Hi! This has been a very busy fall for us CRC interns.  This past week we were involved in safe halloween, a halloween themed carnival on M.A.C., specifically designed for families.  Although this event was put on by MSU greek life, the CRC was able to have a booth, as it is a great way to do what we do best- get involved! We had many families come out and play our pumpkin toss game and collect some candy! We loved meeting all of the families and kids and seeing all the fun costumes!

This coming week, the CRC interns are attending a basketball game with our neighborhood partners! Another great way we will see and hear more about the happenings in East Lansing!

Hi! This  past week has been a very exciting week for the CRC interns.  This past Sunday, after our disappointing loss to Ohio State University, around 200 members of the MSU greek community came together and helped clean up the streets of East Lansing.  The amount of people who came was so large that it only took around 30 minuets to clean up everything. Not only was this event a raging success for the streets of East Lansing and for the CRC, it also showed that the greek community can positively influence the University and the City, something that is often overlooked.  News channel 10, The State News, and The Odyssey all wrote articles about this successful morning, here is the link to News Chanel 10 http://www.wilx.com/news/localnews/headlines/MSU-Students-Clean-Up-Football-Tailgate-Mess--172010231.html  

Next week Sunday is the Annual Autumn Fest.  Come out from 10-2 and see the CRC interns at work at the Local Farmers Market.  There will be pumpkin carving, face painting and many other fun fall activities for families!

Hello! and welcome back to the CRC blog! I am one of the ten interns and have the great honor of blogging on behalf of all my fellow interns. My name is Emily and I am a junior here at MSU, currently studying communications and PR.  
As school has come to a quick start, so has the CRC.  The CRC have already hosted its ice cream socials for the year.  The ice cream socials in all three neighborhoods  were all a great success with residents of all ages showing up.  Not only does everyone love free Dairy Store ice cream, everyone seemed to enjoy talking and meeting their neighbors.  The ice cream socials are such a great way for the new and old residents in the Oakwood, Red Cedar and Bailey neighborhoods to be reminded that the CRC is here to help them have a positive living experience.  Here are a few pictures from our socials!

End of the Year Gathering

The interns are looking forward to the CRC's end of the year gathering this Thursday at Pat Enos' home.  There certainly will be a lot to celebrate- not only will we be looking back on an incredibly successful year, but also celebrating Intern Coordinator Olivia Seifert's graduation and Pat's retirement from the position of Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Services.

But our work isn't done yet- the interns will be helping out at this Friday's Marble Elementary Spring Carnival!

Marble Elementary's annual Spring Carnival
is this Friday, April 27

Earth Day Clean-Up

The CRC interns were back at it on Sunday, exhausted after the Taste of EL but up and at 'em for our Earth Day Neighborhood Clean-Up, the last one of the year.  We partnered with Greek Life and the University Student Commision to clean up the streets of our beautiful East Lansing community.  A big thanks to Mayor Diane Goddeeris, Mayor Pro Tem Nathan Triplett, and City Manager George Lahanas for pitching in!

Sunday's Earth Day Clean-Up was the
CRC's last of the academic year

Taste of East Lansing a Smashing Success!

This past Saturday's Taste of East Lansing was a huge success, much to the excitement and relief of the CRC interns!  The event attracted a crowd of hundreds of people, including a good mix of students and long-term residents.  Attendees enjoyed delicious samples from our nine restaurant vendors, awesome music from our performers, and a plethora of activities ranging from a Capoeira dance crew to fire truck tours and a silent auction.

Tase of EL attracted a crowd of hundreds
for food, music, and fun

The EL Fire Department's Pumper and Pals show
was a hit for the little ones

All in all, the event raised approximately $2000 for the CRC and another $2000 for the Rotary Club's "Playground in the Park Reimagined" project.  We're so thankful to the Rotary Club for partnering with us, and to all the volunteers that helped make the Taste of EL happen!

Attendees enjoying samples from MSU's
Culinary Services, among other local vendors

Local folk fiddle group The Bard Owls performed
during the middle part of the event

Plenty of groups were present on Saturday to document the event, including the State News.  Be sure to check out their article on the Taste, as well as the City of East Lansing's photo album.

The interns could not be more proud of our team for pulling off this ambitious and rewarding event.  It's been quite an adventure and an incredible learning experience for all of us.  We look forward to seeing the Taste of East Lansing continue to grow in years to come!

Interns celebrating a successful event with Sparty!

Let's Go Nuts!

The interns went out tonight for some bonding at the Lansing Lugnuts game.  The Lugnuts played the South Bend Silver Hawks... and the windchill was 36 degrees.  But PR Intern Brittney won a bobblehead playing the "Junk in Your Trunk" game between innings!

The interns bonded over
tonight's Lugnuts game

Earlier this morning Intern Coordinator Olivia and Red Cedar Neighborhood intern Ryan went on the air with LCC Radio's "Coffee Break" show to talk about the Taste of East Lansing.  This week is crunch time as we finish up the final preparations for the big day.  Keep an eye out for sidewalk chalk around campus, and check out the Rock- it may well be painted for the Taste of EL at some point this week!

Crystal Award Ceremony

The CRC interns are looking forward to the upcoming Crystal Awards Ceremony.  The CRC was honored with the Crystal Award last year, and we're excited to congratulate this year's winners!  You can read more about the Crystal Awards on the City of East Lansing's website.

Representatives from the CRC were recognized
at last year's Crystal Award Ceremony

Also on the agenda for this month is a fun intern outing to a Lansing Lugnuts game.  What better way to celebrate a rewarding, exciting, and successful year with the CRC?!

Go Nuts!

The Big Day's Almost Here!

Happy April!  Taste of East Lansing is fast approaching, and we interns have been running around EL like crazy getting vendors signed up to participate  As of today our list includes three new featured vendors- Spartan Signature Catering, The State Room, and Sultan's Delight!

Spartan Signature will be a featured vendor at the Taste... 

...as is The State Room!

Sultan's Delight will be opening soon in downtown East Lansing- read more about the development here!

We'll be generating lots of buzz around the event in the next couple weeks through Facebook and Twitter, and Intern Coordinator Olivia Seifert and Red Cedar Neighborhood Intern Ryan Waldron will be making an appearance on LCC Radio's Coffee Break Morning Show on Monday, April 16.  

In outreach this month, interns will be focusing on Civil Rights- particularly student rights as they work with landlords to find housing- and passing out fliers for the Taste of EL:

Official Taste of EL flier, designed by MSU's AIGA Student Group

Intern Agenda

Believe it or not, Taste of East Lansing isn't the only thing the CRC interns have on their plates!  We interns have been busy doing outreach in the neighborhoods as usual, this month promoting celebrating safely.  We've been passing out cards with taxi numbers and information about alcohol poisoning, educating students about staying safe during the NCAA tournament, and talking to residents about the use of fireworks in the neighborhoods.

We also have a few more events to look forward to as the semester comes to a close.  On Sunday, April 22 we'll be putting on a Neighborhood Clean-Up in partnership with the University Student Commission and Greek Life.  Join us at 10:30 AM in the parking lot behind City Hall to help us beautify our community in honor of Earth Day!

Earth Day is Sunday, April 22

Coming up on April 27, interns will also be helping out with the Marble Elementary Spring Carnival.  Come on by for some carnival fun and a chance to meet your neighbors!

Last year's Marble Elementary Spring Carnival

Hope to see you around the neighborhood soon!

Taste of East Lansing Updates

Noodles and Company is our first official vendor for Taste of East Lansing!

First official vendor for Taste of EL 2012!

Anddd... Granger has become an official event sponsor with an in-kind donation of $500!

Official event sponsor!

We're also excited to announce that in addition to the MSU Breakdance Club, the West Michigan Capoeira dance group will also be performing at the event!  This traditional Brazilian martial arts dance is like nothing you've ever seen:

Lastly, we've had some exciting new additions to the Silent Auction: signed basketballs from Coach Izzo and Coach Merchant, and a football signed by Coach Dantonio!

Interns are hard at work sealing the deal with lots of other restaurants and businesses around town- more updates to come.  Don't forget to be checking in on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information about Taste of EL 2012!

Taste of EL in the Dialog

If you haven't had a chance to read the most recent issue of the Dialog- the City of East Lansing's monthly newsletter- be sure to check out page 6 for Taste of East Lansing!

Taste of EL featured in this month's Dialog

Taste of East Lansing!

It's official... the CRC's inaugural "Taste of East Lansing" will be held Saturday, April 21!  Mark your calendars, because it's going to be a blast: local restaurant vendors offering samples of their fare, live local music, children's activities, a raffle and silent auction, and more!

The official Taste of East Lansing logo,
designed by the AIGA Student Group

Taste of East Lansing is scheduled for 5:00 to 8:00 PM and will take place in downtown East Lansing in the Lot 1 surface lot on Albert Avenue, between Abbot and Grove.  Tickets for buying samples will cost $2 a piece and can be purchased at the event itself as well as at pre-sales (dates TBA).  For more info, check out the event on the CRC website and on Facebook, and be sure to follow the @TasteofEL on Twitter!  We'll be updating everyone as vendors confirm their participation.  Interested in being a vendor or sponsoring the event?  Contact Olivia Seifert, CRC Intern Coordinator at 715-492-3895 or seiferto@msu.edu.

Not only is Taste of East Lansing an excellent opportunity for our community to highlight the dining offered in EL, but it is also a chance to support our charity partner, the Rotary Club of East Lansing, and their fundraising efforts to rebuild the playground at Patriarche Park:

To learn more about the project visit the City's website, and be sure to stop by one of the design meetings in Hannah Community Center- Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00 PM or Saturday, March 10 at 10:00 AM.

Council of Neighborhood Presidents Meeting

Two CRC interns presented our "Taste of East Lansing" event to the Council of Neighborhood Presidents tonight.  Good to hear that they're on-board!  In the meantime, we're busy approaching vendors...

For the most up-to-date information on Taste of EL, make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check our website- www.wealllivehere.org!

Recycling Initiative

In this month's outreach we CRC interns are focusing on recycling.  East Lansing recycles- do you??

The City collects recyclables curbside from single-family homes, duplexes, and small, multi-family homes with up to 20 units.  There is NO FEE to recycle, however, recyclables must be placed in a blue ELROW recycling bin, which can be purchased for a one-time fee of $6.50.  Recycling bins are available for purchase at DPW, 1800 E. State Road or by placing an order over the phone at (517) 337-9459.

For additional information about recycling in East Lansing visit the City's website, and keep up to date with EL's efforts to stay green on Facebook.

Recycle for a Greener East Lansing

Are you an environmental or agricultural student interested in leadership?  Check out MSU Leaf, a student organization on campus dedicated to educating its members and serving the community.

BCA Valentine's Day Party

This year's BCA Valentine's Day Party was a huge success!  With a record attendance, the interns were much appreciated as we helped greet attendees, decorate cookies, and make Valentines.

Catie and Liz getting crafty!

Allison ready to greet attendees and sign them up for door prizes

East Lansing families had the chance to snack on Valentine's Day treats, decorate cookies, create Valentines, and listen to story teller "Mr. Chris of the the 1000 Voices".  Even Police Chief Liebler and her family joined in on the fun!

ELPD Chief Liebler helps her son make a Valentine

Kids taking part in the storytelling 

Tonight the interns will be meeting with the AIGA Student Group to pick out the logo for Taste of East Lansing... stay tuned to find out our choice!

BCA Valentine's Day Party

This Friday the interns will be getting together for a cookie baking extravaganza in preparation for Sunday's BCA Valentine's Day Party!  CRC interns will not only be providing the cookies for the event but will be helping set up, greet attendees, and man cookie and card decorating tables for the little ones.  We'll also be promoting our upcoming Taste of East Lansing event, set to take place Saturday, April 21st- save the date!

Cookie masterpiece from last year's BCA Valentine's Day Party

Hope to see you there!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to East Lansing's new City Manager, George Lahanas!  The CRC looks forward to continuing to work with Mr. Lahanas in his new role.

New East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas.
Photo Credit: Scott Pohl/WKAR

CRC interns were able to interact with finalists for the City Manager position at the Community Reception this past Wednesday.  For more information on the event check out the State News.

CRC Interns talk with Saginaw City Manager Darnell Earley at the Community Reception last week.  Photo credit: Aaron Snyder/The State News

Up next, interns will be baking cookies for the annual Bailey Community Association Valentine's Day Party and helping to staff the event- stay tuned for details!

The CRC is hiring!

MSU students - Are you interested in community service and leadership? Want to get more involved in your community? Looking to develop your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and community-building skills?

If any of these questions describe you, the Community Relations Coalition (CRC) and Michigan State University (MSU) invite your application for the 2012-2013 CRC Internship. The two-semester, paid CRC Internship is a valuable opportunity to develop marketable skills while building community in the East Lansing neighborhoods surrounding campus. For the full position description, eligibility requirements, and to apply online, please visit http://tinyurl.com/12-13-crc-app.
 

Applications are being accepted until February 29, 2012. However, applicants are encouraged to apply throughout the month of February so that interviews can be scheduled on a rolling basis. If you have any questions about the internship, please feel free to contact Olivia Seifert, CRC Intern Coordinator, at seiferto@msu.edu.

Please note that the CRC is a non-profit organization that funds its programs, including the internship, via grants. Because the timing for our 2012-2013 grant application does not align with the academic year, all internship offers will be contingent upon available funding.

Conversation with Sam Singh

A huge thanks to State House of Representatives candidate and former East Lansing mayor Sam Singh for taking the time to talk with CRC interns last night about his experiences and community/university relations in EL.  Emily, one of our Bailey neighborhood interns, helped to organize this event with her Neighborhood Partner Nancy Schertzing.  A big thanks to Nancy as well for opening up her home and spoiling us with her delicious cookies and brownies!  Sam had some interesting perspectives to share, and conversation was lively. Best of luck to him in his campaign!

Sam Singh, former mayor of East Lansing and candidate for the
Michigan House of Representatives, spoke with  CRC interns last night.

Keep an eye out for interns doing outreach this week- we'll be letting people know about the upcoming City Manager candidate Community Reception, to be held in Hannah Community Center on Wednesday.

Meet the Candidate with Sam Singh

The interns will be attending a "Meet the Candidate" event tomorrow at the home of East Lansing resident and CRC Neighborhood partner Nancy Schertzing to meet Democratic candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives Sam Singh.  Sam is a former mayor of East Lansing, and has met with CRC interns in the past.

Another "Meet the Candidates" event is coming up next Wednesday, this one to introduce community members to the finalists in the East Lansing City Manager search.  The event is open to the public and feedback on the candidates is encouraged!

Happy New Year!

Hope the holidays treated everyone well this year!  The semester has started out with a busy week for the the CRC interns: after attending Tuesday night's City Council work session (read more about the action in the City's news release), we had our first staff meeting of the semester on Wednesday and got right to work on our program for the coming months.  Topics included the Bailey Community Association's Valentine's Day Party, which the interns will be staffing; the City Manager candidate reception coming up Wednesday, January 25th; and a possible "Taste of East Lansing" event!  We'll be heading back into the neighborhoods for outreach starting this week as well.  So keep an eye out!

Last year's BCA Valentine's Party, staffed by CRC interns