The Brick Magazine - September 2020

BRICK

THE

SEPTEMBER 2020

MAGAZINE

CELEBRATING THE POWER OF KINDNESS

ANN ARBOR

THE COMFORTS OF HOME HUMANITY: TAPESTRY OF RACES

Lewis Jewelers A LIFETIME OF SPARKLE AND SHINE

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THE

BRICK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2020

Publisher • Sarah Whitsett

Managing Editor • Tanja MacKenzie

Art Director • Jennifer Knutson

Copy Editor • Angelina Bielby

Marketing Director • Steve DeBruler

Photographer • Emily Rose Imagery

Contributors >>

<< Monica Brancheau Liz Crowe Morella Devost

<<

Tiffany Edison Marilyn Pellini

Lisa Profera Maria Sylvester Marji Wisniewski

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4 | The Brick Magazine

CONTENTS 6

Tailgating Permitted & Encouraged

10

A Lifetime of Sparkle and Shine

16

A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

18

For Personal & Planetary Thriving

Humanity: Tapestry of Races

22

Celebrating the Comforts of Home

24

Celebrating the Power of Kindness

26

A Conquering Celebration

28

Top 5 Reasons to Get a Medical Marijuana Card

www.emilyroseimager y.com

Life. Business. Captured.

www.ericreativemedia.com

Welcome to Booze 101 with

Liz

Tailgating Permitted & Encouraged

by Liz Crowe

Photo by Oliver Sjostrom

6 | The Brick Magazine

T

his fall is bringing with it a lot of firsts, most of them related to the fact that we’re living through a real-life Stephen King novel vis-à-vis this pandemic.

However, I’m not allowing this to disguise the fact that for yours truly, this will be the first fall I won’t be launching myself headlong into soccer season.

I’m sure many of you have experienced the simultaneous joy and pain of watching your kid play a sport. I had three of them (kids who played sports), the last one going as far as playing on a Division 1 Big Ten women’s soccer team. If you’re one of the parents who spent the necessary dollars and time getting your child to that point, you feel my angst.

One of the things I found most interesting about being an Official Soccer Mom for so many years — other than the opportunity I had to spend hours and hours waiting for my daughter to finish practicing or training so I could drive her home again — was the way it threw together people (i.e. parents) who might never otherwise meet or be friends. I feel the same way about being an ex-pat for so many years, but we’ll save that for another month. For the most part, soccer parents have a fair bit in common — mainly the financial wherewithal to spend hard-earned cash on expensive clubs, uniforms, and trips to Orlando between Christmas and New Year’s for tournaments.

Otherwise, the one thing that held most of us together was our desire to drink. Okay, yeah, and see our daughters’ teams win games, sure. But you get me.

Once we graduated to college-level soccer parenting, the drinks game levelled up as well. Whether our team was winning or not (and unfortunately, we were more often on the “not winning” side), we would gather prior to almost every weekend game with some measure of food and plenty of booze. Yes, there are photos of me with my hand in the mini-liquor bottle draw-and-drink bucket more than once.

I’m going to miss that camaraderie, as this is our first fall without soccer. Don’t get me wrong. By the end of the whole thing, we were capital-D Done with it all. However, there are parts of it I will miss.

Which brings me, in my usual charming yet circuitous way, to our topic this month: the tailgate.

Alas, most theorizing about the beginning of the tailgate party begins with the Civil War, before folks realized that war is not a spectator sport and they brought out the picnic baskets to observe the troops during the Battle of Bull Run. There are also

theories about the chuckwagon, which is the OG food truck for cowboys, at one time being used during the very first college football game between Princeton and Rutgers, during which fans first discovered the joy of eating and drinking together, prior to cheering on their favorite teams.

But the term “tailgating” was coined by none other than fans of the Green Bay Packers in 1919. These fans would park their trucks around the field, flip down the tailgates, bring out the beer and brats, and thus a tradition was born.

Mind you, some places take this simple form of selfentertainment and opportunity for mild ribbing of fans of the opposite team to a new level. If you’ve tailgated at schools like Vanderbilt, Auburn, or Old Miss, you know that your jeans and school color sweatshirt won’t cut it.

But for most of us, the concept of a tailgate party before a sporting event is something that conjures up images of grill smoke, beer cans, and perhaps the odd jello shot, slurped while trying to aim a small bean bag at a board filled with holes an impossible number of yards away.

Personally, my tailgate experiences vary widely, but since I lived for almost 20 years in a college town known for the breadth and depth of its pre-game experiences, I can say that most of my favorite ones occurred at or near the corner of Stadium and S. Main Streets in Ann Arbor. Some Michigan fans (don’t ask if I am one; it’s the “home team,” so I typically cheered for them. If you are a devoted follower of my monthly booze-infused chats here, you know for whom I cheer on the regular) have adopted entire houses near the Big House for their weekly tailgate events and begin early, especially for those dastardly noon kick-off games. I’ve had some seriously delicious grilled breakfasts to go with my Bloody Mary with these fine folks.

Whether you’re a Big Ten, SEC, or a pro football fan, there tends to be an order of drinking to a proper tailgate. If you’re a Seriously Serious Fan, you start early enough to set up a nice Bloody Mary bar. Bring some decent chilled vodka, a lot of ice, a couple of options for mixes (spicy and not-so-much), plus a boat-load of garnishes — the basics being limes, olives, pickles, and celery, but you can get super creative with some crispy bacon, jumbo shrimp (one of my personal favorite oxymorons), cheese cubes, anchovies, smoked salmon, etc. Heck, nowadays it seems as though anything goes with Bloody Mary garnishes.

My favorite version is one with either Ugly Dog or Lake Life from New Holland vodka, chilled way down over a lot of ice. Top that with McClure’s Bloody Mary Mix, which is heavy on the pickle brine (yum!). I keep the garnishes

September 2020 | 7

simple, but I want the olive stuffed with blue cheese and the bacon apple-smoked. No, I’m not high maintenance; I just know what I like.

And you haven’t lived until you’ve paired that first earlyin-the-day Bloody with a grilled chorizo breakfast burrito.

Nope. You have not.

Once that stage of drinking is done, it’s time to move on, and for me that means a session-able (read: low ABV) beer with a bit of bite to it. My Michigan go-to’s in this category include (lately) Crescent Fresh from Ellison Brewing and All Day from Founders. Other fun, lighter-side options include Cerveza Delray from Brew Detroit, Pils from Old Nation, and now from Bell’s, a low calorie/ABV version of their famous Two-Hearted — “light-hearted” for my fellow hopheads.

As for food pairings, well…that’s the beauty of a tailgate.

Most anything goes, really. Some folks, including a family on my daughter’s college soccer team, broke out the grill each time, treating us to sliders, corn, smoked pulled pork, you name it. Others go the covered dish route — premade sandwiches, chips, fruit plate, the ubiquitous veggie platter. But the food isn’t the point. It’s the opportunity to hang out, drink a beverage or two with like-minded fans, and prep for the sports event to come.

What I suggest — not knowing, as I sit and write this, what the situation will be regarding college or pro football, soccer, or any other sport this year — is to fire up grills in backyards, make those Bloody Mary bars, fill the coolers with ice-cold brews, and have a tailgate party with your quarantine family and friends. For me, the actual game or match was just as enjoyable on TV (unless your kid is playing, which as we have already established is no longer on my parental support agenda) once the tailgating has ended. And I know folks who bring television screens to their tailgates to watch, even as the real thing is happening a few blocks away.

So even if we can’t go into the stadiums, we can still tailgate together!

Cheers and stay safe everyone!

Amazon best-selling author, mom of three, brewery founder, craft beer marketing consultant, and avid sports fan, Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville currently living in Ann Arbor.

She has decades of experience in sales, public relations, and fundraising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse, all of which provide ongoing idea fodder for novels and other projects. www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor (fan page) Photo by Toni Osmundson

8 | The Brick Magazine

www.twitter.com/ETLizCrowe

“it has to be more than pretty; it must be livable” REFLECT YOU R L IFE STY L E . www.birchdesignassociates.com RES I D ENTI AL • COMMERCI AL

September 2020 | 9

Photo provided by Michigan Department of State.

Photo by Emily Rose Imagery 10 | The Brick Magazine

A Lifetime of Sparkle and Shine

by Marji Wisniewski

L

ucinda Unger and Libby Newman are two of the key expert jewelry advisors at Lewis Jewelers in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They’re like your favorite aunts who you always look forward to visiting.

They’ll greet you with a warm hug, a sparkling cocktail, and ask you all about your life.

I met with them to discuss why they love working at Lewis Jewelers and what makes their team so special. Despite their cloth masks, their smiles radiated from their faces. With over 75 years of combined experience in the jewelry industry, these ladies are the go-to experts for all things that sparkle and shine — just as they do.

AN A2 LOVE STORY Lucinda: Jewelry is as unique as the people who wear it. It’s also as unique as the city it’s sold in. I’ve been fortunate to sell jewelry in a few different cities over my career, and there isn't a place like Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor area is such an amazing melting pot of people thanks to the University of Michigan, the hospitals, the tech and start-up companies, as well as all the amazing restaurants. People land here from all over the world, sometimes for a short while, sometimes for the rest of their lives. Each day brings in clients with many different backgrounds, lifestyles, and needs, allowing us to play a small role in their story.

The story of Lewis Jewelers is one nearly 100 years in the making.

The original store in Detroit opened in 1921. Then, 50 years ago, the family moved the store to the west side of Ann Arbor, and Lewis Jewelers became a cornerstone of the community.

We have since outgrown our current space at 2000 W. Stadium and plan to move to a new location in the summer of 2021, as part of our centennial celebration. The new site is the former Quarter Bistro restaurant, at 300 S. Maple in the Westgate Shopping Plaza. It’ll be a dazzling 10,000 square-foot space — over four times the size of our current location. This will allow us to expand jewelry lines and display more pieces. Being close to Starbucks and TJ Maxx won’t a bad thing either! We extend a heartfelt thanks to each client, without whom none of these transformations would be possible.

A FAMILY AFFAIR Libby: I agree with Lucinda — our clients are what inspire me to come to work every day. I’ve thrived in the industry for as long as I have because this job is really just about making people

happy. Selling jewelry almost always lightens the mood of a space, so I get to interact with people who are pleasant and friendly. Sometimes I think we’re like therapists; our clients can open up to and tell us part of their life’s story.

Lucinda: That’s a special part of our jobs, that voluntary emotional intimacy — what clients are willing to share with you about them. The decision-making process of a jewelry purchase lets you really read deeply into people’s emotions. We are here to help clients in their happiest times, but occasionally in sad or bittersweet times too. I’ve worked with clients to help them get engaged and now their children are coming to me to find an engagement ring. It’s something you can’t capture in words. I look at them and think, “This is something that I helped start.” It’s a whole family affair.

I credit that family feeling to the owners, the Lewis family. I started here when David Lewis and his dad were still working together. They set forth a culture of teamwork by empowering their employees to offer the best customer experience.

Libby: This one-of-a-kind experience can be achieved because we don’t work on commission. It’s all about getting the right specialist aligned with the client, even if we get multiple team advisors involved. We want to give you a stress-free shopping experience for the just the right gift.

Lucinda: True, we all help each other out. If Libby helps someone find the perfect gift, I’m there to wrap it. We never ask each other to do something we would not do ourselves. Everyone pitches in, all the way up to the owner. Are we perfect every day? No. But that’s what it means to be a family, and we grow from the challenges we face.

September 2020 | 11

We played a fun game with the women of Lewis Jewelers. They each shared with The Brick Magazine which gemstone they most identify with and why. They believe that every client deserves their own jewelry experience and welcome guests to come in and learn which gemstone tells their story best.

OUR SERVICES:

Carrie Barber - Tourmaline Ancient legend says that tourmaline is found in all colors because it traveled along a rainbow and gathered all the rainbow’s colors. I'm always looking for the most colorful pattern.

Sara Dalipi - Garnet The stone of prosperity and abundance, the garnet is said to encourage gratitude and service to others.

Muffy Largin - Tanzanite Tanzanite brings wisdom, truth, dignity, and spiritual mastery. I also identify with the diamond; it's said that it gives inner strength to the wearer to face all of life’s struggles.

Libby Newman - Alexandrite Extremely rare and valuable, the alexandrite is one of the only natural color change gemstones found in the earth.

This is a reflection of my colorful personality that shines and adapts to my surroundings on a daily basis. Alexandrite is believed to be a gem of joy and act as a powerful agent of inner transformation.

Its unique ability to change color when exposed to different wavelengths is believed to symbolize adaptability, inner transformation, and the balancing of the heart and mind.

Shawn Rummel - Pink Tourmaline The pink tourmaline, like most heart-based stones, brings an influx of joy and happiness into your life. It's a stone of love, compassion, emotional healing, and self-love, and helps calm one's emotions in times of distress.

Lucinda Unger - Diamond In its rarity and beauty, the diamond is a symbol of purity and innocence, of love and fidelity. It embraces strength of character, ethics, and faithfulness to oneself and others. It represents the loving and open nature that we were all born with, and encourages truth and trust.

12 | The Brick Magazine

•

Custom design

•

Full-service repairs

•

Appraisals

•

Insurance replacement

•

Buy old jewelry

•

Offer a gift wish list to our clients so they can remember what they like or share the list with a loved one

Libby: Like real family dynamics, we each have our own talents and expertise to contribute. We have three GIA-certified gemologists, four Hearts On Fire National Champions, a Swiss Watch Ambassador, four in-house goldsmiths and diamond setters, an AGScertified appraiser — and we cannot forget our security specialists. We’re proud to have earned the status of becoming an AGS laboratory store by adhering to strict ethical standards and policies.

We are a full-service store, and over the years we’ve helped with many interesting projects daily. We’ve restored an old brass statue, fixed silverware, repaired Swarovski Crystal eyeglasses, and even engraved a firearm. Even when it seems like a unique request, we try to help. We don’t like telling our clients no.

PATHS DOWN A ROAD LESS TRAVELED Lucinda: It wasn’t an instant “yes” for me when I was first approached to sell jewelry. I was living in Illinois at the time. During one of my frequent shopping trips at the local jewelry store, the owner struck up a conversation with me. She asked me if I would consider a sales position in the store. I thought she was crazy! I didn’t think I knew anything about jewelry, until she reminded me that I was in there buying it all the time. I was only 18 years old and doing some modeling. So, I started at the store part-time. I enjoyed it so much that I changed my career, and I’ve been doing this ever since.

Libby: I also started out doing something completely different. I worked in a jewelry store to help pay my way through nursing school. Along the way, I decided nursing just wasn’t for me. I went back to school to get my gemology degree and have been a gemologist for over 28 years. That’s not something that every jewelry store staff can say they have.

Lucinda: Right. It’s not a career that gets a lot of attention, but just a few months back, I had a client come into our store. She said to me, “I was in here about 12 years ago with my daughter. I just wanted you to know that you inspired her all those years ago, and now she’s chosen a profession in jewelry.”

David Lewis by Emily Rose Imagery

/ letsgoblow 335 S. Main Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104

734.263.7610

That was an immensely proud moment for me. I thought “Hey, I must be doing something right.”

Libby: Yes, it’s special to have influenced someone’s life in that way. I think it’s also unique that we’re both Hearts On Fire National Champions (see the Hearts on Fire box!).

Hearts On Fire tracks sales numbers worldwide, and Lewis Jewelers has four running Champions from the last five years (Lucinda, Sara, Shawn, and me). I attribute this to teamwork, our education, and customer service. We’ve always ranked among the top 20 jewelers in the country, which is a major accomplishment for a company with just one store versus others that are larger or have multiple locations.

Lucinda: We could not have achieved what we have without our fabulous clients. We love how many customer relationships have turned into friendships over time. We see some clients on a weekly basis who want their jewelry cleaned or polished, or just

to browse for their next purchase. We think a key part of gaining and keeping successful client partnerships is having a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. We’re open to helping people any way we know how. We let customers take photos, see copies of certifications, and write down the info that they need. We support people getting second opinions because we stand behind our products.

We realize a jewelry store can be intimidating to people. Even I get intimidated in some of the Las Vegas stores I visit! So, we encourage customers to just come in and speak with us. There’s not an expectation to buy anything; we’re just here to help.

Libby: It’s true we keep to a more relaxed atmosphere than other jewelers in our space. We don’t wear tuxes and gowns.

However, we do wear face masks right now. But we’re smiling underneath them and still helping to create new cherished moments. If we weren’t still in the middle of a pandemic, we would serve drinks and snacks.

ABOUT HEARTS ON FIRE In 1996, founders Glenn and Susan Rothman created the world’s first branded diamond with Hearts on Fire. Their patented cut increases a diamond’s surface area, and light is reflected through the top for a brilliant fire effect. Visible perfection demands high standards. Only a tiny fraction of one percent of the planet’s diamonds can be cut in the Hearts on Fire style. As if that wasn't steep enough, the brand chooses to only use conflict-free diamonds. Few artisans are qualified to cut a Hearts on Fire diamond, and those who are must use a 100x magnification process for extreme precision.

September 2020 | 13

Photo by Emily Rose Imagery

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GIA GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST? The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is widely considered the most prestigious professional gemology school in the world. The graduate gemologist (GG) designation is earned along with a diploma from GIA. The prestigious institution teaches jewelers all they need to know to work with diamonds and other colored stones.

The diploma program covers scientific and technical aspects of identifying and grading diamonds, and is intended to give graduates a comprehensive knowledge that is needed to succeed in the jewelry industry. Graduate Gemologists are certified to: •

Have in-depth knowledge of the 4 C’s and thorough understanding of the diamond grading system, and judge diamonds based on the 4 C’s

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Effectively utilize gemological equipment

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Identify imitation diamonds and diamonds that have been synthetically treated

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Effectively identify more than 60 types of gemstones, along with gemstone characteristics and treatments

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Recognize and determine how various gem and market factors affect gem value

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Understand the process of mining, fashioning, and transporting diamonds and other gems

If you’re looking for jewelry repair or expert advice, or hoping to purchase a diamond, work with someone who has a GIA GG certification. They will have the education necessary to help you make an informed buying decision.

Lewis Jewelers not only has three graduate gemologists on staff, but is also certified by the American Gem Society (AGS). AGS is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the diamond and jewelry industries.

14 | The Brick Magazine

Photo by Emily Rose Imagery

PANDEMIC POSITIVES Lucinda: Speaking of the pandemic, we’ve actually been busier lately. We’re so grateful to our customers for that. Many people aren’t spending money on vacations this year, so they’re finding other ways to make memories.

In early spring, we shut down with everyone else for about two months. We transitioned to curbside service, and now we’re safely open inside our store.

We’re performing daily employee wellness/temperature checks and following (and exceeding) CDC safety protocols like wearing masks, social distancing, and sanitizing the jewelry before and after it’s tried on. Again, we’re thankful for our clients who have come in during this time.

Libby: One positive of the pandemic was being at home with my husband. The first day I went back to work, he told me how much he missed me.

Lucinda: Yes! My husband was really supportive during this time as well. He told me that he wished we had that time together again. Unfortunately, I lost my sister early on in the pandemic, so his support and love has meant the world to me as I grieved. It was an exceedingly difficult time, but I was thankful to be with him.

Libby: The owner, David, really stepped up and showed the employees great respect during this challenging time. He genuinely cares about our families and their well-being.

He didn’t lay anyone off and found ways to support each of us.

Lucinda: That’s just how David is. He doesn’t like to talk about it much, so we will. The focus on community and philanthropy was a major factor that drew me to the Lewis family business. They give back to our community in so many different ways. Here are just a few of the community organizations Lewis Jewelers supports: •

GrieveWell (formerly the Kite Network) — an organization that provides resources and support to promote healthy grieving and healing.

•

Ele’s Place — a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to creating awareness of and support for grieving children and their families.

•

The ChadTough Foundation — inspires and funds game-changing research to discover effective treatments for pediatric brain cancer, with an emphasis on diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

TIPS ON HOW TO SANITIZE YOUR JEWELRY •

Rubbing alcohol or Windex will sanitize most items. DO NOT USE on pearls or emeralds!

•

You can make your own cleaner at home using three parts water, two parts rubbing alcohol, and a dash of dish soap

•

DO NOT USE toothpaste to clean jewelry; it’s too abrasive!

•

Please don’t lick your fingers when you remove your rings; it’s not sanitary!

•

Lewis Jewelers offers a free jar of jewelry cleaner to everyone who comes into our store

•

If you’re not sure how to clean your pieces, please bring them in or call us

•

The Event on Main — supports Mott Children's Hospital.

•

The St. Joe’s Charity Ball — supports life-changing and lifesaving programs at St. Joe's Hospital.

•

University of Michigan — supports as an athletics partner.

•

Ann Arbor Public Schools and other local school districts’ different fundraisers.

SHARING IN OUR CUSTOMERS’ STORIES Libby: About 60% of our clients come from the Ann Arbor area, but we have a few who visit us from as far as Grand Rapids, Traverse City, or even out of state. A lot of our watch clients come to us from all over the country. It’s a lot fun to see parents and students commemorate their son or daughter’s time here in Ann Arbor at the University. We have created custom one-of-a-kind pieces and sold simple Block M silver bracelets starting at $30.

every way. It’s always capturing important moments — the good occasions, and even a few sad ones. Jewelry is something that gets passed down through generations, and we’re happy to help write that history and also craft the future.

Lucinda: It’s enjoyable to see families come in together, especially when they just start school here. We play a small role in so many monumental occasions that it’s hard to pick just one favorite client story; there have been many special moments.

As we’ve said, we have regular customers who come in once or twice a week who have become our friends. We know their stories and they know ours.

Since 1921, Lewis Jewelers has been building a reputation of integrity, excellent customer service, and quality products.

Our family-owned, full-service jewelry store offers repairs, engravings, custom creations, and access to all worldwide major brands. Whether you are searching the market for engagement rings, wedding bands, diamonds, or gold pieces, our non-commissioned expert advisors are ready to provide their professional experience, advice, and jewelry solutions. Visit www. lewisjewelers.com to see our collections!

It’s touching that way. We’re fortunate to connect with people in our line of work. We’ve had proposals happen right in the store.

We’ve cried with people and celebrated with them. Recently, a couple came into the store to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, and the husband got down on one knee right in the middle of the store to re-propose to his bride.

If we had to choose our favorite client or character in our story, we would simply say Ann Arbor. We love our community and the role it has played in Lewis Jewelers these last 50 years.

I often say that jewelry is a photograph of a memory, and when you can capture that memory, it becomes a story — a story that lives forever. The art of jewelry is touching and sentimental in

With a passion for marketing that started as a young girl, Marji Wisniewski created her own marketing and communications organization in 2017. As owner of Blue Zebra Marketing Solutions, she helps local and regional businesses, and non-profits tell their story through branding, graphic design, content creation and PR; focusing on customized solutions for each client that are more unique than a zebra’s stripes.

A Michigan native, Marji received her undergrad from Western Michigan University and master’s from Wayne State University. When not working you can find her gardening, doing Pilates, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family and two dogs.

September 2020 | 15

A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

by Monica Brancheau Photo by Diego Sanchez

2020 was supposed to be the big banner year for celebrations in my house. We had a son graduating college, a daughter graduating high school, a family trip to Spain (so that my kids could meet some family for the first time), a son heading to Europe for an internship, etc.

We all have that list — that list of what 2020 should have been.

Instead, I feel like I’m living in a “Brave New World” that’s ¼ cup dystopian fiction, ¼ cup dark comedy, ¼ cup Brothers Grimm fairy tales, and ¼ cup Mary Poppins.

16 | The Brick Magazine

Let us start with dystopian fiction. We’re pretty much straight-up living a dystopian novel or movie right now.

The novel coronavirus has completely stopped, slowed, or changed everything about our lives. The entire world has responded to the virus differently. We don’t know what to believe, who to trust, or what to do. I would be lying if I said that I don’t often dream about the idea of becoming a Canadian. Not only is Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau easy on the eyes, but he’s also one of the many world leaders who has handled this crisis well. Most dystopian novels have a “lesson” that the characters learn

about how their previous life in many ways was unhealthy and unhindered. There have definitely been lessons about the value of family, the value of slowing down.

Consequently, it has stripped many decision-makers of their masks and costumes, and now we get to see them in plain sight through their handling of this crisis.

Dark comedies make light of subject matters that are generally considered taboo. It’s often difficult to find humor in serious issues, but dark comedy allows to dissect subjects that are serious or too painful to discuss in unorthodox ways. For far too long, we haven’t been having honest conversations about race, and now that’s on the forefront. Not only is our country grappling with a virus, but we’re also struggling with human rights and the fact the black lives do matter. It’s not enough to just say it anymore; change happens with action.

Brothers Grimm fairy tales make perfect allegories for this time. Remember in “Little Red Riding Hood” when the innocent young girl believes that the wolf lying in bed is her grandma? Or when Hansel and Gretel believed that the old lady in the house was kind and generous until she shoved one of them into an oven? We as humans implicitly trust people to be well-intentioned and kind. There is so much divisiveness in our country right now that when interacting with a stranger, I wonder if I’m dealing with a grandma or a wolf. When I listen to the leaders of our country, I wonder if we’re all about to get thrown into the oven. Where exactly is the trail of breadcrumbs going to lead us in the next few months?

The scene in Mary Poppins where the titular character grabs items from her big bag and pulls out a coatrack and other enormous objects that could never have possibly fit in there was mesmerizing. Now we’re living in a twisted Mary Poppins world where when you put your hand in the bag, you pull out a ventilator, then next you pull out thousands of unemployment claims, and then you pull out a video of George Floyd, and then you pull out crazed parents trying to balance work and kids, and further still you pull out a “murder hornet.” Every day a new crisis is pulled out of Mary Poppins’ bag.

WTF?! I say this out loud every day right now. What more could happen? What more terrible things could be said, how much more divided could we become? How many more lives need to be lost to the two main problems plaguing us, the virus and systemic racism?

This ultimate pause button has given us all a moment to reevaluate, reprioritize, and readjust our lives. It has

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also taken off the rose-colored glasses and forced us to directly confront some of the most pervasive injustices of our time in healthcare and race relations.

Even so, people still fall in love, have babies, and find joy during these dystopian/dark comedy times. There are reasons to celebrate, albeit the celebrations have had to take on new shapes. Graduations happen in cars, weddings happen virtually, birthdays are celebrated with drive-bys.

After all, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.

Let’s hope that the year of 2020 thrusts us all into reevaluating ourselves, our communities, our politics, and our country. Diamonds are made under tremendous pressure and stress, and one can only hope that this time of stress will make our people and our country the diamonds we are meant to be.

A woman who has had multiple careers, mom of four and passion for dance, Monica Brancheau is a Michigan native and graduate of the University of Michigan who then never left Ann Arbor. She has decades of experience in working with children’s issues from education to non-profit work in teaching in urban settings, non-profit management, marketing and fundraising. When not working you can find her gardening, reading, writing, listening to music, and spending time with her treasured family.

September 2020 | 17

for personal

& planetary thriving

Humanity: Tapestry of Races

by Morella Devost, EdM, MA

Photo by Tim Mossholder

18 | The Brick Magazine

W

hat color are you? Is that a clear-cut answer for you? Because I sure as hell don’t know what color I am.

I’ve always been flummoxed by the race question in the US. It’s a de-facto inquiry on so many forms in this country — from university applications to job searches, government processes, and lord knows how many other places.

What is your race? I’ve never known how to answer.

You see, this isn’t a question that’s ever asked in Venezuela, where I’m from. I was born to a Venezuelan mom and a Vermonter dad. Truth is, most Venezuelans have no sense of “race,” save for perhaps the indigenous tribes that remain intact (and even then, I don’t think it’s as strong). For the majority of us, race is not a construct that informs our identity, because we are the product of a colonial process that was very different from that of the US. In the Spanish colonies, a variety of terms arose to name the interweaving of races that began to emerge. “Mestizo” was the name for a person of mixed white and indigenous race. “Mulato” was the name for a person of mixed white and Black origins. “Zambo” was the term for a person born of Black and indigenous parents, or also sometimes the child of Black and mulato parents. And yet, over the course of centuries, these terms gradually disappeared from common use.

Interestingly, even though slavery and white domination existed in colonial times, race barriers were a lot more fluid in Venezuela because it was not the seat of a viceroyalty (like Colombia, Mexico, or Peru). Most colonists were unmarried Spanish men who wed locals, so the general population was a hodgepodge of mestizos, zambos, mulatos, and others. They formed the bulk of the independence armies (from 1810-1830), and by the time slavery was officially abolished in 1854, the vast majority of African descendants were already free, engaged in economic activity, and enjoying equal rights (which was decreed in 1811). From the 19thcentury on, the Venezuelan population was fundamentally multiracial. Over a handful of generations, as colors continued to blend, the idea of race became increasingly meaningless.

I was 27 and applying to grad school at Columbia University when I first had to give the question “What is your race?“ serious consideration. Black? No. White? No. Hispanic? No. Native American? No. How about all of the above? Is there a box for that?

This is all quite personal to me.

I can’t check the “white” box because I’d be denying so many levels of my existence. For one, I can’t look at my mother’s skin and honestly tell you what race she is. She calls herself café con leche (“coffee with milk”). Separately, choosing the “white” box would also negate the truth that I absolutely feel my African genes dancing whenever I hear Venezuelan drums. I know that beat in my bones, and it’s not “white.”

I can’t check the “Black” box either, because that’s just not who I am. My skin that turns lobster-red in the Venezuelan sun proves that I lack the melanin to qualify.

Additionally, I also don’t want to deny the thick French, Spanish, and Flemish ancestry that runs in my veins.

I certainly can’t check the “Hispanic” box because that’s not a race. Hispanic lumps together an enormous variety of people, from the northern tips of Mexico to the edges of Patagonia. Furthermore, the word Hispanic essentially means “related to people who speak Spanish,” which includes Spaniards. What about the Peruvian Quechua who don’t speak Spanish? Are they Hispanic too? It makes no sense to me.

And how do I honor and acknowledge the indigenous from both North and South America in me? I wear my Algonquin beads with pride, a gift from an Algonquin elder I met years ago. And even though I grew up knowing I had more than one Native American and indigenous ancestor, I obviously can’t check the Native American box either.

Which box do I pick? More often than not, I check them all. Sometimes I check none of them, and move on.

So what’s my point?

I believe that the truth inside of me is also the truth of humanity. I don’t fit in a neat race box, just like we

September 2020 | 19

can’t assume that anyone else fits the race box or race experience we expect simply based on the color of their skin.

I have a client who is a refugee from Africa. None of his experiences in the US match the stories of so many African Americans, and he gets anxious that people expect him to feel a particular way because of his skin color.

So in our conversations, we’ve acknowledged that the colors of our skin carry with them some meaning in this country, even if they don’t tell our deeper stories. We can acknowledge and validate the centuries of pain many people have experienced, while still seeking to find what’s true within each of us.

The fact is, I can’t impose on myself a “white” identity that has no meaning to me simply because that’s how other people perceive me. And yet, I also can’t deny the fact that I benefit from the privileges my light skin affords me.

What I can proudly claim is that I am a Venezuelan criolla (pronounced cree-oh-jah). It’s the equivalent of the word “creole,” but criolla/criollo in Venezuela has come to be synonymous with authentically, genuinely Venezuelan. Yo soy criolla.

I am a tapestry of interwoven colors, cultures, and flavors.

I am the beats of the San Juan drums, the taste of hallacas, the crispness of arepas, and the fragrance of cacao. But I am also a Quebecois tourtiere, and the opening of the directions when I pray. I am a chant to the earth and the scent of Vermont wildflower fields.

Likewise, I want to be a part of the creation and celebration of the opulent tapestry of humanity. I want to see us recognizing our inherent oneness as a human race while exalting the beauty, richness, and diversity of the colors, stories, cultures, and experiences we each weave into it.

Photo by Tiko Giorgadze

20 | The Brick Magazine

Photo by Tim Mossholder

It’s out of the love for that tapestry that I bristle at the word “anti-racism,” because I have also come to know that the prefix “anti” inherently elicits the energy of opposition and confrontation. This doesn’t mean I won’t stand up to biased, discriminatory, or outright hateful action. It also doesn’t mean that I don’t acknowledge the real pain racism still inflicts every day. But it does mean that I won’t stand for the energy of fighting other humans.

I want to stand for diversity. I want to stand for unity.

I want to stand for justice and equality for all colors, all cultures, all walks of life, and all gender identities. I want to stand for education, for community, for compassion, and for forgiveness. I want to stand for us growing together through this, not tearing each other apart.

I am criolla. I am a tapestry. I stand for and I love the tapestry of human life we create together, even through

the journey of helping each other heal the wounds of history and change the systems that oppress our brothers and sisters. Let’s stand together and weave the bright future we envision for our human race.

Morella Devost is a counselor helping her clients turn their deepest challenges into their greatest source of strength. After receiving two masters degrees in counseling from Columbia University, she became a Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP facilitator, and Reiki Master. Morella is a VenezuelanVermonter working with people all over the world from her RVoffice as she travels the US with her family. She is the host of the Thrive With Morella TV-radio-podcast show. www.youtube.com/morelladevost thrivewithmorella.com www.facebook.com/ThriveWithMorella Instagram: @Morellad Facebook personal: @Morellad1 Twitter: @More_Joy

September 2020 | 21

Celebrating the Comforts of Home

by Tiffany Edison

Photo by Taryn Elliott

O

ur homes often symbolize safety and security.

Additionally, they can be a source of pride and represent a physical manifestation of the memories created within our most sacred environment.

My eldest daughter just graduated from high school.

Where else would I choose to host this momentous occasion but in our home, where we can add yet another victorious memory to these four walls? I feel a mix of emotions; in one moment I’m cheerful, in the next I’m anticipating a sense of longing for her as she heads off to college in the fall.

22 | The Brick Magazine

Life is full of conundrums that we’re not always prepared for, or rather we fool ourselves into thinking that we can handle them gracefully. The beauty of home, in essence, is being able to be completely ourselves. We can laugh and cry privately. We can also choose to gather with those who offer support when times get tough. As I prepare for this party, the feeling that overwhelms me is the feeling of gratitude. I’m grateful for our family and friends, and yes, the roof over our heads shielding us from the outside world.

In this tumultuous period of the novel coronavirus, we’ve been ordered to stay at home as much as possible, for

our own safety and others’.

It’s a scary time with lots of unknowns and uncertainty about what will happen next.

I’ve been working from home for the past six years, so making this adjustment hasn’t been that difficult for me. However, I know that others have struggled with making a conducive work environment in their homes.

That’s not even to mention that it’s highly distracting to keep young children occupied and get any work done. The “work-life balance” has changed, and we might not be the same individuals we once were prior to the pandemic.

It’s a funny thing when choice and free will are snatched out from under us. I’ve spoken to neighbors and friends who feel slighted and upset, and I’ve spoken to others who are relishing their time at home. This fascinates me!

As is the case with most things in life, these polar opposite experiences boil down to a matter of perspective.

I’m finding that those in the “happy/content” camp talk about feeling grateful to “take a break” and “slow down” from the craziness of day-to-day life. I myself have found the “slowing down” process to be beneficial to my relationship with my two daughters. Suddenly, we’re bonding more than ever. They aren’t just rushing off to the next activity like whirling dervishes. We’ve slowed down and started doing things like watch Netflix together.

They’ve even started building forts together and watching movies projected onto their bedroom walls (though they, as teenagers, wouldn’t be caught dead admitting that!).

These moments melt my heart and leave me satisfied at the end of the day. I rejoice in knowing they are home and safe.

Those in the “freedom” camp are struggling right now.

Selfishly, I sometimes find myself in this camp as well.

I miss the choices I used to be able to make, such as the choice to dine at my favorite restaurant, or to shop with my best friend on a whim. It feels unfair. Yet, I also understand that quieting the voice in my head that

Photo by Vlada Karpovich

ruminates over the lack of personal choice allowed at this point in time is, ironically, a choice.

Our ability to reframe situations can be handled effectively through our self-talk. Substituting something like “I have to stay home” with “I get to stay home” can have a dramatic impact on our mood and ability to view things more positively. It truly is a matter of perspective. I’m working on this myself, choosing to view my daughter’s leaving home as an adventure that she will have for the rest of her life. I’m not focused on her impending absence in our home.

Enjoying the creature comforts of home is a gift when looking through the lens of gratitude. So go ahead; make a blanket fort, celebrate having a roof over your head, and bake some banana bread to boot. Bake up a storm, in fact, and eat as much as you want — nobody’s looking!

Tiffany Edison has been an interior designer since 2002, and specializes in both residential and commercial projects.

She holds a Master of Social Work degree (ACSW) and utilizes interpersonal relationship skills on a daily basis with her client base, largely comprised of Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit residents. She enjoys residing in the city and the comforts of home. When she’s not fully immersed in client projects, you can find her on the golf course, a favorite pastime. www.birchdesignassociates.com Instagram: @birchdesignassociates

September 2020 | 23

Celebrating the Power of Kindness

by Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC Photo by Andrea Tummon

I

’ve witnessed so many random acts of kindness these past few months. The juxtaposition of these touching moments against the backdrop of a world which sometimes feels cold, confusing, or frightening is striking to me. Let us contemplate and celebrate this outpouring of genuine compassion by diving deeper into this way of being.

Many of our interactions have kindness at the core.

The examples are endless — holding an elevator door, complimenting a stranger, running errands for an elderly neighbor, baking treats for the office, leaving a surprise note on a friend’s car, buying the person in line behind you coffee, letting someone into your lane, etc.

First of all, let’s raise a toast to the unexpected joys that simple acts of compassion offer us and the world. Stop for one sweet minute and just breathe in the pleasurable memory of a recent act of kindness someone showered onto you. Can you feel that delicious energy bathe your soul? Kindness matters because it touches our heart in unique ways. It’s a fundamental human value, one that deserves to be ever-cultivated.

These simple gestures can have a profound impact on us, and are especially good for countering feelings of isolation, cruelty, hatred, or evil. Selflessness mirrors our humanity back to us. It echos our longing to be cared for with respect and consideration. Shared compassion enriches our lives, giving greater meaning to it. How we treat each other impacts our sense of human dignity. So why not, whenever possible, be truly, deeply, unapologetically kind?

24 | The Brick Magazine

Fostering Kindness The famous spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “The next Buddha may take the form of a community; a community practicing understanding and loving kindness. …

This may be the most important thing we can do for the survival of the Earth.” Loving kindness refers to that act of offering tenderness and consideration toward others. It’s an ability to bring joy and happiness to another by being there with someone in a caring, empathetic way. Many consider the offering of loving kindness a key element in the fostering of deep love and long-lasting relationships.

Showing compassion to each other indeed creates a better community and a better world. It happens one small gesture at a time. For connections to feel truly meaningful and safe, sympathy has to be an essential ingredient. It’s there in the tone you use when communicating, the hugs you offer when showing care, the smile you shine when you greet someone. Kindness sets the stage for trusting one another in a grand way.

Being friendly, generous, or considerate generates a spirit of good will. These qualities, when we show them to another, have the double benefit of expanding our own sense of personal pleasure and upliftment. The energy of giving — of magnanimity — creates a wellspring of cellular juices that fuel us for more whole and expansive states of being. Who doesn’t, for instance, feel more vibrant and alive after offering a moment of kindness to someone?

When you embody an attitude of care and altruism, this fundamental value opens gateways to other positive traits — honesty, forgiveness, patience, and generosity, to name a few. Such admirable character strengths grow and radiate exponentially through an intentional gesture of warmheartedness. Fostering this thoughtfulness is essential to the wellbeing of all. Big doses of care and attention matter in a big way, for kindness has the power to transform.

Receiving Kindness Receiving the gift of a kind, compassionate moment — be it a gesture, word, or loving conversation — can melt your heart, improve your psychological and physiological health, and leave you feeling the grace and power of a warm connection.

Simple hospitality soothes us; it helps us feel understood and empathized with. Receiving a moment of compassion sparks little flickers of unexpected joy inside us. How we

roll through life is effected, in substantial ways, by the warm treatment we receive. Kindness nurtures us, infusing our being with the soul food we need to weather and combat the world’s harsher elements — hostility, animosity, indifference, cruelty, and all the other ill wills that lurk around many corners.

Interestingly, the experiences of receiving kindness that my coaching clients reference most frequently are those in which someone has bestowed upon them words that temper feelings of doubt or shame. It’s at these times, when a person is struggling against self-loathing, that another’s caring reassurance can set them straight and help them soften. In other words, acts of loving kindness helps quiet another’s negative self-talk.

Kindness Multiplies Perhaps you’ve noticed, as have I, that random good deeds seem to rise during times of collective grief. These gestures serve to buffer souls and spirits. Grief and heartbreak, something we’ve all recently experienced under the weight of the coronavirus and ongoing social-racial injustice, can be sometimes touchingly mitigated when compassion intervenes. Amazingly, a compassionate offering — just one small, selfless act — has the power to make someone’s day, to soothe someone’s angst and heartache.

Transformational Properties Kindness as a genuine way of being can revolutionize our life as well as the lives of others. Being kind creates a force that has the power to transform us. It’s an attitude that brings goodness and happiness into our connections.

Noble, empathetic humans seem to have discovered the secret to an amazing, thriving, fulfilling, and joyful life. They grace others with acts of kindness — surely a win-win that deserves to be celebrated!

Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC is a certified Life Coach in Ann Arbor, MI who loves empowering adolescents, adults, and couples to live from the HEART of what really matters to them so that they can bring their fully expressed, vibrant selves into the world.

She has a special gift for helping women reclaim their feminine power, and embrace their radiant, sensual, sexy spirits. Their lives transform. They soar into their mid-life magnificence! www.lifeempowermentcoaching.com Instagram: @life_coach_maria Photo by Laura Chouette Facebook: www.facebook.com/LifeEmpowermentCoaching

September 2020 | 25

A Conquering Celebration “There will be a hot time in the old town tonight.”

by Marilyn A. Pellini

T

hat will be the feeling on the eve following the eradication of this horrific virus. We should be able to finally leave our homes totally unencumbered, mask and gloves hopefully no longer needed. Wearing those may be a habit hard to break, however. We’ve become obsessed with germs — though, admittedly, frequent handwashing is probably a habit we should carry forward.

One time when I was teaching, I asked my class if they’d like to conduct a little experiment with the other fourthgrade room to see if we could reduce the number of kids who got sick during the school year and had to stay home to recuperate. In our classroom, we were fortunate to have a sink. This was before those push bottles of liquid soap became readily available, but I made sure there was a bar of soap in a soap dish available at all times, and I even

26 | The Brick Magazine

Photo by Brooke Lark

scrubbed the sink daily. I instructed my students to keep our plan secret from the other fourth-grade group. The other teacher (who was not at all a germaphobe like I was, being an asthmatic) would not alter the usual routine in her classroom. My fourth-graders always washed their hands after using the lavatory or after a cough or sneeze, and certainly before lunch and after recess and gym. We washed the desktops every Friday afternoon and all of the tables and counters in the room with soap and water before our weekend break. Both teachers kept track of the number of excuses that were written by parents for their child’s illness.

There was a marked difference in the health of my students versus the other classroom. I have a feeling that my kids carried this idea that handwashing could prevent much sickness forward into the rest of their lives.

When we can finally go back to a somewhat normal lifestyle, I think we’ll all want to get together with our loved ones once again. We may not be able to do the hugging and kissing we once did, but I’ll bet there will be lots of elbow bumps, blown kisses, and arms crossed on our chest to show an encompassing hug. We’ll hopefully never have to worry again about someone at a party double-dipping into the hummus with potato chips or carrot sticks.

There will be a gala celebration at the local beauty parlors and barbershops for sure. Not only will everyone desperately need a haircut and color, but everyone will be eager to gather there because these are places where we bond. Every tonsorial and hairdressing establishment abounds with stories that clients have revealed in confidence. A beautician or barber is often a better sounding board and dispenser of practical advice then even an experienced professional counselor. For older women especially, seeing the same fellow customers in the beauty parlor each week allows them to form a special kind of camaraderie.

When it comes to relating to our fellow man, there’s no place that connects us more than our office or place of business. I’ll bet there will be lots more coffee cakes brought into the lunch room and more birthday cards circulated for everyone to sign. We didn’t know how much we cared about our work associates until we were separated from them for so long. Although many businesses will simply not make it, and more will insist their staff work from home, many more places will readily and happily go back to their regular routine. Being glad to still have a job, bosses will probably see a rise in productivity, and workers and management alike will form deeper relationships with their colleagues.

Every holiday that comes up reminds us of what it means to be an American and has us joining together to celebrate. Each New Year’s is a chance to look forward to the months to come. Valentine’s will see us remembering those we love, Fourth of July will have us grateful for our liberty, and even Thanksgiving will seem all the more meaningful, as it reminds us of those brave, original pilgrims to this land. We may even see and experience a return to patriotism if we all survive this chaos, sickness, and downturn in jobs and wages; we will come back as only Americans can. We will likely love and respect our land with renewed fervor.

We always have been fond of celebrating achievements.

The team’s trophy for winning a softball game, making the honor roll, being elected chairman of a community organization — all are milestones in our lives and the lives of those we love. We want to turn them into very special events. We may purchase a small gift as a remembrance, send a card of congratulations, or propose a toast at a dinner party to mark the special event. There are endless ways and reasons for celebration. After this horrible virus is under control, we may not even need a specific reason to have a celebration!

Oh, how sorry I feel for those kids who never had a full senior year of high school or college, went to prom, or attended their graduation ceremony. Teens always love to sleep in, have just a bit of homework, and spend more time at home, but this is absurd!

They’ve been wanting to return to classes, their teachers, and most of all their friends. If they were in this year’s graduating class, there are other students they may never see again in their entire lifetime.

Let’s hope, though, that this separation will have them looking forward to all class reunions and attending each and every one of them. My own class was so small that at our reunion every five years, we stood and gave a little synopsis of what had transpired with us during the ensuing years. It was just amazing what people had done and accomplished in their lives. I’m so hoping that will be the case with all of the graduates of the year 2020.

Moving forward is one way to put this catastrophic time to rest, with the knowledge that many postponed celebrations are certain to follow. Just think how it will feel to fête the bride and groom on their wedding day. We’ll delight in buying booties and stuffed animals for babies who are born to relatives and friends. There will be celebration upon celebration once we can come together again. That is truly something to look forward to!

Marilyn Pellini has recently published a grief book titled Dear Al, A Widow’s Struggles and Remembrances. Her other credits as a writer include recent articles in Brick Magazine titled “Memories in My Button Jar” and “Restructuring My World,” pieces in Westchester Parent Magazine, Bay State Parent Magazine, On The Water, Balanced Rock, and others. In May 2018, she took the first place prize in the NY State Federation of Women’s Clubs writing contest.

September 2020 | 27

Top 5 Reasons to Get a Medical Marijuana Card

by Lisa Profera MD

Photo by Kimzy Nanney

28 | The Brick Magazine

P

atients often ask me, “Why should I get a medical marijuana card if marijuana use is legal in Michigan?” Recreational or adult use of cannabis has been legal in the state of Michigan since December 1st, 2019.

The medical use of marijuana was approved by our state ten years prior to that in November of 2008.

Even though marijuana is accessible to everyone now, there are still some very compelling reasons to register as a patient and get your medical marijuana card, provided you have a qualifying medical condition.

The current list of medical conditions accepted by the state are: agitation of Alzheimer’s, AIDS, ALS, arthritis, autism, cachexia or wasting syndrome, cancer, cerebral palsy, chronic pain, colitis, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, hepatitis C, HIV, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms (persistent), nail patella syndrome, nausea (severe), OCD, Parkinson’s, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, seizures, spinal cord injury, Tourette’s, and ulcerative colitis.

I’ve been doing medical marijuana consultations for over four years, and I’ve noticed that the most common disease processes that patients struggle with are those that cause chronic pain. Pain and inflammation are the underlying mechanisms in many chronic diseases, and in light of the opioid crisis, many patients are looking for safer alternatives.

Also, as a board-certified pediatrician, I feel comfortable helping children as well.

Here are my top five reasons why you should consider getting a Michigan medical marijuana card if you qualify:

1. IT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY If you have a qualifying medical condition, having a medical marijuana card can save you a large amount of money over time. The cost of obtaining your card through the state of Michigan is $40 (recently reduced from $60) and it’s good for two years. The renewal fee is also $40 right now. Then there’s a required physician certification, which involves a visit to a doctor who verifies your qualifying condition and submits the required application form to the state. The fee for this service is variable (from $70-150) depending on the quality of advice/service offered.

So, where are the savings? The savings become evident when you start purchasing products. The state of Michigan charges all recreational or adult-use customers an additional 10% excise tax on top of the 6% sales tax — that’s 16% in taxes. Medical patients don’t have to pay the extra 10% tax. When you compare the actual prices of medical vs. recreational products, you’ll also see that recreational products are more expensive overall (20-30% lower than medical). Add this to the 10% tax, and you can see that a medical patient saves about 30-40% on every purchase. This adds up to a significant amount of money over the course of two years!

2. MEDICAL PRODUCTS ARE SAFER AND CLEANER As a physician, I advocate for my patients, and I certainly don’t want to recommend anything that may cause harm.

We’re fortunate that Michigan has some of the most stringent testing and safety requirements in the nation when it comes to marijuana products. Cannabis product analysis is crucial to the development of safer products for consumers. It also serves to inform the consumer about potency and types of cannabinoids present, in addition to assuring the absence of potentially harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, microbes, and microbial toxins.

The State of Michigan employs a “seed-to-sale” tracking system called METRC. Plants and plant products are tagged, cross-referenced, and labelled with bar codes. The State of Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency prides itself on being a “national model for a regulatory program that stimulates business growth while preserving safe consumer access to marijuana,” according to the LARA page on Michigan.gov.

The important thing to know about this is that the testing requirements for medical vs. recreational products are different. For example, the threshold for microbial load is lower for medical-grade products. Recreational products are legally allowed to have about ten times the microbial load that medical products can have. This translates to products that are about ten times cleaner on the medical side. People who are concerned about their health value these stricter

Disclaimer: Please note that the information in this article has been designed to help educate the reader regarding the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that the author and any other entity referenced here are not liable for the misconception or misuse of the information provided. It is not provided to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. The provider of this information shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity concerning any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this information. The information presented is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling or care. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult a qualified healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

September 2020 | 29

standards. Just keep in mind that 80% of ingredients used in US drugs are from China and India. The US consumer has no access to any data related to the purity or testing of prescription medications; it’s a leap of faith.

At Apothecare Ann Arbor, we take the commitment to purity a step further. Our in-house flower is the only organically certified marijuana in the state of Michigan.

This applies to both medical and recreational flower. Most dispensaries don’t adhere to these standards; we’re raising the bar, so to speak.

3. HAVING A CARD LENDS CREDIBILITY AND LEGITIMACY Many of my patients are seeking natural solutions to their chronic health conditions. They’re not looking to get “high” per se; they’re just looking for non-pharmaceutical and safer alternatives to their physical/emotional health issues. To put it bluntly, cannabis can’t kill you like opioids can (see my series of CBD articles published in BRICK, fall 2019 ). Cannabis also doesn’t have any significant or harmful side effects for most.

In my experience with helping people navigate cannabis medicine, I’ve been humbled by the number of people who’ve been able to wean off of their pain meds or psych meds over the last few years. Some have even been able to treat their pain with cannabis to the point of recovery; some have experienced an end to their troubling symptoms. This is especially gratifying to me as a traditionally-trained physician. In our medical culture, it’s accepted as “normal” to have more medical problems and have to take more prescription medications as we age.

The fact that my medical marijuana patients are getting relief and taking less prescription and over-the-counter medications over time is wonderful and unprecedented.

Having a medical marijuana card may add to the credibility/legitimacy of use for patients who are truly using cannabis for medical benefits. People are judged by their doctors, employers, and law enforcement for use of cannabis. By virtue of having a legitimate medical reason for use of marijuana, and being able to prove it, you can put some of that judgement to rest.

4. YOU’LL HAVE MORE CHOICES There are various rules and regulations limiting the type and potency of products. Medical patients have 30 | The Brick Magazine

greater access to a variety of products and the actual amount of “medicinal” benefit of products offered in the market. For example, cancer patients seeking a high-potency RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) product can obtain a higher potency product with a medical marijuana card (at a lesser price). The maximum threshold for edibles in the recreational market is lower than that for medical. People that really need medical marijuana for amelioration of approved diseases/conditions are not as limited.

5. YOU’LL HAVE MORE ACCESS There are many dispensaries in Michigan that only accept medical patients; the state limits the number of recreational dispensaries. There are also many states in the nation that don’t have adult or recreational use laws.

However, many states honor out-of-state medical cards.

In a state such as Nevada, a medical patient can “skip the line” and have faster access to products. Other states are medical-only. This is restricting to those who may be travelling to or visiting other states for longer periods of time. Access to medication in the form of medical-grade marijuana may be limited.

If you have a qualifying medical condition, the case for obtaining your medical marijuana card is a no-brainer. I’m committed to helping people with natural solutions for better health and wellness. Medical marijuana clearly has benefits for those who are looking for safer, cleaner, and less expensive alternatives.

If you’re interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card, I'm available for consultation. Apothecare Ann Arbor is offering to cover my professional fee by providing a $100 voucher for all medical purchases at Apothecare (https://www.apothecareannarbor.com/). Mention this article when scheduling your appointment."

Owner and Founder of PROJUVU MD; Aesthetics and Lifestyle Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI; Expert Injector, Medical Director; Facial Innovations Medi-spa, Ann Arbor; Medical Director, Northville Beauty Spa; Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor; Certified doTERRA Essential Oils Expert; BEMER Independent Distributor; CrossFit® Level 1 Trainer www.projuvu.com • 1-844-PROJUVU • drprofera@gmail.com www.facebook.com/projuvu/ Request to join my closed FaceBook group, www.instagram.com/youressentialoilsdoctor/

S P IN N IN G T H READS I NTO

The fabric of our old lives is unraveling.

Yet, somewhere deep inside, hope whispers of new possibilities.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re being called upon to weave a new normal out of our old threads.

Enjoy a Complimentary Coaching Session as a gift to yourself!

Together, we can spin those threads into gold.

Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC Life Empowerment Coaching, LLC 1785 W. Stadium, Suite 104 | Ann Arbor, Mi 48103 | 734.717.7532

www.LifeEmpowermentCoaching.com

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www.drlisascbdsolutions.com | 1-844-PROJUVU (844-776-5888) | drprofera@gmail.com