Only a few more weeks to enjoy whats left of summer.  Ann Arbor offers plenty of entertainment, from art shows to farmer’s markets to county fairs.  Be sure to make the most out of the nice weather we have left, Halloween is just around the corner!  ___________________________________________________________________________

7/28/2010 – 9/5/2010

Gallery Project Presents: Faux Real

Gallery Project presents Faux Real, a multimedia exhibit in which 26 artists play with the idea that things can be both fake and real simultaneously in terms of concept and materiality. The lines between real and artificial grow increasingly blurred, even to the point that one wonders what, if anything is still “real” in the 21st century.

The opening reception is Friday, July 30 from 6-9p.m.

Gallery Project 215 South Fourth St., Ann Arbor, MI Visit website

Phone: (734) 997-7012 Full event info

When: During Gallery Business Hours Tuesday-Saturday 12PM-9PM Sunday 12PM-4PM
Cost: TBA
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Sep. 04, 2010 – Sep. 26, 2010

Planetarium Show: The Sky Tonight – Star Talk

Bright stars, constellations, planets, and telescopic objects in the current night sky will be discussed in this live “star talk”. Then leave Earth and “fly” out into space to examine the planets in the current sky.

The University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor, MI Visit website

Phone: (734) 764-0480 Full event info

When: During Gallery Business Hours Tues.-Sat. 12:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Sun. 12:00p.m.-4:00p.m
Cost: TBA
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Sep. 04, 2010 – Sep. 26, 2010

Planetarium Show: Expanded View

Explore beautiful deep space objects through the eyes of Hubble, Spitzer, and Chandra space telescopes. Each of these space-based telescopes operate in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, helping to reveal the secrets of these vastly far away and beautiful objects.

The University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor, MI Visit website

Phone: (734) 764-0480 Full event info

When: Saturday, September 4, 11, 18, 25 at 2:30p.m. Sunday, September 5, 12, 19, 26 at 2:30p.m.
Cost: $5-general admissions
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Sep. 07, 2010 – Sep. 11, 2010

Saline Community Fair

The Saline Community Fair is a longstanding tradition to showcase local talents from livestock to quilting. Carnival rides are always a favorite for families to enjoy each year. Also enjoy tractor and truck pulls, and the state Demo Derby Championship on Saturday!

Washtenaw County Farms Council 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor, MI Visit website

Phone: (734) 764-0480 Full event info

When: All day
Cost: Free
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Sep. 10, 2010 – Sep. 11, 2010

Kerrytown Concert House presents: Chard & Holland

The Chard-Holland team returns to perform their annual KCH benefit, which they have been doing since 1985. Roger and Maurita’s artistry, together with the variety of music on the program, create a gala evening. Enjoy extraordinary music: intense, simple, philosophical, passionate, tender and silly. Art and parlor songs, as well as opera and theater selections highlight an exciting and captivating evening. Music by Verdi, Porter, Gershwin, Legrand, Rodgers, Grieg and Schubert. This year marks the grand finale of their benefit concerts for KCH, but expect to hear them again at future events.

• Roger Chard, baritone
• Maurita Peterson Holland, piano

Kerrytown Concert House 414 N 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, MI Visit website

Phone: (734) 769-2999 Full event info

When: 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $15-general admissions, $20-$30-assigned rows
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September 11, 2010

HomeGrown Festival 2010

The HomeGrown Festival celebrates the food, farmers and community of Southeast Michigan in a family-oriented atmosphere. This food-lover’s festival takes place at the beautiful Ann Arbor Farmers Market pavilion in the historic Kerrytown district. Come on down and taste the delicious food grown on our beautiful farms, prepared by our most innovative chefs. Sample some excellent Michigan beer and wine while you’re listening to the sounds of great local musicians.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor, MI Visit website Phone: (734) 619-0429 Full event info

When: September 11, 2010
Cost:TBA
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Sep. 17, 2010 – Sep. 18, 2010

Kerrytown Concert House presents: Parisian Soiree

This annual gala season opener is fun, full of surprises, and features a program that focuses on repertoire with a connection to all things Parisian. Champagne included! Appearances by flutists Jeff Zook and Sharon Sparrow, cellist Robert deMaine (Saturday only), pianists Michele Cooker and Kevin Bylsma, sopranos Jane Schoonmaker Rodgers and Elizabeth Major, mezzo soprano Deanna Relyea, singer and pianist Alvin Waddles (Friday only), plus a French horn quartet. Accordion player Julien Labro will perform Piazzolla and related music with his quartet, featuring a cast of area favorites (Saturday only). Don’t wait to make reservations!

• Emily Benner, soprano
• Kevin Bylsma, piano
• Elizabeth Major, soprano
• Deanna Relyea, mezzo soprano
• Jane Schoonmaker Rodgers, soprano
• Allen Schrott, bass-baritone
• Sharon Sparrow, flute
• Alvin Waddles, piano/vocals
• Jeff Zook, flute
• Sarah Nisbett, mezzo soprano
• Juan Pereira, tenor
• Michelle Mountain, actress
• UM French horn quartet

Kerrytown Concert House 414 N 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, MI Visit website

Phone: (734) 769-2999 Full event info

When: 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $15-general admissions, $20-$30-assigned rows
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Sep. 18, 2010 – Sep. 19, 2010

Ann Arbor Antiques Market

In 2010, the Ann Arbor Antiques Market will continue its tradition as a mainstay in the field of antiques and select collectibles. The Market offers the public a vast selection of quality antiques in the comfortable surroundings of seven buildings and numerous tent canopies. Seven large shows are held from April through October.n 2010, the Ann Arbor Antiques Market will continue its tradition as a mainstay in the field of antiques and select collectibles. The Market offers the public a vast selection of quality antiques in the comfortable surroundings of seven buildings and numerous tent canopies. Seven large shows are held from April through October.

Washtenaw County Farms Council 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor, MI Visit website

Phone: (734) 662-0496 x207 Full event info

When: 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Cost: $6
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September 25, 2010

Smithsonian magazine: Museum Day

The Exhibit Museum is joining with over 1,200 museums and cultural institutions nationwide to celebrate Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day! Smithsonian members receive free admission to participating museums on that day; the Exhibit Museum is participating “in spirit” because individuals admissions to the museum is always fee to everyone.

The University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor, MI Visit website

Phone: (734) 764-0480 Full event info

When: 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Cost:Free
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Sep. 25, 2010 – Oct. 31, 2010

Night Terrors: Michigan’s Haunted Thrill Park

Night Terrors – Michigan’s Haunted Thrill Park, features  SIX chilling attractions:  The Ultimate Haunted Barn, The Asylum, The MindShaft, Alien Caged Clowns, The Labyrinth and Hayrides of the Lost.  With over 115   live monsters, Night Terrors puts TERROR in your FACE. Single event admission is $15, or see all six for $29.99. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Night Terrors is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October; also on Saturday, September 25 and Thursday, October 28. Check website for more information on dates, times, and admission prices.

Wiard’s Orchard 5565 Merit Road, Ypsilianti, MI Visit website

Phone: (734) 482-7744 Full event info

When: Doors open at 7 p.m., tickets sold until 11 p.m.
Cost:TBA
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Above was a sampling of the activities occurring in our community during the month of September. Please be sure to check out one of the many events being held during the month and have good time.

To view the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau,
click here and choose your own criteria and dates.

Click here to search all Ann Arbor Area Michigan
homes and condos with pictures and tours – FREE

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The Big House was opened to the Public in Ann Arbor

Yesterday the fans and tourists explored the luxury seats, open seats, and club seating. The seating sales have paid for the $226 million construction project per Dave Brandon, athletic director.  The suites  have a yearly price tag of up to $85,000 each.  Here is the vidoe tour of University of Michigan Stadium.

Here are pictures taken yesterday while we were inside the University of Michigan Stadium.

On Sept. 4th, the stadium will open for its 83rd season for Michigan against (defeating) Connecticut.  The seating capacity is 109,901 – keeping Michigan Stadium as the nation’s largest college football stadium.  Tour U of M stadium slide show.  We hope to see you at the Ann Arbor football games this fall – maybe opening day.

For more information on AnnArbor, click here for.  For Ann ARbor Real Estate Experts, call us 734-669-0337.

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Mike and Missy Caulk gave away their daughter July 11th in Saline, MI 48176.

What a delightful and perfect ceremony, reception and celebration with fellowhip.  Since EVERYONE from active rain was there via remote camera, I feel special to have been personally invited.  Here are some shots taken to remember the blessed event.  You guys better stay married – you committed in front of a whole heck a lot of people.  I am sure you will!  You guys have great future in front of you.  Here is to more events together!

Cheers and blessings – to many toasts with the campagne flutes we gave you – hahaha.

Love you,

Kathy and Larry Toth

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The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch video snippet gives you an idea of  Randy Pausch’s purpose in giving this Carnegie Mellon “Journeys” lecture.   I bought this book having seen the lecture on the Oprah Winfrey show and I knew my Mom was dying.  I thought this might help us identify what Mom would /could do before her demise.

I start with the elephant in the room he mentions.  My Mom, 80, just died from lung cancer.  We will be laying her to rest this week.  She died with hospice help and without complaining.   I just completed chemo therapy Jan 25th and finished my heart medication in April from a breast cancer battle that started Sept 2008.  I am glad we got that elephant on the table.  In business, that is no problem. In my personal life, that is the most difficult for me.  But if you know that you are loved and you are loving, I suppose the elephant in the room can be introduced.  

He covers the importance of achieving childhood dreams and the experiences he recalled from his life that formed his dreams.  He talks about adventure and that every day is a beautiful day.  I know the glass is full (not half full).  Do you?   I know I need more work in the dreams category.  How about you?  I am very clear on dreams for my kids; they find their own paths to what THEY want to become and I will be with them enthusiastically every step.

Part of his adventure was pouring soda in the back seat of his car to demonstrate that a brand new car was just a thing and what was important was the relationship. It’s not about returning the rental car to the airport with no pancake syrup when your 8 year old wants breakfast from McDonalds. You stop and buy the pancakes and eat them at the airport, but you don’t drive through and not buy them because you are worried about syrup in the car!

He talks about brick walls are there for the other people.  If you want something badly enough, you will get through the brick wall. I have always believed this and think there is no such word as can’t.  You just have not figured out the way to accomplish what you want.  Today, I am tired and getting through the wall takes more effort.  I know that focusing on what I want will help attract it to me.

He also imparts that time is finite, should be spent on the right things and managed which is essential and hit home to me.  My children of course are immortal and don’t get the idea that when they say they will accompany me to the Eatern Market Sunday, I think of this as a committment because it may be our only/last chance of doing this.  So if they wake up and say they would rather sleep in, I understand.  But I know that that instant is gone!

He addresses complaining vs. applying the same energy to problem solving.  My business coach Bob Corcoran gets credit for this mantra ” Focus on the positive, focus on the solution” and this has revolutionized my focus.  The only whining allowed is a glass of Resiling. So I relish Pausch’s point.

When dealing with people, I did learn a technique from this book. Instead of “I think we should do A or B”, try “What if we did A”?   This allows collaboration vs. defending and is worth noting.

Another take away from this book is when a loved one dies, a part of you dies and goes with the person who just died according to spiritual leader Krishnamurti.  I guess it is a two way street.  I know I have a part of my Mom with me and I believe she has taken us with her.  She and we are not alone.  And while I am crying as I write this, it is comforting.

I suggest this book be read and shared with family members before you need it; it is a class in grace, optimism and hope that has impacted me and thousands of other people.  See Randy Pausch in action.

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Congrats to Lindsey Toth graduating from Tufts            Click Here for a FREE Market Snapshot! 

 

 

Kathy Toth and Team, Keller Williams
2144 S. State St, Ann Arbor MI 48104; 734-669-0337 

Ann Arbor Homes and Condos For Sale

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As many as 40,000 people flock to Eastern Market on Saturday to purchase local food from about 250 vendors.

Office Hours: Mon-Sat 8a.m. – 4p.m.

Public Market Hours: Sat 5a.m. – 5p.m.

2934 Russell Street

Detroit, MI 48207

PH: 313.833.9300

Today was flower day at Eastern Market - a six-block public area that has been operating in Detroit since 1891. Every Saturday it is a vibrant marketplace with hundreds of open-air stalls where everyone  is served a wide array of fruits, veggies, fresh-cut flowers, homemade jams, maple syrups, locally produced specialty food products, pasture and/or grass-fed meat and even an occasional goose or rabbit.

Today we enjoyed, along 150,000 people the Eastern Market, music and the fiesta with flowers  – see pictures below. Partake in our  Michigan, Ohio, Ontario bounty, and celebrate in the the magical display of plants and flowers, and relish the rich history and colorful stories of the market and its characters.

Everything is within reach.  Country roads lead to wonderful towns throughout the area adding to the mosaic of life, cultrue and energy.  This is just 55 minutes from Ann Arbor and worth the drive to have a late breakfast and pick up some fresh local food stuff.  You won’t be disappointed with the choices.

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