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Washtenaw County logged the highest weekly total of Covid cases since early May, many linked to a large party attended by young people over the 4th of July weekend. Current trends cast doubt on in-person instruction this fall, and Universities heave a sigh of relief as President Trump rolls back his threat to cancel visas for foreign students who do not attend classes in person. The Ann Arbor Art Center announces a campaign to commission ten new murals on the West side of downtown, and two popular downtown businesses expand.
Trilby MacDonald, editor
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In the News
More than forty new Covid-19 cases were tied to a house party in Saline over the July 4th weekend. The infections drove the county’s weekly total past 100, the worst since early May. As the virus stages a comeback across the U.S., it’s also harder to get tested. Packard Health’s site at the Perry Early Learning Center in Ypsilanti is one of the few that tests people who don’t have symptoms--but with demand rising every day, the nonprofit center warned this week that supplies could run out at any time.The Washtenaw County Health Department maintains an updated list of test sites.
On July 10, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order requiring the use of face masks in indoor public spaces. In an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, she warned that she may have to pull back plans for in-person classes this fall if the rate of new infections continues to rise.
Contract tracers keep infections from spreading by identifying everyone who’s been in close contact with a newly diagnosed individual and asking them to quarantine until the risk of further transmission has passed. But according to a recent report by Bridge Magazine, Michigan coronavirus contact tracers face lies, anger and silence.
A bad link in our July 9 issue kept readers from finding our full story about Camp COVID. This super fun online summer camp for kids 4 to 11 years old will be running all summer long! Click here for the full story.
Zingerman's Ari Weinzweig is joining congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to promote a bill to help independent restaurants hurt by the pandemic. Details on Dingell's Facebook page here.
Governor Whitmer’s moratorium on evictions ended on Wednesday, but she’s asking landlords to hold off till her $60 million eviction diversion program becomes available in August. Funded by federal coronavirus relief money, it will pay most of the rent for tenants who are impacted by Covid-19 and earn no more than their area’s median income.
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Notable Nonprofit
The Ann Arbor Art Center has a $100,000 plan for a “creative district.”
By Maggie McMillin
The A2AC is launching a $50,000 crowd-funding campaign to support artists, beautify downtown, and “define a Creative District that welcomes and advocates for culture and creativity.” With a $50,000 match from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, A2AC hopes to fund ten new murals on the west side of downtown. Click here for the full story.
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Murals by Pat Perry (left) and Jesse Kassel (right), completed in partnership with the Ann Arbor Art Center in 2018 and 2019.
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Marketplace
“Parents need a break!” writes John Roumanis, owner of Mediterrano and Carlyle Grill. Along with reopening at half-capacity, his popular Mediterranean and American-style restaurants now offer prepared family meals for four or more people, all “about 35% off menu prices.”
Frita Batidos owner Eve Aronoff is expanding the popular Cuban-inspired eatery on Washington St. into the space next door recently vacated by New American destination Logan. "They asked if we were interested in the space, which was thoughtful and appreciative given the circumstances," Aronoff told the Detroit Free Press. "They are very cherished in the community."
Around the corner on Ashley, Downtown Home & Garden also is expanding next door. Owner Kelly Vore was invited to take over the lease of the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture studio. “I wasn’t expecting them to move, but I had wished for more space,” says Vore. “I said yes immediately.” Click here for the full story.
Vegans with a yearning for ice cream, take heart! Local businesses have been hard at work creating dairy free recipes that stack up against the real deal. Our crack reviewer does her research and brings you her clear favorites in this review.
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Events
By Ella Bourland & Maggie McMillin
Friday: Play euchre (6:30 p.m.) in a 5-game online tournament.
Saturday: Find out what’s new in the tech world with the local Apple enthusiast group MacTechnics (11 a.m.), and learn about the city’s residential solar program Ann Arbor Solarize (3 p.m.).
Sunday: Take part in a 100k or 50k race or a 10-mile noncompetitive bike ride (10 a.m.) through Waterloo Recreation Area, or listen to local storyteller Trudy Bulkley as Mother Goose livestream rhymes, riddles, & stories for kids (2 p.m.). Her growing “Kerrytales” online archive is viewable anytime.
See our online calendar for more information about local events.
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The Helpers
By Ella Bourland
West Side United Methodist Church is partnering with Food Gatherers to host a nonperishable food drive this Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m, in the Church’s parking lot. They'll be accepting contactless donations at the church, 900 S. Seventh St.
Alzheimer’s Association – Michigan Chapter – offers accessible, virtual educational programs, caregiver tips, support groups, and services for individuals, caregivers, practitioners, and facilities navigating dementia during the Covid-19 outbreak. A third of Michigan’s Covid-19-related deaths have occurred in nursing homes, where nearly half of residents have Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
Since April, the Old National Bank Foundation has awarded $300,000 to Washtenaw County nonprofits responding to Covid-19. Their current application cycle runs from July 15–August 13.
For more news on local businesses and people that are helping the community, click here.
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