Christopher Nagy

2 weeks ago | 517mag.com | Christopher Nagy

The word “habit” often carries the weight of negative connotation; however, a Holt-based nonprofit is helping youth throughout the region to nurture the habits of character, trust, hope, potential and influence. “It takes 21 days to form a habit, so we’re coaching students to build healthy habits and values before the age of 21,” said Benjamin Schartow, executive director of Building Twentyone. “Here’s what I know as a parent of teenagers myself: Parenting is hard. It’s hard work. It’s emotional.

1 month ago | 517mag.com | Christopher Nagy

More than warmth, beyond mere refreshment, Elyse Ribbons is hoping to engage local residents in the full and encompassing celebration of tea. The art. The culture. The ceremony. And, perhaps most importantly, the connection that can be gained. “I offer a tea experience,” Ribbons said. “I will sell tea to go because in Old Town there are going to be a lot of people walking around and shopping. But I really want people to come in and sit down for this. It’s not about the caffeine kick.

2 months ago | 517mag.com | Christopher Nagy

Arriving in an unfamiliar land where you don’t know the culture or customs and your mastery of the language is limited to three words — “No speak English” — can be a terrifying proposition for anyone. Yet when Smiljana Lazic Williams came to the United States with the hope of building a new life from scratch, the challenges and limitations she faced as a teenager are marked by the memories of empathy, compassion and generosity she experienced.

Oct 31, 2024 | 517mag.com | Christopher Nagy

The word “survivor” can carry connotations that are unique to today’s world. Its current currency often means everything from someone who has faced sexual abuse to someone who has witnessed a school shooting; however, at its core, it still references someone who has persevered through seemingly insurmountable obstacles and hardships. Taken at its base definition, survivor is a title we can all claim, according to Polo REO Tate. “Am I a survivor? Yes, but I think we both are. We all have our stories.

Sep 30, 2024 | 517mag.com | Christopher Nagy

Sometimes you have to think small to make the biggest impact in a community. Summer Schriner was already likely on track for big things as a research attorney and clerk for Eaton County Circuit Court; however, she’d always had an entrepreneurial heart and missed the bustle of the small retail store she started in law school. And, after all, the heart wants what the heart wants.