



"Proving Up": U-M Opera Theatre.

U-M opera lecturer Abbigail Cote directs U-M students in the acclaimed NYC-based composer Missy Mazzoli and her librettist Royce Vavrek's atmospheric 2018 chamber opera based on Karen Russell's short story. It's about an American family struggling to meet the overwhelming challenges of homesteading during the westward movement of settlers in the late 19th-century. A small chamber orchestra conducted by U-M voice professor Kirk Severtson accompanies. Prerecorded in November in the Power Center.
Online at YouTube.com (search "umich smtd"), available until Jan. 16, 2021. Free.

"Virtual Movie Palace": Michigan Theater.

New titles available all month online for 2-10 days after you start watching. Full January schedule online.
$6-$12 per film. Online at MichTheater.org

"Ann Arbor Group Runs": Running Fit.

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 p.m., 5700 Jackson Rd.). Snacks. Rain or shine.
6 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]

Remote-Controlled Car Racing: Washtenaw RC Speedway.

One of the largest regular gatherings of RC racers in the country features off-road dirt-track racing for stock and modified model electric trucks and buggies. Each racer can bring one guest spectator only. Masks required, Covid-19 screening at entrance, social distancing enforced. Onsite Nankin Hobby shop.
Racing starts at 10 a.m. (speedway opens at 8 a.m.), and goes until everyone is done. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Saline. Free admission. $15 to race (additional entries, $10). Facebook.com


Storytelling Workshop: Big Hearts for Seniors.


Do you want to learn about how to transform your experiences into a great story? Learn about storytelling from experts! Q+ A included. This workshop is for those interested in applying to be a storyteller for Big Hearts' for Seniors event (below) or those who are interested in storytelling in general. Click link to register.
This FREE event is sponsored by Big Hearts For Seniors which is comprised of 5 Michigan Medicine programs that serve older adults (Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, Housing Bureau for Seniors, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Silver Club Memory Programs and Turner Senior Wellness Program). Big Hearts for Seniors presents Big Hearted Stories: Generations on May 27th, 2021.
Virtual. Free. Online. jwhoward@umich.edu https:


Ann Arbor Death Cafe: The Dying Year.


Join us for good conversation about the one thing we all have in common! No agenda or presentation, no selling anything, just discussion led by the participants. We start by going around and all introducing ourselves and saying why we came, then open it up for sharing from the heart. We don't tell each other what to think, it is not a grief support group, and every thing is confidential. Inclusive, open to all. Learn more at www.DeathCafe.com. This Ann Arbor group has been meeting monthly since Nov. 2012. Facilitated by Merilynne Rush, Diana Cramer, and Rachel Briggs. Email to receive the link. We meet on the third Saturday of the month.
zoom. Free. Online. 734-395-9660. thedyingyear@gmail.com https:

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Shops.

Every Wed. & Sat. Local chimemaster Heather O'Neal plays tunes TBA on this 17-bell chime.
Noon-12:30 p.m. (Wed.) & 10:30-11 a.m. (Sat.), Kerrytown Market & Shops. Free. [map]


Death Café.


All invited to join a frank conversation about death. Hosted by The Dying Year owner Merilynne Rush, Diana Cramer and Rachel Briggs.
For online URL email Merilynne at TheDyingYear@gmail.com. Free.

Snowman Competition: Northfield Township Area Library.


Starting Monday, January 4, Northfield Township Area Library will be having their very first snowman competition. Take a picture of your snowman and send it in an e-mail along with your snowman's name and contact info to info@ntal.org.
You will then be entered into a raffle; winners will be announced on February 26. If you build your snowman in the Library yard, you will be entered into the raffle with 5 raffle entries. For more fun library events, visit ntal.org
Northfield Township Area Library, 125 Barker Road, Whitmore Lake. Free. 7344490066. hmccausland@ntal.org www.ntal.org


Troubleshooting Your New Year's Gifts": MacTechnics.

MacTechnics education VP Fred Seitz and information technologist Geronimo Felipe, and independent local "Mac Coach" Nicholas de Paul facilitate a troubleshooting session for problems raised by audience members.
For online URL email Contact@MacTechnics.org. Free. MacTechnics.org.

"20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration": Chelsea One World One Family.

Jan. 15-25. Ten days of various community service activities geared towards individuals, families, and teams. To record your activity, participate in a bingo challenge (download your card at owof.org
All weekend, various locations; for complete schedule and updates see Facebook.com (search "Chelsea One World One Family"), owof.org

Community Wellness Kits: Northfield Township Area Library.


Stop by the Library to pick up a wellness kit. Our goal is to bring a little positivity to the community during these trying times. Some items in the wellness kits may include, a free mask, a recipe, an affirmation card, a breathing technique, pre-package skin care, and/or pre-package tea. These items are subject to change based on availability. No registration is necessary for more library information visit ntal.org.
Northfield Township Area Library, 125 Barker Road, Whitmore Lake. Free. 7344490066. hmccausland@ntal.org www.ntal.org


"37th Annual MLK Celebration": Crossroads of a Dream: What Now?": National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women.

Keynote talk by Ypsi Township District Court judge-elect Erane Washington. Also, performances by youth from the School of Performing Arts (Flint) and more.
For URL preregister at https:

Live DJ and Food Truck Pop Up in YORK's Yard: YORK Food + Drink.


Juicy Oistre is returning to YORK's Yard! They're in demand and they're DELICIOUS. This mobile Oyster specializes in oysters, ceviche, peel-and-eat shrimp, caviar...the list is making us drool as we type. Plus one of our favorites will be spinning in the Yard that night: DJ Fresh Myint! We'll keep the fires raging, you bring your mask and your optimism. We're pretty stoked to offer the wine pairing for this one...grab a seat, grab a bottle, and enjoy some oysters!
York Food + Drink, 1928 Packard, Ann Arbor 48104. Free. 734-662-0798. events@yorka2.com www.yorka2.com [map]


Havdalah and Concert with Aly Halpert: Temple Beth Emeth.


Born in Ann Arbor and raised at both TBE and Beth Israel Congregation, Aly Halpert is a queer Jewish young adult musician, writer, activist, and organizer living on Schaghticoke land in Millerton, NY. A singer, pianist, drummer, and guitar player, Aly writes songs for building community, working for collective liberation, and visioning different worlds. Aly leads music and prayer for Jewish community, including Eden Village Camp, Let My People Sing, Kol Tzedek Synagogue, and Linke Fligl. Her songs have been sung in national gatherings, song circles, and quiet moments of personal prayer, and have moved people all over the world.
Her first album, Nipple Confusion, has made fans of young people and adults alike. Whether her songs are serious or seriously goofy, Aly believes deeply in the power of music to awaken us to the loss and hope we carry, expand our sense of possibility, and connect us to each other and our collective strength.
Visit www.templebethemeth.org of the Zoom link.
Temple Beth Emeth - Zoom, 2309 Packard St. Free. Online. 734-665-4744. tbe@templebethemeth.org www.templebethemeth.org [map]


TriviaTime!": Ann Arbor District Library.

Local sisters Katie and Abbie throw out themed questions for anyone to answer in the YouTube chat box.
online at AADL.tv. Free. 327-4200.
Robert Jenkins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.

Jan. 15 & 16. This Detroit comic and lawyer tells irreverent jokes with a disarming delivery. Masks required, except when eating or drinking.
212 S. Fourth Ave. Tickets $15 in advance, $17 at the door (capacity reduced to 20%). aaComedy.com, 996-9080. [map]
Nightspots Listings:
Habitat Lounge: Rob Crozier Jazz Ensemble
A danceable mix of jazz styles from swing to funk by this local ensemble led by bassist Crozier, with also sings standards. With a rotating cast the often includes drummer Pete Siers, pianist Adam Moseley, and saxophonist Steve Wood. 9-11:30 p.m.

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