HOME l ARBORLIST l SUBSCRIBE l ADVERTISE l ANN ARBOR CHRONICLE

EVENTS

ARTICLES

BLOGS

– This Month's Events

Submit your photos here

March 19, 2010

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: coaches TBA. 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.

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.

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.

7 p.m.

Embroiderers Guild of America.

Stitchers of all abilities invited to work on their projects, socialize, and learn about guild activities. United Way, 2305 Platt. Free to visitors ($30 annual dues). 975-4348.

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.

7-9:30 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

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.

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.

11 a.m.

Winter Luncheon: American Association of University Women.

Club member Judy Daltuva and members of the Smart Money interest group present a fashion show of clothes from the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop. Also, lunch and a performance by the Inglis Recorder Players. Washtenaw Country Club, 2955 Packard, Ypsilanti. $20. Reservations required by Dec. 8. 646-1136.

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.

Washtenaw Ski Touring Club.

Dec. 2 & 16. Today: a presentation TBA and a ski equipment swap. 7:30 p.m., Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave . Free. 662-SKIS.

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.

7-10:30 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 p.m.

Common Thread Knitters Club.

Dec. 2 & 16. All knitters invited to meet members of this local knitting group and exchange tips. Arborland Borders, 3527 Washtenaw. Free. 677-6948.

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.

7-10:30 p.m.

Sweet Adelines County Connection.

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.

7:30-9 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.

"Great Adventure Trips Around the Globe": Sierra Club.

Several club members give slide-illustrated talks on their most adventurous trips. Refreshments. U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free. 615-0516.

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 p.m.

Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of SPEBSQSA.

7:30-9 p.m.

"The Swift Path": Jewel Heart Buddhist Center.

7:30-9 p.m.

Weekly Rehearsal: Treetown Community Chorus.

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.

10 p.m.

"Triple Double Trivia": The Arena Sports Grille and Bar.

Every Tues. All invited to try a wide-ranging trivia quiz for such prizes as T-shirts, hats, and gift certificates. Bonus points awarded for "stupid human tricks" like drinking beer upside down, dancing to Michael Jackson songs, or inserting an entire fist into your mouth. The Arena, 203 E. Washington. Free. 222-9999.

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.

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.

Food Sessions: Cranbrook Whole Foods Market.

Dec. 10 & 17. Lecture-demos by Whole Foods staff. Today's topic: "Baking Ham." 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 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.

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.

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Channeled Spiritual Discussion Group:: Deep Spring Center for Meditation and Spiritual Inquiry

The evening is led by Aaron, a "being of Light" channeled by Barbara Brodsky. Aaron offers a talk and answers personal and universal questions. Deep Spring Center, 3003 Washtenaw, Suite 2 (building next to Arby�s; entry on Glenwood). Donations appreciated. 477-5848.

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.

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.-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. Also, an intergenerational Hanukkah celebration (bring Hanukkah artifacts and stories to share) with JCC Early Childhood Center preschoolers at 10:30 a.m., a holiday lunch with potato latkes at 11:30 a.m., and a performance by singer-pianist Rachel Kis at 12:30 p.m. 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.

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: "Cellar Selections and Great Gifts." (Dec. 18). 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 p.m.

Film Discussion Group: Jewish Community Center.

Michigan Theater executive director Russ Collins leads a discussion of films TBA. All invited. JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. (off Stone School Rd. south of Packard). $75 for the yearlong 10-session series; prorated weekly fee TBA. 971-0990.

7 p.m.

"The Infinite Landscape: Master Photographers from the UMMA Collection": U-M Museum of Art Off/Site.

Dec. 4, 7, & 18. Docent-led tours of the current UMMA exhibit. UMMA Off/Site, 1301 South University. Free. 763-UMMA.

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 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.

7-9:30 p.m.

Ann Arbor Society for Origami.

All invited (children & adults) to learn about and try their hand at origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Great Oaks Cohousing Common House, 500 Little Lake Dr. (off Parkland from Jackson between Wagner & Zeeb). Free. 975-4669.

7:30-11 p.m.

Ann Arbor Ski Club.

Dec. 4 & 18. All age 21 & older invited to learn about the club's downhill and cross-country ski and snowboarding outings and other social activities. Followed by a Christmas party (dressy attire, bring an unwrapped child's gift for charity). Refreshments. Cobblestone Farm barn, 2781 Packard. $10 (Dec. 4) & $5 (Dec. 18). 786-2237.

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

Noon-12:30 p.m.

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Shops.

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.

6-8:30 p.m.

"Revolution Hero": Ann Arbor District Library.

All invited to compete in tournaments playing either Dance Dance Revolution, a computer-guided movement game, or Guitar Hero, a music video game. Prizes. AADL multipurpose room (lower level), 343 S. Fifth Ave. at William. Free. 327-8301.

6:30 p.m.

Badminton Tournament: Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation.

Dec. 19 & 20. Tournament with a variety of singles and doubles divisions. The finals start at 9 a.m. on Dec. 20. Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, 2960 Washtenaw. Entry fee: $15 ($10 per additional division). Free to spectators. 971-6355, ext. 0.

7-9 p.m.

"Peace Generator": Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.

All invited to join a silent meditation on world peace, forgiveness, cooperation, and joy. Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, 704 Airport Blvd. Free. 971-8576.

7-9 p.m.

"What the Bleep Do We Know": Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Centers.

Screening of William Arntz, Betsy Chasse, and Mark Vicente's 2004 quasidocumentary fantasy about a young woman who is introduced to the fantastical Wonderland of quantum physics as her quotidian identity unravels. Roger Ebert likens it to a "collision in the editing room between talking heads, an impenetrable human parable, and a hallucinogenic animated cartoon." Popcorn & beverages available. Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Centers Studio B, 2007 S. State. Free; donations accepted. 945-8602.

8-9:30 p.m.

Advanced Study Group: Rudolf Steiner Study Circle of Ann Arbor.

Dec. 5 & 19. All invited to join this ongoing study group to discuss Rudolf Steiner's book Lectures on Karmic Relationships, vol. 6. Familiarity with Steiner's basic ideas required. 33 Ridgeway East, 1 block east of the Arb entrance on Geddes. Free. 662-6398.

8:30-10 p.m.

"Greenhills Stargazers": Greenhills School.

Dec. 3 & 19. All invited to join Greenhills teacher Deano Smith and Greenhills astronomy students to look at the sky through binoculars (bring your own, if you have them) and the school's telescope. Greenhills School (park near the athletic entrance), 850 Greenhills Dr. Free. 205-4037.

9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Singles Dance: Parents Without Partners.

Dec. 6 & 19. All singles invited for an evening of dancing and socializing. Recorded 70s to contemporary dance music played by DJ John Brown. Cash bar. Smoking allowed in designated areas. Preceded at 8 p.m. by free dance lessons. Grotto Club, 2070 W. Stadium. $8 (PWP members, $6). 433-1668.

Saturday

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.

6 a.m.

62nd Annual Christmas Bird Count: Washtenaw Audubon Society.

The National Audubon Society has conducted a Christmas bird count every year since 1900. (The first Washtenaw count was held in 1947.) Each count area is a 15-mile-diameter circle, divided into 8 regions, that must be counted in a single day. Everyone recognizes that this makeshift census may be off by thousands, but much useful information is gained by comparing the results from year to year. The count is also great fun, and everyone from novices to experienced birders is invited to participate. You can volunteer for all or part of the day, either as a field observer or (if you have a bird feeder) as a feeder watcher. In addition to the daylight census of local birds, some count regions also conduct predawn searches for owls. For information and instruction on the count for the Washtenaw area (which is centered on Ann Arbor), call the organizers as soon as possible. There is a small ($5) fee to defray costs of publishing the results in American Bird . The results are tallied at a potluck dinner at U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens this evening. For instructions and further information, call Jacco Gelderloos at 973-9422. To sign up as a feeder watcher, call Kurt Hagemeister at 663-9746 or 665-7427.

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. Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free. Registration requested. 647-8528.

10:30-11 a.m.

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Shops.

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.

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.

2-5 p.m.

Yule Ritual: Druids of Shining Lakes Grove.

All invited to celebrate the rebirth of the parents of the cosmos in Irish mythology, primal mother Danu and sun god Bel. The ritual includes singing, making an offering, and honoring ancestors and nature spirits. Also, potluck (bring a dish to pass) and raffle. Preceded by a fire watch beginning Friday (7 p.m., 263 Larkspur). IC Education Center, 1522 Hill St. Free. 262-1052.

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.

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.

4-6 p.m.

LezRead Book Club.

All invited to join Marianne Martin in a discussion of Never Ending, her novel about the difficulties that arise 4 years into a couple's relationship. WRAP Resource Center, 319 Braun Ct. Free. 663-0036.

5 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Open House: University Lowbrow Astronomers.

Dec. 20 & 27. A chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments at the Peach Mountain Observatory. Participants are encouraged to bring their own telescopes as well. Visitors must turn off all electronic equipment (car radios, transmitters, phones, etc.) at the observatory entrance. Program canceled if sky is overcast at sunset or if the weather is extremely inclement. (as long as the sky remains clear), Peach Mountain Observatory, North Territorial Rd. (about 1/4 miles west of Hudson Mills Metropark), Dexter. Free. 332-9132.

6-9 p.m.

"Family Latke Hop": Jewish Community Center.

Dinner, with dancing to live music, kids games and craft activities, and a community candle-lighting ceremony. JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. (off Stone School Rd. south of Packard). Admission: $12 (kids, $6) for nonmembers, $10 (kids, $5) for members. Reservations requested. 971-0990.

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.

"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.

Meditation: Karma Thegsum Choling.

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

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 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: First Singles member Marcy Toon reviews Anne Perry's A Christmas Guest. 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.

First Presbyterian Church Adult Education.

Every Sun . except Dec. 28. Today: U-M music school choirs director Jerry Blackstone presents "Advent Thoughts in Words and Music." All invited. First Presbyterian Church Lewis Room, 1432 Washtenaw. Free. 662-4466.

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.

1 p.m.

Magic: the Gathering Tournament: Get Your Game On.

1-6 p.m.

Ann Arbor Go Club.

2 p.m.

Enlightened Minds Book Club: Nicola's Books.

All invited to discuss Who Would You Be Without Your Story?, Byron Katie's conversations with 15 people dealing with difficult problems. Nicola's, Westgate shopping center. Free. 272-9353.

2 p.m.

Dinosaur Tours: U-M Exhibit Museum.

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 PRIVACY l HELP l RSS FEEDS l SEND A TIP l LOG IN