Holiday sing-along at Eastern School
TRAVERSE CITY -- School families and the community are invited to join Eastern Elementary School students for a Holiday Sing-Along.
The musical event will begin at 3:15 p.m. today in the Eastern School gym, 1600 Eastern Ave. The students will be accompanied by third-grade teacher Charma Brian. For details, call 993-1660.
Third-grader raises money for socks
TRAVERSE CITY -- A third-grader spearheaded a charity can drive that raised more than $100.
Eamonn McGonigle, a tstudent at The Children's House of Traverse City, was inspired by the "Pennies for Peace" initiative held at the school last year.
"On the way home he talked to his mom about it and she told him that one person can make a difference, but it has to start somewhere and with an individual, says Enda McGonigle, Eamonn's father.
The grade-schooler did some research online and -- with winter coming -- came up with the idea for a can and bottle drive to raise money to buy warm clothes for area children in need.
Eamonn's efforts raised more than $100, which was then used to buy socks given to Traverse City's area's "Boots for Kids" program. The goal now is to hold similar, student lead drives on alternating months throughout the coming school year.
For more information, contact Missy Russell, advancement director at The Children's House, 929-9325 or via e-mail at missy@traversechildrenshouse.org.
Wooten, Mill Creek to hold 3-day event
ELK RAPIDS -- The Mill Creek Elementary PTO hosts poet and storyteller Terry Wooten Jan. 20-22, for three days of performances and writing workshops, culminating in a Family Fun Night.
Included in his stay will be a poetry workshop with fourth- and fifth-graders, a two-day writing workshop and poetry performances.
On Jan. 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Mill Creek Elementary will host "Stone Circle -- Mill Creek Style," featuring Wooten and the Mill Creek Poet Bards in the gym.
Camp, New Year's party at YMCA
TRAVERSE CITY -- Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is offering a Christmas Camp and a New Year's Eve party over the holiday break.
Christmas Camp will be Dec. 21-24 and Dec. 28-31 from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the main YMCA, 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities and games are offered. Each child should bring a lunch/drink and appropriate clothing for outside and inside.
All children must be fully registered with health records and enrollment papers, which may be accessed at www.gtbayymca.org, or call 933-9622 for details.
On New Year's Eve, kids can stay up late and party in their pajamas from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Jan. 1. The party will include snacks, games and sports, and party favors to bring in the New Year. All families are to bring their favorite pajamas and sleeping bag/pillow. Call 421-3568 or e-mail molly@gtbayymca.org by Dec. 23 to sign up.
NCMC sets nursing info sessions
PETOSKEY -- North Central Michigan College's nursing faculty will hold four informational sessions in 2010 to explain admission into the college's nursing program.
The sessions will be held Feb. 10, April 14, Sept. 15 and Nov. 10 from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 122 of the college's main administration/classroom building on the Petoskey campus.
Anyone planning to apply for acceptance into the nursing program is encouraged to attend.
Basic crew training begins Jan. 7
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Maritime Heritage Alliance will begin its basic crew training course for 2010 on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center-Great Lakes, 13268 S. West Bayshore Drive in Traverse City.
The five-session series is designed to train crew to sail the schooner Madeline and the armed sloop Welcome. Next year's voyages include trips to Bay City, Green Bay and Chicago. On-board sail training will take place in the spring in West Grand Traverse Bay. New and experience sailors are welcome.
Training is free when you become a member, with a $45 materials fee. MHA membership is $35 for single and $50 for a family. For details or to sign up, visit www.MaritimeHeritageAlliance.org, or call 946-2647.
Pee Wee sports offered at YMCA
TRAVERSE CITY -- Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is offering Pee Wee sports for children from 3-7 years old at the YMCA Child Care Center beginning the week of Jan. 4.
A variety of sports will be offered: soccer, floor hockey, lacrosse, basketball, T-ball, bowling, golf, and more.
Classes meet once a week for six weeks. Each class is limited to 12 kids for individual teaching. Cost is $35 per class for the public and $15 for members. The registration deadline is Dec. 30. Note the class times on the YMCA Web site at www.gtbayymca.org under the Registration tab. Participants are encouraged to dress for indoor play (no snow boots) and to bring a water bottle.
Children's Museum has holiday crafts
GREILICKVILLE -- The Great Lakes Children's Museum will be offering a week of special craft activities for all ages starting Dec. 26.
For the weekends of Dec. 26-27 and Jan. 2-3, the Museum will provide a Do-it-Yourself craft station during regular weekend hours. From Dec. 28-30, an expanded selection of crafts will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to provide assistance. This event is free with paid admission; $6 per person for ages 2 and older.
Refurb computers go to students
SCOTTVILLE -- Eighteen West Shore Community College students received recycled computers.
The college's Community Service Team and Women's Resource Center teamed up with student volunteers from the Network Services Program, who refurbished the computers.
Students that demonstrated financial and academic need were given the computer. They also had to be enrolled in the next semester of classes and write an essay explaining how a computer would help them.
