County distributing free masks in Manchester
As we prepare for colder weather and more indoor activities, masks will continue to be vital to limit the spread of COVID-19. To improve access across the County, the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development is working with 25 community partners to distribute 10,000 free masks to lower income residents in the coming […]
Just a boy and his dog
Luke Walsh may be only nine years old, but he has already learned some pretty big life lessons. When he was six, he decided he wanted a dog. And not just any dog! His parents told him he needed to prove he'd be able to take care of a smaller pet for a while so […]
Washtenaw issues mask, occupancy, event size limit, and screening protocol orders
Monday afternoon, the Washtenaw County Health Department released local emergency public health orders to keep COVID-19 prevention and control strategies in place in Washtenaw County, given that Michigan Executive Orders are now uncertain. Washtenaw County Health Officer Jimena Loveluck, MSW, has issued countywide orders on the use of face coverings, social gatherings, bar and restaurant […]
Sharon Township considers 'green' burial practices in cemetery addition
A planned expansion of the Sharon Township cemetery is progressing, with part of the process including the Planning Commission working on revising the township's ordinance to have more green burial information. Sharon Township trustee and sexton, Trudi Cooper, says, "My intention is to slowly begin a conversation about green burial, and later this year to […]
Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café – Acorn is moving to a new location
submitted by Ruth VanBogelen, Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café Board Less than a month ago, the Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café Board of Directors (Acorn BOD) announced that the Patronicity campaign was a success, raising almost $56,000 – and two weeks ago Acorn BOD learned that the MEDC match of $50,000 was approved. The excitement […]
Manchester asks where is my absentee ballot? Will my vote count if I vote by absentee ballot?
Last week, many Manchester residents checked their mailbox and wondered if their absentee ballot should have already arrived. Some residents had received theirs and others hadn’t. We reached out to the clerks of Manchester, Bridgewater, Sharon, and Freedom Townships to ask when their township’s residents should expect to receive requested absentee ballots. Valisa Bristle, Freedom […]
CROP Walk raises more than $3,000 on a drizzly day
A total of 26 walkers with four dogs raised over $3,000 for the CROP hunger walk on Sunday, with more to come in, according to local chair Marlene Uphaus. There were also many virtual walkers who contributed, but chose to not come to the event due to the rain threat and COVID-19. The good news […]
Manchester area candidates & proposals included in Washtenaw voters' guide
submitted by Lynne Kochmanski, Vice President League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area The League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area, which serves all of Washtenaw County, is urging voters to prepare for the upcoming November 3 General Election, by visiting VOTE411.org, and also by taking advantage of the local printed […]
Help youth stay tobacco and nicotine free in the new school year
submitted by the Washtenaw County Health Department Vaping use continues to rise among youth. Washtenaw County Health Department encourages parents, health care providers, and community members to talk honestly about the ill effects of nicotine and remind them that e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative. Scientists are still learning about COVID-19 and nicotine use, but […]
Annual "Buddy Walk" goes virtual for 2020
Although the annual Down syndrome Buddy Walk, sponsored by the Down Syndrome Support Team (DSST), is usually held with great fanfare and hundreds of participants gathering in Ann Arbor's Gallup Park, this year, like so many others, it saw a scaled-down "virtual" version of the fund-raising event. About 30 Manchester families, supporters, and several dogs, […]
