When it came time to designate an organization to take the lead in planning the yearlong celebration to commemorate Lansing’s sesquicentennial, The Rotary Club of Lansing was the logical choice.

Founded in 1916, its long history of service to the community was well established, and the organization was not only willing but also uniquely qualified to take on the daunting task. Now, in the midst of the sesquicentennial year, the long months of planning and the (very) hard work are bearing fruit as the community comes together to celebrate the city’s anniversary.

Mike Harrison, an attorney with Foster Swift Collins & Smith, is chair of the Lansing Sesquicentennial Foundation Board, established as a nonprofit to oversee the planning and coordination of the yearlong birthday party. Harrison says, “When Rotary was asked by Mayor Bernero and the Lansing City Council to take on the Lansing 150 project, we formed a committee to consider the request. We wanted to be sure we could accomplish all we were being asked to do. Ultimately, we took on the project, knowing that the membership of Rotary included people with the talents and skills necessary to insure success. We set up the nonprofit board, separate from the governing board of Rotary, to oversee the project, and we have been fortunate to have the input of Lucile Belen, long-time community volunteer, and Hal Fildey, retired editor of the Lansing State Journal, who had been instrumental in planning the Lansing centennial in 1959. Jo Hacke, whose father was mayor in 1959, also joined our group. To help coordinate the project, Martha Kliebert was hired to serve as executive director.
“We established the planning board in late 2007, setting up a number of committees to be responsible for the various elements of Lansing 150. Each board member is the liaison to one or more committees.”
According to Harrison, “Our fundraising efforts have been going well. Besides soliciting funds to cover the costs of the events, we are also planning to present a gift to the city in commemoration of this significant anniversary.”
Besides cash donations, Rotary has received substantial gifts in kind from area businesses like the Lansing State Journal, mc² Technology Group, WILX and others. A complete listing of all donors is available at the Lansing 150 website.
Harrison says, “We are pleased with the cooperation and assistance we’ve received from Michigan State University, Lansing Community College and Thomas M. Cooley Law School. MSU is helping us gather oral histories of Lansing and its citizens. LCC’s campus will be home to the time capsule we are planning, and they have also given us over 150 historic photographs to use for displays throughout the community. Cooley has created display banners highlighting significant events in the city’s history.”
There are four signature events planned for Lansing 150. The first took place February 14-16 and included ice sculptures on the square, children’s activities, special museum hours and a community open house featuring an art exhibit and juried art contest. According to Mark Hooper, Lansing 150 board member and current Rotary president, “The event went very well. We had good crowds both days. The volunteers stayed busy, and the energy level was high. We were pleased with how it turned out.”
Other upcoming events include the Parade of the Decades, the Lansing 150 LaborFest and the Grand Finale. Many annual longtime favorite activities, such as Old Town’s Jazz Fest, Octoberfest and the annual Adopt-A-River cleanup program may include special Lansing 150 features. Any group or organization who wants their event listed on the website is encouraged to go online and submit their information or call the Lansing 150 office at 517-908-0185.
“It’s been important to us all along that all the signature events be free to the public. This is a gift to the community, something that people can enjoy and remember,” says Harrison. “Lansing 150 is a work in progress. We’ll keep working throughout the rest of the year as the celebration continues.”
John Grettenberger, chief executive officer of LorAnn Oils and member of the Lansing 150 Board, is the immediate past president of Rotary. He says, “When Mayor Bernero approached us to spearhead this project, we felt that, while it would be a challenge, it fit well with our mission of service to others. The Lansing club, one of the oldest in the country, has 260 members, and we’ve encouraged all of them to be involved in this undertaking. They and other volunteers have responded with enthusiasm and positive energy. It’s been a very rewarding experience and brings out a spirit of community pride and good will during these challenging times.”
Grettenberger then adds, “Scott McAuley, Rotarian and owner of mc² Technology Group, deserves credit and thanks for developing, hosting and maintaining the website. Camron Gnass, Rotarian and owner of Vision Creative, developed the logo and worked closely with mc² to develop the look and feel of the website. There’s so much talent in Rotary and in this community and people have been willing to give their time, skills and financial support to this effort.”
Mark Hooper, CPA with Andrews Hooper & Pavlik PLC and member of the Lansing 150 Board, is the current Rotary president. He says, “This project actually spans three administrations. I took over as president from John [Grettenberger] in July of 2008, and Rachelle Neal will be assuming the presidency in July of 2009. As part of this multi-year commitment, Rotary knew that heading up Lansing 150 was going to be lots of work; but people have stepped forward to assume leadership roles and have been willing to help with all the behind-the-scenes efforts as well. The mayor’s office and city council have been very supportive, and I can’t emphasize enough the amount of work both John [Grettenberger] and Mike [Harrison] have done.
“Lansing has a rich history, but while we focus on the great things that have happened in the past, we also want to imagine what the future could be,” he explains.
Indeed, there are vast possibilities and potential for the years ahead. As Shakespeare wrote, “What’s past is prologue.” What’s ahead depends on all of us. Happy birthday, Lansing!