Beyond the Bus

CATA Customer Experience Manager.

That may be Margaret Stephen’s job title, but others call her the heart of the customer experience department.

“Her understanding, her love … she goes beyond what a supervisor is supposed to even care about,” said Schuyler Brown, a member of the customer experience team. “In any situation where we need her, she’s right there. She’s got our backs.”

Margaret describes herself as one of those people who really loves her job. That love shines through to her team, other CATA employees and the public as she works hard to keep the CATA Transportation Center running smoothly.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better boss for my first job out of college,” said Nick Zickefoose, another customer service representative. “Margaret is so attentive. She’s on the ball. She’s so friendly. She knows everything that we need to know about customer service, and she’s so enthusiastic about it.”

But according to Zickefoose, his boss doesn't just focus on doing her job well. She also empowers others to improve.

"She works so hard to make sure that everyone in our department is happy, healthy, doing our best, and also improving,” Zickefoose said. “She has a very vested interest in making sure that as individuals and as professionals, we’re becoming better people. And I appreciate it beyond anything else.”

A family that does Tae Kwon Do together stays together. That’s how the saying goes, right?

For CATA IT Director Dan Goodemoot, this has been exactly right. When his two daughters were young, he and his wife began looking for an activity they could all do together.

With his daughters in dance at the time, Goodemoot knew he would need to find an activity that appealed to the grace and strength found in dance, but with the comradery and family atmosphere that he was seeking. This is when he and his family discovered Tae Kwon Do.  “We found this small group that was training a few miles away from us and went, it was a small class at the time [...] so our whole family joined!” Goodemoot said.

Little did they know at the time of the their first class, this would be a sport they would enjoy and excel at for years to come. Goodemoot and his wife have recently been awarded their third-degree black belts, with his daughters following their parent's lead closely, both obtaining second degree black belts. In his advanced training, Goodemoot has studied the history of Tae Kwon Do, spent countless hours learning forms and even learning to break through both pine and concrete boards! 

“Concrete is usually saved for just before black belt, we have someone break one, as you get further on in training, you break more and more. My last testing, I had 10 lined up and I broke 9 of them,” Goodemoot said.

Since the onset of COVID-19, many gyms have had to close their doors. The Goodemoot’s Tae Kwan Do gym made the innovative decision to take things outside, utilizing a small lawn next to their building to allow athletes to practice.

“We worked out outside and made sure we socially distanced away from each other, it was nice that we could still work together as families because we had been in contact with each other already” Goodemoot explained.

The Goodemoot family has come a long way since day one of class, and they have no plans on ending their training any time soon. Goodemoot currently instructs younger classes teaching basic forms and self-defense skills while also continuing his work toward a third-degree black belt. 

“I have been responsible for a lot of the final stage training for the colored belts — non-black belt students — so watching them, and specifically my daughters go through and get their black belts, has been a very proud moment for me,” he concluded.

While this fall may look different than in years past, there are still plenty of great things to do in the Lansing area while following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.. From farmers markets to corn mazes, there is something for the whole family. Check out this list of our top places to explore in Lansing this fall.

1. Uncle John’s Cider Mill

Uncle John’s Cider Mill is a must-have on your fall bucket list. With delicious cider and donuts, local food trucks, games and activities, this spot is perfect for all ages. Click here to see all of Uncle John’s upcoming events as well as their updated health and safety regulations. 

2. Potter Park Zoo

Calling all animal lovers! Potter Park Zoo has reopened with new safety and sanitation standards. The Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo and Wonderland of Lights events are perfect for a night out this fall. Check out Potter Park Zoo’s full list of upcoming events  here.

3. Fenner Nature Center

Nothing says fall like taking in the sights and smells of nature. Fenner Nature Center is the perfect place to escape for the day and enjoy the beauty of fall in Michigan. For rainy days, check out their fall coloring pages to print off and color at home! Click here to see the full list of Fenner Nature Center’s Events, including the Annual Apple Butter Festival in October.

4. Farmers Markets

Fresh produce, homemade goods and supporting local businesses – what more could you ask for? Head to one of the many farmers markets around Lansing this fall to create the farm-to-table experience in your own home. You can even explore your adventurous side with cuisines from all over the world! Check out this list of Farmers Markets to see which is closest to you. 

5. Local Restaurants

Looking for a new go-to dinner spot? Many of our favorite local restaurants are open for business again with new health and safety standards. Take a look at some of the local spots we’ve highlighted on our social media. Or view a full list of Greater Lansing Restaurants here.