Being a Step Ahead of Tax Season

Tue, 11/25/2008 - 4:00pm by MarilynG

Some people are always one step ahead of everyone else. How about being one of those well-prepared people and get a jump on tax time! Come to Basic Money Management presented by the MSU Extension. This class includes money management, preparing for tax season and the EITC. The class will take place on December 4th from 8 am to 9 am at the Washtenaw County Michigan Works Service Center in Ypsilanti. It will be repeated on December 11th and 18th. For more information, contact the MSU Extension office at 997-1678.

Ann Arbor Film Festival Just Around the Corner

Tue, 11/18/2008 - 5:31pm by Caser

The 47th annual Ann Arbor Film Festival is a few months away (March 24-29, 2009), but that doesn't mean the AAFF has been resting on their laurels waiting for spring; rather, up until November 15th they've been receiving and evaluating this year's cutting-edge film submissions. The AAFF awards prizes in eighteen categories, including the Gus Van Sant Award for Best Experimental film and the Michael Moore Award for Best Documentary film, with prize purses up to $3,000.

Additionally, from August to January the Festival's International Tour has been visiting world theaters and art houses showing the award winning films from last year's festival. The Tour has been rolling since 1964 and will be making continental stops in cities such as Providence, Winnipeg, and Portland before closing in Chicago. Want to check out last year's winners but you missed the Tour? The AAFF is selling the DVD collection through its website.

Get To Know Them

Fri, 11/14/2008 - 9:49am by Debbie G.

There are four new faces on the Ann Arbor City Council and they'll be at City Hall on Monday, Nov. 17th from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. to meet & greet you. Come to the City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor to meet Sandi Smith, Ward 1; Tony Derezinski, Ward 2; Chris Taylor, Ward 3; and Carsten Hohnke, Ward 5. Per the City Charter new council members are sworn in "on the Monday next following the regular City election at which such officers are elected."

It's Almost Here - The "NEW" University of Michigan Museum of Art

Fri, 11/14/2008 - 9:03am by muffy

On Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15, 9 am–12 pm, UMMA staff and volunteers will host an information open house outside the Museum's historic home, Alumni Memorial Hall (525 South State Street) to share refreshments and excitement about UMMA's reopening in spring 2009.

For a sneak preview of the new and renovated museum - check out the Michigan Daily article and the many stunning photos.

Beach Boys Songwriter Brian Wilson at Michigan Theater

Wed, 11/12/2008 - 9:26am by Caser

The mastermind who created such legendary recordings as Pet Sounds, Surfin' USA, Friends, and other Beach Boys hits is coming to the Michigan Theater on Wednesday, November 12 at 7:30pm. Brian Wilson is best known for his groundbreaking use of lush harmonies and nostalgic, emotive lyrics which contemporary artists such as Panda Bear, Apples in Stereo, and The New Pornographers continue to ape today. Promoting his 2008 release, That Lucky Old Sun, the concert will feature songs from this recording and, of course, some Beach Boys hits as well.

Which Way Does Ann Go?

Thu, 11/06/2008 - 2:47pm by Debbie G.

Attention Tree Town drivers: Ann Street between N. Fifth Avenue and Division is going one way. And for a change of pace, they DO want you to back in to the new angle parking on the south side of the street. The conversion, weather depending, is slated to take effect November 9, 2008. Questions? Call 734.994.6095 or email pcawley@a2gov.org

The Chicken Ordinance

Tue, 10/21/2008 - 2:56pm by Stewart

Interested in raising your own chickens? If you live in Ann Arbor you can keep up to four hens...with the consent of your adjacent neighbors.

Check out these library materials for more information about raising chickens...
How to Raise Chickens
The Complete Handbook of Poultry Keeping
and for the kids,
From Chick to Chicken
and The Joy of Chickens

Check out the cool chicken coops at Back Yard Chickens and My Pet Chicken.

Experience Fall Colors without Driving to the UP

Fri, 10/17/2008 - 12:50pm by ecria7

Want to experience the changing of colors in the trees without traveling to northern Michigan? The University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum is right here in Ann Arbor and features the annual transformation among its array of foliage. Even if you have visited “The Arb” before, it can become an entirely new landscape in the autumn season. They suggest visiting during the early morning or late afternoon to take a stroll through this parkland that has been around since 1907. Of the three entries into the Arboretum, the Geddes Avenue entrance incorporates the highest elevation in the area with the park’s “ceremonial gates” to provide a breathtaking panoramic view.
To learn more about autumn’s annual transformation, check out Autumn leaves: a guide to the fall colors of the Northwoods. For the Arboretum’s hours of operation, take a look their website or call (734) 647-7600. Nichols Arboretum, 1600 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

The Local Migrant Farm Worker

Fri, 10/17/2008 - 10:51am by Beth Manuel

Have you been to the The Migrant Project exhibit on the 3rd floor of the Downtown Library? The photos show the stark reality of the toil California migrant workers face in their daily lives. Locally, The Neutral Zone will display the youth perspectives that embody life as a Migrant Farm Worker. The exhibit is from 2:00-3:30 this Sunday October 19. There will also be refreshments. Donations will be accepted.

I Want My CTV

Fri, 10/17/2008 - 8:28am by Debbie G.

Want to watch the local candidate debates on your time? Head over to the CTN Video on Demand page and watch the debates you want when you want them. The new service runs 24/7 and will be expanded to include much of the Channel 19 programming.