10/1 The Boo To Do

FREE OCTOBER 2013

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Autism support

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Judson Center offers variety of services

Ele's Place

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Helping with loss and grief

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The Wurst Bar

For better or wurst

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• October 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

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departments 4 what’s briefly

happening

5 community snaps 6 new kids on the block

8 tween the lines 17 calendar

— compiled by Marisa Rubin 19 marketplace

commentary

feature

13 diary of a dad

Taking a moment

Remembering what is important — by Matthew Reger

14 mother mayhem

Where are my good scissors?

Turning into your mother?

—by Mary Helen Darah

15 parent profile

Kathleen Cramer

P.9 p 9

Supproting children through the grieving process —by Nadine Akra

16 food fight

Online Giveaway

The Wurst Bar

Yspilanti bar crafts gourmet brats and burgers —by Katy M. Clark

What’s your favorite/best Halloween memory or tradition? Tell us on Facebook for a chance to win these awesome prizes!

facebook.com/AnnArborFamily

The Banks family, Carrie, Andrew, Asher, Leila & Della of Ann Arbor

Online exclusives www.annarborfamily.com Kids Eat Free

Dining on a dime is easy when you know where kids eat free.

p& i r t d Fiel s guide

activitie

Baby & Maternity Guide

From breastfeeding to potty training: everything new parents need to know when your expecting and thereafter.

After School Guide

Check out the best local places to go and things to do after the bell rings with the After school and fieldtrip guide.

Baby &

Maternity Gu i de

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2013 •

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KIDS HOROSCOPE

Adams Street Publishing Co. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) A Hobo (That shows My Age!)

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) a box of jello

Editorial

SEPTEMBER 23 OCTOBER 22

By Sue Lovett The first thing you need to remember is that these children do not like to be alone.

They can be startled by loud noises and they are happiest in quiet surroundings. They can invent imaginary playmates to avoid solitude. Decisions are difficult for them and they “weigh” their words. They are gentle souls and the way to their heart is candy and cookies.

As they plan for Halloween, the little girls want to be princesses and the boys would dress up as golfers (the gentlemen’s sport). You cannot rush them. Remember to be patient as they agonize over proper choices. Always allow extra time for them to decide what to order in a restaurant. Parents cannot be in a hurry with Libra children.

Parent Publications Editor: Mary Helen Darah (mothermayhem@toledoparent.com) Killer Bumble Bee Calendar Editor: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Wicked Witch of the West Social Media Specialist: Brandon Doriot (aspcmedia@gmail.com) Captain Underpants Staff Writer: Griffin Messer-Kruse (griffin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Luke Skywalker Contributing Writers: Erin Marsh, Karen Zickes, Matthew Reger, Sue Lovett, Laurie Wurth-Pressel, Russell Axon

Art/Production

Art Director: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Vampire Graphic Design: Brittney Koehl (adsin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Hippie Megan Anderson (manderson@toledoparent.com) Belle Jameson Staneluis (jameson@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Red Farmer

Kyle Iwancki: (kyle@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Captain Hook

Advertising

Sales Manager: Aubrey Hornsby (ahornsby@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SuperBatSpider-Man Sales Coordinator: Emily Gibb (classifieds@toledoparent.com) Black Cat Customer Service Representative: Lydia Schaefer (lydia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) A Flower Account Executives: Kelly Schwarck (kelly@adamsstreetpublishing.com) A PRINCESS

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) Ghost cut out of sheets Distribution: Michelle Flanagan (distribution@toledoparent.com) Dead Farmer!

Publisher’s Assistant: Jan Thomas (jthomas@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Spooky Ghost Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest: facebook.com/findlayareafamily twitter.com/findlayfamily pinterest.com/adamsstreetpubl

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 © 2013 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

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

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• October 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

Victoria Brown, 7, of Jonesville

Halloween fun Local kids get in to the spirit of Halloween fun as they try on their favorite characters for size.

Valentina Brown, 4, of Jonesville

Bennett, 1½, of

Lola, 9 and Gus, 2 Boynton of Dexter

Ann Arbor

Jack, 6, of Dexter Arbor Jonah, 4 & Lucas, 1, Halabu of Ann

Giovanna, 8, Ann

Arbor

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2013 •

5

what’s

briefly happening...

CORN MAZE: TALLADAY FARMS

STAR WARS READS DAY Star Wars fans are being summoned to the Ann Arbor District Library to unite in honor of Star Wars Reads Day. Cue your inner Darth Vader or Yoda for this national event and come ready for a costume contest, craft activities and trivia showdown. Share your Star Wars passion with other enthusiasts as you celebrate the films’ legacy and hang out with the costumed crowd at the event. From the youngest to the oldest fans, activities are tailored to your interests. LEGO Star Wars stop-motion stations will be ready for participants to make Star Wars movies of their own. Also, there will be a mini LEGO videogame tournament and a chance to capture the moment by creating a photo strip with Star Wars characters and props. “May the Force be with you” as you gather with your Star Wars comrades!

Saturday, October 5. 1-4pm.

Multi-purpose Room.

Downtown Library.

343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor. For more information, call 734-327-4200 or visit www.aadl.org.

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To navigate your way through the Talladay Farm’s corn maze, have the map and GPS on your smartphone handy! One of the largest corn mazes in the Midwest, the paths are over eight miles long and follow a “farmyard” theme. Participants will find their way through either a tractor or barn-shaped maze in order to reach the end and visit the Wasem Fruit Farm where a pumpkin patch and homemade donuts will be waiting. To top off the perfect fall day, visitors can huddle around a bonfire at night. For those who are willing to face the labyrinth after dark, a haunted corn maze will open at night starting Friday, October 4. New this year is a Kidz CORNer that will have barrel train rides, straw mounds and pumpkin bowling. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy that!

Starting September 20. Every Friday through Sunday. 6-10pm (Fridays), 1-10pm (Saturdays), 1-6pm (Sundays). $7 per maze (Kids ages 5-11, $6); $12 for both mazes (Kids, $10). Talladay Farms. 6270 Judd Rd., Milan. Visit www.talladayfarms.com for more information.

21ST ANNUAL APPLE DAZE

RUN, SCREAM, RUN 10K, 5K, 1M: RUNNING FIT If you happen to pass by Wiard’s Orchard on the morning of Saturday, October 12, be prepared to come across zombies, werewolves and other monsters running through the street. But don’t worry, it’s all for a good cause. The March of Dimes is teaming up with Running Fit to host Halloween-themed 5K and 10K races, raising funds to improve the health of babies in Michigan. The course will run about a mile on gravel roads and the remainder will be on a cross country route through Rolling Hills County Park. Participants will be running in costume and awards are given to the fastest and scariest runners! Children are able to partake in the activities with the Kid’s Cider Mill Mile where awards for best costume will also be given. Don’t miss out on this “freaky fast” way to have fun and donate to a worthy cause!

Saturday, October 12. Race times begin at 6:30 am. Early registration begins at $29 for adults/$14 for kids before October 10. Wiard’s Orchard. 5565 Merritt Rd., Ypsilanti. For more information and to register, visit www.runscreamrun.com.

• October 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

Put us in a place with hot apple cider, doughnuts and a classic car show on a chilly fall day and we’ll be smiling ear to ear. On October 5, the Dexter Lions Club will be hosting their annual Apple Daze event that entertains families of all ages. Vendors line up with booths filled with treats, arts and crafts that children revel in as well as hayrides, pumpkin bowling, a bouncy house and face painting. The pie-eating contest attracts the hungriest visitors as their cheerleaders root them on from the sidelines. Prizes are waiting to be won for all the various activities and games. “It’s a family-fun festival and there’s something there for all ages,” says Jim Carson, the event chairman. Live entertainment will also be at the event and guests will enjoy the performances throughout the day.

Saturday, October 5. 10am-5pm.

Admission is free. Monument Park, downtown Dexter. 8000 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. For more information, contact 734-502-4257

Ann Arbor Aviary

By Ann Dwyer

Have you ever wanted to be a member of Cirque du Soleil without having to give up your day job?

Now you can experience firsthand the thrill of flying through the air with the greatest of ease while testing—and expanding­ —the limits of your body at Ann Arbor Aviary.

This gym offers classes in aerial silks, static trapeze, lyra and conditioning, along with open gym hours to hone those skills.

Maybe you are looking for a gym workout that is An Aviary instructor assists a student in a kids workshop more about skill and less about repetitive exercise. Maybe you want to take a gymnastics class where you won’t be twice the height of your classmates. Or maybe you just want to feel like a superhero.

Then again, maybe you just want to have fun. Well, Ann Arbor Aviary also offers classes in acro-balance, hula-hoop, yoga, hand balance, bellydance, barre conditioning and more.

You will have experienced trainers guiding you along your path. Trainer Veronica Callan has past experience as a yoga/Pilates instructor, mother, medical student, realtor and genetics researcher. Another featured trainer is Chantal Dixon who has used veils, swords and snakes in her exotic performances. If all that sounds scary, fear not. It just means that they know what it means to fully get the most out of your body without hurting it.

The Aviary. 4720 S. State Rd. 734-726-0353. a2aviary.com

Coney Island

By Ann Dwyer

The creators of the original Coney Island hot dogs (that’s a naturalcasing beef hot dog, topped with an all-meat beanless chili, and diced or chopped white onions, with one or two stripes of yellow mustard) have been an institution for 97 years.

They have since expanded their long-held tradition of providing baked goods, delicious breakfasts, catering and the greatest Coney Dog tradition to locations in Canton, the Detroit Zoo and even Las Vegas.

While other restaurants and businesses are shrinking, American Coney Island continues to expand and innovate. They are now offering a tailgating special that includes an inventive “cooler” that keeps your mouth-watering Coney dogs hot and fresh.

At Coney Island’s Canton location, owner John Taube is appealing to families and sports fans with a new special perfect for tailgaters. For only $30, you can buy a cooler filled with 15 original Coney Island hot dogs. The best part: after you’ve devoured all those delicious dogs, you get to keep the cooler! Bring it back for a hot dog refill ($30) or use it during your next family fun outing.

Coney Island Canton 44532 Michigan Ave. Canton, MI 734-895-7296 americanconeyisland.com

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2013 •

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Living on the Spectrum

The Judson Center provides a broad range of services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

By Nan Bauer

“One way to explain the effect that autism has had on our family is to compare the disorder to a brick wall that stood between us and our son, Nicholas," says Carol S., Nicholas' mom "He was on one side of this thick, impenetrable barrier, and my husband, Ed, and I were on the other. We couldn’t reach him to teach him."

"ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) looks very different for each child and family," says Janice Morgan, Development Officer at the Judson Center. "Each family must go through their own process to understand what that might mean for their child."

Autism Connections, a service provided by the Judson Center, offers a comprehensive menu of therapeutic services designed to support the entire family.

Although families are frequently referred by their physician, school or insurance

company, a referral is not required. Families are welcome to approach the Center directly to learn more about its services.

A comprehensive intake appointment is usually scheduled after a family has received a diagnosis from an outside health care provider. During the intake, the staff meets with the family and the identified client to learn more about the family’s needs, answering any questions and also matching the family with whichever services may be the best fit.

"The critical difference that Judson Center made in our lives," says Carol S., "was to teach us how to teach Nicholas. Where we saw just a brick wall, the therapist was able to see the tiny cracks that would become the entrance ways to Nicholas’s success. Thanks to the exceptional, affordable and targeted therapies we have received from Judson

The Judson Center he

lps children and familie

Center, the barrier that autism once represented is getting thinner and weaker.”

The Judson Center website features an event calendar, contact information to help get you started, and links to its Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages. Families and individuals who do not require

THE LINES TWEEN advice for parents with children 10-16

Protect your kids from underage drinking and driving Drunk driving continues to be a major public safety hazard nationwide. And when inexperienced teen drivers are behind the wheel, the problem is magnified.

Unfortunately, underage drinking and driving is all too prevalent. Nearly a quarter of American high school students said that in the past 30 days, they had ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, according to the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

While parents can play an active role in helping prevent their kids from dangerous behaviors like drunk driving, they can’t be everywhere at once. So what can parents do to protect their kids from themselves? Being involved in your kids’ lives is crucial.

It’s no secret that teenagers are prone to make bad decisions. But parents can play influential roles in helping kids make smarter choices.

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Ways to become more vigilant: Ask questions: When kids are heading out the door to meet with friends, be sure to ask plenty of questions. Where are you going? Who will be there? When will you be home?

Set a curfew: Even on weekends, a curfew is important. Parents can rest easy when they know they can expect kids to return home at a certain time.

Meet friends: Get to know your children’s friends and their parents. Encourage them to spend time with friends who are responsible and mature.

Plan activities: Binge drinking and boredom go hand in hand. Provide alternative sources of fun for your kids so they won’t turn to drinking for lack of anything better to do.

• October 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

s break down the ba

rriers of autism

the services but would like to get involved at the donation and/or volunteer level will also find helpful information. judsoncenter.org Washtenaw County Office: 3840 Packard Road Suite 170, Ann Arbor, 734-528-1692

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MORE

BOO-TO-DO OnLINE findlayfamily.com

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• October 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

Create a chalkboard calendar for October.

Let the kids tick off the days as your plans unfold.

continued on p.12 www.annarborfamily.com • October 2013 •

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• October 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

Taking a moment

A father remembers what is important in the day

By Matthew Reger

The dog licks my hand to wake me up. It’s 5 a.m. My hand is wet and she is earlier than her usual 6:00 a.m. walk. I tell her to go lay back down and she does. But as soon as she does, she starts to lick herself loudly.

I am now awake, and as consciousness rolls in the thoughts of what I have to do for the day fill my head like gumballs in a gumball machine: I have to prepare that brief. Am I ready for that hearing?

What meetings do I have today? What do the kids have today? Does Heidi have a meeting tonight?

The thoughts grow exponentially and I realize that I will not go back to sleep.

At 5:10 a.m. I push back the covers and set my feet on the creaky wood floors. I can feel the pain in my ankles from yesterday’s run. I get two steps and then there is a soft voice.

“Dad,” my son says from his bedroom.

It’s quiet and I can hear in his voice that he is still half asleep. Before I can even turn to his room his voice grows louder.

“Dad!” He is now more awake and sure he wants me.

I walk a couple more steps and am almost to his door.

“DAD!” he now yells.

“Calm down buddy. I am here. Lay back down.” I say in a calm manner.

I then lay down with him and hold him. He calms down and quickly falls asleep. As his breathing becomes louder the thoughts of all I have to do continue to fill until the gumball machine explodes from all the pressure. How can I have so many things to do? Was it easier when I was younger, single and free of responsibilities? Did I have more to do then?

Feeling the tug of the day I look for my opportunity to get out of his bed and get going with the day. I have so much to do. Its 5:30 a.m. I have wasted 30 minutes.

How will I get that back?

As I make sure my son is asleep and move gently out of the bed, the thought enters my head to slow down. Stop what you are doing. Look at that boy.

I obey the voice in my head and see one of the most important parts of my life; his sister and mother are the others.

I am overwhelmed for some reason. Tears

come to my eyes. A few years ago none of this existed. A few years from now everything will be different. He won’t want me to hold him then. Will I be in such a rush then to get to everything that must be done?

Will there be more to do then?

7:00 a.m. I wake up and realize I fell asleep next to him.

I look over and see him there, peacefully asleep.

I can’t hold off the day any more. I have to get up. But before I do I take a few minutes to just watch him and remember this particular moment, free from any thoughts of today or its obligations, and take in the joy of simply being a dad.

Pause and remembe

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2013 •

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s

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Morphing into mother

Mother Mayhem experiences trickle down DNA

By Mary Helen Darah

“Where are my good scissors?!” made it official: I have turned into my mother. There was a time when I was clueless as to why my perfectly sane, maternal figure would be interrogating everyone in the house with that same question. In my mom’s eyes, her special shears—which we used for all kinds of unmentionables—were meant strictly for sewing. Now, decades later, I am searching for my herb cutters that I soon discovered were utilized to cut a “sticky gunky thingy” out of Corgi fur.

less to say, we did not use one of the 36 “eyeball” shots as one of our Christmas cards. Maybe I am mutating into my mama only in new forms of technology. I am, after all, “text challenged.” One time I sent a text to a co-worker telling him I would send him the “lust,” meaning list, and once misspelled “here” as “het.” My auto spell check changed the word entirely causing me to text my daughter “I am still heterosexual” to which she replied, “Good to know.”

Good to know

Another sign that the “momisms” are sinking in: I found myself counting the mile markers and reading every billboard (yes, out loud) on the way home from a trip. Even worse, I have incorporated the standard “Well that’s not good,” after anything my children throw at me, from “I have a zit on prom night!” to “the guinea pig is stuck in the Barbie car.” I also have her lack of having no idea of how to wrap up a threat—“If you don’t get your act together … I’ll do something … or is it something to you? Either way … I mean it!”

I still have not completely morphed into my mom ... yet. Although I am hanging on by a thread in the technology department. At least I use my laptop for more than just playing spider solitaire.

My trickle down DNA comes from a woman whose cell phone voice message begins with the pre- recorded, “You have reached the voice mailbox of Sue,” followed by my mom’s voice saying, “OK, Mary Helen, now what do I push?” She was one of the first to purchase a rectangular disposable Kodak camera to capture our family’s important events. When she picked up the developed film, she quickly realized that she had been holding the camera the wrong way. Need-

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Well, that’s not good

Morph away

My Mom and I do have our differences, especially in the kitchen. I could be whipping up a lemon, caper, white wine

chicken piccata, and my mother will come along with an “I think that could use a little BBQ sauce.” I do however cherish the similarities that prove I am her daughter. “Turning into my mother” will mean that I will be the “fun” grandmother that lets kids find worms in muddy gardens, and like my mom, lose my bra skinny dipping and go “fishing” for it SUCCESSFULLY with a fishing pole and my lucky gold hook. I will share books, a love of nature, my Tarzan yell before jumping into a frigid lake, and a good joke with the grandkids. I will tell the people in my life that if it weren’t OK to make mistakes they wouldn’t have erasers on pencils and that the “five second rule” can be extended to ten if anything homemade or containing chocolate hits the floor. I will cheer for sports that I don’t understand (lacrosse) get lines on my behind from sitting on aluminum bleachers during tennis season and yell “PULL! PULL! PULL!” at competitive swim meets with full knowledge that the

• October 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

Mother Mayhem hangs onto her “good” scissors child in the water won’t hear me, and scream “Good eye!” at a granddaughter way out in left field. I will stress the importance of watching a good sunset, being a non-smoker, wearing sunscreen, forgiving and being of service to others.

Most importantly, after I belt out a song that I THINK I know the words to, I will look at my friends and family and know with every ounce of my being that I have given them the feeling of being loved beyond measure. Maybe this “morphing into my mother” thing is not so bad after all—but I still want to know who took my good scissors.

Fun facts

Favorite quote: “Never

doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”

—Margaret Mead

Favorite place to vacation: Greece Best Restaurant in Ann Arbor: Zingerman’s Family: Husband,

David Cramer, and two step-children, Sierra Cramer, age 13, and Tristan Cramer, age 15.

Kathleen with her step-children, Tristan, 15, and Sierra Cramer, 13

Kathleen Cramer

Helping children deal with loss and grief By: Nadine Akra

Among the most tragic events in a person’s lifetime is the loss of a loved one. For adults, grappling with death is extremely difficult. For children, it’s not only difficult, but confusing. Their questions are what Kathleen Cramer hopes to answer.

Kathleen is the managing director for the Ann Arbor branch of the non-profit organization, Ele’s Place, which started after the death of a baby girl named Ele Stover. The infant passed away at 11 months old, leaving behind 4 siblings and a devastated mother who started the program in honor of her daughter.

With the idea that children can help other children, Ele’s Place organizes peer support groups for toddlers and teens ages 3 to 18 grieving the death of someone close to them. Volunteers and social workers attempt to normalize death for children in order to diminish feelings of isolation and uncertainty. Activities are administered to start the difficult conversations that lead to healing. “What you find is children helping children,” Kathleen says. “The facilitators use reflective listening but do not answer the questions themselves. They turn it back to the group.”

Kathleen knows how important it is to make sure children have a place to discuss their feelings of despair and loss openly.

“They know it’s a safe place where no one is going to get upset if they talk about the person that died,” she says. “Sometimes at home, when you talk about someone who passed, it upsets mom or dad.”

Parents suffering from loss are often engulfed in heartbreak and unsure of how to console themselves, let alone their

children. Support groups catering to the anguish of parents are available to address issues including how to explain death to their children. “You don’t say that someone went to sleep and never woke up,” Kathleen explains. “Because then a child will never want to fall asleep again.”

The Alpena native is determined to impact the lives of young people who have experienced loss in such a way that can leave them crippled for years. Kathleen witnessed firsthand as her three half siblings self-destructed after losing their mother in a car accident as young children. “The reason that Ele’s place is so important to me is because I don’t want any child to have to go through that,” she says. “I want every child to have the opportunity to heal in a healthy way after the death of their special person. I’ve seen what happens when children don’t get the support that they need.”

Although the idea of coping with loss seems disheartening, Kathleen reminds people that it doesn’t always have to be overwhelming with sadness. “It’s not always all tears at Ele’s Place,” she says.

“It’s about the past and living. There is a lot of laughter and joy that happens here. But sometimes there are tears, and that’s okay.”

Ele’s Place has three branches Ann Arbor at 1582 Eisenhower Place, 734-929-6640; Lansing at 1145 W. Oakland Ave., 517-482-1315; and Grand Rapids at 2000 Michigan St. NE, 616-301-1605.

Visit elesplace.org for more information.

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2013 •

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For Better or Wurst Ypsilanti bar crafts gourmet bratwursts and burgers

By Katy M. Clark

It’s October in Michigan. While some of us might turn our thoughts turn to falling leaves and cozy sweaters, others think of beer and bratwurst. It was for the latter reason that my family of four ventured to the Wurst Bar in Ypsilanti. Located near Eastern Michigan University, the Wurst Bar, open since 2012, features house made burgers and brats, locally-sourced products and a large beer selection.

The inside is high-energy, decorated in red and black.

There are black booths, high bar tables, animal mounts, and antler and crystal chandeliers dangling from above.

We dined later than usual, past seven o’clock on Friday, and noticed no other families. The music was loud, but our six and ten-year-old kids bounced to the beat in our booth.

To start, we ordered Poutine Tots, tater tots smothered in gravy and Wisconsin cheese curds. The portion was ideal for four and the kids gobbled them up. My husband and I had to fight over the last bite of the crunchy potatoes doused in salty gravy and curds.

For entrées, the Wurst Bar serves chili, salads and sandwiches, like Lobster Rolls, along with their specialty, brats and burgers. The brats are ground and made in house from chef recipes. They offer “Usual” brats ($6.50), like the PBR Poached Bratwurst, with pork, black pepper, ginger, allspice and coriander, and “Unusual” brats ($7.75) like the Spicy Rattlesnake Chorizo, with rattlesnake, pork, chipotle, oregano and red wine. You choose a salted pretzel bun or Zingerman’s brioche and select toppings like sauerkraut or caramelized onions. My husband ordered the PBR brat on a pretzel bun with Kimchikraut, onions, and peppers. He also added a side of sweet potato and regular tater tots ($2.50).

The burgers are house-ground, 1/3-pound patties dipped in Umami rich sauces. Umami means a pleasant savory taste; the Wurst Bar uses a combination of seafood sauces to evoke such flavor. They offer a Traditional Burger ($5.95), plus gourmet ones like the Mr. Peanut with cheddar, bacon and crunchy peanut butter ($7.25). My ten-year-old ordered that one while I chose the Wurst burger: bratwurst atop a burger with sauerkraut and Swiss ($8.25) There is no kids’ menu, so we asked for suggestions for our six-year-old. The best (or plainest) choices for kids

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THE SHORT COURSE

Kid-friendly: Somewhat To avoid wait: Go early for dinner or try lunchtime Noise level: High Bathroom amenities: no changing tables

Wurst Bar offers sizzling choices in a high energy atmosphere

High chairs: Yes Got milk: No. Kids can pick from soda, orange, or cranberry juice

Kids’ menu: No Food allergy concerns They can cook food seperately and help identify ingredients are the PBR brat, sweet Italian sausage, the original burger or Curry-Wurst (corn dogs that can be prepared “easy on the curry”).

Our daughter picked the corn dogs.

The kids loved playing Skee ball before the meal was served. Though at $1 a game, I was glad our food didn’t take too long.

My son inhaled his Mr. Peanut burger. It was gone before I could ask how he liked it. I savored the surprising tang of red kraut on my Wurst burger, which complemented the flavorful, fatty brat atop a meaty burger.

My husband‘s PBR brat had a great blend of grilled taste with spices. We all found his regular and sweet potato tots tasty.

My daughter’s corn dogs were too spicy for her palate and she could not eat more than a couple bites. We ordered soft pretzels for her instead. Then she knocked over her juice, which had been served in a regular pint glass. Without dinner and embarrassed by her spill, she descended into a funk.

Thankfully, the soft, warm pretzels, with sweet butter cream sauce, arrived and cheered her up.

At the Wurst Bar, we missed seeing other families and found the menu challenging for our youngest. Yet

• October 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

we enjoyed watching our kids dance to the music and play Skee ball while dining on unique and flavorful burgers and brats.

Katy M. Clark is a freelance writer from Saline.

October 2013

Two-stepping through the ages

1 TUESDAY Bricks 4 Kidz Lego Class: Wylie Elementary - This program is for children in grades 1-5. Children are natural scientists, engineers, and problemsolvers. They consider the world around them and try to make sense of it the best way they know how: touching, building, dismantling, creating, discovering and exploring. Bricks 4 Kidz offers projectbased programs using LEGO Bricks that will motivate and reinforce S.T.E.M. based principles. Registration required. Through November 19. See more dates and locations online. 3:15-4:30pm. $120. Wylie Elementary, 3060 Kensington St., Dexter.

734-719-0303. bricks4kidz.com/michiganannarbor-dexter/ Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do - This two part program will be presented by Dawn Farm and Growth Work adolescent substance abuse therapists. The program is co-sponsored by Dawn Farm, the Livingston and Washtenaw Regional Coordinated School Health Program Advisory Team and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System Greenbrook Recovery Center. 7:30-9pm. Free. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center, 5305 Elliott Dr., Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. teensusingdrugs.org

2 WEDNESDAY "Peter Pan" auditions with flying Auditions for Peter Pan with stage flying.

Everyone who auditions will be accepted into the cast. Everyone in the cast will act in every performance. Grades 5-college.

Stage flight provided by Hall Associates Flying Effects. 6pm. No cost to audition.

Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr., Ann Arbor.

734-485-0268. aayag.org

5 SATURDAY Fall Festival - Every Saturday in October, enjoy the crisp outdoors and enjoy free pony rides. Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center, 5415 Waters Rd. 734-476-8346. cedarridgeequestriancenter.com Country in the City - Bring the kids downtown and spend a few hours having old-fashioned fun! Ride ponies, pet farm animals, dip leaves in beeswax, cut apple spirals, create Indian corn jewelry, churn butter, make corn husk dolls, get your face painted, learn how bees make honey and win prizes at the downtown scavenger hunt. Noon-4pm. Free. Ypsilanti Library: Michigan, 229 West Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Professor Ray's Everyday Science: Air Apparent - Explore principles relating to air pressure and apply them in all sorts of interesting ways, from crushing a can to levitating objects during this interactive demo. 3pm. Also on Sunday, October 6 at 1pm. $10 dollars for adults and children, free for members and babies 0-23 months. Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Star Wars Reads Day - Star Wars Reads Day returns in 2013 for fans of the Star Wars universe who want to celebrate with other fans, make stuff & hang with the costumed crew of your favorite Star Wars character. All ages are encouraged to come in costume. There will be crafts for

the youngest fans and meticulous paper craft for older kids and adults. 1-4pm.

Free. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org See pg.6 for more details.

Huron Township Applefest - There will be fun for the whole family at the Huron Township Applefest, including free scarecrow decorating for children, an apple pie contest, entertainment and more. There will be a parade Saturday at 1pm. Fest continues October 6. 9am. Free admission (costs of different events vary).

37283 Huron River Dr., New Boston.

734-753-3378. huronapplefest.com

Sunday, October 13 While dance moves change dramatically over time, (How did we go from the Charleston to twerking?) people have and will always dance. Dancing Through Time will explore the rich history of dancing with lectures and lessons from local dance company People Dancing. The troupe will start with the 1800s, the era of ballroom dancing and ballet, and dance their way to the present day. Children (grades 4 and up), teens and adults are encouraged to work up a sweat learning new and old-school moves.

Free. 3 - 4:15pm. Downtown Library, Multi-Purpose Room. 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org—RA

6 SUNDAY Parent/Child: Greece is the Word Spend an Afternoon at Ann Arbor Cooks cooking foods from Greece with your child(ren). The main course will be orzo with lamb meatballs and feta, served with mini spinach and cheese bites, Greek salad, and an orange ice cream smoothie for dessert. This class is for children ages 6 and up and an adult. Early registration required. 1-3:30pm. $65 for Parent + 1 child/$85 for Parent + 2 children.

Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com Lego Connection - Get connected with other LEGO-minded people, build cool things and make friends during open LEGO play at the Library. This event is designed to use LEGO bricks supplied by the Library, so leave your supplies at home. Although your LEGO creation must be left at the Library, it may be photographed for our LEGO Look Book before clean up. This program is for children in grades K-5 with an adult. 1-2:30pm. Free.

Pittsfield Branch: Program Room, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org

1-2:30pm. $2/person or $5/family with State Recreation Passport.

Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. 517-522-3949. wnha.org

8 TUESDAY Sibling Class - This class gives children ages 2 years and older and their parents the chance to feel special and learn new skills that will help prepare them to be a big brother or big sister. Children will practicing handling a newborn through working with life-like dolls and learning about what to expect when mom goes to the hospital to deliver the baby. Call to register. 6pm

& 7:15pm. $35. University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-973-1014. lamazefamilycenter.org

12 SATURDAY Kinderconcert - Music and movement with Gari Stein and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Ages 5 and under, registration is not required. 10-10:45am.

Free. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us Continued on p18

Fall Flight - Watch Birds of Prey Fly - The LSNC raptors take to the sky this season. Watch as our Red-tailed Hawk stoops from his tree perch, the immature Bald Eagle free-flies over our field, and the adult Eagle cruises by the audience.

While our birds don't have the skills necessary to survive in the wild, at least three of them will demonstrate their flight ability and magnificent adaptations. Registration required. All ages. 1-3pm. $8/individual, $30/family. Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org Free Family Fun Fair - United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan and the University of Michigan's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Mott Children's Hospital are hosting an afternoon of family fun to introduce adaptive sports and movement activities to children with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities. 1-4pm. Free. Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. 517-203-1200. ucpmichigan.org Survival Skills You Can Use - Could you survive a night on your own in the woods? Artemis Eyster will teach you how to make a shelter and a bed, build a fire, make your own string, and most importantly, avoid getting lost. This handson program for ages 10 and up will teach you skills you can use for a lifetime.

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Continued from p17 Critters Up Close - Every month, the Leslie Science and Nature Center will bring different live animals into the Museum.

There will also be special, animal-oriented hands-on activities. Also on Sunday, October 13.1-4pm. $10 for adults and children, free for members and babies ages 0-23 months. Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor. 734995-5439. aahom.org

13 SUNDAY Ticketed Event: Creature Feature Don't miss your chance to see and learn about creatures big and small at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum's 11th annual Creature Feature. This popular event sells out every year, so get your tickets soon.

5-8pm. $15 for general public/$12 for museum members. Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor.

734-995-5439. creaturefeature.org The Little Engine That Could Earns her Whistle - This dynamic musical portrays Watty Piper's timeless tale about hard work, determination and the meaning of true friendship. Come watch as the Little Blue Engine, conquers her fears, against all odds, and demonstrates the extraordinary strength in that beloved phrase “I think I can!” This program is best for children in grades preschool-second grade. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling the Michigan Theater Box Office.

1:30pm. $12 members/$15 nonmembers.

Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org Parent/Child: Tempura Takeover The full menu for class is Tempura with Dipping Sauce, Rice, Green Tea, and Butter Cookies. This class is for children ages 6 and up with an adult. You must register for this class forty eight hours in advance.

1-3:30pm. $65 for Parent + 1 child/$85 for Parent + 2 children. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor.

734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com Fireside Fun: A Good Old-fashioned Campfire - There's nothing quite as relaxing as sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and swapping stories. Bring your family, camp chairs, and s’mores fixings. Leslie Science Center will provide a blazing outdoor campfire and plenty of marshmallows.

6:30-8pm. Free. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org Dancing Through Time with People Dancing - This event is for youth (grades 4 and up), teens and adults. Join People Dancing, a local professional dance company, for Dancing Through Time!

People Dancing artists will perform different styles and techniques of dance, starting from the 1800s and moving through time to the present day. This fun, interactive lecture/demonstration offers lots of opportunities for audience participation and a chance to get up and move. 3-4:15 pm.

Free. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-327-4200. aadl.org Paper Castles - Build castles from household items! For grades preschool-3rd. 2-3pm. Free. Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy Ann Arbor. 734327-4200. aadl.org

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MONDAY

Special Needs Sensory Friendly Jump - Sky Zone will turn off the music and dial down the distractions for the comfort of individuals with special needs. Children and adults with special needs, their siblings, family and friends are invited to jump for 60 minutes. Sky Zone will make every effort to accommodate all jumpers with any kind of special need. 4-7:30pm. $7. Sky Zone, 42550 Executive Dr., Canton. 734-981-0007. skyzone.com/Canton

18 FRIDAY Kids Night In Mini-Camp - In honor of Sweetest Day, kids can have a sweet night at the museum complete with activities, experiments and more while parents enjoy a night out. Kids are encouraged to bring PJs, a pillow and a blanket.

6-10pm. $30 for Museum members, $35 for non-members, for children ages 5-12.

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-615-7116. umich.edu/~lsait/ummnh.html

19 SATURDAY Professor Ray's Everyday Science: CheMystery - Items found in your pantry, refrigerator or under your sink that seem so common are chemicals. See items in your salad produce real chemical reactions and see whether water really can explode during this interactive demo.

1pm & 3pm. $10 dollars for adults and children, free for members and babies ages 0-23 months. Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor.

734-995-5439. aahom.org Mask Painting - Learn about the history of masks and how they represent characters from ancient times. Paint and decorate a pre-made 3D mask made of gauze and plaster to express a character of your own creation. This program is for individuals ages 5-18 years old. 2pm.

Free. Ypsilanti Library: Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110, ext. 1391. ypsilibrary.org/ Nature Tales: Tree Tales - Participants will enjoy reading the Giving Tree and going for a shape and color hike in Black Pond Woods. Register Online. Children ages 1-5. 10-11am. $3. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

20 SUNDAY Shrek Family Friendly Film - The whole family will enjoy watching Shrek at the Michigan Theater. Children ages 12 and under are free. Advance tickets are available online. 1:30pm. $10 adults/$8 seniors/students/U.S. Veterans with I.D./ Children 13+$8. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org Animal Interactions - Join us for an entertaining and educational afternoon with a variety of live animals brought by Chris Oesterling of Interactive Animal Education. Get a close-up look at these animals while learning about their lifestyles and special adaptations for survival.

Registration requested. 2-3pm. $2/person or $5/family with State Recreation Passport. Gerald E. Eddy Discovery

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• October 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

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Critters Up Close

Saturday, October 12 Every month, the Leslie Science and Nature Center will bring different live animals into the Museum. There will also be special, animal-oriented handson activities. Also on Sunday, October 13.1-4pm. $10 for adults and children, free for members and babies ages 0-23 months. Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor.

734-995-5439. aahom.org

Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea.

517-522-3949. wnha.org Chesstastic - This program is for children (kindergarten and older) and adults.

Challenge old friends and meet new ones!

Join in one of the world's most popular games with players of all ages and abilities! Chess sets are provided. 1-4pm. Free.

Traverwood Branch: Program Room, 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor. 734-3274200. aadl.org

26 SATURDAY Jamie and Jordan with book by Kim Carney and music by Gene Gaunt - This hilarious musical tale teaches children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and healthy friendships. Appropriate for grades pre K-5.

1pm. adults-$10/Children-$7/Family pack- (4 tickets for $20) must include child.

Performance Network, 120 E Huron St., Ann Arbor. 734-663-0681. performancenetwork.org Straw Painting - Make a beautiful autumnal tree scene using the technique of straw painting. This program is for individuals ages 8-18 years old. 2pm.

Free. Ypsilanti Library: Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110, ext. 1391. ypsilibrary.org Face to Face with Night Creatures - The Organization for Bat Conservation brings you face to face with live creatures of the night featuring owls, bats and a flying squirrel. Learn how Michigan's native nocturnal animals survive in their nighttime environment. Limited to the first 75 attendees. 1pm. Free. Ypsilanti Library: Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org

27 SUNDAY Sandhill Crane Tour - Local expert Bill Wells will show a film about Sandhill Cranes and then lead a driving tour to view them around the Waterloo Recreation Area. Visitors can expect to see large flocks of these magnificent birds at close range.

Bring binoculars and cameras. 2-4pm. $2/ person or $5/family with State Recreation Passport. Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea. 517-522-3949. wnha.org

Family Dining: Little Italy - Drop your child off to prepare a delicious meal.

Come back for the last 30 minutes of class to enjoy the meal that your child has prepared for you. For children ages 10 and up. Classes are 3 hours long, with the last half hour designated for eating. Registration required. 2-5pm. $75/per 1 child participant and up to 2 family members.

Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com

30 WEDNESDAY

Free Classifieds: Individuals may receive one 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 1 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 $10 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FAMILY DAYS - THE PAINT STATION - Unleash creativity, have fun and paint with your family. Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Ages 7 & up w/adult. Registration required.

Every Saturday beginning Oct 5. from 12-2 pm. $25 per person. The Paint Station, 3227 Washtenaw Ave, Suite G. 734-477-6963. www.paintstationart.com

EDUCATION

Dance-Along, Sing Along! - Dance along and sing along with Miss Beth! Move to the music! Have fun singing songs, dancing and playing musical games for children and parents to do together. For ages 2 and up, siblings welcome.

10:30-11:15am. Free. Chelsea District Library, 221 S Main St., Chelsea.

734-475-8732. chelsea.lib.mi.us Creepy Campfire Tales Reader's Theater Performance - You are invited to our frighteningly-fun Halloween edition of Readers' Theater! Sit back and enjoy a tale or two performed by local kids. Don't miss out on this ghostly good time. This program is recommended for grades 3 and up, but all ages are welcome. 7:15pm. Free.

Civic Center Library, 32777 Five Mile Rd., Livonia. 734-466-2491. livonia.lib.mi.us

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

ARE YOUR CHILDREN INTERESTED IN ASTRONOMY? Do they like observing the moon, planets and stars? GO TO www.YoungAstronomer.org

HEALTH & WELLNESS FREE Fitness! M,W,F at Buhr Park at 6:30pm.

All ages & skill levels welcome.

Call 734-707-7697 HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME. 6 - 8 weeks. ACCREDITED. Get a Diploma. Get a Job! No Computer Needed. Free Brochure 1-800-264-8330 Benjamin Franklin High School www.diplomafromhome.com Homebirth Circles, A social gathering and discussion group for families who are considering homebirth, planning a homebirth or have birthed at home. Sponsored by the Midwives at New Moon Midwifery. Mondays 7:308:30pm at the Center for the Childbearing Year ~ 722 Brooks St. Ann Arbor, Mi 48103.

Free. For more info call 734-424-0220 or www.newmoonmidwifery.com

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www.annarborfamily.com • October 2013 •

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