LET'S TALK ABOUT FEELINGS! | |
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Let’s talk, read and sing about FEELINGS! When you talk, read, and sing with your child in sensitive, loving, and responsive ways, you build their brain and help them develop the social-emotional skills they need to succeed in school and life.
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together about FEELINGS: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Books are a wonderful way to start a discussion on a specific subject with your little one, like FEELINGS. Talking is Teaching has a great list of recommended books, but also visit your local library and ask your librarian for ideas. | |
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Do a somersault and hop.
- Suggests solutions to social problems.
- Writes strings of letters, not necessarily words.
- Uses numbers to compare, knows the purpose of standard measuring tools.
- Demonstrates knowledge of Earth's environment (seasons, weather, day and night)
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
WHITE BEAN BASIL CHICKEN CHILI
70 Minutes 6 Servings
Cooking time can be a time of learning and sharing with your little one. Let your child help measure and mix the ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless chicken pieces
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 large lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 Tablespoon fresh basil
- 2 (15½-ounce) cans great northern beans, no salt added
- 2 Tablespoons canola oil
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Remove any skin and excess fat from chicken pieces. Cut chicken into ½-inch cubes.
- Rinse, peel, and finely chop onion. Peel and mince garlic.
- Rinse tomato. Remove core and seeds. Chop.
- Rinse lime. Cut in half. In a small bowl, squeeze juice from one half. Discard seeds.
- Rinse and chop cilantro and basil.
- In a colander, drain and rinse beans.
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. If onion or garlic start to brown, lower heat.
- Add chicken, beans, broth, spices, tomato, lime juice, basil, and cilantro. Stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- If using, top with red pepper flakes.
View the Recipe: WHITE BEAN BASIL CHICKEN CHILI
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Michigan Learning Channel's Learn Every Where
Sign Up and Earn Prizes!
We’re using the app Goosechase to bring students, families, schools and more a new way to watch your favorite MLC shows and earn prizes with learners across the state! Track your progress using missions, earn points based on how many missions you complete, and see how you stack up to other students in four age brackets. At the end of the challenge, redeem your points for prizes! The challenge runs from November 6, 2023 – January 7, 2024. See how many points you can get!
Learn more: LEARN EVERY WHERE
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Families with children between the ages of 2 months and five 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 state 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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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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Great Start to Quality
Children learn so much in their first five years. Quality licensed programs, for children 0-12, help children learn, grow, and develop. The foundation is set for children to be successful in school, work, and life when they have a safe place to learn, explore their world, and build relationships. Great Start to Quality is committed to helping Michigan families find child care that fits their budget and schedule.
Great Start to Quality is Michigan’s quality rating and improvement system that evaluates the quality of licensed programs, for children 0-12. As a Michigan family, you can use Great Start to Quality as a tool to help you look up and compare early childhood programs to find the best child care. On a scale of one- to five-stars, Michigan child care, preschool, and afterschool programs are scored in different areas, and those scores are combined to give them their Star rating.
Learn More: GREAT START TO QUALITY
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Extension Extras Parenting Hour
WHEN: Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
December 5 - Essential Skills for Learning and Life
December 12 - Talking With Kids About Race
December 19 - Mindfulness for Children
The Parent Talk System Webinar Series - November-December Webinar
December 5, 12 at 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Online Kinship Caregiver Workshops: Essential Skills for Learning and Life
December 13 at 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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GREAT LAKES BAY HEALTH CENTER | |
Hiring & Training Doulas
Are you looking to start a new career? The Great Lakes Bay Bay Health Center are looking to hire and train doulas for the following positions:
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Doula & Perinatal Services Manager
The Doula & Perinatal Services Manager is responsible for all activities related to the coordination of doula/perinatal CHW services for eligible GLBHC patients. With a focus on maternal and child health, and improving birth outcomes, the manager is responsible for facilitating training and (re)certification of staff as doulas/perinatal CHWs, overseeing caseloads and assignments, conducting outreach activities, and providing quality assurance via auditing documentation for accuracy as compared to billing activity. Develops/implements performance standards and evaluates employees based on these standards.
Community-Based Doula / Perinatal Community Health Worker (CHW)
This individual works with pregnant and postpartum women and their babies to promote healthy pregnancies, breastfeeding, and parent-infant attachment. While establishing a trusting relationship with mothers, the doula/perinatal CHW will provide culturally sensitive prenatal, labor, and postpartum support and education. This individual will focus especially on birthing support during each home visit and will intend on being present during the labor and delivery process.
View job posting: DOULA
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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. |
HOLIDAY GUIDE
There is no place like HOME during the holiday season! The festivities in the Great Lakes Bay Region start in November and go right through to New Years. This is your family’s guide to holiday events, planning visits with Santa and a Christmas Tree Farm, Light Shows and shopping.
View: HOLIDAY GUIDE
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STEM STAYCATION
Holiday Break 2023 (December 21 – January 2)
Prizes are available thanks to donations from Go Great Lakes Bay, the Mt. Pleasant Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Saginaw Spirit for those who post a picture on Facebook at one of the 30 locations and tag STEM Pipeline (@stempipeline). One picture per location equals one entry and chance to win December 21 through January 2, 2024.
Free Entry Opportunities:
December 21: Chippewa Nature Center Winter Solstice Event For centuries, people have gathered with family and friends to recognize the longest night of the year and to celebrate the return of longer days to come. Take part in earth-friendly traditions as you roll a beeswax candle, create a miniature Yule log and make a small evergreen wreath to take home. 6:00-8:00 p.m. Free for all ages.
December 27: Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library Build Play Build together, family fun! What will you create with open-ended interactive building materials? Blue Blocks, Fort Build, Kinex, and more material for you to BUILD with. No Registration Required. Open to children and tweens accompanied by an adult. 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the Kantzler Community Room.
December 28: Winter STEM Event Delta College PBS Kids and the Michigan Learning Channel will host hands-on winter and snow science activities at the Castle Museum. 11:00-1:00p.m. Free for all ages. Also, coinciding with the traveling exhibit “Signs of the Times: The Great American Political Poster 1844-2012,” the Castle Museum will have a drop-in make-and-take station called See How You Run: Design a Personal Political Poster available throughout Winter Break.
Prizes:
1st Place – A complimentary overnight stay in the Great Lakes Bay Region Community of your choosing; Bay City, Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Midland or Saginaw (restrictions apply)
2nd Place – Pisanello’s Pizza, Mt. Pleasant – $50.00 Gift Certificate
3rd Place – Four (4) Saginaw Spirit Tickets
Learn more: STEM PASSPORT
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December 1-31 - Freeland Lights | | |
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WHERE: Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth
DATE: December 1-31 at 5:30 PM - 10 PM
This Christmas Light Show is displayed at Hayes Park in Tittabawassee Township. Several local families have benefitted thru the generous donations made by visitors to the show the past 18-years. Every year, great effort is made to modify & improve the show for your viewing enjoyment! ** This is a FREE light show, no admittance fee required, only goodwill giving if you wish.
Learn More: FREELAND LIGHTS
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December 1 - December 24 - Santa Visits | | |
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WHERE: Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth
DATE: Monday-Thursday: 2:00PM - 6:00PM
Friday: 1:00PM - 7:00PM
Saturday: 9:15AM to 7:00PM
Sunday: 12:00PM to 4:30PM
**Christmas Eve: 9:15AM - 3:00PM** Bronner's closes early at 4:00PM on Christmas Eve and is closed Christmas Day. Please note, guests should anticipate a wait primarily on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bring your camera and wish list to Bronner's because Santa Claus is coming to town! Located near the South Entrance.
Learn More: SANTA VISITS
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December 1, 8, 15 & 29 - Preschool Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: December 1, 8, 15 & 29 at 10:30 AM
Drop-in storytime fun! We can't wait to have you join us for stories, music, crafts, games, and more!
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
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December 1, 8, 15 & 22 - Jumping Jammers | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Library, Hemlock
DATE: December 1, 8, 15 & 22 at 10:30 AM
Jumping Jammers: Music Time at the Library!
September 22nd-May 17th (with some breaks)
For kids ages 2-5. Drop-ins are welcome!
Learn More: JUMPING JAMMERS
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December 2 - Kids Workshop | | |
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WHERE: Home Depot, Saginaw
DATE: First 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.
Learn more: KIDS WORKSHOP
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December 2 - Holiday Hooray | | |
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WHERE: Mid Michigan Children's Museum, Saginaw
DATE: December 2 at 10 AM – 4 PM
Learn more: HOLIDAY HOORAY
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December 2 - Cocoa, Cookies, Crafts & Santa | |
December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 29 - Preschool Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 29
at 10:30 AM
Preschool Storytime at Zauel
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
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December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 - Free Saturdays @ Saginaw Art Museum | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
at 12 - 5 PM
In an effort to increase accessibility to the museum, we have extended our regular hours to include Saturday afternoons Noon-5pm starting this week, for FREE! We look forward to welcoming you and yours into our gem of a museum to explore our collection, exhibitions, and gardens.
Learn More: FREE SATURDAYS
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December 4, 11 & 18 - Story Hour | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Library, Hemlock
DATE: December 4, 11 & 11 at 10:30 AM
For kids ages 2-5. Drop-ins are welcome!
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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December 4, 11 & 18 - Kindergarten Boot Camp: Preschool Story Time | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: December 4, 11 & 18 at 10:30 AM
This story time is an interactive learning experience that helps preschool aged children strengthen the skills necessary for a successful transition to kindergarten. Story time and activities focus on early literacy and kindergarten readiness skills such as colors, shapes, numbers, counting, letters, and scissors practice. Stories, activities, and crafts are prepared for children ages 3 to 6.
This program is a weekly story time that meets on Mondays at 10:30 in the Zauel Children's Story Room.
Learn More: KINDERGARTEN BOOT CAMP
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December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 - Story Time with Mrs. Emmons | | |
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WHERE: Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth
DATE: December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19
Learn More: STORY TIME
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December 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 - The Lights Before Christmas | | |
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WHERE: Covenant Healthcare Saginaw
DATE: December 4-8th at 5:30 PM
Make spirits bright for our Covenant Kids this holiday season! The community is invited to join us for “The Lights Before Christmas” December 4 – 8. Every night at 6:00 pm, attendees will shine flashlights, glow foam tubes or anything that lights up toward the kids’ windows for two minutes.
Learn More: THE LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
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December 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21 & 30 - Tales for Two | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: December 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21 & 30
at 10:30 AM
We are adding Thursday's to our regularly scheduled Preschool Storytimes! Join us at Zauel for 30 minutes of read-aloud stories, songs, and fun! A theme related craft is included. Geared towards children ages 3-5, but all children are welcome.
Learn More: TALES FOR TWO
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December 5, 12, & 19 - Story Hour | | |
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WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport
DATE: December 5, 12 & 19 at 10:30 AM
Have fun with stories as Miss Cindy reads and discusses each story. We also sing songs, learn rhymes and fingerplays and make crafts. We promote early literacy by teach the Ready to Read Michigan skills during each story hour.
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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December 5, 12 & 19 - Raising Readers Academy | | |
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WHERE: Carrolton Elementary School, Saginaw
DATE:Tuesdays at 3:15 PM
Learn More: READ ACADEMY
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December 5, 12 & 19 - Play to Learn | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Library, Hemlock
DATE: December 5, 12 & 19 at 10:30 AM
Play to Learn: Playgroup at the Library
September 19th-May 14th (with some breaks)
For kids ages 0-5. Drop-ins are welcome!
Learn More: PLAY TO LEARN
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December 6, 13 & 20 - Story Time | | |
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WHERE: Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center, Saginaw
DATE: Wednesdays at 11 AM
Join us each week in the Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center for songs, fingerplays, stories and activities! Storytimes are for ages 2-5, but all are welcome! Our activities are open-ended and engaging so all children can participate. Each week children also receive a free book to take home to help build their personal library.
Learn More: STORY TIME
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December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 - Raising Readers Academy | | |
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WHERE: Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center, Saginaw
DATE: Wednesdays & Thursdays
Learn More: RAISING READERS
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December 6, 13, & 20 - Raising Readers Academy | | |
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WHERE: Jesse Rouse Elementary School, Saginaw
DATE: Wednesdays at 3:30 PM
Learn More: READ ACADEMY
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December 8 - Santa Visits the Bridgeport Fire Department & Pioneer Christmas | | |
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WHERE: Bridgeport Fire Department, Saginaw
DATE: December 8 at 6-7:30 PM
December 8th come down and visit with Santa and your fire fighters. While you're here visit the Historical Society next door for the Pioneer Christmas event. Santa will be at the station 6pm to 7:30 pm,, additional activities will continue at the historical society through 8 pm.
Learn more: SANTA VISITS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
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December 9 - Christmas Concert | | |
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WHERE: Bridgeport Library, Saginaw
DATE: December 9 at 11 AM
Join us as Ruthann Olorunlowo and her students perform beautiful Christmas music.
Learn more: CHRISTMAS CONCERT
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: December 9 at 1-4 PM
Come make the studio space your own and turn one of your ideas into a reality! Drop-in between 1pm-4pm on the Second Saturday of the month September-December for unguided art making. We have plenty of materials for you to access, like yarn, fabric, markers, colored pencils, and more.
Learn More: OPEN STUDIO
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December 11 - Hoots at Hoyt Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Hoyt Library, Saginaw
DATE: December 11 at 7 PM
Come join us in the Children's Area at Hoyt Library for Evening Storytime! Enjoy a snack as our overly enthusiastic reader reads a variety of stories with a variety of voices! (and he may even sing if the kids ask him nicely!) Spend an evening with us filled with books, rhymes, and good times! Have a hoot at Hoyt!
Learn more: HOOTS HOYT STORYTIME
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December 12 - Button and Magnet Making | | |
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WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: December 12 at 11 3-5 PM
Bring your own designs or use our magazines, scrapbook paper, and comics catalogs to make a 2.5" or 1" pin or magnet. Each person will be able to make up to 5 items to take home. This program is a drop in program for all ages - come be creative with us!
Learn More: BUTTON AND MAGNET MAKING
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December 14 - Preschool Story Time | | |
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WHERE: The Castle Museum, Saginaw
DATE: December 14 at 10:30 AM
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
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December 16 - Kids Workshop | | |
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WHERE: Lowes, Saginaw
DATE: December 16 at 10 AM - 12 PM
Calling all little builders! Kids will love this holiday DIY-U workshop where they’ll learn to build a handmade wreath ornament that also makes a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Holiday Delivery Truck
Calling all little elves! Join us for this jolly Holiday Delivery Truck build that’s also a gift card holder! Kids will love hand-crafting this unique toy that also makes a memorable gift.
Learn More & Register: LOWES
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December 16 - Magical Days at the Market | | |
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WHERE: SVRC Marketplace, Saginaw
DATE: December 16 at 10 AM - 6 PM
Come join us for a day full of magic inside our market! We welcome princesses, Santa Clause, FREE family fun activities and MORE! More details to come! Join us!
Learn More: MAGICAL DAYS AT THE MARKET
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December 18 - Together We Read | | |
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WHERE: Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw
DATE: December 18 at 10:30 AM
Learn More: TOGETHER WE READ
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December 20 - Family Pajama Story Time | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: December 20 at 7 PM
Come join Miss Melissa and Mr. Bryan for a pajama storytime with stories, songs, crafts and fun to celebrate the season!
Learn More: FAMILY PAJAMA STORY TIME
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December 28 - Winter STEM Staycation Day | | |
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The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, Saginaw
DATE: December 28 at 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Learn More: WINTER STEMSTAYCATION DAY
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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. | | | | |
