Active Neighboring News: Eco-Photo Excursions, Garden Planning, Land Use Luncheon on 'City Parks' 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
January 4, 2012
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Happy 2012! Our wish for you in the coming year is that you find enjoyment in living in the connected and friendly neighborhood that is the Eastside. We look forward to seeing you at the Market, at Restoration Works and GardenHouse workshops and tours; and at World Day at Hunter Park on June 9, for which planning has already begun! In the meantime, here is what’s happening in the very near future:
1) New January Land Use Luncheon features R. Kibbey on Parks, FRIDAY
2) New Gardeners Roundtable begins this SUNDAY
3) New Everyday Digital January Course Descriptions
4) Prostate Cancer Forum at Sparrow on 1/12
5) NECESSARY on 1/13-14
6) New Planning Your Gardening Year on 1/21
7) New Eco-Photo Excursions on 1/21
8) Garden Leaders Training beginning in January
9) Rebuilding Together Applications due 1/20
10) Recycle
Old Meds on 1/28
11)
Survey/Gardening Needs of People with Disabilities
12) Bea Christy Dinner on Feb. 10-Save the Date!
Ongoing Offerings
13) New Land Bank Home for sale on Lathrop Street
14) Are You Aware that…..
15) Snow Angels
16) Free Intro to Computers at MI Works
17) Asset Independence Coalition Offers Free Tax Prep
18) Mid-Day Movies (Free)
19) New Quote of the Week
P.S. If one of your new year’s resolutions is to volunteer or to get involved in the community, please consider calling Kristina, ANC’s Volunteer Coordinator, at 999-3919. She’ll tell you all about the opportunities with our youth programs, in the GardenHouse, or greeting neighbors and answering the phone at the Center. Thanks!
1) January Land Use Lunch Speaker: Rick Kibbey
Please join Mid-MEAC for our January Land Use Lunch on Friday, January 6, 2012 where we we welcome special guest Rick Kibbey, Chair of the City of Lansing Park Board (and one of the founding directors of Allen Neighborhood Center). Rick will discuss the roles that parks play in the overall functioning of the region and what's in store for the future of the City's parks. He'll focus on sustainable practices and connecting parks and neighborhoods. Rick has a B.S. and an M.S. in Urban Planning from Michigan State University. He is a founding board member of the Allen Neighborhood Center, spent 25 years with the Community Research & Education Center and is now running Grassroots Planning where he works with neighborhoods and other community groups to strengthen these groups as they find and implement ways to prosper in the current and coming economy.
Mid-MEAC Land Use Lunches are held from 12pm-1pm at Central United Methodist Church (215 N. Capitol Avenue) in downtown Lansing and feature a light buffet lunch for $5. Land Use Lunches are open to the public and are handicap-accessible via elevator. Please join us and learn more about land use issues in our region.
2) Gardeners Roundtable (A cure for those missing gardening)
Every Sunday, 12:30-1:30pm at the Hunter Park GardenHouse
Are you suffering ‘gardener’s withdrawal’? Missing the smell of green and growing things as you trudge across last year’s back yard vegetable garden, now covered with crunchy snow? Come join us any (and every) Sunday at the GardenHouse to swap gardening stories, drink in the smell of soil and green plants, share ideas, tips, and occasionally seeds and plants. Gardeners of any level of experience or skill are invited to wander on over for relaxed and informal conversations, leaf through our seed catalogues, and enjoy a cup of tea. RSVP with Rita at ri...@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3910.
3) Everyday Digital January Course Descriptions
Brought to you by ITEC, located in Foster Community Center
What is Everyday Digital?
ITEC Everyday Digital technology training courses are aimed at novice computer users. This program has separate four-week and eight-week sessions designed to support underemployed and unemployed workers. Students will develop a greater sense of confidence and capability for living in today’s increasingly technology-dependent world.
Introduction to Computers and the Internet
4-Week Session, January 10 to February 2, 2012- Tuesday/Thursday- 9:30-11:30 am
This 4-week course introduces those with little or no experiences to the components of a computer, use of the keyboard and mouse, and Microsoft Windows. Students will learn to create and save files, send email, use popular social networking sites and more.
4-Week Session,
January 9 to February 1, 2012- Monday/Wednesday - 6:30-8:30 pm
This 4-week course introduces those with little or no experiences to the
components of a computer, use of the keyboard and mouse, and Microsoft
Windows. Students will learn to send
email, and use popular social networking sites.
The course teaches how to safely explore the Internet to find
information and use common online services.
Introduction to Microsoft Office
Advanced 4-Week Session, February 6 to February 29, Mon/Wednesday- 6:30-8:30 pm
This course is designed as the “next step” for those who are comfortable using the computer and want to expand skills to include Microsoft Office 2010. Participants will use Word to create business letters and documents. Introductory spreadsheet and presentation skills will be developed using Excel and PowerPoint. Participants should be comfortable using Windows and basic file management before enrolling.
Advanced 4-Week Session, February 7 to March 1, Tuesday/Thursday- 9:30-11:30 am
This advanced course is also an introduction to Microsoft Office; for those who are comfortable using the computer and want to expand their skills to include Microsoft Office 2010.
Cost - ITEC Everyday Digital classes are offered at low cost based upon income.
CALL TODAY TO REGISTER: 517-708-4392
ITEC Everyday Digital, Foster Community Center, 200 North Foster Avenue, Lansing,
ever...@iteclansing.org, www.everydaydigital.org
4) Prostate Cancer Education Forum at Sparrow Hospital
As a pre-Holiday Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Capital Area United Way, Sparrow Cancer Center, UAW Local 4911, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Black Men Incorporated of Greater Lansing, GLAAHI, and the Prostate Cancer Support Group of Mid Michigan have joined together to inform citizens of the Greater Lansing Area about prostate cancer, especially African American men who seem to suffer particularly from this disease. The forum will take place at the Sparrow Hospital’s St. Lawrence Campus, 1210 W. Saginaw in Lansing on Thursday, January 12, 2012. Admission is free and it is open to the public. Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. There will also be prostate cancer literature and other health materials on display for the taking. Registration is required. The forum will feature an internist, a radiation oncologist, and a urologist, as well as prostate cancer survivors. Attendees will leave with an increased awareness about the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, nutrition, and making an informed decision. Please see the attachments for details or call 517.203.5022 for more information or to reserve a seat.
5) NECESSARY!
The Capital Area District Library is hosting a special exhibit in honor of Black History on January 13 and 14. The exhibit, called NECESSARY! is curated by the Black History 101 Mobile Museum (www.blackhistory101mobilemuseum.com/).
Necessary! focuses on the legacy of revolutionary leader Malcolm X and features over 150 historical artifacts from Malcolm X’s life and work, including rare photographs, magazine covers, and relics of racism from America’s past.
For further information, contact Elizabeth Breed at 517-367-6348, bre...@cadl.org
6) Planning Your Gardening Year
Saturday, January 21, 12:30-2pm at the Hunter Park GardenHouse
Did you know that an important part of vegetable gardening happens in the dead of winter? It’s the very necessary planning and perusing, designing and drawing, dreaming and scheming, all done indoors where its warm and snug! At this workshop, led by Linda Anderson, you will learn when different garden tasks should be done throughout the year, how to decide what to plant, and how to lay out your vegetable garden. There will be time at the workshop for you to dig in and get started on your plans, with access to lots of garden catalogs and books as well as experienced gardeners to answer your questions. Come get a jump on the 2011 gardening year! $5 suggested donation. RSVP with Rita at ri...@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3910
7) Eco-Photo Excursions at Fenner (Register by January 6!!)
Contact: Katie Woodhams, Prog. Manager, (517) 483-4224; ka...@mynaturcenter.org
Fenner Nature Center is pleased to announce that they will be collaborating with Great Lakes Photo Tours to host a series of Eco-Photo Excursions. These one-day nature photography workshops will be hosted by professional photographers Mark Carlson and Bob Grzesiak. With over 50 years of combined experience in nature photography, Bob and Mark are able to assist participants with everything from the basics of using the camera to creative composition and design.
The first workshop will be held on January 21st from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Participants will receive classroom
instruction inside before taking to the trails and capturing the beauty of
nature in the winter. The trails at Fenner Nature
Center abound with
wildlife in the winter months, and participants are likely to get up close and
personal with deer, turkey, numerous species of birds and small mammals. The cost of the workshop is $79 per
person. Registration ends on January 6th
and there is limited space available.
For more information as well as on-line registration, visit us on the web at www.mynaturecenter.org. Call us at 517.483.4224.
8) Free Garden Leaders Training
Saturdays (Multiple Classes), 9:00a- Noon, Foster Community Center, Room 213
Come join area gardeners at the Garden Project's 2012 Garden Leaders
Training series. If you're thinking about starting a new community garden,
joining an existing garden, or want more info on how to be a coordinator, this
program is essential! There are four classes on a variety of topics, on January
21, February 11, March 3, and March 24. All are on Saturday mornings from
9AM-Noon.
Presented by The Garden Project of the Greater Lansing Food Bank
Contact: garden...@greaterlansingfoodbank.org or (517) 853-7809
9) Rebuilding Together Ingham County 2012
Applications
Do you know a low-income homeowner
that is disabled or over 60 years of age and could use some home repairs or
maintenance? Rebuilding Together
Ingham County
is taking applications for the 2012 Rebuilding Day to be held April 28,
2012. The new application deadline is January 20, 2012. For an application, call (517) 214-8356.
The following are the criteria for Eligible Applicants: own and reside in
an Ingham county home, property taxes are up-to-date, homeowner’s insurance is
current, income at or below $1,361 per month for a one-person household or
$1,839 per month for a two person household, homeowner plans to be in home for
at least two years, and unable physically and financially to complete the
requested repairs.
This is a great project that helped eighteen homeowners in
2011!
For more information go to http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/
10) Recycle Old Meds
Date: January 28, 2012, Southside Community Center, 5825 Wise Rd
(between Jolly and Miller), Time: 9am-1pm, Free for Ingham County
Residents
Bring pharaceuticals to this special collection, instead of flushing
them or throwing them in the trash. Medications are being found in our
nation’s waters. Not flushing meds down the drain ensures they do not end
up in the drinking water or surface water.
11) Surveys to Learn about Gardening Needs/Interests of People with Disabilities
In 2011 the Garden Project of the Greater Lansing Food Bank
received a grant from the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition/Michigan
Developmental Disability Council entitled Including Our Neighbors (ION). The
aim of the program is to install easily accessible community garden beds or
facilitate other improvements to make community gardens more accessible for
disabled gardeners.
The Project brings together local community partners in an Advisory
Committee to coordinate and administer the grant. We would like your assistance
in distributing and collecting surveys to help us learn about the needs of
people with disabilities and their involvement in community gardens and other
activities. We are also interested in learning about ways you or your
organization may like to be involved in this Project. Any questions or comments
can be submitted to Anne Rauscher at the Garden Project by phone (517) 853-7809 or email
an...@thegreaterlansingfoodbank.org.
The Committee will collect surveys through January 2012, and will be
soliciting grant applications through February 2012. Please distribute the
following survey to anyone who would be interested in providing input on issues
of inclusion for people with disability in community activities. The survey is
available online at: http://svy.mk/vwpmJ8.
Or download a Word-formatted paper version of the survey here: http://bit.ly/w2Og2w
Inclusion Survey: Community Gardens and Activities
12) Save the Date: 25th Annual Bea Christy Dinner
February 10; Lansing Center; $16 per ticket. Call the Lansing Neighborhood Council at 393-9883 for details.
Ongoing Offerings
13) For Sale: Lovely Land Bank Renovated House on the Eastside!
Newly Renovated Home by Ingham County Land Bank- NSP2 Program
618 Lathrop Lansing, MI 48912
Cozy newly rehabbed 5 star energy rated home. Move-in ready, 2 bedroom,
1 bath, 782 Sq. feet, Beautiful hardwood floor and trim work, 2 car garage, large storage attic, deck and energy efficient appliances.
Centrally located near Hunter Park, Potter Park, Lansing River Trail, easy access to local highway and CATA bus line. For More Information Contact: James Pyle of Lana Wagner & Co. 517-351-5777.
14) Are You Aware That….. Every High
School and Middle School in the Lansing
School District now
offers either Japanese or Mandarin Chinese language courses? Gardner Middle School
and Lansing STEM Academy
offer Japanese in grades 6th through 8th. Everett
and Sexton High Schools offer Japanese in grades
9th through 12th. Otto and Pattengill Middle Schools offer Mandarin in grades
6th through 8th and Eastern
High School offers
Mandarin in grades 9th through 12th.
15) FREE Snow Angels
Calling all good neighbors! With a newly-enforced snow ordinance
helping to keep our sidewalks safe, it’s important to remember that some
neighbors have a hard time getting outside to shovel snow. That’s where
the Snow Angels come in. Snow Angels are volunteers willing to help those
who are physically unable to shovel. Volunteer as much or as little as you are
able. This is a great opportunity for older scout troops, service clubs,
honor societies, youth groups, and high school students looking to earn service
hours for college applications. It's also a great family opportunity to
teach the value of helping neighbors in need. Will you help? Click here to sign up. If you have questions or know of
anyone needing assistance in clearing snow, please contact Joe Manzella at j...@manzella.us
16)
FREE Introduction to Computers
Every Tuesday, 2:30 - 4 p.m., Capital Area Michigan Works!, 2110 S. Cedar St.
Professionals from Career Quest instruct attendees in the basics
everyone needs to be comfortable with computers.
17) Asset Independence Coalition - Free Tax Prep and
Filing
The Asset Independence Coalition is proud to announce free tax
preparation services for the 2012 tax season. If your household income is
$49,000 or less, they will do your taxes for you. If you are above that, they
will show you how to prepare them yourself and e-file. All of these services
are free. To schedule an appointment simply dial 2-1-1.
For more information, visit www.assetindependencecoalition.org or contact Amber Paxton
at (517) 256-1466 or aic.mid...@gmail.com
18) Mid-Day Movies (Free)
Downtown Lansing Library, Every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m.
the downtown branch of the Capital Area District Library opens its auditorium
for adults to watch recent releases on the BIG screen. For more
information, call (517) 367-6363.
19) Quote of the Week
“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” Bill Vaughn
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
Winter
Activities Guide
Looking for fun activities for the whole family this winter? Check
out the Lansing Parks and Recreation Winter 2012 Activities Guide! Discover special winter
events, find open gym/swim times, register for sports (all ages), learn a
new culinary skill, and much more!
--
Joan Nelson, Director
Allen Neighborhood Center
1619 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48912
517-999-3912