Business

JACKSON, Mich. – Baker College will offer a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online beginning fall quarter. Registration is now open for classes that begin Thursday, Sept. 24. The Baker College MSN is an advanced-level, postgraduate degree that provides education for registered nurses who wish to be employed as nurse educators, nurse administrators, nurse managers and health policy experts. The program includes practice hours performed in the student's community. “Graduates of Baker College’s new MSN degree will be prepared for positions in nursing administration and nursing education,” said Lesley Morgan, Ph.D., ARNP, dean of Baker College’s School of Nursing. “This program will help meet the needs of administrators at our partner hospitals who are telling us that they would like more registered nurses to be academically qualified for leadership roles. “The flexibility of this online master’s program is ideal for working nurses. No matter where they are located, students can log in online, when convenient for them, to pursue the next step in their education.” In 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the average annual salary for registered nurses was $69,790; for health care administrators it was $103,680. Nationally, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 19 percent…

The infield at Michigan International Speedway came to life with the best wineries, breweries and now distilleries from across the state Saturday. The sixth annual Michigan Wine and Beer Fest presented by Experience Jackson returned to the track, featuring the same great variety of wines and beers. Island Winery was the named top winery for the second consecutive year. The guests voted New Holland Brewing top brewery, while Temperance Distilling took home top distillery honors. The event showcased the tastes and toasts of Michigan wineries, Michigan breweries and Michigan eateries in a unique setting — the state’s only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racetrack and the fastest track on the circuit. “The Michigan Wine and Beer Fest presented by Experience Jackson is always a great event to bring people to the area to sample the wine, beers, hard cider and spirits from our state,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “We look forward to it every year and it is serves as the beginning to summer for us. Congratulations to the best winery, brewery and distillery. And thanks to all our guests who returned for another awesome event.” More than 30 award-winning wineries from across the state of Michigan were on hand…

Have you heard of our friends at Suburban Chevrolet Cadillac of Ann Arbor? They represent a dealership that understands cars are tools that help people access resources that can make an incredible difference in the course of their lives. Under the leadership of general manager Mike Mosser, Suburban Chevrolet Cadillac makes a wonderful difference in our community and to 826michigan. This month, 826michigan is a proud beneficiary of the Suburban Cares program at Suburban Chevrolet Cadillac. The program seeks to invest in community organizations that improve the world in which we live, work, and play. We are honored that they have chosen to help sustain our work to students across Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit. According to Suburban Chevrolet Cadillac Business Development and Marketing Director Elissa Spangler, Mike Mosser is the catalyst for a lot of the community work they do. Speaking about his emphasis on Suburban Cares Elissa says, “He’s a huge proponent of these programs. He is a person who gives back in this community and truly challenges other businesses to do the same. It’s an inspiration to work for somebody who cares so much.” Just this year, Suburban Chevrolet Cadillac joined as a sponsor for our Storymakers…

A 2014 survey found one in five Jackson County high schoolers drank alcohol in the previous month—putting a fine point on the need to discuss alcohol use during Alcohol Awareness Month, according to the Jackson County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (JCSAPC). “More than 18 million Americans suffer from alcohol-use disorders,” said Ravenn Moore of JCSAPC. “It’s especially important for young people to understand the pervasive effects of alcoholism and underage drinking.” Moore cited the 2014 Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth survey, which found 21 percent of Jackson County high school youth drank in the previous 30 days, with 29 percent reporting they’d been drunk before. Alcohol is a depressant drug and works to slow down some of the body’s functions including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Excessive alcohol use, underage drinking and binge drinking (5 or more drinks on a single occasion) can result in serious health problems such as brain and liver damage, hypertension and fetal damage in pregnant women, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA). “As a community, we have to address the social norms surrounding alcohol use,” Moore said. “If you are 21 years or older there is a responsible way…