Shining Stars

Lansing Promise Scholarship (LPS) are three words you will hear spoken at Lansing Community College, and for good reason. Since 2012, this valuable student resource has provided the opportunity for the youth of Lansing to reach further in their educational journey. In this episode of Shining Stars, LPS Executive Director, Justin Sheehan and LPS Program and Donor Relations Associate, Triquita Hicks explain the mission, the goals, and most of all, the positive change that Lansing Promise is providing for our community.

Website: Lansing Promise

I have known Shawn VanSteeland since we were kids growing up in Mason. More than anyone else I know, he volunteers his time towards creating and organizing several of the annual events and festivals that take place across Mid-Michigan. In this ep of Shining Stars, I invited "The Fun Czar" into WLNZ to talk about the upcoming festival season, his love of music, our history together, and most of all, the joy he finds in creating joy for others.

Thank you so much for listening! Daedalian

Website: Music Instrument Swap

Website: Grand Ledge Chamber of Commerce

Website: Delta Township

Website: City of Lansing

Website: Sun Dried Music Festival

For over 100 years, Child and Family Charities (CFC) has been protecting and strengthening families in need. The organization's founding purpose was “to secure for every child the same love and the same opportunity that we would have our children receive should they be left orphaned or friendless.” Since then, the organization has grown to incorporate six divisions and 25 programs all aimed at supporting Mid-Michigan children, families, and individuals in need. To learn more about CFC, I (Daedalian) invited CFC's Gateway Youth Service Director of Programs & Operations, Antonio Botello III into WLNZ to chat about what they do.

Website: Child and Family Charities

Website: LCC Student Services/Star Zone

In 2017, the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) began an initiative to highlight attractions in and around the Lansing area that are sensory-friendly and tailored for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I (Daedalian) invited GLCVB President & CEO, Julie Pingston to learn more about ASD and the plethora of attractions that are taking part in Autism Awareness Month.

GLCVB Website

Xavier DeGroat Foundation Website

Mid-Michigan Autism Association Website

Michigan State University Psychological Clinic Website

Autism Speaks Website

I (Daedalian) first heard about Edwin Hernandez-Ventura through an article in the Lansing State Journal (LSJ). Although the article offered only a glimpse into Edwin's story, I could tell he was a brave individual who, at a very young age, made his way to the U.S. as a matter of self-preservation. In a portion of the article, he explained why he steps forward to share his story and that is what prompted me to invite him on Shining Stars.

LSJ: Youth Refugee Art Exhibit

Samaritas Youth Refugee Art Exhibit

Refugee Congress

WLNS: Edwin's Story

Andrea Tarry wears many hats at Lansing Community College, including photography instructor, scholarship coordinator, and post-secondary enrollment coordinator. While having an email conversation with her, I (Daedalian) noticed that beyond her many titles here at the college, her signature also included an image that said Mental Health First Aider. I became curious to know more as I believe that conversations about mental health are helpful in expanding the power of positivity, so I invited her to join me on Shining Stars.

Mental Health First Aid

LCC Photography Program

LCC Scholarship Information

Lansing Made Metro Melik chats with me (Daedalian) about his love for Lansing. If you live in the Lansing area, even if you don’t know him, trust me, you know him. Whether you’ve attended one of his events, seen his one of his videos, photography, or heard his voice on the airwaves, in some way, shape or form, this Lansing based entrepreneur has connected with most everyone in the Capital City. He is the founder of Lansing Made, owner of me2upro, and a whole lot more!

Metro Melik's Website

517 Day Website

Lansing Made Nook Website

Melik on Stacks 92.1

Daedalian talks with Tammy Lemmer, Community Relations Director for Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA). Since 1974, TCOA has been helping older adults access programs and benefits, improve their health, and remain active in their communities. Working in partnership with agencies and service providers across the area, TCOA embraces a person-centered philosophy that focuses on how a person wants to live their life while honoring their preferences. Although TCOA’s Meals on Wheels is their best-known program, they provide several other invaluable services that assist Mid-Michigan's senior community.

Tri-County Office on Aging Website

A conversation with Kayla Park, Community Outreach Team Lead for Samaritas. The organization is one of the largest providers of refugee services, resettling families in from all over the world to Michigan. For almost 90 years, Samaritas has served others with programs to help Michigan’s disadvantaged families and individuals thrive. Beyond refugee services, Samaritas is the state’s largest foster care and adoption organization with a full suite of family preservation programs and options like Substance Use Disorder services to keep families together.

Samaritas Website

Shining Stars connects with Marie Armstrong, Events and Community Outreach Coordinator for Ele's Place, a healing center for grieving children, teens, young adults, and their families with four branch locations supporting families throughout Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, and beyond.

Ele's Place