Ann Arbor November 2012 by Adams Street Publishing Co.

FREE NOVEMBER 2012

What

makes

family

l a i c e p s Special Needs Guide Tuesdays with Posy

p13

An 89-year-old mentor makes her mark

Helping hand

Foster parent Bonnie Billups, Jr. on the rewards of giving back

p14

Sizzling-ly good

p15

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet pleases the pickiest

• November 2012 • www.annarborfamily.com

Volume 6 • Issue 11 November 2012

AdamsStreet StreetPublishing PublishingCo. Co. Adams

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs: cjacobs@annarborfamily.com

Co-Publisher/CFO

Mark I. Jacobs: mjacobs@annarborfamily.com

Editorial

departments commentary 4 community snaps 5 what’s briefly

Matt Desmond: mattd@annarborfamily.com

Calendar

Julian Garcia: calendar@annarborfamily.com

Contributing Writers

Katy M. Clark, Nan Bauer, Mary Helen Darah, Matthew Reger, Sharon Gittleman, Kristen Gibson

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Advertising/General Info: For advertising and general information, call (734) 668-4044 or fax (734) 668-0555. E-mail ads to adsin@annarborfamily.com Ann Arbor Family subscriptions are available by mail for $28/quarterly or $75 per year at Ann Arbor Family, 3003 Washtenaw, Suite 3, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. Letters to the editor must be limited to 300 words, are subject to editing and should include the writer’s full name and phone number. Entire contents © 2012 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

happening

6 new kids

A posy with a purpose

The grand life of my 89-year-old mentor —by Mary Helen Darah

14 parent profile

on the block

7 11 16 19

13 mother mayhem

tween the lines exceptional families calendar

marketplace

feature

makes

Making miracles happen

Bonnie Billups, Jr. gives hope and help —by Sharon Gittleman

15 food fight

— compiled by Julian Garcia

Photo by: Natasha Barros

Staff Writer

What

Editors Alia Orra: editor@annarborfamily.com Scott Recker: scott@annarborfamily.com

Something for everyone

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet offers international variety —by Katy M. Clark

Mark Kritzman, 10, of Ann Arbor. Want to see your child on Ann Arbor Family’s next cover? We do too! Email your photos to production@ adamsstreetpublishing.com

family Special Needs Guide

l a i c spe

Cutest Kids

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Toledo Area Parent News Winner of 28 awards for design and editorial content General Excellence Best Commentary Best Personal Commentary

In-Depth Reporting Best Overall Writing Best Cover Photo Best Supplement Design

Congratulations to the winners of our Ann Arbor's Cutest Kid contest! Kaylee Griffith,10, of Ann Arbor (above), Logan Sargent, 4, of Ann Arbor (right), and Vivien Norton, 4, of Ann Arbor (top right). recycle this paper For our children's future ...

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2012 •

May the force be with you Barnes & Noble welcomed more than 200 Star Wars aficionados, both young and old, to celebrate the epic series.

In Halloween disguise Chelsea kids got creative with their costumes, from animal-inspired zebra prints to the classic (a character we can recognize!) Super Mario.

Fall fun for a good cause A2’s Desmond Beckerleg , 3, made his fall fun charitable by walking in the Crohn’s and Colitis Take Steps Walk at the Hudson Mills Park in Dexter.

We got spirit, yes we do! Dexter Community Education’s junior cheer clinic rocked a performance at a high school football game.

• November 2012 • www.annarborfamily.com

In the Halloween spirit, from left: Pedro W., 5, Anna W., 7, and Joao Antunes, 6, of Chelsea

Feast on this! Not so little

Photo by Selena C. Jackson

Who'd pass up a chance to see the world? Especially if you're just a few inches tall, you're missing your best friend and you've got a sweet car? The Ann Arbor Civic Theater's Junior League has a charming take on these timeless questions, with their effervescent new staging of Stuart Little. Sure, kids today know the popular animated films, but A2CT goes back to the source material, preserving the oldtime New York feel of E.B. White's classic novel. Young folks now might not realize that good old Stuart in fact isn't a mouse! He's just a kid, like them, who happens to LOOK remarkably Stuart Little, played by Cole Pelton, will be mouse-like. But, in a nice re-envisioned this month by bit of positive messaging, Ann Arbor Civic Theater’s Junior League Stuart's got a loving family and he's totally comfortable with his difference. He gets in some scrapes, but he's able to use his size to his advantage, and he's confident and independent to set out on his own when his best friend leaves town. Kids will thrill at his adventures, as he touches the lives of everyone he meets. $8 adults, $5 children. Thursday, November 8-Saturday, November 10, 7:30pm. Saturday, November 10-Sunday, November 11, 1pm. Washtenaw Community College Theater, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. 734-971-2228. sites.google.com/site/a2ctsite —MD

Save a little room after turkey and all the trimmings this Thanksgiving for a global culinary tour. Let Matthaei Botanical Gardens tempt your taste buds with the sights, sounds and smells of “Feast! — A Cross-Cultural Culinary Tour of Plants from Around the World.” The self-guided exhibit highlights the role plants play in cooking and celebrations, particularly during the holidays. Delve into foodie history with your kids, from cinnamon in Sri Lanka to the figs of ancient Rome. There'll also be a visit from Father Christmas, kid events, a food feast, music and more. The exhibit opens Saturday, November 24, 2012, and runs through Sunday, January 6, 2013. The Saturday grand opening also includes a Spinner’s Flock sale. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Donation suggestions are $5 per adult and $2 per child. Open 10am to 4:30pm daily with extended hours 10am to 8pm on Wednesdays. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. 1800 N. Dixboro Road. 734-647-7600. www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg/. —KG

I’m dreaming of a … Sing-A-Long White Christmas

Shelter for the lost

Everybody needs a home. And neglected and abused animals need somebody to stand up for them. Dorothy Davies and Monte Jackson of Manchester's SASHA Farm have made caring for those unwanted critters their calling. "SASHA" can stand for "Sanctuary and Safe Haven for Animals," but it's also the name of one of the couple's first success stories — Sasha, their beloved border collie/spaniel mix, who became the farm's guiding spirit for its first 17 years. Sasha has moved on to an even nicer farm, we're told, but SASHA Farm is bigger than ever, currently housing over 200 animals. Some of them were literally left to die, but thanks to Jackson and Davies they've found a place that not only provides shelter, but food, veterinary care and companionship. You can wait to visit the farm during one of their public events — but if you want to help, they're looking for volunteers any time. Even if you're not comfortable with larger animals, there are plenty of cats that would love to have you around. 17901 Marle Rd., Manchester. 734-428-9617. www.sashafarm.org. —MD

Whether you like to pretend you’re a shower rock star or you just want to get in the holiday spirit, check out the Michigan Theater's fun Ann Arbor tradition. “Sing-A-Long White Christmas" gives audience members a chance to sing their hearts out to the Irving Berlin classic — enjoy a heartwarming holiday story and start a family tradition of your own. The event boasts onscreen lyrics, goodie bags, a costume parade and more! Sunday, November 25, 4pm. Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $13 for students, seniors, U.S. veterans and children under 12, and $11 for Michigan Theater members. Group rates are also available. Michigan Theater. 603 East Liberty Street. 734-668-8397. www.michtheater.org. —KG

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2012 •

She shoots and scores Day chic

In the chaos and hard work of raising kids, who has time to throw on anything more than a pair of yoga pants and an old sweatshirt? For a fashionable solution that will let you look like a million bucks without spending anywhere close, check out Johnny, a fashion gallery recently opened by Wendy Chapman and Johnny Vaughn. The business partners and friends combined their separate skills — she’s a real estate appraiser and he’s a trained artist with 20 years of retail experience — to create a complement to Wendy, their shop across the alley at Nickels Arcade. “Wendy is the Parisian boutique with highend lines for working women,” says Vaughn. “Johnny has casual fashion that’s fun, but also sophisticated. It’s perfect for any mom” The store’s star lines? Comfy USA, a label that lives up its name but with an indelible sense of style that you don’t usually associate with the word. These beautifullydraping knits are just as easy to throw on as those baggy sweats. And tees from Before + Again have a soft vintage look and are printed on burn-out fabric; no shirt is identical to another. These clothes, and everything else at Johnny, are the essence of unpretentious chic. I always loved the movie Auntie Mame, and that quote, ‘‘Life is a banquet and some poor suckers are starving to death!,’” says Vaughn. Visit Johnny and enjoy the feast in style. Johnny, 5 Nickels Arcade. 734-327-9001. —NB

Lindsey Hall has spent the last few years as a stayat-home mom, and she's got no regrets. But she's ready to fulfill a lifelong dream, with the grand opening of Lindsey Hall Photography in downtown Ypsilanti on Friday, November 2. "I'm going to take the plunge," Hall says, "and it's been amazing." She's been doing on-site photography for years now, mainly outdoors. But "well — I live in Michigan," she says. "November through March was my offseason." Now she can offer yearround photography services for newborns, expecting parents, couples and more out of her Michigan Avenue space. "It just kind of happened," she says. "As soon as I walked in the door, I said 'This is it! This is my studio.'" She'd been planning to take her time, but the opportunity was too good to pass up. And she's ready to branch out — she'll do traditional photoshoots, but she's more than happy to accommodate folks who want something different. "I just did a couple and their five dogs," she laughs. "It was a party! I'm always up for a challenge." 133 Michigan Ave., Ste. 202. 734-5455363. www.lindseyhallphotography.com. —MD

• November 2012 • www.annarborfamily.com

THE LINES TWEEN advice for parents with children 10-16

Roll over Beethoven

Want to get teenagers to listen and learn? Give them Beethoven with a side of Hendrix. At Rudolf Steiner High School “Beethoven to Jimi,” a junior level music course designed to teach cultural history, refines listening skills and exposes students to iconic pieces from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony to Hendrix’s version of the Star Spangled Banner. Margot Amrine, a social studies/humanities teacher there, was inspired to develop the class by reading essays from Leonard Bernstein, an American composer renowned for his work on “West Side Story,” and the Steiner curriculum for studying music in the junior year. “Seventeen year-olds generally are really fascinated with Beethoven’s biography. The fact that he had a very different relationship to his patrons than did Mozart or Hayden shows his individuality,” says Amrine. The class moves from classical music into jazz and ends with Hendrix discussing cultural, social and political phenomenon as they go. Two-hour lessons every morning for four weeks give kids a chance to immerse themselves in the subject. Amrine’s enthusiasm has spread: this fall some students who had taken the class called Amrine up and invited her to see the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra perform Beethoven’s 9th live. “I was even more surprised and touched because they were just getting back that very day from a 24 hour bus ride from a coast of Maine biology/oceanography trip,” Amrine says. Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor, 2230 Pontiac Trail. 734-669-9394. www.steinerschool.org. —KG

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2012 •

What

s e k a m

y l i fam

l a i spec Ella Naebeck

Mark Kritzman

Every little one is unique in their own way — some face more challenges than others. In our first-ever issue dedicated to families with special needs, we take a peek inside the homes of three Ann Arbor area families and learn their struggles and triumphs. By Nan Bauer Photos by Natasha Barros

Sufyan Hammoudeh

“The first time your child says a word, or ‘I love you,’ or feeds himself — you just see that light turn on, it’s incredible. Never underestimate what your child can do. Just when you think they can’t do something, they’ll surprise you.” — Jim Kritzman 8

• November 2012 • www.annarborfamily.com

Mark Kritzman, 10 This unorthodox athlete has a need for speed

When you realize your baby’s going to come into the world and go straight to surgery, it’s tough to focus on much else. “Baby boy” Kritzman was diagnosed in utero with gastroschisis, a hernia in the abdomen that allowed part of his intestine to develop outside the body. After going into fetal distress, he was born via emergent C-section at 32 weeks. Mark Kritzman entered the world kicking and screaming, and was on a ventilator while waiting for surgical repair of his birth defect. During his stay in the NICU, Mark underwent a brain ultrasound that revealed some cysts; doctors said these may or may not be significant. After 25 days in the NICU at Mott Children’s Hospital, Mark Kritzman came home to his mom and dad, Shelli and Jim on New Year’s Day 2002. Hypervigilant, the parents quickly noticed that some things weren’t quite as they should be. “Around six months, we realized that Mark wasn’t reaching some of the milestones: things like sitting up or being able to roll over on his own,” says Jim. “We took him to a pediatric neurologist with a list of seven things he couldn’t yet do. The pediatrician added two more.” The Kritzmans received a devastating diagnosis: Mark had spastic cerebral palsy, a condition that results in extreme tightness of muscles. All four limbs were affected, resulting in quadriplegia. Physical therapy started immediately. Since muscles are constantly tense, stretching to achieve greater range of motion played a major role in daily sessions. Mark’s coaches and parents worked with him on positioning, sitting, and using his arms to reach for things. Progress was slow but steady. Mark could roll over solo at age three. He’s also undergone a variety of procedures: spinal surgery at St. Louis Children’s hospital, a laser tendon release procedure at Summit Hospital in New Jersey, and receives regular deep muscle injections of botox to help relieve some of his spasticity. Through all of this, as well as rounds of intensive physical therapy, Mark has never complained. “Homework,” says Jim, “is another story.” The Kritzmans have also discovered some less traditional forms of therapy. When Mark was 22 months, Jim heard about hippotherapy through a support group. “Riding horses is amazing for building trunk strength,” he says. “We went to Great Strides Therapy, and the owner, Liz Sang-Watson, had never worked with a patient so young. But she was game,

and Mark loved it.” Mark’s a regular at the stable; his favorite music plays as he rides, and he throws back his head to yell, “Yee-haw!” Though sessions provide a tremendous amount of physical work and benefits, the Kritzmans know that they would do them just for fun. Avid travelers, the Kritzmans take Mark on every family vacation with his brothers, Luke, eight, and Joey, two and a half; he’s been to Mexico more than once as well as Disney World. “We’ve got the drill down,” says Jim. “With three kids, one in a wheelchair and one a very active toddler, we can get through security faster than folks who are struggling to get their laptops out of their backpacks.” Of the family’s three sons, Mark’s proven to be the daredevil so far. “If Mark weren’t in a wheelchair, I’d have to make sure Parents Jim and he wasn’t jumping off the roof with an umbrella,” says Jim. “He absolutely loves to go fast.” Of course, all the therapy has a significant price tag. Shelli and Jim have held a silent auction, a pig roast, and run a marathon to help cover costs, proving they’re literally ready at any time to run the extra mile or more for Mark. And Mark's been bitten by the marathon bug, finishing three half marathons, pushed by Shelli. They train and compete together, while Dad acts as support team, biking along taking pictures and providing moral support, as well as with fixing and adjusting anything that may break. Mom and son are starting to train for their first full marathon, with Dad is working on a custom wheelchair/stroller that will be more comfortable for Mark and lighter for Mom.

‘

We think one of Mark’s purposes in life is to bring out the best in others.

Shelli with sons Mark, Luke & Joey “We have a phenomenal support system of family, friends and neighbors. We think one of Mark’s purposes in life is to bring out the best in others,” Shelli and Jim agree. And they’ve learned that little things that many people take for granted are enormous blessings. “The first time your child says a word, or ‘I love you,’ or feeds himself — you just see that light turn on, it’s incredible.” Their advice for any parent: “Never underestimate what your child can do. Just when you think they can’t do something, they’ll surprise you.” For instance, one day when Mark was four, Jim realized that he was singing along the words to a Christmas carol. “We played instrumental Christmas music around the house a lot, but I couldn’t figure out where he’d learned the words, and honestly, with Mark being speech delayed, I never really knew how much he was taking in.” He asked Mark where he’d learned the words. Mark, who had rarely spoken, confidently piped up, “100.3, WNIC, your official Christmas music station!” continued on pg 10

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2012 •

continued from pg 9

Ella Naebeck, 5

‘

Pretty please, hold the sugar

“It’s pink!” You might hear a lot of little girls say those words with delight. But if one is pointing to what looks like a small hot pink cell phone pouch as she says it, she might be Ella Naebeck. That device is a pump that administers insulin in the proper doses throughout the day and night. The insulin goes through a tiny catheter into a needle that’s inserted subcutaneously in the wearer’s abdomen, and that needs to be changed every few days. “It was definitely a little daunting to learn how to do that,” says Ella’s mom Leslie. “But it’s saved Ella from receiving six to eight shots a day. As is, we still have to do several finger sticks to check blood around the clock.” Ella is one brave kid. Now 5, she received a type 1 diabetes diagnosis two years ago. During potty training, Leslie and Rob noticed that Ella was drinking a hundred ounces of water per day. At Ella’s three-year well child checkup, Leslie mentioned that fact to the pediatrician. A blood test revealed that her blood sugar was over 700; the normal range for her age is between 120 and 170. “She was actually beginning to enter diabetic ketoacidosis, which is when your pancreas is spilling ketones, which are toxic acids, into your urine,” says Leslie. “We could have lost her. She was rushed to Mott Children’s Hospital; fantastic is an understatement for the treatment she received there.” After four days and three nights, Ella had stabilized enough that she could come home. The condition shocked Leslie and her husband, Rob. No one in either of their immediate families has diabetes, either type 1 or 2, and neither carries the gene. “This is never gonna go away,” says Leslie. “Ella needs insulin any time she has any carbohydrates at all. And if you know anything about nutrition, carbs are in just about everything.” While more refined carbs aren’t completely off-limits — for instance, a little bit of birthday cake — Leslie seeks out lower-carb options most of the

“Ella knows she can’t have candy like other kids, but she never complains about it. For her birthday, she wanted her two favorite foods: steak and broccoli.”

The Naebecks: Benjamin, Rob, Ella and Leslie time. “Ella knows she can’t have candy like other kids,” says Leslie. “But she never complains about it. For her birthday, she wanted her two favorite foods: steak and broccoli.” Currently, the family’s raising money for a diabetic alert dog. Indianapolis-based Alert Service Dogs (alertservicedogs.com) provides dogs that stay with diabetics 24/7 that are trained to smell any upset in their person’s condition. The new addition to the Naebeck family could spare Ella many of the blood checks that have to occur around the clock. “At night, it’s like having a newborn,” says Leslie. “We have to check her blood sugar in the middle of the night, sometimes multiple times.” Pop cans, bottles, and donations are welcome, and can be dropped off at Saline Veterinary Service, P.C. (Interested readers may also call or visit any area Huntington Bank and inquire about the “Service Dog for Ella” account.) And diabetes has helped the Naebecks connect with other families they never would have met otherwise. At a water park once, a family from Canton noticed Rob’s JDRF Walk t-shirt (the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation annual fundraising event). Now Brady, their son, is one of Ella’s best friends, and the families have teamed up to raise funds for the organization. Their team name? Little Heroes.

• November 2012 • www.annarborfamily.com

Sufyan Hammoudeh, 12 A hard worker keeps things positive — and makes up for lost time

Sufyan Hammoudeh was two. And he wasn’t talking. Relatives told his mom, Hanna Nimer, not to worry about it — even though his sister Fatima, 11 months younger, had a significantly bigger vocabulary. But Hanna, co-founder of the Fuller Hill Childcare Center, has a background in early childhood studies. Sensing something wasn’t quite right, she contacted Washtenaw Country Head Start services, who put her in touch with Eastern Michigan University. Tests confirmed Hanna’s hunch: Sufyan was experiencing greater than moderate speech and language delay. He had difficulty processing information at the same speed as most people; Hanna says that he would get “lost in language.” Prepositional phrases like “under the table” or “by the door” were particularly difficult. “Any complex sentence, especially things like directions, would really throw him,” says Hanna. “If you gave him a two-part instruction, like ‘pick up your book and put it on the table,’ he couldn’t remember the second part in the time it took him to process and complete the first part.” It wasn’t easy to face the fact that her child had special needs. “I come from a family of 13 children, and none of us has any learning disabilities,” says Hanna. “It’s very hard to admit to yourself that your child is different, that he needs help. As a mom, you’re so torn. You see your child struggling, and sometimes other kids would make fun of him. That hurts.” She also knew from her training that early detection was key. Working primarily through the Ann Arbor public school system, Sufyan and his parents have learned strategies tailored specifically to his condition. He has math and vocabulary tutors, works with a speech therapist, and has learned a variety of memory techniques that help him with directions. Every year, an IEP (Individualized Educational Program) tailors a program for him at his school. It’s hard work, particularly now that Sufyan’s in seventh grade at Tappan Middle School in Ann Arbor, a notoriously tough year even for students without learning disabilities. “He’s a hard worker and has a great attitude, but he can get pretty frustrated now,” says Hanna. “It’s a ton of work, and it’s just that much more challenging for him.” But the family recently received a pleasant surprise: Sufyan scored in the low average range on the MEAP tests. “Yes, it was low, but it was in the average range,” says Hanna. “That’s tremendous!” When he’s not studying or playing sports — basketball, wrestling, and, as a good Michigander, football — Sufyan thrives on family time with his sisters, Fatima, 6-year-old Janeen, and 3-year-old Ayah, mom and dad, Mohammad. That can be as simple as hanging out on the patio with a cup of cocoa, or going to an orchard to pick apples. “He loves just all of us being together,” says Hanna. She believes that closeness with family, and the importance of community at large, may be, at least in part, a result of Sufyan’s special needs opportunities. “So many people have reached out to him that he has this wonderful sense that there’s a big community of caring people out there,” she says. “We’ve encouraged him from kindergarten onward that he should never hesitate to ask the teacher if he doesn’t understand something. So he’s not afraid to ask for help. As a result of all those things, he’s very positive and caring himself. I don’t know that he would be the same if he hadn’t had a bit of a struggle.” Sufyan hasn’t decided on a career path yet, but he does know he wants to live in Ann Arbor and go to the University of Michigan. Perhaps most importantly, in all the vocabulary he’s learned, one word is missing: limits. Sometimes, he even thinks about being a football player. After all, he’s already tackled some pretty big stuff and come out on top.

‘

Mom Hanna Nimer with her children, clockwise from top left, Sufiyan, Fatima, Ayah and Janeen

“So many people have reached out to him that he has this wonderful sense that there’s a big community of caring people out there ...as a result of all those things, he’s very positive and caring himself.”

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2012 •

continued on pg 12

continued from pg 11

A Helping Special Advertising Section

hand

Area providers help navigate the special needs experience, from finances to treatment Autism Collaborative Center – Eastern Michigan University Fletcher Building 734-487-2890 accemu.org Delivering cost-effective, high-quality services and support to families, children and adults living with autism. 1055 Cornell Rd., Ypsilanti

Down Syndrome Support Team (DSST)

9227 Fieldstone Ln., Saline 734-944-1595 www.downsyndromesupportteam.com Providing resources and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families, while raising awareness and acceptance in our local communities.

March of Dimes

455 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., #75, Ann Arbor 734-761-6331 www.marchofdimes.com/michigan The leading nonprofit for moms and babies. Helps moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.

• November 2012 • www.annarborfamily.com

Ele's Place

355 S. Zeeb Rd., Suite E 734.929.6640 www.elesplace.org Ele’s Place is a nonprofit, communitybased organization dedicated to creating awareness of and support for grieving children and their families. Through peer support group programs, Ele’s Place helps children cope with the death or life-threatening illness of a parent, sibling or other close family member or friend.

Saline Cooperative Preschool

6299 Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Saline (734) 429-0685 scoopmembership@yahoo.com www.salinecoop.org Saline Cooperative Preschool offers multifaceted, teacher-guided activities to help preschoolers learn, play, and grow in a positive, nurturing environment, establishing the pattern for life-long learning. The school's play-based programs provide a costeffective preschool choice in addition to a unique classroom experience between student, teacher, and parent.

A posy with a purpose

The grand life of an 89-year-old mentor By Mary Helen Darah

It seems as if my meeting Rose Ann, a.k.a. Posy, was somehow always in the cards. I am a believer in the notion that people come into your life for a “reason,” a “season” or a “lifetime,” and even though I met Posy just before her 89th birthday, I knew she was a “lifer.” Posy is the dressing on a cold winter’s day; layers upon layers upon layers. She is a woman of philanthropy in staggering proportions. She has helped in acquiring treasures for the Toledo Museum of Art, purchased original book illustrations to delight children and grace the walls of the main branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, founded the Blair Museum of Lithophanes (I would still be clueless as to what the heck a lithophane is if not for Posy), and delighted many a development director from her beloved University of Toledo to the opera with her generosity. This founder of Gateway Preschool (who still bumps into her former “kids” wherever we go) has opened her heart and her checkbook to those in need without blinking an eye. Yet this same woman spends HOURS deciding which of two blouses to purchase for herself at Steinmart, fights with me over the lifespan of items in her fridge and occasionally splurges on Irish butter even though it’s nearly four bucks a pound. Just when I thought I had her figured out, I was on the receiving end of a firm “Dearie what WERE you thinking?” upon my return from purchasing the smallest vodka bottle for Posy and her companions. It blows my mind that a near-90-yearold downloads photos off her computer when my own mother’s tech savvy is limited to playing spider solitaire on her new laptop. Posy is “with it,” hip by any standard and loves to shock me with her keen wit. Once after venting about a gentleman I briefly dated invading my private text messages she said with a wink, “This is why I don’t put my lovers’ contact info in my cell phone.” Posy is also spontaneously adventurous. She quickly learned that if you express a desire to see your great-grandchildren me, a fellow cancer

survivor, a “bucket trip” will surely follow. We loaded up my Ford DGE (it was an EDGE until my youngest backed into the mailbox and lost the “E”), with chocolate, water bottles, “The Hunger Games” book on tape, massive amounts of Advil and my 14-year-old exchange student from China and hit the road to our nation’s capital. Let me tell you, massive bonding occurs after spending hours in a closed vehicle, breaking only to visit turnpike restrooms. Posy comes to mind when I think of the poem Nadine Stair wrote when she was 85. “If I had my life to live over, I would take more chances, I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and watch more sunsets.” Our Posy does not need a “do over” life. She has lived life to the fullest with an “attitude of gratitude.” She has traveled to parts of the globe that I don’t know how to pronounce or find without a Google assist. There is a world map in her office where she and her beloved late husband Bob put thumb tacks (a.k.a. push pins *pronounced puuuush piins, to my Southern brother) to mark all the places they ventured. While helping her tidy up her desk (a daunting task when you are dealing with a sentimental freak of nature) we discovered photos of her on an ostrich, camel, elephant, gondola, and dune buggy. The woman was willing to ride anything (okay, that didn’t come out right, but you get the picture). Last year Posy, a two time cancer survivor, received the news that the disease had returned. She decided to brave surgery despite the concerns of many. She knew it would be a tough recovery but told me, “I’m not ready for it to end. I’ve had a grand time! I have much more living to do.” That she does, and when she finally leaves this world for her next big adventure, I’m sure my “Posy with a Purpose” will be waiting on the other side, cocktail in hand, hoping I have the courage to use up every blessing, every talent and every opportunity I have had at my disposal before joining her.

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2012 •

Photo by Kevin Lill

Bonnie Billups Jr., far right, and the kids he inspires with former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm

Making miracles happen Bonnie Billups Jr. gives hope and help By Sharon Gittleman

Every life is important. That’s more than Bonnie Billups, Jr.’s philosophy. He strives every day to put that truth into action. Billups, 52, the executive director of the Peace Neighborhood Center in Ann Arbor was at work one day when he met a man who had been living in the woods for 16 years. “People would see him on the street and see him as a bum and not understand the emotional things he had to overcome,” Billups said. The man’s miserable decline into alcohol and loneliness began when he discovered his wife’s betrayal of him with his best friend. It ended when he came to the Center. “He found hope here,” said Billups. “He found people who believed in him.” The Center provides free educational, enrichment and crisis intervention services for adults, families and children. Youthful visitors enjoy after school activities, summer day camp and arts programs. Adults benefit from substance abuse counseling, supportive housing, help with basic needs and more. Billups started working for the Center when he was a child, hunting down supplies for trips organized for youngsters living in economically struggling families. It was more than just a job for him. “It gave me a sense of integrity and trust and that idea that someone believed in me,” he said. The youths who visit the Center aren’t the only ones who have benefited from Billups’ compassion. He, his wife and four stepchildren have helped foster eight youngsters. Billups recently walked one of his wards, a successful college stu14

• November 2012 • www.annarborfamily.com

dent, down the aisle at her wedding. Faith is another big part of Billups’ life. He is a Baha’i, a belief that emphasizes the spiritual unity and harmony of mankind. “I believe we are all here to assist each other and be of service to humanity.” Uniting the community was one of the goals of the Center at its founding in 1971, during a time of racial turbulence in Ann Arbor. Today, the organization has morphed into a community center helping families overcome financial, social or any other obstacles they may face. The 2,000 people who visit the Center each year can find practical advice to improve their lives. Workshops help moms and dads learn how to build structure into their families, deal with stress or talk to their kids about drugs or sex. Children can discover how to grow their own gardens, enjoy a hot nutritious meal or get some help with their math homework from a tutor. What happened to the man who walked out of the woods into the Center? After he dealt with the demons plaguing him, he contacted his parents who thought he had died a decade ago. “When he got up the courage to call his mother and father, the whole staff were standing around him. His mother cried,” said Billups. “I learned a belief in miracles and impossibilities.” For more information about the Peace Neighborhood Center, contact them at 734-662-3564 or www.peaceneighborhoodcenter.org.

THE SHORT COURSE

Something for everyone Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet offers international variety By

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet

Katy M. Clark

48101 Washtenaw Ave. 734-528-9999 Hours: Sunday thru Saturday, 11am-10pm www.hibachigrillsupremebuffet.blogspot.com

“My brother would love this,” whispered my five-year-old daughter. She stood mesmerized in front of a dramatic fountain in the foyer of Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet. The restaurant, which opened this summer, is located on Washtenaw just east of US 23. My daughter and I were visiting without my son and husband, our usual sidekicks. In their stead, we brought along my good friend and her daughters, ages nine and seven. The nine and seven year olds also found the fountain enchanting and rushed up to it. My friend and I scanned the rest of the Asian-themed restaurant. We saw tables and booths, a sushi bar, hibachi grill, and endless rows of all-you-can-eat items underneath a chandelier and neon lights. With over 12,000 square feet and more than 300 items, the restaurant hopes to appeal to — and seat — everyone.

Pizza, sushi or mac and cheese?

There is no menu at Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet. Simply help yourself, as much as you want. Adults cost $10.99 for dinner while kids are charged according to age. The nine and seven year olds cost $6.99 each; my five year old was $4.99. Lunch prices are less and drinks are extra. The buffet’s focus is Chinese food, but there were also rows of fresh fruit, a salad bar, fried foods like wings, and kidfriendly favorites like pizza and mac and cheese. My friend's children are allergic to eggs and peanuts, so we asked several servers for allergy information before learning that vegetable oil, not peanut oil, is used for cooking. One filled her plate with sushi, garlic bread and rice noodles, while the other selected garlic bread and pepperoni pizza. My daughter chose lo mein noodles cooked with shrimp on the hibachi grill, fried cheese sticks, and cantaloupe chunks. “Well, you like what you like,” my friend's daughter offered when she looked at my plate. My friend started with the hot and sour soup, which she deemed peppery and good. I dug into my creation from the hibachi grill: lo mein noodles, green beans, green pepper, rice and chicken. My concoction was fresh, but could have benefited from a tangy sauce, if only I had added one.

Kid-friendly: Yes To avoid wait: The restaurant offers so much seating that you shouldn’t have to wait Noise level: medium Bathroom amenities: There is a changing table in the women’s room. “The pictures on the bathroom doors were really nice,” reported my 7-year-old. High chairs? Yes Got milk? Yes, as well as smoothies, lemonade, fruit punch and pop Kids’ menu? No. There is kids’ pricing for the all-you-can-eat buffet based on age. Anything healthy for kids? There are dozens of fruits and vegetables on the buffet. Meats, shrimp, and veggies can be cooked to order on the hibachi grill with little or no sauce. Food allergy concerns? They use vegetable oil, not peanut oil. Ask your server or the manager to identify ingredients in dishes.

Piling it on

My second plate was better (you didn’t expect me to stop at one plate?) I piled on steamed white rice, garlic shrimp, dumplings, calamari, a sesame ball, Mongolian beef, and hibachi chicken. The Mongolian beef was my favorite, with beef and green onions in a fiery, yet somewhat sweet, sauce. A sushi fan, my friend tried several varieties and found them nice, although basic. Her favorite dish was the button mushrooms in oyster sauce, which were tender and savory. My daughter tried the mac and cheese and more shrimp while her friends ate more garlic bread and fresh fruit. They stuck with these safe choices as most dishes were questionable for their allergies.

Best for last?

After eating fortune cookies, we checked out the buffet’s desserts. My allergy-ridden friends refrained, but pointed out what they thought I should try: chocolate cake, macaroons, and almond cookies. My friend tried something akin to a cream puff. My daughter got a dish of neon-colored Superman ice cream and a brownie with sprinkles. “This is just kinda medium,” my daughter pointed at the brownie. “And this is just perfect,” she spoke of her ice cream. Generally, the desserts were sweet, but not memorable. From its entertaining atmosphere to its vast culinary offerings, Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet offered something for everyone and proved a family-friendly place to dine. Katy M. Clark is a freelance writer from Saline.

www.annarborfamily.com • November 2012 •

November 2012 All calendar events are subject to change, cancellation, and limited size. Calling ahead for confirmation is recommended.

Sunday, November 18

Five Bowls of Oatmeal Join the young writers of 826Michigan and the University of Michigan’s MFA in Creative Writing program for the third annual, student-written, actor-acted extravaganza: Five Bowls of Oatmeal. Five Bowls, offers young writers the exciting opportunity to see their works performed on a real stage for a live, eager, audience. Each short play, written by the students and youth from 826Michigan’s free programs, showcases the dramatic flair of a bowl of oatmeal, backed by a full cast of wacky characters. One of the newest traditions nurtured by the non-profit’s nearly 2,500 student writers, Five Bowls of Oatmeal is sure to delight. So, come celebrate the impressive work of these young writers performed by the talented actors of the Penny Seats Theater Company in the beautiful Rackham Auditorium on the university campus. 3-7pm. $5. Under 18: Free. Rackham Auditorium, 915 E Washington St in Ann Arbor. 734-761-3463. www.826michigan.org—LK

1 THURSDAY Tykes: Animals Get Ready for Winter - Hibernation, migration, staying here, and staying active are all different ways that animals survive Michigan’s cold winter season. Every Thursday in November focus on different animals in order to learn why they do what they do to get ready for winter. Ages 4-5, caregiver not required. Registration required. 1--2:30pm. $44 for all four sessions. The Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. www.lesliesnc.org

2 FRIDAY Tiny Tots: Animals Get Ready for Winter - Storing food, getting out of town, or sleeping until spring are all ways that animals get ready for winter. Come for story time, games, and a closer look at some different animals to learn why critters do what they do when the weather starts turning cold. Recommended for ages 1-3, caregiver required. Registration not required. 10-11:30am. $7 a session / $85 Tiny Tot Pass all 15 sessions. The Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. www.lesliesnc.org

3 SATURDAY Preschool Yoga - Certified Yoga Teacher Catalina Arango of Ananda Children presents stories and yoga poses that promote social skills and body awareness for preschoolers ages 2-5. 10-10:45am. Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org Professor Ray’s Everyday Science: Good Vibes - Have fun with science! Experiment with vibrations, the sources of sounds, and learn how to make cool sounds at home. Interactive demos at 1pm & 3pm at the Legacy Gallery. Ann Arbor Hands on Museum, 220 East Ann St. www.aahom.org 16

• November 2012 • www.annarborfamily.com

4 SUNDAY Carnival of the Animals - Three classic stories come alive with Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, Raccoon Tune and selections from The Lion King. Ann Arbor’s Neutral Zone’s VOLUME Youth Poets put a new twist on the Saint-Saëns’ classic to introduce each animal. Arrive early for preconcert activities featuring an Instrument & Doggie Petting Zoo with the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Kids can pet animals as well as get to touch, feel and play different instruments. 4pm. $8 children / $12 adults. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-994-4801. www.a2so.com Spinners, Gliders, & Projectiles What goes up must come down, but good design means more hang time. Play with paper to design your best planes, spinners, and other things that fly! For Grades K – 5. 2-3pm. Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org

5 MONDAY Parenting Through Separation and Divorce - Workshop offered to help parents cope with their children’s needs during a time of separation or divorce. Goal of workshop is to create healthy post-divorce parenting relationships. 7-9pm. University of Michigan Institute for Human Adjustment, 530 Church St. www.iha.umich.edu

6 TUESDAY School Break Camp: Days off Outdoors - When schools are closed, come discover the wonderful world of nature. Explore the forest, fields, and ponds, or slide down a snowy slope – a new adventure awaits every day! 8:30am5:30pm. $65 child, with pizza lunch included. The Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. www.lesliesnc.org

Teen Author Event: Gordon Korman Korman has written more than fifty middle school and teen novels. His recently released book, Ungifted, focuses on a 14-year-old average kid in a school for gifted children- - and will soon be made into a major film! This event includes a book signing with books for sale. 3-4pm. Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734327-8301. www.aadl.org

8 THURSDAY Stuart Little - The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre brings a children’s classic to life. Stuart, the peculiarly mouse-like son of the Littles, may be small, but his heart is big. With the help of his understanding parents, Stuart has lots of adventures and meets all kinds of people and animals along the way in this adaptation of the classic E.B. White story. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 1pm. $8. WCC College Theater, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. 734-971-2228. www.a2ct.org

9 FRIDAY The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - The Ann Arbor Young Actors Guild is set to bring some spooky fun to the stage with their production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The show will be staged in a barn so attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and bring an afghan. Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm & 7pm. $5 students / $10 adults. Misty Farm, 8040 Scio Church Rd. www.aayag.org

10 SATURDAY Concert: Miyabi: Japanese Traditional Music - Spend a delightful afternoon with Miyabi, a traditional Japanese music group who play the Koto – a Japanese stringed instrument. Miyabi began in 1997. Since its inception, they have performed at universities, museums, churches, elementary schools, high schools and in Japanese communities throughout Michigan. 1-2pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4555. www.aadl.org Dancing Babies With Gari Stein - Join Gari Stein, of Music For Little Folk’s Sing With Me, in a program of music and movement for young families with young children. 10am. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org Nature Tales: Turtle Tales - Come in each month for this naturally unique story time. A story is accompanied with a selection of hands-on, nature-themed activities, including live animal visits, games, and exploration through the outdoors. Ages 1-5, caregiver required. Registration not required. 10-11am. $2 child. The Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. www.lesliesnc.org

11 SUNDAY Veterans Day: Bald Eagle Enclosure Dedication and Celebration - In recognition of the dedication and sacrifices of all of the men and women who have chosen to serve, LSNC is opening the facility and grounds this Veterans Day to provide a celebratory event in their honor.This event will kick off with a brief program including music, special guests, an honor guard, and a ribbon cutting for the new Bald Eagle’s enclosure, dedicated to the nation’s veterans. 2-4pm. Free. The Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-9971553. www.lesliesnc.org

Boot Camp for New Dads - Class for men only. Expectant father’s can learn important information on parenthood, baby care, and supporting your new mom. “Veteran” dad’s will give you a hands on experience becoming comfortable with your own baby. 9am-12pm. Cost of class is $25. St. Joseph mercy Canton Health Center, 1600 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton. www.stjoeshealth.org White Elephant Auction - Got some so-called useless junk to unload, and want to do it for a good cause? The Michigan Firehouse Museum presents a White Elephant Auction FUNdraiser, where guests can bid on each other’s unique (but unwanted) possessions. Enjoy some hors d’oeuvres and desserts from local vendors, and maybe walk away with a plate of cookies or a stuffed squirrel. Bring your stuff at 5pm, auction starts at 6:30. 5pm. Michigan Firehouse Museum, 110 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. 734-547-0663. www.michiganfirehousemuseum.org Tellebration! With The Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild - Come listen to colorful stories from the Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild! The Guild storytellers will offer several fun-filled tales, many of which include audience participation. There’s always a little surprise at the end of this event! 2-3pm. Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org Fireside Fun: A Good Ol’ Fashioned Campfire Circle - There’s nothing quite as relaxing as sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and swapping stories. One Sunday each month stoke the fires at LSNC. Campfire and marshmallows are provided so all you need to do is grab the family, camp chairs, and the rest of your s’mores fixings. This is a FREE program and no registration is required. 6:30-8pm. Free. The Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. www.lesliesnc.org Harry the Dirty Dog - ArtsPower’s new musical, based on the classic book by Gene Zion with illustrations by Margaret Bloy Graham, captures both the whimsical humor and touching dedication to family found in Harry’s story. Harry has everything a little white dog with black spots could want. There’s just one problem: he hates taking baths. He hates them so much, in fact, that one morning he runs away. After a wonderful day spent playing in the dirt, Harry gets so grubby that he turns into a little black dog with white spots and returns home to find that his family doesn’t recognize him! 1:30pm. $12 members / $15 non-members. Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty St. 734-668-TIME. www.michtheater.org

13 TUESDAY College Planning Night - Planning for college can be stressful without the right tools and resources. College planners charge hefty fees with no promises, magazines publish arbitrary rankings, and Wall Street just says “save a bundle.” Local college counselor John Boshoven, recently named one of the Counselors Who Change Lives, leads this panel consisting of educators, a career counselor, and a financial planner- all parents with a track record of helping their own children successfully navigate the college experience. 7-8:30pm. Traverwood Branch Library, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org

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www.annarborfamily.com • November 2012 •

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15 THURSDAY Legally Blonde The Musical - From the beloved movie Legally Blonde onto the musical theater stage steps Elle Woods, the perky sorority girl who chases her ex-boyfriend, Werner, from undergraduate school to Harvard Law. Convinced that she just needs to prove to her ex that she’s smart enough to take seriously, Elle embarks on a quest to earn a law degree and Warner’s heart, but learns so much more along the way. ThursdaySaturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. $25. Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University. 734-971-2228. www.a2ct.org

16 FRIDAY Tiny Tots: Recycle Rewards - It’s the day after America Recycles Day, so plan on lots of fun activities that will illustrate how easy recycling can be! Make-andtake crafts, games, and a look at some of nature’s recyclers will have everyone feeling rewarded for recycling. 10-11:30am. $7 a session / $85 Tiny Tot Pass all 15 sessions. The Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. www.lesliesnc.org

17 SATURDAY Science Fair Expo For Teens And Parents - Parents and students are invited to join Clague Middle School science teacher, Soon Morningstar, discussing the basics on what you need to plan and assemble a successful science fair project. Mrs. Morningstar has been helping students create science projects for the Southeastern Michigan Science Fair for 11 years. After her presentation, visit with local student organizations and see science fair projects firsthand to get ideas for your project. 12-2pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-8301. www. aadl.org Children of the Earth Club - This event brings kids together to celebrate their love for nature through songs, games, crafts, stories, and hikes with singer, songwriter, and environmental educator Joe Reilly. Activities include journalmaking, songwriting, hiking, and creative play. Participants should be prepared to spend time outdoors in all weather conditions. Appropriate for grades 2 and up; younger kids are welcome with a parent or guardian. 10am-2pm. $8. The Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. www.lesliesnc.org

18 SUNDAY Weird & Wonderful Orchids - Dawn Schlote, of Mystic Orchids in Ohio will be presenting unusual orchids. There will also be a show and tell, raffle, and items for sale. 2-5pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. www.lsa.umich. edu/mbg Beginnings: New Day, New Love, New Song - The Ann Arbor Cantata Singers present their fall concert, “Beginnings: New Day, New Love, New Song” featuring the music of Schumann, Morley, Handel, Gjeilo, Monteverdi and

others. 4pm. $15 general / $12 students / Free, 18 and under. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 420 W. Liberty. 734-996-8867. www.a2cantatasingers.org Asian Fusion Family Cultural Celebration For All Ages - Learn, share and enjoy treats as you celebrate a jumble of traditions from Asia with music and crafts that the whole family will enjoy. 2-3:30pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org

21 WEDNESDAY Craft: Gobble! Gobble! Gobble! Thanksgiving 2012 - Make a special Thanksgiving decoration for your holiday! 2-3pm. Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org

23 FRIDAY LEGO Weekend: Open Build And Movie-Making - AADL’s LEGO weekend begins with this very special hands-on event! Build characters, sets and props out of LEGOs for a stop-motion movie that guests will then produce. 1-5pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org Santa’s Mailbox - Merchants in the Main Street area have met and, despite some tricky economic conditions downtown, have decided to once again fund a direct mail route from Ann Arbor to the North Pole. Santa’s mailbox will be installed at Schakolad through December 23. 11am-5pm. Schakolad, 310 East Washington St. Warner Bros. Cartoons - Enjoy a laugh with friends and family as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and all of the Looney Tunes gang take over the silver screen of the historic main theater. The Michigan Theater will show a selection of Warner Bros. cartoons for all ages and offer the perfect pit-stop during the start of the busy holiday shopping season. 11:30am. $10. Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty St. 734-668-8397. www.michtheater.org

24 SATURDAY 23rd Annual Handspinners’ Holiday Fair - Holiday shoppers and collectors of fiber art will find much to tempt them at the 23rd Annual Handspinners’ Holiday Fair. This popular event, presented by the Spinner’s Flock handspinning guild will offer a wide variety of items handcrafted by guild members. In addition to handspun yarns, this sale will feature knitted, woven and felted garments, as well as hats, purses, jewelry, toys, dolls, ornaments and felted wall hangings. Books, spinning wheels and related equipment will also be available. Demonstrations of handspinning and other fiber crafts will take place throughout the day. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-475-7922. www.spinnersflock.com

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LEGO Weekend: Robot Wrestling For Teens - LEGO weekend continues with this build n’ battle event for teens. Battle teams will assemble to create the most devastating robot possible. Build your demolition demon, program your plan of attack, then release the un-holy terror that is robot wrestling! Prizes will be awarded for the champions. 1-4pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org Look Mom! Drawing and Painting for Parents and Children - Guided by an Ann Arbor Art Center instructor, families will learn how to talk about what they see and how to create art themselves. In this workshop, parents and children will explore an artist, artifact, or art movement from the permanent collections, and then create their own project together. All materials included. No children under five; all children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration required by Wednesday, November 21 at annarborartcenter.org. 1-4pm. $28 UMMA, AAAC members and UM students / $35 non-members / $15 lab fee. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. www.umma.umich.edu

MONDAYs-Fridays Lactation Consultation, Consultant Shin Ai Shyn is available for advice, bra fittings and general info about breast and bottle feeding. Call for appointments.10am-12pm. Free. My Urban Toddler, 7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. 734-9443628. www.myurbantoddler.com MONDAYs Homebirth Circles, On the second Monday of the month attend this social gathering and discussion group for families who are considering homebirth, planning a homebirth or have birthed at home. Meet the Midwives from 6:30-7:30pm. 7:30-8:30pm. Free. Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St. 734-424-0220. www.newmoonmidwifery.com MONDAYs & WEDNESdays 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge Get healthy recipes, tips and encouragement in this fun group setting. Children in strollers are welcome. Oct. 15-Nov. 14. Mon. & Wed., 10-11am; Mon., 7-8pm. $48-$69. BalancePoint Fitness, 3770 Plaza Dr. 803-719-2732. www.fittogowithmolly.com Wednesdays Parent-to-Parent, This is a free, informal drop-in group for parents. Moms, dads, infants, and toddlers all welcome!10-11:30am, Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St. 734-663-1523. www.center4cby.com

Nursing Cafe, Hang out with other breastfeeding moms and enjoy a pot of nursing tea, with professional support on hand for questions and help. Pregnant moms are welcome, too. 2-3pm. Indigo Forest, 4121 Jackson Rd. 734-994-8010. www.visitindigo.com

25 SUNDAY Lego Weekend: Game + Watch LEGO weekend concludes with this movie/popcorn/gaming event that will be fun for all ages. Holy Cow! This month’s movie is 1966’s Batman with Adam West and Burt Ward! Prizes will be awarded for gameplay and best theme-related costume. 1-4pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-8301. www.aadl.org

27 TUESDAY

30 FRIDAY Midnight Madness - It’s party time in the Main Street area! Stores will be open late with special holiday sales. Santa Claus and Miss Washtenaw County will be roaming the sidewalks. Join local business owners as they welcome guests with extra special savings. 7-9pm. Main Street, Downtown. Ann Arbor. www.mainstreetannarbor.org

The Adolescent Brain: A Work In Progress - To provide greater understanding of the adolescent brain, and how best to support teenagers through this developmental process, the UM Depression Center presents this community forum. Paresh Patel, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the UM Department of Psychiatry and a member of the UM Depression Center, will give a brief presentation outlining the neuroscience of the adolescent brain, and how its ongoing development affects teenage behaviors and emotions. This will be followed by questions and discussion with a panel of experts. 7-8:30pm. Downtown Library, ADVERTISING 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4555. www.depressioncenter.org Free Classifieds: Individuals may receive one

Starlight Spree and Tree Lighting It’s almost time to kick off the holiday season. Ypsilanti, as always, is going to do it in style, as the Downtown Association presents the Starlight Spree and Tree Lighting. The public will enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and all. The Ypsilanti Community Choir will be there to lead you in all the carols you love and rumor has it that Santa will make an appearance. And of course the tree will be lit on Library Park Plaza. 6-8pm. Downtown Ypsilanti.www.daypsi.com

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THURSDAYS Parent Toddler Group, This is a unique opportunity for children 12-36 months and adults to spend quality time together playing, working on simple art projects and having a snack. Older siblings are also welcome. 9:15-10:45am. $92. Lamaze Family Center, 2855 Boardwalk. www.lamazefamilycenter.org

Mama Circle, Mothers & Mothersto-be gather to laugh, talk, & cry on their journey through motherhood. In this safe place, discuss topics of interest, create long-lasting friendships & build community; your children are welcome as you care for them while you attend. 9:30-11am. Indigo Forest, 4121 Jackson Rd. 734-994-8010. www.visitindigo.com FRIDAYS Breastfeeding Café, This is a free drop-in group for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, hosted by lactation consultant Barbara Robertson. Stop by for a cup of tea, some good company, baby weight checks, bra fittings, and more! 10-11:30am. Free. Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St. 734-975-6534. www.bfcaa.com Saturdays Children’s Story Time, Story time for children ages seven and under.11am. Free. Nicola’s Bookstore, 2513 Jackson Ave., 734662-0600. www.nicolasbooks.com

Super Saturday Storytime, Stories, songs and a simple craft for preschoolers and older children. 10:30am. Free. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. www.ypsilibrary.org

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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 1 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.

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SERVICES

BE A BETTER PARENT: At your wits end? Child struggling? I can help. Parenting Consultant, Annie Zirkel, LPC is available for Consultations, Child Coaching, Classes, School Presentations. Specialties: empowered parenting; power struggles; helping children/teens dealing with bullying, anger, anxiety. Call 734-735-5522 or visit www.practicenow.com. It really can get better.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY UNLIMITED INCOME POTENTIAL FROM HOME, flexible schedule, great training and support. Have fun and make a difference. Call Marie 734-475-4607

ANNOUNCEMENTS Bazaar and luncheon on November 9 at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor (734-665-6149). Luncheon begins at 11:30 am. Bake sale, crafts, and more begin at 10:00 am. Luncheon tickets for $10 for beef or turkey, salads, pies. Contact church office for tickets Christmas at the Mansion “A Toast to Ole St. Nick” Gorden Hall - Dexter. Open House Dec. 1 & 2 12-6pm $5 Adults/$1 Children. Festive holiday rooms, Santa visits, Gift Shoppe, Hot Chocolate & Cookies. Sponsored by Dexter Area Historical Society & Museum 734-426-4961 Christmas at the Mansion: A Christmas Tea, Saturday Dec. 8, 1:00 and 4:00 seatings $20 adults/$5 Children. Reservations: 734-424-0369 or 734-395-5772

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Ann Arbor Family Press Classifieds, 3003 Washtenaw Blvd., Ann Arbor. Phone: 734-668-4044

E-Mail: classifieds@annarborfamily.com Refunds: Sorry, NO REFUNDS given. Misprints: Credit toward future ads.

HEALTH & WELLNESS meet the midwives! An open forum to ask questions about the midwives at New Moon Midwifery, home birth, waterbirth, doula support or options in childbirth. 6:30-7:30pm at the Center for the Childbearing Year ~ 722 Brooks St. Ann Arbor, Mi 48103. Free. For more info call 734-424-0220 or www.newmoonmidwifery.com Homebirth Circles, A social gathering and discussion group for families who are considering homebirth, planning a homebirth or have birthed at home. Sponsored by the Midwives at New Moon Midwifery. 7:30-8:30pm at the Center for the Childbearing Year ~ 722 Brooks St. Ann Arbor, Mi 48103. Free. For more info call 734-424-0220 or www.newmoonmidwifery.com Prenatal, postnatal, Swedish, and sports massage. Nationally certified. Clinic on A2’s west side. Chair or table. 17 years experience. Holiday Gift Certificates or on-site events. Call Carol: 734-368-2138 FREE REIKI EBOOK Learn about distance Reiki. Get and give this gift of information and healing today. www.FreedomReikiHealing.com

HELP WANTED DRIVERS NEEDED TO DELIVER ANN ARBOR FAMILY PRESS to Ann Arbor and surrounding areas. Once a month, great pay. Send resume to distribution@annarborfamily.com “ME TIME” & EXTRA INCOME - just some of what I receive with this work from home opportunity. You can too! Andrea 734-780-7845 “We’re looking for a freelance writer and a freelance photographer.” Paid gigs. E-mail us at aspcsocialmedia@gmail.com

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