UM Professor, Dr. Susan Murphy, is one of this year's MacArthur Foundation 'Geniuses'

Wed, 09/25/2013 - 12:06pm by sernabad

This morning, Dr. Susan Murphy, the H.E. Robbins Professor of Statistics and Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Michigan, was awarded one of two dozen new MacArthur Fellows,

Dr. Murphy's current focus is on adaptive intervention, which involves developing plans to work with patients who have chronic or relapsing illnesses (such as, substance abuse or depression) where effective courses of treatment are constantly adjusted for maximum benefit.

Novelist Karen Russell is another new Fellow. The first story in her debut collection, St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves (2006) served as the basis for her much acclaimed first novel, Swamplandia (2011), set in the Everglades and narrated by 13-year-old Ava. Swamplandia was one of three finalists for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. Alas, no award in that category was given last year, due to the lack of the minimum required number of votes.

These "Genius Awards", as they are affectionately known, come with no strings attached. The Fellows are free to spend the money as they wish. This year, the Geniuses received a raise. The formerly half-million dollar reward has been bumped to $625,000, paid out yearly for five years.

For a complete list of the MacArthur Foundation Fellows for the Class of 2013, check here.

Developmental Screening for Children

Tue, 09/24/2013 - 7:03pm by Beth Manuel

Are you interested in learning more about your young child's growth & development? If you do and live in Washtenaw County, you can take part in the Ages & Stages Questionnaire or ASQ-3 This screening tool can help you understand more about your child's development from 2 months to 5 years of age. On-going developmental screening in the early years can help to ensure that children are on track, and can help identify areas where additional support may be needed. The ASQ-3 includes questions about your child's communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal social skills. If you live outside of Washtenaw County and have concerns about your child's development, you my want to contact: Early On, call 1-800-Early On or go to 1800earlyon.org.

Dawn Farm Jamboree!

Wed, 09/04/2013 - 12:35pm by Beth Manuel

Head on down to Dawn Farm's Fantastic 40th Anniversary Jamboree on Sunday, September 8th, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm! Admission and all activities are FREE! This is a great family activity with hayrides, pony rides, and a children’s tent, too. Visit the working farm or bid on unique items in both silent and live auctions. Funds raised from the auctions will help support critical addiction services for individuals who need help and lack resources. For more information, or if you would like to volunteer at the event, call 734-485-8725.

Purple Rose: The Vast Difference

Wed, 09/04/2013 - 10:25am by annevm

The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea is presenting "The Vast Difference," a comedy by Jeff Daniels from September 19 to December 14.
From the Purple Rose website: "George Noonan is having a mid-life crisis. The father of five girls and a flight attendant for a small Midwestern airline, he is scheduled to have a vasectomy. As he works up the courage to go through with the procedure, George becomes reflective on his struggles with his career, living up to his father's expectations, and the nature of "being a man" in the modern world. Contains mild adult language and themes." The play is directed by Guy Sanville. Tickets may be purchased here.

Health Care 2014

Wed, 08/14/2013 - 9:47am by Beth Manuel

Do you have questions about Health Care? Like millions of Americans, you probably do. As you may have heard, in 2014 the landscape of health care options will change drastically for some people. This site will answer all of your questions and even some you didn't know you had. If you have additional questions you'd like answered in person, click here for information on a Community Forum scheduled for Thursday, August 22. For more health related sites that have been vetted by AADL staff, check out our health-related Select Sites.

Great Start Readiness Pre-School Program

Tue, 08/06/2013 - 12:47pm by Beth Manuel

Give your pre-schooler the benefit of early-childhood education. Your family may qualify for Free Public Pre-School. The Great Start Readiness Program prioritizes children by
risk factors that may typically be a barrier to success in school. To see if you or a family you know qualifies for this program call your local United Way 2 1 1 line, or go to this website for more information.

Double Up Food Bucks!

Fri, 08/02/2013 - 3:57pm by Beth Manuel

If you receive Public Food Assistance, you can receive Double Up food Bucks and buy twice the amount of goods at area Farmer's Markets. This program allows recipients to spend any amount up to $20.00 per day using your Bridge Card to purchase Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB). Double that $20 to $40 by spending it on healthy, delicious Farmers Market foods like bread, baked goods plus fruits and vegetables. What a fantastic way to stretch your food budget!

AADL Talks To Ann Arbor Police Chief John Seto

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 5:58pm by oldnews

In July, 2012, Ann Arbor promoted "one of its own" to Police Chief and Safety Services Director. John Seto joined the Ann Arbor Police Department in 1990 and served as patrol officer, detective, SWAT team leader, and Interim Safety Services Director. Chief Seto talked with us about his long career at the AAPD, how he came to Ann Arbor and his vision for the Department in the 21st century. He recalled his first day in a patrol car, joining the ranks of officers signing the guest book at Drake's Sandwich Shop, and moving into the new Justice Center.

Ann Arbor businesses validate parking tickets

Wed, 07/17/2013 - 3:34pm by annevm

If you're searching for businesses in Ann Arbor that will validate your parking ticket, search no more. The Downtown Development Authority
recently put this list on their website. Look in the parking info below the map.

Described Video Service/DVS

Wed, 07/10/2013 - 11:09am by Beth Manuel

AADL continues to grow its collection of films that have a Descriptive Video Service or DVS feature. More films are being produced for children and adults that are Described Video Recordings for L Card users to borrow. There are comedies, action, animation, horror and science fiction films available. Many can be sent by mail to our WLBPD patrons as Free Matter for the Blind. If there's a member of your family who has been missing out on movies due to low-vision, look at our list of described videos that you can watch together!