August 8, 2014

Free Teen Back-to-School Event

With the new school year fast approaching, Briarwood Mall and Teen Vogue are hosting a back to school event like no other.  On Friday, August 22 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. youth, teens and even mom and dad can enjoy fashion shows, special offers and giveaways during the "ABC's of Style."

The free event will feature a fashion show giving families a chance to view the season's hottest trends while receiving first-hand fashion advice from Teen Vogue Beauty & Health emcee Justin Jones. Stay after the fashion show for a special musical performance from the fast-rising new boy band IM5.


While you are in the mall though, be sure to stop by Guest Services for an exclusive style guide.  Shoppers will also enjoy product demonstrations and giveaways from event sponsors Coca-Cola and Unilever brands St. Ives, Simple, and Q-tips – plus view a sneak peek of Fox’s new fall series RED BAND SOCIETY as well as receiveing exckusive  swag bag giveaways.

“Briarwood is the center of fashion in Ann Arbor, and teaming up with Teen Vogue elevates our back-to-school shopping season into a true fashion and entertainment experience,” said Denise Murray, director of marketing and business development. “These events and offers will help parents and students alike get set for the upcoming school year.”

For more information about the ABC’s of Style events, visit http://www.simon.com/teen-vogue-style. For more on IM5, visit http://www.weareim5.com.

August 6, 2014

Parents Night Out SkyZone

Need a night out? Let the kids have fun while you have fun. The next SlyZone (42550 Executive Dr, Canton, MI 48188) Parent's Night out is THIS Friday!

Meet the United States Air Force Thunderbirds This Friday

This Friday morning, the Yankee Air Museum has a special opportunity for you and your student (3rd-12th grade) to attend a special educational program with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.  Members from the flight team will be at the Museum to give a career talk about what it takes to be a USAF Thunderbird. 

The program is Friday August 8, 2014 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Doors to the Museum open at 8:00 a.m. Participants are asked to please be at the museum no later than 8:30 a.m. This will allow for the chance for photographs and autographs with team, however we cannot promise that everyone will get that chance as we have to adhere to the USAF Thunderbirds Team Schedule.

If you plan on attending, please reply to rachel.krumwiede@yankeeairmuseum.org with your first and last name and number of guests in your party. 

Super Run Race Discounts

A week ago I wrote about the Super Run coming to Ann Arbor. The article even offered a free race entry and super hero cape to one lucky mom who comments before August 13. The folks hosting the Super Run though offered me even more to blog about.

How would you like a $5 discount off your adult race entry? Want a custom cape? What about a 20% discount for a super hero cape from Superfly kids? Guess what, today you can have BOTH!

I can't wait to see what my custom cape looks like as a race, uh meander, through Ann Arbor. I can't wait to see what my one winner looks like as her cape flows behind her as she races... Certainly we’d love to see everyone at the Super Run wearing a custom cape. Who is to say though, that you wouldn't want to give this fantastic gift for a birthday or holiday – You still get the discount. Just be sure to use the proper codes to receive $5 off your adult race entry or 20% off the purchase of your custom cape!
  • For a 20% off code for Superflykids use the code SUPERRUNFAN during your online purchase. 
  • To receive $5 off an adult race entry, use the code word SUPERANNARBORMOM5 during your registration! 
Let's go Ann Arbor. Can't wait to see you all at the Super Run on September 6. Let's stay healthy with our families while enjoying many free family friendly activities!

YMCA and Wal-Mart Team Up To Feed Children This Summer

While the Ann Arbor Mom blog focuses on free and low-cost activities in and around Ann Arbor, there are times when other content may be shared - Feeding hungry children is an excellent reason to share information. Please pass along this guest blog post to any families who may find it of interest.

Learn more about eliminating hunger this summer through the 
YMCA Summer Food Program website
.


Kids splashing in pools, the sound of laughter filling the late evening, and hot dogs and burgers sizzling on the grill – these are some of the sounds of summer children across Michigan enjoy while they ‘re out of school. For some children, however, summer can be a time filled with the pangs of hunger -- the sounds of a growling stomach.

Childhood hunger isn’t only a problem in developing countries – it is a problem in our own backyard. Almost 1 million households in Michigan have food insecurity, or the inability to provide enough food for the family. In Washtenaw County alone, 10,000 are food insecure. Children who don’t get enough to eat can have trouble concentrating, get more headaches and infections, are more likely to be hospitalized, and have more difficulty excelling in academics and athletics.

During the school year, some of these hungry children can get their nutrition from USDA National School Lunch Program. 580,000 Michigan students ate a free or reduced-price school lunch. This reflects the trends elsewhere in the nation, where 10 percent of teachers acknowledge buying food for their classrooms at least once a week, and 62% of teachers reporting that at least one student comes to class hungry every day.

The USDA combats this hunger epidemic by offering the Summer Food Service Program, but only about 2.3 million children of the 30 million who receive free and reduced-cost lunches take advantage of the program. The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, can help, but SNAP benefits can’t do it all – they average less than $1.50 per person, per meal, and about 90% of SNAP benefits are redeemed before the third week of the month, children can still miss out on important nutrition.

All these facts mean that during the summer, when many children are enjoying the abundance of food and fun, millions of children are losing their main source of nutrition.

The YMCA of the Ann Arbor has partnered with the Walmart Foundation to provide 5 million meals and snacks to more than 150,000 children and teenagers this summer. The national summer food program is open to children and teens ages 5 to 18 in more than 1,000 communities nationwide.

In addition to nutritious and delicious meals, the summer food program will provide activities and learning opportunities for these children to help them get their fill of food and fun during the summer. The YMCA of Ann Arbor offers several wonderful day camps for all ages where children can enjoy outdoor activities, learning opportunities and full meals and snacks.

Children in the Y Summer Food Program will be able to strengthen their bodies and minds, as well as socialize with other children in their communities. Stronger kids equal stronger communities and a brighter outlook.

To learn more or to find a Y in your community, visit the YMCA Summer Food Program website.

In Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor YMCA participates in this program.

Breakfast on The Farm

If you have never been to Breakfast on the Farm, it is a great family event. My family has gone several times in the past few years, and has enjoyed visiting the farm, and eating the yummy pancake breakfast. On September 6 your family can enjoy this free event too!

The event, Breakfast on the Farm, is hosted by Uphaus Farms (14324 Pleasant Lake Rd., Manchester) from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on September 6. It will include tours of the farm and great food - In past years we have even gotten to step into and check out some of the big farm machinery, which of course was a hit with my kids! Tickets will be available after August 6 at these locations throughout the Ann Arbor area. More locations are available for other Washtenaw County locations.

ANN ARBOR
Ann Arbor Downtown Home and Garden
GreenStone Farm Credit Services
Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center
Nicola’s Books
Washtenaw Co. Farm Bureau
Washtenaw Co. MSU Extension

CANTON
Wayne Co. Farm Bureau

CHELSEA
Chelsea District Library

DEXTER
Dexter Mill

MANCHESTER
Linda’s Diner
Manchester District Library
Wacker Oil & Propane

MILAN
Milan Public Library

SALINE
Saline District

YPSILANTI
Ypsilanti District Library Locations

This free event is one for the entire family, so be sure to bring, mom, dad, the kids and even the grandparents. It will be a fun time you don’t want to miss!