Member Newsletter

Thank you to those who attended April’s Membership moments virtually on Zoom. If you missed the conversation, you can access the PowerPoint and recording in the member portal.

During our April presentation, we were joined by Meghan Ziehmer, Executive Director of the Lansing Sports Commission. She discussed some of the impactful events that are coming up this summer, two of which I will highlight below.

- USA Archery’s Collegiate Target Nationals will be taking place at Hope Sports Complex from Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17. This event will bring athletes from over 500 from around the country, with close to 1,000 spectators.

- USA High School Clay Target Nationals taking place at MTA Homegrounds in Mason from July Wednesday, July 8, through Sunday, July 12. This event will have 2,100 athletes from around the country, and over 7,500 spectators.

Our next Membership Moments with Melissa will be on Tuesday, July 28, from 9-9:45 AM. This session will dig into MSU Football and its impact on our region. We will deep dive into Parents Weekend, Welcome Week, and more that will happen this fall at MSU! Registration to attend. 

Your annual invoice for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, will be emailed on Monday, June 1, 2026. Payments can be made starting mid-May by visiting the Member Portal. To ensure you receive your invoice promptly, please inform Melissa Nay to mnay@lansing.org if your organization's primary billing contact has changed in the last year.

We appreciate your ongoing partnership!

The Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival is one of Michigan's oldest spring festivals, celebrating 85 years this year!

Held the last full weekend of April annually, this historic tradition transforms the village into all things maple. The weekend offers carnival rides, a talent show, arts and crafts, a flea market, two parades, a petting zoo, a princess pageant, games, free entertainment, a pancake derby, arm wrestling, and more!

At the center of this community effort are Steve and MaryAnn Hayes. Not only do they serve on the festival's team to help bring the event to life, but they keep the spirit alive year-round at Maple Syrup Manor, where they produce and sell maple syrup and maple candy. 

Visit Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival for more information. 

Photo: Steve and MaryAnne Hayes

Choose Lansing President & CEO Julie Pingston recently presented a milestone plaque during the official program for the Groesbeck Centennial, pictured with Greg Webber, Golf Course Manager/Head Golf Professional.

The celebration recognized 100 years of history, community connection, and lasting impact at Groesbeck Golf Course.

Congratulations to the Groesbeck team on this incredible milestone.

Photo: Julie Pingston with Greg Webber 

In April, the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) awarded Kellie Dean with the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award. Kellie was honored for his leadership, professional achievements, and unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion, creating opportunity for individuals and communities. 

Congratulations, Kellie!

May 9-17, 2026

Are you ready for a week-long celebration that will leave your taste buds in awe of the culinary magic that exists in the 517? Lansing 5:01, Lansing Foodies, and Choose Lansing have partnered together to present the 3rd annual Lansing Restaurant Week, an annual event where foodies unite for the ultimate self-guided tour of the region's dining scene.

Participating restaurants offer mouthwatering creations for an unbeatable price of just $7, plus $5 featured drinks at select locations!

It's a delicious way to explore everything Lansing's food scene has to offer, one incredible bite (and sip) at a time.

Visit 517 Restaurant Week to see participating restaurants. 

• Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, November 16, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

All classes will be located at the Choose Lansing® offices, located at 500 E. Michigan Ave.  Ste 180. Free parking is available in the back of the building that can be accessed from both Cedar & Larch Streets. Light refreshments are provided at each class.

Register for a class.

Apply to the Kristina Kauffman Scholarship Fund. 

Contact Melissa Nay with any questions.at mnay@lansing.org or by phone at 517-377-1410.