Black Friday Is Coming: Five Tips for Retailers

 By Ray Mitchell

 

For many of us, 2020 has been a year filled with uncertainty. One thing that is certain though, this year more than any other, shoppers are ready to take advantage of Black Friday Deals. With budgets a little tighter than in years past. Deloitte estimates a 7% reduction in holiday spending budgets, shoppers will be looking for good deals and great service.  While more shoppers plan to do their shopping online this year, there are still plenty of intrepid deal-hunters that want an in-store experience. Whether you are an online or in-store retailer, there's still some time to prepare for this year's shopping season. Here are a few things to consider as you finalize your holiday season plans.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

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The Plant Professionals: Pruning- how, when and why?

 

Photo by Gustavo Fring

By Kathy Valentine

 
For some gardeners a sharp pair of pruners or secateurs is a powerful tool for shaping, thinning and removing any broken, diseased or crossed branches in shrubs. For a novice gardener, there is often hesitation and anxiety. How do you decide what needs to be removed? 
 

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News Spotlight: Man Who Stole Ambulance From Sparrow Charged

 

On October 20, 2020 at  5:45 p.m. Lansing Police were dispatched to the 1200 block of E. Michigan (Sparrow Hospital) in regard to a stolen vehicle complaint.
 
Photo of Jonas Encarnacion 
 

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News Spotlight: City of Lansing Election 2020 Lansing Police Department and the City Clerk’s Office will be vigilant in ensuring a Safe Election

 LANSING, MI –The Police Department is increasing vigilance in coordination with the Lansing City Clerk’s Office, to ensure a safe and secure election in the City of Lansing.

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News Spotlight: Child support community advisory committee being formed Members will provide input on policy to ensure fairness and transparency

 LANSING, MI – Michigan’s Office of Child Support is seeking parents and caregivers to join a Community Advisory Council to help ensure the office is fair and works for everyone. This effort is part of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion.

 

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News Spotlight: Lansing Police Department – Violent Crime Initiative Update

 LANSING, MI – In May of 2013, the Lansing Police Department (LPD) began the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The Initiative is a collaborative effort between federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as prosecutors, courts and community members in the Capital Area Region.

 

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THIS IS THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY: FORMER REFUGEE RUNS FOR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD

 

Tou Vue was a tiny infant when his parents fled Laos as communist forces enacted revenge on the Hmong for supporting American troops. Now he’s a network engineer for the Lansing School District, running for Waverly Community School Board and raising a family.  Photo by Roxanne Firth

Story by Ruelaine Stokes 

Updated by TNCP Staff

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Just Plain Selfish: Taking Inventory in 2020

  By Kris Walker

 
As we approach the final quarter of this year I encourage you to take a moment and take inventory. For most of us money, food, property and even family may have just come to mind as we begin to account for our belongings. Certainly those are all vital, but most important are those personal items that each person carries within themselves. 
 

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Gratitude and 2020

 

By Jennifer Benson 

 
I don’t know about you, but at the beginning of 2020 I had all these plans, projects, etc….and that was all shot to hell come March. Friday the 13th of March, before the lockdown for the pandemic here in Michigan, one of my oldest friends had died suddenly from a heart attack early that morning. 

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The Plant Professionals: Succulents and Care

  By Kathy Valentine

 
Succulents and cacti are fascinating. They tend to be compact and also very interesting in their geometry and form. Native to hot dry areas of the world, they catch our eye and lend themselves to collecting, as they are often sold as tiny plants in 2” or 3” diameter pots. 

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