Today’s weather forecast is predicting a much warmer day than what we’ve been having with sunny skies and a high of 71 degrees and a low of 45 degrees.

Horrocks Farmers Market hosts Oktoberfest celebration

Horrocks Farmers Market hosted their annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday, bringing fall beer selections, brats and German culture to Lansing residents of all ages.

The Katzenjammer German band performed for those sitting down to eat or drink, and there was a petting zoo with multiple animals to visit throughout the event.

Horrocks store manager Troy Burris said the planning for the event started months prior. They had to look at equipment, decor, music, staff and more.

With the permanent installation of the Horrocks beer garden, the market has focused on planning fewer, but larger events for the community.

The event was held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and remained consistently full throughout.

Local resident Kat Rejaei attended the event for the first time, as a fan of the market. Rejaei said Horrocks itself is a great spot to bring friends, even when there isn’t an event.

“It’s our first time coming to it. We’ve been (in the area) a little over a year, so yeah, it’s really cool,” Rejaei said. “I hope they do more events like this in the future. It’s been fun.”

Horrocks is hosting live music performances in the beer garden on Oct. 6 through 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MSUDPPS welcomes Maria Vilayil as their new police social worker

The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety recently welcomed Maria Valayil as a full-time social worker in a bid to better assist in situations where mental health is a concern.

Valayil accompanies officers on welfare checks and follows up on incidents that may indicate an individual is struggling with their mental health. Her role will shift the department towards a structure in which police officers and social workers can work together to better respond to mental health emergencies.

This is the first time that MSUDPPS has implemented a full-time social worker role. In the past, an officer fulfilled those responsibilities.

Valayil holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Michigan State University’s School of Social Work, where she later became a field instructor. She also has experience working with domestic violence victims in Ingham County.

In her role, Valayil will work with nearly every level of the department. At any given time, she may receive a call from a patrol officer, detective or the 9-1-1 dispatch center directly.

By acting with compassion, Valayil hopes to respond with her skills and mental health resources, such as Counseling and Psychiatric Services.

“We just want people to know that they don’t have to struggle alone,” Valayil said.

MSU hosts fall events through October

Michigan State University hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, and as October begins, it’s the perfect time to partake in all of your favorite campus autumn activities.

Here are a few unique fall events going on through October…

First, The University Activities Board will be hosting an event called Cider, Donuts and Stargazing at Dem Hall Field from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m tonight!

At this event, students will be able to enjoy a presentation about the different constellations that appear during the fall while having the opportunity to view them through telescopes from Abrams Planetarium.

This event will also have free cider and donuts for participants while supplies last.

Next, To Fetch A Thief Who Dognapped Zeke will be during homecoming week, October 10th and will take place at the MSU Union Ballroom from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

At the beginning of the event, participants will have to use their investigative skills to search around the Union for clues to find out who dognapped Zeke. A prize will be awarded to whoever can solve the mystery first.

Following the mystery portion, students will be able to meet and take photos with Zeke during the annual homecoming Zeke and Greet. While supplies last, students will be given stuff-your-own Zeke the dog kits and cookies from the MSU Bakers during the Zeke and Greet.

Finally, The MSU Bug House will be hosting its Halloween Open House event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in room 147 of the Natural Science building on October 23rd.

At this event you will be able to do all kinds of fun bug-related activities including experiencing a live beehive, seeing different specimens from around the world and even getting to meet live insects.

Just around the corner, Broad Art Museum will be hosting their concurrent event–
ArachnoBROADia. This event will include many different arachnid-themed crafts inspired by some of the art from the collection of the MSU Broad Art Museum.

Although ArachnoBRAODia is free for all ages, registration is required prior to the event.

Based on original reporting by Wendy Guzman, Maggie George and Bella Johnson.