FRIENDSHIP — A free Children’s Day Celebration this Saturday in Friendship heralds the start of a series of children and family summer ministries which will include free piano lessons, a Community Picnic, a rotating Vacation Bible School, support of free and low-cost children’s camps and workshops and more.

The community’s first-time version of the national observance, hosted by participants in the What God is Doing in Friendship ny alliance of churches, will be from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday on the front lawn of The Mission House Family Center, 28-32 E. Main St., former site of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, offices and rectory.

A bounce house, face painting, music, games, popcorn, lemonade, educational displays and more will occur during the first two hours, followed by a short VeggieTales movie with hot dogs and chips afterward.

Some highlights of the event include:

• Fidelis Care is providing 20 free bags of fresh produce, to be given away to households registering during the activity, with drawings throughout the afternoon. Individuals must be present to win.
• The Friendship Free Library, in addition to providing popcorn and lemonade, will be holding a library card drive with brand-new books available to check out. It also will host a make-and-take book-folding craft.
• Plastic films will be accepted for recycling, with Friendship churches having been serving as collection sites for such items as the library seeks to recycle enough of the film products, such as plastic bags and food wrappings, to obtain a free park-style bench from the recycler.
• Music will be provided during the event by a Houghton University music graduate student who, as a pilot project, also will be providing a limited number of free music lessons to children and adults during the summer.
• The first seed and plant exchange will enable individuals to bring such items to the event and swap them with others. The purpose of the exchange is to expand the vision of area residents in regard to food sustainability by encouraging plantings, gardening and other grow-your-own applications.

The churches alliance is engaged in studies to help determine ways to enhance food sustainability in the area, along with needs of the elder population.

It also is hosting, by pre-registration only, a Monday morning Employment Support Group to provide insights into how and where to obtain employment and a Tuesday evening Consumer Resources Group to exchange information on ways to save on regular household expenses.

Due to the nature of the seeds and plant exchange, swapped items are unable to be guaranteed.

Piano Lessons

Allie Leary, a graduate music student at Houghton University, will provide free piano lessons for Friendship area children and adults over the next two months through registration with the What God is Doing in Friendship ny alliance of churches.

A limited number of applicants will be accepted for this pilot project, with priority being given to children and youth who would like to try learning about and playing a piano.

Lessons availability also will consider student availability as it relates to accessible locations, dates and times. Expressions of interest can be forwarded to WhatGodisDoing@outlook.com or (585) 664-9989.

Enrollment requests also can be provided from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday during the Children’s Day Celebration at The Mission House Family Center.

The Mission House is being used in part by the churches alliance as an experiential learning center for children and adults of all ages.

Vacation Bible School

A rotating Vacation Bible School will be held during the week of Aug. 4 through 8 at different churches and locations within the town of Friendship.

The joint venture will provide families with greater flexibility for child participation in their own neighborhoods in situations in which transportation is an issue.

Free Community Picnic

A free Community Picnic is scheduled from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Island Park, 37 W.Water St. Free food, a bounce house, music, games and more are anticipated.

Members of the music group, A Band Called Hope, which is scheduled to perform, played at a free luncheon and afternoon concert last month at the Friendship Bible Baptist Church, also hosted by the alliance of churches.

Band members and the number of performers vary at various events, depending on the venue.

Camps and Workshops

The alliance of churches also is encouraging parents and caregivers to enroll children in learning experiences during the summer, such as one of four free weekly camps at Gil’s Hills Ministries at Wellsville during July for ages seven through 17.

Further information and registration are available at gilshills.org and additional details at szalays74@gmail.com or (585) 593-6211.

Family Life Network (FLN) also will be providing its Youth Theatre Workshop for ages 7 through 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays, July 21-25, at Friendship Central School.

Details and registration are available at familylife.org.