Press Release – Hunters Helping Food Banks

14 11 2008

From a press release from the Mid-Michigan Food Bank

Bridging the Gap Between Hunters And The Hungry

Lansing, MI – For many in Michigan, fall means one thing – deer hunting. There are many reasons people hunt, to commune with nature, to bond with friends and family, and for some, to supply food for their families. But for those hunters who would rather not spend the next three months eating venison, the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger have a solution.
Since 1991, the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger (MSAH) has been working to create linkages between hunters, wild game processors and charities which feed needy individuals, such as the Mid-Michigan Food Bank. MSAH is an all-volunteer organization, led by sportsmen and women who are concerned about making a positive difference for the communities in which they live.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan leads the nation in hunting licenses and sadly, has also led in the increase of working poor families with children. The Mid-Michigan Food Bank (MMFB) serves more than 92,000 individuals each year. Approximately 39% of those clients are children. MMFB seeks to bridge the gap between hunters and hungry families by giving hunters the opportunity to donate wild game to hunger relief organizations.
“Being able to provide protein to our agencies is such an important goal for us,” said David Karr, Director of Operations. “Providing a well rounded diet, including meat, is made much easier with the generous contribution that hunters make each year through this program.” Read the rest of this entry »





Press Release – Breakin Bread with the Blues

7 11 2008

From a press release

Breakin Bread with the Blues

What: 5th Annual Capital Area Blues Society food drive for the Greater Lansing Food Bank

When: Sunday November 16, 2008 from 4 p.m. to midnight

Where: Green Door Blues Bar and Grill
2005 E Michigan Ave
Lansing

Breakin Bread with the Blues has been sponsored by the Capital Area Blues Society for 5 years. The line up is:
Jimmy G and the Capitals, Those Delta Rhythm Kings, Lansing All Stars: Frog, Stan Budzynski, and Bill Malone, Marble Garden, and the Alligators.
Admission is $5.00 for the Blues Society and canned food for the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Donations of food have totaled 100’s of pounds in the past.





Press Release – Taste of Okemos

29 10 2008

From a press release….

Taste of Okemos
Spotlights Area Cuisine

Okemos, Michigan – Okemos area restaurants will once again showcase their talents and allow the community to “taste test” a variety of menu selections at the Ninth Annual Taste of Okemos event on Saturday, November 15th, at Okemos High School.

Held in the Commons area of the high school, nearly 30 area vendors will provide mouth-watering samples to all attendees, allowing the community to sample a variety of specialties from new and established businesses in the area. For a minimal entry fee, you can select anything from traditional American offerings to Mexican, Middle Eastern and Chinese cuisine.

“Taste of Okemos continues to be a success because of the tremendous support we receive from the community and the dedicated involvement of our students and parents,” said Frank DeWald, director of the choral music program at Okemos High School.

The volunteer parent organization, co-chaired this year by Mick and Deb Baughman, along with Rick and Kim Horwood, work closely with the choir students to make this event possible. While the parents are responsible for securing the vendors and promoting the event, the students take responsibility for all duties the day of the event, including set-up, serving and clean-up.

All proceeds from the fundraiser support the high school choral music program by providing vocal music scholarship opportunities and funding performance events throughout the nation. This year’s event scheduled for Saturday, November 15th, runs from 2 to 4pm and tickets may be purchased at the door. The cost for admission remains at $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and children aged 6-10 and $5 for children under age five.

This year’s vendors, to date, include:
Big John Steak & Onion – Blondie’s Barn – Boston Market
Cosi – Dusty’s Cellar – Gracie’s Place
Grand Traverse Pie Co. – Guido’s Pizza – Gumbo & Jazz
Johnny Rockets – Kroger’s Deli – Lucky House
Meijer – Melting Moments – Panchero’s
Panda Express – Pizza House – Sahara’s
Scalawag’s Fish & Chips – Stillwater Grill  -Sultan’s Place

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Press Release – New Biggby Store

15 10 2008

From a press release….

BIGGBY COFFEE TO OPEN 24th GREATER LANSING LOCATION
Growing Hometown Brand Thriving Despite Economic Downturn

LANSING, Mich., October 15, 2008 – East-Lansing based BIGGBY COFFEE will open a new location in its hometown of Lansing on Tuesday, Oct 21st, across from Eastwood Town Center. The new store, located at 2250 Lake Lansing Road, marks the 24th greater Lansing location for the increasingly popular coffee retailer.

Long-time franchisee, Jane O’Connor, is the catalyst behind the new store, which is her fourth BIGGBY COFFEE location. O’Connor owns successful franchises in Okemos, Marshall and East Lansing.

“I’ve been with the Big ‘B’ a long time now, so I’m an oldie but a goodie,” said O’Connor, in reference to her first store opening in Okemos more than seven years ago, when just a few stores existed in the region. “The truth is, the brand has become a local legend before my very eyes, and that’s extremely fulfilling on a professional level. Of course, I’m a huge fan myself so I can’t wait to bring the experience to the residents of Groesbeck and the shoppers across the street at Eastwood.”

The store is open 6 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sundays. Soft seating and free wireless access will be paired with a fun, inviting atmosphere—all standard options at BIGGBY COFFEE.

The new location marks the 104th for the rapidly expanding coffee retailer. BIGGBY COFFEE currently operates in eight states, and has another 66 locations under contract to open over the next 24 months.

The new Lansing store will bring nearly 20 new full-and part-time jobs to the area.





Press Release – 11th Annual Finlandia Vodka Cup Regional

14 10 2008

From a press release….

MICHIGAN-AREA MIXOLOGISTS COMPETE FOR CHANCE TO
REPRESENT THE U.S. IN INTERNATIONAL FINALS

WHAT:
Michigan’s 11th Annual Finlandia Vodka Cup regional competition

WHO:
Master mixologists, media and guests

WHEN:
October 27
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WHERE:
Club 131 @ Harpers, 131 Albert Avenue, East Lansing

WHY:
The best mixologists in Michigan will compete for one-coveted spot in the U.S. Finlandia Shake Off on November 10 in Colorado Springs. The mixologist that wins the Shake Off will represent the U.S. in the 11th Annual International Finlandia Vodka Cup Finals in Finland in early February. During the Finals, the U.S. representative will compete against more than 25 bartenders from around the globe in Finlandia’s arctic homeland.





Press Release – Sonic open in Flint

10 10 2008

From a press release….I guess it’s a little closer to Lansing.

SONIC® Drive-In Opens Location in Flint

(Oklahoma City) – Flint residents now have a reason to stay in – stay in their cars that is. SONIC®, America’s Drive-In® today announced the opening of Flint’s first SONIC Drive-In, a restaurant where you order your meal and eat right from the comfort of your own vehicle.

“We are very excited to open a SONIC in Flint,” said Bill Wentworth, Jr., franchisee of the SONIC Drive-In. “We are looking forward to serving the community and delivering the fun Carhop service SONIC Drive-Ins are known for across the country.”

The Wentworth Group is the principal owner of the new SONIC located at 3140 Miller Road in Flint. The restaurant features 27 drive-in stalls, two walk-up ordering stations and a drive-thru.

The drive-in will open at 7 a.m. on Oct. 13 to serve customers a delicious breakfast. With the full menu available all day, customers can enjoy a Breakfast Burrito to start their morning or as a late night snack.

SONIC, which specializes in made-to-order fast food, is known for its specialty menu items and personal Carhop service. Unique drink combinations make SONIC Your Ultimate Drink Stop!® SONIC’s slow-melting ice, helps drinks stay cool and keeps them cooled longer while maintaining flavor. SONIC’s full menu is available all day, giving guests the option of eating breakfast for dinner or ordering a SONIC Blast in the morning. Favorites include TOASTER® Sandwiches (sandwiches served on thick Texas Toast), Extra-Long Cheese Coneys (hot dogs with chili and cheese), fresh hamburgers, handfresh-made Onion Rings, Tater Tots and a variety of Ffrozen Favorites® treats and Fountain Favorites® drinks. SONIC’s ever-growing menu is full of options to satisfy every taste, such as Fresh Fruit Smoothies.

SONIC, America’s Drive-In (NASDAQ/NM: SONC) started as a hamburger and root beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Okla., called Top Hat Drive-In, and then changed its name to SONIC in 1959. The first drive-in to adopt the SONIC name is still serving customers in Stillwater, Okla. As the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, SONIC has more than 3,400 drive-ins coast to coast. More than a million customers eat at SONIC every day; and with more drink combinations than any other quick-service restaurant – more than 168,000 to be exact – SONIC is Your Ultimate Drink Stop®. For more information about Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries, visit SONIC at http://www.sonicdrivein.com.

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Press Release – Claddagh Irish Pub Dedication Ceremony

9 10 2008

From a press release….

MEDIA ALERT

Claddagh Irish Pub Dedication Ceremony Friday
Owner from Ireland visits Lansing and shares heritage

What: Claddagh Irish Pub rededication ceremony and VIP party

Who: Local dignitaries including Lansing Township
Supervisor John Daher and Pat McDonagh, owner of Claddagh Irish Pubs

When: 3 -9 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2008; Ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m.

Where: Claddagh Irish Pub at Eastwood Towne Center

Why: To honor the grand reopening of Claddagh Irish Pub and to celebrate six “glorious” years in the Lansing location

Details: Claddagh Irish Pub is thanking its patrons by offering free tastos and live music from 7 p.m. to close: from 7-9 p.m. enjoy traditional Irish folk music; from 9 p.m.-2 a.m., local rock band The Jabs will take the stage. This event is part of Claddagh’s week-long “A Taste of Ireland” celebration.





Press Release – Bennigan’s and United Way Fundraiser

7 10 2008

From a press release.

Bennigan’s and United Way Team Up to Benefit Local Charities!

WHO: Capital Area United Way

     Special Guest Hosts and Bartenders including

     Mike Brown, President, Capital Area United Way (Okemos location, 11am – 1pm)

     Kelli Ellsworth-Etchinson, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, LAFCU  (W. Saginaw location, 11am – noon)

     Jessica Danou, Assistant Attorney General, State of Michigan (Okemos, 3pm – 4pm)

WHAT: Bennigan’s is “living united” by supporting the United Way’s annual fundraising campaign to meet the needs of the greater Lansing community.

WHEN: 11:00 a.m. – midnight

Thursday, October 9, 2008

WHERE: Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern

West Lansing Location Okemos Location

(On North side of M-43 2085 W. Grand River Ave.

between Canal & Creyts Rds) Okemos, MI 48864

718 Delta Commerce Dr. 517-349-2321

Lansing, MI 48917 517-349-6751 (fax)

517-327-0722

517-327-0839 (fax)

DETAILS: The United Way is making it easy and appetizing for Lansing residents to give back to their community. The Capital Area United Way will be hosting a fundraising event at two local Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern locations on Thursday, October 9th from 11:00 a.m. until close. Diners need only to present an event flyer, available at http://www.capitalareaunitedway.org, to their server and Bennigan’s will donate a percentage of the bill to the Capital Area United Way. The event will feature special guest hosts and bartenders.

A portion of each bill, including dine-in, to-go, curbside and party platter orders, will go to the Capital Area United Way’s Community Investment Fund. Donations will help support emergency assistance, youth development, job retention, and a variety of other critical services in the greater Lansing area.





Press Release – Harvest Celebration

30 09 2008

From a press release…..

Old-Fashioned Fall Fun for the Family at Michigan Historical Museum’s Harvest Celebration, Oct. 4

LANSING – Step back in time and enjoy games, crafts and activities from a bygone era as the Michigan Historical Museum celebrates Michigan harvest traditions on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for the Michigan Harvest Celebration, which will feature a variety of old-fashioned fall fun, including:

-Noon to 3 p.m. – Sample a variety of Michigan heritage apples provided by Roger Miller Orchards

-1:30 to 3 p.m. – Harvest tales with Steveanna Roose, The Pioneer Storyteller

-Traditional music and dancing

-Apple cider and donuts

-Hands-on harvest activities like a hay bale toss, a corn-shelling bee, butter making, the opportunity to make apple-head and corn-husk dolls or a scarecrow, an up-close look at tools of the trade, old-time toys and games

-Traditional crafts such as woodworking, wheat weaving, spinning, basket weaving, tin punching and more

-Characters from Michigan history throughout the museum’s galleries

The Michigan Harvest Celebration is sponsored by the Michigan Historical Museum, the Michigan Historical Museum Docent Guild, the Michigan Historical Center Foundation and the Friends of Michigan History.

The Michigan Historical Museum is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State Capitol in downtown Lansing. The main entrance and visitor parking are located north of Kalamazoo Street, just east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission and weekend parking are free. For more information, visit http://www.michigan.gov/museum.

The Michigan Historical Museum System is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan’s heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. For more information, visit http://www.michigan.gov/hal.

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Press Release – Empty Bowls

30 09 2008

From a press release….

Mark your calendars for  Empty Bowls 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 – Lunch 11:30Am – 1:30 PM Dinner 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

More than 800 bowls are handmade by the Potters Guild, Clayworks and many Lansing area potters. In addition, local businesses donate soup, bread and beverages each year.

“We are fortunate to work with such talented artists in efforts to reach out to our community”, Kathe Smithe, Operations Supervisor and MMFB, said. “Empty Bowls is a wonderful event for families as well as businesses to enjoy. It brings the whole community together for a great cause.”

For a donation of $20, attendees receive a handcrafted bowl, as well as their choice of soup and drink. All proceeds will go towards feeding the hungry through the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.
This great event is held at The Center for the Arts 425 S. Grand Avenue – Lansing. This event is celebrating 18 years of feeding the hungry.

Become a Sponsor
– For $250 you can sponsor a table of eight  For $500 you can sponsor a table of ten
– For $750 you can sponsor a table of ten and receive and Empty Bowls Poster
  signed by the artist.

Learn how you can become a sponsor! Go to www.midmichiganfoodbank for more information.
Buy Tickets To purchase tickets for the 2008 event, please contact Kathe Smith at 517-702-3358.

Thank you to our contributors:
Breadsmith of Okemos – Coral Gables – Dusty’s Cellar – Empire Szechuan
Flap Jack Restaurant – Great Harvest Bread Co. – Mijo’s Diner
New Apple Jade Chinese Restaurant – Red Cedar Grill – Robinhill Catering
Sahara’s – Spartan Water and Coffee – Spuds – Sultan Express – Ted-Dee’s – The Cappuccino Café – The Spotted Dog Café – Travelers Club
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