November 2016 Ann Arbor Family Press

FREE NOVEMBER 2016

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Tween concert suggestions for fall Never too young

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Keeping children safe from lead exposure Washtenaw County Public Health’s tips

special

Needs

G UID E

Local community resources

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• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

Volume 21 • Issue 11 November 2016

[special features] 10 ways to get children involved in the election

special

Needs

GUIDE

Local resources for you and your child

10

[departments]

ann arbor favorites

4

community snapshots

5

what’s briefly happening

6

new kids

7

tween the lines

8

healthy kids

9

calendar

21

marketplace

23

Designing Life

15

By Meagan Ruffing

moMENts

Surviving life with a graduate student in the family

By Raegan Nelson

Giving Back

[Always online]

Maternit & y b y Ba

Guide

19

food fight

Feeling thank-full at Carson’s American Bistro

By Katy M. Clark

FIND LIKE AND FOL LOW US

Our Mom and Baby Guide is the perfect place for new or expectant parents to find useful Washtenaw County resources and helpful advice from local moms, experts, and aunts.

Craving more relatable and hilarious content?

Blogs by local moms, for local moms, are at your fingertips—just look online.

Join us and our 1,000+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions.

By Patrick Hempfing

Contemporary American Cuisine

November The Third, Fourth, Fifth Wheel: Graduate School

17

One Mom’s take on what to do with those hours spent in the car

Find joys and make wishes

by Trudi Lynn PHOTOGRAPHY

Online

By Erica Bloom

momsense

Alisha, 17

16

Local graphic designer Linette Lao inspires creativity in her community

Making Memories in the Car Line

On the cover

Blessing bags for the homeless

By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

[commentary] parent profile

Keeping children safe from lead exposure

8

exceptional families compiled by Jacqueline Bull and Laura Eliason

18

20 Corrections

annarborfamily.com

In the October issue we printed an incorrect phone number for Summers-Knoll School, a progressive school dedicated to providing an academically rich and inspiring learning environment for students in grades K-8. They will hold several open houses over the next few months. For a full open house schedule visit summers-knoll.org. The correct phone number is 734-971-7991.

In the September issue Ann Arbor Family mis-abbreviated the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor. The correct abbreviation is RSSAA. The new RSSAA middle school building will house grades 6th-8th.

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

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

Adams Street Publishing Co.

KIDS HOROSCOPE November 23 December 20

By Sue Lovett

Sistema yogurt on the go

Looking for an easy way to save money while feeding the yogurt lovers in your family? Create your own single serve yogurts with Sistema yogurt food storage containers! This two pack of small yogurt containers keeps it fresh while on the go. They are perfect for yogurt, baby food and snacks. Designed and made in New Zealand from 100% virgin plastic; Phthalate free; BPA free. They are also dishwasher, microwave, fridge and freezer safe. $7.99. acehardware.com

Bogs for soggy days

The wettest days of the year are upon us and these Bogs boots can take the wet. Bogs are 100% waterproof and constructed with an ultra soft and flexible natural rubber upper. These lightweight puddle jumpers feature Bogs’ MaxWick foot bed that moves sweat away and keeps feet dry and fresh. The easy pull-on handles make it simple for kids to get their boots on themselves. There are several fun styles available. Sizes run from baby to big kid sizes.

Pictured item is $49.99. Prices vary. thelittleseedling.com

Parents should keep their running shoes handy as soon as these kids are big enough to open the doors. It’s not that they will deliberately disobey you, it is because their theme song is “Don’t Fence Me In.” They are independent, curious, friendly explorers and a delight to everyone they meet. There is no limit to their talents which you will see when they are very young. They enjoy putting puzzles together, painting, and building things They are thrilled with challenges but get bored easily – doing the same thing over and over. Once the family gets used to this, it can be a lot of fun. When they are old enough to go to someone else’s house to visit, and you want them to be home at 5:00, just tell them to be home at 4:00. This saves you some worry as they enjoy being late.

They will do well in preschool and school. Give them a globe and show them where the other countries are located.

They will want to travel and they use their imagination more than most children – that will be true as they grow older. They can be writers, musicians, actors – almost any career where they can be free spirits.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) my big fat turkey

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) The aSPC Art Department

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Laura Eliason (laura@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MY JOB Contributing Writers: Katy M. Clark, Sue Lovett, Heidi Alene Harris, Louis W. Meldman, Donna Iadipaolo, Laura Eliason, Jacqueline Bull, Patrick Hempfing, Raegan Nelson, Jennifer Brough, Erica Bloom, Meagan Ruffing

Digital Media

Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) my parents

Art/Production

Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) health Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) My FRIENDS Contributing Designer Anita Tipton healthy family

Advertising Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) my son Sales Representative Catherine Bohr (a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MY JOB

Distribution

Cassie Haddad (cassie@adamsstreetpublishing.com) not paying rent

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) health and family

We’re hiring!

Freelance writers & outside sales reps. see full details on page 23

Advertising/General Info: For advertising and general information, call (734) 668-4044 or fax (734) 668-0555. E-mail ads to adsin@annarborfamily.com Ann Arbor Family subscriptions are available by mail for $28/quarterly or $75 per year at Ann Arbor Family, 3003 Washtenaw, Suite 3, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.

Letters to the editor must be limited to 300 words, are subject to editing and should include the writer’s full name and phone number.

Entire contents © 2016 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

Also publishers of:

The Force flies with you

The Star Wars radio controlled inflatable R2-D2 comes equipped with sound and packed with hours of fun and silly antics. This two foot tall inflatable droid moves in all directions, spins 360 degrees and features iconic sounds from the Star Wars saga. It is rated for ages 6 and up. $59.99. learningexpress.com

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• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

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SNAP IT+ SEND IT We love to see what the community is up to.

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

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Health tips from area practitioners.

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www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

5

Compiled by Laura Eliason

Planting the seeds for success For thirteen years, Girls Group has helped local young women defy statistics, graduate from high school, and become firstgeneration college students. Currently, the organization serves 350 young women: 260 teens from 15 Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti-area schools and 90 first-generation college students. 100% of the high school students that participate have successfully graduated and earned (or are earning) college degrees. The overall goal is to help participants define and achieve goals which lead to self-sufficiency. In addition to academic support, Girls Group provides resources to develop critical life and leadership skills. They will hold their annual fundraiser brunch to honor community advocates and celebrate the girls’ achievements on November 12 at 10 am at the Sheraton Hotel, 3200 Boardwalk Dr. Saturday, November 12. 10am-12pm. $100 per ticket. Sheraton Hotel, 3200 Boardwalk Dr. To purchase tickets to support this organization or to donate visit girlsgroup.org.

BABIES act In October, President Obama signed into law the BABIES Act. Babies in this case stands for, somewhat comically, Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act. This new law requires that both men’s and women’s restrooms that are publically accessible in federal buildings contain baby changing tables. It may only be federal buildings for now but it’s a positive sign that will hopefully lead to more government entities and businesses implementing this change. One small step closer to diaper changing equality!

Educator open house Making room for the community The Ann Arbor campus of the 2|42 Community Church is expanding by renovating a 55,000 square foot warehouse into a Community Center and Church at 648 S. Wagner Road will happen in stages.

The 2|42 Community Church will move into the front half of the facility in December. By Easter of 2017 a new 800 seat auditorium and kids ministry area will open adding an additional 30,000 square feet of space. 2|42 will then construct a Community Center space, scheduled to open in fall 2017, that will include a two story indoor play structure, cafe, indoor sports field, basketball and community rooms for classes, business meetings, parties or group meetings. “We are excited to provide a safe place that the community can use 7 days a week,” said Eric Rauch, Executive Pastor of Environments.

For more information on the church and its renovations visit 242community.com/ann-arbor/.

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• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is holding a free open house for educators and their families on Thursday, November 10 from 4:30-7pm. Educators can drop-in anytime throughout the event to learn about the different programs the museum offers for grades K-12.

Meet Brittany Burgess, Student Affairs Program Manager, who will answer questions about program offerings and scheduling. The evening will also include a preview of the museum’s new mammoth exhibit featuring the remains discovered last fall in Chelsea! A light pizza dinner will be served. Registration is required. Call the museum office at 734-764-0480 to register.

Thursday, November 10. 4:30-7pm.

UM Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave., lsa.umich.edu/ummnh/educators. Free

November Giveaway

A new place for HomeGoods Off-price home decor retailer, HomeGoods has opened a new store in the shopping center at Maple Road and Jackson.

This will be their second store in the Ann Arbor area (3150 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti). HomeGoods sells a unique assortment of high-quality home decor including kids room decor and toys, furniture and gourmet kitchen supplies. “Our stores help make houses feel like home. We are thrilled to provide Ann Arbor shoppers with this exhilarating shopping experience,” said John Ricciuti, President of HomeGoods.

Which Wich?

Shoppers at Briarwood Mall will have a new eating option when the superior sandwich makers shop Which Wich opens a second location there in midNovember at the entrance adjacent to Chipotle and California Pizza Kitchen.

Juliana Jong, local business owner and longtime Ann Arbor resident is excited to bring the 51 sandwich choices, salads and milkshakes, including healthy and vegetarian options, the city mall.

Blazing hot and fast Blaze Pizza has opened their second Ann Arbor location in Cranbrook Village, 980A W. Eisenhower Pkwy. Blaze Pizza’s assembly line format allows diners to build their own artisanal pizza that is then baked blazing fast in a 180 degree open flame oven. The restaurant opened with their signature free pizza day to benefit Maize & Blue Cupboard and Swoop’s Student Food Pantry to provide on-campus food assistance to students in need.

From urban to metropolitan Metropolitan Speech, Sensory & ABA Centers opens their 8th clinic location in Saline on November 1. The center will be located in the space formerly occupied by My Urban Toddler, at 7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. Metropolitan Speech, Sensory & ABA Centers will re-open the award-winning play space to the public and offer a large selection of therapy, tutoring, and enrichment program services. The play space will be open Monday-Friday, 9-11am and 1-3pm and will cost $5 per child.

It’s a made in Michigan giveaway! This month we are giving away a set of four American Plastic Toys that are made in Walled Lake, Michigan. Is your little helper looking for their own Wheelbarrow and Yard tools? These chunky and sturdy classics are the perfect size for your tiny gardener to help out with fall yard work. Once the fun outside is done, play time inside can feature a rugged Gigantic Dump Truck (nearly two feet long) with a strong steel axle to withstand even the toughest young trucker! And, for the budding stylist in your home a Deluxe Beauty Salon with a hairdryer, scissors, makeup and more, with working lights and a built-in sink. American Plastic Toys products are available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.com for purchase.

Just send us a photo of your family outing for a chance to be featured in our “Community Snapshots” section and a chance to win our giveaway!

For more information on the services they will offer visit metroEHS.com or call 313-278-4601.

Lamaze Family Center moving on After nearly 50 years in business, the Lamaze Family Center has announced that it will be closing its doors at the end of 2016. The Center has a had a big impact on the Ann Arbor community by offering evidence based education and support to families from pregnancy through preschool. The closing of the center is due to the organization being unable to cover the cost, will allow many of the support groups and classes to still be available. Prenatal classes, including free classes for expectant teen parents and mothers groups, will be offered by the newly formed Ann Arbor Baby Beginnings LLC (annarborbabybeginnings.com). Prenatal breastfeeding classes will continue to be offered by Debby Busick, IBCLC, RD through her new business Blessedfeeds Consulting LLC (blessedfeed.com). The Miscarriage and Newborn Loss Support Group will continue with the support of the University of Michigan Health System. Lamaze partners, Signing Smart and Kindermusik will continue to offer their programs at other locations in Ann Arbor.

To enter, send your snapshot to laura@adamsstreetpublishing.com, through November 30! Be sure to include the name(s), age(s) and home city of those pictured.

Or leave it in a comment on the giveaway post on our Facebook page.

The Lamaze Family Center will hold a farewell party on November 13 (time TBA) at 2855 Boardwalk Dr. To learn more about the upcoming changes visit lamazefamilycenter.org.

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

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healthy kids

Mission possible with Food Gatherers

Training the future with their Community Kitchen Job Training program

By Heidi Alene Harris

THE LINES TWEEN advice for parents with children 10-16

Tween concert suggestions for fall Never too young

By Louis W. Meldman

I was a tween once. Looking back, way back when I was a tween, I was lucky that my parents “forced” us to attend the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s outdoor performances at Meadowbrook every Sunday in the summer. At first I learned to sit still and daydream, but at some point I actually enjoyed the shows. I really learned to enjoy them once I could drive and realized that girls loved to get dressed up and go to grown-up concerts. When my son was a Tween he didn’t need much persuading because he was studying cello and I think he appreciated it more than I did. I also took him to plays, modern dance and Gilbert and Sullivan. We had a deal: we would stay for the first act and if at any point after that he wanted to leave we were outta there. Now, as my granddaughters approach tweenhood, here are my suggestions for High Tween Society over the next few months.

Community Kitchen job training program graduating class of 2016

Food Gatherers was established 28 years ago with the mission to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in Washtenaw County; the service program currently serves 44,500 low-income adults, seniors, and children annually.

Providing participants with food that is healthy and fresh is also part of the program’s mission through the Healthy School Country Program. Boxes of fresh produce are brought to local schools to be sent home with children; samplings of the produce and simple recipes support families in preparing the fresh produce at home.

Community Kitchen Job Training Program

Food Gatherers hosts a nine-week program each summer that gives 16 to 20 year old at-risk youths training in basic culinary skills, food preparation, nutrition, and practical life skills. The overall goal of the program is to provide students with hands-on learning in order to find a job after they graduate. Scott Roubeck, Community Kitchen Training Coordinator, organizes the program. Ninety percent of students who graduate from the Community Kitchen Job Training Program find a job within six months of graduation. Susan Bellinson, Manager of Annual Giving at Food Gatherers, explained, “There are a number of local businesses that look to our job training graduates for potential new hires.”

Roubeck stays in touch with his students after they graduate. He enjoys hearing of the graduates’ successes including those of 2013 graduate, Ashley.

Shy and withdrawn when she attended the program, three years later she was a mentor and guest speaker for this past summer’s class. Now outgoing and happy, she holds a full-time job at Google. The Community Kitchen Job Training Program provides an education and transferable skills.

Berlin Philharmonic at Hill Auditorium. The Berlin Philharmonic is one of the most highly respected orchestras in the world. This is the last time that Simon Rattle, the music director, will be touring with the group. They are performing two distinct shows. On Saturday, November 12, they will blast out Éclat by Boulez and Symphony No. 7 by Mahler. Boulez just died a couple of months ago at age 90 and his work will always be “wild” to me. The following day, there will be a completely different performance, including Schoenberg’s Five Pieces for Orchestra. Schoenberg is best known for twelve-tone music, which is wild, and fun.

Ticket prices range from $30-$175.

November:

January: Dance at the Power Center.

On Saturday, January 7 and Sunday the 8th the amazing Batsheva Dance Company will perform the North American premiere of their latest work, “Last Work.” Eighteen dancers, a light show, and the Power Center itself. On the 7th in the Power Center lobby is a pre-performance talk and a postperformance Q&A. Ticket prices range from $34-$58.

Get involved with Food Gatherers

The Community Kitchen Job Training Program would not function without the help of volunteers. Family Day, an upcoming event for families with children 5 and older, is Tuesday, November 8, from 9-11am. Families can volunteer in the Food Gatherers warehouse and complete tasks that are age appropriate, a great way for families to get young children involved in learning how to give back to others.

To sign up, email volunteer@foodgatherers.org. Check out foodgatherers.org to learn about more programs at Food Gatherers and opportunities to get involved.

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December: Gilbert and Sullivan at the

Lydia Mendelssohn Theater. On December 8-11 the University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society (UMGASS) will perform “The Sorcerer.” Since the 19th Century Gilbert and Sullivan has been a rage and a passion, and the UMGASS carries on this passion.

Many in the orchestra have been performing for more than 20 years. Suggestion: Google the plot and lyrics and go over them with your tween. It will help you, too, to keep pace and appreciate the humor and cleverness. Ticket prices range from $10-24.

• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

April: King Sunny Adé at the Michigan

Theater. On Friday, April 21 my favorite African musical artist, King Sunny Adé, performs. The second and last time I saw King Sunny was at the Michigan more than 20 years ago. I suspect your Tweens may not be familiar with Nigerian juju music, but it is a genre all its own and I find it beautiful, mesmerizing, transcendental. Way back then it was the rage for Nigerian musicians to appellate themselves King, Prince, Emperor, General. Ticket prices range from $18-$42.

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Anything can happen

Emergency preparedness for children with special needs

Washtenaw County provides several emergency resources to alert residents. One simple way to stay informed is to sign up for Ann Arbor’s CodeREDTM emergency notifications at a2gov.org.

Another resource is the Public Health Emergency email group.

To subscribe, email Susan Cerniglia at ringlers@ewashtenaw.org.

Rick Norman, Director of Ann Arbor’s Emergency Management Department added that a “NOAA weather radio, which we recommend for everyone, will usually have a plug-in option for additional alert methods such as a flashing light for hearing impaired.”

• •

DTE keeps a list of families with special needs to prioritize assistance. Contact DTE ahead of time at 800-477-4747 to notify them of your situation or call immediately if a power outage occurs.

Washtenaw County’s Children’s Special Health Care Services provide at home nursing visits (based on child’s diagnosis) and can provide information on specific emergency accommodations. Call 734-544-9700 with questions.

Assemble a kit

Create a plan

Having a plan in place is a crucial step in preparing for an emergent situation. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and Emergency Medical Services for Children, “Parents know their child best and can greatly benefit from their pediatrician’s help with planning before an emergency or disaster.” Susan Cerniglia at the Washtenaw County Public Health Department adds that there are ways the county can aid children with special needs in emergent situations, “Washtenaw County works closely with the Emergency Management Department and with many community organizations, to provide the best support.”

Local resources for family plans

The following local resources can assist when disaster occurs and should be implemented into families’ emergency plans: • Contact the local fire department if there is a power outage and an individual is dependent on a ventilator or oxygen which uses electricity or batteries. The county does not recommend a generator in this situation so the fire department has the special equipment needed.

Should include basic items needed to stay safe in a disaster, as well as additional items for your child with special needs, including a care plan with medical records and prescription information, distinct dietary foods, a generator for backup support, and medications. According to Rich Norman, Emergency Management Director, the county recommends using ready.gov/build-akit to learn how to build a kit, maintain contents, and safely store it. Dr. Lozon emphasizes an emergency information form should be available, kept with the child’s emergency kit in case of rapid evacuation or the main caregiver’s unavailability.

A good sample form can be found at emergencycareforyou.org/ uploadedFiles/EIF-form.pdf.

Preparedness, tailored to the unique needs of each child, is essential to offer protection during an emergency.

Visit annarborfamily.com for a link to the Family Readiness Kit resource guide newly released by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This reference for parents talks about planning, kits, and understanding the psychological needs of children’s response to emergencies.

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

RESERVE SPACE NOW!! Call 734.668.4044 or Email Sales@AdamsStreetPublishing.com

Stay informed

Issue Date: JANUARY Space Reservation by: DEC 15

Disasters or emergencies rarely come with warning, making it difficult to plan for an emergency, even under the best circumstances. When a child has special needs, it can be more challenging to prepare for disaster but even more critical. Dr. Marie Lozon, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Health System, said, “For children with special health care needs, pediatricians always stress the concept of ‘everyday’ preparedness such as having a child’s medicines, medical records, and supplies ready to go.” According to the American Red Cross, the three most important steps when preparing for a disaster for children with special needs are staying informed, making a plan and assembling a disaster supply kit.

Meet the people behind the scenes of providing the tools your children need to succeed in the classroom.

Principals, superintendents, and educational leaders share what their visions and inspirations are.

By Raegan Nelson

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special

Needs

Parents with special needs children benefit greatly from support and/or specialized information groups, coming together to share experiences and helpful advice.

Here are some resources that provide help.

Supporting those that care Local support groups for parents

By Donna Iadipaolo

The Parent SHARE Support Group

A2FACES

This group, run by the Autism Collaborative Center at Eastern Michigan University, is open to anyone in the community who is a parent or caretaker of someone on the autism spectrum.

This support group has been meeting in-person, biweekly or monthly, depending on the semester, typically on Monday evenings from 6-7:30pm, at 1055 Cornell Rd., Ypsilanti. “The main goal of the group is peer support and resource exchange for parents,” according to Betsy Stoelt, LLMSW, who is the group facilitator. For more information call 734-487-2890.

A2FACES is a Yahoo Groups email list established in 2003 for families with a student with ASD or Asperger Syndrome who live in Ann Arbor, or attend Ann Arbor Public Schools. There are approximately 200 families on the email list. “The purpose of the group is to share information about autism/ASD services in Washtenaw County, and also to discuss education services for people in the Ann Arbor public schools,” according to Barb Byers, moderator of the group. For more information or to join the group email Barb Byers at babmay11@provide.net.

Washtenaw County Families Connect

The goal of this Facebook group is to help local families and caregivers whose children have serious chronic illnesses, disabilities, and/or special needs to connect with each other and or with advocates in southeast Michigan. “I think it’s definitely informative and inclusive but I’d really like to know more parents on a personal level, especially single moms,” said Nonni Stefani, who joined the group this summer. To join this group, go to Washtenaw County Families Connect on Facebook and request to join.

AAPAC

Ann Arbor Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education (AAPAC), is for families with a student with an IEP or 504 plan (not just autism) that need additional school and home support.

Meetings are held during the school year on the first Monday evening of the month, at 7pm at the Tappan Middle School Media Center, 2251 E. Stadium Dr. The public is welcome, and typically the Ann Arbor Public Schools Special Education Director and her assistants are present for questions. For more information about this group, contact aapacexecboard@yahoogroups.com.

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• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

Cancer Support Community “We have a caregiver group for people who have a loved one with a cancer diagnosis, and parents of a child with cancer,” according to Rosie Morrison, LLMSW, Program Director of Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. The Cancer Support Community also has a program called Kid Support for families affected by cancer, a mix of children who have a parent with cancer or who have cancer themselves. A parenting group is held concurrently with the Kid Support program. For more information call 734-975-2500.

Moms Making a Difference

Moms Making a Difference is a group for mothers of special needs children to talk and connect with other moms who understand. “The women share triumphs and war stories, and get to have a little break from the usual chaos of motherhood,” according to Nicole Balensiefer, group member.

Currently, the group is meeting at Brewed Awakenings, 7025 E Michigan Ave., Saline from 8:30-10:30am on the third Saturday of each month. “Anyone can drop in, the group is very friendly,” said Balensiefer. For more information or to join the group email Nicole Balensiefer at dapoch@gmail.com.

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

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ONE-ON-ONE

SPECIALNeeds

Individualized Center-Based Treatment

NOW ENROLLING

Call Us to Schedule a Tour

Flexible Schedule Ages 2-18

After school hours available Offering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services for individuals with autism or other developmental disorders Playing around goes beyond fun and games— Dr. Rick says play serves a serious role in brain development.

The PLAY project

Helping young children with autism

Empowering Children and Families to Live Fully

4201 Varsity Dr., Suite B&C • Ann Arbor, MI 48108 NEW LOCATION

(734) 926-0740

LEARN MORE AT CREATINGBRIGHTERFUTURES.COM

By Jennifer Brough

We all love to play. Play helps us relax, and build social and life skills. Richard Solomon MD (Dr. Rick) uses his PLAY Project to change the lives of young children with autism. Dr. Rick notes that in a child with autism, the brain cells that allow them to understand the outside world and work out its complexities, “are either disorganized or under-connected or both.” Missing these links, children see a “world that feels overwhelming and chaotic, so the child retreats and feels safe in sameness, control, and repetition.”

Dr. Rick explains that children with autism have a lot of potential. “Reaching out and engaging them very early while their brains still have the plasticity to change and grow, is critical, and it’s not impossible for a kid to recover and develop the wiring that he/she needs to live a normal life.”

“Our intervention has strong research evidence and we see the results of early engagement for autistic children in our PLAY project with so many families.” says Dr. Rick. Parents might still deploy traditional ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) including speech training and occupational therapy, but the bonus from the PLAY project is that it empowers parents and is ten times less costly than ABA. “We coach the parents, putting them in control of their child’s recovery. Parents can make every interaction a good interaction all day long.”

What does play actually mean?

“It means just getting really silly, perhaps wilder than you ever thought possible. Get down on the floor with the kid and insert yourself into his or her world,” says Dr. Rick. He adds that it’s important

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• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

to do what the child loves first, but if you engage them in a fun way, you can start the process of recovery, eventually building in discipline and life skills. The state of Ohio has adopted the PLAY project statewide and parents like Susan Rummel endorse it. “From day one, working with Dr. Rick and the PLAY project has been a joy for my son Jacob, and the whole family.” Jacob started interacting with other kids at places like Chuck E. Cheese, initiating conversations with adults, and she sees his character developing. Susan adds, “It just brings tears to my eyes seeing the difference and how much he’s improved.” Jacob is now at a regular school, loves playing scrabble and as Dr. Rick says, “Is becoming a high functioning kid, leaps and bounds ahead of where he began.”

The potential within

With two children, and four grandchildren in the Ann Arbor area, Dr. Rick certainly has busy weekends. “They let me off the hook for a while though so I could write my PLAY project book, Autism: The Potential Within. I’m finding the book can really help parents understand both the situation and the process.”

The book provides useful information on where to get help, and follows the recovery process of a child and his family from diagnosis, parent comprehension (and grieving) through implementation of the PLAY project.

To find out more about the PLAY project and Dr. Rick’s book, Autism: The Potential Within, go to playproject.org. PLAY project services are available in Ann Arbor through Dr. Rick’s office located at 3031 Miller Rd. Call 734-585-5333 for more information.

y a Pl ! l l a B

special

Needs

GUIDE

e es a chanc v r e s e d d il Every ch eball to play berasBrough

By Jennif

ho doesn’t love baseball? The Miracle League of Plymouth has fans who certainly do. On a late summer day, they cheered their heroes at Bilkie Field, where over 100 special needs children from across the region play the game.

Do the players love it? “Oh yes they do”, says Deb Madonna, President and a driving force behind the league. “After working with special needs children over the years, and loving baseball myself, it came naturally to me that playing baseball would help these kids. Despite the best efforts of parents and family, these kid’s lives can be very restricted. On the field, they have the opportunity to learn social and mobility skills from each other. The coaches and their buddies help with building their confidence,” explains Madonna.

A sentiment echoed by parents, “What’s my favorite thing about the league? It makes everyone smile. It’s helped my daughter get to 8th grade, an impossible dream before joining the league.” says Claudia Pietron, mother of the effervescent Caroline, who is on the autistism spectrum.

Vinnie’s mom, Lin adds, “This is great for the kids.

Vinnie (who has Down Syndrome) cries big tears when the game gets rained out.”

W

A game without barriers

With an overriding belief that every child deserves a chance to play baseball, the league raised funds for Bilkie Field, a small baseball diamond specially equipped for children with disabilities.

“Built in 2011, the field has a rubberized surface and is completely flat so the kids can run safely and wheelchairs roll smoothly. And, if a child has difficulty holding the bat, or hitting the ball, the league pairs each child with a volunteer buddy, who guides their bats and helps them to each base.”

Like the field and the equipment, it’s a game with no barriers. There are no outs and each season, everybody gets to hit a homerun. Game day announcer, Jonathan Weid, who’s been with the league since its inception, captures the excitement with encouragement. Train operators wave to the kids on their way through the nearby railway junction. A junior football team, the Plymouth Steelers act as buddies for the kids. Volunteers donate to and run the concessions.

If you’d like more information on signing up for the league, becoming a buddy, volunteering in some other way, or becoming a donor, please visit www.miracleleagueplymouth.org, or contact the league at info@miracleleagueplymouth.org.

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

13

special

Needs

d i re ct ory

Specially Targeted Activities and Services

Judson Center’s Autism Connections Creating Brighter Futures

Danmar Products

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services are provided for children, ages 8-18, who are exhibiting developmental delays, or have already been diagnosed with autism or other developmental disorders. Creating Brighter Futures’ goal is to provide the skills, teaching environments, and learning opportunities necessary to improve the quality of life for each child in a center-based setting.

Equipping people, enhancing lives; Danmar produces products for special needs, including equipment used in therapeutic and recreational settings such as helmets, head supports, flotation aids and more. Danmar Products has a very focused market, and each client’s needs are of the utmost importance to them. Their customs department can create a one-of-a-kind product for you based on your designs and specifications. The majority of their staff have been with them for over 10 years, and they are still discovering new ways to improve their line of products. As an added bonus, Danmar Products manufactures all of their equipment in their plant located in Ann Arbor.

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

221 Jackson Industrial Dr. 800-783-1998 danmarproducts.com

March of DimesMichigan Chapter 455 E. Eisenhower Pkwy, Suite 75, 248-359-1550 marchofdimes.org

Goldfish Swim School

The March of Dimes is working toward a future when all children will be born healthy. They offer health information to moms, moms to-be and help comfort families if something goes wrong. They research the problems that threaten our babies and work on preventing them.

14

2107 W. Stadium Blvd.

734-864-5555 annarbor.goldfishswimschool.com Goldfish Swim School Ann Arbor offers small group classes, as well as semiprivate and private lessons for children 4 months to 12 years. Our state of the art facility and 90 degree pool make swimming an inviting experience for children of all levels and abilities. Our specialized curriculum comes equipped with a visual guide and tools specifically for children with special needs. Perpetual swim lessons give the opportunity for the child to bond with their teacher and move at their own pace.

2935 Birch Hollow Dr. (inside JCC) 734-528-2003, judsoncenter.org

Judson Center is a non-profit agency that provides expert, comprehensive services in southeastern Michigan that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, developmental disabilities, and mental health challenges. Judson Center’s Autism Connections, offers a comprehensive approach, designed to embrace the individual needs of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families from age two through early adulthood. Services include ABA, counseling, family support services, social skills groups and Sibshops.

Wild Swan Theater

Towsley Auditorium, Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. (Season Performance Site) 734-995-0530 wildswantheater.org Wild Swan Theater is dedicated to producing professional theater of the highest artistic quality for families and to making that theater accessible to everyone including low income, minority and disabled children through low ticket prices and innovative outreach programs. All of their season performances are shadow interpreted for those who are deaf or hearing impaired, and they offer backstage touch tours and audiodescription for blind theater patrons. In December they will be performing Wild Swan’s version of the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” created for family audiences.

• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

A2 Therapy Works 3200 W. Liberty Rd., Suite #5 734-780-7852 a2therapyworks.com/

A2 Therapy Works, LLC is a small, family focused private practice which works with both children and adults.

Their goal is to help children and families reach their greatest potential by offering quality services and providing useful information in a family-friendly manner. In order to make it easier on busy families, they provide services in the comfort of your home, at your child’s preschool, school or in their office in Ann Arbor. They work with children of all ages and provide treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Oral-Motor Dysfunction, Language Delay, Dyslexia, Fine Motor and Sensory Integration Disorders, and more. There is currently no waitlist for treatment and they accept most major insurance plans.

Parenting philosophy: I think of Eddie Murphy in the movie Bullworth dashing across the busy highway muttering “keep it together…” However, I aspire to be more mindful and have more ease than that!

Perfect day with your kids: I love having time with each of them separately! Clementine loves a bubble tea date. Arlo is happiest outside.

Favorite spots in Ypsilanti: All the great coffee spots. Riverside Park, designed by Olmsted Bros who created Central Park! The growing downtown that is our neighborhood.

Favorite season in Michigan: Apple time! That’s now.

Best art project I have done with kids: I don’t do many with them. I watch them do their thing.

Designing Life

Graphic designer Linette Lao inspires creativity in her community

By Erica Bloom

Linette Lao is busy these days. As a mother of two, a graphic designer, a creative writing lecturer at Eastern Michigan University, and someone involved in many creative community projects, Linette has a busy schedule and is connected with many in the community. “I really don’t have to market myself much right now. Most of my projects come from word of mouth,” says Linette, who has already waved ‘hello’ to several people during our early morning meeting over coffee at Beezy’s restaurant in downtown Ypsilanti. “It’s so great to live in a community where people are supportive of each other and want to see each other succeed.”

Buildingcommunity through design

Linette’s business, Invisible Engines in Ypsilanti, is devoted to building community through print and web design as well as branding and identity support for local non-profits and area businesses. Founded in 2000, she named it for the unseen desires that power people to make things-inspiration, imagination, and the impulse to reach

out and connect to each other.

Linette describes herself as a facilitator who helps her clients develop clean and powerful communication. Regarding clients looking to reach other parents, she said, “What’s great for me is that as a parent I can easily connect with organizations who are trying to reach out and grab the attention of other parents. I help them consider why specific visual and written language matter.”

FLY Children’s Arts Center

In addition to her business, Linette is a founding board member, and currently the board president of FLY Children’s Arts Center in Ypsilanti where children are inventing solutions to the world’s problems with art. FLY provides hands-on, creative experiences through summer camps and workshops at schools. At the camps this summer kids are constructing mechanical hands, using nature as inspiration for art projects in the nearby parks, and making exhibits about the first woman to map the entire ocean floor, Ypsilantian Marie Tharp.

Linette’s passion for this organization

is evident. As board chair she helps write grants, sits on the communication committee, and helps refine the vision.

“At FLY kids are learning how to be resourceful, agile, and curious. I want all kids in this community to learn that the whole world is accessible to them,” she says. “Being creative is about staying curious and developing problem-solving skills.”

Parenting as creative work

Parenting, too, is included in this creative work. As she describes it, parenting requires figuring out solutions

and embracing the day-to-day struggle.

“There’s no balance between work and family. It’s all connected for me,” she says.

“I think about what I want my children to learn, and I imagine a future for them where they have the skills they need to thrive. And I extend that to asking what do other kids in the community need.”

Most importantly, Linette wants to show kids that they can make things happen, not just for themselves but also for the community around them.

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

15

Keeping children safe from

lead exposure Washtenaw County Public Health’s tips to ensure a lead safe home

By Erica Bloom

Tips to minimize lead in your home

s my water safe from lead?” With the water crisis in Flint, it’s a question many parents and families have asked in the last year. Kristen Schweighoefer, Environmental Health Director for Washtenaw County Public Health (WCPH), has been fielding many of those questions and giving helpful tips and advice on how to protect kids from lead exposure.

As a parent herself, Schweighoefer says while water has been in the spotlight for lead poisoning, the most common exposure is still through lead-based paint and other household materials. “I never thought kids would actually chew on paint chips, until I had kids myself and realized windowsills are just the right height--and kids will put anything in their mouth,” says Schweighoefer.

Lead is a component in many materials

Lead is a heavy metal that continues to be found in a variety of consumer products. Often used in lightbulbs, rubber, plastics, and even jewelry, there really is no safe level of exposure for children.

Because of the dangerous health effects of lead, lead in gasoline was phased out in 1975 and three years later lead-based paint was banned.

Because lead was historically inexpensive and reliable, it also started being used in plumbing. Indeed, the very word “plumbing” comes from the Latin word for lead, plumbum (Pb). Many pipelines and infrastructure built before 1978 across the country contained or still contain lead. When Flint attempted to save money by switching its water source from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department to the Flint River it failed to make the water anti-corrosive. The water caused lead from aging pipes to leach into the water supply.

Could what happened in Flint happen here?

Mchigan residents now have heightened awareness about their drinking water.

Here in Washtenaw County and throughout Southeast Michigan there has been ongoing and preventative testing to

Despite actions taken by municipalities, pipes in older buildings and homes may still contain lead. Kristen Schweighoefer’s advice is to follow Washtenaw County Public Health (WCPH) Department’s recommendations:

Flush pipes before drinking. Anytime water in a faucet has not been used for six hours run the water for 30-60 seconds until it becomes noticeably cold.

Start with cold water for drinking or boiling water.

Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly than cold water.

Consider replacing lead-containing plumbing fixtures. A new law came into effect in 2014 limiting the amount of lead in brass faucets and plumbing.

For other sources of lead contamination keep a close eye on children living in homes built before 1978. These homes probably contain lead paint. There are some simple tips that can make a big difference:

Keep wall surfaces in good repair so there is no flaking, chipping or peeling.

Use a wet rag to clean hard surfaces where lead dust may accumulate like floors and window sills.

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for carpets and vacuum slowly to assure that you pick up as much dust as possible.

Provide good nutrition to your children including calcium, iron and vitamin C.

Keep kids’ hands clean after playing outside, before eating and before bed.

Wash toys and pacifiers that come in contact with the ground to help assure lead dust is removed.

ensure the water is safe to drink. For starters, Ann Arbor’s water supply is the Huron River, and the water is not corrosive. The city has no pipelines that contain lead, but there are still connecting lead pieces called “goosenecks” in local area service pipes. Last April, Ann Arbor City Council voted to replace all of these lead service lines by this November.

As these replacements continue, Ann Arbor’s water samples have detected extremely low or no traces of lead in water. While the Environmental Protection Agency says that 15 parts per billion is when action is needed, Ann Arbor’s water treatment facility says the safe level of lead is zero. To ensure our community’s children are safe, the city analyzed samples from every Ann Arbor Public School and determined the water is safe. (The only places that tested high were the Huron High School concession building and the training room.

Additional tests performed at those sites after the pipes had been flushed showed lead was no longer detectable).

In more rural parts of our region, homes use groundwater delivered through wells. While lead is not typically found in groundwater, it can still be found in the pipes or solder in older homes. In places like Livingston County more than half of the residents are on wells. Though Brighton has replaced 80% of it’s original lead pipes, individual homeowners on wells should take precautions to ensure their pipes are safe.

Taking action on lead poisoning

According to Schweighoefer, lead poisoning often has no signs or symptoms. “Lead poisoning may be very random, an occasional upset stomach or constipation, irritability, poor appetite, sleep disturbances, hyperactivity – in other words, every three year old I have ever met,” she says. However, if these symptoms are chronic and there are also learning difficulties, behavioral problems or cognitive deficits parents should seek medical care.

Whether it’s through water, paint or other sources of lead in the environment, prevention is the best and most effective means to keeping your kids safe. While Washtenaw County and surrounding areas are testing for lead in water, it’s also up to homeowners to follow the tips for keeping a lead safe home.

If you’re concerned about lead in your water supply and would like to test your water, water sample bottles are available through WCPH office. Contact 734-222- 3800 or visit their website for more information at www.ewashtenaw.org.

16

• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

Making Memories in the Car Line

One Mom’s take on what do with those hours spent in the car

By Meagan Ruffing

My two oldest children have just gotten to the age where I find myself spending more time in the car than I would like shuttling them back and forth between here and there. I had to figure out a way to make this time in the car more productive.

I started thinking about things my kids and I could do in the car while waiting in lines or attempting to get from point A to point B, when everyone else in town has the same idea. Give these ideas a try to help pass the time.

1. Dance parties in the car can still take place sitting down. Play a CD that you know your kids like to dance to and encourage them to sing their hearts out. With songs averaging 3-4 minutes apiece, a CD will get you through the trip, or play a new one on the way home. This type of fun gets everyone involved and will even put a smile on those attitudes that can throw us curveballs.

2. Highs and Lows. This is a great game and an important one to play, especially at the end of the day. Ask each of your kids what their high and low was for the day. High means the best thing that happened (movie at school) and Low means something they’d prefer not to deal with again or a situation they would like to do over (someone hurt their feelings). Not only do these questions get your kids thinking, but it facilitates parent/child communication. Even if your son doesn’t feel like talking or says he can’t think of anything, say, “Okay, well, when you’re ready, I’d love to hear it.

I’ll tell you mine first.” And then go ahead and share. Keep your “Low” age appropriate, but do share a bad moment or disappointment during the day, to remind your kids that you’re human too!

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3. The Alphabet Game. You might remember this one from road trips you’ve taken in years past. Tweak the game a little bit and see if your child can find the letter and then tell you what the word says. For example, “Hannah, tell me when you find the letter ‘B’ and then tell me what the word spells.” This is great for elementary aged kids who are learning how to read. For the younger ones, just have them spot the letters for you. It’s still fun and they’ll be encouraged to get through the entire alphabet.

4. Breakfast Bar. Lately, we have been eating breakfast in the car.

This is not something that I want to become a habit, but there are some mornings when we just don’t have the time to sit at the table. The night before, when I know it will be a busy next day, I will put my kids’ breakfast in little snack bowls and get their cups filled up and in the fridge so that I can just pull everything out in the morning. Think dry cereal, granola bars, yogurt drinks, muffins, and fruit. For a low-key morning commute without a lot of screaming, yelling and whining, food is always the answer. Always.

This is also true for the car ride home. Make sure you have snacks in your glove box at all times. Kids are always “starving” when they get of school and there’s nothing like a full belly to get geared up for playing outside, homework, dinner and bedtime.

5. Encouraging Phone Calls. I sometimes use my commute time to make phone calls. I am also specific about who I call during that time.

Ever heard the phrase, “Little ears are listening?” That’s right. Your kids are super close to you in the car and can hear what you’re saying even when you think they can’t or even when you assume they are not paying attention. I am intentional about this part of my day which is why I usually call my grandmother. I want my kids to hear me speaking words of encouragement as much as I want them seeing me listen to her words of wisdom.

Embrace the car ride for what it is; something you have no control over.

Get yourself ready for tomorrow’s car ride. It’s going to be a good one!

Parenting journalist Meagan Ruffing came up with this list after spending many hours in the car each day.

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

17

ELECTION WITH KIDS 10 ways to get children involved in the election

By Heidi Alene Harris

Adults are not the only ones who feel the energy and excitement of an election season; children do as well. Here is a list of suggestions to involve your children and to help them understand what the election is all about:

Depending on the age and development of your child, offer information on the election, why we have an election, and who the choices are for President. Check out election websites together such as Scholastic News Election 2016 (election.scholastic.com/) or Time for Kids Election 2016 (timeforkids.org) that help to explain election related issues in a child-friendly manner.

Visit the Gerald R. Ford Library located on the North Campus of University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, at 1000 Beal Avenue.

Bring your high schooler to attend a special event related to politics; November 1 at 7:30pm Author Michael A. Cohen will speak on the 1968 Election and on November 16 at 7:30pm Historian Leah Wright Rigueur will present on the Republican Party at a Racial Crossroads.

Attend Run For Office at the Ypsilanti District Library, 8795 MacArthur Blvd. on Saturday, November 5 from 2-3pm. Children can create a campaign poster and tell why they should be President.

Create your own election at home. Work together to create an election box, ballots, and give your children a chance to vote.

Ask your children to make a hypothesis for who will win the Presidency. Incorporate math skills by looking up how many electoral votes are for each state and how many the candidate they choose will need in order to win.

Ask your child what they would do if they were President. Help them create a list of all the ideas they would want to implement.

Look up who the local officials are for your city or Washtenaw County and discuss what their responsibilities include.

Ann Arbor Public Schools is closed for Election Day on Tuesday, November 8. Sign your child up for Election Day at Flipside Art Studio at 255 E. Liberty St. in Ann Arbor. Flipside is hosting an event from 8:30am-4:30pm for children of all ages with the cost of $75. Some of the event activities include creating red, white, and blue collage and mixed media art and “vote for me” posters.

When driving in the car together or riding bikes, look for election signs in yards and on posters. Make it a game and count how many you find.

Read books to stimulate conversation related to voting, elections, and Presidents.

As United States citizens, living in a country and having a right to vote for our President and elected officials is a beautiful privilege that we, as parents, can help to instill in the next generation.

18

• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

moMENts Find joysByand make wishes Patrick Hempfing Although I close each column with a reminder to “cherish the moments,� not all of life’s moments feel cherishable.

Life is hard sometimes. Many times I’d like to shelter my 12-year-old daughter, Jessie, from the headlines and photographs of a world that seems in continual turmoil. Let’s face it. Every family has challenges – health issues, financial problems, job pressures, relationship turmoils, and parental stresses. Part of what made the year challenging for me was our family’s move. Unfortunately, our 300-mile move south from Georgia to central Florida motivated my hairline to recede north. Many of those that didn’t leap off my head prior to crossing the state border turned gray in protest.

once had a princess cake.

This year’s cake featured turquoise roses, pink writing, and sprinkles. Jessie placed 12 candles in their cake. She and her grandfather stood at the end of the kitchen table as we lit the candles and sang. Granddaddy bent over in preparation to blow out the candles, but suddenly, Jessie blew out all 12 candles with one powerful gust.

The room erupted with laughter. I asked, “Should we relight the candles to give Granddaddy a chance to make a wish?� Jessie quickly responded, “I really want my wish to come true.�

Being a loving grandfather, he agreed to forfeit his candle blowing for her. It was a joyous moment.

Find your joy

That night, as I tucked her into bed, Jessie asked if she could tell me what she wished and I wouldn’t tell anyone else. She didn’t want to ruin the wish by telling people, but she wanted me to know. When she blew out the candles, she had made a wish for a solution to

As I packed the contents of my desk in preparation for the move, I came across the clipped-out obituary of a wonderful lady, Teri, who passed away in 2013. She courageously fought a long battle with breast cancer. Teri’s touching obituary read, “Her favorite saying during her times of trial was ‘find your joy.’�

Find your joy! How wonderful that Teri chose to say this during downtimes of trial and not just the happiest times.

I’ve been blessed with many joys, none bigger than the birth of my precious daughter and having the privilege to watch her grow into a beautiful young lady. Jessie has provided me with more joys in her 12 years than I could ever have imagined.

Last night, we had a dual celebration for Jessie and her grandfather, who have the same birthday. Granddaddy’s been a good sport through the years as he always lets Jessie choose the design and flavor of their shared birthday cake. He

Wishes for the future

a problem that I had shared with her which had been worrying me had been worrying me.

In a few weeks, families will gather for Thanksgiving to remember their blessings. Jessie, with her kind heart, will be at the top of my long list. Yes, we all have challenges, but joys are also abundant. We find them in the sunrise or sunset on a beautiful fall day, a child’s giggle, a spouse’s embrace, or a pet’s enthusiastic welcome-home greeting. We can also make wishes –

with or without candles – and have hope for the future. Life is good! Until next month, remember to cherish the moments. Happy Thanksgiving!

Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44.

He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad, and writer.

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www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

19

Carson’s American Bistro

2000 Commonwealth Blvd.

Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Phone: (734) 622-0533 Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 4pm-11pm; Sun 10am-9pm carsonsamericanbistro.com

Contemporary American Cuisine

The Short Course Kid-friendly: Yes

To avoid wait: Try weeknights or before 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays

Feeling thank-full at Carson’s American Bistro

Noise level: Moderate

By Katy M. Clark

Bathroom amenities: Changing table in men’s and women’s High chairs? Yes

This month our thoughts turn to turkey and the traditional Thanksgiving feast. For contemporary American cuisine, though, there is Carson’s American Bistro.

Carson’s, on the north side of town, is known for its prime rib and seafood, so our server explained as my family settled in the dining room. The restaurant serves only the freshest top-catch fish from Foley’s of Boston, meaning fish that is last caught and first off the boat.

In 2015, the restaurant’s interior was renovated. An impressive double-sided fireplace separates bar from dining room. The bar area boasts a copper bar top while the dining room has new lights, fabrics and chairs. The interior feels clean, modern, and warm. I wanted to curl up by the fireplace, but that would have been weird.

Eclectic American Cuisine

Carson’s offers numerous American favorites: starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, beef, pork and chicken dishes. The kitchen is a scratch kitchen. Everything is made in-house with local ingredients as available.

My family debated between shrimp

and lobster bites or calamari for an appetizer before agreeing on tater tots with Sriracha aioli and corn salsa

($6.95). They were the best tater tots I’ve had. The crust was crispy, the inside light and fluffy with a hint of cheese. The aioli added a hot, spicy kick.

“That was worth seven bucks!” my husband declared.

When it came to the main event, I ordered the Sautéed Lake Superior Whitefish with shiitake mushrooms, dried cherries, garlic-mashed pota-

toes and roasted seasonal vegetables ($22.95). My husband selected the Bell’s Two Hearted and Apricot Braised Pot Roast with garlic-mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and onion rings ($19.95). My son, 13, picked the fish and chips ($15.95).

“Is it blue box?” my daughter asked of the mac and cheese on the kids’ menu.

“I’m not getting it if it’s blue box.”

I reminded her that Carson’s had a scratch kitchen and the mac and cheese would be real.

She ordered it ($4.95) with a side of mashed potatoes.

Other choices included chicken fingers, grilled cheese, grilled chicken sandwich, or hamburger. Kids’ meals come with a drink, choice of fries or vegetable, and ice cream.

Feeling thank-full

After nibbling on warm bread dusted with cheese and bacon, plus crunchy coleslaw rife with blue cheese, we were ready for our entrees. Alas, my husband was served fish instead of pot roast. The restaurant took care of us, rushing his correct order and making his meal complementary. That was a pleasant surprise.

Our food was delicious. I tasted

Got milk? Yes, plus lemonade, juice and soda.

Kids’ menu? Yes

Anything healthy for kids? Pick vegetables as the kid’s meal side.

Food allergy concerns? As a scratch kitchen, the staff knows their ingredients, and can accommodate most allergies. Let your server and/or management know. every flavor of the fish, mushrooms and cherries. My vegetables—green beans, carrots and onions—were crisp and plentiful.

My husband’s pot roast was elegant, the savory meat with a sweet apricot glaze melted in his mouth between bites of onion ring.

My son appreciated his fish and chips, eating half before feeling full.

Likewise my daughter could finish half of her creamy mac and cheese. I tasted butter and cheese when I snuck a bite.

Yum. Although our server raved about the chocolate chip cookie sundae ($6.95), our taste buds were satisfied and our bellies full.

For those of you who will sit down to a Thanksgiving “feast” at your child’s school this month, remember Carson’s delivers far more appetizing American cuisine.

ANNARBORFAMILY.COM 20

• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

{November 2016} All calendar events are subject to change, cancellation and limited size. Calling ahead for confirmation is recommended.

1

TUESDAY

Parents & Caregivers Coffee Hour Hop in for some much-needed coffee after the morning school drop off. Connect with other area parents and caregivers. 9am.

Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse, 307 N River St. 734-249-8993. cultivateypsi.com Free

1 TUESDAY Ready for Birth, Six-Week Series A comprehensive six-week series for new parents. The series focuses on developing confidence in a woman’s natural capacity to give birth, making informed choices that are right for you, comfort measures for labor and ow partners can help, and what to expect postpartum. Included in the class is the book Ready for Birth & Baby Workbook and three online classes. 6:30pm. $275. Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St. 734-663-1523. center4cby.com

1 TUESDAY Tween Art Let them get a little messy with art and get creative with other local tweens at the library.

6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

2 WEDNESDAY Cooking Club for Tweens Tweens learn all the basics: prep work, recipe reading, label info and also have a discussion on bringing out your own personal tastes. 6pm. Ypsilanti District LibraryWhittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-4824110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

2 WEDNESDAY Kids Yoga Promoting physical strength, self esteem and self respect. It is a non-competitive and fun activity for kids ages 6-13. They explore yoga by imitating animal poses, learning breathing techniques and playing games.

6pm. $10- $15. Peachy Fitness, 2835 S Huron Pkwy.

734-681-0477. peachyfitness.com.

3 THURSDAY Tiny Tot Time at the Cat Cafe Kids under age 4 are encouraged to come visit the cats for a 30-minute visit. The Tiny Lions Lounge has a comfy space to enjoy the company of the cats. 10am. $4. Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center, 5245 Jackson Rd. 734-661-353. tinylions.org.

3 THURSDAY Kids Zumba The ultimate dance-fitness party for young Zumba fans, boys and girls ages 6-13. The program has age-appropriate music, and basic steps and choreography. 6pm. $10$15. Peachy Fitness, 2835 S Huron Pkwy.

734-681-0477. peachyfitness.com.

6 SUNDAY

5 SATURDAY

3 THURSDAY Natural Hair Celebrating all things natural hair for teens and adults. The event wants to build confidence with natural hair. 6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

3 THURSDAY Starry Night Storytime Visit the library in your pj’s for an evening of bedtime fun and stories. 6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

Last of the Apollo Astronauts This is for any aspiring astronauts or astronomers or even just for kids who love space.

Real-life astronaut Tony England recounts his time at NASA with stories, film footage and images. England will also share his thoughts on the future of space exploration. 8pm. $20. The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. 734-268-6200. theencoretheatre.org.

Drawing for Youth The Ann Arbor Art Center will provide artists to lead this directed drawing activity at the library. The drawings will be inspired by Shel Silverstein. For grades 1-5. 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Downtown, 343 S 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free

SPORTS MOVEMENTS & EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

4 FRIDAY

2 YRS - 14 YRS

Chime Concert All ages are invited to select a song to play one of the 100 songs available on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Local chimemaster Heather O’Neal provides demonstration. Kerrytown Market & Shops, 407 N 5th Ave. 734-369-3107. Free

5 SATURDAY Ann Arbor Stamp Show Many different stamp collector supply dealers from eleven states will be showing their collections. There is a youth area and exhibits. Also on Nov 6.10am-5pm. Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. 734-761-5859. annarborstampclub.org. Free

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Saline for the Holidays

Dancing Babies with Denise Owens Denise Owens, teacher of Kindermusik brings a program of music and movement for babies and up to 5 years. 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free

Call of the Wild Get familiar with Michigan wildlife. Find out how animals communicate, and practice talking to Michigan wildlife with yelps, grunts, rattles and squeals. 11am. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea.

734-475-3170. chelseamich.com Free

5 SATURDAY Creature Encounters: Warthog!

Sophia, the warthog is ready for her special presentation on the Stone Stage. Also check out the other animal ambassadors: kangaroos, prairie dogs, alligators, arctic foxes and many more. There is also indoor and outdoor picnic areas to have lunch with the family. Showing on Saturdays and Sundays in November. 2pm and 4pm. $8. The Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann ArborSaline Rd. 734-929-9324. thecreatureconservancy.org.

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5 SATURDAY

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Nov. 4, 5 and 6 Nov. 29

Holiday Open Houses, Saline Downtown Retailers.

Tree Lighting Ceremony, 7pm. at Keybank Downtown N. Ann Arbor St. & Michigan Ave. Enjoy cocoa, cookies and carols.

Dec. 3

Saline’s 41st Annual Christmas Parade, 5:30pm. “A Saline Christmas Carol.”

Visit with Santa following the parade.

Dec. 10

Treasure Trail to Santa, 10:00am-1:30pm. Kids go on an excursion through the shops at Busch’s Shopping Center to get merchant favors and find Santa. Horse-drawn Carriage Rides and Family Entertainment.

Information

On these events can be found at www.salinechamber.org or by calling the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce 734-429-4494. Check us out on FB!

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

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6 SUNDAY Circle K Homework Help Kids grades K-12 are invited to drop by for homework help. Volunteers from the University of Michigan chapter of Circle K will be there to help. Additional dates available, see website. 3-5pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Downtown, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free

8 TUESDAY Election Day at Flipside Election Day means that school is out and Flipside Art Studio is offering a full day for kids to explore a variety of mixed media with planned lessons as well as time for kids to create independently using their media of choice. 8:30am-4:30pm. $75. 255 E. Liberty St., Suite B213. 734-997-5066. flipsideartstudio.com.

8 TUESDAY Camp PAWS Join the Humane Society of Huron Valley for an animal-themed day at Camp PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving). Campers will learn how to care for and respect our animal friends.

Designed for children ages 6-11, campers will engage in activities that will help to prepare them to become responsible and compassionate future pet owners including visits with animals. Register in advance online. 9am-4pm. $65. Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. 734-662-5585. hshv.org.

9 WEDNESDAY Sensation Stations Kids ages 10 month to 2 years can engage their senses at stations that can be played with by scooping, pouring, shaking and sorting

different materials. 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free

10 THURSDAY Nature Tales: Owls Get outside and learn about Owls with some hands-on activities and visits with owls. The event will take place outdoors, so guests are advised to dress accordingly. 10am. $3.

Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org.

10 THURSDAY Read to Otis the Library Dog Kids are welcome to practice reading aloud with a trained Therapaws dog. Register for a 10-minute reading slot by phone.

Intended for kids grades 1-3. 6pm. Ypsilanti District Library-Michigan, 229 W Michigan Ave. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

10 THURSDAY 3D Printing Lab Ever wanted to see a 3D printer in action?

Kids in grades 6 and up and adults are invited to use the Printrbot 3D printer, learn about how it works and get some ideas of what to make. 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Downtown, 343 S 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org. Free

11 FRIDAY Santa House Warming Party Welcome Santa back to the Briarwood Mall. Santa will be joined by Colors the Clown, and the Detroit Tigers PAWS. There will be activities with the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, and Mrs. Fields cookies. 6pm.

Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Cir. 734-769-9610. simon.com/mall/briarwood-mall. Free

11 FRIDAY 509 State Circle Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734.769.0263

Be sure to check our new hours

BOOK YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTIES WITH US! UPCOMING EVENTS: 11/11, 10AM-8PM

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11/25 OPEN PLAY & DANCE PARTY, 10AM-8PM Light snacks provided.

12 SATURDAY Saline Craft Show Over 200 craftspeople will showcase their most recent and exceptional work. The work is juried and benefits both the craftspeople and the school. There are raffles and a concession area for food. Children under age 10 are free. 8am. $5. Saline Middle School, 7190 N Maple Rd. 734-401-4600. salineshows.com.

12 SATURDAY

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American Girl Movie Night Bring your American Girl doll, sit back with popcorn and a drink to see a screening of the movie Lea to the Rescue. The evening will start with crafts and activities based on Girl of the Year Lea Clark and her adventures in Brazil. Movie is 1 hour 40 minutes.

Choose one of two sessions: 5-7:30pm or 7-9:30 pm. $12-16. Saline Recreation Center, 1866 Woodland Dr., Saline.

734-429-3502. salinerec.com.

Ruff: A Play for the Very Young Spinning Dot Theatre presents their original production, “Ruff”. It is a one woman show with shadow puppets, music and lights taking you through the magical adventure of a dog and some stranded sailors. There are interactive activities for audience members before and after the performance. 10:30am. $10. Pointless Brewery & Theatre, 3014 Packard St. 989-455-4484. pointlessbrew.com.

Camp, paws, and election day Election day means that school is out.

PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving), the camp, located at the Humane Society of Huron Valley, will host a day filled with animal friends and other activities.

The day is designed for children ages 6-11 and will help to prepare them for responsible future pet ownership.

Tuesday, November 8. 9am-4pm. After care available from 4-5pm for an extra fee. Register online in advance. $65.

Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-662-5585. Hshv.org

12 SATURDAY Honk! Jr. Honk! Jr. is a musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling.”

The score was written by the writers of Mary Poppins. This fun and touching musical assures that being different is maybe not a bad thing. Also at 4pm. 1pm. $12-$15.

Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township. 586286-2141. macombcenter.com.

12 SATURDAY Learn About Bees Bee Present Honey brings a presentation about beekeeping for kids in grades 2-5.

They will also make some bee-themed crafts.

Kids interested in bugs and science will love to learn about these complex species. 1pm.

Ann Arbor District Library-Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org.

Free

12 SATURDAY Splash Days at Mack Indoor Pool An afternoon of special games, activities and prizes both in and out of the pool.

Groups and birthday parties are welcome.

2pm. $5. Ann Arbor Open School, 715 Brooks St. 734-794-6000. a2gov.org.

12 SATURDAY Parents’ Night Out: Critters that Squirm in the Night A fun night for the parents and the kids.

The kids will be exploring the tiny world of insects, worms and spiders. There will be pizza and carrots for dinner and a popcorn snack. Activities will be outside as much as possible, so dress for the weather. 5pm. $30. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org.

Welcoming Santa Join Santa’s elves in welcoming Santa back to Briarwood Mall on Friday, November 11 from 6-7pm. Also joining the welcome party will be the Detroit Tigers PAWS, Colors the Clown along with activities from the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum. Enjoy Mrs. Fields cookies, festive holiday music and more!

Friday, November 11. 6-7pm.

Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Cir, Ann Arbor. shopbriarwood.com

13 SUNDAY Uncommon Creatures See a live kangaroo, anteater, or Burmese python in Michigan in an afternoon of hands-on interactions. Learn about the animals, where they come from and how they adapted to their native lands. Registration required. 2pm. $2/person or $5/family.

Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea. 734-475-3170. chelseamich.com.

14 MONDAY Tummy Time Art Right after Baby Storytime is Tummy Time Art with Ms. Kristen. This special together time activity will give your child the chance to explore and get creative. 11am. Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org. Free

15 TUESDAY Ready for Birth, Condensed Class This is an interactive, hands-on class designed to accommodate a busy schedule. This class is suitable for first-time parents and couples seeking a refresher class. They go over the process of labor and birth from start to finish and even recovery and postpartum.

6:30pm. $175. Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St. 734-663-1523. center4cby.com.

18 FRIDAY Canton Cleanup Harboring some clutter? Join the Canton Cleanup for recycling. 10 am. Rizzo Environmental Services, 42100 Van Born Rd. 734-394-5100. canton-mi.org. Free

19 SATURDAY

Bartlett’s Kids Club Family Fun Day Jordan Taylor, Director of the Canton Historical Society, will be presenting a segSUNDAY ment on farm life as a historical resident Dancing for Birth, Six-Week Series of Canton. Games and crafts are part 90-minute weekly classes fuse dance fitness of the experience as well as an open with birth preparation. The classes teach a swim. Pre-registration is required. 12pm. $3. “language of movement” including many Preservation Park, 500 Ridge Rd., world dance forms like African and Latin Canton. canton-mi.org. dance and Belly dance. 1:30pm. $127.

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

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• November 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com

19 SATURDAY Farm Tour Visit Robin Hills Farm for a walk around the local farm. Meet the resident sheep and chickens and explore the organic vegetables and the state-of-the-art aquaponics system.

12pm. Robin Hills Farm, 20390 M-52, Chelsea. 734-834-8496. robinhillsfarm.com. Free

20 SUNDAY Bear Cubs: Forensics Workshop To earn their Forensics badge, Bear Cubs will have to find the evidence. Immerse yourself and your cub into the world of forensic science. Learn about fingerprints and chromatography and analyze evidence. Preregistration required. 2:30pm. $15/scout, $8/adult. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E Ann St., 734-995-5439. aahom.org.

23 WEDNESDAY Gratitude One Day Camp A day full of mindful activities. There will be yoga, mandala and gratitude rock making, meditation and games. Campers should bring a bag lunch, a snack and water bottle.

9am. $75. Peachy Fitness, 2835 S Huron Pkwy. 734-681-0477. peachyfitness.com.

marketplace Tuesdays

Farmers Market Storytime - Stop by for a story, songs and kids activities while you shop at the Ypsilanti Farmer’s Market. 4pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. yspilibrary.org Free

Thursdays

Lego Night - Drop in and build with the library’s block collection. Duplos are available for younger children. 5pm.

Ypsilanti District Library Superior, 8795 Mac Arthur Blvd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Saturdays

Little Peeps Family Program Each week features a different theme, sometimes performances, othertimes drama activities and crafts. For pre-k through grade 5. 10:30am. $7/ per child, $5/each additional child.

Pointless Brewery and Theatre, 3014 Packard Rd. 989-455-4484. pointlessbrew.com

25 FRIDAY Santa’s Mailbox There is a direct mail route from Ann Arbor to the North Pole! Santa’s mailbox is open for wish lists and letters. All letters received by 3pm on December 16th will be answered. Please remember to include your return address. 9am. Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S Main St. 734-668-7112. mainstreetannarbor.org. Free

25 FRIDAY Sugar Plum Panto Young Clara’s Christmas dream goes awry and a cast of characters emerge to entertain her and save her from the Mouse King.

Sugar Plum Panto has a lot of energy, music and plenty of candy.

Performances for this show start at 7pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2pm on Sundays. Runs through Dec 23. 7pm. $10/kid, $20/adult. Theatre Nova, 410 W Huron. 734-635-8450. theatrenova.org.

25 FRIDAY Mary Poppins This stage musical is based on the classic movie and the children’s book. It has many of the songs you remember and some new ones. Runs until Dec 23. 8pm. $35.

The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. 734-268-6200. theencoretheatre.org.

29 TUESDAY DIY Holiday Decorations The Ypsilanti Library welcomes you to make a variety of holiday ornaments and decorations from pine cones and other simple materials. Registration required. 6:30pm.

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

WE’RE HIRING! We are looking for freelance writers!

We’re looking for writers to join our Ann Arbor Family. How do you know if you’re a perfect fit? Well, just ask yourself...Do I write creative, fun, and well-written copy? Am I interested or involved in the Washtenaw County community? Do I have writing experience? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, shoot our news assignment editor an e-mail at laura@adamsstreetpublishing. com with your resume and any writing samples you have.

Outside Sales Rep

You know Ann Arbor. You’re hungry to join a growing, fast-paced and fun team. You have sales experience (and if not, you’re such a great communicator that you seem to create meaningful relationships with nearly everyone). You’re reliable and accessible. You’re open to accepting constructive feedback and finding a rhythm. For you, there’s no such thing as a tough sell. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Send resume with references to mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com Come on, hit send and let’s get started.

ADVERTISING IN MARKETPLACE Free Classifieds: Individuals may receive

one 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.

services

Photos are accepted with ads for an additional $5 per photo.

Deadlines: Ad copy must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Payment: Payment must be received before an ad can be placed. We accept checks, cash, money orders and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).

Mail or drop off:

Ann Arbor Family Press Classifieds, 3003 Washtenaw Blvd., Ann Arbor.

Phone: 734-668-4044 E-Mail: classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com Refunds: Sorry, NO REFUNDS given.

Misprints: Credit toward future ads.

HELP WANTED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Events

GRATITUDE ONE DAY CAMP Yoga, Mandala Making & Gratitude Rocks” Wednesday, Nov 23 9am-4pm, ages 6-12yrs REGISTER NOW! peachyfitness.com/fall-camps 734-681-0477 2385 S. Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor

FitMama FitMe Fellowship & Fitness to build lasting friendships and healthy lifestyles FREE for Moms with Tots (ages 0-4) Thursday from 10:15-11:30am. 3830 Packard Rd, Suite 150 Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Call Kimberly at 240-388-2537 to reserve your spots or answer questions

FOR SALE I am selling my Brand new still in the plastic Queen mattress set for $149, Call Dan 734 680 5050

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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www.annarborfamily.com • November 2016 •

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