Mary Genson
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Articles by Mary Genson
9 mashed potato hacks you'll want to try right now
9 Mashed Potato Hacks You'll Want To Try Right Now Just because something is a staple side dish doesn't necessarily mean it's simple to make. Mashed potatoes are somehow both a special occasion food and a typical side dish to weekday dinners. However, there is some nuance that goes into making it — whether it be for dinner on Thanksgiving or any given Tuesday. When making mashed potatoes, it takes several steps to turn a hard root vegetable into a creamy and flavorful side dish.
9 Mashed Potato Hacks You'll Want To Try Right Now
Just because something is a staple side dish doesn't necessarily mean it's simple to make. Mashed potatoes are somehow both a special occasion food and a typical side dish to weekday dinners. However, there is some nuance that goes into making it — whether it be for dinner on Thanksgiving or any given Tuesday. When making mashed potatoes, it takes several steps to turn a hard root vegetable into a creamy and flavorful side dish.
Charges reissued for 2024 home invasion
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A 34-year-old man was arrested and arraigned Sept. 23 on charges of home invasion and fleeing and eluding after an incident that took place in the 3800 block of Carriage Street on June 18, 2024. On the date of the incident, Bloomfield Township Police Department responded to the call from a female resident who allegedly saw Gregory Benson inside her home and carrying around her belongings. Benson allegedly attempted to flee from the home, pushing the victim.
Authors to Read and Sign Novels at Schuler Oct. 8
Authors Kate Broad and Sara Maurer have the same editor at St. Martin’s Press, Claire Cheek. “I was the editor’s first acquisition and Sara was her second, so we’ve gotten to go through a lot of this together. We connected online and then met for the first time in person when Sara came to New York City and we had lunch with our editor. We’ve kept in touch. It means a lot when you not only admire someone’s book but also get to count them as a friend,” said Broad, of the Bronx.
October’s Craft of the Month
It has been a goal of mine to do more crafts with my 2-year-old at home. I can tell she really enjoys them and I have been loving displaying her creations around the house. Halloween is an especially a fun time to do crafts with your little ones and there are so many creative ideas out there.
The Biff turns 50
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Ronald Wittebols has been involved with Bloomfield Hills High School’s student-run radio station “The Biff” for decades. “We’ve grown from a 10-watt big shot to a legendary community institution,” Wittebols said. “The Biff” is the nickname for WBFH, call letters that were chosen to represent the location of Bloomfield Hills. Over time, the nickname was established as the letters were said often and fast enough on the radio.
Biwako: A Kids Menu Parents and Kids Can Agree On
After a week of cooking at home, we treated ourselves to a night out to eat at a local Japanese restaurant, Biwako Sushi in Saline. This was not our first time at Biwako, in fact, it is one of those restaurants that we find ourselves frequenting because of their affordable prices, large portions, quick service and delicious menu. My toddler loved picking the beans out of the edamame pods. Biwako opened at 1355 E. Michigan Ave. in 2006 by Andy Kwon. In 2025 Jinhan Jun took over ownership.
Fall Photo Contest
Fall is all about colorful leaves, pumpkin patches and cozy vibes. Enter your favorite fall photo for a chance to be featured in Toledo Parent.
Halloween Haunts and Happenings Around Ann arbor
There are so many ways to make October magical for little ones. Washtenaw County offers a variety of family-friendly events all month long! Read on to learn more about the haunts and happenings around the Ann Arbor area. Sponsored Content Get ready for a night of not-so-spooky Halloween fun on Saturday, October 24! Animal Haunts returns to Leslie Science & Nature Center for a family-friendly Halloween celebration filled with costumes, live animals, spooky science, crafts, games and fall fun.
Current Magazine’s Wedding Guide 2026
There are few things that are as thought through and planned out as a wedding. Many young people start their dream Pinterest boards as teens and watch it evolve over time as styles and trends change. Though some couples choose a timeless aesthetic there is something to be said about following a trend that leaves a visual timestamp on your wedding day—after all, you want it to be memorable. Plus, it is hard to know what is actually timeless and what is a trend.
Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase Giveaway
Oren Levin Releases New Music as He Returns to His Roots
Shamel Pitts Directs “Marks of RED” on Oct. 3
On Oct. 3, director Shamel Pitts will bring his newest work, Marks of RED, to the Power Center in Ann Arbor, though his artistic journey long before he had the words to explain it. “I have always been dancing,” Pitts said. “When I was young my mother would throw a lot of parties at home and I was always up late dancing with adults until the early hours of the morning.
October 2026’s Biz Buzz
Here’s what’s happening locally this month in Washtenaw County: openings, closings, and business updates in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Plymouth and more. Opening The Rooted Table — Farm Kitchen • Catering • Open Door — is the first public-facing concept from Keith Chapman Culinary Group LLC, founded by Chef Keith Chapman after more than 25 years in restaurants, pastry, education, catering, consulting, media and restaurant development.
Food Poppers: October 2026
Miss Kim to host dinner for a cause Miss Kim will host a special collaboration dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 6, bringing together chefs from across Metro Detroit to raise funds for the Southern Smoke Foundation. The evening will feature chefs Ji Hye Kim, Hamissi Mamba, Nadia Nijimbere, Rohani Foulkes, Ederique Goudia, Joe VanWagner and Bob Bennett. Marrow Detroit Provisions will provide sustainably sourced Michigan meat for the dinner.
Proposed $50M bond would pave way for new public safety facilities
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — As modern police and fire service continues to evolve, Bloomfield Township is asking voters to approve a $50 million bond that will allow the departments to expand their facilities by building a new fire station and a township Police Department building. If a proposed public safety infrastructure bond is approved, construction for the new buildings would take place 2027-2029. With a public safety infrastructure bond, Fire Station #3 would be replaced in Bloomfield Township.
Zingerman’s EMU Tailgate to benefit Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels for Second Year
For the second year, Zingerman’s Deli will be hosting a tailgate before the Eastern Michigan Football game against the Lindenwood Lions at Rynearson Stadium, 799 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, on Saturday, Sept. 26. The tailgate will start at 11am and kickoff is at 1pm. Ticket purchases will support Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. The tailgate will include small plates of BBQ chicken and beef mini sandwiches, Zingerman’s Bakehouse coffee cakes and Zingerman’s Pimento Cheese.
CarnEvil 2 at Glenlore Trails Brings the Carnival to the Forest
CarnEvil 2 at Glenlore Trails, 3860 Newton Rd., Commerce Township, is now open for the season, providing an immersive Halloween experience for families through an illuminated one-mile forest trail. Experience lights, music and more at Glenlore Trails. The carnival theme is returning to the woods for a second act as CarnEvil 2 provides a continuation of CarnEvil, which was the fall theme in 2023.
Letter From the Editor: Turning the Page to Fall
It is officially back-to-school season, which means bedtimes are back on track and busy schedules are in full swing again. This issue features our education guide which includes information on various educational resources in the Toledo Area. Take a look to learn more about the opportunities available to your family. But before we fully embrace the new routine, we’re taking one last look at the memories made on warm summer nights.
September/October 2026: What’s Briefly Happening
Boosting literacy with Little libraries Seven little libraries will be installed by local school entrances by the non-profit, Parents in Education, to help make reading more accessible. The schools include Birmingham Elementary, Deveaux Elementary, Escuela SMART Academy, Keyser Elementary, Leverette Elementary, Old Orchard Elementary, and Queen of Apostles School. “Access to books should never be a barrier to learning,” said PIE executive director Brooke Schlageter said.
September/October 2026: New Kids on the Block
New program offers therapy and more resources to Toledo kids Healing Hearts & Minds is a community based program for youth, recently opened by father and daughter duo, Evan and Eliyah McKinney. They are bringing together their expertise in mental health and behavioral health to create a program that serves local children attending kindergarten-8th grade.
Education Guide: Exploring Local Resources
Every child learns differently, and our community is filled with programs to help young learners discover their passions, build new skills, and grow with confidence. These local resources that can help your child thrive. Children’s Discovery Center Locations in Perrysburg, Holland, Toledo and Waterville 419-867-8570, childrensdiscoverycenters.com Looking for a kindergarten program that sees your child as strong, capable and endlessly curious?
Kids Invited to Join “Flakes! The Musical”
Children ages 4-10 are invited to participate in the latest show in Perrysburg Musical Theatre’s Broadway Beginners Series. Registration for Flakes!The Musical ends Sept. 1. Flakes! The Musical is a fun and heartwarming winter adventure filled with music, friendship, and laughter. When the Littlest Snowflake needs help, a lively group of Snowflakes and their playful friends, the Snirts, come together on a magical journey.
Food Poppers: September 2026
Enjoy a Heirloom Tomato Dinner On Sept. 1 at 6:30pm, celebrate tomato season at Zingerman’s Roadhouse with an evening centered on heirloom varieties sourced from local farms. This year’s dinner draws inspiration from Oaxacan cooking, with dishes including sopes with mole negro and cherry tomatoes, fish with salsa pasilla, pork in roasted tomato and green chile sauce, and summer squash in tomato sauce. Guests can also build their own plates at the restaurant’s popular heirloom tomato bar.
September 2026’s Biz Buzz
Here’s what’s happening locally this month in Washtenaw County: openings, closings, and business updates in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Plymouth and more. Openings Spirit Halloween has recently opened at Briarwood Mall, 602 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor. It is located in the former Forever 21 space. Spirit Halloween in a national Halloween retailer selling seasonal costumes, decorations and more. Orijin Bakery is now open at 617 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor.
5K to support schools
BIRMINGHAM/ BEVERLY HILLS — Birmingham’s Schools Offer Support has planned its course through the West Beverly neighborhood for its seventh annual Strides for SOS 5K and 1-mile run/walk Sept. 27. The community is invited to support SOS by participating in either a 5K run or walk, or a 1-mile run or walk. The races will start at Beverly Park at 9 a.m. SOS was started by Birmingham Public Schools parents in 2008, and members serve the community through financial support and volunteering.
Michigan Renaissance Fair Ticket Giveaway
Home Contest Giveaway Michigan Renaissance Fair Ticket Giveaway Check out Newborn Essentials Giveaway Come one, come all, and experience a day of medieval adventure at the Michigan Renaissance Festival! With a new theme each weekend, enjoy family-friendly merriment featuring themed food and drink, a lively artisan marketplace, live entertainment, thrilling performances, and more.
New Beverly Hills playground to open soon
BEVERLY HILLS — A new playground and turf is being installed at Beverly Park, 18801 Beverly Road. According to Village Manager Warren Rothe, it is expected to open to the public at the end of August. The total cost of the bid award for this project was $658,513. Originally, the project was approved by the village council at a bid of $686,000. At the time, it was approved to be fully funded by the village.
Marian enhances student experience with $7 million renovation
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Marian High School continues work on Phase 2 of “Marian for the Generations” — the entire project totaling $7 million in investment. Through Marian for the Generations, the school aims to expand student opportunities with modern facilities throughout its campus. Many alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends are donors. During the last two summers, Marian has added 110 new energy-efficient windows, 46 new HVAC units, 18 opened up skylights, fresh paint and enhanced security.
August 2026’s Biz Buzz
Here’s what’s happening locally this month in Washtenaw County: openings, closings, and business updates in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Plymouth and more. Openings Galy’s is now open at 20 N. Washington Street. This is a West African restaurant opened by Chef Bangaly Kaba. Jimmy Johns and Dunkin Donuts will be coming soon to Milan at 1000 Dexter. This space has been vacant since JR’s closed in 2024. Construction is in the works. Cottage West Assisted Living is now open at 85 N Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor.
Food Poppers: August 2026
Ann Arbor Local Food Festival On Thursday, August 27 from 5-8pm, the Ann Arbor Local Food Festival will be held at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. This free event will celebrate local food and farming. There will be free produce tastings, food trucks, vendors, live music and more.
U-M alum Jaclyn Goldis Returns to Michigan for Two Author Events
Agatha Christie—the godmother of the mystery genre and the bestselling novelist of all time—has had a profound impact on author Jaclyn Goldis. And Christie’s DNA can be found all over Goldis’ “The Last Time We Saw Her” (Atria $19). In it, a group of teenage American summer campers journey to São Miguel, an island in the Azores archipelago, for a rugged 5-week hiking trip. But a clue surfaces pertaining to a local legend about a buried treasure.
Voters to decide Birmingham Public Schools’ $240M bond proposal
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Public Schools’ School Facilities and Safety Improvement Bond Proposal will be on the Tuesday, Nov. 3, ballot. Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the placement of this $240,000 million bond on the ballot at the June 23 Board of Education meeting. Chief Financial and Operations Officer Kyle Jen introduced the resolution to approve the placement on the ballot.
What’s Briefly Happening: July/August 2026
Libraries offer free gunlocks Gun locks are now available for free at all Toledo Lucas County Public Library locations. Anyone 18 years old and older can receive up to two gunlocks. The distribution of these locks is from a partnership between Toledo City Council, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Ann Arbor Health Care System. Toledo upgrades parks this summer This summer, over $4 million will go towards park restoration projects in Toledo. Rev.
The Paint the Town Block pARTy Returns on July 14
The Paint the Town Block pARTy will return on Tuesday, July 14. This is a free event that brings together residents, artists, musicians, creative businesses, families and visitors to connect and create. The Paint the Town Block pARTy will take place on Main and Liberty Street from 5-9pm. David Zinn will be at the event, creating imaginative chalk creations. Guests can create alongside him with the provided chalk. There will be live music, featuring, DJ Batz, Ain’t Dead Yet, and Whoa Silent Disco.
Concert of Colors 2026: Detroit’s Free Global Music Festival
2026 is a year full of special milestone birthdays: It’s America’s 250th and Detroit’s 325th. Detroit’s Concert of Colors is joining in the festivities this summer by celebrating its 35th anniversary. The five-day family-friendly festival will be held in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood from July 15-19. Read on to learn more! Concert of Colors: Celebrating 35 Years Margaret Ahmed is the wife of late Festival Director Ismael Ahmed.
Letter From the Editor: Summer Days Fueled by Sundaes
For my family, the middle of summer is full of warm days, weekend trips to the beach and lots of ice cream. My two-year-old has been soaking up the sun at the Toledo Zoo and the Metroparks. She even got a taste of her first Buckeye Sundae from Mr. Freeze. Even though it’s the peak of summer, back to school time is near. Easing back into school prep can start the school year more smoothly.
Franklin voters to see 3.4-mill police tax on ballot
FRANKLIN — On Aug. 4, a Franklin-Bingham Farms Police Department tax hike will be on the ballot within the village of Franklin. The ballot issue was approved unanimously by the Franklin Village Council April 22. If the millage proposal passes, Franklin residents would pay up to 3.4 mills, which is $3.40 per $1,000 of taxable value of a home, for five years. If fully levied by the Village Council, the tax would raise an estimated $1,675,121 in the first year.
York: A Welcoming Space for Families with Littles
A chill outdoor atmosphere at York. My family of three is in a season of life where it is not always appealing or realistic to eat out. As much as my husband and I love Ann Arbor’s restaurant scene, it is not always my two-year olds idea of fun. Which is understandable. Most restaurants do not accommodate for active toddlers who just want to play. The exception: York. York has been around since the 1950s, but it has not always been like it is today.
Food Poppers: July 2026
Foodie Friday at County Farm Park Every Friday from through September 25 at County Farm Park, 2230 Platt Rd, there will be a food truck for the community to enjoy from 11am-7pm or until the trucks run out of food. This is the perfect opportunity to have a family picnic while trying new food. After you eat, there is a whole park to explore with a farm themed playground and community gardens.
July 2026’s Biz Buzz
Here’s what’s happening locally this month in Washtenaw County: openings, closings, and business updates in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Plymouth and more. Changes Afternoon Delight’s owner Joanne Williams, who took over the restaurant at 251 E Liberty St. after the original owner Tom Hackett retired, will be retiring later this year. Openings Aperitivo is now open at 200 South Ashley St, Ann Arbor, serving wine, beer, mocktails, cocktails and snacks.
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