Free Dental Health Care at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Each year, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry Student Council sponsors Dental Health Day for kids ages 4-18. This free dental clinic will be offered on March 31, 2018 to Ann Arbor and surrounding communities.

Because of the increasing cost of dental care, lack of information about dental services and changes in insurance coverage, many people refrain from seeking dental evaluation and service until they are experiencing pain, or find themselves in and emergency situation. Dental Health Day was designed to allow more people, who would otherwise refrain from seeking dental treatment, to receive basic dental health care, free of charge, reducing risks of emergencies.

This year, Dental Health Day will be held March 31, at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University in Ann Arbor. Individuals regardless of income can participate in the program. An appointment is not necessary, however, patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Treatments will not be provided. Registration will start at 7:30 and will continue until noon or until 100 patients have been evaluated. All participants will receive FREE oral exams, FREE oral cancer
screenings, FREE dental x-rays and FREE oral hygiene instruction. Please enter the School of Dentistry at the North University Avenue entrance. Parking will be available at the Fletcher Street parking structure.

If you have further questions or seek additional information, please contact U of M School of Dentistry (989) 787-0712, e-mail them at gkasumsod@gmail.com or visit the School of Dentistry's website.

Backyard Camping - The Great American Backyard Experience!!!

Aaaah, the smell of burnt (I mean toasted) marshmallows over a campfire, fireflies dancing across the clear-blue sky, children gazing towards the stars hoping to catch a glimpse of an elusive falling star, and the neighbor from the house next door yelling to her children, "come inside it's time for bed..." Can that be right? Why yes it is! This weekend is the National Wildlife Federations Great American Campout.

On June 25, 2016 communities throughout the US, including backyards and non-traditional "campgrounds" are "pitching" in on the fun - Vist the NWF website to register your backyard event of check out area happenings.

Locally in Ann Arbor, families can experience the Great American Backyard Campout at the Leslie Science & Nature Center where kids of all ages to enjoy nature-based programs, tent space, campfires, dinner and breakfast, and much more!  It's all happening, June 25 at 4:00 p.m. - June 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the center, and costs only $50 for the entire family! Advanced pre-registration is required in person, over the phone at the Leslie Science and Nature Center website.

Whether in your own backyard, or at a local event, inspire your children and get them outdoors with a family campout. You WON'T regret it!

Making Mochi at the 8th Annual Mochitsuki

On Saturday, January 7, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at the University of Michigan, families can enjoy mochi-making in the traditional way during the 8th Annual Mochitsuki. Besides mochi making, families can expect to find mochi taste-testing, games, origami, kamishibai (Japanese storytelling), kakizome (New Year's calligraphy), manga-drawing, and live music by Miyabi and Raion Taiko at the free event.

I'll admit, aside from knowing that mochi was a Japanese word, I had no idea what to expect so I Googled mochi making and found this fun video. For those of you that want to be in-the-know, mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape. It is the traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time as well as throughout the year!





I expect that this event will provide Ann Arbor families a fun and educational cultural experience that shouldn't be missed!

Read Across America at Michael's Crafts

Families can get a second chance to join in the fun for Read Across America Day on Wednesday, March 2 when the Dr. Seuss team visits Michael's Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor). Families can join the fun from 10:00 a.m. - noon for special coupons, give-aways and crafts. Kids can make their own bookmarks, and printed coloring sheets for this free in-store event.

So what is Read Across America? It is the National Education Association's year-round reading motivation and awareness program celebrating the joy of reading and the birthday of the beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.








Come to Michaels® on March 2 to celebrate with a special free in-store event!

Valentine's Day events and craft projects for kids and teens

From AnnArbor.com:

When I think of Valentine's Day, I am reminded of a Valentine's Day school party in 5th Grade. I passed out the typical handcrafted Valentine's Day cards to classmates and even got crafty with salt-dough, shaping it into a Valentine heart that I gave to Hank, my 5th grade crush. Unfortunately for me, even though I didn't label who the heart was from he knew, and proceeded to tell the entire class I didn't know how to cook. Explaining that it wasn't a cookie was a fruitless effort and quite embarrassing!

Creating Valentine's Day gifts though became a tradition of sorts, and one that I have passed to my children - everyone loves a good treat, be it baked or crafted, and this week throughout Ann Arbor, there are many opportunities for your children and teens to craft their hearts out!

Michaels Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) is always a good location for free or low-cost "Make-it Take-it" craft projects and this week they are not failing to deliver. On Wednesday, February 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., older teens and their parents should consider heading over to make their own decorated Valentine votive candle holder (with purchase of votive holder). Then over the weekend, families with younger children can celebrate Valentine's Day in the store with hand-decorated frames (with the purchase of a wooden frame) and watch a heart shaped pom pom demo on Saturday 10:00 a.m. - noon, or create their own free Valentine cards from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Both events are while supplies last and appropriate for families with children ages 3 and up.

Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) is another local retailer who often provides low-cost events for kids. This week to celebrate Valentine's Day kids can create heart flowers on Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for only $1! Kids will glue hearts in the shape of a flower and attach it to a decorative stem. All materials including lots of "bling" will be provided. This is appropriate for children over 2. Kids can also create flowers in the store on Valentine's Day 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Ypsilanti Library has several events for children and teens to create sometime sweet for their sweethearts. On Saturday, February 12 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Michigan branch (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) older kids can create their very own chocolate assortment to enjoy or give to someone special. The library will have the molds and materials to decorate your packaged sweets! Register online or call 734-482-4110, x1390. The Whittaker branch (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) will also have a crafty treat for kids and teens from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, with decorated cupcakes - It’s fun, it’s sweet, and what remains is good to eat. Most of these events however require pre-registration, so please log into your Ypsilanti Library account to register!

Children’s Orchard (Colonnade Center at 887 W. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) is having a Valentine’s party on Saturday, February 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that will include free kids crafts, coloring pages and sweet treat goodie bags. As an added bonus, Dora the Explorer will also be making an appearance!

For teens who decide Valentine's Day is too much, the Dexter Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter) has an Anti-Valentine’s Day party for teens in Grades 6-12 starting at 3:00 p.m. on February 14. The free event promises lots of unusual fun, music and food!

If you have heard of other Valentine's Day creative or craft events in the area, please let me know or add it into the comments below!

Ann Arbor Holiday Events and Activities: November 29 - December 5

There's lots to do this week - I found an awesome round-up post on AnnArbor.com that wraps up arts, movies and musical events happening this week in Ann Arbor. Be sure to check some of the great local fun!

Thanksgiving Weekend Activities for the Whole Family in Ann Arbor

FROM AnnArbor.com:

If you are not in a food coma from all the turkey, out shopping for the crazy deals or decorating for the holidays, there are many great family activities to do this weekend with the kids. Here is a few fun family activities in and around Ann Arbor.


Practice Writing Skills and Letters
Beginning on November 26, kid’s can bring their letters to Santa to Santa’s mailbox located on Liberty Street, in front of Organic Bliss (117 E. Liberty Street). All letters received by December 16th will be answered.

Feed the Birds
Shhh, I heard of a little secret... Behind the nature center at Kensington Metro Park (2240 W. Buno Road, Milford), the birds will literally eat out of your hands if you take along some black oil sunflower seeds. What a great way to get out into nature! On November 26, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks will waive vehicle entry fees and boat launch fees for annual “Appreciation Days”.

Get Your Skate On
Take a break from shopping on November 26 to strap on your ice skates from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Yost Ice Arena (1000 South State Street, Ann Arbor). Open skate times at Veterans Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor) are also available on November 27-28 at 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. or at the Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Rink (2751 Packard Road, Ann Arbor) on November 28 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. or 7:15 - 8:45 p.m.

Get Crafty
On Saturday, November 27, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. children and adults alike can decorate an ornament free with in-store purchase at Michael’s Crafts. (Actually I blogged on holiday crafts at Michael's Crafts earlier this month...)

Add A Little Holiday Spirit
On Sunday Night when your family is about to head back to school and work, get into the holiday spirit by attending the Kerrytown Market & Shops Annual Tree Lighting Festival (407 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Join in to welcome the holidays in the courtyard with Christmas carols, candle luminaries and Santa lighting the tree!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Release Party

Tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. the Arborland Borders (3527 Washtenaw Ave.), kids ages 8-12 will surely enjoy attending the release party for "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth". Kids can attend the special event featuring all things Wimpy with a book discussion, games, art activities and Wimpy giveaways (while supplies last).

Staying In Ann Arbor This Weekend? Try These Family Events

Not going anywhere this holiday weekend? That doesn't mean you have to be stuck with nothing to do. There are some great things going on in and around Ann Arbor this weekend, check it out:

Saturday, September 4:

• Start the day bright and early with a fun 8:00 a.m. bird hike at Hudson Mills Metropark (8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter). Its an inexpensive fun way to start your morning costing only $2 per person plus the vehicle entry cost - Just be sure to call now to register 734-426-8211.
• For those parents who are unwilling to get out that early, after swinging by one of the many local farmers markets for a treat, head over to see Curious George who is making a guest appearance at the Washtenaw Avenue Barnes & Nobel for storytime at 11:00 a.m.
• For families interested in the areas great farming heritage, gardening, preserving or even if you simply have a kid who likes visiting the farm, check out the Rentschler Farm Museum in Saline between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - it is an interesting local farm full of history!
• The electronic signage in Ypsilanti on I-94 has reminded me that season football tickets for EMU are reasonably priced, so why not take the kids to EMU vs. Army football game starting at 7:00 p.m.?

Sunday, September 5:

• The Saline Community Fair begins next week, however there is an early pre-view beginning at 10:00 a.m.!
• This is one we've been trying to get to all summer. The plethora of great local artisan's in Ann Arbor makes the Sunday Artisan Market a must see for the entire family! It's open from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m so there is no excuse NOT to visit.
• Let the music be heard and join in the fun at Dancing in the Streets (Corner of Main and Washington Streets) in downtown Ann Arbor at 6:30 p.m. - This once a year festival is great fun for children of all ages!

Monday, September 6:

• Check out the Beasts at the Beach at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This fun program will highlight snakes and turtles in the area, not the sunbathers!
• More time to spend at the Saline Community Fair - For those of you kissing the Michigan State Fair!
• This may be one of your last chances to check out the Block Party at The Ann Arbor Hand's On Museum! It'll be gone at the end of September...

No matter what have a happy holiday weekend, enjoying the last long weekend of the summer spending it with family and friends. I am sure you will have fun no matter WHAT you do. And for those interested in other activities or events, be sure to check out the events calendar at AnnArbor.com!

Try Fuzzoodles This Weekend!

In AnnArbor.com I recently wrote about my experience with Fuzzoodles - they are fun to use fuzzy, flexible (and reusable) building sticks created by an Ann Arbor company. Luckily the Ann Arbor Learning Express (2465 West Stadium Boulevard) store will be selling them and has a fun "try them out event" this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

Be sure to stop in and check them out - I am SURE you will like what you see and the kids will enjoy playing with Fuzzoodles as well...  Think of it as free entertainment!

This Weekend: Innovative Event for Families at the AAHOM

I’m a techno-geek of sorts. My husband often says that I should be more accurately ladeled a "gadget geek" - I just love finding the newest and greatest things for the garden, for my computer or even for craft projects. Including technology into ANY of these areas of my life, gets me pretty excited! The kids are learning about it too, through my excitement. I suppose that is why this Saturday’s event at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum caught my eye.

This Saturday, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is hosting its second Local Tech Event on from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The event connects entrepreneurs, innovations and their families for an inspiring evening of fun and features dozens of innovative companies from throughout the local region who will display fuel cells, video games and other interactive technologies.

Dozens of innovative companies from throughout the local region who will display fuel cells, video games and other interactive technologies. Entrepreneurs will be on hand to talk with families about what it takes to turn an innovative idea into a thriving business.

The event does not ignore the kids either with kids-only activities will be offered through supervised hands-on workshops throughout the museum and live music from HiDef and The Chief Blues Officers - Plus there is a museum-wide scavenger hunt! Refreshments will also be served, including a special kids-only dining area.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children - Family packages for two adults and two children are $50. For more information, or to buy tickets online, visit the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum website.

Earth Day Celebrations

April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, an annual celebration of environmental activism and awareness. Earth Day is celebrated in many communities with fairs and festivals, including activities for kids and business opportunities for adults including a great event here in Ann Arbor.

The Ann Arbor Area Earth Day Festival will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2010 from Noon until 4 p.m. at Washtenaw Community College (4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor) at the Morris Lawrence building. The event is free and offers more than 60 exhibitors providing information to families and hands-on kids activities - Including the favorite All-Species Parade!

If you can't make it to the Ann Arbor event, there are several others happening throughout Michigan including:

Michigan Earth Day Fest (Rochester, April 23-25)
Monroe County Earth Day Fair (Monroe, April 24)
Embracing Our Earth (Bad Axe, April 24)
Green Street Fair (Plymouth, May 1-2)

Another Family Friendly Volunteering Opportunity for Older Children & Teens

The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with onsite coordination during the event on Sunday April 25th, 2010 at Washtenaw Community College. We are looking for individuals and organizations that have interest in contributing towards making this year’s event a success while helping us celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day! This opportunity is great for older scouts, high school volunteer groups, college and adult organizations and individuals. Volunteers can select from a variety of positions ranging from costumed assistants during the annual All-Species parade to onsite Zero-Waste facilitators. For more information on how to be involved please visit the Earth Day Festival information page.

Wondering What Things There Are to do With Kids in Ann Arbor?

The folks at AnnArbor.com have compiled the "The Mother List: Resources for families around Ann Arbor" that includes all sorts of things to do with your kids around Ann Arbor.  Check it out is you are stumped, it might bring to light new ideas!

Contest: Win Free Tickets To See Justin Roberts at The Ark

On Saturday March 13, Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players will be playing at The Ark and Ann Arbor families have the opportunity to win 4 tickets to see the show for free! All you need to do is comment here about your kids funniest sports stories - although you may want to listen to Justin's hit song "Pop Fly" first as inspiration! A winning family will be choosen by Wednesday March 10.

The concert begins at 11:00 a.m. at The Ark (316 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor 48104). Tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased online or at the door, for more information call 734-761-1818.

Justin Roberts is truly one of the "all-stars" of the indie family music scene. Logging thousands of miles on the road each year in the name of children's show business, Justin has won numberous national awards and recognition and a gained a devoted fan base. Justin and The Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents alike.

As one of the best-selling kids' independent artists, Justin Roberts should not be missed - be sure to enter to win your family passes for the show courtesy of The Ark! As readers of the Ann Arbor Mom, YOU have a foot up on entering the contest before it is published Friday at AnnArbor.com, so be sure to enter the contest early!

Weekend Event: University of Michigan Museum of Art Scavenger Hunt

This weekend is supposed to be a blustery snowy mess around Ann Arbor, I personally have a ton to accomplish with two birthday parties, another party my son is attending, and Disney on Ice - However if you have the opportunity, consider a Family Scavenger Hunt!

I used to, and STILL, enjoy scavenger hunts, they are a great way to entertain even the smallest family member and often involve occupying the attention span for lengthy periods of time. This weekend at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (525 S. State Street, Ann Arbor) the Ann Arbor Art Center is sponsoring a fun family workshop and scavenger hunt that involves scouring the museum. Talk about a GREAT educational opportunity!

With a list of clues in hand, families can unearth the amazing animals and mythical creatures lurking in paintings and sculptures throughout the museum's collections. All attendees will then finish off the scavenger hunt by creating an animal mask or clay creature inspired by a favorite beast while sharing everyone’s exciting discoveries. All materials for the event are included - Fee for parent and child: $15 members and UM Students/$18 non-members. Make sure to visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art's website to register; The scavenger hunt is presented by the Ann Arbor Art Center.

If you can't attend the savager hunt, consider creating one of your own - Just think of the peace and quiet you'll enjoy with preoccupied children. At the very least they'll be out of your hair for a little while. Kids are often naturally curious and active, so take advantage of that by getting them a checklist to send them on their merry ways. Here are some great ideas for easy-to-create scavenger hunts that I found on ehow.com:

HIKING:

Even though it is snowy, Ann Arbor is the perfect place to get outside and take a hiking scavenger hunt. Have the kids search for animal tracks in the snow (mud or dirt), pine needles or pine cones, assorted winter berries or fallen trees. Make sure to closely supervise the children and set boundaries to make sure they don't destroy nature or get lost - You can double the hunt as a trash pickup day! I would think that the trails at Matthai Botanical Gardens, Gallup Park or even the ones at Parker Mill would provide some fun winter entertainment!

INDOORS at THE MALL:

Briarwood Mall might be a perfect spot for an indoor scavenger hunt - Pick items like a napkin from Auntie Anne's Pretzels, a movie ticket stub from the dollar theatre, a piece of cash register tape from Gymboree. Again make sure the kids are supervised so that they do not make too much trouble, instruct them to ask permission before taking something, and possibly notify any associated stores of the impending activity!

A VIRTUAL SCAVENGER HUNT at AnnArbor.com:

The kids don't have to travel far for a scavenger hunt, instead pass out local newspapers and have a newspaper scavenger hunt! Make a list of items for kids to find in the paper to cut out. Example items to include are a picture with a swimming pool, a picture of an athlete and an ad for a church fundraiser. Be sure to tailor the items to the appropriate age level, older kids can find more advanced things like a spelling error or typo in a story, or specific words while younger children might be more limited to photos.

Dance With the Family at the Pittsfield Grange

I am always looking for something fun and inexpensive to do with the family, so when I saw the upcoming family dancing event being held at the Pittsfield Grange I had to call and ask to get more details. "We like to have children ages 3-10 and their families join us for the dancing; Depending on the children present at the event we may call basic squares or even simple play-games appropriate for the younger children." said Joan Hellmann, one of the event organizers, "No matter your age it's a fun event!"

The Family Dance will be held this Sunday, December 20 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Pittsfield Grange (3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor MI). The cost is only $12 per family for the event and includes fresh baked cookies after the dancing. John Freeman, Ed Vincent, and David Park Williams call the dances with live music by David West and Donna Baird. Dancing will be followed by cocoa and Grange-baked cookies.

Joan wanted me to make sure and mention that families especially enjoy that "While we dance the wispy fragrance of fresh baked Grange molasses cookies wafts up from the basement."

I was happy to learn that the event is held the third Sunday of every month, so if the holiday crunch has left you with little time this month, join in on the next Family Dance at the Grange on Sunday, January 17. For more information on the Family dance event, call (734) 769-1052.

Winter Wonderland at in the Conservatory at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens

I know I have mentioned the botanical gardens in several posts, however as a parent it's still an amazing thing to expose your children to when the weather is less than optimal outside. So why not plan your winter escape to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens conservatory (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor) to see a beautiful winter interactive exhibit that takes visitors on a journey through the beauty of the winter season. Take your children along to answer questions like: Why do we have winter here in Michigan? What does the winter solstice mean? Why is winter so wild sometimes? And what’s happening weather-wise on the other side of the world?

By way of the conservatory visitors can travel to the southern hemisphere with a “passport to summer” for discovering all the plants of the world; take a winter hike to look for signs of animal life outdoors; and learn how snowflakes form — And even create your own snowflake to take home. During the exhibit, the conservatory will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a variety of white flowers and a tree decorated with pressed Queen’s Anne Lace and other natural ornaments. Many drop-in activities during the exhibit are also included with admission to conservatory.

The Wild Wonderful Winter exhibit: A Season’s Tale runs Thursday Dec. 3, 2009 through
Sun., Jan. 17, 2010. The exhibit is open Tuesdays and Thursday-Sunday 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Cost: Adults 18 and over: $5; children 5-17: $2; under 5 free.

For more information call(734)647-7600, email mbgnavs@umich.edu or visit the Wild Wonderful Winter UMGNA webpage.

Barnes and Noble host a fundraiser for the Ann Arbor Recreation and Education scholarship fund

This Sunday, November 22 from 11:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. the Barnes & Nobel (3235 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) is teaming up to host a fundaiser to raise funds for the Ann Arbor Recreation and Education scholarship fund. For all purchases made that day, a portion of the sales will be donated to the special fund providing Ann Arbor area youth who may not otherwise be able to afford a summer camp experience.

Last summer in Ann Arbor, Harry Potter Camp, Star Wars Camp and Writing Camp were in full effect with many local campers creating memories to last a lifetime. Some of these same excited campers will be attending the event, volunteering their day, to share the fruits of their camp experiences on stage for the enjoyment of the entire community.

The Star Wars kids will host a "Force Tournament" sharing popular songs with their all original Star Wars lyrics and Azkabanian Idol songs will also (Harry Potter, American Idol!) be performed. Excited young wizards will also be hosting a Spell Casting Tournament during the event. To bring the family-fun to a close, Writing Camp Authors will read their original/illustrated, “Award Winning” books and poem during a special “open mic” event.

Please bring your family to this special area event. As it is our aim to connect creative Ann Arbor young people to an aesthetic and appreciative audience, all of Ann Arbor is encouraged to come out and show their support for our young writers and performers and to the special kids who will benefit from the Rec. & Ed. Scholarship Fund!

Childrens Book Signing at Found on Saturday October 10

Join author Philip Christian Stead in the signing of his book "Creamed Tuna Fish & Peas on Toast" tomorrow October 10, 2009 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at FOUND (407 North Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor - 2nd floor). What an amazing find this children's book is for FOUND! It is entirely typeset using vintage toy printing sets AND the backgrounds are filled with bits and pieces of old letters and advertising and postage stamps. The books author, will debut Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast at the shop in Kerrytown.
Families are all invited to FOUND for an Author Event with Philip Christian Stead on Saturday, October 10th from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Books will be available for $16.50 and he'll sign them on the spot - He's also bringing in the original collage artwork and the printing sets that he used for the lettering. What a fun opportunity to meet the author and learn about his unique techniques!

Refreshments will also be served at the book signing, however FOUND has promise it won't be anything fishy.