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Events in October 2022
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October 24, 2022
“Playgroups for Babies”: Ann Arbor District Library.
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). Free. 327–4200.
Magic: The Gathering Game Play: Sylvan Factory.
Every Sat., Mon., Wed., & Fri. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Intro to Magic: The Gathering (Sat. noon–3 p.m.), free. Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players (Sat. 6–10 p.m.), free. Just Another Modern Monday power cards (Mon. 6–9 p.m.), $10. Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game (Wed. 5–8 p.m.), free. Friday Night Magic rotating draft (Fri. 6–10 p.m.), cost varies. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.–Fri. 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), Fri. 1 p.m. & Oct. 11, 7 p.m. (Westgate). Free. 327–4200.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Expedition Reef (11:30 a.m.) reveals the secrets of coral reefs, the “rainforests of the sea” that are the Earth’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems. The Sky Tonight (12:30 & 2:30 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Tales of the Maya Skies (1:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics that enabled them to predict solstices, solar eclipses, weather patterns, and planetary movements. Various times, MNH, 1105 North University. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
Rise & Shine Exercise: Pittsfield Township Community Center
Rise & Shine Exercise (Mon. & Fri. 9-9:45 a.m.). Pittsfield Township Community Center (701 W. Ellsworth, 822-2120, recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Free.Creative Writers.: Pittsfield Township Community Center
Creative Writers (Mon. 10-11:30 a.m.). Pittsfield Township Community Center (701 W. Ellsworth, 822-2120, recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Free.Weekly Rehearsal: Women’s Chamber Chorus.
Every Mon., Sept. 12–Dec. 12. All invited to join this independent 30-member local women’s chorus to sing an eclectic program including classical, folk, Broadway, pop, and jazz. Ben Gaughran directs; Joshua Marzan accompanies. Concert on December 16. 10–11:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw. Free to visitors ($125 per semester for those who join). womenschamberchorus.com, 665–9271.
“Monday Noon Dexter Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Mon. Slow/moderate-paced rides, 10 to 30 miles, around B2B Trails in Hudson Mills and Dexter Huron Metroparks. Noon sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. 426–5116.
Michigan Marching Band Practice.
Every Mon.–Thurs. The U-M’s highly disciplined 200-plus-member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on Elbel Field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., Elbel Field, Hill at Division. Free. 764–0582.
Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club.
Every Mon. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th-edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. 5–9 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. Free. burrbarr7@hotmail.com.
“Focus on Women”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Mon. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, along the Huron River and B2B Trail. Geared toward women new to riding. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. Free. Preregistration recommended at bit.ly/aabtsfocusonwomen. (248) 880–9775.
“Sewing Lab”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Oct. 11 & 24. All invited to get basic sewing help with their unfinished projects or learn how to use the AADL sewing machines. Bring your own sewing machine, if you wish. No experience necessary. Also, sewing instructor Rae Hoekstra demonstrates shirring with elastic thread (Oct. 11) and local crafter Amber Adams-Fall shows clipping corners & curves (Oct. 24). 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.
Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club.
Every Mon. Moderate-paced 20-mile ride to Dexter and back, often with a rest stop along the way. Riders must wear a helmet and bring water and supplies to fix a flat tire. 6 p.m., Forsythe Middle School, 1655 Newport. Free. annarborveloclub.org.
Ira Shapiro joined by Chris Marquette to discuss his new book "The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America": The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Author, Senate commentator, and former Hill staffer Ira Shapiro joins congressional ethics and accountability reporter for CQ Roll Call, Chris Marquette, for a discussion on Shapiro's new book, The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America, our current political climate, and the state of democracy in these fractious times.
725 S. State St., Ann Arbor. This event is free and open to the public.. fspp-events@umich.edu. https://fordschool.umich.edu/event/2022/ira-shapiro-chris-marquette.“Map of Hope and Sorrow”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
Columbia University journalism professor Helen Benedict and Syrian writer and refugee Eyad Awwadawnan discuss (via Zoom) their new book, a collection of harrowing, 1st-person accounts of life in Greece’s refugee camps. 7 p.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2022-10. Free. 585–5567.
Tartan & Thistle Scottish Country Dancers.
Every Mon. Jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Usually with live music. All dances taught; beginners welcome. 7:30–9:30 p.m., call 274–0773 for location. Mask and proof of vaccination required. $5.
Comedy Open Mic: The Blind Pig.
Every Mon. Performances by up to 15 aspiring stand-up comics from around the state. Local comics emcee. To perform, sign up by sending a message on Instagram, bit.ly/comedyblindpig. Age 21 & up only. 8–9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. Free. 996–8555.
