Mason

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Lansing, MI – Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is celebrating another rare employee milestone this month. Mike Kingsley, one of Origami's very first employees, will retire on February 9, after nearly 24 years of service as a Direct Support Professional. When Origami’s doors first opened in 1997, Mike was Origami’s fifth employee. Since that day almost 24 years ago, Mike has compassionately and competently served Origami’s residents, and after a fulfilling and rewarding career, is ready to retire.

Mike attributes his longevity at Origami to “matching yourself with a career that fits the person you are.” Mike found his passion caring for Origami’s residents as a Direct Support Professional in the Residential Program.

Mike has worked with individuals with brain injuries for 35 years, 24 of those at Origami. As a Direct Support Professional, Mike provided direct care and support to Origami’s residents. Direct Support Professionals serve as a resource and advocate for Origami’s clients. What Mike found most unique about Origami was providing individualized and unique care plans to residents in a home-like atmosphere.

Tammy Hannah, Origami’s president & CEO, and another longtime employee who recently celebrated 20 years at Origami in 2020 herself, commented on the legacy Mike’s leaving at Origami stating, “As Origami has grown and changed over the years, we feel so grateful to have retained such a compassionate, caring, and competent professional like Mike. This is a rare milestone, that won’t happen again at Origami. Mike will be greatly missed by our clients and team, but he will forever be remembered for his unmatched commitment to living out our mission of creating opportunities and transforming lives.”

Mike reflects fondly on his 24-year career at Origami, stating, “my fondest memory at Origami is that I was able to help others; there’s far more happiness in giving than in receiving.” Mike believes that when it comes to working with and caring for others, two traits are essential: empowerment and empathy. He has always believed in empowering individuals, “not just hearing a person, but listening and participating, and having a part in what matters to them” and having empathy, “putting ourselves in the other person’s place and thinking about how we would like to be treated.”

Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation for adolescents and adults with neurological dysfunction through their residential and outpatient programs. With their compassionate and innovative services, Origami creates opportunities and transforms lives. To learn more about the programs and services available at Origami please call (517) 455-0264. Additional information about Origami is located online at www.origamirehab.org

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Tucked away on the outskirts of Mason is the most curious of oddities. Short, round and adorned with her holiday ribbon she was rooting her way through the snow and dirt looking for frozen crabapples when we met. At first she had no interest in me but after a few minutes her friendly nature took over and I was able to meet with Luna the Pig. 

It is not often that one encounters a pet pig, though they are certainly popular in pop culture and with celebrities. Luna was definitely more of a farm girl, than glamour girl. She was excited to share her treat ball with me, rolling it around as if to show me how it works which was not surprising given that pigs have a higher recognized intelligence than dogs do. 

After a spending a few minutes with Luna it was easy to understand the appeal. Luna was friendly, but wary, intelligent and cautious. Once you gained her trust you felt as if you'd made a friend for life. 

The Michigan High School Football Coaches Association recently recognized outstanding area players for post season awards. Here are your honorees:

ALL ACADEMIC

Alex Charlot

Jackson Lockwood

Mason Stewart

Evan Murray

Derek Hampton

Ethan Bond

Blake Showers

ALL REGIONAL

James Horn

Dawson Jenkins

Mason Stewart

Ethan Bond

Congratulations to all!

The  Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association recently names it's All State Volleyball team and Mason Senior Sage Kissman was named to the team as an honorable mention. Congratulations Sage!