Association for the Bingham Community (ABC) has enjoyed our busy summer.

Welcome to all the neighbors who have moved in during the summer months.

We had the 1112 Prospect Playground celebration back in May. People have been enjoying it ever since. We do have another bench to install in the near future. Again a special Thank you to Sparrow Health Systems and the Ingham County Land Bank for all the work they put into this project. Again this year, we had a nice Neighborhood Night Out in August. Everyone who attended had a good time. Candy Bar Bingo was fun as always and the raffle prizes were wonderful. Thank you to everyone who helped and/or attended this event. We have been building our relationship with Immanuel Community Reformed Church who owns The Firehouse.

This included welcome a Holland area church’s middle school work group to work in the building and around the neighborhood. They ended their week in June with hosting a neighborhood party.

Remember to check out ABC’s Facebook page for updates on all the great things happening in ABC and around town. The page is ABC Neighborhood

During the fall and winter months, ABC will be meeting on the following dates Monday November 7, 2016 , January 2, (date may change), March 6 and May 1, 2017 All the meetings are held in Pilgrim Church (125 S. Penn) at 5:30 pm.

Please feel free to join us at our next meeting. If you have any questions/concerns about ABC, please contact Denise Kelley, president at 484-9109 or abcneighborhood@sbcglobal.net

Association for the Bingham Community (ABC)

ABC wishes ENO and Everyone a Warm & Happy Holiday/Winter Season!!!

2016

DISCLAIMER

The views and/or opinions of the Candidates are not necessarily the same as those of the Eastside Neighborhood Organization.

THANK YOU

A big THANK YOU to everyone who contributed an advertisement, an article or their time in putting this paper together: This is definitely a neighborhood newspaper. Some of you spent a lot of time and energy helping with editing, gathering articles, typing, and the final distribution.

A very big THANK YOU to the Board of Water and Light for their help with the layout and printing of this newspaper without their help this would not be possible. It is a nice feeling to know that we have the support from a great group. Thanks again to everyone involved.

If you have something you would like published in our newspaper, please contact an ENO board member. This will give you plenty of time to prepare those articles for our next edition.

517.373.1734 senchertel@senate.mi.gov senatedems.com/hertel

STATE SENATORCURTIS HERTEL JR.

Best Wishes FROM YOUR

CAPITOL DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATORS

517.373.0826 andyschor@house.mi.gov schor.housedems.com

STATE REPRESENTATIVEANDY SCHOR

One need look no further than television, the newspaper, Face-book, or many eastside yards to know that Election Day must be rapidly approaching. While of course many are paying close attention to national politics of-late, I am happy to bring to you news from the political world much closer to home, that of our own Ingham County.

As many of you know, the eastside of Lansing is fortunate to have the representation of four County Commissioners on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners. Most of the eastside – Groesbeck and neighborhoods near Frandor and Sparrow – falls into District #10, which I have represented for the past eight years (for the decade prior to 2012, this was roughly District #3). Areas of the eastside roughly to the south and west of Sparrow are represented by Commissioner Rebecca Bahar-Cook. Commissioner Bryan Crenshaw represents areas roughly north of Oakland Avenue and west of Groesbeck, while Commissioner Todd Tennis’ district includes the Potter-Walsh neighborhood. (A map of our Commissioner districts can be found online at bc.ingham.org, or you may call 517-676-7200 for information.) As Commissioner Bahar-Cook will be “retiring” from the County Board at the end of this year, there will be new representation in place soon for the west-side of the east-side.

For those who might wonder what we Ingham County Commissioners do, I’m happy to tell you. We are the Board that takes care of setting the budget and policies for County government. Departments and services included under the County umbrella are the Health Department, Parks Department (for parks such as Hawk Island and Lake Lansing), Animal Control (including the County Animal Shelter in Mason), the

Circuit Court, Veterans Affairs, the Sherriff ’s office, the Road Department, and so on. (A full listing can be found at www.ingham.org). Collectively, the County employs about 1,000 employees and oversees a budget of about $200+ million annually.

The County is currently working on concluding its 2017 budget process, and will be voting in the month of October on a final budget for the upcoming calendar year. Despite external pressures being placed on us, we have worked hard to bring forth a balanced budget, which makes maintains current service levels while making some usage of our financial reserves. Ingham County residents should expect to see the same high-level of service they’ve come to expect from the County this coming year. We are, however, being cautious as we start thinking ahead to 2018, as we expect challenging years ahead, due to tax cuts enacted at the state-level which will continue to decrease state resources available to us locally.

Several major projects in which the County may be involved have been in the papers lately.

First of all, County residents passed the Animal Shelter millage in August, which will be providing the resources for financing a new Animal Shelter. The County Commission has begun the process of building this new shelter, and it is expected that it will be constructed on the existing Shelter site in Mason.

Second, there has been discussion for the past year surrounding a new County jail. Portions of the existing jail are reaching the end of their projected lifespan. The County continues to invest in repairs, but at some point it seems likely that a new facility

will need to be built. At this point, however, the funding is not available to construct a new facility. We are working now on plans which will allow us in the short-term to extend the life of the jail, while in the long-term assembling the funding to construct new facilities.

Finally, the County has been approached to be a partner in the Red Cedar development, projected to take place on the old Red Cedar golf course property near Frandor. Because of the County’s outstanding credit rating and available bonding capacity, County involvement in the project could lead to savings of several million dollars for the development. However, of course, there are risks to our involvement. We are in the initial stages of vetting the project from our standpoint and analyzing whether or not our participation would make sense. No decisions will be made any time soon, but conversations are on-going.

This is, of course, only a snapshot of recent activity at the County level. Should you have questions about what we do or activities that we are undertaking at Ingham County, I welcome your questions. You may reach the Board Office at 517-676-7200 or email me directly at bmcgrain@ingham.org. As always, if you are unsure of whether an issue is County, City, State, or something else, feel free to contact me. I have a great working relationship with others who serve the eastside of Lansing, and we work together closely to make sure that constituent concerns are addressed.

I welcome the opportunity to be of service to you, our neighbors, and to have your input as important issues and policies are debated. Have an enjoyable Fall!

A Word from Ingham CountyBy Brian McGrain, Ingham County Commissioner, District #10

“We have turned six vacant lots into productive spaces in Lansing’s floodplain,” says Caitlin Schneider, Lansing Urban Farm Project Manager.

The first seed was planted six years ago, and with the help of the Ingham County Land Bank, the Lansing Urban Farm project was established.

Throughout its short history, the eastside urban farm has developed into more than a sustainable use of land, and become a space for community building. Relationships fostered between neighbors and growers at LUFP have furthered the homegrown movement across Lansing, continuing the trend of economic, cultural and social development that follows urban farming.

Shortly after LUFP began, an apprenticeship program was created to teach locals how to plan, manage and market produce in an urban farm setting, says Schneider. The program allows individuals to learn and work together to provide affordable, locally-sourced produce.

Schneider explains that her apprentices are Lansing residents in need of work who care for their community. As a result, many of the apprentice program graduates later become active urban farmers and food leaders.

So far, at least three have gone on to grow at Lansing Roots, the Greater Lansing Food Bank community farm, while others have started independent urban farms in other neighborhoods.

LUFP integrates all eastside residents with festivals, fundraisers and their on-farm stand.

For others looking to get involved in LUFP, the apprenticeship program or to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, visit the Allen Farmers Market.

You can also support LUFP by donating online here: https://lansingurbanfarmproject.wordpress.com/donations/

Flower power in Lansing: Neighborhoods in Bloom

Gardeners rooted in Lansing know that taking the time to plant greenery along streets and sidewalks can have a significant impact in the community.

John Krohn, the garden program manager at the Ingham County Land Bank, reveals that neighborhood gardening programs, such as Lansing’s Neighborhoods in Bloom, can help to reduce crime, protect the environment and prevent flooding.

“Neighborhoods In Bloom is a wonderful way for neighbors to roll up their sleeves and work side-by-side to enhance our community and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods across the city,” said Mayor Bernero on the City of Lansing website.

The program originated as a joint effort between Andi Crawford, the City of Lansing’s Neighborhood Resource Coordinator, and the Ingham County Land Bank.

Through the Neighborhoods in Bloom program, flowers and planting supplies are distributed to neighborhood associations and volunteers hoping to beautify public spaces in Lansing. 

According to Krohn, the program has two phases. In phase one annuals and perennials are distributed throughout the city for planting. During the last planting session, Krohn and some volunteers covered 27 neighborhood groups with 4,800 annuals, 3,200 perennials, 200 bags of compost and 420 bags of dyed mulch.

Phase two starts the Corridor Improvement project, which enhances neighborhoods one at a time with the help of volunteers. Aside from their aesthetic value, plants can also be used for environmental benefit. By using flowers and shrubs with deep roots, the City of Lansing can prevent flash flooding during heavy rains and even protect the watershed from being polluted by runoff.

To lend a hand in preparing for spring, meet on the corner of Haco Drive and Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 9 a.m.

Ingham County Treasurer: Fighting foreclosure with knowledge

With tax foreclosures driving residents out of their homes, Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing wants homeowners to know there are resources available to help.

“We’ve made access to property tax assistance a priority because we’re aware that a large number of people continue to suffer even as the rest of the economy slowly improves,” said Schertzing. “Property owners must recognize the need for immediate action to prevent foreclosure.”

Schertzing has been proactive about responding to the number of tax foreclosures in the area by holding Neighbors Guiding Neighborhoods forums, where community members can learn about the tax foreclosure process and ways to prevent it. Step Forward, a program available to Michigan’s hardest-hit homeowners, is one of many resources working to keep Michiganders in their homes.

“We learned from folks that they’re as concerned as we are,” Schertzing said. “They care about their community and want to see these challenges come to an end. Neighbors Guiding Neighborhoods offered us the opportunity to hear what resources they need to know more about and what we should keep in mind as we make decisions as to how to manage these foreclosed properties.”

For help with paying property taxes, apply to the Step Forward program by visiting stepforwardmichigan.org. Find more resources and information on foreclosure assistance programs at http://tr.ingham.org.

Lansing Urban Farm Project teaches locals the tricks of the trade

Medical Marijuana Early this year, the House passed legislation to allow local municipalities like Lansing to regulate dispensaries, create a seed-to-sale system of tracking that helps ensure product purity, and allow for the use of edible marijuana. More specifically, House Bill 4209 creates the licensing and regulates growers, dispensa-ries, etc. This bill includes many of the local control issues. HB 4210 allows for medibles (edible marijuana), and HB 4827 creates a monitoring system. These bills passed the Senate last month with a few changes from the House versions - including requiring marijuana growth to happen only in industrial and agricultural zones - and the House agreed to those changes. I voted for these bills both times, and the Governor has signed them into law. The Senate also passed SB 141, which creates penalties for selling marijuana in vio-lation of licensing requirements, and SB 1014 which adds medical marijuana to the authority of Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. These Senate bills have not yet been taken up by the House. As you certainly know, dispensaries have been popping up all over Lansing and this has been a very controversial issue. I expect these new law will help as the City Council works on the marijuana ordinance here in Lansing. We need to regulate the dispensaries which are numerous and showing up all over the city. We also need to help those neighbors who are facing increased traffic, smells, and the fear of crime due to large growing operations in the neighborhoods. I support people getting this medicine which they need, but I am hopeful that these new regulations will prevent problems that were not addressed in the original medical marijuana law.

Suspension and expulsion in schools On May 3, I introduced House Bill 5618 as part of a four bill package (HB 5618-5621) to deal with manda-tory expulsion and suspension under the so-called “zero tolerance” laws. My bill and the others in the pack-age would give more flexibility to schools to address situations that arise in our schools. They will give the schools the ability to provide safe learning environments, but also ensure they can use common sense in situ-ations where things are done accidentally or there is no intent to harm. We have heard too many stories of students being expelled because they brought a butter knife to school or accidentally brought something con-sidered a weapon without any intent to use it for harm. Zero tolerance policies often fail to take into account the context of the situation, and result in too many children being expelled or suspended. This results in missed school days and children ending up in jail. Other bills in the package add the ability of schools to consider restorative practices as part of their policies to address problem behaviors and situations. Restorative practices (also called restorative justice) have been used with great success in the Lansing Schools, as well as in Grand Rapids, Washtenaw County, and other areas throughout the state and country. This system voluntarily bring students together — for example, a bully and the target of the bullying — under the guidance of a trained facilitator and people who are involved with students. It gives a chance for both parties to discuss the problem. The victim can express the harm done, and the bully has a chance to make amends and be a part of setting the consequences. This process has been shown to promote respect and taking responsibility while strengthening relationships within a school. Schools using restorative practices have seen double-digit decreases in suspensions and expulsions, large reductions in problem behaviors, general improvements in school climate, and even better graduation rates as students that may be barely hanging on are able to spend more time in the classroom. This legislation passed the House in June, and were voted unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Commit-tee in September. They are now on the Senate floor, where I am hoping they will receive a vote this fall so we can get them on the Governor’s desk and start curbing the large numbers of suspensions and expulsions as early as January!

Protecting taxpayers in bad tax credit deals Last year, I introduced House Bill 4580 that would allow local governments to revoke personal property tax credit deals if the recipient business does not live up to its end of the deal. This bill was a result of a situation in our own Walnut Neighborhood in Lansing. In response to neighborhood concerns, a local business com-mitted to substantial changes in its façade as part of their tax credit deal. The changes did not occur, lead-ing the Lansing City Council to vote unanimously to revoke the tax credits. At that point the Michigan Tax Tribunal weighed in, ruling that local governments do not have the authority to revoke the tax credits. Our research found out this language was mistakenly omitted when the law was originally written, and my bill would to fix that oversight. In January, the House Committee on Tax Policy brought HB 4580 up for a hearing. I am pleased to say a number of people from our Lansing community provided excellent testimony, and I am thankful for their voices of support. We also received a lot of support from organizations that are interested in giving local units the ability to ensure recipients of the tax credits live up to their end of the deals. In short, I think everything went very well. At the beginning of February, the committee voted on and passed a new version of the bill with language to address concerns raised by committee members during testimony. The new language will clarify that the bill is not retroactive, and also require a more formal written agreement between the parties. The written agreement will help give local units more legal heft and clarity when deciding on revocation. The bill was passed by the full House unanimously and sent the bill to the Senate for consideration. The Senate also recently passed the bill, but added a technical change so the bill must be concurred in by the House. I expect that to come in November, and am hopeful it will be signed by the Governor shortly afterwards.

Other Issues Last spring we passed a number of bills that dedicated several hundred million dollars to address the water crisis in Flint. The money goes to a number of immediate needs, but also starts a long term in-vestment in fixing the problems caused by the water that was not adequately treated by the state-appointed Emergency Manager in Flint. I am continuing to advocate for changes to help make sure this doesn’t happen again. We also passed a state budget. While there were some good things in the budget, I do not believe that this budget appropriately in-vested in Michigan families and communities so I voted against it. Similarly, even though funding for Lansing Schools was increased, I voted against the School Aid Budget because I thought the allocation of public dollars to private parochial schools was unconstitutional. I have since signed on to an opin-ion (called an Amicus Brief) to the Supreme Court asking for that provision to be struck down. The Legislature also passed a package of bills focused on Detroit Public Schools. The Governor and Michigan Senate had worked hard with Detroit stakeholders and residents to develop a solution that had broad support. Unfortunately, the House Republican majority vastly changed these bills. I was forced to vote against the package of bills because I believe it will not be an effective solution to the academic and financial problems that plague the Detroit schools and the children of Detroit. Coming up After the election on November 8th, we will have a lame duck session where things a number of things could be brought up and considered. The first major rewrite of Michigan’s energy policy since 2008 has been held up for months as legislators in both chambers work with stakeholder groups to try to find common ground. It is my hope that we can find a path forward that focuses on growing Michi-gan supplies of energy and enerate jobs here, as well as move us towards more renewables and more energy savings in ways that are affordable. The governor’s office has also listed some things they’d like to see happen this fall, including work on driverless (automated) cars and PA 51 road funding formula changes. Additionally, the Senate has before them several House-passed bills dealing with criminal justice reform. This includes chang-ing how we treat juveniles, and allowing more people to successfully be paroled if they aren’t deemed a threat to their communities. There has been growing recognition of the fact that we can’t afford to simply lock people up and throw away the key. It ends up costing our taxpayers too much, doesn’t reduce crime rates, and hurts families and people serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes.

This is such an exciting time for the district and community! Stay tuned for more updates as they evolve.

After the much-appreciated support by our Lansing community on May 3rd in support of the Lansing

Pathway Promise Bond Proposal, we got right to work on the projects! Here are

a few of the updates:

Pathway Promise

We established a Bond Steering Committee that meets every other week to review the plans for each phase of the bond projects. Members of this Com-mittee include representatives from C2AE (architects) and Christman (con-struction company) as well as Board President, Peter Spadafore and Board Trustee Bryan Beverly. Also on the committee from the district are Teresa Szy-manski, Todd Coe, Jon Laing, Mark Coscarella, Eldon McGraw and Yvonne Caamal Canul.

• The design development process for the new Eastern High School will begin in early 2017 but construction will not begin until a year later. The design process includes focus groups and input sessions from stakehold-ers. The students currently attending Pattengill will move over to their new school right across the street (Pattengill/Fairview) leaving the “old” Pattengill empty while major construction is underway.

• The new Eastern High School anticipated opening date is the fall of 2019!

A Board Facilities Committee was established and meets once a month to be apprised on the progress of the bond and send major expenditure requests to the full board. This committee will also review the status of all facilities in the district and make recommendations to the Board of Education. Also on the committee are: Board Treasurer Rodgers, Trustee Lopez, Director of Op-erations Jon Laing, and Teresa Szymanski, Chief of Operations.

• A schedule has been developed for designing several projects that will begin now through the end of the calendar year. The first set of schools on the schedule for security and technology upgrades are: Forest View, Mt. Hope, Lyons, Riddle, Averill, Cumberland, Willow, Sheridan Road, and Gier. Bids will be processed in the early part of 2017 and installation will begin in the spring of 2017.

• Keep in mind that the entire bond project will continue through 2021.C2AE has met with focus groups from Pattengill and Fairview to solicit input from stakeholders on what the new Pattengill/Fairview school will look like. A conceptual plan has been developed and shared with the Bond Steering Committee and has been presented to the Board Facilities Committee. Shovels in the ground are anticipated for April of 2017 for the new Pattengill/Fairview! Students will be in their new classrooms in fall of 2018!

A special area of the Lansing Pathway Promise website will be established to communicate updates on the various bond projects. Visit www.lansingpath-waypromise.net for more information!

Bond Steering Committee Developments at Eastern

Board Facilities Committee

Timeline

Fairview (New Pattengill) Design

For More Information

LANSING SUPERINTENDENT AND EASTSIDE SCHOOLSWEBSITE: www.lansingschools.net

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 755-1010Superintendent: Yvonne Caamal CanulEmail: Yvonne.caamalcanul@lansingschools.net

EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL 755-1050Principal: Ms. Donna PohlEmail: donna.pohl@lansingschools.netWebsite: www.lansingeasternhighschool.net

FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY 755-1310Principal: Ms. Janice MarchalEmail: Janice.marchal@lansingschools.netWebsite: www.fairviewelementaryschool.net

PATTENGILL ACADEMY 755-1130Principal: Mr. Tony ForsthoefelEmail: tony.forsthoefel@lansingschools.netWebsite: www.pattengillacademyschool.net

POST OAK ELEMENTARY 755-1610Principal: Ms. Camela DiazEmail: camela.diaz@lansingschools.netWebsite: www.postoakelementaryschool.net

LANSING SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

SCHOOL BOARDMEETINGS

Business Meetings7 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

Lansing School District Study Groups7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month.

All meetings are held at:Lansing School District Building 519 W. Kalamazoo StreetLansing, MichiganOTHER EASTSIDE SCHOOLS

LANSING CATHOLIC CENTRAL 267-2100Principal: Tom MaloneyEmail: info@lansingcatholic.orgWebsite: www.lansingcatholic.org

RESURRECTION SCHOOL 487-0439Principal: Mr. Jacob AllstottEmail: school@resurrectionlansing.org

Resurrection School Preschool and Day Care

Little Shamrocks Preschool: 3 & 4 yr olds – M-F; 9 – 11:30 a.m.Little Shamrocks Day Care: ages 3 – 8; M-F; 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

For further information please contact Resurrection School at 487-0739, Mr. Jacob Allstott, Principal.

New Teacher Band

What’s so cool about the Montgomery Drain?Ingham County Drain Commissioner Patrick E. Lindemann plans a massive project in the Frandor area to reduce pollution to the Red Cedar River.

Residents on Lansing’s eastside enjoy diverse neigh-borhoods in a gateway community between the Cit-ies of Lansing and East Lansing. Its proximity to both downtown areas, Michigan State University, shopping and eateries make it a desireable location in a highly urbanized area - and there’s the rub. Much of what we love about our community - easy access to workplaces, shopping, arts, culture and en-tertainment - has another side. Every road, roof, park-ing lot, and sidewalk increases the speed of storm wa-ter runoff, carrying toxic chemicals and debris straight to the Red Cedar River. “Our scientists and engineers calculate that, each year, 50 to 75 thousand pounds of pollutants are washed into the Red Cedar River from the Montgomery Drain watershed area,” said Ingham County Drain Commissioner Patrick E. Lindemann.

Fix the Drain Citizens, environmental groups, and Drain Commis-sioners from both Ingham and Livingston Counties identified the outlet from the Montgomery as the sin-gle largest contributor of pollutants to the Red Cedar River. In 2014, the City of Lansing and Ingham Coun-ty petitioned the Drain Commissioner for significant reductions to pollution from the Drain. The petition initiated legal processes governed by state and federal laws, including Michigan’s Drain Code and the U.S. Clean Water Act. Once petitioned, “the EPA requires me to meet six minimum measures,” Lindemann said. “These include the elimination of il-licit discharges, public involvement, and public educa-tion.” Lindemann’s team has invested many hundreds of hours into identifying illicit discharges, participating in community meetings, and engineering water quality solutions. “We are going to daylight the water. Instead of piping pollution straight to the river, we are engi-neering a surface-water system of ponds, wetlands, wa-terfalls and other design features that will clean nearly all of the runoff from this watershed before it reaches the River,” Lindemann said.

Environment + Economy The plan for the Montgomery Drain will transform parts of Ranney Park and the defunct Red Cedar Golf Course into a naturalized system modeled after the highly successful Tollgate Drain near the Groesbeck Golf Course. “Environmental solutions and econom-ic development are not opposing forces. The blue and green spaces we will create will attract visitors to near-by businesses,” said Lindemann. Much of the re-engineered space will remain a City of

Lansing park. The ballpark and skatepark will not be affected by the project. The sledding hill will be re-en-gineered and is expected to be joined by walking trails and waterfalls in the project area. The construction of SkyVue Apartments is already nearing completion. Some reports suggest that addi-tional development valuing approximately $500 mil-lion is slated for the area.Art in the Wild “I’m required to educate citizens about their role in protecting water quality. We’re building an innovative system that will include educational signage. So, how do I get people who aren’t already environmentalists to the site?” That’s the question the Drain Commissioner asked himself. The answer came to him: make room for art in all its forms throughout the project area. “I was talking with my wife, Dr. Melody Angel, and we had the idea to place sculpture and murals, some with environmental themes, in the project area. We also want to create in-viting and accessible performance spaces for live mu-sical and theatrical performances.” “Art in the Wild is a private initiative under the auspic-es of the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Coun-cil,” Lindemann said. “No taxpayer dollars will be used to buy the sculptures or other art. We’re pleased that some area businesses, including Marshall Music and Medawar Jewelers, have already expressed interest in partnering with Art in the Wild to bring art and live music to our community. Momentum is building and we think that the sky is the limit for Art in the Wild.” The Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council (Mid-MEAC) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. More information is available at www.artinthewild.org and www.midmeac.org.

Building Community Spaces “We are including voices and support from everyone. This will be a shared space where everyone can gather to celebrate art, environmental stewardship, and myr-iad other accomplishments in our community.” Trails through the park will connect with the Riverfront Trail. “We anticipate hosting art festivals and 5K runs, this will be a place where people can recreate in so many ways.” Bringing to the surface what was once buried water infrastructure will shed light on our shared responsi-bility for maintaining our most important resource in our Great Lakes State.  “We have looked at the research that shows water has a calming and nourishing effect on us. It is our responsibility to create and preserve these spaces for our communities and future generations.”

Say hello to the new Downtown Neighborhood Association! After a number of major changes to our board, branding and vision, we are ready to present a refocused, reenergized DNA to the world.

Founded in 1979, the Downtown Neighborhood Association is one of the senior-most neighborhood groups in Lansing. Its borders are Oakland Ave. to the north, the Grand River to the south and east, and Martin Luther King Blvd. to the west. In ad-dition to the 11 neighborhood groups that overlap DNA’s boundaries, there are also a number of active park groups. With nearly 1,700 buildings encom-passing businesses, churches, educational and non-profit groups, and city, state and federal government facilities, within its borders DNA contains the eclec-tic mix of people and places that has made so many come to #LoveLansing. With a number of changes over the last year, the newly revamped DNA now looks to integrate itself into the successful place-making taking place throughout the city.

Above all else, the board seeks to honor the founding goals of DNA to create a neighborhood where Lansing residents are excited to live, work and play. For the board, this means not only pro-moting the area, but planting deep roots in it, and supporting investments which will incentivize busi-nesses and families to locate downtown. While the board intends to continue staple DNA projects,

including maintaining the local Book Boxes and hosting the DNA Annual Meeting, they also seek to engage area residents more directly. Some projects DNA hopes to tackle in 2017 include:• Organizing monthly park pick-ups around

the neighborhood• Reviving Art in the Park• Reviving the DNA Voice newsletter• Engaging citizens in the political process by

participating in Get Out the Vote initiatives, and holding voter registration drives• Promoting a greater sense of community by

participating in volunteer projects for residents the area• Maintaining a number of community gardens• Promoting partnerships with local businesses

to help generate community support

We look forward to seeing where 2017 will take us, and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other neighborhood associations which share our vision of developing Lansing into a city that’s easy to love, and hard to leave.

Downtown Neighborhood Association Brings on New Board Members, Seeks New Direction DNA wants to refocus, invest in deepening community ties in 2017

Formed in 1987Boundaries – Jerome from N. Clemens to Marshall/All of Horton St. and Elvin Court/Michigan Ave., from eastside of Marshall to N. Clemens St. Contact: Piper Fountain, 372-2933Meetings: As neededEmail: 1piperpiping@gmail.com

Formed in 1993Boundaries – N: Michigan Ave; E: Holmes St; S: Kalamazoo St; W: S. Pennsylvania Ave.Contact: Denise Kelley, 484-9109Meetings: 1st Monday of odd numbered months (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, Nov.)

All meetings are held at Pilgrim UCC 125 S. Pennsylvania Avenue at 5:30 pm

Email: abcneighborhood@sbcglobal.netFacebook: www.facebook.com/abcneighborhood

Formed in 1990Boundaries – N: Shiawassee; S: Michigan Ave.; E: Holmes St. on the eastside; W: Larch St on the eastsideContact: Meetings: The group has a potluck beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday each month jointly with Oak Park Neighborhood Association

EASTFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONFormed in 1994Boundaries – N: Catholic Central Field; S: Michigan Ave.; E: Marshall St.; W: Holmes St.Contact: Jennie Gies 989-415-2822Meetings:  2nd Thursday of even-numbered months (Feb, April, June, August, Oct, Dec),

7 p.m. at various locations  Email: eastfield.neighbor@gmail.comWebsite:  www.msu.edu/user/rothb/eastfield/history.htm

Formed in 1972Boundaries – N: Lake Lansing Road; S: The Red Cedar River/ Potter Park; E: Coolidge Rd/Red Cedar Golf Course; W: McKinley St/Railroad Tracks/ Oakland/Saginaw/The Grand RiverContact: Nancy Mahlow, 372-3249 Meetings: 1st Wednesday each month, 7 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.at Foster Community Center, 200 N. Foster AveEmail: nmahlow2012@gmail.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/eastsideneighborhood organizationWebsite: http://www.enoonline.org

Formed in 2008Boundaries – S: Wickham; N: Saginaw; E: Nantucket; W: Worthington Contact: Jody Washington, 805- 9337Meetings: As needed

Formed in 1994Boundaries – N: Michigan Ave. (at S. Fairview and Clemens,) to S: I496. .Contact: Teresa Moore, 367-2059Meetings: 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Allen Neighborhood CenterEmail: yokitty75@yahoo.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/F.A.I.R. Neighbors

Formed in 2004Boundaries – N: Grand River; S: Michigan Ave.; E: Howard St.; W: N. ClemensContact: Brian Baer, 371-2857Meetings: As neededEmail: fosteryourneighborhood@gmail.com Website: https://nextdoor.com

OG HOLLER NEIGHBORHOODFormed in 2011Boundaries – S. Magnolia, S. Hayford, S. Foster, S. Francis, Marcus and Detroit south of Kalamazoo St. to 496Contact: Sue Slovinski, 372-6546Meetings: communicate via email and has meetings as neededEmail: slovinss@gmail.com

EEN OAKSFormed in 1979Boundaries – N: Michigan Ave.; S: Kalamazoo St.; E: Pennsylvania; W: Railroad Tracks on

Michigan Ave.Contact: Julann VittoneMeetings: 4th Thursday of each month (except Nov and Dec) at Christ Lutheran Church,

122 S. Pennsylvania, 6 p.mEmail: greenoaks2013@gmail.com

GROESBECK AREA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONFormed in 2000Boundaries – N: Lake Lansing Rd; S: Grand River Ave; E: 127; W: Wood Rd. (including residential area west of Wood Rd. north of Groesbeck Golf Course)Contact: Bill Nelson, 371-3888Meeting: as needed

Post Oak SchoolWebsite: groesbeck_assoc@yahoo.com

Formed in 2006Boundaries – N: Main St; S: Potter Park; E: Holmes St; W: Raider St.Contact: MaryBeth Van Horn: marybethvanhorn@gmail.com Kelly Groll: kaygroll@hotmail.comMeetings: 2nd Thursday every other month (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, Nov) 6:30 p.m.at Allen Neighborhood CenterWebsite: www.holmesstreetschoolcommunity.comFacebook: Holmes Street School Community

Formed in 1996Boundaries – N: Kalamazoo St; S: I-496; E: Pennsylvania St; W: Hosmer St.Contact: Meetings: as needed

Formed in 1998Boundaries – N: Kalamazoo St; S: I496; E: Shepard St; W: Clifford St.Contact:Meetings: As needed

Formed in 2004Boundaries – N: Kalamazoo St.; S: I-496; E: Lathrop St; W: Holmes St.Contact: Meetings: As needed

EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONBecause the territory of the Eastside Neighborhood Organization (ENO) is so large, many smaller communities have formed their own neighborhood groups and organizations within the ENO boundaries. These groups, along with ENO, serve as an effective way to address issues of interest to residents, city officials, and our local law enforcement. It also allows people to meet with their immediate neighbors, and focus on concerns that affect their area specifically. ENO as a whole represents the entire Eastside of Lansing on issues and concerns that influence the wider community. ENO, officially established in April 1972, with its long history of neighborhood involvement, can also give guidance and support to newly founded groups.

If you and your neighbors already have a group formed and would like help or support from the ENO, please contact Nancy Mahlow at 372-3249, nmahlow2012@gmail.com, visit our website at www.enoonline.org or Facebook us www.facebook.com/eastsideneighborhoodorganization or come to an ENO meeting. Together, we can work to make the Eastside of Lansing a GREAT place to live, work, and play.

ARMORY ALLIANCE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH #237

EASTERN NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION

AASSOCIATION FOR THE BINGHAM COMMUNITY (ABC)

EASTFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION

EAST VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD

FAIRVIEW AREA INTERESTED RESIDENTS (F.A.I.R. NEIGHBORS)

FOSTER YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD (FYN)

FROG HOLLER NEIGHBORHOOD

GREEN OAKS

GROESBECK AREA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

HOLMES STREET SCHOOL COMMUNITY

HOSMER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

HUNTER EAST RESIDENTIAL ORGANIZATION (HERO)

HUNTER PARK NEIGHBORS

Boundaries – N: Oakland Ave. (south side only); S: Saginaw Ave. (north side only);

E: Marshall St.; W: Clark St. (includes Mahlon, Maryland, June, and May Streetswithin these boundaries)

Contact:Meetings: As needed

NORTHTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONFormed in 1994Boundaries – N: Lake Lansing Rd; S: Saginaw; E: Eastern most Border of Bancroft Park; W: CXO Rail Line East of Larch St.Contact: Kathleen “Kat” Tyler, 488-3042Meetings: Last Tuesday of each month, Cristo Rey Community Center; 1717 N High Street, 6:30 pmEmail: nnanorthtown@aol.com

Formed in 1994Boundaries – N: Saginaw; S: Shiawassee; E: N. Pennsylvania Ave; W: Larch St.Contact: Judy Hackett Meetings: 2nd Tuesday each month potluck at 6:30 pm meeting at 7 pm.Email: oakparkneighborhoodassoc@gmail.com

Formed in 1993Boundaries – Prospect, Lathrop, Allen, Clifford, and Eureka StreetsContact: Jesse Kasper jessetkasper@gmail.com or Kate Watkins

katelynnwatkins@gmail.comMeetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Allen Neighborhood Center

Formed in 1993Boundaries – N: Main St; S:Woodman/Railroad Tracks; E: Aurelius Rd; W:Holmes St.Contact: Deb Biehler, 485-9692Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month at 6:15 p.m. at the Faith Fellowship Baptist Church, 1001 Dakin St.

Formed in 1983Boundaries – N: Eureka; S: Prospect; E: Allen St; W: 200 Block of Holmes St.Contact: Corie Jason, 482-8756 wahlcori@gmail.comMeetings: As needed

Formed in 2007Boundaries – N: Kalamazoo; S: I-496; E: Leslie; W: ShepardContact: Jackie Dillinger, 402-2964 jackiedillinger@sbcglobal.netMeetings: 3rd Tuesday of each month at Allen Neighborhood Center at 6:30 p.m.

Formed in 1990Boundaries – Shepard St. between Michigan Ave. & Kalamazoo St. including Stanley CourtContact: Meetings: As needed

Formed in 2000Boundaries – N: Kalamazoo St; S: I496; E: Railroad Tracks; W: N. LarchContact: Grace Middaugh gracemiddaugh@gmail.com Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Formed in 2006Boundaries – N: Michigan Ave; S: Kalamazoo St; E: Regent St; W: Leslie St.Contact: Dave Muylle, 484-3341Meetings: 124 Regent St. – typically meet 4-6 times a year including at least one neighborhood work day and block party/

neighborhood gathering

MARSHALL PARK NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH #221 PROSPECT PROTECTORS WATCH # 231

REGENT OAKS

OAK PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

YOUR NEIGHBORS

SHEPARD STREET UNITED NEIGHBORS

P.L.A.C.E. NEIGHBORHOOD

WE CARE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION

POTTER/WALSH NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION

Central Church of the Nazarene1300 Eureka Street, 485-3729

Christ Lutheran Church122 S. Pennsylvania 482-2252christluthernchurch@kmcmail.net

Darassalam Islamic Center940 S. Harrison East Lansing, 332-1001

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church1701 E. Saginaw, 482-7341holytrinitygreek@sbcglobal.net

Kehillat Israel Congregation2014 Forest Road, 482-0049

Liberty Christian Church2215 E. Michigan Avenue, 485-5483office@libertycc.net

Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ125 S. Pennsylvania, 484-7434pastor@pilgrimucc.com

Plymouth Congregational Church 2001 E. Grand River, 484-9495www.plymouthlansing.org

Potter Park United Methodist Church1001 Dakin St.Resurrection Church1531 E. Michigan Avenue, 482-4749Resurrection1531@sbcglobal.net

St. Stephen’s Community Church, United Church of Christ1007 Kimberly, Lansing, 484-2180www.ssccucc.org Salvation Army525 N. Pennsylvania Avenue482-9715Citadel-alex_norton@usc.salvationarmy.orgShaarey Zedek Congregation1924 Coolidge Road, East Lansing, 351-3570executive@shaareyzedek.com

Unity of Greater Lansing240 Marshall, 371-3010

Vessels of Life Church of God n Christ1110 Lathrop Street, 487-8889

AREA CHURCHES (DETAILED INFO)

Resurrection Church Mass Schedule

Regular Weekend Masses are every Saturday: 5 p.m. Sunday:7:30, 9:30 & 11 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Christmas Mass – Christmas Eve Begins at 5 p.m.Midnight Mass begins at midnightChristmas Day Mass: 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

DIRECTORY OF AREA CHURCHES

EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION CON’T

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