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Events in May 2023
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May 10, 2023
“May the 4th Run with You: A Virtual 4K”: Epic Races
May 4–31. This Star Wars–themed event allows participants to complete a self-timed 4-km run/walk anytime and anywhere during the rest of the month. Mailed race packets include a T-shirt, medal, bib, and sticker decal. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the American Association for Cancer Research. Anytime, May 4–31. $40. Preregistration required at bit.ly/maythe4thrun2023. info@epicraces.com, 531–8747.
Pittsfield Township Senior Center
701 W. Ellsworth, bit.ly/pittsfield-seniors, 822–2120. Free (except as noted) in person activities. Weekly events. Check meeting status before coming. Rise and Shine Exercise (Mon. & Fri. 9–10 a.m.). Exercise with Karen (Mon. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Open Cards and Games (Mon. 1–3 p.m.). Bridge (Mon. 1:30 p.m.). Mah-jongg (Tues. 9 a.m.). Euchre (Tues. 1–3:30 p.m.). Watercolor Painting (Wed. 9 a.m.). $1 per card. Bingo (Wed. 1–3 p.m.). Crafting (Fri. 10–11:30 a.m.). Trivia (Fri. 1–2 p.m.). May 17, 24, & 31 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) Senior Strolls, group walks in Lillie Park South. May 19 (1–3 p.m.): “Senior Spring Fling,” a chance for seniors and their friends to take part in a cupcake walk, a ring toss, guessing games, and a team game TBA. Prizes & refreshments.
Wednesday Workshops: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Wed. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Senior-focused workshops. May 3: “7 Habits of Happy People.” May 10: “Care Management by Natalie.” May 17: “Reverse Mortgage Education.” May 24: “Implantable Hearing Technology.” May 31: TBA. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Free. Preregister at bpatton@a2gov.org or 794–6250.
Ann Arbor Senior Center
1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250. Weekly activities. Free unless otherwise indicated. Preregistration required. Senior Park Walks (Mon. 10–11 a.m.) $2; members, free. Bridge (Mon. 12:30–4 p.m.) duplicate non-sanctioned, $3; members, $2. Recorder Group (Mon. 12:30–1:30 p.m.) $2; members, free. Tai Chi for All Levels (Tues. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Line Dancing (Tues. noon–1 p.m.). Adventures in Watercolor (Tues. 1:30–3:30 p.m.) bring a basic watercolor set, brushes, paper, and pencil. Mind Matters Brain Games (Wed. 10–11 a.m.) via Zoom at tinyurl.com/4yp2fb82. Intermediate Tai Chi (Wed. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Life Writing (Wed. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Strength Training for Seniors (Wed. & Fri., 1–2 p.m.).
Ann Arbor Senior Center
1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250. Weekly activities. Free unless otherwise indicated. Preregistration required. Senior Park Walks (Mon. 10–11 a.m.) $2; members, free. Bridge (Mon. 12:30–4 p.m.) duplicate non-sanctioned, $3; members, $2. Recorder Group (Mon. 12:30–1:30 p.m.) $2; members, free. Tai Chi for All Levels (Tues. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Line Dancing (Tues. noon–1 p.m.). Adventures in Watercolor (Tues. 1:30–3:30 p.m.) bring a basic watercolor set, brushes, paper, and pencil. Mind Matters Brain Games (Wed. 10–11 a.m.) via Zoom at tinyurl.com/4yp2fb82. Intermediate Tai Chi (Wed. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Life Writing (Wed. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Strength Training for Seniors (Wed. & Fri., 1–2 p.m.).
Playgroups for Babies: AADL
Every Mon.–Wed., except May 29 (different times): Fifteen minutes of stories, rhymes, and songs led by AADL staffers, followed by a short open play. For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Malletts Creek (Mon. 10:30 a.m.), Traverwood (Tues. 11 a.m.), Westgate (Wed. 10:30 a.m.).
Preschool Storytimes: AADL
Every Mon.–Fri. except May 29 (different times): Half-hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Pittsfield (Mon. 10:30 a.m. & Thurs. 11 a.m.), Downtown (Tues. 11 a.m.), Malletts Creek (Tues. 11 a.m. & Wed. 10:30 a.m.), Traverwood & Pittsfield (Thurs. 11 a.m.), and Westgate (Fri. 1 p.m.).
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Ann Arbor Senior Center
1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250. Weekly activities. Free unless otherwise indicated. Preregistration required. Senior Park Walks (Mon. 10–11 a.m.) $2; members, free. Bridge (Mon. 12:30–4 p.m.) duplicate non-sanctioned, $3; members, $2. Recorder Group (Mon. 12:30–1:30 p.m.) $2; members, free. Tai Chi for All Levels (Tues. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Line Dancing (Tues. noon–1 p.m.). Adventures in Watercolor (Tues. 1:30–3:30 p.m.) bring a basic watercolor set, brushes, paper, and pencil. Mind Matters Brain Games (Wed. 10–11 a.m.) via Zoom at tinyurl.com/4yp2fb82. Intermediate Tai Chi (Wed. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Life Writing (Wed. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Strength Training for Seniors (Wed. & Fri., 1–2 p.m.).
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Free. Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd. or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m.) via Zoom. Walking Off the Pounds (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom. Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person. Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom. Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person. Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested. Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person. Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–3 p.m.) via Zoom. Una Tertulia (1st & 3rd Thurs. 3–5 p.m.) for native Spanish speakers in person.
U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Free. Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd. or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m.) via Zoom. Walking Off the Pounds (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom. Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person. Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom. Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person. Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested. Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person. Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–3 p.m.) via Zoom. Una Tertulia (1st & 3rd Thurs. 3–5 p.m.) for native Spanish speakers in person.
Ann Arbor Senior Center
1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250. Weekly activities. Free unless otherwise indicated. Preregistration required. Senior Park Walks (Mon. 10–11 a.m.) $2; members, free. Bridge (Mon. 12:30–4 p.m.) duplicate non-sanctioned, $3; members, $2. Recorder Group (Mon. 12:30–1:30 p.m.) $2; members, free. Tai Chi for All Levels (Tues. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Line Dancing (Tues. noon–1 p.m.). Adventures in Watercolor (Tues. 1:30–3:30 p.m.) bring a basic watercolor set, brushes, paper, and pencil. Mind Matters Brain Games (Wed. 10–11 a.m.) via Zoom at tinyurl.com/4yp2fb82. Intermediate Tai Chi (Wed. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Life Writing (Wed. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Strength Training for Seniors (Wed. & Fri., 1–2 p.m.).
Pittsfield Township Senior Center
701 W. Ellsworth, bit.ly/pittsfield-seniors, 822–2120. Free (except as noted) in person activities. Weekly events. Check meeting status before coming. Rise and Shine Exercise (Mon. & Fri. 9–10 a.m.). Exercise with Karen (Mon. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Open Cards and Games (Mon. 1–3 p.m.). Bridge (Mon. 1:30 p.m.). Mah-jongg (Tues. 9 a.m.). Euchre (Tues. 1–3:30 p.m.). Watercolor Painting (Wed. 9 a.m.). $1 per card. Bingo (Wed. 1–3 p.m.). Crafting (Fri. 10–11:30 a.m.). Trivia (Fri. 1–2 p.m.). May 17, 24, & 31 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) Senior Strolls, group walks in Lillie Park South. May 19 (1–3 p.m.): “Senior Spring Fling,” a chance for seniors and their friends to take part in a cupcake walk, a ring toss, guessing games, and a team game TBA. Prizes & refreshments.
U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Free. Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd. or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m.) via Zoom. Walking Off the Pounds (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom. Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person. Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom. Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person. Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested. Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person. Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–3 p.m.) via Zoom. Una Tertulia (1st & 3rd Thurs. 3–5 p.m.) for native Spanish speakers in person.
“In Common”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 21–June 3. Rhiannon Ragland directs the world premiere of Philadelphia-based African American playwright Quinn D. Eli’s drama about Melanie, a woman haunted by a voice in her head—the voice of her friend who was killed years ago. The friend was Black, Melanie is white, and questions about why the tragedy happened and who was to blame come into focus when Melanie is drawn into a new relationship. Adult language and content. Cast: Caitlin Cavannaugh, Rachel Keown, Rusty Mewha, Olivia Miller, Dez Walker. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $30-$48 in advance at PurpleRoseTheatre.org and by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. 433–7673.
“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter Huron Metropark with a possible visit to the Dexter Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. 426–5116.
IMPROVISATION HEALS!: Enlightened Soul Center & Shop
Improv for the Shy with Miriam Kirscht, LMSW, psychotherapist & theater artist.
Let yourself play! Discover possibilities. Reduce stress, anxiety, self-doubt. Increase resilience, boldness, confidence. IMPROV FOR THE SHY! Drop-in group offered by Improvisation Heals - Miriam Kirscht, LMSW, experienced psychotherapist and theater artist.
Improvisation is a place to become fully yourself in the moment, without fear.
CHECK OUT RESEARCH showing benefits of improvisation for mental health: "Improvisation helps divergent thinking and tolerance for uncertainty" www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871187113000151
2711 Carpenter Road ,Ann Arbor, MI. (1) Pay to: @Miriam-Kirscht on Venmo (2) Please RSVP to: kirschtm37@gmail.com $25. kirschtm37@gmail.com https://www.enlightenedsoulcenter.com/improvisation-heals 734-358-0218.Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
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. (7–10 p.m.): MTG Pauper, a fun and fast format for all skill levels, $5. Wed. (5–9 p.m.): Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game, free. Fri. (6:30–10 p.m.): Magic rotating draft, cost varies. Prizes paid in store credit. Sat. (noon–3 p.m.): Intro to Magic: The Gathering, free. Sat. (6–10 p.m.): Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players, free. Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
Letterpress Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
May 7, 10, 18, 23, & 27. All adults invited to learn the basics of letterpress printing using vintage handset type. The program begins with a safety & equipment orientation. Also, demonstrations of LEGO letterpress printing (May 10) and small poster printing (May 27). 2–4 p.m. (May 7), 6–7 p.m. (May 10), 5:30–7:30 p.m. (May 18 & 23) and 1–3 p.m. (May 27), AADL Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327–4200.
“A Dinnerware Collector’s Journey”: Ann Arbor District Library/International Museum of Dinnerware Design
Introduction to Line Dancing: Pittsfield Union Grange
Movies: Ann Arbor District Library
Free. 327–4200. AADL Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. (unless otherwise noted). Various times.
May 1: “Lift Like a Girl” (Mayye Zayed, 2020). Coming-of-age documentary about a young Egyptian woman training to become a world-class weightlifter. Arabic, subtitles. 6 p.m.
May 10: “Pheasants of Detroit” (Diane Cheklich & Diane Weiss, 2022). Short documentary celebrating the abundance of ring-necked pheasants living in the open spaces of Detroit. Post-film Q&A with Cheklich. AADL Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley. 6:30 p.m.
May 25: “Bad AXE” (David Siev, 2022). Documentary capturing the lives of a close-knit Asian American Michigan family, fighting to keep their business afloat and family safe amid intense racial tensions and a global pandemic. Followed by a Q&A with members of the family. 5:30 p.m.
May 31: “Many Passages of Time: The Story of Indian Muslims in America” (Arifa Javed, 2022). Documentary examining the everyday lives of Indian American Muslims. Followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Javed, a U-M Dearborn sociology professor. 6 p.m.
“Selling a Home with a Native Plant Garden”: Wild Ones
Wild One member Marta Manildi and Reinhart realtor Patrick McVeigh discuss how native plant gardeners can attract homebuyers who will maintain the sellers’ “living landscape” gardening practices. 6:45–8:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free; metered parking. a2wildones@gmail.com, annarbor.wildones.org.
“Pizza & Comedy”: Cottage Inn
Performances by 3 Detroit-area comics. Headliner Norman Stulz, known for his high-energy storytelling, specializes in funny tales about raising 3 kids and other aspects of family life. “I wish I could tell a story the way Norm does,” says actor Tim Allen. “He’s a master.” Openers are Midwestern-nice comic Nick Leydorf, who has lots of funny stories from his other career as a lawyer, and Ann Arbor comic Ellie Snyder, who draws inspiration from her ex-boyfriends’ mothers and grumpy women who yell at grocery cashiers. 7–8 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Cottage Inn, 512 E. William. Admission: $20 plus a 2-drink minimum. Tickets available in advance at originalcottageinn.com and at the door.
"An Evening of Poetry and Written Word”: Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle
Ann Arbor Bridge Club
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.
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
May 7–28. Annual festival of documentary and feature films on Jewish themes. Includes both in-person shows and different films made available each week to stream anytime. $12 per film (in advance only for in-person shows); virtual festival pass, $150. Various times & locations. jccAnnArbor.org/film-festival. 971–0990.
May 7 (4 p.m., State Theatre): “Farewell, Mr. Haffmann” (Fred Cavayé, 2021). The lives of 2 French men, a jeweler and his employee, become increasingly entangled during the German occupation of their city. French & German, subtitles.
Online anytime May 8 (noon) through May 14 (noon):
“America” (Ofir Raul Graizer, 2022). Drama about an Israeli swim instructor, living in Chicago, who returns to Israel after 10 years of absence to bury his father. Hebrew, subtitles. “Karaoke” (Moshe Rosenthal, 2022). Poignant comedy about a middle-aged suburban Israeli couple who are compelled by their new neighbor, a charismatic bachelor who hosts karaoke evenings in his apartment. Hebrew, subtitles. “Reckonings” (Roberta Grossman, 2022). Documentary exploring the incomprehensible task of negotiating compensation for the survivors of the Holocaust after WWII. German & Hebrew, subtitles. “The Forger” (Maggie Peren & Korbinian Wandinger, 2022). Historical drama about a 21-year-old Jewish graphic artist who eludes the Gestapo and survives by forging passports and identity cards for other Jews. German, subtitles. “The Narrow Bridge” (Esther Takac, 2022). Documentary following the emotional journey of four disparate people who lost a child or parent in violent conflict. Arabic & Hebrew, subtitles.
May 10 (7 p.m., State Theatre): “Where Life Begins” (Stéphane Freiss, 2022). Drama about the daughter of an ultra-orthodox Jewish family who connects with a free-spirited farmer. French & Italian, subtitles.
May 11 (7 p.m., Michigan Union Rogel Ballroom): “iMordecai” (Marvin Samel, 2022). A Holocaust survivor navigates modern city living in this heartwarming comedy.
May 14 (4 p.m., State Theatre): “Matchmaking” (Erez Tadmor, 2022). Comic drama about a man in search of a wife. Hebrew, subtitles.
Online anytime May 15 (noon) through May 21 (noon): “Exodus 91” (Micah Smith, 2022). Documentary about an Israeli diplomat who travels to Ethiopia in the early 90s to act as negotiator for the release of 15,000 Ethiopian Jews. Amharic & Hebrew, subtitles. “Lost Transport” (Saskia Diesing, 2022). Drama about a train deporting hundreds of Jewish prisoners that gets stranded near a small German village occupied by the Red Army. German, Dutch, & Russian; subtitles. “March ‘68” (Krzysztof Lang, 2022). Romeo & Juliet love story involving young activists in Warsaw. Polish, subtitles. “Paris Boutique” (Marco Carmel, 2022). Comedy about a well-off French Jewish lawyer who takes an unexpected business trip to Jerusalem just before her wedding date. Hebrew & French, subtitles. “Story of Annette Zelman” (Philippe Le Guay, 2022). Two young lovers face the harsh realities of German-occupied Paris in 1942. French, subtitles.
May 17 (7 p.m., State Theatre): “Shttl” (Ady Walter, 2022). Evocative drama tells the expansive story of a Jewish village in Ukraine 24 hours before Nazi Germany invades. Russian, German, Ukrainian, & Yiddish; subtitles.
May 18 (7 p.m., State Theatre): “Holy Wine” (Snow R. Shai, 2022). Documentary about Israeli winemakers. Hebrew, subtitles.
Online anytime May 22 (noon) through May 28 (noon): “Sauvons les Enfants” (Catherine Bernstein, 2021). Documentary about the French rail workers and other resistance members who managed to save Jewish children and their parents from being deported to concentration camps. French, subtitles. “The Shadow of the Day” (Giuseppe Piccioni, 2022). A Fascist Italian restaurant owner starts to rethink his politics after he hires a new employee with a dangerous secret. Italian, subtitles. Also, several films screened earlier in the festival (see above): Farewell, Mr. Haffmann, iMordecai, Matchmaking, Shttl, and Where Life Begins.
Fathom Events
973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $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), various times.
May 1: “A Father's Heart” (Andrés Garrigó & Antonio Cuadri, 2023). Religious documentary examining the spiritual influence of Joseph of Nazareth on contemporary believers. 7 p.m.
May 3: “Champion” Prerecorded broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of acclaimed contemporary composer Terence Blanchard’s 2021 opera about a young boxer who rises from obscurity to become a world champion, and his older self, still haunted by the ghosts of his past. 1 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20 only). $24.
May 7, 8, & 10: “Ponyo” (Hayao Miyazaki, 2009). Dubbed (Sun.) & subtitled (Mon. & Wed.) screenings of this Japanese anime fantasy centered on the friendship between a 5-year-old boy and a magical goldfish who yearns to become human. Ann Arbor 20 only. 4 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Mon. & Wed.).
May 9, 11, &13: “Roll with It” (Chris Dowling, 2023). Lighthearted comedy about an aging small-town waitress who enters a karaoke contest to save her home from foreclosure. Emagine only. 7 p.m. (Tues. & Thurs.) & 3 p.m. (Sat.).
May 14 & 17: “Grease” (Randal Kleiser, 1978). Iconic musical about a tough-guy 1950s greaser who falls for a squeaky-clean Australian girl. Stars John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John. 4 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Wed).
May 15 & 17: “Patterns of Evidence: Journey to Mount Sinai Part II” (Timothy Mahoney, 2023). Documentary about the filmmaker’s search for physical evidence of the Exodus journey to Mt. Sinai. 7 p.m.
May 16: “The Way” (Emilio Estevez, 2010). Drama about a grieving father who travels to France to retrieve the body of his estranged son, who died while attempting the pilgrimage to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela. 7 p.m.
May 20 & 24: “Don Giovanni” Live (Sat.) & prerecorded (Wed.) broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Mozart’s operatic version of the Don Juan legend. The action is an absorbing blend of stark tragedy and high comedy, and the music deftly fuses melodies of exquisite beauty with dark rumblings of damnation. Sung in Italian, with English subtitles. 1 p.m. (Wed., Ann Arbor 20 only). $25.
Kerrytown Crafters
Meditation & Discussion: Ann Arbor Karma Thegsum Chöling
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Ann Arbor Swing Dance Association
Every Wed. 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. 7:50–9:30 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg Rm., 2nd fl. Mask recommended; full vaccination and boosters required. $5 (free for SAA members). Swingannarbor.com.
Veterans' Benefits Information Night: American Legion Post 390
Open to all DOD Military Veterans and family
members interested in learning more about
available benefits. Guest speaker is Gary Easterling,
Director of Veterans Benefits for the American Legion
