School district prepares to tighten budget
At a special virtual meeting of the Manchester Community Schools Board of Education last Monday, two budget-related personnel decisions were made by the board. According to Kevin Upton, interim superintendent, during the past year, it has been challenging for the district to meet increasing budget demands created by a decreasing revenue and shrinking enrollment. “The […]
Cloth face masks, CDC recommended sew & no-sew options
Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the recommendation that everyone wear cloth face masks or coverings in public, especially in areas where COVID-19 is being transmitted by community spread, like Washtenaw. They ask that the public wear cloth coverings and that surgical masks and N-95 respirators continue to be reserved […]
MCS looking at ways to continue programs as school closes early
On Thursday, April 2, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an Executive Order suspending face-to-face instruction for all public and private K-12 schools for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. In a letter to parents dated Saturday, April 4, Interim Superintendent Kevin Upton said, “this raises numerous questions for our students, families, and staff. We are […]
Easter at St. Mary’s
For the people of St. Mary Catholic Church and for Christians throughout the world, Eastertime is sacred, joyful, and glorious – the summit of the Church year! And in anticipation, special prayers and services are held during the Holy Week leading up to Easter, especially during the three days called the “Sacred Triduum” (from Holy […]
Impact of COVID-19 on the Adult Learners Institute
submitted by Joan Gaughan, Chelsea ALI Although the closure of most of the venues for the Chelsea Adult Learners has forced the cancellation of all our classes for the rest of the Winter/Spring term, there are many positive things about the coronavirus lockdown. It has allowed us to re-read War and Peace, Leviticus, and the Encyclopedia […]
Supporting health care workers in times of crisis
As the COVID-19 crisis continues into its third week in Michigan, residents are thankful for those on the front lines of the crisis, particularly those working in the health care profession. While many of us are home in quarantine, with children and/or other family members, and trying to stay safe, others are working each day […]
Congregations find new ways to connect in the age of COVID-19
During these strange days of self-imposed quarantines, cancellations, and closures, life for those who regularly attend church services is being deeply affected by the recent and rapid changes to this integral part of their lives. Most local churches have closed their doors and have shifted to online platforms. Even the few who had determined to […]
Village DPW, water crew, and admin staff remain on the job
As “critical infrastructure workers,” Village of Manchester employees in water, wastewater treatment, public works, and their support staff will continue working through the COVID-19 crisis. While the doors of Village Hall are locked to ensure social distancing, administrative staff, DPW, and water treatment workers will continue to work in the office. Phones are answered at […]
5 Healthy Towns suspending coalition activity for at least 60 days
5 Healthy Towns, which funds many interventions in Manchester, most recently including school gardens, MCS kids’ summer camp, Acorn Farmers Market and Café, Run Manchester, Link Crew at the High School, Dance Manchester, the Manchester Farmer’s Market, SRSLY Manchester, the Community Garden, Adaptive Movement and Safe Routes to School, is suspending its coalition activity during […]
What to do if you don’t receive census info in the mail
Manchester residents should have by now received their census information in the mail. For Bridgewater, Freedom and Sharon Township residents, this should be a paper form to fill out and return. For Manchester Township residents, including Village residents, this should be a postcard inviting you to complete the census online or by phone. But, because […]
