On the corner of Grand River and Washington sits the historic North Presbyterian Church, which has been in Old Town for more than 100 years. Located in a beautiful building on the National Historic Register, the church is an often overlooked gem.
Pastor Stephanie Crossland has been leading the congregation for about five years, and is one of the most down-to-earth people you’ll meet. Though the church has a modestly-sized congregation, their output is amazing. The congregation puts on a vacation bible school, inspring larger local congregations to do the same. The church also has a food bank, delivers for Meals on Wheels, has a youth group and is looking to work more with Old Town’s neighbors. The church aslo has a great facility for classes, such as art, dance or theater, and would like to partner with other Old Town businesses. In keeping with Old Town’s beliefs, the church openly accepts and welcomes all members of the community, including the GLBT community, and has since the ‘70s. For additional information, visit http://home.comcast.net/~northchurch
October Moon owner Aura Ozburn has made Old Town her home. Five years ago, knowing little more about the community than it had a great ice-cream shop, wonderful ambience and was where her best friends lived, she took a leap and set up shop.“The store is very different now from what it was five years ago,” said Ozburn. “Over the years, I’ve added all of the pieces I love. I only carry things that I know, use and would recommend for others.”
Guests at October Moon are in for a great experience. Very few shops treat guests to a cup of tea, great conversation and a beautiful fresh flower on your purchase, but it is promised at October Moon. Ozburn also aims to carry unique items and focuses in on local products.
In addition to past favorites, October Moon is expanding its children’s products, from toys to shoes to clothes, as well as Petunia Picklebottom bags and accessories for moms.
To celebrate, October Moon is holding a birthday party, taking place Friday, October 12 from 6p.m. to 10p.m. For additional information, visit http://www.octobermoon.net.
Sweet Little Party Palace, 1134-B N. Washington Ave., is the place to go for the special little girl in your life’s next party. Sweet Little Party Place plans and hosts parties with many different themes from Spa to Princess to Rock Star. Owner, Deborah Allen, offers more than girly-girl parties, she also hosts etiquette classes for boys and girls and even adults. For more information and pictures of past parties visit http://www.sweetlittletea.com.
This spring Lynne Brown and Anne Hill bought the old Tom’s Antiques building and had an “Outrageously Huge Sale.” Now, renovations are complete and four businesses are opening their doors in this beautiful new space.
Vintage Palooza, an antique and collectibles store, offers traditional antiques and collectibles, along with vintage items that are given new life and function for the modern era.
Perspective2, a member-based studio for photographers or anyone creative-minded, has two rentable studio spaces which can be used as photographic studios, gallery space, theater productions and many other uses.
Studio Perk, opening soon, is a small coffee house serving Ground for Change coffee, fresh homemade cinnamon rolls, pies and pastries.
Media Graphics, an Old Town local, moved out of shared space with Redhead Design Studio so both businesses could expand and opened the new office in the 319 building. Media Graphics is a graphic design, photographic and publishing company.
With two new fitness businesses opening this month, get ready to get physical!
Old Town Pilates, 1214 Tuner St.
Owner, Rosanna Barbario, is a classically trained Pilates instructor who owned her own studio in New York City before moving back to Lansing to open a studio in her home town. Rosanna likes to work with people one-on-one, so Old Town Pilates will offer private and small group sessions with the use of Pilates machines for the maximum benefit. Mat classes will also be offered. The studio is scheduled to open the second week of October. Call 347.241.8983 for class schedules and more information.
Hilltop Yoga, 108 E. Grand River
Opening a second Lansing-area location, Hilltop Yoga begins classes at the new Old Town studio on October 1. Owner and instructor Hilaire Lockwood-O’Day specializes in power and karma yoga and teacher training. Classes are available for all ages and skill levels. in addition to yoga classes, the studio will feature unique artwork and upscale yoga apparel that are hard to find anywhere else. To celebrate the new studio and the move to Old Town, Hilltop is offering a free weekend of Yoga, October 19-21. For more information visit http://www.hilltopyoga.com or call 517.290.1961.