びびなび : デトロイト : (アメリカ合衆国) Detroit

** New Compactors Installed at East Lansing Recycling Drop-Off, Thanks to State Grant
------------------------------------------------------------
New recycling compactors have been installed at the East Lansing Department of Public Works (DPW), thanks to a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

The City of East Lansing received more than $400,000 in grant funding from EGLE as part of a larger, multi-year initiative to improve efficiency, simplify the user experience and reduce trucking and related emissions.

Together, these investments represent a major effort by the City to modernize the public drop-off and community recycling infrastructure, improving how materials are collected and managed at City facilities and in public spaces.

The problem with the previous system began because the air pockets caused by loose, unflattened recyclables take up a tremendous amount of space in dumpsters and result in the dumpsters reaching capacity before being full of actual materials. A typical trip with the previous system could weigh anywhere between 300 and 700 pounds. With compaction, that will increase to as much as 10,000 pounds per load, significantly reducing the number of monthly trips to the recycling processor. The City had been taking 70-90 trips each month before the compactor; the expectation with compaction is now fewer than 20 trips per month.

The new compaction system makes better use of hauling resources by reducing vehicle miles, fuel use, emissions and the staff time spent managing frequent, low-yield loads.

The new recycling compactors also improve the user experience by replacing a dozen open-top dumpsters with a single compactor, allowing more types of material in one place. The change improves accessibility and overall site flow, reduces bin confusion and increases safety for users in an active traffic area.

The smaller feed openings of the new recycling compactors are intentionally designed to better control what enters the system. In the past, the open dumpsters could accommodate almost anything, which led to contamination from bulky, non-recyclable materials — either due to confusion about what was recyclable (called “wish-cycling”) or illegal dumping. The new configuration greatly reduces the possibility of these kinds of mistakes.

Community members are encouraged to break down their cardboard and remove oversized items before recycling to help materials flow smoothly through the system. In the coming weeks, additional signage will be added at the drop-off site. The signs will provide further instructions to improve users’ experience and help with their adjustment to the new layout at the drop-off facility.

The EGLE grant also funded the following purchases by the City of East Lansing:
* A foam densifier that compresses polystyrene by a ratio of 90-to-1. The densifier produces a dense, marketable material sold to help support the City’s recycling efforts.
* New public recycling containers at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, East Lansing Public Library and City Hall.
* A hooklift truck for loading and unloading heavy bins without needing a separate crane or additional lifting equipment.

The recycling drop-off facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at DPW, 1800 E. State Road. Proof of residency is not required to access the facility.

Learn more about the recycling program at www.cityofeastlansing.com/recycling.


** How to Give and Receive Help During Delays to SNAP Funding
------------------------------------------------------------
The City of East Lansing is sharing information with community members about both where to find assistance and how to provide assistance during delays in distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Community members who have a Michigan Bridge Card to access SNAP benefits, may call 211 or visit https://mi211.org/food-assistance to find help. Those who have a card may visit https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page?language=en_US to check their benefits.

There are four food pantries around the City for distribution of meals:
* St. John Food Cupboard at the St. John Student Parish, 327 M.A.C. Ave. Saturday morning distributions. Visit: https://elcatholics.org/st-john-food-cupboard.
* Food Movers at University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison Road. Monthly distribution from 3:30-5 p.m. The next date is Thursday, Nov. 20. Learn more, including how to arrange for delivery to the homebound, here: https://www.ulcel.org/food-movers.html (https://elcatholics.org/st-john-food-cupboard) .
* St. Paul Food Pantry at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3383 E. Lake Lansing Road. Several distribution days per month by appointment. Please visit https://stpaul-el.org/community-ministry/ for details.
* Spartan Shelf through University Health and Wellbeing. Visit https://uhw.msu.edu/health-and-wellbeing-services/basic-needs/spartan-shelf for more information.

The City is also hosting several food drives for those who wish to help during this time. Nonperishable foods can be dropped off at the following locations and will be donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank for distribution:
* East Lansing Police Department, 409 Park Lane, from Wednesday, Nov. 5-Wednesday, Dec. 10.
* East Lansing Public Library in partnership with the Friends of the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road. Throughout the month of November. Items may be left in the donation bin near the Friends Shop inside the library.
* East Lansing Parks, Recreation and Arts at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road. Donate between Wednesday, Nov. 12-Wednesday, Dec. 10.

The Greater Lansing Food Bank (GLFB) is offering assistance at https://greaterlansingfoodbank.org/shutdown or by calling (517) 853-7800. The GLFB also accepts financial donations.

Other Resources
As of Nov. 1, CATA, EATRAN and Clinton Transit have teamed up to help residents affected by the SNAP benefit loss. Community members may get a free ride to any Greater Lansing Food Bank pantry location — just let your driver know.


** City of East Lansing Offices to Close Tuesday in Observance of Veterans Day
------------------------------------------------------------
City of East Lansing offices and facilities will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

This does not include the East Lansing Hannah Community Center (ELHCC), 819 Abbot Road, which will be open during regular business hours on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

City offices and facilities closed for Veterans Day include:
* East Lansing City Hall, 410 Abbot Road
* East Lansing 54B District Court, 101 Linden St.
* East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road. The library will close at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10.
* East Lansing Prime Time (inside the ELHCC), 819 Abbot Road
* East Lansing Department of Public Works (DPW), 1800 E. State Road

The City will also offer free downtown parking on Tuesday. For a live look at available parking, visit www.cityofeastlansing.com/liveparking.

There will be no trash or recycling pickup on Tuesday, Nov 11. Tuesday and Wednesday trash and recycling will be collected on Wednesday, Nov. 12.


** Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony
------------------------------------------------------------
Community members are invited to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at East Lansing’s Medal of Honor Memorial and Veterans Monument, located on the main entry grounds of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road.

The City of East Lansing and the East Lansing Police Honor Guards will lay wreaths beginning at 11 a.m. at the memorial in honor of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces, including 2nd Lt. Sherrod E. Skinner Jr., a Korean War veteran who grew up in East Lansing. 2nd Lt. Skinner was killed in action on October 26, 1952, and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for his bravery.

The ceremony will also include bugler George Allen playing “Taps.”

Additional information about both the monument and memorial to 2nd Lt. Skinner can be found at www.cityofeastlansing.com/monument.


** ELIPOC to Host Input Session Wednesday
------------------------------------------------------------
The East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission (ELIPOC) will host a public input session during its Wednesday, Nov. 12, meeting.

The public input session is held annually to receive comments from the community about policing in the City of East Lansing.

The Nov. 12 meeting will begin at 6 p.m., with the first hour dedicated to public comment. ELIPOC meetings are held at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road.

To learn more about the commission, visit www.cityofeastlansing.com/elipoc.


** ELAF Seeks Fine Artists
------------------------------------------------------------
The 63rd annual East Lansing Art Festival (ELAF) is seeking fine artists and craftspeople for next year’s event. The festival, set for the weekend of May 16-17, 2026, annually welcomes more than 175 talented artists from across the United States to the streets of downtown East Lansing.

Rated as one of the top 100 art festivals in the country, ELAF draws an estimated attendance of 40,000 visitors. In addition to more than 175 artist exhibitors, the festival features an emerging artist program, free performances on one stage, an international-style food court and a hands-on artist demonstration area. A qualified on-site jury awards exhibiting artists with cash awards, totaling an estimated $6,000.

Artists and craftspeople interested in participating in ELAF can showcase the following accepted media at the event: paintings, printmaking, drawings, photography, digital art, 2D and 3D mixed media, sculptures, functional and non-functional ceramics, metalsmithing, glass, wood, fibers and jewelry. Four images of an artist’s work and one image of an artist’s booth must be submitted with an artist application by Jan. 31, 2026, for consideration. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of art experts for inclusion in the festival after the deadline. Artist participation guidelines are available at www.elartfest.com/artists.

Artists interested in ELAF can apply online at www.elartfest.com/artists ($30 application fee required; $35 after Nov. 30). Artists wishing to jury in more than one category must complete an application for each category.

Accepted artists must have original work for sale and must be on site the entire weekend of the festival. No representatives, brokers, imports or commercially-made items or forms are permitted. This free-to-the-public event will run from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Artist booth fees start at $350.

For more information, visit the ELAF website at www.elartfest.com or call (517) 319-6804.


** ELPL Library Card Design Contest Ends Today
------------------------------------------------------------
The East Lansing Public Library is seeking design submissions for a library card design. Library card designs will be judged in three categories — Youth (ages 12 and under), Teens (ages 13 to 17) and Adults (ages 18+) — and one winner will be chosen in each category. The deadline to submit a design is 11:59 p.m. today (Nov. 7).

Art should be submitted as 3.125 inches by 1.875 inches in PDF format. All kinds of visual art will be accepted, and must be scanned or photographed in high resolution, and submitted without any additional background. Please do not include names or any other identifiable information on the submission; works will be anonymized during the judging process. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is strictly prohibited. All work must be original to the artist. One submission per person. Entries may be submitted online (https://cityofeastlansing.com/FormCenter/Communications-12/2025-East-Lansing-Public-Library-Card-De-140) . For a full list of rules, visit ELPL's website (https://www.elpl.org/blogs/post/library-card-design-contest/) .

Winners will now be announced by Friday, Nov. 21.


** Global Festival Returns to MSU
------------------------------------------------------------
Experience the world in one day at Michigan State University.

Global Festival 2025 returns from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the MSU International Center, 427 N Shaw Lane. The Global Gift Shop will open at noon.

Community members are invited to immerse themselves into cultures from around the world at this free, family-friendly event. Enjoy lively performances, explore interactive exhibits and discover unique finds at the Global Gift Shop.

Admission is free and no registration is required — everyone is welcome.

Anyone wishing to volunteer for the event may do so here (https://www.givegab.com/nonprofits/office-for-international-students-and-scholars/opportunities/global-festival-2025/tasks ) .

For more information, email ISP.OISSLive@msu.edu (mailto:ISP.OISSLive@msu.edu) .


** Meetings and Events
------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, Nov. 10
6:30 p.m. Commission on the Environment, East Lansing Hannah Community Center (ELHCC), 819 Abbot Road
7 p.m. Human Rights Commission meeting, ELHCC

Tuesday, Nov. 11
Veterans Day — City offices closed

Wednesday, Nov. 12
6 p.m. East Lansing Independent Oversight Committee meeting + public input session, ELHCC
6 p.m. Transportation Commission meeting, ELHCC

Thursday, Nov. 13
6 p.m. Historic District Commission meeting + 5 public hearings, ELHCC

Friday, Nov. 14
No meetings/events

Saturday, Nov. 15
No meetings/events

Sunday, Nov. 16
No meetings/events
The City of East Lansing is currently hiring for the following positions:
* Forestry & Natural Resources Coordinator (Department of Public Works) (https://cityofeastlansing.com/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=97&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Forestry-Natural-Resources-Coordinator-830)
* Executive Director (Downtown Development Authority) (https://cityofeastlansing.com/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=97&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Executive-Director-Downtown-Development--829)
* Finance Assistant (Treasury) (https://cityofeastlansing.com/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=97&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Finance-Assistant-Treasury-Department-834)
* Part Time Parking and Code Enforcement Officer (ELPD) (https://cityofeastlansing.com/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=98&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=PACE-Officer-Part-Time-832)

https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=ingham
Sign up to receive text or email alerts (https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=ingham) for community events, traffic notifications and critical emergencies via Rave Alerts from Smart 911.
You made it to the end! Thank you for reading this issue. If this was forwarded to your email or you are reading it on the website, and you would like to receive it in your email inbox each week on Friday morning, visit cityofeastlansing.com/enews (https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/1865/Subscribe-to-the-Citys-E-Newsletters) to subscribe. There is no cost to subscribe and you may opt out at any time.

For questions or comments about this issue, help with subscribing or to suggest a news story, email Communications Director Carrie Sampson at csampson@cityofeastlansing.com (mailto:csampson@cityofeastlansing.com?subject=E-Dialog%20) .

============================================================
** Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/CityofEastLansing)
** Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/CityofEL)
** Link (http://www.instagram.com/CityofEastLansing)
** Website (http://www.cityofeastlansing.com)
Copyright © 2025 * City of East Lansing*, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.

Our mailing address is:
City of East Lansing
410 Abbot Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences (https://cityofeastlansing.us17.list-manage.com/profile?u=d99498ce3806962a5ede26662&id=2448aac30f&e=6bb0e1b589&c=3f2bfe70dd)
or ** unsubscribe from this list (https://cityofeastlansing.us17.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=d99498ce3806962a5ede26662&id=2448aac30f&t=b&e=6bb0e1b589&c=3f2bfe70dd)
.
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
https://login.mailchimp.com/signup/email-referral/?aid=d99498ce3806962a5ede26662