The Old Town Commercial Association Board of Directors is made up of 11 neighborhood stakeholders ready to commit time and energy to making Old Town a better place to live work and play. This year seven qualified volunteers are hoping to represent you on the board. Check out their story below and come and support them February 4 at the Old Town Member Mixer.
Summer Schriner
Grace, Owner
Summer Schriner is the owner of Grace, a shop for women who love classic style offering everything from jeans to shoes to cocktail dresses, jewelry and handbags. Both Grace and Summer’s home are located in Old Town which is why Summer feels it is important to be involved with the neighborhood. Summer wants to be part of making Old Town succeed. She loves everything about Old Town but primarily the people that live, work and visit her neighborhood.
Mary Swanson
Swanson Design, Architect
Mary Swanson profoundly believes in giving back to the community. As a registered architect she believes that she can enrich the neighborhood by working in the built environment. Swanson Design Studios bought the bank of Lansing building in the heart of Old Town in the fall of 2005. Within months Mary joined the OTCA Design Committee. The day-to-day operations of Swanson Design Studios have fostered the ability to work on committees and work on consensus for the resolutions of challenges. Planting and tending the flowers in Old Town and beyond is a favored pastime in the spring, summer and fall. Mary would be honored to continue to serve the Old Town Association Board.
Don McNabb
Triterra, Scientist
Don has contributed many hours to the OTCA and was instrumental in the installment of the Burchard Park playground. He currently participates in the Economic Restructuring Committee and Board of Directors
Heather Chunko
Fortin & Chunko, Partner
Heather has been in Old Town since 1993 when she joined the firm. Since them she participates in the Economic Restructuring Committee, the Board of Directors and initiated the installment of Burchard Park Playground.
Jenelle Wierenga
Old Town Resident
My name is Jenelle Wierenga and I have been a happy homeowner in Old Town for five years. It was an easy decision for me to invest in this area but I had no idea how much I would grow to love my neighborhood. There is always something for me to look forward to in Old Town, whether that is a high energy festival, greeting one of my neighbors, or lunch at one of our fabulous restaurants. The OTCA welcomed me in as a volunteer four years ago and have since spent time with the Organization Committee, Festival of the Sun & Moon, Farmers Market, Compassionate Feast, and the newly formed Residents of Old Town (ROOT) group. I also enjoy volunteering at another Old Town non-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters, where I have been matched with a wonderful local child for two years. I look forward to seeing all of the great things to come out of Old Town in the years to come and would love to contribute further toward its progress.
Rochelle Rizzi
Rizzi Design, Owner
Rochelle Rizzi is the owner of Rizzi Design which houses three companies: Rd Creative Studio & Strategic Marketing, Rd Special Events and Rd I do. Rizzi Design is a marketing firm, specializing in graphic design, public relations, event planning, bridal, advertising, corporate identity and branding. In addition to owning a marketing firm in Old Town, Rizzi has also been on the festival committees for the past eight years. Rochelle owns property in Old Town and has a vested interest in how the OTCA continues to be successful in building the Old Town community. Rochelle hopes that being part of the OTCA board will be another outlet for her to give back to the community. She loves the sense of community in Old Town and the bigger vision it has for Lansing as a whole.
Shannon Rolley
Old Town Resident
As an Old Town resident I have a vested interest in seeing Old Town continue to grow and prosper. I’ve been involved in Old Town’s Main Street program for 3 1/2 years, first as an intern and then Communication Director in the OTCA office, and now as a resident and volunteer. During the day, I work in communications for Jackson National and at night spend a good portion of my time volunteering on all of Old Town’s major festival committees and with other organizations. Because of my prior work in the OTCA office, I’m not only familiar with the ins and outs of the organization, but am dedicated to it’s mission and approach to revitalization. I know that, if elected to the Board of Directors, I will be able to lend my knowledge, skills and passion to help further the OTCA’s mission.
February 2
Design Committee Meeting
The Old Town Commercial Association Design Committee meets the 1st Tuesday of every month at 12:00p.m. at the OTCA office to discuss the district’s aesthetics, including flowers, hanging baskets, holiday decorations, cleaning and information regarding signage and design. For more information about the committee contact the OTCA office at (517) 485-4283.
February 2
Promotions Committee Meeting
The Old Town Commercial Association Promotions Committee meets the 1st Tuesday of every month at 8a.m. in the OTCA office to discuss different ways to promote the OTCA’s mission to revitalize the community. For more information about the committee contact the OTCA office at (517) 485-4283
February 2
Pickin’ In The Park
Pickin’ in the Park is a monthly jam session held the first & third Tuesday of every month. Performers will be at Grand Cafe/Sir Pizza until the weather warms up in May. Event runs from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
February 3
OTCA Economic Restructuring Committee
The Old Town Commercial Association Economic Restructuring Committee meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at 8:00a.m. at Mama Bear’s Cafe to discuss business recruitment and business retention in Old Town. For more information about the committee contact the OTCA office at (517) 485-4283.
February 4
OTCA’s Winter Mixer
When: February 4th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Perspective2
OTCA Annual and Winter Mixer. We will be celebrating a year of successes and recognizing the volunteers who worked hard to make them happen. Cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres provided. A variety of refreshments from Old Town businesses will be served. Please call the OTCA office at (517) 485-4283 for additional information or visit http://www.iloveoldtown.org.
All Old Town members in good standing have one vote for board member elections and any bylaw changes.
February 4
Peppermint Creek Presents Altar Boyz
Altar Boyz with book by Kevin Del Aguila
Music and Lyrics by Gary Adler & Michael Patrick Walker
Directed by Chad Badgero
Jan. 28 – 31 & Feb. 4 – 6, 2010
ALTAR BOYZ is a foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of their national “Raise the Praise” tour. The Boyz are five all-singing, all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham. With their tight harmonies and spectacular choreography, the ALTAR BOYZ will audiences of any musical genre! As they perform their signature hits such as “Rhythm In Me,“ “The Calling,“ and “I Believe,“ the Boyz question their loyalty to each other and ask whether or not faith is really holding them together. They finally deliver a message of unity, that “there is no star as bright as its constellation, no harmony in a single voice.“
February 5
Wake Up Old Town Networking Event
Join us for Wake Up Old Town, our monthly networking event, from 9-10a.m. at 1106 N. Cedar Street, the Old Town Medical Arts Building. Learn about Old Town news and events and share your own at this free networking event. Call the OTCA at 517-485-4283 for more information.
February 7
First Sunday Gallery Walk
Galleries are open, many with new shows, from 12-5p.m. Individual gallery hours may vary.
February 10
OTCA Board of Directors Meeting
Members of the Old Town Commercial Association Board come together on the 2nd Wednesday of the month to discuss what is happening in Old Town. Meetings are held at Clark Hill beginning at 6:30p.m. The board meeting is open to the public, so feel free to stop by to share your ideas!
February 11
ROOT Group Meeting
ROOT Group was created by the Old Town Commercial Association as a means for residents to discuss any residential issues in the Old Town area. This meeting is open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Grand Café Sir Pizza. For more information call 517.485.4283.
February 13
Bridal Open House
Rizzi Design will be hosting a Bridal Open House themed “branding your wedding day” with personalized invitations, favors, gifts and accessories to bring a consistent look and feel to the event. There will be a small brunch with mimosas and guests are encouraged to view a variety of merchandise and hear about Rizzi Design services. Following the brunch will be an Old Town Bridal Tour where guests are sent into Old Town to see the numerous shops that can make planning a wedding easy. At each shop guests will get a stamp in their “passport” and at the end of the day will turn these “passports” in for a drawing.For more information, please contact Rizzi Design at 1141 N. Pine Street Lansing, MI 48906 or by phone at 517.337.4469 x 303.
February 16
Pickin’ In The Park
Pickin’ in the Park is a monthly jam session held the first & third Tuesday of every month. Performers will be at Grand Cafe/Sir Pizza until the weather warms up in May. Event runs from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
February 18
OTCA Organizational Committee Meeting
The Old Town Commercial Association Organization Committee meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 4:30p.m. at the OTCA office to discuss the overall plan for the OTCA, including fundraising, volunteer recruitment and retention and membership. For more information about the committee contact the OTCA office at (517) 485-4283.
February 24
Legislative Education Day
For the third year, the Michigan Fitness Foundation will collaborate with the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and the Comprehensive School Health Coordinators’ Association for Legislative Education Day. On February 24 in downtown Lansing, educators, students, Michigan Fitness Foundation board and staff, Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness members and other interested parties will meet with state legislators to advocate for strengthened requirements for health education and physical education.
Those interested in participating in Legislative Education Day can download an informational flyer and registration form here. Information about the Michigan Fitness Foundation’s position on quality physical education can be found on our Policy page.
February 26
Black History Month Celebration
The MMLA Black History Month Assembly will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 1:30 pm in our gymnasium. Everyone is welcome. Each grade will offer a presentation on black history, through music, dance, art and orations.
February 27
Duck Baker at Stage 1210
Duck Baker performing with special Guest Jason Dennie
$9 for students $12 for adults
http://www.duckbaker.com
Win a FREE marketing communications campaign for your business! Entrepreneur marketing and design campaign contest opens February 1.
DesignJuice for Entrepreneurs launches February 1, 2010. This brand new program, which includes affordable, essential marketing communications services for entrepreneurs packaged at monthly subscription rates, opens with a month-long contest. Any entrepreneur in the mid-Michigan area – from startup to established business – is eligible to enter. The winner will receive a complete marketing communications campaign (tailored to their business) which may consist of a marketing communications tactical plan, a logo, print collateral design and website design.
DesignJuice for Entrepreneurs will remain an ongoing service for entrepreneurs, and all companies who apply during the contest period, February 1 through February 28, 2010, will be offered a discount on the specific package they select. Packages include marketing communications tactical plans, logo development, print collateral campaign design, and website development.
DesignJuice for Entrepreneurs is an initiative of Tria Design & Marketing an award-winning design, marketing and web development firm with long roots in Lansing. Partner Ann Siegle says, “For years, we’ve loved helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses successfully, and for those already in business, to communicate more effectively with their client base.” She adds, “we really wanted a program that would focus on the core essentials entrepreneurs need, and package only those core services at monthly subscription rates, to ensure even small entrepreneurs make a great start.”
“Successful companies use great design to set themselves apart,” says partner Tina Block, an award-winning fine artist and long time graphic designer. “Great design not only sets a business apart, but is a visual cue to what that business is about – be it fun and edgy for younger audiences, or formal and traditional for mature audiences,” adds partner Barbara Matheson, also an award-winning fine artist and designer.
One winner will be randomly selected from all applicants on March 1, 2010. Application information, package prices, terms and conditions are available at designjuice.triadesignfirm.com. For more information, call Ann Siegle at 517-886-9708.
The Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA) has worked for more than a decade to continue the revitalization of Old Town as a member-based non profit organization consisting of a diverse group of businesses, residents, property owners and other community members united to continue the restoration and growth of Lansing’s Old Town. As a member of the Old Town Commercial Association you and your business receive multiple benefits. Each month we will spotlight a benefit to becoming a member and how the OTCA can help your business.
OTCA can help advertise, promote, and market your business to the community. We use print, web, and social media to put the spotlight on member businesses and attract patrons to Old Town. OTCA is happy to help promote your business, events, or promotions through any of our outlets including, writing and distributing press releases, our social networking sites, and putting in our monthly newsletter.
Once you’re a member OTCA includes you on all printed and online directories to help promote your business. The OTCA is creating a new member directory that includes a map of Old Town and each member business’s information. The directories are passed out at all our events and available in our office for anyone stop by and pick up.
OTCA is also building a new website with a feature section on the member businesses. This will allow your businesses to have a web presence through OTCA if you are unable to create a website of your own. In addition, your events will also be included on our website calendar that includes all that is happening in Old Town.
For more information on how OTCA can help advertise and promote your business or on the other member benefits contact our office at 517-485-4283 or visit our website at iloveoldtown.org.
Not sure what to do this Valentine’s Day? Sick of the cliché chocolates, dinner and a movie? Why not try Old Town to give your loved one a new twist on an old tradition. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, we put together a fun and romantic Saturday evening to celebrate with your loved one.
Even before your date begins ladies, buy a new outfit at Grace and get styled at the Headroom Salon or Bella Rio Salon. Don’t worry guys, you can head on into Old Town Barbershop to get trimmed up so you’re looking sharp for your date. If things between you and your sweetie are serious, buy a new piece of jewelry at Su Casa Boutique & Jewelers. Maybe you’re not quite to that stage, try October Moon for a variety of cozy gifts from candles to robes that any girl would surely appreciate. Ladies, why not pick up some new music for your loved one from Uncle Sam’s Record Emporium or some artwork from the variety of galleries in Old Town such as Walking Horse, Haze Inc., or the Creole Gallery. Now that you’re looking sharp and are stocked with gifts, let the date begin.
Here are a couple of options for your evening out in Old Town:
If you are looking to get the night heated up early on, why not try Pablo’s Panaderia for a variety of authentic Mexican dishes. If you have enough room left for dessert, head down the street to Pastry Palette, one of Old Town’s newest restaurants. There you can delight any taste bud with the many options of pastries, cupcakes, pies and muffins all for reasonable prices. Now it’s time to get moving onto the dance floor at the Chrome Cat. Bust out your moves you’ve been practicing or sit back and enjoy some drinks. After all of that you are bound to be exhausted, head on over to the Cozy Koi Bed and Breakfast for a perfect ending to your Valentine’s Day date in Old Town.
Or for the more adventurous type, begin your date by taking a stroll through Preuss Pets to see the variety of marine and freshwater animals, gerbils, ferrets, guinea pigs, reptiles, one of the largest selections of tame and talking parrots and caged birds in Michigan. This is sure to please any animal lover. After your journey through the animal kingdom, head over to Grand Café/Sir Pizza for your choice of pizza, sandwiches, salads, pasta and the Original Hot Potato. If your carb cravings aren’t quite satisfied, head up the street to the Unicorn Tavern to grab a nice cold beverage and enjoy tall tales in one of the oldest establishments in Old Town. If the music isn’t upbeat enough for you, head over to Spiral Dance Bar where their Saturday attractions are sure to entertain even the toughest of crowds. Retire back to Cozy Koi Bed and Breakfast after your eventful Valentine’s Day.