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A rail project that began in 2011 has gained momentum, thanks to recent federal grant funding provided by the US Department of Transportation. Dubbed the A2TC Train, this commuter rail service has the potential to connect Ann Arbor to Traverse City, with stops in several small towns along the way. Jim Bruckbauer, transportation director at the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, has been working to make this transportation option a reality. “We, at Groundwork, are exploring the possibility of passenger train service along a state-owned and active set of tracks that run between southeast Michigan and Traverse City,” Bruckbauer said. “The line would reconnect mid and northern Michigan to the other rail lines in the state and help Michigan travelers have more options for getting around the state.” The Benefits…

Free Mom Hugs(FMH) is a national non-profit organization founded in 2018 that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community through education, visibility, and conversations. FMH attends LGBTQ+ events gleefully offering hugs, and positive affirmations to thousands.  Arleta Greer, vice president of the board of directors for Free Mom Hugs of Michigan, states that the beauty of FMH is in its dedication to advocating for LGBTQ+ youth. [caption id="attachment_797" align="alignright" width="225"] Photo Credit Arleta Greer.[/caption] “We offer parental support and love that people in the LGBTQ+ community do not get from their parents. You do not have to be a mom, to be a free mom hugger. Just be willing to meet them right where they are, listen to their stories, and give love," said Greer. “In this community, this younger generation is…

  Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) is finishing up its scheduled live, in-person “Mocha + Murals: Walking Mural Tours,” but has a related upcoming talk on Oct. 2 for all ages.  The purpose of the tours was to educate attendees about the array of murals throughout downtown Ann Arbor as well as to highlight the artists themselves. [caption id="attachment_789" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Detailed organic flowers and engineering gears share space to pave the road ahead. Photo courtesy A2AC Mural Activity book.[/caption] It was titled “Mocha + Murals” because Zingerman’s Community of Businesses supplied the chocolate java drinks and pastries while the artwork and artists were featured. We interviewed Thea A. Eck, Exhibitions Director, to find out more information. “The Mocha + Mural program corresponds with the current Main gallery exhibition, ‘Beyond…

[caption id="attachment_781" align="alignleft" width="195"] Bill Morrison drew a spoof of the 2016 "Captain America: Civil War" movie poster, replacing the Marvel characters with characters from "The Simpsons" and "Futurama." Image courtesy of Morrison.[/caption] Award-winning cartoonist Bill Morrison knows a thing or two about satire.  An alumnus of Lincoln Park High School and the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Morrison, 63, has worked on “The Simpsons” – prime-time TV’s longest-running sitcom and longest-running animated series – and has been editor-in-chief of “MAD Magazine.”  Morrison, who lives in St. Clair Shores with his wife Kayre, will be one of more than 100 vendors and authors at the inaugural Plymouth-Canton Bookfest. The Event will be held Sunday, Oct. 2 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex (PARC), located at…

Joseph Alcocer is now the music director of the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra (YYO). His appointment was recently announced by Claudia Young Hunter, president pro tem of the Board of Directors. The YYO is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1999. Music education and performance opportunities to over two hundred Ypsilanti and area students is offered through this organization. It serves youth of diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic status and is tuition-free for students and families Alcocer is the second person to hold that title, following in the footsteps of YYO Founder and Music Director, William Hayes. Alcocer has been involved with the YYO since early 2022. He is also the Orchestra Director at Tappan Middle School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in violin performance from Huston-Tillotson University as…