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community
membersWeekly Meeting: The U-M Club of Ann Arbor.
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Every Mon. All invited to talk sports with other enthusiasts, and listen to featured U-M sports coaches recap the season. Also, a Weber's catered lunch available ($10.75; seniors, $10.25).
Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd. $5 for nonmembers, up to 2 weeks; free for members ($60 annual membership dues). 239-3428. [map]
"Baby Playgroups": Ann Arbor District Library.
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Every Mon-Thurs. Hour-long program for kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings, please.
Mon. 10:30 a.m. (Downtown)
Tues. 10 a.m. (Malletts Creek)
Wed. 11 a.m. (Pittsfield)
Thurs. 2 p.m. (Westgate) & 6:30 p.m. (Malletts Creek).
Every Mon.-Fri., various locations (see listings for details). Free. 327-4200.
"Monday Painters": Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (50+).
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Monday Painters is a flexible art group. Each week a DVD is shown about art that lasts half an hour. This group has become like family and all are welcome to join in for fun, learning, growing, and gentle critiquing. Instructor Barb Anderson has studied art for over twenty years and prior to that taught special education. She hopes to welcome new members to Monday Painters. Class meets on Mondays from January 6 through August 24 (no class on May 25).
Jewish Community Center, 2395 Birch Hollow Drive. $80. 734-998-9351. olli.info@umich.edu www.olli-umich.org [map]
Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
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Every Mon.-Fri. Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2-5 (with caregiver). Siblings welcome.
Mon. 11 a.m. (Westgate & Malletts Creek).
Tues. 10 a.m. (Downtown).
Wed. 10 a.m. (Malletts Creek), 11 a.m. (Downtown), 1 & 6 p.m. (Westgate).
Thurs. 7 p.m. (Pittsfield).
Fri. 10 a.m. (Westgate & Pittsfield).
Various locations, every Mon.-Fri. (see listing). Free. 327-4200.
Social Mah-Jongg: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
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Every Mon. All seniors invited to play this intricate game resembling gin rummy and poker that's played with colorful tiles instead of cards.
Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $2 (members, free). 794-6250. [map]
Oracle Pro Tennis Series.
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Jan. 6-12. Over 60 matches of professional mens singles and doubles in competition for a $54,000 prize, in Ann Arbor for the first time. Final rounds on Jan. 11 & 12.
Complete schedule available at tnTennisSeries.com. U-M Varsity Tennis Center, 2250 S. State St. Free. (440) 840-4072. [map]
Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
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Every Mon., Wed., & Thurs. All ages invited to play non-sanctioned (Mon.) & ACBL-sanctioned (Wed. & Thurs.) duplicate bridge. Bring a partner. Refreshments.
Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $3 (members, $2). 794-6250. [map]
Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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Every Mon., & Fri. Seniors invited to play bridge. Some experience necessary.
Turner, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Free. 998-9353. [map]
Writing Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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Seniors invited to read and discuss their poetry, essays, fiction, and reminiscences.
2401 Plymouth. Free. 998-9353. [map]
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker": State Theater.
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The final battle commences between the surviving Resistance forces and the Order.
State Theatre. Tickets: $10 (students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8, children under 12, free). statetheatrea2.org, 668-TIME. Town: Ann Arbor.
"Parasite": State Theater.
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(Bong Joon-ho, 2019). Satirical black comedy thriller. Korean, subtitles.
State Theatre. Tickets: $10 (students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8, children under 12, free). statetheatrea2.org, 668-TIME. Town: Ann Arbor.
"Knives Out": Michigan Theater.
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(Rian Johnson, 2019). Drama about the investigation of the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family. Chris Evans & Daniel Craig.
Tickets: $10.50 (children under 12, students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8; weekdays before 6 p.m., $7.50). michtheater.org, 668-TIME.
"A Hidden Life": Michigan Theater.
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(Terrence Malick, 2020). Drama about an Austrian farmer who faces the threat of execution for refusing to fight for the Nazis during World War II.
Tickets: $10.50 (children under 12, students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8; weekdays before 6 p.m., $7.50). michtheater.org, 668-TIME.
"Jojo Rabbit": State Theater.
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(Taika Waititi, 2019). Audacious anti-hate satire about a young boy in Hitler's army who finds out his mother's hiding a Jewish girl between the walls of their home. Scarlett Johansson.
State Theatre. Tickets: $10 (students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8, children under 12, free). statetheatrea2.org, 668-TIME. Town: Ann Arbor.
Full Body Fit: Better Living Fitness.
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Small-Group Personal Training. A full body strength training, cardio and flexibility routine with customization to your fitness level
Better Living Fitness Center, 2960 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104. $20. (734) 747-0123. betterlivingfitness.com [map]
"Suspension-Extension Coyopa Yoga": Mota Thai Yoga.
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Yoga--unlike other yoga class you've taken before. This high intensity class uses straps (similar to TRX) to stretch muscles that can be difficult to stretch in other exercises. Class starts with some stretching, and once the body warms up, begins to pick up the pace. You will work on a flow sequence that will get the heart rate up. The straps are used to help balance and stretch deeper (and safely) into yoga postures. Usually you will feel the stretches in your tighter/weakest muscles first. Your first couple classes may be intense, but if you continue to come to this class, you will notice big changes! This class can help build strength, relieve pain, release tension, increase flexibility, and prevent injury. The studio will be heated between 90-95 degrees for this class, so bring a water bottle. Your first class at the studio is free!
You can park in the studio's parking lot for free. Same parking lot as the Yellow Barn. Look for the #22 blue door with a red buddha on it.
Mota Thai Yoga, 416 W. Huron Street, #22. $20 drop in (or package prices). info@motathaiyoga.com www.motathaiyoga.com [map]
Euchre: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
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Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $2 (members, free). 794-6250. [map]
Life Beyond Cancer: Survivorship Group: Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.
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Designed for people who have completed their primary treatment for cancer, this group will address transitioning to life after treatment and finding the "new normal."
Monthly, First Monday of the month, 6 - 7:30 pm
Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, 2010 HOGBACK RD STE 3. Free. 734-975-2500. info@cancersupportannarbor.org https:
Nei-Gong Class: Sun Shen.
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The SUN SHEN Nei-Gong System is a comprehensive system of meditation practices to build awareness and ability to harness and cultivate your own energy system and mind. With these practices you will learn how to increase your energy, balance your energy system, increase your energy flow and relaxation, and experience greater pleasure. This class is great for anyone who would like to enhance their health, their energy healing skills, mental calm and focus, and capacity for experiencing pleasure and happiness. Classes are held Mondays, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Contact Sifu Joseph Wang at info@sunshen.org or (734) 531-8796 for more information.
SUN SHEN, 2466 East Stadium Boulevard. $55/month or $17/drop-in. (734) 531-8796. info@sunshen.org sunshen.org [map]
"Ann Arbor Group Runs": Running Fit.
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Every Mon. & Sat. Runners of all abilities invited to join a 3-8 mile run along varying routes from different Running Fit locations. Also, a speed-training session (every Tues. 6:30 p.m., 5700 Jackson Rd.). Snacks. Snow or shine.
6:30 p.m. (Mon.), 123 E. Liberty & 8 a.m. (Sat.), 5700 Jackson Rd; call for holiday hours. Free. 769-5016 (Mon.), 929-9022 (Tues., Thurs. & Jackson Rd, Sat. run). [map]
"Emerging Writers: Unforgettable Characters": Ann Arbor District Library.
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Local short story writer Alex Kourvo discusses how to create fictional characters that seem as real as the people we know. Also, Kourvo and middle school writer Merrie Haskell host an open house for writers to connect with one another and/or work on their projects (Jan. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.)
AADL Westgate. Free. 327-4200.
"The Depositions: New and Selected Essays on Being and Ceasing to Be": Literati Bookstore.
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Nationally renowned poet and essayist Thomas Lynch, a Milford funeral director, reads from this book of new & old essays on fatherhood, Irish heritage, funeral rites, and the loss of friends, poets, neighbors, and beloved pets. Signing.
7 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. 585-5567. [map]
"Upsizing Life by Downsizing Stuff": Lifetree Café.
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All invited to join a conversation led by St. Paul Lutheran Church members.
7-8 p.m., 500 W. Liberty. Free. 665-7912. [map]
"Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-Along": Michigan Theater.
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(Bryan Singer, 2018). Biopic about Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury. On-screen lyrics.
Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty St.). [map]
History of Books & Printing Reading Group: Motte & Bailey, Booksellers.
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All invited to discuss Carlos Ruiz Zafón's bestselling 2001 novel The Shadow of the Wind, a mystery about a boy who finds a book by an author who seems to have disappeared.
7:30-9 p.m., Motte & Bailey, 212 N. Fourth Ave. Free. 669-0451. [map]
Large Ensemble Meeting: Ann Arbor Recorder Society.
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All beginning and advanced players of the recorder and other early instruments invited. Directed by viol teacher and early music specialist Janet Cannon. Music provided; bring your own music stand.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division. Free to visitors ($40 monthly dues for those who join). a2RecorderSociety.org. [map]
Tartan & Thistle Scottish Country Dancers.
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Jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Usually with live music by Susie Lorand & friends. All dances taught; beginners welcome.
7:30-9:30 p.m., the Barn at Gretchen's House V, 2625 Traver. $5. 395-7782, 274-0773. [map]
Albert Lee: The Ark.
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A veteran English electric guitar virtuoso whom Eric Clapton calls "the greatest guitarist in the world," Lee is a master of just about every style of Anglo-American vernacular music, but he is best known for his influence on country guitarists, both from his stints in the bands of Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and the Everly Brothers and from his own "Country Boy," which helped redefine country guitar.
8 p.m., The Ark, 316 S. Main. Tickets $235 in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office & theark.org, and at the door. To charge by phone, call 763-TKTS. [map]
Argentine Tango Practice: Tangolab.
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Tango dancing to music spun by a DJ. No partner necessary. Preceded by lessons ($10) for beginners (6:30 p.m.) & intermediate/advanced dancers (7:30 p.m.)
8:30-11:30 p.m., Pittsfield Union Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $5. 819-1292. [map]
Opera on Tap.
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Local singers perform arias and art songs to the theme of "Ice Queens of Opera."
8:30-10 p.m. (seating begins at 6:30 p.m.), Sidetrack Bar & Grill, 56 E. Cross, Ypsilanti. Free (buy your own food & drink), donations accepted. Reservations required (call between 10 a.m. & 8 p.m.). 483-5230. [map]
Pub Quiz: Conor O'Neill's Irish Pub.
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Every Mon. Local high school English teacher Barry Aherne throws out questions for anyone to answer at this popular weekly trivia fest. Come with a team (up to 6 people) or join one. Prizes.
Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee. 665-2968. [map]
Nightspots Listings:
Ravens Club: Justin Walter's Poe Boys
Traditional jazz stomps, shuffles, and 1920s-1930s show tunes by this local ensemble led by trumpeter & cornetist Justin Walter. With saxophonist-clarinetist Chris Tabaczynski, guitarist-banjoist Erik McIntyre, and sousaphonist Chris Smith.
Zal Gaz Grotto: Paul Keller Orchestra 
Award-winning 15-piece big band led by bassist Keller and featuring vocalist Sarah D'Angelo and occasional guest vocalists. Also, each week features a middle set by a guest student ensemble.
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