Parks & Rec: Plenty of things to do this weekend in Ann Arbor parks

Short-term closure
Please note Olson Dog Park will be closed from dawn until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27 for a half-day construction project. We appreciate your understanding. Thank you.

Find all your fall favorites at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open for onsite sales Saturdays and Wednesdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., at 315 Detroit St. You will find apples, pears, apple cider, pumpkins, decorative gourds, winter squash, decorative corn, mums, tomatoes, peppers, fresh vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, plants, bread, poultry, eggs, meat, cheese, baked goods, prepared food, beverages, artisan products and more! We accept cash, and tokens for credit cards and SNAP/EBT/P-EBT are available at our market office window. Preordering from select vendors continues with curbside or walk-in pickup, 8 a.m.-noon. For preorders, contact the vendor directly from our directory. Please follow all physical distancing and safety guidelines posted and communicated by market staff. More information can be found on the website.

Sign up for learn to skate, hockey lessons at Veterans Memorial Park
Registration is underway for Session 2 ice skating and hockey classes at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena. Dates include Nov. 1-Jan. 15 (8 classes). $88 resident/$106 nonresident. There will be no classes Nov. 26-27; Dec. 20-Jan. 1. All ages and skill levels welcome. Go online to view the classes and register.

The last weekend to enjoy the Huron River by boat
It’s your last chance to paddle the Huron River this year! The Gallup Canoe Livery closes for the season at the end of the day on Sunday, Oct. 24. Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboat to paddle in 2.5-mile Gallup Pond or paddle a kayak down the 3.7-mile river trip. Visit www.a2gov.org/canoe for details and to make a reservation for the river trip section.

Painting volunteers wanted!
GIVE 365 needs volunteers to paint the base coat for a mural near Argo Cascades. Join us Tuesday, Oct. 26, 3-6 p.m. Don’t miss out on this chance to assist in beautifying a highly traveled corridor along the Border to Border trail. For details or to register visit, http://give365.cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com/.

Natural Area Preservation (NAP) Stewardship Workday
Help NAP protect the natural diversity in this and other parks by removing invasive brush and collecting native seeds to be dispersed as part of future conservation efforts Saturday, Oct. 30, 1-4 p.m. at Gallup Park. Meet in the Gallup Park parking lot, just over the wooden bridge (map). Please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Preregistration is required here.

Ann Arbor Senior Center has new programming
Join staff for Wednesdays, Nov. 3 and 17, 1-2 p.m. for live trivia via Zoom! Each game will have questions based on weekly themes and you have the chance to win prizes at the end. Zoom meeting ID: 979 1239 9740. Passcode: 194912. For information email bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

New! Artists open studio
Starting Nov. 5, Every Friday, noon-2 p.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 in a socially distanced gathering space. Don’t have your hands on a project or equipment? We have a collection of materials and craft projects that you can choose from. Masks required. Call 734.794.6250 to reserve a space. Cost is $5.

Learn how to protect your accounts, privacy and online identity
Thursdays, Nov. 4, 11, and 18, 9-10:30 a.m. Do you worry about your privacy and security online? Do you want to learn more about how to protect yourself when using online services, smartphones, and other new technologies? In this three-part series of workshops, researchers from the University of Michigan School of
Information will discuss common risks and strategies you can use for online self-defense. The workshops will be held over three weeks in November via Zoom. Meeting login information will be provided one week prior to the class for registered participants. No pre-knowledge is required. The workshops are free and you’re welcome to participate in some or all of them. To sign up contact bpatton@a2gov.org or 734.794.6250. For questions regarding the workshop series, contact senior-tech-research@umich.edu or call 616.737.2570.

Protecting your accounts and devices
* Thursday, Nov. 4, 9-10:30 a.m. Learn about what makes a secure password, password management, software updates, and safely getting rid of old devices.

* Thursday, Nov. 11, 9-10:30 a.m. Learn about how to control privacy settings on social media, how to change mobile app permissions, how to block advertisements, etc.

* Thursday, Nov. 18, 9-10:30 a.m. Learn how to spot and avoid online scams, phishing emails and identity theft.

Shop for apparel in the new Ann Arbor Parks
We’ve added new merchandise in the Ann Arbor Parks Shop including tshirts and a tote bag from the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. It’s not too early to start thinking about holiday shopping and we’re happy to collaborate with a local screen printer on this project. Visit the website to place an order.

NEW! Sustainable Energy Unit report available online
The Office of Sustainability and Innovations and five technical advisors are delighted to share a newly released report exploring the possibility of creating an Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility. You can see the report and supporting materials at www.a2gov.org/a2seu. As envisioned, a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) is a 100 percent renewably powered, reliable, local, shared, and publicly owned municipal energy utility; built by the community for the community. Ann Arbor’s SEU would be a new model of public power, focused on deploying modern energy technologies that give residents an option for truly local, clean, reliable, equitable and cheaper energy – quickly. If you’re interested in learning more, join us at a public meeting on Oct. 28, 6 p.m.: Registration is required.