Community organization 517 Living (517Living.com) has been promoting goodness in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area since 2014. Founded by Sarah Pierce, the website and social platform uses its ONE Calendar to build awareness of the Best Events happening throughout the year.
In 2022 Pierce introduced the prestigious merit 517 Living Community Member of the Month, bestowing the honor to Wharton Center for Performing Arts and Fox 47’s Bob Hoffman in November of that year.
In this interview Bob shares details about who he is, what he does, and what he loves about living in the Greater Lansing Michigan Area.
Who are you?
Whenever I’m asked that question, I recall a project in the 4th grade where I had to write an essay on who I am. I remember writing that “I am a possibility.”
It isn’t easy to define who I am in one paragraph. I’m passionate about my community, the places I work and spend my time, and the people I surround myself with.
I have a personal mission statement (or truths) that are significant to me:
Live in the moment.
See the greater good; there is a lesson in everything.
Hold only on to the energy that inspires you.
Let the other energy go.
Remember, this too shall pass.
Remember, you are human, and everyone makes mistakes.
Learn!
Be fair, be truthful, and be authentically you.
If you own or represent a business or organization, tell us about it or them.
I’ve spent my career (the last 30 years) in media and public relations. For the last 20 years, I’ve been the public relations manager at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Michigan’s largest performing arts presenter. I’ve led the media efforts for two theatres (the Cobb Great Hall and Passant Theatre) and the Institute for Arts & Creativity.
I also co-host with Deb Hart FOX 47’s Morning Blend, a daily talk show that airs Monday through Friday on WSYM Fox 47. I’m also proud to say that I produce, along with my videographer Russ Shellberg, a weekly feature report on FOX 47 called Good Neighbors. It highlights people in mid-Michigan making a difference. Good Neighbors runs every Friday at 10pm.
At age 8 I realized my dream was to tell good stories. My hero is New York Times best-selling author and television journalist Bob Dotson. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to watch ‘The American Story with Bob Dotson’ on the NBC Today show. Bob Dotson captivated me and solidified my love of storytelling.
I’m so fortunate to tell great stories at Wharton Center and FOX.
Tell us about a recent uplifting experience you had in the Greater Lansing Area.
I was recently part of a delegation representing Lansing. I was invited to travel on Avelo Airlines’ inaugural flight to Orlando, Florida, from Capital Region International Airport. The group was diverse, representing many factors of our community.
At one point, I stood back and reflected on how great it is to be part of a city (region) that is attracting businesses from across the globe. I’m so proud to call mid-Michigan home.
My pride comes from being a part of Michigan’s largest presenter of Performing Arts, Wharton Center. Wharton is a gem in the community and the world. We attract the top artists from across the globe to our stages.
Also, I feel inspired weekly by sharing FOX 47’s Good Neighbors report. I meet incredible people making a difference in their neighborhood. And the guests I meet on Morning Blend prove that mid-Michigan is full of great people! I feel blessed!
What’s the most recent “new” (to you) local business or organization you’ve enjoyed discovering?
I love to shop and eat! Bradly’s HG and Birch Rak Clothier in Old Town Lansing is a destination and a favorite place for me to visit and shop.
People’s Kitchen is one of my favorite places to eat. They have great food and fantastic customer service.
What is one thing (big or small) that you love about living in the Greater Lansing Area?
The Greater Lansing area is full of incredible, diverse people who care and give back! I’m so proud of our community and region’s contribution to the world. I travel frequently and always return feeling grateful to be part of this community. We are blessed to live here! Mid-Michigan has many opportunities in education, world-class manufacturing, medicine, science, and agriculture. I can’t imagine living and contributing anywhere else. | By Sarah Pierce
Sarah Pierce is the founder of the website and social platform 517Living. Promoting goodness and the best events in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area, the process of building the platform helped Pierce overcome social anxiety, gave her a more purposeful life, and introduced her to the fascinating behind-the-scenes movers and shakers of her community who are much more “walk” than talk! 517 Living has enriched Pierce’s life, and she hopes it does the same for you.
