9:00AM

3rd Annual Let’s Paint the Town Black!!! There will be a 5K Run/Walk and a 1-Mile “Fun Run”, both events open to all ages, in McBain on Saturday, August 1 at 9 am starting and ending at NMC School. All donations received from the 5K will go to support the University of Michigan Cancer Research to find a cure for Melanoma. It is being hosted by the family of Kelly Van Houten, who lost his battle with this disease in 2013. So put on your sunscreen and join us! Find us on Facebook @ “Paint the Town Black”, our website www.paintthetownblack5k.com , or email Kim at kim@paintthetownblack5k.com. Thanks!

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Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA) Head Start along with the Great Start School Readiness (GSRP) Programs in the Mecosta Osceola Intermediate School District as well as Pine River and Marion are accepting applications for children that will be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1, 2015 for the 2015-16 school year. These programs are offered at no cost for families that qualify!

Rebeca Szpiech 1-231-527-1430

Big Rapids and Morley-Stanwood

Head Start/Great Start Programs

(Creative Minds/ Just Fours)

Linda Wernette 1-989-967-237

Mecosta-Remus, Evart, and Barryton Head Start/Chippewa Hills GSRP

Sue Cassavoy 1-231-743-2852

Marion and Pine River Head Start/GSRP

Mary Campbell 1-231-829-3221

Reed City and Pine River Head Start/GSRP

Barryton, Weidman, and Mecosta Elementary: Call 1-989-382-5311 or 1-231-972-7477

Do you know anyone who struggles with reading or who might benefit from working with a certified tutor? The Literacy Link of Morton Township Library provides individual tutoring in literacy. Please ask your librarian for more information. Morton Township Library 110 South James Street Mecosta, Mi 49332 231-972-8375 Morton Township Library

Early Head Start is a free program by Mid-Michigan Community Action offered to pregnant women, infants, toddlers ages 0-3, and their families. It is available in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland,and Osceola Counties.

Program Features Include:

• One-on-One Weekly Home Visits
• Parent and Child Socialization Activities
• Support for Pregnant Women
• Breast Pump Loan Program
• Breastfeeding Support Group & Counseling
• Parent-Infant Massage Instruction
• Happiest Baby on the Block ™ Educator
• Parent Education & Involvement
• Access to Community Services and Resources

Children with disabilities welcome. Transportation may be available in your area.

Call toll free 1-877-386-4406 for more information.

A Home Visiter is available in Mecosta and Osceola counties to families with infant, toddler, and preschool age children.

This free program includes personal home visits with activities for parent and child together, developmental screenings, as well as parenting education and support to guide early learning. From newborn babies until the beginning of kindergarten, MOISD Great Start Home Visits can help you get the right start for your child.

Parents and Care Givers are also welcome to attend free Community Play Groups at the

Eastwood Early Childhood Center

410 North Third Avenue in Big Rapids.

They are held from 9:30am to 11:00am on Monday and Friday dates that follow the MOISD calendar.

To sign up for visits or more infomation, please call 231-592-9605.

MOISD Website