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One out of every 169 pregnancies ends in stillbirth in the U.S., and that rate is two times higher for Black expectant parents.
The link between fetal movement and a healthy baby is clear, but research continues to uncover more about the importance of tracking baby’s movements. Count the Kicks uses the latest research to help achieve our mission.
Count the Kicks provides free, evidence-based resources for expectant parents to stay informed and monitor their baby’s well-being.
Learn more about: COUNT THE KICKS
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Let’s talk about FAMILY! Every family is unique in their own way. What are some things that make your family special? Work together to create a family portrait that shows off all the things that are unique about your family. Hang your masterpiece on the refrigerator for all to enjoy!
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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- Stack 10 or more blocks
- Engages with familiar adults as resources, to share ideas, and interests
- Recognizes name and as many as 10 letters
- Identifies numbers to 10 by name and connects each number to an object when counting
- Demonstrates knowledge of Earth's environment (seasons, weather, day and night)
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VEGGIE & RICE STIR FRY
Cooking Matters
65 Minutes 4 Servings
Ingredients
1 cup brown rice
½ pound broccoli
2 medium celery stalks
1 medium carrot
1 small jalapeño or other chili pepper
1 clove garlic
6 ounces boneless chicken pieces or firm tofu
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 Tablespoons canola oil
½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
- Cook rice following package directions. Set aside. Cover to keep warm. While rice is cooking, make veggie mixture.
- Rinse and chop broccoli and celery. Peel, rinse, and chop carrots. Rinse and mince jalapeño. Peel and finely chop garlic.
- If using chicken, remove any skin. Cut chicken into small pieces.
- In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Add 1 teaspoon of the minced jalapeño. Stir.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add ground ginger and stir. Add chicken or tofu. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned and starting to cook through, about 2 minutes.
- Add chopped veggies. Stir frequently. Cook until veggies are tender and chicken is completely cooked but not dry, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add soy sauce mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Serve over warm brown rice.
View full recipe: VEGGIE & RICE STIR FRY
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FOOD DISTRIBUTION CALENDAR
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
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Thursday, October 2 at 1-2 PM: Produce truck at Oakley Community Church, Saginaw
Friday, October 3, 10, & 24 at 12 PM: Radiant Church of God, Saginaw
Saturday, October 4, 11, 18, & 25 at 10 AM – 12 PM: Old Town Christian Outreach, Saginaw
Friday, October 10, 24 at 3 - 5 PM: DC House of Blessings, Saginaw
Saturday, October 11 at 9 - 11 AM: Swan Valley Middle School, Saginaw
Saturday, October 11 at 10 AM - 12 PM: Faith Lutheran Church, Saginaw
Thursday, October 16, Tuesday, September 16, Wednesday, September 24 at 9 - 11 AM: Center of Hope, Saginaw
Saturday, October 18 at 10 AM - 12 PM: Caring Closet, Saginaw
Tuesday, October 21 at 11 AM - 1 PM: Saginaw-Victorious Believers, Saginaw
Saturday, October 25 at 9 - 11 AM: Freeland Lions Club, Freeland
Monday, October 27 at 9 - 11 AM: East Side Soup Kitchen, Saginaw
Tuesday, October 28, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM: New Covenant Christian Center, Saginaw
View full FOOD DISTRIBUTION CALENDAR.
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WHAT'S ON YOUR DIGITAL PLATE?
Maggie Dwan
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Just like the food we eat, the way we use screens can be nutritious, a treat in moderation, or too much. The Digital Diet helps families think about balance by asking: What’s on your plate today?
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Nutritious use might look like reading together online or video chatting with grandparents.
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Treats could be watching a favorite show or playing a quick game.
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Too much happens when screens start to crowd out sleep, play, or family time.
Talking as a family about “what’s on your digital plate” is an easy way to build healthy routines and make sure screens support—not replace—connection and learning. Learn about ALTERNATIVES TO OVERFILL YOUR PLATE.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: SWEET SMILES FOR HALLOWEEN
Did you know? In 2020, 80.9% of U.S. children aged 1–17 had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year, down from 83.8% in 2019.
Halloween is full of fun — and lots of candy!
While treats are part of the celebration, focusing on good nutrition and dental health can help keep little smiles strong.
Healthy Halloween Tips:
- Offer dye-free or lower-sugar treats like fruit leather, yogurt-covered raisins, or pretzels. 🍎
- Make festive snacks like "monster" apple slices with peanut butter and raisins. 👻
- Remind kids to drink water after sweets to help protect their teeth. 💧
- Encourage brushing and flossing after celebrations. 🪥
Balance is key! Enjoy the fun while helping kids build healthy habits that last.
| | HAVE A LOW-TECH SUMMER - GOOSECHASE | |
INFANT SAFE SLEEP
Safer Sleep Guidlines
| | AGES & STAGES DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING | | |
Families with children between the ages of two and five months residing in Saginaw County can complete a FREE Ages and Stages developmental screening or a social-emotional screening. Screenings take ten minutes to complete, and the results are back within a week. Results tell parents what to expect at each stage of development. Often times, early diagnosis can help give a child the best opportunity to reach their potential.
Learn more: AGES & STAGES QUESTIONNAIRES
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FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
October 7 - Internet Safety from Protect MI Child
October 14 - Together We Can- Co-Parenting
October 21 - Positive Discipline
October 28 - Exploring Parenting Styles
Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series
Tuesdays - October 28 - November 25, 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Online Building Early Emotional Skills for Parents Webinar Series
Thursdays - October 30, 2025 - November 20, 2025 7:30 - 9 PM
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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Bring your Public Libraries of Saginaw Library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library to find the perfect books to check out!
You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with digital services.
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Maplewood Manor - October 2, 12 PM
Friendship Senior Center -
October 7, 9:30 AM
Edgewood Assisted Living -
October 7, 3:30 PM
Family and Children Together (FACT) - October 13, 5-7 PM
Pinewood Manor - October 14, 10 AM
Elmwood Manor - October 15, 10 AM
Robin Glen - October 14, 3 PM
Rosien Towers - October 16, 10 AM
Davenport Manor - October 21 10 AM
Independence Village (Wescourt) -
October 21, 3 PM
Wellsprings Assisted Living -
October 23, 3 PM
Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP
| | October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 11 AM: WEEKLY STORY TIME at Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center, Saginaw | | October 1 at 6 PM: LEGO CHALLENGE (grade K-4) at Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock | October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 6 PM: STORY HOUR (ages 5-8) at River Rapids District Library, Chesaning | October 4 at 12-1 PM: LEGO CLUB at River Rapids District Library, Chesaning | October 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 at 10 AM: JAM & PLAY (ages 0-5) at Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock | | October 4 at 10 AM - 2 PM: FAMILY FUN DAY at Thomas Township Nature Center, Saginaw | | October 4, 11, 18, & 25 at 10:30 AM: STORY HOUR (ages 3-4) at River Rapids District Library, Chesaning | | October 6, 13, & 20 at 10 AM: STORYTIME at Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth | | October 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 10:30 AM: STORY TIME (ages 2-5) at Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock | October 6, 13, & 20 at 11:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth | October 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 4 PM: HOYT LEGO CLUB (ages 7-14) at Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw | | October 7, 14, & 21 at 9 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) at Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth | | October 7, 14, & 21 at 10:30 AM: STORYTIME at Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth | | October 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10:30 AM: STORY HOUR at Bridgeport Library, Bridgeport | October 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10:30 AM: TODDLER TODDLER STORYTIME at Zauel Library, Saginaw | October 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 5 - 7 PM: F.U.N. at Thomas Township Nature Center, Saginaw | October 8 at 6:30 PM: FACT FINDERS STORY TIME (grade K-4) at Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock | October 9 at 6 PM: RETRO GAMES at Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock | October 10, 17, 24, & 31 at 10:30 AM: BABY STORYTIME at Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw | October 11 at 12:15 PM: STUDIO STORY TIME at Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw | October 16 at 6:30 PM: HAUNTED GINGERBREAD HOUSES (grades K-4) at Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock | October 17 at 6-7:30 PM: JACK-O-Dash at Price Nature Center, Saginaw | October 18, 19, 25, & 26: SCARECROW FEST at Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Frankenmuth | October 18 at 10 AM - 12 PM: KIDS WOODWORKING WORKSHOP at Lowes, Saginaw | October 18 at 11 AM - 12 P: TODDLER HANDS ON HISTORY: LUMBERING at Castle Museum Saginaw | October 18 at 11:30 AM: TODDLER READ TO A THERAPY DOG at Zauel Library, Saginaw | October 18 at 12:30 PM: BABY GRAHAM CRACKER HAUNTED HOUSE at Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw | October 18 at 12:30 PM: FAMILY VIDEO GAMES at Bridgeport Library, Bridgeport | October 21 at 6 PM: HOYT STEAM NIGHT at Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw | October 22 at 6 PM: K-POP PARTY (grades K-8) at Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock | October 23 at 6 PM: SEWING CLASS at Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock | October 24 at 2:30 - 4:30 PM: PUMPKIN DECORATING at Zauel Library, Saginaw | October 24 at 5 - 6:30 PM: HALLOWEEN AT THE MARKET at SVRC Marketplace, Saginaw | October 25 at 3-6 PM: TRUNK OR TREAT at Gera Tavern, Frankenmuth | October 25 at 5-7 PM: TRUNK OR TREAT at Saginaw YMCA, Saginaw | October 25 at 5-7 PM: TRUNK OR TREAT at Ryder Center, SVSU, Saginaw | October 30 at 5:30-7:30 PM: NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM at Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw | | | | |
