Laurie Renchik Honored to Share The Center's Wellness Efforts

The Center’s health and wellness initiatives were recently recognized by both the American Heart Association and Blue Care Network for building a culture of health and wellness in the workplace. 

A key factor in the program’s continued success since 2008 has been the positive power of wellness champions within the firm creating grassroots commitment within the firm.  

Accolades from Blue Care Network’s Healthy Blue Living program resulted in an invitation to sit on a wellness panel at a BCN’s recent five year anniversary event in Southfield.  

Planner Laurie Renchik represented the Center wellness initiative on the panel, sharing stories about activities and healthy practices adopted at the Center.

The Center Honored as AHA 2011 Start! Fit-Friendly Platinum Status Company

For four consecutive years the Center has been recognized as an American Heart Association Start! Fit-Friendly Company. 

For the most recent two years the firm received Platinum status, the highest recognition level.

To achieve this award the health and wellness program met the following criteria:

•  Physical activity options in the workplace
• Healthy eating options at the worksite
• Promotion of a wellness culture
• Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the AHA in the areas of physical activity, nutrition  and culture
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

Laurie Renchik Supports “Women of Words” Fundraising Event

Michigan Women’s Media recently hosted a “Women of Words” fundraiser to kick-start its annual Women and Journalism Internship.  Three Michigan authors headlined the evening by talking about their work and passion for writing. 

The historic Masonic Hall in downtown Farmington provided a wonderful venue for the event.  Guests enjoyed tea service, petit sandwiches and a cupcake dessert bar.  The Center for Financial Planning proudly sponsored the event.

Laurie serves as an active board member for Michigan Women’s Media, Inc. where she joins an equally dedicated group of women supporting this newly formed non-profit organization.  Their primary mission is to fund and maintain a robust internship program that will offer student journalists the opportunity to write about women’s interests.

Contact Laurie for additional information or volunteer opportunities.

Laurie Renchik Embarks on Leadership Oakland Cornerstone Program

Since 1990, the Leadership Oakland Cornerstone Program has brought together over 900 leaders from corporate, civic and non-profit organizations.

As one of class of 50 leaders for 2011-12, Laurie’s membership in this program provides exposure to an exclusive organization with a mission to develop leadership skills, expose individuals to key issues impacting the region, and enable participants to reach their full potential personally, professionally, and through public service to their communities.

Laurie recently attended the Kick-Off Retreat, a three-day, two-night retreat, where participants were provided an overview of the region and its challenges, insights into their own leadership style, and an opportunity to get to know their fellow Leadership Oakland classmates.  They will also set goals for their year in the Leadership Oakland Cornerstone program.

Laurie commented, "Over time community leaders armed with knowledge, collective creativity and innovation can change the course of our region to a stronger more vibrant future.”

By building a shared understanding and partnership, Cornerstone graduates develop purpose and commitment to the community for the organizations they represent and the communities they live and work in.

South Oakland Lunch Program – Another Rewarding Experience!

In support of the South Oakland Community Lunch Program, now in its 17th year, The Center volunteered to prepare and serve a warm meal for 60 to 80 eager patrons.  The Center team has served this Saturday free lunch program in downtown Royal Oak at least annually for over 10 years.

The following day Tim Wyman sent all concerned an informal but hearfelt message that helped sum up the experience:

“Nice job with the South Oakland Community Lunch Program once again! The cookers prepared a great meal….and the servers….well they were spectacular. Amanda is to be congratulated on her goulash serving skills – well done! Thanks to Jen for coordinating the effort – everything was in order and really helped for a successful event. I trust that everyone involved felt a great sense of satisfaction (not the word I am looking for – but hopefully you know what I mean). For many of Saturday’s guests it was truly a treat – and a good reminder as to how lucky we all are. For me personally, having my boys with me was so much more meaningful than just telling them how fortunate we are and that they should give back. Thanks to The Center for providing the opportunity.”

Please visit the Saturday Community Lunch Program Facebook Page to learn more about the program and volunteer opportunities.

Center Planners Present Educational Workshop for Gilda's Club in Royal Oak

Sandy Adams, CFP and Laurie Renchik, CFP recently presented a retirement and planning workshop for members and families of Gilda's Club Metro Detroit. Discussions included: HOW TO prioritize retirement objectives, create a withdrawal plan, and maximize your current financial resources.

Gilda's Club is a non-profit organization that provides tools and resources to help those whose lives have been impacted by cancer. They recently partnered with the Financial Planning Association of Michigan (FPA MI) to provide a series of financial education sessions over the coming months.

Betsey Schrock Awarded "Stagecrafter of the Year"!

Betsey SchrockStagerafters, a community theatre in Royal Oak, proudly honored Betsey during May's Annual Membership meeting.  

Actively involved for over 15 years, Betsey currently serves on the Board as Production Vice President where she oversees 10 productions per year: 5 on the 372-seat Main Stage, 3 on the 100-seat 'black-box' theatre, and 2 for youth theatre.

In addition, Betsey has been active on the Membership, Nominating, Product Team, Building Maintenance, Ticket and House committees.

The Cystinosis 5k Fun Run was a Great Success!

On May 1, The morning started out with rain and thunderstorms, but by "race" time the rain subsided for our 300 walkers, runners and bikers.  We raised over $17,000 for CRN, the Cystinosis Research Network.  CRN is a non-profit organization that we have been affiliated with since Kacy's diagnosis in 2006. Dedicated to supporting research, providing family assistance, and educating the public and medical communities about cystinosis, CRN has provided a life support system for our family.  Thank you for your support and generosity.

The Wyman Family

Center Team Volunteers for South Oakland Lunch Program (10 years and counting….)

On Saturday, November 13^th The Center team gathered inside Genesis the Church (formerly 1^st Baptist Church of Royal Oak) kitchen ready to give back to the many less fortunate folks within our community.

In support of the Saturday Community Lunch Program, now in its 16^th year, the Center volunteered to prepare and serve a warm meal for 60 to 80 very eager patrons. These individuals are suffering severe financial hardships, elderly and homeless members of our community. Often this is the only hot nutritious meal they receive all week - ALL are in-need and no one is turned away!& To find out more about the Saturday Community Lunch Program or to volunteer, please click here to visit their Facebook page.

The Center team has served the Community Lunch Program at least annually for over 10 years. A special thanks to Jen Hackmann, who is the Center’s point person for this event each year.

Thanks also go out to our 2010 volunteers: Sandy Adams, Faith Adams, Matt Chope, Gregg Bloomfield, Jen Hackmann, Jaclyn Jackson, Arnold Levin, Marilynn Levin, Gerri Harmer, Corinne Parker, Dale Parker, Angela Palacios, Marilyn Gunther, Jennie Bauder and Troy Wyman.