1/17/2025

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute – the newsletter that’s like your favorite pair of jeans: cool, reliable, and fits you just right.👖

What’s on tap for today:

• Big heist alert: Ann Arbor bank robbery details 🚨 

• Mall mystery: What’s being built at Briarwood? 🛍️

• Glowing crystal art lights up downtown this weekend ✨

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🔦 AAPD on the Hunt After Chase Bank Robbery  

Police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred Tuesday afternoon at Chase Bank on Plymouth Road. The suspect, described as a white male wearing a green long-sleeve shirt, black pants, and a camouflage face mask, fled the scene in a gray GMC Terrain. He approached the teller claiming to have a gun, demanded money, and received an undisclosed amount before escaping southbound on Green Road. No injuries were reported, and no weapon was visibly displayed. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Ann Arbor Police Department by phone, email, or a silent witness tip.

(Source)

🏡 Luxury Living Expands North of Ann Arbor  

Barton Ridge, a new development in Ann Arbor Township, is bringing 57 luxury homes to the area just north of the city. Known for its historically rural charm, this spot is now set to feature million-dollar properties with impressive designs, like dual staircases in grand foyers. Construction on infrastructure and roads is already underway, and a model home should be ready for viewing by summer. This marks a growing trend in high-end housing, catering to buyers seeking upscale living spaces close to Ann Arbor.

(Source)

🥗 A2Zero Cookbook Invites Your Sustainable Recipes  

Ann Arbor’s A2Zero initiative is cooking up something special: a community-created cookbook focused on sustainability. With the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, the city’s Office of Sustainability is encouraging residents to submit plant-forward recipes, food waste reduction tips, and personal stories about sustainable eating. The final cookbook, available for free digitally and in print, will highlight 50 recipes alongside tales from local food leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook inspired by grandma’s garden, submissions are open until February 1, 2025. The book is set to debut at the Local Food Festival in fall 2025.

(Source)

🍴 Avalon Cafe and Kitchen Finds a New Main Street Home  

Avalon Cafe and Kitchen has officially reopened in its new downtown Ann Arbor location at 224 S. Main St., right next to Pretzel Bell. The popular eatery previously closed its East Liberty Street spot on Dec. 23 and began welcoming customers to the new space on Monday, Jan. 13. Known for its fresh, locally sourced offerings and signature baked goods, the move to this prime location places Avalon even closer to the heart of Ann Arbor's dining scene. If you’re in the mood for brunch, lunch, or a cozy cup of coffee, this is a downtown stop to check out!

(Source)

🚶‍♀️ Ann Arbor officials upset over blocked pedestrian path near Briarwood Mall

A once-public walking and biking path connecting Eisenhower Parkway to West Oakbrook Drive near Briarwood Mall has been shut down for over two months, sparking frustration among Ann Arbor officials. Signs now mark the trail as “private property” with barricades warning passersby not to trespass. Formerly accessible to the community, the path traverses land owned by Brookhaven Manor apartments. City officials are voicing concerns about the closure, but for now, the path remains blocked off to the public.

(Source)

🔫 Court Proceedings Begin for Suspects in Foster Family Shooting

A Washtenaw County judge paused preliminary hearings for three suspects tied to the fatal shooting of a foster family near Ann Arbor. Gregory Callhan and Keith Finley appeared in person on Jan. 16 before Judge J. Cedric Simpson, while their co-defendant, Shuvonne Vinson, joined remotely via Zoom. Attorneys for the case asked for more time to review the evidence in the complex investigation. The tragic incident, which left two family members dead, continues to shake the community. Authorities previously noted the foster mother was known for her kindness, and the foster father is said to be recovering well from his injuries.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

☁️ High: 34°F, Low: 32°F

Cloudy during the day, with snow likely after midnight. Snow accumulations expected to be less than one inch.  

Tomorrow

🌨️ High: 35°F, Low: 10°F

Morning snow tapering off, followed by cloudy skies. Morning temps around 35°F will fall to near 25°F by afternoon. Snow accumulations less than one inch.

AROUND TOWN

✨ Sasha Velour: The Big Reveal

Get ready for an unforgettable night of drama, surprises, and show-stopping artistry with Sasha Velour in The Big Reveal Live Show at the Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty St.) on January 17, 2025, at 8:00 PM. This 90-minute performance is a whirlwind of classic drag, storytelling, video experimentation, and theatrical stage tricks—all set to a soundtrack ranging from Stevie Wonder to Britney Spears.

Don’t miss the chance to see Sasha’s unique style live, inspired by her best-selling book (available in the lobby!). Tickets are $27–$92, with VIP upgrades for a meet-and-greet and exclusive art print. Suitable for all ages, this is one show that promises to keep you guessing and gasping! 💃🎭✨

❄️ Chill Out at Dexter Ice Fest

Bundle up and head to downtown Dexter for the Dexter Ice Fest on January 18, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM. This free frosty celebration features live ice carving demos, over 80 incredible ice sculptures, and a downtown cocoa crawl to keep you warm as you explore. Don’t forget to check out the specials from local restaurants and merchants while you’re there. It’s a perfect winter day of art, community, and cocoa! ☕🧊✨

Through film, photomurals, and a dialogue space, the exhibition delves into themes of restorative justice, gun violence, and healing in the aftermath of division and hate. Curated by Srimoyee Mitra, this thought-provoking experience challenges visitors to reflect on how connection can combat extremism and foster collective healing. Don’t miss this profound journey into the possibilities of reconciliation. 🕊️✨

💡 Glowing Crystals to Light Up Liberty Plaza  

A dazzling immersive art exhibit called “Oscillation” is set to transform Liberty Plaza starting this Friday, Jan. 17. Created by The Urban Conga, this interactive installation features enormous glowing crystals that emit light and sound, inviting Ann Arborites to engage their senses. The exhibit will remain on display through March 16, offering a unique blend of art and technology during the winter months. Perfect for a family outing or a creative date night, it promises to brighten up downtown Ann Arbor in more ways than one. Mark your calendars for this luminous experience!

🥃 Sip & Savor at Ypsi Bourbon Fest

Bourbon lovers, this one’s for you! The Ypsilanti Bourbon Fest is taking over the Michigan Firehouse Museum (110 W. Cross St.) on January 18, 2025, from 4:00–10:00 PM. With 100+ whiskeys, handcrafted cocktails, and a VIP section, it’s a celebration of all things bourbon (plus beer and wine for non-bourbon fans). Enjoy live music, food trucks, and local vendors while you sip and explore. Tickets start at $50 (GA), $100 (VIP), and $10 (DD)—prices increase closer to the event, so grab yours early! 🥃🎶🍔

🛡️ Empower Yourself: Self-Defense Workshop

Build confidence, set boundaries, and learn life-saving skills at the Self Defense Workshop for Women on January 19, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 PM at The Mix Studios (306 N. River St., Suite C, Ypsilanti). Led by Heidi Sproull, a black belt with 30 years of experience and a trauma-informed psychotherapist, this supportive class is open to women, girls, and female-identified individuals aged 12+.

For $60, you’ll practice mental preparedness, verbal assertiveness, and physical techniques to defend against attackers, regardless of size or strength. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to build on existing skills, this workshop is all about empowerment and self-worth—because we are all worth fighting for. 💪✨

Please verify event details with the organizers before attending, as schedules may change.

SMARTER EVERYDAY

“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.” – Eckhart Tolle.

Ever notice how perspective shifts everything?

Try flipping your current frustration on its head.

Buried in the rubble of irritation might be the diamond of gratitude.

THANK YOU!

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