HOME l ARBORLIST l SUBSCRIBE l ADVERTISE l SEND A TIP

EVENTS

ARTICLES

– This Month's Events

Submit your photos here

July 04, 2009

Calendar of Events

Clubs, Social Groups, and Hobbies

From singing groups to card clubs, bird watching, and amateur radio, there's plenty to do every week. The Calendar is the most complete listing of events in and around Ann Arbor.

Monday

December 2008

10-11:30 a.m.

Weekly Rehearsal: Women's Chamber Chorus.

Every Mon. All invited to join this independent 30-member local women's chorus to sing everything from Bach and Hungarian folk songs to madrigals and pop tunes. David Perample directs. West Side United Methodist Church, 900 S. Seventh at Davis. Free to visitors ($100 per semester membership dues for those who join). 213-3770, 769-0784.

11:30 a.m.

U-M Club of Ann Arbor.

Dec. 1, 8, 15, & 22. Weekly lunchtime talks by U-M coaches. Today: women's gymnastics coach Bev Plocki. Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd. $14 (members, $9.25; seniors, $8.75). 663-7420.

ESL Conversation Group: Ann Arbor District Library.

Every Mon. & Fri. (different branch locations). All levels of English speakers invited for conversation. 1-2:30 p.m., AADL Pittsfield Branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. between Scio Church Rd. and Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Free. 327-4200.

12:30-3:30 p.m.

Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Every Mon. All seniors age 55 & older invited to play this popular bridge format. No partner required. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $1. 769-5911.

12:30 p.m.

Movie Matinee: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Dec. 8 & 22. Screening of a film TBA. Lunch available ($2.50). Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free. 769-5911.

1-2:30 p.m.

Mah-Jongg: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Every Mon & Tues. All seniors age 50 & older invited to play this popular tile game. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free. 769-5911.

1-4 p.m.

Bridge: U-M Turner Geriatrics Center.

Every Mon. & Fri. except Dec. 26. All seniors invited to play bridge. Refreshments. Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Free. 998-9353.

7 p.m.

The Barony of Cynnabar.

Every Mon. except Dec. 1. All invited to join members of this local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism to work on re-creating different aspects of medieval culture, including combat, dancing, singing, clothing, and many other arts & crafts. 1311 EECS, 1301 Beal, North Campus. Free. Information at cynnabar.org.

7-8:30 p.m.

"Tile-Making": Ann Arbor District Library.

Motawi Tileworks co-owners Karim and Nawal Motawi show teens in grades 6 & up and adults how to make their own impressed clay tiles. Tiles provided. AADL Pittsfield Branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. between Scio Church Rd. and Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Free. 327-4200.

7 p.m.

"Show and Tell": Ann Arbor Area Civil War Round Table.

Club members show and briefly discuss various Civil War-related items, including diaries, photographs, weapons, uniforms, paintings, and more. Previous highlights have included a set of very rare engraved slave tags and a stirring performance of period songs. Also, a Christmas party. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center, 5305 Elliott Dr. (off Huron River Dr.). Free. 930-0617.

7-9:30 p.m.

Weekly Rehearsal: Out Loud Chorus.

Every Mon. Beginning to advanced singers invited to join this chorus for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their friends. Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium. Free. 973-6084.

7:30 p.m.

Dream Group.

Every Mon. All invited to join veteran local social worker Rebecca Mullen to discuss their dreams from Jungian, Buddhist, and other spiritual perspectives. 215 N. Seventh St. Donation. 662-5925.

8:30-11:30 p.m.

Pub Quiz: Conor O'Neill's Irish Pub.

Every Mon. Local high school English teacher Geoff Cost throws out questions for anyone to answer at this popular weekly trivia fest. Prizes. Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee. 665-2968.

Tuesday

December 2008

7:30-8:30 a.m.

Stewardship Network Stewards' Circle.

All invited to join a group discussion on how to be ecofriendly. Bruegger's Bagels, 709 North University. Free. 996-3190.

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Mah-Jongg: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Every Mon & Tues. All seniors age 50 & older invited to play this popular tile game. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free. 769-5911.

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Game Day: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Every Tues. All seniors age 50 & older invited to play poker, mah-jongg, Scrabble, bridge, tile rummy, and Wii bowling, boxing, and more. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free. 769-5911.

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Jewish Older Adults: Jewish Community Center.

Every Tues. Activities begin at 10 a.m. with "Fitness Fun" ($4), a 60-minute exercise program led by Maria Farquhar, followed at 1 p.m. by a chance to play mah-jongg, cards, and board games or join quilting and other craft projects. Homemade buffet luncheon ($3) available at noon. All invited. JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. (off Stone School Rd. south of Packard). Free. 971-0990.

"AADL.org": Ann Arbor District Library.

Dec. 9 & 10. Hands-on 2-part introduction to less obvious features of the AADL website, including the advantages of using My Account for placing holds, how to navigate the research tabs, and how and why to tag items. 10 a.m., AADL, 343 S. Fifth Ave. at William. Free. 327-4555.

"The Big Guns": Vinology.

Vinology staff host tastings of 12-15 cabernet sauvignons, some of which sell for $50/bottle. Hearty appetizers. Time TBA, Vinology, 110 S. Main St. Cost TBA. Reservations required. 222-9841.

6:30-8:30 p.m.

"Knit Happens": Ann Arbor Stitch 'n' Bitch.

Every Tues. All knitters invited to bring their current projects to work on and swap knitting tips. location TBA. Free. 945-3035.

7-9 p.m.

Ann Arbor Area Writers Group: Arborland Borders.

Every Tues. All local writers invited to bring samples of their writing to read and discuss. Observers welcome. Borders computer section, 3527 Washtenaw. Free. 665-8194.

7 p.m.

Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor Area Robotics Club.

All invited to meet robotics hobbyists and check out and informally discuss their current gadgets and toys. A2 Mech Shop, 240 Parkland Plaza, 179 Little Lake Dr. (off eastbound Jackson between Wagner & Zeeb). Free. 332-1000.

7-8 p.m.

"Steep Tea Tasting": Zingerman's Delicatessen.

Zingerman's tea expert Jess Piskor shows how to brew and offers taste samples of several fine teas. Zingerman's Next Door (upstairs), 422 Detroit St. $10. Space limited; preregistration required. 663-3400.

7 p.m.

"Erster Dinner": Zingerman's Roadhouse.

Zingerman's Roadhouse chef Alex Young and Taylor Shellfish (Washington) marketing consultant Jon Rowley, dubbed "the Johnny Appleseed of ostreiculture" by the New York Times, host a 4-course dinner featuring oysters from all 3 coasts, and Rowley discusses the importance of place in their different flavors. Zingerman's Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Rd. $45. Beverages available a la carte. Space limited; reservations required. 663-FOOD.

7-10:30 p.m.

Sweet Adelines County Connection.

Every Tues. All women invited to join the weekly rehearsals of this local 40-member barbershop harmony chorus. UAW Local 898 Hall, 8975 Textile Rd. (west of Rawsonville Rd. off I-94), Ypsilanti. Free to visitors ($20 monthly dues for those who join). 480-8843.

7:30-9 p.m.

"The Swift Path": Jewel Heart Buddhist Center.

Every Tues. through Dec. 16. Talks by Gehlek Rimpoche, an incarnate lama from Tibet who lives in Ann Arbor, or one of Gehlek's senior students. Jewel Heart Center, 1129 Oak Valley Dr. (just south of Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.). $10 (students & seniors, $5). 994-3387.

7:30-9 p.m.

Weekly Rehearsal: Treetown Community Chorus.

Every Tues. All invited to join this fun-loving independent local mixed chorus to sing mostly familiar tunes, along with some serious music, in various genres. David Perample directs. West Side United Methodist Church, 900 S. Seventh at Davis. Free to visitors ($80 per semester membership dues). 213-3770.

7:30 p.m.

Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of SPEBSQSA.

Every Tues. All male singers invited to join the weekly rehearsals of this local barbershop harmony chorus. Stony Creek United Methodist Church, 8635 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. Free to visitors ($130 annual dues for those who join). Newcomers should call in advance. For information, call Greg Humbel at 445-1925.

7:30 p.m.

Sierra Club Book Club: Nicola's Books.

All invited to discuss The Snoring Bird: My Family's Journey Through a Century of Biology, biologist Bernd Heinrich's memoir about his relationship with his naturalist father. Nicola's, Westgate shopping center. Free. 971-1157.

8-10 p.m.

German Speakers' Round Table.

Every Tues. All German speakers invited for conversation. Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. 453-2394.

Wednesday

December 2008

Noon-12:30 p.m.

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Shops.

Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 100 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell tower's numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Local chimemaster Heather O'Neal demonstrates. Kerrytown. Free. 369-3107.

12:45-3:45 p.m.

Social Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Every Wed. All seniors age 50 & older invited to play bridge. No partner required. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free. 769-5911.

1-4 p.m.

Chess: U-M Turner Geriatrics Center.

Every Wed. All seniors invited to play chess. Refreshments. Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Free. 998-9353.

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Group Drumming: U-M Turner Geriatrics Center.

All seniors invited to join music and health consultant Diane Baker for drumming and singing. Drums provided. Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Free. 998-9353.

5-8 p.m.

Scrabble: Ann Arbor Scrabblers.

Every Wed. except Dec. 24 & 31. All invited to join local Scrabble enthusiasts to play this popular word game. Bring a board and tiles, if you have them. Arbor Brewing, 114 E. Washington. Free. 994-0084.

6 p.m.

Magic: the Gathering Tournament: Get Your Game On.

Every Wed., Thurs., & Sun, except Dec. 25 & 31. All invited to compete in a tournament using the standard constructed (Thurs. & Sun.) and legacy constructed (Wed.) editions of this popular collectible card game. Also, a booster draft tournament ($15 includes cards) at 6 p.m. on Fridays. Bring your own cards. Get Your Game On, 709 Packard. $5. 786-3746.

6 p.m.

Food Sessions: Cranbrook Whole Foods Market.

Dec. 10 & 17. Lecture-demos by Whole Foods staff. Today's topic: "Traditional Coffee Cupping." Whole Foods Lifestyle Center, Cranbrook Village shopping center, 990 W. Eisenhower Pkwy. Free. 997-7507.

6-7 p.m.

Wine Tasting: Paesano's Restaurant.

Every Wed. except Dec. 24 & 31. A chance to sample 5 different Italian wines each week, in an informal and friendly setting, with a selection of appetizers. Paesano's, 3411 Washtenaw. Space limited; reservations recommended. $20. 971-0484.

6:30-8:30 p.m.

"Introduction to Cheese": Morgan & York.

Local maitre de fromage Simone Jenkins explains how cheese is made and discusses how to select, store, and serve fine cheeses. Tastings. Morgan & York, 1928 Packard. $35. Reservations required. 662-0798.

7-11 p.m.

Ann Arbor Bridge Club.

Every Wed. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. If you plan to come without a partner, call in advance or arrive 20 minutes early to arrange for one. Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline at Maple. (Park on the north side of Pauline.) $3 per person. 971-7530.

7 p.m.

Fiction Readers Group: Barnes & Noble.

All invited to join a discussion of Consequences, Booker Prize winner Penelope Lively's historical novel about 3 generations of gutsy English women whose lives span the 20th century. Refreshments. Barnes & Noble, 3235 Washtenaw. Free. 973-1618.

7-9 p.m.

"Drummunity!"

Lori Fithian, a local drummer and drum teacher, leads a drum circle. Instruments provided, or bring your own. Kids welcome. Preceded at 6:45 p.m. by a brief drum lesson. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, 114 S. Main. Free. 426-7818.

7 p.m.

"Scotch Whiskey Intensive": Eve Restaurant.

Eve Restaurant staff member Ari Sussman discusses the history and production methods of Lowland, Speyside, Highland, and Islay Scotch whiskeys. Also, tastings. Eve, Kerrytown. $50. Preregistration required. 222-0711.

7:30 p.m.

Shamanic Journeys.

Dec. 3, 10, & 17. Using special postures, participants enter a meditative state to the beat of a shaman's drum and discuss their experiences afterward. Inter-Cooperative Council Education Center, 1522 Hill (in the carriage house behind the co-op buildings). Free. 320-9559.

7:45 p.m.

"Annual Potluck and Members Slide Show": Wild Ones.

Members give short slide-illustrated talks about their adventures with native plants. Also, potluck (bring a dish to pass and your own table service). 125 U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1600 N. Dixboro Rd. Free. 662-9997.

9-11:30 p.m.

"Juke Box Jungle": Conor O'Neill's Irish Pub.

Every Wed. except Dec. 24 & 31. Conor O'Neill's staff member Brian Aherne hosts a music trivia quiz. Prizes. Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main. $3 team fee. 665-2968.

Thursday

December 2008

10 a.m.

"Teaching Adults & Loving It!": Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild.

Talk by Marshall, Michigan, pianist Ramona Kime. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Free. 665-5346.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Thursday Lunch Bunch: Jewish Community Center.

Every Thurs. except Dec. 25 (different programs). A weekly program of activities primarily for seniors. The program begins at 10 a.m. with "Fitness Fun," a 60-minute exercise program led by Maria Farquhar. An 11 a.m.. a Current Events discussion group led by Heather Dombey is followed at noon by a homemade dairy lunch ($3 with reservation, $4 without reservation and for nonseniors), and at 1 p.m., Don Devine and David Owens present "The Happiness Boys," a performance inspired by the act of the famous vaudeville duo Billy Jones and Ernest Hare. Also, at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, Jewish Family Services geriatric social worker Allison Pollock is on hand to answer questions. The day concludes at 2:15 p.m. with a meeting of the Senior Literary Group, a book discussion group led by U-M Dearborn English professor emeritus Sidney Warschausky. JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. (off Stone School Rd. south of Packard). Free. 971-0990.

Noon-3:30 p.m.

ACBL Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Every Thurs. except Dec. 25. All seniors age 50 & older invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. No partner required. Cobblestone Farm barn, 2781 Packard. $5. 769-5911.

1 p.m.

"Christmas Ikebana": Ikebana International Chapter 183.

Ikebana artist Anne Morrison leads a session of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Call for instructions on equipment to bring. University Commons, 817 Asa Gray Dr. (off Huron Pkwy.). $10 (members, $5) materials fee. Reservations requested. 761-6836.

1-2:30 p.m.

International Neighbors.

All area women invited to join members for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of this club organized to welcome women from other countries during their stays in Ann Arbor. Nursery care provided for preschoolers. Refreshments. Westminster Presbyterian Church social hall, 1500 Scio Church Rd. Free. 663-3989.

3-6 p.m.

"Access Soapbox": Ann Arbor Community Television Network.

A chance to express your views, discuss your activities, or announce upcoming events on the local public access station (cable channel 17). Participants are free to talk about anything they wish within CTN guidelines: no direct solicitation of funds, no lottery information, and no material that is obscene, defamatory, invasive of personal privacy, or infringing on copyrights or trademarks. Limited to 5 minutes, each segment features 1 or 2 speakers (with no more than 2 graphics) who talk directly to the camera. Production crew provided by CTN. Access Soapbox shows are aired daily for 1 week, beginning on Sunday. CTN studio, 2805 South Industrial, suite 200. Free. Reservations required. 769-7422, ext. 1504.

5-7 p.m.

"Yappy Hours": DogmaCatmantoo.

Every Thurs. except Dec. 25. All invited to join a casual group discussion about pets and pet-related issues. Bring your pet. Snacks. DogmaCatmantoo, 208 N. Fourth Ave. Free. 929-0022.

5-7 p.m.

"Thursday Night Rush Hour Relief at the Wine Bar": Cranbrook Whole Foods Market.

Dec. 4, 11, & 18. Whole Foods staff discuss wine and cheese. (See Quick Bites) Also, tastings and small plates of food. Today's topic: "Australian Wines." Whole Foods Wine Bar, 990 W. Eisenhower Pkwy., Cranbrook Village shopping center. $17. 997-7507.

6 p.m.

Board Game Night: Get Your Game On.

Every Thurs. except Dec. 25. All invited to bring their own favorite board game or play one of the store's. Get Your Game On, 709 Packard. Free. 786-3746.

6 p.m.

Magic: the Gathering Tournament: Get Your Game On.

Every Wed., Thurs., & Sun, except Dec. 25 & 31. All invited to compete in a tournament using the standard constructed (Thurs. & Sun.) and legacy constructed (Wed.) editions of this popular collectible card game. Bring your own cards. Get Your Game On, 709 Packard. $5. 786-3746.

7-9 p.m.

"Holiday Specialties": Arbor Brewing Company Beer Tasting.

A chance to sample and learn about some 2 dozen different spiced beers, old ales, meads, and other holiday favorites. Also, a drawing for beer-related prizes. The price of admission includes unlimited beer sampling and a German appetizer buffet. Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E. Washington. Tickets $25 in advance and (if available) at the door. 213-1393.

7 p.m.

"War As They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a Time of Unrest": Waters Place Borders.

Detroit Free Press sportswriter Michael Rosenberg is on hand to sign copies of his history of the Ohio State and U-M football rivalry in the 70s. Borders, 3140 Lohr Rd. Free. 997-8884.

7 p.m.-midnight.

Ann Arbor Go Club.

Every Sun. & Thurs. except Dec. 25. Players of all skill levels invited to play what's regarded as the world's most difficult board game. No partner necessary. Boards and stones provided. Espresso Royale, 322 S. State. Free. 417-5547.

7-8 p.m.

"The Secret": Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Centers.

Every Thurs. Local hypnotherapist Christo Bowers leads a 30-minute meditation session. The program begins with instruction for beginners and ends with discussion. Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Centers Studio B, 2007 S. State. Free; donations accepted. 945-8602.

7 p.m.

ACBL Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.

Every Thurs. except Dec. 25. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. No partner required. Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. $5. 761-6691.

7:30-9 p.m.

History of Books & Printing Reading Group: Motte & Bailey, Booksellers.

All invited to join a discussion of English Emblem Books, Rosemary Freeman's study of these illustrated books that were popular in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Refreshments. Motte & Bailey, 212 N. Fourth Ave. Free. 669-0451.

8-10 p.m.

Motor City Metro Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Every Thurs. except Dec. 25. All male singers invited to join the weekly rehearsals of this local barbershop harmony chorus. ICC Education Center (behind Luther House at 1520 Hill). Free to visitors ($130 annual dues for those who join). Park on Lincoln or Baldwin. 474-1155.

Friday

December 2008

1:30. 2:30. & 3:30 p.m.

U-M Exhibit Museum Planetarium.

Every Sat. & Sun. and Dec. 29 & 30. Four different audiovisual planetarium shows. The Sky Tonight (11:30 a.m. Sat. only & 1:30 p.m. both weekend days & Dec. 29 & 30) is an exploration of the current night sky. Black Holes (12:30 p.m. Sat.) is an animated show that begins with the formation of the early Universe and the birth and death of stars and concludes with a simulated flight to a supermassive black hole lurking at the center of the Milky Way. Stars of the Pharaohs (2:30 p.m. both weekend days & Dec. 29 & 30) is an exploration of the use of science in ancient Egypt to tell time, make a workable calendar, and align huge buildings. The Zula Patrol (3:30 p.m. both weekend days & Dec. 29 & 30) is an animated exploration of weather, both terrestrial and interplanetary. 11:30 a.m. and 12:30, U-M Exhibit Museum, 1109 Geddes at North University. $4.75. 764-0478.

10:30-11 a.m.

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Shops.

Noon-12:30 p.m.

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Shops.

ESL Conversation Group: Ann Arbor District Library.

Every Mon. & Fri. (different branch locations). All levels of English speakers invited for conversation. 1-2:30 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower (between Stone School & Packard). Free. 327-4200.

1-1:30 p.m.

Socrates Cafe: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Every Fri. All seniors age 50 & older invited to join a discussion of ethics that draws on the Socratic method of questioning underlying assumptions. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free. 769-5911.

1-4 p.m.

Bridge: U-M Turner Geriatrics Center.

Every Mon. & Fri. except Dec. 26. All seniors invited to play bridge. Refreshments. Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Free. 998-9353.

2-4 p.m.

Ann Arbor Juggling Arts Club.

Every Sat. All invited to practice their juggling skills. Beginners welcome. Indoor location TBA in case of inclement weather. U-M Diag. Free. 761-1115.

2 p.m.

Dinosaur Tours: U-M Exhibit Museum.

Every Sat. & Sun. 30-minute docent-led tour of the museum's dinosaur exhibits. U-M Exhibit Museum, 1109 Geddes at North University. Free, but limited to the first 15 people to sign up for each tour. 764-0478.

7-9:30 p.m.

Crazy Wisdom Reading Circle: Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room.

All invited to discuss Marc Gerstein's Flirting with Disaster: Why Accidents Are Rarely Accidental. Crazy Wisdom, 114 S. Main. Free. 665-2757.

7-8 p.m.

"Tea Tasting": Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Centers.

All invited to sample premium teas from China and Taiwan. Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Centers Studio B, 2007 S. State. Free; donations accepted. 945-8602.

9 p.m.-2 a.m.

"3rd Annual Dyke the Halls": Bar.

All lesbians and their friends invited for an outdoor dance and holiday celebration. Braun Ct. Cost TBA. 663-0036.

Saturday

December 2008

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Huron Gun Collectors.

Dec. 13 & 14. Some 100 dealers and collectors offer guns, knives, ammunition, and other hunting equipment, including antiques and collectibles. Concessions. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Saline. Admission $4. (517) 605-0624.

9 a.m.-noon.

Ecosystem Restoration Workday: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.

Dec. 13 & 20 (different locations). All invited to help Matthaei staff members remove invasive plants and prepare new planting sites. Dress for outdoor work. Snacks and tools provided, or bring your own. meet at the Arb Reader Center, 1610 Washington Hts. Free. Registration requested. 647-8528.

10 a.m.-noon.

Materials Recovery Facility Monthly Open House: Ann Arbor Solid Waste Department.

Guided tours of the city's recycling and trash disposal center. This month's special activities include a chance to make a colorful sheet of recycled paper using torn paper, water, and everyday household supplies. Also, display of "tree-free" papers. Materials Recovery Facility, 4120 Platt Rd. Free. 994-2807.

Noon-4 p.m.

"Trains in Toyland": Washtenaw County Historical Society.

Every Sat. & Sun. through Jan. 25. Ann Arbor Model Train Club members answer questions and demonstrate running and building model trains. Also, a clown does magic tricks (Dec. 14). Museum on Main, 500 N. Main. Free. 662-9092.

1 p.m.

Monsterpocalypse Open Play: Get Your Game On.

Every Sat. All invited to play this tactical miniatures board game. Also, demos of some of the store's board games. Followed at 5 p.m. by Warhammer/Warmachine open play. Get Your Game On, 709 Packard. Free. 786-3746.

6 p.m.

"Space Holiday": Dirty Bros.

Astronaut hors d'oeuvres, live music by a band TBA, and screening of several films, including Christmas on Mars, the Flaming Lips' 2008 sci-fi flick about the first Christmas on a newly colonized Mars. Dreamland Theater, 26 N. Washington, Ypsilanti. Cost TBA. 657-2337.

7-10 p.m.

"Annual Holiday Kirtan": Ann Arbor Kirtan.

All invited to join a group performance of this traditional devotional call-and-response music based on Hindu Vaishnava texts and the writings of poet/saints. Accompanied by live music based on rhythmic Indian ragas on bass guitar, tabla, and drums. The program begins with a social hour (bring a healthy snack or dessert to share). Tea is served. Friends Meetinghouse, 1420 Hill St. Free, but donations accepted. 761-7435.

7 p.m.

Christmas Festival: Great Lakes Branch of the Anthroposophical Society of America.

The program begins with a performance of the late Katherine Katz's Nativity drama The Ann Arbor Christmas Play. Followed by lighting of the Christmas tree, singing, and socializing. Bring a Christmas sweet to share. Rudolf Steiner House, 1923 Geddes Ave. (Parking permitted on the west side of Oswego and the east side of Ridgeway.) Free. 485-3764.

7:45-11 p.m.

"Le Bal Parisien": Grand Traditions Vintage Dance Academy.

Dancing to early-19th-century popular French music. Dances include the French quadrille, the French and Cellarius waltzes, and others. All levels welcome. Vintage attire encouraged. Preceded at 11:30 a.m. by dance workshops. Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. ( 1/2 mile south of I-94). $25. Preregistration requested. 769-0041.

Sunday

December 2008

1:30. 2:30. & 3:30 p.m.

U-M Exhibit Museum Planetarium.

Every Sat. & Sun. and Dec. 29 & 30. Four different audiovisual planetarium shows. The Sky Tonight (11:30 a.m. Sat. only & 1:30 p.m. both weekend days & Dec. 29 & 30) is an exploration of the current night sky. Black Holes (12:30 p.m. Sat.) is an animated show that begins with the formation of the early Universe and the birth and death of stars and concludes with a simulated flight to a supermassive black hole lurking at the center of the Milky Way. Stars of the Pharaohs (2:30 p.m. both weekend days & Dec. 29 & 30) is an exploration of the use of science in ancient Egypt to tell time, make a workable calendar, and align huge buildings. The Zula Patrol (3:30 p.m. both weekend days & Dec. 29 & 30) is an animated exploration of weather, both terrestrial and interplanetary. U-M Exhibit Museum, 1109 Geddes at North University. $4.75. 764-0478.

8:30-10:30 a.m.

Falun Gong.

Every Sun. Local practitioners introduce this Chinese discipline, which consists of 5 exercises and meditation. location TBA. Free. 834-4978.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Huron Gun Collectors.

9 a.m.

"T`ai Chi Ch'uan at the Cube."

Every Sun. Local t'ai chi instructor Chad Eisner leads a session of these slow meditative movements for beginning and advanced practitioners. U-M Cube, between the Union and the SAB. Free. 761-5204.

10-11:30 a.m.

Silent Vipassana Meditation: Deep Spring Center for Meditation and Spiritual Inquiry.

Every Sun. Meditators of all levels invited for an hour of silent meditation focusing on the breath. While the practice stems from the earliest and purest Buddhist teachings, this form of meditation requires no religious beliefs. Followed by a 30-minute dharma discussion. Deep Spring Center, 3003 Washtenaw, suite 2 (entrance on Glenwood, next to Arby's). Free, but donations accepted. 477-5848.

11 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church Adult Education.

Every Sun . except Dec. 28. Today: First Presbyterian archivists Pearl and Larry Summers on "182 Decembers at First Presbyterian Church." All invited. First Presbyterian Church Lewis Room, 1432 Washtenaw. Free. 662-4466.

11 a.m.

First Singles: First Presbyterian Church.

Every Sun. A weekly program open to all single adults interested in contemporary Christian topics, new ideas, personal growth, and social and physical activities. Today: all invited to bring a dish to pass and a family Christmas picture to share at a Christmas potluck. Also, members meet for breakfast every Saturday at 10 a.m. at Cafe Marie in the Courtyard Shops (1759 Plymouth Rd.). First Presbyterian Church Curtis Room, 1432 Washtenaw. Free. 662-4466, ext. 43.

11 a.m.-noon.

Meditation: Karma Thegsum Choling.

Every Sun. All invited to join a chanting meditation. KTC, 614 Miner (off Miller). Free. 761-7495, 678-7549.

Noon-4 p.m.

"Trains in Toyland": Washtenaw County Historical Society.

Every Sat. & Sun., Dec. 13- Jan. 25. Ann Arbor Model Train Club members answer questions and demonstrate running and building model trains. Also, a clown does magic tricks (Dec. 14). Museum on Main, 500 N. Main. Free. 662-9092.

1 p.m.

Magic: the Gathering Tournament: Get Your Game On.

1-6 p.m.

Ann Arbor Go Club.

1-4 p.m.

"Chesstastic!": Ann Arbor District Library.

All kids and adults invited to play chess. Sets provided. 3333 Traverwood at Huron Pkwy. Free. 327-4200.

2 p.m.

Dinosaur Tours: U-M Exhibit Museum.

2 p.m.

Friends of Four-Hand Piano.

Pianists of all abilities invited to bring their music for a casual afternoon of performing duets. An opportunity to meet other pianists and find partners for 4-hand and 2-piano music. Listeners welcome. location TBA. Free. 971-6261, 485-5007.

2-5 p.m.

Shape Note Singing: The Ark/Ann Arbor Sacred Harp.

All invited to join an afternoon of shape note, or sacred harp, singing, a form of communal hymn singing that has its roots in colonial America. Songbooks available, but singers are encouraged to bring their own. The Ark, 316 S. Main. Free, but donations accepted for music scholarships. 747-9644, 761-1451.

4:30-6 p.m.

Rainbow Book Club.

All invited to discuss Beebo Brinker, Ann Bannon's 1962 lesbian pulp novel about a young Wisconsin butch who moves to Greenwich Village. Also, a potluck (bring a dish to pass) and a book exchange (bring a wrapped book if you wish). 8595 Glendale Dr. (off MacArthur Blvd. from E. Clark Rd.), Superior Twp. Free. 763-4168.

4:30 p.m.

"Booked for Murder" Mystery Book Club: Nicola's Books.

All invited to discuss 2 novels about blizzards. Christopher Fowler's White Corridor is the story of 2 senior-citizen sleuths who, via cell phone, help solve a murder while stuck on the road in a blizzard. P. J. Tracy's Snow Blind is about a snowman contest that turns into a murder investigation when 2 corpses are found inside the snowmen. Nicola's, Westgate shopping center. Free. 769-2149.

6-8 p.m.

Ann Arbor Morris Dancers.

Every Sun. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance based on the 15th-century Spanish moresca . Wear athletic shoes. Gretchen's House barn, 1580 Dhu Varren Rd. Free. 747-8138.

7-8:30 p.m.

"A Circle of Drums": Drumwomyn.

Every Sun. All women invited to gather for a drumming session. Bring your own drum. WRAP Resource Center, 325 Braun Ct. $10. 913-9670.

Next Week | Back to Top

ARCHIVE l CONTACT l INFO l HELP l RSS FEED l REPORT A PROBLEM

Taxi, Limo, Airport Shuttle, Accessible Transportation