“We invited multiple agencies as well as all of our classrooms, between GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) and our NEMCSA Head Start,” said Chantel Bullis, family service coordinator for NEMCSA Head Start. “They are providing activities that relate to kindergarten readiness for all of our littles to come in and do and just enjoy being together.”

Parents were impressed with the event, which offered a fun option for families on a winter evening.

“I think it’s awesome that, since COVID, we can have everybody together now,” said Logan Storms, who brought his 5-year-old son, Silas, to the event. “The community kind of feels like it’s back.”

Stephanie Davis and her husband Joe Davis recently moved to Hillman from downstate. They brought their three children to Thursday’s event.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Jackson Meharg, 4, plays with a toy at one of the activity tables at Thursday’s Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency Family Fun Night at the APlex.

“We’re new around here, so we thought this would be a real good way to get involved in our community, and get the kids around people that aren’t just us,” Stephanie Davis said.

“It’s important for our families to have events like this so that they can get out, meet each other, hopefully they can build some friendships, but also, in case they need additional services,” Bullis said.

She added that having so many resources in one place, in conjunction with fun activities for the children, makes it easier for parents and caregivers to receive the support they need.

“This is our first family event we’ve done, as large as this, and, if it turns out successful, we would like to do more like this,” Bullis said.

She added that each child in attendance was receiving a free game to take home, in addition to free items provided by participating agencies.

Participating agencies included the Michigan State University Extension, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, Alcona Health Center, Northeast Michigan Family Resource Center, Great Start to Quality Northeast Resource Center, District Health Department No. 4, and Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union.

Sponsors included Alcona Health Center, Besser Foundation, MyMichigan Health, Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Great Start Collaborative, Kiwanis Club of Alpena, Northeast Michigan Family Resource Center, PepsiCo, HPC Credit Union, Wolverine State Credit Union, Thunder Baykery, Besser Co., Perch’s IGA, Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, District Health Department No. 4, MSU Extension, and Mike Mandrick.