Summer 2013 - Westside Neighborhood Association

The Westsider
A Quarterly Publication for Lansing, Michigan’s Westside Neighborhood
2013 Board Members
& Responsibilities
Mike Schury (President)
Cathy Bacile Cunningham (Vice
-President) (Committee chair:
Voter Education/Civic Engagement)
Danielle Casavant (Secretary,
Committee chair: Fiesta; Fun)
Josh Boehme (Treasurer)
Cassandra Nelson (Committee
chair: Grants; MLK Garden)
Dan Boutell (Committee chair:
Newsletter Editor)
Ellie Wong (Committee chair:
Business Promotion)
Jackie Payne (Committee chair:
Crime and Safety)
Jen Long (Committee chair:
Riddle Elementary Liaison;
Places of Worship)
Julie Durham (Committee chair:
Community Engagement; Community Center/Parks Liaison)
Keith Kris (Committee chair:
Yard Sale; Communications)
Paul Pratt (Committee chair:
Scholarships; GM Liaison)
Sara McCormick (Committee
chair: Sexton High School Liaison; Summer Quarterly Event)
Suzanne Knight
John Stratton
To contact the board, email
[email protected] or call
517-618-WNA1(9621) and leave a
message. To learn more about the
work of these committees visit our
website: http://wnalansing.com/?
1
A few weeks ago, we came together at the Nuthouse to
celebrate springtime, honor the ReYonna Freeman and
Xavier Brandon’s achievements as this year’s WNA scholarship winners, and raise money for next year’s scholarships and the Westside Neighborhood Association. As I
said during the event, this year was the largest turnout to
date with 185 in attendance! Also, we raised almost $4,500
- enough for next year’s scholarships and to pay for other
WNA activities throughout the year! Way to go neighbors!
Watch our Facebook page for upcoming events!
Have ideas for what you’d like to see happening around
the neighborhood? Contact one of the WNA board members or email the board – [email protected] – to
share your ideas!
There are also several open spots on the board of directors
– join a great group of people working “to address the issues and concerns of Westside Neighborhood residents;
to bring neighbors together to support, enhance, and
maintain the Westside’s unique qualities as an area that
values diversity among its residents; to support excellence
in its schools; to improve the quality of life for all residents; and to celebrate the beauty and diversity of its people, housing, parks, and byways.” Contact me if you
would like more information –
[email protected]
“Like” us on
Facebook!
Follow the WNA
The WNA tries to connect with everyone in our
neighborhood. There are so many things going
on. Be sure to view our website at
www.wnalansing.com. You can also “like” the
Westside Neighborhood Association on Facebook. Be sure to check out both!
Access to the WNA Website
Page 2
Summer 2013
Westside Neighborhood Summer Picnic
Come join your neighbors for a day of relaxation and socialization!
July 20th 11am-1pm
St. Joseph Park
Pack your picnic blanket and come to the park to enjoy lunch and games
with your neighbors. Refreshments and lunch provided, but feel free to
bring a dish if you wish.
Enjoy all the space and beauty of St. Joseph park while being active with
your family and neighbors. St. Joseph park offers a basketball court, baseball diamond, play structure with swings, and a tennis court.
See you there!
Share your Westside News!
Advertise your Westside Business!
Deadlines for article and ads are February 28, May 31,
August 31, & November 30 of each year. The newsletter
is delivered to about 2,000 addresses in the Westside
Neighborhood. Articles for upcoming events should refer
to dates at least one month after the submission deadline.
The Westsider also welcomes ads from your business!
Email for more information [email protected].
Per issue advertising rates are:
♦ Eighth-page = $40 (2.5” h x 3.5” w)
♦ Quarter-page = $60 (5” h x 3.5” w)
♦ Half-page = $100 (5” h x 7.5” w)
There is a 25% discount for purchasing identical ads in
four consecutive newsletters with full payment due upon
first ad placement.
2
Summer 2013
Page 3
WNA Candidates Night is June 18
Mark your calendars to meet the candidates who are vying to be your voice on the
Lansing City Council. The Westside Neighborhood Association will host a Candidates Night forum on Tuesday, June 18, featuring the candidates running for Fourth
Ward and At-Large seats on the City Council.
Lansing’s leaders face tough decisions on the budget, city services, public safety and
many other issues that are important to our neighborhood and our community. Getting to know the views and positions of those who seek to represent you and your
family on the City Council will help ensure that you have confidence in the person
you cast your vote for on Election Day.
The forum is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Letts Community Center, 1220
W. Kalamazoo St., in the Ryder Community Room. All candidates will be given time
to introduce themselves to voters and share their views, followed by a Q&A session
with the audience.
Check out the Westside Neighborhood Association’s Facebook page and website for
more details as the date draws closer. We hope to see you there!
3
Westside Business Directory – Summer 2013
The Westside Neighborhood Association produced this directory to promote businesses located within
our beautiful neighborhood or businesses owned by those who live within the Westside Neighborhood.
The Westside Neighborhood boundaries are Oakland Avenue on the north, Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard on the east, the Grand River on the south, and the boundary of the city on the west.
Visit us on the web at http://wnalansing.com.
Please support your neighbors and neighborhood businesses!
Tell them you saw their listing in the WNA Business Directory!
Arts
Celestine Paints
[email protected]
celestinepaints.com
517-484-2015
Face painting; Murals; Painting
lessons; Zentangle(r) lessons;
Handpainted greeting cards
Custom Home Murals
[email protected]
612-385-1044
Creating visions for a lifetime.
Offering competitive rates for each
custom mural. I work with you to
realize your vision.
Genesee Studio of Music
517-485-3054
[email protected]
Private music lessons for voice,
guitar, piano, composition,
improvisation and general music
theory. All ages and experience
Mark Taylor School of Dance
3315 E. Michigan Ave. Ste 6
517-332-4060
[email protected]
www.marktaylorschool.com
Full service dance instruction for
ages 3 1/2 to 100. Techniques of
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical
and Hip Hop. Beginner to
advanced. Ballroom by
appointment.
Root Doctor
517-881-8158
www.rootdoctorband.com
Root Doctor plays a diverse mix of
classic soul and R&B alongside
traditional blues and inspired
original material. Along with over
20 years of club, concert and
festival performances, they have
released four recordings to local
and national acclaim. Root Doctor
will play your wedding, birthday
party, anniversary....you name it.
Automotive
Denny's Auto Diagnosis, Inc.
Timothy Grinold, Vice President
2738 North Grand River
517-321-2255
[email protected]
dennysautodiagnosis.com
Automotive Diagnostics, Repair
and Maintenance. Foreign and
Domestic. Quality Automotive
Repair Since 1969.
Business Services
Austin Ashley Creative Graphic
Design and Marketing
austinashley.net
989-640-4941
Affordable Graphic Design and
Marketing services tailored to fit
your needs. Experienced in print,
digital, and interaction design;
photography; social media, event
planning, campaign development,
and art direction.
R. Neuner Consulting, LLC
[email protected]
www.roryneuner.com
517-515-3535
Public Policy, Coalition Building,
and Issue Advocacy
Child Care/Education
Little Scholars Preparatory School
416 W. Ottawa, Lansing
1754 E. Clark Rd., Lansing
517-449-8687
[email protected]
www.littlescholarsprep.com
Little Scholars Prep School is a
first-class preschool and childcare
center for children ages birth
through six years old, located in
Lansing and DeWitt, MI.; Quality
childcare & preschool for children
ages 0-6
Educational Child Care Center
1715 West Malcolm X
517-485-6825
ec3kids.org
Montessori Children’s House of
Lansing
2100 W. St. Joseph
517-702-9190
mchlansing.org
Scribbles and Giggles Child Care
609 N. Verlinden
517-482-1551
www.scribblesandgiggleschildcare.
com
Cleaning Service
OC's Cleaning Service, LLC
517-484-6854 / 517-281-6930
A family-owned and operated
business with more than 20 years’
experience. We remain as
committed as ever to providing
our customers with quality,
affordable service. Types of
Service: Commercial/residential.
100% guaranteed; bonded/insured
employees/dependable, honest
labor; Move-in/move out services,
daily/weekly/bi-weekly/monthly
schedules available. Special event
cleaning offered; frequency based
upon your needs.
Excursions
Grin Reaper Charter Fishing
Keenan Marina, 526 Pine St,
Spring Lake, MI 49456
517-214-1501
[email protected]
grin-reaper.net
facebook.com/pages/Grin-ReaperCharter-Service-Grand-HavenMichigan/301790948773
Charter Fishing for salmon and
trout on Lake Michigan port of
Grand Haven.
Food
BIGGBY Coffee
2002 W. Saginaw
517-484-1979
www.biggby.com
Famous Taco
1909 W. Saginaw
517-321-8226
www.originalfamoustaco.biz
Fork in the Road; Local Artisan
Diner
2010 W. Saginaw
517-580-3556
forkintheroaddiner.com
Harry’s Place
404 N. Verlinden
517-484-9661
Kristie's Kookies, LLC
517-980-2185
[email protected]
Making a variety of fresh kookies,
cake balls, brownie balls, creme de
menthe bars, brownies, and more.
Kookies and Cake balls sold by the
dozen. Brownies and bars sold by
the sheet. Free delivery in Lansing.
Sugar Shack
215 N. Clippert St
517-316-2009
[email protected]
www.sugarshackshop.com
www.facebook.com/pages/SugarShack/126620773733?ref=sgm
Twitter@sugarshackshop
Bakery: cupcakes, cookies, VG,
fresh made pies, and we deliver
to the neighborohood. $2.00
deliver fee, see web site for late
night hours.
Health and Beauty
1500 W. Saginaw:
Chiaravalli & Maxson, DDS, PLLC
517-485-5738/517-485-5629
Colleen Fahrenbach, DDS
517-485-8615
James Figenshau, DDS
517-485-8677
Arbonne International
517-348-9333
[email protected]
www.pureandhealthysystems.mya
rbonne.com
Arbonne is an international
company that is botanically based,
100% natural, and has been
around for nearly 30 years. We
have an extensive, high-quality
line of products ranging from antiaging, health and wellness, make
up, aroma essentials, baby care
products and much more!
Ellie Wong, Makup Design and
Hairstylist
517.485.6563
1122 N Washington Ave
elliewon4.wix.com/elliewong
Melissa M. Iverson, Independent
Skin Care & Beauty Consultant,
Mary Kay
517-763-7032
[email protected]
www.marykay.com/melissamivers
on
www.facebook.com/MelissaIverso
n.MaryKay
Diversity Psychological Services
Old Town and East Lansing
diversitypsychologicalservices.com
517-574-4197
A community representative group
of professionals serving the mental
health needs of our neighbors. We
value compassionate care applied
through a wide array of modalities
that respect the individual in his or
her environment. We are currently
accepting new clients.
Randy Randhawa, DC,
Chiropractor
1226 Michigan Avenue
517-574-5690
www.facebook.com/517Chiroprac
tor
plus.google.com/10175746386678
2571812
Tish Heath
517-485-8579 / 517-896-9783
[email protected]
Massage Therapy, Polarity
Therapy and Esoteric healing
Insurance
Insphere Insurance Solutions
517-203-8540
[email protected]
www.insphereis.com
Largest national distributor of
individual health and life
insurance. Specialize in Long Term
Care, Retirement, Medicare
Benefits, Disability Insurance and
Dental and Vision coverages. I
work for the client not the
Insurance Companies which is why
"Our Solution is the Difference”.
Landscaping
Full Circle Gardens
517-487-5012 / 517-648-2096
[email protected]
Landscape design and installation
using plants native to Michigan,
focusing on urban gardens and
areas under one acre. Traditional
gardening services: spring/fall
clean-ups, pruning, weeding and
pest management, removal of
small trees and shrubs.
T-Scape, Inc
517-582-0895
E-mail: [email protected]
Landscape design and
construction.
Legal
Caswell Law PLLC
517-282-1406
caswellpllc.com
Office hours by appt. only at 1820
Sunset Ave., Lansing, 48917
Practice areas include elder law,
probate and estate planning, and
family law.
Cataldo and Meeks, PLLC
517 E. Grand River
517-487-9656
Havis Law Offices
Timothy Havis, Principal
517-367-6690
6604 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing
Dickinson Reporting, Inc.
517 487-1072
www.dickinsonreporting.com
[email protected]
A full-service court reporting firm
based in Lansing and serving all of
the lower peninsula.
Marriage
Enchanted Vows
517 316-1379
[email protected]
EnchantedVows.com
www.facebook.com/EnchantedVo
ws
An Interfaith Wedding Officiant
specializing in unique, nontraditional, customized
ceremonies. I help couples
determine exactly what type of
ceremony they want and then
write, rehearse and perform it for
them anywhere in Michigan. Free
ceremony design sessions.
References available. Flexible
pricing. All couples welcomed.
Photography
Slobbery Kisses Photography
517-775-0334
[email protected]
www.slobberykisses.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Slobbe
ry-KissesPhotography/122082575205
twitter.com/barkingbeauties
Slobbery Kisses Photography
specializes in pet photography.
Our goal is to capture FUN –
FRESH – BEAUTIFUL – images of
your pet so you can have images
of them you can treasure forever.
We love what we do because the
furry members of our family are
worth celebrating!
J&S Family Photography
517-230-6756
[email protected]
jsfamilyphotography.blosgspot.co
m
www.facebook.com/JsFamilyPhot
ography
J & S Family Photography is a
Lansing, Michigan based business
owned and operated by sisters
Jessica and Stephanie. We
specialize in newborn, infant, child,
high school senior, family, and
engagement photography, plus
more! We prefer to shoot outdoors
in natural light, but will shoot
indoors as well. We offer a variety
of sessions at affordable prices
that fit any budget. Contact us
today to schedule your session. We
will travel within Lansing and
surrounding areas.
More Than Fine
517-712-4240
[email protected]
www.morethanfine.printroom.co
m
www.facebook.com/MoreThanFin
ePhotography
I provide a full range of
photography services: weddings,
high school senior portraits, family
portraits, glamour portraits,
special events, etc.
Okemos Studio of Photography
2233 W. Grand River Ave.
Okemos, MI 48864
517-349-3340
[email protected]
www.okemosstudio.com
facebook.com/okemosstudio
twitter.com/okemosstudio
www.okemosstudio.blogspot.com
Known for their high quality
family, children, and senior
portraits, Okemos Studio is the
leading photography studio in the
Lansing area. Their photographers
have a reputation for making
people look their best and get their
personality out in their portraits.
Nothing compares to experience
when it comes to photography!
Choose Okemos Studio - choose
the reputation - choose the best!
Retail
Bradly's Home and Garden
307 E. Grand River (inside
Absolute Gallery)
Brad Rakowski
[email protected]
www.bradlyshomeandgarden.com
Home accessories, furniture,
lighting, garden tools and
decorations, and of course honey
from Westside neighborhood
bees!
Buddy Party Store
122 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
517-374-9790
Dicker ’n Deal Cash Centre
1917 West Saginaw
517-346-7676
Good Deals
1406 W. Saginaw
517-482-2897
J&J Appliance and Furniture
1901 W Saginaw
517-485-9300
www.jandjappliances.com
Lambs' Gate Antiques
1219 Turner Street; Lansing
517-999-2617
208 S. Bridge Street; Grand Ledge
517-627-6811
[email protected]
www.lambsgateantiques.com
www.facebook.com/lambsgateant
iques
We are collectors of old things and
seekers of hidden treasures. Our
two locations – one in historic
downtown Grand Ledge and the
other in artsy Old Town Lansing,
offer a stunning variety of antique
and vintage merchandise. From
classic to bizarre, the shops'
thoughtful displays are always
changing. Stroll through our
curated shops and find pieces that
will make your home a little cozier
and your life a little more
nostalgic.
The Mattress Source
6323A West Saginaw Hwy
517-886-9434
www.lansingbeds.com
The Mattress Source sells Lansingmade Capitol Bedding mattresses,
in stock and special orders. The
owner is a Lansing native who
attended Waverly High School and
Lansing Community College. In
addition to mattresses, we sell
mattress covers, bedframes,
futons, pillows and head/foot
boards. We’ve been in business
since 1994.
punkinhead, llc
[email protected]
www.punkinhead.net
www.facebook.com/punkinheadh
ats
www.etsy.com/punkinhead1
Hand knitted baby hats. Using
chunky, organic, bamboo, and
other yarns, punkinhead hats are
perfect for baby gifts and
photography props.
Rock’s Party Store
1830 W. Saginaw
517-371-4700
TFS Wind & Solar Hybrid Systems
700 N Washington Ave Suite 200
708-872-0431
[email protected]
www.tfs-financialstore.com
Service providers of Wind and
Solar Systems for off-grid
applications. Manufacturer and
distributor of the TFS “Solar
Generator”. TFS Solar Generators
were used in 2012 “Hurricane
Sandy” super storm event. TFS
Solar Generators are available for
purchase on eBay.
Summer 2013
Page 6
RACER Trust Update
On Thursday, June 6, officials from RACER Trust, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ),
City of Lansing and Lansing Township updated Westside Neighborhood residents regarding the work taking
place at the RACER-owned sites in Lansing and Lansing Township that were formerly owned by General Motors.
Residents were briefed on RACER’s proposed remedial plans for environmental cleanup that are being submitted
this month to the MDEQ for the parcel south of Saginaw Street along Rosemary Street in Lansing Township
(Plant 2), the Verlinden Avenue parcel in the City of Lansing (Plant 6), and Plant 3 on the north side of Saginaw in
Lansing Township.
At press time, RACER’s remedial plans were still being finalized but officials explained that they call for some
excavation of contaminated soils and a deed restriction to contain any groundwater contamination. That restriction would demand that that the cement slabs remain in place.
Grant Trigger, RACER’s Environmental Cleanup Manager for Michigan, emphasized that the Trust’s investigation shows the sites pose no public health threat to the community.
The MDEQ is scheduled to review RACER’s plans this summer and if found acceptable, they should receive initial state approval in September. Once initial approval is granted the remedial work can begin even though the
MDEQ will be monitoring the site for another two to three years to make certain there are no changes in the environmental conditions at the sites.
In addition to discussing the remedial plans, RACER updated residents on site maintenance and efforts to market
the sites for redevelopment.
RACER is required, among other things, to sell or lease
their properties with the objective that they be put to productive or beneficial use. Under the Settlement Agreement, the Trust will consider all of the following six criteria:
1. Whether the monetary value of the purchase price is
sufficient in light of the projected budget for the sale of
that property;’
2. The potential for job creation in the state and the affected community;
3. Other benefits to the state and affected communities
(such as increasing tax revenue, reducing blight, and
providing a sense of renewal);
Vote Tues Aug. 6 & Tues Nov. 5!
www.yorkoforcouncil.com
4. Avoiding a material increase in the cost of, or interference with the environmental action;
5. Views of the state and affected communities; and,
The reputation and credibility of the prospective buyer/
lessee.
RACER plans to brief the WNA in the fall on the status of
its ongoing work. Residents who would like an executive
summary or full copy of RACER’s remedial plan (as submitted to the MDEQ) may contact Grant Trigger at [email protected]
4
Summer 2013
Page 7
Westsiders are Going Nuts!
The Westside Neighborhood Association is organizing two (2) Lugnuts outings this summer.
Use this form to select your date(s) and number of tickets and mail with check to address noted.
# of tix @ $10
Saturday, August 17, 2013 - 7:05 pm v. Lake County - LAFCU Fireworks!
Sunday, August 25, 2013 - 2:05 pm v. Dayton - Kids Fun Day/Super Hero Day
Checks payable to WNA, received no later than Monday, July 1st can be mailed to:
Westside Lugnuts, 1525 Osborn Rd, Lansing, MI 48915
Purchase by credit card at www.wnalansing.com - credit card purchase has a fee of 50 per ticket.
* all tickets are $10 each - kids 2 and under do not need a ticket
Ticket Purchaser Information
Please deliver my tickets to:
Name:
Street Address:
Phone:
Email:
Attention Westside Neighbors:
Are you a multi-generational Westsider?
Do you have the full story on your home’s history?
Do you have stories from the neighborhood’s past?
We want to talk to you! The WNA is working on a
very special project to tell our neighborhood’s story
from the beginning and we need your input! Please
contact [email protected] with ideas, pictures, or anecdotes.
5
Lansing Neighborhood Council
for the Westside Neighborhood
Association
5815 Wise Road Room F208
Lansing, MI, 48911
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
LANSING, MI,
48924
PERMIT #
Westsider Summer 2013
Volume 2 Issue 2
The Lansing Police Department wants to remind you of some tips to help keep you and your family safe.
1.) Keep your doors locked at all times. If you are working in the backyard, keep your front door and garage
door closed and locked, and your backdoors locked if you are in the front yard. Always lock your doors if you
are gone only for a few minutes. During the warm weather people often open windows or sliding glass doors
while they are at home. Always remember to close and lock them when you go to sleep.
2.) Install motion-activated lights in your front and backyards, so if someone approaches your home the lights
will automatically come on and illuminate the area.
3.) Put all ladders and other tools back into a secure storage area after you use them.
Ladders and other tools can be used by criminals to access your home. Always lock any storage unit or shed
on your property.
4.) Be aware of home improvement scams. If you did not solicit the contractor or salesman who shows up at
your door unannounced, do not do business with them. If a utility representative comes to your house request identification. True representatives will carry identification and they will gladly show it to you. Call their
company for verification.
5.) Always remember to roll up your car windows, take any valuables out of your car, and lock your doors
every time you exit your vehicle, even if it is parked in your own driveway.
6.) Summer is a perfect time to spend riding a bicycle. Make sure your bike is secured by locking it up when
left unattended. Proper locked storage or secured inside your residence is recommended when not using your
bicycle.
7.) Be a good neighbor, this can be one of the best crime prevention tools. Watchful, attentive neighbors can
spot potential criminals and alert the Police. Get involved in your Neighborhood Watch Group.
6