Tuesday, September 29
The law firm of Miller Canfield is celebrating 25 years in Ann Arbor by volunteering time and donating to 25 local nonprofit organizations. The office officially kicked off its anniversary celebration in July by sponsoring the Gladys Knight concert on opening night of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Dubbed “25 for 25,” the celebration will continue through December 2010.
“Our 25th anniversary in Ann Arbor is a milestone bigger than a single-day celebration,” said Joseph Fazio, managing director and head of the Ann Arbor office. “Rather than throwing a party, we decided to celebrate by making a positive impact in our community. We have always supported local charitable and nonprofit organizations—by volunteering, serving on boards, and making financial contributions.”
“While we will continue these efforts, the emphasis of “25 for 25” is more hands on. The folks in our Ann Arbor office wanted to work with these organizations on a more personal level. Volunteer teams are led by employees at all levels,” Fazio said.
Miller Canfield’s Ann Arbor office, which has almost 80 lawyers and staff, began its 25th Anniversary Celebration with these organizations:
• Ann Arbor Art Center - purchased three Bike Hoops in honor of the Center’s 100th Anniversary
• Humane Society of Huron Valley - Walk-n-Wag sponsors and walkers
• Avalon Housing – volunteers planted flowers and vegetable gardens for Parkhurst and Stimson Apartment residents with the Washtenaw County Bar Association, as
part of "Project Grow”
• Bryant Community Center – delivered 50 backpacks and a cash donation to benefit the school’s back-to-school backpack drive for low-income students
• Creekshead Nature Preserve of the Legacy Land Conservancy - volunteers improved visitor trails and beautified pathways
• ElderQuest (Continuing Education at Eastern Michigan University) - volunteers worked a ticket booth at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival Rubber Duckie Race
• Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley - volunteers contributed to the renovation and landscaping of two Habitat homes in Ypsilanti
Upcoming projects include:
• Recycle Ann Arbor
• American Cancer Society
• Food Gatherers
• Neighborhood Senior Services
• Perry Nursery
• Safe House Center
• Toys for Tots
• U.S. troops care packages
Miller Canfield opened its Ann Arbor office in July 1984 when it merged with DeVine, DeVine, Kantor and Serr. The firm offers businesses, governments, nonprofits, individuals and families a broad array of integrated legal and business services in over 55 areas. With Michigan roots for 157 years and a global reach for two decades, the firm has more than 370 lawyers throughout offices in Michigan, Illinois, Florida, New York, Ohio, Canada, Mexico, Poland and China. For more information, visit www.millercanfield.com.
Four Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione Ann Arbor Attorneys Recognized by 2009 Michigan Super Lawyers®
Thursday, September 24
Steven L. Oberholtzer, Eric J. Sosenko, and Lawrence G. Almeda, shareholders in the Ann Arbor office of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., have been named Michigan Super Lawyers® for 2009 in the practice area of Intellectual Property law in the fourth annual survey conducted by Law & Politics magazine. James K. Cleland, also a shareholder, was named one of Michigan Super Lawyers® Rising Stars for the second consecutive year. Rising Stars recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state who are 40 years old or younger, or have been practicing for 10 years or less.
Mr. Oberholtzer is the managing partner of the Ann Arbor office of Brinks and has served on the firm’s Board of Directors. He focuses his practice on patent and trademark counseling, corporate intellectual property policy development, technology licensing, joint development and joint venture relationship agreements, United States Patent and Trademark Office administrative proceedings and patentability and administration of corporate intellectual property portfolios. Mr. Oberholtzer is the principal author of a primer on intellectual property law published in 2006 entitled, The Basic Principles of Intellectual Property Law, the second edition of which was most recently published in June 2009. Mr. Oberholtzer is a resident of Chelsea.
Eric J. Sosenko’s intellectual property law practice at Brinks focuses on the procurement, enforcement and licensing of patents and trademarks in all industrial fields, including the mechanical, electro-mechanical, medical and material arts. In addition to his U.S. practice, Mr. Sosenko has an extensive international practice with significant experience in international protection, both directly with all major foreign intellectual property offices and under various multinational treaties, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty, The Hague Agreement and the Madrid Protocol. Mr. Sosenko is a resident of Green Oak Township.
Lawrence G. Almeda chairs the firm’s Nanotechnology Practice Team. His legal practice focuses on patent procurement and patent opinions involving non-infringement, invalidity and patentability. Mr. Almeda is active in numerous professional and civic groups. He is the President of American Citizens for Justice (ACJ) and was appointed in April 2009 to the Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission for the State of Michigan by Governor Jennifer Granholm. He is a federally-appointed member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, State Advisory Committee. Mr. Almeda is also a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Asian Pacific American Affairs, Assistant Regional Governor of the Central Region for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and a past president of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association. Additionally, he is a member of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, where he serves on the Global Strategic Committee. Mr. Almeda resides in Canton.
James K. Cleland specializes in patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and unfair competition litigation in a broad range of technologies, including the chemical, materials science, mechanical and medical device arts, as well as in client counseling, opinion and licensing work in those same areas. He is a resident of Ann Arbor.
Super Lawyers® is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only five percent of Michigan attorneys have been named to the Super Lawyers® list and no more than 2.5% of the state's young attorneys have been named to the Rising Stars list. The selection process is based on peer nominations, blue ribbon panel review and independent research. For additional information about Super Lawyers®, please visit www.superlawyers.com.
Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with five additional offices across the country, including Ann Arbor, serving the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with more than 180 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents specializing in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, intellectual asset management, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments in fields as diverse as electrical, chemical, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, Internet and computer technology, as well as in trademarks and brand names for a wide variety of products and services. For additional information, visit www.usebrinks.com.
Vintage Financial Services of Ann Arbor announces the addition of Joseph Henderson, CFP® as Senior Financial Planner
Thursday, September 24
Joseph Henderson, CFP® has joined Ann Arbor based Vintage Financial Services as Senior Financial Planner. Vintage Financial is a fee-only, independent wealth management firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 1985, Vintage offers comprehensive financial planning, investment management and income tax preparation services to individuals throughout the U.S. The Firms focus is on helping individuals achieve and maintain financial independence.
Joseph is an industry veteran of sixteen years and has held various management roles throughout his career. He has personally assisted hundreds of families and businesses to achieve their financial goals. Joseph earned his BA in Economics from Wayne State University in 1993 and has earned the industry designations of Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Life Underwriter. He currently resides in Northville, MI with his wife Andrea and their three children. For more about Vintage Financial Services visit www.VintageFS.com.
Mood-lites® and The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center are proud to partner with The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign’s Global Landmark Illumination Initiative to illuminate University Hospital in pink lights to raise awareness about the importance of breast health and early detection.
Wednesday, September 23
Michigan-based company Mood-lites and The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign are proud to announce the first illumination of The University of Michigan’s University Hospital on the evening of Monday, October 12, as part of The Estée Lauder Companies’ 10th Anniversary of it’s Global Landmark Illumination Initiative, a worldwide initiative during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness for breast health and the importance of early detection.
This partnership will raise awareness and money for breast cancer research as the community turns pink with Mood-lites. Mood-lites will donate a portion of sales from the pink bulbs to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center is joining in this Initiative to shine a light on the importance of breast cancer research to find a cure.
Evelyn H. Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Founder and Chairman of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation states: “The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is thrilled to be partnering with Mood-lites and the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center for the 10th Anniversary of our Global Landmark Illumination Campaign. Our goal is to continue to bathe the world in pink lights during October to send out the message to women everywhere to have their breasts checked regularly. Women and men need to know that if a breast cancer is found early, it’s 98% curable. We are also very grateful that Mood-lites is raising funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to find a cure.”
Sofia Merajver, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of the Breast Oncology Program at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center, says: “Breast cancer remains a massive health concern for American women and for women around the world. With the support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, we are able to eliminate obstacles and rapidly accelerate our research to produce huge improvements for the detection and treatment of breast cancer.”
Rachel Wilson, President of University Students Acting Against Cancer at U-M, stated “I am thrilled that we are getting U of M students involved in the Brighten Our World Campaign for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. All too often as students we get wrapped up in our lives, our grades and our drama, but this gives us the opportunity to give back to a cause that is near and dear to all of our hearts and affects so many innocent people.”
This Illumination provides an innovative and unique way to raise money and awareness for breast health and early detection. This year, the Mood-factory is donating $0.50 for each Sassy Mood-lite sold in their online shop and $0.20 sold through wholesalers or retailers to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Nonprofits, government agencies, corporations, communities can purchase Mood-lites at wholesale prices and resell them in their communities keeping the profits for their charity.
Mood-lites can be purchased by visiting www.brightenourworld.com and viewing the calendar to see locations, dates, and times for sale in the area. You can also e-mail info@brightenourworld.com, rlwilson@umich.edu, or call 1.866.353.MOOD (6663). Mood-lites are manufactured by Innovative Analysis, Inc. (dba Mood-factory), headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. The Foundation supports scientists at top universities and academic medical centers worldwide conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research that will lead to prevention and a cure in our lifetime. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.
AATA board approves balanced budget for FY 2010; expects to end current year under budget
Wednesday, September 23
In its ongoing effort to control and reduce expenses, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) Board of Directors has approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2010 which reflects implementation of $828,000 in cost reduction strategies.
Following the meeting, Board Chair David Nacht said, “I am very proud that the AATA staff has strongly supported the goals of the board, and especially our Planning and Development Committee under the leadership of its chair, Ted Annis, in preparing this budget. As always, we are committed to reducing costs and improving efficiencies in the years to come. We are all working hard together so Ann Arbor taxpayers will get the biggest bang for their buck.”
CEO Michael Ford praised Board Member Rich Robben for recommending the implementation of continuous improvement teams, saying, “Following up on Mr. Robben’s recommendations, AATA has worked over the past year to identify cost reduction strategies by setting up several teams, which included both management and union personnel. The overall goal of the teams is to maintain a high level of service to the public, while lowering or limiting the growth of AATA’s operating expenses whenever and wherever possible.”
Over the past year, the teams studied such aspects of AATA’s operations as energy conservation, facility and vehicle maintenance, holiday and paratransit services and employee staffing.
Among the measures identified by the teams and already implemented are the conversion of AATA’s telephone service to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) in partnership with the City of Ann Arbor, the recycling of old bus stop signs, increased efficiencies in the use of personnel and the sale of waste oil to refineries for reprocessing instead of paying vendors to dispose of it.
“In total, the continuous improvement teams were responsible for more than $500,000 in structural savings in fiscal year 2009,” Ford said.
“We have already identified 19 possible opportunities to work toward further cost reductions in 2010. We are also looking at possible savings of close to $200,000 should the board approve a change in the type of fuel we purchase and as part-time drivers are added to the work force.”
The new budget, totaling $25,422,868, includes payments of $320,000 for the local connector study and $200,000 for the commuter express route from Canton, which is funded through a federal grant and passenger fares.
The budget also takes into account AATA’s efficiency-filled five-year labor contract. The agreement has enabled AATA to take major steps toward controlling the future costs of health care for both active and retired employees. The full extent of the savings will be realized in the fifth year of the contract, Ford said.
Along with approval of the 2010 budget, the board also authorized the use of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to supplement the local funding of bus routes serving Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township on a short-term basis while a more permanent funding solution is being explored.
Ford added that AATA expects to come in under budget for fiscal year 2009, which ends on September 30.
Adaptive Materials Demonstrates UGV Power Pod on the iRobot PackBot at Ft. Hood
Wednesday, September 23
Adaptive Materials, the fuel cell company that is leading the portable power revolution, recently demonstrated its prototype 180-watt unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) power pod on an iRobot PackBot at Ft. Hood. Over the 3-day event, the power pod demonstrated that Adaptive Materials’ propane-powered fuel cells could reliably extend the mission duration of the PackBot in a realistic military environment.
Prior to the Ft. Hood event, Adaptive Materials demonstrated twelve hours of continuous PackBot run-time using the power pod.
“Adaptive Materials continues to prove that our fuel cells provide lightweight, portable and reliable power in real world scenarios,” said Michelle Crumm, chief business officer. “Our work not only helps soldiers be more effective in the field, but could also power unmanned vehicles to the front lines, helping to keep soldiers out of harm’s way.”
Adaptive Materials integrated the fuel cell power pod onto the existing iRobot PackBot platform, providing a bolt-on solution that can be installed in minutes. By providing additional power to complement the PackBot’s on-board battery system, Adaptive Materials demonstrated that its UGV power pod, which weighs 6kg with fuel, can enable longer mission durations.
Throughout the demonstration, Adaptive Materials’ UGV power pod fueled the iRobot PackBot across rocky, sandy and other terrain typical in the real world scenarios. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and TARDEC provided support for Adaptive Materials’ UGV power pod work.
In addition to highlighting the capabilities of the UGV power pod, Adaptive Materials discussed the status of ongoing development projects, including adaptation to JP8 fuel, a kerosene-based jet propellant. As a lightweight and flexible power source, Adaptive Materials’ fuel cells reduce soldiers’ weight burden, plus lighten the overall weight of a UGV, helping them to consume less power while traveling farther and accomplishing more mission-critical tasks.
About Adaptive Materials, Inc.
Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the leader in the development and manufacturing of portable power made from solid oxide fuel cell technology. Adaptive Materials is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system powered by lightweight and globally available propane. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices. For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.
It's time to set sail for October's Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt
Tuesday, September 22
The pirate themed Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt will take “Participating Pirates” on a voyage through the wild seas of Ann Arbor and into some of the unique shops and restaurants that make Ann Arbor a must-experience ‘Port of Call’. During the entire month of October, pirates will have a Treasure Map that provides clues guiding them into participating shops, restaurants and galleries all in search of the clue's solution. Once the solution has been located, "capture' the clue on film, and after capturing all of the solutions the pirates send in their photo proof and treasure map for a chance to win a pirate’s chest filled with items that have been collected from a wide variety of Ann Arbor shops. It's a family friendly event, it's no cost to play, and it's open to everyone interested in winning lavish pirate loot.
The Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt was created as a fun event offered to everyone in the area looking for an autumn adventure. Last year over 20 shops, galleries, and restaurants participated in the first annual Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt. The blog had over 3,000 hits in just the month of October.
The goal of the Hunt is to get people downtown, into locally owned shops and provide an opportunity to experience them in a new way. Last year Pirates of all sizes took part in this fun month-long event, and Pirate teams were both large and small. There were families, co-workers and adult groups that all 'picked up arms' and followed the treasure maps around town in hopes of being the lucky pirate team.
For additional information, or to learn how you can participate in the hunt, visit our website or contact Samantha Nielsen Misiak at 734-657-4940.
Should you Bother with Target Date Funds Anymore?
Tuesday, September 22
The recent market shock should remind all investors that there’s no such thing as a single solution investment product that works for everyone. One particular category of investments that became a target of scorn is target date funds, which are mutual funds with investments tailored to the particular retirement date of the account holder.
According to U.S. News and World Report, funds that were designated for individuals retiring in 2010 lost an average of 25 percent of their value in 2008, obviously rewriting the retirement plans of millions who mainly held these funds in their 401(k) plans. Despite the fact that these supposedly diversified investments are supposed to shift most assets into conservative investments as the individual gets closer to retirement, critics have said managers still keep too much stock in these funds near the end.
Over the decade, money has been gushing into these funds, according to the Investment Company Institute. By year end 2006, this fund category held $114.3 billion in assets, up from $12.3 billion in 2001. By the end of 2008, that number had receded to $109 billion. Why the demand? The whole “check it and forget it” mentality made target funds a natural choice for individuals who didn’t want to actively manage their own 401(k) accounts at work. Also, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 gave employers the right to put 401(k) participants in target funds as the “default” choice if the employees don’t make their own selection.
Ibbotson Associates reported in July that after an industry average of six quarterly losses, target date funds finally posted a solid gain at the end of the second quarter. So does that mean it’s time to go back on autopilot again?
It might be a better idea to take a thorough look at your finances. A visit to a financial planning professional should be the first step in determining whether target funds – or other investments – should be part of your retirement rebuilding effort. For instance, some critics say life-expectancy issues are not adequately addressed in target-date plans, and they definitely don’t address scenarios in which you plan to work in retirement or spend your assets in unconventional ways. Also, some critics say that many people may underfund such plans without realizing the correct amounts they should invest to meet their goal. A planner’s job is to advise individuals on an ongoing basis about meeting such goals.
That said, how should you evaluate a target-date fund? Here are some questions you should ask:
Do you know how much money you’ll need to retire? A successful retirement is not all about the retirement date. It’s about the quality and activities you’ll prefer in retirement and how much it will cost to afford them. It is one thing to invest in a fund that promises consistent growth until a scheduled retirement date, but what if you need more growth? What if there are specific tax and spending issues that might interfere with putting the right amount of money into such funds each year? This is why individual advice makes sense.
What about the target funds your employer has selected? Obviously, most employers want to make the right fund choices for employees, but just because they’re offering target funds doesn’t mean they’re offering the right target funds for you and your needs. Keep in mind that most fund choices offered to companies are heavily marketed and might not be the cheapest or most efficient investment choices out there. Always check the Morningstar rating of any fund your 401(k) invests in. Morningstar is a major ratings agency for mutual funds. It’s wise to check the performance of all the funds within your company retirement accounts.
What if you leave your job and take your 401(k) with you? What happens to your targeted investment plan then? You can roll over these assets into another tax-advantaged retirement plan, but what will happen to your annual retirement savings strategy at that point?
What are you paying for a targeted fund? Granted, the investment choices are being made for you, but what are you paying for those choices? Often, these funds are constructed based on a fund-of-funds structure that layers a fee on top of the fees incurred by the individual funds. Always understand the fee structure of any fund you invest in.
This article is provided by Yeo & Yeo, P.C., CPAs and Business Consultants. For more information, contact Alan V. Lapczynski, CPA at Yeo & Yeo’s Ann Arbor office, (734) 769-1331. Yeo & Yeo is a local member in good standing with the Financial Planning Association, producers of the article.
Taking a Fresh Look at Your 401(k) Allocations
Tuesday, September 22
A May survey by Hewitt Associates noted that despite record losses in their 401(k) savings in 2008, individuals stuck with their 401(k) plans. However, more people dealt with their worry about investment conditions by shifting money into more conservative investments. In addition, a significant number of companies either eliminated or cut back significantly on matching employee 401(k) contributions.
Hewitt's annual Universe Benchmarks study, which examines the saving and investment behaviors of more than 2.7 million employees eligible for 401(k) plans, showed that the average 401(k) balance dropped from $79,600 in 2007 to $57,200 at the end of 2008. 44 percent of employees lost 30 percent or more of their savings. Only 11 percent of employees were able to break even or see a gain in their 401(k) portfolios. Even still, 74 percent of employees participated in their 401(k) plans in 2008, about the same as in 2007.
However, the Hewitt survey stated that some workers are reacting to the market downfall by moving 401(k) assets into less risky investment funds to try and blunt their losses. In 2008, 19.6 percent of investors made trades in their 401(k) plans versus 18.7 percent in 2007. And the volume of money they transferred in 2008 was much higher. Nine of the 10 most active trading days were the day after a large downturn in the market, or days with an average return of negative 4 percent. Employees' average equity exposure dropped to just 59 percent in 2008—which is an all-time low since Hewitt began tracking it in 1997. Stable-value funds, which are considered less risky investments, experienced an 11 percent increase in asset allocation in 2008.
That’s why it might be wise for investors to get a fresh start with 401(k) advice as the economy improves. For existing investors or those who have never begun to save or invest for retirement, it might be time to consult a financial planning professional to make sure both personal and work-related retirement savings complement each other.
Some recommendations to keep in mind:
Save even if your company fails to match: This is not the easiest thing to do, but even if your company cuts back on matching, it’s important to try and put additional money into personal retirement investments outside of work. You will still realize the benefit of pre-tax contributions made to your traditional 401(k). And, when you have money automatically taken from your paycheck you are “dollar cost averaging”. That means the fixed dollar amount that comes from your paycheck buys more shares when prices are low, and fewer when prices are high. Thus your average cost per share is lower than the average price per share.
Make sure you contribute to a plan: According to 2006 data from the Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America, more than 22 percent of eligible workers don’t participate in available 401(k) plans. For the companies that are still matching, that’s like giving up free money.
Continue to save while you wait to join a plan: A significant number of companies don’t let you join the 401(k) until you’ve been working there a year. If that’s the case, get in the habit of putting money away for retirement anyway. Start an individual IRA with the funds you would put in the company plan, or set aside money in a savings account so you can supplement your cash flow and put the maximum amount into your 401(k) once you’re allowed to join.
Contribute the maximum: Not every employee can afford to contribute the maximum allowed by the plan, but try. In 2009, the maximum 401(k) contribution will be $16,500, and those 50 and older can make an additional catch-up contribution of $5,500.
Don’t let your company do all the work: More companies are automatically enrolling their workers in their 401(k) plans, but some workers fail to take charge afterward. They don’t know how much they’re allowed to contribute and they don’t discuss or review the types of investments they have in relation to their age or retirement plans. It might make sense to bring an outside investment advisor such as a CFP® professional to review those choices with you.
Avoid poor diversification over time: It’s necessary to do a yearly checkup on all your retirement savings – 401(k) s, individual IRAs and other investments fueling your retirement goals to make sure you’re on track.
Don’t rely on the 401(k) alone: Particularly if matching lags for awhile, 401(k) plans can’t be relied upon as a single source of retirement dollars. You must invest outside your company plans.
Don’t over-invest in company stock: Most financial planners advise that you put no more than 15 to 20 percent of your whole 401(k) portfolio in company stock.
Don’t borrow from the 401(k): The Employee Benefit Research Institute® reports that employees contribute more to plans that let them borrow. Don’t be fooled. A 401(k) shouldn’t be a house fund or a source of emergency cash. You’re taking money out of the account that otherwise would grow tax-deferred, and if you fail to pay back the money, you could face income taxes and penalties. Instead, build an outside emergency fund of three to six months of living expenses you can draw from.
Don’t cash out: Some workers think it’s a great idea to treat a 401(k) as a windfall for when they quit a job. Don’t do it. You’ll pay huge penalties and lose your retirement savings momentum.
Don’t “lose” your old 401(k) accounts: Maybe you’ve changed jobs several times and never got around to moving older, smaller 401(k) accounts from past employers to current ones or into a self-directed retirement account. Always get advice about 401(k) funds when you leave an employer.
This article is provided by Yeo & Yeo, P.C., CPAs and Business Consultants. For more information, contact Alan V. Lapczynski, CPA at Yeo & Yeo’s Ann Arbor office, (734) 769-1331. Yeo & Yeo is a local member in good standing with the Financial Planning Association, producers of the article.
Thinking Ahead About Inflation? Here Are a Few Ways to Protect Yourself
Tuesday, September 22
While the struggling economy has put a vice on inflation, many experts don’t expect things to stay that way for much longer. Why? Many economic experts fear the current level of federal spending will inevitably lead to printing more money, and that’s regarded as an inflationary solution.
As of late August, the federal deficit was estimated at $1.58 trillion and expected to increase roughly $1 trillion more based on the final size of President Obama’s healthcare plan. Even if inflation moves slowly, it’s not a bad idea to at least start thinking about some savings, spending and investment strategies that take inflation into account. Here are a few:
Refinance if it makes sense for you: In March, April and May of 2009, mortgage rates were at 50-year lows. While they’ve largely bounced around in recent months, an economic recovery may mean rates are headed up. If you need advice on whether refinancing is right for you, consider contacting a financial planning professional who can examine your whole financial picture and determine whether the timing and terms of a refinancing make the most sense. A CFP® professional can look at your income, expenses, liabilities and other assets as well as whether your property is adequately insured as replacement costs increase with the rate of inflation.
Consider laddering CDs and other interest-bearing savings vehicles: For emergency funds and other forms of savings, a rising rate environment is actually a good thing. “Laddering” means buying CDs, T-bills or other similar investments consistently, so they’ll mature on a consistent basis. Like the steps of a ladder, this process allows a saver to deposit money on a specific date each month – for example, the first of the month – so as each month goes by at hopefully higher interest rates, you can build the nest egg faster.
Consider TIPS: Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are Treasury securities whose principal and coupon payments are indexed to inflation based on the movements of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Like ordinary Treasury securities, TIPS have a fixed coupon interest rate but principal is adjusted to reflect the inflation rate. If inflation goes up, the amount of principal to be paid at maturity rises. Coupon payments rise along with the principal since the rate is calculated on the principal amount. If your bet goes wrong and there’s deflation, you won’t lose your principal. There’s a floor at par. When rates rise, TIPS lose value, but they tend to lose a little less because of inflation protection. It might be best to own TIPS in an IRA or other tax-advantaged account because the periodic inventory adjustment is subject to ordinary federal tax at intervals before the bond matures.
I-Bonds might be right for you: Series I Savings Bonds, also issued by the U.S. Treasury, might be worth considering after you see rates finally headed upward. I-bonds are sold with a fixed interest rate, which never change, plus an inflation adjustment. It’s a good idea to buy them when the announced fixed rate is high, because you’ll be guaranteed that fixed return over the life of the bond plus any additional inflation adjustments later. The fixed interest rate at issuance guarantees a minimum return, plus any benefits from future inflation adjustments. Purchases of I-Bonds are limited to $10,000 per year per investor, though in addition to your name, you may be able to buy bonds under the name of your spouse, trust account and your children. Before you start buying, it might be a good idea to talk to your tax professional about the potential impact once you redeem them.
This article is provided by Yeo & Yeo, P.C., CPAs and Business Consultants. For more information, contact Alan V. Lapczynski, CPA at Yeo & Yeo’s Ann Arbor office, (734) 769-1331. Yeo & Yeo is a local member in good standing with the Financial Planning Association, producers of the article.
111 Miller Canfield Lawyers Named Best in U.S. – Firm Leads Michigan in Numbers of Lawyers Named
Tuesday, September 22
Miller Canfield announced today that 111 of its lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in the pre-eminent legal referral guide, The Best Lawyers in America® 2010 published by Woodward/White, Inc. The firm has more lawyers named than any other firm in Michigan.
In addition, Miller Canfield ranks number one in Michigan with the most lawyers named in the categories of Banking, Commercial Litigation, Construction, Criminal Defense, Energy, Environmental, Information Technology, Labor and Employment, and Public Finance; and the firm has more lawyers listed from the cities of Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and Troy than any other law firm in Michigan.
Following is a list of Miller Canfield attorneys honored in Best Lawyers® 2010. Twenty-two lawyers were named for the first time this year (*).
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Mark T. Boonstra, Antitrust, Bet-the-Company Litigation and Commercial Litigation; Paul R. Dimond, Real Estate; Bettye S. Elkins, Health Care and Information Technology; Joseph M. Fazio, Real Estate; Robert E. Gilbert, Real Estate; Linda O. Goldberg, Labor and Employment; Marta A. Manildi, Information Technology and Intellectual Property; Sonal Hope Mithani, Commercial Litigation; Thomas C. O’Brien, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Non-White Collar Criminal Defense, White-Collar Criminal Defense, Personal Injury Litigation; Stephen G. Palms, Real Estate; Roselyn R. Parmenter, Health Care; Erik H. Serr, Corporate; Timothy D. Sochocki, Health Care
Chicago
Darryl R. Davidson, Public Finance; Robert T. Zielinski*, Labor and Employment
Detroit, Michigan
Frederick A. Acomb*, Commercial Litigation; Marjory G. Basile, Intellectual Property; Bruce D. Birgbauer, Corporate and International Trade and Finance; Orin D. Brustad, Employee Benefits; Harold W. Bulger, Jr., Public Finance; Beverly Hall Burns, Labor and Employment; Thomas D. Colis*, Public Finance; Donna J. Donati, Labor and Employment; Lawrence M. Dudek, Construction and Real Estate; W. Mack Faison, Commercial Litigation; Adam S. Forman*, Labor and Employment; Brant A. Freer, Public Finance and Tax; Joseph F. Galvin, Land Use & Zoning, Municipal and Real Estate; Leonard D. Givens, Labor and Employment; Jonathan S. Green, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights; Michael W. Hartmann, Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice and Professional Malpractice; Donald W. Keim, Public Finance; Douglas M. Kilbourne, Banking; Stephen S. LaPlante, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights; Thomas W. Linn, Banking; Anthony J. Mavrinac*, Banking; Michael P. McGee*, Public Finance; Patrick F. McGow*, Public Finance; Jeffrey M. McHugh, Public Finance; Samuel J. McKim III, Tax; David K. McLeod, Banking; Christopher A. McMican, Employee Benefits; Megan P. Norris, Labor and Employment; Kathryn L. Ossian, Information Technology; A. Michael Palizzi*, Intellectual Property; Thomas G. Parachini, Commercial Litigation; Joel L. Piell, Public Finance; Clarence L. Pozza, Jr., Bet-the-Company Litigation and Commercial Litigation; Steven A. Roach, Banking; Jerry T. Rupley, Education and Public Finance; Larry J. Saylor, Antitrust; P. Rivka Schochet*, Franchise; Richard J. Seryak, Labor and Employment; Michael H. Traison, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights; Amanda Van Dusen, Public Finance, Education and Banking; Carl H. von Ende, Commercial Litigation, Bet-the-Company Litigation, and Banking; Peter W. Waldmeir, Energy; Jerome R. Watson, Labor and Employment; John H. Willems*, Labor and Employment
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Robert L. DeJong, Commercial Litigation; Richard A. Gaffin, Intellectual Property; John M. Sommerdyke, Banking, Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Funds; Stanley J. Stek, Commercial Litigation and Eminent Domain and Condemnation; Robert E.L. Wright, Alternative Dispute Resolution
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Ronald E. Baylor, Environmental; Eric V. Brown, Jr., Corporate; John R. Cook, Corporate; Harold J. Decker*, Biotechnology and Commercial Litigation; Pamela C. Enslen, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Commercial Litigation; J. Patrick Lennon*, Real Estate; Robert R. Lennon, Corporate and Real Estate; John M. Novak*, Banking; Don M. Schmidt, Municipal, Public Finance and Real Estate; James E. Spurr, Construction; Thomas H. Van Dis*, Health Care; John G. Van Slambrouck*, Trusts and Estates; James G. Vantine, Jr.*, Banking and Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights; B. Jay Yelton III, Commercial Litigation
Lansing, Michigan
Ronald W. Bloomberg, Energy; Douglas W. Crim, Environmental; William J. Danhof, Public Finance and Banking; Christopher J. Dembowski, Public Finance; Michael J. Hodge, Administrative; Harvey J. Messing, Administrative, Energy, Natural Resources and Oil & Gas; Thomas C. Phillips, Environmental; Brad S. Rutledge*, Public Finance; Sherri A. Wellman, Energy
New York City
Gregory L. Curtner, Antitrust and Sports
Saginaw, Michigan
James C. Foresman*, Health Care
Troy, Michigan
James L. Allen, Banking and Real Estate; Frank L. Andrews*, Environmental; Thomas G. Appleman, Corporate and Securities; Brad B. Arbuckle, Corporate and Securities; Thomas W. Cranmer, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Non-White-Collar Criminal Defense, White-Collar Criminal Defense, Commercial Litigation and Ethics and Professional Responsibility; Gregory V. DiCenso, Trusts and Estates; Kalman G. Goren, Employee Benefits; Robert J. Haddad, Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation and Product Liability Litigation; Ronald E. Hodess, Construction and Real Estate; Brian R. Jenney*, Elder Law; Amy M. Johnston*, Personal Injury Litigation; David D. Joswick, Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions and Banking; Kenneth E. Konop, Trusts and Estates; Matthew F. Leitman, Non-White Collar Criminal Defense and White-Collar Criminal Defense; Anna M. Maiuri, Environmental; Stephen J. Ott, Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation and Product Liability Litigation; James A. Simpson, Banking; David M. Thoms, Non-Profit/Charities and Trusts and Estates; J. Kevin Trimmer, Real Estate, Brian S. Westenberg, Mass Tort Litigation; James W. Williams, Trusts and Estates; Mark E. Wilson*, Environmental
Best Lawyers® is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. First published in 1983, Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive annual peer-review survey. For the new U.S. edition, more than 24,126 leading attorneys cast more than 2.8 million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in the same and related specialties. Because of the rigorous and transparent methodology used by Best Lawyers, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel Magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”
The law firm of Miller Canfield offers businesses, governments, nonprofits, individuals and families a broad array of integrated legal and business services in over 55 areas. With Michigan roots for 157 years and a global reach for two decades, the firm has more than 370 lawyers throughout offices in Michigan, Illinois, Florida, New York, Ohio, Canada, Mexico, Poland and China. For more information, visit www.millercanfield.com.
Forty-One Bodman Attorneys To Appear in Michigan Super Lawyers 2009
Tuesday, September 22
Bodman LLP is pleased to announce that forty-one of its attorneys have been honored as leaders in their areas of practice by the publication Michigan Super Lawyers 2009.
The publisher of Super Lawyers compiles annual lists of leading attorneys based upon a rigorous selection process that includes a statewide survey of practicing attorneys, independent research by the publisher’s attorney-led research staff, and a peer review of candidates. Leading attorneys who have been in practice for more than ten years typically receive the “Super Lawyers” designation; attorneys who have practiced for ten years or less are honored as “Rising Stars.”
The Bodman lawyers included on the Super Lawyers list, with the practice area under which they are listed, are:
Ann Arbor office:
Harvey W. Berman (Construction/Surety)
Timothy R. Damschroder (Business/Corporate)
Alan N. Harris (Intellectual Property)
Susan M. Kornfield (Intellectual Property)
Jerold Lax (Government/Cities/Municipalities)
Detroit office:
Diane L. Akers (Business Litigation)
Tracy L. Allen (Alternative Dispute Resolution)
Marc M. Bakst (Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights)
Laurence B. Deitch (Business/Corporate)
Robert J. Diehl, Jr. (Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights)
Fredrick J. Dindoffer (Environmental)
James T. Heimbuch (Banking)
David M. Hempstead (Tax)
Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey (Banking)
R. Craig Hupp (Environmental)
George G. Kemsley (Business Litigation)
David P. Larsen (Estate Planning & Probate)
Dennis J. Levasseur (Securities Litigation)
Ralph E. McDowell (Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights)
Nicholas P. Scavone, Jr. (Real Estate)
Joseph J. Shannon (Business Litigation)
Larry R. Shulman (Banking)
Troy office:
Courtland W. Anderson (Intellectual Property)
John C. Cashen (Employment & Labor)
David W. Hipp (Real Estate)
Michael B. Lewiston (Business/Corporate)
Gary D. Reeves (Construction Litigation)
David C. Stone (Business/Corporate)
Thomas J. Tallerico (Business Litigation)
Thomas Van Dusen (Business Litigation)
David B. Walters (Employee Benefits/ERISA)
Wendy L. Zabriskie (Banking)
The Bodman lawyers included on the Rising Stars list, with the practice area under which they are listed, are:
Ann Arbor office
Matthew T. Jane (Construction Litigation)
Carrie Leahy (Business Litigation)
Detroit office
Scott P. Gyorke (Banking)
Harry A. Kemp (Business/Corporate)
Melissa A. Lewis (Banking)
Damali A. Sahu (Banking)
Troy office
Gene P. Bowen (Business/Corporate)
Michelle A. Carter (Business Litigation)
Erik S. Prater (Real Estate)
Only five percent of lawyers in each state are included on the Super Lawyers list and only two and one-half percent are included on the Rising Stars list.
Bodman LLP is one of Michigan’s leading business law firms with more than 140 lawyers and four offices. Bodman has a diverse client base that includes individuals and businesses in a variety of industries, with emphasis on financial services, automotive, real estate and construction, high tech, manufacturing, health care, and other sectors.
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione Ann Arbor Ranked as One of the Largest IP Law Firms in Southeast Michigan
Tuesday, September 22
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States, announces that the firm's Ann Arbor office has been ranked by Crain's Detroit Business, a preeminent business weekly, as the seventh largest intellectual property law firm in Southeast Michigan for 2009, which encompasses Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties. The firm had ranked 8th largest on the 2008 list.
The Ann Arbor office is led by managing partner Steven L. Oberholtzer, who has also served as a member of the firm's board of directors. Established in 2000, Brinks' Ann Arbor office has grown to 39 total staff, including 19 attorneys, two of whom hold Ph.D.’s in addition to law degrees, and a Ph.D. patent agent.
Crain's Detroit Business is metro Detroit's leading business publication. First published in 1985, Crain's Detroit Business is the only weekly business publication providing late-breaking news covering a wide range of industries. Crain's Detroit Business is part of the Crain's family of city business weeklies. For more information, visit www.crainsdetroit.com.
Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with five additional offices across the country, including Ann Arbor, serving the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with more than 180 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents specializing in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, intellectual asset management, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments in fields as diverse as electrical, chemical, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, Internet and computer technology, as well as in trademarks and brand names for a wide variety of products and services. For additional information, visit www.usebrinks.com.
The 11 Biggest Mistakes Businesses Make With Their Computers
Thursday, September 17
If you are a small business owner this is the one workshop you cannot afford to miss: I will talk about the biggest mistakes we find business owners like you making with their computer systems and what you can do to keep from making them. We will discuss the land mines your computer people keep forgetting to warn you about. (After all, you only pay them when you have a problem, not to prevent problems from happening in the first place!)
I will also help you understand what you can do to protect your business from outages, data loss, and security threats. You will leave this workshop armed with a plan to make sure your computers are working correctly and a worksheet outlining the steps you as a business owner need to take to protect your most valuable asset: Your company’s data.
When: September 29 from 3 pm until 5 pm
Where: Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce
Presenter: Bruce McCully
Click here for more information and to register.
Tech Tip: Time to move quicker!
Everyone knows you can press down the Ctrl key and press other keys to do keyboard combinations like: Ctrl + Z to undo, Ctrl + X to cut, Ctrl + C to copy, and Ctrl + V to paste.
But did you know you can combine it with the arrows to move quicker? Here’s how it works: First, open a Word file with some text in it, move the mouse and click in the middle of a paragraph. Then press and hold the Ctrl key, then press the right arrow. There, you just moved (past) an entire word, instead of one letter at a time.
Bonus: Press and hold the Ctrl key, then press the Backspace key – this deletes an entire word. Careful with that one!
For more Word shortcuts, click here.
Dynamic Edge Wins Workplace Award
Not only does Crain's Detroit Business think we are a cool place to work (Awarded in 2008), the folks at the Alfred P Sloan Foundation presented us with an award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexability last week. Click here to check out our office on YouTube.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival Announces New Board Appointments
Thursday, September 17
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is pleased to announce that it has added five new members to its board of trustees. By unanimous approval at yesterday’s annual meeting, the board elected Lisa Bee, Kevin S. McDonald, Anthony Y. Nam, Angeline Smith, and Daniel Washington to its 34-member board. As a town-gown organization, the festival’s board is made up of representatives approved by the City Council of Ann Arbor and the Regents of the University of Michigan.
In addition to the election of new trustees, the festival announces its slate of officers for the new year will be: Patricia M. Garcia as Chair, James A. Kosteva as Vice Chair, Julie Fritz as Secretary, Erik W. Bakker as Treasurer, and Dawn H. Foerg as Immediate Past Chair.
Other festival board members for 2009-10 are: LeAnn Auer, Christie Wong Barrett, H. David Baru, Susan Chandler, Sally Churchill, Alan G. Cotzin, Paul Cousins, Michael S. Dubin, Karen Edwards, Bettye S. Elkins, Peter B. Fayroian, Susan J.D. Gott, John C. Hieftje, Jerold Lax, Kenneth Magee, Sudha Maheshwari, Margaret B. McKinley, Jayne Miller, Ronald G. Miller, Y. Jamie Mistry, Patricia Pooley, James S. Reece, Kimberly L. Scott, and Ellie Serras. Ending their board service are Howard J. Cooper, Deanna R. Dorner, Bruce S. Moyer, Anne K. Rubin and Peter F. Schork
List and brief bios of new board members follows:
Lisa Bee founded Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea with her husband Wei in 1993. She is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and a University of Michigan alumni. Lisa has served on the board of FestiFools and enjoys working with local arts organizations including Ann Arbor Women Artists and Exposure Detroit. She is passionate about food and loves to cook with her husband and three sons (and their Bernese Mountain dog, Jo-Jo).
Kevin S. McDonald is a Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Ann Arbor, where he practices law in the areas of planning and zoning, real estate, community development and affordable housing. He has served on the boards of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Care Choices HMO, and the Neutral Zone Teen Center. He has also served on the Ann Arbor Planning Commission, and is currently co-chair of the Real Estate Section of the Washtenaw County Bar Association. Kevin lives in Ann Arbor with wife Deborah Paul-McDonald, daughter, 4, and son, 21 months.
Anthony Y. Nam is a native Ann Arborite who owns and works for his family company, Naminvestments, LLC. His work involves overseeing the fiscal and operational practices of the 453-unit company. He is active in the Downtown Ann Arbor Rotary Club, the Board of the Ann Arbor YMCA, served as a Deacon at his church, and enjoys coaching travel soccer and other volunteer opportunities. Tony and his family also support the University of Michigan and its Center for Korean Studies, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, and is a passionate UM sports fan. Tony and his wife have three young children all committed to going to the U of M.
Angeline Smith is Principal Accountant and Business Consultant of Angeline & Associates, LLC, which is a firm dedicated to serving small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Prior to starting her firm, which is based in Ann Arbor, Angeline worked as an Accountant at Wayne State University as well as the University of Michigan. She also worked as a Management Consultant for the former KPMG Consulting. She lives in Ann Arbor with her dog Cody and her cat Murphy.
Daniel Washington is the Associate Dean for Faculty and Multi-Cultural Affairs and Associate Professor of Voice at the University of Michigan’s School of Music. He has sung leading roles in such prestigious venues as the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Opernhaus, Staatsoper, Alte Oper, Teatro la Fenice, and most frequently at the Stadttheater in Luzern. He has also been engaged as soloist with a number of leading orchestras under such distinguished conductors as Bernard Haitink, Simon Rattle, Charles Mackeras, and John Nelson.
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s mission is to provide a widely accessible, high quality summer program representing a variety of the performing arts for the cultural enrichment and entertainment of a regional audience in a festive atmosphere. Started in 1983, the festival attracts more than 60,000 people each year from the local community and throughout Southeast Michigan. Next year’s festival, which will be celebrating its 27th season, runs from June 11 through July 4, 2010. For more information, please visit www.annarborsummerfestival.org.
Ann Arbor Film Festival Screening Salon
Thursday, September 17
With more than 2,500 film submissions from over 50 countries arriving this year, the Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) would like your participation in reviewing and rating films for consideration for its 48th festival (March 23 - 28, 2010).
Please join Donald Harrison, the Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, for a public Screening Salon at the Downtown Library on Tuesday October 13 from 7 - 8:30pm. This special event will include group discussions about the merits of each submission shown, as well as an overview of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the longest running independent film festival in the U.S.
This is your chance to view and offer feedback on a variety of films under consideration for this year’s Festival! The quality and types of these short films will vary dramatically, but this screening promises to present some unforgettable work, some of which may never reach the big screen!
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the 2nd oldest film festival in North America and has become one of the premier film festivals for independent and, especially, experimental filmmakers to showcase their work. Now in its 48th year, the Ann Arbor Film Festival attracts over 2,000 entries from filmmakers in more than 30 countries, and distributes over $16,000 in cash awards. As a pioneer of the traveling festival concept in 1964, each year the Ann Arbor Film Festival Tour continues to present a collection of short films at more than 15 theaters, universities and museums throughout the world.
Do not miss this opportunity to be part of Ann Arbor Film history! The Downtown Library is located at 343 S. Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor. For more information, call the Library at 327-4555.
Hungry Planet/Healthy Schools event at the Ark!
Thursday, September 17
The Event Includes A Book Signing And Books Will Be Available For Purchase
Join us at the Ark, located at 316 S. Main Street in Ann Arbor, on Wednesday, October 7 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm for a community symposium exploring cultural/geographical relationships to food and the need for nutrition as prevention to chronic disease.
Peter Menzel, photojournalist and co-author of Hungry Planet, What The World Eats, will discuss how globalization, migration, and rising affluence are affecting the diets of communities around the globe. This event will include a book signing and copies of Hungry Planet will be available for purchase, courtesy of Nicola’s Books.
Following Peter's talk, Dr. Kim Eagle, Albion Walter Hewlett Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of the Cardiovascular Center at the University of Michigan Health System, will provide an overview of Project Healthy Schools.
This unique program is designed to teach middle school students about heart-healthy lifestyles, including the need for nutrition, with hopes of reducing their future risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
This event is made possible through a Partners In Research Program with the National Institute of Health and is co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor District Library and the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research.
PETER MENZEL
Peter Menzel is a freelance photojournalist known for his coverage of international feature stories on science and the environment. His award-winning photographs have been published in GEO, Stern, Le Figaro, Der Spiegal, Paris Match, Focus, Muy Interesante, El Pais, National Geographic, Smithsonian, the New York Times Magazine, and Time. He has received a number of World Press and Picture of the Year awards.
In 1994 Peter Menzel created the bestselling book Material World, A Global Family Portrait, (Sierra Club Books). This epic work of photojournalism focused on the material possessions and daily lives of average families around the world. Material World and has been excerpted worldwide and is translated into Japanese and German.
This was followed by Menzel and his wife Faith D’Aluisio’s first collaboration, Women in the Material World (Sierra Club Books, 1996). This book explored the lives of women around the world, and built upon the documentary work of Material World: A Global Family Portrait to which D’Aluisio contributed. In 1996 Women in the Material World was named one of the year’s Ten Best Books for the Teenaged by the New York Public Library.
In 1998 the team published Man Eating Bugs: the Art and Science of Eating Insects, a worldwide look at the human consumption of insects. This critically acclaimed book, a Material World Book imprint distributed by Ten Speed Press, won the 1999 James Beard Award for Reference and Writings on Food. Menzel and D’Aluisio authored a fourth photographic book about robots and their creators, called Robo sapiens: Evolution of a New Species, (The MIT Press, 2000). The initial robot photo reportage for Stern Magazine in Germany that led to the book Robo sapiens, was awarded first place for science photography by the World Press Photo 2000 in Amsterdam.
Menzel and D’Aluisio’s latest book—released in November 2005—is another around-the-world exploration of average daily life in 24 countries—this time focusing on food. Hungry Planet: What the World Eats, details each family’s weekly food purchases and average daily life.
The centerpiece of each chapter is a portrait of the entire family surrounded by a week’s worth of groceries accompanied by interviews and detailed grocery lists. The book received the coveted James Beard Best Book Award in 2006 and was awarded Book of the Year from the Harry Chapin World Hunger Media Foundation. Menzel and D’Aluisio are now working on another world-wide nutrition book to be completed in 2009.
KIM EAGLE M.D. AND PROJECT HEALTHY SCHOOLS
"Anything we can do to fight childhood obesity in a culture where it is being fostered in so many ways is critical," says Kim Eagle, M.D., Albion Walter Hewlett Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of the Cardiovascular Center at the University of Michigan Health System.
In 2004, Eagle and several local community organizations., founded Project Healthy Schools, a program for sixth-grade students that’s designed to increase physical activity and promote healthier food choices.
Project Healthy Schools aims to improve the health of middle school students by providing education and activities which promote healthy eating and exercise habits.
It is designed to teach 6th grade students about heart-healthy lifestyles, with hopes of reducing their future risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The project is supported by a broad community partnership.
Goals For The Students Are To:
• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Make better beverage choices
• Include at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week
• Eat less fast and fatty foods
• Spend less time in front of the TV and computer
Project Healthy Schools is a 12-week program that incorporates fun, interactive activities with educational information to teach students the basics of proper nutrition and exercise. It integrates sociocognitive and ecological approaches to changing health risk behaviors and generates data on both medical and behavioral indicators.
Initially just implemented in one middle school, the program has rapidly expanded and how now received national recognition.
Do not miss this exceptional event which examines food, culture and what is nutritionally necessary for the health of our youth! The Ark is located at 316 S. Main Street in Ann Arbor. For more information contact the Ann Arbor District Library at 327-4555.
TV Star David Alan Grier to Discuss his New Book
Thursday, September 17
Television and film star David Alan Grier will make a special appearance at the Downtown Library on Sunday, October 18 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm to discuss his hilariously edgy and timely new book Barack Like Me. This event includes a book signing and books will be on sale courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
David Alan Grier’s television credits are abundant. He is well known as being a principle cast member of the acclaimed television series “In Living Color,” where he helped to create some of that show’s most memorable characters, and also as a co-star on Bonnie Hunt’s hit ABC comedy “Life With Bonnie.” He also starred on the hit NBC show “DAG” where he played the title character.
Keeping his close comedic relationship with the Wayans’ brothers, he co-starred with Damon Wayans in “Damon.” He also starred in the television miniseries “The 60s,” and “King of Texas” for cable television.
In addition Grier has gained recognition for his numerous feature film roles, including “Baadasssss!” for director Mario Van Peebles, “The Woodsman” opposite Kevin Bacon and Mos Def, “15 Minutes,” “Boomerang,” “Bewitched,” “Jumanji” and Robert Altman’s “Streamers,” for which he won a Golden Lion Award for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. David also co-wrote, produced and appeared in the independent film “Poker House,” Lori Petty’s directorial debut.
David recently appeared on the hit tv show Dancing With the Stars in which he danced his heart out for four episodes and then had a very public meltdown when he was eliminated that went viral on the internet. Grier also appeared in the Wayans Family's hit 2009 movie, 'Dance Flick' in which The New York Times gushed "Mr. Grier ultimately steals the movie with a tour-de-force". He is currently working on a stand-up comedy tour that may culminate in a special on Comedy Central about the experiences written about in Barack Like Me!!!
BARACK LIKE ME!!
It’s a brand new America and voices all over the media proclaim, “Black is in.” “As long as you’re black like Barack and not black like Mike Tyson . . . or OJ,” suggests David Alan Grier.
In Barack Like Me: The Chocolate Covered Truth (Touchstone/Simon & Schuster; October 6, 2009; $24.99/hardcover; 978-1-4391-5492-2), the acclaimed comedian and actor expounds upon what politics, culture, and race mean today, while recalling significant experiences from throughout his life.
In this hilariously edgy and timely look at America, B.B. and A.B. (Before and After Barack), Grier explains why being of mixed race is now the epitome of cool (Bi-racial, tri-racial, quad- and quinti-racial . . . the more the better); pontificates on gay marriage (I want gay men to experience what I experience—that married, “get me the hell out of here” look); and gives a brief lesson on the “Magical Negro” character (Obama sure isn’t one).
Barack Like Me follows Grier’s personal journey, from marching as an eight-year-old with Dr. Martin Luther King and his failed junior high attempt to become a Black Panther (or Jimi Hendrix) to attending the Inauguration of President Barack Obama—where he stood stuck behind a tree and saw nothing.
Along the way, Grier imagines joining President Obama’s cabinet as “Secretary of Mirth” and describes how being black and famous is a big advantage when dealing with security lines at the airport (though strangely not helpful in restaurants, the bank, Starbucks, or the dry cleaners). He also sneaks readers backstage at Dancing with the Stars to expose the inner workings of the show—the camaraderie between dancers and stars, the excruciating rehearsals, and his experiences over four episodes—ending with a very UN-Barack-like meltdown.
This hilarious and surprisingly moving narrative reveals David Alan Grier the man, comic, and 21st Century thinker—funny, brilliant, and original.
Do not miss this chance to see David Alan Grier in person!
The Downtown Library is located at 343 S. Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor. For more information, call the Library at 327-4555.
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione Named a “21st Century Innovator” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Thursday, September 17
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., announces that the Ann Arbor office has been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly magazine as a “21st Century Innovator” for its creation of an electronic master file system that significantly reduces work-cycle time and offers clients secure, remote access to their files. The legal trade publication honored 21 Michigan-based law firms for “innovative problem-solving strategies that have set them apart from the rest of Michigan’s talented legal community.” The firms were celebrated at the 2009 21st Century Innovators awards ceremony on Sept. 10, 2009 at the Troy Marriott.
Steve Oberholtzer, the managing partner of the Ann Arbor office, said that the electronic files initiative is reflective of the office’s innovative spirit.
“As intellectual property attorneys, we are immersed in the innovation process through our clients, who are creators, inventors and game changers. That daily exposure to innovation has a positive impact on how we manage our own office as well,” notes Mr. Oberholtzer.
Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with five additional offices across the country, including Ann Arbor, serving the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with 180 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents specializing in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, intellectual asset management, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments in fields as diverse as electrical, chemical, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, Internet and computer technology, as well as in trademarks and brand names for a wide variety of products and services. For more information, visit www.usebrinks.com.
Balance Massage Therapy Hires Two Elements Therapists
Tuesday, September 15
Angelica Duff, NCTMB, and Bert Lopez-Macias have joined the Balance Massage Therapy team as massage therapists. Duff and Lopez-Macias came from the now closed Elements Therapeutic Massage on Ann Arbor’s west side.
Lopez-Macias has been a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) for more than 18 years and has a Master Body Work degree from the Health Enrichment Center. He has been the massage therapist for the University of Michigan Women’s Swimming & Diving team for 15 years. A veteran of 15 marathons, Bert was the director of Massage Therapy for the Detroit Free Press Marathon from 1993-2006. He is certified in Movement Dynamics, Muscle Energy Techniques and Assessment and Therapeutic Application of ART (Active Release Techniques)
Duff, NCTMB, is nationally certified for Massage Therapy and Bodywork. She is a member of the AMTA and a graduate of Everest University, and was with Elements from the day it opened its doors to the day it closed.
Balance Massage Therapy owners Josie Ann Lee and Christin Draybuck understand the importance of building community and client/therapist relationships. Draybuck notes, “Over time, the therapist is able to develop a plan with the client on what their needs are. Although not required, a lot of clients find it helpful to maintain a relationship with a therapist who knows their needs and the best way to address them on an ongoing basis.” Owner Josie Ann Lee added, “By having Bert and Angelica on our team, we are confident that our new clients will feel comforted and welcomed into our Balance community.”
Conveniently located off of M14 and US23, Balance is in a prime location to help service the people on the west side of Ann Arbor. Balance Massage Therapy will be welcoming former Elements clients with a $49 New Client Special, and will be honoring 60 minute gift certificates from Elements Ann Arbor for a 30-minute massage at Balance.
Lee added, “We are confident that once these clients find Balance, they’ll wonder why they ever went any where else.”
Balance Massage Therapy was recently voted runner up Best New Business in Ann Arbor for 2009. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 734.660.5919.
DesignHub Creates Website, Logo, Brochure, and More for Dimensional Engineering, Inc.
Monday, September 14
DesignHub, Inc., a Saline-based creative services and marketing firm, has designed and developed the new Web site for Dimensional Engineering, Inc., a provider of 3D digital data capture and analysis services headquartered in Milford, MI.
DesignHub also created Dimensional Engineering’s new logo, developed its tagline (“Passion for Precision”), designed the company’s letterhead and business cards, and wrote, designed, and produced a six-panel, full-color brochure for the firm.
The new Web site tells how Dimensional Engineering helps clients solve complex design and production engineering programs by applying its expertise in reverse engineering, quality inspection, high-accuracy field machining, root cause analysis, design validation and certification, digital archiving, legacy tool preservation, and training in 3D laser scanning hardware and software.
The site also details a trademarked specialty of Dimensional Engineering, called Virtual Build & BoltTM, which lets clients validate and certify the designs of product and machine modules built in different locations before they are delivered to the manufacturing or processing site for final assembly. This helps ensure upfront that all modules will fit into place without modifications, thus reducing the risk of costly design errors.
Another highlight of the new site are case studies describing the successful applications of Dimensional Engineering’s services by clients in the aircraft and aerospace, automotive, commercial truck, defense, energy, and off-highway equipment industries.
Visitors to the site will also learn about the company’s standard process for addressing clients’ design and production engineering challenges.
Other sections of the site cover Dimensional Engineering’s history and experience, its strategic business partners, the main hardware and software tools used by the company to deliver its services, news and events from the company, and links to Web sites of other organizations involved in 3D digital data capture and analysis.
Dimensional Engineering was co-founded in 2005 by William O. Bonner, widely recognized as a pioneer and leader in the use of non-contact laser scanning and laser tracking for reverse engineering and other applications of 3D digital data capture and analysis. In the past few years, Dimensional Engineering has grown to become a full-service team of specialized consulting engineers.
More information on Dimensional Engineering, Inc. is available from the company at 1154 Eagle Nest Dr., Milford, MI 48381. Phone: (248) 410-0802. Email: info@dimensional3D.com.
DesignHub works with clients on Web sites, branding, brochures, annual reports, newsletters, public relations, advertising, direct mail, packaging designs, trade show displays, and signage, as well as marketing strategies and plans.
Principals of DesignHub include: Karen Ragland, business manager and account executive; Ted Chesky, creative director and graphic designer; and Chris Kochmanski, marketing strategist and copywriter. The company was founded in 1999.
In addition to Dimensional Engineering, DesignHub’s clients include Advanced Photonix Inc., Aluminum Supply Company, Berry & Associates, Berry Moorman PC, Carr Engineering, Center for Automotive Research (CAR), Center for Information Management (CIM), Chelsea Lumber, Chelsea Community Hospital, Chelsea Milling Co., Chizek Custom Builders, Chrysler LLC, Corporate F.A.C.T.S., Crain’s Detroit Business, Daniels and Zermack Associates, Daycroft Montessori School, Dexter Research, Electrocon International, Evangelical Homes of Michigan, The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, Hardwood Solutions, Homeowner Services of America (HSA), INSTALL Michigan, JPRA Architects, Lamaze Family Center of Ann Arbor, Marshall Sales Inc., McCreadie Group, McMullen Company, Metropolitan Building Services, Motawi Tileworks, OptiMetrics Inc., Packaging and Shipping Specialists (P.A.S.S.), Peters Building Co., Phoenix Contractors, Pitney Bowes MapInfo, Pointwise Real Estate Group, Power Wellness, Program for Automotive Labor and Education (PALE), Rand Construction, Renewal Ministries, Returnable Packaging Corporation, Saline District Library, Saline Parks and Recreation Department, Samson Senior Properties, The Shipman Company, SignGraphix, Sircon Corporation, Sun Engineering, Survey Sciences Group, Tisch Investment Advisory, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and Vinylife Hose Co.
Further information is available from DesignHub, Inc., 600 W. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176. Phone: (734) 944-8705. Email: chris@design-hub.com.
Thirty-seven Bodman Attorneys to be Included in The Best Lawyers in America 2010
Monday, September 14
Thirty-seven Bodman LLP attorneys have been chosen by their peers to be included in The Best Lawyers in America 2010, a guide to the nation’s leading legal practitioners.
Bodman attorneys to be included, along with the category under which they will be listed, are:
Ann Arbor
Christopher A. Ballard (Non-Profit/Charities Law)
Harvey W. Berman (Construction Law)
Timothy R. Damschroder (Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions Law)
Alan N. Harris (Intellectual Property Law)
Susan M. Kornfield (Intellectual Property Law and Technology Law)
Jerold Lax (Labor and Employment Law)
Detroit
Tracy L. Allen (Alternative Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration)
Marc M. Bakst (Bankruptcy and Credit-Debtor Rights Law)
Andrew H. Curoe (Trusts and Estates)
Herold “Mac” Deason (Corporate Law)
Laurence B. Deitch (Corporate Law)
Robert J. Diehl, Jr. (Banking Law and Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law)
Fredrick J. Dindoffer (Environmental Law)
Christopher J. Dine (Non-Profit/Charities Law)
Cortney E. Goldberg (Environmental Law)
Stephen I. Greenhalgh (Banking Law)
David M. Hempstead (Trusts and Estates)
Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey (Banking Law)
R. Craig Hupp (Environmental Law)
Joseph J. Kochanek (Banking Law)
David P. Larsen (Trusts and Estates)
F. Thomas Lewand (Corporate Law)
Ralph E. McDowell (Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law)
Nicholas P. Scavone, Jr. (Banking Law and Real Estate Law)
Larry R. Shulman (Banking Law)
Brian R. Trumbauer (Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law)
Troy
John C. Cashen (Labor and Employment Law)
Steven J. Fishman (Labor and Employment Law)
David W. Hipp (Real Estate Law)
Michael B. Lewiston (Commercial Litigation)
Gary D. Reeves (Construction Law)
Leon M. Schurgin (Real Estate Law)
Andrew Z. Spilkin (Real Estate Law)
Thomas J. Tallerico (Commercial Litigation)
Thomas Van Dusen (Commercial Litigation)
David B. Walters (Employee Benefits Law)
Wendy L. Zabriskie (Banking Law)
Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has based its listings on an exhaustive peer-review process. For the 2010 edition, more than 32,000 attorneys cast almost two million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their areas of specialty.
Bodman LLP is one of Michigan’s leading business law firms with more than 140 lawyers and four offices. Bodman has a diverse client base that includes individuals and businesses in a variety of industries, with emphasis on financial services, automotive, real estate and construction, high tech, manufacturing, health care, and other sectors.
Miller Canfield Presets "Doing Business in Mexico in Times of Economic Uncertainty" in USA and Canada
Thursday, September 10
The law firm of Miller Canfield announces the first of a series of International Trade Briefings to take place in North America, Europe and China. Join lawyers from Miller Canfield's Canadian, U.S. and Mexican offices for "Doing Business in Mexico in Times of Economic Uncertainty" - a timely update on IMMEX and shelter programs, employment and union issues, securing property, political changes, and economic incentives.
The briefing is essential for those with operations, customers or suppliers in Mexico, or who have plans to expand there, especially in the areas of automotive and non-automotive manufacturing, food processing, retail, hotel/hospitality and health care.
* CHICAGO - Tuesday, September 22 - 8-10 a.m. at Miller Canfield (225 W.
Washington, Suite 2600, Chicago, IL). Includes continental breakfast.
* TORONTO - Wednesday, September 30 - in cooperation with APMA - 8-10 a.m. at Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre (801 Dixon Road, Toronto, ON). Includes breakfast.
* WINDSOR - Thursday, October 1 - in cooperation with APMA - 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Windsor Club (100 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, ON).
Includes lunch.
* TROY - Friday, October 2 - 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Miller Canfield (840 W. Long Lake, Suite 200, Troy, MI). Includes lunch.
* KALAMAZOO - Tuesday, October 13 - 3-5 p.m. at Miller Canfield (277 S.
Rose Street, Suite 5000, Kalamazoo, MI). Includes refreshments.
* GRAND RAPIDS - Wednesday, October 14 - 8-10 a.m. at Miller Canfield (1200 Campau Square, 99 Monroe Avenue, N.W., Grand Rapids, MI). Includes continental breakfast.
* LANSING - Wednesday, October 14 - in cooperation with Lansing Regional Chamber - 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Capital Region International Airport (4100 Capital City Boulevard, Lansing, MI). Includes lunch.
There is no fee to attend any briefing, but advance registrations are required. Please RSVP to Sandy Bera at 248.267.3345 or bera@millercanfield.com three days prior to each presentation. Seating is limited.
The law firm of Miller Canfield offers businesses, governments, nonprofits, individuals and families a broad array of integrated legal and business services in over 55 areas. With Michigan roots for 157 years and a global reach for two decades, the firm has more than 370 lawyers throughout offices in Michigan, Illinois, Florida, New York, Ohio, Canada, Mexico, Poland and China. For more information, visit www.millercanfield.com.
University of Michigan Museum of Art Debuts Major International Loan Exhibit
Thursday, September 10
The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is pleased to announce it will present a landmark exhibition of rare works of art and important new scholarship brought together to explore the provocative relationship between photography and painting along the Normandy coast in mid-19th-century France. Organized by UMMA, “The Lens of Impressionism: Photography and Painting Along the Normandy Coast, 1850–1874” will be on view in Ann Arbor October 10, 2009 through January 3, 2010 and will travel to the Dallas Museum of Art in 2010.
This exhibition advances a new argument for the origins of what was called “the new painting,” namely that a unique convergence of forces—social, artistic, technological, and commercial—along the Normandy coast of France dramatically transformed the course of photography and painting (as well as of the region itself). Within this framework, the invention of the camera and the development of early fine art photography in that particular setting will be seen as the specific catalysts that brought about a new approach to painting.
The project will showcase paintings, photographs, and drawings by some of the most treasured artists in the Western canon—Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Edgar Degas among them—as well as pioneering photographers such as Gustave Le Gray and Henri Le Secq. Inspired by the scenic Normandy coast of France, these works—including representations of beach scenes, seascapes, fishing villages, resorts, and the region’s pastoral beauty—will be brought together with archival materials related to early tourism and regional expressions of French nationalism from popular culture for an innovative examination of the impact of the then-new medium of photography on ideas of image making, the recording of passing time, the capacities of painting, and the rise of Impressionism itself.
The exhibition will include loans from private and public collections in both the United States and Europe, featuring exceptional loans from the Musée d’Orsay and a generous loan of outstanding photographs from the rich collections of the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
Catalogue
The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated book with essays by internationally recognized scholars: Sylvie Aubenas, Head, Department of Prints and Photographs at the Bibliothèque nationale de France; Dominique de Font-Réaulx, Curator, Musée du Louvre; Stephen Bann, Bristol University; Dean MacCannell, University of California at Davis; and UMMA’s Senior Curator of Western Art, Carole McNamara.
Programs
A varied slate of programming designed to accompany and interpret the exhibition includes a series of musical performances featuring the faculty and students of the University of Michigan’s renowned School of Music, Theatre, and Dance; major lectures by Carole McNamara, Stephen Bann, and Jane Fulcher, UM musicology professor; and drop-in seascape painting workshops for families. For more details, visit UMMA’s website at www.umma.umich.edu.
Support
This exhibition is made possible in part by the Florence Gould Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the University of Michigan Health System, Office of the Provost, Office of the Vice President for Research, School of Music, Theatre & Dance, the Center for European Studies-European Union Center, and Department of History of Art, Masco Corporation, Furthermore: a program of the J. M. Kaplan Fund, the University of Michigan Credit Union, and the family of Dr. Raymond F. Cunningham in his memory. “The Lens of Impressionism” would not have been possible without the generosity and cooperation of the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) and features exceptional loans from the BnF and the Musée d'Orsay.
Media contact
Stephanie Rieke Miller, srieke@umich.edu or 734.647.0524. A selection of low-resolution press images may be viewed at www.umma.umich.edu/view/future.html
The press preview will be held Friday, October 9. Please contact umma-press@umich.edu for details and to RSVP.
UMMA
In March 2009 the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) opened a landmark 53,000-square-foot expansion, named the Maxine and Stuart Frankel and the Frankel Family Wing for its lead benefactors, and a major restoration of its historic, 41,000-square-foot home, Alumni Memorial Hall. Designed by principal architect Brad Cloepfil and his team at Allied Works Architecture, the $41.9 million transformation not only more than doubled the space available for collections display, temporary exhibitions, programs and educational exploration, but also fulfilled the Museum’s mission to offer a meeting place for the arts, bridging visual art and contemporary culture, scholarship and accessibility, tradition and innovation. The Museum’s near universal collections of more than 18,000 works of art span Western, Asian, and African traditions.
Blues covering H1N1 vaccine fees during coming flu season
Thursday, September 10
As flu season inches closer, health experts are becoming increasingly apprehensive about a swine flu pandemic.
In an effort to keep Michigan healthy during the 2009-2010 flu season, BCBSM and BCN will cover the cost of administering the H1N1 (also known as "swine flu") vaccine for individuals as well as our underwritten group customers.
The Blues will also enable self-funded groups with customized benefit plans to add coverage for the H1N1 administration upon request during the 2009-2010 flu season.
This year, the government will provide the H1N1 vaccine at no cost, which is why our coverage focuses on the cost of administering the H1N1 flu shot. Because the federal Food and Drug Administration hasn't yet approved the vaccine, it's not available to the general public.
Immunizations coverage
Self-funded groups whose plans don't include immunization coverage can choose to add childhood or adult immunization coverage for their employees. Here's a list (PDF) of certificates and riders that cover immunizations.
Medicare plans will cover the H1N1 vaccinations. Although Medicare typically only pays for one vaccination per year, if more than one vaccination is medically necessary, they'll pay for it.
Immunizations aren't a covered benefit for members with individual health plans, but the Blues will cover the cost of administering the H1N1 vaccine for these members this year.
We'll also cover the cost of administering the H1N1 vaccine this year for small groups with 100 or fewer members.
Pharmacies can bill for administering vaccine
For the first time ever, the Blues will cover flu shots, including the H1N1 vaccine, dispensed by BCBSM and BCN participating pharmacies.
Participating pharmacies will be enrolled as professional providers and must bill the fees for both the administration and the vaccination on the Professional 1500 claim form.
Who should receive the H1N1 vaccination?
The Blues' decision to cover the H1N1 vaccine is based on guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC predicts widespread H1N1 outbreaks this fall and winter and recommends prioritizing the administration of the H1N1 vaccine for these five populations:
• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than six months old
• Health care and emergency services personnel
• Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years old
• People ages 25 to 64 with chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza infection
Some estimates say that these five groups account for approximately 159 million people in the United States. You can read more about the Blues covering the H1N1 vaccination here (PDF).
We'll keep you updated in future alerts as information becomes available.
Questions? Contact Glenn Rabac at 248-448-8370.
Fitness Together Open House Offers a Healthy Way of Life to Ann Arbor
Wednesday, September 9
Fitness Together, a private, personal training studio, has partnered with local businesses to provide a sampling of goods and services that boast a healthy way of life. At their Open House on September 13, health-minded individuals can experience a variety of goods and services from Plum Market, Wheels in Motion, TheraCare, and Cal NutraSciences as well as receive coupons, samples and door prizes every half hour (1:00-4:00pm).
Of course, Fitness Together is pleased to offer their own services to the community with free BMI analysis, which measures body fat. Tours of the training studio are also on the agenda as well as a new personal training demonstration at 2:30pm that will take fitness to the next level!
Fitness Together has a team of personal trainers that will create and customize an effective exercise routine centered around three main components: resistance training, cardiovascular routine, and proper nutrition guidelines. Open seven days a week, the studio can accommodate the most challenging schedules.
The franchise boasts a new owner, Michael Concannon, and a new manager, MJ LaDuke. LaDuke is spearheading the upcoming open house in the Dakota Building, where a health and wellness theme is the focus. As manager of business development for the Mind, Body + Spirit Academe as well, LaDuke will showcase the luxurious space where yoga, karate, various dance lessons and other classes are held.
“Creating synergy is what we are all about,” comments LaDuke. “We have so much flexibility with Fitness Together and The Academe coexisting; they feed off of each other in many ways. The flow of health-minded people that frequent our building can count on a variety of services and classes.”
For more information, contact MJ LaDuke at 734.327.7900 or visit their website at www.ftannarborwest.com. Fitness Together is located at 1785 W. Stadium Blvd., Suite 103A in the Dakota Building. For more information about the Mind, Body + Spirit Academe visit www.mbsacademe.com.
Special Preview Screening of Where the Wild Things Are
Wednesday, September 9
826michigan presents a special preview screening of Where the Wild Things Are. A benefit for 826michigan, the screening will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at 6:45pm at the Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Dave Eggers, founder of 826 National and co-screenwriter on the film, will attend and participate in an audience Q&A. The event is also sponsored by local book manufacturer Thomson-Shore.
Where the Wild Things Are opens nationwide in both standard and IMAX theaters October 16, 2009. Based on the beloved book by Maurice Sendak it’s an adventure for every generation, a classic story about childhood and the places we go to figure out the world we live in. Directed by Spike Jonze from a screenplay by Spike Jonze & Dave Eggers, the film stars Max Records, Catherine Keener, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara and Forest Whitaker.
Eggers is also the bestselling author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, What is the What, and Zeitoun. Additionally, he is founder of the independent publishing house McSweeney’s and 826 National, a family of seven nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping students, ages 6 to 18, with expository and creative writing. His screenwriting credits include the recent release Away We Go, which he co-wrote with Vendela Vida.
All proceeds from the evening go to support 826michigan’s programs. 826michigan is a non-profit organization entirely dedicated to helping students, ages 6 to 18, improve their written communication skills. All 826 programs are structured around the belief that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to a young person’s future success. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, 826michigan offers free after-school tutoring, special writing workshops, class field trips, in-school programs, and publishing opportunities for Southeast Michigan students to improve their ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Also sponsoring this special evening is Dexter, Michigan-based book manufacturer Thomson-Shore, printers and binders of both perfect bound and case bound books. Regan Borton, Marketing Manager, states, “Thomson-Shore supports this exciting effort because it is an incredible opportunity to support a great organization and be part of a movie event that reconnects people with one of their favorite childhood books.”
Tickets for the screening are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under and 826michigan volunteers. VIP passes, including screening and post-film reception at Grange Kitchen and Bar, 118 W. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, are $125 each. Tickets are available September 10 at noon online at www.826michigan.org and in person at Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair, 115 E. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
826michigan will run a Week of Wild Things in the days leading up to the screening, with events including a Pajama Pub Crawl on September 30. More information can be found at www.826michigan.org.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures, a Playtone/Wild Things Production of a Spike Jonze film: “Where the Wild Things Are.” Directed by Spike Jonze from a screenplay by Spike Jonze & Dave Eggers, based on the book by Maurice Sendak, the film is produced by Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Maurice Sendak, John Carls and Vincent Landay, with Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers. The creative team includes director of photography Lance Acord, production designer K. K. Barrett, editor Eric Zumbrunnen and costume designer Casey Storm. Music is by Karen O and Carter Burwell.
“Where the Wild Things Are” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. It is rated PG by the MPAA for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language. Soundtrack Album is available on DGC/Interscope Records. www.wherethewildthingsare.com
For downloadable movie press kit materials (production notes, credits, photos, etc.), please visit http:// press.warnerbros.com And, for downloadable movie EPK materials (trailer, film clips, b-roll, etc.), please visit: www.EPK.tv
New Enterprise Forum Panel Meets at SPARK to Shed Light on Venture Details: Term Sheets and Investor Rights
Tuesday, September 8
New Enterprise Forum and Ann Arbor SPARK will co-host a panel discussion on the specifics for venture deals, with a focus on term sheets and investor rights. This discussion should help entrepreneurs be informed and prepared prior to inking a deal for their business. The event takes place at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, at SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty Street in Ann Arbor.
The participants for this event include:
Uzma Ahmed – Attorney in the Corporate Finance Practice Group at Dykema. Uzma’s practice focuses on general corporate, finance, and securities matters. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and has previously lectured as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Michigan Law School.
Tony Grover – Co-founder and Managing Director of RPM Ventures. Tony has a strong operating background with over 15 years of private equity, manufacturing, and technical knowledge with experience spanning a wide array of industries and corporate settings.
Mike Klein – Currently President & COO, Online Tech, Mike is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of high tech business leadership, technology, and startup experience. He has been CEO of Interlink Networks, Managing Partner of CompanyCrafters, and CEO & Founder of Steeplechase Software.
Our moderator will be Skip Simms, a Director at Ann Arbor SPARK, who manages SPARK’s Business Accelerator program for early stage technology companies, which helps prepare them for equity fund raising. Skip raised and now manages the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund.
Showcase Presentation: Each month, NEF highlights an emerging company and provides them a Showcase Presentation. This month, our Showcase Presenter will be Aaron Nelson of Audiallo, which is bringing to market a biologically inspired processor for hearing aid use and consumer electronics.
Business Introductions/Open Forum: The evening’s agenda includes Business Introductions/Open Forum, during which attendees have the opportunity to make a concise, 10-second pitch for themselves, their company, product/service, or need.
Special meeting location: SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty Street in Ann Arbor. Registration and networking begin at 5:00 p.m. with the program starting at 5:45 p.m. Free to NEF members, the cost is $20 for non-members, $5 for students. The event is sponsored by NEF stakeholder sponsor, GDI Infotech (www.gdii.com).
ABOUT NEF
Through its hands-on work with entrepreneurs, NEF has been planting the seeds for Michigan’s economic prosperity for over two decades. NEF serves Michigan entrepreneurs by linking them with management expertise, venture partners, business services, capital, and other critical resources. NEF also provides free coaching teams who assist entrepreneurs with investor presentations and business planning in preparation for fundraising meetings. For information, visit www.NewEnterpriseForum.org.
Vintage Financial Services Professional Achievement Announcements
Tuesday, September 8
TODD PERRY, CIMA®, CFP® , Senior Financial Planner at Vintage Financial Services, LLC in Ann Arbor, Michigan recently obtained the Certified Investment Management AnalystSM designation. The CIMA designation, delivered by Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA), is the only advanced designation designed specifically for investment consultants.
The CIMA marks identify those individuals who have met the experience and ethical requirements, have successfully completed advanced investment management coursework taught in conjunction with The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and have passed a rigorous examination covering the following areas: investment policy, asset allocation, risk management, tax efficiency, alternative investments, international financial markets, measuring return on a portfolio, and due diligence. CIMA licensees must also agree to meet ongoing continuing education requirements and to uphold IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility, Performance Reporting Standards, and Standards of Practice.
Mr. Perry has worked at Vintage since 2005 and is responsible for managing client portfolios and heads the company’s tax planning division. Vintage Financial Services is a fee-only investment management and financial planning firm founded in 1985. For more about Vintage visit www.vintagefs.com.
Saline’s HSA to Celebrate 25 Years by Returning 25% to One Lucky Client
Tuesday, September 8
Homeowner Services of America, Inc., a Saline-based home remodeling firm, will mark its 25th year in business by reimbursing 25% of one lucky client’s expenditures with HSA, up to a maximum of $5,000, for home remodeling services completed by the company during the next 15 months.
All HSA clients whose home remodeling projects wrap up between October 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 will be invited to fill out a simple form upon the formal completion of their projects. This will enter them into HSA’s drawing for the 25% reimbursement.
The winner’s name will be randomly drawn at HSA’s 25th anniversary celebration to be held in January 2011 at the company’s Saline headquarters. HSA will then present the winner with a check amounting to 25% of the total amount spent with the company on the project, up to a $5,000 limit.
Expenses related to the project but directly incurred by the client with companies other than HSA will not be included in the total project cost for purposes of calculating the client’s reimbursement from HSA.
The winner need not be present at the drawing to claim the prize.
“We have been pleased and honored to serve the area’s homeowners with high-quality remodels and additions for a full quarter of a century,” said David Rhoads, HSA’s founder, owner, and president. “It is our loyal clients who have made our success possible. We can think of no better way to celebrate our 25th anniversary than to provide our clients with the opportunity for a significant reward.”
Since 1985, HSA has completed over 600 remodeling projects for homeowners in Saline, Ann Arbor, and surrounding communities. The company specializes in kitchens, baths, additions, dormers, and master suites.
Another HSA specialty is to make Aging-in-Place modifications to homes for safe, comfortable living by senior citizens and physically challenged people. David Rhoads of HSA has earned the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation from the American Association of Retired People (AARP) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
HSA is a member of the Builders & Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor (BRAGAA; www.bragannarbor.com). BRAGAA was formerly known as the Home Builders Association of Washtenaw County (HBAWC). David Rhoads is a past president of the HBAWC, and was honored by the organization as the Builder of the Year in 2007.
HSA is also a member of the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB; www.buildingmichigan.org).
David Rhoads is a member of the Saline City Council, and the city’s Mayor Pro Tem. He is also currently the president of the Saline Area Historical Society.
In addition, Rhoads serves on the board of directors of the Friends of Henne Field (www.hennefield.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to redeveloping an under-utilized recreation area near downtown Saline.
In 2004, the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce selected Rhoads as Saline’s Citizen of the Year in recognition of his community involvement.
Homeowner Services of America, Inc. can be contacted at 199 W. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176. Phone: (734) 944-3337. Fax: (734) 944-3371. Email: sales@hsa-remodel.com.
Homeowner Services of America, Inc. (HAS) will celebrate its 25th anniversary by reimbursing 25% of one lucky client’s expenditures with HSA, up to $5,000 maximum, for remodeling services completed by the company between October 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
Michael Gzybowski Joins Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Tuesday, September 9
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States, is pleased to announce that attorney Michael S. Gzybowski has joined the firm’s Ann Arbor office.
Before joining Brinks, Mr. Gzybowski was a senior attorney in the Ann Arbor office of law firm Butzel Long. He focuses his practice on patent prosecution and litigation of U.S. and foreign patents as well as counseling clients on infringement and validity issues and evaluation of licensing agreements. Mr. Gzybowski was a former patent examiner with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office prior to entering private practice.
Mr. Gzybowski received his J.D. from the George Mason University of Law and a B.S. in chemical engineering from Purdue University. Mr. Gzybowski is admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Indiana, Michigan and Virginia State Bar.
Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with five additional offices across the country, including Ann Arbor, serving the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with more than 180 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents specializing in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, intellectual asset management, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments in fields as diverse as electrical, chemical, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, Internet and computer technology, as well as in trademarks and brand names for a wide variety of products and services. For additional information, visit www.usebrinks.com.
Adaptive Materials Introduces 250-watt Fuel Cell System to Portable Power Market
Thursday, September 3
Adaptive Materials, the solid oxide fuel cell manufacturer leading the portable power revolution, recently introduced its 250-watt fuel cell to the market. The system, which joins the 50-watt portable system and 180-watt unmanned vehicle power system in Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell portfolio, will provide lightweight power ideal for recharging batteries and powering portable electronic devices.
“Our 250-watt system was developed to address the real need for soldiers to carry reliable, safe power into the field,” said Adaptive Materials’ chief business officer Michelle Crumm. “Weighing just nine kilograms and occupying 17 liters, our 250-watt fuel cell system can directly power a six bay military issue battery charger for BB-2590s, Li-145s and other lower capacity battery types. Plus, like all of our fuel cell systems, Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt fuel cell is powered by globally-available, lightweight propane.”
Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt fuel cell was developed as part of an internal project funded under IRAD. Adaptive Materials will deliver three 250-watt fuel cell systems to the U.S. Government in late 2009 for field testing.
Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt fuel cell system is designed to be a portable unit for applications requiring more power and longer run time than batteries can provide, including electronics, radios, computers, and battery charging. Designed to fit in the market space between batteries and engine powered generators, Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt unit weighs 20 pounds, significantly less than the smallest military generator, a 3 kilowatt unit weighing 364 pounds. In comparison, Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt system replaces 13 standard military BA-5590 battery units that weigh 13 kilograms each.
Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt fuel cell system has demonstrated a 1500-hour life expectancy.
In addition to its value to soldiers in the field, Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt system is useful to a wide range of potential consumer applications. “Especially for people who enjoy going off-grid for camping, boating, hiking or other recreational activities, the 250-watt fuel cell is an ideal source of portable power,” Crumm added. “Lightweight and powered by the same propane as a camp stove or refrigerator makes Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell the logical choice for consumer power.”
About Adaptive Materials, Inc.
Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The company offers 50, 150 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and power dense propane. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices. For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.
Diverse line-up kicks off inaugural season at the Michigan Theater
Thursday, September 3
The Michigan Theater and TCP of Chicago, Illinois, headed by University of Michigan alum Adam Epstein, are proud to announce the inaugural season of Ann Arbor Conversations presented by Michigan Radio. Together, they will be bringing some of the most popular arts personalities to the vibrant Ann Arbor community. This series features four interesting and colorful guests, including:
- Director and Writer KEVIN SMITH Saturday, September 19
- TV culinary personality ANTHONY BOURDAIN Saturday, November 7
- “PostSecret” creator FRANK WARREN Friday, December 4
- Best-selling author and humorist DAVID SEDARIS Wednesday, April 14
All events will be held at the Michigan Theater. All seats reserved.
Subscription tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, September 11th at 10 AM and are available online by visiting www.AnnArborConversations.com. The subscription ticket package includes Anthony Bourdain, Frank Warren and David Sedaris with packages starting as low as $105. Subscribers also have the option to add-on Kevin Smith and are guaranteed prime seating, which have been saved exclusively for subscription ticket holders.
Why Subscribe? Only subscribers can guarantee their seats for every event before the general public and will enjoy the same great seats for each show (Bourdain, Warren and Sedaris). In addition, only subscribers get the best reserved seats for Kevin Smith, and never hear the words “sold out”!
The Ann Arbor Conversations series is presented by Michigan Radio with additional support from AnnArbor.com and the Campus Inn.
For more information, visit www.AnnArborConversations.com, or follow us on Twitter @AAconversations.
About the Michigan Theater
The Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s historic center for fine film and performing arts. Winner of the 2006 Outstanding Historic Theatre Award from the League of Historic American Theatres, it is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street, across the street from Borders Books and Music. Regular movie prices are $9.00, $7.00 for students, seniors and US veterans, $6.50 for Michigan Theater members, $6.00 for all Wednesday screenings. Please visit the theater’s website at http://michtheater.org. The 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME.
Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Reads 2010 to Focus on Michigan
Thursday, September 3
The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area has a seven-year history of successful community reads programs which encourage all of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti to read one book. University, Library, bookstore and community representatives from both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti have now been busily planning Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2010.
In 2010, the program will encourage readers of all ages to explore the subject of Michigan.
A screening committee has narrowed book choices covering this theme down to two titles. A selection committee composed of community members, teachers, students and librarians from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area will now read each of these books and determine which one will be chosen for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2010.
What is Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2010?
Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads is a community initiative to promote reading and civic dialogue through the shared experience of reading and discussing a common book.
Library, University and community representatives from both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti have been meeting for several months planning this year’s community read, which will take place January – February, 2010. The read will be modeled after the previous six reads which focused on the books Abraham Lincoln’s DNA (in 2003), "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?" And Other Conversations About Race (in 2004), Leo Africanus (in 2005), The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time (2006), Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World (2007), The Eighth Promise: An American Son’s Tribute To His Toisanese Mother (2008) and Seeing In The Dark: How Amateur Astronomers Are Discovering The Wonders Of The Universe (2009).
What will be the topic for 2010?
In 2010, the program will encourage readers of all ages to explore the subject of Michigan.
What books are under consideration?
A selection committee of community leaders, students and educators in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area will meet in late-October to choose one of two books as the focus for this year.
The two books under consideration are:
• Jerry Dennis, The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas. New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2003.
• Kevin Boyle, Arc of Justice: Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in The Jazz Age. New York: H. Holt, 2004.
Short descriptions of each book are as follows:
- An intimate look at the Great Lakes through the eyes of the author on a four-week voyage on the Great Lakes.
- Jerry Dennis, The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas. New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2003.
The winner of the “Best Book of 2003” by the Outdoor Writers Association of America, this book chronicles author Jerry Dennis’ travels as a crew member on the tall-masted schooner Malabar on a four-week trip through the waters of Lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. The author, a resident of Traverse City, Michigan, reminisces on a lifetime spent near the lakes and interweaves his personal journey with stories from the biologists, fishermen and sailors that he met during his travels.
This title has been praised as “passionate, poetic, and meticulously researched. Its voice beckons like a trusted friend: look, discover, enjoy… this is history at its best and adventure richly described. A magical book, hugely enjoyable and entertaining” (Doug Stanton, author of In Harm’s Way).
- A National Book Award-winner of a sensational murder trial that gripped Detroit and the nation
- Kevin Boyle, Arc of Justice: Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in The Jazz Age. New York: H. Holt, 2004.
This It is a National Book Award winner chronicles the ordeal of Dr. Ossian Sweet, who moves with his young family to a previously all-white Detroit neighborhood in the steamy summer of 1925. When the local block association incites a mob to drive Sweet back to the ghetto, he gathers people to defend his new home with a deadly arsenal. The resulting shooting death of a white man leads to a sensational murder trial, featuring the legendary Clarence Darrow, fresh from the Scopes Monkey trial, defending Sweet, his family and their associates.
Written with a “novelist’s flair” Arc of Justice “grips right up to the stunning jaw-dropper of an ending” (Publishers Weekly). In addition to the National Book Award, it was named a New York Times Notable Book, and was cited as one of 2004’s Best Books by the Boston Globe, National Public Radio, Detroit Free Press, The Seattle Times and Salon.com.
How May I Locate Copies of These Books?
Copies of the books are available through your local bookstore. A limited number of copies are also available through your local library; log on to aadl.org for the Ann Arbor District Library or www.ypsilibrary.org for the Ypsilanti District Library.
How May I Provide Feedback To The Selection Committee?
You may add your comments to the books blog through the aaypsireads website. The selection committee will check the blogs periodically for comments.
How May I Participate In The Read?
The official read will take place in January through February 2010. For now, you may:
• obtain copies of the three books from your local library or book store
• read the books
• log on to the website (aaypsireads.org) before mid-October and offer your feedback.
For more information, call the Community Relations and Marketing Department at the Ann Arbor District Library at 734-327-4265 - or check out the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads website –aaypsireads.org
HVA and WCPH Team Up Again For Unique Flu Shot Clinic
Wednesday, September 2
In response to last year’s successful drive-through flu shot clinic and wanting to immunize as many adults as possible against seasonal flu, Washtenaw County Public Health and Huron Valley Ambulance are hosting Washtenaw County’s second “drive-through” flu shot clinic. This clinic is only for seasonal flu vaccinations, NOT for H1N1 (swine flu). This unique clinic allows people to stay in their cars while they receive their shots. It will be held on Saturday, October 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Huron Valley Ambulance, 1200 State Circle, in Ann Arbor. Gene Butman Ford and Wolverine Sports are sponsoring this year’s clinic. arborMOTION is giving away coupons for free car washes at their nearby facility during clinic hours.
At the clinic, Health Department nurses and HVA paramedics will administer flu shots in one of HVA’s drive-through garage bays. Inside the garage, two health care teams will screen people, collect payment and administer shots in a “pit crew” style while people remain in their cars. The clinic will also test the county’s emergency preparedness plan for rapidly vaccinating large numbers of residents if necessary during a disaster.
The clinic is only for those 18 years old and up. Flu shots are $20.00, payable by cash, check, or credit card. Medicare Part B and Medicaid will also be accepted with appropriate identification. Please dress appropriately to allow easy access to your upper arms. No pets allowed in cars due to safety concerns.
For more information, please call WCPH at 734-544-6700.
Influenza (commonly called the “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It is primarily spread when an infected person coughs near a susceptible person. It can cause mild to severe illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths occur nationwide every year due to flu complications.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination every year. Even healthy adults can contract it, missing work and spreading it to family, friends and co-workers. This year the CDC is urging more people to get flu shots, including children age six months to 18 years. For the adult population, the CDC recommends flu shots for those with chronic illness or a weak immune system, people 50 years old and up, women who will be pregnant during the flu season, health care workers, child care workers and relatives of those who are at high-risk for the disease.
Huron Valley Ambulance
Based in Ann Arbor, Huron Valley Ambulance is a nationally accredited, nonprofit community ambulance service covering Washtenaw, western Wayne and southwest Oakland counties. Learn more about HVA at www.hva.org.
Washtenaw County Public Health Department
The Washtenaw County Public Health Department works locally to prevent disease, promote health, prolong life, and protect communities. WCPH shares a two-century-old national public mission to enhance sanitary conditions, protect the environment, prevent and control disease, and promote healthy lifestyles. Learn more about the Health Department at http://publichealth.ewashtenaw.org/.
First LEED Designation for MSU
Wednesday, September 2
Michigan State University’s new Chemistry Building addition is the first project on campus to earn the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation based on its energy efficient design, construction, and exceptional focus on sound environmental principles. The 30,000 SF new addition was recently named a LEED Silver project. Completed in December of 2007, the $15.9 million project was delivered with minimal interference to on-going instruction, research and operations.
LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings and gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
Some of the significant factors leading to MSU’s first LEED award included the recycling of 94 percent of the waste, by tonnage, generated as part of the construction process (98 percent demolition waste/84 percent new construction waste), 10 percent of the materials used on the project, based on cost, were composed, in part, of post-consumer and post-industrial products, reduction of water consumption by 40 percent and overall energy use by 30 percent, 22 percent of materials were purchased regionally to support the local economy and reduce transportation related exhaust emissions and extensive pre-occupancy testing prior was conducted to ensure that minimal levels of airborne contaminants were present.
Grand Rapids-based Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr and Huber was the project’s architectural firm and Granger Construction of Lansing served as the construction manager. Both firms are USGBC members.
Ann Arbor family tradition kicks off 19th season
Wednesday, September 2
Families will find a delightful assortment of live professional theatre presentations at the Michigan Theater this fall and winter with the return of the Not Just For Kids series. The series is sponsored by the Benard L. Maas Foundation and Toyota.
Single show tickets go on sale Friday, September 4 at ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations, including the Michigan Union Ticket Office. Charge by phone at 800-745-3000.
The series begins Sunday, October 25 with Click, Clack, Moo and runs through April 2010. Standard series subscriptions may include four or five performances. Premium series subscriptions include three additional family performances by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
The Not Just for Kids schedule includes:
• CLICK, CLACK, MOO
Sunday, October 25, 1:30 pm
A hilarious new musical about compromise, based on the best-selling book.
• TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING
Sunday, December 6, 1:30 pm
A play about sibling rivalry from the book by Judy Blume.
• PATCHWORK: THE LITTLE HOUSE LIFE OF LAURA INGALLS WILDER
Sunday, February 7, 1:30 pm
Inspirational tales of outdoor adventure and pioneer spirit.
• ARE YOU MY MOTHER?
Sunday, March 21, 2010, 1:30 pm
A colorful musical adventure based on P.D. Eastman’s beloved picture book
• FROM THE MIXED UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER
Sunday, April 18, 2010, 1:30 pm
This enchanting drama for all ages unfolds in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subscription tickets are also on sale through October 22 by mail or by calling 734-668-8397 ext. 29. Prices range from $40 to $75, depending on the package chosen. Please visit the Michigan Theater web site for more information: http://michtheater.org/series_njfk.php
Reserved seats are $14 and $12 for Michigan Theater members, available online at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Michigan Union Ticket Office. To charge by phone, call 800-745-3000. Service charges apply. Save on groups of 10 or more: call 734-668-8397, ext. 29.
The series is presented by the Benard L. Maas Foundation and Toyota with additional support from Comerica Bank, AnnArbor.com and Blue Care Network of Michigan.
About the Michigan Theater
The Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s historic center for fine film and performing arts. Winner of the 2006 Outstanding Historic Theatre Award from the League of Historic American Theatres, it is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street, across the street from Borders Books and Music. Regular movie prices are $9.00, $7.00 for students, seniors and US veterans, $6.50 for Michigan Theater members, $6.00 for all Wednesday screenings. Please visit the theater’s website at http://michtheater.org. The 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME.
Local Cartridge World Celebrates Anniversary
Tuesday, September 1
Cartridge World of Ann Arbor, part if the world’s fastest growing retail chain of replacement ink, has just announced its first anniversary and is inviting the public to come celebrate with them.
“We have a community to thank for our longevity,” said Laura Morris, Owner of Cartridge World of Ann Arbor. “We are so grateful to have a community like Ann Arbor that supports our business and our vision. We are thrilled to have reached this milestone.”
To celebrate, Cartridge World of Ann Arbor is offering customers who mention the one-year anniversary a ten percent discount on their refilled products, throughout the entire month of September.
Cartridge World of Ann Arbor is a well-known name in the community. It provides consumers and businesses a more affordable, environmentally superior alternative to buying new printer cartridges. “Many people realize that buying a new printer cartridge is neither cost-effective nor environmentally friendly. We give you a choice to save money while helping save the environment through reusing your cartridges,” said Morris.
“We are determined to continue to provide our unique services in Ann Arbor for all our faithful customers. We are happy to be able to tell the community ‘thank you’ and we encourage everyone to come celebrate this achievement with us,” Morris added.
For more information, please contact Laura Morris at 734.213.1739.
About Cartridge World
Emeryville, CA – based Cartridge World is the world’s fastest growing ink and toner refilling retailer and franchisor in the $80 billion printer cartridge industry. The company refills and remanufactures inkjet ad toner printer cartridges, using state-of-the-art processes and high quality inks and toners. It offers consumers and businesses a more affordable option to buying new, provides a 100 percent satisfaction money-back guarantee and helps the environment by keeping cartridges out of landfills. Voted #1 in the category of toner replacement services by Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500, Cartridge World has more that 1,700 franchised retail locations in 61 countries. For more information, call 888.99.REFILL or visit www.cartridgeworldusa.com.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley Seeks Help for a Severely Beaten Dog
Tuesday, September 1
Ypsilanti Police have arrested Eric Jason Rutley and have charged him felony assault with intent to do great bodily harm, manufacturing marijuana and felony animal torture. Rutley is accused of beating his girlfriend’s 9-month-old Australian Shepherd with a tire iron and then dumping the severely beaten dog on the side of the road, and then assaulting his girlfriend.
The female puppy named, Brownie, was found huddled next to a park bench, unable to walk and in excruciating pain. The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) rescued the dog after a call came in about an injured animal that may have been hit by a car. “When we first examined the puppy, we could tell that the injuries were not consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle,” said Dr. Meredith Mallory, HSHV Shelter Veterinarian. “The puppy has multiple fractures to her right front elbow, and multiple fractures to her rear left knee, as well as shows evidence that teeth were knocked out.”
Upon further investigation it was determined that the puppy was the animal allegedly beaten by Rutley. “I spoke to the Ypsilanti Police and they confirmed that they had a woman who claimed that her boyfriend had beaten her and her dog and had dumped the dog,” said Matt Schaecher, HSHV Cruelty Investigator. “The police officers had been out looking for the dog and were relieved that the puppy was alive and that we were caring for her. The woman was able to positively identify her dog and fearing that more harm might come to her, signed ownership of the animal over to HSHV so we could determine the best course of treatment.”
Brownie is under observation and being kept comfortable while veterinarians determine how to best treat her. “We are committed to her care and recovery,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV Executive Director. “The injuries are serious and complicated, but we think she can recover and live out a happy life.” Mr. Rutley has a list of violent offenses going back many years. “The connection between human violence and animal abuse has been well established. This story is just one tragic example of that,” said Hilgendorf.
Brownie’s injuries will require specialized surgery from an orthopedic surgeon and extensive post-surgical care which will likely cost thousands of dollars. HSHV has a fund which was established to care for animals that need specialized medical care, but donations to the “Furry Godmother Fund” have not kept up with the need and are critically low. To help Brownie and animals like her, please visit www.hshv.org and make a donation to the Furry Godmother Fund, or call (734) 661-3525 to donate by phone.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving all of Washtenaw County and beyond, and relies solely on donations from businesses and individuals to support our community programs. The mission of HSHV is to promote responsible and compassionate care of all animals in our community. For more information, call (734) 662-5585 or visit www.hshv.org.
OCTOBER 2009: THE LENS OF IMPRESSIONISM OPENS AT UMMA!
Tuesday, September 1
EXHIBITIONS
The Lens of Impressionism: Photography and Painting Along the Normandy Coast, 1850–1874
October 10, 2009 through January 3, 2010
This exhibition advances a new argument for the origins of what was called “the new painting,” namely that a unique convergence of forces—social, artistic, technological, and commercial—along the Normandy coast of France dramatically transformed the course of photography and painting (as well as of the region itself). Within this framework, the invention of the camera and the development of early fine art photography in that particular setting will be seen as the specific catalysts that brought about a new approach to painting.
The project will showcase paintings, photographs, and drawings by some of the most treasured artists in the Western canon—Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Edgar Degas among them—as well as pioneering photographers such as Gustave Le Gray and Henri Le Secq. Inspired by the scenic Normandy coast of France, these works—including representations of beach scenes, seascapes, fishing villages, resorts, and the region’s pastoral beauty—will be brought together with archival materials related to early tourism and regional expressions of French nationalism from popular culture for an innovative examination of the impact of the then-new medium of photography on ideas of image making, the recording of passing time, the capacities of painting, and the rise of Impressionism itself.
Organized by UMMA, this exhibition is made possible in part by the Florence Gould Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the University of Michigan Health System, Office of the Provost, Office of the Vice President for Research, School of Music, Theatre & Dance, the Center for European Studies-European Union Center, and Department of History of Art, Masco Corporation, Furthermore: a program of the J. M. Kaplan Fund, the University of Michigan Credit Union, and the family of Dr. Raymond F. Cunningham in his memory. The Lens of Impressionism would not have been possible without the generosity and cooperation of the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) and features exceptional loans from the BnF and the Musée d'Orsay. Following its showing in Ann Arbor, the exhibition will travel to the Dallas Museum of Art.
UMMA Projects: Heather Rowe
October 17, 2009 through January 3, 2010
Heather Rowe’s art sits precariously at the intersection of sculpture, architecture, and installation, and her hybrid, fragmentary constructions derive their aesthetic frisson from her (or their) refusal to adhere to the norms of any one discipline. The sense of the work as neither one thing nor another is heightened by an attention to transitional spaces: corridors, stud-walls, windows and doorways. Interior and exterior space collapse into one another as the raw materials of construction – modular units of drywall, lumber, glass, and metal – are combined with more decorative elements. Interstitial spaces reveal swatches of carpet or wallpaper, while shards of mirror incorporate the surrounding space in a fragmented patchwork of reflections.
Although keenly aware of such predecessors as Bruce Nauman’s corridor installations, Robert Smithson’s mirror displacements, and Gordon Matta-Clark’s building cuts, Rowe’s work combines formal and conceptual rigor with a psychological ambivalence and narrative tension in a manner both highly original and thoroughly contemporary.
This project is made possible in part by UMMA’s New Visions Venture Fund.
Warhol Snapshots, 1973–1986
August 29 through October 25
Andy Warhol—his name is so ingrained in the popular imagination, and his art so definitive of contemporary culture and style in America, he needs no introduction. His art changed the game in so many provocative ways that it continues to this day to give rise to new understandings of the nature of art—as product, process, and performance.
Warhol always insisted that his art wasn’t deep or profound in any way—but rather “deeply superficial.” On more than one occasion he has been compared to a mirror, simply there to reflect society back to itself. This exhibition of Warhol’s photographs will direct focus to the signs of the times reflected in the mirror’s surface: the spirit of the 70s and 80s that Warhol and his art embodied. Those depicted include his friends, followers, and fellow denizens of the underground, the famous faces of his era as well as those not destined to be remembered.
UMMA is one of 183 college and university art museums that received a gift of photographs as part of the Andy Warhol Photographic Legacy project, and the black-and-white photographs and Polaroids in this exhibition are the first of this collection to be publicly presented.
This exhibition is made possible in part by the Charles H. & Katharine C. Sawyer Endowment Fund.
(Un)Natural History: The Museum Unveiled
September 12 through December 6, 2009
Richard Barnes's series of photographs Animal Logic examines the role the museum plays in our understanding of ourselves through the acts of collecting, preservation, and display. Images from this large body of work include photographs of the collections from the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of Comparative Anatomy in Paris, the Canadian Museum of Natural History, and the California Academy of Science. (Un)Natural History focuses primarily on the natural history museum and by extension collecting institutions in general, providing a kind of behind-the-scenes look at museum practice and display.
This exhibition will coincide with the UM LSA Theme Semester Meaningful Objects: Museums and the Academy. UMMA’s presentation is projected to serve as part of a three-venue project highlighting different aspects of Barnes’s work in partnership with the UM Institute for the Humanities—who have selected Richard Barnes as the Paula and Edwin Sidman Fellow in the Arts for 2009—and the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
UMMA Projects: Lisa Anne Auerbach
Continues through October 11, 2009
Often combining wry humor with a biting critique of the complacency and routine of modern life, Lisa Anne Auerbach’s subversive brand of post-punk, DIY aesthetics mixes art and politics in a manner both highly personal and thoroughly embedded in contemporary culture. Recent projects address topics ranging from the current Iraq war to the politics of bicycling in a city of freeways. In her slogan-adorned sweater sets, each outfit becomes a wearable canvas, literally weaving together the personal and the political, the aesthetic and the everyday. Auerbach’s installation at UMMA transforms the Museum’s most highly visible space—the Irving Stenn Jr. Family Project Gallery—into a showcase for her politically charged, socially engaged knitwear. This unconventional installation encourages viewers to ask questions about how we experience different types of cultural spaces and how both political and aesthetic discourses are framed in contemporary society.
This project is made possible in part by UMMA’s New Visions Venture Fund.
EVENTS
The Wednesday Night Museums Lecture Series
Join us on Wednesday evenings for lectures by museum professionals from across the country. They will speak on a range of unique topics and issues central to today’s museums. All lectures are free and open to the public and will take place in UMMA’s Helmut Stern Auditorium unless otherwise indicated.
(Un)Natural History and the Power of Display
Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 pm
Artist Scott Hocking works with the devastated urban landscape of Detroit to create powerful installations that speak to the ways in which ruined cities become museums of natural history. Richard Barnes concentrates on the museum practice of encasing animals and human beings in vitrines— another sort of a crypt or ruin. Michael Stafford, Director of Cranbrook Institute of Science, creates impactful, socially relevant natural history experiences for museum visitors. Join them in a wide-ranging conversation moderated by Daniel Herwitz, Director of the University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities, who will also lend his own perspectives.
This program is co-sponsored by Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science, UM Exhibit Museum, UM Institute for Humanities, UM School of Art and Design Penny Stamps Lecture Series, and UMMA.
What's Special about the University Art Museum? Perspectives on Museums in the Academy
A Conversation with Lawrence Rinder, Thomas W. Lentz, and James Steward, moderated by Ray Silverman
Wednesday, October 28, 7:30 pm
Three of America’s leading university art museum directors—Thomas W. Lentz, Director of the Harvard Art Museum, Lawrence Rinder, Director of the UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, and James Steward, Director of the Princeton University Art Museum—discuss the place of university art museums in the American educational enterprise. This program is part of the LSA Theme Year Meaningful Objects: Museums in the Academy and also has roots in UMMA's ongoing series of public discussions aimed at “Reimagining the Museum.” Professor Ray Silverman, Director of the University of Michigan’s Museum Studies Program and interim Co-Director of UMMA, will moderate.
Tuesday Night Lecture Series: Translating Knowledge: Global Perspectives on Museum and Community
“Translating Knowledge” considers strategies for engaging the peoples whose lives and histories are presented in the museum in the complicated processes of interpreting culture. This year-long lecture series organized by the UM Museum Studies Program brings 10 scholars to the University of Michigan from South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, the Philippines, and the US. These scholars’ work offers new paradigms for confronting the social and political challenges of representation in the museum. Each participant will present a lecture that examines the theory and a workshop that explores the practice of their community-engaged scholarship.
All Tuesday night lectures are in the UMMA Helmut Stern Auditorium and all Wednesday afternoon workshops are in the UMMA Multipurpose Room.
Gwyn Isaac
Arizona State University
Lecture: October 13, 7 pm
Workshop: October 14, 4 pm
Kishor K. Basa
Indian Museum, Kolkata
Lecture: October 27, 7 pm
Workshop: October 28, 4 pm
Public Goods Open House: “Behind the Scenes”
Saturday, October 10, 10 am¬¬–2 pm
Join curators and other UMMA staff in our galleries to talk about how their work behind the scenes results in exhibitions and collections displays.
Screen Arts and Cultures Film Series
Fall 2009 inaugurates several new program series with University partners, including UM’s Screen Arts and Cultures program (SAC). Together with SAC, UMMA will offer a range of films from the popular to the rarely seen, along with guest speakers. All films are screened in UMMA’s Helmut Stern Auditorium.
Our School (Oren Goldenberg, 2009)
October 8, 7 pm
Our School transcends the spatial abyss that is Detroit to capture the experience of going to high school for one day in the city, from dawn until nightfall. The film is the result of a collaboration among UM Alumni, and filmmaker Oren Goldenberg will be in attendance for a Q and A following the screening.
“What the Hell Was That?”
October 15, 7 pm
Four challenging, short experimental films from the Ann Arbor Film Festival's archives will be presented and screened by participating panelists, followed by discussion with the audience.
The Betrayal (Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath, 2008)
October 22, 7 pm
The collateral impact of America’s secret war in Laos is reflected in the extraordinary story of one family’s struggle for survival in Laos and later in the US. This film was an Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature.
The 2nd Annual Hubert Cohen Film Criticism and Film Scholarship Series Lecture
October 29, 7 pm
Dennis Harvey, University of Michigan alum and film critic for Variety will return to campus to deliver the second Annual Hubert Cohen Film Criticism and Film Scholarship Series lecture. Harvey will discuss the current state of film criticism in this country as well as pay tribute to his former instructor, Hugh Cohen, the much beloved professor of film studies at UM in the Department of Screen Arts and Cultures and in the Residential College.
Lens of Impressionism Programs
A varied slate of programs will explore and interpret UMMA’s landmark exhibition The Lens of Impressionism: Photography and Painting Along the Normandy Coast, 1850–1874, including the launch of a scintillating series of musical programs featuring the faculty and students of UM’s renowned School of Music, Theater & Dance and special guests.
Additional support for the concert series was provided by the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, the Center for European Studies-European Union Center, and the family of Dr. Raymond F. Cunningham in his memory.
All performances are free and open to the public and are held in the UMMA Apse unless otherwise noted. Seating is limited.
FREE DROP-IN FAMILY WORKSHOP
Seascapes: Exploring the Horizon
Saturday, October 17
1:30–4:30 pm
Come and create your very own seascape painting inspired by paintings and photography from the exhibit The Lens of Impressionism: Photography and Painting Along the Normandy Coast, 1850-1874. You’ll explore a variety of painting techniques to create the sea and sky and discover how the horizon line can be used to give your image the illusion of depth.
Presented with support from the University of Michigan Credit Union.
Musical Contemporaries of the Impressionists
Wednesday October 21, 8 pm
The desire for a creative milieu independent of established French institutions was shared by visual artists and composers alike in the second half of the nineteenth century. This program features works by independent composers such as Emmanuel Chabrier, Camille Saint-Saens, Georges Bizet, Henri Duparc, and Cesar Franck, performed by SMTD students.
Everything is Moving
A Lecture Demonstration by Jerry Schwiebert
Wednesday, October 21, 5 pm
As thoroughly as they study their instruments or lines, top performing artists study how to use their bodies to heighten the audience’s experience of their art. This lecture-demonstration takes you “behind the scenes” to learn some of the basics of body movement for performing artists. Willing audience members will join the instructor onstage for body manipulation, partner with other audience members in exercises, view themselves on live video, and participate in entire-audience explorations. Taught by Jerry Schweibert, faculty in movement in U-M’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and author of the forthcoming book Everything Is Moving.
Lens of Impressionism Lectures
Lecture programs for the exhibition The Lens of Impressionism are presented with the support of the Florence Gould Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the University of Michigan's Office of the Provost.
Painting and Photography in Normandy: The Aesthetic of the Instant
Carole McNamara, UMMA Senior Curator of Western Art
Sunday October 18, 3 pm
Helmut Stern Auditorium
Carole McNamara, Senior Curator of Western Art, will introduce the exhibition The Lens of Impressionism: Photography and Painting Along the Normandy Coast, 1850–1874 and explore the themes addressed in the exhibition. Taking a fresh look at the conceptual and aesthetic ideas exchanged between photographers and painters working along the Normandy coast during this unique period, McNamara will argue that these exchanges shaped not only artistic themes and conventions but also the ideas of the modern in artistic practice.
Born Like a Phoenix from the Ashes? The 'Renewal' of French Music 1870–1918
Dr. Jane Fulcher
Friday October 23, 3 pm
Helmut Stern Auditorium
This lecture by eminent UM Musicology Professor Jane Fulcher traces the emergence of an independent French musical culture in the 1860s with the foundation of the Théatre Lyrique and the works of composers such as Gounod, Bizet, Saint-Saens, and Chabrier, culminating in a discussion of Debussy's evolution from within the Paris Conservatoire into the independent artistic culture of the Symbolists and the Société Nationale de Musique Français. As it will demonstrate, the seeds of an independent new musical culture were already planted in the 1860s, after the foundation of the musical equivalent of the Salon des Réfusées.
Picturing a Province: Representations of Normandy from Romantic to Modern
Professor Stephen Bann, University of Bristol (UK)
Wednesday October 28, 5 pm
Helmut Stern Auditorium
The lecture by Dr. Stephen Bann, Professor Emeritus of the History of Art, University of Bristol, UK and a Fellow of the British Academy, and one of the leading art historians of his generation, will examine a wide variety of print images of Normandy, ranging from expensive engravings and lithographs to postcards and magazines. It will be argued that there is a tension between what could be termed the “Vertical Sublime” and the “Horizontal Sublime.” The preeminence of records of Gothic architecture in the Romantic period is followed by an increasing emphasis on landscape as a carrier of regional identity.
This program has been supported in part by the Florence Gould Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the University of Michigan’s Office of the Provost, and the History of Art Department.
UM Student Programs
Student Performance Series
Third Thursday Evenings
UMMA Commons
UMMA is a new site for UM students to show off what they’ve got! This exciting performance series falls on the evening of the third Thursday of each month, and features different student performers who work in a variety of media. The series is curated and produced by the UMMA Student Programming and Advisory Board. To learn more about the performance series and the Board please visit: http://www.umma.umich.edu/for-students/
These programs are made possible in part by the Katherine Tuck Enrichment Fund.
Film & Video Student Association (FVSA)'s First Thursday: Screen Arts & Cultures Student Honors Projects
October 1, 7 pm
Helmut Stern Auditorium
The Screen Arts and Cultures Department (SAC) and the Film Video Student Association present a selection of SAC student honors projects. Honors in SAC is a highly competitive program in which students work closely with SAC faculty to create original, advanced-level work, either a production project or a written thesis. This curated program showcases film, television, and digital honors projects from the past decade.
Hands-on art making
Create your own masterpieces at UMMA. This fall the Ann Arbor Art Center will offer art-making workshops on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. With a wide variety of subject matters, there is a class for every art-lover. Register online at www.annarborartcenter.org.
THURSDAYS
Nights at the Museum
Instructor: Christy Kelly-Bentgen
Thursdays, September 17–October 8 (4 weeks)
6:30–9 pm
$76 members/$85 non-members, $20 lab fee
Each week this class will focus on a different work or group of works from the galleries. Students will learn a variety of techniques and create their own masterpieces. Along the way expect gallery games, scavenger hunts, excitement, and fun! Come with an open mind and a sense of adventure! (All levels welcome.)
Painting Studio
Thursdays, October 15–November 5 (4 weeks) (Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5)
6:30–9 pm
$76 members/$85 non-members
Students will learn basic painting skills, including the fundamentals of color, color mixing, composition, and brush handling. Bring personal photos, sketches, and ideas to realize in a finished painting or come and get inspired by UMMA’s outstanding collection. (All levels welcome.)
SATURDAYS
Drawing from the Collections
Saturdays, September 12–October 10 (no class 9/26, 4 weeks)
1:30–4 pm
$76 members/$85 non-members
Working in the studio and in the galleries students will learn the basic principles of drawing: lines, planes, values, and perspective. (All levels welcome.)
Two-session workshop: Assemblage Boxes
Saturdays, October 24–31 (2 weeks)
1:30–4 pm
$45 members/$48 non-members, $20 lab fee
Using works by Joseph Cornell, Louise Nevelson, and Betye Saar as inspiration, students will create their own assemblage in this upbeat two-session workshop. The class will focus on principles of design and sound construction with found objects as well as a variety of collage techniques.
American Romanian Festival
UMMA is pleased to co-sponsor a film series and concert for the Third Annual American Romanian Festival, which will include many other educational, cultural, and artistic events in both the United States and Romania, including a lecture at UM by the renowned author and NPR contributor Andrei Codrescu. For more details about the events and the festival, including film descriptions, please www.americanromanianfestival.org.
All films are screened in the Helmut Stern Auditorium and are free of charge. They are co-sponsored by the American Romanian Festival, the UM Center for Russian and East European Studies, and UMMA.
Romanian Film Series Part I
This is the first part of a three-part film series
October 10, 7 pm
7 pm: Bela Lugosi: The Fallen Vampire by Florin Iepan (52 min, narrated in English)
8:20 pm: The One, The Only, The Real Tarzan by Florin Iepan (50 min, narrated in English)
9:30 pm: The Year of the Tiger by Dan Secosan (2002) (28 min, English subtitles)
Romanian Film Series Part II
October 24, 7 pm
7 pm: Bran Castle, Vlad Tepes vs. Dracula, Rasnov Stronghold by Nicolae Margineanu (2005) (60 min, narrated in English)
8:20 pm: Somewhere in the East by Nicolae Margineanu (1991) (106 min, English subtitles)
American Romanian Festival Octet Chamber Music Concert
Sunday, October 25, 7:30 pm
$10 at the door
Experience the brilliant masterpiece of George Enescu. The Octet op. 7 mirrors the composer’s unique charm, humor, and passion. This virtuoso ensemble made up of musicians from Ohio and Michigan will also perform the Octet for a Double String Quartet by Vermont-based composer Thomas L. Read. The program will open with the Octet in Two Movements by Dimitri Shostakovich.
Performers include: Penny Kruse, Vasile Beluska, Laura Roelofs, Marian Tanau, violins; Megan Ferguson, Eva Stern, violas; Alan Smith, Paul Wingert, cellos.
Zell Visiting Writers Lecture Series
UMMA is delighted to become the home of the Department of English Program in Creative Writing Zell Visiting Writers Lecture Series, which brings outstanding writers to campus each semester. The Series is endowed by a gift from UM alumna Helen Zell (’64). These events are sponsored by the Department of English and the Office of the Provost of the University of Michigan. For more information, please see www.lsa.umich.edu/english/grad/mfa/mfaeve.asp
All readings are held in the Helmut Stern Auditorium at 5 pm on Thursdays unless noted and are free of charge.
Crystal Williams Poetry Reading
Thursday, October 8
Crystal Williams' third collection of poems, Troubled Tongues, was chosen by Marilyn Nelson for the 2009 Long Madgett Poetry Award. Her poetry appears in the American Poetry Review as well as other reviews and anthologies. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, and Madrid, Spain, she is currently working on two plays and a collection of essays.
David Wevill Poetry Reading
Thursday, October 15
David Wevill was born a Canadian in Japan in 1935 and was educated in both Canada and England. He has lived in Burma and in Spain but has made his home in Austin, Texas, for the past 30 years. Awarded prizes and inclusion in all the major anthologies, he has recently published Solo With Grazing Deer (2001) and has also published translations of Fernando Pessoa and Ferenc Juhász.
Scott Lasser and Travis Holland Fiction Reading
Thursday, October 22
Scott Lasser is the author of three novels: Battle Creek, All I Could Get, and The Year That Follows. His non-fiction has appeared in magazines ranging from Dealmaker to the New Yorker. He holds several degrees including an MBA and lives with his family in Aspen, Colorado.
Travis Holland is the author of The Archivist's Story which was listed among the best books of the year by the Financial Times. Winner of several awards and published in a variety of journals, he is a graduate of the University of Michigan's MFA program.
Exhibitions Programs
Films offered in conjunction with Warhol Snapshots, 1973–1986 (continuing series)
The documentary films in this series explore the multiple realities of the 60s and 70s, both in their time and in retrospect. The series is divided into four programs. “Signs of the Times” examines the political and social climate that gave rise to the pop sensibility. “All about Andy” takes a closer look at the artist himself; “Intimate Portraits” turns the lens on two tragic victims of Warhol’s star system. “The Scene” paints a vivid portrait of the artistic circles of the times. All films are screened in the Helmut Stern Auditorium, and all are free charge.
Saturday, October 3
Intimate Portraits
9 pm: Nico Icon (Susanne Ofteringer, 1994)
10:15 pm: A Walk into the Sea: Danny Williams and the Warhol Factory (Esther Robinson, 2007)
Sunday, October 4
** Encore presentation**
5 pm: Dont Look Back (D. A. Pennebaker, 1967)
Guided Tours
The New UMMA
Saturday, October 3, 1 pm
Sunday, October 4, 1 pm
Wednesday, October 7, 12 pm
Saturday, October 10, 1 pm
Sunday, October 11, 1 pm
Saturday, October 17, 1 pm
Sunday, October 18, 1 pm
Saturday, October 24, 1 pm
Sunday, October 25, 1 pm
Saturday, October 31, 1 pm
(Un)Natural History: The Museum Unveiled
Sunday, October 4, 2 pm
The Lens of Impressionism: Photography and Painting Along the Normandy Coast, 1850–1874
Sunday, October 11, 2 pm
Wednesday, October 14, 12 pm
Saturday, October 17, 2 pm
Sunday, October 18, 2 pm
Wednesday, October 21, 12 pm
Saturday, October 24, 2 pm
Sunday, October 25, 2 pm
Wednesday, October 28, 12 pm
Saturday, October 31, 2 pm
MUSEUM INFORMATION
UMMA, 525 South State Street, Ann Arbor, 48109-1354
Information: 734.763.UMMA; www.umma.umich.edu
Galleries open Tue, Wed, Sat, 10 am to 5 pm; Thu, Fri, 10 am to 10 pm; Sun, noon to 5 pm; Building open seven days a week, 8 am to midnight.
Closed July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission is free.
