Blog Post
Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week
by Beth Manuel
Did you know that November 11-17th has been deemed Homeless & Hunger Awareness Week? Around the country people are bringing attention to these issues in a variety of ways, from workshops and lectures to simulating homelessness get a better feel for what it's like to not have permanent housing. Last February AADL hosted an interesting panel of homeless serving agencies in Washtenaw County. If you weren't able to attend, we filmed the event and you can watch it at your leisure. One fact that always startles me no matter how often I hear it is that children are often the forgotten faces of homelessness and that Domestic Violence is still the number one cause of homelessness among children. There are homeless children in nearly every elementary school in Washtenaw County, and likely countless kids who go to bed hungry every night. We just want you to be aware of homelessness and hunger in our community.
Blog Post
Ann Arbor's Greenbelt Program
by hillary dorwart
Wednesday November 7, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Join representatives from the City of Ann Arbor's Greenbelt program and landowners involved with the program for a dynamic discussion on land conservation, farming and why land conservation is important.
During this event, a variety of landowners (both long-time and new farmers) will discuss their farms, farming rewards and challenges; why they chose to protect their land and how the Greenbelt Program has helped to keep farming viable in the Ann Arbor area.
Blog Post
World Diabetes Day!
by Beth Manuel
The University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Diabetes Center is hosting their 6th Annual World Diabetes Day Health Fair November 10 from 9:00 AM -1:00 pm. The event takes place at the Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel. There will be screenings for high blood pressure, urine screenings for kidney disease, foot exams and eye exams to screen for diabetic retinopathy. There will be three presentations during the event and many resources available for participants. This event is free and open to the public.
Blog Post
Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012: Tips for Voters
by Debbie G.
-Don’t forget to bring your photo ID to vote. Voters who do not have acceptable photo ID will be required to sign an affidavit in order to vote.
-Peak voting hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Voters who want to avoid long lines are encouraged to vote during midday hours.
-Polling place hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are standing in line by 8 p.m. then you are eligible to vote.
-In-person requests for absentee ballots will be accepted at the City Clerk’s Office, 2nd floor of City Hall, until Monday, November 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-Ann Arbor Public Schools are closed on Election Day. Polling places located within schools are open.
-Signs will be posted at all polling locations to assist voters.
View your sample ballot, check your polling location and much more at Michigan Votes.
Washtenaw County election results are televised on Community Television Network’s CitiTV Channel 19 beginning at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012—after the polls close—and will continue throughout the night.
Blog Post
Both Sides Now: The Statewide Ballot Proposals on CTN
by Debbie G.
The League of Women Voters will examine the pros and cons of the six statewide ballot proposals as well as the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti ballot proposals on CTN, Community Television Network, beginning Wednesday, October 10. Viewers can also stream the program on demand from links on the CTN homepage.
The LWV also helps sponsor Vote411.org, the online election source that lets voters build their own ballot with an online voters' guide. Type in your address to see the races on your ballot. Candidates' positions can be compared side-by-side, and you may print out a "ballot" indicating your preferences as a reminder and take it with you to the polls on Election Day.
To double-check your voter registration status, your polling location, view your sample ballot and much more, visit the State of Michigan's Michigan Votes web site.
Blog Post
Ready, Set, Debate: 2012 Candidate Forums
by Debbie G.
The League of Women Voters will sponsor a series of candidate forums at the Community Television Network Studio from Monday, October 8th ~ Thursday, October 11th, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The forums will be broadcast on CitiTV, Channel 19 until the day before the election and can also be viewed on the CitiTV website. Candidates for the following offices will be participating in the forum:
Monday, October 8th
7:00 - 7:30 p.m. County Water Resources Commissioner
8:00 - 8:30 p.m. County Treasurer
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. County Clerk/Register of Deeds
Tuesday, October 9th
7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Washtenaw Community College Trustees Board
8:00 - 8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Public School Board
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Board
Wednesday, October 10th
7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Mayoral Race & 5th Ward
8:00 - 8:30 p.m. County Sheriff
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Board of County Commissioners - Districts 7, 8, & 9
Thursday, October 11th
7:00 - 7:30 p.m. State Representatives - 53rd & 55th Districts
8:00 - 8:30 p.m. 22nd Circuit Court (non-incumbent & incumbent race)
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. County Prosecuting Attorney
The public can submit their questions to candidates via email to FORUM_QUESTIONS@lwvannarbor.org. The League reserves the right to select and edit the questions that will be used in the forums.
View your sample ballot, check your polling location and much more at Michigan Votes.
Blog Post
Register to Vote: It's So Easy
by Debbie G.
Tuesday, October 9th, is the last day to register to vote in the November 6th general election. You can register to vote for federal, state, and local elections at the Washtenaw County Clerk's office, the Ann Arbor City Clerk's office, the Secretary of State office nearest you and the Family Independence Agency in Ypsilanti. The Michigan Votes Voter Information Center is your one-stop site for information on registering and voting in Michigan.
Blog Post
Talking Books Narrator Roy Avers
by iralax
Listen to a fascinating interview with acclaimed talking books narrator Roy Avers at 8pm, Wed. Sept. 26, on Books and Beyond. Avers, 63, has made his living as a businessman, sings bass in the Louisville Opera, and he has also narrated more than 300 books of many genres for the National Library Service. I know one Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled patron who will listen only to books narrated by Roy! As long as she hears his voice, no matter what the book is about, it will be greatly enjoyed. So tune in to learn what makes Roy Avers so unique. Just visit the Books and Beyond Room and enter your first and last names on the sign-in screen, or contact Marcia Moses at 734-495-1496, mgmoses@comcast.net.
Blog Post
What is a PASREP and How do I Get One?
by Beth Manuel
Have you ever heard of PASREP? To qualify for this program you must be a Michigan resident and meet the following PASREP eligibility requirements: Have a functionally significant disability and are employed or have an offer of employment working a minimum of 24 hours per week & earning at least minimum wage. A PASREP helps break the barrier to going back to work by assisting with out of pocket costs. This can help bridge the funding gap caused by lost benefits. PASREP recipients receive reimbursements for personal assistance expenses. Contact your regional representative for more information about this program.
Blog Post
The "Ypsi Flea" is happening this Sunday, Sept 23rd
by prlhw
With television shows such as American Pickers becoming increasingly popular, people across the country are realizing that the old saying is still true, "one man's junk is another man's treasure!" From flea markets to garage sales, thrifting culture is now more popular than ever, and America is on the hunt!
Once every blue moon, it is known that some folks over in Ann Arbor's neighboring city of Ypsilanti throw together a community event - "The Ypsi Flea" - that combines local vendors featuring everything from used clothing and records to crafty things and live music.
The Ypsi Flea will be happening this Sunday, September 23rd from 12pm-8pm, and will be held at Woodruff's at 36 East Cross Street in Ypsilanti.
Come out and hunt for some treasures of your own, or just to enjoy some live local music; either way, the event is free, all ages and held in the name of fun and community expansion!