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Approximately 5% of children will experience stuttering. Many will recover by late childhood with adult support or intervention, but it is best to respond as soon as possible, as early intervention can help mitigate later difficulties.  Whether you’re concerned about your own child, the child of a friend, or merely want to be more educated about stuttering, the Stuttering Foundation has several free resources available.  They are the largest global nonprofit that works toward “the prevention and improved treatment of stuttering,” and reaches over a million people every year.  The Stuttering Foundation has recently donated their DVD, “Kids Who Stutter: Parents Speak”, to multiple libraries nationwide. You can easily view it for free at home here.  While the Ann Arbor District Library does not have the DVD, they can fill…

A group of 407 faculty, staff, and students at the University of Michigan has sent an open letter to U-M President Santa Ono regarding health and safety concerns in connection to the mask policy. The group is asking to meet with the president to discuss a change that allows instructors to decide if their students should wear masks in class. “We have written an open letter addressed to President Santa Ono about our health and safety concerns,” Sovoya Davis said, a second-year doctoral student and first-year Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) at U-M. “We emailed this letter on Oct. 19, along with testimonials from community members. In addition to the open letter, there is currently a social media campaign. Anonymous testimonials of community members who have been impacted by UM’s current…

[caption id="attachment_1422" align="alignleft" width="392"] photos courtesy of YDL[/caption] The Ypsilanti District Library celebrated the grand opening of their newest Superior Branch on November 14, with over 200 visitors who came out to explore the facility.  The ribbon-cutting ceremony was commemorated by Patricia Horne McGee, the President of the library board, along with Library Director Lisa Hoenig, Branch Manager Mary Garboden, and members of the library board. The Superior Branch had been in the planning stages for nearly fifteen years. What was meant to serve as a temporary location became a long-term site when building plans were put on hold in 2008.  “We wanted to provide much better service to the surrounding neighborhoods and the rest of our district,” said Stacey Palazzolo, adult librarian. “This area needed a community center where…

The iconic arts organization, Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP), will hold its silent auction from December 1-3—in-person and online—and preview their 27th Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, scheduled in March. A live “winter soiree” will be held on Dec. 3 to welcome those who are interested in PCAP’s work and the community at the University of Michigan will be held at the Michigan Union Courtyard from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.  The events showcase some of the most notable artists from around the state, inside and outside of prison, further establishing PCAP at the forefront of intersecting social justice and the art world. The 2022 Art Auction includes the highly sought-after impressionistic paintings of Oliger Merko and Andy Wynkoop, expert line work by…

Annual Indie Art & Craft Fair Are you still looking for the perfect gift for that special someone this holiday season? Well, have no fear, Ann Arbor District Library’s Tiny Expo is here (almost...coming Dec. 10)! This shopping extravaganza features over 40 local artisans and crafters selling handmade wares all in one convenient location – right downtown Ann Arbor at the library on 5th Avenue. Before diving into the impressive vendor list and their stunning array of wares, please consider why you should shop local. By shopping at Tiny Expo, you will find unique gift items, receive great deals and quality products, experience better customer service, support small, local businesses, contribute to your local economy and benefit the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. 2022 Vendor List a.mess.of.photos | hand-carved…

Bundle up and come enjoy the many holiday markets happening in the Ann Arbor area over the next several weeks! There are a variety of upcoming holiday- and winter-themed events to help you and your family get into the spirit of the season (and maybe even finish your holiday shopping!). Below are several different holiday markets to explore. Bløm’s Midnight Madness Holiday Party + Market Bløm Meadworks is holding a holiday party and market on the first Friday in December. Enjoy hot mulled mead on a festive patio while listening to live music from local band Mercury Salad.  As you shop from local artists and artisans, you can even earn rewards. The event coordinators are offering free Mindo chocolate flights for purchases over $50 and free Bløm tee shirts for…

Local craft breweries will participate in a tournament for a cause at the Fowling Warehouse Ypsi Ann Arbor. On Dec. 8 from 6-10 p.m, 20 craft breweries will compete in this charity event called Breweries vs Frostbite.  Fowling is a sport which combines bowling and football.  Players take turns throwing a football at 10 bowling pins until one team knocks them all down. The set up of the game loosely resembles cornhole and other backyard games. More information on the official rules of the game can be found here.  This charity tournament will support Ozone House Ypsilanti, helping over 1400 homeless youth in Washtenaw County.  Ozone House Ypsilanti provides intensive intervention and prevention services to help young people live healthy lives. They have been providing housing and support services to…

There are few things more filled with love and community than sitting down to a giant holiday dinner or potluck with all your loved ones. But if your child or a loved one has a food allergy, a holiday that’s supposed to be about love and family suddenly takes on a far scarier note. Depending on the allergy, exposure to the allergen can cause your loved one to be in pain or can even put them in the hospital.  I have celiac’s disease, which has greatly negatively impacted my ability to participate in meals cooked by other people. This has also had a negative impact on my mental health–often people with new allergen diagnoses are referred to a therapist to help them navigate the social isolation and severe anxiety that…

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Journalist Hadley Freeman interviewed Aries actor William Shatner when he was 90. She was surprised to find that the man who played Star Trek's Captain Kirk looked 30 years younger than his actual age. "How do you account for your robustness?" she asked him. "I ride a lot of horses, and I'm into the bewilderment of the world," said Shatner. "I open my heart and head into the curiosity of how things work.”  I suggest you adopt Shatner's approach in the coming weeks, Aries. Be intoxicated with the emotional richness of mysteries and perplexities. Feel the joy of how unknowable and unpredictable everything is. Bask in the blessings of the beautiful and bountiful questions that life sends your way. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Of all the…

You won’t find Ralph Furley or Larry Dallas at this Ypsilanti's lounge throwing back a few, trying to impress the ladies, but you will find some tasty barbecue and plenty of Michigan’s best music.  This past September, when Mazinga, Bubak, and Blowhole performed at The Regal Beagle Lounge, located at 817 East Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti, fans and members fondly reminisced about the characters from the TV show “Three’s Company,” from which the bar takes its name.  Far from resembling the swinging, pick-up joint frequented by Jack Tripper, it’s recently become known by locals for its mouth-watering menu and its regular schedule of live music. Not Your Usual Bar Fare I recently caught up with Kurt Trowell, Pit-Master extraordinaire at The Regal Beagle, and talked about the place.  Shortly after…