Washtenaw County Parks & Rec

When my family moved to the area a few years back, we realized what a great resource the Washtenaw County Parks and Rec program had. I KNEW they offered some classes great clases, but after having the kids, we found out about the wonderful, educational (and fun) programs they offered, and now we've visited many of the local parks throughout Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti and Dexter.
Stop by and check them out - the following programs are being offered in the next week or so:

• Catching the Early Birds - Sat 3/28
• Animals in Spring - Nature Stories & A Hike for Kids - Sat 3/28
• From Top to Bottom - Glaciers & Park Lyndon - Sun 3/29
• Birdwatching for Beginners - Sat 4/4
• Dance of the Timberdoodle - Sat 4/11
• To view the full calendar of events visit the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation website

For families with children in Ann Arbor, or for anyone who has an interest in outdoor activities I encourage you to sign up for the Parks & Rec quarterly e-newsletter by adding your name to their subscription list. Many of the programs have a limit to the number of attendees, and many of them fill up quickly!

Canton Craftopia...

I was excited to hear about the new Hobby Lobby opening in Canton. I know, simple things for simple people, but I had heard good things about the store and had never been to one!
As a creative person, and mom of two young children, there are plenty of places I can shop for supplies like JoAnne Fabrics, Michael's, and on some occassions Crafts 2000 in Monroe. Living near Ann Arbor, there are MANY other various art/crfaft supply stores too! But It's always exciting though to be able to peruse new ideas and projects - So I headed to Hobby Lobby in Canton to take a peek...
Mostly the store had creative home decor ideas and products - Furniture, nic nacs, outdoor living pieces, etc. Items that would be perfect in any new home, gardening project or in a redecoration - But the store also had craft ideas and projects highlighted throughout. Some craft products I found there I haven't seen in any of the other local craft stores either!
The new Plymouth/Canton Hobby Lobby is located on the corner of Ford and Lilley Roads in Canton:
Hobby Lobby
42643 Ford Rd
Canton, MI 48187
(734) 983-9142

Going Green for St. Patty's Day in and Around Ann Arbor

"WHAT should we do for St. Patrick's Day this year?" "Are there any great events happening in Ann Arbor?" and more specifically WHAT can I do with my children that doesn't involve GREEN BEER! Here's a list of St. Patrick Day events for everyone!!!

Friday, March 13: Funky Frosty Fridays: St. Patrick’s Day Skate — 7:15 – 8:45 p.m. Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena, Ann Arbor - 734.794.6234. Dress in green and skate to Irish folk music. Call or go online for rates.

Saturday March 14: Pinckney Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2009, 12.00 noon. This is the 5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade held in downtown Pinckney. Please join us for a bed race prior to the parade!

Crafternoons: St. Patrick’s Day Hats for kids and teens, at the Superior Township branch of the Ypsilanti District Library. Time - 2:00 p.m. Gear up for St. Patrick’s Day by turning an ordinary paper bag into a wearable decoration!

Sunday March 15: Ann Arbor Shamrocks & Shenanigans Running Fit and Conor O'Neill's present the Shamrocks & Shenanigans fundraiser for the "Save A Heart" foundation at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Funds raised by Save A Heart support families and patients who come to the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. The funds help cover costs including: travel, lodging and other expenses. These funds also support clinical research. In a time when more medical costs are being shifted to the patient, one of the goals is to relieve the families' financial burdens during a very stressful period in their lives.

51st ANNUAL St. Patrick's Parade in Detroit ~ 2:00 p.m. Please come down to Michigan Avenue and Celebrate! The Parade route is along Michigan Avenue in the area known as "Corktown", so designated for its history as home to many early arriving immigrants from Ireland and specifically, County Cork. The Parade covers a dozen or so blocks and passes historic Tiger Stadium and the Gaelic League/Irish American Club.

Tuesday March 17: Check out the all-day events happening at Guy Hollerin's in Ann Arbor on St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Fun at the Whittaker Road Ypsilanti Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Join in the fun in the Community Meeting Room to celebrate the luck of the Irish @ the library. Watch the movie Darby O’Gill and the Little People starring a very young and handsome Sean Connery. Wear something green!

Thursday March 19: The Silver Maples, a non-profit independent and assisted living community in Chelsea, will host a variety of St. Patrick's Day events on Thursday, March 19 to carry on the Celtic celebration. There will be a free concert at 7 p.m. of Irish and folk music by Finvarra's Wren of Detroit. Tickets to the concert are free but must be picked up ahead of time at either the Chelsea Senior Center or Chelsea Pharmacy, because seating is limited. For more information call 734-475-4111.