Arbor Update

Ann Arbor Area Community News

Ann Arbor E-Park

Posted by Patti Smith on 12. June 2009

There is some news in parking: Ann Arbor E-Park

The website promises that the system will make parking more efficient and convenient. You can pay for your parking by phone, too. More info on the website linked above.

Comment [4]

Upcoming Stuff To Do

Posted by Patti Smith on 11. June 2009

The mayor’s 9th annual Green Fair is this Friday, from 6p-9p. (I remember going to the first Green Fair and I am suddenly feeling very townie-ish!) There will also be the Bike Fest and I heard something about Linda Diane Feldt having some goodies there, too!

If you are a bike rider, the WBWC’s monthly RAT! bike ride will commence at 6pm, meeting at Liberty Square Park.

After the crushing Red Wing’s victory on Friday night, drag yourself out of bed on Saturday and head down to the Sierra Club Swim/Hike at Pickerel Lake. If I can haul myself down there after what will surely be a festive night, then anyone can :)

Don’t forget about the various farmers’ markets and all of the other happenings this weekend! Make it a good one!

Comment [9]

Shaman Drum to Close June 30

Posted by Juliew on 10. June 2009

Karl Pohrt announced today that Shaman Drum Bookshop will be closing June 30. The Great Lakes Literary Arts Center will continue.

The text of Pohrt’s message is below:

On the advice of my accountant and my business manager, I am closing Shaman Drum Bookshop June 30. Despite a first rate staff, a fiercely loyal core of customers, a very decent landlord and my own commitment to the community of arts and letters in Ann Arbor, it is clear to me that the bookshop is not a sustainable business.

In spite of the downturn in the economy, Ann Arbor continues to be an excellent book town. There are wonderful independent stores here (Crazy Wisdom, Nicolas’s Books), fine specialty book stores (Vault of Midnight, Aunt Agatha’s) and great used bookshops (Dawn Treader, West Side Books, Motte & Bailey). They need your support.

Over a year ago we began a process to become a non-profit center for the literary arts. I am decoupling Shaman Drum Bookshop from the Great Lakes Literary Arts Center, which should simplify and streamline our IRS application. I will pursue this new venture after we close the store.

Shaman Drum Bookshop has been here for 29 years. We had 28 good years. Thank you for your support. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a bookseller in Ann Arbor.

-Karl Pohrt

Comment [5]

Volunteer for the Ann Arbor Summer Festival

Posted by Matt Hampel on 9. June 2009

An announcement in my inbox heralds this outdoor opportunity:

The “Ann Arbor Summer Festival:http://www.annarborsummerfestival.org/ is launching a pilot volunteer program this year, and offering community service hours for those who request it. We are looking for outgoing, friendly people to serve as greeters at Top of the Park, welcoming patrons, answering questions, etc.

Volunteer shifts are 6-10 pm every night, and volunteers will be eligible for free tickets, t-shirts, etc.

If you are interested, we still have spots available nearly every night. You can find the volunteer application on our website. (The application IS required)

Here is a page listing shifts still in need of volunteers. (requires an email signup to view, oh well — summary: lots of greeter positions every day from June 12 to July 5)

Heritage Newspapers to Offer Ann Arbor Weekly

Posted by Chuck Warpehoski on 8. June 2009

Twitter broke the story, then the Business Review followed up.

What’s the news? “Heritage Newspapers, part of the Journal Register Co., will launch a new, weekly newspaper covering Ann Arbor July 9.”

It looks like somebody thinks there’s still money to be made in print journalism.

Comment [4]

City Council Emails: "Childish," "Chit-Chatting," or Criminal?

Posted by Nancy Shore on 7. June 2009

A recent FOIA by the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center of City Council emails has revealed that many Council Members engage in back and forth email exchanges during Council meetings.

These exchanges were first reported in the Ann Arbor Chronicle and appeared in a recent Sunday issue of the Ann Arbor News.

The content of some of these emails has been called “Childish” by some and merely “Chit-Chatting” by some on the City Council. There are also concerns that some of the emails represent a violation of the Open-Meetings Act since some of them discuss items being voted on at Council Meetings.

So what’s your verdict?

Comment [194]

AnnArbor.com: We're nuts for Ann Arbor; also, offices on Liberty

Posted by Matt Hampel on 3. June 2009

Two pieces of news from AnnArbor.com today.

The first is a logo announcement — here you go:
Acorn icon, annarbor.com wordmark

I wanted to write some witty description, but I can’t do better than the text already provided:

We’ve chosen an acorn as the icon of AnnArbor.com. Oak trees are ubiquitous here in Ann Arbor. They permeate our landscape, our iconography and our history. The acorn icon symbolizes the best of that tradition while signaling a new beginning.

The acorn also signifies potential and change; AnnArbor.com will constantly grow …

… The logo was designed by New York-based SS+K …

The second piece of info is their new office location: Liberty at Fifth. It’s going to be open to the community, a welcome change from the current News Bunker on Division:

The first floor will have free wireless Internet access. We’ll have comfortable couches and chairs to foster a relaxed environment where local folks can gather to discuss news and events, or simply surf the Web. Additionally, there will be a conference room that local groups may reserve as scheduling permits. There will be ample outdoor gathering space, too.

Computer training classes will be offered, writes the Old News. Editorial & business staff will be on the seventh floor.

Until recently, that first floor was home to Primo Coffee and Microcoworking, which was abruptly shuttered this week. Coincidence?

Comment [61]

Make Main Street a temporary pedestrian mall?

Posted by Matt Hampel on 2. June 2009

From the Ann Arbor News:

Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje wants the city to study the possibility of closing Main Street on weekends in the downtown area during summer months, and not just for special events.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, Hieftje suggested that the city look into a pilot program for next summer under which Main Street would be closed from 6 p.m. Friday to Sunday evening to create a pedestrian mall atmosphere.

Comment [46]

People's Food CoOp Election Results

Posted by Patti Smith on 1. June 2009

The election results are in!
Results are as follows (top two vote-getters win seats on the Board):
Jeff McCabe 708
Rebecca Kanner 696
Chuck Loucks 101
Henry Herskovitz 60
All Bylaws passed

815 valid member votes cast

Congratulations to Jeff and Rebecca. Thank you to all who ran.

Please keep comments on topic and away from personal attacks, name calling, etc. Please? Pretty please??

Please comment generously. [204]

Newshawk Report -- May '09

Posted by Matt Hampel on 27. May 2009

The Chronicle has a mention in their New Media feed, but this quality reporting demands top billing.

Comment [12]

Keep reading: next previous