LET'S TALK ABOUT HOLIDAYS! | |
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Let’s talk, read, and sing about HOLIDAYS! The winter season is filled with a variety of holidays and celebrations! With your little one, talk about the different holidays that your friends, family, and neighbors celebrate. “We celebrate Las Posadas by singing carols. What holidays do your friends celebrate?”
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Copy a triangle, circle, square, and other shapes
- Suggests solutions to social problems
- Matches beginning sounds of some words
- Compares and orders a small set of objects according to size, length, weight; knows usual sequence of basic daily events
- Explores drama through actions and language
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
APPLE CRISP
55 Minutes 10 Servings
Kids love to help in the kitchen. Ask your child to count how many apples are needed for this recipe. Let them measure the ingredients and pour it in the bowl.
Ingredients:
- 5 medium apples
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed and divided
- ½ cup whole wheat flour, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Non-stick cooking spray
- ½ stick (2 ounces) cold, unsalted butter
- 1½ cups quick oats
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Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Rinse and cut apples in half, lengthwise. Remove any stems. Cut out center core of apple that contains the seeds. Do not peel.
- Place apples cut side down. Use a sharp knife to cut apples into ⅛-inch slices.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon of flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, if using. Mix well.
- Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour apple mixture into baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Dice butter into smaller cubes, using a sharp knife. In a medium bowl, combine remaining brown sugar and flour, oats, and butter. Mix with hands until crumbly.
- Spread oat and flour mixture over apple mixture. Bake uncovered on middle rack of oven for 40 minutes or until top is lightly browned or bubbly.
- Let sit for 15–20 minutes before serving.
View full recipe: APPLE CRISP
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MiFAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND LITERACY HUB
Maggie Dwan
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LITERACY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The holiday season is filled with opportunities to encourage literacy and learning while creating meaningful traditions. Here are some simple, fun ideas to incorporate literacy into your holiday activities:
Read Aloud Together
Share holiday or WINTER-THEMED BOOKS. Use silly voices and talk about the pictures to make it engaging for young learners.
Sing Holiday Songs
Songs like "JINGLE BELLS" or "Frosty the Snowman" build language skills through rhyme and repetition.
Create Holiday Cards
Help your child scribble, draw, or stamp designs on cards to share with loved ones. Talk about what they’re making and why.
WINTER-THEMED LITERACY REASOURCES
Child Friendly Winter Songs Playlist
Play this child friendly winter playlist while cooking dinner or during playtime! Singing together builds language skills and creates lasting memories.
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GROWING AS LEADERS: LEADERSHIP SERIES | |
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"Do you have an interest in growing as a Parent Leader? A Parent Leader is a parent who has the knowledge and skills to use their voice to influence policy and program planning at the local, state, and federal level. Parent leadership is important because it can help improve the health, safety, and learning of children. Parent Leadership in State Government (PLISG) and Michigan Family to Family (MI F2F) have partnered together to create Growing as Leaders, a new online educational leadership series.
PLISG and MI F2F recognize the importance of parents having the knowledge and skills to function in meaningful leadership roles and provide the “parent voice” to help shape the direction of programs and communities. This series is designed to support the development and engagement of emerging family leaders in Michigan to work toward meaningful parent leadership in our state.
Click HERE to register for the sessions.
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The Great Start Collaborative and Birth-3rd grade early literacy committee wish to get input from parents..
What fidget toys, games, activities (i.e., playing I Spy, STEM kits, fidget toys, etc.), do you allow versus your child to be on a screen. This could be "to go bags or fidget pouches" with items, or other favorite games/toys.
We wish to collect these ideas and use some of them for a 2025 campaign that promotes healthy learning and family engagement alternatives to screen time.
Your participations is greatly appreciated.
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The Closet Exchange
263 S. Main Street, Unit 3, AuGres MI
The Closet Exchange was established to provides children's clothing, shoes, etc. with the goal of meeting the basic needs of ALL children and is a division of the 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization "It Takes A Village - Arenac"
Learn more: THE CLOSET EXCHANGE
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Safe Harbor Community Center
706 Joseph Street, Bay City, in the Banks District.
Serving Food
Takeout
Monday - 5:30pm
Tuesday - 5:30pm
Food Pantry
Mondays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Mass Food Giveaway
Tuesdays - 9:00am
Learn more about SAFE HARBOR COMMUNITY CENTER
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Tipsy Cowboy's Snow Angels | |
CHILD CARE OPENINGS - Great Start to Quality
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Great Start to Quality focuses on high-quality early learning experiences that build the foundation for skills children need to thrive in school and in life. To accomplish this, they offer support to strengthen Michigan’s providers of early care and education so they can continuously improve the services and support they provide young children, their families, and the community.
Learn More: GREAT START TO QUALITY
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CHILD CARE PROVIDER RESOURCES
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Michigan Tri-Share
The MI Tri-Share Child Care Program (Tri-Share) is an innovative approach to increasing access to high quality, affordable child care for working families, with the cost of child care shared by an employer, the employee and the State of Michigan. The pilot also seeks to increase the labor market by allowing employers to offer a child care subsidy to help retain and attract talent.
Learn More: MICHIGAN TRI-SHARE
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Caring for MI Future
This is a statewide effort to help child care entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE & LARA) is focusing on what entrepreneurs need most to open and expand child care businesses—help finding and renovating space, startup funding, help recruiting staff, and support creating a business plan.
Learn More: CARING FOR MI FUTURE
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FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
December 3 - Screen Time for Young Children
December 10 - Birds and the Bees: Talking with Kids About Sex
December 17 - Helping Kids Manage Stress
Online Kinship Caregiver classes: Exploring Parenting Styles
December 11, 2024 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES | |
NEMSCA - ARENAC COUNTY
Rental Counseling
Financial Literacy Class
Homebuyer Education
Call 989-358-4653 or email gagnona@nemcsca.org for dates.
Learn More: NEMSCA
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MCLAREN BAY REGION - BAY COUNTY
Visit the website to learn more about these upcoming classes:
- Virtual Breastfeeding Class – Free of Charge
- Virtual Childbirth Crash Course – Free of Charge
- Breastfeeding Class : Health Pavilion
Learn More & Register: MCLAREN BAY REGION
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | |
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WHERE INNOVATION FLOWS
We're on a mission to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Locate STEM events: STEM PIPELINE CALENDAR
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The Nate & Mary Ida Doan Santa House | |
December 2 - Populace Storytime w/ WIRT | | |
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WHERE: Populace Coffee, Bay City
DATE: December 2 at 9 AM
Families with young children. Join the Wirt library downtown at Populace Coffee House for storytime.
No registration required..
Register: POPULACE STORYTIME
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December 2 - Busy Book Cafe (age 0-3) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: December 2 at 11 AM
We begin at 11:00 am. Craft supplies and coffee will be available for parents to build a page for a baby busy book. Toys will be out for children to play while adults craft and visit.
Register: BUSY BOOK CAFE
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December 3, 10 & 17 - Preschool Tuesdays: Family Playtime @ the Museum | | |
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WHERE:
Bay County Historical Society, Bay City
DATE: Tuesdays at 10 AM - 4 PM
Preschoolers + adult are invited to stop by the Museum any time from 10 AM – 4 PM to complete the PRESCHOOL MUSEUM CHALLENGE.
Together you can explore the galleries for clues to complete the challenge, discover Delta College’s PBS Raising Readers Room with books supplied by the Bay County Library System, and play at the activity table. Stop by the Museum Store for a to-go activity and a coupon for a treat from McDonalds.
ADMISSION:
Bay County Residents & BCHS Members: FREE
Non-Bay County Residents: $2/person or $5/Family, Ages 0-5 FREE
Learn more: PRESCHOOL TUESDAYS
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December 3 - Reindeer Bingo | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library,
Pinconning
DATE: November 3, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Enjoy an afternoon at the Pinconning Branch playing reindeer-themed bingo to celebrate the arrival of the yearly event, Reindeer at Your Library!
Register: REINDEER BINGO
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December 3, 4, 11, & 12 - Reindeer @ The Library | | |
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Auburn Branch Library, Bay City
December 3, 5-7 PM
Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
December 4, 5-7
Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
December 11, 5-7 PM
Sage Branch Library, Bay City
December 12, 5-7 PM
See live reindeer outside the library, enjoy a storywalk, crafts, and other family fun for all ages!
We’ve partnered with the Bay-Aranac ISD, Delta College Public Media, and Petsmart to provide free books and stuffed animals for children, while supplies last.
No registration required. Camera use is encouraged!
Register: REINDEER @ THE LIBRARY
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December 4 - Baby Book Club (Age 0-3) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: December 4, 5:30 PM
Bring your baby to sing, rhyme, dance and take home a new book to keep. Stay to play and chat with other parents. We look forward to seeing you!
Register: BABY BOOK CLUB
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December 5, 12, & 19 - Great Lakes Bay Mom Cafe & Playgroup | | |
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WHERE: BAISD Career Center Playground, Bay City
DATE: Thursdays at 10 AM - 12 PM
LEARN MORE: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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December 5, 12, & 19 - Move & Groove | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack WIrt Library, Bay City
DATE: December 5, 12, & 19, 10:30 AM
Ages 0-5 with an adult. Join us for a story, music, and dancing! Both kids and their caregivers will enjoy shaking their sillies out in this movement-based program.
No registration required.
Learn more: MOVE & GROOVE
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: December 5, 6 PM
Design a winter apron, card, and gift bag to give away this holiday season!
Register: MAKE A GIFT
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December 7 - Santa Train @ The Standish Historical Depot Welcome Center | | |
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WHERE: The Standish Historical Depot Welcome Center, Standish
DATE: December 7, 9 - 10 AM
The Santa Train, sponsored by Lake State Railway, brings Santa and Mrs. Claus to Standish along with many other characters.
This is not a train ride for the public.
Kids – Get your Souvenir Santa Train Ticket
Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet guests inside the Historic Standish Depot. The Depot will also serve Hot Chocolate and Cookies.
We can’t wait to see you all and show off the Spectacular Light Show and our Historic Depot “Dressed Up” for the 2024 Holiday Season.
This is a FREE Public Event however we do have a box for donated toys which go to Arenac County’s “Christmas for Kids” program.
Questions can be directed to info@standishdepot.org or 989-718-3021
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December 7 - Kids Workshop | | |
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WHERE: Home Depot, Bay City
DATE: 1st Saturday at 9 AM - 12 PM
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.
Register: WOOD WORKSHOP
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December 7 - Family Ornament (ages 3+) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: December 7, 1 PM
Spend a Saturday afternoon at the library by making snowman and Grinch-themed ornaments for the holiday season.
Register: FAMILY ORNAMENT
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December 7- Winter Wonderland (ages 5-12) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: December 7, 1:30 - 2:30 PM
Ages 5-12. Visit the library for crafts and activities celebrating all things snow and winter.
Register: WINTER WONDERLAND
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December 8 - Holidays at the Trombley House | | |
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WHERE: Trombley House, Bay City
DATE: December 8, 1-3 PM
The Historic Trombley/Centre House opens its doors to welcome visitors to a holiday event for the whole family.
See the house decorated in Victorian holiday style for Christmas, enjoy some refreshments and listen to period music, while children enjoy period crafts and games.
Register: HOLIDAYS AT THE TROMBLEY HOUSE
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December 9 - Nature Explorers in Omer | | |
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WHERE: Omer Library, Omer
DATE: 2nd Monday of the month, 10:30 AM
Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.
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December 9 - Excited Goat Storytime w/ WIRT | | |
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WHERE: Excited Goat Coffee Company,
Essexville
DATE: December 9, 9 AM
Families with young children. Join the Wirt library at EXCITED GOAT COFFEE CO. in Essexville for storytime!
No registration required.
Register: EXCITED GOAT STORYTIME
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December 10 - Ready, Set, Kindergarten (ages 3-5) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: December 10, 2 PM
Ages 3-5 with an adult. Meet up with other preschool families each month to develop early literacy, math, SEL, and motor skills.
Register: READY, SET, KINDERGARTEN
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December 11 - Wooden Ornament Coloring & Cookie Decorating (ages 0-8) | | |
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WHERE: Arenac Community Center, Standish
DATE: December 11, 4-5 PM
Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.
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December 13 - Playdate (ages 0-4) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack WIrt Library, Bay City
DATE: December 13, 10 - 11 AM
Build together, family fun! What will you create with open-ended interactive building materials? Blue Blocks, Fort Build, Kinex, and more for you to BUILD with.
No Registration Required.
Learn more: PLAYDATE
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December 13 - Merry Babies & Toddlers | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: December 13 at 10:30 AM
Bring your babies for a fun morning of winter crafts, a sensory area, and snacks. Coffee and snacks provided for grown-ups as well.
Register: MERRY BABIES & TODDLERS
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December 13 - Nature Explorers in Bay City | | |
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WHERE: Bay City State Park, Bay City
DATE: 2nd Friday of the month, 1 PM
Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.
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December 16 & 17 - Gingerbread Story Time (ages 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
Get ready for gingerbread stories, activities and craft.
Monday, December 16, 2024
10:00am – 11:00am
Register: GINGERBREAD STORY TIME
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
10:00am – 11:00am – Register: GINGERBREAD STORY TIME
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December 17 - Footprint Keepsake Craft (ages 0-5)
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library
DATE: December 17, 2 PM
Hear a story about clay and pottery then make your very own footprint keepsake out of air-dry clay.
Learn more: FOOTPRINT KEEPSAKE CRAFT
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December 17 - Gingerbreade House Decorating | |
December 18 - "The Mitten" Story Time & Crafting (ages 0-6) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Brach Library, Pinconning
DATE: December 18, 3:30 PM
Register for a read-a-loud of Jan Brett’s The Mitten with crafts based off the story.
Register: MITTEN STORY CRAFTING
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December 18 - Pups & Pages (ages 4-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: December 18, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Bring a book from home or come a few minutes early to look at books as readers are assigned to a dog as they arrive and check in at the Sage children’s desk.
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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December 20 - Young Scientists (Age 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: December 20, 10:30 AM
Guided by your librarian have the opportunity to engage, interact, ask questions, play, and craft during the hour of science fun with STEAM stations geared toward how objects move through the air!
If you need help with registration please contact us at 989-892-8555 opt 4.
Register: YOUNG SCIENTISTS
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December 20 - A is for Art | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: December 20, 10:30 AM
Make an adorable snowman sign to keep or give as a gift!
Register: A IS FOR ART
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December 21 - Pups and Pages | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: December 21, 2-3 PM
Join us in-person at Wirt Library and read to a certified therapy dog. Ages 4-12 read to a certified therapy dog in a one-on-one timed session based upon registration and arrival at the library starting at 2:00 pm. The dogs love to be read to and they look forward to seeing you soon!
Learn more: PUPS & PAGES
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December 23 - STEM Stations (ages 5-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: December 23, 2-3 PM
Winter break is here!
Children age 5-12 are invited to join us at Sage Library for STEM Stations on Monday, December 23 @ 2:00 pm for collaborative building stations!
Learn more: STEM STATION
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December 23 - Ice Age Movie | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: December 23, 2-3 PM
When a group of prehistoric animals band together to save a human baby, the misfit herd becomes the only hope for the future in this delightful computer-animated treat.
Snacks provided. Families with small children.
Learn more: ICE AGE MOVIE
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December 27 - Little Wigglers | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: December 27, 10:30 AM
For children that are walking ages 5 and under + Adult
Move and dance our wiggles out at a fun musical program.
Register: LITTLE WIGGLERS
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December 27 - LEGO Brick Build (ages 5-12) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: December 27, 1-2 PM
LEGO build in the program room while using our bricks to construct a creation of your own. provided. Families with small children.
Learn more: LEGO BRICK BUILD
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December 30 - Clay Creations (ages 5-12) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: December 30, 2 PM
Make your own sculpture or pottery using air-dry clay.
Register: CLAY CREATIONS
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December 31 - Noon Year's Eve Countdown Party (ages 0-12) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: December 31, 11:30 PM
Join us in celebrating the New Year! Wear your pjs for a cozy time with cake, dancing, and a countdown to 12 (noon)!
Register: NOON YEAR'S EVE COUNTDOWN PARTY
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December 31 - Noon Year's Eve Glow Party | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: December 31, 2 PM
Families with young children. Join us for glow in the dark dancing, games and more! Wear white or neon if you want your clothes to glow under the blacklights.
No registration required.
Learn more: NOON YEAR'S EVE GLOW PARTY
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | | | | |
