1/20/25

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute, the email so packed with local charm, it should probably be zoning-approved. 📜

What’s on tap for today:

• U of M Student Seriously Injured🚨 

• 8-story timber housing project coming to Ann Arbor's west side 🌆 

• Ann Arbor Restaurant Week Kicking off 🍽️

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🚶‍♀️ University of Michigan Student Struck by Car, Seriously Injured  

A 21-year-old University of Michigan student is in serious condition after being hit by a car while crossing Main Street near Hill Street just before 11 p.m. on Thursday night. She was taken to U-M Hospital for emergency care. The driver, a 38-year-old woman from Milan, stayed at the scene and is fully cooperating with Ann Arbor police. Investigators do not believe speed was a factor in the accident.

(Source)

🏗️ Modern Timber Housing Aims to Rise on Ann Arbor’s West Side  

Synecdoche design studio is proposing an innovative eight-story housing project named Shelby House for Ann Arbor’s west side. Located at 2452 W. Stadium Blvd., but primarily facing Shelby Avenue, the development plans to use mass timber and prefabricated building techniques. If approved, the project will feature 28 residential apartments on a compact site surrounded by small-scale commercial properties. Mass timber, a sustainable building material, is gaining traction nationwide for its environmental benefits and construction efficiency. This project highlights Ann Arbor's ongoing push to incorporate creative and eco-friendly design into new developments.

(Source)

🚦 Ann Arbor Introduces Traffic Safety Corridors for Safer Roads  

Ann Arbor has designated three streets as traffic safety corridors to reduce dangerous driving and improve road safety. These corridors—on parts of Washtenaw Avenue, Packard Street, and Jackson Road—will receive extra focus from law enforcement targeting speeding and failure to yield, which account for most severe crashes. This move is part of the city's Vision Zero project, aiming to eliminate serious traffic injuries and deaths by 2025. The initiative also includes crosswalk upgrades, bike lanes, and speed bumps. Crash patterns from 2019 to 2024 guided the selection of these roads, and public feedback has been supportive so far. Data shows 17 of 40 recent serious crashes occurred in these areas. The city hopes the added enforcement will encourage safer driving habits.

(Source)

🍽️ A Feast for Foodies: Ann Arbor Restaurant Week Deals  

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week, running from Jan. 19-24, features special deals at over 40 local eateries, but 10 high-end spots are offering stand-out menus worth exploring. Gandy Dancer brings a $45 three-course dinner with options like parmesan-crusted sole or jumbo shrimp scampi. The Earle entices diners with French-Italian flair and entrees ranging $30-$48. Spanish-themed Aventura serves a $36 three-course dinner, complete with churros or cava sorbet desserts. Other standouts include Pacific Rim’s $38 pan-Asian offerings, Black Pearl’s $35 fish tacos and scallops menu, and Vinology’s $35 seasonal dishes with wine pairings. Ventures like Weber’s and Peridot add creative culinary twists, while Mani Osteria tempts with discounted pizzas. Even The Dixboro Project just outside town spoils with mouthwatering dinner and lunch specials. Don’t miss this chance to dine in style without breaking the bank!

(Source)

🏈 Former Wolverine Shines in NFL Playoff Upset  

Mike Sainristil, a University of Michigan standout, made a triumphant return to Michigan with two key interceptions for the Washington Commanders in their 45-31 upset over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The rookie cornerback’s stellar performance helped propel the Commanders into the NFC Championship Game. Known for his composure and playmaking, Sainristil credited his time in Ann Arbor for preparing him for big moments like these. The Commanders forced five turnovers in the game, with Sainristil’s takeaways leading the charge. Drafted in the second round, Sainristil continues to impress, showing maturity and adaptability that have drawn praise from his coaches.

(Source)

🐒 The WWII Story of Ann Arbor’s Decorated Monkey Hero  

During World War II, an Ann Arbor native, Sgt. Anthony V. Grammatico, found an unlikely companion—a monkey named Pat P. Pat—while stationed in the Philippines. Pat wasn’t just a mascot for the 310th Bomb Wing; he became a vital scout during missions, warning troops of enemy presence with his sharp senses. Pat earned numerous military honors, including two Purple Hearts, after surviving injuries in combat. Despite some mishaps—like temporarily losing his sergeant rank for stealing supplies—Pat was celebrated for boosting morale and even got smuggled back to the U.S. after the war. His heroics are still remembered by the Grammatico family and stand out as one of Ann Arbor’s most unique contributions to WWII history.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

☁️ High: 8°F, Low: -3°F

Cloudy skies with a few flurries or snow showers possible. Bitterly cold.

Tomorrow

🌥️ High: 5°F, Low: -7°F

Partly cloudy during the morning, becoming overcast in the afternoon. Bitterly cold.

AROUND TOWN

🌟 MLK Symposium Keynote with Erika Alexander

Join the 39th Annual MLK Symposium Keynote Memorial Lecture at Hill Auditorium (825 N. University Ave.) on January 20, 2025, from 9:30–11:00 AM. This free, public event features Erika Alexander—an acclaimed actress, activist, and entrepreneur who uses storytelling to inspire social change. As co-founder of Color Farm Media, Erika champions equity, inclusion, and diverse representation in media and politics.

Known for producing impactful works like Finding Tamika and John Lewis: Good Trouble, Erika is a powerful voice on racial and gender equity. Don’t miss this inspiring lecture and a chance to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King. Live stream available at mlk.umich.edu.

🍽️ Savor Ann Arbor Restaurant Week

Get ready to indulge during Ann Arbor Restaurant Week, running January 19–24, 2025, and celebrating the city’s incredible culinary scene. Enjoy fixed-price menus at participating restaurants, offering a delicious chance to explore unique dishes without breaking the bank. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite spot or discovering something new, this event is a food lover’s dream. Check out www.annarborrestaurantweek.com for menus and details. Don’t miss this tasty week! 🥂✨

🎶 Explore Sounds with the "Oscillation" Art Exhibit at Liberty Plaza  

Ann Arbor’s Liberty Plaza has transformed into a hub of musical exploration with the new "Oscillation" public art display. This interactive exhibit creates theremin-like sounds—think eerie, sci-fi movie tones—as visitors move closer to or farther from the installation. Designed to combine art and technology, the display invites people to literally "play" the art and become part of the soundmaking process. This unique installation gives passersby a chance to engage with art in a totally hands-on (or hands-off, in this case) way. If you’re in the area, swing by and try it out—it’s an experience for all ages to enjoy.

🎤 Depot Town Comedy Open Mic

Laugh your midweek blues away at the Depot Town Comedy Open Mic, held every Wednesday from 7:30–10:30 PM at 734 Brewing Company (15 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti). This free event showcases a mix of Ypsilanti’s funniest comedians and stand-up talents from across Southeastern Michigan. Hosted by Tommy Cook, it’s an inclusive space that uplifts voices from marginalized communities while serving up plenty of laughs. Whether you’re an audience member or a comic looking for stage time, this is the place to be. 🍻😂✨

🎨 Craft, Sip & Create

Unleash your creativity at Craft & Drink with SCRAP Creative Reuse on January 21, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Bløm Meadworks (100 S. 4th Ave, Suite 110, Ann Arbor). For just $10–$15 (pay what you can), dive into a treasure trove of reuse materials to make collages, cards, or unique crafts—plus a few special projects with staff examples to spark your imagination. Enjoy Bløm’s cozy vibe and delicious offerings while meeting new crafting pals at shared tables. It’s the perfect night to sip, craft, and connect! 🍷✂️✨

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

SMARTER EVERYDAY

On January 20, 1986, the United States observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the first time.

Fascinating how it took nearly two decades after his assassination to honor his dream nationally.

Change is slow, but persistence turns whispers into roars—and history listens to those who won’t let it sleep.

THANK YOU!

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