Each year dedicated Old Town volunteers and board members strive to create the most vibrant community for businesses and residents alike. Though many of the services that our organization provides is geared toward the betterment of the community as a whole, a handful of the most visible services is set aside for members of the organization.
Though the OTCA has several funding streams, none are more important than the membership dues that are collected each year, growing grassroots support, identifying stakeholders, and ensuring the sustainability of the organization.
As we come upon another year of volunteer driven success stories for our neighborhood, we’d like to highlight some of the more recent member benefits available through the OTCA.
Free membership to the Small Business Association of Michigan including;
Group health insurance benefits through Blue Cross Blue Shield and COBRA Administration. 401k Retirement Planning through Nationwide Financial Services and 25% off packages delivered across the state, country or world with special volume rates.
Opportunity to receive support through Old Town Business Assistance Team
A variety of business professionals available at your fingertips for one on one peer to peer counseling, providing you with the knowledge and community support to succeed as a small business.
Old Town discount cards for you and your staff
Opportunity to promote your business to the over 300 OTCA members through the Old Town discount cards and hundreds of dollars more in savings for you and your staff.
Eligibility for Main Street Design Services
Free Design Services from a State Historic Preservation Office Architect which includes one on one consultation, schematic drawings, budget information, product information, timelines and color samples.
Inclusion in maps, directories, website
Business listing in thousands of maps, directories as well as detailed business information on http://www.iloveoldtown.org, Old Town’s premiere resource for business and event information.
For more information about how to come a member of the Old Town Commercial Association, or if you are already a member and looking to capitalize on the services listed feel free to visit the website at http://www.iloveoldtown.org or contact Brittney at 517.485.4283.
TUESDAYS IN DECEMBER
Pickin’ in the Park
Pickin’ in the Park is a weekly jam session held every Tuesday in conjunction with Shmooze on Tues. and Bars & Rec. Anyone is welcome to come down to listen to music or play their own sounds. Performers will be at Sir Pizza/Grand Cafe until the weather warms up in May. Music fills the streets of Old Town from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1
Old Town Bars & Rec. Club
6-7 p.m. @ Grand River School. Just because fall is coming to an end doesn’t mean the OTCA’s first ever athletic league is over! The league started playing Dodgeball in October with one more game left until moving on to Badminton for the next season. After the 6 weeks, a different sport will be played with the final sport being Volleyball. Cost to participate is $30 for the season or $5 if you just want to drop in. If you pay up front, you’ll receive an original Bars & Rec. jersey, as well as discounts at sponsoring Old Town bars and restaurants as a part of Shmooze on Tues. To get involved, please call the OTCA office at 517.485.4283. The athletic league’s schedule is as follows:
Dodgeball (Grand River School): Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, Dec. 1
Badminton (TBA): Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9
Volleyball (TBA): March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
Money Management Workshop
Head Start is offering a Money Management Workshop from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Grand River School located at 1107 N. Grand River Ave.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
Rizzi Designs Open House
Help Rizzi Designs commemorate their 4th anniversary as they celebrate the sale of a renovated a restored commercial property on Thursday December 3rd at 1141 N. Pine Street. Join them for Wine and Hors D’oeuvres from 4-7 p.m. The Program begins at 5 p.m. with ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guided tours throughout the evening.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
MSU Vocal Jazz Ensemble Performance
From 7:30 – 9 p.m. Old Town will be filled with the sweet sounds of jazz when Michigan State University’s renowned Vocal Jazz Ensemble makes their annual stop at Perspective2.
Cost: $15 per person and $12 per student. Group discounts available. Proceeds go to the MSU Joy Vallier fund for Vocal Jazz. Advance ticket sales http://www.perspective2studio.com/happenings.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
Wake Up Old Town
Join us for Wake Up Old Town, our monthly networking event, from 9-10a.m. at Plant Professionals located at 16886 Turner St. in Old Town, Lansing. 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.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
Dickens Tea
Celebrate the holiday in style at the Turner-Dodge House. Good friends, warm tea, and delicious food are all a part of our second annual Dickens Tea. Beginning at 3 p.m. you will be able to enjoy traditional holiday music and see our holiday decorations. Please call 517.483.4220 to reserve your spot. Cost is $8 per person
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
Swing into December Benefit
The Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council Hosts its 3rd Annual Benefit at P2: Swing into December - Social & Swing Dance Party! From 7-11 pm at Perspective2 you can enjoy wine, cheese, swing dance lessons, and live music from “Hot Club of Lansing”, while raising funds for local environmental protection. $20 for one (includes drink ticket) or $35 for two (includes 2 drink tickets). For more information and online ticket sales visit: http://www.midmeac.org
SATURDAY – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 - 6
Dickens Village
This event helps to kick off the holiday season by celebrating Old Town’s Victorian heritage with Dickens’ much-loved A Christmas Carol story. This free event includes horse-drawn carriage rides, a holiday market, puppet shows, kids’ crafts and all of your favorite characters from A Christmas Carol. Call the OTCA office for more information at 517.485.4283.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
Thriving in the Community: Hear Me Now!
A special collection of youth art will be on display in the lobby of Grand Center at 1223 Turner Street during December and January. The paintings, poetry and paper masks were created by Ingham County youth for the second annual Impact System of Care youth art show in recognition of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. The Grand Center display is being hosted by Pace & Partners marketing communications agency. For more information on Impact, visit http://www.impactsystemofcare.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
First Sunday Gallery Walk
Old Town galleries are open, many with new shows, from 12-5p.m. Individual gallery hours may vary. The gallery walk is held the first Sunday of every month.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
1st Sunday Holiday Art Market
From 12 - 6 p.m. art lovers can grab a sneak peak of the holiday decorations at Turner-Dodge House’s 2nd annual Holiday Art Market. Participating artists will be showing a variety of art such as pottery, painted glassware, jewelry, photography, paintings, and Christmas ornaments. There will be entertainment and refreshments while you do a little holiday shopping and support the Friends of Turner-Dodge House! For more information contact Michael Beebe at 517.372.1348.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
Currier & Ives Jazz Brunch
The producers of the Lansing Jazzfest and Old Town Bluesfest are launching a creative new 6 part Jazz series designed to entice, indulge and entertain guests in a multi-sensory experience laden with the arts. Each event will host a perfect pairing of live music, food, beverages, decor and atmosphere.
Guests will be transported back in time to a traditional after service brunch complimented by linen, candle light and the Arlene McDaniels classic Jazz ensemble creating an Old World allure. Head to Old Town in your Sunday best and join us at Perspective2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $40 per adult, $15 child 15 and under.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
Children’s Ballet Theatre Auditions
Children’s Ballet Theatre of Michigan invites dancers 8-18 to audition for company membership Sunday December 6, 2009.CBT company members perform annually in the Nutcracker at the Wharton Center on MSU’s campus in November and in a spring production in May. Requirements: Dancers age 8 to 18 with a minimum of two years ballet training, a $20.00 audition fee and a headshot photo. Contact the CBT at 517.482.2553 or email
for audition times and more information.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9
Message Makers Annual Holiday Open House
Enjoy music, media, and merriment at Message Maker’s Annual Holiday Open House and Studio Tour, from 4-9 p.m. Please RSVP by Monday, December 7.
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10-11
In the Spirit of Thanks & Giving
Fortin & Chunko, PC will be accepting non-perishable food items to donate to the Greater Lansing Food Bank. We will treat you to a homemade cookie and hot cocoa for the donation. Our collection box will be located at 1122 N. Washington Ave (across the street from our main office) on Thursday from 4pm-7pm and Friday from 10am-2pm. Enjoy the Holiday Season!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
Children’s Holiday Tea
Make great family memories at the Turner-Dodge House. Starting at 3 p.m. the whole family will have fun tasting our warm cocoa or tea and holiday delights. Children will hear a traditional holiday story and make an ornament to take home to remember their day. Please call 517.483.4220 to reserve your spot. Cost is $8 per person.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14
The Sailors/DeLancey Jazz Orchestra
Michigan Jazz Network and Perspective2 Host this unique event from 6-9pm. This wonderful 17 piece Jazz Orchestra is comprised of some of the finest musicians in the Michigan area and is the only one in Michigan that exclusively performs original music, composed by Michael Sailors and other members of the band. The result is an exciting new band with its own unique sound. There is a $5.00 recommended donation at the door. Also, there will be a cash refreshment snack bar available. Family friendly presentation intended to provide the Lansing area with quality arts programming. For online donations http://www.perspective2studio.com/happenings. For more information call: Sharen at 517-894-4103 or email
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
Hot Club of Lansing
The Hot Club of Lansing plays at the Chrome Cat starting at 8:30pm Lansing’s only Gypsy Jazz band! Performing acoustic swing music from Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli, and many others! Chrome Cat details at http://www.myspace.com/thechromecat, Hot Club of Lansing details at http://www.myspace.com/hotcluboflansing
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
Holiday Fun at Stage 1210
Get in the holiday spirit on Saturday, December 19th at Stage 1210 Holiday Fun with Jan Krist, Jim Bizer, Jen Sygit, & Sam Corbin. Starts at 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
Mizz Reality Birthday Bash “Blackout”
Perspective2 welcomes Mizz Reality back for a spectacular Birthday Bash “Blackout“! Doors open at 8:30 pm and performances last until midnight. This event is for the mature crowd and black attire is preferred. Don’t miss the great sound of soulful, holy hip hop while celebrating the birthday of local recording artist, Mizz Reality (aka Shanell Henry). Mizz Reality just released her newest album All in Awe in September this year. Additional featured guests include music artist Lisa McClendon, comedian Martini Harris and more! Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information call 517.303.0802 or visit http://www.mizzreality.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Holiday Camp
From 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. children will have fun learning holiday traditions and making gifts for parents, grandparents, and friends at the Turner-Dodge House. Please bring a sack lunch. Cost is $12 per student. Please call 517.483.4220 to reserve you child’s spot.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Winter Wonderland Camp
Games, snow, and fun projects are all a part of this year’s Turner-Dodge winter camp. This one day children’s camp runs from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and explores historical winter fun. Children should bring a sack lunch and come dressed for the weather. Cost is $12 per student. Please call 517.483.4220 to reserve you child’s spot.
Although Old Town was sad to see Portable Feast close, a new opportunity for a unique bakery and café arose. Pastry Palette Café opened late last month at 1216 turner and visitors have been anything but disappointed. Offering a variety of baked goods and sandwiches, the case has served to satisfy hungry customers.
Owner Vicki Morgan has always had a passion for baking and her former position at a local bank just did not measure up. Gaining five years of baking experience at European Traditions, Vicki and her husband William Morgan decided to embark on a new adventure with the opening of Pastry Palette Café. “I loved working for Rose Cook (owner of European Traditions). She is an outstanding woman and she inspired me to one day open up a bakery of my own”, says Vicki. When the opportunity came to do so, making the move to Old Town was not a difficult decision. After years of being loyal Old Town visitors to the shops, restaurants, and of course festivals, it is no surprise that Vicki and William came to love the Old Town atmosphere. Being part of the community here played a big role in their decision and they couldn’t be more excited to officially be “Old Townies”.
Open until 3 p.m. the Pastry Palette offers a full menu of items to meet your cravings. With bakery foods such as cookies, pies, dessert bars, and cakes, even the biggest sweet-tooth won’t be let down! Sharon Terrill, owner of Hello Sugar!, comes in once a week to prepare gourmet cupcakes just to add a little something extra to the experience. Along with sweets, you can also get your filling of café foods including bagels, sandwiches, soups, and even a quiche of the day. Quick to become a fan of the food, Old Town Commercial Association’s executive director, Brittney Hoszkiw, suggests ordering the Reuben during your next visit. All baked goods can be special ordered to meet your needs and they also offer in-house or on-site catering for any event.
If you’re looking for great food and a personal experience, the Pastry Palette Café is the place to go. Vicki runs the café with the help of her husband and nephew, the café’s chef, along with the never ending support of her family. So stop in and try their famous turtle brownies, made up of a homemade brownie base, rich caramel, and a mouthful of chocolate chips all topped off with crushed pecans, and start a family tradition of good food and togetherness that the Pastry Palette Café was founded on.
Loved listening to the music of Old Town’s Bluesfest? Counting the days until Lansing’s 2010 Jazzfest? Your wait is over, jazz has returned to Old Town sooner than expected, thanks to Old Town Business and Art Development Association (OTBADA). OTBADA has produced Bluesfest and Jazzfest for the past 15 years, bringing thousands to Old Town. Recognizing the success of the two festivals and a need for more quality arts programming they have created a Jazz Series.
The Jazz Series is a six part series that combines a unique blend of music, art, atmosphere, food, and décor for Lansing area residents to enjoy. These musical events are helping OTBADA carry out their mission throughout the whole year and are continuing to help make Old Town a destination.
The series kicks off in December with the Currier and Ives Jazz Brunch at Perspective 2. Inspired by Old Town’s Dickens Village, the brunch will create an old world allure with candles, linen, and traditional after service brunch fare. Guests will be able to listen to the sounds of Arlene McDaniel while being transported back to the Victorian days. Held on December 6th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Currier and Ives Jazz Brunch is $40 for adults $15 for children 12 and under.
There will be one musical event each month that will help lead into to the summer festivals. The next event in the series, held in January, is themed Fire & Ice. Jazz enthusiasts can look forward to the future concerts based on Mardi Gras, Old Town Stomp, Tax Relief party, and Cinco de Mayo.
Do your shopping in Old Town this holiday season and actually enjoy your holiday shopping experience while also helping Old Town’s locally-owned stores thrive. Shop our friendly shops for one-of-a-kind items and find the perfect gift for your friend or loved one. Or, if you’re too indecisive to narrow down the perfect present, give the gift of an Old Town Gift Certificate. Old Town Gift Certificates are redeemable at participating Old Town businesses and come in increments of $5, $10 and $25.
Shopping in Old Town is not only a fun experience, but it helps boost the local economy. $73 out of each $100 spent at a locally-owned business stays in the local economy, versus only $43 spent at larger businesses.
For more information on how supporting locally-owned businesses supports the local economy, visit http://www.CapitalAreaLocalFirst.com.