On Saturday March 2nd some forty Wardcliff area neighbors and friends gathered at the Edgewood United Church for the 2013 Wardcliff Neighborhood Association (WNA) Cabin Fever event. Despite the cold weather outside, the delicious snacks, hot coffee and friendly attendees helped to keep the atmosphere inside warm and relaxing. Three speakers gave excellent presentations that were much appreciated by all at the event.
Greg Losch, Project Engineer from the Michigan Department of Transportation, outlined improvements planned for the Grand River/Michigan Avenue corridor in East Lansing and Meridian Township. The resurfacing has now begun and will not be completed until early next Fall. Mr. Losch and a colleague from MDOT answered many questions about how the project will impact traffic flow and what the benefits will be to the neighborhoods all along the roadways and sidewalks being upgraded. He added that MDOT wants to hear from members of the public whenever they have concerns about ongoing or future projects, and he provided his contact information (Greg Losch, MDOT Construction Engineer, 517-335-3770. 
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The second speaker was Brandi Hansen from HOM-TV (Haslett Okemos Meridian TV) and she gave an excellent overview of the recent changes and updates to the Meridian Township website (http://www.meridian.mi.us/). There are many sections of the website that now can be more easily accessed by township residents to acquire information or to contact township officials and staff regarding questions or problems. She encouraged all citizens of the township and all of those at the WNA event to make use of this valuable resource.
The final speaker was Marty Chilvers who is the Coordinator for the Community Garden Project on the property of the former Wardcliff School. Marty described the Garden Project and how it has grown over the past two years and become a wonderful focal point for the neighborhood. In addition to providing healthy food for the gardeners and their families, the Garden Project has contributed significant amounts of fresh vegetables to local food banks. The Garden Project is gearing up for this summer and Marty is hosting a meeting on Saturday March 23rd at the Okemos Library for all those who are interested in becoming involved.
The WNA all-volunteer Board of Directors warmly encourages all WNA members, potential members and friends to attend events that the Board and other volunteers work hard to provide for Wardcliff area residents and friends. These events are a great way to get to visit with your neighbors, meet new people, have fun, and benefit from up to date presentations by well-informed speakers. You are encouraged to check this website for information on upcoming events and to join the Wardcliff Neighborhood Association to help make your neighborhood an even more enjoyable place to live.