Ice skate indoors and out this week and beyond
Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena will have additional public skating sessions noon-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22 plus 4:45-5:45 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 24, noon-2 p.m. and 7-8:45 p.m. Weekend hours include:
Saturday, 2:45-4:30 p.m. and 7:15-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, 3:15-5:30 p.m.
Schedule change: Drop-in hockey for men 18+, 9-10 p.m. is cancelled on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
Join us at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena for skating Wednesday, Nov. 22, 3-6 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and open Friday, Nov. 24, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 come out for sticks and pucks, 8:10-9:30 p.m. For the entire schedule visit the website.
Registration is also underway for the draft hockey league that begins Tuesday, Nov. 28 and concludes Tuesday, Jan. 16. Click here to register online or call 734.794.6235.
Shop small this holiday!
We are open Saturdays and Wednesdays 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit Street. Swing by the market for #smallbusinesssaturday and make sure to shop small this holiday season. You’ll also find holiday greenery, apples, winter squash, pastured meat and poultry, farm fresh eggs, root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, salad mix, leafy greens, honey, mushrooms, maple syrup, cheese, herbs and fish. Our producers will have bread, pastries, gluten free and allergen free baked goods, jam, pickles, spices, hot sauce, salsa, olive oil, chocolate, coffee and tea. Our artisans will have candles, cards, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, gifts, cutting boards, body care products and more. We accept cash, and tokens for credit cards, mobile payment, and SNAP/EBT are available at our market office window. Participating farms also accept Prescription for Health coupons. Service animals are welcome. Accessible restrooms are available. More information at our website.
Lend a helping hand
GIVE 365 has a few more Invasive Removal Workdays on the calendar in November and December. Each of these workdays involve cutting back nonnative invasive brush, typically buckthorn and honeysuckle. All experience levels are welcome! All tools and supplies will be provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. View event details for upcoming events and sign up below.
- Gallup Park “Goat Islands”, Friday, Nov. 24, noon-2 p.m.
- Scheffler Park, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 3-5 p.m.
- Gallup Park Butterfly Garden, Thursday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to volunteer@a2gov.org with any questions about volunteer opportunities in the parks.
Shop for local gifts at two Ann Arbor events Friday, Dec. 1
Join Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation, in collaboration with the Kerrytown District Association, for a night of shopping at the holiday gift market and Kindlefest Friday, Dec. 1, 5–9 p.m. at Liberty Plaza (310 S. Division St.). The market will feature 20 vendors selling artisan goods, holiday decor and more. Afterward, 5–10 p.m., visit Kindlefest at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.), where you will find an additional 50 vendors selling holiday wares, food and drinks. Eco-friendly pedicab rides between the two locations will be available, provided by Boober. Go online for a complete list of vendors.
Stewardship Workday Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-noon
Since the time of its acquisition, Kuebler Langford has been a park of importance to the people of Ann Arbor. As this natural area continues to recover from top-soil removal and compaction from the 1970’s, we are left with areas of stunning prairie and forests. Meet at the Beechwood entrance off of Sunset Rd. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off-trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
Outside Saturdays – Trees by Touch
Get outside this December with Eleva Potter, NAP Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator! Trees by Touch (K-5): Even though the leaves are gone we can still identify trees by the texture of their bark. See how many local trees you can meet while enjoying a walk in the woods, Saturday, Dec. 2 10-11:30 a.m., Gallup Park Maas Shelter.Children must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration through VolunteerHub is required. NAP uses VolunteerHub to manage participant waivers – please create individual accounts for each child. (Adults can use their own email address for child accounts). Feel free to call NAP for assistance, 734.794.6627.
Meet in the Gallup Park Maas Shelter (map). Walks may follow unpaved trails and require going off-trail. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes. More information: What to wear at outdoors events
Swim indoors at Mack Pool this weekend
Have you been swimming at Mack Indoor Pool yet? Extend summer into winter by checking out the pool this weekend. For additional information and programming go online.
* Friday, 7-8:15 a.m. (six lanes available for lap swim. Swimmers must exit facility at 8:15 a.m.)
* Friday, 12:30-4 p.m. (five lanes available)
* Friday, 7:30-9 p.m. (two lanes available)
* Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-noon (lap swim only)
* Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. (four lanes available)
* Saturday, 5-6 p.m. (women only swim)
You can still golf!
Did you know you can still golf? It’s true. Play 9 or 18 at Huron Hills Golf Course (HHGC). Sometime in mid-December HGGC will close but until then call 734.794.6246 for rates and golf card availability. Leslie Park however is closed for the 2023 season.
How to thrive while aging solo
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 9:30-10:30 a.m. In this enlightening guide, you’ll learn proactive strategies to age confidently solo. Whether by choice or circumstances, solo agers find themselves planning their futures independently without the support of a partner, spouse, or family. Join LifeChoices to learn how to take charge by developing a comprehensive plan that ensures independence, freedom of choice and personal satisfaction. Topics include practical tips on aging, aging in place home modifications, crafting essential medical directives, establishing robust social networks, and assembling a care team before any crisis arises. By planning now, you can confidently embrace the future and embrace the joys of living life to the fullest. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave, Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250 or emailing bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.
Winter wonderland paint workshop
Friday, Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Staff from Atria Assisted Living Facility and Arbor Hospice will lead participants through a step-by-step “Winter Wonderland” painting project. All supplies will be provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
Multigenerational creature crafts: DIY cat and dog toys
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) for this fun craft workshop for all ages. A hands-on, step-by-step approach. No experience or supplies necessary. Come learn about cat and dog play behavior while making your own cat spider wand or octopus-ball dog toy. Class is capped at 30 participants. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250 to register. Free of charge.
A2SC Trivia – Live! With additional holi-days on Thursdays!
Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 20, and Jan. 3, 14, 1-2 p.m.; Thursdays, Dec. 21, 28, and Jan. 4, 10-11 a.m. Join us for trivia via Zoom. Each game will have questions based on weekly themes. Invite your friends, grandchildren, and neighbors to login and play with you. We will keep a tally of winners and at the end, will have prizes that you can pick up. Zoom Meeting ID: 979 1239 9740, or click here. Passcode: 194912. Questions? Email bpatton@a2gov.org or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; nonmembers, $2.
December Blood Drive: The season of giving
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. In partnership with Versiti Blood Centers. Save lives and impact our community. Versiti Blood Center of Michigan is the local, non-profit blood center headquartered in Grand Rapids, serving more than 85 hospitals throughout Michigan, and collecting more than 130,000 units of blood each year. As the largest blood provider in the Midwest, your blood donations are needed to ensure that our community blood supply is stable and patient care is met. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Appointments preferred, click here or call 866.MIBLOOD to schedule. Questions regarding the location call 734.794.6250.
