Blog Post
Tutors Needed in 2010
by Beth Manuel
Have you resolved to volunteer this year? A one-hour ABCs of Washtenaw Literacy session is a great way to start. You will learn about volunteer opportunities and the many training options through Washtenaw Literacy. Volunteering can look great on your resumé, too. Sessions this month are: Wednesday, January 6, 7-8 pm at the Ypsilanti District Library or Tuesday, January 12, 7-8 pm, at the NEW Center.
Blog Post
The Road Comes to the State Theater
by Caser
In August of 2008 I got all excited and wrote a blog about the upcoming film version of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Road, which was supposed to be released that November. It never was. Then this autumn, I got all excited again when Division Films said the movie was really going to come out this winter. However, the closest the film came to Ann Arbor was the Royal Oak Theater. Finally, last night, I saw The Road at the State Theater, and for this McCarthy fan, it was worth the wait. Visually stunning, well acted, and faithfully adapted both as a narrative and thematically from the novel, director John Hillcoat does a fine job with this book to film experience. But you'll have to hurry to see it, for The Road will only be screened at the State until January 7th.
Blog Post
Up in the Air
by Caser
Jason Reitman's film, Up in the Air, starring George Clooney, comes to local movie theaters on December 25, but you can get a preview of the story that's being hailed as the most timely of the year by reading the book of the same title by Walter Kirn. Reitman spent several years adapting the novel into a screenplay, turning it from a story about a guy who gets paid to lay people off into one man's search for self-realization and fulfillment.
In the film, Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a frequent flyer, motivational speaker, professional firer, and reveler in the superficial pleasures of what Chuck Palahniuk called the "single serve life." All this changes when a new female coworker introduces a cost-cutting idea that threatens to end his flight hopping lifestyle. The film has some local connections too, for several scenes were filmed at Detroit Metro Airport, and one sequence features real-life Detroit residents that have recently lost their jobs.
Other thematically related items at the AADL include the book Fired!: Tales of the Canned, Canceled, Downsized, & Dismissed, created by actress Annabelle Gurwitch, as well as her DVD and CD also called Fired!
Blog Post
Help Plan the Future of Pittsfield Township
by andrewjmac
Pittsfield Township is working on a new master plan to guide them in their future decisions and they are looking for your help. Pittsfield Township residents are invited to take the 2010 Pittsfield Plan Survey to help determine where Pittsfield will head in the coming years. This master plan will touch on all areas of Pittsfield's development, from economic development and capital improvements to transportation options and leisure activities. Pittsfield's last comprehensive plan was released in 2002 and helped oversee the township's last period of growth.
Take the survey today and help take Pittsfield into the next decade!
Blog Post
Holiday events at Kerrytown!
by manz
Midnight Madness and Kerryfest have come and gone, but there are still events happening in the Kerrytown market area during weekends in December if you’re looking for more than just usual Sparrow Market and Farmer’s Market happenings.
Every Saturday in December Santa will be visiting at the Kerrytown Market and Shops. There will also be Festive music every Saturday in December from 11am -2pm.
Plenty of food events will be going on as well, some involve free tasting at Spice Merchants. Check out the full calendar for times, days and information!
Blog Post
Bountiful Bowl Program
by Beth Manuel
With all that's going on in our economy, it can be hard for families to afford feeding their pet. The Humane Society of Huron Valley has a program that helps to supplement one's supply of pet food called Bountiful Bowls. The Humane Society relies on donations of quality pet food for this program. The winter holidays are often a time that people like to organize food drives. Have you ever considered a pet food drive? Look at their wish list for more information!
Blog Post
A Country Called Amreeka
by Beth Manuel
Join us Saturday December 12 at 1:00 at our Pittsfield Branch when Alia Malek is here to read from her new book A Country Called Amreeka. Ms. Malek weaves stories of the Arab-American experience into the larger fabric of America in ways that give insight as to what it is like to be an Arab-American today. This event includes a book signing & her book will be for sale, too.
Blog Post
The Original Green Machines: Electric Trolleys of Washtenaw County
by Debbie G.
In the 1890s, electric mass transportation flourished in Washtenaw County, yet suddenly became extinct after only a few decades. What made this mode of transportation so popular and why did it die so quickly? Find out when authors H. Mark Hildebrandt and Martha Churchill join us to discuss their new book, 'Electric Trolleys of Washtenaw County' on Wed. Dec. 2nd, 7 p.m., at the Downtown Library. This event will include a book signing and books will be on sale courtesy of Nicola's Books.
Blog Post
H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinic Announced
by Debbie G.
The Washtenaw County Public Health Department will offer H1N1 vaccinations to high priority individuals at a mass vaccination clinic at Manchester High School on Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The high school is located at 20500 Dutch Drive, Manchester 48158.
Children and adults fitting within the following priority groups are currently eligible for H1N1 vaccination:
- pregnant women
- people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months
- health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient care
- Children and adolescents 6 months through 24 years of age
- Adults 25 to 64 years of age who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications. Conditions include: neurological disorders, chronic lung conditions (like asthma), immune disorders, cardiovascular disorders (not including high blood pressure), diabetes, lung and liver disorders, chronic aspirin therapy, and kidney disorders.
Blog Post
Hot Holiday Meals for the Hungry
by Beth Manuel
St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor will serve its daily hot breakfast on Thanksgiving from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. as it does every day of the year. The Original Cottage Inn will offer its annual Thanksgiving meal for the needy and homeless, a tradition that dates back almost 30 years. The dinner is served on Thanksgiving between 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vineyard Church will have hourly shuttles from Liberty Plaza to its Thanksgiving Meal, the first one leaves downtown at 11:00 am. There are also two churches in Ypsi providing meals: Holy Trinity Church, 511 W. Forest will serve food from 11:00 am till the food is gone & New Testament Church will serve a meal from noon-1:00, 1230 West Michigan Ave.