LOCAL

Things to do around Greater Lansing | April 2019

Lansing State Journal

April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. But whether this April brings showers or bone-dry weather, Michigan has plenty of things to do both indoors and outdoors. Read on for things to do in Greater Lansing this April. Submit your events to events@lsj.com to be included in this list.

More:Celebrate Earth Day 2019 with a race, recycle or clean up event Greater Lansing

Wednesday, April 3

Playmakers Good Form Walking Clinic
1-3 p.m., Hannah Community Center
Free. Must register at Prime Time Seniors Center by calling 517-337-1113 by March 31.

Thursday, April 4

Capital Area Audubon Society meetings
7 p.m., Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E. Mt. Hope
Free. Public welcome. Dr. Sharon Gill of Western Michigan University topic of birds and soundscapes will show the impact of soundscapes on birding populations. 

Preschoolers Discover Turtles
1-2 p.m., Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd., Meridian Township
$3 per person. Curious preschool children will enjoy hands-on science exploration activities. The program is designed for 4-5 year old children.

Friday, April 5

Found Cartoons- Daniel J. Hogan Exhibition and Opening Reception
5-7 p.m., Arts Council of Greater Lansing, 1208 Turner St., Lansing
For this exhibition, "Found Cartoons," Hogan searched watercolor shapes of his creation for hidden images and then, once found, he used ink to define the image within the shape. Refreshments provided.

Rotary Club of Lansing meeting
12 p.m., Country Club of Lansing
It will be a “New Member” presentation. If you have any questions, please contact: cathy@lansingrotary.com.

Saturday, April 6

A Rally of Writers
9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Conference Center, LCC West Campus, 4708 Cornerstone, Lansing
Advance tickets sales $90 general, $50 students. At the door, $105 general, $50 students. William Langford is keynoter for the 32nd annual writers’ conference. Book sales and book signings. $15 lunch.

Monday, April 8

Garden Club of Greater Lansing meeting
9:30 a.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 1900 Boston Blvd.
Public welcome. The program is a Tussie Mussie Workshop led by Lois Snover-Hanson.  Each participant will need to bring a bouquet of small flowers (purchased from a grocery store) for their own use. Other materials will be provided. A sandwich luncheon follows at 12 p.m. 

Tuesday, April 9

Capital City Toastmasters, Club 639 70th Anniversary
7-8:15 p.m., Capital Area District Library, Main Branch Auditorium, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing
On March 1, 1949, a little over 70 years ago Capital City Toastmasters was chartered.  On Tuesday, April 9, we'll celebrate.

Wednesday, April 10

Square Dancing
7 p.m., Washington Woods Elementary School, 2055 Washington Rd., Holt
All square and round dancers are welcome to join the Grande Paraders Square Dance Club. Nominal fee. For more information, call Alice at 517-694-0087.

Peace Education Center of Greater Lansing meeting
7 p.m., East Lansing Public Library
Free. Public welcome. MSU professor Mark Skidmore will give a talk titled “Is our Government Intentionally Hiding $20 trillion in Military Spending?”

Lansing Area Post-Polio Support Group meeting
1:30-3:30 p.m., Edgewood UCC, 469 N. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing
All Lansing-area people affected by polio are welcome. Share information, ideas, and support. Come as an individual or bring a friend or family member.

Thursday, April 11

Poets Night Out: "A Moment in Time"
7:30 p.m., East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Rd., East Lansing
In celebration of National Poetry Month, four local poets will give a reading.

Friday, April 12

Books, Bites & Bids fundraiser
5:30-9 p.m., East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Rd.
Each year the library hosts this event to celebrate the successes of the library with the community, while raising money for a new project. There is a suggested donation of $30 per person or $60 per couple/family. Community members can register for the event online at http://bit.ly/ELPLBBB.

Rotary Club of Lansing meeting
12 p.m., Lansing Center
Our speaker will be Dr. Richard Bennett, Urologist at the new Sparrow Medical Group Urology practice.  If you have any questions, please contact cathy@lansingrotary.com.

April 12-13

Treasures & Rummage Sale
Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Rd.
Treasures include antiques, collectibles, better kitchen & glassware, books, boutique clothing & jewelry individually priced. Rummage has a huge variety of clean clothing, toys, and other household items. Cash or check only.

Saturday, April 13

Professional Comedy Show
6 p.m., Columbus Hall, 5300 N. Grand River
PG rated. Show follows dinner and cost is $25 per person in advance, $30 per person at the door. Dinner consists of salad, chicken Parmesan, pasta, garlic bread and dessert. Tickets are available now at the Columbus Hall with limited seating available.

Second Saturday Supper
5-6 p.m., Mayflower Congregational Church
$9, children $5. Public welcome. Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls and butter, green beans, salad, and dessert. 

Last Supper Drama
3 p.m. and 7 p.m., St. Luke Lutheran Church of Haslett, 5589 Van Atta Road
Free. Public welcome. A one-hour presentation includes musical selections and a narrative recounting Jesus’ death and resurrection. Children’s nursery available during both performances.

Tomlian Ballroom Dance Party
Rumba lesson 7-8 p.m., Ballroom and social dancing 8-10 p.m., Center for Social Dance, 2807 Jolly Rd., Okemos
Rumba lesson $5 per person. Ballroom and social dance $15 per person. Snacks and soft drinks provided, plus door prizes. For further information call John or Judy Tomlian at 517-655-3611.

Capital Area Latina Youth Annual Celebration
3-5 p.m., Capital Area District Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing
For more information, email Maria Serrato at maria@capitalarealatinayouth.org.

Sunday, April 14

Bird Watching in Meridian Township Parks
9 a.m., Eastgate Park, 4203 S. Meridian Rd., Okemos
There is no fee for these walks and participants must provide their own binoculars. For more information, contact the Harris Nature Center at hnc@meridian.mi.us or 517.349.3866.

Scandinavian Society of Greater Lansing meeting
2-5 p.m., Bretton Woods Covenant Church, 925 Bretton Rd.
$2 per person, ages five and under free. A video, "As it is in Heaven," will be followed by a potluck dinner.

Sonja Henie Lodge of the Sons of Norway meeting
1:30 p.m., University Lutheran Church, 1020 So. Harrison, East Lansing
A presentation/dialogue on living in Norway. Please bring a dish to pass, table setting, and beverage. For more information call 627-795 or 351-9834.

A Poetry Reading: Guillermo Delgado & Mary Fox
2-4 p.m., MICA Gallery, 1210 Turner St.
An Open Mic session will follow the featured poets. Poets are invited to share a poem—either original or written by a favorite author.

"Nesting Birds in Your Backyard" 
2-3:30 p.m., Nature Discovery, 5900 N. Williamston Road
$5 per person. Beautiful photos and audio recordings are used to help participants learn which breeding songbirds to expect in your yard through the spring and summer.

Monday, April 15

Meridian Garden Club workshop
8:30 a.m., Meridian Township board room, 5151 Marsh Rd., Okemos
Learn how to plant a terrarium.

Tuesday, April 16

Seed Library 101
6:30–7:30 p.m., Capital Area District Libraries - Okemos Branch, 4321 Okemos Rd.
Teens & adults. Learn the basics of seed sharing and saving.

Wednesday, April 17

Square Dancing
7 p.m., Washington Woods Elementary School, 2055 Washington Rd., Holt
All square and round dancers are welcome to join the Grande Paraders Square Dance Club. Nominal fee. For more information, call Alice at 517-694-0087.

Thursday, April 18

Chipmunk Story Time
10 a.m., Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd.
$3 per child per session. The story times are open to preschool and elementary children. For more information, contact hnc@meridian.mi.us or 517-349-3866.

Friday, April 19

Howl at the Moon
8:30 p.m., Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd.
$3 per person. Enjoy the full moon while taking a guided walk through moonlit woods. Dogs are welcome and the group meets in the parking lot. For more information, contact hnc@meridian.mi.us or 517-349-3866.

Saturday, April 20

Children's Egg Hunt and Easter Party
12 p.m., Voiture 946 of the Forty and Eight, 2949 S. Waverly Highway
Free. The party includes a lunch of hot dogs, chips and dessert. Following lunch, kids will take part in egg hunts based on age groups.

Mobile Food Pantry
9-11 a.m. or until food runs out, Lansing Catholic Central High School, 501 Marshall St.
Free, fresh, non-perishable food items. All participants must bring a valid state identification card or driver's license.

Monday, April 22

Rotary Club of Lansing luncheon
12-1:30 p.m., University Club of MSU, 3435 Forest Rd., Lansing
The program will feature Demetre Frangogiannis- Lime Scooters in honor of Earth Day. For more information go to www.eastlansingrotaryclub.com.​​​​​​​

Tuesday, April 23

Official State of Michigan Holocaust Commemoration
12 p.m., Michigan State Capitol building rotunda
Free. Public welcome. For details, call Robyn Hughey with the Michigan Jewish Conference at 517-332-1916 or email robyn@msuhillel.org.

Rejuvenating South Lansing meeting
6:30 p.m., Alfreda Schmidt Center, 5825 Wise Road, Lansing
Guest Speaker, Representative Sarah Anthony, will be discussing recent legislation and how her decisions affect Lansing. For further information contact Jason Wilkes at 517-819-6111.

Free Community Dinner
6-7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7000 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing
The dinner which includes hot dogs, salad, drink, and dessert will be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. 

Wednesday, April 24

Movies at the Williamston Area Senior Center
12:30 p.m., Williamston Area Senior Center
Open to all seniors.

Square Dancing
7 p.m., Washington Woods Elementary School, 2055 Washington Rd., Holt
All square and round dancers are welcome to join the Grande Paraders Square Dance Club. Nominal fee. For more information, call Alice at 517-694-0087.

Meridian Democratic Club ​​​​​​​meeting
6 p.m., 4926 Marsh Rd., Okemos
Public welcome. Dr. Greg, Meridian Dems Chair, will share some recommendations on discussing political issues with others, from a social-psychological perspective.

Friday, April 26

Meridian Community Band Spring Concert
7:30 p.m., Haslett High School Auditorium, 5450 Marsh Rd., Haslett
Adults $10, students 18 and under are free.

Annual JAMM International Jazz Day Party ​​​​​​​
5:30- 7:30 p.m., Gregory's Soul Food, 2510 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Free. Public welcome. Featuring Becoming Quintet, LCC Constellations Jazz Combo, and 2016 JAMM Tribute Honoree Betty Baxter.

April 26-27

Friends of the Haslett Library Used Book Sale
5-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Haslett Library Building, 1590 Franklin St., Haslett
Members only pre-sale and reception on Friday. Public sale on Saturday.

Saturday, April 27

Dinner and Dance
Dinner 5:30-7 p.m., Dance 7-11 p.m., Lansing Liederkranz Club, 5828 S. Pennsylvania
Dinner is $10, children 11 and under $4. Dance is $6, children 11 and younger free.

“Time is Not a Factor in Your Life”​​​​​​​
2 p.m., Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road
Free. Public welcome. Describes how to gain dominion over time by understanding better how you can live in the timeless, constant present of the spiritual now.

Euchre fundraiser ​​​​​​​
6:30 p.m., Webberville Cultural Center, 115 S. Main St.
$10 per person. Prizes and snacks and beverages will be provided and there will be a 50/50 drawing. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcholic beverages.​​​​​​​

Sunday, April 28

“Challenging Mental Health Stigma in South Asian Communities​​​​​​​"
3:30-6 p.m., Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing
Panels, networking and dinner. Suggested minimum donation to attend this event is $35 per person. RSVP using this link: https://www.eventcombo.com/e/Challenging-Mental-Health-Stigmas-in-South-Asian-Communities-34199 or by visiting www.sawagreaterlansing.org.

Bird Watching
8 a.m., Nancy Moore Park, 1960 Gaylord C. Smith Court, Haslett
Enjoy bird watching with an experienced Capital Area Audubon Society (CAAS) leader in Meridian Township Parks and Preserves. There is no fee for these walks and participants must provide their own binoculars. For more information, contact the Harris Nature Center at hnc@meridian.mi.us or 517-349-3866.

Doggie Easter Parade Costume Contest​​​​​​​
3 p.m., Fratcher Memorial Garden of Mt. Hope Cemetery, 1800 E. Mt. Hope Avenue
Kickoff fundraiser to raise funds to buy markers for the 60 unmarked graves at the Boys Training School site. Registration fees are $8 per dog. All dogs must be on non-retractable leashes. Contact Loretta S. Stanaway at 517-648-5730 for more information.

Unrelenting Hope, Salus Singers Quoir Concert​​​​​​​
4 p.m, Edgewood United Church, 469 Hagadorn Road, East Lansing
Tickets are $10 presale and $15 at the door, with children admitted free. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Tickets are available at http://queerquoir.bpt.me/​​​​​​​.

Friday, April 29

My Search for Roots and the Secrets in MY DNA
2-3 p.m., MSU Federal Credit Union, Farm Lane and MT Hope (side entrance)
Donation at door, RSVP to cje1026@yahoo.com. Hosted by Genealogy Research Group of MSU Retirees Association.

Wednesday, May 1

Square Dancing
7 p.m., Washington Woods Elementary School, 2055 Washington Rd., Holt
Nominal fee. All square and round dancers are welcome to join the Grande Paraders Square Dance Club. ​​​​​​​

Spring Salad Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Lansing Liederkranz Club 5828 S. Pennsylvania, Lansing
Featuring a variety of salads as well as brats, coffee, tea and dessert.​​​​​​​

Thursday, May 2

Capital Area Audubon Society meeting
7 p.m., Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E. Mt. Hope
Free. Public welcome. Presents upland game bird specialist Al Stewart of WMU in a program on woodcocks. The program will include an outing into a field to search for mating woodcocks. 

Friday, May 3

Rotary Club of Lansing meeting
12 p.m., Lansing Center
Speaker will be Benjamin Botwinski, Director of the Ebersole Nature Center.  If you have any questions, please contact cathy@lansingrotary.com.

Spring Thrift Sale ​​​​​​​
9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mayflower Congregational Church, 2901 W. Mt. Hope Avenue, Lansing
Household items, clothes and shoes, decorative pieces, books, and much else.

Knights of Columbus Steak Fry
5-7 p.m., Columbus Hall, 5300 N. Grand River
A sizzler steak served with baked potato, vegetables, rolls and garden salad. $12 per person. Proceeds donated to various local and state charities. Call 517-321-2209 or visit www.788.councilnet.us for additional information. 

Saturday, May 4

Walk to See Edible Wild Plants
2 p.m., Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road, Meridian Township
$3 per person or $7 per family. Join Peter Carrington, Curator of the W. J. Beal Botanical Garden at MSU on a spring edible plant walking tour. For more information, contact hnc@meridian.mi.us or 517-349-3866.

May 4-5

Fine Art Sale & Studio Tour
10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Township Hall, 4990 Zimmer Rd., Williamston
$5 tickets good for both days. This event presents the works of fine artists, traditional fine-craft artisans and their guest artists. Enjoy viewing and purchasing original art on the tour. The event contributes to the purchase of playground equipment at the Williamstown Township Park.

May 9-10

Mother's Day Flower Sale
Thursday 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Sparrow Hospital Main Lobby
The Plant Professionals will have a selection plants for indoor and outdoor and proceeds will benefit programs at Sparrow.

Friday, May 10

Rotary Club of Lansing meeting
12 p.m., Lansing Center
Speaker will be James Hallan, President and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association. His topic will be:  “The Changing Face of Retail”. If you have any questions, please contact cathy@lansingrotary.com.

May 10-11

2019 Spring Rummage Sale​​​​​​​
Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Perry United Methodist Church, 121 S. Madison Street
Sponsored by United Methodist Women for missions.

Saturday, May 11

Spring Cup & Saucer Salad luncheon
11:30 a.m., Okemos Masonic Center, 2175 Hamilton Rd., Okemos
$7. All proceeds got to Haven House. Limited seating, to reserve call Sue Kolar at 517-655-1331. Group tables are available. ​​​​​​​

Wednesday, May 15

Greater Lansing Ride of Silence
Registration 5:15-6:15 p.m., Memorial Walk 6:30 p.m., Wells Hall Plaza, MSU
A silent bicycling procession, from MSU to the Capitol, to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured on public roadways. The Greater Lansing Ride of Silence is one of over 400 similar rides occurring across the globe annually and simultaneously. Helmets required.

Friday, May 17

Unite to Face Addiction Rally
10 a.m.-4 p.m., 101 North Capitol Avenue, Lansing
Register today at https://2019ufamrally.eventbrite.com.\

June 21-22

The Red Cedar Jubilee Crafts & Home Based Business Show
1-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, McCormick Park parking lot
For more information and an application, visit Facebook -Williamston Kiwanis Club, or call Jill at 517-655-3813.

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Did we miss an event? Email us at events@lsj.com to have your community event included in our monthly calendar.