Adams Outdoor Advertising Reduces Paper Waste Converts All Billboard Faces to Eco-Flexx™ System
Monday, May 24
Adams Outdoor Advertising has completed the transition from posting paper advertisements on their billboards to a new paperless system called Eco-Flexx™. The new Eco-Flexx™ system allows Adams Outdoor Advertising to post advertisements in a completely paperless manner.
As we all become more environmentally conscience, Adams Outdoor Advertising is doing its part to reduce the amount of paper waste produced each year. The Eco-Flexx™ is made from 100% recyclable material and is installed using a clip system, which also eliminates the need for glue as previously used with the paper. Durable and non-toxic, Eco-Flexx™ creates an attractive display for the most demanding applications in an environmentally responsible manner. The company has always believed in the “perfect post” for the market spaces, which required changing paper every 28 days. The Eco-Flexx advertisement is able to remain in place for several months while maintaining a higher quality appearance.
“The Ann Arbor plant is the first in our company to convert our entire poster assets to the Eco-Flexx™ system,” said Todd McWilliams, General Manager, Adams Outdoor Advertising of Ann Arbor. “Our operations crew was focused on completing the conversion by a self-imposed deadline of June 1, 2010. I am proud of their efforts.”
“The goal is to have all 12 Adams Outdoor Advertising markets converted within the next year.” said Randy Romig, Corporate Vice President of Real Estate for Adams Outdoor Advertising.
The creative below will appear on billboards in the Ann Arbor market through the end of the year.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Adams Outdoor Advertising is committed to providing a return on investment (ROI) for every dollar spent on out-of-home advertising in our markets. Adams Outdoor Advertising operates in 12 markets with more than 12,000 billboards, poster and digital displays in eight states. To learn more about outdoor advertising solutions, visit www.adamsoutdoor.com or call Randy Romig, Corporate Vice President of Real Estate, at (770) 333-0399.
Donnie Burton Named Catering Director for The Produce Station
Monday, May 24
The Produce Station is excited to announce that Donnie Burton has been selected as our director of catering. Donnie has over twenty five years of experience in the catering business. His experience includes everything from cooking to training and management of many different types of operations. In the recent past, Donnie built his own full service catering company in Washtenaw County called Effortless Entertaining and received caterer of the year in 2009 & 2010 from the U.S. Commerce Association and Southeast Michigan caterer of the year many times.
We are excited to have Donnie on board. He brings with him his client base and his talents to grow our “on site” and “full service” catering capabilities.
Donnie will work directly with Produce Station Executive Chef Brian Cromwell for all catering events. Donnie will focus on customer relations, sales, and operations of the catering department.
Memorial Day Transit Schedule Announced
Monday, May 24
The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) will not operate regular fixed-route bus service, A-Ride paratransit, Good As Gold senior taxi or A2Express services on Monday, May 31, 2010 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. All regular services will resume on Tuesday, June 1.
Passengers may take advantage of TheRide’s Holiday Ride shared-ride taxi service on May 31 for just $5 a person. Seniors and persons with disabilities with an AATA identification card may ride for $2.50. Individuals with a go!pass may ride for $1.
The Holiday Ride taxi service operates only within the city limits of Ann Arbor. To schedule a Holiday Ride trip, call 734.528.5432.
TheRide will close its offices at 2700 South Industrial Highway and the Blake and Ypsilanti Transit Centers on Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day.
The three facilities will re-open for business on Tuesday, June 1.
Bus route and schedule information is available at 734.996.0400 and on TheRide’s web site at www.TheRide.org.
Nicola’s Books Celebrates 50th Anniversary of To Kill A Mockingbird at the Michigan Theater
Monday, May 24
Nicola’s Books and the Michigan Theater present an evening of thought-provoking live on-stage dialogue and discussion, along with a film screening, to help HarperCollins celebrate its milestone of publishing: 50 years of an American literary classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, on Thursday, June 10th at 7 PM.
Noted literary figures Thomas Lynch and Keith Taylor, along with 2010 Sundance Film Festival honoree filmmaker Sultan Sharrief -- and other soon-to-be-announced creative minds -- will help celebrate the publishing milestone and the equally groundbreaking film. The evening will start off with their reflections on the classic novel, followed by the screening of the film. Afterwards, there will be a live audience-participation discussion of both the novel and the film.
To Kill a Mockingbird is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee that was published in 1960. Since its original publication, it has never gone out of print. It has sold over 30 million copies and has been translated into over 40 languages. It also became an Academy Award-winning film in 1962, winning Oscars® for Best Actor (Gregory Peck), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction. It was an instant box office success in its own right and grossed over $20 million over forty years ago. Harper Lee is quoted as saying, "In that film the man and the part met... I've had many, many offers to turn it into musicals, into TV or stage plays, but I've always refused. That film was a work of art." Both will be celebrated as we deliver this special event to the community.
General Admission tickets $9 for adults, $7 for students, seniors and US veterans, $6.50 for Michigan Theater members. Premium admission tickets to this event are also available for $15. Premium admission ticketholders will receive access to special prime seating and a copy of the 50th anniversary quality paperback of To Kill a Mockingbird from HarperCollins, which can be picked up at the theater the night of the event. 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.
Michigan Theater Honors US Military Personnel with FREE Admission for All Movies Memorial Day Weekend
Monday, May 24
The Michigan Theater is pleased to once again recognize the contributions to our country by members of the U.S. military. Throughout Memorial Day Weekend—Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31—both military veterans and active personnel will be admitted FREE to all film screenings at the Michigan Theater.
The films showing Memorial Day Weekend include “CITY ISLAND,” starring Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies and Steven Strait. Set in New York City, this is a hilarious and touching tale about a family whose comfortable coexistence is upended by surprising revelations of past secrets and present day lies. 100 minutes. Rated PG-13.
For daily show times and a complete schedule, please visit the Theater’s website at www.michtheater.org.
In addition, U.S. veterans and servicemen and servicewomen are also eligible for a discounted ticket price of $7.00 for regular Michigan Theater-sponsored movies all year round. This program is made possible by a generous grant from the Merton & Regina Allen Memorial Fund. The primary purpose of the fund, established through the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, is “to support programming, events and special initiatives for United Sates Armed Forces veterans, with preference to disabled veterans and those who served in action, at the Michigan Theater (a Code Section 501(c)(3) organization).”
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 and designated as a Sundance Film Festival affiliate, it is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street, across the street from Borders Books and Music. Regular film ticket prices are $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for students, seniors and veterans and $6.50 for Michigan Theater members. The theater’s 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME and the website is www.michtheater.org.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre Kicks off a Summer Full of Classic Movies at the Michigan Theater
Monday, May 24
Sixteen classic films make up the 2010 Summer Classics Series roster at the Michigan Theater. Every film in the summer-long series will be shown twice – on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm and again the following Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm – with the exception of CASABLANCA, shown on Labor Day only.
The 1948 Humphrey Bogart classic, THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, kicks off the series on June 6 and 8. Other highlights include a special Sing-A-Long version of THE WIZARD OF OZ, on August 15 and 17. Each screening will include onscreen lyrics, a costume contest and gift bags for the kids. An early masterpiece from the silent era, METROPOLIS, with live organ accompaniment from Steven Ball, wraps up the program on September 12 and 14.
The complete series will include:
June 6, 8: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948).
June 13, 15: Dark Victory (1939)
June 20, 22: Rashomon (1950)
June 27, 29: The French Connection (1971) Rated R.
July 4, 6: Animal Cracker (1930)
July 11, 13: Gimme Shelter (1970) Rated R.
July 18, 20: M. Hulot’s Holiday (1953)
July 25, 27: Harvey (1950)
Aug 1, 3: The Apartment (1960)
Aug 8, 10: On the Waterfront (1954)
Aug 15, 17: Sing-A-Long The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Aug 22, 24: The Graduate (1967) Rated PG.
Aug 29, 31: Network (1976) Rated R.
Sept 5, 7: Gone with the Wind (1939)
Sept 6: Casablanca (1942) Rated PG. FREE for students.
Sept 12, 14: Metropolis (1927)
The series is presented with support from AnnArbor.com and WEMU. Individual film sponsors include Tios Mexican Café, Beyond Juice and the UM Credit Union.
Please visit the Michigan Theater web site for more information and a complete schedule with show times: http://michtheater.org/summerclassics.php
All shows take place at the historic Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty Street, across from Borders Books and Music in downtown Ann Arbor.
Admission is $9.00, $7.00 for students, seniors and US veterans, $6.50 for Michigan Theater members, with two exceptions:
US veterans will admitted FREE to all regular movie screenings July 2-5, thanks to a grant from the Merton & Regina Allen Memorial Fund.
All students will be admitted FREE to the September 6 screening of CASABLANCA.
About the Michigan Theater
The Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s historic center for fine film and performing arts. Winner of the Outstanding Historic Theatre Award from the League of Historic American Theatres, the Michigan Theater is an affiliate of the Sundance Film Festival. Regular movie prices are $9.00, $7.00 for students, seniors and US veterans, and $6.50 for Michigan Theater members. For information about the theater’s history and community support programs, please visit the theater’s website at http://michtheater.org. The 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME.
New Toy Catalog Introduction
Monday, May 24
Ideation, Inc., the premier gift catalog and marketing company in the United States, will be rolling out a new catalog this fall. President Tom Ungrodt is pleased to announce the publication of a 28 page Toy Catalog for 2010.
"Many of our members have sold toys and games for years and the children's insert we produce for our gift catalogs is one of our most popular'" Tom said. "This catalog is an extension of that idea and we are excited to offer it to anyone in the business of selling toys."
The Toy Catalog will feature toys, learning tools and games for the entire family from infant to adult. It will be availably to Ideation member stores as well as any interested toy or gift retailers. Mr.
Ungrodt believes this catalog, like all of the Ideation catalogs, will be an effective and successful marketing tool for independent toy stores.
Since 1964, Ideation has provided catalog and marketing services to independent gift and greeting card retailers nationwide. Each year they create and produce gift catalogs for the Spring, Fall and Holiday gift giving seasons.
For more information contact Tom Ungrodt at 734-761-4360.
Another Acclaimed Film From 2010 Sundance Film Festival at the Michigan
Thursday, May 13
The Michigan Theater will screen BASS ACKWARDS, an Official Selection from this year’s Sundance Film Festival, on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:00 pm.
The film was written and directed by Linas Phillips, who also plays the lead role opposite lead actress Davie-Blue. A graduate of New York University’s Experimental Theater Wing, Phillips started out as a live performer of experimental theater and alternative comedy in New York City. Linas’ day job for over five years was babysitting children with special needs, with whom he started making short-form videos. Since then he has made several short films, included USHTANKA (Enough), a documentary about his 93-year old Lithuanian grandmother.
The film’s executive producer is Mark Duplass, the director of CYRUS, which premiered at the Michigan Theater in January.
The film follows Linas, recently emerging from a disastrous affair with a married woman. He finds a forgotten van on a llama farm outside Seattle, and begins lurching east with nothing to lose. Slowly, the road eases him out of his relentless longing and into the moment. As his encounters with enigmatic characters take on subtly transcendent qualities, his shame and discomfort at being alone gradually give way to self-acceptance and connection. The dented, off-kilter vehicle, which valiantly, amazingly endures the journey, becomes a colorful metaphor for the human condition - our tenacity and hopefulness always tinged with imperfection. 103 minutes. Not yet rated.
The screening is part of the Michigan Theater’s ongoing commitment to screening the cream of the crop from the Sundance Film Festival.
General admission tickets are $6.00, available in advance at ticketweb.com and at the door at 6:30 pm the night of the screening.
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.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival Adds Devo to Lineup
Thursday, May 13
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is pleased to announce the addition of art punk pioneers Devo to their Mainstage lineup on Tuesday, July 6 at the Power Center. America's ultimate geek band dusts off their red flowerpot hats and yellow boiler suits to return with a new record after 20 years. In support of their latest release, the new wave legends stop in Ann Arbor as part of their 2010 U.S. summer tour. Tickets go on sale to the public on Thursday, May 13 at 9:00a.m. through the Festival Ticket Office at (734) 764-2538 or online at annarborsummerfestival.org.
One of new wave's most innovative and successful bands, Devo, was also perhaps one of its most misunderstood. Formed in Akron, OH, in 1974 by Kent State art students Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh, Devo took its name from their concept of "de-evolution" - the idea that instead of evolving, mankind has actually regressed, as evidenced by the dysfunction and herd mentality of American society. Their music echoed this view of society as rigid, repressive, and mechanical, with appropriate touches -- jerky, robotic rhythms; an obsession with technology and electronics (the group was among the first non-prog rock bands to make the synthesizer a core element); often atonal melodies and chord progressions - all of which were filtered through the perspectives of conceptual misfits. Devo became a cult sensation, helped in part by their concurrent emphasis on highly stylized visuals and groundbreaking music videos directed by Gerald Casale.
Devo's big break came with the short film which they wrote and starred in, “The Truth About De-Evolution”. It won a prize at the 1976 Ann Arbor Film Festival. When the film was seen by David Bowie and Iggy Pop, they were impressed enough to secure the group a contract with Warner Bros. Recorded under the auspices of pioneering producer Brian Eno, 1978's Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! was seen as a call to arms by some and became an underground hit.
Others found Devo's sound, imagery, and material threatening; Rolling Stone, for example, called the group fascists. But such criticism missed the point: Devo dramatized conformity, emotional repression, and dehumanization in order to attack them, not to pay tribute to them. While 1979's Duty Now for the Future was another strong effort, the band broke through to the mainstream with 1980's Freedom of Choice, which contained the gold-selling single "Whip It" and represented a peak in their songwriting. The video for "Whip It" became an MTV smash, juxtaposing the band's low-budget futuristic look against a down-home farm setting and hints of S&M.
Today, DEVO COMMUNICATIONS (DEVOCOM), is the umbrella under which Mark and Gerald return to their most conceptual roots as a virtual agency hatching ideas and projects from the ground up, demonstrating a devolved slant on contemporary product branding. The re-tooled clubdevo.com website, the bands official website now hosted by Warner Bros., will make its debut as well. Vintage Devo merchandize designs will be available through the site along with band blogs, activity updates, and news of forthcoming music video creations in advance of the bands’ body of amazing new music. Something for Everybody is the upcoming ninth studio album by Devo, which will be released on June 15, 2010
As announced in March, the festival’s Mainstage series features a wide variety of established and emerging artists. In addition of Devo, the lineup features Patty Grif fin, Chris Isaak, Bernadette Peters , Afro-Cuban All Stars , John Pizzarel li, Marc Broussard, Buddy Miller , Company T.P.O., Capitol Steps , Cinematic Titanic, Caravan Palace and Die Roten Punkte. Tickets are currently on sale through the festival ticket office at (734) 764-2538. The Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s mission is to present a world-class celebration of arts and entertainment that enriches the cultural, economic, and social vitality of the region. Started in 1983, the festival attracts more than 60,000 people each year from the local community and throughout Southeast Michigan.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival Come Together: Special Guest Lineup
Thursday, May 13
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is pleased to announce the musical lineup for Come Together, A Beatles 50th Anniversary Celebration, which takes place at the Power Center on Saturday, June 19. This tribute concert brings together a diverse mix of local artists and musical styles, ranging from gypsy jazz to Detroit funk, all in celebration of the legendary Liverpool band. Tickets are currently on sale through the Festival Ticket Office at (734) 764-2538 or online at annarborsummerfestival.org.
Curated and hosted by musicologist and industry veteran Martin Bandyke, the concert includes guest performances by indie-folkster Chris Bathgate, funk-rock outfit The Brother s Groove, singer pianist Lucciana Costa, blues diva Thornetta Davis, The Hard Lesson’s Augie Visocchi with students from the School of Rock, jazz swingers Hot Club of Det roit Trio, sonic artist Frank Pahl and his toy band, legendary Ann Arbor singer/songwriter Dick Siegel & The Brandos, and teen funk band Sole Transit.
The concert is being produced by the festival to commemorate fifty years since John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, and Pete Best gave their first performance as the Beatles in August 1960. “There are a number of anniversary-related events happening worldwide this summer,” said festival director Robb Woulfe. “But I wanted to make sure our celebration focused on local artists and the impact the Beatles music had, and still has, on their work. And I knew Martin Bandyke was just the right guy to bring that vision together.”
As one of Michigan's most popular media personalities, Martin Bandyke is a veteran music writer and morning drive host at WQKL-FM (Ann Arbor’s 107one). With his extensive knowledge of the Beatles catalog and his deep appreciation for and connections to the local music community, he was a natural choice to take on the role of curator and concert emcee. “I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this special tribute to the Beatles,” said Bandyke. “Their music has been part of our collective consciousness for the last fifty years, and still remains as relevant, popular, and influential as ever. I look forward to hosting this multi-genre tribute to the most important band in the history of rock and roll.”
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s mission is to present a world-class celebration of arts and entertainment that enriches the cultural, economic, and social vitality of the region. Started in 1983, the festival attracts more than 60,000 people each year from the local community and throughout Southeast Michigan.
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is made possible with support from the 2010 Series Sponsors: Bank of Ann Arbor, Benard L. Maas Foundation, O&W, Inc., Sesi Motors, and Toyota. Additional support is provided by Allergy and Immunology Associates of Ann Arbor, Edward Jones, Elastizell Corporation of America, First Martin Corporation, Highlander Graphics, Howard Cooper Import Center, Miller Canfield, Phire Branding Company, State Street Area Association, Ulitho, U.S. Wine Imports, and Whole Foods Market. Media partners for the season include: AnnArbor.com, Ann Arbor Observer, Michigan Radio 91.7 FM, WEMU 89.1 FM, WDET 101.9 FM, and WQKL 107.1 FM. The Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s 2010 season is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
AATA Board Receives Preliminary Report
Thursday, May 13
A preliminary report outlining the findings of an internal organizational review and peer analysis indicates that Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) is fully capable of carrying out its current mission and that the agency compares favorably to its peers in the areas of controlling increases in expenses, increasing ridership and providing services beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Preliminary findings of the internal organizational review and peer analysis were presented to the TheRide’s board of directors at its meeting tonight by Jack Doolittle of McCollom Management Consulting of Darnestown, Maryland, the consulting firm that conducted the review over the past few months.
The comprehensive review was conducted in an effort to inform TheRide’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Ford and board of directors about the current performance of the organization and to identify opportunities for improvement, as well as to provide an assessment of the organizational requirements necessary to realize a shared vision for public transportation in Washtenaw County.
“I’m pleased these initial findings have demonstrated that TheRide is on track with its mission of offering the region affordable, efficient and environmentally sound transportation alternatives,” Ford said. “This report is a critical component to helping us assess our organization as we work to help shape a long-term public transit plan in Washtenaw County.”
Doolittle’s report stated that “the organizational structure and senior management team are sound and well qualified to carry TheRide forward to meet the near term challenges of the agency. The core functions of transit operations and maintenance of the fixed route service are excellent.”
The staffing levels of the agency were described as appropriate to the current mission, but with the recommendation for additional road supervision. Also, recommended was additional staffing to expand financial and operating planning and analysis, to upgrade and support the maintenance information technology system and to increase communications and public outreach efforts, in preparation for the expansion of services throughout Washtenaw County.
The consulting firm also identified 12 peer transit systems, located in Durham, NC; Grand Rapids, MI; Kalamazoo, MI; Lansing, MI; Lexington, KY; Little Rock, AR; Madison, WI; South Bend, IN; Syracuse, NY; Tallahassee, FL; Toledo, OH; and Urbana, IL.
The peer agencies were chosen based on their similarities to TheRide in 1) total operating expenses, 2) number of passengers carried and 3) miles of service provided. In addition to these criteria, the consultants also considered as important factors whether the peer transit agencies operated in a university community and whether the agencies faced a similar funding and economic environment.
The presentation showed that TheRide’s financial and operating statistics are within expected ranges of those of its peer systems. In terms of total operating expenses, management decisions over the past several years have resulted in controlling costs so that the average annual rate of increase is about 1.4%, or well under inflation – while the average peer system experienced cost increases of 4%.
The peer review also identified that the cost per service hour, which TheRide has focused on recently, is virtually the same as the peer average when adjusted for Regional Price Parities that reflect the overall costs of living in urban areas across the country.
TheRide has increased its ridership per hour of service from 22.8 passengers in 2003 to 31.2 in 2008, when it passed the peer group average and became 4 percent higher than the average. Over that five-year period, TheRide’s bus ridership increased from four million to 5.9 million passengers. At the same time, the cost per ride decreased from $3.39 in 2003 to $2.37 in 2008, or at an average annual decrease of more than 5.4 percent.
Doolittle noted that “TheRide provides an extensive family of paratransit services that are in excess of the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act,” which are above and beyond services provided by the peer systems.
The consulting firm also studied how TheRide and its peers make use of federal Section 5307 formula funds which are distributed to urbanized areas throughout the country. The presentation showed that TheRide uses its capital funding (for facilities, buses, etc., not operations) at about the same as the average rate of the peer systems and that its capital needs are being met. It was also noted that TheRide is prudent in its use of federal formula funds for preventive capital maintenance on its buses and facilities to extend their useful life. TheRide uses 40 percent of these funds for preventive capital maintenance compared with the peer average of 67 percent.
The consultants will include their recommendations in a final report due to be completed in June.
The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) was chartered in 1969 by the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan, as a not-for-profit unit of government. AATA operates the local public transit system for the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area, enabling the area’s residents to reach their destinations at reasonable cost, and offers the region efficient, environmentally sound transportation alternatives. For more information, please visit www.TheRide.org.
McCollom Management Consulting of Darnestown, Maryland, has conducted organizational reviews for more than 50 organizations over the past 20 years, most recently in Dallas and El Paso, Texas. The firm supports the Federal Transit Administration’s National Transit Database (NTD) by training agencies on how to file NTD reports and by reviewing new start applications for the development of new rail lines.
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living Begins Gathering Place Tours
Monday, May 10
The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living is opening its doors to the general public, starting this month, to provide tours of its Gathering Place, located at 3941 Research Park Drive in Ann Arbor. Individuals are invited to come and learn more about the programs, activities, and services the Ann Arbor CIL offers, and the tremendous ways it makes a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities in our community every day.
The Ann Arbor CIL offers more than you might think. Through community enrichment and skill-building classes, individualized assistance, advocacy and disability awareness efforts, and social and recreational events, the Ann Arbor CIL helps individuals with disabilities live more successful and meaningful lives. The new Gathering Place tours, occurring once a month, showcase the Center’s many activities and offerings, as well as real life stories of the individuals it impacts.
The Ann Arbor CIL is dedicated to the success of children, youth and adults who live with many different visible and invisible disabilities and health conditions.
The Ann Arbor CIL invites you, as well as your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors, to join us at one of our tours. RSVPs are requested. Dates and times are as follows:
Thursday, May 13
9:00-10:00 am
Wednesday, June 9
5:30-6:30 pm
The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of children, youth and adults with disabilities at home, at school, at work and in the community.
Credit Unions Jump-Start Savings with $100,000 Grand Prize
Monday, May 10
Over the past 18 months, consumers have seen the reality of what can happen if you don’t take hold of your finances. The economic downturn has put great emphasis on personal financial education and the benefits of saving. Community Driven Credit Union is one of 23 Michigan credit unions that are offering the innovative Save to Win program that gives members an exciting reason to save – a grand prize of $100,000 – and teaches them how regular deposits can put them on the path toward building wealth.
Here’s how Save to Win works: Members open a one-year share certificate with an initial deposit of at least $25. Then, every time they deposit $25 they earn another entry into the monthly and grand prize drawings. At the end of every month, prizes totaling more than $4,000 will be awarded to Save to Win accountholders who continue to save. The prize entries will also be entered into the grand prize drawing of $100,000, to be awarded in January 2011.
“Community Driven Credit Union is excited to offer this innovative program to our members,” said Kevin Finneran, President/CEO. “At Community Driven Credit Union, we are committed to helping our members begin to save money and work their way out of debt. Save to Win gives a good incentive to learn the value of saving and how just a little each month can add up.”
Research from the pilot year of Save to Win shows that the product is helping people save. About 27% of Save to Win accountholders reported having $2,000 or less in financial assets prior to opening the Save to Win account, and 60% said they regularly spent money on the lottery or gambling.
To see the official rules of the Save to Win product, go to www.savetowin.org.
Community Driven Credit Union was established in 1965 and serves the people in Washtenaw and Macomb Counties. Our main branch is located at 5397 W. Michigan, Ypsilanti and our other branch is located at 71260 Van Dyke, Romeo. For more information about Community Driven Credit Union, go to www.cudrive.org.
Ypsilanti Pride 2010 Needs You!
Tuesday, May 4
It’s almost time for the 16th Annual Ypsilanti PRIDE (People Restoring Image and Developing the Environment) Day. Each spring, hundreds of volunteers from across the community join together for a day of cleaning, planting and sprucing up public areas, followed by a celebration in Parkridge Park. This year’s Ypsilanti PRIDE event takes place on Saturday, May 15th, 2010 from 9am until Noon (rain or shine). The celebration will follow from noon to 2pm. The event’s success is a result of the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, area businesses, civic groups and individuals who donate money, equipment and time to get the job done.
How can you help?
-- Sign up with your friends, neighbors, or family to volunteer at one of the clean-up sites. Visit our website at www.ypsipride.org for information on registration.
-- Buy a dollar donation card at Beezy’s or Bombadill’s downtown Ypsilanti, or visit our website for other dollar card locations
NEW THIS YEAR:
-- VGKids has created a unique design for t-shirts this year. Sales will benefit Ypsilanti PRIDE. Visit our website for purchase information.
For more information, to register your family or group to volunteer, or to make a donation, contact Katie Jones at the Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce at 734.482.4920 x21 or www.ypsipride.org
Ypsilanti Pride was created as a class project by the 1995 graduating class of Leadership Ypsilanti, an experiential learning program sponsored by the Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce. It is designed to foster a better understanding of local government, business and community life. Ypsilanti Pride is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization.
The Ypsilanti Area Jaycees is a leadership training organization for people 21 to 40 focusing on community service. Our chapter strives to provide the opportunities necessary for our members to create positive change in their personal and professional lives as well as their communities. Please feel free to contact us via our hotline at (734)332-9139 (voicemail only) or check us out at our website www.ypsilantijaycees.com.
HVA announces 2010 “Stars of Life”
Tuesday, May 4
Five full-time employees at Huron Valley Ambulance have been chosen from several company divisions as this year's Stars of Life. They are as follows: Operations Support Technician Paula Abbott from Administrative/Headquarters; Paramedic Erik Arlen from Eastern Operations; Paramedic Steve Champagne from Central Operations; EMT-Specialist Tim Gallagher from Support Operations; and Paramedic Kevin VanDaele from Western Operations.
Tim Gallagher, who has worked in EMS for 30 years, is presently representing HVA from May 2 to May 5 at the American Ambulance Association's annual Stars of Life event in Washington, DC. Tim has worked in HVA’s 9-1-1 Call Center for 11 years as a dispatcher and a training officer for new dispatchers.
"Tim’s willingness to always go above and beyond is what makes him an outstanding dispatcher," states HVA COO Jerry Zapolnik. Tim will be awarded a Professional Achievement Award at HVA's Annual EMS Recognition Awards on Wednesday, May 19. He also received a Certificate of Merit in October 2009 for his assistance at HVA’s drive-through flu shot clinic. Tim and his family live in Saline.
The “Stars” were selected by HVA management from a pool of applicants who received “exceeds standards” performance appraisals in the past year. They will receive recognition also during the May 19 awards.
The AAA Stars of Life celebration recognizes and honors dedicated ambulance service personnel. While in Washington, Gallagher will meet with legislators to discuss issues important to the emergency medical services profession. The program seeks to raise visibility for ambulance industry issues and remind legislators of the importance of pre-hospital care.
HVA is a nationally accredited, nonprofit ambulance service that covers Washtenaw, western Wayne and southwest Oakland counties.
May 6 Career Expo Set For MIAT Willow Run Campus
Tuesday, May 4
Annual Event To Feature Aviation, Energy, And Transportation Employers
The Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology (MIAT) will hold their annual Career Expo Thursday, May 6 from noon to 5 pm. The event is free for job seekers and open to the public at the MIAT Willow Run Airport Campus, 47884 D Street in Belleville.
Employers from aviation, energy and transportation industries will be recruiting for all positions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with veterans' service agencies, colleges and other community organizations.
According to Chuck Hawes, MIAT President, the event is another opportunity to match the right candidates to the right employers.
"At MIAT, we work with employers to develop specialized training curriculum to fill certain technical positions. The Career Expo provides these employers an opportunity to recruit on our campus for these jobs, as well as a variety of non-technical positions. This general event serves as part of our overall mission to bring together qualified candidates and industry employers," stated Hawes.
"Veterans are especially encouraged to attend the expo. We partner with many military friendly employers and organizations who go out of their way to recruit armed forces veterans," commented Hawes.
Job seekers or employers who would like more information may visit the website at www.miat.edu or call MIAT at 734-753-9101 and ask for Sharon.
www.miat.edu
With a 40-year history offering intensive training programs, MIAT has established a reputation for delivering high quality candidates to work in skilled technical employment sectors like aviation/ aerospace, energy, defense and transportation.
Accredited By:ACCSC | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges NCATT | National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies FAA Certificated Approved for the training of VA Eligible Students Licensed By Michigan DELEG Approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges & Schools #90-03-1286T2010 G.I. Jobs Magazine Military Friendly School Michigan Works! Association Member
