Who doesn’t like a clean slate? I love January, because it always feels like you can start over or get an opportunity to begin a new chapter. Everyone needs that now and then. There are also times when a fresh start is bestowed on you. I’m sure there are many people out there who feel like they may not have wanted a fresh start but there it was starring them in the face. The last few years have forced a fresh start or two. Through the recession, some people were displaced and either went back Read more [...]

April Clobes adds COO to her Title at MSU Federal Credit Union Patrick McPharlin, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of MSU Federal Credit Union, has announced the promotion of April Clobes, MSUFCU’s executive vice president, to the newly created position of chief operating officer (COO). Clobes will continue her responsibilities as Executive Vice President and assume additional management responsibilities at MSUFCU as its new COO. April Clobes has been with MSUFCU since October Read more [...]

Walking into Red Cedar Cafe Espresso and Bakery at Brookfield Plaza in East Lansing, which opened last August, feels like walking into a friend’s home. Founder and owner Angie Anderson greets customers with a warm smile and a generous menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a quick snack. She’s eager to point out the daily specials and show off her glass case of devilish desserts. Though daily specials change, service is always on the menu at the Red Cedar Café. Anderson has a degree from Read more [...]

Personality profiles and finding your perfect match —sound like the latest dating website? Not quite. This is the level of detail and care that goes into the adoption process at Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue (MMCR) to ensure that every cat finds a perfect match. “It’s not as simple as just pointing to the cat you like and taking it home,” said Sara Vicary, founder of MMCR. “We have a questionnaire that we ask adopters to fill out about their lifestyle. We look through what a person wants and Read more [...]

I’ve now been in my house for two years and can proudly say I have started and finished many projects. I confess, many of these projects were must-dos — after all you can’t go without a shower, right? Now that the must-dos are compete (for the time being, fingers crossed) I’m anxious to get to those somewhat pesky improvements that I’ve managed to ignore. Setting a goal of completing one project per month seems realistic to me. We’re not talking about full renovations; just those silly Read more [...]

The beginning of January has me bursting with optimism for the New Year. My life is going to change for the better. I am going to turn over a new leaf — a lettuce leaf in this case. Watch me dump my boyfriend Cheese for greener pastures — literally. But where does one go in this bustling metropolis of Lansing to find super-healthy lunch options? I had to go scout out a few possibilities. The Spotted Dog Located right on Washington Square in the heart of downtown is The Spotted Dog. An unassuming Read more [...]

I don’t think it’s any coincidence that when I was little Paula Abdul was my hero. First of all, Emilo Estevez was one of my celebrity crushes and for a brief time in my childhood they were married, so combine that with her killer dance moves, totally rockin’ sense of style and her musical talents (which I didn’t believe could be surpassed) and there you have it. A hero was born. I’ve grown out of my Paula phase (although I’ve still got the buttons I bought at a show during her Read more [...]

Juanita Castillo has been director of Small Folks daycare on Pennsylvania Avenue since 1978. She is dedicated to helping children and families in the community who may not be able to afford childcare. Along with her work at Small Folks, she is the secretary on the board of directors at Cristo Rey Community Center. Q: TELL ME ABOUT SMALL FOLKS. A: Small Folks is a daycare that began in 1974 in Old Town. It is a nonprofit targeting childcare for working women. It was something that started due Read more [...]

A mother, librarian, DJ, MC and volunteer, Dawn Haddad just about does it all. Through her unique set of jobs and various hobbies, she is able to keep herself happy as well as use her skills to benefit the Lansing community. Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THESE TWO VERY DIFFERENT CAREERS? A: I’ve always loved books and when I was little I wanted to be a teacher. However, I also love music and ended up going to college for radio. I earned a telecommunications degree at Michigan State University Read more [...]

Resolution: A resolve or determination Goal: The result of achievement toward which effort is directed Results: Something that happens as a consequence: outcome With each New Year brings the optimism that we’re going to turn over a new leaf — “this is the year when I finally (insert resolution) and stick to it.” Unfortunately we need to face the facts; when it comes to sticking to our goals we just plain suck at it. Nearly 78 percent of Americans will not be able to follow through with Read more [...]

The re-teaming of screenwriter Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman proves Juno was no fluke. Their collaboration with Young Adult is inspired, a scalding black comedy about the queen b_ _ _ ch in high school and everyone's worst nightmare — except now she's 37 and returning to her hometown. The movie is cynical and goes down like a sour shot, but it's the year's most unexpected surprise by breaking every rule in conventional Hollywood storytelling. Mavis Gary is played by Charlize Theron Read more [...]

Sparrow Hospital Guild presents the 86th Annual Charity Ball Any event that has been held annually for 86 years must be steeped in tradition. How can any group or organization sustain a fundraising event for all of those years? Especially when that event is a black-tie optional, sit-down dinner and dance, held right here in the Lansing community. Humor me for a minute while I look at the who, what, when, where and why of this special fundraiser. Who: The Sparrow Hospital Guild, a group of 50 Read more [...]