Active Neighboring News: Job opening at ANC, Wood Window Restoration, Pumpstock III, Straw Bale Gardening and More
Joan Nelson
Active Neighboring News
Distributed by Allen Neighborhood
Center
Please forward to friends and neighbors!
For Restoration Works, Allen
Street Farmers Market, Hunter Park GardenHouse,
and other ANC News, check out our website at www.allenneighborhoodcenter.org
May 25, 2012
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The launch of the 9th season of the Allen Street Farmers Market drew over 600 people to our ‘soft opening’ on Wednesday. As the season unfolds, it is not uncommon for the Market to draw over 1000 people on a single day. Hosting this lively event every week requires a solid corps of volunteers. (In fact, everything we do depends for its success on an engaged and mobilized community; and, fortunately, that's exactly what we are!) All of this is to ask you to consider volunteering for our Market. We have several shifts and a number of volunteer positions (e.g., greeters, take down, Food Chatter Table, etc.) available. Please consider spending a couple of hours as part of the Allen Street Farmers Market team. Thank you.
ANC-Sponsored Events/Activities
1) New Position Opening at ANC—Food Resources Project Assistant
2) World Day at Hunter Park on 6/9
3) Volunteer/Internship Opportunities
4) Focus Group on Aggressive Dogs on 6/19
5) Wood Window Restoration II on 6/23
Other Community Events
6) New City Seeks Community Input on Red Cedar Renaissance on 5/29
7) New When Everyone Shopped Downtown on 6/1
8) New Pumpstock III on 6/2
9) Be A Tourist in Your Own Town on 6/2
10) Breakfast with Bauer on 6/2
11) Spring 2012 Stream Monitoring on 6/2
12) Smart Commute begins 6/10
13) ITEC Enrollment
Ongoing Offerings
14) New LSS Seeks Mentors for Refugee Youth
15) Straw Bale Gardening
16) New Way to Report Code Violations On-Line
17) Lansing Walkability Audit Volunteers Needed
18) Spring & Summer Activities Guide (New Edition)
19) Lead Safe Lansing
20) CATA’s Route 18 Hawk Island/Trappers Cove
21) Call for help from St Vincent Catholic Charities
22) 2012 Hawk Island Tri-Registration
23) Quote of the Week
Your Friends at ANC
1) Job Opening at ANC: Food Resources Project Assistant
Allen Neighborhood Center is seeking a 30-hour/week Food Resources Project Assistant to assist the Project Director with development of the Allen Street Food Hub. The Assistant will work on all Hub functions, including: 1) support of the Allen Street Farmers Market as it transitions to a year round operation, 2) planning and development of the incubator commercial kitchen, 3) program development around the use of temperature controlled, food storage bins designed for both commercial and residential use, and 4) planning for aggregation and distribution of regionally grown food to local procurers. Click here for more information on this position. Or contact Hollie Hamel, Food Resources Project Director, at 517-999-3912 or hol...@allenneighborhoodcenter.org. Resumes and cover are due no later than Friday, June 1.
2) World Day at Hunter Park!
Kick off the summer festival season with World Day in Hunter Park, a celebration of World Refugee Day, and of the rich mix of cultures and backgrounds of people living in this vibrant neighborhood and City! Join us on Saturday, June 9, from Noon –6 pm for non-stop music and dance, performed by refugee groups, a Global Arts and Crafts Fair, & Global Food Court. Hitting the stage at 4 pm is our Headliner Act, Grupo Aye, the Grand-Rapids based salsa group and winner of the 2011 Best Jazz Album Jammie (Michigan Grammies) of the Year.
A favorite of the day is the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Family Health Walk. Round up your kids and neighbors and complete four laps of the Hunter Park Path (a total of 2 miles). Each person to finish, regardless of age, receives a $5 token that can be used at the Global Food Court or any Wednesday at the Allen Street Farmers Market.
The Hunter Park Pool will be open and staffed. There will be greenhouse tours and youth activities in the Hunter Park GardenHouse; and guided tours of the Restoration Works Houses, 1/2 block from the Park. And be sure to sign up for Market Croquet —just complete the course to be eligible for the drawing—the winner of which receives $20 in Market Coins, usable at the Allen Street Farmers Market. Here are the schedules for the day:
For a full schedule of the Day’s Events and Performances, log on to www.allenneighborhoodcenter.org.
3) Volunteer and Internship Opportunities at ANC
A. Allen Street Farmers Market Volunteers
We need another 6 or 7 volunteers for this year’s market, especially greeters, take down (7-8 pm), and folks to help staff the Food Chatter Table and Market Walk. Thanks very much for considering! If you have questions, please call Hollie at 999-3911.
B. Volunteer for a World Day Shift, Have a Blast, and Receive a Cool T-Shirt
On World Day every summer, Hunter Park comes alive with music and dance performances from around the globe. Throughout the day, the entire park is enriched by the diverse cultures in the greater Lansing area through performances, a food court with many cuisines, a global arts and crafts fair, and lots of family and kids activities. It takes a small army of volunteers to pull it off! This year's event is Saturday, June 9th. Sign up here to volunteer!
If you have any questions about volunteering at World Day, contact Kristina Adair, volunteer coordinator at kris...@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or (517) 999-3919.
C. Greenhouse Management Internship
Do you aspire to someday operating your own greenhouse? We are seeking 2 folks seeking an opportunity to develop competencies in running an urban, year round greenhouse, .g. greenhouse structures, systems and operations; curriculum development; pest management; planning and planting, etc. This unpaid internship requires 10 hours per week. If interested, please contact Rita at 999-3910 or ri...@allenneighborhoodcenter.org
D. Newsletter Delivery
Over the next two weeks, we will be delivering the June-July Eastside Neighbor. Would you have time to deliver newsletters to people on your street or perhaps even a little bigger area? It would help us out a lot if you could. Please call Kristina at 999-3919 to follow up. And thanks a bunch!! Getting newsletters to the front door of 2500 households is a major challenge and we appreciate all the help you can offer. Individual neighbors, scout troops, employee groups are all welcome!
To learn about other volunteer opportunities at ANC, click here: Volunteer Opportunities
4) Invitation to Eastside Dog Lovers and Otherwise
June 19th from 6:30-8:30 pm.
ANC is hosting and MSU researcher and neighbor Molly Tamulevich is leading a focus session on Aggressive Dogs. As Molly writes, “Dog aggression affects all of us, human and animal alike. However, there are few places where people can gather to talk to one another about this issue. Laws to control aggressive dogs change from city to city. Some areas enforce leash laws, some penalize owners and some attempt to ban certain dogs from the area altogether. Communities across the state and around the country have very different ideas about how to reduce dog attacks, and I would like to hear your opinion during a community forum and information session held at the Allen Neighborhood Center on June 19th from 6:30-8:30 pm. As part of the forum, you will learn about current national trends in legislation and science while being asked to share your own beliefs and experiences with the group. We will also read stories about aggressive dogs and discuss ways in which we can apply what we learn to our own community. Refreshments will be provided. Thank you so much for your consideration and I look forward to seeing you!” For questions or to reserve a spot, please contact Molly Tamulevich at (tamu...@msu.edu) Note: This forum will help inform an Active Neighboring Café scheduled for July.
5) Wood Window Restoration, Part II
A RESTORATION WORKS Tours & Tutorial scheduled for June 23rd, 9 - 12 noon
Join us for a follow-up to the April Wood Window Restoration workshop as we dig deeper into this topic with guidance from Eastside expert Dave Muylle, with assistance from Keton Edwards and Conn Allison. This hands-on workshop will take place at 1501 E. Kalamazoo, and feature work stations that focus on such things as stripping paint from wood window sashes, repairing rotted or missing wood from window panes, and proper glazing techniques. For details or to RSVP, please call Maria at 999-3924.
Other Community Events
6) City Seeks Community Input on Red Cedar Renaissance
Mayor Virg Bernero today announced that a community meeting will be held next week to gather citizen input on the Red Cedar Renaissance project at the former Red Cedar Golf Course. The meeting is set for Tuesday, May 29, from 6-8pm at the Foster Community Center’s Room 211.
The Red Cedar Renaissance includes the sale of 12 acres of the 80-acre park, which was approved by Lansing voters last November. The community meeting will provide Lansing residents with an opportunity to share their ideas for the redevelopment of the 12-acre parcel, as well as recreational and environmental improvements on the remainder of the Red Cedar property. City parks and planning officials, economic development agency representatives, and Ingham County Drain Commissioner Patrick Lindemann will be on hand to answer questions.
WHO: Mayor Virg Bernero
Bob Johnson, Director of Planning and Neighborhood Development
Brett Kaschinske, Director of Parks and Recreation
Karl Dorshimer, Lansing Economic Development Corporation
Bob Trezise, Lansing Economic Area Partnership
Patrick Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commissioner
WHAT: Red Cedar Renaissance Community Meeting
WHERE: Foster Community Center – Room 211, 200 N. Foster Avenue
WHEN: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 from 6-8pm
7) When Everyone Shopped Downtown
The Historical Society of Greater Lansing cordially invites you to the opening of When Everyone Shopped Downtown- an exhibit about shopping in downtown Lansing in the mid-20th Century.
Friday Evening, June 1, 2012, 5-7 pm, Creyts Building, 831 N. Washington Avenue
Parking available in the lot t the west of the building or on Washington Avenue. There is no cost for this event, but we would encourage a donation to help fund our museum development efforts. Vintage/Retro Attire Optional.
Saturday, June 2, 2:00 - 8:00 pm, Bailey Park, 300 Bailey Street, East Lansing, MI
In it's third year, Pumpstock is an afternoon of great American Roots Music right in the heart of East Lansing's Bailey Neighborhood. Main stage performers include: Tommy Womack, Harpeth Rising, Bill Bynum & Co., Martine Locke, and Matt Bilton. Ben Hassenger will be playing with The Ukulele Kings on the second stage sometime during the day. It's fun for the whole family with food, facepainting, Barnaby the Bird, and more! $10 admission, children free.
9) Be A Tourist In Your Own Town
Discover A World of Possibilities In Your Backyard on Sat., June 2, 20112 - 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau brings you the 18th Annual Be A Tourist In Your Own Town celebration! Once again we open the doors for you to explore culture and creativity, right here in mid-Michigan. For only a $1 you can purchase a “passport” which allows you admission to more than 60 area attractions, local businesses, and special activities. With special routes during Be A Tourist, CATA buses will take you to most attractions for just 50 cents. By the end of the day, if you were asked, “What is there to do in Greater Lansing?” You will be able to respond with countless suggestions and a sense of community pride. Passports go on sale the first week of May, for selling locations and more information visit www.lansing.org/batyot.
Passport purchase locations all May: GLCVB Visitor Center, AAA on Grand River Ave., Celebration Cinema-Edgewood Blvd., NCG Cinemas-Eastwood Center, CATA Transportation Center (Kalamazoo/Grand Ave.), Lansing Art Gallery, Impression 5 Science Center, Arts Council of Greater Lansing (Old Town)
10) Breakfast
with Bauer – Please Note New Date
Message from State Rep. Joan Bauer
The ‘Breakfast with Bauer’ scheduled for Saturday, May 19, has been
rescheduled. We will now be meeting on Saturday, June 2, at the Gone
Wired Cafe located at 2021 East Michigan Ave. I look forward to seeing
you soon! Please feel free to call my office at (517) 373-0826 or email me
at joan...@house.mi.gov if you have any
questions or concerns.
11) Spring 2012 Stream Monitoring
Saturday, June 2, 2012, 8am- 12pm, Biggie Munn Park, Lansing, MI
We are kicking off the Spring Monitoring Session on June 2, 2012 as part of "Be a Tourist in Your Own Town" Day. Join dozens of other volunteers for a morning of educational fun and exploration!
This year, we're monitoring 8 sites so we need LOTS of volunteers to help us - a minimum of 4 volunteers per site is ideal so bring your friends and family. Kids are welcome to come (with adult supervisor) but we do require that all kids under 13 wear an approved flotation device. 13 - 18 year old volunteers need parental permission (an email is fine).
Join us at 8am for a Volunteer Stream Monitoring Training session (45 minutes). We'll then head out to our sites and conduct monitoring. Each site will have an experienced monitoring leading the team but you'll want to make sure to wear your oldest clothes and bring a cell phone/bug spray/compass/sunscreen. If you have hip waders, nets or other gear, please feel free to bring it and don't forget the life jackets for any of the kids 13 and under.
We'll provide a light morning snack (and coffee) at 8am at Biggie Munn Park (corner of Aurelius & Jolly Roads. We monitor rain or shine (so dress accordingly). If there's lightening or thunder, we'll reschedule.
To RSVP for the training or to volunteer, please call the office at (517) 292-3078 or send an email to Julie Powers at jpowe...@gmail.com. We're very excited for you to meet our new Stream Monitoring Coordinator, Gabriel Biber and to kick off the 2012 year!
12) 2012 Smart Commute
June 10 - 23, 2012
Gear up for Smart Commute by participating in Bike Month, lacing up a new pair of walking shoes, renewing your CATA bus pass or making a proposal to your boss to telecommute. We know of at least one Smart Commuter who is sprucing up his kayak for his daily commute on the Grand River!
13) Feeling left out of the Computer Age?
ITEC is now accepting enrollment for our next Beginning Computer Classes-attend 2 four week sessions and earn a free computer! CALL TODAY TO REGISTER: 517-708-4392
ITEC Everyday Digital, Foster Community Center, 200 North Foster Avenue
Lansing, MI 48912, sa...@iteclansing.org or www.everydaydigital.org
A Lansing-based nonprofit, ITEC provides technology training to adults and youth. ITEC Everyday Digital courses are aimed at novice computer users. Our eight-week and four-week programs are designed to support underemployed and unemployed workers, seniors and other adults. We provide students a greater sense of confidence and capability for living in today’s increasingly technology-dependent world.
Ongoing Offerings
14) LSS Seeks Mentors for Refugee Youth
Lutheran Social Services of Michigan is looking for community members to commit their time towards mentoring refugee youth placed in our foster care program. We serve close to 100 refugees & human trafficking victims from all over the world. The role of a mentor is to befriend our youth and help them learn independent living and social skills, so that they will be successful in their future. Through this process, our youth will learn how to develop a trusting relationship with a positive and committed community member.
Below is a list of basic requirements of becoming a mentor:
18 years of age or older
Available for a minimum 9-12 month commitment
Complete required paperwork including background checks and references
Complete required 8 hour training program
Excellent driving record with valid license (if transporting youth)
Weekly contact with assigned youth (total of 4-8 contact hours a month)
Complete monthly mentor reports on time
Meet with Mentor Coordinator quarterly
If you would like more information about how to become a mentor for our refugee youth, please contact Ashley Hayden at: (Ah...@lssm.org ) or phone (517-827-5152).
15) Straw Bale Gardening Tip from Van Atta’s
This "container" gardening method is great for people who can't bend over to do traditional gardening, don't have the space for an in-ground garden, or don't want to spend the money on raised beds or specialty containers!
*First, decide where you'd like your bale garden to be. You can use as few or as many bales as you want, but keep in mind that your spacing will be the same as needed in a garden, so you may only be able to do one plant per bale if it's large, like a tomato plant.
*Next, place your bales on their side, with the straw stems vertical to the ground and the strings not touching the ground.
*Wet the bales thoroughly, and keep them wet for 5-7 days, the inside will begin to decompose.
*Pull any weeds that begin to sprout up in the bale.
*Allow the bale to cool for a day or two before planting.
*Being careful not to cut the baling twine, insert a trowel or spade into the straw and make an opening for a plant.
*If you want to plant from seed, top the bale with 2 inches of compost/soil before seeding directly into the soil.
*Some straw bale gardeners like to fertilize with a water soluble mix, while others say just a side dressing of compost and manure is all you need.
*The straw bales will go through a lot more water than soil, so you may need to water daily in hot weather.
16) New
System to Enter and Track Code Complaints
A new public access system for code enforcement records was introduced
last week. Citizens can now log and track complaints through an online system
on the City of Lansing’s webpage. Residents can also search using property data
and view the complaint history of specific properties.
To submit a complaint go to the Lansing web at www.cityoflansingmi.com.
Look for 'Quick Links' on the right side and click on ‘Departments’, then
‘Planning and Neighborhood Development’. On that page check the left side for
‘Code Compliance’ and click on it. Then click on ‘Complaints’ on the left side.
Or use www.lansingmi.gov/pnd/codecom/complaints.jsp
if you want to enter the complaint page directly.
Tracking complaints begins back at the Lansing web site (see above).
Click on 'Find' which is under 'I Want To' on the left side. Then click on
'Property Information Lookup'.
On the next page select 'Building Department Search' on the left. Then
click on the dot next to 'Search by Address'. Enter the street name followed by
a single address or a range of address numbers on the street. Finally, click on
the 'Search' button. If you want to view more in a list, change the 'Records
per Page' at the bottom. You can also page through the addresses using page selection
on the right near the bottom.
To check a particular property, select the 'Parcel Number' on the far left of
the line that has the Property Address (it takes a little time to find property
in the data base). Any permits, enforcements or certificates will be listed.
Each one can be viewed by clicking on the item under 'Number'.
Thanks to Karl Biasi, President of the Colonial Village Neighborhood
Association, for sharing this information.
17) Lansing Walkability Audit Volunteers Needed
We're kicking off the 3rd year of the Lansing Walkability Audit and we need volunteers! You can walk with a group or take a section of the City and complete it on your own. We're also happy to schedule group outings for community organizations, corporate team building activities and community service projects. Our 2012 schedule is:
Wednesdays, 3pm - 5pm (starting May 23, 2012)
Allen Neighborhood Center- Farmers Market, 1619 East Kalamazoo Street, Lansing,
3pm Training Session, 3:30pm - 5pm Group Walk
Tuesdays, 5:30pm - 8pm (starting May 8, 2012)
South Lansing Community Development Association inside Grace United Methodist Church
1900 Boston Boulevard, Lansing, MI 48910
5:30pm Training Session, 6pm - 8pm Group Walk
Thursdays, 5:30pm - 8pm (starting June 7, 2012)
Gier Community Center, 2400 Hall Street, Lansing, MI 48906
5:30pm Training Session, 6pm - 8pm Group Walk
To volunteer or for more information, please contact Nikki Ayres at nikkia....@gmail.com or call the office at (517) 292-3078. See you this summer!
18) Spring
& Summer Activities Guide (New Edition)
Feeling cooped up or just bored? Get out of your late winter funk and
blossom into fun springtime activities for the whole family! Check out the
Lansing Parks and Recreation Spring & Summer 2012 Activities
Guide (http://digital.zoompubs.com/publication/?i=102232)!
Discover spring events, find open gym/swim times, register for sports (all
ages), learn a new culinary skill, and much more!
19) Lead Safe Lansing
Make Lansing Lead Safe! Homeowners and property owners within the Lansing city
limits may qualify for up to $8,000 for housing improvements in the Lead Safe
Lansing program. Whether you own a home or you are in a rental unit, it’s important
that your home is lead safe. Participation in the Lead Safe Lansing program can
help you make your home lead-safe, family-friendly and improve the value of
your property. If you are a tenant, call 483-4040 t see if your household
qualifies for the program. Provide Landlord’s name and address, so they can be
invited to participate. Rental Property Owners must: proof of ownership, be
current on mortgage, homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. Homeowners must:
Own and occupy a single-family home built before 1978. Have a child under six
years of age living in the home or visiting regularly. Be current on mortgage,
homeowners insurance and property taxes. For income guidelines and more program
information, call: 483-4040 or visit www.lansingmi.gov/
20) Find your summer fun in the sun!
CATA’s Route 18 Hawk Island/Trappers Cove will take you to it!
Swim at Hawk Island!
Explore at Fenner!
Shop in East Lansing!
June 15 through September 2, 2012
Route 18 Hawk Island-Trappers Cove gets you to Hawk Island Park to swim, hike, picnic, and boat this summer! Also, connect with Route 7 Aurelius and visit Fenner Nature Center or Route 20 South Harrison-Jolly-Dunckel to head to MSU and downtown East Lansing.
Route 18 will operate every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer. Service hours are 11:45AM to 7:10PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 9:45AM to 5:10PM on Sundays.
Buses travel every 30 minutes between the South Pennsylvania Meijer and Beau Jardin Drive via Pennsylvania Avenue, Cavanaugh Road, Trappers Cove Trail and Beau Jardin. Route 18 serves Meijer, Hawk Island Park, Trappers Cove, College Towne Apartments as well as all bus stops along the route.
Customers on CATA Routes 5, 8, 9, Mason Connector or Delhi Redi-Ride can transfer to Route 18 at the South Pennsylvania Meijer for free with a transfer.
Regular CATA fixed-route fares apply. All CATA fixed-route passes and transfers are accepted. Children under 42” tall ride for free.
Watch for the schedule and route map on cata.org For more information, please contact CATA Customer Service at in...@cata.org or (517) 394-1000.
21) Help STVCC Welcome Refugees and House the Local Homeless
St. Vincent Catholic Charities (STVCC) is in great need of kitchen supplies and new or gently used household items to help local homeless and refugee families begin to rebuild their lives. Household items, you no longer need, can be essential to those we serve. When you make a donation to St. Vincent Catholic Charities the items go directly to serve people in need. STVCC does not resell any donated items. As part of our mission to serve, St. Vincent Catholic Charities helps people living in crisis transform their lives. A safe home setting is an important part of helping those we serve begin working toward self-sufficiency and a brighter future.
STVCC is in need of housing items such as furniture and basic kitchen materials.
Most needed items at this time are pots, pans (cooking ware) and dining room tables and chairs and sofas. (No sofa beds/sleeper sofas please).
Donated items are tax deductible.
All items can be dropped off at STVCC Campus in North Lansing, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. St. Vincent Catholic Charities, 2800 W. Willow Lansing, MI 48917.
STVCC also offers pick up of larger items: Contact St. Vincent Catholic Charities at 517-323-4734 ext. 1050. More information is available on our website at www.stvcc.org.
22) 2012 Hawk-I-Tri Registration Now Open
6th Annual Hawk Island
Triathlon, Sunday, June 3 at Hawk
Island County
Park
SWIM 400m, BIKE 16k, RUN 5k
This beginner-friendly multi-sport event is designed to
welcome and support people of all ages, sizes, and abilities as they venture
into the world of triathlon. It's also a great warm-up race for seasoned
athletes gearing up for the summer triathlon season.
The Hawk-I-Tri promotes outdoor recreational opportunities
in South Lansing, encourages physical
activity, and supports efforts that increase access to fresh foods and improve
overall community health. The event was recently commended for its efforts on
encouraging environmental sustainability and stewardship. In 2011, the
Hawk-I-Tri was recognized as the first “green” race of any kind in the state of
Michigan,
certified by the national Council for Responsible Sport.
For more information on the Hawk-I-Tri and how to volunteer or sponsor the
event, click here.
23) Quote of the Week
“The other thing I’ve definitely come to see is that almost nothing of consequence is ever accomplished alone. Everything is a joint effort. America is a joint effort….We’re all the products of the teachers, the parents, the friends, the rivals that have shaped us along the way.” David McCullough, Author
Good Health is contagious;
Catch some on the Eastside!
Here’s how:
Tai Chi in Hunter Park (preceded by Meditation) Tai Chi in the Park is taught by Bob Teachout every Saturday morning at 9:30 am., preceded by meditation at 8:45 am. Now that brisk weather has arrived, the group will meet inside the GardenHouse. No charge
Friday Noon Stroll
Also, join us every Friday at noon for a Walk on the Hunter Park Path. Bring friends, dogs, children, stories and become a part of this Friday noon tradition!
Free Community Yoga at Just
B Yoga (For All Ages)
Every
Wednesday, 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Just B Yoga Studio (106 Island Avenue)
Free weekly power yoga class for all levels! Get rid of stress,
increase muscle tone, and meet new friends. Yoga mats provided. For more
information, please call (517) 488-5260 or visit http://justbyoga.com/classes/schedule/
or www.justbyoga.com
--
Joan Nelson, Director
Allen Neighborhood Center
1619 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48912
517-999-3912