Events April 2011
Events
April 9, 10 — Fiber Fun, Lansing. Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Rd., will host four sessions of Fiber Fun classes and demonstrations. Each session will provide a different set of classes. April 9 and 10 will both include wet felting, weaving amulet pouches on cardboard. $40 per session with an additional small materials fee. To pre-register and obtain class times call (517) 322-0030.
April 8 — Free Family Movie Night, Lansing. Enjoy a fun, family friendly flick in Gier’s newly renovated gymnasium. Bring whatever you would like to make your movie experience more enjoyable (pillow, blankets, lawn chair, etc). Free popcorn for everyone and great raffle prizes. Movie begins at 6:30 p.m. Call (517) 483-4313 or e-mail malston@lansingmi.gov.
April 12 — Prevention Awareness Day, Lansing. The Michigan Children’s Trust Fund will host its annual “Prevention Awareness Day” at the State of Michigan Capitol Grounds. This event is being hosted to bring awareness to child abuse issues in Michigan. After the rally participants will walk to the traffic circle at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Washington Square to place pinwheels that represent the children. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (517) 335-0671.
April 16 — Document Destruction Day, Lansing. Got any old documents you just can’t wait to get rid of? Don’t have the capacity to shred them all? Don’t worry! Let the Old Town Commercial Association and Friedland Industries take care of those for you. Document Destruction Day is a free recycling day where community members can drive thru, drop off unwanted papers and have them properly disposed of at Friedland Industries, 405 E. Maple St. from 8 a.m. to noon. What’s an acceptable document? Everything from junk mail to old legal documents and tax records. So mark your calendars and line-up early because it’s sure to be a busy day. Visit www.iloveoldtown.org.
April 16-17 — The OPEN MARKET, Mason. Free-spirited. Bohemian. Vintage. Contemporary. Nostalgic. The OPEN MARKET comes to The Mason Cobblestone Event Center, 205 Mason St. Housed in a charming historic event hall in the heart of the antiques district, The OPEN MARKET is a marketplace filled with vendors catering to customers who wear, desire, collect and covet treasures. It’s a fabulous jumble of crafts and collectibles, vintage, Paris markets, gourmet food and grandma’s garage in one fell swoop covering two show days. Free to the public. Call (517) 214-8824 or visit www.openmarketmichigan.com.
April 21 — Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, Lansing. Are you tired of the same Easter events year after year? If so, join us at Gier Softball Fields and try this fun event for a change and a challenge. When the sun goes down the fun begins! Plenty of prizes and games! Each participant needs to bring a flashlight (size limited to 2 D cell batteries). Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Activities begin at 8:30 p.m., flashlight hunt begins at 9 p.m. Cost is $5/person. Call (517) 483-4293 or e-mail estevens@lansingmi.gov.
April 23 — Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Leslie. Bunny-hop your way to Russell Park, 298 N. Main St., for the City of Leslie’s annual egg hunt. Event starts at 10 a.m. and is sponsored by The Leslie Firefighters. Visit www.cityofleslie.org.
April 23 — Embracing Their Destiny, Lansing. The GLAC-NANBPWC is hosting their 29th Annual Founders’ Day Awards Brunch at the Lexington Hotel, 925 S. Creyts Rd., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $25/ticket. Keynote speaker is Hope Rollins. Call (517) 323-7823 or e-mail rmfdove2@aol.com.
April 23 — Party for the Planet Enrichment, Lansing. Celebrate the 41st Earth Day at Potter Park Zoo! Enrichment items will be given to our animals from 1-3 p.m., and our education animals will be out and ready to meet you! Learn about conservation with demonstrations throughout the zoo, and recycle your old cell phones and athletic shoes (athletic only please, shoes must not contain metal). See you at the Zoo. Call (517) 483-4222 or visit www.potterparkzoo.org.
April 29-May 1 — Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, Vermontville. Home of the original Maple Syrup Festival in Michigan. Enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup, rides, talent show, arts and crafts, flea market, two parades, petting zoo, princess pageant, displays, games and free entertainment. Syrup producers are located throughout the village selling syrup, candies, crème and the ever-popular maple syrup cotton candy. Call (888) 482-8780 or visit www.vermontvillemaplesyrupfestival.org.
April 30 — Walk for Babies 5k, Lansing. The March of Dimes (Michigan Chapter) will host their annual 5k Walk for Babies event. Pre and post-race activities will be held at Adado Riverfront Park (west) with the walk taking place on the Lansing River Trail. Call Sheri (517) 699-4863.
April 30 — My Sistas Fashion Show Launch Party, Okemos. Clothing, handbags and jewelry along with other items will be available for purchase. Shopping and appetizers from 6-7 p.m. Fashion show will start promptly at 7 p.m. and the party will start at 9 p.m. Held at The Atrium Event Center, 2685 Jolly Rd. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Call (517) 974-3840 or visit www.mysistas.com.
May 2 — 2011 MI Cops Law Enforcement Officers Candlelight Memorial Service, Lansing. The Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors (MI COPS) will host a memorial to fallen Michigan law enforcement officers starting with a ceremony at Wentworth Park at 6 p.m. followed by a procession to the State Capitol Building. Call Officer Phil Bailey (517) 927-7736
May 6-7 — Cake Decorating Contest, Williamston. The Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce will host a cake decorating contest in conjunction with the Art Walk. This year will be a Dr. Seuss theme in which all cakes must use any Dr. Seuss character or theme. There will be no taste-testing with this competition so you may use 50 perecnt non-cake or platforms. All applications must be received by April 15. Cakes should be delivered on May 6 for public voting. First, second and third place winners will be announced on Saturday. Call Brooke (517) 655-1549 or e-mail lockebrooke@yahoo.com or info@williamston.org.
May 7 — Victorian Day, Grand Ledge. This is the 15th annual event and will feature a Civil War re-enactment encampment and demonstrations, a Victorian High Tea, a moustache contest, a quilt show, period craft demonstrations, street music, drama and food, a Teddy Bear Tea and Maypole dance for the kiddies and other displays and events. All are invited to attend and enjoy the festivities in the heart of downtown from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone who is interested in participating can find entry forms online. Call (517) 676-1589 or e-mail katie@vicotriandays.org.
May 14 — Spring Adopt-A-River Clean Up Project, Lansing. The Impression 5 Science Center is hosting the annual Adopt-A-River Spring Clean Up Project starting at 8 a.m. Groups will utilize Adado Riverfront Park (east) and the Lansing River Trail. Event ends at 2 p.m. Call Erik (517) 485-8116.
May 21 — Capitol Bancorp 5k, Lansing. The Capitol Bancorp Foundation will host their annual 5k run in the downtown area. Race will be utilizing various city streets with the start at the State of Michigan Capitol Grounds. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Anne (517) 371-5517.
May 21 — Dr. Bill Earl Youth Fishing Program, Lansing. Sponsored by the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fisherman’s Association (MSSFA) this event will be held at Adado Riverfront Park (east and west) from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information on this event or how to participate contact John (517) 626-6194 or e-mail mmsteelheaders@yahoo.com.
Arts
April 1-2 — Watercolor Breakthrough, Lansing. Gallery 1212 presents a two-day workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Stephen Blackburn an Indiana Artist. Blackburn has taught his unique style of watercolor in workshops all over the country and in Canada. He was featured in the American Artist publication Watercolor–Summer 1997. His image “Forgotten Treasure” was included in the book Best of Watercolor-Painting Composition by Rockport Publishers and one of his paintings is featured in the book Best of Watercolor 3. Blackburn won the grand prize for his piece “Sunbathe” during the international floral competition. Fee is $180. Call (517) 999-1212 or visit www.gallery1212.com.
April 14 — Celtic Woman, East Lansing. Celtic Woman, a smash hit around the globe, returns with an all new live show! The awe-inspiring vocalists Lisa, Chloë and Lynn, along with the mesmerizing Celtic violinist Máiréad continue to capture the hearts of fans across the country. Held at the Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Celtic Woman, Songs from the Heart promises to be a live concert event that you and your entire family will never forget! Visit www.whartoncenter.com.
April 14-17 — Capital City Film Festival, Lansing. Located in downtown Lansing, the Capital City Film Festival is a showcase of the best film has to offer. With screenings, live music, panel discussions and more scattered across various downtown Capital City venues, don’t miss your chance to be a part of the festivities! Visit www.capitalcityfilmfest.com.
April 15 — An Evening with Kathy Mattea, Charlotte. In an evening filled with her classic hits such as 18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses and Where’re You Been, the beloved multi-Grammy winning singer will also perform selected songs from her latest CD, COAL. Mattea is a repeat winner of the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year award and her fusion of country, bluegrass, gospel and Celtic music has earned her sixteen Top Ten songs. A special BBQ ribs, chicken dinner and show package is available for $42 per person. Dinner is served at the Eaton Area Senior Center. Held at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 378 State St., from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Call (517) 541-5690 or visit www.cpacpresents.com.
April 17 — Sweet & Sassy Sound Sampler, Lansing. A collection of vibrant female vocalists performing across multiple genres will fill the air in Old Town as part of the continuing series live at Perspective 2, 319 E. Grand River Ave., from 3 p.m. to midnight. Don’t miss out on this electrifying afternoon of American roots, blues, hip-hop, jazz and soul. Early show pricing online: Rows 1-3 reserved seating $25 general admission, $20 general admission: students and seniors 65+ $15. Call (517) 853-5880 or visit www.perspective2studio.com.
May 6-7 — Art Walk, Williamston. The Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for artists for the Art Walk event. Friday’s hours: 4-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All applications must be received by April 8. For an artist application, go to www.williamston.org. Call Brooke (517) 655-1549 or e-mail lockebrooke@yahoo.com or info@williamston.org.
May 20-21 — Singing the Journey, Lansing. Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus, is celebrating its 25th season with this concert. This performance will be a celebration of growth and the physical and metaphysical journeys we take as women. Silent auction at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. Held at the Dart Auditorium, LCC, 500 N. Capitol Ave. Visit www.sistrum.org.
Exhibits
Now thru May 15 — Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body, Lansing. Sometimes it’s stinky. Sometimes it’s crusty. Sometimes it’s slimy. Explore why your body produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk at Grossology! This 2,500-square-foot traveling exhibit will be at Impression 5. Visit grossologytour.com for a sneak peek at its features. Call (517) 485-8116 x 32 or visit www.impression5.org.
Now thru April 27 — Photography Exhibit Highlights the International Travels of an African American Pioneer, Lansing. A collection of photographs by Merze Tate (1905-1996) will be on display in the Belen Gallery at the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame. Tate, a 1990 inductee in the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, achieved many “firsts” in her time, including the distinction of being the first African American to graduate from Oxford University in England. The exhibit includes dozens of never-before seen photographs highlighting Tate’s adventures as a world traveler. Call (517) 484-1880 x202 or visit www.michiganwomenshalloffame.org.
Now thru April 3 — Master of Fine Arts, East Lansing. Come to the Kresge Art Museum to view this art exhibition. Eight Master of Fine Arts degree candidates will exhibit installations in painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking and graphic design. The exhibition marks the culmination of a three-year MFA degree program that emphasizes extensive creative exploration under the supervision of a faculty guidance committee. As part of the MFA curriculum, the candidates work closely with curators and staff at Kresge Art Museum to plan, promote and mount the show. Call (517) 884-0659 or visit www.artmuseum.msu.edu.
Clinics
Monthly — Boundary Setting and Self-Defense, Lansing. This monthly workshop will discuss setting appropriate emotional boundaries along with physical self-defense techniques designed specifically for women who have been abused or who feel vulnerable to abuse. Feel strong! Empowered! Safe! Cost is free. On the third Wednesday of each month at the Women’s Center, 1710-1712 E. Michigan Ave. Call (517) 372-9163 or visit www.womenscenterofgreaterlansing.org.
Monthly — Giving Voice to Your Journey, Lansing. Have you wanted to write a story from your heart, but didn’t know where to start? This workshop will provide instruction in the creative writing process and an opportunity for you to explore the emotional heart of your life experiences through personal narrative and poetry. Some topics will include: tapping the well of your soul, writing with a purpose and finding your writer’s voice. Preregistration required. Cost is free. On the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the Women’s Center, 1710-1712 E. Michigan Ave. Call (517) 372-9163 or visit www.womenscenterofgreaterlansing.org.
Now thru January 2012 — Mother’s Self-Care Workshop, Lansing. Local mothers have the opportunity to devote time to exploring what their needs are as caretakers, and how to prevent burn-out while they help care for their families. The workshop meets once a month for two hours each. Each meeting is the second Friday of the month through January 2012. Cost is $250 for the year, with installment plans available. Explore topics such as creating your support network, managing your energy and reclaiming adventure in your life. Register by calling (517) 676-1671 or visit www.motheringourselves.com.
April 9 — Zoo Volunteer Recruitment Day, Lansing. Want to become a Potter Park Zoo volunteer? Here’s your opportunity to find out what it’s all about. Check out some of our many volunteer programs, talk with current volunteers and experience a special animal enrichment. This session will be held in the Safari Room from 10 a.m. to noon. Visit www.potterparkzoo.org.
April 12 — Free Advising Day, Lansing. UM-Flint at LCC invites current and prospective students to a free advising day from 2-6 p.m. Join us at the LCC University Center, 210 W. Shiawassee St., to learn about our Nursing (RN-BSN) and Health Care Administration programs at LCC. Call (517) 483-9727 or visit http://lcc.umflint.edu.
April 12, 19, 26 — Mom to Mom, East Lansing. Continues each Tuesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. to encourage and equip moms of all ages and stages as they parent their children. There is fellowship, Biblically based teaching and small-group discussions. Child care is provided up to age 3, Kids to kids is for 3-5 year olds and offers Bible stories, crafts, music, snacks and gym time. River Terrace Church, 1509 River Terrace. Call (517) 351-9059 or visit www.riverterrace.org.
April 14 — Listen to Your Legs, East Lansing. Attendees of our free evening programs are invited to take a free tour of the MAC and receive a one-week free pass to the MAC. Free evening program: Listen to Your Legs — leg pain might be a sign of PVD. Session is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Sparrow MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd. Call (800) 772-7769.
April 29 — YMCA 5k Pump & Run, Lansing. This road race starts at the downtown Lansing YMCA at 6 p.m. Pump & Run adds the challenge of weight lifting in the mix. You can reduce your time by 30 seconds per bench press repetition, with a max number of 30 reps (equal to 15 minutes). Men required to press their body weight; women required to press 65 percent of their body weight. Not into weight lifting? Just sign up for the 5k portion. Please note, the race will end at the YMCA, and food and beverages will be provided. Locker rooms will be open to participants for use both prior to and following event as well. For pricing and more details call (517) 827-9645 or e-mail 5kpumprun@gmail.com.
April 22-24 — Easter Celebration Silent Retreat, Bath. Begins Friday before dinner through Sunday after dinner, at the Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre, 7187 Drumheller Rd. Join us in sharing in the Joy of Easter! Deepen your experience of inner peace in a silent, peaceful atmosphere. Inner and outer silence, together with time spent in meditation, contemplation and walking. This small group retreat offers home-cooked vegetarian meals and comfortable, shared accommodations in a quiet country setting. $140. Please ask about a bursary if you cannot afford the full fees. Preregistration required. Call (517) 641-6201 or visit www.selfrealizationcentremichigan.org.
April 24 — Easter Pure Meditation Gathering, Bath. We warmly welcome everyone, of all faiths, to join us on Easter morning for our Pure Meditation Gathering. We gather at 10:15 a.m. and start at 10:30 a.m. No charge. Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre, 7187 Drumheller Rd. Please RSVP call (517) 641-6201 or visit www.selfrealizationcentremichigan.org.
May 1-7 — Pure Meditation Course including Raja-Kriya Yoga, Bath. Do you yearn for true Peace in your mind and Joy of spirit? Pure Meditation will give you the tools to relax, focus and regain mastery of your mind; to ease away the layers of ego revealing your true self. Come to the Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre, 7187 Drumheller Rd. Call (517) 641-6201 or visit www.selfrealizationcentremichigan.org.
Fundraisers
April 2 — Taste and Tour of Old Town, Lansing. Food. Sun. Shopping. Really, what reason is there to not go to the Taste and Tour? This annual event opens the doors to the magic of Old Town. Businesses and restaurants put on quite a show from noon to 5 p.m. For the third year in a row, Old Town is opening up some of its lofts — they’re worth seeing. They’re very big-city, but their real value is the comforting and quiet streets they overlook. And while you enjoy the loft tours, you can also savor samplings of Old Town’s delicious restaurants. This is a fundraiser for the OTCA, which helps to continue its mission of revitalizing the Old Town district. Visit www.iloveoldtown.org.
April 2 — Run for Access to Care for Everyone, East Lansing. The 5k is a run/walk to raise funds for two local clinics that provide medical care to people with little or no insurance. Care Free Medical is a free clinic that has been providing medical, dental, vision and ob/gyn services to the uninsured population since its opening in 2004. Students from MSU’s Colleges of Human Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine volunteer to work with attending physicians to see patients in need. Prizes to the top three male and female racers. Road race at 2 p.m. in East Lansing for $15. Call (616) 822-0926 or e-mail simontib@msu.edu.
April 3 — Run for Lucky Fund, East Lansing. Presented by MSU Pre-Vet Medical Association. Proceeds will go to benefit Lucky Fund through MSU’s Vet Teaching Hospital. 5k run/walk along the Red Cedar River and through the MSU Campus. Also, a one mile fun run/walk. This road race starts at 10 a.m. at the Auditorium Building, Farm Lane and North Shaw Lane. For fee and other details, e-mail blockc@lcc.edu.
April 3 — Run to Remember 5k, East Lansing. Please join Beta Alpha Psi in their efforts to battle Alzheimer’s. This road race takes place on the blooming campus of MSU. The race begins and ends at the Auditorium Building on Farm Lane Road, and is followed by an awards ceremony, refreshing snacks and a free raffle for all runners. For pricing and more facts visit www.runningfoundation.com/runto_remember.html or e-mail bap5krun@gmail.com.
April 9 — Bloom into Spring, Lansing. A fashion show fundraiser for paws! Come mingle with your friends, enjoy munchies and donate to a needed cause. Held at the Quality Suites Hotel, 901 Delta Commerce Dr., east of Horrocks, from 1-3 p.m. Donations accepted at the door for Paws. Chinese auction, fabulous prizes and stunning jewelry by Touchstone as well as Partylite Candles. RSVP call (517) 256-6340 or e-mail candlesrock@aol.com.
April 15 — Like a Fine Wine, East Lansing. LAP Respite Center and MSU’s student organization Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) announces the 2nd Annual “Like a Fine Wine, LAP Only Gets Better with Time.” This gala will take place at the beautiful Spartan Towers overlooking magnificent Spartan Stadium from 6-10 p.m. The event features food and wine pairings by MSU Wine Expert and MSU Kellogg Center’s Chefs. Third Coast Swing Orchestra will perform. Silent and live auctions. Call (517) 372-6671 or visit www.laprespitecenter.com.
April 16 — 2011 Lady Spartan Football Clinic, East Lansing. Join the First Lady of MSU Football, Becky Dantonio, along with Head Coach, Mark Dantonio, and the rest of the Spartan Football family for this exciting ladies football clinic. Proceeds go to Ele’s Place. Clinic check in: 12:30- 2 p.m. at the Skandalaris Center, free parking is available in Lot 79, located at the south end of Spartan Stadium. $64/ registration. Call (517) 355-1647.
April 16 — 8th Annual Fur Ball, East Lansing. A black tie and wagging tails good-time fundraiser. Dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions and the ultimate doggy spa at Eagle Eye Golf Club from 6:30-11:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Capital Area Human Society. $50/pooch, $100/person or $1,250 sponsored tables of eight. Call (517) 626-6821 x 11 or visit www.cahs-lansing.org.
April 17 — Race for the Cure 5k, Lansing. The Mid-Michigan Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation will host the annual “Race for the Cure” fundraising 5k walk/run in downtown. The start will be located on the State of Michigan Capitol Grounds. The walk starts at 2 p.m. and all events end at 4 p.m. Call (517) 886-4901 or e-mail info@komenmidmichigan.com.
April 26 - Empty Plate Dinner, East Lansing. The Greater Lansing Food Bank Empty Plate Dinner and Fundraiser will be held at the Kellogg Center from 5:30-8 p.m. For tickets and sponsorships, please e-mail glfb@greaterlansingfoodbank.org.
April 30 — National Multiple Sclerosis Society 5k Walk/Run, Lansing. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will be hosting their annual 5k run/walk fundraiser at Potter Park Zoo with use of the Lansing River Trail. This event is to raise funds for the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Laurie (248) 936-0340.
May 19 — 10th Annual “Price Is Write” Silent Auction/Dinner, Lansing. Please join emcees Jane Aldrich, Kip Bohne and auctioneer Jim Weaver from 5-9 p.m. at the Causeway Bay Hotel, 6820 S. Cedar St., for Capital Area Center for Independent Living’s annual fundraiser. All proceeds will help maintain quality services and supports for persons with disabilities in our surrounding counties. Call (517) 999-2760.
May 22 — 32nd Annual Senior Salute Luncheon, East Lansing. Sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Tau Omega Chapter in Lansing, this senior salute luncheon recognizes graduating African-American high school seniors in the greater Lansing area for their academic accomplishments. Begins at 2 p.m. in the Big Ten ‘A’ Room of the Kellogg Center. Tickets: $25. Call (517) 303-4086 or e-mail akaseniorsalute2011@gmail.com.
