This weekend: Trick or Treat on the River, volunteer, swim indoors and more!

Trick or Treat on the Huon River – This Weekend!
Join us this Sunday, Oct. 13, noon-3 p.m. for a fun-filled Trick-or-Treat on the River event at Gallup Canoe Livery (3000 Fuller Road)! Paddle through the scenic Gallup Pond by canoe or kayak, where you’ll meet friendly pirates, witches, swamp monsters and even ducks, all eager to hand out candy. Don’t forget to wear your costume and bring a bag for treats. The excitement continues on land with themed games and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Last boat departs at 3 p.m. $25 per boat – no preregistration needed. All ages are welcome (children must be at least 1 year old to participate). Come join the Halloween fun on the water! Questions? Visit the website

mbdVolunteer Workday for World Migratory Bird Day Mary Beth Doyle Park: Sunday, Oct. 139 a.m.-noon
Isn’t it wonderful that you don’t have to know a single thing about birds to enjoy them? Just their beautiful songs or graceful flight can brighten a dreary day. Birds – in particular migrating birds  depend on the diverse habitat at Mary Beth Doyle Park, and you can help keep it that way. Removing invasive shrubs with the staff of Natural Area Preservation (NAP) is straightforward and fun! World Migratory Bird Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation for our feathered friends who bring everyone joy. Volunteers will use hand tools to cut small-to-medium shrubs. Preregister through VolunteerHub.

Pumpkin and gourd season is in full swing at the market
On Saturday, Oct. 12 and on Wednesday, Oct. 16 the market will be open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit St. Our vendors will have pumpkins, gourds, apples, grapes, pears, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes, winter squash, mums, baby ginger, mushrooms, sweet corn, tomatoes, cut flowers, beans, zucchini, leafy greens, onions, garlic, microgreens, herbs, honey, maple syrup, house plants, eggs, pastured meat and poultry, Lake Superior fish, cheese, bread, sweets, pastries, spices, jam, pickles, hot sauce, salsa, olive oil, chocolate, coffee, tea, mead, Polish food, Mediterranean food, prepared food, artisan goods and more! We accept cash, and tokens for credit/debit card, mobile payment, and SNAP/EBT are available at the construction trailer in the parking lot. The market office building is closed for a demolition/renovation project. Service animals only. Accessible restrooms are available. More information at our website.

On Saturday, Oct. 12:
Vegano Italiano food truck will be serving breakfast and lunch, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Succulent Street Food will be serving breakfast and lunch, 10:30 a.m.-sold out.
Pilar’s Tamales will be serving lunch, 11a.m.-sold out.

The season is winding down, but there are still fall volunteer opportunities with GIVE 365
Check out the GIVE 365 website to see or register for all upcoming events. ​​You can also register​ in ​our volunteer database to receive our monthly newsletter and email updates about upcoming opportunities and some of our current projects.​​ All experience levels are welcome. All tools and supplies are provided at events. Just dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water. Visit the links below for event details and to sign up.

  • Love a Park Day at Island Park Shoreline – Friday, Oct. 18
    • Join GIVE 365  to help with an ongoing shoreline restoration project at Island Park. This park runs along the Huron River. Tasks may include removing invasive brush and planting native plants.
  • Bike Park Workday at Bandemer Park – Saturday, Oct. 19
    • Join GIVE 365 staff and volunteers in working on the Bandemer Bike Park. We will be doing trail maintenance work with hand tools (shovels, clippers, etc). We will provide the tools, guidance about each task and music. Tasks subject to change, check out the event description for more details.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to volunteer@a2gov.org with any questions about volunteer opportunities in the parks.

Plan a custom volunteer workday with your group or organization! We work with groups of 5-25 people, and sometimes larger. Fill out our Group Volunteer Inquiry form if your group is interested in planning an event with us. There are only so many opportunities left as our group event scheduling concludes in November.

Non-sanctioned Bridge
Mondays, 12:30-3:30. Directed by Ray Gentz, attracts players of all ages with varied levels of expertise including life master’s to beginners. All ages 18+ welcome. More information can be found at annarborbridge.com. Call 734.794.6250. Members, $3; nonmembers, $5.

Artist’s open studio
Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Calling all artists and craft enthusiasts! Join us for a weekly open studio where we invite you to bring your own projects and art equipment to work on in a creative, and supportive environment. Don’t have your hands on a project or equipment? Not to worry – we have a collection of materials and craft projects that you can choose from. Friends encouraged. Please call ahead of time to learn what materials we have on hand. Open to all ages 18+. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members, $2 for nonmembers.

Workshop: Hoarding and cluttering – The “stuff” beneath the stuff
Thursday, Oct. 17, 1:30-2:45 p.m. Join Emily Nagaonkar, Social Work Leader in the Aging Field for this engaging workshop. Hoarding can be a difficult topic to discuss. There are many unanswered questions and misinformation. In this workshop participants will learn the definitions, indicators, and risks of these behaviors; harm reduction strategies; and resources to help yourself and loved ones. Space is limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Workshop: Catholic Social Services local programs
Wednesday, Nov. 6, noon-1 p.m. Come learn how Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County is focused on spreading community awareness about the programs it offers that help older adults age in place and provide support to their caregivers. More information about each program will be available at the presentation and resource directories will be provided. Space is limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Natural Area Preservation works to protect Ann Arbor’s green spaces
Ann Arbor’s natural areas aren’t just beautiful—they’re vibrant ecosystems where wildlife, plants and people thrive. Thanks to Natural Area Preservation and GIVE 365 volunteers, along with your support of the millage, we’re keeping these wild places wonderful. A renewed millage ensures we can continue preserving these green spaces, so nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can recharge and explore. Let’s keep these sanctuaries thriving for generations to come! Check out the latest video about the unit’s work in the city.

Did you know the Ann Arbor park millage has been supporting the Ann Arbor park system since 2006? In November 2024, Ann Arbor voters will decide whether to renew the 20-year Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage, which funds park system repairs and improvements. The current millage expires in 2024, and the new one would cover 2025-2044. See the list of park locations and the status of hundreds and hundreds of park development, maintenance and improvement projects funded through your support of the millage on the website.

Enjoy a chilling good time on the ice
Show off your costume and enter a spooktacular contest, get your fill of candy and skate to themed music all at the Halloween Spooky Skate Sunday, Oct. 27, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave.)! Bring your own skates or rent them onsite; regular admission rates apply. It’s an event perfect for ghouls, goblins and families looking for some frightfully fun activities!

Swim into fall by registering for programming indoors at Mack Pool: Lap swim, learn-to-swim lessons and more!
As Ann Arbor’s only indoor public pool, Mack Pool offers a range of programs suited for all ages and abilities. With heated water and an indoor setting, Mack Pool provides a comfortable swimming experience no matter the weather. There are spots open for group swim lessons and we offer private lessons! This year, staff will host an adult only beginner swim lesson class for swimmers looking to build comfort and basic skills in the water. Learn to float, swim front crawl and backstroke, tread water and more basic skills. Swim lessons are 60 minutes and the fee is $110, resident; $134, nonresident for eight lessons.

View all the offerings online before you sign up

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