Looking to read a book and join a discussion on it? Check out Crazy Wisdom’s monthly book discussions, which take place at 7 p.m. at Crazy Wisdom Community Room. Titles to be discussed in the near future are:

February 12: Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears by Pema Chodron
March 12: How to Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons
April 9: When Technology Fails by Matthew Stein

There is no registration, just show up! Check here for full details!Crazy Wisdom

Pioneer Theater Guild presents its mid-winter musical -- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee -- Feb. 12-21 in The Little Theater. This is a one act musical comedy about a spelling bee at Putnam Valley Middle School, where six quirky adolescents compete in a bee organized by three odd adults. Sounds fun. The web page says the show "features spontaneous and hilarious audience participation!" Sounds like even more fun. Check out our CD of the original 2005 Broadway cast recording. The show also is being performed this month at Encore Theatre in Dexter.

All grandparents should know about a recent telephone scam that tries to persuade them to send thousands of dollars to their distressed grandchildren. Michigan’s Attorney General Mike Cox provides information on how to avoid this deception. Everyone wants to help family in trouble, but it's important to know who you're sending money to. Sid Kirchheimer’s book and his AARP Bulletin column Scam Alert will inform you how to handle many rip-offs out there.

To properly celebrate Valentines Day, a little planning is always good. Cards and candy are fun, but this year how about enjoying a craft or dance with your children? Consider a Daddy-Daughter Dance at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center on Friday Feb. 12 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Or plan to Create a Valentine at our AADL Mallets Creek branch Saturday Feb. 13 from 2-4 p.m. If staying home sounds like just the thing, why not make a paper craft to celebrate the holiday. Whatever you decide to do, have a wonderful celebration!

yoga pose

Through the generosity of AASY Action, a free yoga class is being offered on Thursdays from 8 to 9:00 AM at the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. This class is on the 1st floor of the Delonis Center & has been open to clients & staff from community non-profits. They have Yoga mats for up to 20 people and can serve novices to seasoned yoga enthusiasts! Classes are presented by experienced yoga teachers.

gift

For those people you know who do not live in the Library district but would really love to be able to check out our excellent selection of books, DVDs, CDs, art prints, and all of the other wonderful things available at the Ann Arbor District Library, consider this great gift idea: gift certificates! The certificates are available for 3 months ($37.50), 6 months ($75.00), 9 months ($112.50) or one year ($150.00) and the cost is the same whether the gift is for an individual or an entire family living at the same address. Gift Certificates may be purchased at service desks at all AADL locations, all year long, making it a unique option for birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day and more.

Vogel 50x50

The exhibition An Economy of Means: The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection opens at the University of Michigan Museum of Art on Saturday, January 30th.

In 2008 the University of Michigan Museum of Art was one of 50 museums selected to receive a gift of 50 works of art from Herb and Dorothy Vogel. A previous blog relates the extraordinary story of Herbert, a postal clerk, and Dorothy, a reference librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library, who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history with very modest means.

The couple began collecting in the early 1960s. Their collection, notable both for the character and breadth of the objects, was guided by two rules: the piece had to be affordable, and it had to be small enough to fit in their one-bedroom Manhattan apartment. They were among the first collectors to buy work by artists who were virtually unknown at the time but went on to achieve considerable acclaim such as Robert Barry and Richard Tuttle.

A gallery talk is scheduled for 2 p.m. on opening day. Watch the Museum's program guide for upcoming events and docent-guided tours of the exhibition.

Learn more about the Vogels' 50 gifts for 50 states.

Lynda Benglis
American, born 1941
Tacpere Maptom, 1985
glass
22 x 5 ½ (diam.) in. (Image shown)
© Lynda Benglis / Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY *

teens using drugs

The "Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do" series will be presented on February 2, 2010 (part one, "What To Know") and February 9 (part two, "What To Do.") This free, ongoing, two-part series is presented by Ron Harrison & takes place here. The series is co-sponsored by Dawn Farm, the Livingston/Washtenaw Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Consortium, and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. More information is on this page. All are welcome!

cash

There are two workshops coming up in the area that you may be interested in. Michigan State University Extension is offering a free workshop titled Living On Less on Monday, February 8 from 6 to 9 pm at the Washtenaw County LRC. This workshop will explain how to develop a spending plan, reduce flexible expenses and reduce debt. You need to register by February 5 by calling 734-222-3943.

Financial Survival: Tips from the Budget Guru is a class being held at Washtenaw Community College on Thursday, February 11 from 6 to 9 pm. This class will focus on using a budget analysis form, paying off debt, and understanding and improving creditworthiness. The cost of this class is $15. You can register for the class here or call 734-973-3543.