July 2010
Salon Vox Chosen by ELLE Magazine
Monday, July 26
The August 2010 issue of ELLE magazine has chosen Salon Vox one of “ELLEʼs Top 100 Salons” in the United States.
ELLE's top picks are annually named in the magazineʼs “Best Hair in America” feature, which also highlights the most sought-after celebrity styles from coast to coast. Salon Vox is proud to have been selected by ELLE to be a part of this elite group for two consecutive years.
Salon Vox attributes the recognition from ELLE to a 110% commitment to the best education the industry has to offer, a passionately talented team and unparalleled customer service.
This achievement comes at a time when Salon Vox proudly prepares to celebrate its fourth anniversary, having opened in Downtown Ann Arbor at 115 W. Liberty in September of 2006.
Salon Vox team members can be reached to answer questions and book appointments at 734.623.4869.
2010 Michigan Soybean Yield Contest
Monday, July 26
Will 2010 see a verified 100 bushel soybean yield in Michigan? Two years ago the Michigan Soybean Yield Contest had an 85 bushel yield. For 2010 will anyone top that or top 100 bushels?
The Michigan soybean yield contest is sponsored by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee and Michigan State University Extension. The goals of this contest are to augment the Soybean 2010 project and to focus farmer attention on agronomic and management skills for the purposes of increasing soybean yields and profitability.
The goal for 2010 is to get entries from at least one farmer from every county in Michigan that raises soybeans. Some chemical and seed companies have expressed interest in supporting the contest and some fertilizer co-operatives have talked about forming 100 bushel soybean clubs. The goal of the contest and the Soybean 2010 project is to increase soybean yields and profits.
Entries are $25 each and must be postmarked to the Monroe County MSU Extension Office by Monday, August 9, 2010. Contact Ned Birkey at the Extension office at 734-240-3172 to request a brochure with more information.
As in past years, farmers can enter in any of five classes: Group III Non-Irrigated, Group III Irrigated, Group II Non-Irrigated, Group II Irrigated, or Group I. The contest is open to any soybean farmer in Michigan. Contest fields must be at least five acres in size, of which at least two acres must be harvested for the contest. An impartial third party person must be present to witness the harvest.
All participating farmers will receive a planting form mailed out after August 1 and a harvest form, mailed out after September 1. Those who pay the entry fee, complete the contest and return both forms by the November deadline will receive $50 in Soy biodiesel bucks, a personalized hat and their entry fee applied towards membership in the Michigan Soybean Association.
The five class winners will receive a trophy suitable for the farm office, a personalized jacket and $1,000 worth of reimbursement for expenses to the 2010 Commodity Classic, to be held March 3-5, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. All winners and participants will be recognized at the 2010 annual meeting of the Michigan Soybean Association.
Shop Girl Scouts’ Sidewalk Sale and Enjoy Barbeque to Send Girls to Camp
Friday, July 23
Shoppers at Girl Scouts’ Sidewalk Sale, July 26-30, can now enjoy delicious “down home Alabama-style barbeque” and send girls to Girl Scout Camp.
The Barbeque Spot will serve up ribs, pulled pork, chicken, Italian sausage, hot dogs and beverages on the grounds of the Summer Sidewalk Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, Ann Arbor Regional Center, 1900 Manchester Road, at the Washtenaw Avenue/ Stadium Blvd. split. The Barbeque Spot will donate 20 percent of all sales to the Girl Scouts’ campaign to provide camp scholarships.
“When it comes to Girl Scout camp, the question shouldn’t be ‘if ‘a girl goes to camp, it should be ‘when’ she will go,” said Jan Barker, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. Last year, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan (GSHOM) provided financial assistance for 571 girls to attend Girl Scout camp. This year, girls are still waiting to learn if they will be able to attend camp. The goal of the GSHOM camp campaign is to make sure that every girl who wants to attend camp will have the chance to do so, by providing a camp scholarship.
Gift items for girls and boys, books, toys, stationery and Girl Scout gear will all be on sale at the sidewalk sale. All GSHOM apparel will be discounted. Popular GSHOM polos will be 15 percent off. Items from Girl Scouts of the USA will also be on sale. All purchases made through GSHOM support programs for girls.
About Girl Scouting
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience engages girls in discovering themselves, connecting with others and taking action to make the world a better place. Girl Scouting offers girls the tools they need to be successful leaders, now and throughout their lives. In partnership with committed adults, Girl Scouts develop strong values and improve society. GSHOM invites girls everywhere to become Girl Scouts. To join, volunteer or donate, call 1-800-49-SCOUT or visit www.gshom.org.
Benefit Concert by The Sugar People and Killer Night Out to Help Homeless Pets
Friday, July 23
Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is excited to announce that two of Metro Detroit’s hottest bands will perform a benefit concert to help homeless pets in our community. The Sugar People and Killer Night Out will be in concert Saturday, September 18 at 9 p.m. at Savoy in Ypsilanti. Tickets are only $10 and all proceeds benefit homeless animals.
At the crossroads of rhythm and soul there is a sound that demands to be heard - a sound that rocks across color lines and speaks to the heart of a listener. The sweet spot where that sound lives is where you’ll find The Sugar People. With their unique, dreamy, guitar-driven blend of cinematic rock, The Sugar People take the stage fronted by the powerhouse trio of Lulu Dahl, Jacobe Stamper and guitar man Jeff Wenzel. Melodies and lyrics seamlessly counterpart between a rich musical tapestry of down-tempo, trip-hop inspired beats. Many audiences have fallen in love with The Sugar People’s hooky pop sensibility and epic rock orchestrations that refuse to be constrained by genre or convention. The Sugar People – have taste!
Killer Night Out, formerly known as The Mea Culpa, is the brain child of brother and sister duo Charm Rock and Mara. The sound produced by Killer Night Out has been compared to Led Zeppelin, Green Day, and Janis Joplin.
Killer Night Out has played from their home state of Michigan to California and shared the stage with acts like Marcy Playground, Cold and Taproot. The future holds more radio time and a debut album that will break musical barriers and captivate the new generation.
This concert is being generously sponsored by Suburban Chevrolet Cadillac of Ann Arbor, located at 3515 Jackson Road, and Best Buy of Ann Arbor, located at 3100 Lohr Road. Savoy (formerly Club Devine) is located at 23 N. Washington in Ypsilanti.
Tickets are on sale now by visiting www.hshv.org or by calling (734) 661-3527.
To get a sneak preview of The Sugar People’s talent, look for them at the Art Fair on Thursday, July 22 at 8 p.m. on stage for a free outdoor concert at The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. They’ll be at The Performances on the Lawn Main Stage near Ingalls Mall in Downtown Ann Arbor, MI.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving all of Washtenaw County, Canton, and Plymouth, and relies solely on donations from businesses and individuals to support our community programs. HSHV is not affiliated with, nor does it receive any monetary assistance from the Michigan Humane Society or any other humane organization. The mission of HSHV is to promote responsible and compassionate care of all animals in our community and stop cruelty against animals. For more information, call (734) 662-5585 or visit www.hshv.org.
"Best of Season" WCCB Free Band Concert
Thursday, July 22
Did you miss some of the indoor concerts of the Ypsilanti Community Band this past season? Are there some favorites that you'd like to hear again?
If so, don't miss the "Best of the Season" free concert by the Washtenaw Community Concert Band (formerly the Ypsilanti Community Band) on July 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Park of Washtenaw Community College.
Lovers of the classics will enjoy the Frescobaldi "Toccata" and the Brahms "Hungarian Dance #6." Children will want to hear "What's Up at the Symphony? (Bugs Bunny's Favorite Hits" from cartoon shows and the "Muppet Show Theme" as well. There will be a stirring arrangement of "Amazing Grace,” marches by some of America's best composers (including Sousa), and a grand finale of "Opening Night on Broadway."
Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs or to be prepared to sit on the grass. Bring a picnic meal, too, if you like--but save room for dessert. The Band's famous "pie social" returns for this concert as well.
WCC's Community Park is located south of the Business Education Building on the west end of the WCC campus at 4800 E. Huron River Drive in Ann Arbor. There is plenty of free parking on the west and southwest portions of the campus.
The Ypsilanti Community Band has entered into a partnership with Washtenaw Community College such that WCC students have an opportunity to take "concert band" for credit and the combined performing group of community people and WCC students is now known as the "Washtenaw Community Concert Band." The Conductor is Dr. Jerry Robbins. For additional information about the Band and its activities, seeypsicommband.org.
The Band will conclude its 32nd Season by providing a short concert and the ceremonial music for the UA Completion Ceremony in the EMU Convocation Center on August 12 at 2:30 p.m.
Live Family-Friendly Theater Returns to the Michigan Theater
Wednesday, July 21
Families will find lots of fun and entertainment at the Michigan Theater this fall and winter with the return of the popular NOT JUST FOR KIDS series.
The Benard L. Maas Foundation NOT JUST FOR KIDS series presented by TOYOTA begins Sunday, October 17 with Amber Brown is Not a Crayon and wraps up with Stuart Little on May 1, 2011. Standard series subscriptions include a choice of five or six performances. The Premium Series includes two additional family performances by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
The NOT JUST FOR KIDS schedule includes:
• Sunday, October 17, 1:30 pm – Amber Brown is Not a Crayon – Laugh and cry with Amber as she learns some valuable lessons about the virtues of patience and the meaning of friendship. Sponsored by Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry and Emerson School.
• Sunday, December 12, 1:30 pm – Duck for President, Fancy Nancy and Other Story Books – An all-new musical revue featuring mini-musicals based on best-selling children’s books. Sponsored by Blue Care Network of Michigan.
• Sunday, January 23, 1:30 pm – Rob the Drummer – This unique program uses music as a motivator to inspire children to become active in the arts and sports. Sponsored by the Esperance Family Foundation.
• Sunday, February 6, 1:30 pm – Junie B. Jones – Grab your Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal and join Junie in this colorful, funny, fast-paced musical which takes the audience into the life of the lovable heroine of the same name. Sponsored by Clonlara School.
• Sunday, March 20, 1:30 pm – Jigsaw Jones: The Case of the Class Clown – Someone in Ms. Gleason’s class is playing practical jokes. It’s up to Theodore “Jigsaw” Jones to investigate the sliming and track down the class clown.
• Sunday, May 1, 1:30 pm – Stuart Little –When Stuart’s dear friend Margolo the bird is frightened away, he sets out on an adventure to find her. Based on E.B. White’s classic children’s tale.
• Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra concerts included in the premium season package:
• Sunday, November 14, 4:00 pm – Peter & the Wolf/Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
• Sunday, March 13, 4:00 pm – Sea to Shining Sea
Subscriptions offer both the best seating and significant savings over the single show prices. Subscriptions prices are very affordable, starting at only $9 per show for a five-show package to $10 per show for an eight show-package.
All seats are reserved. Series tickets are on sale now through Thursday, October 14 through the following channels:
• By mail to 603 E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• By phone at 734-668-8397 ext. 27
• By fax at 734-668-7136
• The six-show NOT JUST FOR KIDS series can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.
An order form can be downloaded at http://michtheater.org/series_njfk.php
Please visit the Michigan Theater web site at http://michtheater.org for more information:
Single show tickets are not yet on sale. They will go on sale Friday, September 3 at 10:00 am. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $14 and $12 for Michigan Theater members, available online at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets including Macy's and the Michigan Union Ticket Office. To charge by phone, call 800-345-3000. Service charges apply. Save on groups of 10 or more: call 734-668-8397, ext. 27.
The series is made possible in part through the generosity of the Benard L. Maas Foundation and Toyota, with additional support from DTE GreenCurrents, AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Blue Care Network of Michigan and AnnArbor.com.
About the Michigan Theater
The Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s historic center for fine film and performing arts. Winner of the 2006 Outstanding Historic Theatre Award from the League of Historic American Theatres, it is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street, across the street from Borders Books and Music. Regular movie prices are $9.00, $7.00 for students, seniors and US veterans, $6.50 for Michigan Theater members, $6.00 for all Wednesday screenings. Please visit the theater’s website at http://michtheater.org. The 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME.
AnnArbor.com Thanks The Local Community For a Promising First Year
Thursday, July 22
This Saturday, AnnArbor.com LLC marks one year of publishing local news and information online and in print twice weekly, delivering local journalism, dialogue and advertising to the area community.
The company’s first year brought significant site traffic and a high level of community engagement, buoyed by the unique strengths of the Ann Arbor community, including an unusually high rate of tech savvy, connectivity and community-mindedness.
“When we launched, we promised we would be of, by and for the Ann Arbor community. We’ve evolved significantly over the past 12 months, always with the community’s needs and preferences as our guide,” said Matt Kraner, president and chief executive officer of AnnArbor.com. “We thank the people and businesses of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County for helping to make our first year a success. We thank our employees as well for all the hard work and dedication they have given to this innovative effort.”
Responsiveness to readers will continue to guide AnnArbor.com in the future. The company will continue to evolve to meet the community’s needs and to earn its position as the preeminent source of news and information for Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.
Emphasis on local journalism
AnnArbor.com is built to deliver local watchdog journalism, with an emphasis on immediacy, depth of coverage and community. The trained staff of 35 journalists cover beats, including government and politics, police and courts news, education, sports, business, local neighborhoods, health and the environment.
In the past 12 months, AnnArbor.com’s journalists have covered significant stories on both the national and local level ranging from coverage of President Obama’s 2010 commencement address at the University of Michigan to the arrests of members of the Hutaree militia. The most trafficked story of the year was the Dicken Elementary School field trip controversy, which helped bring 210,000 unique users to the site in a single day.
Throughout the year, reader comments, contributions and discussions have added to AnnArbor.com’s news coverage, augmenting and complementing the site’s professional reporting. Content on the site also is enriched by a large stable of community members who contribute content on a variety of lifestyle topics, ranging from pets and parenting to food, faith and books.
Steady growth
AnnArbor.com’s readership has grown steadily over the past year, averaging 209,000 unique users per week in June, compared to 115,000 per week in August 2009. At one year old, AnnArbor.com’s unique web-driven model has the greatest reach of any locally measured media in Washtenaw County. Additionally, Media Audit reports that AnnArbor.com and its partner Mlive.com have achieved the most reach in a local market of any local news website in the country.
Advertisers and marketers have also embraced AnnArbor.com’s unique model for reaching and engaging local consumers. The core of AnnArbor.com’s advertising revolves around contextual marketing messages, or “Deals,” that allow readers to connect directly with the information they most want from local businesses.
Ed Davidson, owner of Bivouac, said he’s been pleased with the results he gets from advertising on the site and in the newspaper. “I have had continued success with my advertising campaign, both online and in the print edition of AnnArbor.com,’’ he said.
Ongoing evolution
Visitors to today’s AnnArbor.com will notice a number of additions and modifications to its format since launch. One big design change came early; some readers complained that the original website design’s chronological organization made it hard to find the most important news of the day. To address this, AnnArbor.com quickly added a “Top Stories” feature at the top of the page.
AnnArbor.com has also added a number of significant features in the past 12 months. A robust events calendar, a new real estate platform developed in partnership with local realtors, and a restaurant platform that allows business owners to update specials in real time have all augmented and enhanced the original experience.
The company has also broadened the community it serves. AnnArbor.com has expanded its coverage outside of Ann Arbor to communities such as Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea and Dexter.
Community Feedback
AnnArbor.com’s connections to the community extend far beyond local news and advertising. The company is involved in both large and small scale events, including AnnArbor.com’s Business Review Deals of the Year and Business Expo, Summer Festival and work with United Way.
AnnArbor.com’s first floor Community Space, which debuted in fall 2009, is another unique feature that has set the company apart from traditional media organizations.
The storefront space at 301 E. Liberty St. is open to the public and offers comfortable seating, computers, free wireless Internet, locally roasted coffee and a conference room available for reservation. Members of AnnArbor.com’s staff work on the first floor alongside Ann Arbor-area residents and visitors who stop in to purchase an AnnArbor.com ad or to work, meet with colleagues and friends or catch up on the latest news. Events ranging from open houses to Community Contributor training sessions, a Brown Bag Lunch series, panel discussions, musical performances and book club meetings are regularly held in the space.
AnnArbor.com continues to solicit community discussion and input on local and national stories through the Community Wall, at share@annarbor.com, and in its community space. In addition, the company will hold a series of community forums later in the summer to ask for reader and advertiser input; dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ann Arbor Office of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione Ranked as One of the Largest Intellectual Property Law Firms in Southeast Michigan
Monday, July 19
Chicago-based Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States, announces the firm’s Ann Arbor office has been ranked by Crain’s Detroit Business, the state’s preeminent breaking news business publication, as the sixth largest intellectual property law firm in Southeast Michigan, which encompasses Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties.
The Ann Arbor office is led by managing partner, Steven P. Oberholtzer, who previously served as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. Established in 2000, Brinks’ Ann Arbor office has grown to 37 total staff, including 20 intellectual property attorneys.
Crain’s Detroit Business is a leading Michigan business publication and part of the Crain’s family of city business weeklies. For more information, visit www.crainsdetroit.com.
Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with five additional offices across the country, including Ann Arbor, serving the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with more than 180 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents specializing in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, intellectual asset management, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments in fields as diverse as electrical, chemical, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, Internet and computer technology, as well as in trademarks and brand names for a wide variety of products and services. For additional information, visit www.usebrinks.com.
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Welcomes Businesses, Schools, Families to Camp
Friday, July 16
For decades, Girl Scouts and their families have enjoyed the natural beauty of Girl Scout camp. Now, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan is inviting companies, families, school groups and community organizations to schedule their events at one of the council’s eight premier facilities.
“Girl Scout camps are the perfect locations for family reunions, company meetings and team-building sessions, staff picnics and school-related camps,” said Jan Barker, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. “Our properties offer a pristine natural environment and exciting activities at a reasonable cost. Your event can be scheduled at Girl Scout camp any time of year.”
Camp Crawford is located in Milan and Camp Linden is situated in Linden. Camp Crawford is 65 acres of rolling farm country. Camp Crawford offers an unspoiled natural setting close to US 23 and only 10 minutes from Ann Arbor. Camp Linden is 45 minutes north of Ann Arbor and 30 minutes south of Flint. This 400-acre camp offers many activities for first-time and seasoned campers, including boating, high and low ropes courses, a swimming pool, a climbing wall and seasonal horseback riding. Downhill skiers enjoy nearby Mt. Holly ski resort.
To the west, Camp O’the Hills is nestled in the Irish Hills, in Brooklyn, just two miles from Michigan International Speedway. The camp offers 109 acres of rolling hills, valleys and woodlands, bordered by three lakes. Campers enjoy beachfront activities at Wampler’s Lake. Camp O-the Hills is an easy drive to area golf courses.
Farther west, Camp Merrie Woode , near Doster, Michigan, in Plainwell, offers 216 acres of woodlands, a private lake, archery, boating and a sports field. Camp Merrie Woode campers can enjoy nearby golf courses and ski resorts. The Kalamazoo Program and Training Center, near downtown Kalamazoo, offers an exciting, inspiring indoor and outdoor environment, perfect for trainings, strategic planning sessions and board retreats . The award-winning building features a multi-purpose room with seating for 130, a commercial kitchen, a sky lounge, a teen wing and a library.
To the north, Camp Deer Trails, located on Long Lake in Harrison, offers an archery range, a lodge, swimming, boating, a sports field and an amphi-theater . Camp Deer Trails encompasses 201 acres of untouched woodland. Ski resorts and golf courses are nearby. Camp Oak Hills is also located in Harrison, just east of Wilson State Park, 45 minutes from Mt. Pleasant and 30 minutes from Houghton Lake. Camp Oak Hills includes a 25-acre private lake, a team-building course, canoeing and a nature center. Camp Wacousta, in Clinton County, is 15 minutes from downtown Lansing. Camp Wacousta offers canoeing along the Looking Glass River and 15 acres of unspoiled woodlands.
All GSHOM camps are accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by the State of Michigan. Experienced, trained camp staff are on hand to provide core services and exciting add-on activities, such as ropes course team-building sessions. Use of Girl Scout camps by community groups will not displace Girl Scout troops.To schedule an event at one of GSHOM’s properties call 1-800-49-SCOUT or visit www.gshom.org.
About Girl Scouting
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience engages girls in discovering themselves, connecting with others and taking action to make the world a better place. Girl Scouting offers girls the tools they need to be successful leaders, now and throughout their lives. In partnership with committed adults, Girl Scouts develop strong values and improve society. Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan invites girls everywhere to become Girl Scouts. To join, volunteer or donate, call 1-800-49-SCOUT or visit www.gshom.org.
Ann Arbor, Michigan Business Leader Marisa Smith Appointed to Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) Executive Advisory Board
Friday, July 16
Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), the nation’s largest nonpartisan public policy organization that advocates on behalf of women in business, announces its new Executive Advisory Board, the body of senior members who represent the WIPP membership at large to the Board of Directors. Members of the Board will serve as the voice for over half a million women in business and inform the strategic design and direction of the organization.
Marisa Smith, President of The Whole Brain Group, LLC in Ann Arbor, Michigan was appointed to the Executive Advisory Board this year and will serve as Co-Chair of the Communications Council. Smith recently served as Co-Leader of WIPP’s Michigan Instant Impact Team, and her company obtained federal HUBZone certification in 2010. Her company currently supplies its AccreditStation software to a number of VA hospitals and federal research facilities to streamline the accreditation of their human research protection programs.
Susan Solovic, Owner of Susan Solovic Media and a member of the WIPP Board of Directors, serves as Chair of the Advisory Council and Ann Blackburn, Owner of Blackburn Advisory Services, also a member of the WIPP Board of Directors, serves as Vice Chair of the Advisory Council. Joining them to guide this Board are Francine Manilow, CEO of Manilow Suites, serving as Vice President, Jennifer Bisceglie, President of Interos Solutions, Inc., serving as Chair of the Board of Directors, and Mary Schnack, CEO of Mary Schnack Media Services, Inc, serving as Secretary. The body of the Board is comprised of 44 members who have distinguished themselves as leaders in business and advocates for the women business community as a whole, including Smith.
WIPP uniquely brings policy, education and resources to its members and advises Congress on core economic issues that affect women-owned small businesses. Since its inception in 2001, WIPP’s Government Relations team has guided members to testify before many Congressional committee hearings on critical economic issues. Most recently, WIPP was instrumental in designing its award-winning Give Me 5 educational program for the SBA’s Women Business Centers, to help them provide programming to increase access to federal contracts for women business owners substantially underrepresented in their industry.
MOVE Communications Hires Account Coordinator
Friday, July 16
MOVE Communications is proud to announce that Jeff Bodtke, of Grand Junction, Michigan, has recently joined the MOVE Team as Account Coordinator.
This spring, Jeff graduated with a B.A. in Marketing from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As a member of the MOVE Team, Jeff will be assisting with coordinating projects, interacting closely with clients, and establishing and developing business relationships.
MOVE Communications is an integrated marketing communications company in Ann Arbor. Since 1984, MOVE has worked to build the local and statewide economy through strategic branding, video storytelling and award-winning marketing design. For more information, visit www.movecommunications.com or find us on Facebook.
An Evening of Intrigue and Discussion Surrounding The Girl Who Played With Fire
Friday, July 16
Nicola’s Books and the Michigan Theater, after successfully bringing the Ann Arbor area together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, now look to the world-wide sensation of author Stieg Larsson, his best-selling Millennium Trilogy book series and the Ann Arbor film premiere of THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE through a special ‘Big Screen Book Discussion’ event on Thursday, July 22nd at 7 PM.
Topping global charts for all three titles in the book series (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest), the author’s second book is now a feature film. This sneak preview will bring a panel of noted names from education, filmmaking and entertainment journalism together for an open forum audience Q&A to discuss the phenomenon of this gripping series, its main characters Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomqvist and its impact on the reading public.
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE will open for a full run on Friday, July 23.
Stieg Larsson, who lived in Sweden, was the editor in chief of the magazine Expo and a leading expert on anti-democratic right-wing extremist and Nazi organizations. He died in 2004, shortly after delivering the manuscripts for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. A documentary study of his life will screen the week of July 18 as a companion event to this anticipated release. This documentary will be free for the general public and information on its screening times can be found at michtheater.org.
General Admission Tickets $9 for adults, $7 for students, seniors and US veterans, $6.50 for Michigan Theater members. Premium Tickets are available for $20 ($17.50 for Michigan Theater members) and include access to a reserved seating area and a copy of the quality paperback edition that you can add to your collection or give to a friend to keep the discussion going. Tickets are available at Ticketweb.com or at the Michigan Theater box office thirty minutes prior to the event.
ABOUT NICOLA’S BOOKS:
Nicola’s Books just celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. Nicola’s Books is one of the few independent bookstores left in Ann Arbor and is one of the very few larger independent bookstores left in the United States. The store and its staff specialize in finding most titles with very little information which includes many out-of-print and hard-to-find titles. Nicola’s Books is located on the west side of Ann Arbor at 2513 Jackson Avenue in the Westgate Shopping Center at the corner of Jackson and Maple. Please visit www.nicolasbooks.com for more information and store hours.
ABOUT THE MICHIGAN THEATER:
Now celebrating its 83rd year, the Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s not-for-profit historic center for fine film and performing arts. Winner of the 2006 Outstanding Historic Theater award, it was designated an official venue of this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The theater is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street. Regular movie prices are $9.00, $7.00 for students, seniors and US veterans, $6.50 for Michigan Theater members, $6.00 for all Wednesday screenings. Please visit http://michtheater.org for more info. The 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME.
MOVE Communications Hires Graphic Designer
Friday, July 16
MOVE Communications is proud to announce that Claire Harold, of Novi, Michigan, has recently joined the MOVE Team as a Graphic Designer.
This spring, Claire graduated with a B.F.A. in Art & Design from the University of Michigan School of Art & Design in Ann Arbor.
As a member of the MOVE Team, Claire will be responsible for the creation of concepts and presentations, and the refinement of art direction for internal and client marketing, sales, and promotional materials. As a designer, she will translate strategic objectives into compelling artistic materials for MOVE clients.
MOVE Communications is an integrated marketing communications company in Ann Arbor. Since 1984, MOVE has worked to build the local and statewide economy through strategic branding, video storytelling and award-winning marketing design. For more information, visit www.movecommunications.com or find us on Facebook.
Ann Arbor Attorneys Elected to State Bar of Michigan Posts
Friday, July 16
Robert K. Fergan was elected to a three year term in the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly for the 22nd Circuit, Washtenaw County, and Bonnie R. Shaw was re-elected to the Young Lawyers Section – Executive Council, for a two year term in District three, which represents all counties except Wayne, Oakland and Macomb. Ms. Shaw and Mr. Fergan are both attorneys in the Ann Arbor office of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S. The election results were announced by the State Bar of Michigan on June 28, 2010.
Robert Fergan joined Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione in 2003. His practice at Brinks focuses on client counseling, licensing and patent prosecution in the United States and in other countries under the rules of the Patent Cooperation Treaty. He has prepared and prosecuted patents in the electrical, mechanical, electro-optical and computer science arts as well as patents related to business methods.
Mr. Fergan is active in the legal profession. He is a member of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Intellectual Property Law Section and Business Law Section and is also serving a three-year term on the editorial board of Landslide, a bi-monthly magazine of the ABA Section of Intellectual Property Law that offers news and analysis on patents, trademarks, copyrights and related topics. Additionally, he served as chair of the special committee for the 2010 Mid-Year meeting of the ABA Intellectual Property Law Section, which was held in February.
Mr. Fergan received his J.D. from Wayne State University College of Law and a B.S. in electrical engineering with a minor in optics from Kettering University, formerly known as the General Motors Institute. He is a resident of Livonia.
Bonnie Shaw has been active in the legal profession since joining Brinks in 2006, where she focuses her practice on intellectual property litigation and patent and trademark prosecution in the medical and mechanical arts. In addition to serving on the Executive Council of the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section, she is Co-Chair of the Public Relations and Community Liaison Committee of the Washtenaw County Bar Association. As Chair, she also has a seat on the Board of Directors of the Washtenaw County Bar Association.
Ms. Shaw received her J.D. summa cum laude from the Michigan State University College of Law with a concentration in intellectual property law, where she was a member of the Journal of International Law. She received her B.S. with honors in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University. Ms. Shaw is a resident of Brighton.
Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with five additional offices across the country, including Ann Arbor, serving the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with more than 180 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents specializing in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, intellectual asset management, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments in fields as diverse as electrical, chemical, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, Internet and computer technology, as well as in trademarks and brand names for a wide variety of products and services. For additional information, visit www.usebrinks.com.
MOVE Communications To Host a Bar-B-Q
Friday, July 16
MOVE Communications is hosting a business neighborhood Bar-B-Q on the grounds of the Ann Arbor Commerce Center at Phoenix and Varsity Drives. The idea of a Bar-B-Q came about when CEO Carol Hart asked the MOVE Team to find a way to build more of a “neighborhood feel” in our area. MOVE estimates that about 50 individuals will be in attendance, representing about 20 companies. Some of the neighboring companies that have RSVP’d include Baker Strategy, Ann Arbor Fiber, Signs-By-Tomorrow, Rightaway Delivery, Joust Fitness, Master Automotive Diagnostics, The Produce Station, and Eagle Crest Golf Course. Representatives from these and other local companies will enjoy pulled pork and brats, along with fresh locally-grown and homemade goodies, live music, games and lots of outdoor networking.
MOVE Communications is an integrated marketing communications company in Ann Arbor. Since 1984, MOVE has worked to build the local and statewide economy through strategic branding, video storytelling and award-winning marketing design. For more information, visit us at www.movecommunications.com or find us on Facebook.
The Whole Brain Group Receives Federal HUBZone Certification
Friday, July 15
The Whole Brain Group, LLC, is pleased to announce that it has received federal HUBZone Certification, which is awarded to small businesses who are located in an area designated to be an “Historically Underutilized Business Zone,” and who meet other strict eligibility requirements.
The HUBZone program was implemented by Congress in 1998 to promote economic development and employment growth in distressed areas by providing access to more Federal contracting opportunities.
“Several VA medical facilities and the National Institutes of Health have been using our online tool, AccreditStation®, to help them obtain accreditation of their human research protection programs,” notes Marisa Smith, President of The Whole Brain Group. “This certification will make procurement of AccreditStation simpler for other VAs and federal research facilities and help them improve the quality of their accreditation applications and improve efficiency at the same time.”
In addition to expanding its AccreditStation client base, the company plans to use its new certification to pursue teaming opportunities with other companies to bring more federal contracting dollars to Michigan.
“We’re going to begin working on a project for the Department of Energy with two local companies in July,” continues Smith, “It’s a great opportunity for three companies to create jobs, and advance technology through collaboration.”
Founded in 2002, The Whole Brain Group, LLC, is a woman-owned company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company specializes in web design & social media consulting, as well as custom web application development for educational institutions, VA and community hospitals, for-profit and non-profit organizations. Clients include Michigan State University, Yale University, The Ohio State University, Miami Children’s Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Bill Bynum & Co. to Headline Ypsi Crossroads Summer Festival
Thursday, July 15
Bill Bynum & Co. headline the seventh week of the Ypsilanti Crossroads Summer Festival this Friday evening in Historic Downtown Ypsilanti. The evening of Americana music kicks off with Corndaddy followed by theHillrays.
Ann Arbor’s Corndaddy plays music harkens back to the glory days of country rock through filters of power pop, bluegrass, and British invasion bombast.
The Hillrays play blue grass, old-time gospel and honky-tonk music with some country and Cajun thrown in for good measure.
With songs both traditional and original, and a sound that's at once as comfortable as old jeans and as fresh as a new blade of grass, Bill Bynum & Co. is a band that’s easy to love and hard to quit. The band’s core of guitar, Dobro, fiddle, bass and harmony vocals can lean into bluegrass, veer toward country, or take listeners on a unique journey through Bill’s original songs.
About Ypsilanti Crossroads Summer Festival
The Ypsilanti Crossroads Summer Festival is in its fifth year. The concert series is sponsored by the Downtown Association of Ypsilanti (DAY) and takes place each week on North Washington Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Ypsilanti’s entertainment district. It runs each Friday evening until 10PM from June through August. In addition to great music, the event offers an open marketplace with vendors selling vintage apparel, jewelry, antiques, and food. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. Parking is free.
WCC to offer evening classes on U-M campus this fall in pilot program
Thursday, July 15
Washtenaw Community College will offer several evening classes this fall on the University of Michigan campus as part of a pilot project.
WCC President Larry Whitworth said the use of U-M classroom space will allow the college to expand its class offerings close to where many WCC students live: In the city of Ann Arbor.
“This is a great opportunity for WCC to team up with U-M,” said Whitworth “We need space in Ann Arbor to serve our students and U-M has classroom space available in the evenings. It’s a perfect match.”
WCC will lease four classrooms four nights a week in Mason Hall on central campus. The college of Literature Science and the Arts manages the classrooms and will provide instructional support services to the WCC faculty and students as part of the arrangement. There is no conflict with U-M evening classes.
“We are pleased to partner with Washtenaw Community College and see this as an excellent way to not only support the needs of the local community, but also increase the use of campus space,” said U-M Provost Phil Hanlon.
Offering classes in Ann Arbor should help ease crowding on WCC’s main campus, where enrollment has grown close to 10 percent a year for the past three years. That growth has prompted WCC officials to look for ways to expand class offerings without expanding the physical campus. The college also offers classes in Dexter, Brighton and Hartland.
“Allowing WCC to use U-M classrooms when they are not being used is an ideal extension of the overall effort to make better use of campus facilities,” said Frances Mueller, project manager for U-M’s Space Utilization Initiative.
Mueller said Mason Hall was picked because of its convenient central-campus location. Nearby U-M parking structures are open in the evenings and there are restaurants and other businesses just a block away in the State Street area.
The WCC classes will be offered starting the week of Aug. 30 and run through Dec. 17. Classes to be offered range from principles of accounting and basic statistics to composition and introduction to American government. WCC projects 300 students will enroll in the classes on the U-M campus. Registration begins today (July 14).
For more information:
Washtenaw Community College:
www.wccnet.edu
U-M Space Utilization Initiative:
www.provost.umich.edu/space
Brinks to Sponsor Brinks Innovation Competition at Midwest Clean Tech 2010
Thursday, July 15
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Brinks Innovation Competition, to be held in conjunction with the Midwest Clean Tech 2010 Conference scheduled for September 14-15, 2010, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The Brinks Innovation Competition provides a platform for developers of new technologies to showcase their products, services or processes to a qualified panel of experts. Entries must provide solutions to global challenges in such areas as environmental technologies, renewable and alternative energy, infrastructure and community or green building science, and must offer competitive returns for investors and customers.
The top five finalists will present their technology at Midwest Clean Tech 2010 before an international audience of entrepreneurs, financiers, researchers and developers. For additional information or to enter the competition, visit www.midwestcleantech2010.com. Applications are due Monday, July 19, 2010.
Lawrence. G. Almeda, an attorney and shareholder in the Ann Arbor office of Brinks and Chair of the firm’s Nanotechnology Group, encourages Michigan companies to participate.
“With Michigan’s economic future dependent on continuing our state’s history of innovation, the Brinks Innovation Competition provides an excellent opportunity for an enterprising Michigan-based company to highlight its niche product or service in a variety of technology areas with applications to clean tech,” affirms Mr. Almeda.
This marks the second year Brinks has been a Midwest Clean Tech Conference sponsor. Midwest Clean Tech 2010 is hosted by Global Midwest Alliance and The Midwest Research University Network (MRUN), which connects Midwest and international firms and entrepreneurs to highlight shared opportunities and encourage business-to-business interaction. Keynotes will address U.S. and international policy and areas of opportunities in clean technologies. The Midwest Clean Tech 2010 Conference will be held in conjunction with the 2010 International Manufacturing Technology Show.
The Global Midwest Alliance is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to establish the Midwest as a globally-recognized leader in innovation and business growth. They help trail-blazing Midwest companies and entrepreneurs grow by leveraging existing resources to develop new products and find customers throughout the world. The Global Midwest Alliance is the only business-led, region-wide organization dedicated to opening global opportunities for Midwest companies. For more information, visit www.globalmidwestalliance.org.
The Midwest Research University Network (MRUN) is an alliance of university business development professionals focused on start-up enterprise development as a means to promote university research. The MRUN works closely with patent and licensing officers to assist the growth of start-up companies in the Midwest, assisting them with financing and collaboration opportunities. For more information, visit www.mrun.us.
Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with five additional offices across the country, including Ann Arbor, serving the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with more than 170 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents specializing in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, intellectual asset management, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments in fields as diverse as electrical, chemical, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, Internet and computer technology, as well as in trademarks and brand names for a wide variety of products and services. For additional information, visit www.usebrinks.com.
RE/MAX Platinum moves up on Crain’s listing, shows nearly 73 percent increase in gross sales within one-year time frame
Wednesday, July 14
In less than two years, RE/MAX Platinum zoomed from No. 16 to No. 5 on the Crain’s Business Detroit Book of Lists.
It was nearly two years ago that the Michigan Group (at the time, the largest single-site real estate company in Michigan) merged with RE/MAX Platinum.
At the time of the merger, RE/MAX Platinum ranked No. 16 on the prestigious Crain’s Business Detroit Book of Lists for the region’s largest residential brokers with gross sales of $149 million.
Two years later, with the same number of agents as it had at the time of the merger, RE/MAX Platinum has more than doubled its gross revenues — from $149 million in 2007 to $307 million in 2009 — at a time when the economy is depressed, the real estate market is spiraling out of control and other realty firms are struggling.
Only three companies on Crain’s Top 10 residential brokers list showed an increase in revenue from 2008 to 2009, with RE/MAX Platinum far and away showing the greatest
leap with an increase of nearly 73 percent.
What is also exciting is that the RE/MAX Platinum agents ranked the highest in earnings overall on the Crain’s list. “Our agents have seen an average annual increase in income of over $20,000 per agent, despite the depressed market,” said Joe DeKroub, owner of RE/MAX Platinum.
The secret to RE/MAX Platinum’s success is simple: “We’ve learned how to be successful,” DeKroub said, “and part of the lesson is investing when times get tough. We invest time in our agents, to educate and motivate. We invest time in our community that we care so deeply for, and we invest time and money in technology to keep up with this ever-changing world we live in.
“We’re successful because we put the infrastructure in place,” DeKroub said, “and because we care about our agents, their clients and our community.”
RE/MAX Platinum has offices in Livingston, Oakland, Genesee and Washtenaw counties; it is currently in the midst of a major expansion of its Ann Arbor office. Stay tuned for more exciting news with regards to Ann Arbor.
DesignHub Creates Trade Show Display and Brochure for McCreadie Group’s PharmAcademic Software
Tuesday, July 13
Saline-based DesignHub, Inc. MI has created a new trade show display and brochure for McCreadie Group, Inc. of Ann Arbor.
The display and brochure promote McCreadie Group’s PharmAcademicTM software, a Web-based set of integrated tools used by schools and colleges to coordinate the management of their pharmacy education programs.
The new display and brochure will help McCreadie Group promote PharmAcademic at the annual meeting of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy on July 10-14 in Seattle WA.
DesignHub consulted with Lindsay Exhibit Group (www.lindsayexhibits.com) of Whitmore Lake, MI on the choice of the display system. DesignHub then designed the display’s graphics, and wrote, designed, and produced the brochure, which is specifically intended to complement the display. McCreadie Group has purchased the display system from Lindsay Exhibit Group.
About PharmAcademic and McCreadie Group
In one Web platform, PharmAcademic integrates outcomes management, curricular mapping, course management, assessments, experiential training management, electronic portfolios, reporting, and analysis for pharmacy students and faculty at the college, residency, and professional levels.
McCreadie Group is a leading provider of software supporting the management of outcomes-based pharmacy education. In addition to PharmAcademic, the company offers: ResiTrakTM, an online residency evaluations system; and WebIDSTM, an online system for improving accuracy, efficiency, and safety in managing an investigational drug service.
More information is available from McCreadie Group, Inc., 6111 Jackson Rd, Suite 109, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, (866) 722-1096, info@mccreadiegroup.org.
About DesignHub
DesignHub is a creative services and marketing firm that works with clients on website design and development, brand development, brochures, annual reports, newsletters, advertising, public relations, direct marketing, search engine marketing, integrated social media, packaging designs, signage, and exhibits, as well as marketing strategies and plans. The company was founded in 1999.
Principals of DesignHub include: Karen Ragland, business manager, account executive, and project manager; Ted Chesky, creative director and graphic designer; and Chris Kochmanski, marketing strategist, account executive, and copywriter. The firm has on-staff and freelance professionals for graphic design and Web site design and development.
Further information is available from DesignHub, Inc., 600 W. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176, (734) 944-8705,info@design-hub.com.
Local Man to Skate Across America
Monday, July 12
Austin Szelkowski (24), a young motivational speaker who has his roots in Fowlerville, MI, will be donning his skates on Labor Day of this year, grabbing an American flag, and embarking on a 3000 mile cross-country skate. The journey begins at the Statue of Liberty in NYC and ends at the western coast in Santa Monica, CA about a year later. Austin will be carrying a message of personal empowerment and entrepreneurship to students at universities, high schools, and colleges across the nation. The underlying theme of the entire skate will be to rediscover the true meaning of the American flag: freedom. From New York City, he will be heading south toward Jacksonville, NC to beat the cold weather. Upon arrival in Jacksonville, he will begin skating west toward Santa Monica, CA. The idea first came to him while on his way to a Memorial Day Party that was put on by members of a local entrepreneur support community.
“I was thinking about new directions for my business when it suddenly hit me: Why don’t I just ‘Forest Gump’ my way across the country, carrying my message to students? The idea grew from there and has taken on a life of its own.”
Although he is speaking about personal empowerment and entrepreneurship, the deeper message for Austin is one of patriotism and true freedom.
“Many young Americans have become disillusioned with the current state of our society. There’s so much noise when we consider the direction the country is headed. It’s very hard to see through it all to the most central and important value that our flag should represent: freedom. That bothers me, and so I’ve decided to do something about it.”
Austin believes that true freedom comes through grassroots movements as individuals and communities are empowered to create their freedom by the work of their own hands. At the same time, new social media channels (i.e. Facebook, Youtube, etc.) have provided common people with the means to help disseminate a powerful message like this. “It will be a movement of the people,” says Austin, “and the next generation of Americans must be central to that movement.” Interestingly, the same new media channels that will spread this message are beginning to put the tools of production into the hands of the people. Austin agrees with famous author and businessman, Gary Vaynerchuk, when he says, “The social media revolution has changed the way we live our lives and conduct our business.” That is the sentiment of many experts and entrepreneurs: major change is coming to American society, and Austin wants to be a part of it.
Readers can follow the preparation and journey through daily blog posts at www.TheFreedomSkater.com. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the cause should write tosponsors@TheFreedomSkater.com.
Applications are being accepted for 2010-2011 Leadership A2Y
Monday, July 12
The unique quality of life we enjoy in the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti region is a result of strong leaders and responsible citizens. Leadership A2Y, offered by the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber, presents a rare opportunity for individuals to develop their leadership strengths, gain direct access to local movers and shakers and define their roles as true stewards of the community.
Strong curriculum and local focus provide Leadership A2Y participants an appreciation of the complex issues facing our region, and the skills to address those concerns. Not only will your commitment allow you close interaction with this diverse population, but you will have access to the eyes and ears of influential local experts while investigating a broad range of topics. Combining your improved leadership skills with your new associations will allow you to better represent your business, responsibly serve a deserving non-profit organization and be an energetic steward of your community.
Are You a Leadership Candidate?
Leadership A2Y is open to individuals who work or reside in the greater Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti region. Current and emerging leaders within organizations and individuals interested in serving the community in a leadership role are encouraged to apply.
Applications, program information, costs and a class schedule are available on the Chamber website or by contacting Lindsay McCarthy, Director of the Chamber Foundation & Member Programs, at (734) 214-0109.
Ypsilanti 2010 Crossroads Golf Fundraiser: Saturday, July 17, 2010
Monday, July 12
On Saturday, July 17, the Downtown Association of Ypsilanti (DAY) is hosting a Crossroads Golf Fundraiser at the Pine Creek Golf Course starting at 10:00 AM.
The special golf package for this event costs $45.00 and includes 18 holes of golf with a shotgun start, use of a golf cart and lunch. Special contests, prizes and a 50/50 raffle will make this a fun outing.
The Pine Creek Golf Course is located at 50521 West Huron River Drive in Belleville, Michigan. Checks should be made out to the Downtown Association of Ypsilanti. For additional information, please contact Kevin Hill at 734.484.0221 or kevjohill@yahoo.com.
TheRide’s shuttle service offers free parking, easy access to the Ann Arbor Art Fairs
Friday, July 9
Free parking and convenient, affordable shuttle services for visitors to the Ann Arbor Art Fairs will be operated from two locations by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) from July 21–24.
TheRide’s shuttle services offer passengers comfortable seating in climate-controlled buses, many of which are equipped with the latest in hybrid electric technology.
Free parking for the shuttles is available near the Sears store at Briarwood Mall, located off State Street and Eisenhower Parkway, and at Pioneer High School, on Main Street near Stadium Boulevard.
TheRide will operate two separate shuttle routes from both the Briarwood and Pioneer High parking locations:
The Main Street Shuttle route will drop riders off in downtown Ann Arbor at the shuttle bus stop located at Main and William Streets, adjacent to the Summer Art Fair. The South University Shuttle route will drop passengers off at the South University and State Street shuttle bus stop located between the South University Area Art Fair and the State Street Area Art Fair, and close to the Original Street Art Fair, the University of Michigan central campus and the Michigan Union.
Art Fair shuttle buses return to both Briarwood and Pioneer High from each boarding location at the fair.
The shuttles will run every 10 to 15 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This year, the shuttle service fares will be $1.50 each way for adults and $.75 each way for K-12 students and AATA Fare Deal cardholders. AATA Senior and A-Ride cardholders can ride for free, as well as children ages five and younger. Full- and half-fare tickets will be sold at ticket booths at both Briarwood and Pioneer High School during shuttle hours. The fares are the same as the fares on TheRide’s regular routes.
TheRide’s bus passes, Mcards, Washtenaw Community College identification cards and go!passes are not valid for the Art Fair shuttle service.
Brochures containing maps of the shuttle routes, as well as Art Fair locations and other information, will be distributed at the shuttle boarding locations and Art Fair information booths.
TheRide’s shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible, and stroller areas are available on most buses. For details on TheRide’s stroller policy, visit www.TheRide.org or call 734.996.0400.
TheRide allows service animals, but not pets, on board the shuttle buses. For those passengers who have purchased artwork, the shuttles can handle reasonably sized packages, but riders should make other arrangements for oversized purchases.
Fairgoers may choose to use TheRide’s local bus routes to visit the Ann Arbor Art Fairs. TheRide’s bus stops are located within one quarter mile of 90 percent of homes in Ann Arbor. For information on using local bus routes to the fairs, visit www.TheRide.org or call 734.996.0400.
Detours of TheRide’s regular routes around the Art Fairs will be posted on TheRide’s web site.
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson Coming to The Michigan Theater for One Night Only
Thursday, July 8
The Michigan Theater is proud to welcome a genuine rock & roll icon, IAN ANDERSON of JETHRO TULL live in concert Wednesday, October 27 at the Michigan Theater. Show time is 7:30 PM.
IAN ANDERSON is the man who introduced the flute to rock music, fronting the band Jethro Tull in the 1970s. Co-founded and led by wildman-flautist-guitarist-singer-songwriter Anderson, the group carved a place all its own in popular music. Tull, as they are known to their fans, has released over 30 albums (not counting numerous compilations and re-issues), a half dozen of which are essentials. Benefit, Aqualung and Thick as a Brick and Passion Play were among the most successful albums, yielding the songs “Aqualung,” “Locomotive Breath,” “Teacher,” “Thick as a Brick” and numerous other staples of the rock canon. In all, seven Tull albums reached the Billboard Top Ten, and two (Thick as a Brick and Passion Play) peaked at Number One.
Anderson's antics on-stage, jumping around in a ragged overcoat and standing on one leg while playing the flute, and his use of folk sources as well as blues and jazz, gave the band a theatrical sophistication that was unique among their peers.
Reserved seats are $42.50 & $85.00. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Michigan Union Ticket Office and Macy’s stores. Charge tickets by phone at 800-745-3000.
For further information, please visit LiveNation.com.
About the Michigan Theater
Now celebrating its 83rd year, the Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s not-for-profit historic center for fine film and performing arts. Saved in 1979 by a group of concerned citizens, the Theater has gone on to win numerous awards for its restoration, its programming and its role in the community. It was designated an official venue of this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The theater is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street, across the street from Borders Books and Music. Please visit the theater’s website at http://michtheater.org. The 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME.
Pizza House Partners with Digital Ops and Mythlogic to Host “Game Night”
Wednesday, July 7
Gaming enthusiasts are invited to Pizza House on Tuesday nights, beginning at 10 p.m. on July 13, 2010, to enjoy unlimited play and an unlimited pizza buffet. Mythlogic and Digital Ops are sponsors of “Game Night” at Pizza House, which is located at 618 Church Street in Ann Arbor.
The first event will be free for all who attend and include all the best console games along with unlimited XBox 360, PS3 & Nintendo Wii gaming. Pizza House will provide a free buffet of pizza, bread stix and pop. Drink specials are extra.
If desired, patrons are invited to bring their own cards, board games, role playing and other games.
“We’ve had a lot of requests to start a game night, and our second floor dining area, which has multiple LCD flat screen TVs, provides the ideal place for gaming enthusiasts,” said Chris Bortz, Pizza House general manager. “More than a year ago we introduced Trivia nights on Wednesdays and it’s become very popular.”
Following the first free event on July 13, the cost will be $15 each for unlimited gaming and an unlimited buffet. Reservations to play are not required.
Pizza House is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. daily. For more information, visit www.pizzahouse.com. For reservations or to request catering and delivery, call 734-995-5095.
About Pizza House
Established in 1986, Pizza House is a family-owned business with restaurants in Ann Arbor and East Lansing, Michigan. Known for serving famous Chicago and Sicilian deep dish and traditional pizzas, pasta and everything in between, Pizza House was voted “best pizza, best chipati™, best salads, best restaurant” by Michigan Daily Readership Poll. Both restaurants provide full-service casual sophisticated dining with private dining rooms available and deliveries for individuals and catered events. For more information visit www.pizzahouse.com.
Crossroads Summer Festival; Beautiful Evening, Wonderful Music
Wednesday, July 7
On Friday, July 2, the historic downtown of Ypsilanti hosted the Martin Simmons Band and the First Class Band on its North Washington stage. Under yet another beautiful Friday night sky, a crowd estimated at 500 at times, enjoyed the jazz and R&B sounds Martin Simmons on keyboards and saxophone backed up by his band playing bass, electric guitar and congas. The music was more than well-received by the crowd who enjoyed kicking off their Fourth of July weekend in the unique setting.
The second half of the evening kept up the high spirits with the nattily-attired First Class Band. This local Ypsilanti band with their renditions of classic rock, soul, and rhythm & blues punctuated the perfect evening of entertainment in the historic district.
Accompanying the music was an ever-expanding Open Marketplace in which local arts, crafts, apparel, and other interesting items were available for sale. The seats in the outdoor patios were full as food and drink was available at all the downtown restaurants, bars and through vendors on the streets. As you plan for this coming Friday, bring your chair, appetite and a few spending dollars to enjoy the complete Crossroads experience; eat, drink, shop and be merry in Downtown Ypsilanti!
The Crossroads music starts early this Friday at 6:30PM with three bands; the Six Foot Poles, the Swaybars, and Rattlebox. Concert-goers will be treated to a classic rock evening with songs as varied as the softer sounds of the Eagles to plain hard-driving rock & roll, with just enough funk thrown in for good measure. Each band features talented artists with long standing ties to our community.
The Downtown Association of Ypsilanti (DAY) is proud to host Crossroads for a fifth year with a focus on providing a free, safe, fun, family-friendly event. Crossroads is proven to be a great value with good people and a wide variety of things to do. For more information, please visit www.ypsicrossroads.org.
Prepared by Heikk & Wright, Downtown Association of Ypsilanti.
Miller Canfield's Real Estate Practice Named "Best of the Best" by Midwest Real Estate News
Wednesday, July 7
The law firm of Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Midwest Real Estate News magazine ranked the firm’s real estate practice as the top Michigan-based law firm. Miller Canfield was also ranked second in the Midwest on its list of 2010 Best of the Best Real Estate Law Firms in the Midwest. In addition, Miller Canfield’s real estate practice was recognized by Chambers USA 2010 as one of the top real estate firms in Michigan. Chambers USA ranks the leading firms and lawyers in an extensive range of practice areas throughout America.
Midwest Real Estate News reported that Miller Canfield completed real estate transactions in the Midwest involving commercial, industrial, shopping centers, land, office buildings and multi-family matters.
According to Ron Hodess, Miller Canfield’s Real Estate Practice Group Leader, “Our real estate transactions are diverse in type and location. The majority of our deals were located across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and internationally.”
Chambers USA noted, the firm's “diversity of expertise has proved hugely advantageous in the current market conditions. It has adeptly switched its focus from development and construction matters to financing, leasing, workouts and foreclosures as the economic climate dictates. Sources say: ‘A highly skilled and experienced team with an impressively deep bench.’”
With more than 60 real estate lawyers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Poland with experience in virtually every facet of real estate activity, Miller Canfield serves commercial real estate clients around the globe.
The law firm of Miller Canfield offers businesses, governments, nonprofits, individuals and families a broad array of integrated legal and business services in over 55 areas. With Michigan roots for 158 years and a global reach for two decades, the firm has 370 lawyers throughout offices in Michigan, Illinois, Florida, New York, Ohio, Canada, Mexico, Poland and China. For more information, visit www.millercanfield.com.
Sponsors
here is the third column
