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January 16, 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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“Remembering the Dream”: EMU MLK Celebration.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor, HybridHybrid
“Remembering the Dream”: EMU MLK Celebration.
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Jan. 13–16. A celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. features performances, academic presentations, and more. Keynote address (date, time, and place TBA) by ER physician Sampson Davis, author of the New York Times bestseller Living and Dying in Brick City: Stories from the Front Lines of an Inner-City ER. Davis speaks about his experiences and his promotion of healthier communities. Times and locations of events TBA; go to emich.edu/mlk for details.  Livestream available.

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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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Open Cards and Games: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
9:00 am - 11:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Open Cards and Games: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
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Every Mon, Jan. 9- Mar. 31. 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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Rise and Shine Exercise: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
9:00 am - 10:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Rise and Shine Exercise: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
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Every Mon & Fri., Jan. 9- Mar. 31. Free (except as noted) in person weekly activities. Check meeting status before coming. 9-10 a.m., Pittsfield Township Senior Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd.. Free. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2120.

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“(R)evolution: 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium”: U-M Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“(R)evolution: 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium”: U-M Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives.
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Remarks by three speakers: American Medical Association vice president Aletha Maybank, former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr., and filmmaker Edward Buckles, director of the documentary Katrina Babies. Also, the hip-hop group Black Pilgrims performs  U-M music professor Stephen Rush’s musical & spoken-word piece depicting a fictional conversation between King and Malcolm X. 10 a.m.-noon, Hill Auditorium. Also via livestream at oami.umich.edu/um-mlk-symposium. Free. 936-1055, mlksymposiuminfo@umich.edu.

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“Larry Cat in Space”: U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
10:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Larry Cat in Space”: U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
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All ages 3–8 invited to watch a cartoon presentation about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon. U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Tickets $8. Limited capacity. Masks required. 764–0478. 

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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.

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Duplicate Non-sanctioned Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Duplicate Non-sanctioned Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
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Mondays 12:30–3:30 p.m. $3; members, $2. Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free (except as noted) weekly activities. Check meeting status before coming.

 

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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.

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Euchre: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Euchre: 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:

Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person.

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“Before the Black Action Movement: The U-M African-American Student Project, Washtenaw County’s Black Communities, and the Struggle for Inclusion”: U-M Afroamerican & African Studies.
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Before the Black Action Movement: The U-M African-American Student Project, Washtenaw County’s Black Communities, and the Struggle for Inclusion”: U-M Afroamerican & African Studies.
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Panel discussion on the African American presence in Washtenaw County prior to 1970 featuring U-M African American alumni, representatives of the African American Cultural and Historical Museum (AACHM), and the U-M Bentley Historical Library. 2–4 p.m., Michigan Union Pendleton Rm. Free. 764–5517.

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“Martin Luther King & Militarism: What Would He Say Today?”: Veterans for Peace.
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Martin Luther King & Militarism: What Would He Say Today?”: Veterans for Peace.
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Local chapter members Bob Krzewinski and Bill Shea discuss MLK’s speeches on militarism made during the Vietnam War. 2–4 p.m., Michigan Union Wolverine Room & 6-7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown multi-purpose Rm. Free. vfp93.org. wolverbob@gmail.com, 2183307. 

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“The Power Of Restorative Justice”: U-M Library MLK Committee.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“The Power Of Restorative Justice”: U-M Library MLK Committee.
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Restorative Justice of Oakland Youth founder Fania Davis, a long-time social justice activist and civil rights trial attorney, discusses (via Zoom) her work to end the school-to-prison pipeline and mass incarceration. 2–3 p.m., for URL see bit.ly/umfaniadavislecture. Free. 764–5293.

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“17th Annual Circle of Unity”: U-M Michigan Community Scholars Program.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“17th Annual Circle of Unity”: U-M Michigan Community Scholars Program.
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All invited to listen to or join a program of impromptu song, dance, and spoken word performances inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. Also, performances by local singer-songwriter Joe Reilly, Detroit singer-guitarist Julie Beutel, and others. 3–4 p.m., U-M Diag. Free. mcsprogram@umich.edu. 647–4860. 

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“The Water Remembers”: U-M Penny Stamps School of Art and Design.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“The Water Remembers”: U-M Penny Stamps School of Art and Design.
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The Flint-based artist collective The Sister Tour presents an ethnographic performance art piece that reframes and illuminates the spiritual and physical connections between black women and water. Followed by a conversation with the performers and a reception with light refreshments. 3–5 p.m., U-M Stamps Gallery, 210 S. Division. Free. 936–0671.

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Jeh Johnson: U-M Ford School of Public Policy MLK Day Program.
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Jeh Johnson: U-M Ford School of Public Policy MLK Day Program.
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Talk by this Secretary of Homeland Security during President Obama’s 2nd term. Followed by a discussion with Johnson, Ford School dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes, and public policy professors  Javed Ali and John D. Ciorciari on policy issues ranging from immigration to civil liberties. 3-4:30 p.m. Weill Hall Annenberg Auditorium, 735 S. State. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/Johnson-MLK-1-16-23. fspp-events@umich.edu.

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“Summer of Soul”: Michigan Theater.
4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Summer of Soul”: 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. 16: (Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, 2021). Footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, featuring performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, the Staple Singers, and more. 4 p.m. FREE in honor of MLK Day.

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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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Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club.
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club.
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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.

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Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
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Jan. 2, 16, & 30. 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, local crafter Amber Adams-Fall demonstrates making patch pockets (Jan. 2) & bias binding (Jan. 30) and sewing instructor Rae Hoekstra shows how to make elastic waistbands (Jan. 16). 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.

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“How Your Brain Works: Neuroscience Experiments for Everyone”: Literati Bookstore.
6:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“How Your Brain Works: Neuroscience Experiments for Everyone”: Literati Bookstore.
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Award-winning neuroscientist Greg Gage discusses his new practical guide on how to conduct simple neuroscience experiments using DIY electrodes. Gage is cofounder of Backyard Brains, a local company that produces kits used by students at all levels to learn about the brain. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. 585–5567.

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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
6:30 pm - 10:00 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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“Dr. King and the Legacy of Non-Violent Direct Action”: Interfaith Round Table/First Unitarian Universalist Church.
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Dr. King and the Legacy of Non-Violent Direct Action”: Interfaith Round Table/First Unitarian Universalist Church.
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Panel discussion (via Zoom) by U-M chaplain Matthew Schumann, Angela Hospice ministry director Diane Smith, and First Unitarian Universalist minister Manish Mishra-Marzetti. Followed by Q & A. 7–8:30 p.m., for Zoom link, preregister at bit.ly/irt-mlk. $5–$10 suggested donation.

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“Inside Michigan Basketball”: WTKA (1050 AM)/ WXYT (1270 AM).
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Inside Michigan Basketball”: WTKA (1050 AM)/ WXYT (1270 AM).
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Jan. 2, 9, 16, 24, & 30. Brian Boesch and Terry Mills host a live radio broadcast from inside the Pretzel Bell with popular U-M men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard and U-M women's coach Kim Barnes Arico. 7 p.m., Pretzel Bell, 226 S. Main. Seating limited. Free admission, but must order food & drinks to sit. bit.ly/insideMIbasket.

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“The Miniature World of Bryophytes”: Michigan Botanical Society.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“The Miniature World of Bryophytes”: Michigan Botanical Society.
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Ohio State University ecology professor emeritus Robert Klips, curator of the bryophyte and lichen specimen collections at OSU’s Museum of Biological Diversity, discusses the life cycle and ecology of mosses and liverworts, small organisms with an amazing capacity to grow in places too nutrient-poor or dry to support higher plant forms. 7 p.m., for URL see michbotclub.org/huron-valley-chapter or email khaw@comcast.net. Free. 718–6114.

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“King in the Wilderness”: Michigan Theater.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“King in the Wilderness”: 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. 16: (Peter Kunhardt, 2018). Haunting documentary about the last 18 months of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life. 7:30 p.m. FREE in honor of MLK Day.

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Tartan & Thistle Scottish Country Dancers.
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Tartan & Thistle Scottish Country Dancers.
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Jan. 9, 16, 23, & 30. Jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Usually with live music by Susie Lorand, Josh Burdick, & friends. All dances taught; beginners welcome. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Genesis, 2309 Packard. Mask and vaccination required. $5. 274–0773. 

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Comedy Open Mic: The Blind Pig.
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Comedy Open Mic: The Blind Pig.
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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.

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