March 2020 - Ann Arbor Family

FREE MARCH 2020

guide guide PART 2 PART 2

Your family’s guide to their best summer yet

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y r e v o c s Di P.14

guide guide

Talking to Teens About Marijuana Use New laws raise questions for parents and teens

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VOTING OPENS 3/9 & ENDS 4/30

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• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

ONLINE

Volume 26 Issue 3 March 2020 n

n

Adams Street Publishing Co.

anywhere, all the time

@annarborfamily | #a2kids

What’s your favorite family vacation spot?

FOLLOW US

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) Pass-a-Grille, FL.

The Beginning of Letting Go

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer

Editor

Laura Eliason (editor@annarborfamily.com) Beaver Island, Michigan.

Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Santorini, Greece!

Calendar Editor Emma Barron (calendar@annarborfamily.com) florida.

Contributing Writers Laura Eliason, Kimmie Rose, Lori Maranville, Cheryl Maguire, Miranda Keskes, Lillian Saba, Sarah Lyons

Advertising

Sales Coordinator/ Classifieds Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Upper Peninsula, Michigan.

Sales / Classifieds Micah Cotner (mcotner@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Broadway.

Devin Stevens (dstevens@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Northern Michigan.

Art/Production

Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Lakeside, OH. Senior Designer Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) NYC & So Cal. Graphic Design Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Grand Caymen, BVI & Key West, FL. Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) California.

Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Smokey Mountains, GA.

Kids Astrology

How to separate on those first days of preschool

By Melody Patton

By Kimmie Rose

Feb.19 - March 20 Your imaginative Pisces child has extraordinary intuition, sometimes surprising others with dreams and visions that eventually become reality. While they may appear somewhat dreamy or lost in their own world, Pisces perceive everything happening around them (even if they do not yet fully understand what they are observing). This is the perfect month for your little dreamer to express themselves because the planet of communication is illuminating and materializing their dreams.

Ask your little Pisces what they want to do when they grow up and make a dream book with them by drawing or pasting cut-out pictures in the book. Let them use different colors and use all five senses when arranging their dreams in the book.

Pisces manifest best when seeing holographically!

Administration

Digital Digital Media Specialist Courtney Probert (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Virginia Beach.

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.

Reduce toy clutter in six easy steps

By Sarah Lyons

most read online 1. April Cover Kid Contest 2. Family Favorites 2020 3. Keeping Students Focused

March

giveaway

Accounting Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) Northern Michigan.

Distribution Hanna Wagner (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Keuka Lake State Park, New York.

Taming the Beast

Photo credit cottonbro

Editorial

Photo from Pexels

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) Eagle River, Wisconsin.

Then follow Find, like and We’re celebrating what we like! follow us kids and family /annarborfamily /annarborfamily #annarborfamily on Instagram!

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1,600 FOLLOWERS AND COUNTING

A ‘wheely’ good ride Warmer weather is on its way and this month Ann Arbor Family Press partners with Micro Kickboard to give away an award-winning, Swiss-designed Mini Deluxe scooter (a $89.99 value). This durable, sturdy scooter, for riders ages 2-5, features a lean-to-steer design and adjustable handlebars to grow with your child.

Entire contents ©2020 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

Also publishers of:

Congratulations

to February’s Winner

On the cover

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

Lucas, 3, Ann Arbor Photo by SUDEEP STUDIO

Maryssa Turrentine To enter, visit annarborfamily.com www.annarborfamily.com • March 2020 •

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annarborfamily.com

ANN ARBOR faveS Our readers have great taste. From interesting products, to delicious food and drink offerings, to unique places to visit, find out what local faves your neighbors are loving around town this month.

Tacos at La Torre Taqueria 1525 Washtenaw Ave Ypsilanti, MI 48197 facebook.com/latorretaqueria “My favorite place is La Torre Taqueria on Washtenaw. It’s quintessential Ypsi: family atmosphere, large quantities of cheap, delicious food, and a cultural experience that might otherwise be missed.”

- Ellie Epskamp-Hunt, Ypsilanti Potato Curry at No Thai 21300 South U Ave Suite 3 nothai.com “No Thai is a cult favorite among my friends. It’s a comfortable place to visit with an amazing, decently-priced menu. I never worry about bringing new people to No Thai because there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

My favorite dish is the potato curry (with medium spice!). The creamy curry sauce is addictive, and the potatoes are deliciously crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. I can’t get enough of it— that’s why it will always be my first recommendation when lunch plans are being made.”

- Alison Mahoney, Ann Arbor

Seoul dog at Kosmo’s 308 S Ashley St. kosmobopshop.com “My favorite hot dog in Ann Arbor is the Seoul dog at Kosmo’s on Ashley. Every bite of cheese, bacon, kimchi, and dog is a savory treat.”

- Brent Eliason, Ann Arbor

What are you lovin’ in Ann Arbor? Let us know and you could be featured on this page!

Email: editor@annarborfamilypress.com

Acton Academy opens new location in Brighton

The founding family of Acton Academy Ann Arbor will open Acton Academy Brighton this fall.

Acton Academy’s self-described micro-schools embrace a multi-age classroom model and focus on learning design rather than a strict curriculum. For their inaugural year, the school will accept 12 founding students in grades K-3rd with plans to add additional students and grade levels each year. -LE For more information visit actonbrighton.com

Lefty’s Cheesesteak, 3157 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 734-929-2122. leftyscheesesteakinc.com

Beloved bagelry bounces back

More than a year after they were forced to close their doors, Ann Arbor’s MD Bagel Fragel has reopened at a new, smaller location, on Washtenaw Avenue, between Scrubs and Fast Signs. The new shop has limited seating, boasts a menu that serves up a variety of bagels, and, of course, the beloved fragel, a cinnamon raisin bagel, deep-fried then rolled in cinnamon sugar. -LE MD Bagel Fragel, 3500 Washtenaw Ave. 734-332-1020. facebook.com/BagelFragel 4

- Jerrold Harris Thank you for such great points and guidance! Definitely one of the most important things and primary duty of any parent is teaching their kids how to love and how to express it.

And also to show it in your own example, so they can see it with their eyes and feel it themselves! It is really easy to dismiss someone's feelings especially if they're small and you don't take them seriously just because "they're kids." This is so wrong on every level, I can't stress it enough. Please be mindful of the consequences of your actions on the life of your kids.

Beauty and the cycle Michigan’s first SoulCycle opened on South University by the Shapiro Undergraduate Library, in January. The boutique fitness studio and lifestyle brand has 47 bikes and offers classes, clothing and more.

Rose Beauty Boutique is now open on State Street near Ben & Jerry’s, offering eyelash extensions, facials, brows, spray tans and more. -LE SoulCycle, 1107 S. University Avenue, Suite D. 734-412-7900. soul-cycle.com Rose Beauty Boutique, 308 S. State St. #21. 734-224-4226. rosebeautyaa.com

24th Cheesecakerie opens its second location

Lefty’s Cheesesteak opens in Pittsfield Township

Continuing recent area expansions, Lefty’s Cheesesteak opened its newest restaurant in the Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Meijer outlot. Lefty’s specializes in cheesesteaks, but their menu also features cold sandwiches, burgers, corned beef sandwiches, hot dogs and a few salads. -LE

5 Things to Remember When Teaching Our Kids About Love

The family-owned and operated 24th Cheesecakerie, made popular with its Briarwood Mall storefront, opened a second location on February 1 at 14 N. Washington, in the former Plush Party Palace space. -LE For more information visit facebook.com/24thcheesecakes.

First Primrose® School comes to Michigan Primrose School of Canton will open this spring, located at the intersection of Canton Center Road and Cherry Hill Road. The school offers the Primroseexclusive Balanced Learning® approach for children ages 6-weeks to 5-years-old. The school will be energy efficient, with 72 solar panels on the school’s roof, which will generate 24,500 kilowatts of energy for the building annually. The school will also have a secure, age-appropriate playground area, including a Primrose Patch garden for outdoor learning. -LE

Primrose School of Canton Franchise Owners Kunjan (L) & Hemal (R) Patel pose with their 2-year-old son & newborn daughter.

Primrose School of Canton, 45215 Primrose Lane, Canton. For more information about enrollment and hiring opportunities, please visit PrimroseCanton.com.

• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

#SHOW AND TELL We’re always looking for great photos to fill our community snaps page! Send your favorite moments to production@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Yotam Chopra, 13, Ann Arbor

Cyrus, 9, Ann Arbor

Fill your 9a-3p gap!

Join our team as a writer

Maddie and Ted Kowalczyk, 11 & 6, Ann Arbor

and be home when the kids get there.

Send resumes to cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Cameron, 8, and Carlin Davis, 5, Ypsilanti

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2020 •

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By Laura Eliason with Erin Marsh

Fighting climate emergency for a better tomorrow Following a trend in cities nationwide, Ann Arbor has declared a climate emergency while taking action to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. In November 2019, the City passed a resolution that calls for cooperation with the public to create a living plan for achieving carbon neutrality, and to present the comprehensive plan by Earth Day on April 22. A2ZERO, a carbon neutrality planning process that will be iterative, transparent, failure-positive, and grounded in justice and equity, has been launched to direct the initiative. The goal is to create a plan that has broad community support, can be implemented, and demonstrably moves the entire Ann Arbor community towards carbon neutrality.

To find out more about the initiative, find upcoming events, or weigh-in with your opinion, visit a2zero.org.

Eco-friendly diapers at your doorstep

On average, a baby produces 1 ton of diaper waste before they are potty trained, resulting in 1/3 of all landfill space filled by diapers. But, a new eco-friendly premium diaper service is changing the game. Dyper creates eco-friendly diapers that are better for the baby (chemical-free), the planet (fully compostable at home, unheard of!), and for parents (convenient and budget-friendly at only $68 per month!). Made with premium materials, like bamboo, to create the softest diaper on the market, free of chemicals and ink, Dypers are a safe option for little bums while also being durable and absorbent. With every order, Dyper purchases carbon offsets on behalf of the customer.

Visit dyper.com for more information.

Kick the season off right with the Detroit Tigers Kids Club Show off your team pride and join the next generation of Tigers fans by signing up for the Detroit Tigers Kids Club to enjoy special insider access and exclusive perks, discounted game tickets, awesome Tigers gear and more. The 2020 Kids Club membership includes three (3) buy-one-get-one tickets (BOGO) vouchers.

Each BOGO voucher is available for up to four (4) tickets, meaning each voucher is valid for TWO (2) free tickets with the purchase of (2) two tickets. And for $16, the Detroit Tigers Kids Club membership also offers exclusive Tigers gear and special event access. Members can enjoy face painters, jugglers, magicians, on-field opportunities, and more when the Detroit Tigers host the Eleventh Annual Kids Opening Day on Sunday, April 5.

Space is limited and your child must be 14 years old or under.

To sign up, visit mlb.com/tigers/fans/kids-club.

Biggest Marvel exhibit ever comes to Michigan From comics to film, the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibit features more than 300 artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic and sought-after pages, costumes and props. On view at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation beginning March 28, this exhibit is for serious collectors and casual fans. The biggest Marvel exhibition ever chronicles the stories of individual characters like Captain America, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange. To see a preview of the exhibit, join the official preview party on Thursday, March 26 at 6pm. Tickets on sale now.

Saturday, March 28-Monday, September 7. 9:30am-5:30pm. Ticket prices vary.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn.

313-982-6001. thehenryford.org

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• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

Hearing Loss Association of America partners with American Girl® to increase awareness of hearing loss

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the nation’s leading nonprofit organization representing people with hearing loss, has partnered with American Girl to honor the company’s 2020 Girl of the Year, Joss Kendrick, to increase education and awareness of hearing loss. Joss— a fierce athlete with a passion for surfing and competitive cheering, who has hearing loss and wears hearing aids— joins American Girl’s lineup of inspirational characters, showing girls the importance of trying new things, pushing past stereotypes and being a good team player. American Girl is also supporting the organization’s 2020 Walk4Hearing with a donation of Joss dolls, as well as collecting donations for HLAA at americangirl.com and at American Girl stores nationwide. -EM Visit hearingloss.org for more information.

20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn.

313-982-6001. thehenryford.org

P ick Your FAMILY FAVORITES

VOTING OPEN MARCH 9 TH !

Voting for the Best!

Vote Online !

March 9 - April 30

Readers determine Ann Arbors Family Favorites by voting for the nominees by category.

ANNARBORFAMILY.COM

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2020 •

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Talking to Teens About Marijuana Use New laws raise questions for parents and teens

By Lori Maranville

normalization of “ The marijuana in our community that is created by legality and the opening of dispensaries changes the conversations we need to have.

- Siân Owen-Cruise, school administrator at Rudolf Steiner School

“

tween the lines

advice for parents with children 10-16

Contributed photo

Contributed photo

The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory plementation of recreational marijuana laws.

Dr. Terry Bravender, a UM adolescent mediRecreational marijuana use, legal in cine specialist and director of the Adolescent Agency currently calls for packaging on The study’s authors suggest that it may be Michigan as of December 1, 2019, is now Health Initiative, said teens and parents likely edibles that “would not appeal to minors more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuasold by eight licensed dispensaries in Ann have a lower concern of the aged 17 years or younger,” prohibiting prod- na when illegal sales are replaced by licensed Arbor, among the first health risks from marijuana ucts from being associated with cartoons or dispensaries. The research behind the paper’s early licensed retailers in currently than they may have caricatures appealing to minors while also conclusions found no evidence that legalizathe state. As recreational had in a non-legalized envi- banning the use of the word ‘candy’ on any tion of medical marijuana has had any effect marijuana in Michigan ronment. With the majority of packaging or labeling. Packaging is also re- on marijuana use among youth. finds its footing, conversaWhen asked about the study, Bravender states in the country having quired to be opaque and child-resistant. tions with young people Owen-Cruise visited marijuana dispen- said it is an evolving question and too early some form of available mediabout marijuana are also cal marijuana, the perception is saries, talking with the staff and buying to tell in the state of Michigan. “I do know evolving. The sale and use that over the last decade or that if it’s used as a medicine, samples of marijuana of recreational marijuana is two, when teens are asked then it must be more benign products and a vaping restricted by the law, proabout ease of access, in many than previously thought. “Ex- device to show parents at hibiting anyone under the areas adolescents report that posing teen brains to marijua- the presentation. She said age of 21 from participatit is easier to obtain marijuana is not a benign thing by any many parents are unfamiling in recreational use. iar with how the products na than it is to buy alcohol.” means,” Bravender counters.

For those under 21, not a Siân Owen-Cruise, school The retail market for recreParents should make sure look and were apprecialot has changed, legally, readministrator at Rudolf Steiner tive of the chance to see ational marijuana has just children understand marigarding marijuana purchasSchool, recently organized a them in person and to opened, he said, so legalizaing and use. But that doesn’t presentation for parents covering juana may have lasting negamarijuana and teens. tion in Michigan has not had tive cognitive effects and talk about what is actually mean the law has not had an much effect on the underhave an impact on school performance, job available in the legal retail impact on that group, raising new questions ground market to date. performance and lifelong earning potential. market. Vaping devices, and new opportunities for education. for example, are innocuIn counseling, physicians “The biggest acute risk for a teen for alcohol, What parents should know about how to talk to their marijuana or any drug is driving under the ous looking objects, resemSiân Owen-Cruise, administrator at the influence, so parents should include conver- bling a pen or USB drive, Contradicting the idea that marijuana teen patients about the use use is benign, Dr. Terry Bravender, a Rudolf Steiner School, said the new law and so parents may not know specialist in adolescent health at the of marijuana, Bravender said sations about impaired driving,” he added. influx of recreational dispensaries in the what they are looking at if U of M, wants parents to know that that the legal status is just Concern over the community was a change significant enough they see the items in their exposing teen brains to marijuana is one risk involved in teen use. availability of edibles to warrant a direct conversation with parents not without consequences. child’s backpack.

“The most effective approach The legal availability of marijuana in on the topic. While the school hosts regular Dispensary staff, she said, with doctors is talking to the various forms, including edibles, also creates annual presentations for parents concerning were very open and willing to share informa- patient about individual risk of impairment. the potential for accidental ingestion, Bravstudent drug and alcohol issues, this year the tion. “They are We want physicians in the office to counender warns. focus has been on marijuana. business people sel what those health risks are without any He explains Owen-Cruise and other staff shared inand were quite implication or judgement about the moralthat some of formation with parents about the recently happy to talk ity of drug use. We want (those under 21) the current activated law, reminding parents that school about how they to understand the dangers to lung function products on rules prohibiting the substance had not check identifica- impairments, cognitive impairments, risk the market conchanged. They also educated parents about Bills passed by both the Michigan House and tion and limit of motor vehicle crashes, risk of poor school tain as much the negative effects of marijuana on young, Senate requiring marijuana product warning what people performance. Legal consequences are just as three times maturing brains and stressed the importance labels were on their way to Michigan Gov. can buy. They one piece, just as it is for alcohol possession.” the amount of of communication between students, parents don’t want to Owen-Cruise said their biggest piece of Gretchen Whitmer in early February. The legTHC in prodand educators. The talk, she explains, was be on the wrong advice in counseling parents about talking islation calls for marijuana products to have ucts from the well-received. side of the law, to teens is that parents can use the changes labels warning women who are pregnant or 1970s and ‘80s, “It’s important that parents understand so there’s not in the law and the opening of the dispensabreastfeeding about the health risks to the feso people, and that there’s a reason why their teen should a danger, from ries as an entry point to talk to their children especially parnot be participating in recreational marijuana tus and infant. Also in the legislation was the what I can tell, of about the topic. ents, may not be use. It’s not just a legal issue, it’s also a health requirement that customers be given informastudents having “It’s a very natural moment to have that aware of the inand brain maturity issue.” tional pamphlets that include safety informaaccess [to can- conversation and to let them know what you creased potency. tion about marijuana use by minors and a Health effects nabis products] feel and think as a parent. The normalization Owen-Cruise The American Academy of Pediatrics, poison control hotline number. through thedis- of marijuana in our community that is cresaid access to in a policy statement, has warned against pensaries.” ated by legality and the opening of dispenmarijuana by marijuana use for those under age 21, citing saries changes the conversations we need young people, the potency of the products as Impact of legalization on young data showing negative health and brain deto have. It becomes more like conversations well as the difficulty in enforcement when ed- people is unknown velopment effects due to marijuana use by Because legal sales of recreational marijuana about alcohol. We have to help students unible products are out of their packaging, are children and adolescents. The organization derstand the subtleties of development, apvalid concerns. “The presence of legal, high- just began in December 2019, there isn’t yet recommends strictly enforcing rules limiting propriateness and legality.” potency edibles is the biggest change, from my a sense of what effect this will have on mariaccess as well as restricting marketing and point of view, as a school administrator. The juana use among young people. However, a For more resources to share with teens concerning advertising the substance to youth. The Cenmarijuana use visit cdc.gov primary thing that parents don’t understand paper published in the medical journal JAMA ters for Disease Control also warns that using about edibles is just how concentrated [the psy- Pediatric last summer suggests marijuana use marijuana can have “long-lasting effects on a among teens may actually decline after the imchoactive ingredients contained in them] are.” teen’s health and well-being.”

Legislation calls for warning labels

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• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Choose the best camps and see your child soar this summer.

By Laura Eliason

Zingerman’s Bakehouse

3100 Cherry Hill Rd. 734-662-5585 | HSHV.org Get your tail wagging! Enjoy hands-on time with the furry friends at our humane society, and learn about safe animal handling, good animal care, animal behavior and lots more. From toddlers (Camp PAWS, Jr.) to grade school (Camp PAWS) to teens (Animal Care Residency), campers will prepare to become responsible future pet owners and compassionate contributors to the world. Sessions include snacks and “paw-tastic” T-shirts. HSHV’s camps sell out every year, so be sure to register early!

AAPS-Community Education & Recreation

Wild Swan Theater’s Studio, 6175 Jackson Rd. Suite B 734-995-0530 | wildswantheater.org Wild Swan Theater drama camps are fun experiences where kids can feel safe and comfortable exploring the imaginative world of theater. Their main goal is that every camper has a great time cultivating their creativity and leaves camp feeling successful. With a new theme every week, activities will include warmups, theater games, and improvisations that bring people together in a nurturing, memorable way.

Camp dates: June 15 - September 4 Camp times: 9am-4pm (extended care available) Ages: 5 - 13 Camp cost: $79 -$330 Registration: Early bird registration is available.

Register by 5pm on Wednesday, April 1st and save $20 on select full day camps and $10 on select half day camps. Register online at aarecedcamps.com, in person at our office, or mail the registration form.

Camp dates: Week-long, and half day camps offered in July.

Camp times: 9:30am-12:30pm Ages: 4 -12 Camp cost: $125-$185 Registration: wildswantheater.org

1515 S 7th St 734-994-2300 | aarecedcamps.com Rec & Ed's summer camps are designed to give your child an exciting and enriching summer experience under the supervision of trained and experienced leadership. It is their goal to provide your child with a safe and fun summer with age-appropriate, enriching programs that include sports, creative arts, outdoor education, and much more.

guide

Humane Society of Huron Valley

Camp DoYaWanna

3723 Plaza Drive 734-761-7255 | bakewithzing.com Save your child’s seat now for a camp experience they won’t want to miss! Hands-on baking camps at Zingerman’s Bakehouse will offer three different series options: baking basics, advanced basics, and a dinner series. Children will learn valuable kitchen skills and bring home delicious treats like buttermilk cake, cookies, and fruit tarts or dinner staples such as homemade pasta, sauces, and sloppy joes.

Continued on pg 11

guide

Camp dates: June, July and August weeks available Camp times: 9am-4pm with optional aftercare from 4-5pm (Except 4-5 year olds; 9am-noon) Ages: 4-15 (Separate sessions for different age ranges) Camp cost: $115 (Camp PAWS, Jr.) to $285 Registration: Go to hshv.org/camppaws to register.

Limited number of scholarships available, too.

Tiny Lions Cat Café 5245 Jackson Rd. 734-661-3530 | TinyLions.org For teens, CampPurrs takes place at the Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center— the cat café run by the Humane Society of Huron Valley. It includes deep dives into special animal topics and interactions with the friendly cats at the cat café!

Camp dates: July and August weeks available Camp times: 9am-noon Ages: 9-14 (Separate sessions for 9-11 and 12-14) Camp cost: $125 Registration: Go to hshv.org/camppaws or tinylions.org for more information or to register!

Camp dates: Week-long camps offered June 15 -September 4.

Camp times: Various half-day times offered.

Ages: 9-14 Camp cost: Weeklong camps start at $250.

Registration: Visit bakewithzing.com.

Saline Parks & Recreation

1866 Woodland Drive, Saline 734-429-3502 | cityofsaline.org/parks The fun begins when school lets out for summer! There’s so much Comment start that they Comment end do: weekly themed activities, daily swimming in our indoor aquatic center, outdoor exploration, arts & crafts, gym games, creative challenges, dance parties, field trips and more. Licensed by the State of Michigan, the Saline Kids Camp program prides itself in having great staff, endless opportunities for fun and the flexibility parents need.

Camp dates: June 8- August 28 Camp times: 7am-6pm Ages: 5-12 Camp cost: Discounted rates are as low as $180 per week or $50 per day.

Registration: Online at salinerec.com, over the phone at 734-429-3502 x0 or in person at the Saline Rec Center.

eation Saline Parks & Recr

S U M M E R Ages 5-12 K I D S CAMP JUNE 8 – AUGUST 28 • 7am-6pm

Swimming, games, weekly field trips, crafts, outdoors, special events, sports, friends, fun, fantastic staff!

Sign up by the week or for specific days.

734-429-3502 • cityofsaline.org/parks Licensed by the State of Michigan

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2020 •

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

READY FOR A WILD SUMMER?!

Camps are available for students entering grades 1-12.

Registration for Summer Zoo Camps at The Creature Conservancy opens February 15th!

For more information or to register, visit: TheCreatureConservancy.org/camps

4950 Saline Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (734) 929-9324

OPEN HOUSE: Thursday, Mar. 19th 6-7pm

Education Guide Make sure your school is included in this section!

ISSUE DATE: MAY 1ST RESERVE BY: APR. 15TH

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM WE ARE OFFERING 9 DIFFERENT WEEK LONG SESSIONS. All Camp Sessions are for 3-7 year olds on M-F mornings.

9 WEEK HALF-DAY & FULL DAY CAMPS Jun. 1st - Aug. 7th

2811 Stone School Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 For more information visit our website at

www.StoneSchool.org • 734-971-4820

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Call 734.668.4044 or Email Sales@AdamsStreetPublishing.com

• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

ANN ARBOR JOIN US FOR ALL THE FLIPS, TWISTS & FUN

Summer Camp 2020

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT:

champgymaa.com

June 22-26 July 6-10

Gymnastics Theme Ninja Theme

July 13-17

Science Theme

July 20-24

Gymnastics Theme

July 27-31 August 3-7

Ninja Theme Olympic/ Summer Sports Theme

August 10-14

Gymnastics Theme

August 17-21

Carnival Theme 7240 JACKSON RD.

734-222-1810

Continued FROM pg 9

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Independence Lake County Park

Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor

Rolling Hills County Park

Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor offers your child “A Summer of Discovery” with week-long day camps for ages 4-6 and 1st-8th grades. Young children will have the joy of exploring baking, painting, water and sand play, summer crafts, and more. Older campers will be treated to a classic summer camp experience. They’ll be outdoors exploring and developing hands-on skills while they collaborate on shelter-building and scavenger hunts, as well as spending some quality, unplugged time inside enjoying a range of fun activities including soap-making, baking and a variety of crafts.

3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake 734-449-4437 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti 734-484-9676 | washtenaw.org/parks

Washtenaw County Parks offers three camps featuring age-appropriate activities and exciting learning experiences. Your child will have the opportunity to participate in swimming, nature hikes, craft projects, games and more. The fee includes a t-shirt, park entrance, a Friday snack and lunch. Visit washtenaw.org/parks for more information and visit parksonline.ewashtenaw.org to register.

Camp dates: One-week sessions begin June 15 Camp times: 8am-6pm Ages: First grade through age 11 Camp cost: $200-$220 depending on camp Registration: Registration begins March 1 at parskonline.ewashtenaw.org

The Creature Conservancy 4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. | 734-929-9324 thecreatureconservancy.org/camps

Campers spend each day engaged in animal visits and activities, including some animal feeding and learning about aspects of animal care. New in 2020 there will be two different sessions of Zoo Camp offered for first through third graders and for fourth through sixth graders. They will also offer an optional late-night activity for campers in the older group. They will also have a camp for kids in 7th-9th grades.

2775 Newport Rd. 734-995-4141 | SteinerSchool.org

Camp dates: June 8-August 14 Camp times: Mornings 9am-12:30pm.

Full day 9am-3pm. Three or five day options.

Before and after care available.

Ages: 4-6 years old and grades 1-8 Camp cost: $110 -$310/week Registration: Register online at SteinerSchool.org

Camp dates: Camps are one week long, and run all summer Camp times: 9am-4pm, with optional after care available 4pm-6pm daily. Campers in grades 4-6 have an optional late night activity meeting our nocturnal animals on Thursday evenings until 9pm!

Ages: Grades 1-9 Camp cost: $300 per week Registration: Fill out an online form and submit payment by clicking the dates of the week for which you wish to register on our website.

Continued on pg 12

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2020 •

11

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Continued FROM pg 11

Ann Arbor Dance Classics

3777 Plaza Dr., Suites 4 & 5 734-302-4248 | Aadanceclassics.com Your child can spend the summer having fun and actively exploring dance with Ann Arbor Dance Classics.

Their themed dance weeks include instruction in ballet, jazz, and rhythms. With themed weeklong camps like On Broadway, Storybook Superheroes, and Big Top Circus. Full-day camps offered for ages 6-8, and half-day camps are offered for ages 3-6. Before and after care are available for an additional fee.

Camp dates: July 13-17, July 27-31, August 10-14 Camp times: Full day: 9:30am-4pm.

Half day: 9:30am-noon.

Ages: 3-8 Camp cost: $220 -$320 Registration: Visit aadanceclassics.com for registration information.

HONEY CREEK SUMMER CAMP New temporary location for 2020: 235 Spencer Lane in Ypsilanti 734-994-2636 x 2240 honeycreekschool.org/summer-program

Spend your summer having outdoor adventures, defeating dark wizards, creating artistic masterpieces, completing mythological quests, conducting crazy science experiments, and making new friends! Daily swimming and weekly field trips are included. Flexible scheduling, themed weeks, and specialty camps help you customize your summer to fill your child’s days with fun.

Camp dates: June 17-August 21 Camp times: 8am-6pm Ages: 5-13 Camp cost: $55/day. Specialty camps $190-$205/week Registration: Register at honeycreekschool.org/summer-program.

Toledo Zoo

2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Ohio 419-385-5721 | toledozoo.org/camps Toledo Zoo Summer Camp adds animal adventure to any summer! With a wide variety of topics and age groups, there is sure to be a camp to pique the interest of your animal lover. Every camp session is led by trained Zoo staff and volunteers, a daily snack is provided and every camper receives two camp shirts and a reusable water bottle. Registration is now open, book your adventure today!

Camp dates: Week-long camps June 1 to August 7 Camp times: Full Day: 9am-3pm, and Half Day: 9am -noon Ages: 4-15 Camp cost: $135-$300 for Zoo Members ($160-$350 for non-members).

Registration: Visit toledozoo.org/camps

Summer Camp at Stone School Cooperative Preschool 2811 Stone School Rd. | 734-971-4820 stoneschool.org

Stone School Cooperative Preschool is excited to offer summer camp at our historic Stone School House.

Each week will feature a unique camp theme such as creepy crawlers, water exploration, camping, little builders and more. Each session runs Monday-Friday and times vary. A snack is provided each day.

Camp dates: 9 independent weeks. June 1-August 7 Camp times: Half-day and full-day camps offered Ages: 3-7 Camp cost: $125/session for half-day; $250/session for full day. Current members receive a 15% discount.

Registration: stoneschool.org

WOLVERINES SWIM CAMPS

WWW.CAMPS.MGOBLUE.COM

Contact us at: 734.845.8596 | umswim1@gmail.com Michigan Swim Camps are open to any and all entrants, limited only by age and specified number of participants.

12

• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Washtenaw County Parks Summer Day Camps OFFERING CAMP AT THREE LOCATIONS ONE-WEEK SESSIONS STARTING JUNE 15TH Monday-Friday • 8am - 6pm

New Time

For more information: Independence Lake County Park 734.449.4437 ∙ $200/week, 9 weeks 3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center 734.971.6355 ∙ $220/week, 8 weeks 2960 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor (Includes 2 field trips) Rolling Hills County Park 734.484.9676 $200/week, 10 weeks 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti Twp.

Group games, arts and crafts, nature programs, fishing, swimming, and more!

Photo credit: Bryan Mitchell

For more information, please visit: washtenaw.org/parks Register at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org (Fee includes T-shirt, park entrance, and Friday hot dog lunch)

CELEBRATING 21 YEARS! Elementary life at CMSAA allows for the student to joyfully and responsibly participate in their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Enrolling now for the 2020-2021 school year.

Join us and feel the Christian Montessori difference! ~ Also, serving infants, toddlers, preschool and kindergarten ~

https://cmsaa.org

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2020 •

734.332.9600 13

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

With so many options, it can be hard to choose the best child care center or preschool for your child. Get to know these area programs and learn more about what they offer.

St. Paul Lutheran School Downtown Campus: 420 West Liberty St. | 734-665-0604

Creating Brighter Futures

School Campus: 495 Earhart Rd. | 734-668-0887 school.stpaulannarbor.org St. Paul School Ann Arbor offers both infant/toddler care and preschool programs which allows for options in scheduling between their two campuses: one downtown and one near Concordia University in Ann Arbor. Their infant/toddler program enrolls children from 6 weeks-2½ years and is family-style, which means the group is mixed-age and usually houses four infants and eight toddlers. The activities are playbased and age-related. Families enjoy a small, cozy, and family-oriented program. Their preschools have two scheduling options: full-day care and a three-hour preschool program. The programs provide experience in literacy, math, science, art, dramatic play, movement, music, field trips and more. Both facilities also have outdoor play areas and large gymnasiums for indoor play experience. Everyone is welcome at St. Paul regardless of church or religious affiliation.

INDIVIDUAL & GROUP ABA THERAPY We offer social skills therapy using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), for children diagnosed with Autism.

Areas of Focus in Social Skills Therapy: • Break down social rules and teach them in steps • Provide structure and predictability • Teach friendship skills • Encourage cooperation and partnership • Provide multiple and varied learning opportunities • Increase social confidence • Gain social and conversation skills • Provide opportunities to practice new skills

4201 Varsity Dr. | 734-926-0740 creatingbrighterfutures.com

The Discovery Center 775 S. Maple Rd. | 734-663-7496 thediscoverycenterpreschool.com The Discovery Center is an early childhood program for 2½-5-year-olds that has been serving families in the Ann Arbor area since 1974. With a highlyeducated and experienced staff, a modern building designed specifically for their use, and a nurturing, flexible program, school staff believe the environment created there for young children is ideal. The school provides an environment that encourages each child to approach optimum physical, social, emotional, aesthetic, and intellectual growth. Their programs are based on an open classroom approach with emphasis on a hands-on, experiential environment. The classroom environment encourages each child to explore “discovery centers” set up by the staff and to participate in a full range of activities occurring throughout the day with enhancement by outside specialists who provide Spanish, music, and storytelling enrichment activities. They are excited about their newly expanded and upgraded playgrounds with innovative features, and the new woodland playground for outdoor exploration! Find pictures on their Facebook page.

Contact us to schedule an evaluation and discuss social skill therapy opportunities

Jessica Irish, BCBA

734-926-0740 4201 Varsity Dr., Suite B&C • Ann Arbor, MI 48108

LEARN MORE AT CREATINGBRIGHTERFUTURES.COM 14

• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

Creating Brighter Futures provides center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy services for children with autism or other developmental disorders, ages 2-18-years-old. Their goal is to provide the skills, teaching environments, and learning opportunities necessary to improve the quality of life for each client in a center-based setting.

Foundations Preschool 3770 Packard Rd. | 734-677-8130 foundations-preschool.org Foundations Preschool prepares children for future academic and social success while providing their parents opportunities for professional, personal and parental growth.

They offer programs for children ages 18-months through 6-yearsold including "Days of Discovery,” a sensational summer camp that focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). The school uses the researched-based High-Scope curriculum where children are guided to explore, interact, and exercise their creative imagination through purposeful play. GSRP (state funded preschool) is available. Sliding scale, and affordable tuition. Meals and snacks provided.

DHHS accepted.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TLC Adventure Preschool 1400 W. Stadium Blvd.

734-662-4419 trinityaa.org/preschool

Stone School Cooperative Preschool 2811 Stone School Rd. 734-971-4820 | stoneschool.org Stone School Cooperative Preschool promotes children’s natural curiosity of exploration, discovery and play while celebrating the uniqueness of each child. They offer a 2-day or 3-day half-day program (am or pm), a 3-day all-day program, aftercare and an assist buyout program. All classes are mixedaged for 3-6-year-olds.

The TLC Adventure Preschool (TLC) meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9am-1:30pm and offers both mixed-age group and same-age small group activities. TLC offers a theme oriented program in three classrooms for children. Teachers are certified and experienced, and licensed by the state of Michigan.

Their curriculum-based learning focuses on cognitive learning skills, language and communication, social/emotional development, fine and gross motor skills. Daily classroom activities are designed to develop reasoning/decision making, strong value system, positive peer interaction, independent thinking and kindergarten readiness. TLC Adventure Preschool provides a nurturing and caring learning environment that focuses on the whole child.

•

CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS OF CARING & NURTURING

•

CERTIFIED EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

•

MEETS MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY FROM 9:00-1:30

•

KINDERGARTEN READINESS FOR CHILDREN AGES 2.5-6.0 YEARS

•

NON-DENOMINATIONAL CREATIVE CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT

•

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL & ACADEMIC PREPARATION

1400 W. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI

dvice Read expertlya-childfrom an ear r on your hood teachedays of child’s first t preschool a y.com. annarborfamil

trinitya2.org/preschool • 734-662-4419

P ick Your

FAMILY FAVORITES

VOTING OPEN MARCH 9 TH !

Voting for the Best!

Vote Online !

March 9 - April 30

Readers determine Ann Arbors Family Favorites by voting for the nominees by category.

ANNARBORFAMILY.COM www.annarborfamily.com • March 2020 •

15

Vintage and Vegan at Shimmy Shack

Grandma’s living room The Shack’s interior décor is far from a traditional restaurant, with five tables and a counter by the window, each with different sized tablecloths and chairs, while the walls are decorated with mismatched pieces of art and kitchen appliances from the 1950s. There is a retro refrigerator in the dining room, with a collection of magnets and kids’ artwork, sparking nostalgic feelings, giving customers a warm memory of sitting in your grandma’s living room. Board games and books are readily available throughout the restaurant, creating a comfortable place for patrons waiting for their food to be served. Our kids, 6, 4, and 2-years-old, loved playing with the toys arranged in the back of the restaurant.

Sassy cuisine The vintage setting belies their contemporary and edgy cuisine. Although there are no offerings designated specifically for kids, the menu items are almost all kid-friendly. We started our meal with decadent cookie monster and refreshing strawberry shakes ($6 each). Made with soy-based ice cream and soymilk, they

were velvety and satisfying. We skipped the Sunday brunch which consisted of typical breakfast foods and a pancake bar, opting instead for their lunch options. Our 4-year-old and 6-year-old ordered classic burgers ($5.50 for a single) made with a lentil patty, vegan “cheez” with classic burger toppings, served on gluten-free hot dog buns (since they had run out of burger buns). Both kids ate at least half of their burgers and described them as “yummy.” Our 2-year-old ate the inside of a Shimmy Coney ($6), made with a soy hot dog covered with vegan chili. Before you cringe thinking about a soy hot dog, give it a try— our son did not notice a difference. The vegan chili that comes on top of the Coney was a bit spicy for him, but we enjoyed tastes from his plate, as it had the texture and kick of a full-bodied meaty chili.

My husband and I really liked the falafel pita ($8) with house-made garlic sauce. While it did not have the texture of a Mediterranean falafel, the flavor of the zesty garlic sauce gave it an invigorating taste. We also ordered the Southwest burger ($5.50), a grilled black-bean patty served with dollops of guacamole and salsa— a great blend of a hearty patty and refreshing toppings. I reluctantly shared a side of fries ($4.50) with the family. I could have eaten them by myself, perfectly golden and seasoned with “shimmy seasoning.” Pro tip: ordering extra vegan-mayo dipping sauce ($0.75) is a must!

Pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed the flavors, spices and textures, we completed the meal with glutenfree cowgirl and pump’n maple cookies ($3 each). The cowgirl is a chocolate peanut butter cookie made with gluten-free oats and walnuts and a Shimmy Shack

best seller. The pump’n maple is made with pumpkin, maple, cinnamon and apple and tasted like cake batter. They were sweet endings that hit the spot!

Shimmy on Shimmy Shack offers a fun and unique dining experience with a healthy menu that our kids, surprisingly, enjoyed. Leaving the restaurant feeling satisfied after a healthy and tasty meal, we had a new appreciation for sustainability, environmental stewardship and animal protection. Shimmy Shack just feels good in so many ways.

er

What started as a popular food truck serving tasty, healthy, and “sexy” vegan and gluten-free dishes while promoting environmental awareness and preventing animal cruelty has now planted in Plymouth. Shimmy Shack’s restaurant features unique 1950s décor combined with traditional, diner fare (burgers, Coney dogs, chili, fries, cookies), all prepared 100% vegan and gluten-free for the contemporary, 21st century palate.

By Lillian Saba

Katherine Br ew

1440 Sheldon Road Plymouth, MI 48170 734-228-5590 Monday-Closed Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8pm Sunday 11am-3pm shimmyshack.com

A contemporary menu in a classic 1950s setting

PHOTO CREDIT

Shimmy Shack

The Shimmy Shack fast food restaurant opened in January 2019 and the atmosphere is inspired by a 1950’s home and is intended to make you feel comfortable and happy.

The Short Course:

Shimmy Shake shakes – strawberry, chocolate and special seasonal flavors (e.g. blueberry, peach, pumpkin).

Kid-friendly: Yes. To avoid wait: Counter service.

Noise level: Low. Bathroom amenities: Clean bathroom with changing table.

High chairs? Yes. Kids’ menu? No. Anything healthy for kids? All items on the menu are relatively healthy.

Food allergy concerns? Items are almost all plant-based; best to ask at counter.

Kids Eat Free!

If you don’t feel like cooking on those busy days, decide where to dine by picking a place where your kids eat free. annarborfamily.com

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• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

MARCH

Friday n March 20 Grand Carnival in Pittsfield Township

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

1

ONGOING SUNDAY Ark Animal Encounters - A fun and educational afternoon featuring special hands-on experience with delightful live animals. Learn about their lifestyles and characteristics. 2pm. $2-5. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea.

734-475-3170. michigan.gov/dnr Kerrytales with Mother Goose Storyteller Trudy Bulkley, aka Mother Goose, entertains preschoolers with stories and rhymes. Open to all ages. 2pm.

Kerrytown Market & Shops, Hollander’s Book and Paper Store, 407 N 5th Ave. 734-741-7531. Hollanders.com Free The Wizard of Oz - Ann Arbor Civic Theatre presents the classic story by L. Frank Baum, directed by Brice O’Neal and student directors. $10, $8 for children.

Scarlett Middle School, 3300 Lorraine St. 734-997-1220. a2schools.org

2 MONDAY Cat Video Fest 2020 - A hilarious compilation reel of the latest, best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions. 7:30pm. $8.50-10.50. Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

4 WEDNESDAY Nature Storytime: Wiggly Worms Meet wiggle worm friends and learn about compost in this one hour presentation.

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

734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

6 FRIDAY Owl Prowl - This program includes a live presentation featuring Wild Wonders Wildlife Park owls and a walk in the woods to call to Great Horned Owls and Screech Owls and listen for their replies.

Hot chocolate and cookies for all. 7pm.

Howell Nature Center, 1005 Triangle Lake Rd, Howell. 517-546-0249. howellnaturecenter.org Free

7 SATURDAY 38th Annual Slush Cup - The biggest end-of-season party features an outdoor bar, tons of giveaways, and fun for skiers, snowboarders, and spectators alike.

11am. Mt Brighton Ski Area, 4141 Bauer Road, Brighton.

810-229-9581. mtbrighton.com Free Explorer’s Club: Making a Makuk Make your own makuk, folded and sewn birch bark containers, and learn how Native Americans used natural materials to make storage containers. 10am. $4.

Oakwoods Metropark, Nature Center, 17845 Savage Rd, Belleville.

734-782-3956. metroparks.com Play Day with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum - Children and families will enjoy this fun event with interactive activities that blend learning and play. This event provides children opportunities to do multiple activities that focus on the fun of learning. 12pm. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Free

Mosaics - Make a beautiful mosaic from a variety of platforms, or make one as unique as you are and create your own.

Held every first and third Saturday of the month. 3pm. $30. Ruby’s Makery, 8118 Main St., Dexter. 810-545-8615. rubytalulastudio.com

8 SUNDAY

Pittsfield Township brings grandparents and their grandkids together for an evening of fun at the Grand Carnival event with snacks, games and other festivities! Enjoy intergenerational fun and making special memories to cherish for a lifetime. -LE

Friday, March 20. 6-7:30pm. $7/resident, $10/non-resident. Pittsfield Township Community Center, Multi-purpose room, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov

Girl Power - Females of many species of animals are larger, stronger and sometimes the sole provider for their offspring. Learn which species are ruled by females and some theories on why. Kids can make a craft to take home. 1pm. $5. Stony Creek Metropark. 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township, Brighton. 586-781-9113. metroparks.com

Saturday nMarch 21 Kid Fest

Join the First Steps-Ann Arbor PTO for their 6th annual Kid Fest starring Joe Reilly. Kicking off with pre-concert activities including a kids drawing, an auction and snacks, the concert will encourage active participation, including dancing and singing. All proceeds from this concert benefit First Steps-Ann Arbor, Rec & Ed’s community program that supports families with children from birth to kindergarten. -LE

Spiders and Their Kin - Dr. Cara Shillington will introduce you to live spiders, tarantulas, scorpions and other intriguing invertebrates. Learn about poisonous spiders in Michigan and how to avoid them. 2pm. $2 per person or $5 per family. Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea.

734-475-3170. michigan.org/dnr

Saturday, March 21. 3-5pm. $8/child over age 2, $15/adult, $45/family of up to 8.

Forsythe Middle School, 1655 Newport Rd. 734-994-4949. a2schools.org/firststeps

11 WEDNESDAY Homeschool: Animal Tracks - Learn how to identify tracks, facts about the animals that left them and make a fun craft while you learn. Bring a plain white t-shirt for the activity. 11am. $5. Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, Brighton. 586-781-9113. metroparks.com Nature Storytime: Who Lives on the Forest Floor? - Explore the forest and search for animals, plants, and fungi that help the woods recycle in this onehour program. 10am. $4-$5. Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Rd, 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

12 THURSDAY Child Language Development Mehreen Kakwan, speech pathologist, will discuss early childhood language development and issues that could drive a parent to seek out a specialist for a speech-language evaluation. A discussion will follow the presentation. 7pm. AADL Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

13 FRIDAY

Saturday n March 28 Parks and Crafts

Join the Ecology Center to make a craft, to learn about recycling and sustainability and to participate in a park activity provided by GIVE 365. Experience spring in the park while cleaning up the grounds after the winter snow melt. The Ecology Center’s mascot, Reco the Racoon, will be there to greet everyone. The event is sponsored by the Ann Arbor Public Works Unit, a new “park”nership created between Ann Arbor’s Solid Waste Unit, the Ecology Center and GIVE 365. Preregistration encouraged; walk-ins welcome. -LE

Saturday, March 28. 10am-12pm. Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Rd. Register by emailing education@ecocenter.org. Free

Pets & Pajamas Movie Night This paw-tastic event includes adoptable animal interactions, vegetarian dinner and an animal-themed movie with popcorn!

Children are invited to wear their pajamas, bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Also on March 27. 5pm. $15-35. Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. 734-662-5585. hshv.org

14 SATURDAY Pinckney St. Patrick’s Day Parade Join in the Village of Pinckney for the annual parade that includes the cutest little leprechaun contest. 11:30am. Village of Pinckney, 220 South Howell St., Pinckney. michigan.org Free

Homeschool: Maple - Discover how unique maple sugaring is to the region and why. This program includes tapping a maple tree, watching the process of turning sap into syrup and a tour of the Native American sugaring camp. 10am. $3 child, $5 adult. Kensington Metropark Farm Center, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford.

248-684-8632. metroparks.com Just Between Friends Sale - Kids’ consignment sale with over 400 families selling their gently used items, organized department store style. March 13-15.

5-9pm, Friday. 9am-3pm and 5-8pm, Saturday. 9am-noon, Sunday. Free in advance, $3 at the door. Washtenaw County Fairgrounds, 5055 Ann ArborSaline Road, Saline. 734-827-4442. annarbor.jbfsale.com

We accept DHS payments

Individualized Care and Education for Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers Call Now to Enroll • 734-929-0300 2275 Platt Road • Ann Arbor • vineyardchildren.org

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2020 •

17

Read and Look - This kid-friendly tour of the Roman exhibits at the Kelsey Museum begins by reading aloud some highlights from G is for Gladiator and then exploring galleries to find artifacts pictured in the book. 2pm. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, 434 S. State St. 734-764-9304. lsa.umich.edu Free Intro to Improv for Teens - This workshop will introduce you to the basics of improvised comedy— from short-form games to scene work. At the same time, you’ll be learning to listen, collaborate, and create with others in the moment.

No experience necessary. 2pm. AADL Pittsfield Branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

15 SUNDAY

Purchase your tickets at the door or online at www.annarborfsc.org

Drawing for Kids: Celtic Illuminated Letters - Discover how illuminated letters were used in medieval Celtic manuscripts and design your own letter, embellished with intricate designs and bright colors.1pm. AADL 4th Floor Meeting Room, 343 S 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

17 TUESDAY St. Patrick’s Day Celebration - Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Nature Center with crafts and activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family! Then embark on a self-guided Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt.12pm. $5. Kensington Metropark, Nature Center, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford. 810-227-8917. metroparks.com

2121 Oak Valley Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-213-6768 | aafsc@annarborfsc.org

20 FRIDAY Deli Birthday Storytime Tasting To celebrate the Deli’s birthday, join this Just for Younger Kids tasting event where you’ll read a story and learn to taste like an expert. 10:30am. $10. Zingerman’s Delicatessen, 422 Detroit St. 734-663-3354. zingermansdeli.com Grand Carnival - Grandparents and grandchildren are welcome for an evening of carnival snacks, games, and festivities.

Join for inter-generational fun, and making special memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. 6pm. $7.

Pittsfield Township Community Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd. 734-822-2117. pittsfield-mi.gov

21 SATURDAY Comprehensive health care and mental health services exclusively for teens and young adults.

First Steps Kid Fest - Children’s activities, a fun kids’ drawing, auction items that are just what families want and, of course, snacks. 3pm. $8-45. Forsythe Middle School Auditorium, 1655 Newport Rd. 734-994-4949. a2schools.org

Call 734-484-3600 today for your appointment or visit www.cornerhealth.org for more information.

All services are provided judgment-free and confidential to any 12 to 25 year old, and their children, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

The Corner Health Center is located within walking distance of the downtown bus station at 47 N. Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI

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• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

Storytime at the Museum: Canada Join to travel around the world and look at art from different countries. Read a story in the galleries that includes a fun, ageappropriate, hands-on activity related to it.

11:15am. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 South State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free

22 SUNDAY Dancing Babies with Robin Robinson - Any child age 5 and under is welcome to get their groove on in this class led by the founder of Robinsongs for Kids. 1-1:45pm. Traverwood Branch Library, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-3274200. aadl.org Free

25 WEDNESDAY The Tale of the Mischievous Bunny The classic story of Peter Rabbit and his adventures in Farmer McGregor’s garden is brought to life. $10-15. 10am, March 25-27. 12:30pm, March 27. 11am, March 28. Wild Swan Theater.

734-995-0530. wildswantheater.org

26 THURSDAY Girl Scout Cookie Bake-Off - Area chefs use Girl Scout cookies to create new culinary treats at this event raising funds to help low-income girls join the Scouts. 6pm. $45. The Kensington Hotel, 3500 S State St. 734-761-7800. gshom.org Fun on the Farm: Grain - Kids will learn about how grain is harvested at this edition of the biweekly program that teaches children 2-6 about farming. $5.

10-11am. Kensington Metropark Farm Center, 4570 Huron River Pkwy., Milford.

810-227-8910. metroparks.com

27 FRIDAY Spies in Disguise - Will Smith and Tom Holland star in the family tale of a worldrenowned spy that is accidentally transformed into a pigeon. $3. 7pm, March 27-29. 4:45pm, March 28-29. Penn Theatre, 760 Penniman Ave., Plymouth.

734-453-0870. penntheatre.com

28 SATURDAY Peter Cottontail Workshop - Kids of all ages are welcome to make Easter crafts, baskets to fill with candy and more.

10am-5pm. Knights of Columbus #3021, Notre Dame Council, 3144 S Wayne Rd., Wayne. 734-722-6911. notredamehall. com Free

Give Kids a Smile Day - Children 4-18 years old can receive free dental examinations at this student-run event. 7:30am.

University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

1011 N University Ave. 989-787-0712. umichasda.com

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www.annarborfamily.com • March 2020 •

19

wags to wiskers pet sUpplies

"Where pets and their people shop"

2270 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103 | wagstowiskers.com | (734) 769-2000

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DOG DENTAL HEALTH 101:

CAT DENTAL HEALTH 101:

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF POOR DENTAL HEALTH

Dental disease is a reality for most cats. It’s estimated that nearly 90% of cats will develop dental problems over their lifetime. What makes it tougher for cat owners is that oftentimes cats won’t show signs of oral discomfort because the pain associated with it comes on slowly over time, and our feline friends just learn to live with it.

That’s a sad reality, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Poor dental health in cats is largely preventable - but it’s important to be proactive rather than reactive.

These top clinical symptoms of poor dental health observed by dog owners include: • Bad breath • Red, swollen or bleeding gums • Increased drooling • The buildup of yellowish-brown plaque-like deposits and tartar on the teeth • Reluctance or difficulty in eating, from having pain on chewing food, along with subsequent weight loss

PREVENTION & PROGRESS

So, how can we prevent those nasty diseases? How can we make progress on dogs that are already beginning to show symptoms of poor oral health?t • Regular brushing • Tooth-friendly treats and chews are an important item to throw into your dog’s diet • Food with a focus on improved dental health can be beneficial as well.

• Dental checkups

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Dental Health tips for cats & dogs

Oh no. They look and smell like a dumpster. Don’t want to know why, just need it to end. Fast. We’ve been there before (not actually in a dumpster).

It’s best not to ask any questions (save those for us!) and see what we have in store that can help you out. Disclaimer: Our Ann Arbor store might have something that our Chelsea store does not, or vice versa! In order to save you a trip, please call ahead to make sure we have it in stock!

for more pet tips, Check out our website or stop in today!

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• March 2020 • www.annarborfamily.com

wags to wiskers

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