Shining Stars with Daedalian Lowry: Recent Episodes
LCC Connect
A program that shines the light on individuals fostering positive change within our community, our cities, and our world.
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: https://www.ouryouthsolutions.org/ (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: https://mphi.org/ (Michigan Public Health Institute) Website: https://advancepeacelansingingham.org/ (Advance Peace Lansing) Website: https://www.advancepeace.org/ (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: https://www.lansingmi.gov/1016/3-1-1 (Lansing 311)
Part 2 of an interview with Jerry Norris, Founder and CEO of The Fledge of Lansing, an incredible resource in our community that fuels that fosters engagement, development, and opportunity. Shining Stars, Episode 18 - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e1cd6280-4051-4b52-9eda-2311d56e18c6 (The Fledge: Radically Inclusive, Pt. 1) Email: https://player.captivate.fm/show/jerry@thefledge.com (Jerry Norris) https://thefledge.com/ (Website: The Fledge) https://www.facebook.com/Thefledge/ (Facebook: The Fledge) https://twitter.com/GLFledge (Twitter: The Fledge) https://www.instagram.com/thefledge/ (Instagram: The Fledge) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWE9HtvqN44ZX--fHR7cFEA (YouTube: The Fledge)
The Fledge is a unique resource in Lansing that fosters engagement, development, and opportunity within our community. With the goal of creating "a zero barrier to entry", The Fledge Founder and CEO, Jerry Norris explains the origins of this valuable resource, what it does for our community, and why he embraces chaos. Email: Jerry Norris https://thefledge.com/ (Website: The Fledge) https://www.facebook.com/Thefledge/ (Facebook: The Fledge) https://twitter.com/GLFledge (Twitter: The Fledge) https://www.instagram.com/thefledge/ (Instagram: The Fledge) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWE9HtvqN44ZX--fHR7cFEA (YouTube: The Fledge)
Ronald McDonald House Charities is an organization that on the national level, has been creating a home away from home for families with sick children since the mid 70s. Carolyn Hurst, the Executive Director of our Mid-Michigan chapter joins me (Daedalian) to explain how this valuable resources helps families with sick children, what motivates her, and how she experienced being a recipient of what she does. Website: https://www.rmhmm.org/ (Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan) Email: Info at RMHMM https://www.facebook.com/RMHmidmichigan (RMHMM on Facebook) https://www.instagram.com/rmhmidmi/ (RMHMM on Instagram) https://twitter.com/lovethehouse (RMHMM on Twitter)
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary cites 1991 as the first known use of the word “cybercrime”. Now, just over three decades later, technology has developed to the point where most of the electronic devices we use today would hardly be understood by someone in 1991 and along with it, cybercriminals attacks have become more prevalent and more sophisticated. In this episode of Shining Stars, I (Daedalian) invite Paul Schwartz, Lansing Community College's Director of Information Security and host of LCC Connect's The Safety Plan, to chat about cybersecurity in the modern age. https://www.lcc.edu/connect/shows/safety-plan.html (LCC Connect Podcast: The Safety Plan) https://www.lcc.edu/academics/areas-of-study/computers-engineering-technology/cit.html (Website: LCC Computer Information Technologies)
A home is something many of us take for granted, but what happens when you find yourself in a situation where you’re displaced and no longer have a place to call ‘home’? This is a challenge that refugees, asylees, migrants, and many of our U.S. citizens face every day. Here in Lansing, the Umoja House is a nonprofit that has made it a goal to create a welcoming and safe place for these types of people; individuals fleeing violence and persecution, or at the very least, need a temporary place to call home. Dr. Charla Burnett talks with me (Daedalian) about the how the unique concept of Umoja House came to be. https://umoja.house/ (Website: Umoja House) https://www.facebook.com/umoja.lansing (Facebook: Umoja House) Phone: (517) 667-8178
The impact of the pandemic on our economy is clear, from soaring gas prices to overwhelming inflation and while it isn’t the sole factor to our economic woes, it has definitely been a contributing factor, especially for those at risk of losing their home. The Ingham County Treasurer’s Office is making an assertive effort to inform the public about the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MHAF), an option available to those that have been directly affected by the pandemic. Ingham County Treasurer, Alan Fox joined me (Daedalian) on Shining Stars to explain what it is and how it is a valuable resource for those at risk of losing their home. https://tr.ingham.org/departments_and_officials/treasurer/ (Website: Ingham County Treasurer's Office) https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/homeownership/mihaf-homeowner-assistance (Website: Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MHAF))
Mental health is a subject that has been largely overlooked in the U.S. and probably most of the world as well. However, as the pandemic became a part everyone’s day-to-day lives, the story of mental health changed as many began to struggle with the inherent anxiety, depression, and frustration that came with it; showing us that mental health isn't just limited to the few, it affects us all. I (Daedalian) was thrilled to have the opportunity to invite Marianne Huff, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in Michigan (MHAM) to talk about what this invaluable resource does. https://www.mha-mi.com/ (Website: Mental Health Association in Michigan)
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. https://www.lansingpromise.org/ (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 https://www.musicinstrumentswap.com/ (Website: Music Instrument Swap) https://grandledgechamber.com/ (Website: Grand Ledge Chamber of Commerce) https://www.deltami.gov/ (Website: Delta Township) https://www.lansing.org/events/ (Website: City of Lansing) https://sundriedfestival.org/ (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. https://www.childandfamily.org/ (Website: Child and Family Charities) https://www.lcc.edu/services/student-support-services/starzone/ (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. https://www.lansing.org/ (GLCVB Website) https://www.xavierdegroatfoundation.org/ (Xavier DeGroat Foundation Website) https://www.midmichiganautism.com/ (Mid-Michigan Autism Association Website) https://psychology.msu.edu/clinic/ (Michigan State University Psychological Clinic Website) https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-month (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. https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/2022/01/20/refugees-share-stories-coming-u-s-minors-lansing-gallery/6526918001/ (LSJ: Youth Refugee Art Exhibit) https://www.samaritas.org/youth-art-show (Samaritas Youth Refugee Art Exhibit) https://refugeecongress.org/ (Refugee Congress) https://www.wlns.com/top-stories/immigrants-journey-unaccompanied-minor-shares-his-story-6-years-later/?fbclid=IwAR1qjdpyLWj-smL9H0iBLF3k0RIuvvgA-2YU--vOvKHal6kmpUG6bnVMhkI (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. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ (Mental Health First Aid) https://www.lcc.edu/academics/areas-of-study/arts-communication/photo-imaging.html (LCC Photography Program) https://www.lcc.edu/admissions-financial-aid/finaid/scholarships/ (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! https://metromelik.com/?fbclid=IwAR0C6fnNRyojdCMYn5bI0XzwgAxQyKVE1km04CRklwkdEeXTuVLcV4tBHuM (Metro Melik's Website) https://www.517day.com/ (517 Day Website) https://lansing-made.square.site/ (Lansing Made Nook Website) https://stacks921.com/shows-metro-melik/ (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. https://www.tcoa.org/ (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. https://www.samaritas.org/ (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. https://www.elesplace.org/ (Ele's Place)
Lansing based hip hop artist and founder of All of the Above chats with Daedalian about what inspires him and how he inspires others through his work at the All of the Above Hip Hop Academy. All of the Above is a non-profit organization made up of artists, educators, and advocates that mentor youth, support artistic expression and serve communities as a Hip Hop Cultural resource for the purpose of youth development. Connect with Ozay Moore: https://www.alloftheabovehiphop.org/ (All of the Above) https://www.instagram.com/ozay_moore/?hl=en (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/OzayMoore (Facebook) https://twitter.com/ozaymoore (Twiiter)
A chat with Michael Steibel, Marketing & Communications Manager for the Greater Lansing Food Bank (GLFB), as well as an LCC alum and former WLNZ employee. GLFB is a non-profit organization that provides emergency food to individuals and families in need throughout mid-Michigan, in Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Isabella and Shiawassee counties. https://greaterlansingfoodbank.org/ (Greater Lansing Food Bank)