Blog Post
Hope Dental New Patient Day
by Beth Manuel
Hope Dental Clinic is offering an opportunity to become a new patient of theirs. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday June 9 at Hope Center 518 Harriet Street, Ypsilanti. They will be registering 100 new patients, so come early and bring one of the following for Proof of Income: 2008 1040 Tax Form, 2 Most recent pay stubs, Proof of government funding you may be receiving, Bridge Card, and Proof of Income from anyone who is supporting you.
Blog Post
Riverwalks Ann Arbor: Walking Loops Along the Huron River
by Van
Brenda E. Bentley has enhanced walker’s enjoyment of the Huron River through Ann Arbor by writing Riverwalks Ann Arbor: Walking Loops Along the Huron River. The walks are introduced by a geological, historical, cultural, and natural history of the river. The book has interesting reproductions of historical maps; old postcards and photographs; new crisp, clear maps with contour lines, major roads, park areas, and elevations; and current photographs. Each walk is a loop. Sometimes they can connect with other loops. The walks start at Barton Pond and move east along the river to Parker Mill. The descriptions of the walks are enhanced by historical asides, among others, on the Public Land Survey System, the ice trade on Argo Pond, and Superintendent of Parks Eli Gallup.
The Ann Arbor Chronicle did an article on the book yesterday and links to HD’s Teeter Talk with Brenda Bentley. The book is available for purchase at Downtown Home & Garden and at Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room.
The author lists three books as Companion Texts for Riverwalks:
Along the Huron: the Natural Communities of the Huron River Corridor in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Historic Buildings, Ann Arbor, Michigan by Marjorie Reade and Susan Wineberg. This book is featured in the library’s online Ann Arbor Architecture Archive
Ann Arbor Observed: Selections from Then and Now by Grace Shackman. These essays are being added to the library’s online Local History offerings. The library is hosting Grace Shackman and John Hilton Wednesday, June 24 at the Downtown Library (7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) for the unveiling of this new online product.
Blog Post
How High, How Many ~ Revising the City Code Public Meeting
by Debbie G.
The City of Ann Arbor will hold a Area, Height and Placement Public Meeting on Wednesday, May 27th, 6:30 ~ 8:00 p.m. at CTN Studios to discuss proposed amendments to the City Code. Five ward public meeting will following this community-wide discussion of building heights, setbacks, street width, parking lots, parking meters, mass transit and sidewalks. Bring your ideas, your questions and get involved in planning your city's future. For more information contact Jeff Kahan, City Planner at jkahan@a2gov.org or 734.794.6265 ext 42614.
Blog Post
Parks in Washtenaw County
by ErinDurrett
Memorial Day weekend signifies more than just the remembrance of departed veterans, but also as a non-meterological beginning to Summer. Most students are making their way through their final weeks of school, daydreaming about the possibilities this Summer offers. This is also the time when County Parks and Preserves open to the public. Soon, AADL will be offering a program called "Park and Read," which is similar to the Museum Adventure Passes, that will be good for a free one-day admission to any Michigan State Park. Fortunately, Washtenaw County proudly boasts 12 parks and 16 preserves, including the ever popular Rolling Hills Water Park, which supplies the County with a great place to cool off, get together with friends and even play a round of disc golf.
Come and visit one of Washtenaw County's Parks or Preserves today!
Blog Post
Canoeing Anyone??
by darla
With Memorial Day quickly approaching, now is a great time to don your sunscreen, fill your cooler, and head out on one of our many Michigan waterways. If you are a fan of canoeing/kayaking, pick up a copy of Doc Fletcher's new book Michigan Rivers Less Paddled : The Rivers, The Towns, The Taverns here at the AADL. This handy guide will provide you with plenty of ideas for canoeing excursions around the area, including local pubs to hit at the end of your journey. Jerry Dennis' Canoeing Michigan Rivers : A Comprehensive Guide to 45 Rivers is another guide to consider if you are looking for new routes to explore. If you are not the proud owner of a canoe or kayak, there are plenty of rental places in the area. Visit Huron River Net for a list of businesses that will gladly provide you with that canoe you need.
Blog Post
Ann Arbor School Board Election Results
by Van
I asked one of my colleagues yesterday whether she had voted. She said she did not vote in uncontested elections.
There were two incumbents, Glenn Nelson and Irene Patalan, running for the two four-year terms. They were both elected.
And there were two relative newcomers (Adam Hollier ran for school board in 2008 and Ravi Nigam ran for school board in 2002) running for the one two-year term. Adam Hollier had announced in April that he was withdrawing his candidacy. His announcement came well after the February 13th deadline for his name to be removed from the ballot. Two names on the ballot, only one active candidate. Does that make the election uncontested?
I tried to find an article in Monday’s Ann Arbor News about the Ann Arbor school board election and could not find one. The Ann Arbor Chronicle had a nice article about the school board election on April 21. The lead paragraph was “On May 5, voters in Ann Arbor will choose three people to serve on the Ann Arbor Public Schools board. Actually, “choose” might not be the operative word: All three candidates are running unopposed.”
The voter turnout was 2.6%. One might think that those 2.6% would be the most informed and involved voters. They elected the candidate who withdrew last month. Adam Hollier received 1063 votes to 894 votes for Ravi Nigam.
Adam Hollier is an African American graduate student at the University of Michigan. When contacted by the Ann Arbor Public Schools, he was unaware that he had won but said he would consider accepting the board seat.
Michigan election law reads “Within 5 business days after certification of an election, each member-elect shall be notified of the election. Within 10 business days after notification by the school district election coordinator of election or appointment to the board, each person shall file with the secretary of the board an acceptance of the office to which the person has been elected or appointed.”
If Adam Hollier chooses not to accept, then the Ann Arbor School Board may appoint a new member. They could appoint Ravi Nigam, but are not obligated to appoint him.
Blog Post
Stimulus Strategy for Better Biking
by Debbie G.
Join Ann Arbor Transportation Department staff on Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m. at City Hall for a discussion of planned improvements to city streets to make them more friendly to bicyclists and pedestrians. Plans include eight miles of new bike lanes, improving 24 miles of existing bike lanes and better signage, all courtesy of federal stimulus funds and local resources.
And to find out about the best bike rides in the area and a hands-on display of the best bikes to ride, join us Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m. at the Downtown Branch for Washtenaw County Bike Rides with author Joel Howell and Ann Arbor Cyclery.
Blog Post
getDowntown Commuter Challenge
by shannon riffe
For the month of May, employees at all Library branches will be participating in the getDowntown Commuter Challenge. The month-long Challenge pits Ann Arbor area businesses against each other in a friendly competition to encourage their employees to use sustainable transportation for their commute. This month, participating Library employees will be walking, biking, carpooling and taking the bus to work. Click here to find out more about the Challenge.
Blog Post
Breakin' Curfew - May 8
by manz
The Neutral Zone and the University Musical Society (UMS) present Breakin’ Curfew at The Power Center on Friday May 8, at 8pm. Now an annual event, this powerful show features teen acts that were scouted by teens, while being lead by UMS. The end performance showcases a wide variety of local teen talent in all forms and is truly electric. (i.e. If you don't dig the breakdancing, sit tight, the cellist is up next!) This show is popular and tends to sell out, so get your tickets!
Blog Post
Ann Arbor Antiques Market
by jaegerla
The Ann Arbor Antiques Market is back for another summer session. This weekend marks the beginning of the season and the shows will continue each month through the end of October. The Antiques market features dealers selling a wide variety of items ranging from jewelry to furniture to retro toys. The market's hours runs on Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm, and Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm. Interested in antique collecting? The library carries plenty of books on wheeling and dealing to guide you through the city's many antique shops.