monday, december 1
Reiki Level I - Energy Balancing for Yourself & Others – 10-4pm. Taking care of yourself and others is the focus of this class. Attendees receive: the Reiki Level I attunement by Reiki Master Ann Zalek, a Reiki Level I technique booklet, and a certificate of completion. Class size is limited. $100/ $25 non refundable deposit due prior to class. TheraCare Therapeutic Massage & Healing Arts Center. 2350 Washtenaw, Suite 14, Ann Arbor. Ann Zalek 332-3800.
Reiki Circle - Open Practice for Reiki Practitioners (Usui) – 4:30-6pm. The Reiki Circle is designed to provide support to the Reiki community, offering networking, practice sessions, and sharing for those attuned to Reiki by and Usui Reiki Master/Teacher. Space is limited; please reserve in advance. Please Bring a snack to share and a $5 donation. TheraCare Therapeutic Massage & Healing Arts Center. 2350 Washtenaw, Suite 14, Ann Arbor. 332-3800.
tuesday, december 2
Special Diet and Store Tours With Mark the Concierge – Has your doctor put you on a special diet, such as Gluten Free or Dairy Free? Do you want to find out more about what makes Whole Foods Market is so unique? Mark, our Concierge, is here to help you find the answers you need. Please call or stop in to make an appointment. 3135 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor. 975-4500.
Healthy Aging – 7-8pm. The National Institutes of Health states it is never too late to adopt a healthy life style. Living a healthy lifestyle can improve how you age. Free. Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor. Call 975-4500. Space is limited. Please register early to secure a seat.
The Swift Path– 7:30pm. With Jewel Heart Instructors. The Swift Path, or Nyur Lam in Tibetan, was composed by the 3rd Panchen Lama and succinctly lays the ground for spiritual development through clear and relevant topics for visualization and analytical meditations. Seniors & Students/$5, Non-Members/$10. 1129 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. 994 3387. jewelheart.org.
wednesday, december 3
MFit Exercise and Relaxation Classes – Registration begins today for classes that begin January 8, 2009. MFit offers exercise and relaxation classes ranging from Yoga, Tai chi, and Pilates to Body Sculpting, Step Aerobics, Zumba dance fitness, and everything in between! Cost for a 15-week session ranges from $35 to $90, depending on the class. Visit med.umich.edu/mfit/employee/classes.htm for a class schedule. Call 975-3024 to sign up.
What You Thought You Didn’t Know: Understanding Compulsive Over Eating – 7-8:30pm. Expand awareness of a few common yet unconscious ways that people who struggle with compulsive overeating create and reinforce their battle with disordered eating. 343 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor. 327-4555.
Part 1 of 3, Cooking with Class: Rustic Italian Cooking with Francesca Gitschlag Simple & Distinctive Home-Style Cuisine – 6-9pm. Learn how to prepare traditional Italian meals. Fee for 3 Class Series is $115. Students can register for this class either: Online at wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning. Or by Using the WCC catalog of Non-Credit Classes mail in a registration or walk in register at the Student Center Bldg. on WCC Campus.
thursday, december 4
The Ann Arbor Farm & Garden Greens Market (Memebers Only) – 10-12pm. Offering the freshest greens, exotics and holiday plants; unique crafts and gifts; tempting homemade baked goods; quality antiques and collectibles. Refreshments and lunch will be available. Proceeds benefit local scholarships and grants. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor.
Support us at the Ann Arbor Farm & Garden Winter Greens Market – 12-4pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Come visit and support us at the Growing Hope booth, and browse the greens (to decorate, not to eat), crafts, and other goodies for this fabulous organization whose proceeds support charitable work and scholarships-- including organizations like us! Matthaei Botanical Gardens. 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor.
Gentle Nia Music and Movement for 50+ – 1-2pm. Seniors join us at the Malletts Creek branch with Fitness Instructor Megan Rose. Nia is to exercise what holistic medicine is to health care. 3090 East Eisenhower Pkwy. Ann Arbor. 327-4200.
Thursday Night Rush Hour Relief at the Wine Bar: Sparkling Wines and Champagne – 5-7pm. Join us each Thursday evening as our experts lead an exploration of wine, cheese and appetizers. $17. Whole foods Market 990 W. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor. 997-7500.
Part 2 of 3, Cooking with Class: Rustic Italian Cooking with Francesca Gitschlag Simple & Distinctive Home-Style Cuisine – 6-9pm. Learn how to prepare traditional Italian meals. Students can register for this class either: Online at wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning. Or by Using the WCC catalog of Non-Credit Classes mail in a registration or walk in register at the Student Center Bldg. on WCC Campus.
friday, december 5
DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop – 8am-6:30pm. Have you ever considered a career helping moms and babies? Weekend intensive prepares you to provide excellent in-home care to postpartum families and leads to professional certification. Medical background not required. 25.5 Nursing CEs approved. $425. Center for the Childbearing Year, 663-1523, center4cby.com.
Children’s Dance Concerts – 10am and 12:15pm. The Dance program and Symphony Orchestra present selections from Prokofiev’s magical ballet Cinderella, based on the classic fairy tale, in two identical one-hour programs especially for youth in grades one through eight. Free admission, but reservations are required. Pease Auditorium. College Place and West Cross St. Ypsilanti. 487-2448.
TreeTown Murals – 10-2pm. Artist/Educator Mary Thiefels is offering for Fall-Winter-Spring 08-09, Mixed Media-Drawing and Painting classes, in the Mattheai Botanical Gardens Indoor Conservatory. Four exclusive weekend workshops. For information and to register for her classes, please see her website. 1800 N. Dixboro RD. Ann Arbor. 647-7600.
Part 3 of 3, Cooking with Class: Rustic Italian Cooking with Francesca Gitschlag Simple & Distinctive Home-Style Cuisine – 6-9pm. Learn how to prepare traditional Italian meals. Students can register for this class either: Online at wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning. Or by Using the WCC catalog of Non-Credit Classes mail in a registration or walk in register at the Student Center Bldg. on WCC Campus.
Top Ten Wine and Cheese Pairings – 7-8pm. With Beverage Specialist Drew Willis and Cheese Specialist Matt Yost. It’s time for Whole Foods Market’s annual Holiday Top Ten Wine List! Come and learn about these exciting, exclusive wines from around the globe. Free. Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor. Call 975-4500 to register.
“Festive Friday Holiday Nights” – 7-9pm. With over 100,000 twinkling tree lights sparkling with holiday cheer, your favorite entertainers and the all best in shopping and dining choices. Every Friday night until December 19th enjoy entertainment in the Main Street area. Your favorite street performers will be on the sidewalks for your enjoyment while shopping and dining in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. Sponsored by Main Street Area Association.
saturday, december 6
DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop – 8am–6:30pm. Have you ever considered a career helping moms and babies? Weekend intensive prepares you to provide excellent in-home care to postpartum families and leads to professional certification. Medical background not required. 25.5 Nursing CEs approved. $425. Center for the Childbearing Year, 663-1523, center4cby.com.
Ann Arbor Garden Club – 9-2pm. Greens Workshop in the Matthaei Auditorium. Price will be $15 per person this year. Potluck and gift exchange to follow at noon. 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor. 647-7600.
25th Annual Holiday Art & Craft Festival – 9-4pm. Hosted by the Ann Arbor City Club. There will be over 50 juried exhibitors from Michigan in attendance. For more information, please contact us by phone or email. $3, children 12 and under free( no strollers please). Ann Arbor City Club. 1830 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor. 429-8137.
Life Bliss Meditation – 2-5pm. Experience stress reduction and healing through a simple but powerful meditation technique. There is an ocean of bliss within us. We just need to know how to connect with this vast reservoir of creativity, intelligence, energy and bliss on a daily basis. Ann Arbor District Library 3rd-floor FreeSpace, 343 S. Fifth Ave. at William. Free. All are welcome. Please RSVP. (248)635-4439.
TreeTown Murals – 10-2pm. Artist/Educator Mary Thiefels is offering for Fall-Winter-Spring 08-09, Mixed Media-Drawing and Painting classes, in the Mattheai Botanical Gardens Indoor Conservatory. Four exclusive weekend workshops. For information and to register for her classes, please see her website. 1800 N. Dixboro RD. Ann Arbor. 647-7600.
Snowflakes are Falling – 11-12pm. Pre-School to Grade 3. Create works-of-art snowflakes. 3090 East Eisenhower Pkwy. Ann Arbor. 327-4200.
Santa’s Returning to Dixboro – 12-4pm. 5206 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor. 663-5558 or Dixboro.com.
Kid’s Club Story Time and Activity – 1pm. Join Michigan author Sheila Pursglove as she reads her new delightful tale, The Mouse Ate the House, a story full of jaunty rhymes and hilarious illustrations. Whole Foods Market Bakery team member. Whole foods Market 990 W. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor. 997-7500.
Home for the Holidays – 1-4pm. This is a great time to make those special gifts or to get your holiday creativity rolling. The CCA will provide several activities to choose from, where participants can create their own work of art. Open to all ages. Bring the whole family. Chelsea Center for the Arts. 400 Congdon St. Chelsea. 433-2787.
Sing Along With Santa – 4-5:30pm. The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra has a special relationship with Santa. Each year he sleds in from the North Pole to meet with the children of Ann Arbor at the A²SO Sing-Along. He loves to see the youngsters and sing with them in all his favorite carols. This event will include music by an A²SO soloist, treats and photos with the big guy! Children $5/Adults $12. 423 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor. 994-4801.
Holiday Parade in Saline – 5:30pm. Enjoy this holiday favorite. Parade will feature floats, bands, baton twirlers, dancers, animals, music, candy, and Santa arriving in his sleigh. Following the parade, children can go to Santa’s Village at Beanstalks play cafe to have their photo taken with Santa and receive a bag of goodies. Sponsored by the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Saline. $5 per Item/$10 per ornament. Downtown Saline. Michigan Avenue, Saline. 429-4494.
sunday, december 7
DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop – 8-6:30pm. Have you ever considered a career helping moms and babies? Weekend intensive prepares you to provide excellent in-home care to postpartum families and leads to professional certification. Medical background not required. 25.5 Nursing CEs approved. $425. Center for the Childbearing Year, 663-1523, center4cby.com.
TreeTown Murals – 10-2pm. Artist/Educator Mary Thiefels is offering for Fall-Winter-Spring 08-09, Mixed Media-Drawing and Painting classes, in the Mattheai Botanical Gardens Indoor Conservatory. Four exclusive weekend workshops. For information and to register for her classes, please see her website. 1800 N. Dixboro RD. Ann Arbor. 647-7600.
Santa’s Returning to Dixboro – 12-4pm. 5206 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor. 663-5558 or Dixboro.com.
Restorative Yoga Workshop – 1-3:30pm. Give a Gift to yourself that keeps on giving -the gift of Deep Relaxation. Restorative Yoga soothes your mind and your nervous system and leaves you feeling refreshed, rested, and calm. No previous yoga experience necessary. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. $30. Every Body Happy Yoga and Healing Center, 3207 Central Ave., Suite 2, Dexter. Studio entrance is at the rear of the building and easily accessible from the Broad Street Municipal parking lot. 645-7251. everbodyhappy.net.
Holiday Tastings – 1-4pm. Come try a taste of the holidays from all our departments. Learn how we can help make your holiday meal planning a quick fix with choices from our Holiday Menu. Let us tell you about our on line holiday ordering or place an order in the store. 3135 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor. 975-4500.
Chess Strategies and Tips – 1-4pm. Grades K-adult. Local chess experts Jennifer Skidmore and Ron Finegold will provide key tips to master the chess board battlefield! Than, play some chess with other participants to see how these strategies work. 3333 Traverwood, Ann Arbor. 327-4200.
Trees and Shrubs of LeFurge Woods – 2-4pm. We’ll identify ironwood, witchhazel, blue beech, American beech and much more. Meet at the new parking lot on Prospect, ¾ mile north of Geddes or ¼ mile south of Vreeland. 971-6337, x 334.
Whole Foods Market Holiday Menu and Top Ten Wine Tasting – 4-7pm. Wander the aisles and taste dishes from our holiday menu, as our top ten wine selection. There will be a charge for each wine taste. Whole Foods Market Bakery team member. Whole foods Market 990 W. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor. 997-7500.
monday, december 8
MFit Weight Management Program: Healthy Habits for Life – Registration begins today for sessions starting the week of January 12. This unique program combines group support, individual guidance, strategies for developing healthy eating and physical activity habits, and support for overcoming psychological barriers. For a class schedule and locations med.umich.edu/mfit/weight . Call 875-3024 to sign up.
Reiki Level II - Energy Balancing for Yourself & Others – 10-4pm. This level II class is designed for individuals who wish to expand their skills. Reiki I training by a Reiki Master (Usui) is a prerequisite. Attendees receive: the Reiki Level II attunement by Reiki Master Ann Zalek, a Reiki Level II technique booklet, a supplemental manual, and a certificate of completion. $150/$25 non-refundable deposit. TheraCare Therapeutic Massage & Healing Arts Center
2350 Washtenaw, Suite 14, Ann Arbor. Ann Zalek 332-3800.
Value Tour – 3pm. While some people think higher quality always means higher price, think again! Whole Foods offers real food, free of artificial ingredients and hydrogenated fats at the best price possible. We’ll help you find real deals throughout the store. Whole foods Market 990 W. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor. 997-7500.
The In’s and Out’s of Tea – 7-8pm. With Beverage Specialist Tonya Huffman. Join coffee, tea and drinking chocolate specialist Tonya Huffman in a demonstration of how to properly brew tea. Learn the details about the different types of tea and taste samples to educate your palate. Instructor: Whole Foods Market beverage specialist Tonya Hufmann. Free. Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor. To register, call 975-4500. Space is limited.
Motawi Tileworks: Tile Making Workshop – 7-8:30pm. Grades 6 to adult. Sibling duo Karim and Nawal Matawi will share their expertise about art tile and tell the story of Pittsfield library’s boy reading tile Mural.
tuesday, december 9
Heart Health – Diana Christoff Quinn, ND. Want to keep your heart healthy? In this class we’ll discuss the risk factors for heart disease, focusing on prevention with lifestyle and natural remedies. 216 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. 994-9174.
Maintaining an Even Keel Through the Holidays – 7-8pm. With Nutritionist Judy Stone. December can be a difficult month, but you can make it a lot less stressful by choosing to eat in a way that balances your body and brain. Free. Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor. To register, call 975-4500. Space is limited. Please register early to secure a seat. Free.
The Many Festivals of Mexico – 7-8:30pm. Stephanie Schneiderman of Tia Stephanie Tours will return to the library for this colorful informative virtual journey to explore the many festivals of Mexico. 343 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor. 327-4555.
The Swift Path – 7:30pm. With Jewel Heart Instructors. The Swift Path, or Nyur Lam in Tibetan, was composed by the 3rd Panchen Lama and succinctly lays the ground for spiritual development through clear and relevant topics for visualization and analytical meditations. Seniors & Students/$5, Non-Members/$10. 1129 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. 994 3387 jewelheart.org.
wednesday, december 10
Pain-Free Living: Move those hips! – 10:30-11:45am and 7-8:15pm. Hip-hip-hooray! If you’re feeling hip pain or facing hip replacement, it’s never too late to change course. Learn what has happened to your hips and why—either to avoid hip surgery, or make sure you never have it done again. Speaker: Arbor Farms Market, Ann Arbor. Call 996-8111 to reserve your space.
Breastfeeding Basics – 6:30-8:45pm. We want to help your breastfeeding experience be satisfying, joyful, and pain free! Two-week class prepares the mother-to-be for a successful breastfeeding experience. With board-certified lactation consultant Barbara Robertson of The Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor. $60 per couple. Center for the Childbearing Year, 663-1523, center4cby.com.
Emotional Wellness – 7-8pm. With Darren Schmidt, DC. Feeling bad is not caused by a deficiency of psychiatric drugs. Don’t be fooled by the heavy marketing tactics of “medicine-makers.” The only viable solution is to find out which organs in your body are not doing well and fixing them with natural products. Free. Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor. To register, call 975-4500.
Drummunity – 7 - 9pm. Rythmic fun for everyone. Community drum circles hosted by Lori Fithian. Free. Drums available or bring your own. Crazy Wisdom bookstore on Main street in Ann Arbor. Lori Fithian 426-7818 or drummunity.com.
thursday, december 11
Part 3 of 3, Cooking with Class: Rustic Italian Cooking with Francesca Gitschlag Simple & Distinctive Home-Style Cuisine – 6-9pm. Learn how to prepare traditional Italian meals. Students can register for this class either: Online at wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning. Or by Using the WCC catalog of Non-Credit Classes mail in a registration or walk in register at the Student Center Bldg. on WCC Campus.
Infant CPR, First Aid, & Safety – 6:30–9pm. For expectant/new parents, grandparents, babysitters/nannies, and other caregivers. Current information on child safety, accident prevention, first aid topics, and safe sleep. Hands-on training in infant CPR and choking emphasized. $40 per person; $75 per couple. Center for the Childbearing Year, 663-1523, center4cby.com.
Annual Holiday Concert – 7-:30-9:15pm. The Ypsilanti Community Choir and Band present an evening of vocal and instrumental music for the season. Pease Auditorium(EMU). College Place, Ypsilanti. 572-0879.
friday, december 12
Dexter Victorian Christmas – 11-4pm. Deck the halls with gifts from our Victorian Christmas Festival. Relax and enjoy Christmas shopping, craft demonstrations and carolers in the Victorian tradition in our decorated downtown. Enjoy complimentary refreshments provided by shopkeepers in an “open house” environment. Oh, and don’t forget your wish list at home ‘cause Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in town.Free. Monument Parh. Main Street at Barker Rd. Dexter. 426-0887.
Health, Energy, Happiness: Only a Breath Away 5 Session course (Dec. 12-16) F, M,T 6:30-9:30pm, Sat & Sun 12-5pm. Learn the Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing meditation technique offered only through the Art of Living course. Reduce stress, increase energy, enhance brain function and relieve depression and anxiety. Body Mind and Spirit Center. 2007 S. State St. Ann Arbor. annarbor@us.artofliving.org, register at secure.artofliving.org.
Home Cheese Making – 7-8pm. With Cheese with Cheese Specialist Matt Yost. Do you love fresh mozzarella? How about really fresh mozzarella? Come and try your hand at home cheese making with our knowledgeable and passionate cheese shop staff. Free. Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor. To register, call 975-4500. Please register early to secure a seat.
Barefoot Boogie from 8-11pm. Join us the second Friday of each month for our Free dance party! An evening of expression and movement. Experience new music, new friends and open minds as we mingle, move and just have fun!! Tree of Life Cultural Arts Studio 6065 Sibley Rd Suite 1, Chelsea MI 48118. 433-0697. treeoflifestudio.org.
saturday, december 13
End of Autumn Bird Walk – 9-11am. The woods, fields and waters edge of this park offer a nice variety of birds. Bring binoculars if you can; a few pairs will be available if needed. Stay to enjoy hot drinks after the walk. Meet near the lodge. Vehicle Entry fee. Rolling Hills Park. 7660 Stoney Creek, Ypsilanti. Faye Stoner 971-6337 ext. 334.
Ecosystem Restoration Workday at the Arb – 9-12pm. Join MBGNA staff in working to remove invasive plant species from the Arb to promote native plant growth. We typically mix a little bit of hard work with education about the Arboretum and restoration ecology work here and in the local area. Dress to work outside! Snacks and tools provided. Locations Vary. Call 647-8528 for more info and to sign up.
Dexter Victorian Christmas – 11-4pm. Deck the halls with gifts from our Victorian Christmas Festival. Relax and enjoy Christmas shopping, craft demonstrations and carolers in the Victorian tradition in our decorated downtown. Enjoy complimentary refreshments provided by shopkeepers in an “open house” environment. Oh, and don’t forget your wish list at home ‘cause Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in town.Free. Monument Parh. Main Street at Barker Rd. Dexter. 426-0887.
Santa’s Returning to Dixboro – 12-4pm. 5206 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor. 663-5558 or Dixboro.com.
Christmas at Rentschler Farmhouse – 12-5pm. Saline Area Historical Society invites you to Christmas at the Rentschler Farmhouse. Holiday preparations During the 1930s: Christmas During the Depression Years. Natural decorations, live tree, authentic ornaments. Display of German desserts made with farm products. Enjoy light refreshments and visit the gift shop. Admission by donation. Admission by donation. 1265 E. Michigan Ave., near Industrial Drive, Saline. 944-0442.
The Sounds of Classical Bells – 1-2pm. A special concert event by the handbell group Classical Bells. Free. Downtown Library multi purpose room. 343 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor. 327-4555.
Winter Solstice – 1-4pm. Explore traditions that celebrate the return of light and the turning point of winter. 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor. 647-7600.
December 365 Everyday Value Expo – 1-4pm. We want to show you that eating on a budget does not mean sacrificing quality. Join us in the store to discover why quality and price equal Everyday Value at Whole Foods Market. Take a Value Tour on the hour from 1pm through 3pm. Sign up at our Customer Service Desk to secure a spot. 3135 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor. 975-4500.
Go! – 2-4pm. Grades K-Adult. Learn to play the boardgame Go or test your skills against enthusiasts from the Ann Arbor Go Club. Also known as Baduk or Weiqi, Go is an ancient strategy board game that originated in China two thousand years ago and is now played around the world. 3333 Traverwood Dr. Ann Arbor. 327-4200.
sunday, december 14
Santa’s Returning to Dixboro – 12-4pm. Today only he will even be bringing one of his reindeer. 5206 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor. 663-5558 or Dixboro.com.
Holiday Tastings – 1-4pm. Come try a taste of the holidays from all our departments. Learn how we can help make your holiday meal planning a quick fix with choices from our Holiday Menu. Let us tell you about our on line holiday ordering or place an order in the store. Whole foods Market 990 W. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor. 997-7500.
Christmas at Rentschler Farmhouse – 1-4pm. Saline Area Historical Society invites you to Christmas at the Rentschler Farmhouse. Holiday preparations During the 1930s: Christmas During the Depression Years. Natural decorations, live tree, authentic ornaments. Display of German desserts made with farm products. Enjoy light refreshments and visit the gift shop. Admission by donation. Admission by donation. 1265 E. Michigan Ave., near Industrial Drive, Saline. 944-0442.
Chesstastic – 1-4pm. Grades K-Adult. Join us the second Sunday of each month to play one of the world’s most popular sports with players of all ages and abilities. Chess sets provided. Challenge old friends or meet new ones. 3333 Traverwood Dr. Ann Arbor. 327-4200.
Whole Foods Market Holiday Menu and Top Ten Wine Tasting – 4-7pm. Wander the aisles and taste dishes from our holiday menu, as our top ten wine selection. There will be a charge for each wine taste. 3135 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor. 975-4500.
monday, december 15
Reiki Level III - Advanced Training for Reiki Practitioners – 10-5pm. This level III class is designed for individuals who wish to deepen their practice. Reiki I & II training by a Reiki Master (Usui) is a prerequisite. Attendees receive: the Reiki Level III attunement by Reiki Master Ann Zalek, a Reiki Level III technique booklet, and a certificate of completion. $200/$50 non-refundable deposit. TheraCare Therapeutic Massage & Healing Arts Center. 2350 Washtenaw, Suite 14, Ann Arbor. Ann Zalek 332-3800.
Wine Education Series: Sparkling Wines – 6pm. At the wine bar. Whole Foods Market team members will share their expertise on sparkling wines. Try a selection of up to six sparkling wines for $20. Whole foods Market 990 W. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor. 997-7500.
tuesday, december 16
Raw Food Potluck – 1-3pm. Free, all are welcome, including kids! Bring a dish to share, raw vegan. Call for location, 995-0875. Ellen Livingston, LivingYogaNow.com.
The Swift Path– 7:30pm. With Jewel Heart Instructors. The Swift Path, or Nyur Lam in Tibetan, was composed by the 3rd Panchen Lama and succinctly lays the ground for spiritual development through clear and relevant topics for visualization and analytical meditations. Seniors & Students/$5, Non-Members/$10. 1129 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. 994 3387 jewelheart.org.
wednesday, december 17
Baking Ham – 6pm. This evening, a Whole Foods Market meat expert will show how easy it is to prepare and bake your holiday ham. Free. Whole foods Market 990 W. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor. 997-7500.
Breastfeeding Basics – 6:30–8:45pm. We want to help your breastfeeding experience be satisfying, joyful, and pain free! Two-week class prepares the mother-to-be for a successful breastfeeding experience. With board-certified lactation consultant Barbara Robertson of The Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor. $60 per couple. Center for the Childbearing Year, 663-1523, center4cby.com.
thursday, december 18
Ritual and Spiritual Use of Herbs – With Linda Diane Feldt, Holistic Health Practitioner. Wands, staffs and potions have gained greater attention with Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, and other Sci Fi Fantasy stories. Fans, practitioners, and those just curious are welcome. Feel free to come with questions from your favorite books and movies. 216 N. Fourth Ave. Ann Arbor. 994-9174.
Thursday Night Rush Hour Relief at the Wine Bar: Cellar Selections and Great Gifts – 5-7pm. Join us each Thursday evening as our experts lead an exploration of wine, cheese and appetizers. $17. Whole foods Market 990 W. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor. 997-7500.
Natural Health Lecture and Raw Food Demonstration – 6:30 - 8pm. Learn how a natural diet of fresh raw foods can bring you into balance and allow your body to heal itself. Ellen Livingston, owner of Living Yoga, LLC, presents a public talk with food demonstration and tasting. $10/person, every 3rd Thursday at Arbor Farms Market in Ann Arbor. Please call the store to register, 996-8111. LivingYogaNow.com.
friday, december 19
Free Film and Discussion Series – 7pm. Join us for our monthly free movie, for concessions and conversation about the film and Dharma. 1129 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. 994 3387 jewelheart.org.
saturday, december 20
Ecosystem Restoration Workday at the Arb – 9-12pm. Join MBGNA staff in working to remove invasive plant species from the Arb to promote native plant growth. We typically mix a little bit of hard work with education about the Arboretum and restoration ecology work here and in the local area. Dress to work outside! Snacks and tools provided. Locations Vary. Call 647-8528 for more info and to sign up.
Great Lakes Orchid Judging – 10-5pm. For details call 647-7600.
Yoga Meets Dance(TM) Winter Solstice Celebration – 11:30-12:45pm. Dance off holidays stress and come together in celebration of all things good and true! Mind, Body + Spirit Academe. Dakota Building, 1785 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. Yogameetsdance.com. 239-3174.
Santa’s Returning to Dixboro – 12-4pm. 5206 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor. 663-5558 or Dixboro.com.
sunday, december 21
Holiday Tastings – 1-4pm. Come try a taste of the holidays from all our departments. Learn how we can help make your holiday meal planning a quick fix with choices from our Holiday Menu. Let us tell you about our on line holiday ordering or place an order in the store. 3135 Washtenaw Ave. 975-4500.
tuesday, december 23
Holiday Crafts 2008 – 10-11:30am. Grades K-5. Create Coupon Books using envelopes, ribbons and calligraphy pens to give as New Year’s gifts. 3333 Traverwood Dr. Ann Arbor. 327-4200.
saturday, december 27
Laughter Blast Theatre and Yoga – 2-2:45pm. For Grades 6 to adult. Come and laugh for no reason and discover all sorts of good reasons to laugh. Lead by drama teacher Phil Walker and storyteller Badria Jazairi. Downtown Library Multi Purpose room. 343 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor. 327-4555.
sunday, december 28
Attitude of Gratitude: Yoga Class – 1-2:30pm. Multi-level class (beginners and experienced students welcome). Free. Every Body Happy Yoga and Healing Center, 3207 Central Ave., Suite 2, Dexter. Studio entrance is at the rear of the building and easily accessible from the Broad St. Municipal parking lot. 645-7251. everybodyhappy.net.
monday, december 29
Shaker Salt-Dough Charms – 10-11:30am. Show your hospitality by making a Shaker door or window charm. Create an ornament and take it home to slow bake. 3090 East Eisenhower Pkwy. Ann Arbor. 327-4200.
Dancing Babies – 4-4:30pm. Join Betsy Beckerman and Sara Melton Keller for dancing and singing. 3333 Traverwood Dr. Ann Arbor. 327-4200.
tuesday, december 30
Silly Stories – 10-10:30am. With Laura Pershin Raynor. Listen to tales filled with colorful characters! 343 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor. 327-4555.
Game On With The Vault – 6-8:30pm. We’re teaming up with Vault of Midnight, Ann Arbor’s favorite comic and game store! Game experts from the Vault will spend the afternoon teaching and playing popular European-style family games! No experience is necessary. You bring the gang, we’ll bring the games! 343 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor. 327-4555.
