• Observer Editor

    Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M

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    Every Sun. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including foxtrots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 6 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 ($10 includes lessons). (734) 763–6984.  

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    Observer Editor

    “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie”: Michigan Theater

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    Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Aug. 16: “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” (Stephen Hillenburg, 2004). Animated undersea adventure based on the popular Nickelodeon cartoon, about a happy-go-lucky oddball sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea. FREE with preregistration at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 11 a.m.

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    Observer Editor

    “Independence Lake Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Mon. Slow/moderate-paced 23-mile ride to Independence Lake on mostly dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free. (412) 302–9960. 

  • Observer Editor

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center

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    Every Mon. & Thurs. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both non-sanctioned (Mon.) and ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9) & 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.

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    Observer Editor

    “Adult Art & Nature: Sun Prints”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation

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    Adults invited to learn the technique of cyanotype printing by gathering local plants and using other found objects to make unique works of art with guidance from local artist Cheryl Boc-Chidester. No experience necessary; all materials provided. 5–7 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected].

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    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every Sat., Mon., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.) or a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.). AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi; and AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.  

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    Observer Editor

    Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club

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    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. (nonmembers must come 10 minutes early to sign a club waiver), Barton Nature Area, 1010 W. Huron River Dr. Free. annarborveloclub.org.  

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    Observer Editor

    “Beginner Needle Felting: Cat Roll”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and teens invited to learn needle felting basics, then make a burrito-cat, cat-roll, or tater-tot-shaped feline to take home. Involves the use of sharp needles. This craft will take the entire time to complete. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

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    Observer Editor

    Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Aug. 3, 17, & 31. Adults and kids grade 6 & up 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, crafter Amber Adams-Fall demonstrates French seams (Aug. 3) and flat felled seams (Aug. 31) and sewing instructor Rae Hoekstra discusses sleeve insertion (Aug. 17). 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

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    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

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    Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867. 

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    Observer Editor

    Fiber Arts Drop-in: Dzanc House

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    Aug. 3 & 17. All invited to join in crocheting, knitting, embroidering, etc. 6–9 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. dzanchouse.org.

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    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: A2 Runners

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    Every Mon. & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].

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    Observer Editor

    “How to Store Your Stamps”: Ann Arbor Stamp Club

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    Talk about albums, stockbooks, mylar, and more by former club exhibit chairperson Karl Edelmann. Also, a mini-auction of U.S. and foreign stamps. Visitors welcome. 7:30 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd. Free. (734) 761–5859, [email protected], annarborstampclub.org. 

  • Donation
    Observer Editor

    Tartan and Thistle Scottish Country Dancers

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    Every Mon. Learn to dance jigs, reels, and strathspeys. All dances taught. Usually with live music by Susie Lorand, Josh Burdick, and friends. 7:309:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann ArborSaline Rd. $10 suggested donation (first-timers free). (734) 2740773.

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    Observer Editor

    Comedy Show: The Blind Pig

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    Every Mon. Performances from up to 15 aspiring stand-up comics from around the state. Local comics emcee. Age 21 & up only. Free candy. 8–9:30 p.m., 208 S. First St. Free. (734) 996–8555.

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    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

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    Every Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.

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    Observer Editor

    “Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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    Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.