Suits Salutes
Suits and the City is honored to recognize Lansing community members and businesses that promote equity and a positive image of LGBTQIA people.
September 2016
Suits Salutes: Florensio Hernandez
Florensio Hernandes is a Senior Admissions Counselor for Michigan State University. and Vice-Chair of the Ingham County Equal Opportunity Committee. He has been honored for his work in several civic, education, and Latino organizations. Florensio was featured in the July/August issue of NOSOTROS Magazine. In an article titled "Latino Leadership:A New Generation" by Lorenzo Lopez, Florensio shared his thoughts on leadership saying that a leader is "Someone who gives of themselves to make positive things happen for others and is committed to the prosperity of a community." We are fortunate that our region enjoys the benefit of his dedication and commitment. Florensio is a Lansing Eastern High School graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science Pre-Law from MSU with a specialization in Chicano/Latino Studies. Recently Florensio received his Masters in Higher Adult and Life Long Education from MSU.
April 2016
Suits Salutes: Kenny Schultz and the staff at the Esquire Bar
When asked about how The Esquire compares to his vision at the time of purchase, Kenny responded that the site is exactly what he had hoped for. The Esquire has been a home to the LGBT+ community for two decades. While pool, euchre, bingo, and karaoke are offered, it is the safe and welcoming environment that brings us back.
Esquire has hosted many community fundraisers for Michigan Pride and the Lansing Area AIDS Network. They have provided space for community dialogue and health information as well as many social organizations. Through the Frank Bigger Euchre Tournament they have raised funds to support community non-profits. Kenny has provided employment and opportunity for many LGBT+ persons in our community.
Suits wishes to thank Kenny as well as Joel, Michael, and Gabriell for being such great hosts of our organization this month. One member commented that it felt strange being at a Suits gathering at Esquire because it felt so much like home. I believe that is the reason we welcomed many first time attendees. Esquire has lasted when other Lansing LGBT+ bars have not. We sincerely thank Kenny and send best wishes for many more opportunities to gather together at Esquire.
January 2016
The passing of William Beachler
Suits is grieving the loss of our friend William Beachler. Bill has been a passionate advocate for LGBT rights for the past four decades. His knowledge of our journey came from personal experience. Bill has always been involved. Bill assisted in planning the first Pride march in Lansing. He has been the long term publisher of the LAHR newsletter. He has shared his talents with the Pride Band. A proud Spartan, Bill has led the LGBT Alumni Association. He has generously supported many fundraisers and always a presence at Euchre tournaments.
There will be many opportunities to honor Bill. For now, please share your memories and reflect on the powerful legacy of a gentle giant in our community.
Suits Salutes: Florensio Hernandez
Florensio Hernandes is a Senior Admissions Counselor for Michigan State University. and Vice-Chair of the Ingham County Equal Opportunity Committee. He has been honored for his work in several civic, education, and Latino organizations. Florensio was featured in the July/August issue of NOSOTROS Magazine. In an article titled "Latino Leadership:A New Generation" by Lorenzo Lopez, Florensio shared his thoughts on leadership saying that a leader is "Someone who gives of themselves to make positive things happen for others and is committed to the prosperity of a community." We are fortunate that our region enjoys the benefit of his dedication and commitment. Florensio is a Lansing Eastern High School graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science Pre-Law from MSU with a specialization in Chicano/Latino Studies. Recently Florensio received his Masters in Higher Adult and Life Long Education from MSU.
April 2016
Suits Salutes: Kenny Schultz and the staff at the Esquire Bar
When asked about how The Esquire compares to his vision at the time of purchase, Kenny responded that the site is exactly what he had hoped for. The Esquire has been a home to the LGBT+ community for two decades. While pool, euchre, bingo, and karaoke are offered, it is the safe and welcoming environment that brings us back.
Esquire has hosted many community fundraisers for Michigan Pride and the Lansing Area AIDS Network. They have provided space for community dialogue and health information as well as many social organizations. Through the Frank Bigger Euchre Tournament they have raised funds to support community non-profits. Kenny has provided employment and opportunity for many LGBT+ persons in our community.
Suits wishes to thank Kenny as well as Joel, Michael, and Gabriell for being such great hosts of our organization this month. One member commented that it felt strange being at a Suits gathering at Esquire because it felt so much like home. I believe that is the reason we welcomed many first time attendees. Esquire has lasted when other Lansing LGBT+ bars have not. We sincerely thank Kenny and send best wishes for many more opportunities to gather together at Esquire.
January 2016
The passing of William Beachler
Suits is grieving the loss of our friend William Beachler. Bill has been a passionate advocate for LGBT rights for the past four decades. His knowledge of our journey came from personal experience. Bill has always been involved. Bill assisted in planning the first Pride march in Lansing. He has been the long term publisher of the LAHR newsletter. He has shared his talents with the Pride Band. A proud Spartan, Bill has led the LGBT Alumni Association. He has generously supported many fundraisers and always a presence at Euchre tournaments.
There will be many opportunities to honor Bill. For now, please share your memories and reflect on the powerful legacy of a gentle giant in our community.
September, 2015
Suits Salutes: Berl Schwartz and City Pulse
a newspaper for the rest of us www.lansingcitypuse.com
Since arriving in Lansing in 1994 as the faculty advisor for the State News, Berl Schwartz has been questioning and guiding our thoughts about the quality of life in the Lansing area. He has constantly provided our community with quality news stories that engage us. With the creation of City Pulse in August, 2001, Berl broadened his ability to communicate with us and now distributes 20,000 papers each week in over 500 locations. As publisher and editor of City Pulse Berl and his terrific staff have kept us informed about the thriving arts scene in our region. City Pulse is a constant sponsor of local festivals and events. Amazingly, Berl maintains the energy to be in attendance at the majority of these functions as well. Berl's television (10 A.M. Saturday on My18 ) and City Pulse Radio Show (10:30 A.M. Saturday on 88.9 the Impact) offer in-depth interviews with diverse members of our community as well as interesting people who are passing through. Last week's shows were all about gay issues! The City Pulse "Top of the Town" awards annually capture our attention and provide us with additional opportunities to celebrate the very best of the Lansing area. Suits and The City appreciates Berl's constant support and his sponsorship of this month's gathering.
June, 2015
Suites Salutes: Steve Bohnet and Bohnet Electric
"There's always gonna be another mountain.
I'm always gonna wanna make it move."
Bohnet Electric is celebrating its 109th birthday this month. Four generations of the Bohnet family have been lighting up Mid-Michigan for over a century offering many services including:
-Electrical Contracting
-Retail Lighting Showroom specializing in Vintage Lighting
-Special Order Contemporary and Traditional Lighting
-Lamp Shades
-Lamp and Lighting Parts & Repair
-Custom Lighting Fabrication
-Crystal Chandelier cleaning and restoration
-Historic Lighting Restoration and/or replacement services
Steve Bohnet, Co-Owner and Steward of the family business does much more to light-up our lives in Lansing. Steve's love of Lansing and leadership in local organizations constantly enriches our community. His vision for historic restoration of landmark buildings has preserved icons of our built environment. Countless hours of volunteer work has led to many successful community events, especially the fantastic Old Town festivals. As the current chairperson of Michigan Pride, Steve leads efforts to educate Michigan's residents about LGBT issues and provide occasions for LGBT people to celebrate our common journey. Suits is thrilled that Bohnet Electric chose to sponsor our June Event as part of their 109th Birthday Celebration. We encourage all our members to join Steve in his contributions for a successful MiPride this August, successful Old Town events throughout the summer, successful preservation efforts in our community, and insuring Bohnet Electric's bright future.
I'm always gonna wanna make it move."
Bohnet Electric is celebrating its 109th birthday this month. Four generations of the Bohnet family have been lighting up Mid-Michigan for over a century offering many services including:
-Electrical Contracting
-Retail Lighting Showroom specializing in Vintage Lighting
-Special Order Contemporary and Traditional Lighting
-Lamp Shades
-Lamp and Lighting Parts & Repair
-Custom Lighting Fabrication
-Crystal Chandelier cleaning and restoration
-Historic Lighting Restoration and/or replacement services
Steve Bohnet, Co-Owner and Steward of the family business does much more to light-up our lives in Lansing. Steve's love of Lansing and leadership in local organizations constantly enriches our community. His vision for historic restoration of landmark buildings has preserved icons of our built environment. Countless hours of volunteer work has led to many successful community events, especially the fantastic Old Town festivals. As the current chairperson of Michigan Pride, Steve leads efforts to educate Michigan's residents about LGBT issues and provide occasions for LGBT people to celebrate our common journey. Suits is thrilled that Bohnet Electric chose to sponsor our June Event as part of their 109th Birthday Celebration. We encourage all our members to join Steve in his contributions for a successful MiPride this August, successful Old Town events throughout the summer, successful preservation efforts in our community, and insuring Bohnet Electric's bright future.
March, 2015
Suits Salutes:
Marsha Caspar and Glenna DeJong
Barb Byrum, Ingham Count Clerk
Ryan Lowe, Simplified Tax & Accounting Services
"what the state has joined together, it may not put asunder"
U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith
"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."
Benjamin Franklin
U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith
"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin's wit and wisdom has armed generations with behavioral guidelines useful in meeting life's expectations. But as in many things, the rules often do not apply to LBGT peoples.
At 8:00 am on March 22, 2014, Marsha Caspar and Glenna DeJong became the first married same-sex couple in Michigan. County Clerk Barb Byrum opened her office on that Saturday morning to "afford these couples the rights they deserve, like all other families under the law." Attorney General Bill Schuette quickly slammed that window of opportunity and a roller-coaster year concerning same-sex marriage status followed.
Last month U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith determined that the same-sex couples were legally married on that day and Governor Snyder announced that state marriage benefits would be extended to those couples. Among such benefits include filing joint income taxes, adopting children, and the security of pension benefits.
While enormously pleased by the governor's announcement, Glenna DeJong explained that she and her wife are now "part of an exclusive 300 member club. We don't want to be a member of that club. We want to be part of an inclusive club that includes everybody." That battle will be fought before the Supreme Court.
While 300 Michigan LBGT couples will file taxes jointly, hundreds of others will file federal taxes jointly but state taxes as individuals. The rules are constantly changing and each couple has unique situations that must be considered in obtaining the best possible tax return. That is why Suits Salutes this month's event sponsor Ryan Lowe at Simplified Tax & Accounting Services. Ryan understands the complexities of LGBT tax returns and can guide couples in making the most of opportunities afforded them.
At 8:00 am on March 22, 2014, Marsha Caspar and Glenna DeJong became the first married same-sex couple in Michigan. County Clerk Barb Byrum opened her office on that Saturday morning to "afford these couples the rights they deserve, like all other families under the law." Attorney General Bill Schuette quickly slammed that window of opportunity and a roller-coaster year concerning same-sex marriage status followed.
Last month U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith determined that the same-sex couples were legally married on that day and Governor Snyder announced that state marriage benefits would be extended to those couples. Among such benefits include filing joint income taxes, adopting children, and the security of pension benefits.
While enormously pleased by the governor's announcement, Glenna DeJong explained that she and her wife are now "part of an exclusive 300 member club. We don't want to be a member of that club. We want to be part of an inclusive club that includes everybody." That battle will be fought before the Supreme Court.
While 300 Michigan LBGT couples will file taxes jointly, hundreds of others will file federal taxes jointly but state taxes as individuals. The rules are constantly changing and each couple has unique situations that must be considered in obtaining the best possible tax return. That is why Suits Salutes this month's event sponsor Ryan Lowe at Simplified Tax & Accounting Services. Ryan understands the complexities of LGBT tax returns and can guide couples in making the most of opportunities afforded them.
February, 2015
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June, 2012
Suits Salutes: Craig Corey of Craig Corey Vacations
"one of the most trusted names in travel for over 20-years."
215 South Washington Square, Suite 165
Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517) 336-8829
www.craigcoreyvacations.com
e-mail: craigcoreyvacations@earthlink.net
Craig Corey Vacations is a full-service retail travel agency specializing in air, rail, luxury cruises, tours, beach vacations, and safaris.
Craig Corey Vacations is an appointed agent representative for all the world's airlines, steamship lines, tour operators, hotels, and car rental agencies including, but not limited to, Cunard Line, Air France , Atlantis Events, Tauck World Discovery, Lufthansa, Trafalgar Tours, RSVP Vacations, Pied Piper, Olivia and many more.
The Craig Corey Vacations "travel-planning studio" opened it's new location inside the Atrium Office Center (a former classic movie palace) on Washington Square , downtown Lansing , July 2011.
Accolades:
215 South Washington Square, Suite 165
Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517) 336-8829
www.craigcoreyvacations.com
e-mail: craigcoreyvacations@earthlink.net
Craig Corey Vacations is a full-service retail travel agency specializing in air, rail, luxury cruises, tours, beach vacations, and safaris.
Craig Corey Vacations is an appointed agent representative for all the world's airlines, steamship lines, tour operators, hotels, and car rental agencies including, but not limited to, Cunard Line, Air France , Atlantis Events, Tauck World Discovery, Lufthansa, Trafalgar Tours, RSVP Vacations, Pied Piper, Olivia and many more.
The Craig Corey Vacations "travel-planning studio" opened it's new location inside the Atrium Office Center (a former classic movie palace) on Washington Square , downtown Lansing , July 2011.
Accolades:
- Craig Corey Vacations was voted "Best Office Design in the Nation" by Travel Weekly Magazine's annual Travel Agency Achievement Awards, New York City , in 1994.
- Craig Corey Vacations is an ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) and IATAN (International Air Transport Association Network) appointed travel agency
- Is a member of the vacation.com consortium of travel suppliers and travel agencies
- Craig Corey was an honored "finalist of entrepreneurship" in the Entrepreneurial Awards of Great Lansing, 1996.
May, 2012
Suits Salutes: David Tuckey of Tuckey Builders
