Mary Gajda
Mary Gajda is the managing editor for 517 Magazine and has an extensive background in radio and television. She enjoys creative writing, photography and spending time with family — and she will never say no to an evening of karaoke.
Mary Gajda

New Businesses Open in Region
Entrepreneurial spirit seems alive and well as new businesses continue to open in the region.
The BORN Dance Academy opened Sept. 5 at 631 E. Saginaw Hig…

Starfarm Presents Rad Fest This Weekend
Old Town is about to get rad, dude — and it’s all happening Saturday, Sept. 9, from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Urban Beat outdoor concert venue.
Iconic local band…

Rise of the robo-agent: A Q&A with Andrea Burns, chief underwriting officer at AF Group
What is robo insurance?
Robo insurance is technology that provides automated information to both insurance consumers and companies at their point of need….

Imitation as flattery: Copycat Fuji apple chicken salad
Which came first? The Fuji apple salad or the Panera Fuji apple salad?
I guess it doesn’t matter, because even if you think you “invented” a recipe, most …

Healing the Healer: Deactivating Stress and Burnout for Health Care Providers
Dr. Susan Maples founded the Wellness and Prevention Study Club in 2014 after learning a profound lesson by asking her patients a simple question: “Do you tr…

On the record with Jennifer Ketchum of Great Lakes Clinical Massage Therapy
For Jennifer Ketchum, owner of Great Lakes Clinical Massage Therapy in Lansing, business is in her blood.
As a teenager, she became intrigued by chiroprac…

Identifying Plants, Flowers and Birds Without an App
I have fat thumbs. That’s not anything I’d normally want to share; but because my hefty digits accidentally showed me capabilities I didn’t realize my phone …
Report Highlights Local Commercial Real Estate
Martin Commercial Properties released its biannual Market Insights report detailing the status of mid-Michigan’s real estate market in the industrial, office…

On the Record With Jeni Conlin of the Meridian Company
Jeni Conlin has been with The Meridian Co. for nearly 11 years — and as a kitchen and bathroom designer, she has seen plenty of trends come and go. Yet one t…

Recipe: Baked Avocado with Egg
What you need:
4 avocados, halved with the seed removed
8 large eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly chopped chives
Directions:
Lightl…