I have tried my best to stay away from the computer during the holiday break while the kids are off school. With the exception of checking email after they go to bed, and a client project that needed to be wrapped up before the end of the year, I've been doing pretty well.
Funny how many extra hours I have in a day when I'm not distracted by electronics. Ironically, now that I have dedicated to spending more time with them, the kids have been distracted with their new Leapster games and Webkinz pets. Ah well, it has given me time to read a book I received *last* Christmas.
Updates for www.Chelsea-MI.com
The Things To Do In Chelsea events calendar is now completely database driven, which means that it has freed up hours and hours of my time each week to finish up the newest addition. This is a comprehensive directory of all businesses, organizations, and fun places like parks. The engine is done, and now it is a matter of adding more and more information to it. If you have a few minutes or an hour to volunteer to help out, your efforts will help benefit the whole community! Just send me an email if you have some time to spare.
For my last post of 2007, I wish you all a very happy new year!
~Leslie
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Chelsea to become Tree City USA?
In the Ann Arbor News this week, there was an article about the city of Chelsea considering becoming a Tree City USA.
I'm not sure what to make of this. I am a strong proponent of environmental initiatives, but also an opponent of making day to day operations more complicated. I get a little impatient with the time and cost of meetings and paperwork involving "ordinances" and "proclamations" -- especially when the benefits are attributes like "image" and "pride". I'll be interested to follow this story and learn more about how this will benefit our city.
More information about Tree City USA can be found on the Arbor Day Foundation website. Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline and some of our other neighbors in Washtenaw County have already earned this designation.
- Chelsea debates need for tree board - 'Tree City USA' status requires one (Ann Arbor News, 12/20/07)
I'm not sure what to make of this. I am a strong proponent of environmental initiatives, but also an opponent of making day to day operations more complicated. I get a little impatient with the time and cost of meetings and paperwork involving "ordinances" and "proclamations" -- especially when the benefits are attributes like "image" and "pride". I'll be interested to follow this story and learn more about how this will benefit our city.
More information about Tree City USA can be found on the Arbor Day Foundation website. Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline and some of our other neighbors in Washtenaw County have already earned this designation.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Another unique gift idea... hadn't thought of this one!
I received an email today from the Friends of the McKune Memorial Library (that is the Chelsea Library to most of us), which had a couple great ideas for last-minute gifts. The message is as follows:
This season is a perfect time to remember that you can select a present of an engraved paver brick at McKune Memorial Library, with your name, or commemorating someone else, before the December 31 2007 deadline. This brick campaign has been ongoing, and this order will be processed for bricklaying in Spring 2008, if enough orders are received in time. You can write your name in Chelsea community history or pay tribute to others through this wonderful gift, an important fundraiser for the library.
Get the form to complete at the library. A basic brick at $100., 4"x8", 3 lines, 12 characters per line. You may also order two or more individual bricks. A Builder brick is $500., 8"x8", 6 lines, 12 characters per line. Your gift is tax-deductible. Questions? Call (734) 475-8732, ext 216, for Wendy Smith.Another very timely and ideal holiday gift is the Friends brand new "Chelsea Cooks! Heritage Cookbook". This unique cookbook includes great recipes along with memorable stories about them, from many local cooks in the Chelsea community. They are available for sale at the library circulation desk, and at the New Chelsea Market, for $10 per copy.
Now in all my shopping local suggestions, I hadn't thought of these things. I have yet to pick up my own copy of the 'Chelsea Cooks!" cookbook (which I reserved a loooong time ago), but I know I submitted a recipe or two. It would in fact make a great last-minute gift for a few people I can think of. I only wish I had thought to include it in the great Michigan gift basket I had made up at the Chelsea Market this week!
Monday, December 17, 2007
City of Chelsea Town Hall Meeting on Dec. 18
A couple of notices from the City of Chelsea offices:
Townhall Meeting on Dec 18thNOTICE OF TOWN HALL MEETING FOR THE CITY OF CHELSEA
Notice is hereby given that the Chelsea City Council will hold a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, December 18th at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Washington Street Education Center (Boardroom), 500 Washington St. This is a chance to meet the new City Council Members.
Public Hearing for the Draft Comprehensive Plan
The City of Chelsea's draft Comprehensive Plan is now available for review online under Planning and Zoning. The public hearing regarding the draft Comprehensive Plan will be held on December 18th in the Boardroom of the Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington St. at 7:30 p.m.
Source: City of Chelsea websiteThursday, December 13, 2007
Shopping locally in Chelsea - my favorite holiday topic!
In today's Chelsea Standard, I was very pleased to see a note from the editor encouraging people to shop locally for the holidays.
Local Toy Stores
Much as I'd love to buy handmade and locally produced items for all my gift giving, you just can't get around the fact that kids are going want toys from Nintendo, Hasbro, Disney and Mattel. But here are some helpful tidbits.
I was pondering the concept of shopping locally as I shopped online this morning. "Huh?" you may say. Well, I was searching for a gift basket to be delivered out of the country. Rather than paying extra shipping charges, dealing with international customs, etc., I searched for a local company in *their* town who can deliver something good. I thought it would be a nice gesture to help support my loved one's own community. But the key to this being a successful transaction is the local small businesses must have an internet presence. As a website designer in my own small town, I feel strongly that *every* business needs to be on the web, whether it is a comprehensive directory listing, a small website, or a full fledged e-commerce experience. I'd venture to guess that anyone who is reading my blog probably uses Google a whole lot more often than they look in the phone book.
I'll spare you the plug for my own website design business, but I will take the opportunity to mention that the new Chelsea e-Directory will be launched in a few days. It will include every business in Chelsea who wishes to be included (for free!) and provide users comprehensive listings by category and searchable by key word. This directory will make it even easier for people to plan their shopping trip in Chelsea, or find a place to eat while they are in town. Oh, and also help you find an accountant, plumber, bank or local park... but that is a topic for another day. (Let me if you want to learn more, otherwise watch for the announcement on the front page of www.chelsea-mi.com)
Chelsea shoppers are also very lucky to have the option to purchase Chelsea Cash gift certificates. I'm always surprised to hear that people don't know about these. You can buy them in any amount and use them at tons of places around town. They can be bought online or at the Chamber of Commerce office, which is in the Clocktower.
More Information and Holiday Links
- Let's buy at least one present from a local merchant (Chelsea Standard, 12/13/07)
Local Toy Stores
Much as I'd love to buy handmade and locally produced items for all my gift giving, you just can't get around the fact that kids are going want toys from Nintendo, Hasbro, Disney and Mattel. But here are some helpful tidbits.
- Our local Pamida has a pretty good selection of toys. They also participate in local events like Hometown Holidays, and support Chelsea organizations through donations and sponsorships.
- If you can't find what you need here in town, Meijer is a Michigan based company who gives back the local communities in many ways, including the Rewards Program in which most Chelsea schools participate.
- Of course, at risk of repeating myself, if you don't have to buy the kids in your life an electronic toy or action figure, make your first stop at Cranesbill Books. I can't say enough good things about the high quality and creative selection of toys and games to be found there. As I've said before, their brilliant decision to start carrying toys last year has saved me countless trips to Ann Arbor or Jackson for toy shopping.
I was pondering the concept of shopping locally as I shopped online this morning. "Huh?" you may say. Well, I was searching for a gift basket to be delivered out of the country. Rather than paying extra shipping charges, dealing with international customs, etc., I searched for a local company in *their* town who can deliver something good. I thought it would be a nice gesture to help support my loved one's own community. But the key to this being a successful transaction is the local small businesses must have an internet presence. As a website designer in my own small town, I feel strongly that *every* business needs to be on the web, whether it is a comprehensive directory listing, a small website, or a full fledged e-commerce experience. I'd venture to guess that anyone who is reading my blog probably uses Google a whole lot more often than they look in the phone book.
I'll spare you the plug for my own website design business, but I will take the opportunity to mention that the new Chelsea e-Directory will be launched in a few days. It will include every business in Chelsea who wishes to be included (for free!) and provide users comprehensive listings by category and searchable by key word. This directory will make it even easier for people to plan their shopping trip in Chelsea, or find a place to eat while they are in town. Oh, and also help you find an accountant, plumber, bank or local park... but that is a topic for another day. (Let me if you want to learn more, otherwise watch for the announcement on the front page of www.chelsea-mi.com)
Chelsea shoppers are also very lucky to have the option to purchase Chelsea Cash gift certificates. I'm always surprised to hear that people don't know about these. You can buy them in any amount and use them at tons of places around town. They can be bought online or at the Chamber of Commerce office, which is in the Clocktower.
More Information and Holiday Links
- Shopping Local in Chelsea, Michigan 2005
- Shopping Local in Chelsea, Michigan 2006
- Shopping Local in Chelsea, Michigan 2007
- Also of interest: Christmas Tree Shopping in the Chelsea Area
- List of Places To Worship in Chelsea, MI - for those seeking a church to attend Christmas services. For other denominations, you may have to expand your search to the rest of Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline and surrounding areas. If you're coming from out of town, I'm happy to help you find what you're looking for. Just ask!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)