Archive: Around Town

The Lansing Star Online stepped into the news Thursday when the publication presented a star to the Town at the Town Board's first meeting of the new year. The publication named a star for the town, officially calling it "The Lansing Star." It is located in Ursa Major, also known as the "Big Bear" constellation. This places it in the Northern sky near the "Big Dipper" so that residents can easily find their town's new star.

"This community is filled with inspiring people in it that make you want to do and be better yourself," said Editor Dan Veaner in a prepared presentation. "It's a caring hands-on, involved community. It's a town that takes care of its people without excesses in governance or taxes. Karen and I are grateful for the positive response the newspaper has had here, and this is a symbolic way we can give back."

He presented Town Supervisor Steve Farkas and the Town Board with a certificate and star map from the International Star Registry. The certificate notes the name of the star, it's coordinates and the date of registration. The registration date is July 22, 2005 which is "coincidentally the date of the first weekly issue of our newspaper," Veaner said with a smile.

The publication also gave the town a star map and stack of cards that tell how to find the star in Lansing's night sky. Veaner says, "We'll be also giving these cards to Lansing teachers, because it will be fun for kids to find their town's star and help get them excited about astronomy."

"I have a beautiful telescope at home," said Farkas after the meeting. "I'm going to wait for fair weather and look for the star."

Cards telling how to find the star are available at the Town Hall and will be given to school teachers

The Lansing Star Online is owned by the Veaners, and the whole family was on hand for the presentation including Karen, who handles sales and marketing, and Ben (14) and Allison (11). Ben contributes the weekly "Lansing Cafe" comic, and Allison writes the weekly SPCA Pet of the Week feature.

A permanent informational Web page is being maintained on the publication's site at http://www.lansingstar.com/thestar/. A button has also been placed on the main pages that redirects readers to the Star page.

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