Press Release – BWL Chili Cook-Off Sees Record Crowd

5 06 2009

I guess this is why the lines were ridiculously long.  Great for the charities, but it made for an unpleasant experience.  From a press release….

 Sunny Skies Bring Record Crowd to 14th Annual Chili Cook-Off
More than 12,000 attendants and 2,000 gallons of chili served

LANSING, Mich. – Superb weather and an true love of chili attracted thousands of chiliheads to Adado Riverfront Park in downtown Lansing this evening for the 14th Annual BWL Chili Cook-Off. More than 12,000 people attended the annual event, which benefits the Sparrow Foundation, the Hope Scholars Connections Program and Impression 5 Science Center/Adopt-A-River.

“A combination of perfect weather, fabulous turnout and the fact that there were more vendors than ever before made this year’s Cook-Off one of the best yet,” said BWL Communications Director Mark Nixon. “It was really great to see so many people come out to support three great charities.”

Fifty different Lansing-area restaurants, non-profits, businesses and amateur chefs combined to make approximately 2,000 gallons of chili. Vendors competed in nine different categories in hopes of being awarded “People’s Choice Best Overall Chili.” The People’s Choice award is determined via ballots given to event attendees. For all other chili categories, local celebrity judges determined the winners.

This year’s judges included: Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley, Lansing City Council Member Kathie Dunbar and City Council President Derrick Quinney, Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope, radio personality Walt Sorg, Impression 5 Science Center Board President Jeff Maloney, as well as Andrea Price and Elizabeth Hernandez of Sparrow Healthcare.

This year’s winners are as follows:

People’s Choice – Best Overall Chili
Gold Ladle: Lansing Lugnuts

Silver Ladle: Lansing Fire Department

Bronze Ladle: Harrison Road House

Best Restaurant Chili
Gold Ladle: Red Robin

Silver Ladle: Harrison Road House

Bronze Ladle: Applebee’s

Best Corporate Chili
Gold Ladle: The Gallery at MSU

Silver Ladle: Balloon’s Galore

Bronze Ladle: Marine Corps League

Best Meatless Chili
Gold Ladle: Soup to Nuts Bistro

Silver Ladle: Texas Road House

Bronze Ladle: The Firm

Best Amateur Chili
Gold Ladle: Shannon Shavers

Mo’ Hotter, Mo’ Better – Hottest Chili Award
Gold Ladle: Mayfair Bar

Silver Ladle: Lansing Teen Challenge

Bronze Ladle: Paramount Coffee

The Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau awarded the Red Hot Hospitality Award to the CVB member organization that was most fun and welcoming.

Red Hot Hospitality Award:

Gold Ladle: Dublin Square

Silver Ladle: Jackson National Life

Bronze Ladle: Beggar’s Banquet

Most Creative Chili Booth
Gold Ladle: Jackson National Life

Silver Ladle: Harrison Road House

Bronze Ladle: The State Room

Most Creative Chili Name
Gold Ladle: The Firm

Silver Ladle: Radisson Hotel

Bronze Ladle: The State Room

In addition to the chili, this year’s Cook-Off included live performances from Lansing bands 496 West and La Inspiracion. Attendees were also able to burn off their chili calories on a mechanical bull and an inflatable obstacle course and climbing wall.

The BWL would like to thank participating restaurants, businesses, sponsors and thousands of Chili Cook-Off attendees for another great year!


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Press Release – Free Ice Cream

5 06 2009

From a Melting Moments press release..

Please join us as we celebrate “A Quarter Century of Good Taste!”.
Come on out to East Lansing’s Patriarche Park on Sunday, June 7 from 3 to 6 pm.

We’ll have games and fun for the kids and of course, FREE Melting Moments ice cream for everyone. You’ve enjoyed our ice cream for 25 years, and it’s time for us to thank you.


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Press Release – South Lansing Farmer’s Market

4 06 2009

This is the first I’m hearing of this.  I’m sure J and I will be checking it out soon!  From a press release…..

NEW!!! South Lansing Community Farmers Market and Paved Trail at Davis Park
Every Saturday, Benjamin Davis Park is the place to be for Fresh Food, Fitness, and Fun!

Lansing, MI – June 3, 2009 – For years, residents across South Lansing have wanted a farmers market where they could purchase fresh, locally grown produce. In addition, residents in Southeast Lansing have wanted a safe place to walk and bike in an area that lacks sidewalks on several major roads. Thanks to the South Lansing Community Development Association, both dreams are about to become reality.

What: South Lansing Community Farmers Market

When: Every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June through September

What: Grand Opening of Paved Path at Benjamin Davis Park

When: Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.

Where: Benjamin Davis Park, 5614 Pleasant Grove Rd. (between Jolly and Miller)

Join us as we officially open our new market and the new 3/4 mile paved path. Shop at the market, meet local growers, learn about food preservation, try new recipes, stroll along the newly paved walking path and visit with neighbors. Our market is unlike any other because it offers produce from community growers and urban yard gardeners as well as local farmers.

This Saturday, the market will offer early harvest produce, including asparagus, radishes, rhubarb, salad greens, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnip greens, as well as garden starts and potted perennials. We’ll also have a children’s activity table and information on food preservation presented by MSU Extension.

Throughout the season, we’ll offer a growing variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as value-added products like dips and sauces, jams and jellies, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, and soaps.

The market and the path were made possible with support from the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Ingham County Health Department, the Lansing Parks & Recreation Department, MSU Extension, and members of the South Lansing community.


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Press Release – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Benefit

1 06 2009

You’ll have to click on the picture below to see the flyer.  There was no way I could copy and paste from the .pdf into a post here.

From a Claddagh Irish Pub press release…..


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Press Release – Tim Horton’s Camp Day

1 06 2009

From a Tim Horton’s press release….

BUYING A CUP OF TIM HORTONS COFFEE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3RD CAN CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE
Every Penny From Coffee Sales On Camp Day, June 3rd Will Help Send Thousands Of Kids To Camp!

June 3, 2009- Dublin, OH – Wednesday, June 3 is Tim Hortons Camp Day! Camp Day is the one day each year when every penny from coffee sales at Tim Hortons stores across Canada and the United States will be donated to the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation.

On Camp Day, customers can buy a coffee and help send close to 14,000 kids on the camping adventure of a lifetime. Campers ages nine to 12 years attend a 10 day summer camp session, or a seven day winter camp session at one of the Foundation’s six camps. All children who attend the camps are selected by Tim Hortons Store Owners who work closely with local youth organizations and schools to identify kids who would most benefit from an experience at camp.

“The success of Camp Day would not be possible without the support of our loyal customers and dedicated Tim Hortons Store Owners and their staff,” says Bill Moir, President, Tim Horton Children’s Foundation. “By purchasing a cup of coffee on Camp Day you give kids who live in your community an experience to remember and inspire them for years to come.”

During their stay at camp, kids participate in a wide range of first-class programs and activities designed to build self-confidence, self esteem and leadership skills. The Foundation is committed to providing an enriching and memorable experience for campers, giving them confidence in their abilities, pride in their accomplishments and a more positive view of the world and their place in it.

Following a camp session, Pamela from Canadaigua, New York had this to say about her son’s camping experience: “I can’t thank you enough for giving my son the great gift of the Tatamagouche camp experience. It is a life enhancing experience he had that will always be remembered as a high point in his childhood. He misses camp very much, but has a newfound upbeat approach that is so nice to see. Thank you all for what you have done for my son and continue to do for so many children that would not otherwise have such a great opportunity. ”


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Press Releases – House Passes Smoking Ban..

26 05 2009

…with exemptions for cigar shops and casinos.  It’s disappointing, but not surprising.  No biggie.  I’ll just go back to Windsor. 

This first press release is from Michigan House Democrats

House Dems Pass Smoking Ban
Plan protects health of Michigan families

LANSING – House Democrats today passed legislation that would make Michigan the 37th state to ban smoking in most indoor places, including bars and restaurants. The move comes amid ever increasing evidence of the negative public health impact of secondhand smoke. The plan passed 73-31 and now heads to the Senate for approval.

“Secondhand smoke causes thousands of deaths per year that are completely preventable,” said State Representative Bert Johnson (D-Detroit). “This plan will protect our workers and families who regularly face exposure to secondhand smoke in public places, bars and restaurants.”

Secondhand smoke is classified as a Group A carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause or exacerbate a wide range of health problems, including cancer, respiratory infections, and asthma, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).

The ALA reports that secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year, and that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at work are at increased risk for health problems.

“The smoking ban puts the health of our workers and families first,” said State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township), sponsor of the plan. “By banning smoking in public places we are protecting our families and our children from inhaling this deadly smoke. Smoke-free environments will create healthier communities and save thousands of lives.”

Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to children, the ALA reports. It is responsible for up to 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in kids under 18 months of age, resulting in up to 15,000 hospitalizations a year. It causes 430 sudden infant death syndrome deaths in the U.S. annually, the ALA reports. In addition, new evidence links increases in the number of asthma cases in children to secondhand smoke exposure.

Thirty-six states have passed laws prohibiting smoking in almost all public places and workplaces. The plan passed Tuesday exempts certain cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores because those businesses feature smoking as the primary source of their commerce. The plan also exempts casino floors, which would face competitive disadvantages with tribal casinos that would threaten their viability.

“Secondhand smoke causes cancer and kills people,” said State Representative Joan Bauer (D-Lansing). “This is not the time to let politics get in the way of acting to protect the public health. Each year more of our residents are falling ill and dying due to secondhand smoke; it would be irresponsible not to act quickly in passing this ban. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take action immediately.”

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This second release is from the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association.  They call it a “Job Killer”  Hey, whatever helps them sleep at night. Read the rest of this entry »


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Press Release – BWL Chili Cook-Off

26 05 2009

From a Lansing Board of Water & Light press release…..

14th annual BWL Chili Cook-off will spice up the night on June 5

The Lansing Board of Water & Light will hosts its 14th Annual BWL
Chili Cook-Off on Friday, June 5 in Adado Riverfront Park.

“This a great opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate our city and
our riverfront, as well as to raise money for worthy, local non-profit
organizations,” said BWL General Manager J. Peter Lark.

New this year:
 The time: The BWL is extending the Chili Cook-off an hour. The
new hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
 The place: For the first time, the Chili Cook-off will take place on
the west side of the Grand River, in Adado Riverfront Park.
 Advance ticket sales: Advance tickets are $5 each for persons over
age 13; $2 for ages 6-12. Ages 5 and under are free.
 Tickets at the gate are $8 for ages 13 and over, and $3 for ages 6-12.
Advanced tickets can be purchased at the BWL Customer Service
Center, 1232 Haco Drive, Lansing, and at the Lansing Lugnuts Box
office, Oldsmobile Park.

More than 45 restaurants and organizations will compete for best chili
honors. For chiliheads wishing to take a “chili break”, there will be
mechanical bull rides. Current and former Michigan State University
football players are expected to try their bull-riding skills. Other activities
include a Duck Derby (A $5 ticket gives contestants a chance to win prizes
including 4 tickets to a Lugnuts Suite and 18 holes of golf at Eagle Eye) plus
games and activities for all ages. Non-chili offerings include adult beverages
and ice cream.

Two live bands will perform: 496 West and La Inspiracion.

Proceeds go to support these fine community institutions: Impression 5
Science Center, Adopt A River, the HOPE Scholarship Program, and the
Sparrow Foundation.


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Press Release – Be A Tourist In Your Own Town

22 05 2009

As two people who were new to Lansing last year, the “Be A Tourist In Your Own Town” event was a great way to explore our new home.  We only got to maybe twenty of the stops, but we hit the big ones including the Potter Park Zoo, RE Olds Museum, Impressions 5, and a few of the other museums.  This year, we’ll hit the zoo again, but we also plan on finding some of the other things and skip a few of the bigger stops.  Either way, it’s an event that we’ve been looking forward to and plan on getting our passports next for weekend. 

From a Greater Lansing Convention and Visitor’s Bureau press release….

Discover A World of Possibilities In Your Own Backyard During
Be A Tourist In Your Own Town On Saturday, May 30th

LANSING, Mich. – What would you say if someone asked, “What is there to do in Greater Lansing?” If you had to think about it, get ready to discover (or rediscover) your own backyard during the 15th Annual Be A Tourist In Your Own Town celebration. The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the event on Saturday, May 30th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While a dollar sure doesn’t buy much these days, it’s STILL enough to purchase a Greater Lansing passport, allowing event participants to visit more than 60 local partnering establishments. Old favorites include: Impression 5 Science Center, Potter Park Zoo and the Michigan Historical Museum. Be sure to visit one of the many new stops including, FRAG Center, MSU’s Breslin Center, WKAR Studios and taste the new “Capital City Sundae” ice cream flavor at the MSU Dairy Store. Some attractions will offer a discount on services through June with the passport.

“The tourism industry is a key component of the Greater Lansing economy,” said Tracy Padot, Vice President, Marketing Communications. “Based on a study conducted by Michigan State University, more than 5 million out-of-town guests visit Greater Lansing each year, generating $431 million in direct spending and supporting 7,500 jobs in the tourism sector. We want residents to not only enjoy the leisure options Lansing offers, but also recognize the importance of creating a hospitable environment for our guests by serving as community ambassadors.”

Here’s how the event works:
1. Participants need to purchase a $1 passport from the Celebration Cinema or Meridian Mall customer service desks, the AAA Michigan–Grand River Avenue location, Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing Art Gallery, CATA C.T.C or the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau in Old Town. Passports will also be available on May 30th at information stations throughout the city.
3.Throughout the month of June, “tourists” can have their passport stamped at participating attractions, and once they receive 10 stamps, they are eligible to enter a prize drawing. Participants that get 15 or more stamps, are entered in for the grand prize – a night in a suite at Oldsmobile park and 10 tickets.

2.Passport holders can park at the Breslin Student Events Center on the campus of MSU, in Old Town, at the Lansing Community College parking ramp on N. Grand Avenue or at the lot adjacent to the Michigan Historical Museum and hop aboard one of four CATA Be A Tourist public bus routes. Round trip fares are only 50 cents per person.


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Press Release – Melting Moments Celebrates 25 Years

22 05 2009

From a press release….

Melting Moments Celebrates a “Quarter Century of Good Taste” 

Mark Geovjian, creator and proprietor of Melting Moments finds it hard to believe that it has been 25 years since he served his first homemade ice cream in Downtown East Lansing. “Amazing how time really does fly,” he remarked.

The 25 year milestone presents an opportunity for reflection. “We’ve always remained true to our steadfast commitment to quality. We have continually searched out the finest of ingredients for our ice creams. We still make everything by hand, as we did with the very first tub in 1984,” said Geovjian. “We are proud to be a part of the East Lansing Community, supporting a variety of causes including our own ‘Melting Moments Giving Fund’ with the Capital Area Regional Foundation and the ‘Melting Moments Children’s Fund’ at the Haven House. It’s also surprising to calculate over those 25 years how many students we’ve employed who have used this job to work their way through college. It has to be well over a thousand kids.”

The recently renovated retail store is still downtown in the original location at 313 E. Grand River Ave. In 2007 they moved the kitchen production facilities and offices to a building in Lansing where all of their tasty concoctions are created and produced. The addition of handmade Italian Gelato offers the area’s only large variety of the European treat.

When asked about new directions for the next 25 years, the discussion leads to the many “Ice Cream on the Move” events in which the company is involved, including the upcoming E. Lansing Arts Festival, Folk Festival, Jazz and Blues Festivals and a variety of Air Shows. They are also expanding their involvement in a vast number of off-site events with their fully outfitted ice cream concession trailer and fleet of ice cream carts.

Most importantly, the 25th anniversary marks a time for Melting Moments to show appreciation to all of their loyal customers. “We actually have children of folks that grew up eating cookie sandwiches at MSU events coming into our store,” said Geovjian.

Mark would like to invite the entire community to the “Quarter Century of Good Taste” celebration at Patriarch Park June 7th from 3-6pm. There will be fun and games for the whole family but most importantly free ice cream for all!

 

“Life is good…there’s ice cream.”


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Press Release – Dow Gardens Festival of the Senses

19 05 2009

From a Dow Gardens press release….

Dow Gardens Festival of the Senses
Friday, May 29
7:30-10:30 p.m.

– Michigan wine and beer tasting under the stars
– Hors d’ oeuvres from the H Hotel
– Music and artistic entertainment of Empty Canvas
– Copper sculptures of Jim Ardis
– The beauty of Dow Gardens
– Fourteen Michigan wineries and five Michigan breweries will feature their products for sampling with orders for purchase being taken by Eastman Party Store.

The wineries include: Black Star Farms, L. Mawby Vineyards and Shady Lane Cellars of Suttons Bay, Brys Estate and Peninsula Cellars of Traverse City, St. Julian Wine Co. and Warner Vineyard of Paw Paw, Burgdorf’s Winery of Haslett, Lone Oak Vineyard of Grass Lake, Pentamere Winery of Tecumseh, Rose Valley Winery of Rose City, Tabor Hill Winery of Buchanan, Sandhill Crane Vineyards of Jackson and BK Nektar Meadery of Ferndale.

The Breweries are: Arcadia Brewery of Battle Creek, Atwater Brewing Co. of Detroit, Mt. Pleasant Brewing Co., New Holland Brewery of Holland and Tri-City Brewing of Bay City.

Empty Canvas will perform: As patrons taste the beer and wine, they will be treated to the talents of Scott and Mike McMath as they perform music and Mike produces a painting of Dow Gardens. This is truly a unique performance and the painting will be auctioned off at the end of the evening, with the successful bidder choosing the charity to whom the proceeds will be donated.

In addition copper sculptures which will be on display in the Gardens throughout the summer will make their debut at this event. The sculptures include arches, banner poles, a maypole and other creative garden art by Jim Ardis .

Tickets for the multi-faceted Festival of the Senses are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door.

Advanced tickets are available at Dow Gardens, 1809 Eastman Ave, Eastman Party Store and through www.dowgardens.org.


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