12/17 - Ann Arbor Family

FREE DECEMBER 2017

Holiday Happenings Bundle up your family and get ready

p9

Holiday Gift Guide

Made in Michigan p16

Eating Out Valuable social skills for kids p20

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• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Volume 20 • Issue 12 December 2017

[special features]

Holiday Happenings Check out the great holiday events happening in our area

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What is your child’s favorite way to help in the kitchen?

made in

My tween likes to help bake and will look for great recipes for us to try.

Janice, Canton

We have one little chef who is great at measuring, mixing and pouring, and another who is starting to learn how to handle the stove and proper knife skills. Look out, little fingers!

Holiday Gift Guide ‘Made in Michigan’ treasures and experiences to give and get

16

Carla, Ann Arbor

He likes to use the measuring cup to put kitty food in a dish and also uses his sponge to clean his plate.

Christopher, Ann Arbor

departments ann arbor favorites 4

community snapshots 5 what’s briefly happening 6

Onlinein December A Manor Christmas

Concordia University celebrates the season with the community

new kids 7

By Mary Rose Kulczak

tween the lines 8

Music at the Heart of Community Holiday Spirit

exceptional families 8 holiday worship guide 15

Ann Arbor area high schools’ winter concert schedule

craft of the month 19

By Dawn Nelson

healthy families 20 calendar 21 marketplace 23

commentary Momsense 18

Oh There’s No Place Like Home (Again) For The Holidays

A Michigan family returns to the mitten state

By Mary Rose Kulczak

Food Fight 19

It’s Hip To Be Square

Buddy’s original Detroit-style pizza arrives in Ann Arbor

By Katy M. Clark

On the cover Luna Ochomogo, 2 , Ann Arbor, Kat Foley Photography

December Giveaway Be sure to read more about the tween founder of Zollipops in our Tween the Lines column.

Time-Saving Maid Becomes LifeSaving Hero

Local Molly Maid reports for cleaning duty, but performs life-saving CPR on threemonth old baby instead

By Mary Rose Kulczak

[Always online] Special Needs Guide Does your family include a child with special needs? Our Special Needs Guide features local resources and information from local experts.

Blogs by local moms, for local moms, are at your fingertips. Relatable and hilarious reads online.

facebook.com/annarborfamily pinterest.com/annarborfamily twitter.com/annarborfamily

annarborfamily.com

Zollipops!

This month we’re giving away a variety pack of different Zollipops candy treats. Zollipops are a natural, gluten and GMO-free lollipop, containing xylitol, stevia and erythritol (healthy sugar alternatives). By helping raise the pH (a scale used to measure acidic or base qualities) in the mouth, Zollipops neutralize acid and help reduce the risk of tooth decay, dental caries and future development of cavities.

Join us and our 1K+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions.

www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017 •

Enter online at annarborfamily.com 3

Adams Street Publishing Co.

An inside look at what we’re loving for parents this month

Favorite holiday tradition?

KIDS HOROSCOPE November 22 December 21

By Kimmie Rose

Family Christmas Word Pack Magnets

Sagittarian kids are fun and adventurous and they often change their minds. This month they will want to visit family members - a perfect activity for the season. Something inside of them yearns to know about themselves and where they came from. It’s a good time to visit family or to pull out old pictures and share stories, reminisce and create new memories. These kids also need a sense of security and this will surely give them that feeling of belonging.

It Takes a Village

From presidential candidate to author, Hillary Clinton poses the question in this new children’s book “what does it take to make the world a better place?

It Takes a Village tells the heartwarming and universal story of a diverse community coming together to make a difference. All kinds of people working together, playing together and living together in harmony makes a better village and many villages coming together can make a better world.

Together we can build a better life for one another. Together we can change our world. $19.99. literatibookstore.com

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) Ebenezer is my hero!

Editorial

Assignment Editor Laura Eliason

(laura@annarborfamily.com) Calendar Lo Rowry (calendar@annarborfamily.com) mistle toe.

Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Binging on sweets.

Contributing Writers Laura Eliason, Katy M. Clark, Raegan Nelson, Heidi Alene Harris, Aimee Grant Eldon, Kimmie Rose, April Huard, Christa Melnyck Hines, Emily Qalandarova, Louis Meldman, Mary Rose

Art/Production

Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) eating.

Senior Designer Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Midnight Mass and watchng my son open his gifts.

Graphic Design Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Christmas morning with my family in our house.

Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Christmas Poker with the Family.

Advertising

Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Christmas Eve with the Family.

Sales/ Classifieds Catherine Bohr (classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Christmas cookies and family gatherings.

We’re celebrating kids and family

#a2kids

on Instagram!

Do you want to build a snowman? Now you can do it inside, where it’s warm and dry! This adorable wall decal set features repositionable vinyl stickers for children to decorate their very own “snowman.” Easy to apply and leaves no residue. Just peel and stick! $24. myurbantoddler.com

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) Santa’s arrival.

Caroling.

Bring the holiday spirit to your family photos with this darling set of three magnets. These embellishments are designed be combined with Roeda Studio’s frames and memo boards to form whimsical, colorful and personalized art for your home. The final creation is up to you! $13.99. roedastudio.com

Build A Snowman Wall Decal

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Want to be featured on our IG? Use the hashtag #a2kids and your pictures could end up on our page.

most read online 1.

Special Needs Guide

2.

Playing to the younger set

3.

Excellent parental leave for new and growing families

Administration

Accounting Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) Finding and cutting down a real christmas tree.

Distribution Anne Harrington (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Watching the Rose Bowl Parade.

Digital

Tech Manager Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) family.

Web Guru Ashley Boardman (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Cascarones on easter (my mom’s side is Mexican).

Advertising/General Info: For advertising

and general information, call (734) 668-4044 or fax (734) 668-0555. E-mail ads to adsin@annarborfamily.com Ann Arbor Family subscriptions are available by mail for $28/quarterly or $75 per year at Ann Arbor Family, 3003 Washtenaw, Suite 3, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.

Letters to the editor must be limited to 300 words, are subject to editing and should include the writer’s full name and phone number.

Entire contents ©2017 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

Also publishers of:

Audited by

Member

recycle this paper for our children's future ...

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• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

COMMUNITY

SNAPS SNAP IT+ SEND IT

We love to see what the community is up to. Send your favorite pics with names, ages and hometown to production@adamsstreetpublishing.com Who knows... It may end up on the cover!

Head of the Class Local educators at the top of their field

Issue Date: JAN. 1st, Reserve By DEC. 15th Our October Giveaway winners! Eva, 3, and Emery, 4 months

Winner!

RESERVE SPACE NOW!! Call 734.668.4044 or Email Sales@AdamsStreetPublishing.com

ADD AN EVENT annarborfamily.com

F RE E

it’s easy, fast, and

A. Go to annarborfamily.com/calendar B. Click “Submit an event” C. Create an account D. Add text, images and links

THAT’ S IT!

Tiffany, from Toledo, winner of our weekly bump pic giveaway won a set of Haba Shaken Eggs!

Your listing will appear on annarborfamily.com for you to share on your favorite social media app!

419.244.9859 • annarborfamily.com/calendar

www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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Compiled by xxx

So you think you want to be a YouTuber?

Does the sight of that red play button fill your teen’s heart with glee? Are they interested in learning more about posting videos on YouTube and how to turn them into cash? The Ypsilanti library will host a class by Charlie Nanos of Bright Futures on how to develop their money-making, musical, and visual talents by jamming with professional video, audio and graphic editing software to create music, promotional, and instructional videos. And how those skills can turn your videos into cash on Youtube. The class is sponsored by the American Library Association’s Thinking Money Program and FINRA Investor Education Foundation.

Swim and do something good Swim for a good cause this month! Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation is helping the Emergency Food Pantry at Bryant Community Center collect nonperishable food items for those in our community that need a little extra help this year. Go swimming at Mack Indoor Pool and with the donation of a non-perishable food item you will receive $1 off admission for public swimming (one discount per person). This program will run through January 7.

December 1-January 7. Mack Indoor Pool, 715 Brooks St. 734-794-6237. A2gov.org

A new arts hub Two Ypsilanti arts organizations will merge to develop a community

YouTube: Creating for Cash! Monday, December 11. 6:30-8pm. Ypsilanti District LibraryMichigan Branch Teen Zone, 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti.

734-482-4110 X1390. ypsilibrary.org

creativity hub downtown. Riverside Arts Center (RAC), located at 76 N. Huron St., is a well-established arts space established 21 years ago with the goal of providing physical arts space. FLY Children’s Art Center is newer, established eight years ago, but well versed in developing creative programming for kids to unleash their imagination in the arts. With this merger, RAC will provide the physical space needed to host FLY’s excellent arts programming. It’s a match made in art-heaven!

For more information on program offerings visit riversidearts.org or flyartcenter.org.

Ten Minutes Studies show that high-quality parks provide benefits to urban

residents and cities themselves, prompting the City of Ann Arbor to join the “10-minute walk” parks advocacy campaign. The campaign sets the ambitious goal for a high-quality park or natural area to be within a 10-minute walk (equivalent to one-half mile) of all U.S. residences. The 10-minute walk initiative establishes that everyone deserves a park, a right the City of Ann Arbor takes seriously. The City’s Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) readily aligns with this national 10-minute walk goal. “With 157 parks in the city’s park system, we in Ann Arbor are fortunate in that the majority of residents currently live within one-quarter mile of a city park,” Parks and Recreation Manager Colin Smith said.

For more information on the 10-minute walk to a park campaign, and the full list of 134 mayor/city endorsements, visit 10minutewalk.org. To find a City of Ann Arbor park near you, visit a2gov.org.

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• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Help feed local families Lucky’s Market is hosting local

community Holiday Impact Programs in all stores to help feed local families during the holiday season. For every Lucky’s Market brand product purchased throughout the holiday season, 10% of the profits will go to support SOS Community Services’ goal of helping families in Washtenaw County find shelter and stability. The program will run through December 13.

Lucky’s Market, 1919 S. Industrial Hwy. luckysmarket.com

Reopening on State

The State Theater, closed for more than a year, plans to pull the curtains back on its revamped interior on December 8. Over the past year the movie theater has expanded from two screens to four, allowing the theater to increase its movie offerings.

Don’t miss the beautiful new water fountain, lined with locally made Motawi tiles, in the lobby area.

To see a tour of the theater and to find out more about movie offerings visit statetheatrea2.org.

Samples, architecture, and culture

Aniruddh Gala wants to provide escapades of gastronomic delight for interested Ann Arbor denizens and visitors. By the Sidewalk, Gala’s new business venture, will offer two-and-a-half to three-hour walking tours of one to two miles that include information about Ann Arbor history, architecture and culture (as well as trivia) and stops for sampling at various Ann Arbor eateries. Cost is $47 for an all-inclusive tour, limited to 16 people. Initial tours cover Kerrytown and downtown at midday on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Gala hopes to expand to Tuesdays through Thursdays while also adding locations. While Zingerman’s, Argus Farm Stop and Isalita are listed as food partners, Gala doesn’t reveal the itinerary for each tour, to provide moments of surprise and discovery even for experienced Ann Arborites.

TOPDOCS

Celebrating Another Year of Health

Register for By the Sidewalk food tours at bythesidewalk.com or by phone at 734-548-9532.

Looking to beat the winter blues?

Ann Arbor Family is here to help!

From library story times to local events to special holiday happenings, our online calendar offers everything you need to stay active this winter season. For stories and ideas straight to your inbox, sign up for our parent e-newsletter today!

annarborfamily.com

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this special section!

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www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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Parenting a Child With Special Needs

‘Believe in Yourself’ and ‘Never Give Up’

7 habits to help you be more effective

Advice from tween Zollipops founder Alina Morse

By Heidi Alene Harris

As a 7 year old, Alina Morse visited a bank with her father, Tom. The bank teller offered her a lollipop but her dad explained that she should decline because lollipops were not good for her teeth.

“Dad, why can’t we make a lollipop that is good for your teeth?”

Morse questioned. That experience inspired Morse to design a healthy lollipop. And with encouragement and support from her family she began researching just how to do that.

What advice would you have for teen entrepreneurs with an idea they want to develop?

Well, my first piece of advice is to believe in yourself and write your ideas down. I have always wanted to invent products, since I was 5 years old, and I had a binder that I would write my ideas in. I also think it is important to ask questions; ask an adult or teacher. It is important because that is the way you will learn things.

‘Work hard and never give up,’ that is what my family told me.

Zollipops tween founder Alina Morse shares what’s so cool about her lollipops.

What was it like trying to develop an idea when you were so young? Being a kid, sometimes people do not take you seriously. You have to believe in your ideas and surround yourself with a great team: your family, or friends that believe in you and your idea.

What do you do currently to support the Zollipops company? I work in product development and come up with new ideas. I go to the sales meetings and trade shows, take sales calls and generally try to help out the team here at Zollipops when I have extra time.

Tell us something that is special about your company. We are a cause-based organization and 10 percent of all sales go to support oral health education in schools and qualified organizations. We started a 250,000 smiles initiative and support our mission through donating Zollipops to teachers, schools, and other organizations. A smile will have everlasting powers. It is the first thing that people see, so it is important to protect your smile!

Zollipops are sold at Whole Foods and Kroger as well as online. Check out zollipops.com for more information.

Be sure to enter our monthly giveaway to win Zollipops candy!

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Many parents of special needs children appear to parent with grace, balance and energy. In addition they also seem remarkably stress-free and organized. How, in the face of all of these challenges and more, do they keep it together? What habits do they embrace that allow them to be highly effective parents for their children?

1

“Zollipops” are created

Morse talked to her dentist and dental hygienist to gather information on what ingredients to include to create a lollipop that would be good for your teeth. Morse invested $7,500 she had received from her grandparents in the idea and by 2012 she was selling “Zollipops”, the first natural, non-GMO, sugar-free lollipop. Morse and the Zollipops team created a lollipop that not only tastes good, but the ingredients work naturally to help reduce the acidity and balance the pH in mouths, making the lollipops actually good for your teeth!

By the end of 2015 she had sold her millionth Zollipop. “It was a really long process, but we worked really hard and kept going,” Morse explained. “We started selling Zollipops when I was 9 years old.”

Ann Arbor Family caught up with the now 12-year-old Morse, who lives in Walled Lake, 30 miles north of Ann Arbor:

By Judy M. Miller

They are proactive and advocate for their children and educate others.

Parents become experts about their children and their needs. They conduct ongoing research; ask questions of therapists, doctors, specialists, and other professionals; and keep an organized binder full of notes and important information. Because they create and add to their at-home special needs libraries, they are knowledgeable about vernacular, treatments and services. Well versed in the state and federal laws that regulate services for their children, they are powerful advocates for treatment, services, and support— in and outside of school.

2

They maintain a sense of normalcy within the family.

Effective parents realize that although everyone in the family is affected by their child’s disorder, the family is not defined by it. Parents work to ensure that siblings have childhoods and do not take on adult responsibilities. They encourage siblings to spend time with their friends.

3

They take care of themselves.

Parents nurture their needs and recognize that doing so is vital for them as well as their children. Effective parents address themselves holistically and take care of their physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.

They eat nutritious, unprocessed food and schedule time for regular exercise.

They engage in activities that offer creative or intellectual enrichment.

4

They manage their stress.

Effective parents are intentional about reducing stress in their lives by setting time aside each day to promote calm and centering. By adopting practices such as prayer, deep breathing and meditation, they replenish their inner reserves.

Rebecca, a mom of a son who has an autism diagnosis, says, “When in doubt I choose grace, to forgive people for letting me down or for rejecting my son, for whatever reason.”

• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

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They make rest a priority.

Parenting a child with special needs can elevate fatigue to a new level. Sometimes parents do not realize the extent of their exhaustion. I certainly did not, until my child’s physical therapist pointed this out to me. Effective parents realize the importance of getting to bed as early as possible or taking naps to offset lost sleep.

6

They surround themselves with energy givers.

People are either energy zappers or energy givers. Effective parents opt to spend time in the company of people who lift them up, make them feel confident, positive and happy. They realize energy givers help them to feel energized, inspired and motivated.

7

They have a support group.

Parenting a child with special needs can be lonely. However, there is no need to be alone on the journey. Effective parents are part of, or have created, a group whose parenting journeys are similar to theirs.

For information about local support groups check out the Ann Arbor Family Special Needs Guide (November, 2017) at annarborfamily.com.

December 1-17 Santa’s Mailbox Downtown Ann Arbor

318 S. Main St. 734-668-7112 | mainstreetannarbor.org Merchants in the Main Street area have decided to once again fund a direct mail route from Ann Arbor to the North Pole!

Santa’s mailbox will be open for wish lists in front of Conor O’Neill’s. All letters with return addresses received by December 17 will be answered. Free

Holiday Happenings

December 1-24 Santa’s Arctic Landing

The holidays have arrived, and along with them, these great events in and around Washtenaw County. Bundle up the family and get ready to feel the holiday spirit!

Compiled by Emily Qalandarova

December 1 Downtown Ypsilanti Tree Lighting 6-7pm

YDL-Michigan Library Plaza

229 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti 734-482-4110 x1323 | ypsilibrary.org/events Join the library for caroling led by the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa!

Free

Midnight Madness 7-9pm

Downtown Ann Arbor

318 S. Main St. 734-668-7112 | mainstreetannarbor.org Stoes open late! Holiday Sales! Santa Claus and Miss Washtenaw County will be roaming the sidewalks in the Main Street area, along with various outdoor entertainers and performances.

KindleFest, A Christkindlmarket 6-10pm

Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market

303 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor 734-662-5008 | kerrytown.org/kindlefest An annual, free and outdoor holiday market featuring local and regional artisans and farmers selling hand-crafted ornaments, toys and unique holiday gifts, as well as German foods, sweets and beverages. Enjoy live music, fire pits to keep you warm, a heated tent, s’more roasting, Santa and a Lantern Parade in the Kerrytown neighborhood. Bring your family to the Christkindlmarket and parade around with colorful lanterns while singing holiday carols.

Monday-Friday, 10a-4pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am-5pm

Greenfield Village

20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn 313-982-6001 | thehenryford.org Take your little ones on an expedition to the North Pole to visit with Santa.

As they explore the early pioneers of aviation in Greenfield Villages’ “Heroes of the Sky” exhibition, they’ll land at the most ideal location for a photo op with the greatest Toy Maker of all time! Bring your own camera to this photo op, which is free with museum admission. $22/ ages 12-61, $20/seniors 62+, $16.50/ages 3-11, Free/kids under 2. $6/vehicle for parking.

Midnight Madness in Kerrytown 10am-11:59pm

Kerrytown Market & Shops

407 N. 5th Ave, Ann Arbor Great holiday sales throughout the locally owned stores. Most shops are open until midnight or open late. Enjoy live music in Kerrytown Shops, visit with Santa as he strolls the neighborhood, and grab great holiday discounts and sales at participating merchants.

December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 19-23, 26-27, 29-30 Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village 6:30-10pm

Greenfield Village

20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn 313-982-6001 | thehenryford.org Mingle with merrymakers amid the smells of roasting chestnuts and warm bonfires; the sounds of carolers, fiddlers and sleigh bells; and other yuletide activity during Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village.

Every lantern-lit path takes you to a new winter wonder to discover. Strap on a pair of ice skates, send a shout-out to Santa and his magnificent reindeer, find your reflection in a handcrafted ornament and nestle into a horse-drawn wagon for a sing-along through Greenfield Village. $26/ages 12+, $23.50/seniors 62+, $19.50/ages 3-11, Free/kids 2 and under. $6/vehicle for parking.

December 1-24 Santa’s Waiting

December 1-2, 8-9, 11-14: 10am-8:30pm December 3: 12-7pm December 4-7: 10am-8pm December 10: 11am-6pm December 15: 10am-9pm December 16, 18-23: 9am-9pm December 17: 10am-7pm December 24: 8am-6pm

Briarwood Mall— Von Maur Court

100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor 734-769-9610 | simon.com/mall/briarwood-mall Stop by to get this year’s holiday photos with Santa.

Cont’d on p10

Chelsea Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Arrival 6-6:30pm

Pierce Park

901 S. Main St., Chelsea 734-475-1145 | chelseamich.com Sounds of the holiday season will be performed by members of the Chelsea Choir, followed by the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a visit from the very special guy in a big red suit! Santa arrives on the Chelsea Fire Authority Ladder truck at approximately 6pm. Free

December 1-3 Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Join Us for Santa’s visit December 6, 6-7:30pm!

December 1, 7:30pm December 2, 3pm and 8pm December 3, 2pm and 7pm

Fox Theatre

2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit 313-471-3200 | olympiaentertainment.com/fox-theatre Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with never before seen performances, over 300 costumes, 20 of the world’s best acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites. Experience elaborate costumed characters, snowmen, penguins, candles, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, Santa and ornaments as they fly, balance and stretch imaginations in this groundbreaking holiday celebration. $25-$65

Family Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry & Whitening )MPLANTS s 0ERIODONTAL 4REATMENT /RAL 3URGERY s 2OOT #ANAL 4HERAPY #ROWNS "RIDGES $ENTURES

www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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Cont’d from p9

December 1-30 Sacred Plants— Holiday Conservatory Exhibit 10am-4:30pm, Closed December 24, 25

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor 734-647-7600 | lsa.umich.edu Focusing on plants in our conservatory collection, the holiday exhibit explores how certain plants figure in myth, lore and ritual for cultures around the world.

This annual winter/holiday event also features seasonal flowers, decorated trees, kids activities, holiday items in the Garden Store and more. Free

December 1-31 Lights Before Christmas Sunday-Thursday, 3-8pm Friday-Saturday, 3-9pm

December 1 Kerrytown Lantern Parade 6-7:30pm 407 N. 5th Ave, Ann Arbor

Meet at the big tent (look for lanterns and St. Nick!)

734-662-5008 | kerrytown.org/kindlefest An annual children’s lantern parade through the neighborhood. Purchase lanterns in the Farmers Market for $10 or bring your own. Lantern sales start as early as 5:45pm in the market. Meet at 6:30pm near the big tent; parade starts at 7pm.

Toledo Zoo

2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-4040 | toledozoo.org/lights The zoo becomes a winter wonderland during this Toledo area classic event. Enjoy a visit to the Winter Village for treats and a visit with Santa. Experience a ride on the Ice Slide and witness the beauty of ice-carving. And, of course, wish some of your favorite animals Happy Holidays! $16/ages 12-59, $13/seniors 60+ and children 2-11, Free/kids under 2

December 2 Annual Christmas Party

10am-1pm Downtown Home and Garden 210 South Ashley, Ann Arbor 734-662-8122 | downtownhomeandgarden.com What better way to top off a midnight madness weekend— smoked turkeys, Grandma Mooberry’s cranberry salad, hot cider and eggnog! The farm animals will be hanging out, Community High Jazz Band will be here, and the real Santa will be on hand to listen to the wish lists.

C’mon down and celebrate! Free

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• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Breakfast with Santa 8:30-10:30am

Comfort Inn Village Conference Center

1645 Commerce Park Dr., Chelsea 734-475-1145 | chelseamich.com Sit with Santa and enjoy a free pancake breakfast and other goodies. Bring your camera for photo opportunities with Santa. Free

Shine in the 2017 Light Parade 6pm

Downtown Chelsea

310 N Main St, Chelsea 734-474-9178 | chelseamich.com Parade featuring dozens of lighted floats and vehicles, marching bands and the big guy himself, Santa! Parade starts at Chelsea State Bank (at Old US-12) and heads North on Main Street to Jackson Street. Free

Saline “Santa’s Workshop” Christmas Parade 5:30pm

Downtown Saline

734-429-4494 | salinechamber.org More than 1,400 participants, 40 floats, a hot air balloon, bands, twirlers, dancers, animals, and Santa will make their way down Michigan Ave from Davenport St to Lewis St. Following the parade, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Merchants Square Building until 8pm. Bring a camera for photos. Check website for parking details. Free

#ALDER $AIRY s 7:30am - 9pm 1020 Southfield Rd | Lincoln Park, MI #ALDER &ARM s 10am - 7pm 9334 Finzel Rd | Carleton, MI

Creamy egg nog made from fresh milk and cream.

CALDERDAIRY COM s Our milk is from our cows down on our farm in Carleton!

Our milk is packaged in a recyclable glass bottle with NO HORMONES!

We Home Deliver!

Available ‘til New Years!

Call: (313) 381-8858

A Merry Mitten Holiday Event 1-3pm

Nicola’s Books, Westgate Shopping Center

2513 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor 734-662-0600 | nicolasbooks.com Looking for that perfect gift for a youngster or new parent? A signing event with six local authors who are members of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Meet and talk with a wonderful array of authors: Leslie Helakoski, Nancy Shaw, Jodi McKay, Jeff Jantz, Kathryn Madeline Allen, and Janet Ruth Heller. Free

Christmas at the Mansion 9-5pm

Historic Gordon Hall

8341 Island Lake Rd, Dexter 734-426-3341 | dexterhistory.org/upcoming-events Visit this wonderful historic home, featuring the Christmas Village Collection, a magical display of Milt Campbell’s huge collection of Department 56 villages. This collection was traditionally seen in the windows of Huron Camera in downtown Dexter throughout the holiday season, and was a favorite destination for families. After a visit with Santa, children can make a gingerbread house to take home. Suggested donation $5/person

December 2, 9, 16 Breakfast with Santa Detroit Zoo 8:30-10am

Detroit Zoo

8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak 248-541-5717 | detroitzoo.org Get ready to have breakfast with your favorite holiday friends in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. The buffet-style waffle breakfast also includes a special gift for each child, arts and crafts, photo opportunities and of course a visit from Santa. Breakfast will be served at 8:30am.

You will be able to visit the zoo once breakfast is over at 10am. $40/adults 15 and older, $35/children 14 and under.

December 3 Caring Santa 9-10:30am

Briarwood Mall— Von Maur Court

December 2-3 Handel’s Messiah

100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor 734-769-9610 | simon.com/mall/briarwood-mall Just for children with special needs: Caring Santa is coming to town! Reservation required. Photos may be purchased.

Hill Auditorium

Paul Keller Ensemble Holiday Concert

December 2, 8pm December 3, 2pm

825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor 734-764-2538 | ums.org Nearly 300 years after its completion in 1741, Handel’s Messiah still provokes joy, and University Musical Society’s 139th year of presenting the oratorio fills audiences with emotion for both the beauty of the piece and the pride of hearing friends and colleagues from the community bring this glorious work to life. Music director Scott Hanoian conducts the UMS Choral Union and the Ann Arbor Symphony in this annual community tradition. Recommended age, 12+. $12-$36

Your gift helps every mom be as strong as she can be and every baby have the healthiest start to thrive so that he or she has the opportunity to grow up and change the world.

Thank you

for supporting our efforts in Michigan this year.

2-3:30pm

YDL-Whittaker Community Meeting Room

5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti 734-482-4110 x1323 | ypsilibrary.org/events This nationally known local ensemble will delight with familiar Christmas tunes, lovingly arranged for trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, string bass, drums and vocals by Paul Keller and his bandmates. Free

To find out more about our 2018 programs, please visit www.marchforbabies.org or call 248.359.1550

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www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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December 6 Cookies with Santa

Winter Wonderland Daddy Daughter Dance

Longacre House

Pittsfield Township Community Center, Multi-Purpose Room

6-8pm

4-5:30pm, 6:30-8pm

24705 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills 248-477-8404 | recreg.fhgove.com Enjoy Santa’s favorite snack of milk and cookies while he reads a holiday story. After story time, each child will get an individual visit with Santa. Don’t forget your cameras to take pictures of this memorable night! Pre-registration required. $8-$13

701 W Ellsworth, Ann Arbor 734-822-2120 | recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov Join us for an enchanted evening with your little “princess.” A winter wonderland evening filled with music, dancing and refreshments. Daughters will receive a special gift and an opportunity to purchase a keepsake photo. Preregistration required by December 6. Ages 5-12. $40

December 8 J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

December 9 Gingerbread Houses

Hill Auditorium

YDL-Superior Main Area

2-3pm

8pm

825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor 734-764-2538 | ums.org J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio is written in six parts, each celebrating one of the major feast days of the Christmas period. The Bach Collegium Japan brings its signature crispness and purity to a beloved Bach masterpiece, highlighting the polyphonic wonder of Bach’s rich, imaginative cantatas that were written to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Recommended age, 14+. $14-$80

8795 MacArthur Blvd, Ypsilanti 734-482-4110 x1316 | ypsilibrary.org/events Create a festive graham cracker house by adding candy and frosting. Limited to the first 25 participants. No registration needed. Free

Gingerbread Houses

3:30-5pm YDL-Michigan Program Room 229 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti 734-482-4110 x1325 | ypsilibrary.org/events Decorate your own gingerbread house with colorful candy and chocolate Santas.

Free

Holiday Hustle 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run 4pm

Monument Park, Downtown Dexter

Baker Rd. at Main St., Dexter 734-929-9027 | runholiday5k.coM Naughty or nice, walker or runner, come breathe in the December night air, burn off a few holiday calories and give back to others. A silly, hilly dash around Dexter that will take in the neighborhood light displays and give you a chance to see the flashing gang ahead or behind you! This is a charity event: bring canned or nonperishable food items for the needy and get a raffle ticket for each item! A single-stroller friendly course. $40/5K, $25/1 Mile (ages 17 and under), $35/1 Mile (ages 18+)

Treasure Trail to Santa

10am-1:30pm 565 E Michigan Ave, Saline 734-429-4494 | salinechamber.org The Saline Chamber of Commerce will host its fun holiday event at Busch’s Shopping Center in Saline. Participants start at Cottage Inn Pizza and follow the magical outdoor trail to Santa. Along the way, businesses pass out treats for the kids to collect. There will be a free photo booth and horse-drawn carriage rides for the kids, as well. Don’t miss this fun hoiday tradition and get some photos with Santa! Free

December 20-24 Elf: The Musical December 20-21, 7:30pm December 22, 2pm & 7:30pm December 23, 10am, 3pm, 8pm December 24, 1pm

Fox Theatre

2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit 313-471-3200 | olympiaentertainment.com/foxtheatre

Elf: The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy,

a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Buddy is unaware that he is actually human, until his enormous size and terrible toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern-day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. $35-$75

December 9-10 Santa Breakfast 9-10:30am

Longacre House

24705 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills 248-477-8404 | recreg.fhgove.com Join Santa for a special breakfast at the historic Longacre House. Eat with the jolly man himself and have time to share your Christmas list. Each child will receive a special gift and have the opportunity to get a picture taken with Santa.

Preregistration required. $13-$18

December 9, 10, 27, 28 Magical Christmas Villages 6-8pm

Historic Gordon Hall

8341 Island Lake Rd, Dexter 734-426-3341 | dexterhistory.org/upcoming-events A magical display of Milt Campbell’s huge collection of Department 56 villages. This collection was traditionally seen in the windows of Huron Camera in downtown Dexter throughout the holiday season, and was a favorite destination for families. Presented by the Dexter Area Historical Society. Suggested donation: $5/adult

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• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

December 10 Pet Photo Night 6:30-7:30pm

Briarwood Mall— Von Maur Court

100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor 734-769-9610 | simon.com/mall/briarwood-mall Bring your pet to sit, stay and pose for a photo with Santa! Photos may be purchased

Neil Berg’s Broadway Holiday 3pm

Fox Theatre

2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit 313-471-3200 | olympiaentertainment.com/fox-theatre The No. 1 touring Broadway concert in America brings Broadway’s finest stars and greatest songs together for an unforgettable holiday event featuring hits from classic shows, to current blockbusters, as well as much-loved holiday tunes. $19.50-$44.50

Where to see The Nutcracker this season Many chances to catch the whimsical ballet on a magical journey through the enchanting

December 14 Holiday Pops with the Phil 6pm and 8pm

Penn Theatre

760 Penniman Ave., Plymouth 734-453-0870 | michiganphil.org A musical sleigh ride around the world from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and “African Noel” to a contemporary Hanukkah favorite, “The Eighth Candle.”

Celebrating the sounds of the season, the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra returns to beautiful downtown Plymouth at the Penn Theatre with fun music from the Grinch, Rudolph, and The Polar Express. Along the way enjoy a mashup of “The Stars & Stripes Forever” and “Jingle Bells” along with a Concerto for Timpani and Strings. Enjoy an old-fashioned carol sing-along culminating with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” $30/General, $25/Senior, $10/Student

December 15 Holiday Pops 8pm

Hill Auditorium

825 N. University Ave. 734-994-4801 | a2so.com/events Bring your family and friends for an evening of good music-making with some of our area’s most beloved choruses including the men of Measure for Measure, Ann Arbor Youth Chorale, Boychoir of Ann Arbor, Dexter, Huron and Pioneer High School Choruses. It will be ear-to-ear grinning merriment concluding with a surround of singers harmonizing ”Let There be Peace on Earth.” $12-$52

December 16 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 7:30pm

Fox Theatre

2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit 313-471-3200 | olympiaentertainment.com/fox-theatre A holiday tradition for many families, the show will feature classic Christmas hits from Mannheim Steamroller and multimedia effects. $30-$70

Land of Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets. The Nutcracker is a wonderful holiday tradition to be enjoyed by all ages.

River Raisin Ballet Company

River Raisin Centre for the Arts 114 S Monroe St, Monroe 810-237-3111 thefso.org/concerts/nutcracker Friday, December 1 at 7pm Saturday, December 2 at 2pm & 7pm Sunday, December 3 at 3pm

December 17 The Saline New Horizons Band Holiday Concert

$20/adult, $18/senior, $15/child

3pm

Saline Middle School

7190 N. Maple Rd., Saline 734-769-2613 | salinenewhorizonsband.org This event will feature familiar favorites, with a few surprises, as well. Free

December 31 Noon Year’s Eve 11am-1pm Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-4040 | toledozoo.org

Academy of Russian Classical Ballet Brighton Center for the Performing Arts 7878 Brighton Rd, Brighton 810-299-4130 brightonperformingarts.com

Saturday, December 2 at 6:30pm

$25/person

Bring the entire family ring in the New Year a little early— at noon! Midnight is just too late for the younger partyhat wearers. To provide the same fun festivities during daylight hours for our pint-sized guests, the zoo will celebrate Noon Year’s Eve, focusing on making 2018 a greener year. Together with family and friends, the zoo will celebrate the stroke of noon with the rising of our recycling ball, a cascade of biodegradable confetti, apple juice toast and a chorus of “Auld Lang Syne.” Make conservation reZOOlutions, enjoy craft time, an ice carving demonstration, animal feeds, the Ice Slide and Bumper Cars on Ice. $17/ ages 12-59, $14/seniors 60+ and children 2-11, Free/kids under 2

Dance Theatre of Harlem, Flint School of Performing Arts, Collage Dance Collective The Whiting 1241 E Kearsley St, Flint 810-237-3111 thefso.org/concerts/nutcracker

Ballet Chelsea

CHS Performing Arts Complex 740 N Freer Rd, Chelsea 734-475-3070 balletchelsea.org Saturday, December 9 at 7pm Sunday, December 10 at 2pm

$15+/adult, $10+/student

The Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre

Power Center for the Performing Arts 121 Fletcher St, Ann Arbor 734-647-3327 muto.umich.edu Friday, December 15 at 7pm Saturday, December 16 at 1pm & 7pm Sunday, December 17 at 1pm

$30/adult, $25/senior (65+), $15/child under 12

Moscow Ballet

Fox Theatre 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit 313-471-3200 nutcracker.com/your-city/get-tickets/detroit Sunday, December 17 at 12pm, 4pm, & 8pm

$28-$172/person

Saturday, December 2 at 7:30pm Sunday, December 3 at 3pm

$10-$32/person

Ballet Chelsea

Jackson Potter Center 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson 734-475-3070 balletchelsea.org Friday, December 8 at 7pm

$15+/adult, $10+/student

Academy of Russian Classical Ballet

BRING THIS AD IN FOR ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OFFERS:

Michigan Theater 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor 734-668-8463 michtheater.org/concertsevents

One Free play session at our award winning Saline Center (Formerly Urban Toddler) metroehs.com/saline-center

Saturday, December 9 at 6:30pm

$35-$45/person

One Free Fine Motor Screening One Free 30 min Autism Screening Info@MetroEHS.com

www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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Hanukkah Light

Jewish Community Center celebrates with a charitable giving program

By Louis Meldman

The nine-branch candelabra or “menorah” that celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. after the revolt against Greek tyranny. For each of eight nights an additional candle is lit using the middle candle. One on the first day, two on the second day, and so on. When the Temple was rededicated the sacred “eternal flame” had only enough oil to stay alight for one day, but miraculously it stayed lit for eight. Since then Hanukkah has been called the “Festival of Lights.”

Hanukkah, the Jewish “Festival of the Lights” has taken on a special meaning at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor (JCC). In its fifth year, the JCC’s “One Candle” program organizes a special adopt-a-family giving event for refugees living in our community. Everyone is welcome to engage in this celebration on the third night of Hanukkah.

One candle

In recent years many Jews and Jewish organizations have been looking for more meaning in Hanukkah. The JCC givesgifts to those who are less fortunate through its “One Candle” program, named because candles are lit at each sundown during the festival. During one evening— this year on the third evening, Thursday, December 14, participating families will get together at the “J” for gift wrapping, dinner, entertainment for the whole family and general socializing and merrymaking.

Adopt a family in need

In the days leading up to the party, parents bring their kids to pick an anonymous family’s description hanging on a large candelabra, or “menorah” in the JCC’s lobby, “adopting” and shopping for that family. Jewish Family Services later distributes the gifts to the adoptive families: refugees from seven different countries now living in Washtenaw and

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• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

surrounding counties. The recipients are kept anonymous to preserve their dignity and the giving families are anonymous as well. Anonymous giving is the highest form of charity in the Jewish faith.

Open to all, guided by Jewish values

One Candle promotes the Jewish moral obligation called “tzedakah,” a Hebrew word meaning charity for all, not just fellow Jews. All members of the community, regardless of age, religious or other identity, are welcome to participate in the “One Candle” program and all other programs at the J. Clara Silver, the J’s director of operations, said, “The creed of the J is ‘Open to all, proudly guided by Jewish values.’ We’re a cultural and educational organization, rather than a faith-based group like a synagogue. One Candle is an adopt-a-family giving event that we are very proud of.”

“The parents are really into it,” said Jessica Gillespie, the J’s family programs coordinator, who organizes and runs the One Candle event. “They’re very excited, parents and kids, because they are dealing with real families and able to personalize their giving.”

For more info on this wonderful event call Jessica Gillespie at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) at 734-649-1404.

Holiday Worship Guide

First United Methodist Church of Saline

Join these local churches for their holiday worship services during this Christmas season and in the new year.

First Presbyterian Church

Longest Night Service December 19 7pm A quiet meditative service for those that may struggle with the holidays because of grief or loss.

1432 Washtenaw Ave. firstpresbyterian.org

“Light Dawns on a Weary World” Christmas Hymn Festival and Reception December 17 3pm Join with the choirs and orchestra in a festival of Christmas hymns and carols. The singing will be followed by a strolling reception in our beautiful church building. Refreshments served in different parts of the building.

Longest Night Worship December 20 7pm Are you grieving, experiencing uncertain times, or melancholy during the holidays? Join them for candlelight, special music, and remembrance. All are welcome. Stay after the service for hot cider, cookies, and fellowship.

Christmas Eve Worship December 24 8am Worship and Communion 9:30am Christmas Pageant 5pm and 7pm Candlelight Lessons and Carols 11pm Candlelight Communion Service

Christmas Eve Service December 24 9am Worship 5pm Family Friendly 7pm and 11pm Candlelight

December 31 9am Worship

2|42 Community Church

December 23 4:30pm December 24 9am, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm

Longest Night Service Tuesday, December 19th at 7:00 PM A quiet meditative service for those that may struggle with the holidays because of grief or loss.

New Year’s Eve Sunday, December 31st 9:00 AM Worship

1200 N. Ann Arbor St Saline, MI 48176 734-429-4730 www.fumc-saline.org Bring this ad to the Welcome Center and receive a special Christmas Gift!

3980 Research Park Dr. experiencelifepoint.org

Unwrapped Christmas

December 31 10am

December 3 and 10 10:30am

First United Methodist Church-Saline

Live Nativity Scene December 17 10:30-11:30am

1200 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline fumc-saline.org

Family Candlelight Service

Christmas Cantata December 1 ​7​pm 9am and 11:15am “Christmas is in the Heart”: A Christmas celebration in music.

3980 Research Park Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24th 9:00 AM Worship 5:00 PM Family Friendly 7:00 PM & 11:00 PM Candlelight

Christmas at 2|42 Ann Arbor

LifePoint Church

New Year’s Eve Family Worship

All events are Free & Open to the Public

Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 17th at 9:00 & 11:15 AM A Christmas celebration in music.

“Christmas is in the Heart”

New Year’s Eve Service

Ann Arbor 648 S Wagner Rd. 242community.com

eace Joy Lo P e ve Hop

December 24 7pm

Fresh Start Service December 31

10:30am

Live Nativity Scene

Sunday, December 17th 10:30am-11:30am

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Sunday, December 24th 7:00pm

Christmas Worship

Sundays December 3rd & 10th • 10:30am

CHRISTMAS

@LifePoint Church

EXPERIENCELIFEPOINT.ORG

www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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Ultimate Local Gift Guide

made in

Let us do the shopping for you

By Aimee Grant Eldon Behold, the ultimate Michigan gift guide for every kid and adult on your holiday shopping list.

Pint glasses and home décor

Find an enticing array of stylish kitchen towels, mugs, cozy pillows, and household items to show off your pride for the Mitten, including State of Michigan Pint Glasses ($12) in an assortment of vivid primary colors.

Available at Rock Paper Scissors, 216 S Main St., 734-531-6264. rockpaperscissorsshop.com

New and used albums

Best Gifts for Kids

Books from local authors and publishers

Ann Arborites love their books, and Nicola’s loves to stock favorites from regional authors.

Look for new picture books from two beloved Michigan authors and illustrators — Patricia Polacco’s Remembering Vera ($17.99) and Philip and Erin Stead’s adaptation of a Mark Twain story, The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine ($24.99). For early readers, try Dave Coverly’s Night of the Living Worms ($5.99) or his graphic novel Dogs are People, Too ($12.00). Intermediate readers will devour Jonathan Rand’s newest Michigan Chillers Sault Ste. Marie Sea Monsters ($5.99), and YA readers will adore Kristin Bartley Lenz’ The Art of Holding on and Letting Go ($12.95).

Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave., 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com

BowsHead bows and accessories

Handmade hair accessories for babies, girls, and tweens make lovely stocking stuffers, and Michigan company BowsHead makes bright colored satin and grosgrain hair bows that can clip in hair or get fashioned as a clip-on bow tie for a suit. $10.

My Urban Toddler, 3010 Washtenaw Ave. Ste 107, 734-585-0788. myurbantoddler.com

Kahoots Spinograph, Plasticine, Color Forms, and Fashion Plates

This Ann Arbor toy company offers creative toys for aspiring artists and designers. Kids get to imagine, experiment, and make designs of their dreams and proudly cover the fridge in their inspired creations. $12.50 - $34.

Available at Mudpuddles, 407 N 5th Ave., 734-662-0022. kerrytown.com/mudpuddles

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Best Gifts for Adults

Find albums from your favorite Michigan artists at the shop with the most curated selection in town. Shoppers can find Michigan originals like Bob Seger, White Stripes, Motown artists like Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson, and other well-known and obscure regional artists. Prices starting at $1.

Available at Encore Records, 417 E Liberty St., 734-662-6776. encorerecordsa2.com

T-shirts, buttons, and stickers

Pick from a huge assortment of Michigan stickers ($1.99- $3.99), buttons ($1.50), magnets ($2-$3.99) and T-shirts, including a perfectly nostalgic Say Yes to Michigan T-Shirt ($19.99) at The Rocket, one of the best stores in the area for stocking stuffers.

The Rocket Candy and Novelties, 122 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, 734-483-2291. shoptherocket.com

Plants, prints, calendars and scarves

For the nature lover on your list, pick up small house plants, succulents, and fairy garden plants grown on site ($3.50 $15), Gwen Frostic block print note card packages, calendars, bookmarks, and journals ($.75 – $16.50), and many items by Michigan artists including eco-printed silk scarves ($25.50).

Matthaei Botanical Garden gift shop, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd, 734-647-7600 lsa.umich.edu/mbg

Don’t Forget Furry Family Members

Tee See Tee and Michigan Awesome T-shirts and weatshirts Available in everything from onesies to adult sizes, this state of Michigan gear is sure to be a hit with bigs and littles alike. With designs featuring all things Michigan, this spirit gear is required wearing for all proud Michiganders. $19.99-54.99.

The Little Seedling, 2121 W. Stadium Blvd., 734-418-2392. thelittleseedling.com

Writer’s Sew Shop felt toys

Imaginative play just got more fun with pretend s’mores and campfire set, play food sets, dinosaurs, and other whimsical felt creations. Soft and squishy, these toys are flying off the shelf at this new Ypsilanti store. $12-$36.

Brick and Mortar Modern General Store, 21 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, 734-340-2343 brickandmortarypsi.com

Paws to Shop

Stop by to get a gift for an animal lover, while helping animals at the same time!

Get pet-themed cookie cutters, unique pet toys, and wearables at the HSHV store. Or cat “wine,” an issue of Pussweek, and meowny other novelties at the Tiny Lions Center store! Gift cards are also available. Proceeds benefit our community’s homeless animals at the Humane Society of Huron Valley and Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center.

Available at Tiny Lions Cat Cafe, 5245 Jackson Rd., and Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. hshv.org

• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Active Experiences

Looking to give the gift of an experience?

Try a gift card to one of these amazing local businesses.

Swim lessons

A month or more of swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School. $82 per month (plus $25 registration fee that comes with a goody bag).

2017 Holiday Package: $189 for 2 months of swim lessons, annual membership fee, 2 months of free family swim, and exclusive Goldfish apparel!

Goldfish Swim School, 2107 W. Stadium Blvd., 734-864-5555. annarbor.goldfishswimschool.com

Film fanatics

Movies and popcorn at Michigan Theater and the newly renovated State Theater (reopening December 8). $15 and up Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., 734-668-8397. michtheater.org

Baking and cooking classes

Delicious pizza

Family brownie, pizza, pie, and other classes at Zingerman’s BAKE for ages 7+ and adult classes for breads, pastries, cakes, and more. $75-125

Bigalora Cucina offers a delicious menu of cooked from scratch Italian fare and wood-fired pizzas.

For dessert try their house made, artisan gelatos!

In December, purchase a gift card over $100 and receive 10% back in a gift card for yourself.

Zingerman’s BAKE!, 3723 Plaza Dr., 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

Recording time

Book time at Neutral Zone’s Orpheum Recording Studio to record musical performances for applications, program auditions, or fine arts portfolio.

Bigalora Cucina, 3050 Washtenaw, Ste. 112, 734-971-2442. bigalora.com

The base package is $200 and includes a three-hour recording session, three hours of editing/video rendering, and one revision.

The Neutral Zone, 310 E. Washington, 734-214-9995. neutral-zone.org/orpheum

Play Places

Thank goodness there’s an indoor place for kids to explore when it’s cold outside.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum One year membership runs $80-125.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., 734-995-5439. aahom.org

Kidopolis

Gift certificate (which comes with a punch card that earns one free visit after six admissions). $8 and up Kidopolis, 509 State Cir., 734-769-0263. kidopolis.net

Chelsea Treehouse

Gift certificates and family memberships $65-130 for 3 months of unlimited visits Chelsea Treehouse, 1101 S. Main St., 734-475-1555. thechelseatreehouse.com

www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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Saying Goodbye

Food Fight writer Katy Clark signs off after nine years

By Laura Eliason

Oh There’s No Place Like Home (Again) For The Holidays A Michigan family returns to the mitten state

By Mary Rose Kulczak

Jemma, the family golden retriever, ready for another road trip!

Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays!

And I should know. After years of living abroad (and by abroad, I mean outside the State of Michigan), our family made the decision to move back home this summer. Twelve years and five states later, we are back where we started from and right where we need to be.

Corporate relocations are not for the faint of heart. We tried to embrace the moves with an adventurous spirit, and we were often blessed in the process. But as time passed, we came to realize the moments we were missing out on. The celebrations we missed with aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents. Traditions like Frankenmuth and lights at the zoo. We tried to come home for the holidays, but it was never easy. Kids and dogs and cars loaded with food, luggage, and gifts.

Holiday visits

“Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go!”

The song makes it sound so charming.

Horses and sleighs and snow. Fun! In reality, our familiar refrain became “Over the turnpike, and don’t forget your EZ Pass, to Grandmother’s house we go!

And hurry! We don’t want to get stuck in heavy traffic on I-294 with all the other people trying to get out of Chicago! Blow up air mattresses and pull out sofa beds.

Pray that it doesn’t snow!”

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Good times!

My husband and I are part of the sandwich generation, caught between caring for our parents while simultaneously parenting our children. It felt as if we were slacking in both roles. We wanted to be closer to help our families, and yet we needed to be home to help our tween navigate through the awkward years.

Home to Pure Michigan

Last year, we started toying with the idea of moving back home. I blame it all on the Pure Michigan commercials. They made me cry every time! We needed to be transplanted once again, but this time in Michigan soil. And for our middle school student, we knew it would be important to plant some roots for the final stretch of his school years. It was time to come home.

Somehow, through some miracle, we managed to sell our house before the State of Illinois went bankrupt. And here we are! No more holiday road trips. No more air mattresses. Home at last. We are reconnecting with family and friends while rediscovering all that the Mitten State has to offer. Festivals and farms. Microbreweries and metroparks. Quaint shops and amazing restaurants.

Home for the holidays. There’s nowhere I’d rather be. What an amazing gift this holiday season!

Katy Clark and her husband Chad, and children Will, 14, and Sydney, 11, have enjoyed exploring Ann Arbor’s restaurants for over nine years.

Ann Arbor and the surrounding cities are packed full of great restaurants.

Over the years our Food Fight columnist Katy Clark has dined fearlessly with her family at many and given you the scoop on the good and the ugly.

Since this month’s Food Fight is her last, we asked her what she has learned and enjoyed from her many reviews of our area’s food scene.

“When my son entered high school this fall and my daughter started rolling her eyes at the crayons tucked inside the kids’ menu, I knew it was time to retire from Food Fight,” Clark said.

“Thank you for letting us inform and entertain you with our opinions and antics dining out these last nine years.”

Lessons learned: Eating out can be amazing family time, if the time and place are right. It’s fun to be together, everyone can order what he or she wants, and I don’t have to prepare it or clean it up. But, if someone is tired or you go too late and hit a crowd, then it can be less successful.

• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Favorite restaurants: There are so many! I feel like they enjoyed ethnic restaurants the most as the dishes were exciting and new to them. My son really took a liking to Mediterranean food after years of just eating cheeseburgers.

And, my daughter is up for anything nowadays, like Vietnamese, as opposed to when she ate macaroni and cheese for three straight years.

Most embarrassing moment: Years ago I remember a server asking my son what kind of cheese he wanted on his burger. “Yellow,” he replied.

A favorite dessert: Sidetrack in Depot Town had a monster strawberry shortcake one summer that my kids devoured.

Fun fact: We started visiting one restaurant per month in September 2008.

That means we have dined at over 100 different restaurants in the Ann Arbor area!

It’s Hip To Be Square

Buddy’s Pizza

3153 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Phone: 734-792-9130 Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Buddyspizza.com

Buddy’s original Detroit-style pizza arrives in Ann Arbor

Over the last few years, the area around Ann Arbor-Saline and Lohr Roads has transformed with new stores and restaurants. The latest restaurant to arrive, Buddy’s Pizza, brings Detroit-style pizza to Ann Arbor.

What makes a pizza Detroit-style? Its square shape and deep dish crust. Legend has it that the proprietor of the original Buddy’s developed this type of pizza in the 1940s.

Motor City munchies

Buddy’s, which operates 12 locations around Detroit, offers more than pizza, including soups, salads, and pasta dishes like chicken parmesan. You can order a burger made from ground steak trimmings delivered daily from Eastern Market or try sandwiches like a turkey pita.

Yet it is hard to resist the siren call of Buddy’s pizza, available in squares of four or eight pieces. You can build your own with traditional toppings or exotic ones like capers and beets. Try specialties like the Gourmet Veggie and BBQ Chicken, or pizzas inspired by the Motor City and Great Lakes. The Lake Michigan, for example, has Motor City cheese blend, ground beef, caramelized onions, bleu cheese and tomato basil sauce.

If thick crust isn’t your style, Sicilianstyle thin crust is available. A kids’ menu offers chicken strips, grilled cheese fingers, or pastas like spaghetti or mac & cheese for $4.99. Drinks are extra.

Dining in D-town style

My kids, ages 14 and 10, and I visited on a busy Friday night. Seating is split between tables and booths. There are lots of windows, high industrial or wood beam ceilings, and exposed brick walls dotted with TVs. “Oh, look! These windows go up in the summer!” I exclaimed of the garage-door type windows by our table.

“I know,” my 10-year-old replied, stone faced. I think her teenage brother rolled his eyes. Ah, tweens and teens.

We started with Buddy’s Bread, aka garlic bread sticks ($3.49). Then we picked a medium Antipasto salad ($9.99)

By Katy M. Clark

The Short Course Kid-friendly: Yes

To avoid wait: Try lunchtime or go early for dinner Noise level: High

Bathroom amenities: Changing table in men’s and women’s High chairs? Yes

Got milk? Yes, plus pop or a fruit juice box Kids’ menu? Yes

Anything healthy for kids? Pizzas can be lightly cheesed or ordered without any cheese. Nutrition details are available online.

Food allergy concerns? Visit the “Common Allergen Information” link on their website.

and an 8-square pizza, half Motown Museum (Old World pepperoni and bacon) and half Parade Company (fresh basil and roasted tomatoes). Both came with the Motor City cheese blend, which is brick, Fontinella and Parmesan cheeses.

The Buddy Bread arrived quickly.

“These are good,” I mentioned. The hot, doughy bread sticks were dusted with garlic butter and parmesan cheese.

“I love them!” enthused my daughter.

The Antipasto salad had pleasing proportions of romaine and iceberg lettuce, ham, salami and Wisconsin brick cheese. I found the amount of vinaigrette just right while my son thought it was too much.

We all agreed the pizza was yummy.

The crust was thick, yet light, with crunchy edges. The pieces of Parade Company had an appetizing basil flavor. I could really taste the roasted tomatoes.

After the subtle flavors of the Parade Company, I enjoyed the meaty, salty goodness of the Old World pepperoni and bacon on the Motown Museum pieces. I am curious to try a thin crust next time, to see if the topping flavors would be even more potent with a thinner crust.

Desserts included sundaes, cookies and brownies, but we were stuffed with Detroit-style goodness. Fortunately, Buddy’s offers carryout, too— which means next time, we’re definitely including a sweet ending in our order to take home.

Presented by

1919 S Industrial Highway, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

HOLIDAY SALAD WITH HARVEST CRANBERRY VINAIGRETTE Ingredients for the salad: 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (about 6 large handfuls) 1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets 2 TB. Lucky’s Private Label coconut or olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 1/2 cups Lucky's Private Label beans (Cannellini beans, chickpeas, or any beautiful heirloom bean, drained and rinsed or, if dried, soaked and cooked) 1 bunch kale, stems removed and roughly chopped Ingredients for the dressing: 2 TB. Lucky’s Private Label apple cider vinegar 1 TB. Lucky’s Private Label Dijon mustard 1/4 cup fresh cranberries 2 TB. capers, chopped 1-2 tsp. Lucky’s Private Label honey

1/2 ripe pear, chopped (optional, adds sweetness and creaminess) 1-2 cloves garlic 1/3 cup Lucky’s Private Label olive oil Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions Preheat oven to 450o F.

In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts and cauliflower with oil. Spread vegetables across a large baking sheet or roasting pan and season with salt and pepper. Roast until the sprouts and cauliflower are tender and beginning to brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven and return vegetables to large bowl. Add the beans, toss, and then set aside to cool. When vegetables are mostly cooled, add kale.

To make the dressing, add apple cider vinegar, mustard, cranberries, capers, honey, pear (if using), and garlic to a high-speed blender. Pulse to blend, occasionally scraping down the sides to mix. Slowly add olive oil until dressing is fully emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

To serve, transfer Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale to a serving bowl (or use the same bowl). Add the beans and about half of the dressing. Toss gently and add more dressing, if needed, to cover the salad lightly.

Store any leftover dressing in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve salad immediately or chill and serve within 2 hours.

www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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19

healthy families Lessons at the Restaurant Table

Nine social skills kids learn from eating out

by Christa Melnyk Hines

W

ith the school year in full swing and our busy schedules, we might be more inclined to hit up the drive thru line or put in a carry-out order. And if your budget might put the squeeze on dining out regularly at restaurants, don’t completely cross the option off of your meal-time menu. Eating out, even occasionally, can help kids develop communication skills and learn acceptable behavior in a public place.

Manners. Basic etiquette informs those around us that we’re sensitive to them and aware of our surroundings.

Consistently practice manners around your family’s dinner table to lay the groundwork for eating out. Whether you choose to dine at the mall food court or a sit-down establishment, role model how to place a polite order.

Coach your youngster to say please and thank you when the server delivers beverages and food.If your vigilant pupil observes another’s lackluster manners, ask him how he’d conduct himself differently.

Speaking up. Just when you think your child doesn’t have volume control, her voice drops to a whisper when ordering a drink. Before the server arrives, discuss the menu choices and prep her about what to say. Remind her that because restaurants can be noisy, she should speak up in a clear voice while ordering.

Eye contact. When your child orders, remind him to look at the server. Eye contact denotes confidence and signals polite respect. The skill isn’t easy for many people, especially kids who are apprehensive about interacting with people they don’t know. With time, repetition and maturity, kids can develop this valuable skill.

Self confidence. Uncertainty is the root of fear. Start small, role model and practice. Preschoolers can order their own drinks (limit choices to ease decisionmaking) and work up to ordering a main meal. Encourage them to make specific requests like, “May I please have some ketchup?”

Got a kiddo who clams up when talking to adults? Avoid labeling him as shy. Instead place the order for him by saying, “You wanted the cheeseburger, right? What kind of cheese would you like?” This gets him involved in the process. Eventually, he’ll grow more confident. Further support him by responding to questions that he’s unsure how to answer.

Social cues. Eating in restaurants helps kids recognize social cues like body language, facial expressions, tone of voice and boundaries. These non-verbals help us discern appropriate behavior in a particular environment.

For example you might say: “People talk quietly in this restaurant. We need to keep our voices down too so that we don’t

disturb them.” Or “See how everyone is sitting down in their seats at their own table? We don’t run around or reach our hands across to other people’s booths because that bothers them.”

Self control. Dining out often requires kids to stay seated for longer periods of time than they do at home.

Set your family up for success by initially choosing kid-friendly places that don’t have long waits.

If possible, call ahead to put your name on the waiting list when headed to a popular spot or beat the rush by arriving early.

Warn your waiter if you think you’ll need to make an early exit due to an unpredictable or tired toddler.

Patience. Waiting is tough for adults, but it can be excruciating for a hungry tot.

Bring a light snack like crackers, apple slices or raisins that will help ease hunger pains. Pack activities like crayons, blank paper, chat packs and a deck of cards.

Draw pictures, play I-Spy, tic-tac-toe, “Would You Rather...,” or a game of Old Maid to help pass the time.

Small talk. According to the Family Dinner Project, meal time conversation can help build a child’s vocabulary.

Furthermore, eating out together fosters small talk skills and family connection.

Ask each other questions. Discuss sporting events, the weather, the upcoming weekend or tell a humorous story.

Fun ways to practice manners Play pretend restaurant at

home Dress up and have a tea party Get silly by goofily imitating bad manners your child exhibits For parents with strong stomachs: Have a “No Manners” meal (You want to do this outside!)

Flexibility. Even if you’re packing up your meal early on your first few outings, keep trying. Restaurant experiences don’t always go smoothly. Kids may not like the food. They’ll complain, whine and express boredom during long waits. But over time, they’ll get better at going with the flow.

Remember, you’re treating your youngsters to more than dinner out. They’re indulging in essential, real-life social skills that they’ll (someday) be grateful you taught them.

Craft of the Month

By Raegan Nelson

Snow Slime

We have all bundled up our kids in snow gear to send them outside to play, only to have the activity cut short because of chilly noses and fingers. To satisfy the snow itch without stepping outside, create this simple snow slime recipe. Not only is this faux snow fun to squish and stretch, you can also extend the play by cutting it with cookie cutters, filling different shaped molds, or hiding little toys in the ‘snow’ for younger children to find. This is the perfect way to “play in the snow” on days that you may not be able to face the outdoors.

20

Supplies:

• White School Glue (2 cups) • Borax (3/4 tsp) • Warm Water (1 and 1/2 cups, 1 and 1/3 cups) • Glitter (1 TBS Blue or iridescent) • Bowls (2) • Fork • Measuring cups

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of the chilled school glue with 1 and 1/2 cups of very warm water. Stir until there is no separation.

2. In a second bowl, combine and stir ¾ teaspoons of borax with 1 and 1/3

cups of very warm water.

3. Pour the borax/water mixture into the glue mixture and stir. After the initial mixing, use your hands to knead the ingredients for a few minutes until there is no longer any water.

• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

4. Once the slime is thoroughly mixed, add glitter to make the slime sparkle.

5. Optional: Store the slime in a zip seal bag in the fridge before and after play IF you want it to be cold to more closely resemble snow.

{ December

2017 }

All calendar events are subject to change, cancellation and limited size. Calling ahead for confirmation is recommended.

1 FRIDAY Live Nativity Scene - Celebrate Christmas at Chelsea’s live nativity scene, where Christmas music performed by a choir of residents and volunteers enfolds the participants and observers alike. The colorful pageant is a tradition for Hometown Holidays and for hundreds of Chelsea families. 7pm. 310 N. Main St., Chelsea. chelseamich.com Luminaries on Main Street - Chelsea Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts line Main Street with luminaries on both Friday and Saturday, creating a fairy land for walkers or drivers. 6pm. 310 N. Main St., Chelsea. chelseamich.com

2 SATURDAY Dinosaur Discovery Day - The whole day is devoted to digging into dinosaurs and learning about the newest discoveries in paleontology. See how scientists learn about dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. 9am. Alexander G. Ruthven Museum.

1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-764-0478. events.umich.edu FREE Saline Christmas Parade - Saline’s Annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Saline is a wonderful evening for all involved. Coordinated by the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce. 4pm. Downtown.

S. Ann Arbor St., Saline. visitannarbor.org FREE

MIdnight Madness Sale - Join in for Kerrytown’s annual Midnight Madness Celebration. Shops throughout Kerrytown Market & Shops and the Kerrytown District are throwing a party with discounts, special deals, music, food, drinks, and more.

5pm. Spun Ann Arbor. 407 N. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor. kerrytown.com

Teen Window Decorating Party Decorate holiday cookies and paint the windows in the teen zone. Bring messy clothes and your creativity. 4pm. Ypsilanti District Library. 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org

Story time with Mrs. Claus at Farmers Supply - Mrs. Claus and Santa’s helper make the magic of the holidays come alive with stories and songs.

Bring your camera for a photo with Mrs. Claus. Presented by the Chelsea District Library. 6:30pm. 122 Jackson St., 48118, Chelsea. chelseamich.com

Country Christmas - Join museum volunteers in celebrating the season in the house decorated for a 19th century Christmas. A craft show and kid’s activities in the barn.

12pm. $2 adult, $1 child, $1.50 Sr., $5 family, 3 and under free. Cobblestone Farm & Museum. 2781 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-794-6230. cobblestonefarm.org

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Arrives - Sounds of the holiday season will be performed by members of the Chelsea Choir followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and a visit from a very special guy in the big red suit to add to the holiday festivities. Santa arrives on the Chelsea Fire Authority Ladder truck at approximately 6 pm. 6pm. 901 S. Main St., Chelsea. chelseamich.com

Nature Storytime - Stories in the Snow: Animal Prints - Nature Storytime has many opportunities for you and your little one to explore and appreciate the outdoors, such as live animal visits, hikes, stories, and hands-on activities. Each session includes indoor and outdoor activities, make sure to dress for the weather.

10am. $4 - $5. Leslie Science and Nature Center. 1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

Vault of Midnight Tree Lighting Soiree - See the spectacle of this nondenominational tree with electric lights, decorations and a very special tree topper. Bring in an ornament for the tree and receive a limited holiday edition Vault of Midnight sticker plus the chance to win big prizes. Free gift wrapping available through the evening. Vault of Midnight.

226 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. vaultofmidnight.com FREE Santa’s Mailbox - Merchants in the Main Street area have decided once again to fund a direct mail route from Ann Arbor to the North Pole. Santa’s mailbox will be open for wish lists on Friday, November 24, in front of Conor O’Neill’s (318 S. Main St.). All letters received by December 17th will be answered. Please remember to include your return address. 9am. 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-668-7112. mainstreetannarbor.org. FREE

3 SUNDAY

NJFK: Disney’s Frozen Sing-Along Let it Go and sing along with Frozen at this event featuring on-screen lyrics, goody bags, special guests, and more. 3pm. $11-$13. Michigan Theater. 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org School of Rock Junior Auditions at The Encore - Auditions will also take place on December 4 at 4:30pm. Please email Program Director, Thalia V. Schramm with any questions and to schedule an audition appointment, thalia@theencoretheatre.org. 6pm. The Encore Musical Theatre Company. 3126 Broad St., Dexter.

734-268-6200.

5 TUESDAY Dancing for Birth, Six-Week Series Dancing For Birth classes teach a “language of movement” inspired by world dance forms like Belly dance, African dance and Latin dance. The 90-minute weekly classes fuse dance fitness with birth preparation. 6:30pm. $127. Center for the Childbearing Year. 722 Brooks St., Ann Arbor. 734-663-1523. center4cby.com

Kids Night Out

Friday, December 8. 5-10pm Need to get some last minute holiday shopping done or spend quality time with your spouse or friends?

Leave your kids at the Saline Rec Center where they will have a blast with the staff making crafts, watching movies, playing games in the gym and swimming. Less expensive than a babysitter and more fun for the kids! A pizza dinner is included.

Participants should wear athletic shoes and bring their bathing suits and a towel. Ages 5-12. $20/member, $30/non-member.

Saline Rec Center, 1866 Woodland Dr., Saline.

734-429-3502. salinerec.com

Clay Ornament Making

Saturday, December 16. 10-11:30am Join the Ann Arbor Art Center for a day of clay ornament making! All materials will be provided as you are guided through the process of making your own one-of-akind holiday ornaments. Participants will receive their unique ornament creations approximately 2-3 weeks after the workshop.

All ages are welcome but those under the age 9 must be accompanied by an adult. $30. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org

Preschool Storytimes - Join in for stories and songs for listeners age 2 to 5 years, accompanied by an adult. This event is intended for ages 2 - 5 years. Siblings are welcome. 10am. AADL: Downtown Branch. 343 S. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-327-4200. aadl.org FREE Guided Meditation for Young Kids - Local massage therapist and meditation leader Amy Tarrant will lead young children through a series of guided meditations to encourage calmness and more. 2pm. AADL: Traverwood Branch.

3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor.

734-327-4200. aadl.org FREE 3D Paper Snowflake - Create 3D paper snowflakes to decorate your indoor space with winter charm. This event is intended for grade 6 - adult. 7pm.

AADL: Mallets Creek Branch.

3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Ann Arbor.

734-327-4200. aadl.org FREE Anime Afternoons - Head to the Saline District Library and join in for new and classic anime and sushi! This group is intended for teens.3pm. Saline District Library.

555 N. Maple Rd., Saline. 734-429-5450. salinelibrary.evanced.info FREE

7 THURSDAY EBird & Friends Holiday Show 10th Anniversary - Family friendly holiday show celebrating the 10th anniversary with four shows. Thursday–Saturday at 8, plus Saturday at 3. 8pm. $25-$50.

The Ark. 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor.

734-761-1800. theark.org

Little Paws Storytime - If you have a toddler who loves animals, have a pawsitively fun time at HSHV. Designed for children ages 2 to 5, the story time programs include animal-themed stories, finger puppet plays, crafts and the opportunity to meet some of the adoptable animals. No preregistration required. 10:30am. $5. Humane Society of Huron Valley.

3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-662-5585. hshv.org Little Women - Just in time for the holidays, Wild Swan Theater brings this classic novel by Louisa May Alcott to the stage. The March sisters – Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth – are growing up in Civil Warera New England. When their beloved mother must leave them to visit their ailing father at the front, the sisters must face life together. Special activities provided by Food Gatherers. Performances also on Dec 8 at 10am and 12:30pm and December 9 and December 10 at 2pm. 10am. Towsley Auditorium. 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor. 734-995-0530. wildswantheater.org

8 FRIDAY A2CT Junior Theatre Presents Peter Pan Jr. - This musical version of the J.M. Barrie story of Peter, the boy who won’t grow up, his sidekick Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and the Crocodile, Brave Girls, Lost Boys, and the Darling family has been adapted for young performers. It is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its warmth, adventure, and pixie dust. Runs through December 10. Performances on Saturday and Sunday are at 1pm and 3:30pm. 7:30pm. $8 - $10. Children’s Creative Center. 1600 Pauline Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-971-2228. a2ct.org

www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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21

9 SATURDAY 2017 Treasure Trail to Santa - Join in the fun at the 20th Annual Treasure Trail to Santa. Start the trek at Physical Therapy in Motion, get your map and make your way from store to store until you find Santa.

Also enjoy free carriage rides, photo booth and refreshments at Busch’s. 10am. Busch’s Shopping Center. E. Michigan Ave., Saline. salinechamber.org

Fiber Arts Lab: Knitting - Join in every other Monday for an evening of knitting and crochet. AADL will provide everything you need to get started. All skill levels welcome. This event is intended for grade 6adult. 7pm. AADL: Downtown Branch. 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor. 734-327-4200. aadl.org FREE

12 TUESDAY

A Visit from the Humane Society Kids will become pet safety experts by learning how to communicate with animals, how to safely approach and greet an animal, and what to do if met by an unknown animal. Learn about the financial costs of adopting a pet. 10am. Ypsilanti District Library. 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti.

734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org FREE

Sensation Stations - Young children can engage their senses with many hands on activities. Intended for children age 10 months–2 years. 10:30am. Ann Arbor District Library - Westgate. 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-327-4200. aadl. org FREE

Critters Up Close - Every month, get up close and personal with critters from the natural world, thanks to Leslie Science & Nature Center. Enjoy hands-on activities and a meet and greet with critters. 10am.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor. 734-995-5439. aahom.org

Library Lab: Whodunit? - Drop in for fun hands-on STEM projects every month.

This month learn about forensic science, like fingerprinting. 6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library. 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti.

734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org FREE

DIYpsi Holiday Market - DIYpsi Holiday Market will feature 80 vendors.

Find unique hand-crafted gifts and contribute to a larger cause- by supporting the arts and keeping your dollars invested in the local economy. Also on December 10 at 12pm. 11am. Riverside Arts Center. diypsi.com Tiny Expo - Support the community and find unique gifts from over 45 artists and crafters selling handmade items. Check out the website for a full list of vendors and more information on activities. 11am.

Ann Arbor District Library Downtown.

343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-327-4200. tinyexpo.com FREE Board Game Afternoon - Enjoy an afternoon of board games at Westgate!

Games will include: Ticket to Ride, Yeti in my Spaghetti, Dominion, Sushi Go, Stratego, Grand Austria Hotel, Space Team, and more. You are also welcome to bring your own games! 2:30pm. AADL: Westgate Branch. 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-327-4200. aadl.org FREE

10 SUNDAY Christmas Carol Sing - Gather around the historic Steinway piano with accompanist Sue Dempsey. Song sheets and hand bells provided. Holiday cookies and juice. Admission free, donations appreciated. 4pm. Kempf House Museum. 312 S. Division St., Ann Arbor. 734-994-4898. kempfhousemuseum.org. FREE

11 MONDAY Stroller Strides® Community ClassEvery 2nd Monday of the month check out this Community/Bring a Friend class for any mamas and their little ones. Stroller Strides® is designed to give mothers the “Strength for Motherhood.” Visit the website or email annarbor@fit4mom.com for more info. 9am. Briarwood Mall, in front of SEARS. 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor. annarbor.fit4mom.com FREE

22

13 WEDNESDAY

Read-Along Dog - Trained Therapaws reading dogs will be available for 15 minute reading appointments. This event is intended for kids. Registration is required.

6:30pm. Saline District Library. 555 N. Maple Rd., Saline. salinelibrary.evanced. info FREE

14 THURSDAY Last Minute Holiday Shop and Meet Your Favorite Cartoonist - Meet the creators of the Awkward Yeti, She Comix and Sarah’s Scribbles. Purchase holiday gifts, get your books signed, plus a limited release of Heart and Brain Common Grounds Coffee. Kids are welcome. RSVP on Facebook. 5pm. Conor O’Neills. 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-665-2968.

Little Paws Storytime - If you have a toddler who loves animals, come have a paws-itively fun time with us at HSHV! Designed for children ages 2 to 5, our story time programs include animal-themed stories, fingerplays, crafts and the opportunity to meet some of our adoptable animals! No preregistration needed. Ages: 2 to 5 years.10:30am. $5. Humane Society of Huron Valley. 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-662-5585. hshv.org Open House - Open house event to check out the school! Children welcome.

6pm. Allen Creek Preschool. 2350 Miller Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-994-3382. allencreek.org

15 FRIDAY Snowman Brunch - Holiday themed brunch with a waffle bar, crafts, open swim and photos with the Snowman. Registration required, call or stop in to sign up. 10am. $5/person or $20/family. Goldfish Swim School. 2017 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. 734-864-5555. goldfishswimschool.com Pets and Pajamas Movie Night Enjoy adoptable animal interactions, vegetarian dinner and an animal themed movie and popcorn. Wear pajamas, bring a sleeping bag and pillow and have fun.

5pm. $35. Humane Society of Huron Valley. 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-662-5585. hshv.org

16 SATURDAY Gingerbread Houses - Two sessions: 11:30am or 2pm. Drop in and decorate a graham cracker house with candy to take home. 11:30am. Ypsilanti District Library.

5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti.

734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org FREE Newborn Care Class - Enhance your natural parenting instincts and learn the basics of caring for a newborn in this fun, hands-on class. Class topics include: diapering, techniques to calm a newborn, bath time, baby wearing, and car seat safety.

1:30pm. $60. Center for the Childbearing Year. 722 Brooks St., Ann Arbor. center4cby.com Superior Playgroup and Storytime Join in monthly for a wonderful morning of play and stories. Each month includes a new play set-up with different games and stories. Every child will receive a free board book for participating. 11am.

Ypsilanti District Library. 8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Trivia with Cats - Leave the kitties at home; Saturday night’s for the big cats.

Cuddle up to furry friends, drink an adult beverage, and snack on popcorn while you play trivia at the Tiny Lions Cat Café.

Ages 18+, ID required. 7:30pm. $15. Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center. 5245 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. tinylions.org DIY Bath Bombs - Come make some relaxing bath bombs as a gift for others or a gift to yourself! This event is intended for grade 6 - adult. 1pm. AADL: Downtown Branch. 343 S. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-327-4200. aadl.org FREE

17 SUNDAY Pop-Up Makerspace - Design, build, and test. Discover your inner engineer in the Pop-Up Makerspace. Sunday’s Challenge: Make It Float. 12pm. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor. 734-995-5439. aahom.org No-Sew Fleece Pillows - Make a cozy fleece pillow without any sewing. Intended for grade 3 to adult. 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown. 343 S. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-327-4200. aadl.org FREE AAJCF Holiday’s with Santa - Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and spend quality time together while enjoying a pancake meal with Santa.

There will be crafts for the kids, raffle prizes and Santa will be reading stories and posing for pictures. 5pm and 6:30pm. $10 - $12. Holiday’s Restaurant. 2080 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. a2jcf.org

18 MONDAY Nicola’s Books Presents Author Chris VanAllsburg - Meet and get up to 2 items signed by Chris VanAllsburg, renowned author of Jumanji, The Polar Express and Zathura! Ticketed event, check website for more info. 6:30pm. Nicola’s Books. 2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com

• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

20 WEDNESDAY Mama and Me Coffee Time - This is a meetup group being hosted at Cultivate every week. Whether you are a mom-to-be, a mom on maternity leave or just starting out with your little one, come hang out.

10am. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. 307 N. River St., Ypsilanti. 734-249-8993. cultivateypsi.com

22 FRIDAY Family Mew-vie Night - Cuddle up to Tiny Lions (a.k.a., cats) and snack on popcorn while you watch the live action How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. Pre-registration and payment required. 7pm. Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center. 5245 Jackson Ave., Suite A1, Ann Arbor. 734-661-3530. tinylions.org

23 SATURDAY Sneak Peek: Hands-On Holidays Catch a sneak peek of Hands-On Holidays Between science experiments and makeand-take projects. Hands-On Holidays runs December 26th -January 7th . 10am. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Student Showcase: AIM High Flyers Join the Aim High Flyers for a day music and fun. This talented group of students from Aim High School in Farmington Hills plays a variety of popular and rock songs.

Their mission is to bring awareness of neurodiversity through music. They will play 30 minute sets at 11am, 12pm, and 2:30pm.

Time:11am, 12pm, 2:30pm Location: Legacy Gallery Stage. 11am. . Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor. 734-995-5439. aahom.org

24 SUNDAY Parables: All Abilities Inclusion Worship Service - Parables is a noshushing, progressive worship service specially designed for people of all abilities to bring their gifts of leadership and full participation. Families with children who have special needs of any kind, who may be nonverbal or need to walk and “flap,” or people with intellectual or physical disabilities who would like to offer leadership to the community are encouraged to join.

Meets every 2nd and 4th Sunday. 5pm.

First Congregational Church, UCC. 121 E. Middle St., Chelsea. 734-475-1844. chelseafcc.com FREE

26 TUESDAY Boredom Busters: Thinking Money Edition - Create a coin bank, make a duct tape wallet, decorate a cardboard house on a budget, dine on a dime, play money games and more. Offered December 26-28 and January 2-4. 2pm. Ypsilanti District Library. 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti.

734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org FREE Winter Break Maker Days - Need something to do over the break? Stop by the library to make a sun catcher, a snowman brownie, and more. Also offered December 28, January 2 and January 4. 2pm. Ypsilanti District Library. 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org FREE

marketplace YoYo Master Zeemo - See over 200 different yo-yo tricks. In addition to yo-yos, expect to see tricks with hula-hoops, spin tops, frisbees and the Chinese diabolo.

Sponsored by KeyBank. Also on December 27th. 1pm and 3pm. Ann Arbor HandsOn Museum. 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor.

734-995-5439. aahom.org

27 WEDNESDAY Perler Bead Party - Make your own fusible bead creations. This event is intended for grade K - 5. 2pm. AADL: Pittsfield Branch. 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor.

734-327-4200. aadl.org FREE

28 THURSDAY Drummunity! - An interactive show using hand drums, percussion, and simple drum circle games, Lori Fithian creates a positive, non-competitive experience for people of all ages and abilities. Also on December 29th. 1pm and 3pm. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor. 734-995-5439. aahom.org

29 FRIDAY Kids Party Time! - Show off your dance moves, eat some snacks, and play some of AADL’s giant games. Intended for preschool-grade 5. 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library - Westgate. 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-327-4200. aadl.org FREE

30 SATURDAY Dinosaur Tour - Attention dinosaur fans: join in for a 30-minute docent-led tour of the dinosaur exhibits. Sign up day of tour.

2pm. Alexander G. Ruthven Museum.

1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor. events.umich.edu FREE

ADVERTISING IN MARKETPLACE Free Classifieds: Individuals may receive one

Tuesdays & Saturdays

Storytime with Linda Zimmer Linda Zimmer will read fun, seasonal books, in the comfortable children’s section. For ages 6 and younger. 6pm Tuesdays, 11am Saturdays. Bookbound, 1729 Plymouth Rd., 734-369-4345. bookboundbookstore.com Free

Everyday

Toys for Tots & Teens Gifts are collected for local children in need through an annual toy drive, Toys for Tots and Teens. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Palmer Auto Service and Allstate Insurance: Issac Stretch through Dec. 18.

The donations are then distributed locally through Faith in Action.

Chelsea. chelseamich.com

Mondays

Knitting Night at Cultivate All ages and levels welcome at this weekly craft gathering. 6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. 307 N. River St., Ypsilanti. 734-249-8993.

Mondays and Fridays

Preschool Storytime Preschool storytimes feature longer books, flannel board and rhymes designed for children ages 3 1/2 - 5.

1pm. Canton Public Library. 1 200 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton.

734-397-0999. catalog.cantonpl.org

Wednesdays

Tween Yoga Does your tween need a break from their busy schedule? Tweens Yoga provides the space for them to learn valuable skills for finding inner calm and developing self-efficacy while improving their strength, balance, flexibility, and concentration. Fun activities are incorporated into traditional sequences. Drop in or class passes available. 7:15pm. Peachy Fitness. 2385 S. Huron Pwky., Ann Arbor. 7346810477. peachyfitness.com

Saturdays and Tuesdays

Looking to beat the winter blues?

Ann Arbor Family is here to help!

From library story times to local events to special holiday happenings, our online calendar offers everything you need to stay active this winter season. For stories and ideas straight to your inbox, sign up for our parent e-newsletter today!

annarborfamily.com

Little Scientist Club Encourage your child’s natural drive for discovery through the Little Scientist Club. The youngest visitors will explore their sense of wonder about the world through observation and hands-on activities, science-themed stories, and much more. Older siblings are welcome, too.

9:30am. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor.

734-995-5439. aahom.org

Saturdays

Play the Bells in the Tower at Kerrytown Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, all are invited to play songs by number on the 17-bell Kerrytown Chimes numbered keys, a world class 7-ton instrument. 12pm on Wednesdays and Fridays and 10:30 on Saturdays.

12pm. Kerrytown Market & Shops.

407 N. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-369-3107. kerrytown.com FREE

free 20-word ad per month (products offered in ads must sell for under $100). Each additional word 40 cents, payment must accompany ad. Free ads run one month and are reserved for private-parties use, noncommercial concerns and free services.

Ads MUST be typed or neatly printed and MAILED, E-MAILED, or DROPPED OFF to Ann Arbor Family Press. Classifieds by the15th of the month prior to publication.

Line Classifieds: Only $20 per month for 20

words or less. Each additional word is 40 cents each and any artwork will be $5 extra.

Display Classifieds: Display classifieds with a box may be purchased for $25 per column inch. Photos are accepted with ads for an additional $5 per photo.

Deadlines: Ad copy must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Payment: Payment must be received before an ad can

be placed. We accept checks, cash, money orders and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).

Mail or drop off:

Ann Arbor Family Press Classifieds, 3003 Washtenaw Blvd., Ann Arbor.

Phone: 734-668-4044 E-Mail: classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com Refunds: Sorry, NO REFUNDS given.

Misprints: Credit toward future ads.

CALL EMPIRE TODAY® to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-800213-4311

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help!

WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-208-6915 to start your application today!

Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain?

Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-419-3684

Dealing with water damage requires immediate action. Local professionals that respond immediately.

Nationwide and 24/7. No mold calls. Call today! 1-800-730-9790

Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions!

SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-800-254-4073 Promo Code CDC201625

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models 2002-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-368-1016

Home Services

services

Lung Cancer? And 60 Years

Massage: Walk-in Appointments Available. Come in stressed leave refreshed.

Free Parking. Make some time for yourself!

RelaxStation. 734-623-1951

Old? If So, You and Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 800897-7205 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out of Pocket.

FOR SALE

Have 10K in Debt? National Debt Relief is rated A-Plus with the BBB. You could be debt free in 24-48 months.

Call 1-888-998-4967 now for a free debt evaluation.

(2) PLOTS in Apostles Block in Washtenong Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Ann Arbor, MI. $4,500 value, $1,000 total. Call Nancy 435-616-8506.

Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal.

Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.

Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 1-800-906-3115 for $750 Off Massage Therapist: Currently hiring therapists to work at RelaxStation in downtown Ann Arbor to accommodate our already established clientele. Free parking, flexible hours, great team! 734-623-1951 Give Hope. Become a Foster Parent. Attend a free training today to learn more! For more information: www.judsoncenter.org or 313-255-8272.

EDUCATION ARE YOUR CHILDREN INTERESTED IN ASTRONOMY? Do they like observing the moon, planets and stars?

GO TO www.YoungAstronomer.org

Miscellaneous Moving and storage: Cross country Moving, Long distance Moving Company out of state move $799 Long Distance Movers Get Free quote on your Long distance move. Call 800-863-6081

Miscellaneous For Sale Dish Network-Satellite Television Services. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/mo! HBO-FREE for one year, FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD. Add Internet for $14.95 a month.

1-800-219-1271

call catherine at 734.668.4044 to sell your stuff!

services

Homeward Bound Rescue League TOM: 3 yrs, Male, DSH - Gray/Blue

I am a cool cat and very laid-back, but I also like to play sometimes. People tell me that I am a handsome guy. I would do best with older cats or cats that act like me. Kittens with a lot of energy are too much for me. If you are looking for a sweet, quiet guy to hang out with, then I may be the cat for you! Please fill out an application today!

PENNY: 4 yrs, Female, Dachshund

I am a special girl. I was born completely deaf and I have tunnel vision. That does not stop me from loving life! My foster mom says that I need a home where someone is home most of the day. I love to play! I have always lived with other dogs and cats and do fine with them. I love to be held by my person and will sleep in the bed with you, too!

Please consider adopting me. I am super sweet!

ANNOUNCEMENTS Donate your used cell phone, make a difference! We provide free emergency-only cell phones to the needy.

SecureTheCall.org A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service.

Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800880-1686

AUTOS WANTED

Looking for Foster Families! To apply for one of our adoptable pets, please fill out an application Email us for more info

hbrlmi.org P.O. Box 87591 If you cannot adopt, please consider Canton, MI 48187 making a donation online to help homewardboundmi@yahoo.com out our furry friends!

www.annarborfamily.com • December 2017

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