Fuller Street Station

The City of Ann Arbor will host a second public meeting on the proposed Fuller Road Station transit center on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the 2nd floor Council Chambers, City Hall . To learn more about the bus, rail and train hub envisioned for the region, read the AnnArbor.com article outlining Phase I of this joint project between the University of Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor.

showcase cinemas

Did you know that you can watch a newly released feature film that is described for people with visual impairments? Showcase Cinema in Ypsilanti shows a film with described video every week. It is noted by the letters RWC or DVS next to the film that will have this feature. Go to nationalamusements.com, enter the zip code for Showcase Cinemas (48197). This week the film being shown is Dear John. Beginning Friday, February 5 through Thursday February 11. Show times are: 11:45 AM, 2:20, 4:55, 7:30 and 10:05 pm. DVS films are always shown in theater 14. Running time: 1 hour 48 minutes.showcase cinemas

To properly celebrate Valentines Day, a little planning is always good. Cards and candy are fun, but this year how about enjoying a craft or dance with your children? Consider a Daddy-Daughter Dance at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center on Friday Feb. 12 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Or plan to Create a Valentine at our AADL Mallets Creek branch Saturday Feb. 13 from 2-4 p.m. If staying home sounds like just the thing, why not make a paper craft to celebrate the holiday. Whatever you decide to do, have a wonderful celebration!

yoga pose

Through the generosity of AASY Action, a free yoga class is being offered on Thursdays from 8 to 9:00 AM at the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. This class is on the 1st floor of the Delonis Center & has been open to clients & staff from community non-profits. They have Yoga mats for up to 20 people and can serve novices to seasoned yoga enthusiasts! Classes are presented by experienced yoga teachers.

Vogel 50x50

The exhibition An Economy of Means: The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection opens at the University of Michigan Museum of Art on Saturday, January 30th.

In 2008 the University of Michigan Museum of Art was one of 50 museums selected to receive a gift of 50 works of art from Herb and Dorothy Vogel. A previous blog relates the extraordinary story of Herbert, a postal clerk, and Dorothy, a reference librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library, who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history with very modest means.

The couple began collecting in the early 1960s. Their collection, notable both for the character and breadth of the objects, was guided by two rules: the piece had to be affordable, and it had to be small enough to fit in their one-bedroom Manhattan apartment. They were among the first collectors to buy work by artists who were virtually unknown at the time but went on to achieve considerable acclaim such as Robert Barry and Richard Tuttle.

A gallery talk is scheduled for 2 p.m. on opening day. Watch the Museum's program guide for upcoming events and docent-guided tours of the exhibition.

Learn more about the Vogels' 50 gifts for 50 states.

Lynda Benglis
American, born 1941
Tacpere Maptom, 1985
glass
22 x 5 ½ (diam.) in. (Image shown)
© Lynda Benglis / Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY *

teens using drugs

The "Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do" series will be presented on February 2, 2010 (part one, "What To Know") and February 9 (part two, "What To Do.") This free, ongoing, two-part series is presented by Ron Harrison & takes place here. The series is co-sponsored by Dawn Farm, the Livingston/Washtenaw Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Consortium, and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. More information is on this page. All are welcome!

Calvin's father, in the timeless youth graphic novels, Calvin and Hobbes, often insists that outdoor activities with the family will help "build character" in his son, though Calvin himself clearly has other ideas. If you are looking for some similar character-building activities with the family this Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, consider the Waterloo Recreation Area's investigative program, "The Mystery of the Missing Groundhog", and then head out to the trails on a search for some winter wildlife.

Looking for something closer to Ann Arbor? Check out Saturday's daytime hike, the Winter Woods Walk, through County Farm Park where a guide will lead you on and off the trails looking for plants and wildlife. Or try Leslie Science Center's nocturnal Winter Night Walk which caps off a crisp night trail hike with a lively campfire.

If you can't make these weekend events, check out the following Ann Arbor trail guides from the AADL: Riverwalks Ann Arbor and Footloose in Ann Arbor.

Ark

January 29-30 is a great time to be at The Ark in Ann Arbor. The famous Folk Festival is going on again! Each night will feature a good mix of seasoned artists as well as up-and-coming musicians. “All funds raised through the Festival benefit The Ark, Ann Arbor's non-profit home for folk, roots, and ethnic music.” See The Ark’s website for all details. This year’s line-up includes:

Friday, January 29
Iron & Wine, Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard, Band of Heathens, Hoots & Hellmouth, Po' Girl, Jer Coons, Nervous But Excited, and Patty Larkin, MC.

Saturday, January 30
Rosanne Cash, Richie Havens, Doc Watson, Raul Malo, Hot Club of Cowtown, Enter The Haggis, and Patty Larkin, MC.

Arabic Alphabet

Interested in learning Arabic ? The Arab American Cultural Center in Ypsilanti will be holding beginner level classes in Arabic on Thursdays from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM beginning January 21st. Classes are for ages 6 and up. Call 734-434-8114 to register! AADL also has an extensive array of Arabic learning materials and books in Arabic for teens and children too!