Summer Living Enjoy a staycation this summer
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taycations might not seem as glamorous as traveling abroad or as relaxing as spending a week in an oceanfront resort or condominium, but there are ways to make staycations more fun and seem like a true departure from everyday life.
EXPERIMENT WITH NEW CUISINE One of the joys of travel is the opportunity to dine out and experience cuisine native to particular locales. Fortunately for us there is a variety of flavors to choose from in our area. Want to try a taste of Italy? We’ve got that. A few to try are Mimmo’s in Charlotte Courthouse, Marino’s or Moe’s in Kenbridge or Pino’s in Farmville. All offer a selection of pasta, specialty pizzas and more for your adventure away. Take a trip south of the border and visit one of several Mexican restaurants in the area. El Patron and La Parota Grill are just a few in Farmville. El Mariachi in Crewe is a local favorite and won’t disappoint. For an Asian experience Shogun Steakhouse and sushi bar in Farmville should be on your list. Other options include China Wok in Victoria and Kai Xia in Keysville to name a few. Of course summer just isn’t summer without barbecue, and barbecue doesn’t get any better than The Fishin’ Pig. Smoked meats and flavorful seafood is their specialty. Located on Highway 15 near Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville.
CAMP OUT Straying from the norm, even when staying at home, can make staycations seem more like a vacation than merely a week away from school or the office. If you want to add a dash of adventure to your staycation consider a night under
the stars. Overnight camping for a small fee is available right here in our backyard at Twin Lake State Park. Cabins are available for rent or bring a tent, camper or RV and stay. For more information visit their website at http://www. dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ twin-lakes#cabins_camping.
TAKE IN LOCAL CULTURE Rather than spending the week lounging around the house or the backyard pool, consider exploring the cultural opportunities right here at home. Many folks tend to take such opportunities for granted when they get caught up in the daily grind. Exploring local history and artistic opportunities in the same way you would when traveling can provide a sense of excitement similar to that experienced during more traditional vacations. Here are a few of the many such places in our area to visit this summer: • The Adams Museum: Newly opened this year, the museum houses an extensive collection of H. Spencer and Winniefred Bryant Adams collections, including Indian relics, baskets, pottery along with vintage dolls, doll carriages and beds. Located at 13016 W. James Anderson Highway, Buckingham. The museum is open Saturday and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. For more information call (434) 969-4304. • High Bridge Trail State Park: The site of two Civil War Battles during Lee’s Retreat, this park is on the National Register of Historic Places and a Virginia Landmark. A former rail bed, the trail covers 31 miles and is mostly flat, level and wide. The trail is open to nonmotorized vehicles. Enjoy hiking, biking and even horseback riding. Perched 125 above the Appomattox River
Interacting with new and festive cuisine is one way to make the most of one’s staycation.
The High Bridge, the crowning glory of the High Bridge 31 mile trail, sits a lofty 125 feet above the Appomattox River in Farmville.
is High Bridge itself. At more than 2,400 feet long, it’s the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and the views are spectacular. For more information about the park, events and directions visit www.dcr. virginia.gov/state-parks/highbridge-trail. • Live at Riverside: A free summer concert series at Riverside Park is hosted by the Farmville Jaycees. With live music, games and entertainment for the whole family. This year’s music line up is as follows: June 1 – Class Act July 13 – Southbound Aug. 3 – Moosetrap Sept. 7 – Soul Expressions Visit www.farmvillejaycees. com for more information. • The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA): The LCVA believes “there should be no barriers to exploration of the visual arts. Admission to the museum and their programs is free and open to the public.” The art museum of Longwood University is a 20,000 square-foot exhibition center which features two rotating galleries and an additional gallery dedicated to a permanent exhibition of African art, part of the Ziegler and Brumfield Collections of African Art. Located at 129 N. Main Street in downtown Farmville the center is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information visit lcva. longwood.edu/visit. • R. R. Moton Museum: Located at 900 Griffin Blvd., Farmville the former Robert Russa Moton High School is now a National Historical Landmark. Considered by
many as the student birthvisit www.dcr.virginia.gov/ place of America’s Civil Rights state-parks/sailors-creek. Revolution the museum is • Staunton River Battleopen for visitors from noon – 4 field State Park: Spanning p.m. Monday – Saturday, and the Stuanton River in Halifax by appointment. The museum and Charlotte Counites, you’ll will present a free screening want to put on your walking of the feature film “Black shoes and step back in time Panther” Saturday, June 16, at as you travel along a 1.2 mile 7 p.m. For more information self-guided trail through a about the museum or the battlefield and 0.75 mile nature screening visit www.motonmu- trail complete with two wildlife seum.org. observation towers overlook• Sailor’s Creek Battlefield ing wetlands. This park is a Historical State Park: Just 300-acre Civil War historic days before surrendering at site with two visitors centers, Appomatcurrently tox Court being renoHouse, vated with Gen. Robplanned ert E. Lee’s reopening army lost a in June. significant The centers battle at include artiSailor’s facts and inCreek. formation on Along with the Civil War the visitor and Native center and American trails is archaeologthe Overical investiton-Hillsgations. The man park is open House, from dawn The Longwood Center for the Visual which to dusk. Arts hosts a variety of summer proserved as For more grams. Pictured are, from left, Davida information a hospital during and Whiley, Navay Gay and Jan’e Gay about the showing off shirts they created during park or the after the battle. Free the 2017 Summer Art Studio Provisitor cengram which featured kid-friendly art tours of ters visit dcr. activities for children of all ages. the house virginia.gov/ can be state-parks/ arranged by calling the visitor staunton-river-battlefield. center in advance. The park is There are many ways to open daily from dawn to dusk. make vacation time spent at The Visitor Center is open 10 or near home just as enjoyable a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through and unique as more traditional Saturday and noon-5 p.m. on vacations. With a little planSundays. The park is located ning a staycation may prove at 6541 Sayler’s Creek Road, the perfect summer vacation Rice. For more information for you and your family.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018
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THE FARMVILLE HERALD
How to banish mosquitoes from your yard
ime spent in the backyard on spring and summer afternoons and evenings contributes heavily to the popularity of these times of year. Many homeowners go to great lengths to make their outdoor living spaces as luxurious as possible, only to be bothered by uninvited and bothersome guests: mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not just pesky nuisances,
they’re also harmful. According to the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), more than 1 million people across the globe die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Such diseases include malaria, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus and the Zika virus. The AMCA notes that many of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes can be linked to travel to endemic areas.
But mosquitoes in your backyard can still be harmful, and bites may result in severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. Homeowners can employ several measures to prevent mosquitoes from invading their backyards this spring and summer. • Remove standing water. Stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, so homeowners must be
diligent in their efforts to remove standing water around their properties. Mike MacVey, Director of Operations for Bug Busters Pest Control Services of Farmville says, “There are some things a homeowner can do to prohibit mosquitoes in their backyard. Remove standing water, dog bowls, ponds, old tires, dump all those things over, mosquitoes breed and produce in water. If you can get them (mosquitoes) before they are full blown mosquitoes, you’ll cut down on the problem. Keep grass trimmed, edge around structures. During the daytime mosquitoes like to rest in shady areas so protect these areas from excess moisture. Call in professional services if needed.” • Inspect property for hidden pockets of water. While bird baths, pet bowls and kiddie pools are easy to find, homeowners may be unknowingly hosting mosquito
breeding grounds elsewhere on their properties. For example, tarps used to cover pools, automobiles or grills that are not tightly secured can fold up, creating pockets where rain water can collect and give mosquitoes somewhere to breed. Mosquitoes also may use gutters to breed, so homeowners should routinely inspect and clean their gutters during spring and summer. • Keep a well-manicured lawn. Well-manicured lawns are less likely to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Because water plays such a crucial role in the
mosquito breeding process, it’s necessary that all potential water sources in a yard be removed. Fallen leaves that are not removed and pockets of soil beneath trees and plants can collect rain water or water from lawn sprinklers, which can be just enough for mosquitoes to breed. • Use fans. Consumer Reports tested the efficacy of oscillating pedestal fans to keep mosquitoes from invading decks and patios and found that such fans cut mosquito landings by 45 to 65 percent for those sitting closest to the fans. When hosting backyard barbecues, homeowners can set up several such fans on their decks and patios to keep mosquitoes at bay. Mosquitoes are unwelcome guests come spring and summer. But homeowners can take steps to increase the likelihood that their properties stay mosquito-free.
Potential hazards in and out of the water In warm weather, many people seek cooling relief in ponds, rivers, oceans, pools, and other sources of water. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that, between the years of 2005 and 2014, an average of 10 deaths per day in the United States were attributed to unintentional drownings unrelated to boating. About one in five people who die from drowning are children ages 14 and younger. Drowning is a concern when in the water, but it’s not the only potential hazard.
SHOREBREAK The National Ocean Services says a shorebreak is an ocean condition in which waves break directly on the shore. The power of these waves can cause injuries to the body, potentially hurting the spines of people who dive headfirst into the break. Others may be knocked over by waves and suffer injuries as a result. Swimmers should observe waves and ask a lifeguard about conditions before going into the water.
JELLYFISH Sharks elicit fear among many ocean swimmers, but smaller animals can be dangerous as well. Most jellyfish can sting, but not all have venom that hurts humans, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Around 70 species of jellies can harm or occasionally kill people. Ocean swimmers should take note of jellyfish postings at the beach and examine the sand as well. Wet tentacles can still sting, even on washed-up jellyfish.
UNSUPERVISED ACTIVITY Because water can be unpredictable, it’s always best to swim with a friend and stick to areas protected by lifeguards. The Red Cross suggests preventing unsupervised access to water structures and maintain constant supervision whenever kids are around the water — even if lifeguards are present. Adults should avoid distractions and alcohol when supervising kids. Summer is a season to enjoy the water. Awareness, preparation and supervision can keep water-lovers safe.
THE FARMVILLE HERALD
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FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018
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Avoid aches and pains when gardening
eople who have not spent much time in a garden may not consider this rewarding hobby much of a threat to their health. But as veteran gardeners can attest, gardening can contribute to nagging aches and pains that can force even the most ardent green-thumbers indoors. Gardening is a physical activity that, despite its peaceful nature, can be demanding on the body. Thankfully, there are several ways that gardening enthusiasts can prevent the aches and pains that can sometimes pop up after long days in the garden. • Use ergonomic gardening tools. Ergonomic gardening tools are designed to prevent the types of aches, pains and injuries that can cut a gardeners’ seasons short. Gardening injuries can affect any area of the body, but injuries or aches and pains affecting the back, wrists and hands are among the most common physical problems gardeners endure. Look for ergonomic tools that
spend long periods of time performing the same activity in their gardens. By alternating tasks during gardening sessions, gardeners can reduce their risk of suffering repetitive strain injuries. Alternate tasks not just on muscle groups worked, but also on level of difficulty. Remember to include some simple jobs even on busy gardening days so the Keeping good posture while gardening will ensure you body gets a break. feel as good as your garden looks. • Take frequent breaks. Frequent breaks can reduce the strain on these areas of the help combat the stiffness and muscle body. Even arthritis sufferers who love aches that may not appear until garto garden may find that ergonomic tools deners finish their gardening sessions. make it possible for them to spend more Breaks help to alleviate muscles or time in their gardens without increasing joints that can become overtaxed their risk for injury. • Alternate tasks. Repetitive-strain injuries can affect gardeners who
5 reasons why summer camp is a good choice for kids Summer vacation offers students a respite from lessons and the routine of school. Perhaps that’s why one of the last vestiges of the classic summer vacation escape — summer camp — remains such a viable option for parents who want their children to get outdoors once the school year ends. The following are five reasons why summer camp might be the right fit this year. 1. Explore talents. Summer camps help young people explore their unique interests and talents. Under an organized, yet often easygoing, camp schedule, kids can dabble in sports, arts and crafts, leadership, community support, and so many other activities that may not be fully available to them elsewhere. 2. Physical activity: Lots of camps build their itineraries around physical activities that takes place outdoors. Campers may spend their time swimming, running, hiking, playing sports,
climbing, and so much more. Regular physical activity has many health benefits and can set a foundation for healthy habits as an adult. 3. Gain confidence. Day and sleepaway camps offer campers the opportunity to get comfortable in their own skin. Camps can foster activities in self-esteem by removing the academic measures of success and fill in with noncompetitive opportunities to succeed. Campers learn independence, decision-making skills and the ability to thrive outside of the shadow of their parents, siblings or other students. 4. Try new things. Camp gives children the chance to try new things, whether that’s learning to cook, exploring new environments or embracing a new sport or leisure activity. 5. Make new friends. Camp is a great place to meet new people and make lifelong friends. This provides kids with a chance to expand their social circles beyond their immediate neighborhoods and schools.
when gardening for long, uninterrupted periods of time. When leaning down or working on your hands and knees, stand up to take breaks every 20 minutes or the moment aches and pains start to make their presence felt. • Maintain good posture. Back injuries have a tendency to linger, which can keep gardeners indoors and out of their gardens. When gardening, maintain good posture to prevent back injuries. Gardening back braces can protect the back by providing support and making it easier for gardeners to maintain their posture. Tool pouches attached to gardening stools or chairs also can be less taxing on the back than gardening belts tied around the waist. Gardening might not be a contact sport, but it can cause pain if gardeners do not take steps to prevent the onset of muscle aches and strains when spending time in their gardens.