Ave Maria campus to be sold

(October 29, 2007) A sales agreement is in place to purchase the campus of the former Ave Maria college on West Forest Avenue in Ypsilanti. The purchaser is Skip Cerier from SchoolPictures.com a clearing house and processor of school pictures. Cerier says they have over 3 million pictures and provide service to some 400 schools in the region. Cerier says they have been on-line for some two years now and shot over 80 schools last year.

Currently based in Ann Arbor, Cerier says he has been looking for some time for a location that was based in a college town. Cerier spoke highly of his work with City Planner Karen Hart and her recommendation to purchase the Ave Maria property but was skeptical about the location. But after touring the property, he thinks it will be a perfect fit.

Cerier did not disclose terms of the deal but did indicate that the property would go back on the tax rolls.

Students plant tulips at East middle school

(October 24, 2007) Students from East Middle School participated in the Red Ribbon Week kick off event, Tuesday, Oct. 23, planting red tulips in the school’s front flowerbeds. The “Promise Garden” gave students an opportunity to plant a physical reminder of their commitment to stay drug-free. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated every fall and events to promote a drug-free and alcohol-free lifestyle are hosted in schools across the U.S.

East students who participated were: Damario Patillo, Tenica Patillo, Emma Swanson, Emily Bearman, Kayla Roberson, Aaliyah James, Kira Crawley, Joe Hodson, Josie Boone, Torrian Williams, Majorie Totten, Kayla Drobil-Wiedbusch, Chellsey Germundsen, Jamie Chatman, Tia Jones, Catrina Apple, Sergio Vasquez, Ashley Reid, Christina Lucas, Patricia Gwinner, Shanice Weems, Aja Smith, Davon Henry, Kaitlin Reseter, Paige Stewart-Dyer, Tadiwa Chavanduka, Shelby Munsel, Courtney Roberts, Bryan Roberts, Bradley Angle, Catrina Apple,Char Nash, Michael Schwab, Brandy Bargert, Meghan Bidlack.

Photos courtesy Ypsilanti Public Schools

AATA gets hybrid diesel buses

(October 24, 2007) The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) today began placing into service its first 15 clean, efficient hybrid electric buses with plans to add another five in March 2008 and seven more within the next 18 months.

Over the long term all of its 69 buses will be replaced with hybrid electric buses. AATA is the first public transit operator in the Midwest to state its intention to convert to all hybrid electric buses.

AATA’s new buses, which feature an Allison electric drive as part of the General Motors hybrid electric bus system, were assembled by the Gillig Corporation of Hayward, California. The buses feature a combination of a battery-powered electric motor to provide most of the power at slower speeds and a smaller, clean-diesel engine that takes over at higher speeds.

The buses are expected to reduce fuel consumption by an average of 30 percent and lower maintenance costs by 30 to 50 percent. The hybrid electric buses can run with less engine noise and minimize diesel exhaust odor.

“Replacing diesel buses with a hybrid electric fleet is another big step toward meeting our community’s renewable energy goal. It solidifies our position as a leader in efficient, environmentally friendly mass transit,” said Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje.

Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra announces season opener

(October 23, 2007) The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra has an event-filled weekend coming up. Elena Urioste, winner of the 2007 Sphinx Organization’s Competition, will be soloing with the YSO at its season opener. The concert is at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at Towsley Auditorium on the campus of WCC. Tickets are available at the door, or online at the YSO’s website www.ypsilantisymphony.org.

The day before the concert, Saturday, October 27, 2007, at 1:00, the YSO will be having a “Meet the Conductor” event at Bombadill’s Cafe on Michigan Avenue in downtown Ypsilanti. Music Director, Adam Riccinto, will be available to chat, as will Ms. Urioste. Bombadill’s is located at 217 West Michigan Avenue.

YCUA employee receives maintenance professional of the year award

(October 22, 2007) Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority mechanic Raymond Dufek was recently awarded Maintenance Professional of the Year by the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA). MWEA recognizes employers and employees for their outstanding work in the field of water quality and service.

Dufek has worked for YCUA for three years. He performs major repair and maintenance on mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, electronic equipment and electro-mechanical equipment. He is responsible for the management of Maintenance Helpers to ensure that the repairs and maintenance of equipment and facilities are successfully done.

The MWEA was established in 1925 and is one of Michigan’s oldest organizations. MWEA represents more than 1,700 water quality professionals statewide. The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority was formed in 1974 by the City of Ypsilanti and the Charter Township of Ypsilanti as a regional water and sewer service.

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