More great press for a locally owned business in Chelsea!
Congratulations to the Chelsea TreeHouse! The TreeHouse is one of the Detroit nominees for Best Indoor Playplace/Partyspace as part of Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect's First Annual Parents' Picks Awards. This came as a very exciting surprise to owner Michele Balaka, who recently called to tell me the news. Michele is a friend of mine, and I also do the TreeHouse website, so we wanted to put up the logo and link so people can vote. In the email she sent me with the links, she summed it up perfectly: “Yeah for the TreeHouse!”
More About the TreeHouse
The TreeHouse opened in December 2006, and very quickly became a very popular destination to bring kids for playdates, birthday parties, tours and any reason at all. Members and visitors come from all over southeastern Michigan and beyond, bringing thousands of families to Chelsea to play at the TreeHouse and explore our town.
In case you aren't familiar with the TreeHouse, it is an indoor playground featuring a huge play structure where kids can climb, swing, crawl, slide. Unlike many other play places I have brought my kids, I myself can comfortably climb up the structure and go down the slides as well. They also serve very good coffee (and I know my coffee), and tasty, freshly made food. They do have the requisite hotdogs, as well as great sandwiches, soups and other "real" food.
Located in the historic Clocktower complex in downtown Chelsea, the interior of the TreeHouse features much of the original architecture and design, with exposed bricks, super high ceilings, a very old bank vault (you'll have to ask the owners about that). It's just a very cool building, and nice place to hang out. They even have private area upstairs for meetings and parties. The TreeHouse is also available for private party sleepovers -- how awesome would that be for older kids and teens?
More About the Award
The ParentsConnect's First Annual Parents' Picks Awards will identify winners in 52 major U.S. cities. Categories include: best kids' museum; best toy store; best playground/park; best green space; and many more. Users can vote for nominees online at http://www.parentsconnect.com/parentspicks until June 30 to help determine which nominees are "top picks" in their city. On July 15, the ParentsConnect.com site will publish the Parents' Picks winners and the winning venues' information will remain featured on the site for a year. All Parents' Picks businesses are nominated based on recommendations from ParentsConnect.com local city editors that live and work in the cities they cover, in conjunction with ParentsConnect users' feedback. Users' votes and rankings ultimately determine which venues are selected as winners in their respective categories.
Links:
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Memorial Day Parade and Celebration
Chelsea's annual Memorial Day parade will be held on Monday, May 26, 2008 beginning at 10 a.m. Afterwards, from 1 til 5 p.m. there will be a celebration at the American Legion Post #31 with food and refreshments. If you have any old flags to retire, bring them along. The American Legion is planing a ceremony to dispose of them with honor.
See the Things To Do In Chelsea event listing for details:
Also of interest are these articles from MLive.com:
Memorial Day holds a special place in my heart because many of my loved ones have served in the military, during wars, conflicts, and also quieter times. My most heartfelt thanks to all of you and your own loved ones who have served to protect our country.
Follow up
Great photos of the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony from local photographer Burrill Strong:
See the Things To Do In Chelsea event listing for details:
Also of interest are these articles from MLive.com:
- Patriotism gets passed down (Ann Arbor News, 5/24/08) - features the family of Chelsea resident and city council member Jason Lindauer
- Area Memorial day events (Ann Arbor News, 5/24/08) - for listings in Ann Arbor, Ypsi, Dexter and many other surrounding areas.
Memorial Day holds a special place in my heart because many of my loved ones have served in the military, during wars, conflicts, and also quieter times. My most heartfelt thanks to all of you and your own loved ones who have served to protect our country.Follow up
Great photos of the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony from local photographer Burrill Strong:
- Chelsea's Memorial Day Ceremonies (26 May 2008)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Increase in gas prices makes for easy math ... and incentive to stay home
It cost me $74 to fill up my gas tank. Yeouch. I couldn't help but ponder what else I might have spent that $74 on... dinner for two, new shoes, signing up for an art class or Rec sport. Not being very mathematically inspired, I don't often calculate the cost of a trip. But nowadays, the dollars add up to enough to make me think twice before running a unnecessary errand. I calculated that it costs me $8 in gas to go to Ann Arbor and back.My minivan gets approximately 20 miles per gallon. For the sake of easy math, estimate that Ann Arbor is 20 miles away from Chelsea, and gas is $4.00 per gallon. That means I'll use 1 gallon of gas to get to Briarwood Mall (see Google map for the route) and the roundtrip cost is 2 gallons x $4 per gallon = $8. In other words, 20 cents per mile.
That is good incentive to shop, eat and play locally before driving to Ann Arbor, Jackson or Brighton. Either that, or be sure that your savings add up to more than the cost of gas.
How to Save Your Gas Money
For those of you who are commuting for work, school, recreation or shopping, here are some calculations for you: *Calculations based on my numbers above: $4 per gallon of gas, 20 miles to A2, average 20 mpg
- Five days a week commute: Commute to work 5 days a week and gas will cost you $40 a week, or $160 a month. Perhaps that Chelsea-Ann Arbor commuter bus at $125 per month is looking more tempting!
- Share a ride / work from home ONE day each week: $128 per month (save $32 each month or $384 a year)
- Share a ride / work from home TWO days each week: $96 per month (save $64 each month or $768 a year)
- Commute 5 days a week, but drive a more fuel efficient car: If you drive a car that gets 30 mpg instead of 20 mpg, your gas cost will be 13 cents per mile, or $104 per month. (save $56 per month, or $672 per year)
- Drive a more fuel efficient car, when possible. (Instead of the minivan, we can take the other car, which gets 30 mpg)
- Turn down the A/C (not a problem during our cool weather this month!)
- Drive the speed limit (saves on those speeding tickets, too!)
- Keep your car tuned up and tires inflated to the correct level
- Minimize idling your car. Turn off the car while you wait in line, or better yet, park and go in.
Think again! You may be driving away the savings, unless the cheaper gas station is already on your route. For example, it makes sense for my husband to fill up at a gas station on Baker Rd. because he has to drive that way to go to his office. If I do that solely for the purpose of getting gas, it is actually *costing* me money. Do your own calculations at ComputeGasSavings.com
More Resources:
- Local Gas Prices for Chelsea, Michigan
- Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Truck or SUV's Gas Mileage
- 11 Car Care Tips That Save Gas
- Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage (PDF file, from epa.gov website)
- How To Save Money on Gas
- Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage
On the plus side, I'm getting more exercise because I'm taking my bike everywhere!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Chelsea Library delivers to disabled
Did you know?
Did you know the McKune Memorial Library delivers? I received this news tidbit from the library this week, and thought I'd share it with you in case you know of someone who can use the service.
Learn More
Did you know the McKune Memorial Library delivers? I received this news tidbit from the library this week, and thought I'd share it with you in case you know of someone who can use the service.
"Recognizing that getting to the library building is a challenge for many, The Chelsea District Library offers free delivery as a way to get materials to those who are physically unable to visit the library, including the elderly and disabled. You may request books or have a librarian select them for you and then schedule them for home delivery." [paraphrased from library website and email received]For those of us who are simply busy or forgetful about returning our books, you can do a lot of your library business online on over the phone, too.
Learn More
- McKune Memorial Library / Chelsea District Library website -
- Click on Services to learn more about home delivery and library cards.
- Click on Access Your Account to search for books, check your account or renew materials.
- Chelsea District Library
221 S. Main St.
Chelsea, MI 48118
(734) 475-8732
Find it on a map
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!
Wishing a happy mother's day to all of you today! Despite the rain, I hope you have a lovely day relaxing or doing whatever it is that makes you happy.
Times have changed a lot since the first Mother's Day in 1908. With modern technology giving us the freedom to put laundry in a machine and then go check our email while it washes our clothes, our days are still full of responsibilities and chores. We load the dishwasher and then get on the phone to schedule doctor and dentist and orthodontist appointments, sign up the kids for extracurricular activities, or search the Internet for summer camps or sale prices for clothes and groceries. We volunteer at the schools, take the car in for oil changes, work for non-profit organizations and community events. On top of all this, some moms have yet another job -- the kind that actually gives us a paycheck. So while our job as a mom may be different, but I bet we go to bed at night with much of the same exhaustion and worry as our great grandmothers would have in 1908. We have guilt about things done and undone, and worry whether our children are getting what they need.
According to an NPR segment I heard this morning, the founder of Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis, was pretty angry at the fact that Mother's Day was turning into a commercial holiday. She wanted people to write their mother's letters, not sign their name on the bottom of a Hallmark card and call it done. In fact, near the end of her life, she was arrested for disturbing the peace at a Mother's Day celebration in New York. [Source: Mother's Day celebration reaches 100th anniversary, NPR.org 5/11/08]
I loved this quote describing Anna Jarvis:
Sounds to me like a lot of the mothers I know!
Times have changed a lot since the first Mother's Day in 1908. With modern technology giving us the freedom to put laundry in a machine and then go check our email while it washes our clothes, our days are still full of responsibilities and chores. We load the dishwasher and then get on the phone to schedule doctor and dentist and orthodontist appointments, sign up the kids for extracurricular activities, or search the Internet for summer camps or sale prices for clothes and groceries. We volunteer at the schools, take the car in for oil changes, work for non-profit organizations and community events. On top of all this, some moms have yet another job -- the kind that actually gives us a paycheck. So while our job as a mom may be different, but I bet we go to bed at night with much of the same exhaustion and worry as our great grandmothers would have in 1908. We have guilt about things done and undone, and worry whether our children are getting what they need.
According to an NPR segment I heard this morning, the founder of Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis, was pretty angry at the fact that Mother's Day was turning into a commercial holiday. She wanted people to write their mother's letters, not sign their name on the bottom of a Hallmark card and call it done. In fact, near the end of her life, she was arrested for disturbing the peace at a Mother's Day celebration in New York. [Source: Mother's Day celebration reaches 100th anniversary, NPR.org 5/11/08]
I loved this quote describing Anna Jarvis:
"She was a soft-spoken, gentle woman, but she could convince the devil to give up his pitch fork." -- Olive Dadisman, who operates the
Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum in
Webster, West Virginia
Sounds to me like a lot of the mothers I know!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
A message from Alekos - one of the businesses destroyed in Monday's fire
I'm on the mailing list for Aleko's Carry Out and I received this email this morning:
To our valued customers and friends,Now that we know that everyone is ok, I think you may be amused to hear that when we first heard about the fire, my daughter cried out "Oh no! Not Aleko's! I love their pizza!" Carl and Tricia, I agree with my daughter's sentiments and will be very eager for your return to Chelsea.
As you may already know, the community of Chelsea was dealt a devastating blow yesterday afternoon in the form of a swift moving fire that swept through several businesses in the Pamida Strip Mall. Alekos of Chelsea was unfortunately one of those businesses. Even though the buildings were destroyed we are thankful that everyone is safe and unharmed.
We are so grateful for the outpouring of care and support from the Chelsea community during this difficult time. We want to reassure you that Alekos of Chelsea will rebuild. While this is a "minor" setback for us, we love Chelsea and plan to be a part of this wonderful community for many years to come.
If you have any questions concerning catering, please contact Carl at 734-934-7056.
Again, thank you for your concern and support. It means a great deal to us.
Carl & Tricia Laesch
Alekos of Chelsea
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Advice from Chelsea water department: run water til it's clear
I received an email from a neighbor of mine this evening regarding the city water:
May 6, 2008 - 7:15 p.m.Yuck! But from the sounds of it, seems like they have it under control. If you have any questions, here is the contact information:
Hi Leslie,
I know you have a large mailing list for Chelsea- our water just turned brown with lots of dirt- actual dirt. I got a hold of the water plant and they just drained the water tower and had to clean it. We were told to just run the water for a while until it was clear.
Just thought you might want to put a notice out for people. He said it would affect all of Chelsea.
- City of Chelsea Water Department: (734) 475-8298
- City Offices - General Info: (734) 475-1771
Monday, May 5, 2008
Fire in Chelsea shopping center
LATEST NEWS ON THE CHELSEA SHOPPING CENTER FIRE:
[Editor's Note] My original post regarding the shopping center fire is below. Here are links to news stories with more details regarding the Chelsea's big fire of '08:
Articles from the Ann Arbor News - May 5-6, 2008:
--------------------------------------
ORIGINAL POST FOLLOWS:
--------------------------------------
Around lunchtime today, I heard 4 or 5 fire trucks zoom past our house with their sirens blaring, and wondered if something serious was going on. Shortly afterwards, saw this story come in from the Ann Arbor News:
[Link to source: Ann Arbor News online, 5/5/08]
I'll post more when I see a news update, or after I drive by there this afternoon.
----------------------
http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2008/05/update_fire_out_at_chelsea_sho.html
ANOTHER UPDATE:
Yikes. At just after 3:00 I drove by the intersection of Main St / Old US 12. There are at least 12 firetrucks still at work, in addition to ambulances and fire rescue trucks. The corner of the Pamida shopping center where the Chelsea Pharmacy, The Glass Slipper, Hick's Cleaners, Aleko's, Liberty Tax, and Edward Jones offices are located appear severely damaged from the fire. Parts of Pamida and the Chelsea Grill also seem to be damaged, but it was difficult to tell from the street. The news reports there were no injuries. My sympathies go out to these business owners. We'll keep you in our thoughts for a speedy and full recovery from this damage.
[Editor's Note] My original post regarding the shopping center fire is below. Here are links to news stories with more details regarding the Chelsea's big fire of '08:
Articles from the Ann Arbor News - May 5-6, 2008:
- Clean-up efforts begin after blaze at Chelsea Shopping Center - Can you believe the Chelsea Pharmacy is open?! Way to go! I hope everyone will stop by and give them your support and business.
- Fire causes heavy damage to Chelsea businesses
- Fire investigators trying to determine what sparked Chelsea Shopping Center blaze
- Businesses burn in Chelsea: Roof fire at strip mall shuts 7 shops and restaurants; cause unknown
--------------------------------------
ORIGINAL POST FOLLOWS:
--------------------------------------
Around lunchtime today, I heard 4 or 5 fire trucks zoom past our house with their sirens blaring, and wondered if something serious was going on. Shortly afterwards, saw this story come in from the Ann Arbor News:
[Link to source: Ann Arbor News online, 5/5/08]
Fire reported in commercial building south of downtown Chelsea
Posted by Art Aisner | The Ann Arbor News May 05, 2008 13:13PM
Firefighters from several local departments are responding to a reported large structure fire in a commercial building just south of downtown Chelsea, officials said.
No injuries have been reported at the scene, located at 1060 S. Main Street, near the intersection of Main Street and M-52. The fire was reported just before 1 p.m.
Mutual aid was requested from Manchester, Dexter, Saline and Pittsfield fire departments.
Further details were not immediately available.
I'll post more when I see a news update, or after I drive by there this afternoon.
----------------------
UPDATE:
This came in shortly after:http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2008/05/update_fire_out_at_chelsea_sho.html
----------------------UPDATE: Fire out at Chelsea Shopping Center, at least three stores severely damaged
Posted by Art Aisner | The Ann Arbor News May 05, 2008 13:43PM
Firefighters from several local departments have extinguished the blaze that caused heavy damage to at least three businesses at the Chelsea Shopping Center this afternoon.The fire was reported just before 1 p.m. and quickly spread to portions of the Chelsea Grill, The Glass Slipper, Chelsea Pharmacy and other connected businesses in the strip mall.
No injuries have been reported and fire officials said they believe the businesses were evacuated.
How or where the fire started is not yet known.
ANOTHER UPDATE:
Yikes. At just after 3:00 I drove by the intersection of Main St / Old US 12. There are at least 12 firetrucks still at work, in addition to ambulances and fire rescue trucks. The corner of the Pamida shopping center where the Chelsea Pharmacy, The Glass Slipper, Hick's Cleaners, Aleko's, Liberty Tax, and Edward Jones offices are located appear severely damaged from the fire. Parts of Pamida and the Chelsea Grill also seem to be damaged, but it was difficult to tell from the street. The news reports there were no injuries. My sympathies go out to these business owners. We'll keep you in our thoughts for a speedy and full recovery from this damage.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Las Fuentes in downtown Chelsea - hot topic!
I check the visitor statistics of my blog on a weekly basis. Not surprisingly, most visitors find their way here via the www.chelsea-mi.com website or by Google, AOL or Yahoo searches for "chelsea, michigan" "chelsea mi" "events in chelsea mich" and the like. But a very close runner up for hot topics these days is "Las Fuentes Mexican restaurant chelsea" -- and similar search terms. Obviously, we are all eager for our new neighbor to move in!
From what I can tell from peeking in the windows at the not-yet-open restaurant, it looks like they are getting close to opening. There are boxes of cooking utensils and pots and pans ready to be unpacked. The seating areas are set up and ready to go, with gorgeous glass pendant lamps at each one. My guess is that they are getting building inspections and final paperwork stuff sorted out now. That could take a few days or a few months, depending on what bureaucracy hoops need to be jumped through along the way.
At any rate, I'm as eager as anyone to see it open. I think it will be a great addition to Chelsea, and bring a lot more people to the clocktower courtyard area. As I write this blog it is Sunday afternoon, so I will make some calls on Monday and see if I can track down any information and post it here for you.
P.S. Almost forgot to mention that I saw a sign in the window that said they are hiring wait staff and other restaurant employees. Another clue that they will be opening fairly soon!
From what I can tell from peeking in the windows at the not-yet-open restaurant, it looks like they are getting close to opening. There are boxes of cooking utensils and pots and pans ready to be unpacked. The seating areas are set up and ready to go, with gorgeous glass pendant lamps at each one. My guess is that they are getting building inspections and final paperwork stuff sorted out now. That could take a few days or a few months, depending on what bureaucracy hoops need to be jumped through along the way.
At any rate, I'm as eager as anyone to see it open. I think it will be a great addition to Chelsea, and bring a lot more people to the clocktower courtyard area. As I write this blog it is Sunday afternoon, so I will make some calls on Monday and see if I can track down any information and post it here for you.
P.S. Almost forgot to mention that I saw a sign in the window that said they are hiring wait staff and other restaurant employees. Another clue that they will be opening fairly soon!
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