Ann Arbor Family June 2013 by Adams Street Publishing Co.

FREE June 2013

FAVORITES Snap to it

High fashion photography for kids

Hunter games

Geocaching with Chelsea teen Nicholas Hotaling

Leading the pack

p18

All-American favorites at Blue Wolf Grill

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

www.annarborfamily.com • June 2013 •

Volume 6 • Issue 6 June 2013

departments commentary 5 6 7 8 9

kids’ horoscope community snapshots what’s briefly happening new kids on the block exceptional families

17 mother mayhem 18 food fight Might as well Curry up!

die laughing

Mother Mayhem ponders life’s funnier moments

Indian street food heats up — by Katy M. Clark Lola, 8 and Ruby Boynton, 6 of Dexter

— by Mary Helen Darah

Birth photography is a growing trend where parents hire a photographer to document the birth of their child. Would you hire a professional photographer for your delivery or would you prefer What do you to keep things think? private?

tween the lines

19 calendar

— compiled by Julian Garcia

23 marketplace

FAVORITES

Kelly Seestedt: Yes, I did this! In fact, my birth photographer was featured in Metro Parent Magazine last year and I was interviewed for the story. Birth photography is a wonderful way to see your birth from many perspectives, most of which you cannot see and you’re quite distracted anyways! I deleted photos that were too much, but I’m happy to have seen them once. Most photographers will stay above the belt if requested. Besides, its about capturing reactions on people’s faces, not just about the baby coming out. I will do this for my next baby.

Online exclusives ww.annarborfamily.com Math-tastic!

Want to keep the kids’ math skills sharp this summer? Head to our website! We’re giving away Mead Tangram activity books and Math Builders work books each week in June.

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

Shonae Livingston: I had the father’s mom taking pictures during birth a few weeks ago. Katy Michalski: Absolutely not. What’s next? Photographing conception? In the age of tell all, photographs from the mundane to intimate, personal moments is going too far. An experience like childbirth should be just that, an experience. The photographs should be made and stored in your own mind Read more comments on Facebook www.facebook.com/annarborfamily

Adams Street Publishing Co. What’s YOUR family favorite?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) rolling hills water park

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger

Editorial

GEMINI

Assignment Editor: Alia Orra (editor@toledocitypaper.com) The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra! Columnists: Mary Helen Darah (mothermayhem@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum Calendar: Julian Garcia (jgarcia@toledocitypaper.com) wolverine football at the big house Social Media Specialist: Amanda Goldberg (agoldberg@adamsstreetpublishing.com) kerrytown Staff Writer: Griffin Messer-Kruse (griffin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) zingerman’s Interns: Dana Fouchia, Danielle Limon, Alicia Wodarski,

Art/Production

Art Director: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) The Ann Arbor Art Fair Graphic Design: Brittney Koehl (adsin@toledocitypaper.com) PJ’s Records and used cd’s Megan Anderson (manderson@toledocitypaper.com) Rock Paper scissors Jameson Staneluis (jameson@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Seva Interns: Chelsie Parton

Advertising

Sales Manager: Aubrey Hornsby (ahornsby@adamsstreetpublishing.com) The wafel shop Sales Coordinator: Emily Gibb (classifieds@toledocitypaper.com) the ark Account Executives: Kelly Schwark (kelly@adamsstreetpublishing.com) the humane society Charles Towne (charles@adamsstreetpublishing.com) dan’s tavern Jami Hull (jami@adamsstreetpublishing.com) riverside park

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) Four directions Distribution: Michelle Flanagan (distribution@toledocitypaper.com) ann arbor hands-on museum Publisher’s Assistant: Jan Thomas (jthomas@adamsstreetpublishing.com) umma Office Assistant: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) frita batidos Kelli Mistry (kmistry@adamsstreetpublishing.com UMA

KIDS

Born May 21 — June 20 By Sue Lovett The symbol for this sign is “The Twins” — you definitely get two for the price of one when a Gemini is born. They are “busy” at birth, looking around, opening and closing their eyes, AND hanging on to your finger tightly. They always want two of everything, one for each hand. They chatter incessantly and enjoy a toy telephone. They love to write, to color, and will sit for hours when someone will read to them. They are curious and good natured. They learn quickly. Gemini children may have a few allergies, but other than that they are healthy. They talk at a very early age and often easily learn a second language. Geminis often are bi-lingual. They are friendly and popular with other children. They enjoy all games, puzzles, coloring, painting, and reading and “playing school” before they are old enough to go there.

Advertising/General Info: For advertising and general information, call (734) 668-4044 or fax (734) 668-0555. E-mail ads to adsin@annarborfamily.com Ann Arbor Family subscriptions are available by mail for $28/quarterly or $75 per year at Ann Arbor Family, 3003 Washtenaw, Suite 3, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. Letters to the editor must be limited to 300 words, are subject to editing and should include the writer’s full name and phone number. Entire contents © 2013 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

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

www.annarborfamily.com • June 2013 •

Snap happy We love to see what our readers are up to! Show off your cutest snaps — email pics to production@ adamsstreetpublishing.com

Shai, 15 months, Ann Arbor

6, Ann Arbor Pelzom Moni Sherpa,

Tre, 4, and Aneel, 3, Ypsilanti

Wesley, 6, & Madeline, 4, Lambertville

& Carley, Lilly, Alex, Conner,

Braidey, Dexter

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

Go online to see more reader photos

McKenna, Alayna Grace, 2, & Audrey 6 months, Temperance

what’s

briefly happening...

Compiled by Nan Bauer

Mini triathletes Triathlon competitions have exploded in popularity, and more parents compete every year. “Kids would watch their moms and dads in the races and want to join in,” says Eva Solomon, CEO of Epic Races (epicraces. com), a multisport race management company that hosts race clinics as well as seven events a year. A former elementary school teacher, Solomon knew that kids needed a race tailored especially for them. So she began offering Tri Kids Tri, a triathlon designed for kids of all abilities. Held at Portage State Park in the Waterloo Recreation Area (near Grass Lake), the event has separate requirements for kids ages 7-10 and 11-14, including swimming in shallow water — “a lot of the kids just ran or waded,” says Solomon — a bike ride of three or six miles, and a 1 or 1.5 mile run. Do kids need to train? “A kid shouldn’t have a training schedule, they should have fun!” says Solomon. All kids who finish (and, according to Solomon, that’s every kid who enters the race) get a T-shirt, finisher award, swim cap, samples of sponsor products, a festive post race brunch, and most importantly, the right to call themselves “triathletes.” Saturday, June 15; orientation 8:30am, start time 10am. Visit epicraces.com for full details on the race, including registration (starting at $35 for USAT members and $45 for non-USAT members), maps, and complete info on what to expect.

The beloved acting troupe at Wild Swan Theater has found a new home

A new home for Wild Swan The Wild Swan Theater is a beloved 33-year-old local troupe that blends storytelling, movement , and music into performances that delight audiences of all ages. A surprise eviction from their studio in February left them with 30 days to pack up three decades of costumes and props, and it appeared the group would be homeless. But the show had to go on, and the company produced a new show called Shipwrecked that month and found a temporary home at the Summer’s Knoll school while continuing to look for a permanent spot. “Sandy [Ryder, co-artistic director] and I looked at a space that we loved, but it was nine thousand square feet, and there was no way we could take that over [alone],” says Michelle Trame Lanzi, company manager. Fortunately, Arts in Motion, the busy dance studio formerly located on Boardwalk Drive, was ready to upsize as well. Now, the two companies share the space at 6175 Jackson Road. Wild Swan’s performances will still be held at Towsley Auditorium on the Washtenaw Community College Campus; their new space will be shared for studio, office, and storage. Find out all about upcoming productions at wildswantheater.org.

Tangled up in fun Here’s one recipe for a masterpiece: Start with a bunch of kids. Give each one a ball of colored elastic. Stand them in a space fashioned into a giant pegboard, and let the art begin. Tangle, an open-air experience provided by the Australia-based company Polyglot Theater (www.polyglottheatre. com), is coming to the Ann Arbor Summer Festival to wreak its spectacular form of havoc, which results in a completely interactive, organic, and constantly evolving piece of abstract public art. It doesn’t consist solely of the structure created by the elastic pieces; kids themselves become a part of the sculpture once they’ve used up their material; and parents are welcome to join in the fun. Getting tangled up in the thread is all part of the experience, which, according to the A2 Summer Festival, is “part spectacular visual arts installation, part performance, part playground, part dance party and all chaos.” The soundtrack: laughter, and tons of it. Tangle is hosted in two-hour blocks with 40-minute play sessions in each block. $5 for kids, free for accompanying parents. It takes place daily from Wednesday through Sunday, June 19-23, from 4-6pm and from 7:30-8:30pm. South Ingalls Mall, Ann Arbor. a2sf.org/event/tangle1.

www.annarborfamily.com • June 2013 •

Power play The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum wants a bigger footprint — in outreach, not carbon. Now, a recent $10,000 grant from DTE Energy Foundation will help achieve a museum goal of communicating to as many Michigan young people as possible the importance of energy awareness. “We realize that we can’t make our facility larger,” says Executive Director Mel Drumm, “so we’re thrilled that the grant will help us take exhibits on the road and around the region.” The grant also helps reach out beyond devout museum-goers, who tend to be parents and their kids in the infant to ages 8 or 9 demographic, and extend into programs for middle and high school students. Those programs will continue to make complex scientific ideas relevant and easier to grasp. “For instance, a hydrogen fuel cell is a tough concept,” says Drumm. “So we’ve developed an experience where kids actually become the components of the hydrogen cell, and emulate what happens inside it; it becomes a dance.” The museum’s commitment to green sustainability applies to teaching ideas as well. “It’s not about how much money you spend,” says Drumm. “It’s about how you leverage things, repurpose them, and how you reach people and provide new experiences.” 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. www.aahom.org.

THE LINES TWEEN advice for parents with children 10-16

Chelsea teen Nicholas Hotaling, center, has become an expert at the geocaching hunt

(Above) The Azzaros — Nick, Yen and son Tai — smile for the camera; (right) a sample of their portrature

The joy of the hunt

High tech meets old school in the sport of choice for a 16-year-old adventurer By Nan Bauer

High fashion photo shoots for kids When Nick and Yen Azzaro had their son Tai in February, they took lots of photos. Only they weren’t your typical pastel background baby pics. “When I started photographing our son, our photos looked different than anything else we’ve seen offered in the area,” says Nick Azzaro. He and his wife are graduates of the University of Michigan School of Art and Design and owners of Chin-Azzaro, an art consulting and commercial photography firm. Nick is an experienced freelance photographer. He’s worked with big name clients including Land of Nod, the Chicago Tribune, the National Geographic catalog and more. Now, Azzaro brings his professional and parenting experience to baby and child portraits. Offering a glamorous alternative to traditional photos, Chin-Azzaro introduced The Baby Sessions in April 2013. “Photography is problem solving; so is parenting,” he says. “I Ann Arbor enjoy working with people and am excited to bring my Family fashion/editorial style to local families.” readers get a $25 Home or professional studio shoots are available. The discount through Baby Session includes a one-hour individual sitting starting June 2013 by at $199. Contact Chin-Azzaro | Art Consulting + Commentioning this mercial Photography, 834A Phoenix Drive (Photo Studio article. Group), at 734-929-2498 or www.chin-azzaro.com. —KG

“A great activity to get kids outdoors instead of cooped up inside — and it uses electronics.” That’s how 16-year-old Nicholas Hotaling of Chelsea describes geocaching, the pastime that transformed him from a self-described “quiet indoor kid” into an intrepid explorer. We talked with Hotaling for Ann Arbor Family’s June teen spotlight to learn more about his adventures. So what exactly is geocaching? You start with a set of coordinate points. You get the latitude and longitude points for a geocache online, then you use your GPS to find it. There are a lot of types of geocaching, and in the most common one, you’re looking for some kind of container; that’s the cache. It could be really small, or ridiculously large. You open the cache, and inside that is a logbook, and you add your name to the list of all the people who have found the cache before. Then you put it back for the next person to find. What’s the weirdest cache you’ve ever found? Once the person hid the logbook inside a plastic spider. That actually kind of freaked me out, because I used to be kind of bug phobic. I still am not that crazy about bugs, but I really like getting outside, and, you know, bugs pretty much go with that. When did you start? When I was in 8th grade, my mom

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

really wanted to give it a try. But any age is cool. My little brother started when he was 4, and sometimes you see people out with babies in backpacks; it’s a great family activity. All you need is some kind of GPS, then you can go online at geocaching.com or get an app to get your set of coordinates. Is it better to geocache alone or with a group? I’m on a team called the Bambi Storm Troopers, and you sign the team name in the logbook when you work with them. It’s fun both ways. Sometimes with a team people don’t look quite as hard and it can actually take longer, and sometimes, like on a puzzle cache, where you have to solve a bunch of clues to get to the cache, it’s nice to be alone to figure it out. But then again, it’s great to have people along. What’s the farthest geocache you’ve ever done? I did an earth cache in Egypt, which is where you’re not looking for a container but you’re finding out information about a place. This one was in the Valley of the Kings. And there’s one geocache, now orbiting earth, hidden in the space station! There’s only one person who’s ever seen that one. That would be the ultimate geocache. Learn all about geocaching at www.geocaching.com.

Breathe easy, parents — June is the month you're allowed to play favorites. In fact, we encourage it! Every year, our readers (an opinionated bunch!) tell us their picks for the spots that make Washtenaw County such a great place to raise a family — their top places to eat, play, learn, and be cared for — in our Family Favorites awards. Those votes create an annual guide to the best of the best for the families of Southeastern Michigan. Use the 2013 results as your family resource — and feel free to let your favorites be known!

FAVORITES Family

Frolicking

Place for winter fun

Martial arts program

Veteran’s Memorial Park

Keith Hafner’s Karate

Runner up: Huron Hills Park

Runner up: Pittsfield Recreation Department

2150 Jackson Ave. / 734-794-6230 / www.a2gov.org

Rainy day activity

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

Runner up: My Urban Toddler

Sunny day activity

Rolling Hills Water Park

7660 Stony Creek Rd. / 734-484-9676 www.ewashtenaw.org

Runner up: County Farm Park

214 S. Main St. / 734-994-0333 www.karateisgoodforyou.com

Art class

Two Twelve Art Center

212 W. Michigan Ave., Saline / 734-944-2787 www.twotwelvearts.org

Runner up: Ann Arbor Art Center

Music class

Hand in Hand Music

10276 Normonie Ct., Saline / 734-429-3385 www.handinhandmt.com

Runner up: Ella’s Music

Place to sneak in a history lesson

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 1109 Geddes Ave. / 734-764-0478 www.lsa.umich.edu

Free activity

Ann Arbor District Library see website for locations / 734-327-4200 www.aadl.org

Runner up: Museum of Natural History

Runner up: Greenfield Village

Dance class

Dance Steps Studio, Inc. 5449 Countryside Dr., Saline 734-429-5522 www.dancestepsstudio.com

Runner up: Arts in Motion

Family-friendly fair or festival

FestiFools

Main St. / 734-763-7550 www.festifools.org

Runner up: Ann Arbor Art Fair continued on pg. 10

www.annarborfamily.com • June 2013 •

continued from pg. 09

Live theater for kids

Young People’s Theater 331 Metty Dr. Suite 3 / 734-763-8587 www.youngpeoplestheater.com

Runner up: Wild Swan

Place to hop on a horse

Maybury Riding Stable

20303 N. Beck Rd., Northville / 248-347-1088 www.mayburyridingstable.com Runner up: Corner Stone Acres

Place to volunteer

Humane Society of Huron Valley

Kid’s Photographer

Cheryl Hall

Photo by

Chery

otograp l Hall Ph

Cheryl Hall Photography / 8120 Huron St. Dexter, MI 48130 / 734-426-8223 www.cherylhallphotography.com We’ve all seen terrible family pictures — attempts to capture the innocence of childhood that turn into photographic disasters. Luckily, for the parents that want to capture their child’s precious moments but don’t quite have the artistic eye, Cheryl Hall can help. She began her studio specializing in commercial photography, but when her daughter was born she discovered a new muse. Now she dedicates her work exclusively to child and family photography, combining a classic look with a modern touch. Her talents as a photographer combined with her love for children make Cheryl Hall the perfect lenswoman to capture your child on film from their baby photos to their senior portraits. —AW

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

3100 Cherry Hill Rd. / 734-662-5585 www.hshv.org

Runner up: Food Gatherers

Park or playground

County Farm Park

2230 Platt Rd. / 734-971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org

Runner up: Mill Pond Park

Story hour

Ann Arbor Downtown Library 343 S. Fifth Ave. / 734-327-4200 www.aadl.org

Runner up: Saline Library

Swim lessons

Goldfish Swim School

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

Runner up: Saline Recreation Center

Place to swim

Rolling Hills Water Park

7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti Township 734-484-9676 / www.ewashtenaw.org

Runner up: Goldfish Swim School

Indoor water park

Place to play rec sports

Saline Recreation Center

1866 Woodland Dr., Saline / 734-429-3502 www.salinerec.com

Runner up: Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center

Bowling alley

Maplewood Lanes

830 Woodland Dr. E, Saline / 734-429-5457 www.maplewoodlanes.com

Runner up: Colonial Lanes

Splash Universe

100 Whitetail Dr., Dundee / 877-752-7482 www.splashuniverse.com

continued on pg. 12

Runner up: Liberty Athletic Club

Vacation that won’t empty your wallet

Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky / 419-627-2350 www.cedarpoint.com

Runner up: Great Lakes Beaches

Family-friendly gym

Liberty Athletic Club

2975 W. Liberty Rd. / 734-665-3738 www.libertyathletic.net Runner up: Saline Recreation Center

Gymnastics Center

Gym America

4611 Platt Rd. / 734-971-1667 www.gymamericagymnastics.com

Runner up: Champion Gymnastics

www.annarborfamily.com • June 2013 •

continued from pg. 11

Feed the

Family restaurant

Zingerman’s Roadhouse 2501 Jackson Ave. / 734-663-3663 www.zingermansroadhouse.com

Fam Ice cream shop

Mickey’s Dairy Twist

751 W. Michigan Ave., Saline / 734-429-4450

Runner up: Washtenaw Dairy

Runner up: Pizza House

Healthy fast food

Place where kids eat free

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack

857 W. Eisenhower Pkwy. / 734-998-0900 www.moes.com

104 E. Michigan Ave., Saline / 734-944-6227 www.macsinsaline.com

Runner up: Earthen Jar

Runner up: Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill

Pizza joint (non-chain)

Kid-friendly grocery store

618 Church St. / 734-995-5095 www.pizzahouse.com

see website for locations / 734-214-8088 www.buschs.com

Pizza House

Busch’s Fresh Food Market

Runner up: Sylvio’s Organic Pizza

Runner up: Hiller’s Market

Burger place (non-chain)

Dan’s Downtown Tavern

103 E. Michigan Ave., Saline / 734-429-3159

Runner up: Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger

Whole Foods

see website for locations / www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Runner up: Arbor Farms

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

Natural food store

y p a r e h T Retail

Kid’s clothier

My Urban Toddler

7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline / 734-944-3628 www.myurbantoddler.com

Runner up: Elephant Ears

Kid’s shoe shop

Stride Rite

818 Briarwood Circle / 734-662-6600 www.striderite.com

Runner up: My Urban Toddler

Kid’s consignment

Place to buy maternity clothes

My Urban Toddler

Runner up: Mimi

Place to furnish your little one’s “nest”

Elephant Ears

Runner up: My Urban Toddler

Lamaze Family Center

Pacific rim by Kana

2855 Boardwalk Dr. / 734-973-1014 www.lamazefamilycenter.org

114 W. Liberty St. / 734-662-9303 www.pacificrimbykana.com

Runner up: Stroller Strides

Runner up: Gratzi

Mom-friendly play date

Place for mom to be pampered

7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline / 734-944-3628 www.myurbantoddler.com

418 S. Wagner Rd. / 734-665-7207 www.francoysalon.com

Runner up: Jungle Java

Runner up: Children’s Orchard

The Little Seedling

4559 Washtenaw Ave. / 734-971-6822 www.onceuponachild.com

Date night restaurant

My Urban Toddler

415 N. Fifth Ave. / 734-622-9580 www.elephantearsonline.com

Place for single parents to meet

Locally owned specialty toys/gifts

Runner up: Lexi’s Toy Box

Fran Coy’s Salon and Spa Runner up: Salon Luminosity

Romantic getaway

Jungle Java

Mackinac Island

Runner up: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

Runner up: Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel

3900 Jackson Rd. / 734-926-2990 www.junglejavaplay.com

355 S. Zeeb Rd. / 734-418-2392 www.thelittleseedling.com

Support group for moms

7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline / 734-944-3628 www.myurbantoddler.com

Once Upon a Child

Time

Grown-up

see website for details / www.michigan.org

Parent blog

www.annarborwithkids.com

y a d h t r i b r u o y s ’ t I

Runner up: www.arborparents.com

continued on pg. 14

Entertainer

Joe Reilly, singer-songwriter

see website for contact information / www.joereilly.com

Runner up: Gemini

Birthday party venue

My Urban Toddler

7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline / 734-944-3628 www.myurbantoddler.com

Runner up: Zap Zone

Place for goodie bag loot

The Rocket Candy and Gifts

122 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti / 734-483-2291 www.therocketypsi.com

Runner up: Hands on Museum Gift Shop

Place to buy a cake

Zingerman’s Deli

422 Detroit St. / 734-663-3354 www.zingermansdeli.com

Runner up: Cake Nouveaux

www.annarborfamily.com • June 2013 •

continued from pg. 13

lyers F h g i H A2’s Neighborhood to raise kids

Saline

Runner up: Burns Park

Program (activity for preschoolers)

Music Together at Hand in Hand 10276 Normonie Ct., Saline / 734-429-3385 www.handinhandmt.com

Runner up: The Gandy Dancer Restaurant

Kid-friendly salon

3260 Washtenaw Ave. / 734-975-9400 www.zoeyjoeystudio.com

Runner up: Douglas J Aveda Institute

Summer day camp

Varsity Day Camp

Picnic spot

Gallup Park

3420 Cordley Lake Rd., Pinckney 734-878-3515 / www.varsitydaycamp.com

2970 Fuller Rd. / 734-994-2780 www.a2gov.org

Runner up: Leslie Science and Nature Center

Runner up: The Arboretum

Kumon Math and Reading Center

University of Michigan

Parent-friendly work place

Tutor/ learning center

www.umich.edu

2741 Plymouth Rd. / 734-761-4648 www.kumon.com

Runner up: Google

Runner up: Great Lakes Educational Group

Bank/financial institution

Miss Bonnie Jacques, Preschool

see website for locations / 734-662-1600 www.bankofannarbor.com

Teacher (and his/her school)

Bank of Ann Arbor

Saline Cooperative Preschool 6299 Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Saline 734-429-0685 / www.salinecoop.org

Runner up: University of Michigan Credit Union

Runner up: Mrs. Wendy Kelley, Early Learning Center

Family lawyer

Nichols Sacks, Slank Sendlebach and Buiteweg

Family-friendly car dealership

121 W. Washington St. No. 300 / 734-994-300 www.nsssb.com

Briarwood Ford

Runner up: George Sotiropoulos

7070 E. Michigan Ave., Saline / 888-216-0452 www.briarwood-ford.com

Runner up: Lafontaine Automotive Group

Kid-friendly emergency room

Dentist/ orthodontist

Woodland Family Dentistry

510 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline / 734-429-4111 www.woodlandfamilydentristry.com

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System

Runner up: Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry

5301 McAuley Dr., Ypsilanti / 734-712-3456 www.stjoeshealth.com

Runner up: University of Michigan Health System

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System

Place to give birth

Place to take Dad for Father’s Day

5301 McAuley Dr., Ypsilanti / 734-712-3456 www.stjoeshealth.com

401 Depot St. / 734-769-0592 www.muer.com

The Gandy Dancer Restaurant Runner up: Knight’s Steak House

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

3050 Jackson Ave. / 734-769-2400 www.webersinn.com

Zoey + Joey Studio

Runner up: Tiny Tots at Leslie Science Center

Place to take Mom for Mother’sDay

Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel

see website for details / www.ci.saline.mi.us

Runner up: C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital

OB/GYN

IHA Ann Arbor OB/GYN

990 W. Ann ArborTrail # 302 / 734-434-0477 www.ihacares.com

Runner up: University of Michigan Nurse Midwifery

Optometrist

Allergist

Dr. Steven J. Bennett Bennett Optometry

Dr. Harvey Leo

Allergy and Immunology Associates of Ann Arbor, P.C. 5333 McAuley Dr. Suite R1018, Ypsilanti 734-434-3007 www.annarborallergy.com

117 S. Main St. / 734-665-5306 www.bennettoptometry.com

Runner up: Dr. Thomas Cunningham, Cunningham Vision Centers

Runner up: Dr. Benjamin Song, Allergy and Immunology Associates of Ann Arbor, P.C.

Midwife

Patricia Kramer Jackson Doulas

Pediatric practice

IHA Child Health

3100 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. / 734-971-9344

Veterinarian

775 S. Maple Rd. / 734-663-7496 www.thediscoverycenterpreschool.com

multiple locations in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline

Runner up: Bemis Farms Childcare and Preschool

5730 Amber Way, Ypsilanti / 734-819-1344

Runner up: Hour Kidz Day Care

Cheryl Hall

Family-friendly restroom

Cheryl Hall Photography 8120 Huron St., Dexter / 734-426-8223 www.cherylhallphotography.com

Dr. Jonathan Lazar

Lazar Chiropractic 203 S. Zeeb Rd. #106 / 734-274-5107 www.lazarspinalcare.com

Von Maur

Runner up: Kat Foley Photo

Runner up: Dr. T. J. Paquin, Family Chiropractic Clinics of Michigan

300 Briarwood Circle / 734-622-0233 www.vonmaur.com

Special needs services

Runner up: Saline District Library

Down Syndrome Support Team 9227 Fieldstone Ln., Saline / 734-944-1595 www.downsyndromesupportteam.com

Drop-in childcare

Bright Beginnings Childcare and Preschool

Kids photographer

Chiropractor

Daycare

The Discovery Center

Place to nurse a baby

Dr. Andrew Seiler

Runner up: Saline Cooperative Preschool

Runner up: Dr. Annie Staebler, Ann Arbor Mobile Vet

Runner up: Lamaze Family Center

Runner up: Dr. Therese Benevich

Preschool

3070 Redwood Ave. / 734-973-7722 www.elcpreschool.com

300 Briarwood Circle / 734-622-0233 www.vonmaur.com

Doctor

306 N. Division St. / 734-663-0518 www.standrewsaa.org

Early Learning Center

Von Maur

Runner up: Liberty Pediatrics

Place to worship

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Affordable Vet Services 2117 W. Stadium Blvd. / 734-926-0114 www.affordablevetservices.com

Runner up: Cheryl Bachman

Runner up: First United Methodist

Dr. Bill MacArthur

734-428-8740 www.jacksondoulas.com

Runner up: Ann Arbor Preschool and Family Center

Ice cream shop

Mickey’s Dairy Twist 751 W. Michigan Ave., Saline 734-429-4450

For all those kids craving a sweet scoop, Mickey’s Dairy Twist is the place to go. There’s a variety to choose from: 20 flavors of homemade hard ice cream, plus several soft serve flavors. They also offer seasonal flavors on a weekly basis, such as Blueberry Cheesecake or German Chocolate. Kids can have their ice cream any way they like, as the shop caters to unique sundae requests — some of their most popular are practically ice cream art, like the trash can sundae (which comes in a colorful "trash can" container, topped with Oreos, worms, plastic bugs, and chocolate) or the cookie dough monster (complete with whipped cream and fake eyeballs). —AW

www.annarborfamily.com • June 2013 •

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

Might as well die laughing Mother Mayhem ponders life, and death’s, funnier moments By Mary Helen Darah

I am longing for a good wedding. Lately, it seems I have been attending far too many funerals. Being unable to have my heart absorb the reality of losing yet another friend to the Big “C,” my mind kicked in during a recent service and pondered some thoughts of how I want things “laid out” when I depart for the great beyond. Let it be known that I will haunt anyone responsible for dressing me in a suit and horror of all horrors, nylons or Spanx. I rarely get a moment to horizontally relax and if I am going to be in that position for eternity I better be in my moose boxers, “Hike Naked in the Woods — Add Color to Your Cheeks” t-shirt and bunny slippers. For that matter, I might go the cremation route. Although, I have a friend whose mom wanted to be cremated and his dad wanted to be placed in a crypt. His mom died first. Their dad died years later. The funeral was a sealed deal (literally) when the family remembered their mother wanted her urn of ashen remains placed in the casket with her beloved husband. They relied on the professional funeral staff to remove the casket from the crypt, reopen it and place the urn inside. After some inquiries to make certain things went smoothly, it came to light that the only place their mother’s remains would fit was between their dad’s legs. Their mother is either cursing or singing their praises from the great beyond. I should probably eliminate the funeral procession in case history truly does repeat itself. Uncle Emil and Aunt Viv were gabbing on the way from a funeral service to the grave site. Not paying attention, they veered the wrong way and got separated from the cars in front of them. Unfortunately, the cars behind followed them, all with their purple funeral flags flapping in the wind. The old saying “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there” proved correct. Being the newly elected, “directionally clueless” lead car, it took them a while to get back on track. When they finally emerged from their vehicles, they were rolling over in tears … of laughter more than grief. I will also need to pad time since I tend to be “fashionably late,” like my great Aunt Elsie. Family members would tell her that they wouldn’t be surprised if she were late to her own funeral. They

were right. Aunt Elsie died while on an out-of-town vacation. Her body was to be flown home immediately for the service and somehow she ended up in New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Just like in life, her mourners in Indiana decided to go on without her knowing that she would show up in her own sweet time. I really enjoy reliving a person’s life through a memorial video and would like one made. A word to my family: If you include old home movies, watch them in their entirety before adding them to a keepsake memory video. Mourners were watching a beautiful video tribute to my friend’s mom when it was rudely interrupted by one of her brother’s attempts at film making during his teen years. Think Wayne’s World meets Chainsaw Massacre. Considering I almost distributed a photo of my three darling daughters in the tub (until my seven-year-old pointed out you could see me clad in a too-short bathrobe taking the photo in the mirror’s reflection with my “hoo hoo” hanging out) has me a bit nervous about sharing our photos and videos. I am still undecided about the whole “showing the body” tradition. I always think of my friend who is a nurse, when she told me that her demented patient Walter spent the entire day telling her he had died. The next day she walked into his room and found him completely naked. She said, “Walter, I thought you said you died yesterday. Now what are you doing?” To which he responded, “I did. Today is the showing.” I may be unclear about the details of my exit strategy but I do know this; I can barely recall the specifics of my loved ones funerals, but I distinctly remember the sound of their laughter and the way it felt to be loved by them. So throw me in a box or scatter my ashes on Maple Lake — I’ll focus on giving the people in my life something to remember.

www.annarborfamily.com • June 2013 •

A pack of flavors at Blue Wolf Grill

Ypsilanti restaurant offers American cuisine with Michigan flair By Katy M. Clark

Blue Wolf Grill

2332 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti 734-879-1507 Hours: Monday 11am-8pm; Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm; Friday 11am-10pm; Saturday 8am-10pm; Sunday 8am-8pm www.bluewolfgrill.com My mind was playing tricks on me. As I stepped into the Blue Wolf Grill on Washtenaw, I could tell the location used to be a fast food restaurant. I wanted to follow the tile floor to the counter and order; instead, I was invited to take a seat in the carpeted dining room. My eyes darted above the counter for the menu; instead, a mural of a wolf howling at the moon occupied that spot and a server at my table handed me a menu. The Blue Wolf Grill opened last year in a spot formerly occupied by a Taco Bell. Decorated in earthy browns and midnight blue, the small dining room exudes a casual Up North feel. The restaurant’s menu boasts American cuisine with Michigan flair and strives to use only Michigan based food distributors and local ingredients whenever possible. The restaurant offers a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes and entrees. After considering the Michigan salad with walnuts, dried cherries, and crumbled blue cheese, I decided on the Whitefish Panini ($10; fries $1 more). My husband debated between the apple brined chicken, slow smoked with Michigan cherry sauce, and the flank steak with hunter’s sauce. He went with the steak ($17), which included a salad and one side. My 9-year-old, enjoying a growth spurt, scoffed at the “pup sliders” on the kids’ menu. Instead, he ordered the half-pound Blue Wolf bacon burger, sans lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise ($9). Meanwhile, his little sister, age 6, had no problem choosing from the kids’ menu.

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

THE SHORT COURSE Kid-friendly Yes To avoid wait Dine before 7pm Noise level low to moderate Bathroom amenities No changing tables High chairs? Yes Got milk? Yes, plus pink lemonade and soda Kids’ menu? Yes Anything healthy for kids? The kids’ pizza with fresh mozzarella and a side of vegetables would be your best choice. Food allergy concerns Some gluten-free items are offered. They encourage you to call ahead or talk with the manager about other concerns, which they will strive to accommodate. From its selection of sliders, pizza, or chicken tenders (each $6 with one side), she picked chicken tenders and mashed potatoes. The Whitefish Panini was a modern version of the classic tuna melt. The whitefish salad tasted smoky and mixed well with melted Monterey Jack. The fries, seasoned with Parmesan and garlic, were light and yummy. My husband declared his flank steak good, accompanied by an appetizing sauce laced with mushrooms. His side order of collard greens with bacon was nicely wilted and tasted earthy and tangy. His entree also came with a whole wheat croissant, which he found flaky and crusty. “It’s bacon-rific,” my 9-year-old proclaimed of his Blue Wolf bacon burger. I noticed thick cut bacon and plenty of melted cheddar before the burger disappeared.

“Yum-may!” my daughter commented on her chicken tenders. The mashed potatoes were too sophisticated for her, but I found them appealing with hints of Parmesan, chives, and melted butter. We shared a slice of peanut butter cheesecake for dessert. While pretty to look at with crumbled peanuts and chocolate sauce drizzled on top, our piece tasted dry. Next time I would try the croissant bread pudding with vanilla sauce. While perhaps the interior harkens back to the structure’s fast food past, the Blue Wolf Grill overall was well suited for families and a comfortable spot for tasty sandwiches and burgers. The restaurant also serves breakfast, with Michigan flair, from 8am-2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Katy M. Clark is a freelance writer from Saline.

Have you been to the Blue Wolf Grill? Tell us what you thought on facbook.com\annarborfamily

June 2013 All calendar events are subject to change, cancellation, and limited size. Calling ahead for confirmation is recommended.

Friday, June 28-Sunday, June 30

Ann Arbor Summer Festival: Superhero Exhibit Who hasn’t wanted to be more than human? Superhero, a visiting interactive art exhibit by Spanish arts collective Wildbytes, promises to take Tree City residents’ dreams from the comic page to monolithic life during this year’s Ann Arbor Summer Festival. The exhibit uses Kinect cameras to give participants a variety of superpowers—toss energy balls, grow huge or tiny, or take flight like Superman. Your amazing deeds will be projected on the facade of the Burton Memorial Tower for all to see. Friday, June 28-Sunday, June 30, 9:45-11:45pm. Free. Ingalls Mall. 881 N University Ave. 734-994-5999. www.a2sf.org—JS

1 SATURDAY Young People’s Theater Presents: The Little Mermaid - YPT’s very own local young people take you on an adventure under the sea in the musical adaptation of Disney’s 1989 film, The Little Mermaid. Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 1pm & 7pm; Sunday, 2pm. $15 adults / $10 children / $10 students. Power Center for the Performing Arts University of Michigan, 121 Fletcher St. 734-763-TKTS.

2013 Peonies Galore Sale and Peony Festival - Matthaei Botanical Gardens partnered with local nursery Northfield Farms to bring you some of the same varieties of beautiful heirloom peonies that grow in the U-M Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden—the largest collection of heirloom peonies in North America. Saturday & Sunday, 10am-4:30pm. U-M Nichols Arboretum, 1610 Washington Hts. www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg Cont. on pg 20

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Cont. from pg 19

Family Fly Fishing Class - Mike Mouradian of Ann Arbor Trout Unlimited (AATU) will teach casting, knot tying, fly identification, and entomology, along with experienced instructors from AATU. Children 11 or older. Adults must accompany children. Advance registration required. 8am-12pm. $40 per family. Lillie Park North, 4365 Platt Rd. 734-769-5123. www.hrwc.org 18th Annual African American Downtown Festival - This day-long event features something fun for the entire family. Exhibits include crafts, jewelry, custom and traditional clothing, political and community outreach programs, and edible contests with taste tests. A full slate of health screenings and awareness programs will be on hand as well, and live entertainment will rock downtown throughout the day, with poetry, gospel choirs, praise dancers (movement with a religious bent), storytellers, hip hop, and bands playing everything from jazz to country. 8am-9pm. Downtown Ann Arbor. 7th Annual Ya’ssoo Greek Festival Ann Arbor’s St. Nicholas parishioners invite everyone to enjoy Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, live Greek music and entertainment, dancing, Agora Marketplace, and the Hellenic Cultural Exhibit. There will also be huge cash raffles and guided tours of the Byzantine-style church are conducted throughout the event. Shuttle and free parking at Knox Presbyterian Church (2065 S. Wagner) 1/2 mile from St. Nicholas. May 31-June 2. Friday, 2pm-12am; Saturday, 11am-12am; Sunday, 12-6pm. $3 after Friday, 4pm & Saturday, 1pm/ Free Sunday / Free, children 12 and under. Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 3109 Scio Church Rd. 734-332-8200. www.annarborgreekfestival.org

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

The Children’s Literacy Network Bookfair and Fun for All! - Support literacy with the entire family! Enjoy a 10am performance by storyteller Laura Pershin Raynor, a visit from Belle (Beauty and the Beast) from 10:30am-12pm, music, crafts, face-painting, and refreshments. Don’t forget to mention your support of CLN at the checkout! 10am-2pm. No cost. Barnes & Noble, 3235 Washtenaw Ave. 308-2931124. www.childrensliteracynetwork.org Evolution of Whales - Dive deeply into the history of whales. Explore what is known about the earliest whales! Look at how whales have adapted to thrive underwater by comparing archaic whales to modern whales. Discover how paleontologists study fossils to find the missing link to the earliest known whale ancestor. You will get the chance to make your own cast of an archaic Dorudon whale tooth! 3-3:30pm. University of MIchigan Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave. 734-764-0478. www.lsa.umich.edu.

2 SUNDAY Mom 2 Mom Sale - Over 60 tables of gently used baby and kids clothing, toys furniture and homemade crafts! There will also be activities for children and door prizes. 11am-2pm. $1. Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. 734-757-3591. www.JCCmom2mom.com Rockhound Basics - Discover what you can learn about ancient Michigan from looking at a rock. Geologist Larry Bean will show you how to “read” the story told by rocks and help you to identify specimens at a local quarry. Meet at the Discovery Center before driving to the quarry to do some collecting. Advance registration requested. 2-3:30pm. $2 individual / $5 family. Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. 517-522-3949. www.wnha.org

Sunday, June 23

Ecology Center’s 2013 EcoRide Get some exercise, get outdoors and support the environment with the Ecology Center’s 2013 EcoRide. This annual family-friendly event is for riders of all skill levels with a selection of rides at different lengths weaving through bike trails, parks, organic farms and gardens in the A2 area. The routes include the 2 mile Tour DeFalls, 10 mile Tour DeHoop, 10 mile Tour DeEcoArtFarmSolar, 20 mile Combine DeTours and the 55 mile Tour DeLong. This year local artists will have “EcoArt” pop-up art galleries with a sustainability theme along the Farm tour stops. Participants can enjoy music food and festivities after the ride. There are no registration fees, but riders are asked to raise pledges to benefit the Ecology Center. The top fundraisers for the kids, teen, adult and team categories will win great prizes from local businesses. Register online to ride. 7am-2pm. $5 suggested minimum for kids / $50 suggested minimum for adults. Riverside Park, Canal St. 734-369-9279. www.ecocenter.org—JG Dancing Babies w/ Dianne Dudley Ann Arbor Public School teacher Dianne Dudley leads children in music and motion activities. This event is for ages 5 years and younger. 1-1:45pm. Free. Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-332-3923. www.aadl.org The Baton Passes On: Community Discussion - Join diversity-centric children’s theatre personality, LaRon Williams, for the final community discussion for “The Mountaintop” at Performance Network Theatre. Williams will offer his extensive experience as a nationally acclaimed African American theatre professional to examine the play’s unusual plot devices and complex characters and how they affect the depiction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth. This event is first come, first serve: General admission. 4:30pm. Free. Performance Network Theatre, 120 E Huron St. 734-663-0681. www.performancenetwork.org Women’s Fly Fishing Class - Mike Mouradian of Ann Arbor Trout Unlimited (AATU) will teach casting, knot tying, fly identification, and entomology, along with experienced instructors from AATU. Advance registration required. 8:30am12pm. $35. Lillie Park North, 4365 Platt Rd. 734-769-5123. www.hrwc.org Where Do the Children Play? - Little Lake Learning Community, a democratic learning community in Washtenaw County, is screening several movies to spark conversation and discussion amongst parents and caregivers of children. The movies being shown include Where do the Children Play? and Schooling the World (Sunday, June 16). Each movie is a provocative presentation on the ills of dominant corporate education. 3-5pm. Free, donations appreciated. Little Lake Learning Community, 3257 Lohr Rd. 734-218-4877.

4 TUESDAY Oh Baby! Navigating Life With Your New Baby - This is an 8-week baby class covering everything from feeding, to changes in your relationship with your partner, to fun things to do with your new baby. The class is geared towards parents of 2-6 month old children who are looking for some further information on popular new-parent topics. The class is also meant to facilitate a “mom’s grouptype” setting to help new parents meet others for support and friendship. Dad’s are very welcome! Late-comers may join at a pro-rated fee, space permitting. June 4-July 23, 10-11am. $160 for 8 week session. Hygeia Center for Healing Arts, 220 N. 5th Ave. 734-769-6100. www.hygeiacenter.org

9 SUNDAY Natures’s Tank the Turtle - Naturalist Tom Hodgson will introduce you to Michigan’s turtles with several live specimens for you to observe. Learn about turtle biology and life cycles as well as what to do when turtles are encountered in the wild. Advance registration requested. 2-3pm. $2 individual / $5 family. Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. 517-522-3949. -www.wnha.org

12 WEDNESDAY Natural Home Remedies for the Whole Family - Please come for an informative and interactive discussion of natural remedies for treating many common, minor ailments at home. Modalities covered include food as medicine, herbal remedies, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and more. Class participants will have the opportunity to purchase pre-made home remedy kits from Hygeia Center at a discounted price. 6-7:30pm. $25. Hygeia Center for Healing Arts, 220 N. 5th Ave. 734-769-6100. www.hygeiacenter.org

Cont. on pg 22

www.annarborfamily.com • June 2013 •

Cont. from pg 21

14 FRIDAY Ann Arbor Mayor’s Office 13th annual Green Fair - Celebrate the community’s environmental leadership as exhibited by citizens, nonprofits, government, and businesses. Ann Arbor’s downtown Main Street will be closed to regular automotive traffic, but will be open for walkers and displays of environmental information, “green” products, live music, and general enjoyment of the urban outdoor environment. 6-9pm. Free. Main Street, Downtown Ann Arbor. www.a2gov.org/greenfair

16 SUNDAY Kids Rock Music Workshop: Songwriting The ICV Way - Meet Ice Cream Vendors in person on the afternoon of their Top Of The Park Kids Rock performance. Ice Cream Vendors songs are all written and composed with a collaborative effort. For this workshop, ICV’s Jon Kostal and Greg Barnett let you in on their unique approach to songwriting. Learn about song inspiration based on unusual everyday sources. 1-2pm. Free. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. www.aadl.org

22 SATURDAY Great American Backyard Campout - Be a part of a nation-wide event that brings families together and closer to nature. Enjoy nature-based programs, tent space, campfires, dinner & breakfast, and much more! The campout event is for all ages; minimum of one adult per family. Saturday, 4pm-Sunday, 10am.

$50 family. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. www.lesliesnc.org Ann Arbor Summer Festival: Les 7 doights - Based out of Montreal, “Les 7 doights” (7 Fingers) is one of the world’s leading contemporary circus troupes, known for creating a spectacular yet intimate experience. This rebel circus collective mixes acrobatic dance, physical theatre, and torso-twisting artistry into one stunning performance. 8pm; June 23 (5pm). $25-$45, $10 Kids. Power Center, 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor. 734-7633333. www.a2sf.org KIds Read Comics 2013 - Stressing active engagement over passive consumption, the weekend will include hands-on workshops covering such topics as learning to draw funny people from wacky shapes, writing and drawing minicomics, and much more. Artists will demonstrate how they do what they do while answering audience questions, and the always popular Quick Draw competitions will pit artists head to head as they improvise drawings based on suggestions from spectators. 10am-6pm. Free. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. www.aadl.org

26 WEDNESDAY Ann Arbor Jaycees Summer Carnival - Don’t miss out on the 62nd Annual Ann Arbor Jaycees Summer Carnival! There’ll be rides, games, food and more. Wed.-Fri., 4-11pm; Sat., 12-11pm; Sun., 12-9pm. Free admission before 9pm. No admittance after 10pm. Pioneer High School, 601 W Stadium Blvd. www.a2jaycees.org/carnival

To add or see more events go to annarborfamily.com

MONDAYs-Fridays Lactation Consultation, Consultant Shin

THURSDAYS Parent Toddler Group, This is a unique

MONDAYs Homebirth Circles, On the second

Mama Circle, Mothers & Mothers-to-be

Ai Shyn is available for advice, bra fittings and general info about breast and bottle feeding. Call for appointments.10am-12pm. Free. My Urban Toddler, 7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. 734-944-3628. www.myurbantoddler.com

Monday of the month attend this social gathering and discussion group for families who are considering homebirth, planning a homebirth or have birthed at home. Meet the Midwives from 6:30-7:30pm. 7:30-8:30pm. Free. Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St. 734-424-0220. www.newmoonmidwifery.com

Yoga For Mamas, This hatha postnatal and prenatal yoga class helps mothers and babies during the childbearing year to relax the mind, strengthen the body, alleviate discomfort and support a growing bond. Through May 13, 10-11:30am. $110 for 7 week series / $190 for 14-week series. Single class Drop in $18. Hygeia Center for Healing Arts, 220 N. 5th Ave. 734-769-6100. www.hygeiacenter.org Wednesdays Parent-to-Parent, This is a free, informal drop-in group for parents. Moms, dads,

infants, and toddlers all welcome!10-11:30am, Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St. 734-663-1523. www.center4cby.com

Nursing Cafe, Hang out with other breastfeeding moms and enjoy a pot of nursing tea, with professional support on hand for questions and help. Pregnant moms are welcome, too. 2-3pm. Indigo Forest, 4121 Jackson Rd. 734-994-8010. www.visitindigo.com 22

• June 2013 • www.annarborfamily.com

opportunity for children 12-36 months and adults to spend quality time together playing, working on simple art projects and having a snack. Older siblings are also welcome. 9:15-10:45am. $92. Lamaze Family Center, 2855 Boardwalk. www.lamazefamilycenter.org

gather to laugh, talk, & cry on their journey through motherhood. In this safe place, discuss topics of interest, create long-lasting friendships & build community; your children are welcome as you care for them while you attend. 9:30-11am. Indigo Forest, 4121 Jackson Rd. 734-994-8010. www.visitindigo.com

FRIDAYS Breastfeeding Café, This is a free drop-

in group for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, hosted by lactation consultant Barbara Robertson. Stop by for a cup of tea, some good company, baby weight checks, bra fittings, and more! 10-11:30am. Free. Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St. 734-975-6534. www.bfcaa.com

Saturdays Children’s Story Time, Story time for children ages seven and under. 11am. Free. Nicola’s Bookstore, 2513 Jackson Ave., 734-662-0600. www.nicolasbooks.com

Super Saturday Storytime, Stories, songs and a simple craft for preschoolers and older children. 10:30am. Free. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-4824110. www.ypsilibrary.org

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words or less. Each additional word is 40 cents each and any artwork will be $5 extra. Display Classifieds: Display classifieds with a box may be purchased for $25 per column inch. Photos are accepted with ads for an additional $5 per photo.

SERVICES BE A BETTER PARENT: At your wits end? Child struggling? I can help. Parenting Consultant, Annie Zirkel, LPC is available for Consultations, Child Coaching, Classes, School Presentations. Specialties: empowered parenting; power struggles; helping children/ teens dealing with bullying, anger, anxiety. Call 734-735-5522 or visit www.practicenow.com. It really can get better.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY UNLIMITED INCOME POTENTIAL FROM HOME, flexible schedule, great training and support. Have fun and make a difference. Call Marie 734-475-4607

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Humane Society of Huron Valley FInd me at www.hshv.org

1 yr old Chihuahua/ Yorkie Mix

Skittles