3/1/17 - Ann Arbor Family

FREE MARCH 2017

Find the best start for your little student

Childcare & preschool p10 guide

p19

A Gem in the Detroit River

Day trip to Belle Isle

p8

Girls Group Inspiration

A conversation with teen Hasna Ghalib

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• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Volume 22 • Issue 3 March 2017

[special features] Find the best start for your little student 10

departments ann arbor favorites

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community snapshots new kids

5 6 7

tween the lines

8

exceptional families

9

what’s briefly happening

The Big Push for Licensing Midwives A new Michigan state law

14 Ann Arbor Film Festival Fun for the whole family

commentary

craft of the month 15

16

Online

March

Motherhood Is…

A local mom shares what motherhood means to her

Made in Michigan (NEW) 19

By Katy M. Clark

#1

ask the expert 19 calendar 21

— compiled by

On the cover

Uri Aronovich, 6 months, Ann Arbor Photo by Lesley Mason Photography

Jacqueline Bull

marketplace 23 Momsense 15

Capturing the Moments of Childhood One local mom’s ideas for recording the memories

By Janice Richardson

Parent Profile 18 March is Reading Month Celebrate with local literacy expert Melissa Brooks-Yip

By Aimee Grant Eldon

Growing Up Online 17

News That’s Worth Sharing Fake news vs real news

By Carolyn Jabs

Food Fight 20

Straight from the Hearth Avalon Café and Kitchen rises downtown

By Katy M. Clark

MOM How to Be a Great Parent Coach A list of winning qualities for parent coaches

by Lara Krupicka

FIND LIKE AND FOL LOW US

[Always online]

Top Docs Our helpful guide lets you get to know local doctors.

facebook.com/annarborfamily pinterest.com/annarborfamily twitter.com/annarborfamily

annarborfamily.com Join us and our 1000+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions.

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

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Sci-fi Junior High

Written by Scott Seegert of Farmington, Michigan, and illustrated

by John Martin of Farmington Hills, Michigan, this funny graphic novel is an out-of-this-world story about friendship, accepting our differences, and the fight against evil... bunnies. Kelvin Klosmo isn’t just the new kid at school— he’s the new kid in the galaxy. Welcome to Sci-Fi Junior High: an intergalactic space station with students of all shapes, sizes, smells, and slime content. As the son of Earth’s two most famous geniuses, Kelvin isn’t just the smartest kid in the world, he’s the smartest kid in the Universe. At least, that’s what everybody at Sci-Fi Junior High thinks. $13.99 nicolasbooks.com

ARIES

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

KIDS HOROSCOPE March 21April 19

Adventurous, but surprisingly sensitive, the Aries child loves being in the spotlight. A fire sign, they love attention and aren’t scared to demand it. They can be impatient, and love to be the first in line, but they are more than happy to share. A generous child, Aries children know “sharing is caring.” Teach older kids about saving early— it’s a skill they’ll need to learn.

Eager, quick and cheerful, they’re positive, excited and fast-learners. They love to take the lead, but aren’t always great at following directions.

As natural born leaders, an Aries child isn’t fond of authority.

Prevent stubbornness by praising them when they help out instead of giving orders. Just remember— even though they have a short temper, they are just as easily prone to laughter.

A funny joke can stop almost any temper tantrum.

Super Genius: First Words

Developed hand-in-hand with learning professionals, this Super Genius game was specifically created with early learners in mind. With a focus on closed syllable and short vowel words, this reading matching game helps prepare early readers for more complicated language skills to come. The game is perfect for ages 5 and up. $11.99 ckidzstop.com

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What’s your good luck charm?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) My favorite Indian turquoise bracelet

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer

Excuse Me?!?

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) MAURICE

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Laura Eliason (laura@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Recipes and cookbooks Contributing Writers: Kathryn Streeter, Laura Eliason, Jacqueline Bull, Louis Meldman, Katy M. Clark, Doug French, Jennifer Brough, Janice Richardson, Lisa Beach, Erica Bloom, Raegan Nelson, Donna Iadipaolo, Heidi Alene Harris, Heather Artushin, Christa Melnyk Hines, Sue Lovett Calendar Editor: Scott Peterson (speterson@adamsstreetpublishing.com) A Jacket

Digital Media

Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Concert Tickets and Guitars

Art/Production

Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) FUNKY SOCKS Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) My Best friend Graphic Designers: Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) my besties Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) may I borrow yours?

Advertising

Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Luck? Not familiar...

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Sales Representative Catherine Bohr (a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) my coin beckoning cat

Distribution

Anne Harrington (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com) A whole drawer of rabbit’s feet

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) KEVIN

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.

Dream Blanket

The Little Seedling is one of several retailers that are able to carry the exclusive line of products from Aden + Anais White Label. This beautiful 100% 4 layer cotton muslin dream blanket is a generous size, perfect for snuggling or newborn tummy time. The fabric even gets softer with every wash. $49.99 thelittleseedling.com

Adams Street Publishing Co.

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

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• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

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The Floss Cutting ceremony at the new Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum interactive exhibit with members of the community, Delta Dental, and featuring First Graders from Dicken Elementary

March Giveaway Getting ready for spring?

These kits will help your kids get outside and discovering!

PBS KIDS Look and Learn Birds and PBS KIDS Look and Learn Insects come packed with everything a young naturalist needs to get started.

Along with a pair binoculars and a magnifying jar respectively, both kids come with also come with a colorful, engaging 64page book, a portable list of common insects or birds that kids can take on their nature walk, and an activity poster that encourages observation and creativity.

To enter, send your snapshot to laura@adamsstreetpublishing.com, through February 28! Be sure to include the name(s), age(s) and home city of those pictured. Or find the giveaway post on our Facebook page.

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

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Photo Credit_ Russell Fred Kennedy

A new name for UMHS: Michigan Medicine Michigan Medicine is the new name of the University of Michigan’s academic medical center. The change is intended to reflect the University health system’s threepart mission of patient care, education and research. “Becoming Michigan Medicine is more than a name change. This new name reflects a growing trend among worldclass academic medical centers to showcase the integration of their missions: medical education, healthcare research and patient care,” said Marschall S. Runge, Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and CEO of Michigan Medicine. The U-M Medical School name will not change, but will remain a part of Michigan Medicine.

Photo credit: Taryn Scalise

Compiled by Laura Eliason

A journey to Ireland Take a musical journey to Ireland with the Washtenaw Community Concert Band. This free concert will feature special guest performer Nicholas Brown playing the uilleann (Irish bagpipes) and guest Conductor James Curnow. The 80-piece Washtenaw Community Concert Band will have your family sham-rocking the evening before St. Patrick’s Day. The program will highlight music from Ireland and is sure to have you feeling lucky, even if you aren’t Irish.

Thursday, March 16. 7:30pm. Washtenaw Community College, Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron Dr. 734-252-9221. wccband.org.

Free

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The Saline Rec Center offers a fun playgroup for kids up to age 5. Little ones will have free reign of the gym filled with miniature sports equipment, tunnels, ride-on toys, and more. There is also a moonwalk bounce the last Thursday of the month. This is a great way to get some energy out and to meet new friends! Parents and caregivers are responsible for supervising their children.

The playgroup is held every Thursday during the school year, but it does not meet during Saline Schools’ winter, spring and summer breaks.

Thursdays. 10am-12pm. Saline Recreation Center, 1866 Woodland Dr., Saline. Free for members, $4/ child/session for non-members.

734-429-3502. cityofsaline.org

• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Photo via facebook

Saline gym playgroup

A-’muse’-ment for all Muse Atelier Vintage, located in Ypsilanti, is a vintage store and so much more. Housed inside a three-story, 150year-old barn, the shop sells vintage clothing for all shapes and sizes. However, the barn hosts more than just a clothing shop. Muse Atelier Vintage also features a photography studio for fantasy photo shoots with different themes, while serving the littlest customers by providing a fun area for kids, stocked with iPads, a treasure chest, and juice boxes.

The store has also been known to play host to epic tea parties for children.

Muse Atelier, 5150 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. 734-972-6682.

Find them on Facebook.

A fresh new grocery store option Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, a specialty retailer focused on healthy and organic products and groceries, opened its seventh Michigan store in Ypsilanti in February. Boasting an extensive produce department with organic and local fruits and vegetables, a natural meat department, healthy deli foods to go, bakery goods, 400 bulk food bins, dairy and frozen foods, and health supplement products, Fresh Thyme also maintains a passionate connection to the local community, from stocking local products and produce, hiring local residents and partnering with local nonprofits.

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, 2985 Washtenaw Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-896-4076. freshthyme.com

Tell Ann Arbor area parents about your program in April’s Summer Camp Guide.

Chew On This! A new hands-on museum exhibit Thanks to support from the Delta Dental Foundation, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum will host the exhibit Chew on This! until December. The exhibit allows students to clean giant teeth with larger-than-life dental instruments, operate a mini video camera to take a peek inside their own mouths, make healthy food choices at the Smart Mart and view MRI images to see the mechanics of the mouth. “Good oral health is closely linked to overall health and school and life success. That’s why teaching children at an early age about taking care of their teeth and mouths is so important,” said Teri Battaglieri, Director for the Delta Dental Foundation. “We are proud to partner with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum to give thousands of children an outlet to learn about oral health in a fun and enriching setting.”

Issue Date: Apr. 1st Reserve By Mar. 15th

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

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

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THE LINES TWEEN advice for parents with children 10-16

Girls Group Inspiration

A conversation with teen Hasna (Nina) Ghalib

By Heidi Alene Harris

ONE-ON-ONE

Individualized Center-Based Treatment We are accepting applications.

Call Us to Schedule a Tour Half or Full Day Ages 2-8 Offering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services for children with autism or other developmental disorders

Girls Group, an Ann Arbor nonprofit organization, offers support to middle and high school students through programming and mentoring services. The mission of Girls Group is to develop character, leadership, self-confidence and socialconsciousness skills in young women.

Ann Arbor Family asked the leadership at Girls Group to select one student who displayed outstanding attributes while making an impact in the community. Hasna (Nina) Ghalib, 9th grader at Pioneer High School, was selected. We had the opportunity to interview Nina and learn more about her.

Yatesha Robinson, director of social work & middle school at Girls Group, describes you as strong and articulate. Where does your strength come from? I was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and moved to America in 2008. My mother gives me my strength.

My mother worked her entire life to make sure that I would have the privilege of going to school every day. Because of my mother, I live in a world where I am treated equally. She worked really hard so that as a young woman I would have this privilege.

What inspired you to get involved in Girls Group and how has it helped you in your academic and personal life? My counselor in middle school suggested that I join Girls Group.

Over time, I have built such great bonds with the mentors that it has become like a second home for me. We learn not only

Empowering Children and Families to Live Fully 3125 Professional Drive • Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 926-0740 LEARN MORE AT CREATINGBRIGHTERFUTURES.COM

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how we can benefit from an academic viewpoint, but from a personal one, too.

Girls Group has helped me to understand how we can help out within our community.

Being a refugee, it took me a very long time to open up and be outgoing. One of the things that the mentors did was create a safe and open space where I could talk about things I saw and went through that were very deep inside of me. Thanks to joining the organization, the mentors were so helpful and kind and helped me to realize I was not the only person who went through similar situations.

What are your aspirations for your future? I was fortunate enough to meet one of the board members of the Girls Group at our annual fundraiser, Stephanie Jones. Her husband is a cardiothoracic surgeon. I learned through speaking with her that there are a lot of perks in having your future planned out and that you can never start too early. I plan to work toward becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon myself.

What is the most important thing you have learned in Girls Group?

The great thing that Girls Group has taught me is that I don’t have to be a shy girl. I have a voice and can do anything in the world. I really have to say that the Girls Group has done something so deep for me. Through this organization, I have a strong support network and a sisterhood.

I also want to be a role model to other girls who are in the program and I am grateful because I have an opportunity to do that.

ALWAYS ONLINE Our 2017 Ann Arbor Education Guide

exclusively on annarborfamily.com

• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

FREE FEBRUARY 2017

Learn the ABCs of p10 these starter schools

100 REASONS TO LOVE FEBRUARY INSIDE

International Neighbors Welcoming women of all nations to Ann Arbor

Dip Into Romance

How to host a fondue party

p14 p15

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The Misunderstood Child Sensory processing disorder 101

Andrea Rich, speech language pathologist and executive director at A2 Therapy Works.

Written by Sarah Lyons with local edits by Emily Qalandarova

A typical morning in my home begins with, “My clothes hurt me. They are too loose. I need new clothes.” As a result, I begin searching for the “right” clothes for my 4-year-old daughter. After much time, many tears, lots of tight hugs, and a good dose of frustration, she begins her day in the same dress she wore the previous day and many days prior to that. The process of getting dressed, seemingly simple to most, is the biggest challenge my child faces on a daily basis.

are fun and can be integrated into playtime at home. (sensorysmarts.com)

Living with SPD This is one example of what it is like to live with a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). “Maybe they are having trouble processing auditory [information], having trouble tracking, sitting, with sounds in the classroom, or tiring easily,” says Andrea Rich, speech language pathologist and executive director at A2 Therapy Works. “It affects their selfesteem, social relationships, everything.”

Sensory Processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. “A normal situation for most people will feel like chaos to someone with SPD,” says Rich.

Sensory Processing Disorder is hard to diagnose because it affects each person differently.

Stephanie Beaudry, mom of two children with SPD says, “When trying to

explain my son’s hyperactivity or clumsiness is due to SPD, we get told ‘Oh, it’s just his age,’ but it’s actually because his nervous system doesn’t respond as it should in certain situations.”

“A child with SPD can appear to not be paying attention or to be abrasive, but they are not being bad,” Rich states. SPD may cause motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, or other have other impacts if not treated effectivity.

SPD creates challenges, but treatment is available. “We had a fabulous occupational therapist that helped my son. She gave us tools and permission to figure out what worked for him and what didn’t,” says Joy Alsup, mom of four. An occupational therapist can provide tools that help balance sensory input including swinging, wearing a weighted vest, pushing or pulling heavy objects, or jumping on a trampoline. Many of these activities

Benefits from an occupational therapist “We try to redirect sensory issues to something more appropriate,” Rich says. The individual “needs vestibular input and needs an appropriate outlet. An occupational therapist can teach parents what do at home and how to get ready for the day.”

An occupational therapist aims to educate parents and give families tools to help the child progress at home. “Early intervention is key. We see kids who completely overcome SPD, but [therapy] is also about learning to cope,” says Rich. “A child may need a sensory diet, joint compression, [use of the] Wilbarger technique, or a sensory gym. They may need to sit closer in the classroom, wear a heavy blanket, hold a stress ball, or chew gum.”

As a mother of a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, I encourage others to educate themselves about SPD and begin to approach the situation from the child’s perspective. Parents can then begin to use the tools needed to adjust their environment and celebrate as their child meets their goals and overcomes challenges.

It takes patience, persistence, and love to parent children with SPD, but when children feel accepted and supported, they can work through their struggles and thrive in school and at home.

A hypersensitive response to sensory input may include:

Being distracted by noises that

sound normal to others (flushing toilets, clanking silverware)

Having a fear of surprise touch or avoidance of hugs

Avoiding swings and

playground equipment

Having poor balance, falling often.

A hyposensitive response to sensory input may include:

A constant need to touch people or textures

An extremely high tolerance to pain

May often harm other children

and/or pets when playing, doesn’t understand own strength

May fidget and be unable to sit

still, may enjoy movement-based play such as spinning, jumping, swinging

M ay seem to be a “thrill

seeker” and can be dangerous at times (brainbalancenters.com)

Children can have one or many

of these characteristics, or some from each category and in varying degrees of severity.

Birthday Guide Issue Date: May 1st Reserve By Apr. 15th

RESERVE SPACE NOW!! Call 734.668.4044 or Email Sales@AdamsStreetPublishing.com www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Child Care and Preschool Guide

By Laura Eliason

Looking for a great place for your little one to develop, learn, and have fun during those important years leading up to Kindergarten?

We’ve got you covered!

Daycroft Montessori Preschool-K Campus 100 Oakbrook Dr. 734-930-0333 daycroft.org A Daycroft education provides a Montessori, student-centered learning environment that nurtures the whole child. Daycroft balances studentinitiated education with teacher-lead activities. The Preschool-K Campus, for children 33 months through kindergarten, offers a solid foundation in Montessori education with a five-day-per-week program with full or half-day options, where two qualified teachers per classroom prepare an environment for self-expression and achievement.

Specials include art, music, Spanish, technology, and physical education. Additional features include a Parent-Toddler Fun Days program, held Wednesday and Friday mornings, that directly involves parents and helps prepare toddlers for a full transition into the preschool program. There are also a variety of after school enrichment offerings.

After preschool students progress to the K-8 campus where the multiage classrooms inspire students to be independent, motivated, curious, and joyful learners. To attend an open house, call 734-930-0333 or email admissions@daycroft.org.

OPEN HOUSEth

Wednesday, March 15 6 PM - 8 PM Come Grow With Your Child Bring the whole family!

Meet the Dexter Co-Op Teachers and Parents and Explore Our New Educational Space

At the Dexter Co-Op Pre-k You Can Help Your Child: s s s s s

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Develop a positive self-image and sense of security Discover his or her interests by exploring his or her world Learn to work and play cooperatively with other children in a large group Broaden social contacts with other children and adults Develop a sense of responsibility, independence, self-direction, and self-control

S #LASS DAYS PER WEEK s S #LASS DAYS PER WEEK AM and PM sessions avaiable www.DexterCoop.com | 8260 Jackson Road

• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Early Learning Center Preschool 3070 Redwood Dr. 734-973-7722 elcpreschool.com The Early Learning Center believes that young children learn best through exploratory play. They offer a variety of both directed and non-directed activities to encourage children to develop a strong sense of curiosity, self-esteem, and independence.

The NAEYC accredited school is a traditional halfday preschool program that serves children that are two and a half to five years of age. They are run by a parent board of volunteers so families have an active role in decision making in the program.

Each classroom is composed of two teachers with Bachelor’s degrees in Education who team teach and work together to make sure that each child is getting a well-rounded preschool experience.

Dexter Co-Op Preschool 8260 Jackson Rd. 734-426-2491 dextercoop.com The Dexter Co-Op Preschool strives to provide a setting where young children engage in group experiences before entering the elementary school and where emphasis is placed on the growth and development of the child and parent together. The preschool offers a 3 year old and 4 year old class with morning and afternoon sessions. The 4 year old program runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The 3 year olds attend class on Mondays and Thursdays.

There are three assist parents present during each class session to help the children as needed. It is a very warm and inviting atmosphere in which children and parents can interact and get to know each other providing a great environment for preschool learning.

The school also places emphasis on the value of physical education in the learning environment. Each class has a physical education session weekly in the school’s amazing new gym and outdoor playground facilities. The school invites you and your family to attend their open house on Wednesday, March 15 from 6-8pm.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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

Washtenaw Intermediate School District - Head Start and Great Start Readiness Programs 734-994-8100 x 1551 washtenawpreschool.org The Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) is the grantee for State of Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and the federal Head Start pre-kindergarten programs for low to moderate income families.

WISD partners with all local school districts, along with a number of community-based preschool providers, to ensure that high quality classroom-based programs are available at 26 sites in every community of the county. Programs are completely free for eligible three and four year-olds. Detailed information about program eligibility, program schedules, transportation, and specific site locations is available washtenawpreschool.org.

Families can submit an interest form for the 2017/18 school year through the website beginning March 1. If you have additional questions, please call WISD at 1-734-994-8100 x 1551.

Vineyard Children’s Center 2275 Platt Rd. 734-929-0300 vineyardchildren.org Vineyard Children’s Center provides childcare and early education for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. They focus on responsive and individualized learning experiences using Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold Assessments to tailor daily activities for each child. We are committed to providing children with a safe, nurturing and interesting environment that promotes development in all area’s of their life including socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. We offer the most affordable and flexible enrollment options in Ann Arbor.

Visit our website for a comprehensive pricing list for each program. We are currently enrolling for every classroom including infants, toddlers, two’s, preschool and pre-k.

Preschool and Young 5’s Programs Accepting Enrollments for the 2017-2018 School Year

A traditional preschool program founded on learning through creative play.

Caterpillar Class: !GES AND Butterfly Class: !GES AND

For more info visit elcpreschool.com

Unique to the Saline location: Open Play Space (M-F from 9-11:30am and 1-3 pm) Great location for a field trip for your preschool, daycare or lower elementary school s Host rentals for special events & birthday parties.

.!%9# !CCREDITED s #ERTIlED 4EACHERS ,OW #HILD 4EACHER 2ATIOS s 3ERVING YEARS YEARS OLD

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ypsilanti Community Schools 734-994-8178 ycschools.us

Metropolitan Speech, Sensory & ABA Center 7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline 313-278-4601 metroehs.com/saline-center Metropolitan Speech, Sensory & ABA Center (a division of Dearborn Speech & Sensory Center, Inc.) in Saline provides the highest quality speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and psychological services for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Their team of certified therapists assists clients in areas of speech, handwriting, central nervous system alignment (sensory integration therapy), feeding, fine and gross motor coordination, and social skills. Their professionals also provide tutoring services and ABA therapy services to children who are on the autism spectrum. Many in the area will remember their newest Saline location as the My Urban Toddler award winning play space! They are excited to re-open the play space and rental of the facility for birthday parties to the public, and make all of their therapy services available to the Saline, Ann Arbor and surrounding areas.

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• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Ypsilanti Community Schools offers a variety of exciting and innovative preschool and kindergarten programs at Beatty, Ford, and Perry Early Learning Centers focused on project-based learning, social emotional learning needs, sensory play and more. For the youngest learners, there is an (in process) International Baccalaureate preschool (ages 3 and 4) and kindergarten program at Ypsilanti International Elementary School. Focused on building a globally-minded, reflective mindset, lessons are based on the ten attributes of the Learner Profile. YCS preschoolers round out their day with music, art, and physical education (some buildings offer Spanish). All YCS schools offer a number of programs through community partners including Ypsilanti District Library, YMCA, Eastern Michigan University, Bright Futures, Food Gatherers and more. For more information please contact Ginelle Skinner, gskinner5@ycschools.us or visit ycschools.us to enroll.

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

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION St. Paul Lutheran School 495 Earhart Rd 734-665-0604 420 W. Liberty 734-665-9117 shool.stpaulannarbor.org At St. Paul School Ann Arbor, we know that each child is a unique blessing from God. We offer outstanding infant-toddler and preschool programs that address the talents, skills and personality of each student. We have two beautiful campuses conveniently located in downtown and northeast Ann Arbor. Both locations offer play based programs that include art, math, science, language, reading readiness, movement and music. Our loving teachers are experienced and certified, and our programs are accredited by NAEYC, NLSA and MANS. We look forward to partnering with you in the first steps of your child’s education! For more information, please contact Monica Slack mslack@stpaulannarbor.org or Nancy Rosenzweig nrosenzweig@stpaulannarbor.org.

Individualized Care and Education for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers & Young 5’s Call Now to EnrollÊU 734-929-0300 ÓÓÇxÊ* >ÌÌÊ, >`ÊUÊ Ê ÀL ÀÊUÊÛ iÞ>À`V `Ài ° À}

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

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The Big Push to License Midwives New Michigan state law benefits midwives and expectant parents

By Erica Bloom

After years of hard-fought advocacy, Michigan midwives, expectant parents, and families started the new year celebrating. That’s because in early January the governor signed a bill allowing Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) to become licensed by the state.

Compared to a Nurse Midwife who attends births mostly in hospital settings and is licensed as a nurse, a CPM is a midwife who practices in out-of-hospital settings and has received training outside of nursing. This could include completing a midwifery school degree or an apprenticeship followed by CPM exams.

For CPMs who have, out of necessity, practiced their profession without a license up to this point, the new law means increased legal protections. It also ensures standards of care for pregnant families who choose outof-hospital births.

Bill primary sponsor Rep. Ed McBroom (R-108, Vulcan) with advocate Nyasia Bey, Detroit doula and childbirth educator.

Continuing to practice despite the risks

Stacia Proefrock advocated for the law in the Michigan legislature. As the primary midwife and owner of Trillium Birth Services, she knew all too well the risks of performing home births without the safety net of licensure. “The laws in Michigan have always been vague about midwifery, but the threat of getting prosecuted for practicing without a license was constant,” says Proefrock. She sits cross-legged on the couch in her Ypsilanti office, a bright, charming space where expectant mothers come for labor support services and midwives attend trainings.

Despite the risks, Michigan midwives continued to practice and families continued to seek out their services. Michigan advocates long desired a consumer protection law that ensured midwives had the proper training and credentials. Before the law passed, anyone could call herself a midwife and could practice however she chose. Advocates understood that CPMs, just like any other maternity care providers, needed more than a certification; they would benefit with a state-issued license and an oversight board.

“It is the responsibility of the state to protect public health. This means ensuring health care providers meet minimum standards. And midwives are no different,” says Deborah Fisch, a parent and attorney who spent years advocating for the new law. She approaches the issue from a reproductive justice framework, which supports the right to have a child, to not have a child, and to raise that child in a healthy and safe environment. Being able to choose quality prenatal care is an important piece of this framework.

A lifetime activist, Fisch became passionate about how women give birth in the United States after having both her children at home. “I really enjoyed giving birth. And that’s not what a lot of women say who give birth in hospitals,” says Fisch. “But I felt like I had done something extraordinary, like I had done it, not that it had been done to me.”

Like Fisch, Proefrock describes her own home birth as empowering: “The care was amazing. My midwife spent more time with me, and she gave me social and emotional support. I felt she treated me, the patient, as a whole person.”

With this level of care, both women felt that the medical community as well as the state should recognize the status of non-nurse midwives within the healthcare community. Michigan lagged behind other state’s licensure laws but has finally become the 31st state to enact licensing.

Writing the rules of the law

Connie Perkins, CPM, with Rep. Ed McBroom (R-108, Vulcan).

The long road to licensure

The Coalition to License Certified Professional Midwives formed during the years of advocacy. Made up of state midwifery organizations, consumer organizations, and individual parents and midwives, the group had support from national midwife and consumer networks.

The coalition worked hard to pass a bipartisan bill led

by State Representative Ed McBroom from the Upper Peninsula.

“This is a case where a law was made because a lot of people in Michigan wanted it and spoke up,” says Fisch. Now that the law passed, many Michigan midwives are asking how it will affect their practice. To allow time for the specific rules to be drafted, no licenses will be granted until at least 2018. The first step is to establish a state midwifery board composed mostly of licensed midwives who will play a major role in writing the regulations. The licensure act also imposes an initial license cost of $450, with an annual renewal fee of $200.

“We actually got the [licensure] costs down quite a bit,” says Proefrock. “I don’t think the costs will deter midwives from seeking a license. In fact, I think this law is going to attract a lot of new midwives to Michigan because they know we’re now a regulated state that is safe to practice in.”

According to Fisch, one of the most important things licensure will do is to provide a protocol for transfer of care from the home or birth center to a hospital setting when necessary. This will provide better interaction between midwives and medical professionals. It may also allow midwives to seek reimbursement from Medicaid.

“Home births shouldn’t be just for wealthy families,” says Fisch. “Families give birth at home for all kinds of reasons. It doesn’t matter why they do it; everyone deserves access to quality care in whatever setting they choose.”

Connie Perkins, CPM, and Kate Mazzara, CPM, with bill co-sponsor Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-18, Ann Arbor).

ANNARBORFAMILY.COM 14

• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Capturing Childhood Moments One local mom’s ideas for recording memories

By Janice Richardson

Craft of the Month Janice Richardson, the mom of children ranging from 1 to 9 years old, is constantly trying to capture memories of them and keep their names straight.

The year I turned seven my mom had a nightmare that my siblings and I grew old, moved away, and that she couldn’t remember anything about us when we were little. The sound of our voices, the silly stories we made up, our facial expressions were all lost to time. In an effort to prevent the nightmare from becoming reality, my mom borrowed a video camera (back when they were the size of a shoe box and you balanced them on your shoulder!) and began making home videos. We have lots of silly videos from that year: everything from piano recitals to making afterschool snacks together.

As my children grow older I find myself having similar thoughts. Will I remember how my children were when they were little? Gratefully, capturing the memories of your child’s early years can be easier than lugging around a camera on your shoulder! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Kid journals

Buy a journal for each of your kids and then write in them: milestones met, funny things they said or did, tantrums they threw, any little thing. Try setting aside a time each month, for example the first Sunday of the month, to write a paragraph or a page in each child’s book.

Take yearly family pictures, professional or not

This could be at a holiday, annual vacation, or in a fun place to represent something from that year. Our first year in Michigan we took a family photo all decked out in University of Michigan gear.

Great photo places in Ann Arbor include the University of Michigan Law Quad and the bridges at Island Park. Keep the photos in an album or make a photo wall (stairwells and hallways are great for this) to display the yearly pictures.

A craft that gets kids outdoors

By Raegan Nelson

Kid interviews

You can find a bunch of kid interview templates online. Print one off and sit down with each child individually, asking questions and recording the answers.

Try asking the same questions each year to see how much they’ve changed. Since I have five kids I find it easiest to interview them on their birthday, or birth week at least. Luckily none of my kids were born on the same day!

Supplies:

• Coordinating craft paper (2 pieces of 12x12 paper per kite) •Paper straws (5 per kite) • String or twine for the kite string and kite tail (7 feet total) • Decorative ribbon scraps • Glue stick or hot glue • Scissors • Pencil • Ruler or tape measure

Create a simple ritual that is just yours

Choose something easy and tie it to something you already do on a regular basis such as mealtimes, bedtimes, or leaving or arriving at home. Maybe a secret handshake or special hug. For my 3-year old, bedtime always includes a big hug, a little hug, a big kiss and a little kiss.

I know that years from now I will always remember our special good night ritual.

As you look at this list and try to implement some of the ideas keep in mind that you are a mom which inherently means you don’t have a lot of free time! If you aren’t able to write in every child’s book every month, it’s okay. Miss the birthday interview? Do it now and move on. Be gentle with yourself. You and your kids will appreciate any effort you put forth to record their childhood.

Looking for a reason to get outside with the kids after hibernating all winter? Paper kites are the perfect boredom buster and they are a great excuse to get the kids outside to run around. Quick, easy, and depending on the age, also as simple or fancy as the kids would like, wind or no wind, this fun craft is a definite win.

Optional Supplies:

• Pom poms • Glitter • Stickers • Jewels

Instructions:

• Following the edge of the paper, measure 8 inches down from one corner and mark it. Measure the same 8 inches on the adjacent side and mark. From those two marks, with a ruler, draw two lines that meet up at the bottom corner of the paper (it should be 12 inches down on both sides). This will create a kiteshaped diamond.

• Repeat step one on another matching or coordinating piece of paper.

• On the backside of one kite-shaped paper, glue down four straws, making sure they create a “t” and touch each corner of the kite. If you have excess straw hanging off a side, simply cut it off.

• Cut one piece of twine or string around 6 feet (or however long you want your

kite string to be) and another piece about 12 inches (for kite tail).

• Place the kite string and tail where the straws make a “t”. Glue the string down next to the lower, vertical straw, leaving the excess string to hang from the bottom point.

I used hot glue to be sure the string wasn’t pulled off when flying.

• Glue down the second piece of paper to cover up the straws and string. Make sure to glue along the edges as well as over the straws so it stays secure.

• Attach a kite handle by using one-third of a straw and tying the end of the kite string around it. Add some glue to be sure it doesn’t slide off.

• Decorate! Tie ribbon to the kite tail and add personal touches to both sides.

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

15

Family Film Fun at the 55th Annual Ann Arbor Film Fest Banners & Cranks Jalopy

Insider tips from the festival’s executive director

By Heidi Philipsen

I’m what you call a “Reel Mom”—I’m a mom that makes and writes about movies. As a filmmaker, I love it when the world comes to Ann Arbor to showcase the best of the best in experimental and avant-garde cinema. My 12-year-old and 14-year-old both go to public schools in Ann Arbor, and I’m always looking for enriching and fun ways to engage them in their community.

For me, the Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) allows me to embrace both my identities, because it represents the best of the best in cinema and it brings filmmakers and film-lovers from around the world to my own backyard. This year’s 55th AAFF promises to be an especially memorable one.

I caught up with the Ann Arbor Film Festival’s Executive Director Leslie Raymond (also a mom) to speak about the coming highlights of this year’s film festival– the oldest in North America– and how the whole family can get in on the celebration of experimental and avantgarde cinema in the heart of their community.

Leslie, I understand that the best day of the week for families to enjoy the Ann Arbor Film Festival is Saturday, March 25. Can you tell me more about the family friendly program featured that day?

Absolutely! It’s called the “All-Ages” show and it’s on Saturday, March 25, starting at 11:30 am. If you haven’t come to the film festival before, but are interested in finding out if this is something for you, this is the show for you, because we make the program broadly accessible.

This year’s festival includes, among a kaleidoscope of films, the following films: “Betwixt,” by Eva Lee, “Estranged Melody for a Holographic Empire,” by David Witzling, “Lakedoll,” by Alyssa Sherwood, “Mustard Seeds, by Joshua Harrell, “Sparrow Duet,” by Steve Socki, “Spring Jam,” by Ned Wenlock, “Wheels,”

by Joe Stucky, and “Xylophone,”by Jennifer Levonian.

16

55th Ann Arbor Film Festival March 21-26 Majority of screenings take place at the Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty St.) Tickets on sale March 1 Unless otherwise noted $12 General Admission $8 Students / Seniors / AAFF Members $6 General Admissions for All Ages and Music Video Programs Full schedule of films and events at aafilmfest.org

We follow the All Ages Show with a performance at the North Quad in our “Salon” program from 1 – 3 pm, at Space 2435, located just around the corner at the University of Michigan. Puppeteer Lindsey MaCaw will be performing in The Cranky Show, and her artistry is fun for all, but children especially enjoy her puppet shows.

Cranky Shows: Low-Tech, High Entertainment Paper Theatre Salon Session 1:00 – 2:45pm | NQ2435 Featured Artist: Lindsay McCaw A group of four cranky shows with brief introductions. The shows are hand painted paper scrolls that either tell a story or have musical accompaniment of some kind. The shows are: “Everything in moderation, all at once,” a seemingly endless chain of stream of consciousness drawings accompanied by an improvised vocal cacophony; “Rattlesnake Mountain,” an illustrated Ozark folk song; “Surprise Surprise, you haven’t seen everything yet,” a comical cartoon series with musical accompaniment; and “Factory Sacrifice,” an illustrated poem by Milwaukee’s former poet laureate performed to Prokofiev.

What have kids’ response to films in past festivals been? What might kids find exciting in this year’s Saturday Screening line-up?

People have fun at it. The Ann Arbor Film Festival attracts a lot of people from all walks of life. We have a lot of people who started coming to the festival in their youth. I was probably in my early twenties when I first came – and it really changed me; it changed the way I see the world. Our Program Coordinator, Katie MacGowan, started coming here as a kid, as well, and it clearly left a good impression. The AAFF sets you up to have a more open mind.

AAFF is known for being experimental. How do you make that accessible for general audiences who have not yet had experience with this cinematic genre?

I like to describe [going to our film festival movie theaters] as a situation where you think you’re walking into a room where you expect everyone to speak English, but instead everyone is speaking Chinese. So you react: “Whoa! I thought everyone would be speaking the same language and I don’t understand anybody.” But you know what happens when you go to a foreign country and you don’t speak the language? You actually can communicate way more than you would think. There are so many other ways to communicate besides words.

• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

I suggest to people: instead of thinking of it as going to the movie theater, pretend that you are going to the art museum.

The kind of work that we show, so much of it has an affinity with art; whether you see a painting on the wall or whether an abstract painting, modern painting, or something classical, the people who are making the things we show are primarily artists and the kinds of things that we show are springing from primarily the fine arts and museums.

You’ve dedicated this film festival, the 55th Ann Arbor Film Festival to the idea of “Solace, Freedom and Togetherness.” Could you expound upon that theme?

I think that one of the things that we at AAFF offer is that we show films that you will never see anywhere else, but you’ll also have the opportunity to come together to see as a community. We are showing so many perspectives, unique types of stories, and ways and means of telling stories that have a very broad variety and diversity of voices.

And so, the other part that comes together with this is the dialogue that you can have while coming together – to experience it and then turn to your neighbor and talk about it. The potential for the diversity of the watching experience, each individual film festival-goer may experience something similar, but also something very different. The space that’s provided for people to talk to each other just becomes more rich– and not just insisting that their opinion is the only one that counts.

Let’s talk about AAFF and its relationship with the Ann Arbor community: AAFF has to do with our deep roots in the Ann Arbor Community. The film festival was founded in the 1960s by Founder George Manupelli. The festivals ties to the University of Michigan goes way back, way before that. Just looking back to the origins of the festival and the whole cultural milieu of the counterculture movement– people finding new ways to come together that were more communal, and finding new modes of expression and cross-disciplinary collaboration coming out of that same time.

Be sure to check out their website for full event listings and details aafilmfest.org.

News That’s Worth Sharing Fake news vs. real news

By Carolyn Jabs

FAKE How do you make a good decision or form a sound opinion? For most adults, the answer is obvious. Find the best information you can from sources that have proven reliable in the past. For young people, things may not be as clear. By age 18, it’s estimated that 88% get much of their news from what’s shared on Facebook and other social media.

Unfortunately, according to a highly publicized Stanford University study, many kids aren’t able to evaluate what they find.

“Many assume that because young people are fluent in social media they are equally savvy about what they find there,” notes Professor Sam Wineburg, lead author of the report. “Our work shows the opposite.”

Difficulty detecting bias Middle schoolers didn’t understand the difference between reported news and “sponsored content.” High school students assumed that an unattributed photo proved the truth of a story. And college students couldn’t detect the bias in a tweet.

So what should parents do? Social media means that children—and adults--are becoming information sources for each other, so we need to take on some of the tasks that used to be done by editors. Start by talking to your children about what deserves to be shared online.

Point out that false and biased information comes from many sources—deceptive advertising, satirical websites or organizations with an agenda. And then there’s “click bait”—tidbits so astonishing, outrageous or implausible that people click and share without thinking. These so-called stories are created simply to generate revenue.

No one, including kids, likes to be duped by bad information. To help your child develop the savvy to evaluate what they find online, talk regularly about how important it is to be skeptical and ask the following questions: Is it worth reading? According to a study at Columbia University, 59 percent of links shared on Twitter have never actually been clicked. Kids show respect for their friends by sharing only things that they were willing to read or watch. Fake news sites in particular count on mindless sharing.

Who stands behind it? Encourage kids to track stories back to the website where they originated. Check the “About Us” page and scroll down the home page to find out who owns the copyright to the material. Look at the URL. Some fake news sites reel in the unsuspecting with addresses that are deceptively close to legitimate sites. Point out extensions—. gov is a government agency, .edu is colleges and universities and .ru is a site that originates in Russia. (A complete extension list is available at Webopedia, tinyurl. com/48t5r).

What’s the source? Help children understand sources by talking about who they trust at school. Some kids are genuine authorities in different areas—they know the stats for the sports team or can tell you when assignments are due. Others have a reputation for

V I T A N R E T AL S T C FA

By age 18, it’s estimated that 88% of Americans get much of their news from what’s shared on Facebook and other social media.

spreading rumors or even telling lies. The same thing is true online. A story is worth sharing only if it comes from reliable sources. The sources should be named and, in most cases, there should be more than one. They should be people who are qualified to have an opinion because they’ve studied the topic, done research, or have relevant experience.

Can the story be confirmed? Anyone can say anything online. Teach kids to Google stories and authors to find out whether anyone else finds them credible. A story that appears in one place or is based on a single tweet should be discounted. You can also point older kids to websites that help differentiate good information from bogus claims.

Healthnewsreview.org evaluates stories about medical research. Politifact.com and Factcheck.org try to verify claims by politicians. Tineye.com helps users track down photographs to see if they’ve been manipulated.

What’s the tone? Many online stories are designed to trigger strong feelings such as fear, anger or even hatred.

Encourage your child to pay attention to words that manipulate or inflame emotions. Point out that people should be especially careful about sharing stories of this kind. The question should always be: will sharing this make the world a better place?

Much of what’s shared on social media isn’t serious, and kids don’t need to apply this level of scrutiny to animal videos or other playful posts. At the same time, we all should be aware that we are using information we get through social media to make decisions about social, political and health issues. As the Stanford researchers put it, “Never have we had so much information at our fingertips. Whether this bounty will make us smarter and better informed or more ignorant and narrowminded will depend on our awareness of this problem and our educational response to it.”

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart.

Visit cooperativewisdom.org for more information.

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

17

March is Reading Month Celebrate with local literacy expert Melissa Brooks-Yip

By Aimee Grant Eldon

Melissa Brooks-Yip is curled up with her two girls, Ella and Izzy, reading Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, their new favorite book by Grace Lin. Lin weaves traditional Chinese fairy tales into her own stories.

Brooks-Yip’s husband, Danny, is also hooked on the books, which have introduced his girls to tales he heard growing up in Hong Kong. Brooks-Yip says, “They’re learning about their father’s culture and hearing great stories along the way.” Brooks-Yip has a knack for getting great books into her girls’ hands. They allow her to try new ideas that in turn inform the recommendations she makes to the teachers she works with as Coordinator of Instruction for Literacy at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD).

Finding the right fit in Ann Arbor

Brooks-Yip moved to Ann Arbor with her family four years ago and loves living here.

“Everything I want is right here: classes, cultural experiences, everything. It’s almost ridiculous how nice it is. I don’t think I’d live anywhere else in Michigan.” While the girls were born in the East Lansing area—both Brooks-Yip and her husband have degrees from Michigan State—the family never felt culturally connected to that region. Day trips to Ann Arbor’s Farmer’s Market, museums like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and bookstores like Literati have helped the young family find what they were searching for. “We’re a mixed race family, so that has a lot to do with why we moved here; we noticed the

Looking for ways to partake in reading festivities this month? Brooks-Yip suggests checking out the impressive programing at the Ann Arbor District Libraries and filling your house with books from the library or your favorite local bookstore. She glows when speaking of Literati, “I love their staff recs and reviews, their coffee, and the kid’s section. It all feels like a big city book store right in our own downtown.”

diversity and how people raise their families. It’s not just diversity on campus.”

Celebrate March is Reading Month

To celebrate March is Reading Month, Brooks-Yip will do what she does best: she’ll read with her girls every day, steeping them in words, stories, folk tales, and the love of language. “Ella takes books to the dinner and breakfast table. We have books in every room of our house.

I have floor to ceiling bookshelves. We’re immersed in it.

They just live it all the time,” she says. At her job, Brooks-Yip uses her background as an English teacher and literacy consultant to support teacher leaders by organizing and facilitating ongoing professional development.

She helps educators bring the best current literacy practices into their classrooms through the three groups she administers for K-12 teachers across Washtenaw and Livingston Counties: WC (Writing Collaborative), IDLL (Inquiry into Disciplinary Literacy and Learning), and SOEL (Study of Early Literacy).

All three groups are dedicated to giving teachers the best tools available to inspire life-long readers and writers.

Melissa Brooks-Yip and her family enjoy the diversity of Ann Arbor and its many cultural offerings

Q&A with Melissa Brooks-Yip What’s your favorite library in Ann Arbor? The newly renovated library at Westgate has a huge, thoughtfully planned kid’s area where my girls can read. They can spend hours there while I sip Sweetwaters coffee.

What’s your go-to coffee shop? I love Songbird Café for that coffee shop feel, and I can go there to read or do some work.

What’s your favorite museum in the area? The Natural History Museum is our favorite. My daughters really like the new mammoth from Chelsea.

You plan a lunch out with your daughters. Where do you go? It’s would have to be Tea Haus. Their British Quickie is perfect for lunch, and it has a great location and atmosphere. They even have books about tea in different countries!

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• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Ask the Expert

mainde

A Gem in the Detroit River Day trip to Belle Isle

By Aimee Grant Eldon

Sprouting Chefs owner Lilian Rice teaches the delicate art of proper measurement.

Involving Children in the Kitchen

A conversation with Lilian Anderson of Sprouting Chefs

By Janice Richardson

Whitcomb Conservatory, Bell Isle Traveling to the gem of the Detroit River, Belle Isle, situated in northeast Detroit, is a short hour drive from Ann Arbor and can be easily made into a full day trip when coupled with outings around the island.

Where to go

Lovers of architecture and aquatic life will both be entranced by a trip to the Belle Isle Aquarium (belleisleconservancy.org/belle-isle-aquarium).

Designed by Alfred Kahn, the architect behind Hill Auditorium, the Burton Memorial Tower and Detroit’s Fisher Building, the aquarium is the oldest in the United States. You’ll ooh and aah over the vaulted ceiling of gleaming green tile as well as the interesting displays of fresh and saltwater creatures from around the world. Don’t miss the tiny but tempting gift shop full of items made in Detroit.

Go for a stroll in the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory (belleisleconservancy.org/anna-scripps-whitcomb-conservatory), the oldest continuously running conservatory in the country; soak in the warmth and light as you make your way through the Palm House, Tropical House, Cactus House, Show House, and a sunken Fernery.

If you still have time, check out the Dossin Great Lakes Museum (belleisleconservancy.org/belle-isle-parkattractions) or the Belle Isle Nature Center (belleislenaturecenter.org/) where a fallow deer enclosure houses animals descended from an original herd established on the island in the late 1800s. If you are on Belle Isle between June 8 and Labor Day, you must make a stop at the fantastically fun giant slide. Each ride will set you back a single dollar.

Where to eat in Detroit

Detroit is a foodie’s paradise, so hit up your favorite Motown restaurant while you’re in town. We always trek across the city to Corktown and stop

by Slows Bar BQ (slowsbarbq.com) for a cold glass of their sweet peach tea, a heap of smoked brisket, and their creamy mac and cheese; if you’re in a hurry, the kids and I have used Slows To Go in the Cass Corridor, which has limited seating. While a bit trendier, Gold Cash Gold (goldcashgolddetroit. com/) located next door to Slows has a clever farm-to-table menu that’s simple enough to enjoy with littles, and the pickle-fried chicken was a huge hit with bigs. Another fun spot that will please all palates is Green Dot Stables (greendotstables.com/) where the tasty and inventive sliders are the perfect size for little hands.

Final tips

Check to see what days and times attractions on Belle Isle are open before planning your trip. For instance, the conservatory is open Wednesday through Sunday, while the aquarium is open Friday through Sunday. Follow the Belle Isle Conservancy on Facebook to get the scoop on frequent events ranging from holiday lights in December to the annual spring koi release into the outdoor pond.

Entrance and parking is free at all attractions on Belle Isle, but a State of Michigan Recreation Passport is needed to physically drive onto the island.

If you didn’t purchase your pass with your vehicle registration, you may buy the $11 pass at the entry booth or at the White House Administration Building.

The passport is good for the duration of your vehicle’s registration and includes entrance to all Michigan State Parks.

Preparing meals is a life skill for your children to master before they move out of your home, but what are the best ways to go about teaching them? Lilian Anderson, the owner of Sprouting Chefs, an Ann Arbor business that offers children’s cooking classes, shares some of her expertise. As a trained chef, registered dietitian, cooking class instructor and the mother of three, Anderson knows a thing or two about helping children become confident in the kitchen.

What age is best to start cooking with children and what skills are good to teach? Many young children see their mom or dad in the kitchen and are eager to help. Getting them involved when they are young can be a great start to increasing their growing cooking knowledge. Children as young as 3 can be involved by pouring pre-measured ingredients, mixing, stirring, and pushing a button on a food processor. Five to 9-year olds can learn to crack eggs, grate cheese, use a zester and peel fruits and vegetables. Around age 10 a child can learn to chop and dice with supervision and instruction. At that age they can also start to take on some independence in reading and following a recipe.

What are some good recipes to make with kids? Make what you are both interested in and let your child take the lead and choose a recipe. Shop for the ingredients and then make it together.

Participating in the food creation process really encourages kids to try new things.

Recipes that allow for some creativity (such as shaping dough) are always favorites with kids. Making pretzels is always a favorite with my kids! Breakfast and eggbased dishes are also good beginner options because they usually have simpler recipes with less knife skills needed.

How can families make time to cook together? First off, choose a schedule that is realistic for your family. Do you want to make a brunch together once a month? A dinner every other weekend?

Or maybe summer or school breaks are good times to focus on involving your kids in the kitchen. Second, plan ahead.

Choose your recipes and make sure you have the ingredients on hand before the planned time of your cooking session.

Lastly, give yourself extra time. When children are involved things will take longer. That’s okay, and even enjoyable when you’ve planned, allotted enough time and aren’t trying to rush your child through the cooking process.

What about picky eaters? I have seen in all of the classes I teach that children are so willing to try something that they had a hand in making! Getting your child into the kitchen and participating will naturally open them up to trying different foods. Preparing foods in a different way, for example, roasting vegetables instead of steaming them, may be more appetizing to a child. Also, encouraging a child to try a new food outside of a mealtime can help remove some of the stress and anxiety picky eaters may feel during meals.

Eating and cooking are such social activities. Valuable conversation can come from cooking with your child. There may be challenges with involving children in the kitchen, but the memories made and skills learned can last a lifetime.

Lilian Anderson, the mother of three children ages 9 to 13, has worked in restaurants and been a personal chef. A registered dietitian, she’s the founder of Sprouting Chefs For more information visit sproutingchefs.org.

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

19

Straight from the Hearth

Avalon Café and Kitchen rises downtown

Avalon Café and Kitchen

By Katy M. Clark

120 E. Liberty Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone: (734) 263-2996 Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri 7am-12am; Sat 8am-12am; Sun 8am-10pm avalonbreads.net On a busy Friday night in downtown Ann Arbor, my family relaxed on a vintage couch in the lounge at Avalon Café and Kitchen, an extension of Avalon International Breads in Detroit. Their Ann Arbor location opened in December.

One of three varied spaces at Avalon, the lounge is sandwiched between the kitchen (a sit-down restaurant) and the café. The lounge offers Michigan craft beer, cocktails and coffee drinks. These three spaces seem purposeful, mimicking Avalon’s three bottom lines: earth, community, and employees. Committed to its employees’ fair wages, good benefits and growth, Avalon strives to create a community of healing and compassion.

In the kitchen

After a half-hour wait (not unexpected on a Friday night), we were seated in the bustling restaurant. Dark wood tables, exposed brick walls and industrial art fill the space. Seating was cozy and several smaller parties shared bigger tables together. The lighting was low and voices were high.

The dinner menu offered starters, sandwiches like a mushroom burger, entrees such as pork shoulder, salads, soups, and many vegan and vegetarian items.

We started with the salt roasted sweet potato ($8) with dates and spiced yogurt.

My husband picked the grilled skirt steak with fresh grated horseradish, shoestring fries, and red wine jus ($23). I chose the Trout Reuben ($14), cornmeal crusted rainbow trout with root vegeta-

The Short Course Kid-friendly: Yes

To avoid wait: Go before 6pm for dinner or try breakfast or lunch Noise level: High

Bathroom amenities: Changing tables in women’s and unisex bathrooms High chairs? Yes

Got milk? Yes and lemonade, juice, and pop Kids’ menu? Yes ble apple slaw, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing on a pumpernickel roll with a side of dressed farm greens.

My son, 13, selected the trout entrée ($25) and asked for everything on the side: root vegetables, Brussels sprout leaves, bacon and a pickled mustard seed cream sauce. My daughter, 10, chose fried chicken with vegetables, honey and a buttermilk biscuit ($12) from the children’s menu. Other kids’ choices included chicken nuggets, noodles and cheese, cheeseburger, grilled cheese and steak ($5-14). Drinks are extra.

Eating well

The two roasted sweet potatoes tasted like, well, sweet potatoes. We were underwhelmed so our server encouraged us to try another starter. We picked grilled porridge bread with bacon jam and herbed ricotta ($9). The bread’s soft

innards and chewy crust complimented the dense bacon jam and creamy ricotta.

“This stuff’s awesome,” declared my husband. I agreed.

My husband dug into his entree.

While savory, the meat was somewhat tough, as skirt steak can be.

I liked my Reuben, although I prefer it saucier. The bun, slaw, cheese and trout blended harmoniously and my dressed greens were bright and fresh.

“It was perfect,” my son said of his trout, which he perfectly devoured.

“My chicken was average until I put it in the honey,” commented my daughter. She ate a sizeable amount of fried chicken breast and Brussels sprouts. Her large buttermilk biscuit was flaky and yummy.

Anything healthy for kids? Pick seasonal vegetables for sides. Even the chicken nuggets are made with organic chicken.

Food allergy concerns? Talk with your server. They can accommodate most allergies and many vegan items are available.

Heavenly baked goods

For dessert, we ate warm sea salt chocolate chip cookies and milk ($7).

A burst of salt exploded in our mouths before we tasted rich, melting chocolate.

The cookies were heavenly.

It struck me how enjoyable the cookies, bread, and biscuit were. They really know their baked goods at Avalon! It made me want to try more from the café or stop by for breakfast or brunch, which the restaurant also serves.

A great addition to the Ann Arbor restaurant scene, we will be back to the Avalon Kitchen again soon.

ANNARBORFAMILY.COM

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• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

{ March

2017 }

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Thursday-Saturday, April 6-8.

8pm. Sunday, April 9.

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

1 WEDNESDAY Nature Playgroup - Outdoor environments engage developing toddler’s senses and offer a little bit of exercise.

Programs take place outside, so kids are asked to dress for the weather. 10am. $4. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd., 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

2 THURSDAY Amy Shrodes: Lost and Found Cat The true story of one cat’s journey to be reunited with its family separated by war.

This picture book shows the heartwarming story of the beloved cat, Kunkush.

All ages are welcome. 7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St., 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com Free 3D Printing Lab: Filaments - Kids grade 6 and up are invited to check out the library’s 3D printer. 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

3 FRIDAY Once Upon a Mattress, Jr. - This all student production brings to life their story behind the Princess and the Pea. Follow Princess Winnifred and other royal’s pals misadventures with song and jokes. Runs through Mar 12.

7pm. $15-$20.

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

4 SATURDAY Semi-Annual Mom-2-Mom Sale This department store style sale for gently used baby/kids’ clothes and gear.

Moms sell and buy from other moms in a friendly and haggle-free shopping experience. Children are free and strollers are welcome. 9am. $2.

Woodland Meadows Elementary School, 350 Woodland Ave., Saline. hvpom.org Miss Marlena’s All-Star Story Hour - Ages 6 and up are welcome to attend this show full of storytelling, songs, laughs, and visits from a cast of funny and friendly characters who drop by Miss Marlena’s Thingamabob Emporium and Bookstore. 10am. $5. Eluminous Studios, 1205 Industrial Dr., Saline.

734-944-0286. eluminousstudios.com The Little Scientist Club - A special day for preschool-aged children to discover and be curious about the world.

Older kids are welcome, too. Also on Mar 7. 10:30am. $5-$12. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., 734-995-5439. aahom.org Children’s Meditation - Dennis and Irena Stoilov of Sahaja Yoga are coming to YDL to teach kids and parents how to meditate. Kids ages 4 and up are welcome with a parent. 12pm.

Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Dancing Babies with Denise Owens - Does your baby or young child (up to age 5) love to dance? Join this program of music and motion. 1pm.

Ann Arbor District Library-Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy.

734-327-4200. aadl.org Free Yo-Yo Master Zeemo - This yo-yo master can perform over 200 different tricks with a yo-yo and many others with other spinning toys like hula-hoops and frisbees. This fun performance includes lots of audience participation. 1pm and 3pm. $5-$12. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org Newborn Care Class - Enhance your natural parenting instincts and learn the basics of caring for a newborn in this fun, hands-on class. Class topics include: diapering, techniques to calm a newborn, bath time, baby wearing, and car seat safety. 1:30pm. $60. Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St., 734-663-1523. center4cby.com Creature Encounters: Cougar Harper, the cougar, is the featured creature for the month of March. Also check out other animal ambassadors. 2pm and 4pm. $8. The Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 734-929-9324. thecreatureconservancy.org

5 SUNDAY Story Time with Mother Goose Hollander’s Book & Paper Arts is hosting Kerry Tales: “March Along with Mother Goose.” All ages are welcome. 2pm.

Kerrytown Market & Shops, 407 N. 5th Ave., kerrytown.com/events-1 Free

6 MONDAY Auditions for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - The performance will be at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre.

The Ann Arbor Young Actors Guild will be putting on the show. Monday, Mar 6: High School and up; Wednesday, Mar 8: Grades 5-8; Monday, Mar 13: Everyone. 5pm. $280. Student Theatre Arts Complex 1202 Kipke Dr., 734-926-5629. aayag.org

9 THURSDAY Rosie the Riveter - This original musical Rosie the Riveter tells the remarkable story of the women who came to Michigan to fill thousands of factory jobs left empty by the war. $3 lap passes are available for patrons under 2 years old.

Runs through Mar 11.10am. $12-$15. Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr., 734-995-0530. wildswantheater.org Little Paws Story Time - Enjoy a storytime with some friendly and furry visitors with kids aged 2-5. This program also includes toy/treat making for adoptable animals and a shelter walk. Preregistration is recommended. 10:30am. $5. Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., 734-662-5585. hshv.org

St. Patrick’s Day parade Sunday, March 12. 12:30 pm. Corktown-Detroit, Michigan Ave. detroitstpatricksparade.com The largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Michigan kicks off in Corktown, Detroit. Corktown is Detroit’s oldest neighborhood and gains its name from the Irish immigrants who lived there, most of whom had come from County Cork in Ireland. In its 59th year, the parade proceeds for about two hours through Corktown down Michigan Avenue, between Sixth and Fourteenth Streets. The parade will include marching and pipe and drum bands, color guard units, floats, clowns, novelty groups and other marching units. Rain or shine the parade goes on!

On April 6-9, Concordia University’s Kreft Fine Arts Program will present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, a musical based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts

by Charles M. Schulz. Sally Brown joins Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder and Snoopy in this revised version that includes two new songs. The play is set in an average day in the life of Charlie Brown, a day made up of little moments picked from all the days of Charlie Brown, from Valentine’s Day to the baseball season, from wild optimism to utter despair, all mixed in with the lives of his friends (both human and nonhuman). Tickets can be purchased at the Concordia Box Office located in the Kreft Center on Concordia University Campus. Thursday-Saturday, April 6-8. 8pm. Sunday, April 9. 2pm. $12/ticket, $7/student and senior ticket.

Kreft Center Black Box Theater, 4090 Geddes Rd. 734-995-7537. cuaa.edu

Student Showcase: Emerson 7th Grade Earth & Environmental Science Class - 7th grade Earth & Environmental Science students at Emerson School have designed a method for measuring, monitoring, and minimizing this impact, and they are thrilled to share the results of their investigations and experiments. 5:30pm. $5-$12.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., 734-995-5439. aahom.org Sustainability Forum: Sustainable Kids - This program for all ages will include a craft, interactive environmental education presentations, and storytelling from a professional storyteller. 6:30pm.

Ann Arbor District Library-Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

10 FRIDAY TinkerLab: Art - Kids ages 2-6 that love to get a little messy with arts & crafts have an opportunity for some unstructured tinkering. This session topic is “Shaving Cream Art” 10:30am.

Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free Magic Show - Kids of all ages are invited to see the magician perform. His acts include colorful props and storybased magic. 2pm. Ypsilanti District Library-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd., 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free Pets and Pajamas Movie Night Join some furry friends for a cozy evening. Visitors (age 5-11) are invited to come in pajamas and settle in with an animal-themed movie, vegetarian dinner,

popcorn and time with the adoptable animals. 5pm. $35. Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., 734-661-3575. hshv.org

11 SATURDAY Camp and Class Registration Check out the camps and classes offered in the summer. They have programs for all ages and have a variety of programs including day camps, clubs, athletic camps, and special needs programs.

10am. Summit Grand Ballroom, 46000 Summit Pkwy., Canton.

734-394-5472. canton-mi.org Critters Up Close - The featured animals this month are lizards. Experience live animal interactions and learn about the natural world with hands-on activities.

10am. $5-$12. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., 734-995-5439. aahom.org Old Time Maple Sugar Festival One traditional rite of spring is tapping maple trees. Watch a short film that shows how maple syrup is made and then go on a guided walk to see methods of collecting sap and making it into syrup. Check out the antique equipment and the maple wares. 10am.

Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. 734-475-3170. wnha.org Free Salamander Survey Kick-off & Training Event - There are five species of salamanders in Ann Arbor. Get muddy and help monitor the salamander populations and their habitats. Great for ages 8 and up. 12pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., 734-794-6627. a2gov.org Free

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Frog and Toad Survey Kick-off & Training Event - See how the frogs are doing in Ann Arbor. Learn to identify Michigan frogs. No previous experience required. Great for ages 8 and up.

2:30pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., 734-794-6627. a2gov.org Free 3rd Annual First Steps Kid Fest Sing-a-long, dance and listen to local performer Joe Reilly. There will be kid snacks to buy as well as a drawing for fun prizes.

Concert goes from 4pm to 5pm. This concert benefits First Steps-Ann Arbor, Rec & Ed’s premier community program that supports families with young children. 3:30pm.

Forsythe Middle School, 1655 Newport Rd., 734-994-4949. firststeps-annarborkidfest.weebly.com Free

AN AFTERNOON OF ANN ARBOR’S BEST!

SUNDAY, MARCH 19TH 1:00 PM THE ARK 316 S. MAIN

Parent’s Night Out: Pop, Fizz, BANG! - Parents can enjoy a night out while kids (age 6-10) can enjoy a night in to play with science experiments. Kids will sing songs and make things explode.

The evening includes pizza, carrots and a late-night popcorn snack. Registration is required. 5pm. $30. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd., 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

12 SUNDAY Pete The Cat - This groovy blue cat is sent to a new family to learn manners. For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure. 1:30pm.

This live theatre event is part of a “Not Just For Kids” series. $12. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., 734-668-8397. michtheater.org

13 MONDAY Stroller Strides® Community Class Try out a total fitness program for mom and babies featuring cardio, strength and body training exercises. 9am. Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Circle., 734-725-4075. annarborfit4mom.com Free

16 THURSDAY Nature Tales: Squirrels, Oh My! Get involved with outdoor, nature-based activities that instill curiosity and wonder in your kids. Learn about the Ann Arbor staple residents: squirrels. Participants are asked to dress for the weather. 10am. $3. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd., 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org.

17 FRIDAY Creature Camp - This day camp for grades K-6 is an opportunity for kids to care for animals, play games and make crafts. 8am. $8. The Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., 734-929-9324. thecreatureconservancy.org 75 Years of Melodies on Ice - Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club presents its 75th annual Melody on Ice show. Celebrate the historic occasion with blasts from the past.

7pm and March 18, 2pm and 7pm. Adult, $15-30; Child (10 and under)/Senior (65+), $10. Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Rd., 734-213-6768. aafsc@ annarborfsc.org or annarborfsc.org

18 SATURDAY Dexter Community Education Craft and Vendor Show - Over 30 juried artists and a variety of local direct sales vendors will be in attendance. Children 5 and under free. Lunch will be available from 11am-2pm.

9am. $2. Creekside Intermediate School, 2615 Baker Rd, Dexter. 734-424-4180.

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• March 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com

Latin Fiesta - Kids 8 and up and are invited to try out something different.

They’ll prepare Latin side dishes: guacamole, refried black beans, and guatemalan rice for a pork burrito. This is a nut free class. 10am. $50. Sprouting Chefs, 1500 Scio Church Rd., 734-474-1006. sproutingchefs.org Pop-Up Makerspace - Design, build and test! Discover your inner engineer in this Pop-Up Makerspace. This event’s challenge are towers. 10am. $5-$12.

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

Little Peeps: Sports - Kids (Pre K-grade 5) may enjoy some drama games and sports. There will be a short interactive performance, drama activities, and a craft.

Adults are free. 10:30am. $7. Pointless Brewery & Theatre, 3014 Packard.

989-455-4484. pointlessbrew.com Beauty and the Beast Crafts Celebrate the Disney classic by making a themed craft. This activity is intended for grade 1-5. 3pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley Dr., 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

19 SATURDAY Wild Swan Theater’s Family Benefit Concert - A concert of a line up of family friendly talent, including Gemini with Emily Slomovits and Frank Paul. This afternoon has music and stories with storyteller extraordinaire Laura Pershin Raynor.

This event will be shadow interpreted by Synergy on Stage for Deaf audience members. Free, but registration required. 1pm.

The Ark, 316 S. Main St., 734-995-0530. wildswantheater.org Free Wildlife From Near and Far An informative afternoon with a variety of live animals. Get to see the animals up close and learn about them and their habitats. 2pm. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. 734-475-3170. wnha.org Free

20 MONDAY Meet the Doulas - Once a season the center hosts an opportunity to get some face time with the doulas. There will be a short presentation on what exactly a doula does and the role in a pregnancy and birth. Then expecting parents are invited to meet and chat with the doulas. 7pm.

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

24 FRIDAY Fish Fridays - This all-ages program is all things fishy. Learn different handbuilding techniques with clay. Make fun fishedthemed garden decorations. 4:30pm. $25.

Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., annarborartcenter.org Mindfulness for Childbirth - An 18-hour weekend-long course on preparing couples for childbirth using mindfulness strategies. The course is taught by a team of a board-certified obstetrician and a certified nurse-midwife. Participants take home exercises to try at home. 6pm. $315.

Kerrytown Wellness Center, 220 N. 5th Ave., 248-231-7188. childbirthweb.wordpress.com

As You Like It - Ypsi Youth Theatre Presents Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The story of one young love disguising herself as a man and the misadventures of love and love lost. 7pm. $5-$10.

Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Contact: ypsiyouththeatre@gmail.com. riversidearts.org

25 SATURDAY Children’s Vision Day - Explore five hands-on, educational stations designed to promote eye care and eye safety.

They will discuss ocular anatomy, what to expect at an eye exam and how to locate a doctor in their area. $5-$12.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., 734-995-5439. aahom.org Going Krazy with Kebobs - Kids age 10+ are offered to try their hand at marinades and kebobs. The class will prepare an Asian, herb and Southwestern marinade for three different kebobs. Then there will be frozen banana (with toppings) on a stick for dessert. This is a nut, egg and dairy free class. 10am. $50.

Sprouting Chefs, 1500 Scio Church Rd., 734-474-1006. sproutingchefs.org

marketplace ADVERTISING IN MARKETPLACE Tuesdays & Saturdays

Storytime with Linda Zimmer Linda Zimmer will read fun, seasonal books, in the comfortable children’s section. For ages 6 and younger. 6pm Tuesdays, 11am Saturdays. Bookbound, 1729 Plymouth Rd., 734-369-4345. bookboundbookstore.com Free

Saturdays

Children’s Storytime Enjoy storytime in Literati’s comfy space.

Kids of any age are welcome. 11am.

Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St., 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com Free

Saturdays

Dinosaur Tour All dino fans are welcome to this 30-minute docent-led tour of the dinosaur exhibits at the U-M Museum of Natural History. Sign up on the day of the tour.

2pm. Ruthven Museums Building, 1109 Geddes Ave., 734-764-0480. ummnh.org Free

Ypsilanti Comic Con - Comics can be a great addition or an entry into a love of reading. There will be over 25 tables of comic books, toys, action figures, Funko Pops, original art and local publishers.

For advance ticket buyers, there are fun door prizes. 10am. $3. St Matthews United Methodist Church, 1344 Borgstrom, Ypsilanti. yourcomiccon.com

Sunday-Friday

Splatoon: Hyperlocal Splatfest Dive into the ink at the library and play with friends. 1pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Downtown, 345 S. Fifth Ave., 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Wee-Bots and Up This drop-in writing workshop is specifically for younger writers, ages 6-10.

Experiment with writing prompts, learn techniques and discuss creative writing with other students. 6pm. 826Michigan, 115 E Liberty St., 734-761-3463.

826michigan.org Free

Shoebox Cities - What makes a great city? Decide what belongs in your ideal city and then build it. All supplies will be provided. Recommended for ages 6 and up. 2pm. Ypsilanti District LibrarySuperior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd., 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

26 SUNDAY Drawing for Youth - Artists from the Ann Arbor Art Center are coming to the library for a directed drawing activity.

This activity is intended for grade 1-5.

1pm. Ann Arbor District Library-Westgate, 2503 Jackson Ave., 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

28 TUESDAY Family Maker Night - A monthly family-focused workshop to work together on a project. All materials are provided.

Phone registration requested. 6pm.

Ypsilanti District Library-Michigan, 229 W. Michigan Ave., 734-482-4110 x 1390. ypsilibrary.org Free

More events updated daily at annarborfamily.com

Baby Playgroups Each playgroup includes 15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs. Parents or guardians must remain with their children. Branch locations and times vary.

Call or check online for more information. Ann Arbor District Library Branches.

734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Lego Night Join other Lego enthusiasts for open play every Thursday. The kids will love it and the adults can sneak in on the action as well. 5pm. Ypsilanti District LibrarySuperior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd., 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Select Thursdays

Read to Otis the Library Dog Otis is a certified Therapaws dog and is a great listener. Kids grades 1-3 are encouraged to come read aloud to Otis to practice their skills without judgement.

He will be in the library on March 9 and March 23 and you can sign your child up for a 10-minute slot to read to him. Phone registration requested. 6pm.

Ypsilanti District Library-Michigan, 229 W. Michigan Ave., 734-482-4110 x1390. ypsilibrary.org Free

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays

Free Morning Movies In March and April, Quality 16 is hosting free morning movies. They will be showing Angry Birds, Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, Secret Life of Pets, Storks, Wild Life and many others.

10am. Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd., 734-623-7469. goodrichqualitytheaters.com/michigan/ quality16/ Free

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.

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.

services

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Massage: Walk-in Appointments Available. Come in stressed leave refreshed.

Free Parking. Make some time for yourself!

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A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service.

Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800880-1686

Events St. Michael Lutheran School at 3003 Hannan Rd. in Wayne is having kindergarten round-up on Thursday, March 16 at 5:30 pm. A tour of our school and information about our K program will be provided. You will receive a free hot pizza to take home for dinner! For more information call 734728-3315.

St. Michael Lutheran School located at 3003 Hannan Rd in Wayne is hosting an all school Open House on Saturday, April 1 from 10 am to noon. Meet our teachers, learn about our programs! Also, the Leslie Science Center from Ann Arbor will present a wild animal exhibit from 11 am to noon.

For more information call 734728-3315

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Business Opportunity Drive with Uber. No experience is required, but you’ll need a Smartphone. It’s fun and easy. For more information, call: 1-800-354-4313

AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/ Models 2002-2016! Any Condition.

Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-368-1016

For Sale Building Materials Rubber Roofing EPDM B-Grade, Factory Rejects. 10’ x 50’ .045 $200. 10’x50’ .060 $235.

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pets

HELP WANTED Massage Therapist: Currently hiring therapists to work at RelaxStation in downtown Ann Arbor to accommodate our already established clientele. Free parking, flexible hours, great team! 734-623-1951 Give Hope. Become a Foster Parent. Attend a free training today to learn more! For more information: www.judsoncenter.org or 313-255-8272.

EDUCATION ARE YOUR CHILDREN INTERESTED IN ASTRONOMY? Do they like observing the moon, planets and stars?

GO TO www.YoungAstronomer.org

www.annarborfamily.com • March 2017 •

23

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