Location: Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, MI

Description: Ann Arbor's annual celebration of Michigan food and farming, back to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market on August 27th! 

This free public festival showcases farms, food makers, and local organizations focused on growing a strong and sustainable local food system. Festival goers will learn about the benefits of local and sustainably grown food, eat delicious local food, participate in fun and educational activities, and enjoy music.

Join me and chef Kori Kanayama (Purslane Commons) for two cooking demonstrations, taking place at 5:30pm and 7:00pm.

Learn more here!

Location: Jack E. Kirksey Rec Center, 15100 Hubbard St, Livonia, MI 48154

Description: Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or perfect, especially now when food costs and daily demands are a real concern for many people. This nutrition seminar provides realistic strategies for everyday life using a flexible approach. Learn simple nutrition basics, easy meal and snack ideas, and practical ways to make balanced food choices that work within your time, energy, and budget. We’ll also explore how to apply “gentle nutrition” to convenience foods or takeout. There is no such thing as “perfect eating.” This seminar will equip you with tools to “imperfectly” take care of yourself through nutrition from your own starting point.

Topics include:

• Nutrition 101 and balanced plate basics

• Easy meal and snack ideas

• “Backup meals” for busy or low-energy days

• Practical, affordable eating strategies

• Adapting convenience foods and takeout

Led by Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Mary Balog.

Register Here - Create an account on the Livonia CivicRec website to register.

Location: Jack E. Kirksey Rec Center, 15100 Hubbard St, Livonia, MI 48154

Description: Are you feeling confused or stressed by messages about processed foods? Join us for a practical, science-based seminar where we will explore processed foods in a balanced way. We will examine how sensationalized food messaging can cause fear or anxiety. We will introduce what “processed” really means, why foods are processed, and how to better understand common ingredients, nutrition myths, and social media misinformation. We’ll also discuss the potential risks and benefits of highly processed foods, the debate around “food addiction,” and how to make informed food choices with more confidence and flexibility.

Topics include:

• Food science basics

• Common additives explained

• Mythbusting nutrition claims

• Risks vs benefits of processed foods

• Realistic, flexible approaches to eating

Led by Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Mary Balog.

Register Here - Create an account on the Livonia CivicRec website to register.

Location: Jack E. Kirksey Rec Center, 15100 Hubbard St, Livonia, MI 48154

Description: Healthy aging is about supporting strength, energy, and quality of life at every stage, not following a “perfect diet” for longevity. In this seminar we will explore how nutrition needs can change as we age and how to support overall well-being through flexible, balanced eating habits.

Learn simple strategies for building satisfying meals, maintaining muscle and bone health, supporting digestion and energy, and adapting eating habits to changes in appetite, lifestyle, or health conditions. We’ll also discuss practical tips for shopping, meal planning, and using convenient foods in a way that supports independence and reduces stress around eating.

This session takes a realistic, non-diet approach to nutrition that respects individual preferences, cultural foods, and real-life constraints while focusing on long-term wellness and quality of life.

Topics include:

• Nutrition basics for aging bodies

• Protein, fiber, and hydration made simple

• Bone and muscle health support

• Appetite and digestion changes over time

• Easy, flexible meal and snack ideas

• Practical meal planning and convenience foods

Led by Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Mary Balog.

Register Here - Create an account on the Livonia CivicRec website to register.