Have a sweet tooth? Sarah Spohn tells us about the grooviest place in town to fix that problem.
Arts & Cultures
Spend Locally: Saper Galleries and Custom Framing
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Need to frame that favorite picture? Want unique art work from around the world? Find that and more at Saper Galleries and Custom Framing.
Arts & Cultures
Spend Locally: Flat, Black & Circular
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Have a music lover in your life? Christopher A. Wardell tells us what you can for them find at Flat, Black & Circular.
Arts & Cultures
Spend Locally: Curious Book Shop and Archives Book Shop
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Searching for a gift for the bookworm in your life? Sarah Spohn brings you details on two local used book shops.
Arts & Cultures
Footgear Is Closing After Four Decades in East Lansing
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“I’m from the working class, and when you grow up with working class people, they never think of retiring,” said Richard Liscombe, owner of Footgear. But then came the pandemic.
Spend Locally
Spend Locally: Wild Birds Unlimited
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Know someone who is tired of staring at a computer screen? Pick up some supplies from Wild Birds Unlimited to so they can observe some feathered fauna as they take a screen break.
Arts & Cultures
Arts Commission Concerned about Local Businesses and the Arts During Pandemic
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The Arts Commission heard presentations from some of those applying for Cultural Arts Grants and brainstormed ways to help local businesses. Heather Brothers reports.
Arts & Cultures
What Will You Do Friday?
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Black Friday is this week and local small business owners are reconsidering what the day might look like in 2020.
Spend Locally
Ann About Town: A Little Fiber Art Therapy in Pandemic-Land
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In this Ann About Town, Ann explores what Seams and Woven Art – two local small businesses – have to offer. The answer: safe ways to buy a lot more than sewing and knitting supplies!
Arts & Cultures
Racism and Public Health, Falling Revenues, and More Coming to City Meetings This Week
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Want to weigh in on cultural arts grants, a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, money problems in Parks & Rec and in the parking system, and traffic on Highland Ave.? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott tells you which East Lansing City meetings will cover what this week.
Arts & Cultures
Local History Hits the Road at MSU Broad
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Hit the road without leaving East Lansing? ELi’s Sarah Spohn previews the MSU Broad’s new exhibit, “InterStates of Mind: Rewriting the Map of the United States in the Age of the Automobile.”
Arts & Cultures
Bailey Park Open to Public Again After Renovations
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The park reopened on Friday, Oct. 23, following roughly three years of improvements. Anaiis Rios-Kasoga reports for ELi.
Arts & Cultures
How to Celebrate Halloween During the Pandemic
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Want to celebrate Halloween while keeping safe during the pandemic? ELi’s Adan Tomas Quan provides you with some ideas (including a Glencairn parade) and safety precautions.
General News
A Brief News Update and Looking Ahead at Next Week
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ELi is following the happenings on game day and getting you prepped for the next week of meetings in ELPS and City of East Lansing government. Andrew Graham brings you up to speed.
Arts & Cultures
Local Musician Jonathan Townley Releases Debut Album
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Local musician Jonathan Townley released his first album yesterday. Sarah Spohn tells us what inspired him and where to find his music.
Arts & Cultures
Multiple Public Art Projects Coming to East Lansing
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What images best represent East Lansing? The Arts Commission weighed in as they finalize plans for a “Greetings from East Lansing” mural and other public art projects. ELi’s Heather Brothers reports.
Arts & Cultures
Absolute Chamber Music Series Hosting Their First Virtual Concert Tomorrow
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Live music brings people together, so what do you do when physical distancing is a necessity? ELi’s Sarah Spohn reports.
Arts & Cultures
No More Slack for Those East Lansing Bars That Have Violated Orders
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Last weekend, four bars were observed by ELPD and officials from the Ingham County Health Department possibly breaking Covid-19 public health orders. No citations were issues. Read on to find out why.
Arts & Cultures
Singing the Blues, Live But Socially-Distanced
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Looking to hear some live music? The Coffeehouse at All Saints provides you with some options: in-person while socially distanced and online.
Arts & Cultures
“Parklets” and Outdoor Art Installations Coming to Downtown East Lansing
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Winter is just around the corner, but the Arts Commission is looking to engage residents outdoors in the colder months. Find out what’s in store.
Arts & Cultures
RetroDuck Launches Retro T-Shirt Line to Support Local Businesses
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Luke Hackney of RetroDuck has launched a new retro T-shirt line to promote pride in East Lansing while supporting local businesses and nonprofits. ELi’s Sarah Spohn provides the details.
Arts & Cultures
Local “Voices” YouTube Series Features Perspectives from Marginalized Community Members
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A new take on the old coffee house favorite: the open mic. Sarah Spohn brings us the story.
Schools
The ELHS Band Keeps Marching On
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How does the show go on during a pandemic for the ELHS Trojan Marching Band? ELi Summer Youth Journalism Program graduate Adan Quan brings us the story.
Arts & Cultures
Last Day to Register for Broad Art Lab Embroidery Workshop
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Sign up to have all the virtual workshop materials delivered to your door from the MSU Broad Art Lab.
Arts & Cultures
Prime Time Seniors Staying Connected During Pandemic
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“We’ve always including reducing isolation and loneliness among the older population in our annual goals,” Prime Time Seniors Director Kelly Arndt told ELi’s Ann Kammerer. “The pandemic really pushed it to the forefront.”
Arts & Cultures
NPR’s Fresh Air Talks about ELi as a Local News Model
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ELi readers are excited to hear our work mentioned on Fresh Air this week. Want to know the backstory?
Arts & Cultures
After Two Years, Georgio’s Gourmet Pizza is Back on Grand River Avenue
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After months of delay, Georgio’s Gourmet Pizza will reopen a location on Grand River Ave. on Tuesday, Aug. 4. ELi’s Sarah Spohn brings the story.
Arts & Cultures
Hand Sanitizer and Outdoor Seating: How Ellison Brewing and Red Cedar Spirits Have Adapted during the Pandemic
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From expanding outdoor seating to making hand sanitizer, ELi’s Sarah Spohn describes how two local spots are contending with COVID-19.
Arts & Cultures
Splash of Color Reopens With Plethora of New Safety Procedures
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Splash of Color Tattoo & Piercing Studio has reopened. Sarah Spohn gives the details on the massive studio overhaul, new appointment protocol, investment in PPE, and why they’re happy to be back.
Arts & Cultures
Haven House Receives $14K in Donations, But Needs More to Keep Helping Families
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Haven House received a donation exceeding $14,000 from Buddy’s Pizza grand opening in Lansing. ELi’s Sarah Spohn reports how Haven House is using the donation to help families.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing May Consider Regulation of Grubhub, Uber Eats, Other Food Delivery Services
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Could municipal regulation of food delivery services help local restaurants survive?
Arts & Cultures
The View of Our Downtown Barbers
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East Lansing’s downtown barbers are working to keep it all safe. “I lost some family due to COVID-19,” one local barbershop employee tells ELi’s Aaron Applebey. “It’s definitely been an eye-opener.”
Arts & Cultures
Library Eliminates Fines, Aiming for Equity and Accessibility
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The East Lansing Public Library has a new fine-free policy, eliminating fines for late returns. ELi’s Amalia Medina explains the new policy’s philosophy and practice.
Government
Disability Rights Milestone to be Celebrated by Human Relations Commission
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The HRC is also working on advocating for people with Down Syndrome who may be denied organ transplants on the basis of having a developmental disability.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Restaurants and Bars Prioritize Safety in Response to Harper’s Outbreak
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Managers of East Lansing restaurants and bars tell ELi they’re doing what they can to keep their employees and customers safe.
Arts & Cultures
Longtime East Lansing Record Store’s Re-Opening Brings Relief and Joy
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Beloved East Lansing record store Flat, Black & Circular has reopened and is bringing relief and joy with fresh tunes. Chris Wardell brings the story of what’s been happening.
Arts & Cultures
Income Tax and Other Sources Being Used to Improve East Lansing Parks
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In the midst of plunging public revenues, East Lansing Parks & Rec is moving forward with various projects by pulling together funds from various sources. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Arts & Cultures
Traveling Artist to Paint Mural in Downtown East Lansing
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Aaron Applebey brings ELi readers the news of muralist, street artist, illustrator, and self-identified doodle dame Laura Asta coming to East Lansing.
Arts & Cultures
High Caliber Karting Art Contest Enters Voting Stage
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Now’s your chance to take a break from everything and cast your vote in an art contest sponsored by a local business.
Arts & Cultures
Adopted and Foster Pets Bring Comfort and Companionship During Time of Coronavirus
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Some local residents used the recent time at home to bring new pets into their families. ELi’s Ann Kammerer brings the story of three pet adoptions.
Arts & Cultures
Many East Lansing Businesses Are Back Open (and Need Customers to Survive)
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The weather is beautiful for strolling downtown, and lots of businesses are back open. ELi’s Amalia Medina reports.
Arts & Cultures
Virtual Poet Event to Raise Funds for Local Refugee Shelter
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This Thursday night, “Where I’m From,” a virtual poetry event open to all, is raising funds to aid refugees in the local community. ELi’s Sarah Spohn provides the details.
Arts & Cultures
Farmers Market Open Today 10 am – 2 pm
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What delights can you expect to find at the market on this beautiful day in East Lansing?
Arts & Cultures
Albert Ave. Converted to Outdoor Dine-and-Drink Space
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Tables will be available 11 am to 10 pm for people who want to sit and enjoy food and drink purchased from restaurants within a 3-block radius.
Arts & Cultures
DDA Debates How to Balance Safety with Downtown Business Revival
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The DDA supported the idea of live entertainment downtown geared towards families with kids. They also discussed the issue of noise coming from some bars.
Arts & Cultures
Little Local Joys: Friendship Grows In a Backyard Garden
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Joe Natoli and Greg Bonito share a garden in the Oakwood neighborhood of East Lansing. There, the friendship grows.
Arts & Cultures
The Farmers Market Opens Sunday, Pandemic Style. Here’s What to Expect.
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Expect fresh eggs, bread, herbs, spring onions, rhubarb, honey, syrup, greens, cheeses and meat, mushrooms, jams, fermentations, and more.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Public Library to Purchase Outdoor Lockers for Contactless Pickup, Making Plans for Reopening
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Outdoor lockers will help with 24/7 contactless delivery. What else will be changing at the library?
Arts & Cultures
Little Local Joys: The Puzzle Exchange
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“We didn’t realize how much puzzles were in demand until we needed more.”
Arts & Cultures
Foster Coffee Reopens on East Lansing’s Albert Ave.
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ELi’s Sarah Spohn talks with Foster Coffee co-owner Nicholas Pidek about how that company is managing reopening.
Arts & Cultures
Little Local Joys: The Fairy Gardens of East Lansing
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They’re popping up all over the place. What might you find if you crouch down and look closely?
Arts & Cultures
Little Local Joys: Modern Meets Medieval in Basement Build
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In our continuing series on small joys during the stay-at-home orders, we bring you the story of one teenager’s basement quest to build a pipe organ from scratch.
Arts & Cultures
Greatly Expanded Outdoor Dining and Free Parking Aimed at Luring People to Downtown East Lansing
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As long as the state presents no barriers and the weather cooperates, the culture of drinking and dining in East Lansing will change for at least a few months.
Arts & Cultures
Get Ready for More Outdoor Dining, East Lansing
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City staff are looking into ways to enable people to enjoy food and drink (including beer and wine) from local restaurants outside, in public spaces set up with picnic tables.
General News
Hey, 517! Playmakers Has a Run/Walk for Just for Us
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Marcy Gillespie Kinzer of the Playmakers team updates us on the store’s “fit at home” and virtual injury clinic help. And this Sunday, you can move to share the 517 love.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Art Festival Goes Virtual for the First Time in 57 Years
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While it won’t be the same without the 3-D strolling experience, the show will go on for the East Lansing Art Festival.
Arts & Cultures
Council Members Waive $90K in Fees for Bars and Restaurants, But Some Want More Control
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What’s fair to charge bars and restaurants in East Lansing? And should liquor licenses be more heavily regulated here?
Ann About Town
Ann About Town: Campbell’s for Groceries
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“It is really the grocery store in East Lansing that many of us have wanted for years. The owners are local, the service is excellent.”
Arts & Cultures
Farmers Market Will Open June 7 With New Health Precautions
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This year’s market will look a lot different, but will still open on June 7 and run on Sundays in Valley Court Park.
Arts & Cultures
How to Best Support Our Local Coffee Shops, Bakeries, and Restaurants
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Here’s how you can help keep your favorite East Lansing-area coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries alive!
Little Joys
Little Local Joys: Silly Walks Zone
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Kit Carlson describes herself as “a total Monty Python fan” and someone in need of a little fun. Who isn’t?
Arts & Cultures
Van Atta’s Nursery and Hammond Farms Reopen with Precautions
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Customers can come back to Van Atta’s starting today, and can call Hammond Farms for delivery. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Arts & Cultures
Council Member Gregg Pushes for Opening Farmers Market in June
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City staff are looking into whether East Lansing’s market could follow the style of the Allen neighborhood market in Lansing.
Arts & Cultures
Bar and Restaurant Owners Group Helps School District Solve Lunch Debt
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When the Responsible Hospitality Council learned of the ELPS need, its members quickly took action.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Jazz Festival Is Cancelled, and Art Festival Will Provide Virtual Fare
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East Lansing’s Summer Solstice Jazz Festival has been added to list of coronavirus casualties.
Ann About Town
Ann About Town: Harvest Boxes and Family Meals from Red Haven
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In her latest column, Ann Nichols explores the cooking options enabled by one farm-to-table restaurant’s inventive approach.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Library Teen Programming Continues in Online Format
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East Lansing Library Teen Services Specialist Beth Scanlon is not letting the pandemic get in the way of her work supporting area youth.
Arts & Cultures
Library Trustees Looking at Declining Revenue, Increasing Needs
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Trustees of the East Lansing Public Library met to talk about the tough times now and the tough times ahead.
Arts & Cultures
High Caliber Karting Expansion Inspires Community Art Contest
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Love working with paint, carving, vinyl decal, wood burning, stain, or some other application? Apply now to participate in an art contest being held by High Caliber Karting.
Arts & Cultures
Sundance Jewelers’ Attempt to Reach Customers Is Blocked at Worst Time
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Bad time to have a communication to loyal customers go to spam! But Audrey Yonkus shares beautiful photos with ELi.
Arts & Cultures
Local Interfaith Clergy Group Providing Outreach Service This Thursday
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Rev. Jennifer Tafel says the idea for the local interfaith service, centered on “hope,” came from a community member.
Arts & Cultures
Little Local Joys: The Ephemerals in Bloom
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“All that’s been perfected over a billion years is right in your own backyard,” says Peter Carrington, the curator of Beal Garden.
General News
Eleven Thousand Masks Later, the Requests Haven’t Stopped
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The need and the challenges are high, but this ever-growing community of sewists keeps making masks, headbands, gowns, and more.
Arts & Cultures
Drop-In on Blue Owl’s Mic Drop Tonight – Digitally!
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Good news: you can continue to enjoy the work of local artists who gather around Blue Owl Coffee’s open mic night. And if you are an artist, you can join in.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing’s Library Has Treasure Trove Online, Open to All
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The East Lansing Public Library’s doors are closed but its online treasure chest is open! Find out what’s available and how things are going financially.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Art Festival Cancelled, as State of Emergency Extended To April 30
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The City of East Lansing has issued a new list of cancellations and closures, including the 2020 Art Festival, the 2020 Aquatic Center season, and the softball and soccer complexes. Mark Meyer files this report for ELi.
Arts & Cultures
ELHS Black Student Union Promotes Fellowship
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ELi’s Anaiis Rios-Kasoga reports on what the Black Student Union at East Lansing High School has been doing to promote self-love, insight, and community.
Arts & Cultures
A Little Joy from Afar: A Note from the Family of Charlie Kang
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Last week’s “Ann About Town” column on Charlie Kang’s brought a heartwarming letter from Mr. Kang’s daughter, Yuni Yi. We share her note with you.
Arts & Cultures
Threat of Coronavirus Forces Peace Corps Volunteer to Leave Dominican Republic
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Caitlin Hegg is concerned about the community she left behind two weeks ago when Peace Corps officials told her she had to return to the U.S. Amalia Medina files this report for ELi.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Couple Share View of Pandemic from Taiwan
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Smitty Smith, known to folks in East Lansing from the Pump House Concert series, shares a view of the pandemic from Taiwan, where he currently resides with his wife.
Little Joys
Little Local Joys: My Aunt’s 100th Birthday
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A milestone in life amid emergency conditions: a time to celebrate, albeit a bit more quietly.
Ann About Town
Ann (Not) About Town: Charlie Kang’s, ‘A Truly Local Old Standby’
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When sheltering in place and staying safe, one must rely on the tried-and-true. For ELi’s Ann Nichols, that means a hearty helping of Korean and Chinese cuisine delivered from Charlie Kang’s.
Little Joys
Stories of Joy. Tales of Hope. We Want Yours.
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What’s keeping you positive during the pandemic? We want your little stories of joy, hope, and kindness.
Little Joys
Little Local Joys: My Milk Door
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A milk door in the Bailey neighborhood brings a resident joy — and now candles from Massage and Wellness, too!
General News
Volunteer Local Crafters Hard at Work Sewing Masks
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Organizer Jessy Gregg calls this community of sewing volunteer ‘crisis crafters.’ They are now making fabric masks to help with the worsening COVID-19 crisis. ELi’s Sarah Spohn reports.
Arts & Cultures
Break Out the Chalk, Take a Walk and Reconnect (at a Safe Distance, Of Course)
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A virtual group effort is creating a community healing event for the whole family. Amalia Medina files this report for ELi.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Neighbors Are Crowdsourcing Take-Out/Delivery Info to Help Restaurants
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There’s a new resource to help people in East Lansing figure out which restaurants are doing take-out and delivery. ELi’s Natalie Rose reports.
Ann About Town
Ann About Town: Woven Art
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Eli’s Ann Nichols has a yarn for you about a fiber arts store in East Lansing, and what makes it a community-within-a-community.
