What's Up in Lansing: Welcome Kindergarten

August is drawing to a close and the start of September draws nearer. This means two things: sad kids and happy parents. School is starting, but that doesn’t mean that your children have to be sad, particularly if this is their first time away from home for long. That’s why the East Lansing Public Library is hosting its “Welcome, Kindergarten” event.

Here, parents and caregivers will be able to join their kids as they learn about the world and get a head start on that brand-new school year.

“Stories, songs and rhymes will be shared by East Lansing kindergarten teachers. An art project and a fun "Countdown to Kindergarten" calendar will be sent home with each child,” says the ELPL website.

Parents of incoming children are encouraged to register for this event ahead of time.

Welcome Kindergarten. Storytime for children entering kindergarten. Plus art. Register online at elpl.org. 2 - 3 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420.

CLASSES AND SEMINARS

Capital City Toastmasters Meeting. Leadership and speaking skills. 7 p.m. FREE for visitors. CADL Downtown Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6300.

Duplicate Bridge. Weekly activities at the center. 1 - 4 p.m. $2 members, $3 non members. Meridian Senior Center, 4406 Okemos Road Okemos.

Free cooking class! Garden Harvest: From the Root to the Stalk. Join Chef Alix. Learn to get most out of your vegetables. 6 - 8 p.m. FREE. Cutco Kitchen, 1863 West Grand River Ave Okemos.

Take off Pounds Sensibly. At 6 p.m. FREE first visit.. St. Therese Parish, 102 West Randolph Street Lansing. (517) 487-3749.

Yawn Patrol Toastmasters. Leadership and speaking skills. 7 - 8:30 a.m. FREE for visitors. MICAGallery, 1210 N. Turner St. Lansing.

MUSIC

Jazz Tuesdays at Moriarty's. From 7 to 10 p.m. FREE. Moriarty's Pub, 802 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing. (517) 485-5287.

The Scratch Pilots Present: Turntable Tuesdays. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. FREE. The Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing. (517) 482-6376.

EVENTS

Bingo, Bridge, and Euchre. Weekly events at the center. 1 - 4:30 p.m. Cost Varies. Meridian Senior Center, 4406 Okemos Road Okemos.

Build a Better Community (Ages 6-15). Make loomed hats to donate to charity. Call ahead. 2 to 3:30 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Foster Branch, 200 North Foster Lansing. (517) 485- 5185.

Drop-in LEGO Club (Age 4 & up). From 4 to 5 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Williamston Branch, 201 School Street Williamston. (517) 655-1191.

Game Night at UrbanBeat. Play provided games or bring your own. 5 - 8 p.m. FREE. UrbanBeat Event Center, 1213 Turner St. Lansing.

LCC West Toastmasters. Leadership and speaking skills. 5 - 6:30 p.m. LCC West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Drive Lansing.

Overeaters Anonymous. At 7 p.m. Presbyterian Church of Okemos, 2258 Bennett Road., Okemos. (517) 349-9536.

Trending Topics. Learn about recent occurences. 7 to 8:30 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420.