September 24, 2009

The Search for Ann Arbor's Pirate Bounty!

Ahoy Matey's! Ever wanted to venture into forbidden waters with treasure map in hand on an elusive treasure hunt? It's time to set sail for October's annual Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt.

The Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt takes participating “Pirates” on a voyage through Ann Arbor’s stormy and wild seas to the unique local shops and restaurants that make Ann Arbor a must-experience ‘Port of Call’. The goal of the hunt, which began in 2008, is to draw an audience to downtown Ann Arbor, into locally owned shops and restaurants. Last year, pirates and pirate teams of all sizes took part in this fun month-long event. There were families, co-workers and adult groups that all ‘took up arms' and heaved the Jolly Roger to follow the trail around town in hopes of being the lucky pirate team.



Beginning October 1 and running the entire month, pirates with treasure maps in hand will be guided to participating shops, restaurants and galleries in search of the treasure – A solution to a clue. Once located, the pirates must "capture" the clue on film. After capturing all of the solutions, they must submit their photo proof and treasure map for a chance to win the bounty - a chest filled with items that have been collected from the participating Ann Arbor shops. The treasure hunt is a FREE family friendly event open to everyone interested in pillaging to win lavish pirate loot!

The Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt was created as a fun local event offered to families and individuals in the area looking for an autumn adventure. Last year over 20 shops, galleries, and restaurants participated.

Ye been chosen to venture on the high seas of Ann Arbor this October. So strap on ye sea legs, set sail and give yourself the chance to win a treasure chest filled with lavish pirate loot. The Annual Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt runs from October 1-31st. For additional information, or to learn how you can participate in the hunt, visit the Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt website, or contact Samantha Nielsen Misiak at 734-657-4940. You can also find the Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt on Facebook!

September 23, 2009

Fun Activities to Fight Off Childhood Illnesses

This is more of a "Do-it-at-home" family activity, but it's a message worth repeating. The website I mention is helpful to families with young children.


It's two weeks into the school year and already my son has to stay home from school because of illness. I kept hearing about neighbors and friends whose children have became ill this past week, and let's face it, as parents that is the worst part of the school-year. Bringing germs home to spread among the family is no fun. This year it seems to be an even greater fear for families, with the threat of H1N1 lurking everywhere. So what do we do?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that proper handwashing is the most simple thing a family can do in the prevention of infection and illness. That's great, perfect really. My son has received countless fliers on doing this, and even the health insurance company is spending their money printing helpful hand-washing fliers. As parents though, this really doesn't help me. Yes I can teach my children to sneeze into their sleeve, use a tissue, and wash their hands - But how can I make it FUN for them? Being "fun" is sometimes the greatest motivator for children. So where can I go for help?

This is really a trick question for me, because I have already found an excellent resource in The NSF Scrub Club!

Each year, more than 164 million school days are lost due to illness, which could be greatly reduced with proper handwashing. That’s why Ann Arbor based NSF International created the Scrub Club® - to raise awareness about the benefits of handwashing and ultimately improve the health of children and reduce school sick days.

The program is the first of its kind designed for children 3 to 8 years of age - This fun, interactive and educational website teaches children the proper way to wash their hands. The site consists of Webisodes, interactive games, music, many educational downloadable activities for kids, educational materials for teachers and program information for parents. My son loves the Scrub Club theme song and has even begun singing along!

So be sure to visit the Scrub Club® website with your preschool aged and young children - Everyone will benefit from the fun and informative learning experience through the website interaction. Don't forget to pass along the word to your children's elementary school teachers, as there are some great classroom resources as well inclucing the 6 Steps To Proper handwashing Poster.



Artwork compliments of NSF International

Free Ice Cream in Exchange For a Make A Wish Donation!

FREE ALERT:



Tomorrow night, September 24, from 5-8 pm stop by your local Cold Stone Creamery to receive a special 3-ounce serving of a one-of-a-kind creation in exchange for a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Cold Stone Creamery will host the “World’s Largest Ice Cream Social,” a fundraising event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year’s celebration includes a 3 oz. creation developed by 5-year-old wish child and 2009 Junior Tastemaster™ Jack. He combined sweet cream ice cream with brownie, sprinkles and fudge to create his special treat! Don't forget to purchase your Make-A-Wish® star while you are there - 100% of proceeds will benefit the Foundation.

To learn more visit The Worlds Largest Ice Cream Social website.

Local Cold Stone Creamery locations:

Ann Arbor (3597-B Washtenaw Ave. 48104)
Canton (50409 Independence St. 48188)

Gotta Love Art!

Ever thought an auction sounded fun? Maybe you need some art for your home... On Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the South Arbor Charter Academy (8200 Carpenter Road, Ypsilanti 48197) join in an exciting art auction featuring art in all media and price ranges. The preview begins at 6:30 p.m. with the auction beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $7.50 per person by Sept 25 or $15.00 per person at the door. In addition to the auction there will be door prizes, a raffle, and light refreshments. For more information call Anne Bouse (734) 369-3250.

All major credit cards will be accepted at the auction.

September 21, 2009

Special Event: The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary

One night only - See the The Wizard of Oz
in High-Def on the big screen!!!
On Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:00 p.m. families can attend a special event at select theatre locations (see below). In addition to the feature presentation, this exclusive event will include a special introduction by Robert Osborne, a classic film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies, followed by “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” a look into how Frank L. Baum’s classic novel was transformed into one of the most beloved films of all time. See archival interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and even rare musical outtakes!
Whether seeing it for the first time or the 100th time, it is only fitting that audiences nationwide will have the chance to enjoy the 70th Anniversary of this multi-generational favorite in movie theatres for an exclusive One Night celebratory event.
The 70th Anniversary Celebration of The Wizard of Oz is playing at select Goodrich Quality Theater locations throughout Michigan: Canton Cinema, Eastside 9, Forum 8, Hamilton 16 IMAX, Holland 7, Jackson 10, Kalamazoo 10, Krafft 8, Lansing Mall Cinema, Oxford 7, Portage 16 IMAX, Quality 16, Randall 15 IMAX, Saginaw 8, Savoy 16, W. Columbia 7, and Willow Knolls 14