Ann Arbor was ranked 3rd in the best cities for college grads by the Daily Beast.

They analyzed the results of a Gallup survey of some 28,000 Americans in their 20s. Jobs are clearly important—but just as clearly, they’re not all-important. When asked what would keep them in their current location, twentysomethings ranked the availability of jobs second.

According to the article what twentysomethings value most in meeting people and making friends.

Hummmm………we’re not much different are we?

For more information on the nine statistical indicators used in the study you can read the entire article here.

One of the things they didn’t address in the study was affordable housing... stating post college kids could rent or live together. Not sure I agree with that as a licensed Broker in Michigan. I have found most are ready to own and settle down once they have graduated.

Regardless, glad Ann Arbor can now has  affordable housing.

Ann Arbor Celebrates 4th of July

• The Ann Arbor 4th of July Parade: Always sponsored by the Ann Arbor Jaycees, begins 11 a.m., Sunday. The parade will begin at State, Liberty, Main, and William Streets in Downtown Ann Arbor. As part of the parade there will be a  Patriotic Bike Decoration Contest for children under the age 12.

• The Ypsilanti Independence Parade, is sponsored by American Legion Post 282 & Ypsilanti Jaycees. The Ypsilanti Parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday. The parade begins at Cross Street at Wallace, and travels down Cross to Rice Street in Depot Town.

• A short drive from Ann Arbor is the Whitmore Lake 4th of July festivities.  The day begins with the Thunder Road Car Show & Cruise. The Independence Day Parade, “The Eagle Has Landed,” features local bands, merchants, and floats.Beginning at 7:00 in the evening the ski show starts followed by the Parade of Lights, where thousands gather on the lakefront to see decorated boats float by in their glory. The fireworks display in Whitmore Lake begins after dusk.

• The Sunrise Senior Living Center are holding a carnival on the 4th of July Carnival at Sunrise Senior Living, 1901 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. Beginning at Noon and ending today. The event a the Sunrise Center is free for anyone who wants to come celebrate the holiday with residents at Sunrise. The carnival will have games, prizes, food, and entertainment. For information, call 734-741-9500.

• Irish Hills on Devils Lake also has an annual 4th of July fireworks. Beginning after dark, a large barge is brought out the the sand bar where the fireworks are shot off. The last few years this is where we have been.  The show is well worth the drive as it is long and some of the best displays I have ever seen.
• Dexter, Michigan begins its celebration with a concert at the Hudson Mills Park at 7:00.  The fireworks begin at 10 or after dark. This is a hugely popular event so you need to plan to leave early so you are not sitting in traffic for the fireworks.

Regardless of where you celebrate the 4th of July, take a moment to reflect on the big “why’ of why we celebrate. We celebrate the birthday of our Great Nation where a few men and an entire nation broke the chains of bondage and birthed One Nation, Under God, Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all.

Thank you to all the men and woman who have fought and died for our Freedom, we honor you by remembering.

Remember a moment of silence tomorrow at 3:00, as we reflect as a Nation and Remember.

Events in Saline and Ann Arbor for Memorial Day.

In 2000 President Bill Clinton introduced a resolution for Americans to observe at 3:00 each Memorial Day a moment of silence to honor the men and woman who lost their lives in service to out Country.

Saline

One of the events my family and I have enjoyed participating in is the sponsored by the American Legion Post in Saline, Mi. The program begins with a parade downtown on Mi Ave beginning at 10:00 and commencing at the Oakwood Cemetery. Each of the troops march in unison.Many of Saline students in the music program participate in the music.

Ann Arbor

• The 26th annual Memorial Day Observance will take place 2 p.m. May 30 at Arborcrest Memorial Park.  State Rep. Pam Byrnes and state Sen. Liz Brater are scheduled to speak.

• Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Washtenaw County Color Guard are expected at the ceremony located at 2521 Glazier Way.
• Each Memorial Day, the annual Democratic Ride of the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society takes place. Cyclists are asked to meet 9 a.m. at Wheeler Park on Depot Street.
• The Glacier Area Homeowners’ Association neighborhood parade and remembrance ceremony has been an annual event for more than 25 years.The parade begins at 10:00 at Greenbrier Park. Everyone invited.

And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I’ll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, ‘cuz there ain’t no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA. -Lee Greenwood

Love that song… take a moment to Remember the men and woman who have died for our Freedom and Liberty as you celebrate with your family and friends.

Ever been to Frederick Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids?

If not…it might be a great time to go. The most famous glass sculpture in the world Chihuly is presenting his work throughout the gardens.

Chihuly worked on this exhibit for 3 years for the Frederick Meijer Gardens.

The show will be available from now through the September 30th. WOW what a great event.

Very affordable event.

Here is some photos I shot of both the gardens and glass show. They are all on my flickr photostream but here is a short slide show of what I snapped and enjoyed.

The Pepsi Refresh Project

Pepsi has been offering an opportunity for schools and non-profits to earn money through their Refresh Project.

Saline Area Schools

Saline is currently number 17 in line for the $25,000.00 award. Only the top 10 in each price will be award a portion of the 1.3 Million, Pepsi is offering. Prices will be offered to the Top 10 in the 5K, 25K, 50K and 250K price ranges.

Stephen Laatsch, Assistant Superintendent for Saline Area Schools, is the program administrator.

The Goal

Project Lead The Way is the most innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program that I have ever seen. It uses a powerful combination of computer based technology mixed with real life hands-on learning to give middle and high school students an opportunity to get immersed in science and technology.  Project Lead The Way is divided up into six learning units.  These units included Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics, Magic of Electrons, Science of Technology, Flight and Space, and Energy and the Environment.

Lets all vote and help Saline Schools out.

Ann Arbor Projects are here too, but not as high up in the rankings and the voting ends on March 31st.

You can vote for more than one, and vote everyday!