News - Old Town, Lansing, Michigan

Festival Sponsorship Opportunities

2010-03-02T15:20:43-05:00

Our larger festivals bring in thousands of attendees each year and are a perfect opportunity for your business or organization to get involved with the community. Check out our 2010 Festival Sponsorship Guide to find out all the ways your business or organization can get involved. You can also contact the Old Town Commercial Association office today to find out more information. http://www.iloveoldtown.org/images/uploads/2010_Sponsorship_Guide_Final.pdf

St.Patrick’s Day Specials in Old Town!

2010-03-01T16:51:48-05:00

Spiral Dance Bar
Get ready for Spiral’s yearly St. Patty’s Day Party. There will be plenty of green beer to go around. The party starts at 8:30 p.m. Come show off your dance moves and enjoy the cheap drink specials!!

Esquire Bar
If you’re not in the mood for a dance party but want to sing your heart out and sharing your St. Patty’s Day cheer, come in to Esquire Bar and sing some karaoke. Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. along with amazing drink specials and of course, GREEN beer!

The Chrome Cat
$3 Killians Drafts
$2 Green Domestics
$2 Lucky Jello Shots
$5 Irish Car Bombs
$3 Chocolate Leprechauns

Unicorn Tavern
Come enjoy a real Irish celebration at the Unicorn Tavern. Start your day off early with great happy hour specials from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Specials include: $1.50 16 oz. draft beer and $2 wells. Have to work and can’t make it out until later? No worries. Live Irish music starts at 9 p.m. with plenty of green drink specials including green beer and green shots. No cover charge!!

Now Accepting Scrapfest Artist Applications!

2010-03-01T16:47:48-05:00

With the New Year well underway and spring just around the corner, all of the fun outdoor activities enjoyed here in Old Town are coming up soon. After last year’s success, we are proud to announce that Scrapfest is back for a second round.

Scrapfest is an intense two week long sculpture competition. Like last year, sculptures will be made entirely from recycled materials found at Friedland Industries. The competition will begin on Saturday, June 12 at Friedland Industries. Teams will be given one hour to collect all scrap materials to be used in their sculptures.

Once the hour is up, teams will have exactly one week to build their sculptures. Teams will consist of five members; however, during the build week, anyone can help teams assemble their piece. If you think you can add some creative flair or lend a helping hand, come on down and get your hands dirty with the rest of us.

Finished sculptures will be displayed at Old Town’s Festival of the Moon and Festival of the Sun. Sculptures will be judged by accomplished artists and community members during Festival of the Sun on Saturday June, 26 and auctioned off. Old Town Scrapfest is a fundraiser supporting public art projects in the historic Old Town district.

Click here for Scrapfest Artist Entry Application

What’s Happening around Old Town in March

2010-03-01T16:45:31-05:00

March 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.

March 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

March 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.

March 2

Scrapfest Committee Meeting
Scrapfest is a couple months away so it’s time to start planning! Committee meetings will be held the FIRST Tuesday of every month at 5pm. We will be meeting at Such Video (111 E. Grand River Ave). For those of you who haven’t had a chance to see the video created from last year event, check out the website at http://www.oldtownscrapfest.com and click on video.

March 2
Photography Workshop
Intermediate/Advanced Adobe Lightroom Workshop at Perspective2! Learn time saving tips, productivity methods and how to get great image quality. A working knowledge of your camera and computer required. We will be using Lightroom 3 Beta. Bring your laptop to follow along! Pre-registration required online http://www.perspective2studio.com/classes/ or call 517-853-5880 Cost: Workshop Part I and Part II: General Public $75, P2 members $60

March 4
Yancyy Live Concert at P2
T-Rose Entertainment and Perspective2 Host: Yancyy Live in Concert at P2. Michigan’s very own Yancyy is a great entertainer for music enthusiasts of every generation. His signature fluid sounds and interpretive mastery are the mélange of refined raw talent, with an intense passion for music and the listener. Yancyy’s impeccable styling and artistic style are not confined to genre distinction - he connects with jazz enthusiasts, classical aficionados, ecclesiastics and pop, rock, funk & hip hop fans.
Yancyy has been nominated for Gen Art & Hearst Magazine’s Cultural Icon Award. A few of his performance highlights include The Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.), VooDoo Lounge (Las Vegas, Nevada), Ronnie Scott’s (London, England), Lionel Hampton Jazz Club (Paris, France), and The High Museum (Atlanta, Georgia) where he was artist in residence for two years. The show starts at 7:30 pm, Tickets are limited. Don’t miss out… buy your advance tickets on-line now. $20 http://www.perspective2studio.com/happenings/

March 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.

March 5
Wake Up Old Town Networking Event
Join us for Wake Up Old Town, our monthly networking event, from 9-10a.m. at Douglas Meeks Law Offices in the Young’s Landing Building, 513 E. Grand River. 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.

March 6
Photo Open House at P2
Saturday, March 6th, Noon-4pm
Perspective2 Studio Photo Contest Open House. More than 20 photographers will be displaying their creative photographic work with contest winners being announced at 2pm. The event is free so bring family and friends… each guest will be able to vote on 2 images they like best for “People’s Choice Awards!“

March 7
First Sunday Gallery Walk
Galleries are open, many with new shows, from 12-5p.m. Individual gallery hours may vary.

March 7
Mizz Reality Hosts The Hand of God Tour at P2
Sunday, March 7th, 6-9pm
Mizz Reality Hosts The Hands of God Tour at P2! A night of impact and praise with R-Swift, Everyday Process, D-MAUB hosted by Mizz Reality! This phenomenal tour will be making an unforgettable stop at Perspective2 in Old Town Lansing. Tickets are limited. Don’t miss out… buy your advance tickets on-line now. $10 http://www.lansinghandofgod.eventbrite.com

March 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!

March 11
Lansing Bridal Association Open House
Wednesday, March 10th, 5pm-8pm Lansing Bridal Association Open House at Perspective2. The LBA is holding their Quarterly Business Meeting & Social in P2’s urban cool special event space. Come check out new LBA member Perspective2, the perfect choice for your wedding, reception or celebration! Free.

March 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 p.m. at the OTCA office located at 1232 Turner St. For more information call 517.485.4283.

March 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.

March 18
Inspiring Women’s Collaborative Café at Perspective2,
Thursday, March 18th, 5:30-8pm Inspiring Women’s Collaborative Café at Perspective2, presented by Core Consulting and TruWisdom. Spend the evening co-creating the future with a community of Inspiring Women! Come together and be inspired by great minds and hearts with enlightening conversation & fun. Dinner $25 RSVP by Monday the15th. Space is limited. For more information call Bernadette 1-517-231-4369 or Robin 517-655-2625.

March 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.

March 20
Old Town Stomp
March 20th - 2nd Annual Old Town Stomp : Jazzfest & Old Town Bluesfest Kick-off event. Open invitation, from 6-11pm at P2. $40 per person featuring live Jazz & Blues, dancing, cash beverage bar, ethnic variety tapas appetizer buffet, 2:5:1 Community Turn Around awards & more! A great night out in Old Town.

March 25
Local Community Food Conference
Growing Our Food System Nourishing Our People Conference will be on Thursday March 25, 2010 at Lansing Community College from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Visit http://www.greaterlansingfoodbank.org for more information

Business Assitance Team Accepting Participants

2010-03-01T16:42:31-05:00

Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA) kicks off the new year with the start of a new program aimed at utilizing the professional talent in Old Town in an effort towards business retention. The new program is the Old Town Business Assistance Team, designed to give local businesses a free chance to get any help they may need to continue their success.

Old Town Business Assistance Team is comprised of volunteers from a variety of professions coming together to produce ideas that will help businesses prosper. OTCA’s grass roots efforts could not have been possible without the interest of the local stakeholders in the district. This program is using that passion in economic development arena.
Businesses will selected after filling out a detailed registration form listing needs, concerns, or issues they would like to go over with the team. The team will then pair them with the best professional to solve their problems.
The team is available to assist in a number of ways from addressing lingering business issues, evaluating a new product or idea, or strategies for growth. OTCA believes a fresh set of eyes can be the best way to help solve a problem and getting advice from successful professionals in this economy can make a big difference.
If you or someone at your business is interested in receiving services from the Old Town Business Assistance Team, please contact the OTCA office for a complete application and scheduling information.

Spotlight on OTCA Membership Service: Human Resources

2010-03-01T16:38:34-05:00

Did you know that part of your Old Town Commercial Association membership you receive free answers to your human resources questions through the American Society of Employers?
The American Society of Employers is a non profit employer association serving Michigan’s Human Resource business community. They provide programs and services that enable member organizations to address their most challenging human resource issues. Since 1902, member organizations have relied on ASE to be their single, cost effective source for information and support on all matters affecting the employer-employee relationship.
Now OTCA can bring that service to you with savings including; discounts on Employee Handbooks, Pre-Employment Screening Services and other services you need to have an orderly workplace with good employees.
For more information on this service as well as a full listing of OTCA member services please visit the website at http://www.iloveoldtown.org or contact Brittney at 485.4283.

Attention all vendor’s interested in Old Town’s Farmers Market!!

2010-03-01T16:34:59-05:00

The Residents of Old Town are ramping up for another fruitful season of the Old Town Farmers Market held at the corner of Turner & Grand River in the Grand Café Sir Pizza parking lot. This year’s Market will again feature handmade or homegrown items the first Sunday of the month from 10am to 3pm May through October.
May’s Market will also include a plant swap open to the community. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing their handmade or homegrown items every weekend at the Market. Please contact the OTCA office at 485.4283.

New “merger” causes marketing firm to double

2010-03-01T16:33:30-05:00

Monday, February 1, Rizzi Designs (RD), a marketing firm located in Lansing’s Old Town, acquired Addis Enterprises, an award-winning web design and video production company. The addition of John Addis has caused the number of RD’s clients to double, and has added award winning web, video, and photography services to its list of in-house offerings.
“Part of becoming successful so quickly is that I had more clients than I could handle alone,“ explains Addis. “I began looking to partner with another small business, and when Rochelle gave me the tour of Rizzi’s new location, we both realized how mutually beneficial a full ‘merger’ would be.”
January 2010 compared to January 2009, RD showed a 900% increase in revenue, even before Addis came into the picture. The newly renovated former school for the blind provides 6,000 square feet of beautifully renovated historic space for Rizzi Designs to grow with its budding repertoire of clients, spanning across the nation and internationally.
“We purchased Old Town Manor in November 2009, moving from 300 square feet to 6,000. We never would have imagined that we would assume responsibility for 11 team members, additional infrastructure and over 90 new clients in only three months,” explains Rochelle Rizzi, president and CEO of Rizzi Design.
Despite the rapid growth, Rizzi is confident that Rizzi Designs will be able to maintain the level of service enjoyed by her clients before this friendly acquisition. “We want to maintain trust with our current clients and introduce ourselves to our new clients. John has placed a lot of trust in me to take him on as a full-time team member and manage the clients he’s bringing to the table.
Rizzi continues, “We’re aware of the fast-paced growth, and we were quick to realize that new processes and management tools were needed to sustain this amazing time in the company’s history. We haven’t lost sight of our core – branding and a cohesive team environment. We are thrilled with how it’s all coming together, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the talent and ever-willing attitudes of the great people who fill the Manor every day. It’s a joy and a privilege to work for them.”
Rizzi Designs has three divisions including RD Creative Studio & Strategic Marketing, RD “I Do” and RD Special Events. All divisions offer its clients a full-service approach to cover everything under the marketing umbrella.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer award-winning web design in-house and be able to offer personal attention and added strategic marketing services to the incoming clients from Addis Enterprises. It’s a perfect fit for both parties, and it truly couldn’t have happened at a better time. I respect John immensely and I am looking forward to adding even greater value to our company, our clients and our team,” Rizzi concludes.

Lansing Community College hosts food conference

2010-03-01T16:31:20-05:00

On Thursday, March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lansing Community College will host a conference for people in Mid-Michigan focusing on “growing our food system and nourishing our people”. The conference is opened to the public and will concentrate on people who grow, produce, process, distribute, market, or prepare food and anyone else connected in the food industry, public health, pantries, funding and policy making.
The conference will work to connect with people throughout the system, help everyone gain knowledge about our food system, learn the best practices from pantries around the state and will encourage everyone to be energized about improving our community food system. The conference is presented in partnership with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Northwest Initiative, C.S. Mott Group, Allen Neighborhood Center, MSU Extension, Lansing City Market and more.
The conference is located on the Lansing Community College West Campus at 5708 Cornerstone Drive in Lansing, MI 48917. Cost is $5 and you can find more information and register online at http://www.greaterlansingfoodbank.org.

Winter Mixer highlights another great year in Old Town!

2010-03-01T16:02:29-05:00

There was no shortage of food, fun or Old Townies at the Old Town Commercial Association’s Winter Mixer and Annual Meeting that was held at Perspective2 on February 4th. Presentations from each of the five committees that comprise the OTCA detailed past accomplishments from 2009 and future projects for 2010.
Every year, Volunteer of the Year awards are selected from each of the committees. Jenelle Wierenga received Volunteer of the Year award from the Organization Committee for her part as committee chair, Director of Festival of the Sun and Moon, and Founder of Residents of Old Town (ROOT Group). The Economic Restructuring Committee awarded Don McNabb Volunteer of the Year for his participation in Old Town’s Community Build and countless hours volunteering at Festival of the Sun, Festival of the Moon, and Oktoberfest. David Such was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Promotion Committee. He began Compassionate Feast nine years ago and in 2009 we helped feed our 1,000th family. David also started the very popular Scrapfest in 2009.This year Lauren Ciesa won Volunteer of the Year from the Design Committee as well as OTCA’s general Volunteer of Year award for the time he and the CiesaDesign staff donated to gardening in Old Town. Lauren provides all of the flowers for Lot 56 and the Robert Busby bridge. Ross Yednock and Amanda Hightree were also recognized as outstanding volunteers for sitting on the board.
In addition to recognizing the volunteers that help make the OTCA what it is, members voted to confirm appointments and voted for new board members. Mary Swanson of Swanson Design, Heather Chunko of Fortin and Chunko, and Don McNabb of Triterra were all confirmed to continue their terms. Shannon Rolley, Old Town resident, Rochelle Rizzi, Owner of Rizzi Designs, and Summer Schriner, Owner of Grace were all elected to the board for a three year term.
A big thanks goes out to Thailand: Thai Food, Mama Bears, Chrome Cat, Sir Pizza and the Pastry Palette for donating the delicious food we munched on all night. We’d also like to thank Lynn Brown and the Perspective2 staff for donating their time, space and equipment for OTCA’s Winter Mixer.