Active Neighboring News: Lots of gardening events, position openings, home improvement and art
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
March 13, 2012
This Week’s Reason for Keeping Eastern High School Open
Eastern is the “high school of choice” within the Lansing School District. Of the 1195 students now enrolled at Eastern, 53 live in the Everett attendance area, 156 are from the Sexton district, and 22 are from surrounding school systems. When one looks at the designated attendance areas for the 3 high schools, only 61% of potential Sexton students are enrolled in their assigned building. At Eastern the figure is 81%, while Everett has retained 83% of their high school residents.
If Eastern is closed, there is a good chance many parents/students would choose to transfer to one of the outlying districts, thus robbing Lansing of needed students and per pupil state aid. Disconcerting Note: 20% of East Lansing’s current enrollment of almost 3,500 students live in the Lansing School District.
Please share this information with family, friends, and your school board members.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Ahhh....spring is nearly here. Check out the season-celebrating happenings at the Hunter Park GardenHouse and elsewhere:
ANC-Sponsored Events/Activities
1) All About Soil this Saturday, 3/17
2) New Position Opening at ANC - AmeriCorps “Visiting Gardener”
3) New Energy Efficient Appliances – Get your Kill-A-Watt Gauge on 3/31
Other Community Events
4) New Garden Project Pot Luck (3/15) and Resource Center Viewing (3/20)
5) Art Studio Wksp on TILES beginning 3/13
6) New Urbandale Farm Apprenticeships and More
7) 80s Flashback on 3/24
8) Build Your Own Worm Bin on 3/24
9) Garden Leader Training on 3/24
10) New Family Clay Workshop on 3/30
11) New Uplifting Our Youth Summit on 3/31
12) New First Friday 1-Year Anniversary
13) Creative Tots Classes in April
14) ANC Team forming for Race for the Cure on 4/29
Ongoing Offerings
15) Selection of Lansing’s Next Superintendent
16) Request for Assistance from Greater Lansing Food Bank
17) Farm to Table Series at CADL
18) Lansing Marathon
19) Knee High Naturalists
20) Teen Community Art Project
21) Parenting Group
22) A Habitat House for You?
23) Free Intro to Computers at MI Works
24) Asset Independence Coalition Offers Free Tax Prep
25) Quote of the Week
Your Friends at ANC
ANC-Sponsored Events
1) All About Soil Workshop
This Saturday, March 17, 12:30-2:00 pm.
A productive garden starts with the soil. Join Matthew McDermott from Slow Lane Farm and learn the basics of soil preparation and maintenance. Bring a sample of your garden soil to examine and explore! This workshop is free, but a suggested donation of $5 is welcome. Make this year's garden the best ever. Please register by calling Rita at 517-999-3910 or email ri...@allenneighborhoodcenter.org
2) Position Open: Visiting Gardener, AmeriCorps member
ANC is excited to announce a summer AmeriCorps opening for a “Visiting Gardener”. This member will join us for a summer full of Eastside gardening: making ''yard calls" to neighbors who'd like help getting started growing a garden, trouble shooting and assisting neighborhood groups in starting special gardening projects, and providing useful information on local resources.
This Power of We-supported AmeriCorps member will:
· Develop and promote a robust yard gardening technical support program throughout the Eastside with the GardenHouse Program Manager.
· schedule and conduct ‘yard calls’, during which neighbors are linked to resources, and assisted in all aspects of starting, nurturing and successfully maintaining a yard garden.
· use his/her knowledge of who is yard gardening to link nearby neighbors to one another to create block level networks of support.
· encourage yard gardeners to take advantage of learning opportunities in the GardenHouse by scheduling visits, problem solving sessions, garden and nutrition education workshops, etc.
· integrate interested members of the Youth Service Corps into the project and facilitate the 2012 Gardenin-a-Box project.
· promote and facilitate the Gardener’s Roundtable (and other formal and informal learning opportunities for yard gardeners at the GardenHouse).
· provide instruction/mentoring to GardenHouse volunteers and visiting home gardeners during open hours.
· thoroughly document the effectiveness of this approach by keeping close track of outputs (neighbors involved, number of visits, range of items grown, hours involved, etc.) and outcomes (a) % increase at the end of the season in number of novice gardeners who report greater success, pleasure, and intention to continue gardening, b) increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and c) increased physical activity.)
Minimum Qualifications
• High school degree, GED certificate or agree to achieve GED within the year
• Minimum of 18 year of age, US citizen or permanent resident status
• Desire and ability to engage with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income distressed neighborhoods
• Ability to function independently and in a team environment
• Knowledge and experience in urban gardening
Computer skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Flexible availability required (some night and weekends may be required)
Member Benefits
A full time summer AmeriCorps member is expected to serve 450 hours from May 7- August 31. Members receive a $3,200 living allowance, $1,468 education award at the successful completion of the service term, and loan forbearance for qualified student loans. Members are invited to attend monthly meetings and trainings hosted by the PWC. Allen Neighborhood Center will also make additional training opportunities available.
Cover letter and resume due Friday, March 30th.
Please send submissions to: Rita O’Brien, GardenHouse/Gardening Program Manager
C/O Allen Neighborhood Center, 1619 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48912
517-999-3910; ri...@allenneighborhoodcenter.org
3) Energy Efficient Electric Appliances
A ‘Restoration Works’ Tour and Tutorial where home renovation, neighborhood revitalization and green technologies meet.
Saturday, Mar. 31, 10-11:30am; at 1619 E. Kalamazoo St.
Electric appliances are a big part of our life. Machines like air conditioners and dehumidifiers are important for keeping our homes healthy and comfortable. But, running these appliances takes energy, and energy costs money.
Using inefficient and damaged appliances in the home is expensive. Join us as we feature Sean Huberty, Lead Faculty for LCC’s Alternative Energy Engineering Technology program, for an interesting and fun presentation on energy monitors and energy efficient electric appliances in your home.
You may be eligible to receive a free energy monitor (Kill A Watt Gauge) for attending!
Look for all our exciting fall tutorials at www.restorationworks.org.
Other Community Events
4) Garden Project presents Resource Center Orientation and Third Thursday Potluck
Third Thursday
Potluck at the Hunter Park GardenHouse
Bring a dish to share and come and enjoy the company of others as we
kick off our first of the Third Thursday potluck series. These potlucks happen
every month every third Thursday of the month. This month's potluck will be on
March 15 6-8pm at the Hunter Park GardenHouse.
Resource Center
Orientation
We need volunteers to help at the Resource Center during the gardening season
to help distribute seeds, plants, and tools. March 20 from 5pm to 6pm there
will be a drop in orientation to learn how our Resource Center works. If you
can't stop by for 15 minutes during this time please call us and we'd be happy
to orient you when you are free. You don't need a green thumb to lend a hand at
the Resource Center - you can come once, twice, or become a regular volunteer.
This is a fun way to meet new people while serving the community.
Resource Center hours:
Starting April 17: TuTh 5-7pm
Starting June 1: TuTh 5-7pm & W 10am-1pm
Starting July 1: Tu 5-7pm & W 10am-1pm
Sa May 19, June 2, June 2, & June 16 10am-1pm
5) Tiles
with Mark Dehetre
Adult Studio Workshop (3 day workshop) presented by Lansing Art Gallery
Thursday, March 14, 21 & 28, 6 - 9 PM
Clay: Create a series of finished tiles. Explore various aspects of inspiration, design, and execution of clay tiles. Students will complete two finished tiles.
119 N. Washington Square, www.lansingartgallery.org, (517) 374-06400
$100. (members) or $110. (non-members)
6) Lansing Urban Farm Project (Urbandale Farm) Offerings
Apprenticeship Program
The Lansing Urban Farm Project (LUFP) will host three
Apprentices at Urbandale Farm in the 700 block of S. Hayford. Apprentices
will learn how to start and run an urban farm and will acquire hands-on
experience in growing and marketing produce. Apprentice graduates
interested in starting their own urban farm will be assisted in finding land
and planning for their first year, and all graduates can expect to receive support
to integrate into the local food system.
Volunteer Opportunities
Urbandale Farm is looking for volunteers to deliver fliers in the
Urbandale neighborhood at 2-4pm on Monday, March 19th. We'll set out
walking the neighborhood in pairs to distribute information about the 2012
Apprenticeship Program.
Summer Internships
LUFP is offering two community-outreach internships and three urban farmer internships that will run from May 15-August 15th and will require 4 hours/ week of on-site work.
For more information about these opportunities, visit our website at www.lansingurbanfarmproject.wordpress.com or call us at 999-3916.
7) 80s Flashback to Benefit REACH
You're invited to dance, celebrate, and help REACH expand into a new facility.
Who: Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine, community members, business owners, 80s lovers and more. Plus, the popular 80s cover band Starfarm will keep the crowd rockin’ all night long! There will also be finger foods, a cash bar, big-hair station, video game room, poker and much more!
What: Second annual 80s Flashback Fundraiser.
When: Saturday, March 24, 2012, 7:00 p.m. - midnight
Where: The University Club, Henry Center, 3435 Forest Road, Lansing
Why: Who doesn’t love to party like it’s1989? Plus, all that big hair and acid wash will be for a good cause, helping REACH Studio Art Center grow!
Ticket Prices
Single tickets: $30.00
Couples tickets: $50.00
Student tickets: $15.00
8) Build Your Own Worm Bin at Fenner
On March 24th, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, learn how to “Build Your Own Worm Bin”. Worm composting, also called “Vermicomposting” is a great way to recycle kitchen scraps and reduce waste. Participants will construct their own worm bin and leave this workshop ready to create fantastic fertilizer that can be used on houseplants and in the garden. The cost is $30 for Lansing residents and $35 for non-residents. All supplies are included.
9) Garden Leaders Training
Saturday,
March 24, Foster Community Center, Room 213
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 training series is
essential! Must attend all four classes to complete certification. Classes are
9 a.m. - noon, with an optional pot-luck lunch until 1 p.m. Presented by The
Garden Project of the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Contact: garden...@greaterlansingfoodbank.org
or (517) 853-7809
10) Family Clay Workshop: Animal Sculptures at REACH Studio
Fridays: March 30 & April 13 from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Families are invited to make animal sculptures together. The project will introduce basic hand building and glazing with an instructor. In each two week workshop, students will make one project. Clay, glazing and firing are included in price of workshop.
Adults: $30 each, children under 18 registering with an
adult: first child ($15), each additional child ($10). Every 3 children
need a registered adult. (Youth ages 14 – 17 registering without an adult pay
adult price.) See our website to register & learn more about other family
clay workshops.
**Learn to make teapots April 27 & May 4
11) Dreams & Visions Manifested Presents’ Uplifting Our Youth Community Summit
Young Men of Stature (Lost & Found) Kick Off Series
Theme: “Transitioning Young Males to “Young Men of Stature”
9 am – 4:00 pm, Free, Saturday, March 31, 2012
Pre-registration
www.dreamsandvisionsmanifested.com or call (517) 882-1310
Free continental breakfast, lunch and fun activities
EVENT FOCUS
· “Community Combating against dropouts, delinquency, violence, disrespect and bullying!
· The Program will tackle serious issues in our male population ages 11 – 18.
· Promote young males to become “Young Men of Stature” worthy to be respected in our community.
· Helping to compete in the social media, technology driven world, making Mentor connections.
· Promoting Non-violence by tackling self-esteem issue and providing support systems
·
Creating a platform where male agencies can
collaborate, communicate and form an alliance to combat dangerous issues that
plaque our community
12) First Friday One Year Anniversary
First Fridays is celebrating the one year anniversary of this great community event.
We would love to have you, the supporting businesses, to attend, give feedback, and brainstorm new and different ideas. Please feel free to invite other businesses that might want to participate, or even serve on the First Fridays Steering Committee. We’ll talk about a really cool community event … a community wide “scavenger hunt” How fun!
Monday April 2, 2012, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Capital City Grille (Inside the Radisson Hotel Lansing at the Capitol, 111 North Grand Ave. Lansing_
We will have appetizers, and drink specials …. maybe even a First Friday Martini!
RSVP to: LansingFi...@lansing.org. Or call: Jan Pfeiffer 517-377-1410
13) Creative Tots: Art Exploration for Preschoolers (from REACH)
We still have room! Make art at REACH & keep the mess
away from home! Creative Tots sessions are for children ages 2-5 and a parent
or guardian. Tots play and learn to be creative using tactile materials,
small and large motor skills, and art supplies. They make anything from puppets
to paintings to sculptures. It is a great introduction to the arts for your
child. And, a way for you both to have fun and learn together.
Sign up for our upcoming classes!
Session E: Apr 13 ‐ May 11 (Fridays) 10:30 – 11:15
Session F: Apr 14 ‐ May 12 (Saturdays) 9:45 – 10:30
Register on our website HERE.
Tots sessions are for ages 2-5, with one parent (1 year-olds
welcome at parent's discretion)
$25 for first child
$10 additional sibling (any age)
$5 additional sibling (any age)
14) Komen Race for the Cure.
Join ANC’s Race for the Cure Team on Sunday, April 29th, in support of breast cancer services, research and awareness. (Note: 75% of money raised in mid-Michigan stays in mid-Michigan). ANC is starting to recruit members early in an effort to have a great team! We have a blast each year on this walk; a wonderful time is guaranteed! To sign up for Allen Neighborhood Center’s team go to: http:www.komenmidmichigan.org/ - click on register today, then click on join existing team and type in Allen Neighborhood Center! Please consider sponsoring a neighbor. We have many who would like to walk but can’t afford the $20.
Ongoing Offerings
15) Selection of the next Superintendent of Lansing Schools
As I'm sure you know, the Lansing School District
is currently going through a lot of change. Probably the single biggest
decision we have looming is who will be the new Superintendent. This
person will help guide our district into the future, and we truly need a
community effort in order to find a dynamic leader. Please take a few
minutes to complete the survey at the link below.
Thank you for your time and helping the Lansing School District
move toward a successful future! Please share this survey with as many
people as you can!
Sincerely,
Nicole Armbruster
http://support.lansingschools.net/survey.htm
16) Request for Assistance from Greater Lansing Food Bank
As many of you know the Greater Lansing Food Bank is merging with the Mid-Michigan Food Bank to provide more efficient and effective service to the greater Lansing area. We're really excited about the merger as we're moving more food, faster and better to people that need it. The Mid-Michigan Food Bank has been recieving large donations of produce and dairy. However, they do not have enough volunteers to sort through the donations and prepare them to be delivered to those in need, which results in good food going to waste. A lot of food.
We need volunteers to help sort through the bins and organize the dairy and produce, occasionally re-bagging/boxing, sometimes checking expiration dates. We don't have a time set yet, but are looking to see which of the below times work best for people. We are looking at a shift on both Tuesday and Thursday, we just don't know which shift, yet.
If you can help, let me know what times would work best for you, once I hear back, we'll lock down a time and go from there.
Times - Tue. & Thu. 10:00 a.m.-noon or 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location - Mid-Michigan Food Bank
Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. If you know more people that may want to lend a hand, please encourage them to contact me.
Alex Bryan, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator 517-853-7808
17) Farm to Table
Workshop Series
This spring Capital Area District Library (CADL) is presenting a variety of
lectures and workshops on farm to table topics. We are especially excited for
AmeriCorps member John Bolan's three-part Herb Gardening series and Corie Jason’s
presentation on Back Yard Chickens! For more details on this series and many
more offerings, visit www.cadl.org/news/farmtotable.
18) Lansing Marathon
Lansing is hosting its inaugural Marathon on Sunday, April 22. South Lansing
CDA is proud to be a partner organization, especially since a significant
portion of the 26.2 mile course will be on the south side! We're also proud
that the marathon will feature many ecologically sustainable practices like
locally sourced food and recyclable materials. Not coincidentally, the race is
being held on Earth Day.
Race director Owen Anderson is dedicated to helping people get active,
and he is hosting several free run/walk clinics in South
Lansing.
• Mondays at 6 p.m., Owen leads a walking clinic for all ages, abilities, and
experience
• Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Owen teaches a free running class for kids aged 7-13
• Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m., he hosts a running clinic.
All are held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing
48910.
For more information on the Marathon, how to
register or volunteer, visit LansingMarathon.com
19) Knee High Naturalist at Fenner- Ongoing
“Knee High Naturalist” runs every Wednesday from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm and every Thursday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Parents are encouraged to bring their children between ages 2 and 5 for an exciting playgroup featuring a different nature theme each week that will be explored with a hike, crafts, and a story. The cost is $5 per child.
The first Saturday of each month, join our resident librarian from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm for “Nature Story Hour”. Families are welcome to join us for a nature story geared towards 4-6 year olds followed by a craft and video. Cost is free.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited for some programs.
For more information as well as on-line registration, visit us on the web at www.mynaturecenter.org. Or call us at 517.483.4224
20) REACH Teen Studio Community Art Projects, or CAPs, will work with 15 to 20 Lansing Area teenagers and local artists to design and fabricate public art for 5 or more selected places around Lansing. Using three hour weekly teen studio after school sessions at REACH Studio from October 2011 – June 2012, the teens will meet with Lansing area artists and solicit ideas for, choose, design and implement community art projects creating place-making art around Lansing. For more information or to submit a proposal, call (517) 999-3643.
21) Parenting Group
Offered by The Women’s Center of Greater Lansing
Lecture and Group Discussion each week for those with children of all ages.
Each Saturday, 10am - 11am
Call to Register at: 517-372-9163
Where: Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, Conference room upstairs
1710-1712 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing 48912
22) Do You Dream of Owning A Home?
Habitat for Humanity Lansing is a housing organization with the goal
of eliminating substandard housing. We build and rehab decent, affordable homes
in partnership with local qualified home buyers. To be selected, you must be
living in substandard housing, meet our income requirements, and be willing to
help build your house and other houses that we are working on. Once your house
is complete you buy it from us at ZERO percent interest mortgage. The mortgage
payment is based on your income, keeping the home affordable for you! For more
information call Ashley at (517) 374-1313 x 21 or visit www.habitatlansing.org
23) 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.
24) 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
25) Quote of the Week
“The school is the last expenditure upon
which America should be willing to economize.” Franklin Roosevelt
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!! Note: No Meditation or Tai Chi class on February 4!
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!
Gardeners Roundtable
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.
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!
2012 Weekly Warm Up
The Community Partners in Health’s 2012 Winter Warm-Up is an
entirely FREE program which offers resources for the development of positive
habits of physical activity and healthy eating within one’s daily routine. The
8-week program provides tools, information and the support-network for you to
do just that – all within your own community! Experts say identifying a
positive routine and sticking with it for 21 days will initiate a “habit.” Why
not make health and wellness your best new habit of 2012? The Community
Partners in Health believe by working together we can and will move
mid-Michigan communities toward being the healthiest in Michigan!
View the program flyer at www.cphlansing.com/docs/2012WWU/12-6-11%20WWU%20Weekly%20Theme%20Calendar.pdf
--
Joan Nelson, Director
Allen Neighborhood Center
1619 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48912
517-999-3912