Random Acts

"I was honored to receive the Crystal Award, but it's really all about our library," says Bristor. "Our library is truly the heart of this community." Ann Kammerer has the story.

"It's amazing we were thinking along the same lines at the same time," says Flores. "I'm so happy these boxes exist and hoping they will be at other places, too. On the other hand, I'm sad that the need is even there. But it's good that so many people are saying it's not OK and are addressing the issue."

Founded as a tribute by a group of friends, the Karen Hartwig Foundation fills the financial gap that might otherwise separate people from their beloved pets. ELi's Ann Kammerer has the story.

Inspired by their love of local rivers, a local business is working with volunteers to clean them up. They've collected at least 750 gallons of trash since May. ELi's Paige Filice has the story.

The East Lansing Fire Department has some new equipment thanks to grants from the Kiwanis Club and the MSU Federal Credit Union. ELi's Alice Dreger reports.

Two area businesses have teamed up to support Haven House with a fundraiser this Saturday from 11-2 at Patriarche Park. Casandra Eriksen reports.

Edgewood Village Scholars Director Jonathan Rosewood has a simple message for participating students: "If you stay in the program and you finish, you're going to school.” ELi's Ann Kammerer  has the story.

The Lansing Area Community Trust has awarded ELi a $3600 grant to support our Summer Youth Journalism Program! Applications for the program are now being accepted from people in the 14-22 year age group.

Inspired by the positive effects of music during her mother's years with Alzheimer's, one woman helped to fund a unique, interactive program for MSU music students and memory care patients. Ann Kammerer reports.

One ELHS staffer saw a gap between students who had enough and students who didn't, and took steps to bridge the gap with a Teen Needs Closet.

East Lansing's own Boy Scout Troop 2 is probably the oldest troop in Michigan and is definitely one of the oldest in the nation. Learn more from Romy Fitschen about what they do, and how you can join them in celebrating 95 continuous years.

On Saturday, October 1, MSU's College of Human Medicine will hold its annual Teddy Bear Picnic. As ELi's Peyton Lombardo explains, the event includes activities, sports teams, food and more with a goal of helping kids and medical and nursing students meet in a non-threatening environment.

“We both had donated shampoo, toilet paper and other items but never thought about these items being in need." ELi's Peyton Lombardo explains how Lysne Tait and Amy Stephenson have worked to help out local homeless women.

The Adopt-a-Child for Back to School program at Haven House matches community members with children who have left Haven House in the past year, or currently live at the shelter. “We ask the families what their children need for back to school and then you shop for those items” including school uniforms, coats, shoes, and play clothes: says Leah Weidner, the organization’s Volunteer & Special Projects Coordinator.

Above: Linda Saloff, 69,  of East Lansing had never petted a kitten before because of a lifelong fear of cats. She overcame that fear at the Senior Pets for Senior People event Friday, stroking three-month-old Letty as she was held by Sydney Babcock, 16. 

Linda Saloff is 69 years old and for every single one of those years, she has been afraid of cats. Not allergic, not ambivalent, but fearful. Until today.