3/18 - Ann Arbor Family by Adams Street Publishing Co.

FREE MARCH 2018

Preschool & Child Care Guide Where to launch your littles into their bright future, p10

Hop Into Spring Egg hunts, bunny visits, and more! p14

Top 10 Day Trips Destinations for your Spring Break p16

Sunday April 15, 2018 1:00pm

FEATURING:

The Chenille Sisters Gemily (Gemini + Emily) Master Storyteller, Laura Pershin Raynor

The Ark - Ann Arbor

TICKETS:

$20/adult $15/youth or senior $60 Family 4 pack

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

Volume X • Issue X Month Year

MARCH giveaway

Hop into Spring

Child Care & Preschool

Local spring activities, egg hunts and Easter Bunny visits

GUIDE

Ten Fun Family Day Trips

Top local preschools and child care centers for your little student

Need a vacation in a day? These day-trip destinations are a just short drive away

departments Ann Arbor favorites

community snapshots

Online

With the included safety strap, it can even be used with baby’s carseat. The Binxy Baby® Shopping Cart Hammock™ can be used for children up to 50 pounds, and fits most standard size metal or plastic shopping carts. Two hammocks can be placed next to each other in the same cart, still leaving room for groceries while allowing parents to shop with their toddler and baby. The winner will get to choose from several stylish colors and patterns. Visit annarborfamily.com to enter.

what’s briefly happening 6 new kids 7 tween the lines 8 exceptional families 9 ask the expert 9 parent profile 18 healthy kids 19 calendar 21 marketplace 23

commentary

food fight 20

Bulgogi in Your Hoagie

Broadway Café offers Korean fusion — by Julie and David Sturza

Shopping in style Binxy Baby provides busy parents with a product that makes the everyday task of shopping easier and safer for baby. The Binxy Baby® Shopping Cart Hammock™ keeps baby snug, safe and secure while mom and dad shop. The simple-to-use seat clips on to most shopping carts while allowing parents to place items under baby. At the end of the trip, the seat folds up and can be tucked into a diaper bag.

Spring Surprise

Head Lice Myth Busters and Solutions

Congratulations

by Laura Lyles Reagan

Janice Richardson

[Always online]

EDUCATION GUIDE Choose where your kid gets schooled

most read online 1. Summer Camp Guide 2017

On the cover Ryan, 2, Dexter

FREE FEBRUARY 2018

2. Kids Eat Free in Ann Arbor 3. Top Six Things To Know About Homeschooling in Washtenaw County

The first girl after two boys, she is the greatest finale to our family and has rounded us out. Her favorite food or snack is Popsicles and gogurts!

EDUCATION GUIDE P.10

The Fourth Trimester

Thrive during those first three months, p17 p18

annarborfamily.com Join us and our 1,500+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions.

Feel the Love Valentine’s Day in Ann Arbor, p14

Her favorite book is any of her many Elmo and Sesame Street books Her favorite toy or activity is her whole Sesame street plush collection and swinging outside in her swing or going in her bright yellow jogging stroller for a quick walk around the block

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

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2018 •

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

Where the Science of Medicine Meets the Art of Touch

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) ANYTHING KARDASHIANS.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) ANY TV.

Night Night Michigan

It’s bedtime in the Mitten State and the board book Night Night Michigan by Katherine Sully is the perfect way for Michigan children to say good night. Michigan sites featured in the book include the Mackinac Bridge, Michigan Stadium, National Cherry Festival and Belle Isle Park. $9.99 dexterpharmacy.com

Editorial

Assignment Editor Laura Eliason

(laura@annarborfamily.com) STRANGER THINGS. Calendar Estar Cohen (calendar@annarborfamily.com) ANYTHING EXTREMELY VIOLENT.

This doll is dressed for success! Whether it’s an astronaut, firefighter, doctor, superhero, artist, rock star, chef or police officer, she is ready to tackle many tasks at a moment’s notice. The Julia Magnetic Dress Up Set by Melissa & Doug includes a magnetic wooden dress-up figure with a wooden stand and 24 magnetic clothing pieces to create eight occupational uniforms and outfits, all stored in a sturdy wooden tray. Perfect for ages 3 and up to enjoy hours of imaginative indoor play. $12.99 growwithme123.com

True Holistic Medicine.

By restoring structural health, the whole being begins to heal.

Susan M Rose, DO

- Treats newborns for head asymmetry, feeding problems, colic - Treats children, such as athletes, dancers, musicians with injuries to upper/lower extremities, back/neck. They are often able to return to their activity sooner than “conventional” treatment.

*Read more about Dr. Rose’s work in Issue 64 of The Crazy Wisdom Community Journal - http://bit.ly/susanrose

NOW IN ANN ARBOR The Parkway Center 2345 S. Huron Parkway Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (810) 588-6911

DrSusanRose.com

Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DR. WHO. Contributing Writers Laura Eliason, Raegan Nelson, Kimmie Rose, Mary Rose Kulczak, Julie Sturza, David Sturza, Donna Iadipaolo, Dawn Nelson, April Huard, Laura Lyles Reagan, and Estar Cohen.

Art/Production

Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) AMERICAN IDOL. Senior Designer Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) HORROR MOVIES.

Small but mighty

It’s never too early to get your child into the gym. The Buff Baby Rattle gives babies a champion’s start in the form of a dumbbell-shaped baby rattle! Safe for baby, no phosphates and BPA-free. $9.99 shoptherocket.com

Graphic Design Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) REALITY SHOWS & THE MAURY POVICH SHOW. Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SPARKLEY VAMPIRES.

Advertising

Sales Catherine Bohr (a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) 13 REASONS WHY.

Board Certified in: • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine • Performing Arts Medicine (1 of 3 physicians in MI) • Integrative Pediatrics

What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch? Publisher/Editor in Chief

Dressed for success

Osteopathy:

Adams Street Publishing Co.

Lewis Andrews (landrews@adamsstreetpublishing.com) 13 REASONS WHY.

PISCES

Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) REALITY TV.

Administration

KIDS HOROSCOPE

Accounting Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) THE BACHELOR. Distribution Anne Harrington (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com) COUNTING CARS.

February 19 - March 20

Digital

By Kimmie Rose

Your imaginative, dreamy Pisces child has extraordinary intuition and will sometimes surprise others with dreams and visions that eventually become reality. They observe, but do not understand, everything that is happening around them and can be somewhat dreamy and lost in their own little world. This month is a perfect time for your little dreamer to express themselves because the planet of communication is illuminating their dreams, helping them to materialize. Ask your little dreamer what they want to do when they grow up and make a dream book with them with pictures from magazines or that they have drawn. Be sure to let them use different colors and refer to all of the five senses when putting their dreams in the book.

Tech Manager Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) GILMORE GIRLS.

We’re celebrating kids and family

#a2kids

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

Web Guru Ashley Boardman (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ANY MARVEL MOVIE.

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.

FIND LIKE AND FOL LOW US

Also publishers of:

Audited by

Member

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

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

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

ilo, 1

Aya, 6 and M

Kayla, 6, Snickers, 4

O’Malley, 9, and

Jacob, 9 with our dogs Boris

Yoav, 3

(big dog) 10, and Cherry, 4

Zara and her puppy Betty.

Nolan, 5mo, Brendan, 3

Keagan, 1.5,

Emma and Lola are Snuggle Buddies!

per

walking Pep

Trey, 12, and Buster, 11

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2018 •

months

Compiled by Laura Eliason

An Ann Arbor motor company production Maple Sugaring: A Journey to the Sugar Bush March is Maple Sugar Month in Michigan. Every Saturday and Sunday between March 3-24 Naturalist Mark Irish will lead a tour to discuss the history of maple sugaring. The tour includes a hike to a stand of maple trees to see how they are tapped, followed by a trip to an evaporator to learn how sap is turned into syrup. $6 for adults; $4 for kids: A pancake and sausage breakfast is available between 9am-1pm for additional cost. Pre-registration is required by calling 734-426-8211.

The Thurston Community Players will present their 44th annual production March 15-17, Higher and Higher: The Incredible Automotive Balloon Spectacular of 1910, a story that involves a failing Thurston Motor Company, suffragettes and vaudeville theater. Thurston Players is a unique Ann Arbor community theater group dating back to 1974. Volunteers gather annually to create an original plot for the play, select songs, write lyrics and choreograph dance numbers, all leading up to three exciting performances of an original musical comedy each March to benefit Thurston and Clague Schools. March 15-16, 7:30pm. March 17, 7pm. $10/adult, $5/student. Clague Middle School, 2616 Nixon Rd. thurstonplayers.org

Saturdays and Sundays, March 3-24. Tours start at 10am, 11am and noon. $5/adult and $3/ child plus $10 vehicle entrance fee. Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial Rd., Dexter. Pre-registration required. 734-426-8211. metroparks.com

Critters upgrade! Little Volunteers, Big Hearts Our caring children are tomorrow’s leaders and Kids Care Fair, hosted by Jewish Family Services (JFS), aims to engage them in the joy of giving back. This 4th annual event will be held at Emerson School and will feature activity stations (some staffed by big kids) and hands-on experiences to energize elementary school aged children (and their families) about community service and kindness. Activities include “Grow your Plants, Grow Your Earth”, Book Creation Station, “Postcards of Gratitude”, Disability Awareness Exercises, Creating Activity Bags for Refugee Children, Meeting Therapy Dogs, sensory and craft activities and more! A live performance by Mariah’s Amazing Puppets will entertain with the stories of The Giving Tree and the Selfish Litterbug Giant.

The Leslie Science and Nature Center’s Critter House has undergone some nice upgrades over the past months. Gone is the large iguana, which means the critter collection is now made up of only species native to our region. Observe frogs, turtles, snakes and more as they hop, crawl and slither in their homes! The house also has added a beehive with a glass box for observation of the bees busy at work and is now more easily wheelchair and stroller accessible. There are also newly painted walls and a public restroom. Most Sundays. 10-1pm. Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. Lesliesnc.org Free, but donations are appreciated

Sunday, March 18. 3-5pm. $5-$50 ($25 requested) per family sliding scale based on ability to pay. No family will be turned away due to inability to pay. Proceeds will benefit JFS’s family programs, including specialty food pantry and refugee resettlement services. Emerson School, 5425 Scio Church Rd. 734-769-0209 ext. 368. jfsannarbor.org/kids-care-fair

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

Westside to eastside

Grand Rapids-based Doorganics is expanding its organic grocery delivery service to Ann Arbor. After the closure of Door to Door Organics, Doorganics is seizing on the opportunity to let customers shop online for groceries from more than 150 different Michigan-made items including farm eggs, pastured meats, freshly baked breads and cheeses as well as organic deli salads and prepared meals. Customers control their delivery schedule through an online member portal. And the good news is, delivery is free and you can start or pause delivery any time. Visit doorganics.com for more information.

Rowing in the city

Straight from Manhattan’s Upper East Side, CityRow is bringing its creative studio format rowing class to Ann Arbor. Its signature class combines rowing intervals on water-based rowing machines with dynamic sculpting exercises to balance cardio and strength training. CityRow’s new location at 401 E. Liberty, between campus and Main Street, is expected to open in the spring. To learn more about the workout, visit cityrow.com.

Casting off old locations

Two stores R leaving Us

Babies R Us and Toys R Us are closing 182 stores nationwide and the Ann Arbor locations are on the list. Following lackluster holiday sales, both stores will close by April 18. Closing sales at the Ann Arbor locations will include store inventory and the chains’ “aged inventory” will be moved to these closing stores.

Comcast has opened a new customer service location at 2915 Oak Valley Drive in Ann Arbor, next to Target. The hours are 9am-7pm Monday through Saturday and from noon until 5pm Sunday. Comcast has discontinued customer service operations at the South Industrial location.

Jump into Spring! Ann Arbor Family is here to help! From library story times to local events to special holiday happenings, our online calendar offers everything you need to stay active. For stories and ideas straight to your inbox, sign up for our parent e-newsletter today!

annarborfamily.com

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2018 •

tween the lines

advice for parents with children 10-16

Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Program Surges Students reach out to other students about depression education and help By Donna Marie Iadipaolo

In recent years, suicides in local schools “Mental health issues for adolescents have shaken many communities. Ac- have been steadily increasing for the cording to data from the Pediatric Health past 10 years,” said Rob Grams, a 17 year Information System, the admission of school counselor at Mill Creek. “Our patients 5 to 17 years of age for suicidal school was approached by UM to be part thoughts or actions more than doubled of an initiative that expands the existbetween 2008 to 2015. Depression in youth ing high school Peer-to-Peer program to has been linked to many factors, such as the middle school level. Mill Creek has academic stress, bullying, increased use of always been a proponent of depression social media, gender identity, prejudice, awareness and education and the loss and others. One hypothesis of one of our students to defor this sudden doubling is the “Mental health pression last year has made increase in stressful environus even more sensitive to the issues for ments and unfettered access to This program gave adolescents have issues. the internet and social media. us an opportunity to expand been steadily Washtenaw County’s Peerour efforts.” increasing for the to-Peer (P2P) Depression Grams said it is too early past 10 years,” to evaluate the success of the Awareness program is a way — Rob Grams, for local students to reach out program, but they have noa school counselor to other students with educaticed some positive results. at Mill Creek tion and help. The past year “Informally, we are finding Middle School has seen a dramatic surge as that our students on the team the program in Washtenaw County has have good insight into student attitudes expanded from eight participating high about mental illness and some of the arschools last year to 13 high schools and eas we need to target in our campaign,” nine middle schools this school year, ac- said Grams. cording to Stephanie Salazar, MPH, outA student’s voice reach and education program manager Eighth grader Grace Byron is one of the at the University of Michigan Depression 11 Mill Creek students currently involved Center. in the program. “I decided to join Peer-toPeer-to-Peer progress Peer because I felt that people at my school The goals of the Peer-to-Peer Depres- were treating others with depression like it sion Awareness Program are to educate was a disease that they could catch if they high school and middle school students hung with them too much,” said Byron. about depression and depressive illness- “This is unfair to the student with depreses, and to support them in finding creative sion because then they get excluded for ways to convey this knowledge to their something that isn’t even their fault.” peers. Ultimately, the program seeks to “There are many benefits when you promote the early detection of depression, are helping students with depression,” bipolar disorder and related illnesses. Byron said. “Some of them include stopStudents volunteer to be part of the ping the person with depression from Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness becoming too isolated and making new Program at each school. Then, teams of friends with people you have helped students attend an educational confer- along the way.” ence to learn about depression, mood “I would strongly suggest that stuand anxiety, as well as how to create dents get involved in the program,” said safe and effective public health aware- Byron. “It provides awareness of mental ness campaigns. After the conference, the illnesses which is useful to know when Depression Center staff provides sup- going into high school. Many people port to the teams to help them work to have a difficult time balancing all the develop and implement the awareness work and the program alerts people if the campaign that best suits their school. work becomes too much.” Students create lesson plans, assemblies, Participating school counselors can arrange videos, announcements, and posters. student participation. If a school wants additional Detecting a trend information, contact Stephanie Salazar at: Mill Creek Middle School in Dexter, sawaters@med.umich.edu. Additional one of the schools that joined in Noveminformation is available at depressioncenter.org. ber, became involved due to trends detected by school staff.

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

Ask the Expert

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILIES for parents of children with special needs

The What, When, and How of Screen Time Child psychologist Sarah Domoff weighs in By April Huard

Team S.H.I.N.E.: Champions for a Cause

Honored childhood hero leads fundraising campaign for leukemia survivors By Dawn Nelson

Better treatments on the horizon There is a pressing need for more investment in research as promising treatment trends emerge. Mabry strongly supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society because of the organization’s deep commitment. Dollars raised during the campaign will be invested in a comprehensive research portfolio. It has been 12 years since Mabry’s diagnosis of cancer; his treatment began in kindergarten, and he went through four years of chemotherapy that was often harsh. He wants to improve patient care and treatment, as well as post-treatment care, to provide continuous support to survivors. Also a cancer survivor, Johanna Mabry emphasized the need for programs that help kids develop life skills because children miss out on so much when they undergo treatment. Having experienced these hardships, she feels cancer pa-

use. Domoff says families should set two rules: no devices at mealtimes (including television), and no devices at bedtime. “These two changes have a big impact and help protect times that are important to child development.” Mealtimes should be reserved for family social engagement. Screens at bedtime are responsible for many negative outcomes, including disrupted sleep, obesity and poor academic performance. “If you can limit the times of the day that the child uses screens, that can go a really long way,” Domoff stresses.

“if parents manage their children’s screen time, they can reduce negative outcomes. Parents have a lot of power.”

Pioneer High School student Ari Mabry (now 16-years-old on the left) defeated childhood leukemia and is now giving back.

Ari Mabry, a 16-year-old Ann Arbor Pioneer High School student, survived childhood leukemia. As a nominee in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2018 Students of the Year fundraising campaign, Mabry leads Team S.H.I.N.E. as one of several competing teams in the Detroit area. Mabry and his mother, Johanna, seek to raise $12,000 every week during the seven-week campaign to reach their goal of $84,000 by March 10. Donations will go to research and to fund programs for leukemia, lymphoma and blood cancer patients and survivors. So far they have “made a nice dent” in reaching their goal; “the power of word of mouth can go a long way,” Mabry said.

If you’re a parent, then you’ve probably spent at least some energy lately worrying about screen time. As screens and media become a constant presence in our lives, it’s difficult to know how to set healthy limits for kids. Dr. Sarah Domoff, a child clinical psychologist, is currently conducting research at both Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan that addresses concerns about kids and screen time. According to Domoff, nationwide studies show that pre-teens use screens for entertainment on an average of 4.5 hours per day. For teens, the average jumps to 7 hours per day. Although parents often want to know how many hours is too many, Domoff says that’s asking the wrong question. Instead of focusing on how much, the Dr. suggests parents should address the what, when and how of screen time.

tients and survivors need more compassionate care. “Don’t give up! Live your life to the fullest, even though it’s difficult,” says Ari Mabry. He offers encouragement to kids facing similar challenges, saying, “that’s what helped me the most.” The healing power of music During his own treatment, early music therapy made a powerful difference in his life. A saxophone and guitar player, he has ambitions to study music after high school. Mabry favors fingerstyle acoustic guitar, with percussive accents played on the body of the instrument. The Mabrys are inviting musicians to contribute tracks to an online digital album called Fingerstyle for a Cure to help raise awareness and funds for their campaign. Mabry feels there is a lot of power in gathering musicians for a cause and hopes to see these efforts flourish in the future. Visit teamshinells.com to learn more about the auction events, projects and to donate, or stop by Mudpuddles Toy Store in Kerrytown to donate in person. They invite everyone to donate $10 or more, and to ask friends and coworkers to do the same. Mabry also welcomes Ann Arbor high school students to join his team. The winning team will be announced March 10 at the Grand Finale Gala at Chrysler House in Detroit. “Even small actions make a huge difference,” says Mabry. “Help us fight cancer!” Contact Team S.H.I.N.E. by email at teamshine2018@gmail.com with any questions.

— What — Parents should know what their children are seeing online and play a major role in deciding content. “As long as content is positive, prosocial, and age appropriate, it’s okay,” Dornoff says. To find positive options, she recommends using resources such as commonsensemedia.org to see reviews of games, apps and shows. She also encourages families to create a family media plan at healthychildren.org. These resources can help parents structure their kids’ media exposure and create stipulations and boundaries.

— When — The when of screen time is a critical component of healthy screen

— How — Parents should pay attention to how their children use screens, asking, “How much is the child’s use of screens getting in the way of their functioning and family activities?” Dornoff says. When kids would rather use screens than interact with others or engage in hobbies, the problem should be addressed. If parents suspect that their children are addicted to screens, she recommends identifying the problem early and seeking help from a pediatrician or child psychologist. Domoff is confident that “if parents manage their children’s screen time, they can reduce negative outcomes. Parents have a lot of power.” Because it’s unrealistic to completely remove screens from children, Domoff wants parents to feel empowered and hopeful about their ability to make a difference for their kids around this issue. Follow Dr. Domoff on Twitter at @sarah_ domoff to stay up to date on research on children’s media use, and visit her website for more resources for parents and teachers at sarahdomoff.com.

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2018 •

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Preschool & Child Care GUIDE

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School 2270 E. Stadium Blvd. 734-821-2200 | stfrancisa2.com/school St. Francis Preschool has two classrooms which serve young children ages 3-5, offering half or full day options. Their Enrichment Preschool Room is for 3 and 4 year old children who will be 3 by October 1st. Their PreKindergarten Room is for children who turn 4 years old by October 1st. Their emergent curriculum is child initiated, teacher guided and based on the observed interests of the children; caring St. Francis educators seek out and support the evolving interests of students. The first few years of your child’s life are a critical period of learning and developing, socially, emotionally and intellectually. Connecting with warm, caring educators, like the teachers at St. Francis, can help your preschooler form strong relationships through his or her life. They look forward to embarking on this adventure with you and your child! If you are interested in Catholic education for your student, please contact Christina Busse at cbusse@ stfrancisaa.org or 734-821-2290.

Pediatric Therapy Center

The Discovery Center 775 S. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor 734-663-7496 | thediscoverycenterpreschool.com The Discovery Center is an early childhood program for two-and-a-half to five-year-olds that has been serving families in the Ann Arbor area since 1974. With a highly-educated and experienced staff, a modern building designed specifically for their use, and a nurturing, flexible program, the staff at The Discovery Center believes the environment created there for young children is ideal. The Discovery Center has been an accredited program through the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 1993. The Discovery Center provides an environment that encourages each child to approach optimum physical, social, emotional, aesthetic, and intellectual growth. Their programs are based on an open classroom approach with emphasis on a hands-on, experiential environment. The classroom environment encourages each child to explore “discovery centers” set up by the staff and to participate in a full range of activities occurring throughout the day. The program is also enhanced by outside specialists who provide Spanish, music, and storytelling enrichment activities.

Early Learning Center Preschool 3070 Redwood Dr. 734-973-7722 | elcpreschool.com

6276 Jackson Rd. Suite K | Ann Arbor MI childrenscenterforgrowth.com

Now offering Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy

Call us today for more information (734) 821-6915 10

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

The Early Learning Center believes that young children learn best through exploratory play. They offer a variety of both directed and non-directed activities to encourage children to develop a strong sense of curiosity, self-esteem, and independence. The NAEYC accredited school is a traditional half-day preschool program that serves children that are two and a half to five years of age. They are run by a parent board of volunteers so families have an active role in decision making in the program. Each classroom is composed of two teachers with Bachelor’s degrees in Education who team teach and work together to make sure that each child is getting a wellrounded preschool experience.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor 2775 Newport Rd. 734-995-4141 | steinerschool.org At RSSAA their philosophy is that young children learn best in a warm, homelike environment where the curriculum is imparted naturally through daily activities, and where play is central to the program. Simple, natural materials encourage children to form their own games and stories. In this way, our students develop creative thinking, problem-solving abilities and social skills. We intersperse this play with rich, vibrant storytelling, gardening, cooking, and art activities. We lay the groundwork for literacy with our daily Language Arts circle. Poems, songs, stories and beautiful puppet plays deepen vocabulary, increase overall language facilities, and strengthen listening and concentration. Students also participate twice a week in German, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese immersion classes led by native speakers. Offering 3-, 4- and 5-day programs for children ages 3 to 6, classes are mixed age and multi-year, enabling students to form deep connections to each other and to their teachers. Additionally, they offer Parent-Child classes for parents and children from infancy to age four. The classes are led by a Waldorf trained facilitator who shares resources for parents, and guides singing, visiting, and playing together.

Early Learning Center Preschool 3070 Redwood Dr. 734-973-7722 | elcpreschool.com The Early Learning Center believes that young children learn best through exploratory play. They offer a variety of both directed and non-directed activities to encourage children to develop a strong sense of curiosity, self-esteem, and independence. The NAEYC accredited school is a traditional half-day preschool program that serves children that are two and a half to five years of age. They are run by a parent board of volunteers so families have an active role in decision making in the program. Each classroom is composed of two teachers with Bachelor’s degrees in education who team teach and work together to make sure that each child receives a well-rounded preschool experience.

CONTINUED ON P. 12

Preschool and Young 5’s Programs Accepting Enrollments for the 2018-2019 School Year

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2018 •

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CONTINUED FROM P. 11

Washtenaw Intermediate School District - Head Start and Great Start Readiness Programs 734-994-8100 x 1551 Washtenawpreschool.org The Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) is the grantee for the federal Head Start and the Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), pre-kindergarten programs for low to moderate income families. WISD partners with all local school districts, along with a number of community-based preschool providers, to ensure that high quality classroom-based programs are available at 30 sites, in every community of the county. Programs are completely free for eligible three and four year-olds. Detailed information about program eligibility, program schedules, transportation, and specific site locations is available at washtenawpreschool. org. Families can submit an interest form for the 2018/19 school year through the website beginning March 1. If you have additional questions, please call WISD at 1-734-994-8100 x 1551.

st paul

Dexter Co-Op Preschool 8260 Jackson Rd. 734-426-2491 dextercoop.com The Dexter Co-Op Preschool strives to provide a setting where young children engage in group experiences before entering the elementary school and where emphasis is placed on the growth and development of the child and parent together. The preschool offers a 3 year old and 4 year old class with morning and afternoon sessions. The 4 year old program runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The 3 year olds attend class on Mondays and Thursdays. There are three assist parents present during each class session to help the children as needed. It is a very warm and inviting atmosphere in which children and parents can interact and get to know each other providing a great environment for preschool learning. The school also places emphasis on the value of physical education in the learning environment. Each class has a physical education session weekly in the school’s amazing new gym and outdoor playground facilities. The school invites you and your family to attend their open house on Wednesday, March 15 from 6-8pm.

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

How to Find a High Quality Preschool

Experienced teachers Seek experienced, warm-natured teachers trained in early childhood development. Credentialed early education teachers understand how to nurture a child’s social emotional skills. Group size Licensed childcare centers must meet the state’s staff-to-child ratio requirements. State requirements aside, you know your child best. Beware of programs where you have trouble finding the adult in a roomful of children. Even a highly trained teacher will struggle with providing the daily one-on-one attention and interaction that a young child needs in a crowded classroom.

by Christa Melnyk Hines Seeking an early education program for your child? Invest some time in your search and know what questions to ask to ensure a positive preschool experience for your little one. “The first five years of life are the absolute most essential for a child’s development,” says Bev Adams, an expert in early childhood development and a college professor. “Trying to choose a program by reading a handbook and then going and visiting for an hour and making that choice is not a good idea. It’s one of the most critical decisions that you are going to make for your child.” Long-term benefits Quality early education prepares children to transition successfully into elementary school, with studies indicating that children are less likely to repeat grades or require special education. Early education can also nurture skills like self-esteem and self-confidence, which are necessary to succeed in the transition from preschool to kindergarten––more so than knowing letters and numbers. Beginning the search While referrals from other parents are a good starting point, personal observations are vital. Seek a program that fits your child’s personality and disposition and decide what you would like her to experience during her time away from home. Make appointments to observe and interview licensed programs that interest you. Consider the following factors:

Environment Attractive decor is nice, but notice what activities the children engage in and if the environment feels safe, secure and healthy. Throughout the center, you should hear children talking and see them playing in different areas of the classroom. “A quality preschool program understands that play is essential to a child’s life, to their experiences, to their positive growth and development. They not only accommodate play, they encourage it, they plan for it,” Adams says. “Young children don’t learn best through the teacher talking to them while they sit quietly in a large group. Young children learn through their senses, through exploring, through discovering, through their activities.”

Communication Consider how the school provides information to you about your child’s day-to-day activities and her progress. While some schools will provide a hand-out of the day’s activities, others take a more high-tech approach. For example, some preschools use a secure platform called LuvNotes to communicate with parents. Parents can log-in through the web or their smartphone to find out what activities are planned for the day, the lunch menu, as well as personalized daily reports and photos and videos of their child. Trust your gut From high-tech to no-frills, quality early education programs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and amenities. While compiling your wish list, decide which items you aren’t willing to compromise on and don’t feel rushed into a decision you aren’t completely comfortable with. By taking your time, asking questions and trusting your instincts about each program you observe, you are sure to find a high quality early education program that is just the right fit for your child.

In addition to budget and location considerations, ask questions like: n

Is the school licensed?

What is the student/teacher ratio for each class room?

Will the program hours work with our family schedule? n

What is the policy if we need to arrange early drop-off and/or late pick-up?

Will they accept a child who isn’t potty trained?

What is the illness/medication policy?

What is the school’s approach to safety and security?

Is there an outdoor play area?

Does the school take the children off-site

for outings? n

Are the caregivers trained in first-aid/CPR?

ANNARBORFAMILY.COM www.annarborfamily.com • March 2018 •

Hop into

Spr March & April Easter Bunny Visits Briarwood Mall

Hop in to see the Easter Bunny at Briarwood Mall or schedule an appointment to jump ahead of the line for photo opportunities. The Easter Bunny is generally available for photos from 11am-8pm Monday through Thursday, 10am-8pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-6pm. Families can also reserve appointments online. Friday, March 9 - Sunday, April 1 Briarwood Mall | Von Maur Court | 100 Briarwood Cir, Ann Arbor 734-769-9610 | simon.com/mall March 11, 18

March 11-18 Caring Bunny Briarwood Mall

Families with children who have special needs can visit the Caring Bunny for an Easter experience with fewer sensory triggers and a subdued environment. From 9am-11am, the mall will reduce certain elements such as in-mall music, moving escalators near the photo set, dimmed lights and water fountains. Other features may include special activities during the wait time and a number system to eliminate lines. Sunday, March 11 and Sunday, March 18 • 9-11am Briarwood Mall, Von Maur Court, 100 Briarwood Cir, Ann Arbor 734-769-9610 | simon.com/mall

March 22, 23, 24

The Tale of the Mischievous Bunny East Ann Arbor

Easter Eggstravaganza Canton

Bring the family to enjoy a variety of Easter and springthemed activities! The City of Canton will run continuous egg hunts for kids 11 and under between 10:30am12:30pm in two age categories to help keep the “hunting” fair for even the littlest participants. Allow extra time for parking, as historically this is a well-attended event. Check out cantonfun.org prior to the event for a complete schedule of events. Pre-register for the Bunny Breakfast but no pre-registration is necessary for the egg hunt. Saturday, March 24 • 10:30am-12:30pm $4/resident child, $5/non-resident child Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton 734-394-5376 | cantonfun.org

March 25

Easter Egg Scramble Dexter

Bring the family to Hudson Mills Metropark for a hoppin’ good time! Visit the Easter Bunny, scramble for Easter eggs, get your face painted, and meet the animals at a petting farm. Please pre-register by calling 734-4268211. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $35 annually for regular admission, $21 annually for seniors or $10 daily. Sunday, March 25 • 12pm-2pm | $6/child Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center 8801 N Territorial Rd, Dexter 734-426-8211 | metroparks.com

Wild Swan Theater presents the classic tale of Peter Rabbit, brought charmingly to life. From the moment Peter Rabbit ventures into Farmer McGregor’s garden, despite his mother’s warning, his adventure begins. To purchase tickets, visit wildswantheater.org or call 734-995-0530.

March 30-31

Thursday, March 22 • 10am Friday, March 23 • 10am & 12:30pm Saturday, March 24 • 11am $12/adults, $10/child Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor 734-995-0530 | wildswantheater.org

The annual Bunnyville celebration features crafts, live entertainment, zookeeper talks and much more! Bunnyville activities will feature a golden egg hunt with more than 100 eggs hidden throughout the Zoo each day, the Jelly Bean Jamboree, whisker painting and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny (available for purchase). Bunnyville visitors are encouraged to bring a canned or other non-perishable food item to be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank. Each guest with a food donation will receive a reduced admission price of $13 for adults and $9 for children (parking is not included).

March 24

Easter Egg Hunt Ann Arbor Join the West United Methodist Church for its annual family Easter egg hunt! Don’t miss pictures with the Easter bunny, storytime, crafts, games, snack and an egg hunt.

Bunnyville Detroit Zoo

Friday, March 30-Saturday, March 31 • 10am-3pm Free with price of admission Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak 248-541-5717 | detroitzoo.org

Saturday, March 24 • 10am | Free admission Westside United Methodist Church, 900 S. Seventh St, Ann Arbor 734-663-4164 | westside-umc.org

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

March 31

Vineyard Church Egg Hunt Ann Arbor

Join the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor for an Easter egg hunt at 10am. In addition to Easter eggs and prizes, there will be pony rides, magic tricks, face painting, bounce houses, outdoor games, continental refreshments, and a whole lot of family fun. This is a free community event. On Easter Sunday, April 1, the church will host a festive Easter breakfast at 8:45 before our two services at 9:30 and 11:15. They will have a photographer available Sunday morning to take Easter portraits for families. Saturday, March 31 • 10am | Free admission Vineyard Church | 2275 Platt Rd., Ann Arbor 734-707-9037 | annarborvineyard.org/

Dixboro Community Easter Egg Hunt Ann Arbor

Join the second annual Dixboro Community Easter Egg Hunt on the Village Green. Games and activities including crafts, a bounce house, a bake sale and more family fun, will start at 10:30 and the hunt will begin at 11am. There will be three sections: ages 0-3, ages 4-7 and ages 8-12. This event is free. Saturday, March 31 • 10:30am-12pm | Free admission Dixboro Farmers Market, 5221 Church Rd, Ann Arbor 734-395-1815 | dixborochurch.org

Spring Eggstravaganza-Egg Hunt Pittsfield Township

Get ready for Spring! Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation and Ann Arbor Jaycees are co-sponsoring an eggstravaganza egg hunt, small petting zoo, balloon twisters, face painting, games and crafts. There will be parking at 6201 W. Michigan Avenue with bus shuttles to Lillie Park South. Saturday, March 31 • 11am-1pm | Free Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt Rd a2jaycees.org

Spring Eggstravaganza

Ann Arbor

Birds, insects and amphibians— oh my! Come out to Leslie Science and Nature Center for a morning of investigating the many animals that lay eggs. Hunt for eggs in the woods and fields by following clues, solving riddles, or using GPS devices. Meet birds of prey up close, visit the Critter House, play games and more. You may even win one of five grand prizes if you find one of the elusive golden eggs! Bring your own bag or basket for collecting eggs and prizes, grab a friend and join us for an “eggcellent” morning of fun and adventure. Please note: This is a candy-free event. Registration is required by Monday, March 26. Register online or call 734-997-1553. Saturday, March 31 • 10am-12pm | $8/child, adults are free Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor 734-997-1553 | lesliesnc.org/

Easter Eggstravaganza Dexter

Join the City of Dexter for a fun-filled family experience at the seventh annual Easter Eggstravaganza! Easter Egg Scrambles for children, both young and old, will provide treats and surprises. For even more excitement, take a picture with the Easter Bunny or have your face painted by one of our many talented artists. To purchase advance tickets, please visit Dexter City Hall at 8123 Main St., Second Floor of the PNC bank building. Saturday, March 31 • 10am Cost in advance: $2/child, $4 for two or more children Cost at the door: $3/child, $5 for two or more children Community Park, 3575 Ryan Dr., Dexter 734-426-8303

Flop-E-Bunny Easter Candy Hunt Belleville

The Belleville Central Business Community will host its annual Easter Candy Hunt at Victory Park in Belleville. The day will include four different hunts for different age groups: 12:15pm (toddler-3 years), 12:30pm (4-5 years), 12:45pm (6-7 years), 1pm (8-10 years). There will also be photo opportunities with the Flop-E-Bunny available from 12-2pm. Saturday, March 31 • 11am-2pm | Free admission Victory Park | S. Liberty St., Belleville

Sock Bunny Craft

bellevillecbc.org

‘Egg-stravaganza’ Egg Hunt Saline

Saline Chamber of Commerce has an “egg-stra” fun Bunny Trail that starts at Busch’s Market where you will retrieve a trail sheet. One of the 5 trails has the Easter Bunny on it. The trail ends at Mickey’s Dairy Twist where you will drop off your completed card for a chance to win one of five baskets. There will even be two golden eggs on each trail for adults to find with a prize at the end. Saturday, March 31 • 11am-3pm | Free admission usch’s Saline| 565 E. Michigan Avenue, Saline 734-429-4494 | salinechamber.org

While you are not out enjoying all of the local Easter activities, stay in and enjoy this darling and easy sock bunny craft.

Supplies: Small sock Felt Large pom pom Googly eyes Ribbon Clear rubber bands Rice

Springfest

Hot glue or tacky glue

Join the Saline Rec Center for a fun day of Spring and Easter festivities. There will be four fun events: an egg scavenger hunt (11:30am), pizza lunch with the Easter Bunny (12pm), the Hippity Hoppity Trail (12-1pm), and an egg dive (1pm). Each event is ticketed and priced between $6-$10 depending on when you register. Purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will only be available for purchase on the day of the event if they are not sold out. Register online at salinerec.com or in person at the Saline Rec Center.

Instructions:

Saline

Saturday, March 31 • 11:30am-1:30pm | $6-$10 | Register in advance

 Fill your sock with about one cup of rice (more for a bigger sock and less for a smaller sock). Tie the clear rubber band tightly around the rice to create the bunny’s body.  Place a large pom pom on top of the rice section and tightly wrap the rubber band above it to create the bunny’s head.  Cut a piece of felt into an oval to create a belly and hot glue or tacky glue it to the rice section of the sock.  Glue on eyes, teeth (made with two small rectangles of felt), pom pom to the back for a tail, and a nose (small rounded triangle of felt).  Tie a piece of ribbon around the sock bunny’s neck.  Cut the top of the sock in half to create ears on the sock bunny.  Snip off the corners to round the ears.

Own a Horse for a Week Summer Horse Camp Ages 5-16 | Weeks of June 18 - August 13 Day Camp (Monday - Friday 8:30-4pm) Intro Level to Experienced Levels Low camper/counsler ratio Whitmore Lake/Ann Arbor Area

Weekly Activities

Emphasis Leadership Responsibility Safety

Swimming Trail Course Horse Show

248-231-4838

doubleheq.com

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2018 •

Ten Fun Family Day Trips It’s spring break! Looking for a unique day trip? We’ve got you covered. These destinations are a short drive away, don’t require a TSA pat-down, and are perfect for your whole family to enjoy. By Mary Rose Kulczak

Auburn Hills/ Rochester

One hour northeast of Ann Arbor you will find plenty of options for shopping, food and entertainment at the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. Brick lovers can build all day at Legoland Discovery Center. Visit Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, which houses more than 250 species of underwater occupants. Need a break from the sprawl of the mall? Take a short drive to Rochester and visit Paint Creek Cider Mill for some lunch or just cider and donuts. Don’t worry. You can walk off those calories at the nearby Paint Creek Trail.

Legoland Discovery Center 4240 Baldwin Rd., Auburn Hills legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Sea Life Michigan Aquarium 4316 Baldwin Rd., Auburn Hills 866-622-0605 Visitsealife.com/Michigan

Paint Creek Cider Mill 4480 Orion Rd., Rochester 248-656-3400

Forty minutes east of Ann Arbor lies Dearborn, home to the Arab American National Museum. Families can explore exhibits, take a guided tour or attend monthly events like the English-Arabic story time (ages 2-6). After the museum, continue the cultural experience and head to Shatila Bakery for some Middle Eastern delicacies like mamoul, kashta, and baklava. Kids will love the cookies: ghouribeh, barrazik, makaroon and more.

Detroit

Indoors or outdoors, the Motor City provides plenty of attractions for families. The Motown Museum is an important stop for music lovers. Looking for an “Up North” experience in the heart of the city? Try the Department of Natural Resources’ Outdoor Adventure Center, where kids can camp, fish, hike and more with hands-on exhibits. Visit the nearby Riverfront, with Milliken State Park and Rivard Plaza, where kids can ride the carousel. Older kids and tweens will enjoy biking along the Detroit River, thanks to MoGo bike rentals.

Motown Museum

Clinton Township

2648 West Grand Blvd, Detroit 313-875-2264 motownmuseum.org

Parents and littles alike will love Detroit Kid City, a Detroit-themed play café where the motto is “where imagination grows and coffee flows,” located a one-hour drive east of Ann Arbor. After the kids have gotten their wiggles out, visit the SandersMorley Chocolate Factory. Take a guided tour from the factory observation walkway and see the bakers in action. Did someone say “samples”? Pop in to the Sanders-Morley Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe for a peek into the candy kitchen and to grab a sweet treat.

Detroit Kid City Play Center 37051 Gratiot, Clinton Township 248-443-5300 detroitkidcity.com

Sanders-Morley Chocolate Factory

Dearborn

Milliken State Park and Harbor 1900 Atwater St., Detroit detroitriverfront.org

Outdoor Adventure Center

1801 Atwater St. Detroit 844-622-6367 michigan.gov/outdooradventure

MoGo Detroit Bike Rental Mogodetroit.org

23770 Hall Road, Clinton Township, MI 586-464-5411 sanderscandy.com/factory-tours

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

Arab American National Museum

13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn 313-582-2266 arabamericanmuseum.org

Shatila Bakery

14300 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn 313-582-1952 shatila.com

Farmington Hills/ Northville

Gamers will appreciate this 30-minute trip to Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum, which houses one of the biggest collections of vintage coin-operated pinball machines. Afterward, take a short drive to Northville’s Guernsey Farms Dairy for Michigan-made comfort food.

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum

31005 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills 248-626-5020 marvin3m.com

Guernsey Farms Dairy 21300 Novi Rd., Northville 248-349-1466 guernseyfarmsdairy.com

Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth celebrates “Osterbrunnen” this month, a Bavarian Easter tradition, with unique and colorful egg displays around town. Drive the quick 90 minutes north and kids can visit the Easter Bunny at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. Try your hand at pretzel rolling at the Bavarian Inn restaurant. Need a little fun in the water? Consider a day pass for one of the indoor water parks. Tweens and teens will enjoy the challenge of Frankenmuth’s newest escape rooms at Great Lakes Escape Game, where you can choose from four different adventures, like Big Beard’s Brig, The Heist and Immunity Quest.

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

25 Christmas Lane, Frankenmuth 989-652-9931 bronners.com

Zehnders of Frankenmuth/ Splash Village and Waterpark 730 S. Main St, Frankenmuth 844-207-7309 zehnders.com Waterpark day passes available

Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge

713 S. Main St, Frankenmuth 800-228-2742 Family fun center with arcade, indoor mini golf, and four pools and slides

Great Lakes Escape Game 566 S. Main St., Frankenmuth 989-502-1566 greatlakesescapegame.com

Hamtramck

A short 45 minutes east of Ann Arbor you will find family friendly days (Saturdays and Sundays 11am-6pm) at the Fowling Warehouse. This truly original Michigan game combines bowling and football (yes, really!) and is sure to be a crowd pleaser for the tweens and teens. While exploring town, make sure to visit the Polish Art Center, part store, part museum. You will see beautiful hand-painted Easter Eggs and many other traditional arts, crafts and foods of Poland.

The Fowling Warehouse 3901 Christopher St., Hamtramck 313-264-1288 fowlingwarehouse.com

Polish Art Center 9539 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck 313-874-2242 polartcenter.com

Lansing (drive time: one hour northwest of Ann Arbor) One hour northwest of Ann Arbor, the Mitten State Capitol has plenty to see and do. Michigan State Capitol offers daily guided tours of the rotunda, the battle flag collection, gallery of governors, the governor’s office, and the historic Supreme Court chamber. Check the website for special advocacy days like Hunger Solutions Day (3/14), Music Education Advocacy Day (3/20), and World Down Syndrome Awareness Day (3/21). After the capitol, head to the Michigan History Center to catch their special exhibit, “The River That Changed the World.” Check the museum schedule for events like “Night at the Museum” and “Second Saturday”, where you can learn about the Au Sable River while tying your own fly for fishing, and learn from docents and scientists who will be on hand. Animal lovers will enjoy the Potter Park Zoo, which features mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Looking for some hands-on fun and learning? Try the Impression 5 Science Center, where you can see new exhibits like “Pop! A Bubble Experience” and “Flow: A Water Experience.” Train lovers will want to catch the exhibit “Trains: Full Steam Ahead!” before it leaves the station on April 8th.

Sandusky

Think Sandusky is only Cedar Point Amusement Park? Think again. Two hours southeast of Ann Arbor there’s plenty to do in the off-season. Drive only two hours southeast to enjoy a tropical spring break at local water parks and a resort. Get a day pass or spend several days exploring. Learn the history of the carousel at the Merry-Go-Round museum. Or take a short drive to Milan, Ohio, where budding inventors will appreciate the Thomas Edison birthplace and museum.

Castaway Bay Indoor Water Park 2001 Cleveland Rd, Sandusky 419-627-2106 Castawaybay.com Water park day passes available

Kalahari Resort and Water Park 7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky 877-525-2427 kalahariresorts.com Water park day passes available

Merry-Go-Round Museum 301 Jackson St, Sandusky 419-626-6111 merrygoroundmuseum.org

Michigan State Capitol

Capitol Avenue at Michigan Avenue, Lansing 517-373-2353 Capitol.michigan.gov

Michigan History Center 702 W Kalamazoo St., Lansing 517-373-3559 michigan.gov/mhc

Potter Park Zoo

1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Lansing 517- 483-4222 potterparkzoo.org

Impression 5 Science Center 200 Museum Dr., Lansing 517-485-8116 impression5.org

Toledo

Museums, zoos, science centers— all of this, and Tony Packo’s hot dogs, too? Toledo has a lot to offer. Head downtown for hands-on experimentation at Imagination Station. Visit the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, which offers touch tanks, behind-the-scenes tours, an aerial adventure course and so much more. Future archaeologists will want to catch the exhibit The Mummies: From Egypt to Toledo at the Toledo Museum of Art, then head to the family center to create their own masterpiece. Across the street, the Glass Pavilion is sure to impress, with daily glassblowing demonstrations.

Imagination Station 1 Discovery Way, Toledo Imaginationstationtoledo.org 419-244-2674

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium 2700 Broadway St, Toledo 419-385-5721 toledozoo.org

Toledo Museum of Art and Glass Pavilion 2445 Monroe St., Toledo 419-255-8000 toledomuseum.org

Thomas Edison birthplace and museum 9 Edison Dr., Milan 419-499-2135 tomedison.org

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2018 •

Just Add Tomatoes creator Matt Tidrow and his family enjoy spending time outdoors.

Just Add Tomatoes

Local firefighter Matt Tidrow creates a better sauce By April Huard

When Shelby Township dad Matt Tidrow became a firefighter, he never dreamed that cooking in the firehouse would prepare him to eventually launch his own food product, Just Add Tomatoes, right here in Michigan.

Tidrow, who has always loved cooking, is continually looking for easy meals because he works 24-hour shifts at the firehouse. “Firefighters do a lot of cooking at the firehouse, and we get interrupted a lot. We try to do quick meals that can be reheated if necessary,” he says.

The birth of a great idea One fateful day, Tidrow was making homemade pizza for his four children. He usually uses his own sauce, but that day he realized that he didn’t have any left. With 10 minutes until dinner, Tidrow threw together a cold sauce recipe with a lot of spices and a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Surprised at how good it was, he “grabbed a pen and wrote down the ingredients, figured out the measurements, and made another batch right away.” When his kids loved it, he decided that he could save a lot of time by pre-measuring the spices into bags. Instead of cooking pizza sauce for over an hour, now he could have a greattasting sauce that even his kids could make in just minutes. The next step was using the spice packet to make spaghetti and other meals at the firehouse. When his co-workers gave his spice combination the thumbs up, he started taking it to farmer’s markets. From there, he and fellow firefighter Andrew Moran, now a co-owner in the business, approached Kroger. Once they tasted the product at division headquarters in Novi, Kroger picked up Just Add Tomatoes and placed the product in several stores. For more than just pizza Today, Tidrow says his product is in 85 Kroger stores in Michigan, including in the Ann Arbor area. Watching his spice packet reach the kitchens of so many people has been exciting. “The coolest thing is getting people’s reactions to it and seeing how much people enjoy it,” he says. Tidrow also loves hearing about the different ways people are using Just Add Tomatoes, including on salad, mixed into a dipping oil, or as a marinara sauce. His own kids especially love mixing the spice packet with butter and putting it on top of popcorn. “It makes a mess, but it’s really good,” he warns.

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Q&A with Matt Favorite way to eat Jus t Add Tomatoes: My favorite wa y to

use it is to top grilled chicken with spoonfuls of the sauce, slic es of provolone cheese and fresh basil. I ser ve it with good bread for a quick, delicious dinner. Best thing to do with kid s on a Saturday: I like to get them outside to play catch, use the swingset or play soccer. Best day trip in southe ast Michigan: We lov e the De troi t Zoo , esp eci ally the pen gui n exh ibit and but terf ly hou se. Favorite movie to watch with your kids: Star Wars Most rewarding thing about being a parent: I love wa tching kids grow and seeing their personalities develop. Kno wing that you’re giving them the tools to problem solve and learn from their mistakes is so reward ing.

Tidrow’s journey from firefighter to food entrepreneur hasn’t been entirely easy. “Getting into Kroger as quickly as we did wasn’t the easiest course because we didn’t establish a customer base first,” he explains. Although his product has been very successful, he is still a full-time firefighter and a dad, and balancing those responsibilities with a side business is also challenging.

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Games, Rel ay & Water Fu s *Customize your camp schedule to fit your family needs* n! For more information check out our website

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• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

& Foam Pits ! ing Fort Build

healthy families Dr. Craig Smith, research investigator at the University of Michigan Center for Human Growth and Development, conducts studies at the Living Lab in the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANN ARBOR HANDS-ON MUSEUM.

Spendthrifts or Tightwads?

New University of Michigan study sheds light on spending behavior in children By Mary Rose Kulczak

Spenders or savers? Instant gratification shopper or Ebenezer Scrooge-style miser? Most of us fall into one camp or another when it comes to making financial decisions. But do our children also have strong feelings about spending money at an early age? To learn more about children’s feelings on spending and saving, a recent University of Michigan study was conducted in the Living Lab at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, examining the responses of children, ages 5 to 10, to spending behavior. Dr. Craig Smith, research investigator at the UM Center for Human Growth and Development, was the lead author of the study and said what the study revealed was surprising.

“We were able to capture meaningful differences among children as young as 5 and 6 years of age” “Participants were asked a number of questions about their emotional reactions to spending and saving, such as whether they felt mostly good or mostly bad when spending money, and whether they viewed saving money as boring or enjoyable. Children’s answers were used to place them on a ‘tightwad’ to ‘spendthrift’ continuum,” Smith said. “One of the big surprises to me was that, as we asked children to report on their emotional reactions to spending and saving, we were able to capture meaningful differences among children as young as 5 and 6 years of age,” Smith said. “These young kids were able to report on their own reactions to spend-

ing and saving situations, and their selfreport data ended up being related to how they behaved later when they had a chance to save or spend a dollar.” Parents know best When parents of participants answered a brief questionnaire about their child’s spending orientation, their observations tended to confirm what children reported about themselves. On a scale of “spendthrift” to “tightwad,” children were significantly more likely to skew to the tightwad end of the spectrum, results that closely mirror those of adults in previous studies. “One of the big questions we’re exploring is ‘What are the origins of children’s emotional stances toward spending and saving?’ We’re looking at a variety of possible influences, including child temperament and socialization. We’re also interested in measuring whether parent’s spendthrift/tightwad orientations relate to those of their children.” Conversation starters Smith hopes that this study and future studies will allow parents and educators to have important conversations with children regarding money. “Self-awareness is often a good thing, broadly speaking,” Smith said. “So if a parent has a child who feels bad about spending money, even when it’s totally reasonable to do so, this might be worth a conversation. For the child on the tightwad end of the continuum, it might involve talking about how saving is a great thing to practice, but that it’s not always bad to spend on things one needs or wants.” “For the child on the spendthrift end of the spectrum, a parent could acknowledge that spending feels especially exciting to the child, but that spending because it feels good means losing out on things in the future.” For more information on this study and future studies, visit the UM Living Lab Program website umlivinglab.com.

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2018 •

Bulgogi in Your Hoagie

Broadway Café offers Korean fusion By Julie and David Sturza

BROADWAY CAFÉ AND CHEESE STEAK HOAGIE 1139 Broadway St. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 734-769-8900 Monday-Friday 10:30am-8:30pm Saturday 10:30am-8pm Closed Sundays and Holidays broadwaycafehoagie.com

Broadway Café and Cheese Steak Hoagie has been serving traditional Korean food and cheesesteak hoagies in Ann Arbor’s Lowertown neighborhood on the Northside since 1986. That’s right. Cheese steaks and Korean food— a combination that had us wondering whether this small, locally owned eatery was established solely because of how much fun it is to say “Bulgogi Hoagie” aloud. At least, that is what our 2- and 4-yearolds demonstrated. As it turns out, Broadway Café does well with these two food genres, finding a way to uniquely meld them together, without losing the appeal of either on its own. New space, same unique combination The casual interior is bright, fresh and cozy— the result of a renovation completed last year after a vehicle crashed through the front windows. No one was injured, but the setback rallied the owners to do a complete remodel, supported, in part, by donations from the community and regular customers. How to say hoagie in Korean The menu has two primary sections, traditional Korean items and hoagies, with two hoagie options: the traditional American Cheese Steak Hoagie (steak, American cheese and onions) and the Bulgogi Hoagie (Korean-style beef with onions, carrots, mushrooms, green peppers and cheese). Our family was delighted with the Bulgogi Hoagie.

The sweet and savory Korean beef was well-suited to become part of an American hoagie host with fresh veggies and creamy cheese, making this creative fusion a winner. Bonus tip: To take this fusion meal to the next level, ask for Gochujang sauce to dip your side of crispy fries. The Bulgogi Hoagie is now on our list of “must-try Ann Arbor foods” when visitors come to town. Traditional Korean fare We started our Korean course with the fried dumpling appetizer. The dumplings were fried extra crispy to the enjoyment of our 2-year-old and the veggie filling was fresh and tasty. The sweet and sour chicken, a well-executed version of the classic, was a quick favorite of our 4-year-old. He loved that the chicken was extra crispy with a great balance of sweet and sour flavor. For those unfamiliar with Korean fare, the BiBimBop is a solid kid-friendly option, as it is served deconstructed with sliced veggies, crispy rice, fried egg and shredded Korean beef (or you can substitute tofu or chicken) which can be easily shared before mixing it all together with the sweet and spicy

Gochujang sauce. The Soon Dooboo, the adult stand-out, is a spicy tofu and seafood stew richly packed with tofu, shrimp, squid and mussels. The seafood was fresh and the spice was just right— leaving us ecstatic with our winter visit, as this stew is hearty enough to aid in recovery from the common cold. Kid-friendly-ish Broadway Café was great for our family, but visitors should note a few things. First, there were no high chairs or booster options and no changing table in the bathroom. Since there is no specific kids’ menu, be sure to choose items that can be shared easily with kids. Also, there is no dessert menu, so make sure to set expectations appropriately! If these dinein limitations won’t work for your family, consider carry-out which accounts for many of Broadway Café’s customers. But be sure to leave your car in the parking lot, as they’re not quite ready for another renovation!

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

The Short Course 1. Kid-friendly: Yes, with some effort 2. To avoid wait: Before noon for lunch or any evening 3. Noise level: Low 4. Bathroom amenities: No changing table 5. High chairs? No 6. Got milk? Or Juice? No, but they have water and soda 7. Kids’ menu? No 8. Anything healthy for kids? Yes 9. Food allergy concerns? Case by case

{ March

2018 }

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

1 THURSDAY Tween Book Club - Grades 6-8 will read and discuss books of their own choosing and enjoy a snack! 6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 229 W. Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free Women’s History Month: Sherri Winston - Young adult author and artist Sherri Winston discusses powerful women—authors, artists, celebrities, and family members—who have impacted her life and helped her realize her dreams. This event is a celebration of AfricanAmerican women for Women’s History Month. 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free Yoga with Cats - Ages 12+ are invited to practice yoga with furry felines at the cat café! Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. 7:30pm. $10. Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center, 5245 Jackson Rd. tinylions.org

2 FRIDAY Clay Bunny Bonanza - Bring your little one to make spring bunnies out of clay! Dress for a mess and some fun! All materials are provided. Receive your creations approximately 2-3 weeks after the workshop. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am. $30. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Homeschool Meetup: Gardening and Permaculture - Share your seeds and start some plants for the spring! There will be a short presentation on permaculture followed by lots of hands-on seed starting. 10:30am. Chelsea District Library, 221 S Main St, Chelsea. 734-475-8732. chelseadistrictlibrary.org. Free

3 SATURDAY Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival Learn what it takes to dive the Great Lakes. Hear the history behind shipwrecks and what it takes to find the ships from the shipwreck hunters themselves. 8:30am. $30. Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E Huron River Dr. 734-973-3300. greatlakesshipwreckfestival.org Gentle Hatha Yoga: Grade 6-adult - Supportive instruction for those brand new to yoga and options for those with more experience. Instruction will draw from both Hatha and Restorative styles of yoga. 10am. Ann Arbor District Library West Branch, 2503 Jackson Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free Creature Encounters: Emu! - The Creature Conservancy is featuring Arthur the Emu! Other indoor animal ambassadors are also on display. See kangaroos, prairie dogs, alligator, muntjac deer, snapping turtles, white-necked raven and more during your visit. 1pm. $4-$6. The Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 734-929-9324. thecreatureconservancy.org

Holi Color Festival - Celebrate Holi, the Indian festival of color and goodness. Featuring traditional drumming, specialty foods, colorful crafts, and a parade, this event will encourage fun and togetherness. 2pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free The Music of Harry Potter - Journey through all the movie adventures of Harry Potter by way of musical themes! There will be an additional performance March 4. 8pm. $10-$35. Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St. 734-668-8463. a2so.com

4 SUNDAY Spiders and Their Kin - Explore the world of live spiders, tarantulas, scorpions and other intriguing invertebrates. Learn about poisonous spiders in Michigan and how to avoid them. Advance registration requested. 2pm. $2-$5. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea. 734475-3170. wnha.org Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair - Celebrate the 40th edition of this popular book fair inside the union ballroom. Admission benefits the William L. Clements Library of U-M. 5pm. $5. University of Michigan Student Union, 530 S State St. 734-763-5750. uunions.umich.edu

5 MONDAY The Art of Comic Book Inking - Learn the basics of comic book inking, as well as a few tricks from a professional comic book artist. Ages 14 and older. 5:30pm. $90. Flipside Art Studio, 255 E. Liberty St. 734-997-5066. flipsideartstudio.com Emerging Writers Workshop: Reading Like a Writer - Grade 6– adult. Learn the secrets of reading like a writer by looking into character, decoding plot, and understanding why writers make the choices they do. 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library West Branch, 2503 Jackson Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free

6 TUESDAY Drop-in Writing with 826michigan - Students ages 8 and up will use their creativity to experiment with all kinds of writing. Brainstorm, draft, revise, publish and perform your new work! 4pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 229 W. Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

7 WEDNESDAY Nature Storytime: Wiggly Worms Outdoor environments are a great way to engage toddlers’ developing senses, and get a bit of exercise! Ages 1-5 will enjoy this storytime. 10am. $4-$5. Leslie Science and Nature Center. 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

Find your camp

Running green

Saturday, 3.3 / Briarwood Mall

Sunday, 3.11 / Downtown Ann Arbor

Briarwood Mall hosts its 2018 Spring into Summer Camp Expo Saturday, March 3. Come and meet with representatives from camps from all around the Michigan area. This is a great family event that everyone can enjoy. 100 Briarwood Circ. 734-769-9610. simon.com

School of Rock Jr. Friday, 3.9 / Encore Musical Theatre School of Rock Jr. takes the popular 2003 film and brings it to life on stage. Encore Musical Theatre presents the story of out-of-work rock singer Dewey Finn who pretends to be a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Finn discovers the musical talent of his students and forms a band of fifthgraders to compete in a Battle of the Bands. The musical runs March 9-18. $15$20. 3126 Broad St, Dexter. 734-268-6200. theencoretheatre.org for showtimes.

1/2 Day Pizza Cafe - Have fun with pizza and games for early release and 1/2 days! 12:30pm. Saline District Library, 555 N Maple Rd, Saline. 734429-5450. salinelibrary.org. Free

8 THURSDAY A Thousand Cranes - Experience this beautiful and moving play that tells the story of a young Japanese girl’s experience after the bombing of Hiroshima. The play recounts her illness from radiation and how children from all over Japan began to fold paper cranes to help Sadako get well. 10am. $10-$15. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E Huron River Dr. 734-995-0530. wildswantheater.org Read to Otis the Library Dog Reading aloud to a trained Therapaws dog helps kids become better readers. Sign up for a 10-minute reading slot with Otis! 6pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 229 W. Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free Basic Cake Decorating with Keegan Rodgers - Learn about a variety of frostings and how to make them with the Head Baker of People’s Food Co-Op. Leave having made a delicious American buttercream! 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free Spinning Dot’s Kids From Amandla St. at Neutral Zone! - This play by South African Playwright Lereko Mfono explores the dreams of four South African youth to change the world, live their fullest lives, and to become all they can become. Please visit the website for more show-

Run with your family’s Irish spirit in this year’s Shamrocks and Shenanigans 5K and 1K races. Both races start on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor and finish at Conor O’Neill’s with a celebration featuring bagpipes, Irish Dancers, face painting for the kids. Register early for discounted prices. 9:30am (1K), 10am (5K). $25/1K race, $45/5K on race weekend. 734-929-9027. runshamrocks.com

Instruments Gone Electric Monday, 3.26 / Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Explore the sounds of musical instruments gone electric. Participants will discover what happens when an acoustic guitar gets “plugged in,” to hear their own voices with special effects, and see the group perform using pedals, wires, pick-ups and amps. Also on March 27. - EC. 1pm-2:30pm. $12.50. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. 220 E. Ann St. 734-9955439. aahom.org

times. 7pm. $5-$10 suggested donation. The Neutral Zone, 310 E. Washington St. 734-214-9995. spinningdot.org

9 FRIDAY Faerie Door Workshop - Enjoy a morning of creativity making a faerie door to welcome faeries and sprites to your home! Program is designed for children, but is also open to adults or guardians who want to participate. Register for one of two time slots: 9:30am-11am or 11:30am-1pm. 9:30am. $12. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. mbgna.umich.edu

10 SATURDAY Friends Bag Sale - Fill a bag of books for $5 and the second bag is free! 10am. Saline District Library, 555 N Maple Rd, Saline. 734-429-5450. salinelibrary.org Critters Up Close - Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with critters from the natural world! This month the featured critters are frogs and toads, and they are ready for their close up! 10am. $12.50. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Dexter Community Education Craft and Vendor Show - Join for a craft and vendor event featuring over 90 participants with something for everyone. Kids attend for free! Visit the Easter Bunny from 12:30pm-2pm. 10am. $2. Creekside Intermediate School, 2615 Baker Rd, Dexter. 734-424-4160. dexterschools.org

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2nd Annual Charity Chili Cook-off - Show off your favorite recipe, join in as a judge, or simply come to enjoy tasty chili for this special charity event. Proceeds go to Team World Vision, an organization that helps to provide clean water to children and communities in Africa. 4pm. $10. Canton Brew Works, 8521 Lilley Rd, Canton. 734-927-7081. cantonbrewworks.com

Coloring with Cats - Youth ages 12+ and adults will enjoy coloring in the cat cafe! Snacks, soft drinks and coloring supplies will be provided.5:30pm. $10. Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center, 5245 Jackson Rd A1. 734-661-3530. tinylions.org

12 MONDAY

Chorale Cabaret and Silent Auction! - Ann Arbor Youth Chorale presents their 2nd annual fundraiser to benefit AAYC and youth chorales in other communities. Enjoy a fun variety show by Youth Chorale members, plus several en masse choir numbers, along with an exciting silent auction. 6:30pm. First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, 517 E Washington St. annarboryouthchorale.org. Free

Stroller Strides® Community Class - Engage in a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. This unique program also provides moms with the opportunity to meet other moms, engage in playgroups with their babies, and to form lasting friendships.9am. Briarwood Mall,100 Briarwood Circle. annarbor.fit4mom.com. Free

Low Cost Vaccine Clinic - Take advantage of this opportunity to provide wellness services for your pets to protect them from unnecessary illnesses at a low cost. Pricing available via the website. 9am. Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. hshv.org. Free

Tummy Times - Are you a new or expecting parent? Come meet other new parents, enjoy a drink from Sweetwaters at Westgate and relax while your child has fun engaging with toys for young babies. 10am. Ann Arbor District Library West Branch, 2503 Jackson Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free

Old Time Maple Sugar Festival - It’s time for that traditional rite of spring – tapping maple trees. Watch a short film about how maple syrup is made, then enjoy a guided walk to see various methods of collecting sap and how it is boiled down to make syrup. 10am. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea. 734-475-3170. wnha.org. Free Threads All Arts Festival - Enjoy a festival of all arts for all ages! This weekend-long festival will showcase mediums of installation, performance, and local food. For a full lineup, please visit the website. 1pm. $8-$40. Ypsilanti Historic Freighthouse, 100 Market Place, Ypsilanti. threadsfestival.com Michigan International Festival - Enjoy this International festival that encompasses performances from all over the world and food vendors from various countries! 4:30pm. $15-$25. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E Huron River Dr., Ypsilanti. 734-973-3300. michiganinternationalfestival.weebly.com

11 SUNDAY Himmeli Style Metal Planters - Grade 6–adult. Looking for a unique way to display an air plant? Join to make a brass or silver tone hanging, geometric planter inspired by the look of Finnish himmeli ornaments. 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library West Branch, 2503 Jackson Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free

13 TUESDAY

14 WEDNESDAY Library Lab: Harry Potter Potions Ages 7-14. Bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses by brewing potions from the popular Harry Potter books. 6:30pm. YDLWhittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

15 THURSDAY Magic Joe - Magically chase away the winter blues with Magic Joe! Ages 4 & up. Registration required. 6:30pm. Saline District Library, 555 N Maple Rd, Saline. 734-429-5450. salinelibrary.org. Free Pitch Perfect: Washtenaw Community Concert Band - Journey through the familiar music from ballparks, stadiums, and the Olympics. Refreshments to be served after the concert. 7:30pm. Washtenaw Community College: Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E Huron River Dr. 734-973-3300. WCCBand.org. Free

16 FRIDAY Little Ones Go Time - Drop in for open play during the cold weather months. Your child can run, slide, crawl, and tumble on our mats. There will be a guided activity once during the hour. 11am. YDLWhittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

Fish Friday: Gyotaku Fish Printing - Learn about the art of Japanese Gyotaku fish printmaking. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome. Those under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. 4:30pm. $30. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Anything Goes - Chelsea Area Players Youth Theater Presents the Young Performers’ Edition of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. For more showtimes, please visit the website. 7pm. $10. George Prinzing Auditorium, 500 Washington St, Chelsea. chelseaareaplayers.org

17 SATURDAY Saline Spring Craft Show - See exceptional work from 150 creative craft persons from throughout Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio! 8am. $4. Saline Middle School, 7190 N. Maple Rd., Saline. 734-401-4600. salineschools.org Big Changes Workshop - Explore how Earth, animals, and people have changed over time. Workshops are designed for children ages 6-11 and their parent or guardian. 11am. Belleville Area District Library, 167 Fourth St, Belleville. 734-699-3291. belleville.lib.mi.us. Free Leprechaun Parade - Calling all Leprechauns! Make a mask at home or at Kerrytown Leprechaun Mask Making event at 10am. Meet at the Kerrytown Chime to join the parade! The route goes through Kerrytown Market, the Farmers Market, and nearby streets. For more information, contact@kerrytown.com. 11am. Kerrytown Market & Shops, 407 N 5th Ave. kerrytown.com. Free Melody on Ice: Love Ann Arbor - The Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club presents its 76th annual Melody on Ice show. This year, celebrate Ann Arbor through the ages. Additional showtime at 7pm. 2pm. $10-$30. Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Rd. 734-213-6768. annarborfsc.org First Steps Kid Fest - Kids will love this festival featuring sing-a-longs, dancing, and a concert by local performer Joe Reilly. Proceeds benefit First Steps-Ann Arbor, Rec & Ed’s premier community program that supports families with children from birth to kindergarten. 3:30pm. $5-$40. Forsythe Middle School, 1655 Newport Rd. 734-994-4949. firststeps-annarborkidfest.weebly.com

18 SUNDAY FestiFools Workshop: Community Big Fish Building! - Kids of all ages will work together to help make big fish puppets that will march down Main St. at the FestiFools event on April 8! While you won’t be making your own puppet at this workshop, you’ll have a chance to work together to be a part of something bigger for everyone to see. 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free Michigan Youth Women’s Chorale & Michigan Youth Chamber Singers - Hear the Michigan Youth Women’s Chorale & Michigan Youth Chamber Singers for this wonderful pro-

gram featuring music by Pascual, Brahms, and more. 4pm. Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin Ave. 734-764-0583. smtd.umich.edu. Free Fireside Fun: A Good OldFashioned Campfire Circle - There’s nothing quite as relaxing as sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and swapping stories. Bring your family, friends, camp chairs, outdoor games, and s’mores fixings. 6:30pm. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org. Free

19 MONDAY Super Readers: Dynamic Duos - 5th and 6th graders accompanied by a parent will read an award-winning book, have a snack, hang out and chat. 7pm. YDLWhittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

20 TUESDAY Stories in Spanish with Manzanitas Playschool - Preschool–grade 3. Listen to fun stories told in Spanish by teachers of the language immersion preschool Manzanitas! This event is open to all levels of Spanish speakers, even beginners. 6pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free

21 WEDNESDAY Nature Storytime: What Do Animals Eat? - Outdoor environments are a great way to engage all of your toddler’s developing senses, and get a bit of exercise! Ages 1-5 will enjoy this storytime. 10am. $4-$5. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd, Ann Arbor. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

23 FRIDAY Handcrafters Spring Fling - The 39th annual Handcrafters Spring Fling Art & Handcrafted Market returns to Northville featuring 70 of the best artists from all over the Midwest. The event also occurs on Saturday. 9am. $3. Northville Community Center, 303 W Main Street, Northville. 248-349-4140. northvilleparksandrec.org

24 SATURDAY Japanese Songs & Storytelling Babies and preschoolers will engage in songs, movement, and storytelling in Japanese with local music teacher, Momo Kajiwara! 10am. Ann Arbor District Library - Malletts Creek Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free ScienceFest - Learn about how bodies work with hands-on activities, explore various healthcare professions as you work through a Teddy Bear Clinic, and see the science behind medical procedures! 10am. $12.50. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org

Searchable listings updated daily annarborfamily.com

• March 2018 • www.annarborfamily.com

Zentangle: Peace Flags - In Tibet, it is believed that prayers, blessings and mantras are blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into allpervading space through Peace Flags. Learn basic Zentangle techniques and create your own Peace Flag. All supplies provided. 12pm. Saline District Library, 555 N Maple Rd, Saline. 734-429-5450. salinelibrary.org. Free 46th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow - Join in on this weekend-long celebration of Native American culture featuring dancers, drummers, craftspeople, and artists. $5-15 per ticket. Skyline High School, 2552 N Maple Rd. 734-994-6515. Powwow.umich.edu.

25 SUNDAY FestiFools Workshop: Costume Making! - All ages. Create your own costume to be worn while marching down Main St. at the BIG FestiFools event on Sunday, April 8! There will be supplies in blues, purples, and greens to make fun and foolish undersea attire. 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free Close Encounters with Animals Come for an entertaining afternoon with a variety of live animals hosted by Science Alive. Learn fascinating details about the special features that allow animals to survive in the wild as you encounter them up close. 2pm. $2-$5. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea. 734475-3170. wnha.org

26 MONDAY Spring Break Camp: Caught in the Food Web This camp runs March 26-30. Discover how many ways plants and animals are connected in the local food web. Take a look at plants, insects, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians and learn about the roles they play as producers, consumers, recyclers, and scavengers. 8:30am. $270. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org Structural Origami for Kids with Evgueni Filipov Grades 1–5. Origami meets science and engineering! Explore a new world of foldable structures that can withstand amazing weight. 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-3274200. aadl.org. Free STEAM Break: Color Science Learn the science of how light and color interact! Station activities will focus on how light diffraction tools break light into rainbows. Participants will be able take home a light catcher of their own design. 4:30pm. YDL-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

30 FRIDAY Just Deserts Explore the diversity of life in deserts and learn how plants and animals depend on each other in this very special biome. Make a desert garden with succulent plants to take home. 10am. $12. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. mbgna.umich.edu Silly Spring Puppet Show! Preschool–grade 3. Join AADL storytellers Laura, Allison, Elle and Elizabeth for a sweet and silly spring puppet show! 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free Clay Fish Pockets All ages are welcome to participate in creating a fish-themed wall pocket out of clay. Receive your fishy creations in approximately 2-3 weeks after the class. 4:30pm. $30. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org

Library Space Camp! Grades K–5 will learn what it takes to venture into space and complete cool space activities! 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-3274200. aadl.org. Free

Sunday Funnies Family friendly improv comedy at the Mitten. Be amazed as the cast takes a suggestion from the audience and turns it into a hilarious story for all ages! 3pm. $5-$12. The Mitten Theater, 650 Church St, Plymouth. 734-237-7920. plymouthparc.com

Mondays

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

Tuesdays

Little Scientists Club Explore your sense of wonder about the world through observation, hands-on activities, science-themed stories, and much more. Each week features a different theme. Older siblings welcome. 9:30am-10:30am. $12.50. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Baby Storytime This storytime is designed for babies up to 18 months with an adult featuring simple stories, songs and rhymes. 10am. Canton Public Library, 1200 S. Canton Center Rd, Canton. 734-3970999. cantonpl.org. Free

Wednesdays

Mama & Me Coffee Hour Whether you are a mom-to-be, a mom on maternity leave or just starting out with your little one, come enjoy coffee or other Cultivate food and drink

offerings. There will be spaces for strollers and high chairs. 10am. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse, 307 N River St, Ypsilanti. 734-249-8993. cultivateypsi. com. Free Terrific Threes Storytime This program for 3 year olds will meet at the puppet theater for stories, books, rhymes, games, songs, crafts, the parachute, and the occasional science experiment. 10:30-11:30am. YDLWhittaker Branch, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary. org. Free Minecraft for Kids Kids will enjoy this weekly meet-up to play Minecraft! 6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse, 307 N River St, Ypsilanti. 734-249-8993. cultivateypsi.com. Free

Fridays

Breastfeeding Cafe: Group for Mothers and Babies This is a space for mothers and their babies to meet other breastfeeding mothers. Have a cup of tea, relax, and chat with others about what’s on your mind. 10am. Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor, 722 Brooks St. 734-9756534. bfcaa.com. Free

Saturdays

Story Time with Linda Zimmer Story Time is for kids ages 6 and under, and features Linda Zimmer reading fun and seasonal books in Bookbound’s comfortable children’s section. 11am. Bookbound Bookstore, 1729 Plymouth Rd. 734-369-4345. bookboundbookstore.com. Free

Spinning Dot Theatre: This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing Enjoy a wondrous play by award winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer that revolves around the adventures of three sisters. You can expect a fun and touching story filled with adventure, and opportunities for you to participate in the action! 10am. Ann Arbor District Library - West Branch. 2503 Jackson Ave.. 734-3274200. aadl.org Free

ADVERTISING IN MARKETPLACE free 20-word ad per month (products offered in ads must sell for under $100). Each additional word 40 cents, payment must accompany ad. Free ads run one month and are reserved for private-parties use, noncommercial concerns and free services. Ads MUST be typed or neatly printed and MAILED, E-MAILED, or DROPPED OFF to Ann Arbor Family Press. Classifieds by the15th of the month prior to publication.

LINE CLASSIFIEDS: Only $20 per month for 20

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

Sundays

31 SATURDAY

marketplace

FREE CLASSIFIEDS: Individuals may receive one

29 THURSDAY

After Hours Magic: The Gathering Teens will enjoy this after hours game of Magic: The Gathering and snacks! 5pm. Saline District Library, 555 N Maple Rd, Saline. 734-429-5450. salinelibrary.org. Free

HOME SERVICES DEALING WITH WATER DAMAGE REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ACTION. Local professionals that respond immediately. Nationwide and 24/7. No mold calls. Call today! 1-800-730-9790

SERVICES MASSAGE: Walk-in Appointments Available. Come in stressed leave refreshed. Free Parking. Make some time for yourself! RelaxStation. 734-623-1951

FOR SALE DOG AGILITY EQUIPMENT - FOR SALE Please call 419-265-9053 SAFE STEP WALK-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 1-800-906-3115 for $750 Off MASSAGE THERAPIST: Currently hiring therapists to work at RelaxStation in downtown Ann Arbor to accommodate our already established clientele. Free parking, flexible hours, great team! 734-623-1951 GIVE HOPE. BECOME A FOSTER PARENT. Attend a free training today to learn more! For more information: www.judsoncenter.org or 313-255-8272.

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

DONATE YOUR USED CELL PHONE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We provide free emergency-only cell phones to the needy. SecureTheCall.org

SERVICES

Homeward Bound Rescue League MONICA: 6 Yrs, Female, DSH - Black

The best lap cat in town! Need a Netflix binging buddy or someone to keep you warm at night? Then you should meet me! My favorite things to do are eat, snuggle and follow you around chatting until you sit down for more snuggles. I also love the heater and run to it whenever it turns on. I am ok with other cats as long as they don’t pick on me and would be best in a home with no young children. I can’t wait to meet my furrever family!

PRINCE HARRY: 5 Yrs, Male, DLH - Orange

Are you looking for a pretty, long-haired kitty? Well, you have come to the right place! I am a sweet boy. I am a little shy at first, but once I get to know you, I will follow you around everywhere! I just love to be petted. Dogs and other cats are pretty cool. My foster mom gives me special food because I had some urinary blockages in the past. You can find this food at your vet’s office or at a pet store with a prescription. I cannot wait to meet you!

Looking for Foster Families! Email us for more info

To apply for one of our adoptable pets, please fill out an application

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