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Let’s talk, read, and sing about FALL! As summer turns into fall, the days begin to get shorter. This is a great time for your little one to go stargazing at night before bedtime! Talk about the stars you see in the sky and make up your own constellations together!
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Walk forward and backwards easily
- Initiates, joins in, and sustains positive interactions with a small group of 2-3 children
- Uses complete 4-6 word sentences
- Uses and responds appropriately to positional words indicating location, direction, and distance (under, over, between, close, far, behind, in front, etc.)
- Explores dance and movement concepts
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
SWEET POTATO SHEPHERDS PIE
140 Minutes 6 Servings
Kids love to help in the kitchen. Let your child measure and pour the ingredients into the bowl. Talk about how vegetables are harvested in the fall season.
Ingredients:
Topping
4 medium sweet potatoes (2 1/2 pounds total)
1/4 cup nonfat milk
1 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
Filling
8 ounces mushrooms
1 small onion
3 cloves garlic
1 1/2 pounds 93% lean ground beef or turkey
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup fresh, frozen, or canned green peas
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
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Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Scrub potatoes and pierce several times with a fork. Place in a 9x13-inch baking pan and bake until soft, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool while you make the filling.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, wash and slice mushrooms. Peel onion and garlic. Dice onion. Mince garlic.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooling, in a large skillet over medium-high, cook beef or turkey, mushrooms and onion, crumbling the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink, about 30 minutes.
- In a colander, drain off liquid and return to pan. Add thyme and garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle with flour and stir to coat. Add broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook until mixture thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in peas, salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and place in a medium bowl. Add milk, butter, cinnamon (if using), salt and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth. Spread over the filling. Bake until hot and bubbling at the edges, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
View the Recipe: SWEET POTATO SHEPHERDS PIE
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MiFAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND LITERACY HUB
Maggie Dwan
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Hello Families!
My name is Maggie Dwan, and I’m the new Family Engagement & Literacy Hub Coordinator in our region, a role created through the MiFamily Engagement Centers Grant (35i). My role is to support families and schools in working together to help children succeed by developing systems of support, professional development, and resources for educators and providers. A key focus of this work is placing YOU—our families and caregivers—at the heart of your child’s learning journey as leaders and co-creators of their educational experiences. Each month, I’ll be sharing tips, activities, and information to help strengthen family engagement and literacy skills at home and within our community.
October Family Engagement Activity: Fall Color Scavenger Hunt 🍁
Take your family on a fall color scavenger hunt! As you walk through your neighborhood, local park, or backyard, ask your child to find red, orange, yellow, and brown items like leaves, pinecones, or pumpkins. Use the colors as conversation starters to encourage language and learning by asking questions like, “What do you think happens to the leaves when they turn orange?”, “Why do you think trees change colors in the fall?”, or “What is your favorite fall color, and why?”. Encourage your child to describe the items they find, such as asking, “What does this red leaf feel like? Is it smooth or bumpy?” This activity is inclusive for all ages, encourages observation, language development, and family bonding—perfect for enjoying the fall season together!
"Children whose parents are involved in their education are 55% more likely to be proficient in literacy by the end of third grade." Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University, "Parent Involvement and Early Literacy" (2018).
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THE CONSEQUENCES OF A SMARTPHONE-CENTERED CHILDHOOD
NPR Delta College Media
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Smartphones are not only addictive, but they contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of isolation among kids. And with Big Tech companies barely policing any of their online products, young minds are susceptible to potentially damaging content. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt says it's not too late to undo some of the damage if parents walk back what they allow their kids to access on their phones and delay when they give them smartphones. He lays out how in his new book, "The Anxious Generation: How The Great Rewiring Of Childhood Is Causing An Epidemic Of Mental Illness." He talked with our colleague Steve Inskeep about the consequences of smartphone-centered childhood and the value of face-to-face, old-school play.
Listen to the full interview: THE CONSEQUENCES OF A SMARTPHONE-CENTERED CHILDHOOD
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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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Salvation Army Bay City
Monday, October 14 & 28, 5 - 7 PM with walk-ups beginning at 6PM.
You must bring ID.
Learn more and check dates: FOOD GIVEAWAY
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ARENAC CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS | | |
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Christmas Toys for Kids
Pick Up for Toys: December 10, 10am - 6pm
Address: 4358 Airpark Drive (The WELL Outreach, Distribution Center)
Contact us at 989-941-6637 or Heather.Bauman@TheWELLstandish.org
FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 19 still living with parent/guardian.
The Arenac County Christmas for Kids program, designed to support low-income and in-need families within the county, is supported fully by gracious donors within the community. We strive to ensure that each child in our county can wake up to gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. If it is within your means to provide gifts to your children/dependents, please reserve this registration for those who are unable to do so as the funds are limited.hanges or are unsure if an application was completed, please call (989) 893-7508.
Register: ARENAC CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS
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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
October 1 - RELAX: Alternatives to Anger for Parents and Caregivers
October 8 - Positive Discipline
October 22 - Epilepsy 101: Empowering Knowledge, Enhancing Care
October 29 - Young at Art
The Parent Talk System Webinar Series - October-November 2024
October 7, 2024 - November 11, 2024 7:30-9pm
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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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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October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - 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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October 1 - Story and Activity | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: October 1, 1:30 PM
Children ages 3-12 are invited to join us at Sage Branch Library for Story and Activity on Tuesday, October 1 at 1:30 pm. Get ready to make sandpaper art T-shirts! Use crayons and sandpaper to transfer a permanent design on a T-Shirt.
Register: STORY & ACTIVITY
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October 1 - Create-ture STEAM Challenge (ages 6-12) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: October 1, 5:30 PM
Do you like to make weird things? Join us for this fun STEAM challenge where we’ll use air dry clay and recycled materials to create your own creature!
Register: CREATE-TURE STEAM CHALLENGE
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October 2 - Decorate a Ceramic Pumpkin | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: October 2, 3:30 PM
Children ages 12 and under are invited to join us to decorate a ceramic pumpkin with paint and other craft supplies!
Register: DECORATE A CERAMIC PUMPKIN
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October 2 - Baby Book Club | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: October 2, 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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October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 - 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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October 5 - 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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October 5 & 6 - Depot Days | | |
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WHERE: The Standish Historical Depot Welcome Center, Standish
WHEN: October 5 & 6, 10 am – 4:30 pm
For children ages 0-3 years old + Adult.
Depot Days is a free event except for the Kiddy rides. Tickets are sold onsite. Paul Mier, 3-P’s Express, will have Horse Drawn Wagon rides on Saturday only.
We will also feature several local vendors and a HUGE Silent Auction.
The “Not the Norm Food Truck” will be on-site both days.
Music provided by Wilk Entertainment.
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Register: DEPOT DAYS
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October 5 - Monster Matinee & More! (ages 2+) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: October 5 at 12 PM
Join us for an afternoon of monster mayhem: we will be watching Monsters Inc., coloring monster tote bags, and snacking on “monster mash” popcorn!
Register: MONSTER MATINEE & MORE
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October 7 - Populace Storytime w/ WIRT | | |
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WHERE: Populace Coffee, Bay City
DATE: October 7 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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October 7 - Busy Book Cafe (age 0-3) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: October 7 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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October 9, 15, 16 & 18 - Firetruck Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Bay County Library System in Auburn, Bay City, and Pinconning
Join us at each branch for a meet and greet with local firefighters! Hear a story, learn about fire safety, and climb on board a real fire truck.
Pinconning Branch Library:
Wednesday, October 9, 3:30 pm
Alice & Jack Wirt Library:
Tuesday, October 15, 10:30 am
Auburn Branch Library:
Wednesday, October 16, 4:30 pm Register: FIRE TRUCK STORYTIME
Sage Branch Library:
Friday, October 18, 10:30 am
Register: FIRE TRUCK STORYTIME
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October 9 - Mini Pumpkin Craft | | |
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WHERE: Arenac Community Center, Standish
DATE: October 9 at 5-6 PM
Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.
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October 10 - Mad Scientists (Age 6-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: October 10 at 5:30 PM
Children ages 6-12!
Get ready to explore the hydraulic lift! Are you ready for the lift challenge? We'll use syringes and tubing to make things move!
Register: MAD SCIENTIST
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October 10 - Pups & Pages (Age 4-12 | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: October 10 at 6-7 pM
Join us at the Pinconning library for Pups & Pages for ages 4-12! 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 Pinconning Public Service Desk
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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October 11 & 25 - Playdate | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: October 11 & 25, 10 AM
Little ones can play, discover & meet new friends. Ages 4 & under. Participating caregiver required. No registration required.
Learn more: PLAY DATE
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October 11 - Baby Playground (Age 0-2) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: October 11 at 10:30 AM
Join us for sensory play and fun for babies! Ages 0-2 + Adult are invited to attend.
Register: BABY PLAYGROUND
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October 11 - 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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October 13 - Great Pumpkin Challenge Festival | | |
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WHERE: Doc Letchfield Park, Pinconning
DATE: October 13 at 12 PM
Free inflatables for kids, big pumpkin weigh-in, fun for the family starting at noon.
Learn more: GREAT PUMPKIN CHALLENGE FESTIVAL
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October 14 - 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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October 15 - Are You Smarter than a Librarian? (Age 6-12) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: October 15 at 5:30 PM
It’s kids versus library staff in this test of trivia knowledge. Join us for our third annual trivia competition! With one win each, who will come out on top? Can you help us take them down and prove that you’re smarter than a librarian?
Register: ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A LIBRARIAN
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October 18 - A is for Art (ages 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: October 18 at 10:30 AM
Join us for a fun morning where we will be decorating our very own spooky friend paper craft to take home!
Learn more: A IS FOR ART
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October 18 - Trunk or Treat | | |
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WHERE: River's Edge Learning Tree, Bay City
DATE: October 18, 5 PM
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October 19 - Trunk or Treat | | |
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WHERE: Boys and Girls Club, Bay City
DATE: October 19, 11 AM
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October 19 - Run for the WELL of it – Kids Race | | |
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WHERE: City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground, Au Gres
DATE: October 19, 9:30-10 AM
Halloween in the Park and The WELL Outreach are teaming up again to bring you Run for the WELL of It!
KIDS RACE IS FREE!!! Must register!!!
Register: KIDS RACE
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October 19 - Pups and Pages | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: October 19, 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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October 22 - The World of Gustavo Storytime Hour | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: October 22, 3:30 PM
Step into the world of Flavia Z. Drago’s Gustavo the Shy Ghost series for this special storytime hour-we will be reading about Gustavo and friends, making ghostly treats, and more!
Learn more: THE WORLD OF GUSTAVO STORYTIME
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October 25 - Young Scientists (Age 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: October 25, 10:30 AM
Children ages 2-5 with the adult as the assistant are guided by your librarian and have the opportunity to engage, interact, ask questions, play, and craft during the hour of science fun with STEAM stations geared toward nocturnal animals!
If you need help with registration please contact us at 989-892-8555 opt 4.
Register: YOUNG SCIENTISTS
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October 25 - Science Club Jr: Pumpkin Challenge | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: October 25 at 10:30 AM
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
This could get messy! Please wear old clothes.
Learn more: SCIENCE CLUB JR.
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October 30 - Halloween Party | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: October 30 at 6-7 PM
Ages 12 and under with accompanying adult.
Drop in to the library the night before Halloween for an evening of silly halloween games, crafts and music.
No registration required.
Learn more: HALLOWEEN 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. | | | | |
