This past October, the City of East Lansing received two “Keep Michigan Beautiful” Awards, one of which was given to interns serving on the joint City/Student/University Community Relations Coalition (CRC). Under the leadership of Ali Barlow, the CRC interns earned an Award of Merit for their post home-game anti-littering efforts and were honored for their achievements during the City Council meeting of November 6, 2008.

The City of East Lansing and Michigan State University work hard to maintain excellent relations between “town and gown” so that students have the most optimal college experience possible, and traditional residents continue to appreciate the vibrancy and energy they bring to the community. In this instance, the CRC interns organized a group composed of their peers and members of the community who cleaned up post game litter in public areas and alerted residents who needed to clean their yards, to help prevent them from being cited. The efforts of these interns, as well as the community members with whom they worked, set a great example and certainly go a long way towards community-building. For that, we thank and congratulate all of you who participated.

Also honored during the November 6 City Council meeting was The East Lansing Arts Commission. The Commission received a Distinguished Service Plaque in recognition of a public sculpture that was commissioned to commemorate the City’s 100^th Anniversary in 2007. Not surprisingly, the three-piece sculpture is entitled “Community” and serves as a welcoming beacon at the entrance of Valley Court Park. Throughout the process of designing and installing this piece the Arts Commission worked closely with artist and MSU Alum, John Neering, to create a work that is representative of a community in which all who come to live work and play are embraced. Once again, this worthy beautification effort is greatly appreciated and the award, well-deserved.