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The Alma Women’s Club is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone in 2024—its 135th anniversary. Established in November 1889, the club has been a cornerstone of community service, promoting civic involvement, education, the arts, and personal development. The Alma Women’s Club has fostered a deep commitment to empowering women and supporting youth through various programs and initiatives for over a century. As the club commemorates this significant anniversary, it reflects on its rich history, continued dedication to the community, and the lasting legacy its members have created.

### A History of Service and Innovation

Founded when women’s roles in civic life expanded, the Alma Women’s Club has always embraced change and innovation. For over 135 years, it has strongly advocated education, women’s rights, and community engagement. One of the most iconic contributions from the club’s long history is the creation of the “Little White Line on the Right Side of the Road”—a simple yet revolutionary idea that enhanced road safety worldwide.

In 1956, club member Vita Richards was driving on rural roads to pick up her husband from the bus station in Lansing. Noticing the difficulty of navigating the streets at night, she proposed placing a white line on the right side of the road. This would make it easier for drivers to stay on course, particularly during the evening. Vita presented the idea to the Michigan State Highway Department with the full support of the Alma Women’s Club. The proposal was quickly adopted and eventually became a global road safety feature. As Diantha Hicks, a longtime club member, fondly remembers, “The most significant contribution the Alma Women’s Club has made to society is the Little White Line on the Right Side of the Road.”

### Continuing the Legacy Through Education and the Arts

While the club’s history is rich with groundbreaking ideas, its focus on education and the arts continues today. The Alma Women’s Club is dedicated to nurturing young minds and providing opportunities for personal development. The club empowers local youth through various programs and helps them thrive academically and creatively.

One of the club’s standout initiatives is its annual Book Distribution Program, in which every third-grade student in Alma receives a book. This program encourages early literacy and fosters a love of reading among young children. The Alma Women’s Club also supports creativity and artistic expression by awarding scholarships to middle schoolers to attend art camps. These scholarships allow students to develop their artistic talents and explore new creative avenues.

Another crucial aspect of the club’s mission is its **High School Scholarship Program**, which awards a scholarship to a female high school senior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to community service. This scholarship provides financial support to young women pursuing higher education, helping to break down barriers to college access and encouraging leadership in future generations.

### Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

As the Alma Women’s Club looks ahead to the next 135 years, it remains steadfast in its mission to serve the community, support education, and celebrate the arts. The club continues to honor the dedication and vision of the women who came before them and the current generation of members shaping its future.

In a constantly changing world, the Alma Women’s Club’s legacy of community service, education, and innovation remains as relevant today as it was in 1889. With each new initiative and contribution, the club builds upon the sturdy foundation laid by its founders. Whether supporting local youth or making a global impact through innovative ideas, the Alma Women’s Club stands as a beacon of hope and progress.

### Join in the Celebration

As the Alma Women’s Club celebrates 135 years of service, innovation, and community impact, the organization invites everyone to honor its legacy. From the groundbreaking “Little White Line” to the ongoing work supporting education and the arts, the Alma Women’s Club has demonstrated how a small group of dedicated individuals can make a lasting difference. Here’s to another 135 years of empowering women, supporting youth, and improving the world.

Visit the Alma Women’s Club website for more information on its programs and to stay updated on future initiatives.

Last year, we were asked by the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce to capture the evening of their annual awards dinner. It was held at the Z Hall just outside downtown Owosso, Michigan. Award winners included the following: ATHENA: Robin Stechschulte, Citizen of the Year: Kim Renwick, Mission Award: Dan Montes, Chairman’s Award: Ruthann Liagre, Ambassador Outstanding Business and Community Hero Award: Josh Willard, Entrepreneur Award: Bill Gilbert, Heart of Shiawassee: The Arc of Mid-Michigan, Innovation Award: Rex Wheele, Community Champion: Becky Zemla

For more info: https://www.shiawasseechamber.org/

Kidney disease has long been a silent and often undiagnosed health issue, with many patients discovering their condition only after significant damage has already occurred. However, there is hope on the horizon thanks to recent advancements in healthcare and a growing focus on early intervention. Kalen Gerulski, a dedicated nurse practitioner at McLaren Clare Clinic, is at the forefront of these changes, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of kidney disease management.

**A Shift Toward Early Diagnosis**

For years, kidney disease was typically diagnosed only when patients experienced severe kidney damage, making treatment options more limited and less effective. This delayed approach was particularly problematic for individuals in rural communities, where healthcare resources are often scarce. Fortunately, there has been a significant shift in the healthcare community’s approach to kidney disease. Today, the focus is on early diagnosis, prevention, and proactive management, especially in rural healthcare settings.

One key component of this shift is routinely testing critical kidney function indicators. Traditionally, kidney disease was diagnosed using serum creatinine levels, but this method often missed early signs of kidney dysfunction. Kalen Gerulski emphasizes the importance of adding urinal albumin tests alongside the standard Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) tests. These combined measures offer a more complete picture of kidney health, enabling healthcare providers to detect kidney disease earlier, often before noticeable symptoms occur.

“Too often, kidney disease was only diagnosed after kidneys started to fail,” says Gerulski. “With better screening tools, we can catch problems earlier and prevent further damage.”

**The Role of Routine Testing and Monitoring**

At McLaren Clare Clinic, Gerulski and her team use a combination of routine tests to monitor kidney health and track disease progression. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are crucial in managing these tests and follow-up care. By tracking key metrics such as GFR and the urine albumin ratio, the clinic can monitor trends in kidney function and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

– **GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate):** This test measures how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. A lower GFR indicates impaired kidney function, which can signal the early stages of kidney disease.
– **Urinalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio:** This test looks at the albumin level, a protein, in the urine. High albumin levels can indicate kidney damage, as healthy kidneys typically prevent albumin from leaking into the urine.

Regularly tracking these indicators enables healthcare providers to intervene early, adjust treatments, and offer personalized care plans designed to slow the progression of kidney disease.

**The Power of the PATH Program**

Another key initiative championed by Kalen Gerulski is the PATH (Personal Action Towards Health) program. This program empowers patients by improving their understanding of chronic conditions like kidney disease. By offering an accessible and affordable platform for education and engagement, PATH helps patients become active participants in their healthcare.

“PATH is about more than just providing information. It’s about empowering patients to take control of their health and work in partnership with their healthcare providers,” Gerulski explains. “When patients are more informed, they’re more likely to take action and make positive changes in their lifestyles.”

The PATH program emphasizes patient education, offering easy-to-understand resources and guidance to help individuals manage their chronic conditions better. This proactive approach to healthcare improves patient outcomes and helps reduce the burden of chronic disease.

**Collaboration for Rural Healthcare**

Kalen Gerulski’s work also extends beyond individual patient care. He is actively involved in the Chronic Kidney Disease Learning Collaborative, a partnership with the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan and the Michigan Center for Rural Health. This collaboration brings essential resources, education, and support to rural communities with limited kidney disease management.

By fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals and organizations, Gerulski helps ensure that rural patients access the same high-quality care as those in urban settings. “Working together as a community is crucial,” she says. “It’s about making sure no one is left behind.”

**Conclusion**

As kidney disease becomes a more prominent issue in healthcare, efforts like those spearheaded by Kalen Gerulski at McLaren Clare Clinic are paving the way for better management, earlier detection, and improved outcomes. Through routine testing, patient education programs like PATH, and collaborative efforts in rural healthcare, the future of kidney disease management looks brighter than ever. Early intervention and proactive care can make a difference, offering patients a better quality of life and a more substantial chance at long-term kidney health.

For families navigating the world of deafness or hearing loss, finding support that genuinely understands their unique challenges is invaluable. The **Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Guide Program**, part of the **Hands and Voices – Guide by Your Side** initiative, offers just that kind of partnership. By connecting families with trained DHH guides—adults who have grown up deaf or hard of hearing—this program provides emotional support and practical guidance from those who have lived the experience.

### A Beacon of Support

The DHH Guide Program’s core mission is to reassure families that someone who understands their journey is there to walk alongside them. The program focuses on emotional support and provides families with a unique perspective through the personal stories and experiences of DHH guides. These guides share their wisdom and insights on navigating the world with hearing loss, helping parents better understand their child’s needs while fostering hope for the future.

As one guide explained, “Our DHH guides are adults who grew up deaf or hard of hearing…they provide the unique perspective of having walked the path that your child will walk one day.” This lived experience is the cornerstone of the program, creating a nonjudgmental space where families can seek advice, share their concerns, and gain a sense of solidarity.

### Bridging Two Worlds: Language and Communication

One of the most valuable aspects of the DHH Guide Program is the ability of guides to bridge two worlds: the hearing world and the signing Deaf world. Many guides have spoken and sign language experience, allowing them to communicate effectively with families from diverse backgrounds. This dual perspective is particularly beneficial for families navigating the challenge of deciding between spoken language and sign language for their child.

A DHH guide shared their journey: “I was fortunate to have a very dedicated family who taught me a lot about language and communication… If I can give both that child and make it accessible for them, I’m going to do that.” This sentiment highlights the program’s commitment to empowering children by providing them with all available communication tools—whether that’s learning spoken language, sign language, or both.

### Navigating Technology and Accessibility

As technology evolves, the DHH Guide Program also offers families insights into the latest tools and resources for enhancing communication and accessibility. For many families, understanding which technology or system will work best for their child’s unique needs can be overwhelming. DHH guides, who come from diverse backgrounds and have firsthand experience with assistive technology, can help families make informed decisions about what will be most effective for their child’s learning and communication.

The relationship between guides and families is one of mutual learning. Just as a Jedi master might teach a Padawan, guides, and families engage in a dynamic process of shared knowledge and discovery, helping to navigate hearing loss’s complexities with expertise and empathy.

### Inspiring Success and Building Community

Another powerful aspect of the DHH Guide Program is the representation it provides. Seeing successful adults who are deaf or hard of hearing can be deeply inspiring for both children and their families. It offers hope, showing that a child’s potential is limitless and that achievements are possible despite their challenges.

The Davies Project: Empowering Families Through Free Transportation

Navigating medical appointments can be an overwhelming challenge for families, especially those with children who face health issues. The added burden of unreliable transportation often becomes an insurmountable obstacle to accessing vital care. This is where The Davies Project makes a difference. Offering free transportation services, they provide more than just a ride—they bring hope and ensure that no child misses essential healthcare due to transportation barriers.

Bridging the Transportation Gap

For families, particularly those on Medicaid, transportation is often a major barrier to healthcare. Studies reveal that up to 70% of children reliant on specialty clinics are on Medicaid, with many missing critical appointments due to unreliable transportation.

The Davies Project’s mission is simple yet profound: to remove these barriers so that families can access the care they need. By providing free rides, they ensure children make it to their appointments while offering peace of mind to parents who might otherwise struggle to get there on time.

Volunteers: The Heartbeat of the Service

The Davies Project thrives because of its dedicated volunteers. These individuals form the backbone of the service, donating their time and resources to ensure families can access healthcare.

With over 60 volunteers, the project offers flexible schedules, allowing participants to choose when and how they can help. Volunteers use their own vehicles, adding a personal touch to every ride. To ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, The Davies Project provides car seats, booster seats, and training for all drivers.

One volunteer remarked, “They are just the most incredible group of human beings,” reflecting the care and compassion that define the organization.

Ensuring Consistent Healthcare Access

For families with children facing chronic health conditions or newborns in neonatal intensive care (NICU), reliable transportation can mean the difference between attending a medical appointment and missing it.

The Davies Project prioritizes consistent transportation, whether it’s for routine check-ups, specialized treatments, or visits to cardiology or pulmonology clinics. For families with infants in the NICU, the ability to visit regularly is critical for both the baby’s healing and development. The Davies Project ensures that parents can make these essential trips without worrying about logistics.

Building Community Through Events

Beyond transportation, The Davies Project fosters a sense of community among families by organizing events like movie nights, sports gatherings, and local fairs. These occasions allow families to connect, relax, and bond outside the stresses of healthcare.

One standout event, Max’s Race, began as a memorial and has evolved into a family-friendly fair that raises awareness for the organization while bringing joy to participants.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, The Davies Project aims to expand its reach across Greater Lansing, with a broader vision of improving healthcare accessibility statewide and eventually nationwide. By collaborating with volunteers, healthcare providers, and local institutions, the organization seeks to create lasting, positive change in the lives of families in need.

Get Involved

The Davies Project relies on community support to achieve its mission. Volunteers, donors, and supporters all play crucial roles in helping the organization thrive.

Whether through donations, volunteering, or participating in events, every contribution makes a difference in ensuring children receive the healthcare they deserve. As one volunteer shared:

“I can’t imagine volunteering for an organization that does more for so many people in so many ways, especially at the most difficult times for families.”

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit their website or reach out today. Every effort counts, and with your support, The Davies Project can continue to transform the lives of families facing healthcare challenges. No family should have to navigate this journey alone.