Spartan Newsroom (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/category/news/community-news/ingham-county/lansing/old-town/)
The pandemic has caused discomfort for many people and taken away activities that normally would be indulged in. One local pub and brewery changed that for their customers. EagleMonk Pub and Brewery has live music every Wednesday. People come in and enjoy food and drinks. However, the real fun is when you enter the “beer garden”.
Central Lansing Nutrition has been staying afloat thanks to the carryout orders after regulations were set in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the corner of E. César Chávez Ave and North Larch St. stands Replay Entertainment Exchange, where owner Ted Wilson has been hosting socially distant live events for the Lansing community. Techno blares from public address speakers as vendors and DJs set up their stations while Zee Simons and Travis Stillwater, coordinators for the Live at the Replay event, make sure that the artists and activities set up around the open lot are ready for a night of music, movies, and laughter. “It’s bummer summer 2020 and so we wanted to replay some of the summer and bring it back a little bit,” said Stillwater. Wilson said the idea to have outdoor events at the Replay parking lot was brought up years ago but wouldn’t have happened without the coronavirus pandemic.
As the sun sets in Lansing’s Old Town, the letter “P” on the wall of Preuss Pets alternates from blue to orange to green. Below the letter, and spanning the wall of the building, is a mural showing animal habitats, flanked by a waterfall. It’s a unique storefront — one that customers say is matched by the unique experience inside. “Kind of what makes our store special or significant or of value is that we take seriously the idea that having a pet and having successful relationship with that pet is really important,” Owner Rick Preuss said. “So when you employ that from our side for over 30 years, the store becomes a different entity than if we were just trying to set up a store to make money.”
Snakes in Preuss Pets range in a variety of sizes.
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.
Blue Owl Coffee expanded earlier this year from its East Lansing location to a new space in Lansing’s Old Town. The coffee shop offers an activity that allows any customer or barista to add to a community painting.
Diapers, toys and other disposable goods aims at parents and babies are filling landfills. But Ross Lynn, owner of Mother and Earth Baby Boutique, is trying to help parents make better choices. Lynn’s shop in Lansing’s Old Town has three main values: quality, sustainability and community. Its products aim to boost natural parenting methods by providing eco-friendly products.
“We do our best to be Earth-friendly, and we try to carry organic products,” Ross said, “products that are sourced in an Earth-friendly manner.” Mothers and other customers are grateful to purchase the eco-friendly products for their children to aid in cleaning up the environment, said customer and mother Renee Sommerlot.
In Lansing’s Old Town, there is a private business called the Sigh Studio of Music, owned by Melissa Sigh. Not only is the Sigh Studio of Music her business, but it’s also her home. Sigh gives private music lessons to students of all ages. She also has a group ukulele class for those who want to play with other students and sometimes live bands.
Last Friday, hundreds of dogs had a tail-wagging good time at Preuss Pet’s annual Howloween event in Old Town. Dogs, both big and small, dressed to the nines in their best costumes, whether it was store-bought or homemade. There was trick-or-treating at businesses up and down Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and a costume contest with over eighty participants. “It’s a lot of fun to bring your dog out, show them around and get some cookies,” said Ann Williams, who brings her dog, Splash, every year. The winner of the costume contest took home a one-hundred-dollar gift card to Preuss Pets, dog food and a basket full of dog toys.
For the first time, Old Town, Lansing hosted their very own Blocktoberfest. Locals were treated to a weekend filled with axe throwing, bratwursts, craft beers, and more. The event was 21 and up, and while the weather was a little chilly, attendees were treated to quite the experience. The food was provided by Morton’s Fine Catering which featured mac and cheese, chicken wings, potatoes, and bratwursts soaked in German beer. The event was a success, and should be making a return to Old Town next Fall.
LANSING—On June 15, thousands of local residents united to celebrate Pride. The day of festivities began at noon with the parade beginning at Adado Riverfront Park and ending at the Capitol Building for a peaceful rally. The rally served a purpose of unity and an outlet of voices to discuss the struggles of the LGBTQ community as well as the success that has been achieved throughout the years. Guest speakers such as Michigan Pride board members, two transgender teens, the Attorney General of Michigan, Dana Nessel and many more were able to express their gratitude for the community. “Pride is important here in Lansing for the visibility factor,” said Michigan Pride board member Ricci Stollsteimer.
