12/12/24

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute - the email that struts into your inbox like it owns the place (but at least we don’t eat all your food).  🤓

What’s on tap for today:

• AA teachers rally for change 📚

• Free hotel rooms for the holidays 🎄

• Pedestrian seriously injured by vehicle 🚸

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

📚 Ann Arbor teachers push for stronger benefits at Wednesday rally  

Ann Arbor Public Schools teachers gathered for a rally Wednesday evening to demand better benefits and improved working conditions. Organized by the teachers’ union, the event highlighted the need for increased healthcare support and competitive compensation for educators. This comes as negotiations continue between the union and district officials. The rally reflected a broader trend of educators advocating for more resources to meet both personal needs and classroom goals, underscoring statewide conversations about teacher retention and support.

(Source)

🎄 Free Holiday Hotel Stays for Families with Hospitalized Loved Ones  

The DoubleTree by Hilton Ann Arbor North is spreading holiday cheer by offering free stays for families with hospitalized loved ones at U-M or Trinity Health hospitals. Available from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26, families can book a room for Christmas Eve, Christmas night, or both. General Manager Brandon Salisbury expressed the hotel’s goal to ease holiday stress, saying, “No one should have to be alone for Christmas.” To arrange a stay, call the hotel’s sales office at 734-769-9800. Rooms are limited, so booking early is key.

(Source)

🚸 Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Crosswalk Crash

A 71-year-old Ann Arbor woman is hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by a car early Thursday morning, December 12, at Packard Street and Fernwood Avenue. Ann Arbor Police say the car, driven by a 57-year-old Ann Arbor woman, was heading east on Packard and hit the pedestrian in the crosswalk while the driver was proceeding through a green light. Alcohol is not suspected to be a factor, and the driver is cooperating with the investigation. Witnesses are encouraged to share information by calling 734-794-6939 or submitting tips anonymously through Silent Witness.

(Source)

📉 Ann Arbor schools examine student enrollment drop 

The Ann Arbor Board of Education is reviewing the district’s student enrollment numbers, which have dropped slightly to just over 17,000. Dan Berger, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Research, assured that while statewide enrollment fell by 16.5% between 2002 and 2023, and Washtenaw County’s decreased by 7.1%, Ann Arbor Public Schools actually saw a 1.6% increase during that time. However, the recent decline reflects broader trends tied to the shrinking school-aged population in Michigan. Over half of families leaving the district cited relocation as their reason. The board will discuss these trends and future strategies during their meeting.

(Source)

🏬 Ann Arbor Running Company Looking for a New Home  

The Ann Arbor Running Company’s downtown space on South Ashley Street is now up for lease, priced between $25 and $35 per square foot annually. The beloved local shop, known for outfitting runners with top-notch gear, shares the building with a fitness studio, Up and Running Performance, located on the second floor. While the future location for the running company hasn’t been announced, the listing could mean changes for this popular spot right in the heart of downtown.

(Source)

🎄 Dive into festive fun around Ann Arbor this weekend!  

This weekend, Ann Arbor and nearby towns are lighting up—literally—with a dazzling display of over 100,000 Christmas lights set to inspire holiday cheer. For a cozy indoor vibe, check out the Tiny Expo Indie Art and Craft Fair at the Ann Arbor District Library, where local makers and artists offer unique gifts perfect for last-minute shopping. Feeling theatrical? “Annie” is taking the stage at The Encore Musical Theatre in Dexter, promising to tug at your heartstrings. Whether you’re soaking in the magic of lights or browsing handmade treasures, Washtenaw County is buzzing with holiday spirit from Dec. 13-15.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

☀️ High: 24°F, Low: 14°F

Mainly sunny and cold with light winds. 

Tomorrow

🌥️ High: 38°F, Low: 32°F

Mostly cloudy with increasing cloud cover during the day. Light rain expected late at night. 

AROUND TOWN

🍽️ A Delicious December Tradition at Zingerman’s  

Zingerman’s cofounder, Ari Weinzweig, is back with his beloved “Best of 2024 Tasting” event at the iconic Ann Arbor deli. On December 18, Ari will showcase and share samples of his favorite Zingerman’s delicacies, diving into the unique stories and flavors behind each choice. This annual event is famously popular, so snagging a $70 ticket in advance is recommended (zingermansdeli.com). If you’re lucky, tickets might still be available at the door. Head to 422 Detroit Street from 6:30–8:30 p.m. for an unforgettable night of foodie fun.

🎵 Candlelit Holiday Harmonies

Join the Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., on December 13 at 7:30 PM for an enchanting candlelit evening of music. Featuring a mixed ensemble of Michigan’s finest musicians, this performance, arranged by R. MacKenzie Lewis, brings unique and playful adaptations to holiday and everyday favorites. The intimate setting highlights the rich colors and personalities of the ensemble, offering a fresh take on familiar tunes. Don’t miss this warm and festive musical experience—perfect for the holiday season!

🎉 Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial Finale

Celebrate Ann Arbor’s 200th anniversary at the city’s final bicentennial event on December 14 at Skyline High School, 2552 N. Maple Rd. The festivities kick off at 6:00 PM with a reception and art exhibit, followed by the formal program at 8:00 PM. Highlights include musical performances by Skyline students, the “Next 100 Years” stage production, a bicentennial poem by Aaron Dworkin, and a video tribute from the Community Television Network. Don’t miss this memorable evening of history, art, and community as we honor Ann Arbor’s past, present, and future.

🔍 Solve the Mystery Over Dinner

Get ready for a night of laughs and intrigue at The Dinner Detective, America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show! Happening Saturdays from December 7 to December 21 at 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti, the show runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Enjoy a full plated dinner while unraveling a hilarious mystery, where the culprit—and maybe even the Prime Suspect—could be sitting right next to you. With actors hidden among the audience, this immersive experience guarantees surprises, laughter, and a thrilling evening. Tickets are $69.99 and include the show, dinner, and gratuity—don’t miss it!

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

SMARTER EVERYDAY

Clever Home Hack;

Want greener, healthier houseplants?

Rotate their pots weekly.

Plants instinctively grow toward light, so a little "turntable treatment" promotes balanced growth. 🪴☀️

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