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.
Articles by Mary Gajda
Michigan Outlines MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program
Restaurants will be gradually reopening across Michigan as safely as possible, with a curfew and other safety restrictions in place. Part of the state’s effo…
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030 has been given a boost th…
Through rain, sleet and even some snow, Jeremy Hurt and Red Bike Delivery LCC intend on giving grocery and restaurant car delivery services to locations near…
A national nonprofit, One Warm Coat, has called on volunteers nationwide to help address a critical shortage of coats for those in need. As you consider what…
Nonprofits Get Support from Economic Club Sponsors
Nonprofit organizations have been coping with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic for months. For many, this is a critical time as the lack of funding is …
Keeping Company Culture Alive While Working from Home
COVID-19 vaccinations are underway, and the thought of having light at the end of the tunnel for the virus may give those who haven’t yet been vaccinated a f…
The annual Michigan State University Federal Credit Union Student Art Exhibit is back for 2021, with the exhibit on display at MSUFCU headquarters in East La…
Autism Advocate Returns to Lansing after White House Internship
Lansing’s Xavier DeGroat said he feels like a new man — more confident, more knowledgeable and perhaps even a little famous.
The advocate and founder of t…
For years, the commercial jingle for Kellie’s Consignments was “Expect the Unexpected,” pointing to the unique, quality finds in the store on Marsh Road in O…
While some businesses are able to remain open during these pandemic times, the reduced capacities allowed for patrons sometimes aren’t worth the operational …
Resolutions: A Success Coach says Focus on the Small Changes
Ringing in the new year is often a time for reflection and resolution. We want to change and better ourselves, and the dawning of a new year has often been t…
Wharton Center Presents a Virtual Concert with a Familiar Face for New Year’s Eve
Actors and performers become familiar faces to us because we see them on the screen or stage so much. We almost feel as if we know them. We embrace them even…
Coronavirus Protocols: Pause to Save Lives Extended by MDHSS
It’s not the “12 days” we think of as we head into the holidays.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the state has extended the health order originally set fo…
Ah, 2020. The year of twists, turns and new territory. In our case, TV land.
COVID-19 obviously caused the cancellation of thousands of events across the …
While some businesses are finding a way to thrive during the coronavirus pandemic, the struggle has been real for others. 517 Magazine sat down with 2019 Gre…
2020 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards Goes Prime Time
Ah, 2020. The year of twists, turns and new territory. In our case, TV land.
COVID-19 obviously caused the cancellation of thousands of events across the …
Blue Owl Owner Challenges Local Business to Step Up for Pennies for Power
According to its website, more than 4,000 Lansing Board of Water and Light customers participate in BWL’s Pennies for Power program, contributing almost $40,…
While the novel coronavirus has stopped high schools from operating normally, it hasn’t stopped high school art students from creating.
Now more than ever…
At the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic, certain groups were more likely to mask up than others, according to a Ball State University researcher.
D…
Davies Project needs volunteer drivers, community support
Imagine having a sick child who needs to get to appointments one, two or more times a week — may…
Region’s Top Young Professionals Honored At 10 Over the Next Ten Awards
The annual 10 Over the Next Ten Awards recognizes Greater Lansing’s top young professionals who are viewed as ones to watch. These professionals are known go…
Meet the 2020 Entrepreneurial Awards Judges
The Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Award judges are a key component in making each year’s event a successful…
Road Completion Brings Significant Development Opportunity
For months, passersby at the corner of Coolidge and Coleman roads on the edge of the East Lansing/Lansing border have wondered when the project would be comp…
517living.com is not just an events website, it’s an experience.
More than community events, the page is about physical community and has played a role in…
Jack Davis was many things — respected attorney for over 50 years, family man and business leader.
Davis’ long list of commitments included chairing the L…
A Q&A with Dr. Lakeeya Tucker
Dr. LaKeeya Tucker is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, a partner at Alliance Obstetrics and Gynecology since…
Community support needed now more than ever
If you’ve been touched by Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll understand. Looking into the eyes of someone you have sp…
Longtime Furniture Business Purchases Okemos Space, Creates Jobs
Klingman’s Furniture & Design, founded in 1896, has purchased a new location in Okemos, making this the company’s third showroom in Michigan.
Klingman…
Former Travelers Club Owner Details Her Experience and Recipes in New Book
Jennifer Byrom co-owned the Travelers Club International Restaurant & Tuba Museum in Okemos in its heyday. Byrom’s experiences with the iconic restaurant…
Governor Creates Black Leadership Advisory Council
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed executive orders Wednesday that recognize racism as a public health threat in the state and create an advisory council of Black …
You could say the novel coronavirus changed the big picture for photographers; but like many other business owners, they have adapted and are still trying to…