Category: Fun & Resources

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

America Recycles Day

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Sparty will be recycling for America Recycles Day- will you?
Sparty will be recycling for America Recycles Day- will you?

This year, America Recycles Day will take place on Saturday, November 15. This nationally-recognized event works not only to promote recycling in the United States but to celebrate the act itself. Recycling is no new concept yet many, due in part to limited time and living in a “disposable” society, do not always recycle as often as possible. America Recycles Day hopes to raise awareness and to illustrate that, although recycling may take a few extra minutes and is not always the easiest option, it more than pays off in the long run.

So what can you do? First, take the American Recycles Day pledge.  The three-part pledge emphasizes the importance of learning, acting and sharing in order to expand recycling. Second, recycle!  Michigan State is a highly sustainable university and has recycling bins located throughout campus. Bins accept a wide range of materials including white paper, mixed paper, newspaper, cardboard, boxboard, household metal and plastics #1 through #7. Familiarize yourself with what exactly is encompassed by these materials- odds are, you can recycle more than you think!

You can also take recycling a step further by visiting MSU’s very own Public Drop-Off Center. The Public Drop-Off Center is entirely free, open 24/7, LEED-certified and conveniently located at the south end of campus on the corner of Farm Lane and Green Way. The center accepts most materials. For a comprehensive list, please visit MSU Recycling’s Recycle Guide. Also, to learn more about recycling operations at MSU, visit the Sustainability Guidebook. Take advantage of these incredible resources so that you can be not only green, but Spartan green!

Transfer Historical ANGEL Content to the University Archives

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Did your unit conduct university business using ANGEL Groups? Have you used ANGEL to store meeting minutes, policy documentation, or other business records? Do you have course syllabi or other content on ANGEL that’s not being migrated to Desire2Learn?

If you conducted university business using ANGEL Groups, your ANGEL content may be of historical value and eligible for transfer to the University Archives. The University Archives has a mission and mandate to collect, preserve, and provide access to the university’s institutional historical and scholarly records, including digital material.

With the permanent decommissioning of ANGEL set for May 15, 2015, it’s important to ensure that your business and curricular records of historical value are transferred to the Archives, particularly for content that will not be migrated to Desire2Learn.

Records of historical value potentially stored in ANGEL include:

  • Meeting agendas and minutes
  • Policy documents
  • Course syllabi
  • Curriculum documentation
  • Instruction notes
  • Research Data

If you think your ANGEL Group includes historical business records or curricular content, please contact Lisa Schmidt or Ed Busch at the University Archives, archives@msu.edu or 517-355-2330, with any questions and for assistance in identifying and transferring these records.

Fall Color Tour

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Fall-Shaw-Lane
Take a walk on MSU’s beautiful campus!

Are you interested in enjoying the beautiful fall foliage? Have you been searching for a way to integrate light exercise into your daily routine? If so, drink in the colors of the season and get your heart pumping by taking a walk on one of MSU’s numerous walking loops!

If you aren’t quite sure what route to take, check out the Campus Walking Loops interactive map. Developed through a partnership between MSU’s Health4U and Campus Planning and Administration, the map identifies various paths that snake through MSU’s campus. Additionally, the mileage of each path is labeled, allowing you to select your route based on your available free time.

Walking offers a wealth of benefits, and the gorgeous scenery you’ll spot along the way is a definite bonus. To hold yourself accountable, try organizing a group of interested colleagues or friends. Adding a walk to your schedule is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated, alert, and in love with the season!

Want to enjoy the fall colors on Wednesday? Consider attending the Rock Walk ‘n Roll! Details here: http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2014/its-time-to-rock-walk-n-roll-msu-moves-u-mile-set-for-oct-15/.

Autumn is Here!

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It’s the first day of fall! You know what that means- colorful leaves, cooler weather, and pumpkin-spiced everything!  Make the most of the season by participating in any of these fall-themed festivities.

  • Visit an apple orchard, cider mill, haunted house, or pumpkin patch.

    Fall Tree
    One of the best parts of fall is the beautiful change in scenery.

All four of these destinations are the epitome of the autumn season and provide the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

  • Get crafty with leaves!

As leaves are in abundance during the fall months, take advantage of their beauty by creating art projects for your home. Decoupage leaves on poster board to create a collage, coat them in paint to use as a stamp, or make a festive wreath using chicken wire; the possibilities are endless!

  • Enjoy the flavors of the season.

Whether it be brewing some hot apple cider, creating your own caramel apples, or roasting pumpkin seeds, set aside some time to make and enjoy fall goodies.

 

Homecoming 2014

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Homecoming Parade band members
MSU’s annual Homecoming Parade is always entertaining to watch!

MSU will celebrate Homecoming next week, September 22-27. A wealth of exciting activities have been planned in observation of Homecoming, including campus hayrides, a craft night, and a golf outing to name a few. The annual Homecoming Parade is scheduled for next Friday, September 26, beginning at 6 p.m. Be sure to come out to watch MSU’s finest, including the marching band and other student organizations, snake their way through downtown East Lansing and campus. The week will reach culmination in the form of the Homecoming Football Game. The Spartans will take on the Wyoming Cowboys at Noon in Spartan Stadium.

Participate in the MSU tradition of “glowing green” for Homecoming week by replacing the light bulb on your front porch with a green bulb. Submit a photo of your participation to the MSU Alumni Association’s Facebook and you could win a $100 gift card to the Spartan Bookstore.

As you enjoy next week’s festivities, be sure to celebrate safely. For a more detailed itinerary and additional information, click here.  Go Green!

Michigan Bluesfest 2014

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Michigan Bluesfest
Add a little soul to your life by attending the Michigan Bluesfest this weekend!

Interested in listening to original compositions that are sure to evoke feelings of inspiration and nostalgia? Then the Michigan Bluesfest is for you! The festival will take place this weekend, September 19-20, in Old Town Lansing. Performances begin at 5 p.m. on Friday.

The Michigan Bluesfest showcases an exciting array of blues musicians, featuring artists from all over the country. To view a comprehensive list of this year’s talented and dynamic performers, click here. To supplement the soulful lyrics and brassy instruments generally associated with the blues genre, a food court will be available to serve patrons. There will also be a variety of vendors, selling everything from jewelry to world gifts.

If you’re still in need of convincing, the festival is completely free to the public. That’s right, immerse yourself in the sultry world of blues music for no cost at all! In the event of inclement weather, the festival will still run- plan accordingly and check the forecast before leaving.

Welcome Students!

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Sparty and the rest of campus are excited to welcome the students back!
Sparty and the rest of campus are excited to welcome the students back!

Have you noticed that campus is teeming with life as of late? This can be attributed to the fact that today is the first day of classes for MSU students! The city of East Lansing is one that thrives because of its academic community, and HR would like to take the time to welcome everyone back. This year’s student population is the largest yet, totaling around 50,000, with students hailing from all 83 counties in Michigan, all 50 states, and over 130 countries. Eager to participate in MSU’s 200+ programs of undergraduate, graduate, and professional study, the student community is both talented and diverse. Whether you are entering your freshman year, or starting the 5th year senior “victory lap,” welcome to MSU and enjoy your year! Go Green!

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
Âź cup walnuts
½ cup raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing
Âź 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
Âź 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