Category: Fun & Resources

Learn about fun and/or interesting things to do around MSU or interesting bits of MSU trivia.

Broaden Your Horizons at the Great Lakes Folk Festival

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It’s back! Annually hosted by the MSU Museum, the Great Lakes Folk Festival (GLFF) will be rolling into town this weekend. The event assembles an eclectic mixture of art, entertainment, and food, rallying the community together for a celebration of ethnicity with a whimsical feel. This year’s dynamic acts span a variety of cultures and showcase a myriad of talents. Enjoy a live recitation from Tibetan monks, participate in a clogging workshop, or learn about the history of African tradition; the possibilities are both numerous and enriching.

After viewing the festival’s diverse performances, visit the GLFF Marketplace to browse the wares of some incredibly talented artisans. From natural herbal remedies to handmade sterling silver and copper jewelry, hundredsGLFF Logo of unique items will be up for sale. To satisfy the inevitable appetite that will form while attending the festival,  be sure to sample the GLFF’s delicious cuisine. Vendors will prepare a cultural smorgasbord of food, including Tex-Mex, Asian, and Middle-Eastern varieties.

The GLFF brings more still to the table. Other features, such as informative children’s programs and an honorary ceremony for recipients of the Michigan Heritage Awards, will also contribute to the festival’s flair. Ready to immerse yourself in a compelling cultural experience? Be sure to attend! The Great Lakes Folk Festival begins tomorrow, August 8th, at 6 p.m. For additional information, visit the GLFF’s website.

 

Celebrate National Blueberry Month

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July is National Blueberry Month! As if taste alone isn’t reason enough to indulge in this super-fruit, blueberries are packed with outstanding health benefits. According to MSU’s Health e-Guide, consuming blueberries can help ease a sore throat, stomach discomfort and even urinary tract infections. The berry is also high in fiber and Vitamin C, components that are necessary for a healthy diet. Try any of the following recipes from allrecipes.com to add blueberries to your diet- both simply and deliciously.

Blueberry Walnut Salad blueberries

1 (10 ounce) package mixed salad greens
1 pint fresh blueberries
ÂĽ cup walnuts
½ cup raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing
ÂĽ cup crumbled feta cheese

In a large bowl, toss the salad greens with the blueberries, walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette. Top with feta cheese to serve.

Heavenly Blueberry Smoothie
1 frozen banana, thawed for 10 to 15 minutes
½ cup vanilla soy milk
1 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
1 ½ teaspoons flax seed meal
1 ½ teaspoons honey

Cut banana into small pieces and place into the bowl of a blender. Add the soy milk, yogurt, flax seed meal, and honey. Blend on lowest speed until smooth, about 5 seconds. Gradually add the blueberries while continuing to blend on low. Once the blueberries have been incorporated, increase speed and blend to desired consistency.

Blueberry Salsa
2 cups chopped fresh blueberries
1 cup whole fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper
½ cup chopped red onion
ÂĽ cup chopped red bell pepper
1 fresh lime, juiced
salt to taste

In a bowl, combine chopped and whole blueberries, jalapeno pepper, onion, red pepper, lime juice and salt.

Looking for a fun way to obtain this month’s star ingredient? There are two blueberry farms right in Ingham County, Balzer Blueberries and Lechleitner Blueberry Farm, open this summer for your picking pleasure!

 

Mid-Michigan Fourth of July Festivities

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Whether you desire to attend a parade, a concert, or fireworks this July Fourth, mid-Michigan has got you covered! Check out the events detailed below to help you decide how to celebrate Independence Day.

July 3rd:

Delta Township

Concert: TBA, 6:30 p.m., amphitheater

Fireworks: dusk, Sharp Park

Additional Information: Concessions will be available.

Williamston

Fireworks: dusk, First Baptist Church

Additional Information: Games will follow the fireworks, located behind the church.

July 4th:

Eaton Rapids

Parade: 11 a.m.

Concert: The Glen Erin Pipe Band, 1 p.m., Island Park

Fireworks: Eaton Rapids High School, dusk

Additional Information: There will be an arts and crafts show on Hamlin Street and rotary barbecue chicken during the day. Other events include a children’s pedal tractor pull and a water balloon contest held by the fire department.

CorunnaFireworks

Parade: 10 a.m.

Concert: Dj Nikki Nik, Tramitizer, Westwind, Bad Neighbor, beginning at Noon, center pavilion

Fireworks: McCurdy Park, dusk

Additional Information: Other activities include the  Belt Sander Drag Race, an arts and crafts show, a bike decorating contest, bingo, children’s games, a dog show, a car show, a duck race, and more.

Lansing

Parade: 11 a.m.

Concert: TBA, held prior to fireworks

Fireworks: 10 p.m., Adado Riverfront Park

Lansing Lugnuts Fourth of July Fireworks

Fireworks: dusk (following the game), Cooley Stadium

Mason

Parade: 7:30 p.m.

Concert: CrossBow, 8:15 p.m., Rayner Park Stage

Fireworks: dusk, Ingham County Fairgrounds

Additional Information: There will be a car show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown.

Meridian Township

Fireworks: dusk, Central Park

Greater Lansing Water Activities

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After a brutal winter, fun in the sun is high on the agenda for many Michiganders this summer. A great way to enjoy the highly anticipated weather is to hit the water! Listed below are several venues that will allow you to make the most of your down-time this summer.

IM West
Satisfy your craving for a swim right on campus! IM West is MSU’s largest intramural recreational facility and features an indoor swimming pool as well as an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, both of which are open to the public during the summer.

East Lansing Family Aquatic Center
The Family Aquatic Center showcases 12 interactive water features, multiple water slides, a diving board, concessions, and a sunbathing deck. Located just off of Abbot Road in East Lansing, the center has inexpensive rates and plenty to do.

Continue Reading… Greater Lansing Water Activities

“What’s Your Financial IQ?” Winners

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On April 1, retirement vendor TIAA-CREF and MSU Human Resources released the “What’s Your Financial IQ?” challenge as part of Financial Literacy Month. The challenge came in the form of 15 online quizzes that spanned the entire month. Quiz questions covered a wide range of topics, from everyday financial matters and loans to investing, taxes, and retirement. With 1,480 participant registrations, the challenge was widely received. Participants self-identified their financial subject matter knowledge, ranging from “clueless” to “ready to retire,” and they ranged in age from 18 to 65+. Overall, most participants were relatively financially-savvy, with an average accuracy rate of 75% on the quiz questions.

As part of  the Financial IQ challenge, three MSU employees were selected at random and awarded tablet computers for their participation. The lucky recipients were Erin Buitendorp, in Nursing, Jeremy Davis, in the Weekend MBA Program and Abbe Tykwinski, in Advancement Marketing and Communications.

MSU HR would like to thank TIAA-CREF for sponsoring the challenge and helping MSU faculty and staff test their financial and retirement savvy! Watch out for a similar challenge expected to occur in 2015!

Abbe Tywinski
Abbe Tywinski
Erin Buitendorp
Erin Buitendorp
Jeremy Deland Davis
Jeremy Davis

What You Need to Know about Invasive Species!

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Have you heard anything about invasive species that have come into Michigan? An invasive species can be described as an alien (or non-native) species whose introduction does, or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, according to the National Invasive Species Council. From bugs to plants, invasive species are able to make their way into a community and run a muck. There are a few ways to identify these different types of species, which come in all shapes and sizes. MSU Extension offers helpful information and resources about these species on their website.

Beal Garden
Invasive plants can have a huge affect on your garden! Photo courtesy of Communication and Brand Strategy.

In some instances, planting a non-native invasive species can not only be harmful to your garden, but it can deeply affect any nearby plant life. Take these tips to ensure your garden or wetland and our greater community is safe. The Midwest has over 200 invasive species. MSU Extension offers a variety of resources if you’re dealing with these issues in your yard. They’ve been kind enough to classify each type of invasive species. Check out some of their classifications here.Continue Reading… What You Need to Know about Invasive Species!

Staying Healthy Outside This Summer

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Summer is creeping up on us! Whether you plan on participating in summer sports or have to work outdoors, it’s important to know precautions when dealing with the warm weather. Here are a couple tips to ensure your safe as you work and play in the upcoming heat.

Women walking on campus
Light exercising in the warm summer weather can be relaxing and good for your health. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Being hydrated is key! Make sure you have water when working out or spending an extended period of time outside. MSU’s Health E-Guide suggests that intense exercise be avoided during the hottest times in the day. Dehydration occurs when your body has lost too many fluids. Remember to keep water and sports drinks nearby. At temperatures above 90 degrees, the heat can become dangerous. The article also recommends you consider humidity levels when deciding activity levels for the day.Continue Reading… Staying Healthy Outside This Summer

Pick up a Plant or Two at the 2014 Department of Horticulture Annual Plant Sale

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It’s spring time, which means it’s time for flowers to bloom, plants to grow and trees to blossom. You can pick up a plant or two for decorations, a gift or more at the 2014 Department of Horticulture Annual Plant Sale.

People looking at plants.
All proceeds help maintain the MSU Horticulture Gardens on campus.

Members of the MSU Horticulture Garden receive early-bird admission to the Plant Sale on Friday, May 16 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. The sale is open to the public on Saturday, May 17 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. The plant sale takes place in the Plant and Social Science Headhouse and Conservatory. Members receive 10 percent off all purchases during the Plant Sale. Parking is free in the Garden Visitor lot off Bogue Street.Continue Reading… Pick up a Plant or Two at the 2014 Department of Horticulture Annual Plant Sale

MSU Faculty and Staff Night at the Lansing Lugnuts

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MSU Faculty and Staff Night will be held at Cooley Law School Stadium at the Lansing Lugnuts game on Friday, May 16! Gates open early at 5 p.m. for MSU for staff and faculty, and kids can enjoy free inflatable games from 5 p.m.-6 p.m.! Children under 12 also eat free with a food voucher that will be given out at the gates upon arrival.Lansing Lugnuts

MSU Staff and Faculty group members will be entered to win the group raffle, and the winner will be announced in the 7th inning. The group will also have their picture taken by the Delta Dental smile shots photographer, and the complimentary photo will be available on the Lugnuts website and Facebook page to download two days after the game. All are invited to stay after the game to enjoy the LAFCU fireworks show along with great music!

Kick off your summer and support MSU Faculty and Staff night with a fun-filled “Freebie Friday” at the Lugnuts game! To order your tickets, click here. Go Nuts!

Discover Numerous Tours at MSU

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There’s so much to see and do on a campus as big as Michigan State University and sometimes it can seem overwhelming. You may ask yourself questions such as: where do you start, when are things open, how much does it cost? To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of tours available right here on campus that can help you explore and discover all that MSU has to offer.

National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory
The Cyclotron Laboratory offers free 90-minute tours to groups of 10 – 50 people. Tours are offered by appointment and can be made online. To schedule a tour or find out more information visit the Cyclotron Laboratory’s website.

There are lots of opportunities to see different areas of MSU’s campus.
There are lots of opportunities to see different areas of MSU’s campus.

MSU Bug House
If you’re interested in bugs, then the MSU Bug House tour is for you. The MSU Bug House offers one-hour tours for $50. Tour groups are limited to 30 people. The MSU Bug House offers free tours of the Bug House during designated open houses throughout the year. To find out more information on the MSU Bug House tours or open houses visit their website.

Beaumont Tower
Have you heard the tower’s strike during your day and thought, I wonder how that happens? If so, then the Beaumont Tower tour can help you learn more about the inner workings of the Beaumont Tower. Tours are available every Tuesday at noon during the academic year and by appointment during the summer. Find out more information on the Beaumont Tower tour here.Continue Reading… Discover Numerous Tours at MSU