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Let’s talk about SPRING! Take some time this spring to relax with your little one. On a warm day, talk about the shapes and pictures you see in the clouds! “I see a teddy bear! What do you see in the clouds?” This calming activity will also help build your child’s communication skills.
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Uses a fork and spoon.
- Suggests solutions to social problems.
- Produces correct sound for 10-20 letters.
- Orients book correctly, turns pages from front to back, recognizes familiar books by their cover.
- Compares and orders a small set of objects according to size, length, weight; knows usual sequence of basic daily events.
- Understands physical properties of objects (heavy, light, rough, smooth).
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
FRESH FRUIT WITH WARM HONEY YOGURT TOPPING
15 Minutes 4 Servings
Kids love to help in the kitchen. Let your child clean the fruit. As you cut the fruit ask what color each one is. Together count how many pieces each fruit is cut into.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh fruit, such as berries, melons, pears, plums, peaches, or a combination
1 lemon
1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
2 Tablespoons honey
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Instructions:
- Wash and cut fruits. Rinse and zest lemon using the small holes on a box grater.
- Divide fruit evenly among 4 bowls.
- Combine yogurt, honey, and lemon zest in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir well.
- Drizzle honey yogurt topping over the fruit and serve.
View the Recipe: FRESH FRUIT WITH WARM YOGURT TOPPING
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FOOD GIVEAWAY
Salvation Army Bay City
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Monday, May 13 & 20, 5 - 7 PM with walk-ups beginning at 6PM.
You must bring ID.
Learn more and check dates: FOOD GIVEAWAY
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BRAIN BUILDING THROUGH PLAY: ACTIVITIES FOR INFANTS
Center on Developing Children, Harvard University
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SUMMER LEARNING
Michigan Learning Channel
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Summer is full of opportunities to play and learn and we want to make it easy to find inspiring, kid-friendly activities! That’s why we’ve worked with PBS stations and content creators from across the country to bundle up some of our favorite activities into one, easy-to-carry-anywhere book. We hope you and your kids will use this to inspire learning all summer long!
View the Fun Activity Books:
EARLY LEARNERS
Activities for Preschool – Kindergarten students.
ELEMENTARY
Activities for 1st Grade – 3rd Grade students.
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TIP SHEET - LET'S TALK ABOUT THE EARTH
Talking is Teaching
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Let’s talk about SPRING! It is a perfect opportunity to teach children about the environment. It is an chance to help them appreciate the world around them and make a difference in protecting it. Use this tip sheet to talk, read, and sing with children about
the earth and show them ways we can all do our part to keep it healthy.
View and print: LET'S TALK ABOUT THE EARTH
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HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME IS OK FOR MY KIDS?
Common Sense Media
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"Kids are spending more time with digital devices -- and at younger ages -- than ever before. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have helpful guidelines for limiting screen time for young kids. The reality is, there's no magic number that's just right for every child. What's important is the quality of kids' content, how your kids engage with it, and balancing their time with and without screens in ways that are healthy and support their development.”
Read full article: COMMON SENSE MEDIA
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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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Child Care Workforce Support Stipends
The Bay Area Community Foundation is funding a onboarding stipend for child care providers hired on or after 9/14/21 (scholarship to support the provider's costs to hire new staff)
Learn More: CHILD CARE WORKFORCE SUPPORT STIPENDS
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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
May 14 - Unlock the Conversation:
Safety from Guns for Parents
May 21 - Mindfulness for Children
May 28 - ABC's of Early Literacy
Online Kinship Caregiver Workshops: Introduction to Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACES)
May 8, 7 - 8:30 PM
Online Parent Talk System Series - May-June 2024
Thursdays, May 16 - June 30, 7:30-9 PM
Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series - May-June 2024
Wednesdays, May 29 - June 26, 11:30 AM - 1 PM
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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Start planning your summer with the Summer Camps guide, sponsored by Bay Shore Camps. Explore camps by county or type.
Start planning: SUMMER CAMPS
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The Great Lakes Bay Region STEM Passport compiles information for hands-on, dynamic STEM organizations in the community. Now locating current STEM-based activities and events in the region is easy!
Learn more: STEM PASSPORT
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May 1 & 15 - Great Start Family Network | | |
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WHERE: Standish Community Center, Standish
DATE: First & Third Wednesday, 4:30 PM
Learn More: Email Amy at trogana@baisd.net
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May 1 - Baby Book Club (age 0-3) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 1, 5:30 - 6:30 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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May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 - Great Lakes Bay Mom Cafe & Playgroup | | |
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WHERE: Bay City Town Center, Bay City
DATE: Thursdays, 10 AM
Learn More: Email Amy at trogana@baisd.net
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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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May 4 - FREE Comic Book Day | | |
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WHERE: Cashman’s Comics, Bay City
DATE: May 4, 11 AM - 7 PM
Attendees will be able to choose any 5 comics from over 40 comic titles, specially labeled for “all ages”, “teen+” and “adults”. Something for everyone!
Fun for the whole family. We encourage you to come dressed as your favorite character, plus you never know what Superhero might be here for photo ops. Also it has become a Cashman’s tradition each year to feature local comic artist Ken Leinaar. We are happy to announce he will be here doing FREE sketches for kids of all ages, so make sure you stop and pay him a visit.
In addition to the FREE comics given away here at the shop we will also be donating several FCBD comics to the Wirt Library located on the corner of Center and Madison Ave’s downtown Bay City, the Standish branch of the Iosco Arenac Library System
Learn more: FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
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May 6 - Storytime at Populace | | |
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WHERE: Populace, Bay City
DATE: May 6, 9 AM
Families with young children. Bring the littles downtown to story time with the Wirt Library! Enjoy your favorite coffee house drink and treat at Populace Coffee while we talk, read, sing and play together!
Learn more: STORYTIME AT POPULACE
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May 7, 14, 21, & 28 - 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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May 7 - Story & Activity (age 3-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 7 at 1:30 PM
Children ages 3-12 are invited to join us at Sage Branch Library for Story and Activity on Tuesday, May 7 at 1:30 pm. Make a rubber band bound book! Use our picture bag to brainstorm stories to fill it. We look forward to seeing you!
Call us at 989-892-8555 opt 4 if assistance is needed for registration.
Program date and time is accommodating our homeschool families.
Register: STORY & ACTIVITY
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May 7 - Children’s Book Week: Pick Your Poison with REPCO Wildlife Encounters | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: May 7, 4:30 PM
In celebration of Children’s Book Week, we will be offering special performances for children and their families at each of our branches!
Join REPCO Wildlife to meet a variety of live animals that have toxins including toads, snakes, scorpions, and more! Learn about these animals, why they have toxins, and how beneficial these “poisonous” animals can be!
Register: CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK
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May 8 - Children’s Book Week: Baffling Bill the Magician (Ages 3-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 8, 6 PM
In celebration of Children’s Book Week, we will be offering special performances for children and their families at each of our branches!
Join us at the Sage Branch library for family magic at its best! Baffling Bill puts on a magic show featuring audience participation and astounding tricks with magic doves and Gus the Bunny! This program is best for ages 3-12.
Register: CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK
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May 9 - Gift for a Gal (Ages 0-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 9, 4:30 PM, 5 PM & 5:30 PM
Join us at the Sage Branch Library to make a Gift for a Gal on Thursday, May 9!
Two different crafts, gift bags and card stations will be available for the kids to create. The crafts can be wrapped in one gift bag for a single lucky lady or wrapped separately for two great gals!.
Register: GIFT FOR A GAL
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May 9 - Children’s Book Week: Shadow Puppetry Workshop with Alex Thomas & Friends (age 3-12) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: May 9, 5:30 PM
In celebration of Children’s Book Week, we will be offering special performances for children and their families at each of our branches!
The Pinconning Branch is hosting Alex Thomas & Friends for an event all about shadow puppets! Learn the art of designing and crafting your own shadow puppets and be guided through the process of cutting, shaping, and assembling the puppets. Participants will learn the techniques of shadow play and manipulation and will explore the effects of light and shadow, discovering how to create different moods and atmospheres using their puppets.
Through experimentation and practice, participants will develop the skills to bring their puppets to life and create dynamic and visually stunning shadow performances.
Children between the ages of 3-7 must have an accompanying adult to the program.
Register: CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK
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May 9 - Children’s Book Week: Cameron Zvara | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: May 9, 6 PM
In celebration of Children’s Book Week, we will be offering special performances for children and their families at each of our branches!
Join us at Wirt for an evening of FUN with Comedy Magician & Entertainer- Cameron Zvara! Cameron’s show is filled with mind blowing magic, hilarious comedy, juggling, music, and TONS of audience participation. You do not want to miss out! Registration is required for this program.
Register: CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK
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May 10 - Playdate (ages 0-4) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: May 10, 10 AM
Little ones can play, discover & meet new friends. Ages 4 & under. Participating caregiver required. No registration required.
Drop in for fun play time at Wirt Library Children’s Room.
Learn More: PLAY DATE
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May 10 - Young Scientists (Age 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 10, 10:30 AM
Young Scientists: Sink or Float! We will have an hour of fun starting at 10:30 am! Fun, scientific exploration through STEAM stations, play, and craft.
Register: YOUNG SCIENTIST
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May 11 - Breakfast & Board Games (age 2+) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: May 11, 10 AM
Enjoy a provided breakfast with family and play a board game afterwards-choose one from the library or bring an at-home favorite!
Register: BREAKFAST AND BOARD GAMES
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May 11 - Mermaid Matinee & More! (age 3-12) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: May 11, 1:30 PM
Swim over to the Pinconning Branch for an afternoon of mermaid magic! We will be watching the live-action version of “The Little Mermaid,” making under-the-sea trail mix and coloring mermaid tail drawstring bags.
Register: BABY PLAYGROUND
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May 13 - Adventure Begins @ Your Library ART | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: May 13, 2 - 4 PM
S’mores by the campfire! Families are invited to make & snack on a s’more treat while creating a masterpiece to be displayed on our art wall in the Children’s Department for our summer reading program.
No registration required.
Learn more: ADVENTURE BEGINS
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May 15 - Pups & Pages (age 4-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 15 at 5:30 PM
Join us at Sage Library on Wed, May 15 for Pups & Pages for ages 4-12! Read to a a certified therapy dog beginning at 5:30 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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May 17 - A is for Art (ages 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: May 17 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.
Registration is required. Please register in person, by phone, or online.
This could get messy!
Please wear old clothes.
Register: A IS FOR ART
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May 17 - Nature Explorers | | |
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WHERE: Bay City State Parks, Bay City
DATE: May 17 at 1:30 PM
Learn More: Email Amy at trogana@baisd.net
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May 18 - Storytime @ Iron Grind Coffee House | | |
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WHERE: Iron Grind Coffee House, Auburn
DATE: May 18, 9:30 AM
Join Ms Ashley or Ms Miranda from the Auburn Branch for a special offsite storytime at Iron Grind Coffee House in Auburn!
Learn More: STORTIME AT IRON GRIND COFFEE SHOP
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May 18 - Pups & Pages (age 4-12) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: May 18, 11 AM
Read to a therapy dog or dog in training in a one-on-one session. You will be called to schedule your session the week of the program.
Children ages 4-12 are invited to attend.
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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May 18 - Pups & Pages (age 4-12) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 18, 2 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!
We request an adult supervise or be present in the library.
Registration is required.
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 20, 11 AM
For children ages 0-3 years old + Adult.
We begin at 11 am. Craft supplies and directions 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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May 23 - Pups & Pages (age 4 – 12) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: May 23 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. We look forward to seeing you!
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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WHERE: Bay County Historical Society, Bay City
DATE: May 24, 10 AM - 4 PM
For children ages 2-5 + Adult
No school!?! Visit the Bay County Historical Society’s museum, complete a scavenger hunt and receive a coupon for FREE small Slurpee drink at the local 7 Eleven store or mini-scoop from Michigan Cream & Sugar .
Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Program sponsor: Bay City 7 Eleven Stores and Michigan Cream & Sugar.
Learn More: NO SCHOOL DAY
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 24, 10:30 AM
Join us Sage Library for Friday Fun: Gnome Home on Friday, May 24 @ 10:30 am!
For children ages 2-5 + Adult
Dance, sing, and celebrate gnomes! Color a wooden Gnome to take home.
Register: FRIDAY FUN
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May 30 - Awkward Family Photos (Age 0-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: May 30, 5-6 PM
For families with children between the ages of 0-12.
It’s time to tease your bangs and pull out the windbreakers! The library has hired All Things in Focus photography studio so you can create an awkward family masterpiece! Registered families will be called to schedule a 10 minute photo session. Patrons will be emailed a high resolution image taken by the photographer aft the program. Sorry not pets.
Register: AWKWARD FAMILY PHOTO
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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. | | | | |
