This episode shines a spotlight on the Michigan Institute for Contemporary Arts (MICA), exploring its vital role as a catalyst for community transformation through quality arts programming. Daedalian discusses with event coordinator Melissa Marciniak the importance of art in reducing stress and fostering connections within the community. They delve into various events organized by MICA, including festivals and jam circles, emphasizing how these initiatives enhance social engagement and creativity. Melissa shares her personal journey with MICA, reflecting on the joys and challenges of her role in coordinating events and exhibitions.

Website: Michigan Institute for Contemporary Arts

Claire Redmer, Development Director for Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center, stops by Shining Stars to tell listeners about their extraordinary work in our community and the details behind their upcoming Auction for Advocacy.

Auction for Advocacy: Saturday, September 13th at 5:30 p.m.

Website: Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center

Facebook: Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center

Instagram: Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center

X: Small Talk

Website: Children's Advocacy Centers of Michigan

Website: Darkness to Light

For over 50 years, Cristo Rey Community Center (CRCC) has been a provider of basic needs to members of our community with an emphasis on access to medical care, mental health services, food, and financial counseling. Cristo Rey CEO, Joe Garcia joins me (Daedalian) on this episode of Shining Stars to explain the role of CRCC in Lansing, provide insight into their services, and he explains how the organization was instrumental in helping him and his family.

Website: Cristo Rey Community Center

The guest on this episode of Shining Stars is a prime example of the expression, experience builds knowledge. The life difficulties that she experienced were provided her the knowledge necessary to become an advocate for social justice and positive change. Yanice Jackson is a lifelong resident of Lansing and wears many hats including publisher The Chronicle News, host of the radio-podcast show, The Sunday Chronicle, and she is the founder of a local non-profit known as The Lansing Catalyst, an organization that connects people with resources to help facilitate change.

Website: The Lansing Catalyst

Website: The Sunday Chronicle

Website: The Chronicle News

Happiness. What is it and how do we get some of that stuff? Is it an elusive concept or is it closer than we think? I (Daedalian) connect with Dr. Rev. Mary Mitchell who is a public speaker, prison minister, teacher, author and co-author of several books. Over the years, Mary has helped prisoners find inner peace and purpose by utilizing the power of our mind and the power of positive thinking.

My Search for Ancient Wisdom: One Prisoner’s Journey of Transformation on Amazon

For some, homelessness can be temporary, while for others it can last for months or years. In Michigan, we see families lose their homes due to foreclosure or evictions, individuals who are unable to pay rent due to financial insecurity, seniors who don’t have enough savings to stay in their home, and women and youth who cannot safely stay with their families. For over 30 years, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH) has been working to prevent and end homelessness in Michigan. Joining me (Daedalian) on this episode is MCAH Director of Public Policy, Lisa Chapman to explain how the coalition has grown to encompass all corners of the Great Lakes State.

Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness

The image of a young kid standing on a street corner, holding up a newspaper and calling out “extra, extra, read all about it” has become an iconic image in classic movies and musicals. In that tradition, every year in December you will see the same type of scene in Lansing, but with a greater cause in mind than just giving you the latest headlines. The Lansing Old Newsboys publishes the annual Lansing Spoof Journal, a satirical publication that helps to raise funds for schoolchildren to provide them with shoes and boots. Claire Corr from Lansing Old Newsboy joins me (Daedalian) on this episode of Shining Stars to talk about how the history of this charity stretches back over a century.

Website: Lansing Old Newsboy

With the intention to inspire the future leaders of Michigan to achieve their fullest potential in education and employment, Youth Solutions has grown from roots in Benton Harbor to a statewide initiative. Through experiential learning, career exploration, coaching, and mentoring, the organization helps to level the playing field for the disadvantaged and raises the voice of a young Michigan. In this episode, I (Daedalian) had the opportunity to chat with Youth Solutions Executive Director, Mollie Waller about the invaluable service and dedication that she and her team are providing towards the future of our Great Lakes State and America.

Website: Youth Solutions

Like many U.S. cities, since the beginning of the pandemic, Lansing experienced a surge in violence. During 2020 and 2021, the Capital City witnessed a record number of homicides. The Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) has partnered with Advance Peace to begin the work of ending gun violence in the Capital City. I (Daedalian) was pleased to have the opportunity to connect with MPHI Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Paul Elam to gain more insight regarding the strategies and goals behind this crucial initiative.

Website: Michigan Public Health Institute

Website: Advance Peace Lansing

Website: Advance Peace National

Augustine "Auggie" Martinez and I (Daedalian) have run in the same circles for years. He is often the sound engineer at live music events around Lansing and many know him as the singer for the band Global Village. However, I recently found out he made a career change as the Call Center Manger for 311, Lansing's new information quick dial service. I invited him into the studio to chat more about this helpful service, how 311 works to be the Capital City's "one call to city hall", and on a personal level, we talk about Auggie's natural propensity to be accommodating.

Website: Lansing 311