Blog Post
Good News on Old News
by Debbie G.
There is a treasure trove of area newsletters in the Ann Arbor District Library Local History Room and they provide histories of our streets and neighborhoods, social events and social groups, churches and businesses that cannot be found anywhere else. We have Washtenaw Impressions from 1943, Old West Side News from 1975, Family History Capers from 1979 and Washtenaw Jewish News from 1977 to name just a few. The Local History Room is located on the 2nd floor of the Downtown Branch Library.
Blog Post
Presidential Primary Particulars
by Debbie G.
The Ann Arbor City Clerks Office, Washtenaw County Clerk and the State of Michigan have posted voter information regarding the Michigan Presidential Primary Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Since no unlisted candidates filed an affidavit of identity with the Secretary of State by January 4, write-in votes WILL NOT COUNT even though there is a place on the ballot to enter write-ins.
Blog Post
31st Ann Arbor Folk Festival
by manz
The 31st Ann Arbor Folk Festival takes place at Hill Auditorium on Friday, January 25, and Saturday, January 26. Each night features a different line-up of artists starting at 6:30pm. Ben Folds Five, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin are among the long list of artists performing. All proceeds raised through the festival will benefit Ann Arbor’s The Ark. See The Ark’s website for more details on tickets and performers.
Blog Post
Carting Off Christmas Trees
by Debbie G.
My New Year's Resolution? To get my Christmas tree to the curb in time for the City of Ann Arbor's Curbside Collection, January 14 - 18th. And I promise this year not to leave any ornaments or tinsel on the tree or put it in a plastic bag. Undecorated Christmas trees may also be dropped off in the parking lot adjacent to the Drop-Off Station at 2950 E. Ellsworth starting December 15 through Thursday, January 31.
Blog Post
Sancho's Sense of Snow
by Sancho Panza
The cooperative inhabitants of Ann Arbor have banded together to produce quite a few useful lists on ArborWiki; birthday deals, free WiFi spots (that bar at the bowling alley has wireless!) and free stuff (featuring the one-and-only AADL, of course!) to name a few. So, in the spirit of the pitiful amount of snow currently accumulating outdoors, check out their list of places to go sledding in Ann Arbor. Given that it’s not supposed to amount to much out there just yet, perhaps a few snowy books are more in order: my favorite is Snow by Uri Shulevitz; tiny people with red noses and softly falling flakes… it’s enough to make me run out to Zingerman’s for hot cocoa!
Blog Post
Washtenaw County, Michigan Heritage Driving Tours
by amy
The weather may be more suitable for sleighing than driving, but if you're up for a trip into Tree Town's past during the holiday, try one of The Washtenaw County Historic District Commission's four driving tours. Each of these themed tours--the Esek Pray Trail tour; the Greek Revival Architecture tour; the Historic Barns tour; and the German Heritage tour--comes with a detailed, color brochure you can download to accompany you on your drive. The tours are offered as part of The Washtenaw County Heritage Tourism Map Project to guide visitors and locals through the County’s cities, villages, and rural areas and to celebrate the region’s rich heritage.
Blog Post
Santa Claus is Coming to CTN Town
by Debbie G.
CTN Channel 17 will broadcast the Santa Satellite Network LIVE from Santa's workshop on Thursday, December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Mrs. Claus and Elf Mindy will help Santa take your calls at 734.997.1050. So make that list, check it twice and give Santa a ring!
Blog Post
Parenting Help
by Debbie G.
Washtenaw County has a number of excellent programs for parents, and for their children, as they confront the issues surrounding separation, divorce and custody challenges. A new website sponsored by the County, ParentingHelp pulls together information on the programming and resources of six local public or non-profit agencies, as well as links to many other helpful sites.
Blog Post
One Child, One Night
by MarilynG
The holidays are upon us and many people are asking for our help now. If you are in the midst of deciding which group or organization to make a donation, consider the Interfaith Hospitality Network’s One Child, One Night program. Sponsor a homeless child's stay at Alpha House with his or her family for a night or two or three. Or sponsor one child a month in 2008.
Did you know that 43% of the homeless population in our country are children? To learn more, consider reading Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: Homeless Children and Their Families In Small-town America. Or, contact the Washtenaw Housing Alliance for more information on homelessness in our area.
Blog Post
Comcast To Change CTN Service
by Debbie G.
On Jan. 15, 2008, Comcast will move the four Ann Arbor CTN Community Access channels to digital service only stations. This will require all viewers accessing CTN to watch city council meetings as well as school and community programming to have a digital convertor box. CTN's press release gives full details on the changes and their response to the decision by Comcast.