1/22/2025

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute - where the local scoop is served so smooth you’d think we churn it ourselves. 🐄 

What’s on tap for today:

• New Kroger & homes coming to Ann Arbor farmland 🛒 

• Kid Friendly Cafe Coming to Downtown ☕

• Ann Arbor Folk Fest Returns! 🎶

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🏡 Shop and Stay: Kroger and New Homes Planned Near Pittsfield Township  

Farmland in Pittsfield Township might soon see big changes, as plans are in motion for a new Kroger store and 80 homes. A major grocery chain aims to bring retail convenience to the area, while a homebuilder is set to create residential spaces, making this a mixed-use development on the township’s south side. Developer Spencer Schafer shared that this project seeks to meet growing demand for both housing and services near Ann Arbor. The proposal is still in early stages and will likely be subject to local discussions and approvals, especially given the rural nature of the site. This development could transform how residents in southern Washtenaw County shop and live.

(Source)

🌳 Ann Arbor debates turning ‘central park’ site into library expansion

City leaders are revisiting the future of the Library Lane parking lot downtown—a site Ann Arbor voters envisioned as a central park back in 2018. Despite the original plan, the lot remains unchanged, and officials are now considering whether it could be part of a redevelopment project for the Ann Arbor District Library's downtown branch. The proposed idea could bring significant upgrades to the library, but it may also reshape the community’s long-term vision for an accessible green space in the heart of the city. The discussion is ongoing, with city planners weighing the site's potential to balance both community and institutional needs.

(Source)

☕👶 Downtown Ann Arbor to Welcome Recess Cafe for Parents and Kids  

Parents working from home—or just looking for a kid-friendly hangout—will soon have a new option downtown. Recess Cafe is set to open this summer at 208 S. Ashley St., previously part of the Downtown Home & Garden space. The cafe will provide a unique setting where adults can work, socialize, or relax while their kids play in a safe and engaging environment. It's an exciting addition to the community, offering a blend of coffee shop vibes and family-friendly fun. Keep an eye out for more details as summer approaches!

(Source)

🎥 U-M Celebrates 10,000th CT Scan with a Wolverine Skull

The University of Michigan’s Research Museums Center hit a milestone recently with its 10,000th CT scan, and the item in the scanner was truly fitting—a wolverine skull from 1948. Using their $600,000 Nikon Micro CT machine, researchers created a 3D digital model of the skull in just 13 minutes. This scanner has been a game-changer, allowing them to study priceless specimens, like this one symbolizing U-M pride, without causing damage. The museum’s collection—ranked 3rd in the U.S.—holds treasures like the world’s largest snake collection and millions of preserved specimens. Many of these 3D-scanned images are available online, even for 3D printing, making learning accessible to anyone. Next on their list? Scanning wolf skulls from Isle Royale National Park!

(Source)

🌨️ Ann Arbor’s February Forecast: Plenty of Moisture Coming

February may bring a shift from Arctic cold to a more active and stormy weather pattern in Michigan. Forecasts from NOAA suggest a shift in the jet stream, introducing westerly winds and more moisture to the state. Expect near-normal temperatures—think highs in the 20s and 30s—with a mix of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Storm systems could hit every three to five days, making roads tricky while delivering much-needed moisture to combat drought conditions. Prepare your snow boots and ice scrapers, it’s shaping up to be a busy weather month!

WEATHER

Today

☁️ High: 13°F, Low: 11°F

Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible at night.  

Tomorrow

 🌨️ High: 26°F, Low: 6°F

Scattered morning snow showers, then partly to mostly cloudy and cold.

AROUND TOWN

🎶 Ann Arbor Folk Fest Returns

Celebrate the best in folk, roots, and acoustic music at the 48th Ann Arbor Folk Festival on January 24 & 25, 2025, at U-M Hill Auditorium (825 N. University Ave). This beloved annual fundraiser for The Ark showcases a stellar lineup of renowned artists and fresh, emerging talent, offering a mix of timeless traditions and cutting-edge acoustic sounds. Presented by Bank of Ann Arbor, it’s your chance to support local music while enjoying unforgettable performances. Don’t miss this iconic event! 🎸✨

😂 Tony Deyo Brings the Laughs

Catch the razor-sharp humor and impeccable timing of Tony Deyo at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase (212 S. Fourth Ave) on January 23–25, 2025, from 7:15–8:45 PM. Known for his clever, clean, and precise comedy, Tony has appeared on CONAN, The Late Late Show, and SiriusXM, and his stand-up album Comedy Road Trip hit #1 on iTunes. Whether it’s observational humor or perfectly crafted punchlines, Tony’s comedy is guaranteed to keep you laughing all night. Don’t miss this master of wit live on stage! 🎤✨

🎻 Formosa Quartet: Strings & Soul

Experience the magic of the Formosa Quartet at the Kerrytown Concert House (415 N. Fourth Ave.) on January 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM. The evening features Schubert’s Rosamunde Quartet, a deeply moving masterpiece filled with nostalgia and melancholy, composed during his later years. Paired with the quartet’s vibrant, virtuosic selections by Clancy Newman, this performance promises to lift your spirits and leave you smiling. Don’t miss this stunning blend of timeless beauty and joyful energy from these exceptional musicians. 🎼✨

🕯️ A Hygge Evening Awaits

Embrace the cozy vibes at A Hygge Evening at the Library on January 24, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave). Enjoy a relaxing winter evening filled with peaceful puzzles, coloring, and soothing Scandinavian TV. Join Beth Battey for knitting and crochet instruction, or simply bring a book to read under the glow of candlelight with a cozy fleece blanket. It’s the perfect way to unwind and embrace the Danish art of coziness. ❄️📖✨

🎼 Caroline Shaw & Gabriel Kahane Unite

Experience the debut of a mesmerizing collaboration between Caroline Shaw and Gabriel Kahane at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre (911 N. University) on January 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’s “The Library of Babel,” this UMS co-commissioned work explores the collision of infinity and human understanding, bringing to life the joy, grief, and wonder of navigating an oversaturated world of information. With their decade-long partnership and unparalleled talent, Shaw and Kahane promise an evening of musical storytelling that will leave you spellbound. 🎶📚

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

SMARTER EVERY DAY

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Maya Angelou.

Translation? Chase awe, not algorithms.

Next time something makes you gasp, pause and savor the fleeting wonder. 

THANK YOU!

🙏 Thank you for reading the Ann Arbor Minute!

If you enjoyed today’s edition, please help us grow by sharing our newsletter with family, friends and neighbors.

Keep up with us on Facebook. Send comments and suggestions to [email protected].

We appreciate your support! ❤️