”
But through it all, one thing remained steady: the unwavering support of his wife, Maureen. From the first ER visit to the transplant recovery, she was by his side his caregiver, his advocate, his rock.
“Caregivers matter,”
Dwayne emphasized.
“Maureen wasn’t just my wife she was my lifeline. Women play a powerful role in ensuring their loved ones, especially the men in their lives, stay on top of their health.”
Men’s Health: A Silent Crisis
Dwayne’s lived experience inspired him to launch Men’s Health First, LLC in 2024, a consulting and education company focused on elevating awareness, building community programs, and reshaping how men approach their well-being
6 7
“Men live to years less than women That’s a silent health crisis we can’t ignore anymore,” he said. “Men skip checkups, avoid conversations about stress or depression, and don’t know their health numbers. That needs to change.”
He points to startling statistics: 90% of women have a primary care provider compared to only 60% of men. And while most men will religiously change their car’s oil every 3,000 miles, they often delay getting a routine physical until something’s seriously wrong.
His message? Know your numbers Blood pressure Cholesterol BMI Catch issues early Preventative care isn’t a burden it’s a lifeline.
“I found my purpose after my transplant... I was given a second chance not just at life, but at making a difference”
“Men’s
Making Health Conversations
Guy-Friendly
Dwayne knows that getting men to talk about health isn’t always easy That’s why Men’s Health First takes a fresh approach creating guy-friendly events that blend comfort, community, and important conversation
Think “Pancakes & Prostates” where men gather for a hearty breakfast and leave with something even more valuable: awareness. Or “Grilling for the Heart of It,” where ribs, grilled veggies and heart health share the spotlight From fishing, to sports, to cars and mental health, Dwayne knows how to meet men where they are.
“We’re not trying to lecture we’re trying to connect,” he said “When you make health part of a man’s lifestyle, not a chore, the whole dynamic changes ”
Filling the Gap: Men’s Health
First
At its core, Men’s Health First is a movement o!ering training, certification, and consulting for communities, businesses, and healthcare providers looking to bring men’s health to the forefront.
Its mission is clear:
To advocate for men’s health by providing
innovative education, training, and programs that empower individuals, organizations, and communities to improve male health outcomes.
This summer, Men’s Health First is launching a Men’s Health Symposium and Call to Action Campaign a bold initiative to encourage collaboration across industries and organizations to build more inclusive, accessible programs that uplift men’s well-being.
- Dwayne Parker
“It’s time we change that, not just with talk, but with real, community-centered solutions ”
RetirementwithPurpose
Though technically retired, Dwayne’s work is far from over He sees this next chapter as his true calling. “I found my purpose after my transplant,” he shared. “I was given a second chance not only just life, but at making a dfference ”
He encourages fellow retirees to do the same whether through community service, mentoring, or advocacy. he says.
“Retirement isn’t the end It’s a new beginning,” “Your community, your church, your family they still need you But first, you need to take care of yourself ”
ALegacyofHope
Dwayne’s story is not just about surviving it’s about thriving. With Maureen by his side and a heart full of purpose, he’s dedicating his life to helping others live longer, fuller lives.
In a time when men’s health is too often overlooked, Dwayne Parker is raising the flag, leading with heart, and proving that h possible with faith, with love, and with commun
Fresh Fruit & Mint Skewers
INGREDIENTS:
Strawberries
Pineapple chunks
Kiwi cubes
Grapes or blueberries
Fresh mint leaves
Optional: drizzle of honey or lime juice
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.Slide fruit pieces onto small skewers or toothpicks, alternating colors.
2.Add a mint leaf every few pieces for a refreshing twist.
3.Chill and serve. Optional: drizzle with honey or a squeeze of lime before serving.
Fun tip: Freeze them slightly for a cool, slushy-style treat.
Avocado Chickpea
SALAD CUPS
INGREDIENTS:
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped cucumber
1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or cilantro
Butter lettuce leaves or endive for serving
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.In a bowl, mash half the avocado, then mix in chickpeas.
2.Stir in the rest of the ingredients and season to taste.
3.Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves or endive for easy, handheld salad cups.
FROZEN YOGURT
Fruit Bark
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust for sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, if using plain yogurt)
1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 banana, sliced thin
1/4 cup granola (for crunch!)
1–2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1.Line a baking sheet or a flat tray with parchment paper.
2.Mix the base: Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
3.Spread the yogurt mixture onto the parchment paper and use a spatula to spread it evenly, about 1/4 inch thick.
4.Add toppings- sprinkle the sliced fruits, granola, and optional chocolate chips evenly over the yogurt.
5.Freeze-place the tray in the freezer for at least 3 hours or until completely frozen.
6.Break into pieces- once frozen solid, lift the yogurt bark from the tray and break it into snack-sized pieces and store in the freezer.
Tips:
Try other fruits like kiwi, mango, or raspberries for variety. For dairy-free: use a coconutbased yogurt. Keep your yogurt bark in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Grab and go whenever you need a quick healthy treat!
Community of Community of Connection, and Care Connection, and Care
You immediately sense something special Toni Van Horn at Abbey Park. It’s not just the welcoming voice—it’s the way she talks about makes you feel like you’ve stepped into something retirement community. You’ve stepped into a family.
Since 2011, Toni has been part of the heart and soul of Abbey Park. She’s held different roles over the years—working in activities, at the front desk, and guiding families through their first tour—but her mission has always been the same: helping others feel at home.
“We’re a big facility,” Toni says, “but we’re a big family. Everyone who moves in becomes part of something larger—a circle of care, connection, and joy.”
Feels Like a Cruise Ship
Toni lovingly describes Abbey Park as a “beautiful cruise ship that never leaves port.” The comparison is fitting. Residents enjoy full schedules of entertainment, games, themed parties, bus trips to the casino or chocolate factory, summer corn roasts, and even the occasional adult coloring session set to music and calming scents.
But unlike a cruise, at Abbey Park, the independence is real. Residents can come and go as they please, visit family, have out-of-town guests stay over, and enjoy their own private time in their apartments. For those who need a bit of extra support, help is available— without sacrificing dignity or freedom.
Bringing Back Living Life
Perhaps one of the most inspiring parts of Toni’s story is witnessing transformation. She’s watched new residents who were once hesitant or isolated come alive again.
“We’ve had people come here who were quiet, maybe a little withdrawn. Within weeks, they’re greeting others like a Walmart greeter, planning fashion shows, and getting involved in every activity.”
One of her most touching memories is of her own mother-in-law, who was
initially reluctant to leave her home. But after just a couple of weeks at Abbey Park, she blossomed chatting with fellow residents, joining events, and feeling a renewed sense of purpose and community.
Toni shares that the shift often happens when someone realizes they’re not alone anymore. “There’s something healing about being seen, included, and having fun again.”
It’s the Little Things
The joy at Abbey Park isn’t always about grand events—it’s in the little things: blowing bubbles like a grandkid, sidewalk chalk, adult coloring books, or a glass of wine during a noon New Year’s Eve celebration. It’s about creating space where people of all abilities and backgrounds can find joy, even in simple acts.
“We design activities based on what people can do—not what they can’t. Even small things spark laughter, storytelling, and connections that mean everything.”
The residents themselves often become the inspiration. Toni lights up when she talks about residents in their 90s and 100s who still have a zest for life and the sense of humor to match. “Mary, who was over 100, would always say, ‘Of course I want alcohol in my drink!’ They’re just so funny and full of life.”
A Lesson in Living
When asked what she’s learned from working at Abbey Park, Toni doesn't hesitate: “These residents are like my adopted parents. My own are gone, and I get the gift of being around this wisdom and love every day.”
“There was a thing on TV the other day that said seniors need people to talk to —not just over the phone, but in person. And it's true. That personal touch makes all the difference.”
“I love working here. I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t see th faces each morning. They’ve ma my life better.”
about fading aw
It’s about findi ving dreams, stories, and ideas ntly, it’s about never being too oke, or make a new friend.
side of aging like when her er’s. That experience taught her pport, guidance, and relief from e caregivers. It also taught her el safe and connected.
Family, Fun, and a Full Life
emselves or a loved
k for a place that feels like home. ’t just focus on the building or enities talk to the residents. “They’ll you everything you need to know,” says.
t the conversation early. If you notice mory issues, safety concerns, or your d one becoming more isolated, it may ime to explore options.
in person. “When you walk through ey Park, you’ll feel the difference. ll see people smiling, laughing, and necting. That feeling is real.”
’t be afraid of change. Many residents reluctant at first but discover wfound happiness, community, and freedom once they settle in.
Toni’s story reminds us that senior living is not about losing independence—it’s about gaining a new kind of life, rich with friendship, purpose, and laughter. At Abbey Park, residents aren’t just cared for they’re celebrated.
And for Toni, every morning starts with a smile and a greeting to what she calls “all my moms and dads.” It’s not just a job it’s a calling.
“I love working here. I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t see their faces each morning. They’ve made my life better.”
That’s the beauty of Abbey Park. It’s more than a place to live it’s a place to belo
Always hanging around, looking at their phones with headphones plugged in.
When they finish their meal –they just get up and walk away!
Kids
They don’t go to work, they “work out”.
They’re not serious aboutanything.
TIDY UP YOUR INNER DIALOGUE—YOU DESERVE BETTER
You ever start cleaning out a closet and find something so weird, you stop mid-scrub and just stare at it, wondering, “Why do I even own this?”
That was me last week knee-deep in expired sunscreen, orphaned Tupperware lids, and a terrifying stack of mail I never opened (sorry 2021). Somewhere between tossing an old sock puppet and sniffing a candle labeled “Winter Mist,” I realized something: my brain is just like this junk drawer—full of outdated stuff I’ve held onto for way too long. Seriously, when was the last time you dusted off your thoughts?
I don’t mean spa day “self-care” (though yes, please to bubble baths). I mean the real stuff—the way we talk to ourselves in our own heads. If your inner voice had a script, would you hand it to your best friend? Or would you be like, “Um… sorry you had to hear that”?
Because here’s the truth bomb I heard a while ago and can’t un-hear: 90% of what people say to you has nothing to do with you. It’s usually about them—their day, their baggage, their weird unresolved feud with a sixth-grade teacher. So why are we so quick to take other people’s junk and stuff it into our mental closets?
This spring, I decided to Marie Kondo my brain.
Step one: Catch the self-talk.
Step two: Ask, “Would I say this to someone I love?”
Step three: If not, out it goes. (Thank it, toss it.)
I started noticing things like:
“Ugh, why are you always behind?”
“Wow, way to mess that up again.”
“No one else seems this chaotic.”
And I thought hold up. If my friend told me that, I’d toss her phone in a lake.
So I changed the tone. Now I say stuff like:
“You’re doing your best. Progress is still progress.”
“That didn’t go as planned, but hey, good story for later.”
“Look at you, getting through today like a champ!”
And you know what? It’s made a difference.
Not just in how I feel—but in how I show up. It’s like when you finally clean your car and suddenly want to drive with the windows down and music blaring. When you declutter your headspace, life just feels lighter.
So as you're tossing old magazines and mystery freezer meals this spring, take a moment to look inward too. Check your mental storage.
Release the outdated thoughts. Make room for better ones. Talk to yourself like someone who matters because you do.
Oh, and throw out that one sock. You’re not finding the other one. Let it go, my friend. Let it
CAREGIVING Caregiver for the
▶ TURN ON AUDIO, CLICK TO PLAY or VISIT: https://youtu.be/SIsNVwpmufg WATCH INTERVIEW CLIP WITH SHAYNA
You wouldn’t ignore a check engine light in your car, right?
Then why do so many of us brush off warning signs from our own bodies?
This is the exact question Shayna Melissa Stockman, RN, NP known nationally as The Autoimmune Expert™ — wants you to consider. With over 30 years in healthcare and personal experience reversing her own autoimmune disorders, Shayna is on a mission to help others identify and overcome symptoms that are too often dismissed.
The Invisible Struggle Millions Are Facing
“Your signs and symptoms often show up years before you’re diagnosed,” Shayna explains. “And sadly, many people go through multiple doctors, specialists, tests, misdiagnoses, and even many failed treatments before they finally get an answer.”
Why is that? Because traditional medicine often treats surface-level symptoms not the root cause. And in the case of autoimmune conditions, these roots run deep.
“I’m seeing patients who’ve been told 'you’re just getting older' or 'your labs are fine.' But if your symptoms persist, that means they didn’t run the right labs,” Shayna says.
She knows this firsthand. After being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, she was left exhausted, in pain, and frustrated with the medical system until she created her own ares with
Common Autoimmune Symptoms to Watch Out For
According to Shayna, these symptoms are some of the most overlooked indicators that something deeper could be going on:
Weird rashes that appear and disappear without warning
Dryness in the eyes, skin, or intestines (constipation)
Palpitations, ,
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Hair thinning or unexpected hair loss
Chronic exhaustion despite getting enough sleep
Pain that seems disproportionate to what you’re doing
Weight issues especially difficulty losing weight despite healthy habits
Irritable bowel symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
And this is just the beginning. Shayna points out that there are over 100 autoimmune conditions, often linked to hypothyroidism, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and more.
“These are real warning signs,” she says. “If your doctor tells you nothing is wrong, but your body says otherwise, don’t give up. Come to m
