A series of public hearings in May and June will allow self-identified “communities of interest” to make their case for inclusion in the redrawing of district maps for federal and state elections.
Diversity Issues
GAAY Sports cultivates community through athletics
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April 6 marked the final day for GAAY, which stands for GLBTQIA+, Athletes, Allies and You. The non-profit hosts many sports, including dodgeball, kickball and bowling across Lansing, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. For Lansing’s final dodgeball game of the season, it didn’t take long for the group of almost 60 players to mingle, make new friendsn and let the anxiety of gym class fade away.
Greater Lansing Community News
Clean Refillery to promotes local, low-waste lifestyle
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In October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 23-year-old Alexa Hecksel officially opened Clean Refillery. Clean Refillery, located in Lansing, is an eco-friendly, “low-waste” personal products store, where people can both refill products such as laundry detergent and shampoo and recycle their frequently purchased bottles and containers.
Greater Lansing Community News
City Rescue Mission of Lansing Women and Children’s Center brings hope to the unhoused
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The mission is more than 100 years old, instated in 1911. And in 2023, the Mission served an average of 365 meals per day and gave shelter to an average of 244 people per night.
Education
Vision to Learn expands, helps Lansing students see success
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At a recent Lansing school board meeting the nationwide nonprofit organization called, Vision to Learn was introduced. Dr. Sue Wheeler presented a health and wellness update and gave a presentation on how Vision to Learn will be participating in the Lansing school district. “This year we are expanding our partnership with Vision to Learn… a nonprofit organization that provides onsite vision screening, vision exams and glasses for students who need them,” Wheeler said. “All are at no cost to our families.
Greater Lansing Community News
Pinecrest elementary school to be renamed in tribute to civil rights activist Dr. Robert L. Green
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The East Lansing School Board unanimously voted to re-name Pinecrest Elementary School to honor Dr. Robert L. Green, the first Black homeowner in East Lansing and civil rights activist. Emotions ran high as the board room began to clap following the final approval of the name change.
Gabrielle MortonFormerly known Pinecrest Elementary School is in the same neighborhood that Robert L. Green raised his own kids. The Robert L. Green Commission, which was formed earlier this year, was created in an effort to commemorate Green and his efforts to improve the East Lansing community for people of color in the 1960s. Ron Bacon, a member of the commission as well as a city councilman, said that this change brings light to a missing part of East Lansing’s history.
“There is a long history of Dr. Green that I wanted to know,” said Bacon. “His story being told makes all of our communities’ history make a lot more sense.”
In 1962, President Kennedy signed Executive Order 11063.
Greater Lansing Community News
Ingham County health officer receives Inspirational Woman of the Year Award
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Every year, the Michigan State University Center for Gender in Global Context honors staff, faculty, and student women on campus and Ingham County with the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award. The Inspiration Awards highlight women’s abilities in several categories. Linda Vail, health officer of the Ingham County Health Department, was awarded the Community Engagement award.
Linda Vail
Women who receive the Community Engagement award demonstrate a commitment to engaging and advancing communities and organizations at MSU and in the greater Lansing community through service and leadership, per the MSU GenCen website. Vail is CEO of the Ingham County Health Department where she oversees the operations and leads the entire department, which includes public health services, federally qualified health centers and correctional health. Vail also holds a small responsibility related to the medical examiner’s office. Vail received her Bachelor of Science in microbiology from The University of Georgia in 1982 when she was 20.
Business & Economy
Eastside restaurants coping with changes during pandemic
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Two local restaurants on the eastside of Lansing have been facing myriad challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Environment
Community garden faces challenges, opportunities from climate change
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Warming temperatures could have a chilling effect on Lansing’s many community gardens. But there’s more at stake than good harvest, environmental experts and community advocates say.
Business & Economy
Starbucks opens coffeehouse near Eastwood
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Starbucks has opened a new location across the street from Eastwood Towne Center. The 2,208 square foot coffee shop at 2624 Lake Lansing Road features a drive-through and nitro cold brew taps.
Greater Lansing Community News
Corridor improvement update | Meridian Township
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The CIA’s (Corridor Improvement Authority) most recent vision is to create more programs and options that strengthen the streetscape and build partnerships among corridor property owners, business owners, and residents in Meridian Township.