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.
Adorable Teacup Bird Feeder
This might be the easiest and cutest craft you’ve made.
What you need:
Teacup and saucer. Grab one from home or visit your favorite local resale or t…
The Mighty Chihuahua
These feisty little pups unfortunately are often purchased as accessory dogs before ending up in animal shelters because of the level of care and attention t…
A Conversation with Craig Hatch of the Jackson Chamber
Tell us about downtown Jackson and how it’s grown.
Downtown Jackson has been on a strong and steady growth path for years. Everything from events to downt…
Best of Ice Cream
We asked our readers where they all scream for ice cream, as well as their favorite flavors.
Arctic Corner
At 314 E. Grand River Ave. in Lan…
517 Day of Giveaways
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, you’ve probably spent more time in your own backyard than you care to admit. But honestly, it’s a good thing. Because yo…
Get on Board with a Great Gift for Mother’s Day
With Mother’s Day — and Father’s Day — just around the corner, you may be racking your brain trying to think out of the box for gift giving.
You may just …
10 for ‘Studio 10’
We played a quick-fire game of 10 Questions with Stephanie McCoy and Holly Harper, the hosts of the news and lifestyle show “Studio 10” that airs weekdays at…
Craft Idea: Fairy Garden Flower Pot
This simple DIY for a fairy garden flower pot took us less than an hour to complete. It will look lovely inside or outside
What You Need:
Glue gu…
Footprints of Michigan Provides Footwear to Those in Need
Helping someone with a simple and gentle gesture of assistance is a mission that, quite literally, starts from the ground up at Footprints of Michigan.
In…
Best Of 517: Brunch
We asked readers about their favorite brunch spots in the region. For some, the definition of brunch isn’t a special buffet on a special day. It’s just eatin…
Cool Pets: The Awesome Axolotl
The axolotl is a unique pet in that it looks a bit like a fish — but when you see its legs, you’ll know it’s actually an aquatic amphibian. They are a fairly…
Professionals Forum offers Leadership Lab
Effective leadership is an absolute must in today’s global business market. The Professionals Forum is offering a leadership lab to educate, encourage and em…
Craft Idea: Decoupage Easter Eggs
Decoupage Easter Eggs
What You Need:
Mod Podge
Brush
Decorative paper napkins of your choice
Eggs — hard boiled or craft eggs
What t…
Cool Pets: Holland Lop Rabbit
The Holland Lop rabbit is a miniature breed that lives roughly 7-10 years with good care. At around 2-4 pounds, these little guys are calm and gentle but als…
A Conversation with Elaine Hardy, East Lansing’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administrator
Elaine Hardy is the City of East Lansing’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administrator. 517 Magazine’s Mary Gajda spoke with her about her passion for the …
EVE Helps Survivors Understand They Are In Control
Empowering those whose power was stolen is the foundation of the work of Sam Stiles.
As an assault survivor herself, Stiles finds immense purpose in her r…
Best Of 517: Air Frying
We asked our readers to name their tops when it comes to cooking without the oil.
Favorite Brands
Air fryers come in all shapes, sizes and br…
Recipe: Twice-Baked Potatoes
Ingredients:
6 medium or 3 large potatoes
½ cup of sour cream
¼ cup of butter
Approximately 6 pieces of bacon, cooked and chopped into bits
…
Harris Nature Center Foundation Hosts Virtual ‘Painting Nature’ Fundraiser April 24
The Harris Nature Center Foundation is inviting artists of all ages and skill levels to a virtual fundraiser, Painting Nature: Tyco the Turtle. Reg…
Answers Begin to Emerge about the Future of the Lansing Mall
Malls across the nation have been in distress for years as more consumers turned to online retail options. The Lansing Mall is no stranger to that struggle.
…
After a Brief Pause, For Crepe Sake Makes its Comeback
In 2014, For Crepe Sake opening in the Lansing City Market before moving to downtown Lansing. After having closed its Lansing location in 2020, the locally o…
Shyft Group Looks to Hire in Charlotte
In January, the Shyft Group announced it would be hiring for its Charlotte campus as the company continues to receive new vehicle orders and ramps toward pro…
MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit Winners Announced
The creative talents blossoming from today’s young minds were honored recently in the 14th annual MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit.
The exhibit was held from Ja…
Women’s History Month: Women in the Workforce and the Gender Pay Gap
March is Women’s History Month. From politics to business and even sports, there are women excelling in 2021. Consider Kamala Harris, the first female vice p…
International Women’s Day: Choose to Challenge 2021
Monday, March 8, is International Women’s Day, and the theme for this year’s celebration is Choose to Challenge.
Challenge yourself with these questions: …
Michigan is Top 20 for Tiny Homes and Tips for Keeping them Clutter-Free
According to social data, the Mitten State ranks in the top 20 for tiny homes. Michigan ranks at No. 11, behind states like California, New York, Colorado an…
27th Annual Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Award Nominations Open
Recognizing and celebrating entrepreneurs should never take a year off. Last year, the 26th annual Entrepreneurial Awards adapted to COVID-19 by pivoting its…
Vaccine Rollout Gives Hope to Seniors Helping Seniors
Seniors Helping Seniors provides senior care and in-home services throughout the nation. The uniqueness of the program stems from how local seniors willing t…
What Homebuyers want in Real Estate
The coronavirus pandemic has a lot of people looking at their homes with fresh eyes. Was their home big enough to handle one or more home offices? What about…
Best Of 517: Best of Global Cuisine
We asked our readers for their favorite spots in the 517 for international foods.
Thai Village
Thai Village on Washington Square in downtown…
Recipe: Yummy Oven-Fried Pickles
Ingredients:
Dill pickle slices
½ cup flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup panko or s…
Craft Idea: Marbled Nail-Polish Mug
What You Need:
Nail polish
Plain white mug
Disposable plastic bowl or tub
Toothpick
Parchment paper
Dishwasher-safe Mod Podge
What to …
Cool Pets: Gaga for Guinea Pigs
March is a Adopt a Guinea Pig Month. Guinea pigs are small and gentle but do require time out of their cage each day, along with regular grooming. Consider a…
Grab the Family and Embrace the Season with Winterfest
Let’s get ready to bundle!
Grab those gloves, dust off the hat and lace up your boots. It’s time to bundle up and embrace the season for big fun during La…
32% of Small Businesses Face Major Cash Crunch
A recent poll of business owners shows that 32% of small businesses only have one month or less of cash reserves. Also significant is that 47% of minority-ow…
Kiwanis of Delta Township Offer Winter Golfing Event with a Tennis Twist
Golfers were able to get a grip on the pandemic over the summer when they could play outside on lush greens with fresh air and social distancing. With the co…
Who Runs the World? Girls!
Girls on the Run is a positive youth development program that inspires girls from third through eighth grades to participate in physical activity and gain co…
Super Tasty BLT-and-Blue-Cheese Lettuce Wraps
I’m lazy in the kitchen. I don’t like to follow exact recipes, and I add ingredients for taste without measuring. That means there is only so much I can get …
Dr. Susan Maples: How Dental Facilities Battle COVID-19
Holt-based Dr. Susan Maples is an erudite dental surgeon, never pressing pause on gaining new knowledge that helps her treat everyone from well patients to t…
Oral Health: A Window into Cardiovascular Disease
The name of one disease has probably been uttered more than any other in the past year, COVID-19.
That means some other health conditions may have been sw…
What to expect from the ad world in Super Bowl LV
Super Bowl LV. It’s just a hunch, but this could be one of the most watched Super Bowls in recent years.
Why? Because it’s one of the few forms of “event …
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…
$39M in Going PRO Talent Fund grants awarded
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…
Red Bike Delivery Transports Meals on Two Wheels
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…
MLK Day: Collecting Coats for Those in Need
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…
MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit to be Televised
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…
Dealing with the Unexpected
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…
Best of 517: Breakfast Foods
Best of Breakfast
We asked readers: Where is your favorite place to grab breakfast in the 517? What do you love on the menu?
Soup Spoon Cafe
…
Williamston Theater Provides Popcorn-To-Go Option
While some businesses are able to remain open during these pandemic times, the reduced capacities allowed for patrons sometimes aren’t worth the operational …
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