Are you or the kids just not getting the same build-up of excitement for the neighborhood Trick or Treating? Why don’t you try Trick or Treating from a boat! The Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries are hosting a “Trick or Treat Down the River” where you can enjoy trick-or-treating by canoe or kayak. The event is Sunday, October 26 running from noon to 4pm, but you can begin your trip anytime between noon and 4pm. Starting at the Argo Canoe Livery (1055 Longshore Drive, Ann Arbor), people of all ages can take their boat along the Huron River stopping along the way for candy and “swamp muck” from costumed characters.

Bring the whole family! It is $22 per boat, and pre-registration not required. Check out The Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries’ website for more information. Happy Haunting!

Think Local! Local candidate debates will be broadcast live on CTN Channel 19 on Monday, Oct. 13 beginning at 6 p.m. and on Tuesday, Oct. 14, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The sponsors, the League of Women Voters of Ann Arbor, has a complete listing for the debates on their website. Candidates for State House, County Sheriff, District Court Judge, Ann Arbor Mayor, Ann Arbor City Council and Washtenaw Community College Board of Trustees will square off and answer questions posed by the League. A rebroadcast schedule will be published when available.

It's a great time of year for hiking at any of the delightful Ann Arbor city parks, as the leaves are changing color and the blood-thirsty insects finally die off. But don't forget about the terrible beauty underfoot: poison ivy, oak, and sumac. These silent pests are some of the first plants to change color, and they thrive where many a "step had trodden black." You can find poison ivy at the edge of footpaths, on the barks of trees, along fences, or at its most vicious, as autonomous shrubs that branch out laterally.

Although not everyone is allergic to the urushiol oil that causes the weepy, itchy blisters, it's important to be able to recognize the three leaf plants on sight, for the oil can seep into the skin within three minutes of contact. All parts of the plant -- including the roots and berries -- contain the poisonous oil, so be careful when digging in the garden as well. If you do make that unfortunate contact, it's best to wash the area immediately with plenty of soap and water. For more information on the poisonous trio, try the Health and Wellness Resource Center database available on aadl.org.

Stressed about money? Have you lost your home or job? If you are struggling there is help available. Eastern Michigan University Clinic has created a low-cost support group for any adult struggling with financial or housing stress. To attend, call Dr. Perry Francis at 734-487-4410. From the AADL collection, take a look at Stop Foreclosure, a video produced by our local CTN.

...in ESL Conversation Groups at Mallets Creek every Friday from 1:00 to 2:30 in the afternoon, thanks to AADL's partnership with Washtenaw Literacy. If you know someone who is learning English and would like the chance to practice in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere this is the place to be! There are volunteer training sessions throughout the year as well as other opportunities to chat around town. It's FUN & no experience is necessary!

Want to get in the Halloween spirit? Here are several events from AADL and the surrounding area for several age groups that should jump-start your Spook-a-Thon!
The Dark Side of Saline's Oakwood Cemetery by Saline's Historical Society
Sunday, Oct. 12: 5:00 pm
A guided walking tour that discusses disturbing Saline citizens who led unusual lives, or died suddenly, and are buried in the cemetery.
Weird Science Halloween Party
Sunday Oct. 26, 2008: 3 pm - 4 pm at the Pittsfield Library Branch
Ghost Hunting & Paranormal Investigations with The Southeast Michigan Ghost Hunters Society
Thursday Oct. 30, 2008: 7 pm - 8:30 pm Downtown Library (Grade 6 - Adult)
AADL's Halloween Party!
Friday Oct. 31, 2008: 9:30 am - 10 am & 10:30am - 11am Downtown Library (Infant - Grade 3)
Main Street Treat Parade
Friday, Oct.31: 11 am - 5 pm

You've probably seen those "o" marks on the sidewalks of Tree Town lately. The marks signify that the sidewalks are in need of repair. The City of Ann Arbor has posted procedures for property owners to follow and a very useful 2008 Contractor Pre-Qualified List For Sidewalk Repairs. If you have any questions, phone the Planning Dept. at 734.994.2674.

Are you in need of materials to improve your house but are short on cash? Then take advantage of the anniversary of Habitat ReStore, Habitat For Humanity's outlet store for building and home improvement materials. On September 20 there will be a tent sale featuring silent auction items from 9:00am - 11:00am, as well as name-your-own-price and discounted ReStore items. There will also be a trunk sale where individuals and vendors will have an assortment of their items for sale in the ReStore parking lot. There will be activities for children throughout the day and refreshments will be available from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Bring your family and friends and have fun shopping at Habitat ReStore!

Fall is upon us and that means colder weather, cider mills, changing leaves, and Halloween! With the season of spooks nearing I thought it an appropriate time to warn you all about the upcoming invasion. That's right, on October 26th, 2008, Ann Arbor will be overrun by zombies!! No need to worry though as these zombies have better intentions and motives behind their staggering than the typical zombie. 10/26/08 is the 40th anniversary of Night of the Living Dead and World Zombie Day and to help celebrate people are asked to bring non-perishable food donations to the zombie walk. All donations for the Ann Arbor walk will be given to Ann Arbor’s food bank Food Gatherers.

The walk will start at Espresso Royale