Vote for Chelsea's great places in 2009 Parents Picks Awards!

Two of Chelsea's awesome local businesses have been nominated for Nickelodeon's 2009 Parents Picks awards. This is the second year of the awards, which focus on family-friendly resources in the United States. Be sure to vote to show your home town pride!

Winner of the 2008 award in their category, the Chelsea TreeHouse
was nominated once again for Best Indoor Playspace.

Vote for the TreeHouse!

Cranesbill Books was nominated as Best Detroit Bookstore.
Vote for Cranesbill Books!

You can vote as often as one time per day through 11:59 p.m. on 7/15/09. Be sure to share these links with family and friends. Congratulations to both of you for the nomination!!!

Learn more:

• Parents Picks Awards FAQ
• Chelsea TreeHouse: Feature Page | Website | Directory listing and map
• Cranesbill Books: Feature Page | Website | Directory listing and map

P.S. Incidentally, both nominees are businesses that are owned, operated and managed by local women who happen to also be parents themselves.

Relay for Life - THIS weekend at the Chelsea Fairgrounds

Join Relay for Life at the fairgrounds for fun and in support of a good cause

Relay for Life is a fun community event which helps to raise funds for American Cancer Society. The event runs from 10 a.m. Saturday morning until 10am Sunday morning -- yup! 24 straight hours. Come on out for music, family fun, demonstrations and in support of the many community volunteers and teams walking laps to raise money.

There is plenty of music and entertainment throughout the event. Details and full schedule can be found on www.relayforlife.org/chelseami . Highlights include:

• Opening Ceremony/Survivor Lap: Saturday at 10am.
• Silent Auction: 2-4pm
  
• 2nd Annual Rummage sale: 9am - 4pm
• Fight Back Ceremony: 4pm.
  
• Luminaria Ceremony: dusk/9pm
• Closing Ceremony: 9am, Sunday

Music and dance schedule (Saturday):

• Bull Halsey: 11:30am
• Afternoon Round: 1pm
• Jerry Sprague 3pm
• Cadillac Cowboys 6pm
• Relay Prom/Dance Marathon: 11pm - 1:30am. Wear a dress/suit from your era or another, doesn't matter. There will even be a Prom King and Queen elected.

Family and kids activities (Saturday):

• Numerous kids' activities including bounce house and more! 11-4
• Tai Chi demonstrations: 11am
• Goofus the Clown: 11am
• Magician Jeff Boyer: 1pm

Shop Local for Mothers Day!

Once again, local Chelsea stores are teaming up to promote a special day of shopping just in time for Mother's Day. Here are some ideas from the "Score Points for Mother's Day" brochure (as well as some of my own) that you can download from Things To Do In Chelsea, or pick up from participating merchants in town:

For Girly Moms:

• Engraved locket from Winans Jewelry
• French milled soaps from Potting Shed
  Mother's Day flowers and herbs, and tea for tasting
  
• Fresh Produce outfit from Village Shoppe
  Many unique gifts and 20% off storewide
  
• Personalized teddy bear from Chelsea Teddy Bear Co.
  Buy a bear for Mom and get a free tee with Mother's Day imprint
  
• Brighton jewelry and sunglasses from Vogel’s & Foster’s
• Shea Butter body lotion from Rose Cottage
  Enjoy sweets and lemonade while shopping for Mom
  

For Gourmet Moms:

• Beehive kitchenware from Bumble’s Dry Goods
• Local products from New Chelsea Market
• Chocolates from Gourmet Chocolate Cafe

For Outdoor Moms:

• Down-Under Pot from Garden Mill
  Free gift wrapping, refreshments from Pierce's Pastries, and 10% discount if you bring in brochure
  
• Garden supplies from Chelsea Farmers Supply
• New bike or accessories from Aberdeen Bike & Outdoors
• Cowboy boots from Muleskinner
  

For Art & Decor Moms:

• Pewabic tiles from ZouZou’s
• Sculptures from The Mission Marketplace
  Visit from clown and free balloons for kids. Fair trade chocolate, African drum circle and special display of fair trade sports equipment
  
• Home accessories from Merkel Furniture
  Various gifts for under $100 including a luxuriously soft afghan
  
• Antiques from Chelsea Woodworking
• Scrapbooking supplies from Scrapbook Memories
• Unique and local art from our many lovely galleries
  

For Almost Any Mom:

• Books from Cranesbill Books
  In-store tea tasting by Iceni Tea and a book signing with Anne Elder, author of "A Hard Night's Day". Also 20% off books and gifts.
  
• Flowers from Gigi’s Flowers
• Massage at the Tree of Life Studio

Visit participating stores on May 9th from 10-8 to take advantage of special offers (listed in italics), or shop any time to find great gifts for Mom.