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Tom Hayden: A Call to Battle Against the Climate Crisis

Tom Hayden, a U-M graduate and California environmental leader, discusses his work as an activist, and how Michigan and the Great Lakes region can move the U.S. towards the protections of a clean energy economy. He believes the problems of economic recession and climate crisis must be addressed in a Global Green New Deal.

After over 50 years of activism, politics, and writing, Tom Hayden is still a leading voice for ending the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, for eradicating sweatshops, saving the environment, and reforming politics through a more participatory democracy. He was a leader of the student, civil rights, peace and environmental movements of the 1960s, and went on to serve 18 years in the California legislature, where he chaired labor, higher education and natural resources committees.

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City of Ann Arbor 2014 Sustainable Ann Arbor Forum: Local Food

Come join the conversation about sustainability in Ann Arbor! The City and the Ann Arbor District Library host the third annual Sustainable Ann Arbor series. The series includes four events (held monthly and ending in April) with each focusing on a different element of sustainability from Ann Arbor’s sustainability framework.

This final event in the series centers on Local Food, including highlights from the Ann Arbor farmers market, our local food economy, and tips on how to support and participate in Ann Arbor's local food system. Panelists include ​Jenna Bacolor, Executive Director, Community Education & Recreation Ann Arbor Public Schools; Hillary Bisnett, Healthy Food in Healthcare Project Director, Ecology Center​​​​; Sarah DeWitt​, Farmers Market Manager, City of Ann Arbor​; Robert Grese, Director, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum; Professor, UM School of Natural Resources and Environment; and Yousef Rabhi​, Chair, Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners;

Each program will include a series of short presentations followed by a question and answer session. The forums offer an opportunity to learn more about sustainability in the community and tips for actions that residents can take to live more sustainably. Details of this series, and information and videos from current and past Sustainable Ann Arbor Forums, are posted on the City's website.

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City Of Ann Arbor 2014 Sustainable Ann Arbor Forum: Climate and Adaptation

Come join the conversation about sustainability in Ann Arbor! The City and the Ann Arbor District Library host the third annual Sustainable Ann Arbor series. The series includes four events (held monthly and ending in April 2014) with each focusing on a different element of sustainability from Ann Arbor’s sustainability framework.

This third event in the series centers on Climate and Adaptation, including a discussion of current adaptation and resiliency strategies within the community; an introduction of the newly launched Community Climate Partnership, a coalition of community stakeholders working to further support the City’s Climate Partnership; and how to take steps to both mitigate and adapt to climate change.

A think tank of local stakeholders including representatives from community organizations, City of Ann Arbor staff, and Washtenaw County staff will join the public to discuss local sustainability efforts and challenges in our community. Panelists for this event include Rebecca Esselman, Watershed Planner, Huron River Watershed Council; Mike Garfield, Director, Ecology Center; Susan Hutton, Vice Chari, City of Ann Arbor Environmental Commission; Monica Patel, Policy Specialist, Ecology Center; Mike Shriberg, Education Director, Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute; Lecturer, Program in the Environment (PitE) & Michigan Community Scholars Program (MCSP); and Melissa Stults, Science Research Fellow, University of Michigan; Commissioner, City of Ann Arbor Park Advisory Commission and Environmental Commission

The forums offer an opportunity to learn more about sustainability in the community and tips for actions that residents can take to live more sustainably. Details of this series will be posted online at www.a2gov.org/sustainability.

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Beyond the Telescope: A Storyteller's Guide to the Night Sky With Star Lore Historian Mary Stewart Adams

Mary Stewart Adams, star lore historian, Fairy Tale Moons creator, and program director for the Headlands International Dark Sky Park (two miles west of Mackinaw City), weaves together contemporary understanding of our celestial environment with the star lore of ages for this engaging journey through the night sky.

Human beings can, on average on clear evenings, see between five and seven thousand objects in the sky. Scientists, using telescopes and satellites, have been able to identify over 900 million. A story is unfolding in this space between the seven thousand objects seen with the naked eye and the 900 million objects identified by scientists -- a story of our understanding of who we are, where we come from, and where this all might be going.

Mary Stewart Adams addresses this subject as a storyteller and sky observer and will discuss the necessity of imagination and inspiration in our developing sense of ourselves in our celestial environment. She will discuss recent discoveries such as the comets Pan-STARRS and ISON; the celestial configuration with Venus as evening star preparing for Winter Solstice; Jupiter's position in our evening skies; the Geminid and Ursid Meteor Showers and much more.

This event is in conjunction with the Fairy Tale Moons exhibit on display at the Downtown Library from December 3 through January 14. For this exhibit, star lore historian Mary Stewart Adams and her sister, artist Patricia DeLisa, researched and explored our best-loved folk and fairy tales in order to reveal, through their art and language, our connection with the stars overhead each month.

Check out some of the books and tales that inspired the artwork of Fairy Tale Moons!

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Up From Ashes: The Making of the Traverwood Branch

What goes into building a Library? Concerned with sustainability, the developers of the Traverwood Branch of the AADL took a unique approach to the building process by harvesting hundreds of ash trees devastated by the Emerald Ash Borer and reusing the trees in the construction of the building. 'Up From Ashes,' produced by KDN Films in Madison Heights, Michigan, captures each step of the Traverwood Branch construction process, a process that combined both primitive and modern construction methods.

In this hour-long documentary, director Bill Kubota treats viewers to a behind-the-scenes look at drawing board designs, deadlines, and one-ton draft horses harvesting the lumber. Also captured on film is the anxiety of the development team as design and structure challenges arise and are dealt with.

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City Of Ann Arbor 2014 Sustainable Ann Arbor Forum: Healthy Ecosystems

The City and the AADL are hosting the third annual Sustainable Ann Arbor Series, which will include four events (held monthly and ending in April), each focusing on a different element of sustainability from Ann Arbor’s Sustainability Framework.

This second event in the series centers on Healthy Ecosystems, including an overview of Ann Arbor’s urban and community forest, tips for sustainable landscaping, yard design, and stormwater management at home.

A think tank of local stakeholders including representatives from community organizations, City of Ann Arbor staff, and Washtenaw County staff discuss local sustainability efforts and challenges in our community. Panelists for this session include: Bonnie Bona​, Project Manager, Clean Energy Coalition; Commissioner, City of Ann Arbor Planning Commission; Kerry Gray, Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Coordinator, City of Ann Arbor; Roger Moon, Master Rain Gardener,Washtenaw County Master Rain Gardener Program; Evan Pratt, Water Resources Commissioner, Office of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner; and Harry Sheehan, Environmental Manager, Office of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner​.

Each program will include a series of short presentations followed by a question and answer session, offering an opportunity to learn more about sustainability in the community and tips for residents.

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City Of Ann Arbor 2014 Sustainable Ann Arbor Forum: Equality In Planning

The City and the AADL are hosting the third annual Sustainable Ann Arbor Series, which will include four events (held monthly and ending in April), each focusing on a different element of sustainability from Ann Arbor’s Sustainability Framework.

This first event centers on Equality In Planning, and includes a discussion of countywide projects supported by Washtenaw County’s recent three-million dollar Housing and Urban Development grant. The projects aim to expand existing affordable and energy efficient housing options, engage underrepresented residents, and foster community development in the region.

A think tank of local stakeholders including representatives from community organizations, City of Ann Arbor staff, and Washtenaw County staff will join the public to discuss local sustainability efforts and challenges in our community. This month's panelists include:Amanda Edmonds, Executive Directors, Growing Hope; Jennifer Hall, Executive Director, Ann Arbor Housing Commission; Jamie Kidwell, Sustainability Associate, City of Ann Arbor; Charo Ledon, Executive Director, Casa Latina; Sarah Teare, Community Development Director, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley; and Stephen Wade, Management Analyst, Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development.

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In Charge Of Energy

As energy prices and greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, it has never been more important to identify and capture opportunities for energy efficiency. Speakers from the City of Ann Arbor, the Downtown Development Authority, and Clean Energy Coalition tackle this important topic and encourage discussion by highlighting local efforts including electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging stations, and building energy efficiency.

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City Of Ann Arbor 2013 Sustainable Ann Arbor Forums: Planning for Change In Our Community: Transportation Options

This fourth and final session in a series of monthly discussions centers on transportation options, including the transition to more fuel-efficient modes of transit, such as electric vehicles, and non-motorized planning efforts in the community. Building on the public forums from last year, the 2013 forums will focus on planning for change in the community. A think tank of local stakeholders, including University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations, and city commissioners, join City of Ann Arbor staff and the public to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts--past, present and future. The presentations will discuss conditions that are changing in the community and past and potential actions to adapt to change. Each program will also include tips for individual actions that residents may take.Speakers include: John Hieftje, Mayor, City of Ann Arbor; Erica Briggs, Project Manager, Clean Energy Coalition; Nathan Voght, Economic Development Specialist, Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development; Eli Cooper, Transportation Programs Manager, City of Ann Arbor; Michael Benham, Strategic Planner, AATA

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City Of Ann Arbor 2013 Sustainable Ann Arbor Forums: Planning For Change in Our Community: Diverse Housing

This third in a series of four discussions (held monthly and ending in April) centers on Diverse Housing, including how to meet the current and future needs of the community with changing housing demographics, such as older residents, a high rental population, and affordability. Building on the public forums from last year, the 2013 forums focus on planning for change in the community. A think tank of local stakeholders, including University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations, and city commissioners, join City of Ann Arbor staff and the public to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts--past, present and future. The presentations discuss conditions that are changing in the community and past and potential actions to adapt to change. Each program will also include tips for individual actions that residents may take.Speakers include: Steve Bredernitz, Bredernitz Professional Services; Eunice Burns, Ann Arbor resident and former Ann Arbor City Council member; Ryan Cowmeadow, HomeShare Coordinator, Housing Bureau for Seniors; Karen Kafantaris, Associate State Director, AARP; and Wendy Rampson, Planning Manager, City of Ann Arbor.