Full Moon Stroll. Join an Interpretive Naturalist for a hike to enjoy this month’s full moon, February 5, 5:30 – 7:00 PM. Learn how the tradition of naming moons began and what makes each month special. Please wear dark colors and bring a flashlight. Meet at the Visitor Center. This program is designed for ages 9+, under 18 w/adult.Mindful Monday Lunch & Learn – Mindful Walking. Michigan State University Extension will be hosting a live webinar February 6, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Mindful Walking introduces the benefits of slowing down with moment-to-moment awareness walking to connect body and mind and explores ways to ride out waves of strong emotions through thought surfing. Stress Less with Mindfulness is a program authored by West Virginia Extension. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3FIjxPz registration closes February 5. Food Safety Q & A. MSU Extension offers a weekly 30-minute informational program about food preservation or other related food safety topics. A short presentation will be shared focusing on the featured topic, leaving plenty of time for Q & A. The next session is Score a Super Bowl Sensation – planning a Super Bowl party? What’s on the menu” Watch out! Don’t invite a foodborne illness! Join this quick free presentation February 6 at 1 P.M. To register, visit: https://events.anr.msu.edu/FoodSafetyQA2023/
Protecting Your Identity. Michigan State University Extension will be offering a free webinar, February 7, Noon – 1:00 PM. During this one-hour session, learn how to protect yourself from identity theft and what to do if your identity has already been stolen. Pre-registration is required before February 5. Visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/ click on the link “online classes” and you will then see this course as well as other options that might be of interest to you. One day prior to the webinar, you will receive an email with the Zoom link. Contact information for MSU’s Technical Support will also be provided.
Creative Kids: Clay Wind Chime Part I. Creative 360 offers a unique arts experience for children ages 5-10. Students will make art, move their bodies, get messy, make new friends, and explore all aspects of creativity. Please pre-register at least two days prior to the session by calling 989-837-1885 or visit www.becreative360.org. Clay Wind Chime is offered February 9, 4:15 – 5:30 PM, cost is $15 per session.
Reptile Enrichment Workshop. The Chippewa Nature Center animal ambassadors need enrichment toys. Join an Interpretive Naturalist, February 7, 6-7:30 PM, to learn about taking care of snakes and help create safe toys for them to enjoy. Craft supplies will be provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. This program is designed for all ages, under 18 w/adult.
Make a Spending Plan Work for You! Michigan State University Extension will be offering a free webinar, February 9, Noon – 1:00 PM. During this one-hour session, the benefits of a spending plan will be discussed, as well as being able to identify the difference between needs and wants, the importance of having an emergency fund will also be highlighted. Pre-registration is required before February 8. Visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/ click on the link “online classes” and you will then see this course as well as other options that might be of interest to you. One day prior to the webinar, you will receive an email with the Zoom link. Contact information for MSU’s Technical Support will also be provided.
Stress Less with Mindfulness. Stress Less with Mindfulness introduces participants to the experience and practice of mindfulness, with a goal of reducing stress. Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally. Research has shown that practicing mindfulness is effective in reducing stress-related symptoms such as worry, depression and physical tension, and may be helpful in managing chronic conditions. The series will last 5 weeks beginning February 9 – March 9, 8:00 – 9:00 AM. This is a live webinar. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3BN0MsY registration closes February 8.
Mindful Wednesdays Caring for the Caregiver. Michigan State University Extension will be hosting a live webinar February 8, Noon – 1:00 PM. Learn the importance of self-care for caregivers. Practice some strategies for self-care, and learn about the many ways informal caregiving affects a caregivers mental and physical health. There is no cost for this webinar, registration closes February 7. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3v1NdSB
Preserving MI Harvest. Michigan State University Extension will be offering a series of food preservation classes online, these free classes will be offered on Thursdays, at 1 PM and 6 PM. The topic on February 9 will be Fact vs Fiction When Preserving – this session looks at common misinformation about food preservation. It covers the dos and don’ts related to food preservation. These sessions will not be recorded, they will only be offered live. Supporting materials will be emailed to all participants after each broadcast. Join in the fun, sign up for one, some or all these educational sessions. There is time at the end of each program to ask questions. To register visit: https://events.anr.msu.edu/PreservingMIHarvest23/
Nature Play! It’s time to play outdoors at Chippewa Nature Center. Whether we’re making pies in the mud kitchen, building forts, constructing rivers, lounging in hammocks, or creating nature art, this hour of play is sure to engage everyone. Join in the fun to make some new friends, February 12, 2-4:00 PM, and enjoy an afternoon outdoors. Caregivers must remain with children during this program. Meet at The Woods Nature Play Area near the Arbury Trail. This program is designed for all ages, under 18 w/adult.
Mindful Monday Lunch & Learn: Mindfulness for Children. Michigan State University Extension will be hosting a live webinar Monday, February 13, 11:30 – 12:30 PM. This workshop is designed to introduce basic mindfulness concepts, activities and publications to parents and caregivers of young children. Participants will learn the benefits of mindfulness for both children and adults as well as explore ways to teach children mindfulness. There is no cost for this webinar, registration closes February 12. To register visit: https://bit.ly/3G3idb6
Safe Food = Healthy Kids. Learn the best practices for food safety to keep the children in your childcare safe. Food safety education topics discussed in this online class include proper cleaning and sanitizing, cooking, storing food, as well as personal hygiene, and more. Safe Food = Healthy Kids is an approved training for Great Start to quality, so this class will count toward your annual training hours. The class will be facilitated by MSU Extension Food Safety Educators. There is no charge for this training, childcare providers will earn training hours for attending. The next class is February 15, 6-9:00 PM. To register visit: https://events anr.msu.edu/SFHK2023/
Story Hour. Come spend an hour learning about nature at Chippewa Nature Center. Youth ages 3-5 are invited with an adult, to hear a story, do crafts and other age-appropriate activities. Story Hour takes place February 16, 9:30 – 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM – Noon.
Creative Kids: Creative Writing. Creative 360 offers a unique arts experience for children ages 5-10. Students will make art, move their bodies, get messy, make new friends, and explore all aspects of creativity. Please pre-register at least two days prior to the session by calling 989-837-1885 or visit www.becreative360.org Creative Writing is offered February 16, 4:15 – 5:30 PM, cost is $15 per session.
ServSafe®. Working at a concession stand, wanting to offer a soup supper or other food activity for your organization? MSU Extension offers this national food safety certification program. The class is designed for anyone working in the food service industry, including non-profit organizations. MSU Extension offers an 8-hour ServSafe® training and exam proctoring. Proctoring of the ServSafe® Manager Certification Exam is also available by appointment for those who have been previously certified. Contact Lisa Treiber treiber@msu.edu for more information or visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/servsafe/events to find a session near you.
MSU Extension of Midland County and cooperating parent educators sponsor the Parent’s Corner. Send submissions to Midland County MSU Extension Educator Lisa Treiber, 220 W. Ellsworth St., Midland, MI 48640.
