FREE JANUARY 2016
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Food Friendly Life Hacks
10 suggestions for when they just won't eat
AAPS Environmental Education Program Golden Rules
Experts share tips to stay healthy
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Hooking kids on the great outdoors
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Help our readers shake things up with a night out on the town. Issue Date: Feb. 1st Reserve Space by: Jan. 26th
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• January 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com
[special features]
Volume 22 • Issue 1 January 2016
ents in
d ng S tu i s r e Imm
N
e r u at
Golden Rules for
12 10
[departments] ann arbor favorites 4
Online
January
what’s briefly happening 5
AAPS Robotics team competes
new kids on the block 6
Get a sneak peek into the first ever AAPS Middle School Robotics team as the make their competitive debut
exceptional families 7 tweens 8 healthy kids 9 ask the expert 9 parent profile 16 calendar 18 compiled by Marisa Rubin & Zach Marburger marketplace 19
[commentary] moMENts 16
2016 My year to Love Me and My Family By Patrick Hempfing
food fight 17
Maize and Blue Deli Downtown By Katy M. Clark
Moms making a difference
Ann Arbor Moms have teamed up with international charity Carry the Future to help refugee families in Europe.
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Our 15th Annual
Education Guide
Don’t miss your opportunity to reach potential new students!
Feature your school today.
[Always online] Our list of Kids Eat Free restaurants will keep your kids and wallets happy. We’ve compiled the list. Visit our website and choose where to go. You can thank us later!
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Blogs by local moms, for local moms, are at your fingertips. Relatable and hilarious reads online.
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Issue Date: Feb. 1st Reserve Space by: Jan. 26th
Join us and our 600+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions.
www.annarborfamily.com • January 2016 •
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Adams Street Publishing Co. What is your New Year’s resolution for your health? Publisher/Editor in Chief
Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) Exercise more!
KIDS HOROSCOPE
An inside look at what we’re loving for parents this month
Jan. 20 Feb. 18 By Sue Lovett
Lucky are the parents who bring an Aquarian into this world. They have their eyes wide open and literally sparkle as they see every new person, young or old. They are thrilled with toys, whether large or small, and often want to keep them all without “cleaning out” the toy box. One fascinating thing about these little Aquarians is that they sometimes have “selective hearing” so you must be sure you have their attention before talking to them. They get along well with the other children in the family, whether older or younger. They even enjoy the friends of their parents.
Pajamagram
Getting out of bed in the freezing cold is uncomfortable. Keep warm this winter with pajamas from Pajamagram with matching sets for the whole family (even pets!) and special offerings like the “World’s Softest” and “Hoody-Footie” collections.
College Canes
Here in Washtenaw County, showing off school pride is important— even for grandpa and grandma. College Canes, a local Mid-West company, assembles canes featuring your favorite college team’s logo. Based in Kalamazoo, canes are assembled in Battle Creek at the VA Hospital’s Compensated Work Therapy program. $29.99, collegecanes.com
When they are in pre-school or regular school they get acquainted easily and remember the names of the other children. At an age where there are class “officers” they often are elected easily because of their popularity. They do not have any prejudice and see everyone as being equal.
Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) 10 minutes a day to focus on Gratitude
Editorial Assignment Editor Zach Marburger (zmarburger@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Drink Less Soda Calendar Editor: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) start doing yoga Contributing Writers: Erica Wood, Sarah Derminer, Jamie Lober, Andrea Rich. Donna Iadipaolo, Patrick Hempfing, Antonio Cooper, Katy M. Clark
Art/Production Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) PACK MY LUNCH Graphic Design: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Keep in touch with my Doctor Ashley Crapsey acrapsey@adamsstreetpublishing.com) NO MORE GIANT RICE KRISPY TREATS Contributing Designers: Stephanie Austin (freelance@adamsstreetpublishing.com) PediCAB MORE Anita Tipton (prodintern@adamsstreetpublishing.com) keep walking
Advertising Sales Manager Zack Mintzias (zack@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MEDITATE AND EXERCISE Sales Coordinator Cassi Hadadd (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) More yoga and eating better Nailya Weber (nweber@adamsstreetpublishing.com) lose 10 pounds Sales support: Catherine Bohr (classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Exercise
Administration
Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) Exercise more, eat less Distribution / Media Manager Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) EAT MORE FREE RANGE organic chicken wings
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:
Vids for Kids
Don’t worry about the kids playing video games during— they can still learn even while glued to a computer. JumpStart offers educational and fun 3D video games for kids like School of Dragons and Math Blaster. The company also offers lesson plan resources and worksheets for preschool to elementary-aged kids. Games are also offered on iOS and Android. Memberships can be purchased on a month-to-month, quarterly, yearly, or lifetime basis. $9.99/year, $84.99/yearly. jumpstart.com
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• January 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com
Compiled by Rose Carver
Young cooks becoming stars
Who knew Ann Arbor was such a hotspot for young, impressive cooks? Just a few months after 13-year-old Chris Ekpiken made the finals of “Rachael Ray’s Kids Cook Off” (November, 2015 Ann Arbor Family) another young local chef gets her time in the Food Network Spotlight. 11-year-old Jane Haviland, of Ann Arbor, is set to appear on season two of “Kids Baking Championship”. Hosts and mentors Duff Goldman and Valerie Bertinelli will lead ten kids, ages 10-13, on a series of baking contests with a chance at a $25,000 grand prize. The show will kick off with a “Pie a la Mode” contest, where the ten contestants must work to create the perfect pie and ice cream from scratch. The show premieres Monday, January 4, at 8pm. 11-year-old Jane Haviland of Ann Arbor (yellow apron) will try to bake her way to a $25,000 grand prize.
Everyone can act
Redbud Productions, a regional theatre company, will begin seventeenth season of winter acting classes for adult and high school actors. Taught by Loretta Grimes, recognized as ‘Best Director’ by our sister publication, Current Magazine’s Best of Washtenaw County voting, these classes use techniques developed by acclaimed acting coach Sanford Meisner and focus on emotional work, improvisation, and scene study. Grimes have gone on to train at places like Yale Drama School, Juilliard, New York University, the University of Michigan, New York’s Circle in the Square, and DePaul University. Classes begin on Saturday, January 16 and run through April 5, and take place at 1101 Ravenwood Ave. Registration is required. Space is limited. 3-5:30pm. Saturdays, January 16 through April 5. $180. Redbud Productions, 1101 Ravenwood Ave. 734-663-7167. redbudproductions.com
Funky Frosty Fridays
The first Friday of every month means fun-themed evening figure skating at Buhr Park. This month’s theme is “Hoedown Skate.” Skaters should come dressed for a line dance, with cowboy hats encouraged and boots not required. Western and country music will be featured, and there will be prizes for the best costumes. Come show off your skating skills and your western wear while the weather allows it. 7:15-8:45pm. Buhr Park Ice Rink, 2751 Packard Rd. $5/under 17 and seniors, $6/regular, skate rental $3. 734.794.6234. a2gov.org
www.annarborfamily.com • January 2016 •
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Warm the Children
February Giveaway
Ann Arbor is in the grip of winter, and it’s important to remember that there are kids in our community that don’t have enough warm weather gear this season. For 21 years now, Warm the Children, a partnership between Ann Arbor News, Old National Bank, and Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, has made sure keeping kids warm is a top priority. This year’s goal is to raise $250,000 to clothe 3,000 children in Washtenaw County. Donate in person at any Old National Bank in Washtenaw County, or online at aaacf.org/WarmTheChildren. 100 percent of the proceeds go towards assistance for local children in need.
The countdown for the February giveaway begins now! This month enter for a chance to win the giant activity book found below, courtesy of Ann Arbor Family!
Colossal Paper Machines Your child will be able to build their own space shuttle, train, or helicpoter toys that actually move! Just follow the easy step-by-step instructions in this interactive book from Phil Conigliaro and Theo Baker to create 10 massive models. Suitable for ages 9 and up. workman.com
Assembling Better Writers
826michigan has received a grant of $150,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to help build the Detroit Robot Factory. The investment comes from the 2015 Knights Art Challenge and can be matched by members of the community. An ambitious project slated for Detroit’s Eastern Market District, the Factory will provide a student writing lab and retail store, staffed by members of the community, with a variety of programs planned around the neighborhood. On-site student programming is set to begin in early 2016. 826michigan is a non-profit dedicated to helping students in Southeast Michigan ages six to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills. Volunteer recruitment and fundraising is ongoing; learn more about their programs, and how to contribute, at 826michigan.org.
Meet the Athlete
To enter, send your snapshot to annarboreditor@annarborfamily.com, then visit annarbor.com and click to enter our Giveaway, through January 31!
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The UM School of Kinesiology’s U-Meet the Athlete program, provides kids with the chance to participate in sports clinics with UM student-athletes. On Wednesday, January 16 at 10am, kids interested in golf will pair with members of the UM Men’s and Women’s golf teams. Tickets are $20, and the event takes place at the Weisfeld Family Golf Center, 500 S. State St. All proceeds go to the Jeff Reese KidSport Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for disadvantaged children to attend the University of Michigan’s KidSport Summer Camp. Registration required. Make sure to pack clubs! For more information, visit kines.umich.edu.
• January 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com
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Ann Arbor Boychoir
Hitting the right notes in the community by Erica Wood
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+0*/ 64 '03 8*/5&3 '6/ Watching a performance of the highly regarded Ann Arbor Boychoir, the freshscrubbed faces and angelic voices could cause you to think that these boys are always perfect– but they’re not. It takes a ton of work and patience to wrangle a group of preteen boys into a choir that delivers a professional quality performance with a widely varied repertoire. One of the secrets to success is the lead- Kieran Grossman leads the Boychoir by example ership position of Head Chorister, a long tradition in boychoirs. This year, that he’s not leading his fellow choristers, role with the Ann Arbor Boychoir is filled Kieran is fascinated with computer proby Keiran Grossman, 14, currently in his gramming and is exploring television fourth year with the choir. According and film production. He also enjoys to Dr. Tom Strode, the choir’s founder reading and solo singing and attends and director, “Kieran was appointed this Mill Creek Middle School in Dexter. year because he exemplifies the qualities Ambassadors to the we look for in an outstanding chorister: community musical excellence, focus, vocal tone, Founded in 1986, the Ann Arbor intelligence and diligence in learning the Boychoir’s mission is to provide valularge amount of music we prepare for able vocal training, sophisticated repour performances.� ertoire and performance opportunities for musically gifted boys from ages 8-18, Leading By Example as well as cultural enrichment for the Kieran sets the tone – eyes focused, community. Recent performances have music memorized, no poking, prodding included caroling at the Christmas Tree or chatting. Practice hours are long, Lighting at Henry Ford Museum and especially as a performance nears, and these boys as young as 8-years-old can the Holiday Pops Program with the Ann Arbor Symphony. They encourage all get fidgety and distracted. That’s where Kieran comes in. “Setting a good exam- boys with a love of music to become part ple is probably my biggest responsibil- of their choral ensembles. Kieran says he “loves the regular performance opportuity,� he says. “On the (extremely rare) nities,� and has “learned so much about occasion that Dr. Strode (the director) is unable to come to the rehearsal, the Head music in these past few years because of the Boychoir of Ann Arbor’s challenging Chorister is also in charge of leading the repertoire!� choir.� Kieran’s disability, Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy, affects balance, motor coordination and gait. He uses a chair to get through long rehearsals and scouts new venues ahead of time for obstacles. But finding solutions is something he is used to. His mother, Jeralyn, says “he has loved music and singing since he was a toddler. He sings with the school choir and takes voice lessons as well.� When
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In May 2014, he went with the choir to the Baltimore Boychoir Festival. “It lasted for three days, and choirs from all over the United States came. It was cool to see how unique each Boychoir was in their song selection and performance style. We also got to visit famous places in Baltimore, such as the Baltimore Aquarium. I had lots of fun!�
www.annarborfamily.com • January 2016 •
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THE LINES TWEEN advice for parents with children 10-16
A Game of Life Lessons: Teaching youth through chess by Sarah Derminer
When someone mentions chess, a few things come to mind. Smart people playing a complex game, for one. But the game itself has more meaning. Chess is a teacher. It challenges the players to think about their actions and consequences. The game shows that one move, and the response to it, can change the whole outcome. The Parkridge Community Center in Ypsilanti has adapted that idea to teach life lessons to the children in their community. Teaching chess to a few kids, and setting aside times to focus on the game, the Center established a chess club that has morphed into a popular activity for youth and adults alike. Chess requires learning skills— recollection, forethought, and flexibility— to become successful. By learning these tools for use in a game, people are able to put them into use in their everyday lives as well. These life skills create more well-
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• January 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com
rounded individuals in the community who are able to make a positive impact where they live. Rather than roaming the streets, or being left to keep themselves busy, children and teens come to the Community Center to practice and develop these abilities, transferring those skill to real life situations, while having fun in the process. The club has also drawn in many adults from the area to volunteer at gatherings, and to learn more about the game, and their community, at the same time. The Parkridge Community Center chess club has grown and now meets four days a week to accommodate increasing demand. For more information on how to get involved, visit cityofypsilanti.com/EventsRecreation/ YouthFamilyProgramming.
healthy kids Cold Weather and Getting Sick Does Frigid Weather Cause Colds? by Jamie Lober
Ask the Expert
Should Kids Set New Year’s Resolutions? Setting goals for or better goals or better self challenges by Jamie Lober
Dr. Sara Laule, a pediatrician with the University of Michigan Health System
Every parent has heard that cold weather can cause colds. Now for the truth on that old wives’ tale! “If you are out without adequate hats and gloves it makes your immune system not work as well then you are more susceptible to an infection, but being out in the cold itself does not directly cause colds,” said Dr. Dave Serlin of UM Family Medicine. “The main ways to keep your immune system healthy to fight Dr. Dave Serlin off infections or to reduce the likelihood of infection, are to get plenty of sleep and eat a well-balanced diet,” said Serlin. “Taking giant doses of vitamin C or echinacea does not prevent or treat colds; the only medicine shown to have some promise in getting rid of a cold faster is zinc, like lozenges with zinc defense or multivitamins with zinc,” said Serlin. For prevention, focus on handwashing and killing the virus so it does not get into your body. Cover when you cough or sneeze and use a hand sanitizer for greater convenience. If you already have a cold, are not feeling well, are feeling tired, run down or have a fever, treat it symptomatically. “If you have aches and pains, you can use Tylenol, anti-inflammatories or over-the-counter cough and cold medicines —unless your kid is under 4 years-old,” said Serlin. With the little ones it may not be safe or effective, and errors in dosing can be harmful. If you treat the symptoms and get your rest, you can usually recover from a cold within 7 to 10 days. “If you have dangerous symptoms like difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent fever or are not responding to over-the-counter medications, those would be reasons to contact your doctor,” Serlin added.
Resolutions for 2016 are not limited by a person’s age. “Kids younger than 8 may not fully understand the idea, said Dr. Sara Laule, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan Health System. but for kids a little older, learning to set goals can be a really good skill to have.” When the goals are reasonable, it works out even better. You want your child to feel like he or she is in charge. “Parents can talk about resolutions and help their kids set goals,” said Laule. “But the kids should set the goals themselves, not have them dictated to them.” If you choose a goal for your child, chances are they are less likely to follow through. Be a role model “The family may sit around the dinner table and make goals together . Everyone says what they want, writes them down on paper and can look back on it,” said Laule. Be specific. “Instead of saying you are going to eat healthier, say that you will eat one fruit or vegetable with every meal,” said Laule. You want to be sure you can fairly assess whether you are reaching your goal or not and let your child know the result matters. “You cannot expect your child to be eating
fruits and vegetables at every meal if you are not doing that,” said Laule. Lifestyle-related goals are great “You can set a goal of at least 30 minutes of physical activity 3 times a week and find something you enjoy,” said Laule. “Whether it is swimming or gymnastics, rather than just saying you are going to be more active.” Academics are another good area to focus on. “Kids talk about wanting to stay more organized with school, so a specific goal would be that once you finish your homework that you put it in a folder so you do not leave it on the table when you go to school the next day,” said Laule. Create a visual tool to measure progress. You may want to use a sticker chart to monitor your child’s progress toward achieving the resolution. “Families should not bribe the kid but you can have something that tracks how well he is doing as a good motivator,” said Laule. It is great to achieve resolutions. “The child should find fulfillment in choosing something he really wants,” said Laule. Don’t nag, but instead ask your child periodically how he thinks the resolution is going. “Make it a tradition that is fun so you can measure how much you have done during the year,” said Laule.
www.annarborfamily.com • January 2016 •
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10 Picky Eater Life Hacks
Tips from Andrea Rich, Executive Director of A2 Therapy Work, for that picky eater in your life by Andrea Rich
“Many families come in to see us completely stressed out that their child lives on macaroni and cheese or white bread or has never visited with a vegetable,” Rich quips. Well, have no fear. Here are 10 picky eater hacks to help you and your family broaden your child’s mealtime horizons.
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ThOSe 20 TASTes don’t have to be all in the same form.
It takes 20 tastes or bites over time to develop a “like” for a food. Ever give your kid a piece of cantaloupe and they look at you like you’ve just fed them fungus? Don’t fret, keep introducing it one taste at a time over the next 8 weeks and notice the taste for that food develop. Also, don’t provide these tastes two days in a row with the same food.
Keeping things new and visually pleasing for kids really helps. One time that cantaloupe may be on a fork and another time it may be on an adorable decorative toothpick or mixed into a smoothie.
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Keep track of tastes.
This keeps you honest. I recommend a sticker board in the kitchen with a picture of the food. Every time a taste has been tried, a sticker (and the date) goes next to the food picture. It will keep track of those 20 bites. I have no problem with prizes for kids once they’ve gotten to 20 with a food item. Good prizes too, like a trip to Disney World (just kidding).
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They don’t have to swallow it.
This sounds a bit crazy right? I should be happy if my child spits out his food? Well, sort of, yes. Some picky eaters are actually sensory defensive, meaning not only does the food stress them out, but it really doesn’t feel right in their mouth. With kids who struggle with sensory defensiveness we play a fun game where we line up food on a table and all they have to do is pick the food up in their mouth and transfer it into a bowl. The next step would be to pick it up, break it with their teeth (aka chew) and then transfer it (aka spit it out) into a bowl. A little gross, I know, but kids are cool with a little grossness.
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• January 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com
Smoothies are your friend.
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Seriously. Like your best friend. I always suggest serving smoothies in opaque cups with a lid and a straw. That way, if your smoothie may have a bit of kale or spinach mixed in, that green color won’t be seen and won’t make your kids run for the hills.
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Talking about smoothies, start small.
If you start with a pound of kale in a smoothie, well, then, who are we kidding. Here is our favorite smoothie sneak: half a banana, handful of frozen strawberries, vanilla yogurt, some milk and a piece of kale (yes, just a piece to start). Once the smoothie love is triggered we add in maybe a couple baby carrots the next time, or a small handful of spinach. You get the idea.
Not every piece of advice works for every kid.
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This often comes into play with “distracted” eating. We’ve always been told to sit at a table, eat your food, and only leave when excused. Well, that doesn’t always work. If mealtime has become stressful, if you have an, “I like to move” type kid, or if your child has become totally sensory averse, distracted eating is ok. We want kids to keep trying new foods; that’s the primary goal. So if that means you are handing them a piece of chicken on a fork while they are watching TV or staring at an ipad, who are we to judge? The goal here is to decrease the aversion to foods. Give a child a bite of a new food and then run around them like a crazy person distracting them while they chew and swallow that bite. It may look odd to the parent, but they are pleased when their child eats their first cheese stick.
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Playdates are where it’s at. I’m a big fan of peer pressure, the friendly, “My friends are all having fun eating that so maybe it’s not so bad,” kind of peer pressure. I like to recommend 4 kids at a time. You have a bunch of little ones in your basement playing. You bring down a plate of meatballs, cut up cucumbers and grapes all arranged on a plate in a cute pattern, or in pretty cupcake tins. Now the hard part… put it on the floor and walk away. When given no other food choice, your child is muchmore likely to join in on the communal tray.
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Proteins and raw veggies tend to be big problem areas for kids. I love to start with hummus (more on the veggies later). I put out a plate of hummus and will let the kids draw a face in it with their finger or use a carrot as a drawing tool. They get points for their drawings. They need to clean off (aka lick) their finger or carrot between drawings. We do this activity in our picky eaters group and they all think it’s hysterical. In terms of veggies, besides carrots and cucumbers, we recommend steaming other kinds first. Load them with butter and a bit of salt. The key is to get kids to start trying in a fun and interactive environment.
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Duh, consult your doctor. There may be something else going on and obviously you and your doctor know best. Usually, if your child is on an upward path on the growth chart, you don’t have much to worry about.
We can’t promise your picky eater will transform their palate overnight, but you will now be on your way to increasing your child’s food repertoire. Bon appetit! Andrea Rich is the Executive Director of A2 Therapy Work, a private pediatric center in Ann Arbor offering speech, occupational, physical therapy and tutoring services. A2 Therapy Works offers weekly “picky eater” lunch bunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays. www.a2therapyworks.com
www.annarborfamily.com • January 2016 •
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The an the best cient Greek p hys ph Environ ysician.” A cla ician Hippocr ates said s mental Educati sic quote that the Ann , “Nature itse on prog The 54-y lf is r A am mak ear old es perti rbor Public Sch environ , award n ool e ment a n t today. ing-win nd natu result, ning pr re are the AA o g ram ex lin PS EE Schools plores h program ked to health , is a m ow the and we , availa odel en for the ble in llness. vironm entire n a As a e ll n ation. Ann A tal and r outdoo r educa bor Public tion pro gram
Trips into the field Students of Ann Arbor Public Schools participate in the Environmental Education Program from kindergarten through 7th grade with field trips to enhance the science and/or social studies curriculum being taught. “In 2nd grade students study rocks and minerals, so a field trip to the gravel pit allows students to study rocks and minerals in the field,” said Dave Szczygiel, AAPS Environmental Consultant. “Nearly 9,000 students participate in the entire (EE) program each year. Multiple field trips are conducted nearly every school day between September and June.” Each Environmental Education lesson in the field equates to a day of curriculum in Ann Arbor Schools. The outdoor lesson in integrated into a regular school day unit to provide a real-world learning opportunity. “Students study a unit called Watery Earth in fourth grade,” said Szczygiel. “The EE lesson provides them a visit to a wastewater treatment plant to provide them with real life experience as part of the unit.”
Getting kids away from smartphones With the amount of time students now spend with the internet, television, and electronic devises —an average of 9 hours of media a day, according to recent research by Common Sense Media— interacting and learning about the environment has never been more vital. “Over the last 30 years I have seen a reduction in time children spend outside, even during the school day,” said David Szczygiel, Environmental Consultant for Ann Arbor Public Schools, who is also a former science teacher. “With electronic devices, social media, and other indoor distractions, I find students are becoming less aware of local natural phenomena because they do not spend as much time outdoors.”
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Age appropriate topics Generally speaking, in elementary school, students learn about the complex nature of our environment, while in the middle school years students begin to gather data about their environment and analyze the natural world more closely. In the 6th grade, students began to study the local Pall Gelman Dioxane spill brought to light in the 1980s. Gelman Sciences, later purchased by Pall Life Sciences, polluted groundwater off Wagner Road in Ann Arbor, in the process of making medical filters. Much of that pollution has been cleaned up, but environmentalists and government agencies are still closely monitoring dioxane levels. There has also been fear that contamination could eventually spill into Barton Pond on the Huron River and poison Ann Arbor’s main drinking water supply.
• January 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com
“I enjoy teaching about the Dioxane spill, because I think students should gain knowledge from past mistakes regarding the environment, and understand the consequences regarding the environment as not separate from the world of humans,” said Szczygiel. “Older ideas of treating the river as a sewer or a waste basket, or thoughtless disposal of waste have created problems. Students should be empowered to choose harmonious interactions between business, nature and limited resources.” On their 6th grade field trip, students tour and experience presentations from the Recycle Ann Arbor-ReUse Center, conduct water testing at an area creek, examine erosion at the Ann Arbor Nichols Arboretum, and examine hydrology at work at Barton Dam. Long serving and committed Szczygiel started working for AAPS in 1986 at Forsythe Junior High School teaching science in grades 7th, 8th and 9th. He taught 10 years at Clague Middle School in 7th & 8th grade science. Since 1997 his title has been Environmental Education Consultant, leading the Environmental Education Program. “My extended family has enjoyed the opportunities Ann Arbor has to offer for over 100 years,” said Szczygiel. “I feel lucky to have the educational and economic opportunities provided by the rich culture in Ann Arbor, and yet be so close to thousands of acres of natural areas surrounding the town.” The efforts of the Environmental Program are greatly appreciated by the Ann Arbor community and has earned awards and accolades over the years. “We have been honored to received grant money for special projects. I also received an award from the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education,“ Szczygiel. “Feedback about the (EE) program is generally positive from both students and adults.”
Working with UM AAPS’s EE Program has collaborated with the University of Michigan for the past four years. Erin Burkett, Research Project Coordinator, has worked with UM faculty and students, AAPS teachers, and curriculum specialists to create a middle school science unit titled, “Climate Change and Michigan Forests.”
Environment. Collaborative projects with the University of Michigan include the 1997 Gypsy Moth project and the 2011 Dragonfly Game project. During the Dragonfly game project, students worked with the Matthaei Botanical Gardens to develop an educational online game as part of a $20,000 foundation grant.
Climate change is not only horrible for the planet, but research suggests it is bad for individuals health as well, linked to an increase in cardiac problems, allergies, heat waves, droughts and increased infectious diseases. “The curriculum includes handson data collection, technology in the classroom, exploratory learning, and a field trip,” said Burkett. “Each of these components was designed to engage students, improve their knowledge of forest ecology and climate science research techniques, and to make learning about these topics fun.”
Szczygiel has also worked on projects with the Huron River Watershed Council, City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, the Brokaw Foundation, the Argus Farm Stop, The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and The Southeastern Michigan Community Foundation (GO! Outdoor Program). Szczygiel is currently working with engineers and scientists at the University of Michigan to develop curriculum at the new STEAM school at Northside.
According to Burkett, AAPS students who participate in this unit, investigate how Michigan’s forests will be altered by climate change utilizing data from ongoing research conducted by Dr. Ines Ibanez at UM’s School of Natural Resources and
He remains dedicated to his work with young students, believing he can see their enthusiasm growing. “Their level of interest and excitement is high,” said Szczygiel. “I find that students really look forward to the outdoor adventure we have together each year.”
www.annarborfamily.com • January 2016 •
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Golden Rules for
The new year is here and with it comes plenty of resolutions about heading to the gym and getting fit. But dishing out major bucks on a gym membership isn’t the only way to get healthy, especially in a community like Ann Arbor - a haven for healthy living in the state of Michigan. There are plenty of simple ways to improve your family’s health, both mentally and physically, that don’t involve finding the nearest treadmill. For help, we asked experts around Washtenaw County for their “Golden Rule” to stay healthy and working with patients in their area of expertise - everything from taking care you your hair to dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Here’s what they had to say:
Dr. Keith Dobracki Ann Arbor’s Dentist
Dr. Dobracki grew up locally in Ann Arbor, is an award-winning faculty member at the University of Michigan, and has become a leader in technologically progressive Holistic dental care in the Midwest. Incorporating lasers, tooth remineralization, chemical-free products, and metal-free care has made Dr. Dobracki a groundbreaking dental practitioner. His warm personality and philosophy of patient education centered on great experiences has made Ann Arbor’s Dentist one of the most sought after local dental officeses. Dr. Dobracki enjoys spending quality time with his family and Michigan summers up north.
Golden Rule for working with patients Here, LESS is MORE. We proudly think ‘the opposite’ compared to your average dentist. Teeth are remineralized instead of being drilled. Kids don’t need shots or exposures to chemical preservatives in anesthetics. Our hygienists use gluten-free pastes without chemicals, which can be tailored to individual patients needs for the support of new enamel, curing gingivitis, detoxing the mouth, or stopping bone loss. We avoid heavy metals while simultaneously increasing strength and longevity of restorations. Before a drill ever touches a tooth, a future prevention plan is customized to the patient, the cause of the cavity is rationalized, and a biocompatibility test may be performed to determine the best material for the patient’s specific immune response.
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• January 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com
Rachel Blistein Founder and CEO of Original Moxie, LLC Rachel Blistein began formulating her own products in 2007 while searching for non-toxic styling solutions for her own curly hair. She soon realized that a more in-depth and thoughtful approach was needed to broaden our understanding of hair types from the conventional categories of ‘curly,’ ‘straight,’ and ‘wavy.’ The unique diagnostic framework that she created addresses all aspects of the hair, from density and texture to curl pattern and shape and has resulted in comprehensive line of highly targeted, effective products. The brand currently includes shampoos, conditioners, stylers, and treatments which are hand crafted at the company’s headquarters in Historic Depot Town in Ypsilanti.
Golden Rule for Hair Care Don’t overdo it! Many people either over-cleanse their hair or drown it in product. Only wash when your hair truly needs it and use a low or no-foam shampoo to leave the natural oils intact. Excessive cleansing can lead to flaky, dry scalp and can also hasten hair loss. Ironically, it can also worsen oiliness since harsh detergents actually stimulate the oil glands to overproduce. It’s also important to allow your hair to breathe by using a light touch with styling products. Avoid any products containing mineral oil (otherwise known as ‘liquid paraffin’) or highly concentrated silicones, as these are occlusive to the hair and block natural oils and moisture from penetrating the hair shaft. Instead, seek out natural oils and humectants and use only enough to achieve your desired result. Even natural products can build up if applied excessively over a long period of time. Your hair will shine and thrive if you let it!
Bonnie Dockman
Executive Director of Cancer Support Community of Great Ann Arbor
Dr. Susan McCreadie Holistic Pediatrician Susan McCreadie, MD is a board certified pediatrician specializing in helping children who have fallen through the cracks of modern-day medicine. With over a decade of experience and study, she’s developed a system with nutrition, herbs and homeopathy to help children heal from allergies, asthma, attention, autism and most chronic childhood health issues. She’s passionate about helping children who take daily medication to control their symptoms, and especially those children where no medication can “fix” their problem. She’s the Founding President of the 501(c)3 nonprofit getREALforkids.com – a community of board members, volunteers, moms, dads, teachers, practitioners, celebrities, and chefs who are dedicated to helping kids eat more REAL food and heal from the inside out. She’s currently writing a book called Warrior Wings: Self-Mastery with Soul for those committed to serving others. It shares her health (dis-ease) journey and a body, mind, heart framework for living your soulFULL purpose. Find out more at drmccreadie.com.
Golden Rule for Children
Bonnie graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors in Social Science. She immediately pursued her graduate degree at the University of Michigan, graduating with her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in healthcare practice. Bonnie has practiced as a licensed medical social worker in both the inpatient hospital setting and the department of Radiation Oncology. Before moving into the Executive Director position at the Cancer Support Community, Bonnie served as the founding Program Director focusing on evidence-based programming. She is a published author and presents at both state and national oncology conferences. Bonnie is adjunct faculty at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, School of Nursing and a member of the Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium Advisory Board.
Golden Rule for Handling a Cancer Diagnosis Staying positive during cancer can be an overwhelming expectation. Even the expression "stay positive" can create unease during such a time of uncertainty. Positivity looks differently for everyone. Hope and optimism change frequently during cancer; sometimes daily depending on a person’s values. For example, one might hope for a cure, while another hopes for time. It is equally important to understand that being sad or scared does not mean that a person is not positive. All of these feelings are part of dealing with a life-threatening illness. What matters most is how one handles these very normal reactions.
The analogy I use to describe health and balance is a child standing over the pivot of a teeter-totter. When she’s happy and healthy, she’s able to balance herself back and forth - side to side - over the pivot of the teeter-totter. That’s health, balance and freedom. So how do you know if your child is stuck in dis-ease? She tells you with symptoms. Maybe she wheezes, or maybe she rashes, or maybe she gets headaches. It’s easy for your child to become a bunch of disconnected parts with medicine being so specialized. If your child has a digestive complaint, you might see the gastroenterologist. If your child has anxiety, you might see a psychiatrist. If your child has allergies, you might see an allergist. But how do tummy aches, anxiety and allergies tie together? The way to help your child stay happy and healthy is to reduce or remove stressors from her teeter-totter. Stressors can be environmental like colds or viruses, change in weather, food, or an emotionally stressful situation such as starting preschool or kindergarten. Our genetics - the physical blueprint we came with into this world - can also stress the system. We used to think that our genes are fixed, out of our control, but we’re now learning that we can control our genes through diet and lifestyle! Adapting your child’s diet and lifestyle to reduce or remove stressors is the way to resolve her symptoms and help her rebalance to health. Diet is the most powerful place to start. Your child is not only what she eats, but what she can digest, absorb and release. Eating REAL food that grows as nature intended is a great start, but helping her break down that food, soak up its nutrients and release junk out of her body is equally important.
www.annarborfamily.com • January 2016 •
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moMENts 2016
My year to Love Me …and My Family
The Importance of Taking Care of “Me” By Patrick Hempfing
The 12,000-pound ball descended over Times Square. Millions of people kissed and sang Auld Lang Syne to kick off a new year, with a new set of days, 366 this year, to test our New Year’s resolutions.
driveway, I calculated that it had been five months since I played tennis, my outlet for stress and a favorite form of exercise. And yes, more comfort foods have snuck into my diet, not just “Two Donut Thursdays.”
My resolution for the New Year – I’m going to love me. No, I’m not having self-esteem issues. I like myself, even though my pants are getting tighter, my posture isn’t as straight, and flecks of silver are mixing in with my remaining brown hairs.
If I’m going to be around to see, enjoy, and be part of my family’s happiness, I need to take better care of me. I need to love me, so I can continue to love others. Sometimes I’ll need to say “No,” not only to ice cream and donuts, but also to demands on my time. I must also get more sleep, as I’ve been sacrificing zzz’s in my attempt to steal extra minutes from my nights to pad my days.
“If my girls are happy, I’m happy.” I say this all the time, as taking care of my wife, Mattie, my tween daughter, Jessie, and our dog, Sadie, gives me joy. Of course, I’m responsible for my happiness, too … and for taking care of myself. Opening up A few days ago, I took time to go to the doctor. For the past several months, I’ve woken up with a plugged ear. Usually, it opens up quickly, so I’ve tolerated it. Who has time to go to the doctor? I have a wife, daughter, and dog to care for, while trying to squeeze in a writing career. Apparently, some wax had built up in my left ear. The nurse sprayed warm water into it as I held a plastic container to catch the water and ear wax that flushed out. As I drove home from my ear tuneup, my mind raced with thoughts. With my wax-free ears, I wouldn’t need to tell Mattie or Jessie to “please turn up the TV” as often. Yet, maybe, due to Jessie talking excessively, which happens on occasion, and Sadie barking loudly, which happens frequently, I might miss my ear wax. I felt confident that I’d still have “selective hearing” (it’s a husband thing). But mostly, I thought, “Wow, why didn’t I go to the doctor sooner?” I pondered other things I should have done sooner. Before I reached my 16
Resolved for a new year On my list of New Year’s resolutions: Adequate sleep – 7 hours instead of 6 or less. Exercise – tennis once a week. I’ll schedule my annual physical. Appropriate choices from the basic food groups (but I can’t give up “Two donut Thursdays” or ice cream as a bedtime snack). Okay, I didn’t say I’d meet all my resolutions. But I’m going to try to do better, because I love me and I love my family. A gym I drive by daily has a sign out front that says “Strive for progress, not perfection.” With the ball perched over Times Square, I walked into Jessie’s bedroom and kissed my sleeping angel on the forehead. Mattie and I watched the celebration in New York from bed as we waited for the ball to descend. At midnight, I kissed Mattie and listened to Auld Lang Syne with my wax-free ears. Then gave thanks for another year to be there for my family. Until next month, remember to cherish the moments. Happy New Year! 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. Follow Patrick at facebook.com/ patricklhempfing and on Twitter @PatrickHempfing
One Ann Arbor family is strives to change the world by Antonio Cooper
A peek inside the Cash house provides a glimpse of a mother-daughter duo heavily involved with community service programs. “If you have a vision, you need to share that, because sometimes you might be the only impression that others may see. So if you involve yourself and you care and you’re nurturing, that may create the next great leader.” Those are the words from Laverna Cash, a community leader and a consistent name associated with local projects. Along with her daughter Alex Cash, the two have created a stable of community projects that involve a variety of local organizations. Together, this motherdaughter duo are making our community better. Helping others “It’s good to help others, that’s what life is really about” said the elder Cash, who, she states, has always been a nurturing heart. She adopted four children, including Alex, the youngest. Laverne has opened her doors to six foster children as well. Her commitment to provide support at her home and in the community stems from her years as a teenager. “It was always a part of me,” said Laverne. “I think it began when I was a teenager, I thought about the real need of helping and really believing that statement — it takes a village.” While the Atlanta native has certainly become an Ann Arbor staple, her community service work goes above and beyond what could be expected from even the most dedicated public servant. Serving as a childcare provider for over 37 years, she truly has raised a village. It starts at home Perhaps because of all that hard work, Ms. Cash exuded humility and considers her time to be a privilege. “It feels really special to do community work and take care of so many people,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to take care of my (foster) children’s, children. It’s a pretty good feeling” Alex proves that the apple certainly doesn’t fall far from the tree. Her involvement through her school showcases just how far hard work can carry you. Currently a senior at Skyline High School, Alex’s impact can be felt throughout the community as she serves as President of her school’s Black Student Union, plays on the softball team, and works on a variety of community service projects. Together with her mother, they ran the youth program at New Hope Baptist
• January 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com
Alex and Laverna Cash are working hard to make Ann Arbor a beter place to live and play Church, bringing high school freshman and sophomores to various camps and activities. Common goals She certainly follows her mother, as a leader within her social group by working to promote self-love within the African American community. “I feel like it’s important to promote self-love and to feel great about being yourself,” said Alex. “It should feel good being black. I just want to help the students that don’t see it.” The younger Cash is currently weighing her college options (she’s certain she wants to attend an HBCU (historically black college and university) while planning several community service projects that she, as President of the the Black Student Union, plan to execute by the year’s end. Those projects include summer camps, working with food banks, the Ann Arbor YMCA, school projects,and church community service projects. “We want to do coat drives, food gathering, and other projects as well throughout the school year,” said Alex. “We want to help other students.” This mother-daughter combination continues to improve their community before Alex begins her college career. Laverne Cash has kind and inspiring words for the children of the future, stating “You can be anything you want. It’s important to understand there’s no little ‘I’s’ or little ‘me’s’ here, You matter in this world. Be proud of You. You are very important. Tell yourself you are. It’s important to let your little light shine.”
Maize and Blue Deli Downtown
106 E. Liberty Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone: (734) 436-8537 Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm; Fri-Sat 9am-10pm; Sun 10am-7pm maizeandbluedeli.com
A second location of the Ann Arbor Favorite brings big eats downtown
Winter has taken hold of Ann Arbor, which means hibernation instincts are high. While sleeping through the cold, dark months is not an option, satisfying carnivorous cravings for meat—and more meat—is feasible. It can be accomplished at Maize and Blue Deli’s newest location on Liberty Street. “Families are always welcome,” says Hamzah Sukkar, one of the owners. His family opened the original Maize and Blue Deli on South University back in 1988. Sukkar and his brothers opened the downtown location this past summer. Known for gargantuan sandwiches, Maize and Blue looks to attract a new legion of fans with its location on Liberty. The interior is decorated unapologetically in pro-Michigan style and appears sleeker than the original spot on South University. It is a counter-service deli at heart, though, with a casual, comfortable vibe. There is seating for more than 20 upstairs with a few more seats located downstairs near the open kitchen.
Decisions, decisions
A-Maize-ing Sandwiches
Choose from dozens of sandwiches, most with entertaining names. For instance, the Bear Giggle comes with lox, cream cheese, tomato and onion on grilled sourdough pumpernickel. Or how about the Cheerleader’s Dance with chicken salad, lettuce, tomato, onion and green pepper on a pita?
By Katy M. Clark
I ordered the Georgia Reuben with turkey, Canadian Cabot cheddar, coleslaw and Russian dressing on grilled sourdough rye ($10.25). My husband picked Amy’s Renovation with pastrami, smoked turkey, havarti, Colby, cole slaw and Russian dressing on grilled sourdough rye ($11.45). While there is no kids’ menu, the sky’s the limit with what Maize and Blue can create. The staff suggested grilled cheese for my kids, ages 8 and 12. However, my daughter wanted the Beef ‘N Swiss ($10.25). Fearful she would be overwhelmed by meat, we asked for “lite” meat, which is 6 oz. vs. 8 oz. and $1.25 less. My son crafted his own sandwich with salami, turkey, roast beef, and provolone ($11.25). We grabbed drinks and sat at a “sick” table, according to my tween, who liked the raw edge tabletop. There were four TVs playing sports to entertain us while we waited.
Big and Bigger
Sukkar delivered our sandwiches and we dug in. Our sandwiches—certifiably big—tasted fresh, especially the bread. Each came with a giant dill pickle. “Mom, this is delicious,” commented my daughter about her beef and Swiss. “How’s your sandwich?” I asked my son.
“Good.” “I need details. What do you like about it?” I probed. “Everything.” My husband was too busy eating to comment, which I took as a sign of satisfaction, although he did say that even the pickles were good. My Reuben was yummy, loaded with turkey and slaw. I liked the toasted bread and tried to eat it all before surrendering 2/3 of the way through. We were smart to order “lite” meat on our eight-year-old’s sandwich. She ate half before declaring herself full. Parents of wee ones, the sandwiches are so big at Maize and Blue that you could easily share. Tempted by cookies, we indulged our sweet tooth. The chocolate chunk with walnuts was my favorite, soft and chocolaty, while my family preferred plain chocolate chunk. Maize and Blue’s creations are available for delivery or take-out. They offer breakfast sandwiches, too, beginning at 9am Monday through Saturday, and 10am on Sunday.
The Short Course Kid-friendly: More yes than no
To avoid wait: Skip the workday lunch rush Noise level: Moderate
Bathroom amenities: No changing table in bathroom downstairs High chairs? No
Got milk? No, but they offer soda, lemonade, and assorted juices
Kids’ menu? No, but they can make anything you’d like such as a grilled cheese or plain ham and cheese. Anything healthy for kids? They have salads and a vegetarian option.
Food allergy concerns? They offer gluten-free bread and cookies. Allergy concerns should be mentioned when ordering—they can clean surfaces, prep sandwiches separately, etc. to accommodate you.
www.annarborfamily.com • January 2016 •
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{ January
2016 }
All calendar events are subject to change, cancellation and limited size. Calling ahead for confirmation is recommended.
1 FRIDAY Hands-on Holidays - The people at the Hands-on Museum have rounded up their most popular science activities and put them together for this special event. Kids will get to do their favorite experiments, create the most requested make-and-take projects, and see some of the finest performers. Runs through January 3. Noon/ Friday and Sunday, 10am/Saturday. $12. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org
2 SATURDAY Professor Ray’s Everyday Science - Explore the science behind “spinning things” with Professor Ray. 1pm. $12. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org
3 SUNDAY Music in the Moment - Kids will learn about the different ways musicians interpret their music and turn each piece into a different story. They will improvise, clap, and even help make final performance decisions. 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth St. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free Happy New Year with Mother Goose - This 30-minute program incorporates rhymes and classic stories, with Trudy Bulkley as Mother Goose. For the whole family. 2pm. Hollander’s, 410 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-3115. hollanders.com Free
5 TUESDAY First Tuesday LEGO Club - Kids ages 4 and up are invited to spend an afternoon making their own LEGO creations while visiting with old friends and making new ones. Everyone is welcome - LEGOS will be provided by the Library. 4pm. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us Free Eric Carle’s Critters - Kids will read classic Eric Carle books which will inspire our crafts, activities, and hikes all month long. We will even get to meet some of the characters in Eric Carle’s stories! Tykes preschool programs run monthly and are designed for your 4-5 year-old in mind. Each session is two hours long and you can drop your child off or stay with them knowing they will have a fun and educational time learning about a variety of science and nature topics. Registration is required. 9am. $95/per-month members, $100/non-members. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org
6 WEDNESDAY Nature Tales: A Crawly Tale - Kids will read Hey, Little Ant by Phillip M. Hoose, then learn all about those crawly critters that are so often misunderstood. Each month we accompany the story with 18
a selection of hands-on, nature-themed pursuits that will include live animal visits and an outdoor activity. Registration is recommended. 10am. $4/non-members, $5/members. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org
9 SATURDAY Kid’s Class: Pillowcase - Kids will choose their own fabric and learn how to make a pillowcase that they’ll be proud to take to their next sleepover. 1pm. $36. Ann Arbor Sewing Center, 5235 Jackson Rd. 734-761-3094. annarborsewing.com KinderConcert! - KinderConcert is a free, 30 minute concert designed especially for children five years and younger. Members of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra join child movement expert Gari Stein and pianist Kathryn Goodson for a guided introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. This fun, interactive learning environment allows children the opportunity to enjoy music while encouraging learning and creativity. 10am. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us Free
10 SUNDAY Young Rembrandts: Power of Drawing - Join Young Rembrandts for directed drawing that gives young students instruction on how to break down complex images into simple ones. Students will explore many different techniques and art tools (colored pencil, pastel, and marker) while learning the drawing skills that lay the foundation for all visual arts. Intended for grades 1-5. 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth St. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free Messing Around with Math Preschoolers and their families are welcome to enjoy a snack and fun math based activities led by an Hebrew Day School teacher. 10am. Jewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. 734-971-0990. jccannarbor.org Free Anybody Can Dance 2 - Part of the Family Friendly Film Series. Join three friends that bad together to form a dance team that travels to Las Vegas to compete in the world championship. 1:30pm. Free/ kids under 12, $10/general admission. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
11 MONDAY Read to Kandy - Reading aloud improves reading skills and dogs are great listeners. Sign up to read a book of your choice to Kandy, our certified Therapaws dog. Registration is required. For ages 6-8. 6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
12 SUNDAY Tween Book Club - Tweens are welcome to discuss Dealing with Dragons, by Patricia Wrede. 3:30pm. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St., Chelsea. 734-475-8732. tln.lib.mi.us Free
Short Story Contests Monday, January 25/Ann Arbor District Library Start the new year off by putting a pen in your child’s hand and letting them express themselves. Two short story contests open this month courtesy of the Ann Arbor District Library. The fourth annual “Write On!” contest welcomes short stories from kids grades 3-5. Stories must be submitted before February 12 for consideration. Meanwhile, the 24th annual “It’s All Write!” is aimed at grades 6 all the way up to 12, and runs from January 25 to March 4. Prizes totaling $1500 will be distributed among nine talented winners! Presented in partnership with Friends of the AADL. For further information on the contests, and how to submit, visit aadl.org.
13 WEDNESDAY Log Rolling Workshop - The weather is turning cold, so it’s time to take to the indoor pool to practice. Log rolling is becoming increasingly popular, and instructions will be on hand to help youths learn or improve at this fun sport. 6pm. $6.25/ pre-registration, $10/drop-in. Mack Pool, 715 Brooks St. 734-794-6237. a2gov.org
14 THURSDAY Slithering into Python - Students in grades 5 to 8 can learn the basics of computer programming from members of the Huron High School Computer Science Club. 5pm. $5/members, $10/non-members. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Manga Drawing Class - Professional cartoonist Jerzy Drozd (Author of the The Warren Commission Report) will help student transform pen and paper drawings through Manga studios technology. For ages 13 to 17. Thursdays through March 10. 4pm. $215. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. annarborartcenter.org
15 FRIDAY Pets and Pajamas Movie Night - This paw-tastic event is appropriate for ages 5-11 and will include adoptable animal interactions, a cheese pizza dinner and an animal themed movie with popcorn! Children are invited to wear their pajamas, bring a sleeping bag and pillow and be ready for some animal-themed fun. 5-9pm. $35/first child, $15/every additional child. Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. 734-661-3575. hshv.org
16 SATURDAY Parents’ Night Out: Science Investigations It’s a night out for parents while the kids explore a unique evening at LSNC. Have your child put on their lab coat (or borrow one of ours) and get ready for a fun night filled with mysteries, experiments, and observation! We will provide your child with a pizza dinner and an evening snack. 5pm. $25/members, $30/non-members. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org
• January 2016 • www.annarborfamily.com
Hunting Mammoths and Mastodons - Join us for an interactive demonstration exploring some of the evidence of mastodon and mammoth hunting by people who lived in Michigan between 10 and 15 thousand years ago. Suitable for adults and children ages 5+. 3pm. $6/suggested donation. UM Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave. 734-764-0478. lsa.umich.edu Ice Fishing Kids’ Seminar - The first hour of this seminar will be spent indoors with professional ice fishers for a safety seminar and fishing demonstration. The next hour will be spent out on the ice with the staff to catch some fish! Parents are required to be on the ice with children. Registration required. 10am. Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd. 734-222-4357. ewashtenaw.org Free
17 TUESDAY Arctic Clay Creatures - Students will learn clay construction techniques while letting their imaginations dream up some fun winter creatures. For ages 5-9. Sundays through February 7. 12:30pm. $85. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. annarborartcenter.org
18 WEDNESDAY MLK Mega Monday All-You-CanPlay - Join Zap-Zone for an all-you-canplay laser tag event! Elementary school age through high schoolers welcome. 10am. $20. Zap-Zone, 4177 Carpenter Rd. 734-930-6670. zap-zone.com
19 TUESDAY 826michigan TWEEN - Hone your writing skills in this interactive workshop. Get feedback and suggestions on creative writing projects. 4pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 229 W. Michigan Ave. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
21 THURSDAY Little Paws Story Time - Designed for ages 2-5, Little Paws story time will keep your tot engaged through stories, crafts, fingerplays, and animal interactions! Registration is recommended. 10:30am. $5. Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. hshv.org
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marketplace
FRIDAY
Winterfest 2016 - A two-day festival of outdoor activities for the whole family. Bonfires, cocoa, ice-sculpting, and more! Presented by the Saline Main Street Association. 7pm. Downtown Saline. 734-316-2119. salinemainstreet.org Free
23 SATURDAY Princess Day - Bring the little princess in your life to the TCA! Last year’s event was a complete sell-out so we added a second event for all the little princesses to come out and meet Prince Charming. The event is limited to 100 princesses per event. Registration is required. 10am and 2pm. $25. Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh. 517-423-6617. thetca.org Science Fun with FEMMES - The University of Michigan student group FEMMES (Females Excelling More in Math, Engineering and Science) will bring a variety of hands-on, engaging events for young students interested in learning more about STEM topics. Intended for grades 2-6. 10:30am. Ann Arbor District Library, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players - Justin and his band, the Not Ready for Naptime Players, dish out intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents. 12:30pm. $12.50. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org
24 SUNDAY Friends in Song and Story - The father/daughter/uncle musical family of San, Emily, and Laz Slomovits joins AADL’s Laura Pershin Raynor for a musical storytelling program for the whole family. This concert includes lots of audience participation, Gemini’s songs for children, and collaborative storytelling with their long-time friend Laura. For preschool through grade 3. 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth St. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Sunday-Friday
Magic: The Gathering Tournament - All are invited to play in these tournaments of the popular collectable game. 6pm/Monday-Friday, noon/Sunday, free/Tuesdays, $5-$15/all other days. Get Your Game On, 310 S. State St. 734-786-3746. getyourgameonline.com
Mondays-Fridays
Baby Playgroups - The library will provide the space and a variety of toys. Each playgroup includes 15 minutes of stories, rhymes, and songs followed by open playtime. Parents and guardians must remain with their children. This intended for babies up to 24 months. Various library locations. 10:30am. Ann Arbor District Library. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Mondays & Fridays
Preschool Playtime - Each class begins with a warm-up emphasizing social skills, self-esteem, body positions, and gymnastics terminology. Students learn skills in each event using the floor circuit for tumbling skills, as well as balance beams, bars, and a vault just their size. Every Monday and Friday. 9:45am. $5. Gym America, 4611 Platt Rd. 734-971-1667. gymamericagymnastics.com
Tuesdays and Saturdays
Story Time - Story time with Linda Zimmer is appropriate for kids ages 6 and under. Zimmer shares fun, seasonal stories in a comfortable children’s area. 6pm/Tuesdays, 11am/Saturdays. Bookbound Bookstore, 1729 Plymouth Rd. 734-369-4345. bookboundbookstore.com Free
Wednesdays & Fridays
Play the Kerrytown Chime - The Kerrytown Chime is available for the public to play each Wednesday & Friday from noon-12:30pm and Saturdays from 10:30-11am. Kerrytown Market and Shops, 407 N. Fifth Ave. Free
28 THURSDAY Eating the ABC’s - Members of the Junior League of Ann Arbor will promote experiments that highlight the value of nutrition in food. Registration required. 5:45 and 7pm. $12. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org
30 SATURDAY Elmo’s Birthday Party - Join Elmo for stories, birthday cake and a craft to celebrate his birthday. For ages 3-8. 3:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 229 W. Michigan Ave. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free Outdoor Board Game Olympics Compete in a life-sized board game competition outdoors. There will also be indoor games, fun crafts, Candy Land scavenger hunt, and hot cocoa. Advanced registration available. 10am. $5/person, $18/family of four. Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd. 734-222-4357. ewashtenaw.org
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. Photos are accepted with ads for an additional $5 per photo.
Events Mindful Yoga – All levels welcome. Thurs. Oct 1st, 4:30 – 5:30. 1415 Miller Ave. (Calvary Church) 1st class is FREE! $10.00 each session Peach Mountain Observatory Ann Arbor Saturdays August 8 and 15 Directions: http://www.umich. edu/~lowbrows/calendar/ regular.html Observatory Opens at Sunset, Free admission and parking The following are Open House dates for 2015: September 5 and 12 October 10 and 17 November 7 and 14 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 HVPOM Mom2Mom Sale Sat. Oct 3rd Woodland Meadows School Saline 9am-Noon $2 admission Department Store Style Strollers Welcome
HELP WANTED
Searchable listings updated daily annarborfamily.com
Call Nailya 419.244.9859
to sell your stuff today
Now Hiring Excited to join a growing, fast-paced and fun team with a ton of potential? Excellent sales opportunity in Ann Arbor. Bring a smile, open mind, hard -work ethic and the rest will come together. Call 734.668.4044 Massage Therapist: Currently hiring therapists to work at RelaxStation in downtown Ann Arbor to accommodate our already established clientele. Free parking, flexible hours, great team! 734-623-1951 SERIOUS MOMS WANTED. We need serious & motivated people for expanding health and wellness industry. High speed internet/ phone essential. Free online training. iworkforfreedom.com
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.
Medical Massage for Muscular Pain. Massage: Walk-in 67.50/half hour. AA. Hot Appointments Available. Come towels, stone - 42.50 each. in stressed leave refreshed. Free Same Day. 740-743-7160. Parking. Make some time for STRESS REDUCTION, yourself! RelaxStation. DEEP TISSUE, CMT 734-623-1951 15 years of experience, into. Massage special $45/ Birth Trauma and hr. AA Northside. Pregnant Massage Call Jane 734-741-0761 Sher, 740-743-7160 - 85/ hr + Hot Towel 42.50/hr. ANNOUNCEMENTS Same Day. AA. CCs accepted. GIVE BLOOD - SAVE LIVES! Victorian atmosphere. #ChooseYourDay to donate blood. Call 1-800-448-2543 INFANT MASSAGE or go to RedCrossBlood.org. Promotes bonding, Appointments preferred. improved sleep, reduces tummy issues and crying. Walk-ins welcome.
Services
75$/hour. Natalia, LMSW, HERO MILES To find out Infant Mental Health Specialist-IV 734-223-6802 more about how you can help Give Hope. Become a Foster Parent. Attend a free training today to learn more! For more information: www.judsoncenter.org or 313-255-8272.
Lifecoach Q.August/ CueTheCoach LLC. Themed Parenting Workshops Superhero or My House Is A Zoo Free w/$25 supply kit purchase CUETHECOACH.net
our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at fisherhouse.org
Medical Guardian Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800-279-4103
ARE YOUR CHILDREN INTERESTED IN ASTRONOMY? Do they like observing the moon, planets and stars? GO TO www.YoungAstronomer.org
DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-800-895-7416
FREE HALF-HOUR CONSULTATION for families, enriching literacy and support for school/home. Ann Arbor Educational Associates, annarboreducationalassoc@gmail.com.
Reduce Your Past Tax Bill by as much as 75 Percent. Stop Levies, Liens and Wage Garnishments. Call The Tax DR Now to see if you Qualify 1-800-841-2298
EDUCATION
HEALTH FUN, FREE 4-WEEK FIT CHALLENGE! Free Fitness M & W 6:30pm off Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor. All ages & skill levels welcome. 734-707-7697. www.nutritionbychoice.com ACTIVE BODY CHALLENGE starts Jan 2nd - 8 Week Fitness & Nutrition Program, Cash prizes in 4 categories nutritionbychoice. com or 734-707-7697
www.annarborfamily.com • January 2016 •
Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-419-3684 Got an older car, boat or RV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1- 800-758-2204
19
Providing centerbased ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to children aged 18 months to 10 years old.
3666 South State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 - —734.476.4189 STATE ST
Intensive, communication based ABA programs created and supervised by dually-certiďŹ ed behavioral analyst/speech-language pathologists
Morning, afternoon and evening sessions available.
Contact us to tour our facility, meet our team or inquire about insurance coverage
(734) 769-0505 www.a2spectrumtherapy.com 1955 Pauline Blvd | Suites 100C & 400 | Ann Arbor, MI 48103
State St Circle
RD W ELLSWORTH