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January 11, 2023

“Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration”: Chelsea One World One Family.
Various times and locations. Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration”: Chelsea One World One Family.
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Jan. 9–21. Two weeks of community service activities. Various locations; for info see owofchelsea.org or email OWOFChelsea@gmail.com after Jan. 2. Free. 748–3564.

“Playgroups for Babies”: AADL.
Various times and locations. Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Playgroups for Babies”: AADL.
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Every Mon.–Wed. For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Mon. 10:30–11:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Tues. 11 a.m.–noon (Traverwood), & Wed. 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (Westgate).

Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Various times and locations. Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
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Every Mon.–Fri. & Jan. 17. Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Mon. 10:30 a.m. (Pittsfield), Tues. 11 a.m. (Downtown), Wed. 10:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Thurs. 11 a.m. (Traverwood & Pittsfield), Fri. 1 p.m. (Westgate), and Jan. 17, 7-7:30 p.m. (Westgate). 

Coffee & Conversation: Pittsfield Township Community Center.
8:30 am - 10:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Coffee & Conversation: Pittsfield Township Community Center.
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Every Wed. & Fri., Jan. 9- Mar. 31. Free (except as noted) in person weekly activities. Check meeting status before coming. 8:30-10 a.m. (Wed.) & 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (Fri.), Pittsfield Township Senior Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd.. Free. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2120.

Wednesday Workshops: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
9:30 am - 10:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Wednesday Workshops: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
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Senior-focused workshops. Topics TBA. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Free. Preregister at bpatton@a2gov.org or 794–6250.

Mind Matters Brain Games: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
10:00 am - 11:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
Mind Matters Brain Games: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
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Via Zoom at bit.ly/a2braingame, passcode: 739714. Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free.

“Preschool ArtStart”: AADL.
10:30 am - 11:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Preschool ArtStart”: AADL.
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Jan. 9, 11, & 12 (10:30–11 a.m., different locations): AADL staff lead children ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult, in fun, process-based arts and crafts. AADL Traverwood (Mon.), AADL Pittsfield (Wed.), & AADL Malletts Creek (Thurs.). 

“The Soul of an Octopus”: Pittsfield Township Senior Center Book Club.
10:30 am - 11:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“The Soul of an Octopus”: Pittsfield Township Senior Center Book Club.
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 Bring a bag lunch to enjoy after discussing this 2015 nonfiction book by Sy Montgomery. 10:30–11:30 a.m., PTSC, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd. Free. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2120.

“Tiny Tails Story Time”: HSHV.
10:30 am - 11:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Tiny Tails Story Time”: HSHV.
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Jan. 11 & 25 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): Stories, crafts, finger plays, and interaction with adoptable cats. For kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult. Tiny Lions Center. $7 per kid (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575. 

“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
11:00 am - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
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Every Tues.–Sun., except Jan. 1. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.

“Juvenile Justice”: League of Women Voters of Washtenaw.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Juvenile Justice”: League of Women Voters of Washtenaw.
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Washtenaw County racial equity officer Alize Asberry Payne discusses (via Zoom) equity initiatives and the local criminal justice system. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., for URL preregister at my.lwv.org/michigan/washtenaw-county/calendar. Free. 272–3634.

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
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Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofGlobal@aol.com.

Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. No meetings Nov. 24 & 25.

Today:

Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon-12:30 p.m.) via Zoom.

Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353.

Today:

Walking Group (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom.

Bingo: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Bingo: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
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Every Wed., Jan. 9- Mar. 31. Check meeting status before coming. 1-3 p.m., Pittsfield Township Senior Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd. $1 per card. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2120.

Chess: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Chess: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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Free. Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353.

Today:

Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested.

“Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina”: UMMA.
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina”: UMMA.
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Curators Adrienne Spinozzi (The Metropolitan Museum of Art), Jason Young (U-M history professor), and Ethan Lasser (The Museum of Fine Art, Boston) discuss (via Zoom) the traveling exhibition coming to UMMA in fall of 2023 featuring the ceramic storage jars made by the enslaved 19th-century South Carolina potter and poet David Drake. This K–12 educators learning session is open to the public. 4–5:30 p.m., for URL preregister at umma.umich.edu/events. Free. 764–0395.

Board Game Night: Bløm Meadworks.
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Board Game Night: Bløm Meadworks.
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Every Wed. All invited to play popular board games. “Board Game Guru” on hand to answer questions. 5–10 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free. 548–9729.  

Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Mon. 6:30–10 p.m.: Power Cards, $10. Tues. 6–9 p.m.: MTG Pauper, a fun and fast format for all skill levels, $5. Wed. 5–8 p.m.: Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game, free. Fri. 6:30–10 p.m.: Magic rotating draft, cost varies. Sat. noon–3 p.m.: Intro to Magic: The Gathering, free. Sat. 6–10 p.m.: Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players, free. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877. 

Kids Gaming Meetup: Sylvan Factory.
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Kids Gaming Meetup: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Wed. (6–8 p.m.): Kids age 8 & up invited to drop in for casual games of Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, King of Tokyo, and more. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877. 

“Favorite National Parks”: Pittsfield Union Grange.
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Favorite National Parks”: Pittsfield Union Grange.
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All invited to share their pictures and memories of travels to U.S. national parks. Potluck supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Pittsfield Grange Hall, 3337 Ann Arbor Saline Road, please enter by the front door. Free.

“How ‘Dish Night’ at the Movies Giveaways Saved Hollywood in the Great Depression”: Ann Arbor District Library/International Museum of Dinnerware Design.
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“How ‘Dish Night’ at the Movies Giveaways Saved Hollywood in the Great Depression”: Ann Arbor District Library/International Museum of Dinnerware Design.
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University of Texas film history professor Kathy Fuller-Seeley discusses how savvy marketers at Salem China and other potteries sold Depression-era theater managers on the idea of giving away free dishes to women to attract viewers. 6:30–7:30 p.m., for URL see aadl.org. Free. 327–4200.

“Taking a Nature Pill to Reduce Stress: Building Psychological and Ecological Resilience”: Ann Arbor Wild Ones.
6:45 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Taking a Nature Pill to Reduce Stress: Building Psychological and Ecological Resilience”: Ann Arbor Wild Ones.
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Talk by U-M landscape architecture professor emeritus MaryCarol Hunter. 6:45 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free, metered parking. annarbor.wildones.org. 604–4674.

“An Evening of Poetry and Written Word”: Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“An Evening of Poetry and Written Word”: Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle.
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All invited to read and discuss (via Zoom) their poetry or short fiction. For guidelines, see cwcircle.poetry.blog/poetry-workshop-guidelines. 7–9 p.m. (sign-up for new participants begins at 6:45 p.m.), for URL email cwpoetrycircle@gmail.com. Free. 668–7523.

“Curious About Quakers?”: Ann Arbor Friends Meeting.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Curious About Quakers?”: Ann Arbor Friends Meeting.
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Jan. 4 & 18. A small panel of local Quakers answers questions and discusses the nature of the Quaker faith for those interested in learning more about it. Snacks. 7–8 p.m., Quaker House, 1420 Hill St. Free. AnnArborFriends.org.

“Shin Ultraman”: Fathom Events.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Shin Ultraman”: Fathom Events.
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Fathom Events. 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $11.50–$12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomevents.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter), & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), different times.

Jan. 11 & 12: (Shinji Higuchi, 2022). Subtitled (Wed.) & dubbed (Thurs.) screenings of this tongue-in-cheek Japanese sci-fi action romp about an extraterrestrial hero defending Japan from giant Kaiju monsters. 7 p.m.

“The Matter of Everything : How Curiosity, Physics, and Improbable Experiments Changed the World”: Schuler Books (formerly Nicola’s) Virtual Book Launch.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“The Matter of Everything : How Curiosity, Physics, and Improbable Experiments Changed the World”: Schuler Books (formerly Nicola’s) Virtual Book Launch.
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Australian physicist Suzie Sheehy discusses (via Zoom) her new book. 7 p.m., for URL preregister at schulerbooks.com/event. Free. 662–0600.

“Wednesday Night Swing”: Ann Arbor Swing Dance Association.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Ann Arbor Swing Dance Association.
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Every Wed., except Jan. 4. Lindy hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to music spun by DJs. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 7 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 8–10 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg Rm., 2nd fl. Mask, full vaccination, and boosters required. $5 (free for SAA members). Swingannarbor.com. 

Ann Arbor Bridge Club.
7:00 pm - 10:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Ann Arbor Bridge Club.
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Every Wed. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Bring a partner if you can, or call in advance or arrive 20 minutes early if you can’t. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline east of Maple. (Park in the designated spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline.) $6 per person. 945–6021.

Channeled Spiritual Talk and Discussion: Deep Spring Center.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Channeled Spiritual Talk and Discussion: Deep Spring Center.
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All invited to share their spiritual and metaphysical questions via Zoom. The evening is led by Aaron, a “being of light” channeled by Barbara Brodsky, who offers a talk on a variety of spiritual practices. Q&A. 7–9 p.m., for Zoom link see deepspring.org/programs. Free, donations accepted.

Kerrytown Crafters.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Kerrytown Crafters.
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Every Wed. All crocheters, knitters, spinners, weavers, felters, sewers, and other crafters invited to work on their own projects with others. Questions welcome, help available. 7 p.m. or so, for URL join facebook.com/groups/KTCrafters. Free. 926–8863.

Latin Jazz Wednesday: Grupo Escobar
7:00 pm - 9:45 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
Latin Jazz Wednesday: Grupo Escobar: Blue LLama Jazz Club
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GRUPO ESCOBAR is Metro Detroit’s only Timba based Salsa group. Led by guitarist Steve Jarosz and drummer Mike Racette, Escobar started in 2006 and is returning to the Blue LLama as a six piece with horns. Expect a lot of individual expression and hot Latin rhythms to feed your soul, shake your hips and move your feet!

314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.

Meditation & Discussion: Ann Arbor Karma Thegsum Chöling.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Meditation & Discussion: Ann Arbor Karma Thegsum Chöling.
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Every Wed. All are invited for a dharma discussion. The program begins with a group meditation. 7–8 p.m., 614 Miner (enter through back door). Also livestream; for URL see annarborktc.org. Free. 678–7549.

Mind Matters - How to Help a Loved One Battling an Addiction
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
Mind Matters - How to Help a Loved One Battling an Addiction: University of Michigan Addiction Center
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A free, virtual community education series designed for individuals and families. Participants will learn helpful information and strategies for supporting a loved one who has a substance use problem. This session will also include specific information for parents to help prevent or address youth substance use. Resources on how to obtain help and support will be provided.

,Ann Arbor. Register Here: https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/events/202301/mind-matters-how-help-loved-one-battling-addiction Free. addictioncenter@umich.edu https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/events/202301/mind-matters-how-help-loved-one-battling-addiction

“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
7:15 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
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Every Wed. Performances by up to 12 aspiring area stand-up comics. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m., 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at etix.com; $6 at the door. 996–9080. 

“Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser”: Michigan Theater.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser”: Michigan Theater.
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Michigan Theater. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.

Jan. 11: “Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser” (Charlotte Zwerin, 1988). Celebrated documentary about the bebop composer-pianist with live performances featuring close-ups of Monk’s hands that reveal his unusual technique. 7:30 p.m.