Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
I don't know. Maybe it is the sudden cold spell that is upon us that has me longing for summer-again. Maybe I am just longing for the old days of summer camp. At any rate, the Park and Rec program, "Summer Solstice Full Moon Paddle," at Gallup Park sounds very exciting and romantic. Rent a boat and paddle around Gallup Pond in the moonlight to observe birds and other animals as they prepare for their nocturnal lives. Canoes, kayaks, and equipment provided. Bring a flashlight. Meet at Gallup Park Canoe Livery, $18 per boat. 668-7411. Friday, 8-11 p.m. Sigh.
Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
Each year The Residential College at the U puts on Shakespeare in the Arb. This has become a very popular tradition. The current production is Two Gentlemen of Verona. This is a delightful comedy of rivalries and full of subplots. A very nice evening when you include a stroll through the Arboretum. Bring your own chair or blanket, dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. (You'll be traveling throughout the Arb to follow the performers.) If you will need mobility assistance during the performance, please call 734.647.7600 to make arrangements.
Meet at the Peony Garden entrance at 1610 Washington Heights. Tickets go on sale at 5:30 p.m. Space limited, 998-9540. June 12-15, & 19-22. All shows are at 6:30pm.
Blog Post
Ann Arbor Triathlon/Duathlon
by Caser
Half mile swim? Easy. 14 mile bike ride? Name the day. 5 mile run? No problem. If these sound like your answers to these questions, then you're probably planning on competing in the Ann Arbor Triathlon/Duathlon on Sunday, June 8th, at Pinckney Recreation Area. But if your answers are -- like most reluctant athletes -- a laundry list of excuses, then consider the resources the Ann Arbor District Library has to offer to help you mentally and physically prepare for your first triathlon. Highlights from the Library's collection include: Triathlete Magazine's Essential Week-By-Week Training Guide, by Matt Fitzgerald; Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals, by Steven Jonas; Triathlon 101, by John Mora, and many more.
Why tri? Namely, because it's fun to swim, to bike, and to run! Training for a race is a great way to motivate yourself to get outdoors and to stay healthy. Also, you don't have to be Michael Phelps, Lance Armstrong, or Wilma Rudolph to participate; triatholons are for everyone. Competitors can choose between 4 distances based on their level of preparation and personal preference. The distances are The Sprint Tri: 700 yard swim, 12 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run; The Olympic Tri: 1760 yard swim, 25 mile bike ride, and 6.2 mile run; The Half-Ironman Tri: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13 mile run; and The Ironman Tri: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run. The only triathlon held in Ann Arbor this summer is June 8th, but there are many other races held in Michigan this summer, so sign up for your first tri today.
Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
Brilliant is what comes to mind when you put Stephen Sondheim, Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart together to create a Broadway hit. Burlesque is what comes to mind when you put Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Jack Gilford, Buster Keaton and Michael Crawford together on the screen. This community seems to enjoy watching and hearing the music to A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum about the laziest slave in Rome, so how clever it is that the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre is presenting this very funny play from June 5-8? Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. 971-2228
Blog Post
Going Solar
by Debbie G.
The Who will not be there, but plenty of VIPs local and otherwise will be as the Farmer's Market celebrates Going Solar on Monday, June 2, at 4 p.m. 156 solar panels on the market's roof -- enough to power the entire Market -- are being installed as part of the Market re-do, courtesy of the DDA.
Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
It's been 25 years since Mr. B, Steve Nardella, and George Bedard played together as members of the Steve Nardella Band. Since then, each has gone on to make his own mark. They get back together Saturday night for a show that no fan of American jazz should miss. The past six annual concerts have been standing room only so get there early. 8 p.m., Firefly Club, 207 S. Ashley. Saturday, May 31, 2008, Tickets $20 at the door only. 665-9090.
Blog Post
Older Michiganians Unite!
by annevm
If I was headed to the Washtenaw County Older Michiganians Rally, I might want to at least scan the new book Meet the Next President: What you don’t know about the candidates. But that’s just me. Others may want to simply show up, as the flyer says, to learn about and respond to issues affecting seniors, find out what you can do, and maybe talk to some elected officials and local leaders. The rally is June 2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the St. Joseph Senior Health Building, Lower Level, 5631 McCauley Drive. It’s intended for seniors, advocates for older adults, state and local elected officials, and “anyone interested in making Michigan a great place to live!” Wait, isn’t that everyone? Presenters of the rally are Area Agency on Aging 1B, Blueprint for Aging and Senior Advocates of Washtenaw.
Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
Even The Play Ground has to get out now and then. As soon as spring arrives (though lately we are somewhat dubious that it has) we head to Barton Pond or Gallup Park with our binoculars to see what is flying about and passing through.
This coming Sunday the Washtenaw Audubon Society leads a hike through the Hudson Mills Metro Park to look for birds usually found there, including the yellow-throated vireo, scarlet tanager, wood thrush and the blue-winged warbler. Bring a beverage and insect repellent. Binoculars and a guide book wouldn't hurt either. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Hudson Mills Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial Rd. (between Dexter-Pinckney Rd. & Huron River Dr.), Dexter. Free. Vehicle entrance fees: $4/day, 994-3569. Sunday, 7:30 a.m.
Blog Post
Pick a Park, Adopt-A-Park
by Debbie G.
You know you've got a favorite park in Ann Arbor. Now's your chance to show the park you care, you really, really care. Wear your scruffies and come to the Adopt-A-Park Kickoff this Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to noon. Help plant, mulch, clean and weed and your fav park will be eternally grateful and beautifully green. For more info visit the Adopt-A-Park website.
Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
Springtime is a good time to mosey over to Chelsea, take a walk around, check out the art galleries and shops, maybe have a meal at The Common Grill and see a play at The Purple Rose Theatre. "Growing Pretty" by Carey Crim and directed by Michelle Mountain is the world premiere of this coming-of-age tale about a girl who dreams of becoming a supermodel. When her mom steals the love of her life, the girl has to navigate, alone, the difficult path of becoming an artist. Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets in advance and at the door-through May 31. 433-7673.