7/1/17 - Ann Arbor Family

FREE JULY 2017

Y L I M FA S E T I R FAVO 2016

D E L A E V RE See this year's winners! p10

Zoocation Let us help you plan your trip p16

Dexter Rocks

Read about the new local trend p22

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• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Volume 22 • Issue 7 July 2017

[special features]

CHEER! 8

Cheer on Summer Activities that help teens in the game

6 1 0 2 Y IL M FA FAVORITES 10

departments

commentary

ann arbor favorites 4

Momsense 20

community snapshots 5 what’s briefly happening 6 new kids 7 tween the lines 8 exceptional families 9 ask the expert 15 diary of a dad 18 made in michigan 20 craft of the month 21 calendar 25 marketplace 27

ZooDay anyone?

The results are in!

By Jennifer Brough

16

OnlineJuly

10 Reasons why the Tooth Fairy did not Come Last Night A backup plan for forgetful parents

By Katy M. Clark

Parent Profile 22

Spreading kindness with rocks

Dexter mom starts community rock painting group

By April Huard

Food Fight 24 Ma Lou’s Fried Chicken

Red, White and Fried

By Katy M. Clark

What Does that Mean?

How to translate texts

By Carolyn

2017 Ann Arbor Art Fair Things to do and see with children at this year’s Art Fair

By Janice Richardson

Make Dinner Super Again This new super hero cookbook features fun recipes

By Laura Eliason

[Always online]

special

OUR MOST READ ONLINE

Needs

June

1 Maternity & Baby Guide 2017 2 Local dads share what they love about fatherhood 3 Playground Roundup 4 A mother’s heart

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Special Needs Guide Local community resources

We celebrate kids and family

#annarborkids

GUIDE

on Instagram!

Join us and our 1000+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions.

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

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www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

3

Adams Street Publishing Co. What’s the best thing about summer?

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

Publisher/Editor in Chief

KIDS HOROSCOPE

June 22-July 23

By Kimmie Rose

Harmony the Mermaid Doll

This fun, flexible and cuddly mermaid is designed by French-born artist Florence Wetterwald and hand-constructed by Peruvian artisans. Hand-knitted with natural fibers grown in Peru, used for their exceptional quality, Harmony is perfect for the mermaid lover in your life! $56. rockpaperscissorsshop.com

Dragons Love Tacos 2

Just in time for summer, the hilarious sequel to the smokin’ hot New York Times bestseller has hit shelves.

Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel invites young readers to a world where there are no more tacos left anywhere! This is a huge problem because, as you know, dragons love tacos. Author Adam Rubin tells a fun story sure to bring giggles. $18.99 literatibookstore.com

Hacky Sack

Made in Guatemala, this colorful hacky sack will provide hours of throwback entertainment this summer.

Crocheted with a variety of geometric designs, each one is unique. Once filled with dried beans, hacky sacks and bean bags are now they are filled with “plastic beans” because they are more durable and flexible. $8.99 tenthousandvillages.com

Your Cancer child is smart, independent and loves being at home. They have an amazing imagination and can also be a pack rat. This month will bring a curious nature to your Cancer child. For parents, this might be a little frustrating as you watch your child turn the house upside down, opening cupboards, drawers and looking for hidden treasures to save, in case they need them in the future. Have a treasure hunt with them to satisfy their adventurous mind! Draw a treasure map on a piece of paper and make a list of important treasures to find in the house. Be sure to participate with them and find things that will be useful. Hide a flashlight, a book, crayons and other items that your little explorer can use. Then, get a shoebox to store the finds, let your child decorate it and put it in a special place of their own.

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• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) THE POOL.

Editorial

Assignment Editor Laura Eliason (laura@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE SUN. Calendar Mara Kalinoski (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Warm weather and lemonade Contributing Writers Laura Eliason, Jacqueline Bull, Katy M. Clark, Doug French, Raegan Nelson, Heidi Alene Harris, Emily Edwards-Qalandarova, Aimee Grant Eldon, Jeff Klima, Kimmie Rose, April Huard, Carolyn Jabs, Janice Richardson,

Art/Production

Art Director: Joel Masters (jmasters@adamsstreetpublishing.com) The great lakes Senior Designer Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Baseball Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) radio raheem Graphic Design Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Swimming Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Festivals, Bonfires and Camping

Advertising

Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Flip Flops!!

Sales Representative Catherine Bohr (classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Warm sunshine

Administration

Accounting Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) sun, warmth and stargazing Distribution Anne Harrington (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com) BAre feet.

Tech Manager Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) The outdoors

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COMMUNITY

SNAPS

Brecken, 7, Saline

Wyn, 4, Saline

Ayreanna 4, Ann Arbor

Photo Credit: Lynne Golodner

Students from six different Waldorf-Steiner schools gather for the Pentathlon in Ann Arbor on May 19. The Ann Arbor Steiner School hosts this annual competition.

Melvin, 36, Najma, 34, Jaheem, 12, Jahshua, 7, Jah’Niya, 5 and Jahn, 2 of Ypsilanti

SNAP IT+SEND IT

We love to see what the community is up to.

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

July Giveaway!

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

On May 19th, the fifth-graders from Detroit Waldorf School joined their counterparts from other Waldorf-Steiner schools in Ann Arbor for the Pentathlon, an annual fifth-grade physical competition.

Are you looking for ways to bust boredom or encourage more reading while school’s out? Perhaps we can help! Follow Ann Arbor Family on Facebook and Instagram for your chance to win a Summer Reading Prize Pack. Winners will each get a variety of books for all ages and reading levels– there’s enough range for your readers (and maybe even you!) to find something to pique their interest and get to turning those pages.

So go on, like us on Facebook and Instagram so you’ll be the first to know when we’re doing a giveaway. Happy Reading!

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

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Compiled by Jeff Klima and Laura Eliason

Fruit juices might seem like an excellent means of quenching your child’s thirst, but

the American Academy of Pediatrics has new guidelines for fruit juice and children: No juice

Post wisely

It turns out there’s a balance to how much you can share of your child’s life in the digital sphere once they reach a certain age. According to the University of Michigan’s School of Information, children aged 10-17 are very particular about what constitutes fair sharing online. Sharable info includes achievements, praise, positive content, special occasions, school activities, good grades, family stuff, sports, hobbies and trips. Things that should not be shared include baby photos/stories (past the relevant age), pics of their friends/significant others, bad grades or anything that makes them look bad— discipline, punishments or shaming posts. The research team surveyed 331 pairs of parents and children. Expectedly, younger parents (27-39) tend to be more guilty of sharing (both good and bad) than older parents.

before age 1. For toddlers ages 1-3, up to half a cup per day (4 oz). For children ages 4-6, up to three-quarters cup per day (6 oz). For children and teens ages 7-18, up to 1 cup per day (8 oz). Do not put juice in a sippy cup or bottle that the child carries around. Offer your child whole fruit, which has both the vitamins and fiber that children need.

Free water safety

In a world that is 71 percent water, learning water safety is invaluable— especially for kids. Children ages 5 to 12 years in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti can now take a free instructional series through the Ann Arbor YMCA. Safety Around Water: A Free Learn to Swim Program offers stroke development as well as safety in a variety of water situations, including beaches, pools and waterparks. The classes will be held in July and August at four McKinley properties, Monday through Thursday, 1-2 pm: Glencoe Hills Apartments (2201 Glencoe Hills Dr.), from Monday, July 10-Thursday, July 20.

Golfside Lake Apartments (2345 Woodridge Way, Ypsilanti) from Monday, July 24-Thursday, August 3. Roundtree Apartments (2835 Roundtree Blvd., Ypsilanti) from Monday, August 7-Thursday, August 17. Additionally, Schooner Cove Apartments (5050 Schooner Cove Blvd, Ypsilanti.) will have eight consecutive Friday classes from 1-2pm, from Friday, July 7-Friday, August 25.

For more information about this program, please call 734-661-8050 or visit annarborymca.org.

Party like a townie

Art Fair week in Ann Arbor kicks off with the Townie Street Party on Ingalls Mall and North University. The party celebrating Ann Arbor locals is a thank you from the Ann Arbor Art Fair for hosting the event each year. The party will offer fun for the whole family: music played by local bands, local food vendors selling delicious dishes, the Townie Pub, and the Kids’ Art Fair will feature a showcase of work from young Washtenaw County artists as well as an art activity zone. For runners, there will the 4th Annual Ann Arbor Mile– Dart for Art. Monday, July 17. 5-9:30pm. North University and Ingalls Mall in Downtown Ann Arbor. towniestreetparty.com Free (mostly)

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• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Sweets and Fashion Headed to Briarwood

Briarwood Mall is getting some delicious and trendy new tenants this summer. Love Culture, the stylish clothing and accessories chain, and R.J.’s Heavenly Delights, a local bakery boutique, are among the new stores taking up residence.

Love Culture, an up-to-the-minute fashion boutique for teens and young women that also offers funky and unique gifts, is moving into the JCPenney wing, adjacent to Victoria’s Secret. R.J.’s Heavenly Delights, started by Jackson resident Yvette Wilkie, is named for her son, Robert Jr., who passed away at only nine days old. Wilkie says of the name: “It is special to me because it is not only named after my son, but it helps me to remember where he is now.” Opening in the Center Court, the bakery boutique will offer a wide selection of baked goods including cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats.

Longtime Ann Arbor restaurant closes, new tenant planned

After 40 years of serving Italian fare in Kerrytown, Argiero’s Italian Restaurant has closed.

The family run restaurant ended food service with a note posted on its door thanking patrons. Shortly after the closing, plans for a new restaurant for the space were announced by the co-owners of The Lunch Room, Phillis Engelbert and Joel Panozzo. The pair will create a full-scale international vegan restaurant called the Detroit Street Filling Station with plans to open by Fall 2017.

YDL gets a new look

The Ypsilanti District Library has unveiled a new logo and The Loop, its new larger-format newsletter. The new logo gives the library a fresh, energetic look and is part of their 5-year strategic plan.

The new newsletter will allow the library to better communicate with library users about services and events. It will be mailed to homes located in the library’s district beginning in September.

Get groceries fast

The Ann Arbor area now has another grocery delivery option. Shipt offers delivery service for Meijer grocery stores and is membership based; you pay for an annual membership which entitles the user to unlimited free delivery on orders over $35 and same day delivery in as soon as one hour. The process is as easy as downloading the app, placing your order then they shop for you, and your groceries show up at your door!

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

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THE LINES TWEEN advice for parents with children 10-16

Summer Fun With Your Teen Local sports teams to cheer on this summer

By Heidi Alene Harris

Baseball Toledo Mud Hens

Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers.

The Mud Hens offer promotions and themes for every game that include Postgame Fireworks and Sunday Funday with Kids.

Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St., Toledo, Ohio.

Distance from A2: 53 miles (50 minutes) Tickets: $12 TEENS: School Day Celebration on Thursday, August 27.

A special $5 ticket cost for all students!

Lansing Lugnuts

Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays. Enjoy special events every day that include Mondays (Dog Days), Tuesdays (Deal Days– hot dogs, fountain drinks, and ice cream sandwiches all $1), Wednesdays (Winning Wednesdays– when they win, you win), Thursdays (Thirsty Thursdays– $2 Beers, ½ off Craft Beers) and Sundays (Kids Days).

Soccer Association Football Club (AFC) of Ann Arbor

Washtenaw County’s only semi-pro soccer team was founded in 2014 by local soccer fanatic, Jamey Amrine, with the goal of creating a community-based club that would promote the game on a larger scale.

Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Blvd.

Tickets: Youth tickets start at $5 and adults start at $8.

TEENS: Become a Youth Member for $49 a year that includes lanyard pass, season scarf, tickets to 8 home matches, on-field access to pre/post match, and priority for walkout and ball kid.

Races Jackson Speedway

Cooley Law School Stadium, 505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing.

Distance from A2: 63 miles (1 hour) Tickets: $8 for lawn seats.

TEENS: Friday and Saturdays LASCU Fireworks Nights Postgame

Jackson Speedway features fun for all ages that includes go kart and lawn mower racing in a safe and competitive manner. The lighted 1/2-mile road course, 1/5-mile and 1/6-mile dirt ovals are great for beginners and experienced drivers alike. Go and watch races!

On Fridays at 6:30pm there is go kart racing on dirt and cement tracks. Saturdays at 5:30pm. there are mini sprint, mini cup, and lawn mower races on the dirt track.

Detroit Tigers

American League Baseball played at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit.

Friday Night Fireworks and Sunday Kids Days and Tiger Alumni Saturdays are a few promotions that make watching the Tigers so much fun!

2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

Distance from A2: 43 miles (45 minutes) Tickets: Starting at $8 TEENS: Sundays are Kids Days: Teens 14 and under enjoy a free Tigers related promotional item.

500 Speedway Drive, Jackson.

Distance from A2: 35 miles (40 minutes) Tickets: $5 to enter. Kids under 12 are free.

TEENS: Friday Nights at 6pm are “Ride and Drive” nights. For $50 you can learn to drive the go karts with a drivers training meeting, practice laps, and two heats in the feature race. Drivers must be able to maneuver the kart and be tall enough to drive (youngest suggested age 10-12 and up).

Roller Derby Ann Arbor Derby Dimes

Ann Arbor Derby Dimes is a roller derby team of dedicated women in southeast Michigan. Matches include kid-friendly activities with halftime entertainment.

Buhr Park, 2751 Packard Rd. Tickets: Buy early online for $13.41, starting at $15 at the door.

TEENS: Student discount with valid student ID for $12.

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• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

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Summer Moves

How to make moving easier for children with special needs

By Heidi Alene Harris

While moving can be stressful, certain tips can make it a more positive experience for your child and the whole family.

Dr. Lisa Woodcock-Burroughs from the Center for Neuropsychology Learning and Development in Ann Arbor shared advice and discussed strategies for making a move a more positive experience for children with special needs.

Before

Talk to children about the move before it happens and involve them in the process.

Share photos of your new home and city.

Research support opportunities in the new community in the new area, like programs for children with special needs or support groups for kids and parents.

Make a social story– a book that you make for your children that includes photos of their old home or school, and photos of the new. The book tells the story of their move and is specifically designed for them. Visit carolgraysocialstories.com to learn more.

During

Try to keep the family routines, such as bedtime routines, consistent during the

move. Make sure some of your child’s favorite things, such as a treasured bedtime story or toy are still available.

Answer questions— even if children are little, take time to answer questions to help them feel safe and comfortable.

After

Moving is a loss. Even though it’s exciting, it can be sad for your children to lose what they left behind. Support your child in maintaining relationships with friends and others by visiting when possible, talking over Skype, or writing emails and letters.

Make connections in the community by meeting your new neighbors. Sharing information with others at the start can help create new, supportive relationships.

Your kid’s new school can be a great resource. Before the move, reach out to the school system to learn about summer offerings. Depending on the child’s disability, larger organizations such as Autism Speaks or Learning Disabilities Association of America can assist families in finding local resources.

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

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Time to Party We asked and you answered. From the best place to buy a birthday cake to the best place to read a book to the best place to eat with kids, you shared your Family Favorites. And since our readers know the Ann Arbor area best, the following list can serve as your go-to for people to see, places to go and things to do all year long.

2016

FAMILY ES FAVORIT

Place for a birthday bash

Kidopolis

509 State Cir 734-769-0263 kidopolis.net Runner Up: Ann Arbor Hands on Museum

Place to buy a birthday cake

Benny’s Bakery

111 W Michigan Ave, Saline 734-429-9120 facebook.com/bennysbakery

Runner Up: Zingerman’s Bakehouse

Family-friendly entertainer

Magic Joe (Joe Fusco)

734-944-1370 magic-joe.com

Runner Up: Joe Reilly

Place to buy birthday decorations

Party City

2857 Oak Valley Dr 734-663-4663 partycity.com

4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 734-929-9324 thecreatureconservancy.org The Creature Conservancy provides a rare opportunity to interact with unique species from around the world. Founded by a local veterinary clinic to assist in the rescue of wild and exotic animals, the Conservancy is a fantastic family outing designed to excite, inspire and promote learning about the earth’s inhabitants. Open for visits on Saturdays and Sundays, each month they feature one of their animals up close on their stage.

Stop by to see the sloths, a crested porcupine, or even kangaroos.

Runner up: Leslie Science & Nature Center

734-995-5439 aahom.org

Family photographer

Runner Up: University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

Kat Foley

Runner Up: Megan Dula

Favorite Places and Spaces Family activity

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

Runner Up: The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms

Place to read

AADL-Westgate Library 2503 Jackson Ave 734-327-4200 aadl.org

Fair or festival

Ann Arbor Summer Festival 310 Depot St #3 734-994-5999 a2sf.org

Runner Up: Ann Arbor Art Fair

Place for a picnic

Nichols Arboretum 1610 Washington Heights 734-647-8986 lsa.umich.edu/mbg

Runner Up: Gallop Park

Place to volunteer

Humane Society of Huron Valley 3100 Cherry Hill Rd 734-662-5585 hshv.org

Runner Up: Food Gatherers

Runner Up: Saline District Library

Tween activity

Place to worship

4177 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti 734-930-6670 zap-zone.com

St Francis of Assisi 2250 E Stadium Blvd 734-769-2550 stfrancisa2.com

Zap Zone

Runner Up: The Neutral Zone

Runner Up: St. Andrew’s Church

Garden and nature center

Museum

1800 N Dixboro Rd 734-647-7600 mbgna.umich.edu

Ann Arbor Hands on Museum 220 E Ann St

• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

The Creature Conservancy

Runner Up: Dollar Tree

131 E Michigan Ave, Saline 734-904-0070 katfoleyphoto.com

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Animal Encounters

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Runner Up: Leslie Science & Nature Center

Local toy store

Learning Express 2465 W Stadium Blvd 734-997-0707 learningexpress.com

Runner Up: The Little Seedling

Bowling alley

Revel and Roll 1950 S Industrial Hwy 734-665-4474 revelandroll.com

Runner Up: Maplewood Lanes

Delicious Eats

Boutique Beauty Kids’ clothing store

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

Runner Up: My Urban Toddler

Thank you for voting Dr. Katherine Kelly

and Team as your Favorite Orthodontist!

Our patients and families make our team smile every day!

Maternity clothing store

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

Runner Up: Once Upon a Child

Place for furnishing the nursery

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

Runner Up: My Urban Toddler

734-429-7676

1020 E. Michigan Ave., Suite E Saline, MI 48176 drkatherinekelly.com

4950 Ann Arbor - Saline Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (734) 929-9324 501(c)(3) - Non-Profit

Baby boutique shop Places where kids eat free

Maiz Mexican Cantina

36 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti 734-340-6010 maizmexican.com At Maiz Mexican Cantina they bring a fresh approach to traditional favorites and tex-mex specialities. Their authentic recipes are made from scratch daily using some fantastic local ingredients. And what did you our readers love best? Kids ages 10 and under eat free on Sundays. They offer up to two kids meals free per adult entree.

Runner up: The Pretzel Bell

Cupcakes/Bakery/ Sweet shop

The Cupcake Station 116 E Liberty St 734-222-1801 cupcakestation.com

Runner Up: Benny’s Bakery

Family-friendly restaurant

Zingermans Deli 422 Detroit St 734-663-3354 zingermansdeli.com

Runner Up: Dan’s Downtown Tavern

Ice cream shop

Washtenaw Dairy 602 S Ashley St 734-662-3244 washtenawdairy.com

Runner Up: Blank Slate Creamery

Local pizza place

Cottage Inn 512 E William St 734-663-3379 originalcottageinn.com

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

Visit our website For Info!

thecreatureconservancy.org

Runner Up: My Urban Toddler

Mom-owned business

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

i `Ê/À «ÃÊUÊ ÀÌ `>ÞÊ*>ÀÌ iÃÊUÊ > «ÃÊUÊ/ ÕÀÃ Come visit us!

Outdoor Exhibits - 7 days a week: 10am-6pm Indoor/Outdoor - Saturday and Sunday: 1-5pm

Runner Up: Hand in Hand Music

Place to buy sports equipment

Play it Again Sports 2461 W Stadium Blvd 734-747-6277 playitagainsports.com

Runner Up: Dick’s Sporting Goods

The Digital Age Local parent blogger

Ann Arbor with Kids annarborwithkids.com

Runner Up: a2kids.com

Local parent Facebook group

Ann Arbor Area Mamas Network

Runner Up: Hike it Baby Ann Arbor

Local Instagram account

Ann Arbor with Kids @a2withkids

Runner Up: Humans of Ann Arbor CONT. ON P. 12

Runner Up: Pizza House

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

11

CONT. FROM P.11

Preschool

Watch Me Soar

Early Learning Center 3070 Redwoord Ave 734-973-7722 elcpreschool.com

Runner Up: Saline Cooperative Preschool

Tutoring center

Great Lakes Educational Group

956 E Michigan Ave, Saline 734-944-5658 greatlakeseducationalgroup.com Runner Up: Kumon

Teacher and their school Special needs services

Down Syndrome Support Team

Mrs. Kelley, Early Learning Center Preschool

Animal Encounters

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

3070 Redwood Ave 734-973-7722 elcpreschool.com

313-608-7374

downsyndromesupportteam.com

The Down Syndrome Support Team of Washtenaw County provides support and resources to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. This group of parents meets monthly to share experiences, ideas, and work together to offer their children great opportunities, build friendships, and so much more. Each year, they also organize a Buddy Walk which is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome.

Runner up: Spectrum Therapy

Runner Up: Ms. Bonnie, Saline Cooperative Preschool

Elementary school

Pleasant Ridge 229 Pleasant Ridge Dr, Saline 734-401-4800 salineschools.org

Runner Up: Honey Creek Community School

Middle school

2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-6721 toledozoo.org

Ranked one of the top zoos in the country, it’s no wonder the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is a family favorite for animal encounters. You can get up close to polar bears in the Arctic Tundra, watch African elephants play, explore ocean life in the Aquarium (which is included with your zoo admission!), check out the new koala bear and much, much more. In addition to the animal exhibits, there’s a fun playground for kids along with a splash pad in the summer months. With so much to see and do, families have made the Toledo Zoo a destination for more than 100 years. The zoo is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Runner up: Indian Creek Zoo

Saline Middle School 7190 N Maple Rd, Saline 734-401-4600 salineschools.org

Runner Up: Slauson Middle School

Make a

Charter school

Honey Creek Community School 1735 S Wagner Rd 734-994-2636 honeycreekschool.org

Runner Up: Ann Arbor Learning Community

Private/parochial school

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School 2270 E Stadium Blvd 734-821-2200 stfrancisa2.com/school

Runner Up: Emerson School

After-school program

Honey Creek Community School

Rolling Hills Water Park

1735 S Wagner Rd 734-994-2636 honeycreekschool.org

Ypsilanti Twp. (734) 484-9676

Runner Up: Ann Arbor YMCA

Water Slides • Wave pool Lazy River • Spray Play Zero Depth Entry Pool

Daycare

Gretchen’s House 2340 Oak Valley Dr 734-761-2576 gretchenshouse.com

Parks.ewashtenaw.org Blue Heron Bay Spray Park

Runner Up: Bemis Farms Childcare & Preschool

At Independence Lake County Park Webster Twp. (734) 449-4437 Tot, Family & Tween zones Water Slides • Spray Play

12

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• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Babysitting/ Nannying service

Care.com

Runner-Up: Childtime

Enrichment Activities Acting and Theatre classes

Young People’s Theater 331 Metty Dr #3 734-222-4006 youngpeoplestheater.com

Runner Up: Pointless Theater

Dance class

Dance Alliance of Saline 811 W Michigan Ave, Saline 734-429-9599 dancealliancesaline.com

Runner Up: Dance Steps Studio, Inc.

Kids art class

Ann Arbor Art Center 117 W Liberty St 734-994-8004 annarborartcenter.org

Runner Up: Fly Art Studio

Gymnastics class

Gym America 5555 Hines Dr 734-971-1667 gymamericagymnastics.com Runner Up: Michigan Academy of Gymnastics

Martial arts program

Ann Arbor YMCA 400 W Washington St 734-996-9622 annarborymca.org

Runner Up: Quest Martial Arts

Swim lessons

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

Runner Up: Saline Rec Center

Horseback riding lessons

Therapeutic Riding Inc

3425 E Morgan Rd 734-677-0303 therapeuticridinginc.org

Runner Up: Happy Hooves

Youth sports league

Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation

Doctor’s Orders Pediatric practice

Liberty Pediatrics

3200 W Liberty Rd 734-994-5858 libertypediatrics.com

Runner Up: IHA

Emergency care

University of Michigan Hospital: Emergency Room 1500 E Medical Center Dr 734-936-6666 uofmhealth.org

Runner Up: St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor

Family doctor

Dr. Amanda Kaufmann

Allergist

Runner Up: Dr. Therese Benevich

5333 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti 734-434-3007 annarborallergy.com

ENT doctor

Runner Up: Allergy and Immunology, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor

2800 S State St, Suite 215 734-547-3990 ihcpaa.com

Otolaryngology/Audiology Clinic at Mott Children’s Hospital 1540 E Hospital Dr 734-936-5730 mottchildren.org

Runner Up: Dr. Laurence Ho, Michigan Otolaryngology Surgery Associates

Dr. Harvey Leo

Dentist

Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry 2074 S Main St 734-663-2490 annarborpediatricdentistry.com

Runner Up: Wurtzel Family Dentistry

701 W Ellsworth Rd 734-822-2120

Place to give birth

Optometrist / Ophthalmologist

Orthodontist

Runner Up: Ann Arbor Rec and Ed

5301 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti 734-712-3456 stjoeshealth.org

2433 Oak Valley Dr #300 734-994-0100 aaoptometry.com

1020 E Michigan Ave, Saline 734-429-7676 drkatherinekelly.com

Traveling sports club league

Michigan Tigers Futbol Club 2140 Oak Valley Dr 734-214-2255 michigantigersfc.com

Runner Up: Canton Celtic soccer

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Optometry

Runner Up: University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital

Runner Up: Dr. Thomas Cunningham, Cunningham Vision

Birthing classes

Chiropractor

Center for the Childbearing Year 722 Brooks St 734-663-1523 center4cby.com

Runner Up: Lamaze

Borer Family Chiropractic 210 W Michigan Ave, Saline 734-944-7200 borerchiro.com

Runner Up: Kim Jackson, Ann Arbor Saline Family Chiropractic

Dr. Katherine Kelly Orthodontics

Runner Up: Stieper & Brust Orthodontics

Veterinarian

Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital

4920 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd 734-913-0003 animalkingdomveterinaryhospital.com Runner Up: Affordable Vet Services

OB/GYN

Dr. Julie Stein Perry,

Michigan Medicine OB/Gyn Clinic 4260 Plymouth Rd 734-647-5660 uofmhealth.org

CONT. ON P. 14

Runner Up: Dr. Caren M. Stalburg

Midwife Music class

Hand in Hand Music

10276 Normonie Ct., Saline 734-429-3385 handinhandmt.com Hand in Hand Music offers music classes for children ages 0 to 5 years. Their Music Together classes build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement. The research-based program brings families together by providing a rich musical environment filled with developmentally appropriate activities that facilitate family participation both in the classroom and at home.

Runner up: Kindermusik with Jeanna Hoyt

U-M Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital’s Nurse-Midwifery

1540 E Hospital Dr 734-763-6295 uofmhealth.org

Runner Up: Jessica Woods, IHA Nurse Midwives

Doula

Catherine Fischer 500 Little Lake Dr 734-395-5244 supportforgrowingfamilies.com

Runner Up: SEM Community Doulas

Want to compare this years Favorites to last?

Log onto annarborfamily.com www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

13

Waterpark

Rolling Hills Water Park 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti 734-484-9676 ewashtenaw.org With so many attractions, Rolling Hills has something for all ages to enjoy! Float down the lazy river, catch a wave in the wave pool, or take a trip down one of their awesome water slides! The Activity Pool is popular with younger children due to its zero-depth entry, gentle bubbler, geysers, a waterfall and a kiddie slide for children under 45” tall. Adults can relax in the chaise lounges and sand chairs on an extensive sun deck located throughout the water park or in the shade found on the grassy areas around the park.

Runner up: Blue Heron Bay/Independence Lake CONT. FROM P.13

Get Active Place to go ice skating

Ann Arbor Ice Cube

2121 Oak Valley Dr 734-213-1600 a2ice3.com

400 W Washington St 734-996-9622 annarborymca.org

Runner Up: Liberty Athletic Club

Biking trail

Gallup Park

3000 Fuller Rd 734-794-6240 a2gov.org

Place to go roller skating

Runner Up: Kensington Metro Park

6995 Grand River Ave, Brighton 810-227-2010

Baby swim lessons

Goldfish Swim School

Runner Up: Skatin’ Station II

2107 W Stadium Blvd 734-864-5555 goldfishswimschool.com

Park or playground

Runner Up: Saline Rec Center

County Farm Park

2230 Platt Rd 734-971-6337 ewashtenaw.org

Runner Up: Mill Pond Park

Indoor playspace

Sports camp

Michigan Sports Camps 1000 S State St camps.mgoblue.com

Runner Up: Ann Arbor YMCA

The Chelsea Treehouse

Summer day camp

Runner Up: Kidopolis

1735 S Wagner Rd 734-994-2636 honeycreekschool.org

1101 S Main St, Chelsea 734-475-1555 thechelseatreehouse.com

What our readers are saying:

Favorite thing about Ann Arbor Family?

“Local ideas, and great articles!”

Best Ann Arbor Family column?

Food Fight:

Family restaurant reviews

• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Ann Arbor YMCA

Runner Up: Veterans Memorial Pool & Ice Arena

Rollerama Family Skating Center

14

Family-friendly gym

Honey Creek Community School

Runner Up: Ann Arbor YMCA

Ask the Expert A BOGO Life

Cracking the couponing code

By Emily Qalandarova

Does frequently paying $3 to $5 less than retail value sound like a far-off wish? How about walking away from the checkout line with bags full of free items? There is a whole community dedicated to finding and capturing these deals, complete with its own language, including terms such as “B1G1,” “MIR,” “OYNO,” and “WSL.” So goes the life of a couponing pro. Want in? Knowing how to identify great deals and learning the lingo can save you money on each shopping trip and result in a year-end savings in the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

From Y2K to present day

When the 21st century was approaching, local couponer Laura Hayes jokes that she had a “Y2K shelf” that was stocked with a variety of products and backups. “Instead of paying $5.99 for a product, I (found similar items where) I would pay less than a dollar,” she says.

For a single mother of three children, the importance of savings was amplified.

Seventeen years later, Hayes is known throughout Washtenaw County, much of Michigan, and part of Ohio as an expert in this field. She holds classes and enjoys teaching others how to save. Hayes is active in more than 150 Facebook groups dedicated to couponing. Joining one or several is a great way to stay on top of current deals in and around Washtenaw County. A quick search on Facebook brought up nearly a dozen local groups dedicated to couponing.

It’s all in the plan

Hayes knows not everyone has the ability to coupon fulltime, but suggests dedicating “two hours to look through the paper and clip coupons.” Because she is organizationally armed, Hayes knows exactly what she is shopping for, and is easily in and out of the store, having used anywhere from two to 200 coupons per trip.

Hayes discounts purchases on everything from bed sheets to car oil, curtains to carpet, typically saving $8,000 to $20,000 in a year. She adds that with diligence and organization the savings possibilities for families are phenomenal.

“Couponing isn’t a bag that will go out of style. It is something you can use with everything and take with you forever,” says Hayes.

Local coupon expert Laura Hayes shares tips on how to identify good deals around Washtenaw County.

Did you know?

Manufacturers pay stores the face value of coupons, plus eight cents. Shoppers save, stores make money. Win-win.

The path to major savings: Join the Facebook group Couponing Mammas of Washtenaw

Scan the paper for current sales Download Mpurse to make checking out a breeze

Scan receipts into apps like Receipt Hog or ibotta to earn cash

Speaking in ‘Coupon’: B1G1/BOGO: Buy One, Get One MIR: Mail In Rebate OYNO: On Your Next Order WSL: While Supplies Last Blinkie: Manufacturer coupon, found in an aisle dispenser near the product Catalina: Coupons printed at the register Q: Coupon abbreviation Stacking: Using a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon for one item

For more expert advice, or to schedule a couponing party, contact Laura Hayes at laurahayes11@icloud.com.

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

15

Zoocation Day, Anyone?

Two zoos located close by; we help you choose

By Jennifer Brough With two award-winning zoos in the region, choosing where to take the kids on a zoocation day this summer might be tough. Both the Detroit Zoo and Toledo Zoo & Aquarium have a lot to offer the whole family: tiny tots to teens to adults. With so much to see and do at both zoos, we hope you navigate the highlights so you can get the most from your zoocation.

Who’s new and celebrating at the zoo?

Enzi, a zebra born on New Year’s Day in 2015, is 2 this

year. Find her in the African Grasslands habitat.

Zawadi the giraffe turns 1 this year. She joins mom

and dad, Kivuli and Jabari, and her big brother, Mpenzi.

Polly, a Syrian brown bear rescued from a roadside circus in 2000, turns 20 this year. Happy Birthday, Polly!

Where to play and explore The Korman Tadpole Playventure and Rissman Playventure– expansive spaces to

Detroit Zoo Don’t miss these!

Nose to beak in Detroit With penguins, of course! Kids are often seen squealing as they get nose to beak with them at the floor-to-ceiling viewing window and underground tunnels of the world-class Polk Penguin Conservation Center exhibit.

climb through a “spider web,” relax in a giant “bird nest,” crawl through “animal burrows” and engage in imaginative play.

The 4-D Theatre – playing Turtle Vision and

Coastal Predators this year. photo credit: Patti Truesdell.

The Carousel – hand-carved, hand-painted mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, a dinosaur and an ADA-compliant peacock chariot.

Time for lunch

Arctic Café – a full-scale café with eco-friendly cutlery

and other green distinctions.

Boardwalk Station offering items such as pretzels,

fries, and ice cream floats.

Pure Greens with a 100 percent vegan menu.

Picnic sites just across from wildlife interpretive gallery

Up close and personal with the big fellas in Detroit

and scattered picnic tables throughout the park.

Bring your own refillable water bottles because bottled water is no longer sold, a result of Detroit’s sustainability program.

Explore the Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage underneath the diving and

swimming polar bears and seals in Detroit’s award-winning Arctic Ring of Life exhibit.

See the rhinoceroses Jasiri and Tamba in the African Grasslands exhibit. Or feed lunch at eye level to the tallest animals in the zoo, the giraffes, while their keepers answer questions about this family of four.

And for the older kids?

Get an up-close encounter with gray wolves Kaskapahtew (“Kaska”) and Waziyata

Both zoos have great options for older kids, who can go to the movies in Detroit or follow the Arctic Ring of Life trail. Follow the Tembo Trail in Toledo to catch glimpses of large animals such as bears, camels and more. The Toledo Zoo’s Aerial Adventure Course’s zipline and skybridge are great options. Be sure to grab selfies with penguins or with the big animals including bears, camels, rhinos, and giant hippos.

(“Wazi”) at a giant viewing window in the Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness exhibit.

Peacocks, a bonus in Detroit

photo credit: Lee Fisher

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• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Peacocks, with their haunting calls and displays of gorgeous blue and green feathers, roam freely at the Detroit Zoo.

Toledo Zoo

Don’t miss these!

Where to play and explore

Nature’s Neighborhood

a space for children to safely play and explore.

Adult educators are on site when needed.

Aquarium Adventure Trail (splashpad)

a playground and 32 spray water features on a 15-minute loop.

Two Carousels – one near the north entrance and a historic carousel near the Broadway entrance.

Land, sea and air adventures in Toledo n Visit the Aerial Adventure Course that crosses the Africa exhibit where animals roam the plain.

Walk the skybridge, take a faster route on the zipline, or simply take a (controlled) leap of faith from the viewing tower to the ground. n Giant tanks at the recently renovated aquarium

display all manner of sea and freshwater creatures, including sharks.

Who’s new and celebrating at the zoo?

Time for lunch

Both zoos allow guests to bring in food and beverages, which is a huge plus when you have children! You can pack a picnic to enjoy at multiple locations throughout each zoo (just don’t bring styrofoam products, drinking straws or alcoholic beverages) or bring snacks along for the kiddos to keep them satisfied as you stroll from exhibit to exhibit. If you decide to forgo the work of packing your lunch, there’s plenty of choices for food options at both zoos.

Carnivore Café– eat in this café behind bars,

once home to lions and tigers!

Kipenzi, a Masai giraffe, was born April 3. Her name

means beloved and precious one in Swahili.

Don’t miss this cutie!

Welcome Coedie the adorable koala, who is 3 and sleeps 18 to 22 hours a day. You can find him snoozing in the aviary.

Two baby reindeer are just weeks old.

Karoo Snack Stand with pizza, hot dogs,

Up close and personal with the big fellas in Toledo n Visit with Toledo’s polar bears and seals at the

Arctic Encounter. Did you know that adult polar bears are up to 8 feet tall? n In his home at the Reptile House, find Baru,the

Saltwater crocodile, proudly showing off that he’s the longest of his kind in the U.S. n Always a fan favorite, don’t miss the

elephants!The keepers feed them from hanging baskets in giant man-made trees. They have become adept at standing on tiptoe to reach the baskets with their long trunks, just as they would reach for food in the wild.

cheese sticks, and more.

The Beastro, an open-air café with specialty

salads and sandwiches.

Picnic areas and tables throughout the park.

All food and beverage stations will provide cups for water on request.

Several baby primates will also make an appearance soon. See if you can find the baby meerkat scurrying around.

COST

DETROIT

TOLEDO Non Lucas County Resident

Adult Admission

$14

$19

Toddler Admission

Free Age 2 and below

Free Age 2 and below

Child Admission

$10 Ages 2-14

$16 Ages 2-11

Senior Admission

$10 Age 62+

$16 Age 60 + Note all above admissions $1 discount if purchased online.

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

17

EJBSZ PG B %"%

The Drive to Survive

Pretending to enjoy watching your kid learn to drive

By Doug French

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Guide

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CALL 734.668.4044 or Email Sales@AdamsStreetPublishing.com

18

• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Summers used to be such an idyllic time. No alarms, no lunches to make, and no constant homework cajolery. Because my ex-wife and I are both fortunate enough to be self-employed, we’re not into over scheduling the kids when school is out. Which means the most constant parent-imposed activity is for them to bathe occasionally.

This summer, however, has imposed a new theme that has upended everything we’ve ever held dear about summer: permit driving. The drudgery, it seems, is now on the other foot. And that foot is phantom-braking in my passenger seat.

If you haven’t driven with your teenager, rest assured that it is completely insane. First of all, as a child of New Jersey, I didn’t get to drive until I was strapping, level-headed, nearly-adult 16½ years old.

Letting a callow, 15½-year-old newbie, who still can’t figure out how to hang up a bath towel, behind the wheel is just completely wrongheaded.

Watching your kid drive your car for the first time is also one of those milestones that nobody ever tells you to expect when you’re expecting. I mean, sure, it’s great to learn about sleep schedules and colic and how to steam away croup, but no matter

how prepared you think you’ll be when you first put your life in your kid’s hands, you are not going to be.

And yet, despite the fierce urge to wrap your body in a fetal ball and secure it to the dashboard with duct tape, you need to deliver the world’s most amazing acting job and convince them that this is all just fantastic.

You know the data, which tells you that although Michigan is one of the safest road states, a human’s chance of dying in a car crash over their lifetime is 1 in 645. You’d think, therefore, that the key to a convincing performance as The Parent Who Is Absolutely Not Freaking Out is to willfully forget the data. And that would be easier if those highway signs didn’t constantly remind you to slow the hell down because ‘a hundred people have died on this highway since you left the house.’

It’s hard enough to learn how to send your kid away from you and out into a kinetic, random world; you also have to watch while they learn the fastest, most dangerous way to do it. I’ll tell you right now that I’m still not feeling prepared to do it. But as far as my acting goes, Daniel Day-Lewis ain’t got nothin on me.

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

19

made in

A backup plan for forgetful parents

By Katy M. Clark

It glistened in the soft morning light– the single tear that fell from my daughter’s eye as she stood in our bedroom doorway.

“Mommy, she didn’t come!” she breathed despondently.

Then that single tear turned into a torrent.

Oh, Fudge. The Tooth Fairy didn’t come last night.

“Uh,” I stammered in reply, elbowing my husband awake.

“What happened?” he mumbled.

“The Tooth Fairy didn’t come last night,” I replied.

“Oh, Fudge,” he said. Only he didn’t say Fudge.

How did we let this happen?

Quickly I reviewed the night before.

Exhausted by my first Girls’ Night Out in three months, I had gone to bed at 10pm (don’t judge) and left the money with my husband. He simply fell asleep before remembering his Tooth Fairy duties. There were more extenuating circumstances. Our daughter’s tooth had been wiggly for just a day. Plus, she was 8 now and it had been months since she’d lost her last tooth. My husband and I were definitely rusty with our duties, in the twilight of our Tooth Fairy career.

Still, the plain, hard truth was that we blew it. The Tooth Fairy didn’t come.

We sprang out of bed, soothing our daughter (and each other) with hugs and reassuring words. There had to be a good reason she didn’t come, we told our daughter. In fact, my husband and I, along with friends, family and the internet, came up with a list.

20

10 Reasons Why the Tooth Fairy Did Not Come Last Night:

The dew was too heavy. Her

wings got wet and she couldn’t fly.

The Tooth Fairy was on vacation

and the substitute Tooth Fairy didn’t know what she was doing.

She couldn’t get to your pillow due to your messy room.

Too much traffic. She’ll leave earlier tonight!

Timeless baby bonnets made in Michigan

By Aimee Grant Eldon

After her second child was born, Michigan native Katie Robinson could not find a stylish twist on the classic baby bonnet. “I always really liked bonnets, but I wanted a modern version. I had a hard time finding what I wanted in stores. I wanted something neutral, but not frilly and old-fashioned,” says Robinson.

The search for the perfect bonnet turned into something more for Robinson. “I was at home and looking for a creative outlet as a mother,” she remembers.

So in 2016, Robinson hatched Blackbird Bonnets, an Ann Arbor-based company, and it is a runaway success.

She makes beautiful, timeless baby bonnets out of everything from vintage Pendleton fabric found at local garage sales, to specific prints she seeks out on Etsy, to new styles she picks up at her favorite Ann Arbor fabric shop, Pink Castle Fabrics. “They carry all designer fabrics.

Really hard to find, really good prints,” Robinson remarks.

She was sick.

Spreadsheet error. Your tooth

A supportive community for a maker mom

was projected to come out on Friday so she wasn’t ready when it came out on Monday.

Some Tooth Fairies like snacks.

Leave one out tonight and she’ll probably come.

Oh, look, she dropped the

money on the floor over there.

She must have wanted you to keep your tooth as a souvenir.

You probably woke up and

scared her away, even if you don’t remember doing that.

She ran out of money and will be back tonight. She’s a tiny fairy so she can only carry so much.

My daughter seemed to calm

down after she listened to our reasons why the Tooth Fairy did not come. All was made right with the world the following the morning when, hallelujah, the Tooth Fairy did come. Moms and Dads, may your Tooth Fairy always be prompt. But, in case the Tooth Fairy forgets, may you find these reasons to be useful!

• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Photo Credit: Cat Carty Buswell

10 Reasons Why the Tooth Fairy Did Not Come Last Night

MBlackbird Bonnets

Inspiration takes flight

Robinson’s creativity is sparked by new and vintage fabrics alike. “What inspires me is fabric prints. Vintage. New. Different. I see a fabric and think, ‘I have to make a bonnet out of that!”’ she says.

A big appeal of using vintage fabrics is the unique quality these fabrics have for the buyer and maker alike. Robinson’s sewing projects never feel tired when she surrounds herself with gorgeous new prints. “I hate making the same thing twice, so often times I’ll only buy enough fabric to make one.”

The bonnets are perfect for keeping baby cozy on cool winter outings and shaded on sunny days at the park. Robinson’s designs are soft and easy to care for, too. She recommends washing them in cold water and line drying.

Robinson works out of her home in northwest Ann Arbor and cherishes having a creative outlet when her infant daughter is resting. “I did a ton of sewing during nap time. It kept me feeling good because I was productive. Now she’s not sleeping as much. She goes to bed at 7:00, and I sew for a couple hours.”

Robinson credits her supportive husband as having a huge impact on her success. When she was especially busy preparing for the maker fair DIYpsi this past summer, she was grateful to have a spouse who said, ‘“Hey! I’m going to take the kids out today so you can sew.”’

Ann Arbor has also been a great incubator for Robinson’s budding business. She credits the Ann Arbor network of makers with encouraging her along the way.

“It’s really nice to see that support. It feels really awesome to see people succeed in this town,” she says. “There is such community. It’s not intimidating. It’s really inspiring.”

Blackbird Bonnets in sizes 0-3 months up through 24 months are available on Etsy at etsy. com/shop/BlackbirdBonnets.

Craft of the Month

By Raegan Nelson

Supplies: Clothespin Pipe Cleaner Scissors Glue

It wouldn’t be spring without making at least one butterfly craft with the kids. These bright, cheery butterflies are a perfect decoration and also a great way to help your children use their imagination. The best thing about these flying friends is you can use whatever you have around the house!

Wing Supplies: Cupcake liners Paper Ribbon Tulle

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Optional Supplies: Pom Poms Jewels Glitter Paint Markers Instructions: Decorate one side of the clothespin any way you would like (decorative paper, paint, marker, jewels, pom poms, etc.) to create the body of the butterfly.

Cut pipe cleaners

or craft paper to the desired length for antennas. Open up the clothespin and glue to the inside.

Glue on googly eyes

or draw eyes with a maker. Add a smile.

Wing Instructions: Decide on any variation of wings. Open up the clothespin and glue the wings to the inside (as close to the spring in the clothespin as possible).

Cupcake liners: Fold in half to the desired width and duplicate for the other wing.

Ribbon: Make several loops, holding the ends together, and glue the pinched ends so the loops stay intact. Again, duplicate for the second wing.

Paper: Cut two hearts and glue the points together.

Popsicle sticks: Cut sticks the desired length, overlap, and glue together.

Tulle: Measure one piece of tulle so half the length will come out each side of the clothespin. Scrunch together in the center and glue down.

Decorate the wings by adding jewels, stickers, or any other embellishments your child wishes to use.

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

21

Nicole and her kids get creative with their rock painting

Spreading kindness with rocks

Dexter mom starts community rock painting group

By April Huard

One day this past January, Dexter resident Nicole Barczak was scrolling through Facebook when something caught her attention. A friend from Florida had posted a photo of her girls painting rocks for their local rock group. Barczak was intrigued, and did some research. She and her husband have four children who enjoy crafts and creative activities. She knew they would love painting and hiding rocks, and she figured others would, too, so she started the Facebook group now known as Dexter Rocks.

Dexter Rocks encourages Dexter residents to paint, hide, and find rocks; and also to share pictures of their creations and discoveries on the Facebook page. During a warm spell in February, Barczak and her kids painted and hid their first rocks at Lions Park in downtown Dexter. She invited a few friends to join the Facebook group, and that was the beginning of a fun community activity.

Meaningful messages

Barczak says the group’s mission is to spread kindness and joy. “I started out writing little sayings on the rocks like ‘You’re Special’ and ‘Don’t Quit Your Daydream.’ I thought it would make people feel good to find a positive message,” she says. Another purpose of the group is to get families outside and exploring the beautiful town of Dexter while fostering a sense of community.

So far, Barczak seems to be achieving her goals. “The group has grown from just a handful of people in January to well over 700 members today,” she says. Although her family first hid their rocks in Lions Park, people are now hiding them all over Dexter. She has seen them in downtown Dexter, at Mill Creek Park, and along the Border-to-Border Trail. She even found one at Peace Lutheran Church on Jackson Rd. during her son’s baseball practice.

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• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Dexter resident Nicole Barczak spreads goodwill with Dexter Rocks.

Not just for kids

According to Barczak, the most surprising thing about the success of the group is the involvement of local businesses that have used Dexter Rocks for advertising. In April, the owners of Essential Massage Works in Dexter hid rocks that could be exchanged for a free 25-minute massage. The next month, Dexter Creamery advertised its opening by hiding 50 golden rocks redeemable for a free serving of frozen yogurt. Dexter residents were quick to search out the hidden rocks and post pictures of their discoveries.

Sharing the fun

Barczak hopes that the idea of Dexter Rocks will spread to other communities in the area. For those interested in starting their own rock group, she says, “It’s as simple as starting a Facebook group. Create the group and share it with friends. It will spread from there.”

There are no rules or regulations for the group; she just wants people to be kind and spread that kindness to others.

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

23

Ma Lou’s Fried Chicken

15 W. Michigan Ave Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Phone: (734) 905-7994 Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun noon-5pm; closed Monday Ma-lous.com

Red, White and Fried

Down-home goodness at Ma Lou’s Fried Chicken

By Katy M. Clark

You can’t miss the bright yellow exterior of Ma Lou’s Fried Chicken in downtown Ypsilanti. Although small in size, the restaurant offers big flavor.

Frank Fejeran, whom local foodies may recognize as founder of the popular Ricewood barbeque food truck, is behind Ma Lou’s. The restaurant is named partly as a nod to Fejeran’s Grandma Louise, who loved fried chicken.

The casual, counter-service restaurant opened earlier this year. Past the bright exterior, the interior boasts bold red and white picnic tables, a Ms. Pac-Man arcade game and four booths.

All about the chicken

The menu centers on fried chicken, which comes in three varieties: southern, with a traditional flavor; Nashville or medium hot; and Spicy AF or very hot. You can select breast, dark meat or jumbo wings and one side ($8-10). A half chicken is available ($14) as is a big box with 10 pieces and two sides ($25) or the family box with 15 pieces and two sides ($30). All include white bread and pickles. Ma Lou’s made-from-scratch sides include potato salad, fries, coleslaw and real baked beans.

There is also a chicken “sammy” on an onion roll, with Gouda and cheddar cheeses, pickles and coleslaw ($10). The lone kid’s meal consists of three house tenders and one small side ($6). Drinks include fresh sweet tea, horchata, and assorted sodas ($1.75).

For dessert, there is a biscuit donut ($2).

Yup, it’s biscuit dough fried and dipped in sweet glaze.

Order up

I chose the southern “sammy” and coleslaw while my husband picked two pieces of breast meat, one Nashville and one Spicy, with potato salad. My son, 13, picked jumbo wings, southern style, and baked beans. My daughter, 10, and her friend, 9, went with the kid’s meal, southern-style, and coleslaw and fries, respectively.

The chicken is fried-to-order, meaning it’s not fast food. But with a little bit of a wait— about 15 minutes in our case—came a lot of reward in terms of flavor and quality.

“Crazy hot!” my husband exclaimed dining on his Spicy piece. “Man, I thought I was getting a break,” he commented after switching to the Nashville piece. He likes

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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• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

spicy food, so it was telling that the heat from Ma Lou’s chicken impressed him.

My sandwich was delicious: the chicken was moist on the inside with just enough crunch on the outside. The pickles, cheeses and coleslaw added hints of sweetness and texture.

My daughter and her friend could not finish their sizeable tenders, but enjoyed their flavor. My son’s jumbo wings were gigantic and he wolfed them down.

As for the sides, we found the coleslaw to be perfectly crunchy, lightly dressed and slightly sweet. The baked beans were smoky with a hint of sweetness; the red skin potato salad flavorful. Even the fries were tasty with generous portions.

And the biscuit donut? We split two and declared the unique dessert to be sweet.

“It tastes more biscuity,” my daughter chimed in.

This summer Ma Lou’s expanded its hours to Sunday, offering chicken and waffles ($8) along with the regular menu. Ma Lou’s does a robust take-out business, too.

The Short Course Kid-friendly: Yes

To avoid wait: It’s counter service, but you can call ahead to order or order online to save some wait time.

Noise level: Moderate

Bathroom amenities: No changing station in sole restroom

High chairs? Yes, but you have to ask for it at the counter Got milk? No.

Kids’ menu? Yes

Anything healthy for kids? It’s a fried chicken restaurant.

Allergy info: Definitely call ahead to discuss your specific concern.

They use soybean oil to fry food.

Stop in for your morning coffee & pastry!

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{ July

2017 }

Mornings in the Garden Children and their parents are invited to join the Matthaei Botanical Gardens on Monday mornings in the Gaffield Children’s Garden this summer.

Garden staff will be offering a different hands-on nature-play experience each Monday to connect children with nature. Dates are: July 3,10,17,24 and August 7, 14, 21, 28.

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

1

SATURDAY

Free for Kids Summer Film Series: Trolls Two trolls voiced by Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake set off on a journey to rescue their friends. 10am. $2 for ages 12+.

Emagine Saline, 1335 E. Michigan Ave. 734-316-5500. emagine-entertainment.com Free Patty Shukla Live Award winning children’s musician has a special program for kids ages 0-8. Enjoy music and movement, learn directions, sign language, Spanish words, body parts, colors and more. Also on July 2. 11am. $5-$12. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Summer Festival KidZone: FLY Children’s Art Center Paint with bubbles and paper with with the artist and makers of FLY Children’s Art Center. Ypsilanti’s FLY aims to empower children’s creativity to help them bloom.

5pm. $5 suggested. Top of the Park, 915 E. Washington St. a2sf.org Music and Fireworks at the Lake Enjoy some music and dancing from 7pm10pm. The fireworks start at 10pm or dusk and are set off from the center of the lake.

7pm. Northfield Community Park, 9101 Main St, Whitmore Lake. 734-449-2295. twp.northfield.mi.us Free

2

SUNDAY

Propeller Cars Kids can make their own car that uses stored energy. The event is intended for grades K-5. 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free Summer Festival KidZone: UM Conceptual Development Lab Children can make their own jellyfish out of paper bowls, markers, and colorful yarn. University of Michigan’s Conceptual Development Lab studies how children learn and think about the world around them through fun, interactive games. 5pm. $5 suggested. Top of the Park, 915 E. Washington St. a2sf.org

3

MONDAY

Children’s Garden Pop-up These pop-ups are relaxed guided programs that offer a hands-on nature activity. This session’s theme is “Digging for Treasure.” 10am. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. lsa.umich.edu/mbg Free Manchester Fireworks There will be live music with local bands at 9pm and then fireworks at dusk, around 10pm. 8pm. Carr Park, 601 W Main St, Manchester. 734-428-7877. manchestermi.org. Free

5

WEDNESDAY

Stroller Strides® Community Class Try out a total fitness program for mom and babies featuring cardio, strength and body training exercises. 9am. Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Cir. 734-725-4075. annarbor.fit4mom.com Free

Kubo & The Two Strings A 3D stop-motion epic of Kubo with the help of his magical musical instrument must battle gods and monsters. Also on July 8.

10am. $2 for ages 12+. Emagine Saline, 1335 E Michigan Ave. 734-316-5500. emagine-entertainment.com Free Farmers Market Food Truck Rally In the summer months, food trucks offer their wares at the farmer’s market on the first wednesday of the month. 5pm. Prices vary. Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St. 734-794-6000. a2gov.org/market

6

THURSDAY

Seed2Plate Growing Hope is partnering with the library for garden-based nutrition education for preschoolers and kindergarteners.

The class will do some basic gardening and prepare some seasonal snacks. 2pm.

Ypsilanti District Library-Michigan, 229 W. Michigan Ave. 734-482-4110 x1390. ypsilibrary.org Free

7

FRIDAY

Family Mew-vie Nights Enjoy a family-friendly movie with popcorn and some cat cuddling. Families are welcome to bring sleeping bags, blankets and snacks. Registration required. 7pm. $10.

Tiny Lions Lounge, 5245 Jackson Rd. 734-662-5585. tinylions.org

8

SATURDAY

One Helluva Ride Enjoy a day of scenic bicycle touring through tree-lined and paved roads in southeast michigan. There are 66, 76, and 100 mile routes and also shorter fun rides for kids. 8am. $12/kids, $40/adult.

Portage Lake State Park, 11500 Seymour Rd, Grass Lake. aabts.org Life: How do we find it Discover how scientists search for life on other planets. Through family friendly, interactive experimentation, learn about the field of astrobiology and re-evaluate the definition of “life.” 11am. Ruthven Museums Building, 1109 Geddes Ave. 734-764-0480. ummnh.org Free Mini-Moog Fest Try out some great music tools like synthesizers by Moog, Roland, and Waldorf.

Later enjoy a live electronic DJ performance. 11am. Ann Arbor District LibraryDowntown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. a2caf.org Free

9

SUNDAY

My Turn: A Sensory Friendly Sunday at UMMA UMMA will open two hours early for families affected by autism and other sensory sensitivities. Families are invited to enjoy art and hands-on activities. Sunglasses, noise reducing earmuffs and a quiet area will be available. The event is recommended for kids age 5-18. Registration is required.

10am. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S State St. 734-647-0522. myturncommunity.org Free

Mondays during the Summer.

10-11:30am. Matthei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. lsa.umich.edu/mbg/

Ann Arbor Jaycees’ 4th of July Parade

Ann Arbor’s largest annual parade takes place for its 27th year on July 4.

The parade is a fun way to celebrate Independence Day with the whole family. Stretching almost a mile, the parade kicks off from the intersection of State and and William Streets. See the Jaycees’ website for the full parade route and be sure to check the social media pages for any “day of” weather updates.

Tuesday, July 4. 10am. Downtown Ann Arbor. a2jaycees.org/events/4th-of-july-parade Free

Huron River Day Festival Celebrate the Huron River with live animal programs, river exhibits, live music, food, fishing and more. There will also be a children’s tent with art and science activities, a butterfly house and live animals.

12pm. Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Rd. 734.794.6240. calendar.a2gov.org Free

10

MONDAY

Library LAB Explore different STEM concepts with hands-on projects. This session is titled “Brain Monkeys: Super Slinger Challenge.

Every Wednesday with different themes.

2pm. Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Camp Creativity: Princesses & Friends Kids ages 3 and up will enjoy making some princess related crafts. Registration is suggested. Parents must remain in the store.

10am. $5. Michaels, 3655 Washtenaw Ave. 734-975-6774. michaels.com

Magnificent Matisse Come learn about Matisse and his life, and then create cut-paper art in the style of Matisse with bright colors and unique shapes. 2pm. Ann Arbor District LibraryDowntown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. a2caf.org Free

Popsicle Stick Flashlight This hands-on project uses a battery, an LED light, and simple circuits to create a flashlight. This event is intended for grades K-5. 2pm. Ann Arbor District LibraryTraverwood, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4200. a2caf.org Free

Salute to Film and TV Enjoy music from great TV and films played live. Families are invited to bring their own blanket or chairs to enjoy this outdoor concert. 8pm. West Park Band Shell, W. 215 Chapin St. annarborcivicband.org Free

11

TUESDAY

Farmer’s Market Storytime Kids of all ages are invited for a story and songs while parents shop at the Farmer’s Market. No registration is needed. 4pm.

Ypsilanti Farmer’s Marketplace, 16 S. Washington. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

12

WEDNESDAY

13

THURSDAY

Peter and the Starcatcher Enjoy an outdoor play in the twilight. This show is an imaginative prequel to the classic tale of Peter Pan, full of mermaids, pirates and magic. The audience is encouraged to bring blankets and snacks to this unique and intimate show. The production plays July 13- 29. 8pm. $10-$12. West Park, 215 Chapin St. 734-926-5346. pennyseats.org

Hotel Transylvania 2 Dracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half human, half vampire grandson in this animated film. Also on July 15. 10am. $2 for ages 12+. Emagine Saline, 1335 E Michigan Ave. 734-316-5500. emagine-entertainment.com Free

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

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FRIDAY

Pressed Flower Fairies Crafty kids can use a variety of pressed flowers and flora to make fairies or other creatures.This event is recommended for kids in grades K-5. 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. a2caf.org Free Rolling Sculpture Car Show More than 300 exotic, antique, classic and one of a kind cars will be on display.

Families are welcome to mill around and check out all of the unique cars. 5pm. Main & Liberty St, Downtown Ann Arbor.

734-668-7112. mainstreetannabor.org Free Family Board Game Night Get to know 826michigan’s volunteers and staff and enjoy some board games and snacks. Families are welcome, but not required, to bring their own games and snacks as well. The event is open to current and prospective 826michigan students ages 6-18 and their families. 6pm.

826Michigan, 115 E. Liberty St. 734-761-3463. 826michigan.org Free

15

SATURDAY

A2SO Taste of Music Enjoy a performance of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s Reed Trio. There will be an opportunity to explore and interact with the music with an instrument petting zoo for all ages. 8am. Chelsea Farmers Market, 222 S Main St. 734-994-4801. a2so.com Free

Baby and Us In this 2-part class series, licensed therapist Marla Field will teach new parents or expecting parents practical and researchdriven strategies for easing into parenthood with a healthy partnership. 9am. $30/ couple. Robin Hills Farm, 20390 Michigan 52, Chelsea. robinhillsfarm.com Mamas’ Summit 2017 The summit is a day of training, action and self-care. Activists, advocates, community organizers, mothers and those that support them are encouraged to attend.The event is free, but registration is required to receive free parking, food and child care. 9am.

Michigan Union, 530 S. State St. 248-607-0879. motheringjustice.org Free The Mastodon The Mastodon is a boot camp style, fun and challenging obstacle course. This year they have a race for the whole family. This event is part of the Saline Celtic Festival.

9am. $50/family. Mill Pond Park, 565 W Bennet St. 734-429-4907. salinerec.com 14th Annual Pet Parade Pet owners unleash their creativity by dressing their cat, dog, hamster, horse and the family. The parade ends at Adams Park where judges award prizes to the best pet costumes. 10am. First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Ave, Tecumseh.

517-424-6003. downtowntecumseh.com Free Saline Celtic Festival This festival has a full menu of kid-centric activities. There will be rubber ducky river races, dragon slaying, carnival games, balloon swords, and wee golf. Kids can get creative painting shields and swords, making jeweled crowns and decorating fairy doors. There will even be a visit with Princess Merida. Kids 12 and under get in free. 11am. $5-$15. Mill Pond Park, 565 W. Bennet St, Saline. salineceltic.org

Did An Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?

This kid-friendly programs explores the phenomenon that wiped out 75% of all living species on earth millions of years ago.

Check out the dinosaur disaster up close.

12:30pm. Ruthven Museums Building, 1109 Geddes Ave. 734-764-0480. ummnh.org Free

17

MONDAY

DIY Imaginary Creatures with The Scrap Box Folks from The Scrap Box will bring all kinds of recycled materials to make your imagination come to life. This event is recommended for grades 6 and up. 3pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. a2caf.org Free

19

WEDNESDAY

Swingin’ With Miller and Friends Come swing with some Big Band tunes at this free concert. Families are invited to bring their own blanket or chairs to enjoy this outdoor concert. 8pm. West Park Band Shell, W. 215 Chapin St. annarborcivicband.org Free

20

THURSDAY

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Wander around downtown and browse through the works of the many talented artists and fine craftspeople. The fair runs thru Sunday, July 23. 10am. Downtown Ann Arbor. 734-994-5260. artfair.org Free

21

FRIDAY

by the original writers and composers.

7pm. $15. George Prinzing Auditorium, 500 Washington St, Chelsea. chelseaareaplayers.org

22

SATURDAY

Professor Ray’s Everyday Science: ChemMystery What is a chemical? Explore how items in a salad produce real chemical reactions.

Get curious with these interactive demos.

1pm and 3pm. $5-$12. Ann Arbor HandsOn Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org

23

SUNDAY

2nd Annual Farm Festival Zingerman’s invites whole family to enjoy yummy treats, live music, games, and activities to celebrate their 35th anniversary.

Noon-4pm. $10/person. Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, 8540 Island Lake Road, Dexter, MI. 734-619-8100. zingermanscornmanfarms.com

24

MONDAY

Asian Inspired Take a virtual tour of the Far East and prepare a chicken & vegetable Chinese stir-fry with an orange-ginger sauce. Participants will also make Vietnamese spring rolls with a hoisin-peanut sauce and home-made fortune cookies. Vegetarian stir-fry and spring roll options will be available. For ages 10 and up.10am. $50. Sprouting Chefs, 1500 Scio Church Rd. 734-474-1006. sproutingchefs.org

Annie Warbucks The sequel to “Annie” where Daddy Warbucks is informed that he must marry so that the newly adopted Annie can have a proper mother. This musical was created

More events updated daily at annarborfamily.com

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• July 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

25

TUESDAY

City Explorers, City Poets See Ann Arbor as explorers and poets.

Participants will read a few examples of poems about cities and then head out for a walk around Ann Arbor to see what sort of inspiration they can find and then write their own poetry. For ages 13 and up. Registration is required. 2pm.

826Michigan, 115 E. Liberty St. 734-761-3463. 826michigan.org Free

26

WEDNESDAY

Superhero Stick Figures Make Superhero figures out of popsicle sticks like Batman, Wonder Woman or make one up. This event is for grades K-5.

2pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free Just for Kids: Explore the World of Bread Explore some of the many breads that are made by Zingerman’s Bakehouse. Taste and learn about sourdough, rye, farm, paesano and even a bread made with chocolate. Event is for all ages and parents can participate free. 6pm. $15. Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. 734-663-3354. zingermansdeli.com Movie Heroes This performance pays homage to heroes with music from beloved movies like Star Wars and James Bond. Families are invited to bring their own blanket or chairs to enjoy this outdoor concert. 8pm. West Park Band Shell, W. 215 Chapin St. annarborcivicband.org Free

27

THURSDAY

Discover Engineering 2017 Kids in grades 8-10 are invited to deep dive into different engineering disciplines.

UM Graduate students will lead discussion, hands-on exercises, and tours to learn about the possibilities of being an engineer. Choose four engineering disciplines (biomedical, mechanical, robotics, civil, materials, and industrial operations) to learn about. 7:30am. $240. UM College of Engineering, 1221 Beal Ave. 734-647-7000. engin.umich.edu Robot Garage presents LEGO Engineering Students will use LEGOs to explore engineering fundamentals with hands-on projects. Learn about gear ratios, robotics, and simple machines in a fun setting that successfully walks each child to completion of their build. 5:15pm/1st-3rd graders; 6:30pm/4th-6th graders. $5-$12. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Michigan Avian Experience This is a family show featuring the Michigan Avian Experience. The Michigan Avian Experience was created to capture our innate fascination with birds and flight.

The performance uses non-releasable, wild native Michigan raptors (owls, eagles, hawks) as teaching partners. 7pm. $10.

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N Maumee St, Tecumseh. 517.423.6617. thetca.org

29

SATURDAY

Kids’ Collage Art Create multi-media art using a wide range of supplies. All the materials will be provided. 2pm. Ypsilanti District Library-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

ONGOING EVENTS Weekdays

Free Morning Movies Members get free weekday morning movies all summer long. Non-member tickets are $1. 7/3 – 7/7: Rock Dog 7/13 – 7/14: Storks 7/17 – 7/21: Peanuts Movie 7/24 – 7/28: Monster Trucks 10am. Quality 16, 3638 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. goodrichqualitytheaters.com Free

Sundays

All-Girls Skate Instruction On the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Snacks, equipment and instruction are all provided for girls looking to get on a skateboard. 9am. Ann Arbor Skate Park, 350 N. Maple Rd. a2skatepark.org Free

Saturdays

Dinosaur Tour All dino fans are welcome to this half hour tour of the dinosaur exhibits at the U-M Museum of Natural History. Sign up the day of the tour. 2pm. Ruthven Museums Building, 1109 Geddes Ave. 734-764-0480. ummnh.org Free

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

Drop-In Spring Storytime Swing by the library for a fun spring stories session. There are interactive books, crafts, finger plays and many other activities to encourage a love of reading. The sessions are 30 minutes long.

11am. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us Free

Wednesdays

Wee-Bots and Up This drop-in writing workshop is specifically for younger writers, ages 6-10.

Experiment with writing prompts, learn techniques and discuss creative writing with other students. 6pm. 826Michigan, 115 E. Liberty St. 734-761-3463.

826michigan.org Free

Thursdays

Sonic Lunch Enjoy an Ann Arbor classic-free outdoor concerts all summer long. Each week there will be a food vendor to enjoy a lunch and music. Check out the website for the full lineup. 12pm. Liberty Plaza, 310 S. Division St. soniclunch.com.

734-662-1600. Free

Thursdays

Summer Fun & Games Folks from YMCA will head to the library to lead outdoor games each week. 5:30pm. Ypsilanti District LibrarySuperior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd.

734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Fridays

Family Dance Party Join Kidopolis for a family friendly dance party. 6pm. $8. Kidopolis, 509 State Cir. 734-769-0263. kidopolis.net

marketplace ADVERTISING IN MARKETPLACE Free Classifieds: Individuals may receive one

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

Line Classifieds: Only $20 per month for 20

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Saturdays and Sundays

Creature Encounters: Reindeer Sven the 3-year-old reindeer is the featured animal for July. See him on the Stone Stage with his velvetcovered antlers. 2pm. $8. The Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 734-929-9324. thecreatureconservancy.org

www.annarborfamily.com • July 2017 •

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