October 2019 - Ann Arbor Family by Adams Street Publishing Co.

FREE October 2019

Halloween Halloween

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GUIDE

Halloween A guide to the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best events, farms, festivals, and activities

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE Part One Make the most of school open house season

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Plowing Through Obstacles Snowplow parents help kids dodge failure, while still p16 enjoying life's rewards Coping sk ills PRIDE

WORTH

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RAG

COU R FEA VE

R SI T Y

OBSTA

CLES

REJECTION

Braver

Best place to volunteer

(734) 661-3530 5245 JACKSON RD, ANN ARBOR Tuesdays - Fridays (11-7) Saturdays (10-7) • Sundays (10-5)

tinylions.org

BRING A FRIEND

FREE

Free admission for one person when one person pays regular price. Weekdays only, subject to maximum capacity. 1-time use only. Expires 8/31/19.

We follow the most up-to-date, evidence-based national recommendations to provide excellent comprehensive pediatric care along every step of your child’s growth and development. ANN ARBOR AREA OFFICES ACCEPTING NEW PEDIATRIC PATIENTS.

WEST ANN ARBOR HEALTH CENTER – PARKLAND PLAZA 380 Parkland Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 • 734-998-7380

Child Psychology • Pediatric Sports Medicine and Rheumatology Speech Pathology • Nutritional Counseling • Lactation

SALINE HEALTH CENTER

700 Woodland Dr., Saline, MI 48176 • 734-429-2302 Social Work • Nutritional Counseling • Pediatric Sports Medicine

YPSILANTI HEALTH CENTER

200 Arnet Street, Suite 200, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 • 734-484-7288 Behavioral Pediatrics • Nutritional Counseling • Pediatric Psychiatry Pulmonary • Pediatric Sports Medicine

CALL NOW FOR SPORTS & SCHOOL PHYSICALS!

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

Parenting resouces from U-M pediatricians and pediatric specialists: www.mottchildren.org/your-child

Additional information: www.mottchildren.org/mypediatrician

Volume 25 Issue 10 October 2019 n

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

special features Coping skills PRIDE

WORTH

Some never let kids experience failure

RAG

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FEAR

LES TAC

Braver y

By Anthony Zick

ADV ER

SIT Y

REJECT ION

Snowplow Parenting

p.16 Halloween Halloween

departments 4

#showandtell

find it online

giveaway

what’s briefly happening

new kids

exceptional families

tween the lines

digital age 18 family matters 19 calendar 21

commentary

Halloween

GUIDE

ann arbor favorites

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Fall Fun and Halloween Happenings A guide to the area’s best events, farms, festivals, and activities

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OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

Part One

School Open House Guide Part 1 Make the most of school open house season

On the cover Calvin, 11and Shade of Ann Arbor Photo By MAIZE HOUSE Photo Sudio maizehouse.com

food fight 20

A New York City Smash in Arbor Hills

Shake Shack opens in Ann Arbor

By Alison Petersen

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

most read online

1. Cover Kid Contest 2. Harvest Festival in Pittsfield Township 3. Strategies for Communicating with Teenagers 4. Blow Dry Bar Coming to Ann Arbor www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

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

Adams Street Publishing Co. How old is too old to trick-or-treat?

October is Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Month

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) PROBABLY BY HIGH SCHOOL.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer

KIDS HOROSCOPE

September 23 - October 23 By Kimmie Rose

Save the day!

Get to the fire fast and save the day with the PLAYMOBIL Fire Ladder Unit toy featuring functioning lights and sounds. This fun play set includes three figures, traffic cones, fire extinguisher, shovels, gas tank, water hose and other accessories. You can even buy an add-on Firefighters with Water Pump to spray water and extinguish those fires even faster! $69.99

This bib says it all

Keep baby tidy while also showing their Michigan pride from a young age. The Home Grown Michigan Baby Bib by Taylor & Coultas features an adorable map patch of the great lakes state with a tiny heart at Ann Arbor. Features a velcro fastener. -LE $17. 16handsannarbor.com

Your Libra child likes life to have balance as they are natural peacemakers. This month they will be unusually quiet and detached. Parents note: your child isn’t depressed or sad, but they are spending some time alone getting to know their own likes and dislikes. Because your little Libra holds the scales of balance, it is important to honor their need for silence but to also give them a way to communicate by putting up a whiteboard or designating a notebook to communicate with words and pictures. This is the month to get your little Libra out of the house, providing a way to experience those things he/she is quietly contemplating with a healthy outlet.

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) 61.

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Editorial

Assignment Editor Laura Eliason

(editor@annarborfamily.com) COOL ENOUGH TRICK, YOU GET THE CANDY! Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WHEN YOU HIT 5’5, OTHERWISE YOU’RE GOOD TO GO. Contributing Writers Laura Eliason, Kimmie Rose, Lori Maranville, Lindsey Lincoln, Anthony Zick, Joyce Patterson, and Alison Petersen.

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Senior Designer Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) NEVER. TRICK-OR-TREAT ROCKS! Graphic Design Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) 12-14 DEPENDS ON THE KID- AND ‘TRUNK’ OR TREAT ISN’T COOL! Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) NEVER! Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) 35.

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Accounting Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) IF YOU’RE IN HIGH SCHOOL THAT IS TOO OLD. Distribution Hanna Wagner (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com) NEVER TOO OLD.

COST IS TYPICALLY 75-85% LESS THAN A NEW ROOF

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We’re celebrating kids and family

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Roof Maxx’s revolutionary award-winning technology allows millions of micro-beads of all-natural oil to penetrate your old brittle roof. This process restores your roof’s flexibility and waterproofing protection preserving the life of your roof. Treatments come with a FIVE-YEAR transferrable warranty. Repeating treatments every five years can extend your roof’s life by up to fifteen years.

Digital Media Specialist Courtney Probert (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) AS LONG AS YOU HAVE A COSTUME ON, YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD.

EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR ROOF!

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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.

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• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

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Game Day Eats

Feeding your young athlete

By J. Barretto Patterson Joseph, 9, Ypsilanti Ada, 1, Ann Arbor

6 Classic Children’s Books That Are Still Great Today By Jackie Cambridge

2019

Back to School Guide GUIDE

Aras, 3, Ann Arbor Mia, 6, Ann Arbor

Anna, 1, Arthur, 4, and Alice, 2

Tips from a teacher for your best year yet, superfood snack ideas, and more!

October giveaway

Track their hard work and reward good behavior

Win a customizable magnetic responsibility chart featuring magnetic tiles and stickers corresponding to common household tasks, from “Make the Bed” and “Help with Dinner” to “Do Homework” and “Brush Your Teeth.” Learning Resources Good Job Reward Chart allows you to pick out the tasks of their choice (or customize your own with the set’s blank stickers), kids and parents can then track daily progress with the set’s positive accomplishment magnets. Age 3+.

Congratulations

to September’s Winner

Melissa Shannon-Hagen

To enter, visit annarborfamily.com. www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

Compiled and written by Laura Eliason

Black mothers’ breastfeeding support group Across Michigan, black infants are three times more likely to die than white infants before their first birthday. In Washtenaw County, the incidence is over four times more likely. Among Washtenaw County WIC clients, 76 percent of black and African American women start breastfeeding, compared to 81 percent of white women. “Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby,” says Gayathri Akella, WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) Service Coordinator at the Washtenaw County Health Department. Breastfeeding strengthens babies’ immune systems, guards them against obesity and diabetes and forges a strong bond with their mom, among many other benefits. A breastfeeding support group for black mothers was created by Washtenaw County WIC last year with the goal of lowering the racial disparity in breastfeeding rates. During the first year of the support group, the rate of black mothers in WIC who continue to breastfeed their infants at four to eight weeks has increased from 32 percent to 48 percent – similar to the 50 percent rate for white women with four to eight week infants. The black mothers’ breastfeeding support group meets four times a year. The next meeting will be October 30. Follow Washtenaw County WIC Breastfeeding Support on Facebook or call Washtenaw County WIC at 734-544-6800 for more information.

Make art as a family Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) for an afternoon of art inspiration from East Asia. Families with children ages six and up are invited to look, learn, and create together in their hands-on workshop Family Art Studio: One and Many, inspired by the UMMA exhibition, Copies and Invention in East Asia. Visit the exhibition—which looks at the practice of copying in art making and includes works from China, Korea, and Japan, spanning ancient to contemporary times—and create an original piece of artwork. The class will be led by local artist and long-time UMMA docent Susan Clinthorne. Parents must accompany children and must register online before the event. Saturday, October 19, 2-4pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. umma-program-registration@umich.edu. Umma.umich.edu Free

October is

National Hispanic Heritage Month! A day to celebrate Latin families Join the Ann Arbor District Library for a fun Latino-focused family event and health fair. This year’s Día de la Familia (Family Day) will feature an opportunity to contribute to a mural painting led by muralist Hector Trujillo. The event will also include a talk in spanish by Dr. Mikel Llanes with health information addressing mental, physical, and social issues in the Latino community. Thursday, October 10, 5:30-8pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Downton Branch, 1st Floor Lobby, Secret Lab, and Multi-purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. Aadl.org Free

Visit Ele’s Place Losing a parent is never easy, but it is particularly devastating to a child to have to deal with that kind of grief. Ele’s Place is a non-profit that helps them process their feelings and deal with the loss in a supportive environment. This month they are open for tours of their new building, an opportunity to speak with the staff about what they do and the programs they offer. Visit at noon on Wednesday, October 2 or 8am on Wednesday, October 9. Ele’s Place, 5666 Hines Dr. RSVP at 734929-6640 or sbodner@elesplace.org. elesplace.org —EH

Local charter school takes the top spot Every year, Niche releases a comprehensive list of the best schools across the country based on a variety of criteria. South Arbor Charter Academy, in Ypsilanti, takes the No.1 spot on this year’s Detroit area Best Charter Elementary Schools list, and the number two spot for the Best Charter Schools in Michigan. Kim Bondy, South Arbor Charter Academy’s principal said, “Our school is a diverse community of learners. The academic and behavioral expectations are high here, and new families seek us out for that type of environment for their children. It is always wonderful to see our students, staff, and parents being recognized for the amazing work that they do in growing our students. The hard work of our school family really does pay off!” South Arbor Charter Academy, 8200 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti. 734-528-2821. nhaschools.com https://acc.emich.edu/event/little-food-explorers/https://aadl.org/node/392583

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

Ann Arbor favorite opens a second store in Saline

After becoming a Main Street, Ann Arbor destination for celebration and gifting needs, Rock Paper Scissors has opened a second location in Saline, celebrating the grand opening in August. The new store features a similar mix of products as their Ann Arbor location but includes some fun, new surprises for their youngest shoppers including a coloring station, reading nook and a play coffee shop named after the owner Lisa Robert’s two daughers Mack and Mattie. Rock Paper Scissors, 106 W. Michigan Ave., Saline. rockpaperscissorsshop.com

The last putt, more to come

A Detroit institution comes to Ann Arbor

Ballet Detroit, located at the Detroit Opera House, has opened a satellite school, Ballet Detroit of Ann Arbor. The faculty have been trained in and teach the Vaganova curriculum, which has produced dancers such as Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Natalia Markarova. Controlled class sizes allow for individual and personalized attention for each dancer. Students are not required to audition at Ballet Detroit of Ann Arbor. Adult students are also welcome in several classes. Ballet Detroit Ann Arbor, 307 N. Main St. 409-422-5538. balletdetroit.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF BALLET DETROIT

After 41 years of bringing summer fun to families from the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor area, the owners of Putterz Golf and Games, Bill and Pat Chrysan, sold the business and retired in September. The new owners plan to keep the business open and have updates planned for the Washtenaw Ave. location. For more information, visit their website putterz.com or visit their Facebook page for updates.

“A whole new world” at Brighton Target

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DISNEY STORE

Disney is partnering with Target to open stores in 25 select locations, with more opening next year, and Brighton is one of the first. The Disney Store at Target will feature toys, games, apparel, and accessories and certain products that were only previously available for purchase at Disney retail locations. The Brighton location will open in October. Target, 8043 Challis Rd., Brighton. 810-229-0038. target.com

Décor maker space opens in Ann Arbor

A new boutique DIY shop offering instructor-led workshops perfect for novice crafters and do-it-yourself enthusiasts is open in Ann Arbor. AR Workshop® Ann Arbor, the Arlington Square strip mall on Washtenaw Avenue, has workshop options for all ages and skill levels, featuring classes to help the crafty to create wood plank signs, canvas pillows, Lazy Susans, cake stands and more. They will also feature classes to help attendees create textile items, such as chunky knit blankets, just in time for the upcoming chilly Michigan nights. AR Workshop® Ann Arbor marks the seventh location in the state of Michigan. AR Workshop® Ann Arbor, 3260 Washtenaw Ave. 734-546-7545. arworkshop.com/annarbor

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILIES

PHOTO CREDIT: THOMAS HERRING

for parents of children with special needs

Turning to Instagram After Diagnosis

A Cerebral Palsy warrior raises awareness and spreads positivity online

Cerebral Palsy Warrior Briella is a CP Warrior. “She’s living with CP, but that doesn’t stop her from doing anything. She’s showing the world that anything is possible,” says Naif with pride.

spent a week at Smile Therapy for Kids in Ontario, Canada undergoing a physical therapy approach called Cuevas Medek Exercise (CME). After a lot of hard work in their intensive program, she was able to take those 35 steps. “I was blown away by what she did,” said Naif.

The Naif’s recommend the CP Families of Michigan Facebook group (@CPFOM) for a community of people sharing CP support and advice.

What’s Next Right now, the Naifs are focusing on increasing Briella’s speech and communicative ability so she’ll be ready to start Kindergarten next fall. She knows sign language and uses a Tobii Dynavox tablet to communicate. With a speech therapist, she works on pronouncing words and gaining confidence with her speech. The more she can communicate the more she can make her wants and needs known and advocate for herself. “We’re emphasizing confidence, independence, and mobility,” says Naif. They’ll continue to share Briella’s story and focus on the community they’ve created. “We’re turning a diagnosis into a positive outlook on life,” says Naif.

In addition to preschool, gymnastics, and swimming, Briella goes to physical, occupational, and speech therapy multiple times a week. The Naifs also practice home therapy together every single day. This busy schedule isn’t always fun for Briella, but despite it all, “she’s the smiliest girl ever,” says Naif. “She’s happy 98 percent of the time.” Last year, Briella had a life-changing spinal surgery to reduce tightness in her muscles caused by her CP. This surgery made it possible for her to take her first independent steps. This summer, she

To help the Naif’s with the cost of Briellas therapy visit gofundme.com/briellas-wish-to-walk. Keep up with Briella’s journey by following @briellaandme on Instagram or check out #gobriellago on Instagram and Facebook.

By Lindsey Lincoln

Finding a community online When she was almost two, Briella was diagnosed with CP. “After her diagnosis,” says Naif, “it was a good six months of struggling and not really having anyone to talk to about what our new normal would look like.” That’s when Caroline started the @briellaandme Instagram account. “Starting the page saved me as a mom and it’s saved her,” she says. “We’ve connected with so many amazing people.” Online, Naif shares pictures and videos of Briella alongside inspirational quotes and positive captions. She de-

scribes new therapy options and includes in-depth instructions for fun activities that help Briella practice fine motor skills or speech. The goal, says Naif, is to share their story to inspire others to live positively and vibrantly. “We’ve met kids with cerebral palsy, with Down syndrome, kids who are learning to talk and walk. We love following all those accounts because you learn so much from them and they’re so inspiring,” explains Naif. Advocating for Briella The Naifs spend a lot of time advocating for Briella to get the treatment she needs. According to Naif, there is no cure for CP, just options that help make life easier. “We have learned a lot along the way by seeing what other CP warriors are doing for treatment options around the world,” says Naif. “It’s important to educate yourself!” Each case of CP is different which means no two treatment plans are the same. Doctors don’t always know about new or experimental treatments and insurance often doesn’t cover them. The Naifs look for grants or scholarship opportunities and they have a Gofundme page where supporters can donate money to help cover the costs.

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

PHOTO CREDIT: THOMAS HERRING

When almost-five-year-old Briella Naif took 35 steps––the most she’d ever done without her walker––thousands of people were cheering her on. Her mom, Caroline Naif, shared a video of the feat on their Instagram account, @briellandme, and encouraging comments from over 11,000 followers flooded in. Briella has Cerebral Palsy (CP), a muscle disorder that makes walking difficult, so those 35 steps were a huge accomplishment. CP occurs when the brain, because of damage or abnormal development, is unable to control a person’s muscles. In Briella’s case, her CP was caused by Periventricular Leukomalacia, a brain injury that affects premature babies.

Briella with her Dad, Matt, and Mom, Caroline, Naif.

6 for Wear Green on October ay! World Cerebral Palsy D

tween the lines

advice for parents with children 10-16

Relationship Drama How to deal with the end of a friendship in middle school By Whitney Fleming

“How is Maggie?” I asked my seventh grader one day on the way to soccer practice. “I don’t know,” she replied matterof-factly. “You don’t know? How could you not know? Don’t you see her every day?” I was a little shocked by my daughter’s response—this was one of her best friends. “I don’t know, Mom. She doesn’t sit at our table anymore. She sits with some other girls. It’s fine,” she said with a tone that told me it was not fine, but also that she didn’t want to talk about it. I found out later that Maggie started hanging out with some other girls who were in the same extracurricular activity. There was no animosity between the girls, but I could see the hurt on my daughter’s face—and I felt helpless. “When our child gets left out, it can bring us back to middle school all over again,” says Sheryl Gould, certified parent coach and founder of the website Moms of Tweens and Teens. “It triggers those painful feelings we experienced and makes our blood boil, which in turn can lead us to overreact and make things worse.” How to Respond When Your Child Gets Left Out 1. Listen and validate

Take a deep breath and listen—no matter how silly or upsetting it seems to you. Gould recommends validating your child’s experience. Saying something as simple as “I’m so sorry, that must really hurt,” can be enough to soothe your child and get them to keep talking. 2. Focus on resilience

At this age, friendships often dissolve naturally, but sometimes they end in an uglier, more abrupt way. “While it may be tempting to shelter your child from the hurt or to try to help them move on quickly, you don’t want to rob your child of the resilience that comes with facing difficulty,” says Michele Kambolis, a therapist and author of Generation Stressed. According to Gould, the end goal is to get your tween to see themselves as more of a problem-solver than a victim. 3. Discourage social media

Kambolis suggests discouraging your child from taking to social media to air any grievances. Instead, encourage them to talk to peers face-to-face. If they are shunned from a group, “Help your tween find ways to remain engaged and

focused that leave them feeling valued,” she says. “It can be tempting for adolescents to rely on technology as a way to cope, but that’s often not helpful.” 4. Get help if necessary

While parents should always keep the lines of communication open, they should also try not to intervene. If your child is suddenly isolated at school, talk to a guidance counselor or trusted administrator about the situation to ensure it does not escalate. How to Respond When Your Child Ends a Friendship 1. Encourage them to have a conversation

What if it’s your child ending the friendship? “If your child is the one pushing a friend away, help them discover ways to pull back from the friendship compassionately,” says Kambolis. Tweens can feel a lack of closure when a relationship ends, and they may be left obsessing about what they might have done wrong. “Encourage your tween to tell their friend why they are ending the relationship, and to think about what it would feel like for them if they were in the same situation.” 2. Coach them to be kind

For some tweens, the thought of having a conversation like this may be overwhelming. Even if they’re not able to work themselves up to this level of frankness, encourage kindness. Ghosting—the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication—is never appropriate. Explain to your middle schooler that just because you are no longer friends with someone does not mean you can’t be cordial, and ensure your child understands what that looks like. Also, don’t be afraid to provide perspective from your own life regarding your friendships. “Remind kids that a bad conversation or text exchange with a friend doesn’t mean the friendship is over,” says Gould. Middle schoolers are learning firsthand that friendship is complicated—and that, with our help, they can enjoy the ups and weather the downs. This article originally appeared on Your Teen, a leading source for parents seeking high-quality information and advice about raising teenagers. yourteenmag.com.

CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY WITH SCIENTIFIC ADVENTURES! Explore slime or volcanos, learn to survive in the wild, or meet some animals up close!

JOIN US TODAY! Parties at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center are fun for all ages, from 2 to 102. Look online and book your party today!

www.lesliesnc.org/events/parties www.aahom.org/experience/programs/type/birthday-parties

www.aahom.org/join/purchase-membership www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

Run Scream Run 10K, 5K & 1 Mile

Pumpkin Carving Party

Wiard’s Orchard & Cider Mill 5565 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti Runscreamrun.com Registration available, $19-$45 Have a “fun scary” run through Wiard’s Orchard! All entrants receive a t-shirt, while all 5K/10K finishers receive a Frankenstein medal. The Cider Mill Mile finishers receive a pumpkin medal.

Hudson Mills Activity Center 8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter 734-426-8211, metroparks.com $6 Pick out a pumpkin, choose a design, and have fun carving. The fee includes one pumpkin and cider and doughnuts. A metropark pass is required. All ages welcome!

Saturday, October 12 | 8:30am-12pm

Trick or Treat Along the Trail at Hudson Mills Metropark

Halloween Halloween

Trick or Treat on the River Sunday, October 13 | Noon-5pm

Saturday, October 12 | 4-6pm

GUIDE

Halloween

Fall Fun and Halloween Happenings A guide to the area’s best events, farms, festivals, and activities by Lori Maranville

Southeast Michigan has plenty of fall-themed festivals and events to keep young-at-heart ghosts and goblins smiling throughout the season. Check out all the happenings from floating pumpkin patches to costume parties and trick or treating!

Thursday, October 3 | 6:45-8:15pm

Saline Recreation Center 1866 Woodland Dr., Saline 734-429-3902, salinerec.com Pre-registration required, $8-$12 Find your floating pumpkin in the pool. Life jackets will be available and parents should accompany children below a Level 4 swimming ability. Enjoy cider and donuts while creating a pumpkin masterpiece at decorating station. Ages 3-13

Dexter Apple Daze/Scarecrow Decorating Contest Monument Park, Dexter 8031 Main St. Festival Free, $25 to enter Scarecrow contest Celebrate the local apple harvest by taking a hayride to the historic Dexter Cider Mill, enter a pie-eating contest, or check out the many crafts. Also, check out all the scarecrows entered into the scarecrow decorating contest sponsored by Ruby’s Makery.

Sunday, October 6 | 11am-2pm

Independence Lake County Park 3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake 734-449-4437, washtenaw.org $6/person, $22/family of 4, $25/family of five and $3 per additional member Come down Scarecrow Lane, solve a mystery and enjoy family friendly activities including building your own scarecrow, crafts, a Halloween obstacle course, spider toss and cider and doughnuts.

Smoke and Ale Fall Festival

Floating Pumpkin Patch

Saturday, October 5 | 10am-5pm

Halloween Hootenanny

Friday, October 12 at 5pm Saturday, October 13 at 7pm

Chelsea Community Fairgrounds 20501 West Old US Highway 12 chelseamich.com/smoke-ale $5 per person, 12 & under are free This annual festival will include both amateur and professional BBQ contests, a beer barn and live music. Kids will enjoy a variety of games and a cornhole tournament just for them!

Hudson Mills Activity Center 8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter 734-426-8211, metroparks.com $5 per person Costume-clad little ones (ages 3-8) will enjoy Halloween-themed interpretive stops along the nature trail, and then enjoy cider, donuts, and crafts in the Activity Center. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is $35 annually for regular admission, $21 annually for seniors or $10 daily. Pre-registration is requested.

Monster Mash

Saturday October 12 | Noon-3pm

Rolling Hills County Park 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti ewashtenaw.org $6 per person, $22 family of 4, $25 family of 5, $3 per additional person Hayrides, crafts, carnival games, a candy hunt, Trek or Treat Trail, face painting, and cider and donuts will be available to families and kids of all ages. Costumes are encouraged and pets are welcome!

Appleumpkin Festival

Saturday, October 12 | 9am-6pm Sunday, October 13 | 10am-5pm

Downtown Tecumseh 517-423-3740, chamber@tecumsehchamber.org Prices vary depending on activity Bring the family for a day of fun with carnival rides, bungee jumping, crafts, putt putt, helicopter rides and monster truck rides. Fun for all ages.

Zoo Boo

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, October 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 | 3-7:30pm

The Detroit Zoo 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak 248-541-5717, detroitzoo.org | Tickets start at $10 Wear your costumes to the zoo for a “merry-not-scary” Halloween celebration. Aerialists, a joking juggler, never-ending corn maze, haunted creatures, a treat trail and superhero reenactments are just some of the delights awaiting families. Advanced ticket purchase encouraged. Attendees may also purchase tickets to a 15-minute version of “The Wizard of Oz 4-D Experience” at the Wild Adventure Zone in the Ford Education Center.

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

Sunday, October 13 | 1-3pm

Gallup Livery 3000 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor A2gov.org $20 per boat Wear your costume as you paddle around Gallup Pond in a canoe or kayak and collect Halloween candy. Keep your eye out for creatures, swamp monsters and pirates! The livery provides life jackets, but bring a bag for candy. No pre registration required.

PreSchool Pumpkin Hunt

Tuesday, October 15 | 10am

Saline Recreation Center 1866 Woodland Drive, Saline 734-429-3902, salinerec.com Pre-registration required, ages 2-5, $8-$12 Children ages 2-5 are invited on a minipumpkin hunt. Afterwards, they can listen to a storyteller and decorate their pumpkins. Light snacks will be available.

Little Boo at the Zoo

Thursday and Friday, October 17-18 | 10am-3pm

The Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-5721, toledozoo.org $8 for member children, $18 for non-member children and adults, parking fees apply Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to don costumes for a trick-or-treat event at the zoo. Trick or treat throughout the zoo and delight in puppet shows, strolling magic, character meet and greets, crafts and games.

Halloween Costume Exchange Tuesday, October 1Thursday, October 31

Chelsea District Library 221 S. Main St. 734-475-8732, chelseadistrictlibrary.org Need a last-minute costume for your kid and don’t want to reuse last year’s? The Chelsea Library costume exchange program allows you to bring your child’s gently used costume to the first-floor information desk and receive a “new” used costume in exchange. All costumes that don’t get picked up will be donated in November.

Boo Bash

Friday, October 18 | 6-8pm

Saline Rec Center 1866 Woodland Dr., Saline 734-429-4907, salinerec.com Registration is encouraged, $11-$15 per person ages 2 and over Spend a Halloween-themed evening with the entire family doing crafts, playing games, and dancing to music. There’s a trick or treat trail, so wear your costume, and a balloon drop at the end of the night. This popular event sells out each year, so register early. Save $2 if you register by October 6.

Pumpkins, Lanterns, and Leaves Friday and Saturday, October 18-19 | 6-8pm

Matthaei Botanical Gardens 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor 734-647-7600, mbgna.umich.edu Call for ticket information Families are invited for after hours fun in the gardens with pumpkins and harvest-themed events. Activities include a parade of lanterns that kids and families make and take home.

Animal Haunts

Saturday, October 19 | 6-8pm

Furstenberg Park 2626 Fuller Rd. 734-997-1553, lesliesnc.org Families welcome, Register online or call Leslie Science Center Families are welcome to join in the fun including non-scary hikes, wildlife, games, crafts and more. Sponsored by Leslie Science Center but held off-site.

Hallow Harvest

Saturday, October 19 | 12-4 pm

Cobblestone Farm 2781 Packard Rd. 734-794-7120, cobblestonefarm.org See the historic Cobblestone Farmhouse decorated for Halloween.

Harvest Festival at Kerrytown

Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20 | 9am-4pm

Ann Arbor Farmers Market 315 Detroit St. 734-794-6255, a2gov.org See how artisans create glass works of art and try it yourself. To celebrate the harvest season, make pumpkins out of glass.

Pumpkin Path

Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 | 10am-4pm

The Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-5721, toledozoo.org $7 for member children, $16 for non-member children and adults, parking fees apply Celebrate Halloween at the zoo with costumed trick-or-treating for the whole family, games, artistic pumpkin carving demonstration, magic shows, bounce houses, and more! Bring your own candy bag or bucket.

Fun on the Farm

Thursday, October 24 | 10am

Kensington Metropark 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford 248-684-8632, metroparks.com $5 per child, ages 2-6 Toddlers can trick-or-treat all around the farm, play games, and visit the “haunted” barn. Wear your costume so that you can join in the animal parade. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is $35 annually for regular admission, $21 annually for seniors or $10 daily.

Halloween Spooktacular Thursday, October 24 | 10:30pm to Friday, October 25 | 12:30am

Zombie Apocalypse Survival

Animal Haunts

Kensington Metropark 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford 810-227-8917, metroparks.com $5 per person Kids 8 and older will learn all the necessary skills, like fire-starting and shelterbuilding, to survive a zombie attack. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is $35 annually for regular admission, $24 annually for seniors or $10 daily

Leslie Science and Nature Center 1831 Traver Rd, Ann Arbor 734-997-1553, lesliesnc.org $10 per person or $35 per family Hike through Black Pond Woods and meet plants and animals native to Michigan. The non-scary, candy-free fun includes a hay jump, harvest crafts, stories, costumes, and more. Pre Registration is required.

Family Friendly Drag Queen Story Time, Karaoke & Show

Ann Arbor Farmers Market 315 Detroit St. 734-794-6255, a2gov.org Free Children are encouraged to wear their costumes at the market and participate in festivities including face painting and pumpkin decorating.

Saturday, October 26 | 6-8pm

Saturday, October 26 | 1-3pm

High Point School 1735 S Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor Grade 9-Adults with disabilities and their friends and families $10 It’s a costume party complete with Hallween tunes, games and seasonal refreshments. Adapted staff and volunteers will help provide a great night of memories.

The Art of Animated Characters Friday, October 25 | 7:30pm

Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College 4800 E Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor. wccband.org Free Kids of all ages are invited to dress as their favorite animated characters and participate in the Parade of Costumes as the band highlights music from bestloved cartoons and animated features.

The Tap Room 201 W Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti $7 Families are invited to Drag Queen Story Time with Boylesque Drag. Children are invited to wear their favorite costume.

Shoebox Haunted Houses Saturday, October 26 | 2-3pm

Ypsilanti District Library-Superior 8795 MacArthur Boulevard, Ypsilanti 734-482-4110, ypsilibrary.org Free Children ages 6-14 are invited transform a shoebox into a miniature scary or silly house.

Halloween at the Farmers Market Saturday, October 26 | Noon-2pm

Fall Festival at Domino’s Farms Sunday, October 27 | 11am-2pm

The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms 3001 Earhart Rd. 734-998-0182, pettingfarm.com In addition to the regular attractions at the Petting Farm, children can enjoy a costume parade, games, snacks, and crafts. Hayrides are available for an additional charge.

Continued on pg 12

Halloween Downtown/YpsiGlow Friday, October 25 | 4:30-11pm

Downtown Ypsilanti 1 South Huron St., Ypsilanti 734-482-4110, ypsilibrary.org Free First, visit the Boo!Mobile, collect candy, and enjoy fun giveaways. Afterward, walk to North Washington St. for music, glowing costumes and window displays, interactive art, luminaries and more.

Halloween Bash

Saturday, October 26 | 6:30-8:30pm

Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center 2960 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor 734-974-6355, ewashtenaw.org Registration available, $6/person, $22/family of 4 (each additional family member $3) Don’t miss this night of family fun! Wear your Halloween costumes for an evening of tricks and treats.

Pumpkin Stomp and Chomp Saturday, October 26 | 10am-3pm

The Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-5721, toledozoo.org Regular zoo admission and parking rates apply Watch the zoo animals receive their Halloween pumpkins and find out which ones like to eat pumpkins and which ones like to smash them!

Humane Society of

Huron Valley

3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor (734) 662-5585 • hshv.org

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

Continued from pg 11

Spooky Species

Teen Halloween Party

October 25-27 & 31 | 5-6:30pm

The Creature Conservancy 4950 Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Ann Arbor 734-929-9324, thecreatureconservancy.org Advance ticket purchase required. Spiders and snakes and bats, oh my! Families can register for the interactive, handson program to learn about bats, snakes and other creepy crawly animals. Cider and donuts will be served.

Ann Arbor District Library Halloween Costume Contest Sunday, October 27 | 12:30-3pm

Downtown Library 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200, aadl.org Free All ages are invited to dress in their best costumes and stand before the judges for a chance to win a prize. Costume categories include best book character, best flying object, most creative family costumes, most hilarious, best robot, best and brightest colored and many more! A free photo booth will be available as well as snacks and crafts.

Muttster Mash Bash

Saturday, October 27 | 6-8pm

Humane Society of Huron Valley 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. 734-662-5585, hshv.org/muttstermash $10 per child, free for adults and kids under 1 The Humane Society of Huron Valley invites everyone to come out for a great time to benefit the animals in the shelter. Children will enjoy games, trick or treating, crafts for the animals, pictures with Happy the Hound, playtime with the adoptable animals and much more! Preregistration required.

University of Michigan Halloween Concert

Ypsilanti District Library - Michigan 229 W. Michigan Ave. 734-482-4110, ypsilibrary.org Free Teens are invited to celebrate Halloween with some spooky crafts, snacks and games.

Ann Arbor District Library Halloween Party

Thursday, October 31 | 10am and 11:30am

Downtown Library 343 South Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200, aadl.org Free Children in preschool to grade 3 are invited to dress in their best costume and then hear stories, see a puppet show and have trick or treats. After, the group will head to Main Street for the Halloween Treat Parade.

19th Annual Halloween Treat Parade October 31 | 11am-5pm

Main Street and Liberty Streets, Ann Arbor Free Families are invited to stop by participating businesses to trick or treat. The event is held rain or shine and is sponsored by the Main Street Association.

The Great Pumpkin Roll Saturday, November 2 | 9am

Mill Pond Park 565 W Bennett St., Saline 734-429-4907, cityofsaline.org Free Bring your old jack-o-lantern to Mill Pond Park for the annual pumpkin roll. Winners will receive prizes, but everyone will enjoy cider and doughnuts.

Pumpkin Smash

Sunday, October 27| 4:30pm

Hill Auditorium 825 N. University Ave. tickets.smtd.umich.edu Reserved seating $12 and $8 Join the University Orchestras for an afternoon of spooky songs and Halloween favorites. Kids of all ages can wear their costumes and enjoy the tricks, treats, and great music. Tickets required.

Jenny’s Farm Stand

Tuesday, October 29 | 4:30-6:30pm

Saturday, November 2 | 12-5pm

Rolling Hills County Park 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti Ewashtenaw.org Event is free but vehicle admission is required. Grab your jack-o-lanterns and see if you can roll your pumpkins down the sledding hill and hit a target on the way down. Pumpkins must be carved.

Make the most of Michigan’s beautiful autumn weather with a hay ride, a glass of fresh apple cider, or a trip through a corn maze.

Alber Orchard

13011 Bethel Church Rd, Manchester. 734-428-9310. alberorchard.com Tour the vintage cider press, try your luck in the 7-acre corn maze, or relax during the hayride at this beautiful orchard. $3 per person for hayrides, $6 per person for corn maze.

Blast Corn Maze

6175 Daly Rd, Dexter. blastcornmaze.com Adults and kids of all ages can try their luck in 3.5 miles of corn maze trails. $10 for adults, $7 for children, 4 & under Free

12758 Jordan Rd, Saline. 734-429-1212. colemanscornmazes.com Climb on giant haystacks, pet the barn animals, play in the corn box, or choose one of three corn mazes. Prices vary by activity and age

DeBuck’s

50240 Martz Rd., Belleville. 734-260-0334. debuckscornmaze.com Hayrides, family fun area and corn maze. Prices vary.

Dexter Cider Mill

3685 Central St, Dexter. 734-426-8531. dextercidermill.com Enjoy apples, cider, and doughnuts at the oldest continuously operated cider mill in Michigan.

61475 Silver Lake Rd., South Lyon. 248-437-0150. erwinorchards.com This farm offers a variety of fall fun including wagon rides, corn maze, petting zoo, and live music.

Scio Township Fire Department Halloween Party Sunday, October 27 | 1-4pm

Scio Township Fire Department 1055 N. Zeeb Rd. Free Join in the fun exploring the fire station, trucks, equipment with bounce houses, games and refreshments.

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

Maybury Farm

50165 8 Mile Rd, Northville. 248-916-3033. mayburyfarm.org Take a wagon ride to the 9-acre corn maze, or enjoy a 1-acre maze especially for kids. $9 per person, 2 & under are free

Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill

10685 Warren Rd, Plymouth. 734-455-2290 plymouthorchards.com. Take a fun, educational wagon ride tour of this beautiful working farm and cider mill. $2.50-3.50 per person

The Pumpkin Factory

Coleman’s Corn Maze

Erwin Orchards

8366 Island Lake Rd, Dexter.734-424-3431. jennysfarmmarket.com Kids will love the pony rides, straw bale maze, and homemade doughnuts at Jenny’s.

48651 Harris Rd, Belleville. 734-461-1835. Family hayrides, a petting zoo, pedal cart races, and a bakery are some of this pumpkin farm’s fall offerings. Prices vary by activity

Three Cedars Farm

7897 Six Mile Rd, Northville. 248-437-8200. threecedarsfarm.org Families can enjoy a hayride, a train ride, or the 7-acre corn maze. Hayrides $5 per family, train rides $4 per person, corn maze $5 per person

Wiard’s Country Fair

5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti. 734-390-9211. wiards.com Admission to the Country Fair includes many family-friendly activities including inflatables, pony rides, wagon rides, an apple cannon, and much more. $18.75 per person on weekends, children under 2 are free Find more events online at annarborfamily.com

Wednesday, October 31 Ann Arbor 5-8pm Chelsea 5:30-7:30pm Dexter 5:30-7:30pm Milan 6-8pm Saline 6-8pm Ypsilanti Until dusk

How to throw a party that w ill be a graveyard s mash By Raegan Nel

son

JENSEN

With minimal cost and resources, you can host the best Monster Mash Halloween party for kids of all ages. Get the scoop on these simple decorations, snacks, and activities to create the most Spooktacular event for all the little monsters in your life.

Monster Rice Krispie Treats Dip your rice krispie treats into different colored candy melts and decorate with candy eyes for monster-ific treats.

Monster Headbands To help the kids get into character, grab a few plain plastic headbands, glue on some pom poms, and add a few googly eyes.

Monster Garland These easy monster garlands are the perfect way to decorate for all of your ghoulish guests. Supplies Craft feather boa Smooth foam balls Twine or string

Hot glue gun Googly eyes

Directions 1. Cut the length of the boa that you need to wrap around the outside of the foam ball. 2. Using a hot glue gun, glue the boa around the circumference of the ball, leaving the middle open to make the eyeball.

Pin the Eye on the Monster! Create a monster out of colorful cardstock paper, leaving off the eyes, and glue to a poster board. Make one or more eyeballs and add double-sided tape to the back. Using a blindfold, have the children try to place the eyeball on the monster.

Monster Sandwiches Grab a circular cookie cutter and all your favorite fixings to throw together the cutest monster sandwich all the kids will love. Between the two circles of bread and meat, add cheese teeth by simply cutting jagged edges around half of a slice of cheese. Add eyes by putting olives on toothpicks and inserting into your sandwich.

Halloween Freeze Dance Put together a fun playlist of Halloween songs for a game of Halloween freeze dance. Be sure to include the classic Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett. Turn on the music and have the children dance until the music stops. Whoever doesn’t stop when the music is paused has to sit out until the next round.

3. Glue the googly eye to the middle of the white, exposed circle. 4. Glue the backside of the eyeball to twine or string so the eyes don’t move around.

Spooky Veggie Cups Cover dixie cups with colored paper and add googly eyes. Fill the bottom third of the cup with ranch or hummus and toss in all your favorite veggies! Want the full instructions to put together this spooky gathering? Find them online at annarborfamily.com.

E JENSEN PHOTO CREDIT GRAC

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Monster Door Using craft paper, tape, and paper plates, transform your door into an adorably scary monster. Experiment with several eyes, crazy-colored hair or silly teeth.

Paper Bag Monsters Using the folded side a paper lunch bag, decorate using anything you have around- googly eyes, pom poms, scrap paper, paint, sequins, etc. Turn the fold of the paper bag into the monster face by adding eyes to the top and teeth or a tongue under the flap.

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE Part One

Find the best school for your child at these upcoming open houses. Meet the teachers, see the classrooms, and talk to school administrators about their school’s vision. Choosing the best school leads to a successful education and future for your child, and there are so many great options in the Ann Arbor area. Read on to decide which one to visit first.

By Laura Eliason

Fill your 9-3 gap! Join our team as an Account Executive and be home when the kids get there. Email your resume to cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor Lower School: 2775 Newport Rd. 734-995-4141

High School: 2230 Pontiac Trl. 734-669-9394 steinerschool.org

Open Houses

MONTESSORI MORNINGS A Parent and Toddler introduction to the Montessori classroom.

Montessori Mornings will be offered on Wednesdays from 9-10:30am, Starting October 9th

Additional Information: n

n n

Ages 15 months – 32 months (must be able to walk) Child can attend with one parent, grandparent, care provider

SESSION II

October 9, 16, 23, 30 November 6, 13, 20

December 4, 11, 18 January 8, 15, 22, 29

DAYCROFT.ORG

1095 N. ZEEB RD, ANN ARBOR | 734.662.3335 14

Grades 1-8, 9-11 am, Lower School Grades 9-12, 1-3 pm, High School

Saturday, November 9

Grades 9-12, 2-4 pm, High School Watch your child gain independence in the Parent and Toddler sessions as your child joyfully explores the Montessori environment, works with the Montessori materials, and discovers the children around them.

Class is limited to 10 students This is a no food classroom

SESSION I

Tuesday, November 5

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

Thursday, November 14

Early Childhood, 9-11 am, Lower School

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Early Childhood, 9-11 am, Lower School Friday, January 17, 2020 Grades 9-12, 8:30-10 am, High School

Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor offers a Waldorf education that engages the head, heart and hands. They offer an alternative to a test driven curriculum, with enriched academics, art and music for all students at all grade levels, and practical skills woven throughout the curriculum. A strong focus on community helps students make meaningful connections to their teachers and each other. Visit them during one of their open houses, or find many tours listed on their website.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor 5225 Jackson Rd. 734-332-9600 cmsaa.org

RESERVE SPACE FOR Free THE UPCOMING Bonus Edit NOVEMBER ISSUE

Special Needs Guide Call 419.244.9859

Open House: Saturday, November 16, 9-10am

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

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ISSUE DATE: NOV 1ST • RESERVE BY: OCT. 15

November 1st

Christian Montessori School is where the difference is real. Twenty-one years and counting with excellent care and phenomenal social, emotional, and educational opportunities for infants, toddler, preschool, kindergarten through sixth-grade students! Join them on November 16 for a morning snack and visit their classrooms. You can catch an inside glimpse on their school's Facebook page, too! Stop by and feel the CMSAA difference.

Daycroft School Early Childhood Campus: Toddler & Preschool 100 Oakbrook Dr. 734-930-0333 Elementary Campus: Preschool, Grades K-6 1095 N. Zeeb Rd. 734-662-3335. daycroft.org

Oakbrook Location Open House Tours: 9am or 10am, Tuesdays October 1, November 5

Zeeb Location Open House Tours:

9am or 10am, Thursdays October 3, November 7, December 12, January 16, February 13, March 19, April 16, May 14 Your child will thrive at one of Ann Arbor’s top independent schools. Inspired by the principles of the Montessori model, Daycroft School focuses on individuality and personalized learning so your child can reach their best potential. Daycroft provides a warm, nurturing and culturally diverse environment that is sure to enhance your child’s learning. Children are encouraged to develop at their own pace and work individually with teachers to gain a lifelong love of learning. See Daycroft classrooms in action during their monthly Open House tours. Contact them to register or arrange a personal tour of the school.

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

healthy kids

Snowplow Parenting Some never let kids experience failure

Tools for Avoiding Snowplow Parenting

By Anthony Zick

Coping skills PRIDE WORTH

Snowplow parenting can be difficult to resist. If you are interested in learning how to avoid it, the following tools offered by Drs. Paciorek and Nagpal might help.

FEAR

SIT Y

You have likely heard of the “Operation Varsity Blues” college admissions scandal that rocked the news cycle this past March. It involved several rich and famous people, including Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, who paid-off admissions consultant, William Singer, to gain their children admittance into prestigious universities. Though these parents are extreme examples, their particular style of over-parenting is more prevalent than you might think. In the past few years, it has gained enough notoriety to have garnered its own name: “snowplow parenting.” What is it, and what’s the harm? In snowplow parenting, the adults “plow through” obstacles for their child so that he or she can obtain a reward without experiencing struggle or failure. For most snowplow parents, it does not look like paying off admissions counselors; it may look like pressuring a teacher to give their child a higher grade, or delivering a forgotten lunch to school for the fifth time in a row. Dr. Karen Paciorek, Professor of Early Childhood Education & Children and Families at Eastern Michigan University, states that “[snowplow parents] want the child’s life to go smoothly, but they are robbing the child of valuable learning experiences.” She adds that, without experiencing struggle or failure “[they] don’t have the opportunity to develop perseverance, stick-to-itiveness, independence, respect, or responsibility.” Dr. Smita Nagpal, psychologist and Director of Program

Braver

ADV ER

OBSTAC

LES

REJECTION

RAG

COU

Development at Still Waters Counseling in Saline, adds that this parentingmodel can prevent kids from finding their place in the world. “It can lower self-esteem and self-confidence. It can get in the way of them building their own identity because you get a sense of who you are from the things you accomplish,” Nagpal says. Local parent perspective Janet, a writer based in Ann Arbor and mother of two college-student daughters, explains that during her own childhood, she was not handed anything: “[t]he first two years of high school,” she says, “I took two buses across Detroit to get home from school everyday. Then I would clean the house, set the table and make dinner everyday. At 20 years-old, I was completely on my own.” Janet has raised her daughters to be “independent, resourceful, compassionate people,” but admits that avoiding the snowplow route has not always been easy. During their middle and high school years, her daughter’s peers were treated to tremendous privileges and few responsibilities, which pressured Janet to do the same. Also, sometimes there is the impulse to intervene in their decisions when a lot is on the line. For example, one of her daughters recently received bad academic advising at her university, and Janet struggled with how to help without crossing the line into snowplow parenting. The line is not always so clear-cut, especially in Janet’s case, considering the exorbitant cost of college and the importance of a good education.

Contributing factors Snowplow parenting exists for many reasons. According to Dr. Paciorek, nowadays, with families having fewer children and people living longer, it is easier for parents and grandparents to be heavily involved in a child’s life. She adds that parents “see their children as a reflection of themselves to a much greater extent than they did years ago” and that it “becomes somewhat of a status symbol” to have your children experience prestige and success. Another perspective, held by Dr. Nagpal, is that this phenomenon is no more prevalent than in previous generations. To her, this issue is an example of “instinct gone awry.” She explains that the motivation to protect a child from harm or stress is wired into parents. This instinct crosses the line “when the parents get in the way of a child’s own sense of accomplishment.” She finds that parents often snowplow for their kids when they themselves were snowplowed for, or when they had a negative or difficult upbringing and vowed to make life easier for their kids. All parents rightly strive to protect their children and provide opportunities for them. The important thing is to think about whether the kids will be ready when it’s time for them to be on their own. In Janet’s words: “are we really thinking clearly what’s best for the kids long-term? It may feel good in the moment [to snowplow for them], but how will they develop resilience if they never have to deal with adversity?”

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

From Dr. Paciorek n Mental checklist. Instead of bailing them

out in a time of struggle or challenge, you can teach them to plan and reflect on their choices by helping them make a mental checklist on a piece of paper. n Before they tackle a problem, ask them to write what they need to do to succeed. After they are finished with the problem, ask them to write what they did well and what they can improve on. n Overall. Trust your ability to provide challenging experiences for your child and trust your child’s ability to rise to the occasion.

From Dr. Nagpal n Seek out resources. Seeing a coun-

selor, reading a good parenting book (such as Parenting From the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel), or joining a structured parenting program can better help you see the pattern of snowplow parenting in your life and how that impacts your child negatively. They can also help bring your focus to a different parenting-approach where you can help your kids learn how to gain resilience.

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Issues

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RESERVE SPACE NOW!! Call 419.244.9859 or Email Sales@AdamsStreetPublishing.com www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

digital age

Video Games Can Be Beneficial to Kids

Why digital time isn’t always bad By Katy M. Clark

Video games have come a long way since the days of Pong and Atari. What has remained constant over the years, though, is the perception that video games are not good for kids. There are, however, tangible benefits to playing video games, especially the strategy and prosocial kind, which deserve mention. Playing video games, with a parent’s guidance concerning both the time spent playing and the quality of games, has been shown to boost children’s cognitive, social, fine motor and emotional development. Spatial ability. Video games improve spatial ability, which is the capacity to visualize, rotate, transform and manipulate objects. Spatial ability, also called spatial reasoning, is vital for success in math, science, engineering, and technology.

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Persistence. Players encounter increasing difficulty as they try to advance or achieve higher levels in games. Yet, as parents know, instead of giving up (and turning off the game!), their kids persist until they achieve the desired level or goal. Problem solving. Not only are gamers persistent when playing, but they are problem solvers, too. When a child jumps off a cliff in a game and crash lands, for instance, she learns from her ‘mistake’. She tries until she finds a new way, or multiple ways, to jump and land successfully. Hand-eye coordination. Managing a controller with their hands while watching a screen with their eyes improves kids’ hand-eye coordination. In fact, research from the medical journal PLOS One found that surgeons who played video games improved their hand-eye coordination and precise muscle movement.

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

Social. As multiplayer games like Fortnite have exploded in popularity, gamers have reaped social benefits. Players bond together to defeat a common enemy. They lend each other equipment, rescue one another and strategize for the good of their team. Outside of the game, players talk in real life about their shared experiences and the latest updates to their favorite game. Emotional. Playing video games is a lot like dramatic role playing. Both kinds of play allow kids to put themselves in a fear- or anger-inducing situation, but within the safety of it being a game. As they play, whether in dramatic play or through a video game, children practice how to handle these emotions and learn how to regulate or calm themselves. Stress reduction. Getting swept away by a video game allows many kids to find relief from the academic, social, and extracurricular pressures that fill their days. Like watching TV or reading a book, playing video games is a means to refocus the brain on something other than what stresses it. Creativity. Researchers at Michigan State University found a relationship between video game playing and creativity. The more that twelve-year-olds played video games, the more creative they were in drawing pictures and writing stories. Of course, more is not always better when it comes to playing video games. Families should monitor both quantity and quality, striving for time spent playing video games to complement time with family and friends, playing sports or music and sleeping. Parents must also be aware of the important difference between allowing children play strategy or prosocial games while restricting their play of mature, first-person shooter games.

Bettering Lives Through Healthy Choices Former financial advisor finds passion in nutrition counseling By Lori Maranville

From health issues to health coach She started full-time with her business, Live in Balance, in 2018 after her own health issues with food intolerances led her on a path to find answers to her struggles and, ultimately, to getting certified as an integrative nutritional health coach so she could help others. Her gut issues started when she was in her 20s, and prompted her to seek treatment from traditional medicine doctors who diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Despite the diagnosis, she was unable to find a workable solution to her problem until a trainer put her in contact with an integrative medicine doctor. “Through an education process I started learning about myself and the next step was to get certified as a nutrition coach, just for my own knowledge,” Gobba explains. The year-long program taught her different nutritional approaches, about how to nourish the body, the daily requirements of vitamins, physical fitness and having a good mindset. When she started applying what she learned, eating more high quality foods, avoiding certain ingredients and paying attention to what was going into her body, her symptoms improved. “Our body is like an ecosystem and when it’s working right and everything is in balance (which is where the name of my company came from) you really feel good.” Family support Her family, including her son, Spencer, 19, and daughter, Marlo, 10, were supportive. “As I was going through my training process,” Gobba said, “my son came up to me saying ‘I am really happy you’re doing this for yourself, but you’re also doing it for us too.’” Gobba notes the important role family plays in taking a nutritional approach to one’s well-being. “This is all about not just the one person. What ends up happening is when I consult the one person, that flows into whoever is in their immediate household. It is much easier process if the entire household is educated.”

Rethinking food at home and at the store Gobba meets one on one with her clients, talking to them about their nutritional lifestyle goals, including any dietary restrictions or allergies. Some of her meetings include a tour of the client’s pantry or tour of the local market where Gobba explains the attributes of organic fruits and vegetables, quality ingredients and she also helps clients decipher food labels. She provides private cooking lessons, highlighting local and seasonal food ingredients, offering tips and recipes. “Food is a pretty powerful entity in our life,” Gobba says. “Once you can master that and have control, it leads to feeling good, to being more active and more physical and stimulating the brain.” Gobba said she is happy her health journey has led to her current career. “What I do is not work, it’s fun and really enjoyable. I get to spend my time in farmer’s markets, cooking delicious food and talking to wonderful people while making a difference in their world and in mine. If there’s a dream out there, go for it because it’s waiting for you.” For more infio, call 313-550-4693 or mgobbalib@gmail.com.

Q + with A Monica Gobba

Favorite activity in the Chelsea/Ann Arbor area for staying physically fit? Walking or jogging. Favorite go-to restaurant for a quick, healthy bite to eat? The Common Grill in Chelsea. They easily accommodate my dietary restrictions.

PHOTO BY MICHELLE MASSEY BARNES OF MMB IMAGERY

For Chelsea resident and mother of two Monica Gobba, good nutrition and an active lifestyle are not only a way of life, they are also her business. After working for years as a financial advisor, she made what she describes as a “very natural transition” from counseling people on their financial health to counseling them on nutritional health.

Comfort foods you like to make and where you like to get your ingredients? Homemade soups/broths. Plum Market, Whole Foods Market, farmer’s markets and now Agricole Farm Stop. Favorite fall family activity in the area? Biking and walking. You can’t beat the beautiful trails we are so lucky to have nearby.

www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

Shake Shack Opens in Arbor Hills A New York City smash makes a local landing By Alison Petersen

SHAKE SHACK

3030 Washtenaw Ave #107 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Sunday-Saturday 11am-10pm 734-412-4762 | shakeshack.com I haven’t been to Manhattan in years and had no plans to go in the near future, so I figured that it would be awhile before I got to eat at a Shake Shack. That all changed when Shake Shack— the iconic New York City burger and shake joint with a cult following— opened the doors to their new Ann Arbor location at 3030 Washtenaw Avenue in the Arbor Hills Shopping Center this past July. The space itself is modern and airy, as well as eco-friendly with tables made from reclaimed bowling alleys. There is also an outdoor patio with ample seating. The patio is a great place to wait for your food— there is cornhole and a foosball table, as well as giant Shake Shack branded jenga sets on each table. But the food is really what it’s all about. Burgers The burger this business was built on, and that people in Manhattan wait in hourlong snaking lines to sink their teeth into, is the Shackburger. 100 percent all-natural beef, topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce, the single patty Shackburger is delicious. The Shack Stack, a hamburger patty capped with a huge fried Portobello mushroom, stuffed with cheese, and topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce is an indulgent tower of scrumptiousness. If you can get your mouth around the whole thing to take a bite, you’re in for quite a delight.

Chick ‘N Shack The Chick ‘N Shack was the biggest surprise. An all-natural, cage-free chicken breast fried and topped with lettuce, buttermilk herb mayo, and pickles, the skin is perfectly crispy, the chicken is thick and moist, the buttermilk herb mayo has a hint of dill, and the pickles pack a nice little crunch. Hot Dog Did you know that Shake Shack actually started as an unassuming hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in NYC? Shake Shack serves all natural Vienna franks, split down the middle and seared on the grill. Flavorful and juicy, they’re a great choice for a kid who just wants, well, a hot dog.

Fries Shake Shack’s fries are crinkle cut, and the crispiness around all those edges makes for a nice bite. And, because everything is better smothered in melty cheese, the cheese fries are a winner. The cheese is a perfectly oozy blend of American and cheddar, and the crinkle cut fries really hold their crispness. Bacon cheese fries are also on the menu, and adding crispy, smoky bacon to the mix is a very, very good decision.

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

Shakes And Concretes Thick and creamy, yet still drinkable,the shakes are next level! Vanilla, chocolate, salted caramel, black & white, strawberry, cookies and cream, and coffee are the menu mainstays. For a limited time, the black sesame shake is on the menu. Originally only served at two locations in Tokyo, you can try iy right now here in A2. It’s nutty, creamy and sweet— almost peanut-buttery. Definitely worth a try. Concretes are custards blended with mix-ins. You’ll find a custom menu featuring local ingredients. The Shack Attack is a dreamy blend of chocolate custard, fudge sauce, Zingerman’s Bakehouse Black Magic Brownie, and chocolate chunks. The Pie Oh My features vanilla custard blended with pieces of Zingerman’s Bakehouse seasonal pie. To sweeten the pot, 5% of sales from the Pie Oh My are donated to The ChadTough Foundation, a local nonprofit whose mission is to inspire and fund research for pediatric brain cancer treatment.

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to understand why Shake Shack has such a devoted following. What’s not to love? Deceptively simple dishes with quality ingredients working together in perfect harmony. Get caught up in the energy of people on the same gratification-seeking joyride as you!

{ October 2019 }

THURSDAY n OCTOBER 10 Ann Arbor District Library

Is your child interested in learning more about

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

2 WEDNESDAY Food Truck Rally - Visit the Farmers Market for dinner and choose from a variety of local foods from BBQ to tacos. There’s something for every picky eater in the family. 5-8pm. Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St. 734-794-6255. calendar.a2gov.org Free Library Lab - The lab will re-create Bill Nye’s volcano experiment. 5-6pm. Whittaker Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-485-4110. ypsilantilibrary.org Free

3 THURSDAY Sense & Sensibility - The play, based on Jane Austen’s novel, follows English sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood in this pre-Victorian era coming-of-age story. 7:30pm. Additional performances through October 13. $13-$30. Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave. events.umich.edu Read-In - Congresswoman Debbie Dingell will host a storytime for preschoolers at the library. The book Senorita Mariposa follows the journey of the Monarch butterfly. 10am. Downtown Library, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free Teen Painting Studio - Teens will explore a variety of techniques and materials during this multi-week painting course offered at the Arts Center. $145. 4-6pm. Thursdays 10.3 - 11.21. AA Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Youth Sculpture Course - This multi-week course for ages 8-12 years will explore a variety of sculpture techniques including 3D light sculptures and pewter castings. $145. 4:456:15pm. Thursdays 10.3-11.21. AA Arts Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org National Geographic with Orchestra - Symphony for Our World pairs a live symphony with stunning footage via National Geographic. The 90 minute show features storytelling, live music and film. $25-$75. 7:30pm. Hill Auditorium, 734-764-8350. natgeo-symphony.com

5 SATURDAY Grupo Corpo Dance The Brazilian dance troupe returns to the University of Michigan. Comprised of 21 dancers, the group pulls from Afro-Brazilian rituals and modern dance. The show will leave you in awe. $12-$56. 8-10pm. And 4-6pm. Sunday, 10.6. Power Arts Center, 121 Fletcher St. event.umich.edu

coding? The Ann Arbor District Library is hosting

6 SUNDAY Woodland Clay Creatures Course Students ages 5-9 will create whimsical creations of the forest using clay and pottery skills. $85. 12:30am-2pm. Sundays 10.6 -10.27. AA Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Family Pottery - Students ages 8-13 years with an adult will create handbuilt and wheel thrown ceramics during this multi-week course. $275. 10am-noon. Sundays 10.6 - 11.24. AA Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Inktober Illustrations - Kids grades 1-5 will learn to draw using ink pens, using illustrations as inspiration to get started. 1-2pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

8 TUESDAY Comic Book Cartoons Students will receive tips on how to draw their favorite superheroes in a comic book style. Ypsilanti Main Library, 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilantilibrary.org Free

10 THURSDAY

Coding for Kids, a fun event for kids in grades 3-8 to hang out and play around with code. Absolutely no coding experience is required and library staff will provide basic instruction and support as attendees build apps using BitsBox. Your child can also come to the event to work on their own project in their preferred coding language. Computers will be provided. Thursday, October 10, 4-5:30pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Downtown, Training Center, 343 S 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

THURSDAY n OCTOBER 24 SATURDAY n OCTOBER 26 Wild Swan Theater

Join Wild Swan Theater for their fun-filled

production of Strega Nona. The play tells the story of Strega Nona who has a magical pot of pasta which only she can control. See what silliness ensues when Big Anthony does not listen to her, causing the streets of their small village to fill with pasta. Nationally renowned artist Chris Roberts-Antieau designed the sets, costumes and props for this not-to-bemissed production. The play is for ages 3-8 and is 40 minutes long.

Thursday, October 24, 10am. Friday, October 25, 10am and 12:30pm. Saturday, October 26, 11am. $10/youth and senior 60+, $12/adult. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. 734-995-0530. wildswantheater.org

The Pirates of Penzance The University of Michigan Musical Theatre presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s comedic opera. With catchy tunes and a memorable plot, the audience is sure to have a good time. $13-$32. 7:30pm. Additional performances through October 20. Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 University Ave. events.umich.edu Dance Along, Sing Along Music educator Beth Battery will host a movement and music class for young children and their families. 10:30am. Chelsea Library, 221 S. Main St., Chelsea. 734-475-8732. chelseadistrictlibrary.org Free

11 FRIDAY Ann Arbor Wayzgoose & Printing Festival - Celebrate all forms of printmaking at this exciting annual festival. See the full schedule of events online. 5-9pm, Friday. 10:30am-4pm, Saturday. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. 5th Ave., 734-327-4200. Aadl.org Free

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www.annarborfamily.com • October 2019 •

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13 SUNDAY

12 SATURDAY Rainbow Storytime - Families gather at the library for a special storytime that focuses on inclusion and diversity. 10:30-11:30am. Whittaker Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilantilibrary.org Free

Storytime at the Museum Young children with an adult are invited to a special storytime in the UMMA galleries. The hour will include a tour, crafts and a story. 11-noon. UM Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free

5th Monster Smash - Costumes are encouraged at this outdoor party featuring hayrides, carnival games, a scavenger hunt and other fun activities for the family. $3-$6. Noon-3pm. Rolling Hills Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-484-9676. washtenaw.org

Fall Fiber Festival - From wool to alpaca to cotton and more, this festival celebrates the art of fiber. $4, one-day admission. $6, two-day admission. 9am-5pm, Saturday. 10am-4pm, Sunday. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 AnnArbor-Saline Rd., fiberexpo.com

The Magic School Bus Live Spend the afternoon with Ms. Fizzle and the whole crew as they find their way out of the solar system with the help of imagination and teamwork. $16. 3-4pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org

16 WEDNESDAY Fall Theatre Course - Register your child for a six-week theatre course hosted by the Wild Swan Theater company. Students will gain experience on the stage with their peers. $115. 4:30-6pm. Wednesdays, 10.16-11.20. Wild Swan Theater, 6175 Jackson Rd. 734-995-0530. wildswantheater.org

19 SATURDAY Animal Haunts - Celebrate the holiday at Furstenberg with a fun night of performance, demonstrations and crafts. Costumes are encouraged. $10 each or $35 per family. 6-8pm. Furstenberg Natural Area, 2728 Fuller Rd. 734-996-3266. lesliesnc.org Salem Lutheran Fall Fest - Stop by for a fun evening of festivities that include a chili cook off, inflatables, a petting farm, hayrides and more. 3-7pm. Salem Luthern, 7474 Scio Church Rd. 734-663-5708. facebook.com/ salemannarbor Free

presents

Strega Nona Strega Nona is a story that will satisfy your appetite for laughter and fun. Strega Nona has a magical pasta pot which only she can control. Come see what silliness ensues when Big Anthony does not listen to her, causing the streets of their small village to fill with pasta.

Thursday, October 24 – 10am Friday, October 25 – 10am & 12:30pm Saturday, October 26 – 11am Performances at Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E Huron River Drive 48105 For Tickets, call 734 995 0530 or order online at wildswantheater.org 22

• October 2019 • www.annarborfamily.com

20 SUNDAY Matilda - The beloved film adaptation of a Roald Dahl work hits the big screen. $10.50, adult. $8.50, seniors, students, and veterans/active duty. Free for kids 12 and under. 1:30pm. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397. Michtheater.org

21 MONDAY Dino Petting Zoo - The Natural History Museum will host an interactive display inviting visitors to touch and feel real fossils, create a dino hat and learn more about the extinct creatures. 3:30-5:30pm. Chelsea Library, 221 S. Main St., Chelsea. lsa.umich.edu Free

22 TUESDAY Treat-of-Agriculture - Forget the candy, this special trick or treat features local Michigan agricultural products to take home, games and more. 6-8pm. Washtenaw arm Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor/Saline Rd. 734-429-3145. washtenaw.michfb.com Free

24 THURSDAY Family Cooking Class Take a pizza cooking course with Francesca. Learn to make two different kinds of dough and take home your creations. Ingredients provided. $59 (1 adult 1 child) $15 additional person. 6-8:30pm. Huron High, 2727 Fuller Dr. 734-994-2040. a2schools.org

25 FRIDAY

26 SATURDAY

Boo’seum Halloween Party The Mckinley Museum will host an evening of trick or treating, games, a scavenger hunt, spooky stories and other fun family activities. $5. 6-8:30pm. Mckinley Museum, 800 Mckinley Monument Dr., Canton. 330-455-7043. mckinleymuseum.org Zombie Run - Families can register to participate in this Halloween-themed walk/run through the Arboretum. Costume characters and obstacles make the event more fun and just a little scary. $40. 5:30-7pm. Nichols Arboretum, 1610 Washington Heights. 734-647-7600. mbgna.umich.edu

MONDAYS

29 TUESDAY

Polkatober Fest - This two-day festival celebrates Polish heritage with an autumn craft market, live music and dance performances, delicious foods and a children’s activity area. Kids 5 & under are free. Admission varies. 11am-6pm. Saturday 10.26 & Sunday 10.27. Washtenaw Farm Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor/Saline Rd. 734-429-3145. doyoulovepolishfood.com

28 MONDAY Storybook Trail - Little ones won’t be scared of this fun Halloween hike. 4:30-6:30pm. Baker Woods, 11914 Trinkle Rd., Dexter. washtenaw.org Free

TUESDAYS Preschool Storytimes The Downtown Library hosts a community storytime every Tuesday. The thirty minute session is geared towards youngsters 2-5 years, accompanied by an adult. Siblings welcome! 10-10:30am. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free Ypsilanti Farmers Market Open year round in downtown Ypsilanti, this market features some of the best vendors in the area. 3-7pm. 16 S. Washington St., 734-786-8401. growinghope.net Free

30 WEDNESDAY Welcome to Narnia - Ages 2-6 with an adult will explore the world of Narnia from the children’s book classics, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with games and crafts. 4-5pm. Saline Library, 555 N. Maple Rd., Saline. 734-429-5450. salinelibrary.org Free

THURSDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Monstrous Movies Every Monday evening in October, the Saline Library will host a teen Halloween movie. Titles include The Addams Family and The Corpse Bride. 3-5pm. Saline Library, 555 N. Maple Rd., Saline. 734-429-5450. salinelibrary.org Free

Choir Concert - Conductor Mark Stover leads the University of Michigan Choir through a variety of selections from classical to contemporary. 8pm. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-763-5097. events.umich.edu Free

Baby Playgroup Children up to 24 months with an adult will play, socialize and listen to a story. 11am-noon. Pittsfield Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free The Ark’s Open Stage Musicians of all ages flock to the weekly open mic at The Ark. Through a lottery, artists are picked to perform a short set of original music. $2-$3. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1800. theark.org Nature Tykes This weekly program offered by the Leslie Nature Center welcomes kids 4-5 to learn and play, focusing on outdoor education. $9-$10. 9:30-11am. Leslie Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org Toddler/Preschool Storytime Young children with an adult will interact and listen to a story, and play games together. 10:30-11am. Dexter Library, 3255 Alpine, Dexter. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us Free

$5 After 5 The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum admission is $5 every Thursday from 5-8pm. Visit the museum and explore the newest exhibits and activities. Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Music in the Park The event will feature lawn games and live music by local bands. Concessions available for purchase. 6-7:30pm. Rolling Hills Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-484-9676. washtenaw.org Free Toddler Art Adventures The studio is open for toddlers with their adult to get creative, interact and explore the space. $5. 10-11am. Riverside Arts, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. 734-448-02787. riversidearts.org Starry Night Storytime This evening storytime is open to kids ages 6 & under with an adult. 6:30-7:15pm. Ypsilanti Main Library, 229 W. Michigan Ave. 734-485-4110. ypsilantilibrary.org Free Little Paws Storytime This weekly storytime for kids 2-5 years with and adult brings together animal-themed stories, crafts and a chance to meet some lovable pets. 10:30-11:30am. Humane Society, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. 734-662-5585. facebook.com/ humanesocietyhuronvalley

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SATURDAYS Little Scientists Club Visit the Hands On Museum Saturdays from 10:30am-11:30am for a different science experiment each week. Students will learn more about the world around them through games and activities. Also held every Tuesday from 9:30-10:30am. Admission is $12.50. Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Ann Arbor Farmers Market One of the area’s outdoor markets located in Kerrytown, this market brings fresh produce and artisan food all in one place. 8am-3pm. Kerrytown, 315 Detroit St. 734-794-6255. a2gov.org/ market Free Mckinley Planetarium Show Visit the Presidential Museum Saturdays for a free show in the planetarium. Free with admission. 1-1:30pm. Mckinley Museum, 800 Mckinley Monument Dr., Canton. 330-455-7043. mckinleymuseum.org

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