The Old Town Business and Art Development
Association is excited to host its second annual “Old Town Stomp”
fundraising and kick-off event of the year on Saturday, March 20, 6-11:30 pm
at Perspective2 in Old Town (319 E. Grand River Ave.).
The proceeds from this spectacular evening will help to sponsor over 150
musicians scheduled to perform at this year’s Lansing JazzFest and Old Town
BluesFest.
On the front side, as guests begin to arrive at 6 pm, organissimo will be
filling the air with lively jazz stylings, setting the tone for an evening
of extraordinary music and celebratory spirit. organissimo has generously
donated 100 free CDs to the event.
Other festivities include the 2*5*1 Community Turn Around awards,
highlighting some extraordinary festival partners, and special festival
announcements. Ethnic tapas will be just as lively as the music, making an
excellent pairing for the evening. A cash bar, dancing and vintage festival
memorabilia will add to the fun of the evening as well.
For the second half of this exciting night out on the town, Greg Nagy will
kick it up a notch and fill the dance floor as the blues are celebrated on
the back side of the night! Nagy has also generously donated 100 free CDs to
the event!
The linen-clad, candle-lit ambiance of Perspective2 offers limited
availability. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. To inquire
about ticket availability and for complete event details please visit the
event website at http://event.pingg.com/TheOldTownStomp or e-mail
for more information.
Old Town Business and Art Development Association/Michigan Institute of
Contemporary Art is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization committed to quality
arts programming, the preservation of Old Town’s historic buildings, and
community development efforts. For more information, further details and
updates, visit http://www.oldtownarts.org or call 517-371-4600.
The newly relocated Thailand: Home of Thai Food offers same authentic menu from the culturally rich family who owns and operates it. The Vimolsathit family takes pride in their truly authentic menu that they have been offering to customers for over five years.
“My mother cooks the same exact way for customers as she does for our family at home,” Vanissa Vimolsathit said.
The Vimolsathits originally ran their restaurant from Larch Street in Lansing but wanted to expand their business. They came to Old Town numerous times searching for the right building to house their family-owned restaurant but nothing seemed to work. That was until Hattie’s Restaurant left Old Town and gave the Vimolsathits the opportunity to offers guests an expanded restaurant.
“We wanted to give customers a restaurant where they could sit and enjoy their food,” Vimolsathit said. “Our Larch Street location was more of a take-out place and we wanted to change that when we moved to Old Town.”
Thailand Thai Food offers a variety of Thai food with everything from the popular Pad Thai to their Thailand Soup “a favorite among Thai people” and everything in between. They also offer lunch specials for only $5 that includes a drink, egg roll and your choice of main dish.
“We are getting a lot of business here in Old Town,” Vimolsathit said. “My dad, mom, brother and I just feel more at home here.”
Thailand is located at 401 East Grand River. Hours are Monday -Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and they are closed Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call Thailand Thai Food at 517-372-8992.
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.