Holiday Shopping: All Things Political
Brian Mackie, Washtenaw County prosecutor, with his dogs in the Political Pets of Washtenaw County 2009 calendar. The calendar raises funds for the Community Action Network and Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Throughout the month of December, The Chronicle is highlighting Ann Arbor area businesses and nonprofits to help feed your local shopping habit – or to give you reasons to start one. Our lists are meant as a sampling, and we encourage readers and business owners to add their own favorite finds in the comments section.
We know many of you didn’t totally satisfy your fix during the past election season, so here are some ways to keep you or your favorite political junkies happy for the holidays.
Political Pets of Washtenaw County
It’s surprising that we don’t see this kind of thing more often – or at all. Community Action Network has put together a 2009 calendar featuring Washtenaw County elected officials and their pets. You’ll find out which pols are attached to a miniature donkey named Willie, a bunny named Carmel and a poodle named Miles, among others.
The calendar raises money for CAN, a nonprofit that provides support services for local public housing communities. A portion of the funds also go to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. The calendar costs $15 and is available at the Humane Society, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, or by emailing CAN at canetwork@juno.com. The calendar will also be available soon on CAN’s website.
Detail of a T-shirt sold at Dogma Catmantoo
For the Dogs – and Cats
Alice Liberson, owner of Dogma Catmantoo, designed T-shirts for Obama supporters who want to let the world know that their dog or cat would have voted for the dude if they could have. In addition to Ts ($19-$25), there’s a whole range of “petriotic” gear, including buttons ($1.50), bumper stickers $2) and dog treats ($7).
Location: 208 N. Fourth Ave. (between Ann and Catherine)
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Phone: 734.929.0022
Obama Blend coffee from Mighty Good Coffee Co. This bag is on the counter at Jefferson Market, 609 W. Jefferson St.
A Liberal Brew
Local stores that carry Mighty Good Coffee report that the Obama Blend is one of their best-sellers. Here’s how the Ann Arbor company describes it: “Part Hawaiian Kauai, part Kenyan AA with a little bit of Indonesian to balance the budget, this is a coffee of distinction worthy of the Presidential race. And while we aren’t necessarily declaring our support for one candidate or another, there just aren’t any good coffee beans in John McCain’s past, or heritage, worth roasting.”
Mighty Good’s website includes a list of local stores that sell their coffee. You can also order online – a 1 lb. bag of Obama Blend costs $15, and Ann Arbor customers get next-day delivery.
More Political Ts
You don’t need to have a pet to make your body a political billboard. Elmo’s Main Street T-Shirts sells a wide range of Ts, whatever your persuasion (though honestly, Dems will find more of a selection here – come on, it’s Ann Arbor!). If you drop by, there’s a good chance that owner Elmo Morales will be behind the counter.
Location: 220 S. Main St. (between Liberty & Washington)
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Phone: 734.994.9898
Detail of an Obama T-shirt sold at Elmo's Main Street T-Shirts, 220 S. Main St.
Other suggestions? If you’ve found cool gift ideas with a political bent, please share them with Chronicle readers in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.
FYI…Middle Earth on South University stocks many Obama items such as pre and post election T-Shirts and Buttons (made locally in Ann Arbor BTW) and Obama magnets, bobble-heads and action figures.
Happy Holidays and better times in ’09!