Press Release – Old Town Oktoberfest

18 09 2008

From a press release….

Old Town Oktoberfest Tickets Now Available
­­­­­­­­­­­Celebrate fall at Old Town’s version of a classic German festival

OLD TOWN, LANSING, Mich. – In just a few weeks, festival patrons will be able to step into Bavaria, enjoying all the polka music, authentic German food and beer they can handle, without ever leaving Lansing. Get tickets now for the third annual Old Town Oktoberfest, Old Town Lansing’s ode to the largest festival on the planet.

On Friday & Saturday, October 3 & 4, Old Town Oktoberfest patrons will be transported into the heart of German culture. The festival features German music and dance, authentic German fare and world-renowned German and Oktoberfest-style beer.

Tickets for the event are now on-sale. One day admission is $13 in advance, $17 at the door or $15 for students and seniors (ID required). For two-days of German fun, purchase a Weekend Pass, good both Friday & Saturday, for only $25. Admission to Oktoberfest includes a souvenir Oktoberfest mug and three food/drink tickets.

Tickets are available at selected Old Town retailers including, Grace, Prespective2 and Mama Bear’s Café, as well as in the OTCA office, located at 1232 Turner St. Patrons can also purchase tickets online at www.oldtownoktoberfest.com.

This year, anyone can enjoy Oktoberfest like a VIP. Private Parties are still available for the entire Oktoberfest weekend. Great for client and employee appreciation or a night out with a group of friends, a Private Party package includes one reserved table in the VIP tent, admission to the festival and drink/food tickets for eight people, private restrooms, a great view of the entertainment and your very own satellite drink station, so Private Party guests will never have to wait in line for a drink. Parties are $400 per night or $700 for the weekend.

Old Town Oktoberfest is presented by and a fundraiser for the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA). The funds raised from this event helps to beautify the district, recruit businesses, produce special events and preserve Old Town’s unique character.

Old Town Commercial Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Lansing’s Old Town through socioeconomic development, historic preservation, business recruitment and community outreach. For additional information, please visit www.iloveoldtown.org.

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Press Release – SOS Office Accepting Donations for Harvest Gathering

18 09 2008

From a press release…..

Helping residents put a meal on the table
Secretary of State branches accept Harvest Gathering donations

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that Michigan residents again can drop off nonperishable food items at branch offices to benefit needy families in their communities for the 18th annual Michigan Harvest Gathering.

“Your donations help put a meal on the table for someone in need,” Land said. “Of the
1 million Michigan residents expected to visit a food bank this year, 38 percent are children and
14 percent are senior citizens. I encourage you to contribute to Michigan Harvest Gathering to help your less-fortunate friends and neighbors, including our most vulnerable populations.”

The campaign, which is coordinated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, helps supply the state’s regional food banks through donations of food and money. The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every Michigan county.

People can drop off donations at all Secretary of State branch offices through Dec. 12. Requested items include peanut butter, canned tuna and other meat, and canned fruits, vegetables and soups, although all nonperishable food items are welcome. Envelopes will be available for those who wish to mail cash donations, which are used to cover the cost of collecting and distributing the food.

In 2007, the Michigan Harvest Gathering collected more than $400,000 and 289,000 pounds of food. The 2008 goal is $430,000 and 300,000 pounds of food.


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Olive Garden, Red Lobster to Raise Prices.

17 09 2008

Shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone.  The Olive Garden and Red Lobster are having to raise prices to stay profitable.

The company said its menu prices at Olive Garden and Red Lobster have typically gone up between 2 percent and 3 percent each year, with price increases usually falling in the middle of that range. But for 2009, Darden said it will have to raise prices by a percentage closer to the high end of that range.

“It’s not a dramatic increase,” said Chief Operating Officer Drew Madsen. “But it’s a little more pricing than we have taken in the past.”

Darden said the economy — specifically higher costs for food, energy and labor — is to blame. Most restaurants have been pressed by significantly higher costs in the past year with prices for grain and meat rising to record levels and state and federal governments boosting the minimum wage for workers.

 I don’t eat at either.  My mom looooooves Olive Garden though.  It just one of those unfortunate trends.  Not even the chains are immune from the higher prices that cause the mom ‘n pop shops to struggle.


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Press Release – Harvest Gathering Kick Off

16 09 2008

From a Press Release……

18th Annual Michigan Harvest Gathering Campaign To Launch at Michigan Capitol

WHAT: The Food Bank Council of Michigan will kick-off its annual Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign on the Capitol steps on Thursday. The 2008 Michigan Harvest Gathering will run through November 12.

WHEN: Thursday Sept. 18, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Front Steps of Capitol

WHO: Judge Bill Schuette, Court of Appeals,  Michigan Harvest Gathering Founder

Brian Peters, Senior Corporate Vice President Michigan Health and Hospital Association

Gordon Wenk, Deputy Director Michigan Department of Agriculture

Erica Karfonta, Manager, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Livingston County; Personal Testimony as someone who has utilized the generosities of a food pantry

State Representative John Moolenaar- Midland

Jane Marshall, Executive Director

Food Bank Council of Michigan

WHY: To raise food and funds to support the nine regional food banks in Michigan. Regional food banks provide food for agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in all of Michigan’s 83 counties. This year’s goal is to raise $430,000 and 300,000 pounds of food.

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Lost Lansing

15 09 2008

Corky pointd out this gret site to me this afternoon called Lost Lansing.  It’s a trip down memory lane for those of you who have been in the area longer than six months.  I’m a big history buff and I love this kind stuff.  Not only does it have restaurants that have gone by the wayside, but it’s got a section on the old Civic Center, gas stations, theaters, and more. 

On the web: Lost Lansing


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Buy Fresh Buy Local – Select Michigan Day

15 09 2008

I noticed a post about this last week on Good Food Hunting and today I got a comment about it from Ang, so I thought I’d make a post reminding people.  Select Michigan Day on the lawn of the Capitol is this Thursday, September 18. 

We went to this event back in July and walked away with a lot of great stuff.  I’m sure we’ll make another trip downtown now that some of the fall vegetables are starting to come in.

Celebrate the 4th annual “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day” on September 18, 2008!

Celebrate the fourth annual “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day” on Thursday, September 18, 2008!

Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Select Michigan program, with support from the Michigan Farmers’ Market Association (MIFMA) and the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM), have already partnered together to keep momentum going in Michigan for local food!

“Select Michigan Day” has gained tremendous momentum over the past three years as more consumers are realizing the taste, health and economic benefits of buying local products.

Here, you can find out about events going on around the state, how you can host your own event and other ways that you can get involved. You can also read about past years’ successes.

For more information about the Select Michigan program, visit http://www.selectmichigan.org.


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Categories : Farmer's Market, Food News, Lansing, Michigan

Press Release – Van Atta’s Fall Family Fun Fest

15 09 2008

From a Press Release……

CELEBRATE MICHIGAN AT VAN ATTA’S FALL FAMILY FUN FEST

Haslett, Mich. – Van Atta’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop will hold a family festival with a
Celebrate Michigan theme on Saturday & Sunday September 27 & 28 from noon to 5:00
p.m. Free Michigan food will be served while local musicians provide a wide variety of
live entertainment. Many Michigan artists will be displaying their unique creations for
sale. Preserve Lake Lansing Trails will hold a fund raiser featuring a midway of games
and an obstacle course for children. There will be a Michigan 4-H petting zoo, the
Animal Resource Center, the Nature Discovery reptile & amphibian display, henna
tattooing, face painting, and much more. A clown and a juggler will perform at selected
times. Van Atta’s is located 1 ½ mile east of Marsh Road on Old M-78 in Haslett.
For more information including a schedule of musical performances and a list of
Michigan artists visit http://www.vanattas.com or call 517-339-1142.

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Press Release – Smokefree Air Rally

12 09 2008

From a press release….

Rally at Capitol to Encourage Concurrence Vote on Smokefree Workplace Legislation
Legislators, medical experts and smokefree advocates
to speak in support of House Bill 4163

WHAT: The Campaign for Smokefree Air is hosting a rally at the Capitol to encourage Speaker Andy Dillon (D – Redford Twp.) and the House of Representatives to concur on HB 4163, which would make all work places, including restaurant and bars smokefree. Speakers will take the opportunity to tell their personal stories as well as give concrete statistics and examples as to why Michigan should be the next state to pass smokefree legislation.

WHO: Dr. Greg Holzman, Chief Medical Officer, Michigan Department of Community Health – Event Emcee
Dr. Lawrence Abramson, DO, family practice physician – Dr. Abramson currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan Osteopathic Association.
Sen. Raymond Basham (D-Taylor) – Sen. Basham has been fighting to pass smokefree legislation for more than 10 years.
Rep. Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale) – Rep. Meisner is a proponent of smokefree workplaces and a supporter of CSA.
Rep. Brenda Clack (D-Flint) – Rep. Clack has been a long time supporter of the Campaign for Smokefree Air
Dr. Ronald Davis, past president of the American Medical Association – Throughout his medical career, Dr. Davis has worked on tobacco issues for more than 30 years.
Daniel Haberman – Mr. Haberman is the owner of the Bosco bar in Ferndale, MI and a long time supporter of smokefree workplaces.
Ashley Baracy, Miss Michigan 2008 – Ashley’s mother is a five year cancer survivor and Ashley’s personal platform is breast cancer awareness.

WHEN: Tuesday Sept. 16, 2008
12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Capitol Rotunda

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Smoking Ban Getting Close?

11 09 2008

I mentioned this in a comment earlier in the week, but since WLAJ did a story on it last night, I thought I’d give the topic it’s own post.  Word on the street is the House is going to vote on the “clean” version of the smoking bill sometime before the November elections.

House democrats tell us while negotiations are ongoing right now, they hope to have the reconciled version of the smoking ban signed into law by the November election.

I really would like to see a smoking ban pass, but I’m not in favor of a 100% clean bill.  The ONLY exception should be for cigar/tobacco shops.  Employees know what they’re getting in to there.  Casino’s should not be exempted and there needs to be a way to make sure Indian Casino’s aren’t exempted as well.  There’s a lawsuit working it’s way through the courts that would require Indian Casino’s to purchase liquor license.  HB 4163 should include language mandating that establishments purchasing a liquor license must be smoke free.  That way, should the courts ever decide, it would force Indian casino’s to go smoke free as well.  That will take away the so-called advantage.

On the web. HB 4163


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Roast opening Oct. 15…

10 09 2008

…but according to the Detroit News, they needed a loan of $400,000 to do so.

Celebrity chef Michael Symon’s restaurant Roast aims to open Oct. 15 in the renovated Westin Book Cadillac downtown, backed in part by a $400,000 loan that includes public money.

After some debate about the struggles of downtown upscale restaurants, the loan was approved Tuesday by the board of the Economic Development Corp., a branch of the quasi-public Detroit Economic Growth Corp. Some of the money comes from the city’s $40 million casino fund; the 10-year loan is backed by Citizens Bank and personally guaranteed by Book Cadillac developer John Ferchill. A breakdown of how much each party is backing was not available.  

I would love to see a menu for this project.  It’s supposed to be a meat-eaters paradise.


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