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January 17, 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.

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“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).

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“Salt: Dispersed”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
All Day. Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
“Salt: Dispersed”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
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Jan. 17–Feb. 13. Online presentation of this very personal monologue by performance artist Selina Thompson which premiered at the 2017 Edinburgh festival. At once dramatic, sad, and comic, it’s about a journey she made by cargo ship to retrace the triangular route of the transatlantic slave trade. Salt is Thompson’s response to being both British and a descendant of a people enslaved by the British. Anytime from Jan. 17 until Feb. 13. For URL, go to ums.org/performance/salt-dispersed, or preregister to be reminded. Free. 764–2538.

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“The Plastic Bag Store”: University Musical Society/U-M Museum of Art/U-M Graham Sustainability Institute.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor
“The Plastic Bag Store”: University Musical Society/U-M Museum of Art/U-M Graham Sustainability Institute.
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Jan. 17 and every Wed.–Sun., Jan. 18–Feb. 5. Film and theater director Robin Frohardt’s public art installation and immersive film screening uses humor and a critical lens to question our culture of consumption and convenience, with a focus on the effects of single-use plastic addiction. Shelves are stocked with thousands of original sculptures of everyday goods—produce and meat, dry goods and toiletries—all made from discarded single-use plastics. Several times a day, the “store” is transformed into a film screen that uses puppetry, shadowplay, and handmade sets to tell a darkly comedic story of how what we value least may become our most lasting cultural legacy. The Plastic Bag Store premiered in Times Square in 2020 and has toured across the U.S. 8 p.m. (Tues.), 6 & 8 p.m. (Wed.–Fri.); 2, 4, 6, & 8 p.m. (Sat.); &  2, 5, & 7 p.m. (Sun.), location TBA at tickets.ums.org. Mask required if Washtenaw County is in the CDC’s high-risk category. Tickets $30 (students $12) in advance at tickets.ums.org, at the Michigan League box office, & by phone, and (if available) at the door. 764–2538.

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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 25 (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)

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Mahjong: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
9:00 am - 11:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Mahjong: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
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Every Tues, 9-11 a.m. Free (except as noted) in person weekly activities. Check meeting status before coming. 9-11 a.m., Pittsfield Township Senior Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd.. Free. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2120.

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Online Meditation Drop-In: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
10:00 am - 11:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Online Meditation Drop-In: 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:

Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom.

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“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.

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“Authoritarian Populism in Everyday Life: Contemporary Turkey”: U-M Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies.
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Authoritarian Populism in Everyday Life: Contemporary Turkey”: U-M Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies.
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Talk by Weiser Center postdoc Basak Gemici. Noon–1:30 p.m., 555 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For livestream preregister at myumi.ch/P1eGq. Free. 764–0351.

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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
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Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) or a 499er game for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.

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Euchre: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Euchre: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
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Every Tues., Jan. 9- Mar. 31. Free (except as noted) in person weekly activities. Check meeting status before coming. 1-3:30 a.m., Pittsfield Township Senior Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd.. Free. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2120.

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“Una Tertulia”: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program. 
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
“Una Tertulia”: 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:

“Una Tertulia” (Nov. 1, 3:30–4:30 p.m.) a chance to socialize with other Spanish speakers via Zoom.

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“Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation”: U-M Wallace House.
4:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation”: U-M Wallace House.
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Brooklyn-based journalist and educator Linda Villarosa discusses her new book about the forces in the American health care system and in American society that cause Black people to “live sicker and die quicker” compared to their white counterparts. 4:30 p.m., Weill Hall Annenberg Auditorium, 735 S. State. Free. 998–7575. 

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“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All age 16+ invited to play Dungeons and Dragons role-playing games. 5–8 p.m. (Mon. & Tues.), 6–8 p.m. (Thurs.), & 6–10 p.m. (Fri.), Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. Preregistration recommended. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877. 

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Letterpress Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Letterpress Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
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Jan. 3, 7, 17, & 22 (different times). All adults invited to learn the basics of letterpress printing using vintage handset type. The program begins with a safety & equipment orientation. 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Jan. 3 & 17) & 2–4 p.m. (Jan. 7 & 22), AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.

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“Still Standing: A Photographic Tour of Beautiful Buildings from Northern Michigan's Past”: Ann Arbor District Library.
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Still Standing: A Photographic Tour of Beautiful Buildings from Northern Michigan's Past”: Ann Arbor District Library.
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Farmington Hills photographer Josh Lipnik shows evocative slides from Northern Michigan to tell the story of immigrants, industry, and the role of local resources and geology, while reflecting on his time on the road. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200. 

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Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
6:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
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Every Tues. & Sat. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different Fleet Feet (formerly Running Fit) locations. Rain or shine. 6 p.m. (Tues.), 123 E. Liberty & 8 a.m. (Sat.), 5700 Jackson Rd. Free. 769–5016 (Tues.) & 929–9022 (Sat.).

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BattleTech: Classic: Sylvan Factory.
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
BattleTech: Classic: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Tues. All invited to play this fast-paced tabletop miniatures war game. No experience needed; materials provided. 6–9 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. Free. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877. sylvanfactory.com/event-schedule.

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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
6:00 pm - 9:00 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. 

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“Embracing, Respecting, and Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”: American Business Women’s Association Maia Chapter.
6:15 pm - 7:45 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Embracing, Respecting, and Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”: American Business Women’s Association Maia Chapter.
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Talk (via Zoom) by Rachelle’s Island Tea (Orangeburg, SC) founder and CEO Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes. 6:15–7:45 p.m., for URL preregister at abwa-maia.org/events. Free.

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“Food Literacy for All”: U-M Sustainable Food Systems Initiative.
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Food Literacy for All”: U-M Sustainable Food Systems Initiative.
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Every Tues. (except Feb. 28), Jan. 10–Apr. 4. Lecture series. Jan. 10: Panel discussion on “Roots: Food, Power, and the Climate Crisis” with U-M Afroamerican & African studies professor Jessica Kenyatta Walker, U-M School for Environment & Sustainability lecturer shakara tyler, and U-M Sustainable Food Systems project manager Lilly Fink Shapiro. Jan. 17: Climate Justice Alliance coexecutive director Bineshi Albert on “Community Food Systems for Climate Justice.” Jan. 24: Writer and filmmaker Raj Patel, a University of Texas public affairs professor, on The Ants & The Grasshopper. Jan. 31: British chef and writer Fozia Ismail on “Food Culture as Companion.” 6:30–8 p.m. Free. Preregistration required at sites.lsa.umich.edu/sustainablefoodsystems/foodliteracyforall. Free.

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“Capture the Flag”: All Hands Active.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Capture the Flag”: All Hands Active.
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Every Tues. All invited to try to capture a virtual flag by solving a computer security problem (or series of problems), ranging from basic computer to some programming. Led by AHA usage members. Beginners welcome. 7 p.m., for URL preregister at meetup.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free; donations welcome. info@AllHandsActive.org.

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“Capture the Flag”: All Hands Active.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Capture the Flag”: All Hands Active.
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Every Tues. All invited to try to capture a virtual flag by solving a computer security problem (or series of problems), ranging from basic computer to some programming. Led by AHA usage members. Beginners welcome. 7 p.m., for URL preregister at meetup.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free; donations welcome. info@AllHandsActive.org.

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Ann Arbor Camera Club.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Ann Arbor Camera Club.
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Jan. 3 & 17. Club members show their digital slides (Jan. 3) and prints (Jan. 17) on various topics, including this month’s assignment, “Birds in Flight.” Also, presentations by club member Larry Hoxey on “Techniques for Managing Extreme Lighting Conditions” (Jan. 3) and by teacher Hannah Crabtree & her Community High School photography students (Jan. 17). 7–9 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty, rear entrance, 2nd fl. Mask and proof of Covid-19 vaccination and booster required. Free. annarborcameraclub.org, a2camclub@gmail.com.

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English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance.
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance.
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Every Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught; no partner or experience needed. Bring flat, clean-soled, nonslip shoes (running shoes okay) and your own water bottle. First-timers are asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Mask, proof of vaccination, and release of liability required. Suggested donation: $8 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). aactmad.org/english-country, 665–7704.

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Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
7:00 pm - 8:45 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
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Every Tues. All male and female singers invited to join weekly rehearsals. 7–8:45 p.m., Interfaith Center, 704 Airport Blvd. Masks encouraged, vaccination required to join. Free to visitors (annual dues for those who join). bit.ly/hvharmonizers. info@HVharmonizers.org, 796–7467.

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Voices in Harmony.
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Voices in Harmony.
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Every Tues. Female singers invited to join the weekly rehearsals of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–8:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile Rd., Ypsilanti. Mask policy follows CDC guidelines; proof of vaccination required. Free to visitors ($26 monthly dues for those who join). info@voicesinharmonychorus.org, 765–3611.

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The Moth StorySLAM: Michigan Radio.
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
The Moth StorySLAM: Michigan Radio.
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Open mic storytelling competition sponsored by The Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization. Ten storytellers are selected at random from among those who sign up to tell a 3- to 5-minute story on the theme of “Juggle.” Stories are judged by a 3-person team recruited from the audience. Monthly winners compete in a semiannual GrandSLAM. Seating limited; arrive early. 7:30–9 p.m. (doors open and sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m.), The Blind Pig, 208 S. First. Tickets $15 general admission in advance only at TheMoth.org beginning a week before event. patricia@themoth.org. 

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“Liar, Dreamer, Thief”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
“Liar, Dreamer, Thief”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
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Michigan poet and short fiction writer Maria Dong joins novelist Grace D. Li to discuss (via Zoom) Dong’s debut novel, a surreal story about a woman obsessed with a coworker who accuses her of causing his death before he commits suicide. 8 p.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2023-01. Free. 585–5567.

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