Community News

Elevate x Ascend combines structured learning, hands-on application, and personalized coaching to help business owners strengthen how money moves through their business, from attracting customers to pricing for profit and preparing for capital.

Participants will:

• Develop a clear growth plan and baseline metrics
• Identify and refine core revenue streams
• Improve customer journeys and sales funnels
• Strengthen branding, marketing, and storytelling
• Build financial clarity around pricing, cash flow, and profitability
• Prepare lender-ready materials and connect with funding partners

Participants also receive one-on-one coaching, peer accountability, and opportunities for increased visibility through showcases, media exposure, and community events.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2026.

TO APPLY: https://www.purelansing.com/grow-your-business/leap-programs/elevate-x-ascend/?utm_campaign=9813176-LEAPlit&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_95GaK0o1gFFSqBLqWx_OlllS869cnGp1VN91G8R1Zn2i5QzSpJ_7PiXMk2KM2A75jKRtbwZpCiEdK2Qa97giFWMVKbw&_hsmi=406676938&utm_content=406676938&utm_source=hs_email

FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE LOW TO MODERATE INCOME AND 50 YEARS OLD AND OVER THERE IS HELP. LOCATIONS IN LANSING, EAST LANSING, DEWITT TOWNSHIP AND DIMONDALE

PRESS RELEASE:

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan residents can get expert help filing their taxes at no cost this tax season through AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free, volunteer based tax assistance and preparation program.

Now open through April 15, Tax-Aide has helped more than 82 million people since its launch in 1968. During the most recent tax season, more than 28,300 IRS certified volunteers assisted 1.7 million taxpayers, helping them secure over $1.3 billion in refunds and credits. Older adults with low income alone saved $578 million with the help of Tax-Aid.

To Register for an appointment: https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp-taxaide/locations/

The program is offered in conjunction with the IRS and is open to all eligible taxpayers, with a focus on adult’s age 50 and older with low to moderate income. No AARP membership is required. All Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS certified to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. Assistance options vary by location and may change throughout the tax season.

Tax-Aide assistance options include:

— In Person: A certified volunteer prepares and files your tax return in one visit.

— Drop Off: Leave your documents at a Tax-Aide site; your return is prepared remotely and filed during a second visit.

— No Site Visit Required (Internet Access Required): Upload documents online and work with a volunteer remotely.

— Online Coaching: Prepare your own return with remote support from a certified volunteer.

— Facilitated Self Assistance: Complete and file your own return at a site with volunteer coaching.

— Self Preparation: Use Tax-Aide software to prepare and file your return independently.

QUESTIONS: https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/

CALL: 888-687-2277

From the United States Postal Service Press Release: The United States Postal Service is preparing to honor lowrider culture with a new series of commemorative postage stamps.

In an effort to showcase various lowrider styles, vintages, and colors, USPS Art Director Antonio Alcalá determined that photography would be the most effective way to convey the spirit of lowrider culture.

The stamps include images by Philip Gordon of Let the Good Times Roll/Soy Como Soy, featuring a blue 1946 Chevrolet Fleetline; and Pocket Change, showcasing a green 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme; along with photographs by Humberto “Beto” Mendoza of Eight Figures, depicting a blue 1958 Chevrolet Impala; The Golden Rose, an orange 1964 Chevrolet Impala; and El Rey, a red 1963 Chevrolet Impala.

To capture the cars in great detail, Alcalá designed these stamps to be one-third wider than the standard commemorative size. Additional design features further honor lowrider culture: The Gothic-style typography evokes the shiny chrome lettering commonly seen on many cars, indicating their affiliation to their specific clubs.

“Photography helps honor the hard work that goes into the creation of each car,” Alcalá said. “Using illustrations would possibly be more about the artist’s imagination than about actual lowriders.” Alcalá adds that acknowledging the responsibility he felt to do justice to the culture came into its own in the 1970s—and is still going strong.

The cost for 15 stamps will be $11.70 as each forever stamp is .78 cents. Forever stamps never expire as they maintain their value regardless of any price increases. You will forever be able to mail a standard first class letter using a forever stamp.

The first day of issue for the Lowrider stamps will be March 13, 2026, and they will first be available at a special ceremony in San Diego, California. – from the United States Postal Service Press Release.

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Other Hispanic Latino stamps and their stories can be found at the following links:

Variety of years: https://news.usps.com/2019/09/10/proud-heritage/

September 2021 – Day of the Dead; July 2022 – Marichi Stamps; September 2023 – Pinata Stamps: https://wearemitu.com/wearemitu/news/latino-artist-creates-usps-pinata-stamps-celebrate-mexican-culture/

The Lansing School District Board of Education has approved a schedule to fill a vacated board seat held by Deyanira Nevárez Martinez who was elected to the Lansing City Council.

The Board of Education will accept applications for the open board seat online with the Application for Board of Education Vacancy December 2025 form or by email between December 18, 2025 at 6 p.m., and January 5, 2026 until 5 p.m. and Alexandre Fulce can be contacted at alexandre.fulce@lansingschools.net to answer questions about the process.

Candidate interviews are scheduled to be held during a Board of Education meeting on January 8, 2026, with January 9 reserved if needed based on the number of applicants.

The Board of Education will deliberate and vote to appoint a new board member on January 8 or 9, 2026, depending on the number of applications received and considered. Media is welcome to promote the open application process and encouraged to share scheduling deadlines along with providing news coverage of the board member selection process.

The new appointed board member is scheduled to take the oath of office and be seated at the January 22, 2026 Lansing School District Board of Education meeting.

Current 2025-2026 Board of Education Members: Board of Education – Lansing School District Home

Have fun exploring the letters of the alphabet with the adventures of quirky creatures!

Have you ever heard of ants wearing plaid pants, a mole learning how to bowl, or a whale delivering the mail? From A-Z, each page bursts with vibrant illustrations and playful rhymes that make learning letters a delight. Perfect for young readers, this whimsical journey sparks laughter, imagination and a love for words.

Discover the silly, surprising, and creative world of Quirky Creatures A-Z! It’s an unforgettable adventure you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

About the Author: Jessica Benavides is the Interim Superintendent of the Lansing School District having spent almost 30 years taking on different roles within the District eventually leading to her current position.

Purchase book: https://www.amazon.com/Quirky-Creatures-Z-Jessica-Benavides/dp/B0DWJLFXKW/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.egW5ThDxQL5qIUv0fIM7zOn3UAuXBX1Qy01VGTe0h66oc9ppUUDYM0MchdUEt12O5Twqkqa84l1K01gTjp7N_OFe44-p1klV6CO5xe-CTzU.SoaX5UhuvaHUDEUh6RrgGe9wsTdWX8KrKjIVRkURBLc&dib_tag=se&qid=1766130031&refinements=p_27%3AJessica+Benavides&s=books&sr=1-3&text=Jessica+Benavides

Join Olivia and her faithful friend, Benji the wise pup, on an exciting journey to discover the world of money! When Olivia finds a shiny coin at the playground, she’s curious to learn more—and Benji is ready to teach her all about how money can be earned, saved, spent, and shared.

In this heartwarming and fun-filled story, children ages 3-7 will learn important lessons about managing money and how to use it wisely. With a gentle, biblical message throughout, this book encourages young readers to honor God with their choices, helping them understand that money is not just something shiny, but a tool for doing good.

Complete with a simple Bible verse and prayer, Olivia and Benji’s Money Adventures: Understanding Money is the perfect way to introduce young children to the value of money.

Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNKKJ8SB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title