Ann Arbor Family

Education Guide

   When it comes to learning, there are a variety of educational options available for parents to choose from. The hardest part is finding the right one for your child. Our Educational Guide makes it easy; we’ve collected information on schools and organizations that take learning to a new level.

Clonlara School
1289 Jewett Ave., Ann Arbor
734-769-4511
www.clonlara.org
   At Clonlara’s campus school, students learn at their own pace and intergrate their talents and goals into an innovative and personalized education.  Classes are small, multi-age groupings where students re...

The cookie momster

Selling Girl Scout cookies — how hard could it be?

    It was with great pride that I took my turn this year as the Girl Scout cookie mom. Now, if at this point you are groaning, or reaching for the Rolaids, then I know that you too have been a Girl Scout cookie mom or that you are married  to (or have been married to - Girl Scout cookies have been known to break up a few solid marriages along the way), or are the child of a Girl Scout cookie mom. Those who had been there before warned me away. I paid no heed. After all, how hard could it be? Famous last words.
   T...

In her natural state

Retiring Leslie Science and Nature Center Director brings thrills to young minds

   Why not try an experiment this weekend?
   Hide the remote control at the bottom of the laundry basket. Stow your kids’ computer in the attic.
   After the screaming stops, you might come to relish a new experience — family time together in the Great Outdoors.
   It’s a plan heartily endorsed by Kirsten Levinsohn, director of the Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor.
   At the center, families can explore 50 acres of fields, waterways, prairies and woods. Fl...

Smoke in your eyes

Smokehouse Blues gives A2 Southern style

   Fats Domino was staring at us, but we were unfazed. Our family of four was relaxing in a booth at Smokehouse Blues, seated by a crackling fire close to where the poster of Fats hung.
   Our booth was in the large dining room apart from the bar area. Posters of blues and jazz legends adorned the walls. The menu was loaded with Southern inspired dishes such as jambalaya, St. Louis style pork ribs, and Texas beef brisket.
   I asked our server, Katie, about the origin of Smokehouse Blues, hoping for a real humdinger of a story...