Wednesday, May 18 — The state Department of Natural Resources says that when in Michigan, you’re never more than six miles from a lake or river. In fact, Michigan is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes and about 36,000 miles of rivers and has the second largest amount of coastline in any state, behind Alaska.

Wednesday, May 25 — On most summer days, a lazy mix of overfed squirrels and chubby river ducks can be found peacefully meandering the calm grounds of Michigan State University in the absence of the school year rush.

Wednesday, June 22 — What do you get when you cross 9,000 pounds of scrap metal with 18 teams of enthusiastic welders, artists and families? Aside from a healthy dose of upcycled art, you also form the basis of the third annual Oldtown Scrapfest.Participating teams were given one hour to collect up to 500 pounds of discarded scrap metal from Friedland Industries’ scrap yard and two weeks to craft their materials and ideas into metallic realities. Brittney Hoszkiw, the executive director for the Old Town Commercial Association, described the process as an exciting scene of “organized chaos” as everyone scrambled to collect their materials. This Friday and Saturday, the 18 sculptures will be out on display in the parking lot near Turner Street and Grand River.

Old Town was filled with music, celebration and the rich bittersweet scent of wine Saturday evening. It was also filled with dragons, a skeleton, a pirate ship and a giant frog playing the guitar.

July 6 — Most people probably haven’t seen a 352 pound piano being towed down the street by a giant tricycle, but if you’re in East Lansing Thursday, you can not only witness this bizarre phenomenon, but you can also join in on the fun.

Friday, July 8 — Almost everyone has looked up to the stars and seen that distant, glittering pie in the sky. However, Michigan State University senior Dennis Corsi is doing more than dreaming about his goals — he started his own company. Touch Your Soul Productions, founded in May, has a clear purpose. “I want to use theater to affect people and to make a difference,” Corsi said.

Friday, July 15 — After 10 years of leading, organizing and playing with the Lansing Symphony Big Band, director John Dale Smith announced his retirement Tuesday. “I loved being a part of the Lansing Symphony Big Band, but I have a whole lot of other activities going on in my life,” he said, explaining why he decided to step down.

Thursday, July 21 — A new voice will lead Sunday services at the interdenominational Peoples Church in East Lansing starting this weekend.

Friday, July 22 — Grab your flying carpet: “Scheherazade: Legend of the Arabian Nights” is the latest production of All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre. The show, directed by Rick Dethlefsen, brings to life the story of Scheherazade, the legendary narrator of the Arabian Nights folk tales. She uses her wit and talent to overcome the wrath of a powerful king who grew vengeful after he suffered a broken heart.

Tuesday, July 26 — There's not much of a chance of rain tonight. However, gallons of water will be flying through the air and hurtling down to the ground in Valley Court Park in downtown East Lansing. Anyone in the area is also encouraged to bring his or her sunglasses for this event.