Old Town Commercial Association
Old Town Newsletter - April 2024
Welcome to the April edition of the Old Town newsletter! As spring breathes new life into our community, we're excited to share updates, events, and initiatives aimed at maintaining a vibrant and inclusive Old Town. Join us in our mission to celebrate and support local businesses, artists, and residents!
by Tia Barrera on April 12
Hello friends!
It's shaping up to be a beautiful spring season here in Old Town and everyone here is gearing up for the warmer weather ahead. I know I can't contain my excitement seeing patios with their furniture out, the pastels and florals in window displays, and the blooming trees up and down our streets!
The transition from March to April saw many awesome events around the district, including an egg hunt for dogs hosted by Preuss Pets, tons of great musical acts at UrbanBeat, and even our annual Brrs, Beards, & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival. There's always something happening in Old Town and this spring is sure to be full of great events and activities.
One thing we're very excited to bring back this year is our monthly Wake Up Old Town events. Wake Up Old Town is a networking event held in various locations around Old Town that is welcoming of not just neighbors here in the district, but anyone in the Lansing area (or beyond!) interested in seeing some of our awesome spaces and meeting our incredible residents, business owners and employees, and volunteers. This year, Wake Up Old Town will be held on the last Thursday of each month (April - September) at 8:30am. Our first event of 2024 is being graciously hosted by Shared Office Space of Old Town and we hope to see you there!
Speaking of returning events -- next month Arts Night Out is back! Arts Night Out 2024 will look slightly different than years past as the Arts Council of Greater Lansing has divided the event by seasons on the dates shown below. Be sure to check out the Arts Council of Greater Lansing communication for more information!
May 17
August 16
October 11
With so many projects in the works and events coming up, there are tons of ways to get involved not only with the Old Town Commercial Association but with our many wonderful organizations and businesses in the neighborhood. Read on for more information and we hope to see you in and around Old Town soon!
Samantha Benson
OTCA Executive Director
THIS MONTH’S
STORIES
Passing of Ted Stewart
Dear Old Town community members,
With heavy hearts, we come together to remember and honor the life of Ted Stewart, a cherished member of our community and the owner of Metro Retro.
Ted wasn't just a store owner; he was a pillar of our community, a friend to many of those who walked through his store, and a beacon of welcoming and acceptance. He touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving a significant mark on the community that will not be forgotten.
As we mourn the loss of Ted, let us also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Let us remember the laughter he shared, the friendships he encouraged and nurtured, and the positive impact he had on each of us.
Our thoughts are with Ted's family and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing that Ted's legacy will forever live on in Old Town, and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
With deepest sympathy,
Tia Barrera and the Old Town Commercial Association
Kickstart Networking and Ideas with Wake Up Old Town!
by Tia Barrera on April 12
We're excited to announce the first Wake Up Old Town! event of the year, hosted by the Old Town Commercial Association and taking place at Shared Office Spaces in Old Town. Wake Up Old Town! serves as a vibrant platform for professionals from across the city to gather, connect, and collaborate, all while furthering the growth and vitality of our historic Old Town.
Wake Up Old Town! is more than just a networking event; it's a catalyst for meaningful conversations, innovative ideas, and collaborative opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding startup owner, or a passionate community member, this event welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and industries.
We encourage you to seize this opportunity to connect with the vibrant professionals and visionaries who make Old Town the thriving community it is. Let's come together to ignite new ideas, build collaboration, and propel Old Town towards a brighter future!
We look forward to seeing you at Wake Up Old Town!
Copper Moon Grand Opening!
by Tia Barrera on April 12
A new event space is opening up in Old Town! Join us on Saturday, April 27th from 12pm - 9pm as we celebrate and welcome Copper Moon - an event space by W.E.D into the neighborhood. There will be a ribbon cutting, tour of the space, and more!
Copper Moon - an event space by W.E.D is located at 1247 Center Street. We're so excited for them to be joining us and we hope to see you there!
Lumberjack Festival Wrap-Up
by Tia Barrera on April 12
We had an amazing day at Lumberjack Festival 2024! Old Town was filled with the burly and best! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the neighborhood! Turner Street was packed with attendees and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Another huge thank you to our staff, volunteers, and sponsors; we can't do events like this without you!
The Beard Competition was fiery this year, but these fine follicles rose to the top!
Best Overall Beard: John Buckler
Bizzaro & Beautiful: Terry Farley
Long & Strong: Ed Haake
Velveteen Vigor: James Clem
The Stache Stands Alone: Eric Hulbert
Congrats to our Beard Competition winners! We hope to see everyone again next year!
Join us for a Commercial Property Owner Meet & Greet!
by Tia Barrera on April 12
We're thrilled to invite you to a special event designed exclusively for getting to know commercial property owners in our community. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 17th, as we host a dynamic Commercial Property Owner Meet & Greet from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
How to RSVP:
To ensure we can accommodate all attendees comfortably, we request that you RSVP by emailing our executive director, Samantha Benson, at samantha@oldtownmainstreet.org. Please include your name and the number of guests attending with you. This event will take place at the Lindemann's Loft, the exact address will be given when you RSVP.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with our commercial property owners and expand your network within our community! We look forward to seeing you on April 17th for an evening of valuable connections and insightful conversations.
Arts Council of Greater Lansing Presents: Arts Night Out
by Tia Barrera on April 12
The Arts Council has announced the dates for this year, which means it's time for Arts Night Out 2024!
To enhance the experience for everyone, they will be hosting three this year, starting with 517 day.
Be sure to mark your calendars and stay on the lookout as they announce sponsors, venues, and artists who will be participating this year!
We are so excited and hope you'll join us for three of our favorite Fridays this year!
Upcoming Events & Activities:
Saturday, April 13th, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Commercial Property Owner Meet & Greet at Lindemann's Loft
Wednesday, April 17th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, April 17th, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Wake Up Old Town! at Shared Office Spaces
Thursday, April 25th, 8:30am - 9:30am
Samrose Entertainment Presents: Comedy Night at Urban Beat
Thursday, April 25th, 7:00pm
Copper Moon - an event space by W.E.D Grand Opening
Saturday, April 27th, 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Call to Action: Get Involved!
Are you passionate about Old Town’s heritage and vitality? Join us in making a difference! Whether you’re interested in volunteering, attending our events, or supporting our initiatives, there are countless ways to get involved. Together, we can create a thriving community we’re proud to call home.
Ready to get started? Fill out our volunteer interest form!
Current Volunteer Opportunity - Old Town Spring Cleanup 2024
Join us as we come together to beautify the Old Town neighborhood! Tools will be provided, but please feel free to bring equipment that you feel will be helpful.
Connect with Us:
Stay updated on all things Old Town by following us on social media:
Facebook: Old Town Lansing
Instagram: oldtownlansing
Contact Information:
Old Town Commercial Association
1232 Turner Street
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: (517) 485-4283
Email: oldtown@oldtownmainstreet.org
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Old Town’s success. Welcome to our new OTCA members: Old Town Chiropractic and Gillespie Group! Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for our community!
Warm regards,
Tia Barrera
Volunteer & Communications Specialist | AmeriCorps Member
Old Town Commercial Association
Old Town Commercial Association
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