CharlottesvilleFamily March April 2020 by Ivy Life & Style Media

Bloom Family’s

m ag az in e

Local Moms Making Parenting Easier & Growing Up Fun!

Make Spring Break a Blast

21st ANNUAL

CAMP GUIDE MARCH/APRIL 2020 • FREE

Perfect PJ Parties

ather’s Day C F & y a D ont s ’ r e est h t s! Mo

Sponsored by

Go to CharlottesvilleFamily.com for contest rules and guidelines!

VOTED 1 #

FAVORITE FAMILY ORTHODONTIST

2009-2019 CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner

Bart Weis, DDS & Nancy Stranix, DDS

2019

Beautiful Smiles

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Our Specialty!

Call Now to Schedule Your Free Consultation!

971-9601

Welcoming children, Teens & AdulTs

Clear BraCes | Platinum Plus invisalign Provider Flexible PAymenT PlAn | insurAnce Filed Northside Adjacent to Target

Spring Creek at Zion Crossroads

cvilleorthodontics.com

Downtown/Pantops Near Martha Jefferson

Just Between Us…

volume 21 issue 2 march/april 2020 PUBLISHERS

Robin Johnson Bethke Jennifer Bryerton

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Johnson Bethke EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Bryerton TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Peter D. Bethke

Dear Friends,

SENIOR EDITOR Sarah Pastorek Short ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ellen Sewell

Spring break is just around the corner, and I am looking forward to some quiet time. The kids have contributed a list of ideas … visit Greek temples (in

ONLINE EDITOR Jennifer Carroll GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Barbara A. Tompkins

Greece!) was suggested by our aspiring archeologist, though he did concede the

SENIOR MARKETING CONSULTANT

Science Museum in Richmond could be okay, too. More practically, his never-

full-always-growing brother requested eating at Subway. Pretty sure that dream

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

I can make come true! Sister expressed a preference for staying at home since she has recently spent many weekends away on college auditions. I’m hoping we go to Abingdon and explore the Virginia Creeper Trail, a rails-to-trails bike

Susan Powell Carter Schotta, Jenny Stoltz

FAMILY HEALTH EDITOR Katharine Paljug CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rachel Beyer, Jennifer Carroll, Augusta

course that is convenient for visiting Virginia Tech. My ulterior motive beyond

Enns, Rick Epstein, Louise Hemingway,

some outdoor exercise is to see our oldest, of course, who we miss on holidays

Whitney Woollerton Morrill, Katharine

like these. While we are down that direction, we could also visit the Roanoke

Paljug, Mandy Reynolds, April Schweitzer

Center for the Arts, Lynchburg’s Amazement Square (and their farmer’s market and art museum, too) and, perhaps en route, we may drive through the Virginia Safari Park for an African Adventure. Whatever daytrips and experiences we settle on for Spring Break, we’re

BOOKKEEPER Theresa Klopp OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Christine DeLellis-Wheatley

INTERNS Kathryn Jewusiak, Mary Allen Talley DISTRIBUTION Ray Whitson

sure to have some board games and dice handy for the down time. Learnt at a slumber party, dear daughter has set off a raging trend of playing “30” at our house right now. Anytime there is a hand free at the table—sometimes even during dinner to my exasperation—dice are being rolled! I can’t really complain though; games are good for them. Lots of research supports how learning to take turns, lose, win, strategize, plan ahead and focus is great for developing brains. And, there is no scientist required to see that playing and laughing together over Pictionary or Clue is just about the best thing ever.

Wishing you wonderful new memories,

CharlottesvilleFamily™ Bloom Magazine and CharlottesvilleFamily. com™ are published jointly by Ivy Life & Style Media. CharlottesvilleFamily.com™ is published weekly online at www. CharlottesvilleFamily.com, the weekly Newsletter is distributed via email, and the Magazine is published in print format 6 times per year along with a CharlottesvilleFamily.com™ Directory. The views and opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of CharlottesvilleFamily magazine, its officers, staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with your doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information of question. All images not credited are property of and provided by iStock by Gettyimages. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher. Copyright ©2020. All rights reserved.

We welcome reader comments, submissions and the support of advertisers! Please direct all correspondence to Ivy Life & Style Media 4282 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 voice 434.984.4713 www.CharlottesvilleFamily.com editor@IvyLifeandStyleMedia.com We reserve the right to refuse or edit any materials submitted to us that we deem inappropriate for our audience. Include a SASE with any submission to be returned. We do not accept responsibility for unsolicited materials.

2004 Community Award Winner

March/April 2020

Contents TABLE OF

OUR TOWN

News 6

The Buzz Around Town 8 Have you ever caught yourself repeating something your parents said to you?

Snapshot 10

Cathy Bollinger, Music Therapist, Songwriter & Performer

INSPIRATION

LIVING WELL

New Mom 26 Exercise with Baby

Pet Contest Winners & Pet Treat Recipes

Healthy Family 28 Sore Throat, Strep or Tonsillitis?

Pajamas, Giggles 44 Creating the Perfect Party

Tips & Trends 30 Fabulous Finds and Fun

Outdoor Adventures 50 Family Staycation Ideas for an Awesome Spring Break

Our Schools 12 Connecting Communities

Mud Hikes & Morning Memories of Camp

Out & About Calendar 14

Precious Pets 40

Editor’s Pick

March & April Festivals & Family Events

As we head into a new season, you won’t want to miss all of the fun and seasonal content in this issue, from spring break daytrip ideas (pg 50), pet contest winners (pg 40), our annual camp guide (pg 57), birthday party inspiration (pg 44) and more.

Swims 54

RESOURCES

Local Pet Guide 43

Caring for Your Precious Pets

2020 Party Planner 48 Plan the Perfect Party 21st Annual Camp Guide 57 Resources for Residential Camps, Day Camps & Summer Programs

HOME & GARDEN Food, Family & Home 32 Setting an Easter Brunch Table

87th Annual Historic Garden Week 38 Celebrate Spring in Virginia

UNTIL NEXT TIME Saved from the TV Abyss 71 A Dad’s Humorous Tales

So Love This! “I am excited to see the winners of the 2020 Pet Contest (pg 40), and I can’t wait to try out the homemade dog treats for my two puppies!” — Kate, editorial intern

32 CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town community}

News

local buzz

CharlottesvilleFamily proudly sponsors:

VPM PBS Presents: Let’s Go Luna

JDRF Community One Walk

The Paramount Theater March 21

Monticello High School March 28

Ishan Gala’s Easter Egg Hunt

87th Annual Historic Garden Week

Castle Hill Cider April 5

Throughout Virginia April 18–25

Another Successful Junior Theater Festival

A group of DMR Adventures’ students competed in the annual Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta and left with several awards for both their acting and performance. The students also had the opportunity to perform in front of actors who have starred in Broadway productions of “Hamilton” and “Frozen,” as well as meet students and professionals from all over. The artistic director of DMR Adventures, Melissa Charles, says the awards not only mark the progress in the group’s performance but also serve as an acknowledgement of the great commitment of the students. The theater group plans to return to the Junior Theater Festival again next year.

Who’s the winner of Bumble’s Picture-Perfect Pet Photo Contest? Turn to page 40 to find out!

March/April 2020

Student-Run Thrift Shop Charlottesville High School (CHS) students have started a “Swap not Shop” thrift shop in one of the school’s main hallways. Senior Elana West-Smith helped put the thrift shop together, driven by her love of thrifting and what she saw as a need for her peers. The hallway thrift shop allows students and faculty to leave an article of clothing behind and take another. This “Swap not Shop” mentality gives students the opportunity to find items they want and perhaps need without a price tag standing in the way. This project also provides a resource for students who are in need of specific items for the changing weather throughout the year. Since the inception of CHS’s thrift shop, three high schools in the Virginia Beach area have set up similar programs.

Students Head to Regional Spelling Bee

4th Graders Help Australian Koalas As the Australian bush fires raged, a fourth-grade class at Clark Elementary took action and began sewing artificial pouches for the kangaroos rescued in the fires. Each year, the school participates in a community outreach project through the library, and this year, they decided to move beyond the Charlottesville area and send help to the animals in need Down Under. The pouches provide young, rescued animals a much-needed safe place to grow and recover from damage caused by the fires. Under supervision of Librarian Mary Craig, students measured, cut and sewed the pouches themselves. The class sent 16 pouches for the wildlife relief efforts in Australia.

In February, 21 elementary and middle school students from 15 schools throughout the area competed in the division-wide Spelling Bee. Layla Bouber from Henley Middle School cinched the win, marking her third consecutive victory in the division-wide Spelling Bee. In addition to Bouber, Ingrid Flaherty from Burley Middle School, Maximilian Alhusen from Brownsville Elementary School, Sophia Aylor from Woodbrook Elementary School, Louis DeFranzo from Agnor-Hurt Elementary and Hayden Castle from Meriwether Lewis Elementary School will head to the Regional Bee, which will be held on March 7 at Albemarle High School. Over 20 different divisions and private schools throughout Central Virginia will compete in the Regional Bee, with the winner qualifying for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Prior to the divisional Bee, over 1,000 students in grades 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8 competed in their individual school Spelling Bees in November.

THE COVENANT SCHOOL

NOW ENROLLING! P R E -K T HROU G H G R A D E 1 2 admissions@covenantschool.org | www.covenantschool.org |434.220.7330 CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town community} The

Buzz

AROUND

TOWN

Have you ever caught yourself repeating something your parents said to you? 100% say “yes”

“Yes! Every day! At first, I was shocked. Now, I just roll with it. Guess they knew what they were talking about after all! Ha, ha!” – Mom in Afton

“Money doesn’t grow on trees!” “Because I said so, that’s why!” “Where are your manners? Were you raised in a barn?” – Susan, Mother of a know-it-all 15-year-old boy

“I often say things my mom said to me that I swore I’d never say to my own kids. One of them is ‘Life isn’t fair’ when my kids complain about something being unfair. I really hated when my mom would say that to me, but hey, it’s true!” – Whitney, Charlottesville Mom of two boys & two girls

“It took saying both of these phrases a few times to realize that they had been engrained in me by my own parents—‘Wait your turn’ and ‘You know better.’ The cliché thing is that I still internally remind myself with them every now and then.” – Aunt of five

“Quitters never win and winners never quit. Share your courage not your fear. You fail at everything you don’t try. I had WW2 generation parents…they were the greatest generation for a reason.” – Julie M. of Charlottesville

Visit CharlottesvilleFamily.com to answer next issue’s question:

Should school counselors always share with parents when a student confides in them?

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

Compassionate, intelligent and up-to-date pediatric care at two convenient locations!

Physical erapy Occupational erapy Speech erapy

Charlottesville Office now Open 7 days a week! Also, offering walk-in appointments, Monday through Friday from 8am to 9am at both locations.

Charlottesville: 900 Rio East Court, Suite A Crozet: 1193 Crozet Avenue Check our website or follow us on Facebook for updates! www.PiedmontPediatrics.NET Facebook @piedmontpediatrics

Providing compassionate, individualized care, in a quiet supportive environment to meet the unique needs of each child, adolescent and family. 3010 Berkmar Drive Charlottesville, VA 22901 434-973-5031 info@blueridgerehab.com Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

March/April 2020

BIZ BITS OPENINGS Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, 910 E High Street Augusta Kitchen, 12 Old Oaks Drive, Fishersville Champion Grill, The Shops at Stonefield, 2075 Bond Street #180 Matchbox, The Shops at Stonefield, 2055 Bond Street Pronto!, 104 14th Street NW, Suite 4 Wing Zone, 385 Merchant Walk Square, Suite 200

CLOSINGS Brixx Wood Fired Pizza and Plow & Hearth, Barrack’s Road Shopping Center Buckle, Gap and Motherhood Maternity, Fashion Square Mall Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Sugar Shack Donuts, W Main Street Roxie Daisy, 101 Water Street E Urban Outfitters, 316 E Main Street

ANNOUNCEMENTS Charlottesville City Council approved plans for a new parking structure downtown that will stretch from 7th to 9th Street, at the corner of E. Market Street and 9th Street NE. The Hip Joint on the Downtown Mall recently changed its name to My Dance Shoppe of Cville. After operating Crozet Park’s recreational facilities for the last 9 years, Piedmont Family YMCA will release its lease and ACAC will take over as the park’s new operator beginning April 1. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello announced new family-friendly general admission pricing. Children under 12 are now free, kids 12–18 are $10, and adults are $29 when purchased online.

Submit Biz Bits to: editor@IvyLifeAndStyleMedia.com

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town interview}

Cathy Bollinger Music Therapist, Songwriter & Performer

Since graduating with a master’s in music therapy from Drexel University (formerly Hahnemann University), Cathy Bollinger has gone on to impact countless lives. For the past 30 years, Bollinger has worked with both children and adults with an array of disabilities, from developmental to neurological. Alongside such a selfless career, she has produced 11 children’s CDs that have been nationally recognized and performed in many music workshops and at school assemblies all across the country. Through her music, she strives to incorporate educational topics, such as speech development, early reading skills, healthy habits and social skills. What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job? Watching children struggle to master a skill that is difficult for them can be challenging. I have admiration for how hard many kids work to find success in life. I think what is most rewarding to me is watching, and feeling, how much joy music brings to the folks I work with. What is one of your earliest memories with music? I think my earliest memory was hearing my mom singing next to me at church and thinking how lovely her voice was to hear. Later, when I was around 11 years old and at camp, I heard someone playing the folk song “Today” on the guitar. I fell hard for the guitar that day, and to this day, it is still a passion of mine. What jump-started the direction of your current career? When I was in high school, I took a career assessment that selected music therapy for me. I had never heard of music therapy and was intrigued. What really inspired me to move forward in this field,

March/April 2020

Photo: Peggy Har rison

SNAPshot

though, was meeting Zane Apprey. Zane was a local music therapist and was passionate about music therapy. She told me if I ever had a question about it that I could call her collect, any time, day or night. She ended up being one of my most influential mentors. What inspires your song writing? My adult and childrens’ songs come from very different places. My adult songs usually surface through internal conflict or struggle. Whereas, the songs I write for kids come from a more goal-directed place. Because I write educational songs, I have specific ideas and language that need to be included in the song. I love the challenge of taking a specific goal and making it musical, addressing the ideas while keeping the song’s musical integrity intact. What helps you keep on top of life and work obligations? I’m lucky that I have the opportunity to work with such positive and inspiring people! I also think meditation, even if it’s just for 10 minutes, starts me off on the right foot. Because my work week is so full, I try to not make any plans on Sunday so I can wake up and decide which way to go. What is one thing that your parents instilled in you that plays an important role in your work and/or life? Take good care of what you have: whether it’s a home, a pet, a job or a relationship. And, something my dad said that I’ve always loved is, “It’s what you do with what you’ve got that makes you what you are.”

Look & Feel Your Best

Charlottesville’s Premier Wig Salon Beautiful Human Hair | Exquisite European Hair Sensational Synthetics Expert Stylist trained in New York and Beverly Hills

Because there’s more to wearing hair than simply putting on a wig.

services include: • Haircuts & Styling • Organic Hair Products • Fair Trade Organic Hair Color • Hair Loss Solutions • Specialty Hair Treatments • Make Up by Appointment • Color

Fashion, salon experience, and talent combine to form our philosophy of excellence and extraordinary personal attention.

964-0865 | 716 West Rio Road Terrace level private entrance

FOSTER. MENTOR. ADOPT.

Share a moment, change a life! Discover the skills you already have to be a foster parent.

On any given day, there are nearly 443,000 children in foster care in the United States, and over 5,000 of these children reside in Virginia.

People Places offers:

• Foster care & adoption services • Parent training & support • Counseling & Mentoring services And more! “I can see lives changing while we do the ordinary, everyday things that families do.”

—People Places foster parent

Call us today! Staunton: (540) 885-8841 Charlottesville: (434) 979-0335 Harrisonburg: (540) 437-1857

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town community} Edward T. Wolanski, MD PC

Ouorols

Sch

usta

g by Au

Enns

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner

2019 Thank you for voting for us year after year!

Offering individualized Gynecological care, Well Woman Care, GYN issues & GYN surgery 600 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Ste 300 Charlottesville, Virginia

434-293-9800

Gladly Accepting New Patients

WolanskiGyn.com 8:30am-4:30pm M-F

Connecting Communities One of our community’s most urgent quality of life issues today is affordable housing. Albemarle County is a wonderful place with so many breathtaking resources, but for many families, being able to afford to live here is a challenge. Solving this dilemma requires some of the best minds in the county. That’s why I turned to my eighth graders at Jack Jouett Middle School. Having grown up in a household where urban and community planning discussions were second nature (my dad was an architect), it was fitting to design a class project focused on community planning. Beginning last fall, 32 of my Jouett Exploratory students began to deeply think about how to increase the county’s supply of affordable, environmentally attractive, energy efficient and community friendly neighborhoods. They talked with experts in local government and industry, conducted online research and bounced far-reaching ideas off of one another for weeks. Peer editing, we called it. I posed an operative question to jump-start my students—“What does an affordable neighborhood look like? Who lives there and what amenities do they have access to?” Focusing on the area now occupied by Fashion Square Mall, they landed

on several interesting solutions. Their plans included a mix of housing types offering a wide variety of style and price choices. They suggested rooftop gardens to decrease carbon dioxide, street lights powered by solar, a Japanese rotating parking garage, an outdoor park that became a drive-in movie theater at night, and blank walls and building surfaces covered in murals produced by students. Next was to recapture the appeal of Albemarle’s beautiful open spaces with grass, trees, native Virginia plants and lots of walking trails. Last month, they were invited to present at a meeting of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. They had an answer to every question that came from the Supervisors. Hopefully, some of the student suggestions will prove beneficial to future quality of life decisions for our county. We’ve now moved on to our next project: working with Wildrock, the local non-profit that provides educational, recreational and therapeutic programs to connect our community with nature. Students now are to design learning opportunities that utilize animal habitats on school grounds. Their goal is to influence future middle school curriculums to more closely connect students with the world around us. All in a school day’s work for a 14-year-old.

Augusta is in her first year as an Exploratory Teacher at Jack Jouett Middle School.

March/April 2020

SPORTS ZONE

4th Annual Play for Preemies

Since 2017, the Western Albemarle High School (WAHS) girls’ basketball program has worked to raise awareness for premature births. On Saturday, January 5, WAHS girls’ basketball hosted its fourth annual Play for Preemies Showcase to help raise both awareness and funds for preemie babies. Twelve girls’ basketball teams from around the state participated this year, and funds from the tournament went to the newborn intensive care units at UVA Children’s Hospital in Charlottesville and Carilion Children’s Hospital in Roanoke. The tournament was inspired by Western Albemarle’s own coach’s experience with premature birth, as all three of his children were born prematurely. After spending over 20 weeks in NICUs with their children, Coach Kris Wright and his wife decided to create the tournament to raise money for the two hospitals. Coach Wright says that the tournament is an easy way to get young people involved, allowing players to have fun while supporting an important cause. The tournament has doubled in size in its four years, and some officiating crews now work the tournament for free as a contribution to the fundraiser. Since the first year, Play for Preemies has raised over $18,000 for the two hospitals. To donate to the March of Dimes, visit marchofdimes.org.

WAHS Duo to Travel to Hawaii Chosen from over 129 applications, Western Albemarle High School student Victoria Peng and her social studies teacher, Elizabeth Mulcahy, will participate in a research program organized by National History Day. Beginning in January, the pair began conducting research to select a “Silent Hero,” a soldier killed during WWII who is now either buried or memorialized in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. As one of 16 student-teacher pairs, the duo will travel to Oahu, Hawaii, in June to present their Silent Hero profile. This year marks 75 years since the end of WWII in the Pacific.

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town calendar}

Out

About

EASTER FUN

YOU CAN HELP!

Ishan Gala’s Easter Egg Hunt

April 5, 12–4pm at Castle Hill Cider Enjoy crafts, food, music, prizes and both kid and adult egg hunts. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ishan Gala Foundation. CharlottesvilleFamily is a proud sponsor! 434-234-4644, ishangala.org

Little Legs, Hidden Eggs

April 5, 2–4pm at ACAC Adventure Central Toddlers through 5th graders are invited to this annual kid-friendly egg hunt and race. There will also be a Spring Festival in the Arena with crafting and activities for the whole family. 434-978-7529, acac.com

Dog Gone Good Easter Egg Hunt

April 11, 10am–1pm at Chris Greene Lake Park This family event features vendors, nonprofits, demos, pictures with the Easter Bunny and more. Dog-friendly dogs welcome. cvillepetessentials.com

Dogwood Eggstravaganza

YOU CAN HELP!

April 11, 12:30pm at Fairview Swim & Tennis Club Events include Easter egg hunt and an Easter Bonnet parade and contest. Activities include bounce houses, balloon art, petting zoo and ponies, a photo booth, firetruck and childrens’ finger printing. cvilledogwood.com

MARCH + APRIL 2020

Check out our online calendar for more local family events and fun!

Easter Winemaker’s Brunch

April 12, 12:30pm at Veritas Vineyard & Winery Celebrate spring and Easter at the winery. This family-friendly event includes a wine-paired lunch followed by activities for the kids on the lawn. This year’s theme is Kite Day. 540-456-8000, veritaswines.com

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Green Valley Book Fair

Now–April 9, 10am–5pm Monday–Thursday; 10am–6pm Friday & Saturday; 12–5pm Sunday at Green Valley Book Fair, Mount Crawford A huge selection of childrens’ books at 6090 percent off retail prices in more than 60 categories. 800-385-0099, gobookfair.com

Snow Moon Fest

March 6–8 at Massanutten Resort The annual event features an arctic plunge, 4K race/walk, live music, tap takeovers, fireworks, torchlight parade, specials/discounts and more. 540-289-4952, massresort.com

Bubbles, Brews & BBQ

March 7, 1–5pm at Boar’s Head Resort This family-friendly event features The Bush League and the Eli Cook Band, slow-cooked bbq from the Boar’s Head smoker and more. 434-296-2181, boarsheadresort.com

26th Annual Virginia Festival of the Book

March 18–22 at Various Venues The Virginia Festival of the Book brings readers and writers together for a five-day celebration of books, reading, literacy and literature. Programs include traditional author readings, book signings, a StoryFest day of childrens’ authors and more. 434-924-6890, vabook.org

National Cherry Blossom Festival

March 20–April 12 at Washington, D.C Celebrates spring in the nation’s capital, the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the U.S. and Japan. Take a tour, stroll along the mall, ride a Tidal Basin paddle boat and see the parade on April 4. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Step Up for Down Syndrome

March 22, 1–4pm at Blue Toad Cidery A Family Fun Day to come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. There will be food, music, a silent auction and cider. 804-447-4713, dsagr.org

71st Annual Dogwood Festival

March 26–May 2 at Various Locations The festival features a carnival, parade, concert, fireworks and more. 434-961-9824, cvilledogwood.com

Apple Blossom Festival

March 28, 1–4pm at Albemarle CiderWorks The Pollocks provide the tunes and Clover Top Creamery provides goats for cuddling. Local craft and food vendors will also be on-hand. 434-297-2326, albemarleciderworks.com

All-City Choral Festival

April 1, 7–8pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center Charlottesville City Schools perform. 434-245-2971, charlottesvilleschools.org

VPM Presents: Let’s Go Luna!

March 21, 9–10:30am at The Paramount Theater. See page 16.

March/April 2020

YOU CAN HELP!

A Million Blooms

April 1–June 1, 9am–5pm at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden A parade of blooms unfurls as the weather warms. Events include Peek-a-Bloom with Peter Rabbit, Mother’s Day Weekend, Spring PlantFest, M&T Bank Butterflies Live and activities in the Children’s Garden. 804-262-9887, lewisginter.org YOU CAN HELP!

Spring Tom Tom Founders Festival

April 13–19 at Various Locations in Charlottesville Talks, workshops, panels, installations, concerts and parties that will cover music, art, design, business, science and technology disciplines. tomtomfest.com

Earth Day Staunton

April 18, 10am–2pm at Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand This year’s theme is 9-1-1: Climate Emergency. Enjoy kid-oriented activities, meet wildlife, see a beehive and a live native fish tank, look through a solar telescope, learn how to compost, take home some native plants and trees, and more. earthdaystaunton.org

South River Fly Fishing Expo

April 18–19, 9am–5pm in Waynesboro Held on the banks of the South River near Downtown Waynesboro, the expo welcomes fly anglers for an exciting event. 540-649-1915, southriverexpo.org

Annual Heritage Day Festival

April 25, 10am–4pm at Louisa County Historical Society This event offers historical demonstrations like hearth-cooking, spinning and blacksmithing, childrens’ activities, animals, craft and food vendors, music and more. 540-967-5975, louisahistory.org

Hope Grows Celebration YOU CAN HELP!

April 26, 4–6pm at King Family Vineyards A family-friendly event featuring food, drinks, live music and activities. Have fun and learn about Camp Holiday Trails. 434-977-3781, campholidaytrails.org

MARKETS & BAZAARS Key’s Corner Indoor Market

Now–March 21, Saturdays, 8–11:30am at Key Recreation Center 434-970-3371, charlottesville.org

Winter Farmers Market

Now–March 21, Saturdays, 9am–1pm at IX Art Park 434-207-2355, facebook.com/events/2608351192546242

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town calendar} Here Wee Grow Again!

March 13–21, 10am–6pm at Aldersgate United Methodist Church This semi-annual kids’ consignment sale offers gently used clothes, toys and gear. The sale benefits local families in need and outreach efforts. 434-973-5806, hereweegrowagain.com

Spring Artisan Market

March 29, 12–4pm at Mount Ida Reserve Over 20 local artisans offer a range of products, including handbags, jewelry, wood work, metal work, soaps, candles, coffee, fresh florals and more. 434-286-4282, mountidareserve.com

The Bizarre Bazaar

April 3-5 at Richmond Raceway Complex Enjoy a unique marketplace featuring hundreds of exclusive exhibitors selected from the best craft and gift shows in America. 804-673-7015, thebizarrebazaar.com

City Market

April 4–September 26, Saturdays, 8am–12pm at 100 Water St E. 434-970-3371, charlottesvillecitymarket.com

Tom Tom Block Party

April 17–19, 5–11pm at Market Street Park Over 60 craft vendors participate in this openair market and showcase for local and regional creativity, ranging from upcycled furniture, artisanal food goods to handmade toys, crafts, and original works of fine art. tomtomfest.com

STAGE & SCREEN



Charlottesville Ballet: Snow White

March 14, 11am & 4pm at The Paramount Theater See an elegant new production of Snow White, the enchanting Russian ballet based on the classic Grimm’s fairytale. After the show, enjoy an exclusive childrens’ event onstage. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net

Disney’s Aladdin KIDS

Saturday, May 9

March 20-28, Various Times at DMR Adventures Enjoy the culmination of the spring Kids Broadway Adventure program. 434-227-4710, belmontarts.org

at Monticello High School Family Track Races: Toddler Scramble (Ages 3-4) Quarter-Mile Dash (Ages 5-6) Half-Mile Dash (Ages 7-8) Mile Dash (Ages 9-12) Sibling Relay (Ages 5-14) Parent/Child Relays (Ages 5-12) Visit vadm.org/discovery-dash for Schedule, Fees, and Registration Early Registration Deadline: May 3

CharlottesvilleFamily

vadm.org/discovery-dash | (434) 977-1025 x102

2019

Thank You to CharlottesvilleFamily for Donating This Ad on Behalf of the Museum

Favorite Award Winner

March/April 2020

VPM Presents: Let’s Go Luna!

March 21, 9–10:30am at The Paramount Theater A 25-minute screening of the PBS Kids’ TV Show, “Let’s Go Luna!”with two special appearances from Luna, photo opportunities, a free book and other giveaways. CharlottesvilleFamily is a proud sponsor! 804-320-1301, vpm.org

Family Movie at the Library: Abominable

March 21, 2–4pm at Northside Library Bring a blanket and pillows and join for a family-friendly movie. A snack and juice box provided. No registration required, but space is limited. 434-973-7893, jmrl.org

YOU CAN HELP!

The Royal Ballet in HD

March 26, 6pm at The Paramount Theater This production of “The Sleeping Beauty” has been delighting audiences in Covent Garden since 1946. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net

Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live

April 4 & 5, 12:30pm Saturday, 3pm Sunday at John Paul Jones Arena Fans of all ages can enjoy the thrill of watching the Hot Wheels monster truck toys come to life in a kid-focused, immersive experience. 434-243-4960, johnpauljonesarena.com

Shrek Interactive Movie Party

April 6, 1–3pm at Central Library Embrace your inner ogre and be a part of the show. An interactive movie experience where you can yell at the screen and throw things during the movie, all while following the script. Grades 6–12. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org

Paramount Presents: Llama Llama – Live

April 24, 6pm at The Paramount Theater Bedtime has never been so exciting. This new musical based on the bestselling books by Anna Dewdney will warm every Llama and Llama Mama’s heart. 434-979-1922, theparamount.net

Paramount at the Movies Presents: The Neverending Story [PG]

April 26, 2pm at The Paramount Theater An imaginative young boy discovers an extraordinary storybook and is drawn into a world of fantastic beings that only he can save. 434-979-1922, theparamount.net

Excerpts of “The Doll Shop” Ballet

April 27, 5–6pm at Crozet Library Enjoy excerpts from “The Doll Shop,” danced by students of Albemarle Ballet Theatre in costumes, giving audience members a chance to learn steps, too. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org

HISTORY ACTIVITIES Created Equal: Portraits of Civil Rights Heroes

Now–March 31 at Monticello, David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center Robert Shetterly’s Americans Who Tell the Truth is a series of more than 250 portraits and narratives highlighting citizens who address issues of social, environmental and economic fairness. 434-984-9800, monticello.org

A Place Fit for Women

Now–April 18 at The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center Exhibit featuring 14 paintings of African American women and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. 434-260-8720, jeffersonschoolheritagecenter.org

James Madison’s Birthday Celebration

March 16, 1:30pm at Montpelier Commemorate the 269th birthday of James Madison, featuring the U.S. Marine Corps’ Honor Guard, Color Guard and Firing detail, during this annual wreath-laying ceremony. 540-672-2728, montpelier.org

Founder’s Day and Jefferson’s Birthday Celebration

April 14, 9:45–11am at Monticello, West Lawn Celebrate the 277th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s birth with a ceremony featuring a keynote address by the 2020 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership. 434-984-9800, monticello.org

Girl Scout Day at Highland

April 25, 10am–12pm at James Monroe’s Highland Experience arts & crafts outdoors with a historic dance workshop, painting, nature photography and more. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds after the event. 434-293-8000, highland.org

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town calendar} STORYTIMES & LEARNING FUN Fun for the Young @ The Fralin

Now–March 18, Wednesdays, 10–11am at UVA’s Fralin Museum of Art Start with a book, and then go look. Children enjoy a story read by arts educator Aimee Hunt and explore an artwork through observation, movement, play and simple hands-on projects. 434-243-2050, jmrl.org

Spark elementary school-aged girls interest in STEM by providing a fun, collaborative, hands-on environment to learn new skills and help them connect to other programs in the community. tech-girls.org

JMRL Annual Book Swap

Zap!: Graphic Novel Discussion

Woolly’s Birthday Celebration

March 14 & April 18, 2–3pm at Central Library Caregivers and kids devour a graphic novel together, then enjoy snacks, activities and dynamic discussion. Free books will be provided. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org

Paws to Read

Babies in Artland

March 10, 10–10:45am at The Fralin Museum of Art, UVA Specifically designed for adult caregivers and their infant companions, Babies in Artland invites conversation about works of art, with baby coos and cries. 434-243-2050, uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu

Cuentos y Canciones Bilingual Storytime

March 11 & April 8, 10:30–11am at Central Library A special storytime in both English and Spanish featuring favorite stories, rhymes and songs to help you and your little one learn some basic Spanish. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org

Girls’ Geek Days

March 14, 9am–12pm at Stone Robinson Elementary School

Tweens Cook: Rainbow Buddha Bowls

Bus Lines Community Poetry Reading

Adventures in the Middle: Fiction for Middle-Grade Readers

March 18, 6–7pm at Downtown Transit Center Bus Lines puts poetry on the move by posting them on city buses. The winning poets will share their work with the public in this familyfriendly reading. 434-924-3296, vabook.org

African Dance, Drum and Story Time

March 18, 6–7:30pm at Gordon Avenue Library Lillie Williams, with drummer Darrel Rose, will tell stories that include dancing, drumming, singing, and lots of audience participation. 434-924-3296, vabook.org

T A E S S ’ R E V DRI ass to YOU An All-Access P

SORS EXCAVATOR SPON

March 21, 11am–4pm at Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton Celebrate Woolly’s birthday, and the first day of Spring, in the gardens. Do a Woolly craft, work through a scavenger hunt, and meet some real sheep. 540-885-0897, woodrowwilson.org

March 14 & April 18, 3–4pm at Crozet Library Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to Abby, a registered therapy animal with Therapy Dogs International. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org

GET IN THE

THANKS TO OUR

March 21, 10am–12pm at Central Library Swap gently used books for something new to you. It’s free, fun, and for all ages. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org

R KIDS’ Favorite

Trucks!

IX Art Park May 2, 2020 Saturday, October 17, 2020 10AM-1PM Proceeds benefit the Montessori School of Charlottesville’s Scholarship Fund

March 21, 11:30am–1pm at Crozet Library Develop cooking skills as you make bowls brimming with nutritious food. Grades 5–8. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org

March 21, 12–1:30pm at The Village School Lamar Giles, Jo Watson Hackl and Frank Morelli discuss their fantastical, adventure-filled novels for middle-grade readers. 434-924-3296, vabook.org

Family Art JAMs: Pattern & Place

March 21, 1–3pm ages 5–7 & 3–5pm ages 8–12 at The Fralin Museum of Art, UVA Program combines age-appropriate tours with hands-on art activities that make the Museum’s exhibitions accessible to kids. 434-243-2050, uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu

Please check our website for updated dates & times of the advertised events. charlottesvillefamily.com

Tickets at

www.montessoriofcville.org/truck-touch 18

March/April 2020

Storytime Marathon

March 21, 2–3pm at Central Library A selection of beloved childrens’ authors and illustrators take turns reading from their books, interspersed with short activities. 434-979-7151, vabook.org

Graphic Novels for All Ages

March 21, 2–3:30pm at PVCC, V. Earl Dickinson Building Laura Lee Gulledge, Debbie Levy and Wendy Xu discuss their multi-genre graphic novels for young readers and adults, and how they approach telling personal and fantastical stories. 434-924-3296, vabook.org

17TH ANNUAL CHARLOTTESVILLE

FESTIVAL OF CULTURES May 9, 2020 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Washington Park

Paint & Cocoa

March 23, 6:30–8pm at Northside Library Join in a fun night of painting, complete with a cocoa toppings bar. The subject of the evening will be a moon framed by cherry blossoms. Ages 11–18. 434-973-7893, jmrl.org

Toddlers in Artland

March 24 & April 28, 10–10:45am at The Fralin Museum of Art, UVA A program for toddlers 12–24 months and their adult companions. Pairs will be introduced to big ideas in development theory and given time to playfully practice strategies in the Museum. 434-243-2050, uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Organized by the Thomas Jefferson Adult & Career (TJACE) Program at Piedmont Virginia Community College

www.festivalofcultures.org

Discovery Workshop: Clay Play

March 27, 4:15–5:15pm at Virginia Discovery Museum Sculpt and squish in this literal mash-up of art and science. Experiment with polymer clay, electric playdough and modeling clay. Ages 4+. 434-977-1025, vadm.org

Earth Day the Australian Way

April 10, 2:30–3:30pm at Crozet Library Join Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art for a fun exploration of how Australian Aboriginal artists express their relationship with earth in their work. Make your own painting, too. Ages 6–10. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org

@PVCC

, Crafts d n a , d foo ! c musi

the

ISHAN GALA F O U N D A T I O N w w w. isha nga la.org

Fun for the wh ole family!

Koi Kites

April 15, 4–5pm at Central Library Conjure up a specially decorated koi kite to help you catch the breeze this spring. Best for ages 4+. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org

Picturebook Potpourri: Plant a Seed

April 21, 3:30–4pm at Gordon Avenue Library Celebrate Earth Day by reading about the magical world of plants. Explore soil and seeds with a hands-on planting experiment to begin your own garden. Designed for ages 5–7. 434-296-5544, jmrl.org

Sunday April 5th 12noon–4pm

Kid & Adult egg hunt with special prizes

Buy tickets at www.ishangala.org

Springy LEGO

April 30, 3:30–5pm at Central Library Celebrate the season by making something springy with LEGO blocks and vote for your favorite flower. Enjoy a tasty treat. Ages 5+. No younger siblings, please. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org

OUR SPONSORS:

TheGala IshanFoundation Gala Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. organization. Allall donations are 100% tax deductible. The Ishan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit donations are 100% tax deductible.

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town calendar} UVA® CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & KOHL’S CARES WORKING TO MAKE OUR CHILDREN HEALTHY

The Kohl’s Hoo’s Fit Program is a UVA® Children’s Fitness Clinic initiative whose mission is to promote healthy eating and active living among area children. It includes innovative nutrition education and fitness programs provided in schools and community centers.

Kohl’s Hoo’s Fit • UVA® Children’s Fitness Clinic® 434.982.1607 • uvahealth.com/kohlshealthykids Join the 7th Year of Family Fun Strider Course, Decoration Station and Bike Handling Skill Courses for riders of all ages. Information from local city and nonprofit organizations on-site. Sunday, May 3, 2020 10am - 1pm Blue Wheel at IX Ctr. 434-977-1870

«Bring your bike and helmet!»

www.bluewheel.com We’re your source for

bikes in Charlottesville

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

Gently Used Children’s Clothing, Toys, Baby Equipment and lots more!

“CHOOSE YOUR CHARITY” Preview Event! Monday, March 9, 2020 • 10am-6pm • $5 Entry Fee SALE DATES: March 13-21 (Closed Sunday) (Restocking dates are March 10 & 11— sale closed.) New Parents, Grandparents, Teachers & Heroes’ Pre-sale! Thursday, March 12, 2-8pm. See website for info. “...an extremely well-organized sale...the best run sale I know of!!” ~Helen S.

1500 East Rio Rd. Charlottesville

For sale hours, volunteer and SPONSORSHIP opportunities:

www.hereweegrowagain.com

Riverfest • April 25

Waynesboro, VA • Downtown, Constitution Park • 10am-4:30pm Canoe Rides • Reptile World Show • Face Painting • Stream Safari Fish n’ Fun Rodeo • Wildlife Center of Virginia • South River Duck Race More Presentations, as well as Food, Games, & Exhibits • FREE ADMISSION!

March/April 2020

Roller Skating

Now–May, Saturdays, 6–9pm at Greenwood Community Center Greenwood Community Center is open every Saturday night for roller skating. 434-296-5844, albemarle.org

UVA School of Medicine 5K Benefiting Camp Holiday Trails

Consignment Sale

For more information:

Now–April 28, Tuesdays, 4–4:45pm at Charlottesville Skate Park The Learn-to-Skate class is specifically tailored for those with no prior skateboarding experience. These brand-new skaters will focus on the foundational skills of skateboarding. 434-981-0716, webtrac.charlottesville.org

March 12, 7pm at John Paul Jones Arena The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring larger than life entertainers, will perform their all-new show. Every show features a blend of hilarious hijinks and incredible basketball skills like ball handling, high flying dunks and a new record-breaking attempt. 434-243-4960, johnpauljonesarena.com

Family Bike Fest! Children’s

(You are not required to consign in order to volunteer.)

Skateboarding Lessons

Harlem Globetrotters

ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESENTS…

Consign with us and receive 65% of your sales! Easiest tagging process around! Volunteer with us and shop first!

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

www.riverfestwaynesboro.org

YOU CAN HELP!

March 21, 9:30am at Newcomb Plaza, UVA Grounds Since 1983, UVA medical students have helped raise nearly $100,000 for Camp Holiday Trails by hosting this annual event. Join in a morning walk/run, and help support. 434-977-3781, campholidaytrails5k.com

Family Fun Day

YOU CAN HELP!

March 21, 1–12pm at Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, Afton Meet the horses and donkeys of Hope’s Legacy. Space is limited to the first 20 registrants. No charge to attend, but donations greatly appreciated. 434-531-5688, hopeslegacy.com

2020 Charlottesville Ten Miler

YOU

CAN March 28, 7:15am at Massie Road HELP! (Near John Paul Jones Arena) The area’s oldest footrace, this 10-mile run through Charlottesville raises money for local charities. cvilletenmiler.com

JDRF Community One Walk

March 28, 12:30pm at Monticello High School JDRF Community One Walk is led by passionate volunteers with one goal: to create a world YOU without type 1 diabetes. CAN CharlottesvilleFamily is a proud sponsor! HELP! 434-465-5304, www2.jdrf.org

Charlottesville Marathon/Half Marathon/ Marathon Relay/8K Road Race/Kids’ Mile April 4 at Downtown Charlottesville, Court Square One of the oldest and most prestigious races in Charlottesville because of its scenic beauty and historical background. A true community event. 434-218-0402, charlottesvillemarathon.com

BE BOLD 4 Miler

April 4, 9am at Bold Rock Cidery, Nellysford This out-and-back course is easy and flat with gorgeous views. It’s mostly pavement with some gravel. Walker and Fido-friendly; all-terrain strollers welcome. 434-361-1030, corkscrewracing.com/run4cider

7th Annual Bow-WOW-Walk

YOU CAN HELP!

April 19, 10am–12pm at Trump Winery Support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with 100 percent of proceeds donated. The race will take you through the 1,300-acre estate and 227 acres of vines. New this year is a Kid’s 400 Meter Fun Run. 434-977-3895, trumpwinery.com

Earth Day 5K and Family Fun Run

April 25, 8am at Rockfish River YOU Elementary School, Afton CAN HELP! Kick off the morning with a 5K race, followed by a Family Fun Run. rockfishriver5k.weebly.com

YOU CAN HELP!

April 18, 8:30am at IX Art Park A K-9 2.5K to support the animals and life-saving programs of the CharlottesvilleAlbemarle SPCA. The walk will begin and end at IX Art Park, followed by a post-walk festival. 434-973-5959, bowwowwalk.caspca.org

National Junior Ranger Park Day

3rd Annual Rose 5K

April 18, 9am–5pm at Shenandoah National Park Enjoy free park admission to celebrate the NPS and get kids of all ages connected to their national park. 540-999-3500, nps.gov

Race for Financial Fitness

JDRF Community One Walk March 28, 12:30pm at Monticello High School. See page 20.

YOU CAN HELP!

April 25, 8am at CFA Institute This race supports financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs that teach young people the skills they need for a strong financial future. 100 percent of proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of Central Virginia. 401krace.com/charlottesville

UVA Donor Dash 4 Mile Run/Walk & Transplant Trek 1 Mile Fun Walk

YOU CAN HELP!

April 25, 9am at Panorama Farms Race proceeds benefit the UVA Transplant Center for the importance and awareness of organ donation. uvadonordash.org

OPEN HOUSES Albemarle Montessori Children’s Community Open House

March 21, 11am–1pm at Albemarle Montessori Children’s Community 540-671-9894, albemarlemcc.com

Early Childhood Open House

March 21 & April 18, 10am–12pm at Charlottesville Waldorf School 434-973-4946, cwaldorf.org

THE BIZARRE BAZAAR® proudly presents...

A Beautiful Spring Gift Show with Exclusive Exhibitors, Crafters & Artists Unique Spring and Summer Gift Lines,Garden Accessories and Much More!

The Spring Market!

Tickets!

April 3rd, 4thand 5th

’t Don It! s Mis

RICHMOND RACEWAY COMPLEX 600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222

A Fabulous Spring Marketplace!

Online at: thebizarrebazaar.com

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town calendar} FOR TEENS WTJU Community Voices Podcast Skills Class

Now–June, Second Saturdays, 10am–5pm at WTJU New monthly class for high school and college students that covers the fundamentals of audio storytelling. Students will learn about field and studio recording, how to edit audio, how to sound natural behind a mic and other related skills. wtju.net/voices

Stop-Motion Movie Workshop

National Junior Ranger Park Day

April 18, 9am–5pm at Shenandoah National Park. See page 21.

March 7, 6:30–8pm at Crozet Library Learn the basics of stop-motion animation using just a smartphone or tablet. Participants will complete a short video production and upload it to a private channel. Grades 8–12. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org

Pi(e) Day Jewelry Workshop

Tandem Friends Admissions Information Session

April 21, 9–10:30am at Tandem Friends School – Blue Room 434-296-1303, tandemfs.org

March 14, 1–3pm at Central Library Miniatures artist Jessica Partain teaches the basic techniques to turn polymer clay into foodthemed charms for necklaces and earrings. In celebration of Pi day, bake up tiny pie jewelry. Ages 12+. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org

Tasty Travels: Global Cooking Club March 16 & April 20, 6:30–8pm

at Northside Library Make and devour tasty treats from around the globe. 434-973-7893, jmrl.org

Free Movie Friday: Jojo Rabbit

March 20, 7:30pm at Piedmont Virginia Community College Join the PVCC Student Art Club for a free screening of the 2019 “anti-hate” satirical dark comedy Jojo Rabbit [PG-13], shown on the big screen in the Main Stage Theatre. 434-961-5376, pvcc.edu

Love and Other Tough Topics in YA Lit

March 21, 2–3:30pm at Village School Lamar Giles, NoNieqa Ramos and Brynne Rebele-Henry discuss their young adult novels for all ages, which tackle difficult topics, from sexuality and race to religion and family. 434-924-3296, vabook.org

Teen Volunteer Drop-In

March 21, 2:30–4:30pm at Crozet Library Earn volunteer hours at the library. Help with various projects for the branch. Volunteers YOU CAN must be between the ages of 13–18. HELP! 434-823-4050, jmrl.org

Marvel Escape Room

March 27, 6:30–8pm at Crozet Library The Avengers need your help defeating Thanos. Celebrate all things Marvel with a themed escape room and other activities. For grades 8–12. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org

VPM PRESENTS

The Paramount • Downtown Charlottesville

Saturday, March 21 • 9 - 10:30 a.m. Join us for this FREE community event in celebration of the Virginia Festival of the Book. • 25-minute LET’S GO LUNA! screening • Photo opportunities with Luna at 9 and 10 a.m. • One FREE book for every family Registration begins February 17 at vpm.org/events Major support by:

March/April 2020

In partnership with:

High School Girls Engineering Day at UVA March 28 at UVA School of Engineering and Applied Sciences An afternoon of activities with the Society of Women Engineers at UVA. Designed to give high school girls a comprehensive look at engineering through hands-on demos, a design activity, a professional panel, lab tours and an overnight stay. virginiaswe.org/hsv

you’ve taken. Participants will receive a twoyear certification. 434-465-8733, albemarle.org

children, loving well, achieving goals and what it means to be a strong, loving women today. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org

A Mother’s Rest Retreat for Couples

March 6–9 at The Mark Addy Inn, Nellysford Three nights of peace, sleep and friendship with other couples who already understand your challenges. Breakfast daily. amothersrest.org

Disaster + Travel + Wilderness First Aid

Financial Literacy for Teens

April 1, 6–7:30pm at Wells Fargo For parents of kids ages 13–18, join in for this parenting seminar that’s part of the Parenting Seminar Series provided by Region Ten and ReadyKids. Snacks provided. regionten.org

March 7–8, 8:30am–6:45pm at Mountaintop Montessori Hands-on class to learn how to save life and limb in a disaster, rural or wilderness setting. Participants will receive a two-year certification. 434-326-4697, solowfa.com

UVA’s School of Engineering Open House

Respectful Parent Infant Basics

April 4 at UVA’s School of Engineering All members of the public are welcome to attend the Open House and learn how an engineering education can lead to a meaningful career. High school students are encouraged to register. 434-924-3072, engineering.virginia.edu

FOR PARENTS CPR/AED/Choking for Adult/Child/Infant Certification Course March 6 & May 1, 6:30–9:45pm at MEDIC No video, and far more intellectuallystimulating and hands-on than any course

CRAFTS

PAINTING

YOU April 21, 12pm at Boar’s Head Pavilion CAN The Community Lunch increases awareness HELP! of the needs of children and families by bringing together over 200 guests from local government, school boards, leaders of other nonprofits, and workers from city and county agencies. 434-296-4118, readykidscville.org

March 19, 4–5:30pm at Central Library Authors Lauren Casper, Kim McLarin and Katherine Wintsch offer perspectives and experiences on parenting young and grown

DECORATIVE FIBER

GLASS

Find Yourself: Identity & Mental Health in YA Lit

Annual ReadyKids Community Lunch

Virginia Festival of the Book: Frank and Forthright: On Living, Loving & Parenting

FINE ARTS

March 20, 10–11:30am at Central Library Acclaimed children’s author Cece Bell and editor of the New York Times Book Review, Pamela Paul, take a look at what makes a great book for young readers and how to encourage a lifelong love of reading. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org

March 21, 10–11:30am at The Village School Laura Lee Gulledge, Maria Padian and Morgan Parker discuss their young adult novels and graphic novel tackling questions of identity and mental health, for readers of all ages. 434-924-3296, vabook.org

March 14, 9–11am at Our Neighborhood Child Development Center A class is for families who are beginning their journey into respectful parenting. Discuss the basics of attachment, brain development and the parent’s role in a respectful mode. 434-202-8639, ourneighborhood.community

JURIED

Virginia Festival of the Book: Reaching Young Readers: Smell My Book!

MAY 9-10 CLAUDIUS CROZET PARK

40 Anniversary th

METAL

Over 120 Exhibitors

Live Music Children's Area WOOD

CLAY

JEWELRY

WEARABLE FIBER

Artist Demos Food Trucks and more!

CROZETFESTIVAL.COM

Adults $7, Kids Free! Free Parking CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town calendar}

Thank you for coming!

Parenting with Neuroscience

April 22, 6:30–8pm at Crozet Library Neuroscientist and mom Erin Clabough, PhD, will discuss how parents can use neuroscience to help their children develop empathy, creativity and self-control. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org

Mark your calendars for Teacher Appreciation Week this year, from May 4–8!

APRIL 17

DATE NIGHT BANFF Mountain Film Festival

Fun Fair& Camp Expo

2019

March 8–9 at The Paramount Theater Two nights of the world’s best mountain sports and culture short films. Outdoor-themed prizes and information, and exhibits from sponsors and partners of the Shenandoah National Park Trust. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net

Chamomile & Whiskey

March 14, 8pm at the Jefferson Theater Chamomile & Whiskey make connections between people. They did it with their name, and they’re doing it with their new album, Sweet Afton. 434-245-4980, jeffersontheater.com

Spring Oyster Festival

And thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

March 14–15, 12–5pm at Early Mountain Vineyards A weekend of Virginia wine, The Jacob Paul Allen Band and a seasonal menu with fresh oysters from the Eastern Shore. 540-948-9005, earlymountain.com

Date Night Drop-Off: Green Gleam

March 20, 5:30–8:30pm at Virginia Discovery Museum Enjoy a Friday night to yourselves while kids enjoy a pizza dinner and plenty of playtime in the Museum. 434-977-1025, vadm.org

Paula Poundstone

TICKETS ON SALE NOW SprintPavilion.com, Downtown Visitor Center

Pediatric Associates of CharlottesvillePLC

April 18, 7:30pm at The Paramount Theater A humorist, author and comedian known for her clever, observational humor and spontaneous wit. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net

Pediatric Associates of CharlottesvillePLC

Annual Historic Garden Week

Pediatric Associates of CharlottesvillePLC

March/April 2020

April 18–25 Throughout Virginia Each spring, visitors are welcomed to over 250 of the state’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during “America’s Largest Open House.” Ivy Life & Style Media is a proud sponsor! 804-644-7776, vagardenweek.org

18-22 de MARZO

MARCH 18-22 MEET CHILD YOUR R FAVOR EN'S AUTH ITE ORS!

FESTIVAL de CUENTOS

para los ninos y jovenes en el Festival del Libro de Virginia

STORY FEST

for kids & teens at the Virginia Festival of the Book

ยกGRATIS! FREE! StoryFest202020.indd 1

2/10/20 7:22 PM

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well new mom}

Exercise with Baby Tips and Exercises for Working Out with Baby

New Mom

Getting out of the house is essential for new moms. But, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. If you’re itching to get moving, try warming up at home with a mother-baby workout, using baby’s weight for strength resistance. First things first: safety. Before starting any exercise routine postpartum, do three checks. 1) Check with your doctor. All moms recovering from childbirth— especially those with Cesarean sections or other delivery complications—need to be healed and healthy. 2) Check with your pediatrician for safety tips, and to make sure baby’s ready for this fun at-home activity in terms of strength and age. 3) Check your expectations. The goals of exercising with your baby are to build fitness gradually and to bond with one another. Think: lift, interruption, laugh more than sweat, tone. Next, prepare a space. Line the floor with soft rugs or mats, get the air moving with a fan, turn on some fun music, and have key baby-supplies on hand, such as the diaper bag and a bouncy seat. A mirror can aid in maintaining by Whitney Woollerton Morrill both your form and eye contact with baby. Lastly, if your little one’s already mobile, make sure it’s safe for him to crawl around in case you want to do a solo push-up or two. Then, get started. There are three main types of mom-and-me resistance exercises: baby in a carrier, baby in your arms and baby in a stroller. Baby in a carrier. Fitmama.com will get your heart rate up while you stand and wear your baby. Right and left leg lunges, wide stance squats, side crunches, shoulder presses with free weights, and side and back leg kicks with weights are among the exercises author Melanie Darnell demonstrates while wearing her son Milo in an Ergo. Workouts target the major muscle groups, and videos are refreshingly real with their many cuts for family interruptions and breathing breaks. Baby in your arms. Whether holding your baby facing you, facing out or in a cradling position, your infant will Check out Fitmama.com and strengthen your core, arm and leg muscles. Check out the theBump.com for more at-home “18 Minute Mommy and Me Full Workout” on BodybyAmy’s workout inspiration for you YouTube channel that begins with standing exercises with baby. The second portion of the video transitions to mat and your little one. exercises that will help build core muscles using a variety of modalities, including Pilates-inspired crunches, where baby leans against your bent legs for safety and eye-contact with you. Baby in a stroller. On a rainy or cold day, set up your stroller inside with your baby strapped in. Making sure there’s plenty of room, visit theBump.com for a series of warm-ups, stretches, and strength-building exercises that use the stroller both for resistance and support. Hopscotch jumps, knee bends and lunges are among the exercises that will get your heart rate climbing. And, the rolling of the stroller will keep your baby engaged and buy you time for some extra reps. Whatever workout you choose, the beauty of exercising with your little one is that the workouts intrinsically intensify as your infant grows and provides more weight resistance. And, right away you’re modeling self-care and fitness for a lifetime of healthy habits.

MORE TIPS

Whitney is an architect who designs and writes for families. Her blog is theCoconutgirl.com.

March/April 2020

Pediatric Associates of CharlottesvillePLC

Office Hours By Appointment Evening & Weekends until 9pm Urgent Care Available One of Our Physicians On Call After Hours Onsite Lactation Consultant

Downtown Office & | 296-9161 Adolescent Center | 971-9611 1011 E. Jefferson St

West Office

Comprehensive care from infancy to young adulthood

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

Open 365 Days A Year until 9pm

2411 Ivy Rd | 296-8300

North Office

29N at Hollymead (1522 Insurance Lane, A) | 974-9600

Zion Crossroads

71 Jefferson Court | 540-406-4100

CharlottesvillePeds.com

Charlottesville City Schools Children’s Dentistry with a Mother’s Touch®

Every Learner. Every Day. Everyone.

Laughing gas and Sedation Services

Kathryn A. Cook,D.D.S. Board Certified Pediatric Specialist childrensdentistrycharlottesville.com

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

Thank you for voting for us! Participating providers with United Concordia, Delta Dental, Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna. Language Assistance Services Available

895-B Rio East Court (434) 817-KIDS (5437)

Neighborhood schools with a global perspective, offering excellence in the arts, sciences, and more! 434-245-2400 • CharlottesvilleSchools.org CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well healthy family}

“My Throat Hurts!”

Healthy Family

Is It A Sore Throat, Strep or Tonsillitis?

When kids head back to school after breaks, they bring home head colds and sore throats. Usually these infections will resolve after a few days of discomfort. However, sometimes a sore throat is a sign that your child has tonsillitis or strep throat. So, how do you know which one it is? Strep throat vs. tonsillitis. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils at the back of the throat become inflamed. This is usually caused by a virus, which means it shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics. Instead, manage the symptoms with over-the-counter medication or home remedies, such as warm drinks, to keep your child comfortable. Tonsillitis will usually resolve on its own. Infections like strep throat, however, usually need intervention. “Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the pharynx and tonsils that is caused by a specific bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes,” says Amanda Jones, MD, a doctor at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville. “It is the most common bacterial infection of the throat.” by Katharine Paljug Strep usually feels more severe than a viral sore throat. “Signs of strep throat include the sudden onset of throat pain, pain with swallowing and fever,” Jones explains. “Some children will also complain of a headache, abdominal pain or nausea and vomiting. While others may also develop a rash with strep infections.” Your child’s pediatrician can test for strep with a rapid strep swab or throat culture. To treat strep, your child will need a course of antibiotics for several days and should stay home from school and activities until their symptoms resolve. What about tonsils? Removing the tonsils was once a standard treatment for children who frequently had strep infections. However, it’s becoming less common. “More often, I recommend an evaluation for possible tonsillectomy if there are concerns for obstructive sleep apnea, [such as] significant snoring or witnessed episodes of apnea,” says Jones. Generally, pediatricians will begin considering a tonsillectomy only if a child has: six or more strep infections in a single year; four to five infections per year for two years; or three infections per year for three years. Preventing sore throats. No matter the cause, sore throats are common during the school year, as children are exposed to Check out the Centers viruses and bacteria more. Both are generally spread through for Disease Control and contact with a sick person’s saliva or nasal secretions, or by Prevention’s website (cdc.gov) children sharing food and drinks. “The best way to prevent for more helpful information the spread of viral and bacterial infections is to teach our on identifying your child’s children to cover their mouths with coughing and sneezing, illness. as well as frequent hand-washing when they cough or sneeze in their hands or after blowing their nose. Always remember to wash hands after using the bathroom and before eating.” When is a sore throat something more serious? The majority of sore throats will resolve in 7 to 10 days. If your child’s symptoms persist past that, especially if they have already been on antibiotics, you should consult your pediatrician. “You should also see your doctor if you note persistent ulcerations in the mouth even if they are not painful, a bad or metallic taste, or chronic halitosis, as this may be secondary to something other than an infectious process.” Even without these symptoms, it is better to bring your concerns to your child’s pediatrician than to wait and risk a severe secondary infection. “Any child who is having trouble drinking fluids, swallowing his or her saliva, opening his or her mouth or having neck pain, needs to be seen,” Jones adds.

MORE TIPS

Katharine is a freelance writer, Bloom’s Family Health Editor and mother to one busy toddler. You can see more of her work at katharine-writes.com.

March/April 2020

First Presbyterian Church Preschool

CharlottesvilleFamily

A Play-Based Christian Preschool

Favorite Award Winner

Entering

OUR NEXT

50 years

Tomorrow’s Leaders Grow in Tandem.

2019

9AM to Noon Serving ages 20 months to 5 years old

See our website for additional information about our program, including our Summer Camp 2020! firstprescharlottesville.org/preschool

434.296.1447

Tandem Friends School is where curious, creative students become engaged, inspired, purposeful people. Ready to join them — and to change the world?

Be Yourself. Grow in Tandem.

GRADES 5-12 ADMISSIONS INFORMATION SESSIONS March 3 or April 21 9-10:30 AM Call to RSVP 434.951.9314

tandemfs.org

e offer a variety of treatment options

atients of all ages. Call (434) 296-0188

ule a FREE exam or visit cvillebraces.com for a VIRTUAL SMILE CONSULT.

Thanks for voting for us! Gift Certificates Available

NEW YEAR, NEW SMILE! with Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics Schedule a FREE exam today! ( 4 3 4 ) 2 9 6 - 0 1 8 8 • C V I L L E B R AC E S .CO M CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well tips & trends} The Queen of Hearts

by Kimmery Martin

The bubbly, amiable Zadie and reserved, distant Emma have been best friends since med school. Now, 10 years later, and both practicing medicine, an old acquaintance comes back into their lives bringing a dark secret that threatens this decade-old friendship. Can their bond endure the terrible events of the past? Available for $13.96 at Barnes & Noble, Barracks Shops.

Tips

TRENDS by Mandy Reynolds

Starting a Low-Key Hobby 1. Window Gardens. Whether you choose aromatic flowers or leafy herbs to use in the kitchen, now is the perfect time to plant seeds for the growing season. 2. Calligraphy. Useful and beautiful, this skill will upgrade

Spring means new beginnings, so why not begin something new as well?

anything from invitations to bullet journals. 3. Star Gazing. As easy as going into your backyard, this one’s for nature lovers and horoscope enthusiasts alike. Get started with free guides at skyandtelescope.com.

Voted Charlottesville’s Favorite Chiropractor 2009 - 2019 Charlottesville 2 0 1 4

A W A

WINNER

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

Maternity Care • Pediatric Services Low Back/Neck Pain • Massage Therapy Sports Injury, Prevention & Treatment

PROVIDING COMPASSIONATE INDIVIDUALIZED MIDWIFERY CARE

EVIDENCE BASED, WATER BIRTH, FREE IUD REMOVAL

OFFERING SAFE & AFFORDABLE CARE

Dr. Michelle Heppner

Led by Licensed Midwife Dominique Clothiaux a Out-of-Hospital Birth Specialist CPM, RCST®

WWW.BIRTHANDBIODYNAMICS.COM 434-996-5095 Thank you for voting for us!

2014-2019

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

• www.heppnerfamilychiropractic.com •

3450 Seminole Trail Forest Lakes • 974-7955 30

March/April 2020

MILY DE FA N

Y• ST R TI

• G E NT L

• Before school & evening appointments • Gentle professional care • Comfortable amenties: Ultraleather chairs, Smart TVs, Coffee bar, Wi-fi, play area and kid-friendly stations YEARS 434-823-4080 crozetfamilydental.com

5690 Three Notch’d Road, Suite 100, Crozet

Q A

The Importance of “Me-Time” How important is carving out personal time? A recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found adults with at least one child under age 6 spent an average of 2.1 hours/day on primary childcare and 5.4 hours/day on secondary childcare. Add in an eight-hour work day and the coveted (yet often mythological) eight hours of sleep, and parents are left with 30 minutes of unclaimed time. While some may feel guilty spending time away from their children, the importance of “me-time” has been documented to help with energy and gratitude, and the additional benefit of teaching your child independence.

SHINE The importance of recognizing gratitude has been touted for years by leading scholars. Sign up for Shine’s free services to receive a daily affirmation every morning and reminder to document your gratitude. Available for iOS and Android.

Mandy enjoys reading, traveling and exploring local gems with her loveable puppy.

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love” – Brene Brown

Not Your Mother’s Shampoo Cruelty-free and plant-based, Not Your Mother’s has an entire line of hair care products available at budget-friendly prices and most local stores. Available for $8.99 at Ulta Beauty.

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well home & garden}

Setting a Fantastic & Easy

Easter Brunch Table

Let’s talk Easter! I love entertaining, and I especially enjoy creating Easter tables. After coming through the grey days of winter, it’s wonderful to begin playing with pretty pastels and seeing fresh blooms once again.

Words & Photos by Jennifer Carroll

This year, I decided to add a bit of

March/April 2020

– Barbara Costikyan

China,

especially

English

china

drama to this Easter table by setting it up

patterns, is like cat-nip to me. I rarely

outside of my craft studio. The studio is

meet one that I don’t like and wish to add

black and is a delightful counterpoint to

to my already overflowing collection. But,

the cheerful whimsy of this table.

I also have a growing adoration for paper

This gorgeous pink and green preppy

plates. Yep! Paper plates! Have you seen

tartan fabric was my inspiration point for

the gorgeous patterns that are available

this table. As my UK friends would say, “I

these days?

am absolutely mad for this plaid!” It’s not

When little hands are involved, it’s so

a “proper” tablecloth, just fabric folded

much easier and user-friendly to store,

and laid slightly askew to lend a casual

use and clean up. A trifecta of good things.

air to this tablescape.

And, with designs as pretty as this, I

Table linens can be devised from so

have never had a guest raise an eyebrow

many items! Cut fabric, a throw blanket,

when I’ve used them. Instead, I hear “oh’s”

poncho, oversized scarf, bed sheet, shower

and “ah’s,” and “Where can I get these,

curtain, drop cloth and more. Look

too?”

around, you may be surprised where your next bit of inspiration may come from.

“In the childhood memories of every good cook, there’s a large kitchen, a warm stove, a simmering pot and a mom.”

So, while I know that china is the “expected” dish you would usually think

Eat & Move-O-Matic A favorite among health and PE teachers, this app allows kids to learn about foods they eat and how food fuels their bodies for their favorite activities. Use Eat & MoveO-Matic to make new discoveries about favorite foods, and how much exercise and fun movement is needed to burn the calories consumed. Kids learn about how small changes can make big differences. Available for free in the Apple App Store.

Food, Family HOME Little Bites: 100 Healthy, Kid-Friendly Snacks

When it comes to kids, snacks are essential. Little Bites: 100 Healthy, Kid-Friendly Snacks offers wholesome, seasonal snacks that are perfect for active families on the go. The fruit-and-vegetable-forward recipes are tasty, easy and in many cases, allergy-free. Leave the packaged snacks behind! Available on barnesandnoble.com for $22.46.

FREE SAMPLES! RAFFLE PRIZES DRAWN DAILY!

33 YEARS Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a combination of good days and bad. I have your back for both. And who has my back? The company more people have trusted for 90 years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m here to help life go right.TM CALL ME TODAY.

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

33rd ANNIVERSARY SALE! April 1st - 30th Variety of CBD products on sale! Many full lines of your favorite family supplements 15-30% OFF!

Pioneers in the natural products industry since 1987. Always offerings diverse and hand-picked selection of reliable, high quality supplements, organic and local food choices, natural bodycare, gifts and more!

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

Barracks Road Shopping Center | Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-6 | 434-977-1965

RebeccasNaturalFood.com CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well home & garden}

Need a subtitle here here here

of, might I encourage you to look beyond it

glasses and I’d have the exact look I

perfect example. I’ve wanted a pair of

to one of these fun alternatives, especially

wanted … so simple and so perfect. I

these for ages but hadn’t found them at

if you’ve been looking for a way to infuse a

grabbed my pretty clear glassware and

the right price until recently. I stumbled

new look into your celebration? It can also

filled them up.

upon them unexpectedly and delightfully

be fun to mix in some “real” china with the

Every year, I inevitably add an item

paper. There are no rules with this style. I

or two to my collections. I try to be very

started fretting, wondering if I should buy

particular about the items I buy.

I also use this strategy for shopping “end of the season” sales and will grab an

some, thinking about where I could buy

Each season, I will pull out my “tub

some, and all the while knowing I needed

of goodies” for that holiday and evaluate

to NOT buy more glassware right now. I

what I have, consider what needs to be

have more than enough glassware already

tossed and also see if there are any “holes”

came together quite accidentally. I had

in our cabinets.

in my collection, or any items that I want

envisioned using the branches in the

to keep an eye out for this year.

background for the centerpiece, but the

And then, it hit me like a thunderbolt, just pour pink lemonade into my clear

scooped them up!

March/April 2020

These moss-covered bunnies are a

item or two that I know I can look forward to using the next year. The

centerpiece

scale was all wrong.

for

this

table

Helping you create unique environments Decorative Concrete Pavers Natural Stone Manufactured Stone

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner

alliedconcrete.com

2019

S TO P B Y O N E O F O U R LO C AT I O N S TO L E A R N A B O U T T H E M A N Y O P T I O N S .

CHARLOTTESVILLE 1000 Harris Street 434-296-7181

ZION CROSSROADS 9815 Three Notch Road 434-220-3209

That Garden Isn’t Going to Plant Itself! We Can Get You Started.

OPEN 8:00 - 5:30 MON - FRI 8:00 - 5:00 SAT The branches towered over this table making it look like a doll table, instead of a welcoming table for grown-ups. So, I had to go back to the drawing board. I decided to walk around my home and see if anything caught my eye. This little exercise almost always helps me. It

Located on Rt 340 about 3.5 miles south of I-64 CHECK OUR WEBSITE OFTEN FOR CURRENT SPECIALS AND SALES!

Herbs Vegetables ■ Annuals ■ Perennials ■ Roses ■ Succulents

Trees & Shrubs Flowering Hanging Baskets ■ Gardening Tools ■ Pottery ■ Tropical Plants and more!

■

We have the largest selection of plants in the Valley!

not only clears my head but also helps me come up with a solution to the current conundrum. This little urn is a perfect example. This, too, was bought recently, in a pair in fact. The lines are classic, and I can’t wait to use them … somewhere. They

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

milmont.com

540.943.8408

milmont@milmont.com CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well home & garden}

Make the SMART MOVE

n Direct service to 30 states n STORAGE until you want delivery n Climate-controlled warehouse n Fully trained, experienced personnel n Licensed, fully insured n Call for a free estimate

are currently a bit homeless, as I haven’t gotten down to finding them a more permanent home yet. In the meantime, I realized the scale was much more in keeping with the size of this table. So, I added a bit of greenery that I had on hand and placed a few Easter eggs amongst the branches, which was also a fun nod to egg hunting! The best advice I can give you is to break free from your tradition and find ways to mix things up! Maybe it’s eating in a different part of your home or simply switching out the chairs you usually use.

Full service dentistry for children with Medicaid

Win a free Regal movie ticket when you come 3 visits in a row with no cavities!

Emergency services for adults over 21 with Medicaid

Call now to schedule an appointment 434.293.9300

cdcva.org

March/April 2020

favorite springtime fabric, and tucked up a pretty garden bench that I have loaded with an array of cozy pillows for guests to use as needed to get comfortable. Finding ways to make meals like this, ones that we all celebrate year after year and that stand out from each other, takes

Translation in multiple languages available

259 Hydraulic Ridge Rd. Suite 101. Charlottesville Located across from Albemarle High School

Here, I’ve pulled up a pair of French bistro style chairs that I’ve swathed in a

some planning. But, I believe it is worth it. When we are with our loved ones, each celebration is special. We don’t know what next year has in store for us, so let’s make the most of this one while we can. I hope these ideas have sparked a creative vision for your own Easter table.

A Southern gal with an unquenchable thirst for all things creative, Jennifer wears many hats—a photographer, blogger, designer and home entertainer. Visit celebratingeverydaylife.com.

Your Place. Our Purpose.

MONTAGUEMILLER.COM | 800.793.5393

Third generation real estate company serving the Charlottesville area.

FURNITURE BUILDING SUPPLIES HOME DÃ&#x2030;COR

Love your Habitat Open Mon-Sat 1221 Harris Street Charlottesville, VA cvillehabitatstore.org

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well home & garden}

SWETT DENTISTRY CharlottesvilleFamily

87th Annual Historic GARDEN WEEK

Favorite Award Winner 2019

Dr. David Swett

Dr. Rebecca Swett

N N N N N I have complete faith in the excellent quality ... — D. S.

I have complete faith in the excellent quality of care and complete trust in this dental practice. I don’t know if it’s possible to find better care anywhere. I enthusiastically recommend them without reservations. N N N N N Polished, Professional & Positive — D W. Unlike most people who dread going to the dentist, I love being treated by David & Rebecca and their polished, professional, positive crew! They are tops in my book because I know my family and I will receive the utmost in dental care.

Caring for you like family. 900 Rio E Court, Suite B, Charlottesville | swettdentistry.com | 434.979.3940

100% Worry-Free Guarantee.

The way home services should be. woman-owned • eco-friendly

window cleaning power washing gutter cleaning

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR: • Full-service Moving • Junk Removal • Hourly Labor Services Home or Office • Donation Pick-up • Daily Trash Pick-up

H.U.N.K.S. stands for Let College Hunks remove your stress today!

Thank you for voting for us!

Honest Uniformed Nice Knowledgable Service

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

434-381-3209 CollegeHunks.com Laurence Mann, Franchise Owner

March/April 2020

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

Fully licensed and insured for your safety (434) 823-1737

www.cavalierwindowcleaning.com

Explore our state’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks over the eight-day Historic Garden Week. Visitors visit some of Virginia’s spectacular homes and gardens during peak spring blooming season. With over 30 tours taking place between April 18–25, Historic Garden Week is Virginia’s oldest volunteer tourism project, and the nation’s only statewide house

and

garden

tour.

Albemarle

County’s tour on April 19 is showing three private properties in the Bundoran Farm neighborhood, open to the public for the first time for Historic Garden Week. Today, there are over 47 Garden Clubs of Virginia with over 3,300 members who help make Virginia’s Garden Week possible every year for the past 87 years. This year also marks 100 years for the Garden Club of Virginia. Tour guidebooks, schedules and ticket purchases for this year’s tours are available at the Wine & Country Shop. Keep an eye out for an exclusive peak at one of the properties on the 2020 tours in the upcoming Spring/Summer issue of Wine & Country Life.

Shop

Elegant Selections From Virginia’s Wine Country 4282 Ivy Road, the Village of Ivy Monday-Saturday 10-6

GARDEN CENTER, GIFT SHOP & LANDSCAPING

Mulch, Soil, Compost, Gravel–Delivery & Pickup Gravel Driveway Installations Bird Baths, Fountains, Urns, Statuary & More!

April 18-25, 2020 Proceeds fund the restoration of Virginia’s historic public gardens and grants to our state parks.

To purchase tickets, visit VaGardenWeek.org Open 7 Days a Week Monday - Saturday 8-6 Sunday 10-5 434-977-3999 Rt. 250 W & Ivy Depot

in the heart of Ivy, Virginia CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources pets}

Bumbleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Many of our families include a

member or two (or three) who barks, meows, clucks, slithers or neighs! So, we asked our readers to submit picture-perfect moments of their beloved pets. We hope you enjoy

PICTURE PERFECT

Pet Contest

some of the adorable submissions as much as we do! Sponsored by

RUNNER-UP

WINNER!

RUNNER-UP

March/April 2020

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources pets}

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

by Sarah Pastorek

Ingredients • 1 ½ cups flour • ½ cup natural crunchy peanut butter (*Make sure peanut butter isn’t made with the artificial sweetener Xylitol, as it can be deadly.) • ½ cup natural applesauce or pumpkin purée Instructions • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • Mix together all ingredients. • Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pick a favorite cookie cutter. • Bake for approximately 5–7 minutes.

March/April 2020

Crunchy Homemade Tuna Cat Treats by Rachel Beyer

Recipe originally appeared on adventures-in-making.com. Ingredients • 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained • ½ cup oat flour* • ½ cup whole wheat flour • 1 egg • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 heaping tablespoon catnip Instructions • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set aside. • Combine all ingredients in

a food processer with the blade attachment. Blend until mixture is smooth. • Roll into small ½ teaspoonsize balls and place onto the parchment. Press a finger into each ball to flatten slightly. • Bake for 10–12 minutes until they are slightly browned. • Cool completely before surprising your kitty with a treat made just for them! *Tip: To make your own oat flour, simply grind old-fashioned oats in a clean coffee grinder until transformed into a light powder. Rachel is an artist, designer and creative maker based in Portland, OR. See her work at adventures-inmaking.com and rachelbeyer.com.

LOCAL PET GUIDE Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA caspca.org

A No-Kill Community whose mission is to advance the compassionate treatment of animals by providing sheltering, medical care and behavioral services for dogs and cats. The CASPCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life-saving mission is to place healthy animals in caring homes. See ad page 41

Georgetown Veterinary Hospital gvhvets.com

A full-service medical, surgical and boarding veterinary hospital utilizing the latest technology to provide superior care for your animal companion. Convenient on-site services include pharmaceutical, laboratory, radiology, ultrasound, emergency and wellness care. See ad page 43 CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources party guide}

, s a m ja

s e l g ig

Giggles, pranks and ghost stories. Some of the best memories of childhood sleepovers are the impromptu moments. No matter how much planning, time and money go into orchestrating the perfect event, the big hit of the evening might end up being a spontaneous midnight game of flashlight tag. Part of the excitement of a sleepover is bending the rules a littleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;staying up late, eating junk food 44

March/April 2020

by April Schweitzer

Creating the Perfect Party

and watching more movies in one night than ever before. The best plan for the perfect sleepover requires balance between thoughtful preparation and laissezfaire attitude that gives the kids the impression that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re running the show. Follow our guide to the perfect party and not only will you survive the big night, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll create memories that will be treasured for years to come.

THE NUMBER GAME Before deciding on a sleepover for your child’s next birthday or big event, you need to make sure your child is ready for the excitement. There’s no magic age for a first sleepover, but it is important to make sure your child feels comfortable with a change from his normal bedtime and sleeping habits. Spending the night at grandma’s or a cousin’s house is a good trial run. Also, consider your child’s personality and sociability. Does your son or daughter tire quickly of playing with friends, prefer to play alone or have difficulty sharing? If so, hosting a whole group of friends overnight might be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. Many 6- and 7-year-olds will enjoy having a friend spend the night,

but a sleepover will probably be more successful if the children are ages 8 or 9 and ready for the independence of staying overnight with a group of friends. Even if your child is ready for a slumber party at a younger age, be sure to discuss the idea with his friends’ parents before sending out the official invitations. One local teenager, Carrie, recalls that her favorite activities at slumber parties were

guest list. Less is definitely more! First, consider your space. How many sleeping bags will fit? Do you have room for your child’s closest friends? Consider whether guests will be comfortable with each other, and make sure no one feels left out. A slumber party may not be the best time to introduce a friend from the old neighborhood to a whole group of new kids. Three to seven guests is enough

flashlight tag and makeovers. “If the kids are so young that they need activities planned for them, they’re probably not ready for slumber parties,” she said. “The best time I had at slumber parties was when we did more self-directed stuff like paint our nails and watch movies.” Once you decide to go ahead with the party, the next step is to create a

without getting too chaotic.

HELP YOUR CHILD BE THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES While you may not get much sleep the night of the party, don’t feel like you have to organize every activity and direct all events. Let them stay up late, sneak midnight snacks and play a few

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources party guide} Voted Best South of the Border Restaurant! CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

Locally Family-Owned & Operated since 1988 Four Locations! 29 North 395 Greenbrier Dr | 434-978-4313 UVA Area 2206 Fontaine Ave | 434-979-2424 Downtown 806 East Market St | 434-977-2676 Pantops 108 Town Country Ln | 434-293-3538

GuadalajaraMexicanVa.com

Unique gifts & event planning, fun cards, great space and a little less waste. Come on in or shop online!

WHEREVER YOU GO, LEAVE JOY. 434.218.2481 | shopbasketful.com | @shopbasketful Main Street Market | 416 West Main Street, Charlottesville Open Monday to Friday 11-4:30 & Saturday 10-5

goofy pranks. Just make sure the party is running smoothly. With your child, plan a few fun, kiddirected activities to give a little structure without making party-goers feel like they’re on a schedule. Liven up the evening with a little help from the kids. Instead of ordering pizza, let the kids top their own personal crusts. For dessert, have an ice cream sundae creation contest, or put budding chefs to work baking brownies or cookies. Give older kids all the basics to make cookies as well as small bowls of mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&Ms, raisins, candy bar pieces and so on. Remember to ask parents if their children have any food allergies! Let each child add her favorite toppings to part of the batter, and see which concoction is the favorite. Party favors offer another chance to get the kids involved. Instead of filling goodie bags with dollar store trinkets, get your guests involved in activities like tiedying T-shirts, decorating picture frames, making jewelry, or putting together their own wooden planes or cars. Other activities that are great fun but require minimal adult participation include old standbys like makeovers, scavenger hunts, board games, solving mysteries, movies, science experiments, dress-up and karaoke. Videotape the kids doing a dress-up modeling show or performing karaoke music videos. They will be giggling all night after seeing themselves on television. When it gets dark, send the kids to the backyard for a game of flashlight tag. “It” tags hiding players by catching them in the light. Flashlights are also helpful for getting the kids to go to sleep, says Denise, a mom to a 9-year-old son. “I give the kids flashlights and then turn off the lights. I tell them that if they stay in their sleeping bags they can use the flashlights to talk as long as they want, but if they get loud, and I can hear them from my room, it will be lights out. Having the room dark seems to mellow the mood, and they get excited about using the flashlights.”

We can come to you! Customized Miniature Horse Parties, Special Events and Functions • Weddings • Educational Classes • Fundraising Help Find us on Facebook! • minireinbow@gmail.com • 434-906-8420

March/April 2020

April is a freelance writer, teacher and veteran of many slumber parties.

FULL DAY & SPECIALTY CAMPS

Online Registration Opens 1/15:

Open to the community • Licensed Year-round professional team Safe, kid-friendly campus Preschool to middle school Indoor and outdoor activities Weekly themes Learn to swim at camp!

acac.com/camp

acac.com/camp | 434.978.7529

Live your best.

YMCA Summer Camp MAGIC THE GATHERING POKEMON YU-GI-OH! DUNGEONS & DRAGONS WARHAMMER PUZZLES TOYS GAMING ACCESSORIES RETRO VIDEO GAMES BOARD GAMES FOR ALL AGES EVENTS DAILY FREE PLAY SPACE LAN CENTER FAMILY GAME NIGHTS

★ ★ ★

Charlottesville Crozet Greene County Register today!

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

Bring in this ad for a 20% off one item! Booster boxes excluded.

theendgames.co 374 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville Located in Seminole Square Shopping Center | 434-973-2205

434.974.9622 PiedmontYMCA.org CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources party guide} Venues ACAC See ad page 47 ACE Adventure Resort See ad page 53

Hope to see you there!

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream See ad page 48 Boar’s Head Resort See ad page 59 Carriage Hill Farm See ad page 70 Guadalajara See ad page 46 The Little Gym See ad page 48 The Paramount Theater See ad page 25 Piedmont Family YMCA See ad page 47

31 MARCH 2020 • 12–8

Donations benefit autism services in central Virginia ©Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc. 2020 Cows: ©Woody Jackson 199727259e

Pikasso Swig See ad page 45 SPCA See ad page 41, 49 Triple C Camp See ad page 57 Virginia Discovery Museum See ad page 16

Gifts Basketful Lifestyle & Gifts See ad page 46 End Game Center See ad page 47 Wine & Country Shop See ad page 39

Food & Entertainment Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream See ad page 48 Mini Reinbow Celebrations See ad page 46 Woodworking with Children See ad page 70

March/April 2020

PA RTY PL ANNING COUNTDOW N

DON’T FORGET When Guests Arrive: • Be sure to get phone numbers, including cell phone numbers, from parents. Confirm pick-up times for the next morning. • Ask parents about ALL allergies or medications. • Make sure guests have brought everything they need. Have a few extra pillows, blankets and even a toothbrush on hand, just in case. • Plan breakfast the next morning for your bleary-eyed partygoers. A buffet of cereals, fruit, pastries and bagels should satisfy every taste bud. And, be sure to make your coffee extra strong—you’ll need it after the late night.

Whether you’re celebrating indoors or in the backyard, with an entire petting zoo, magician or a dj, this list will help make planning a party that much easier. For a more comprehensive list of local party vendors, see the “Party Planning & Portraits” section on CharlottesvilleFamily.com

One Month Away • Set your party date/time/location. • Create a guest list. • Choose a theme. • Determine your budget. • Hire entertainment. • Plan your menu. • Rent any tables/chairs, if needed.

2–3 Weeks Away

• Send invitations. • Create a shopping list for décor and supplies. • Plan activities/games. • Buy party supplies (décor, balloons, plates, utensils, tablecloths, party hats, favors, etc.). • Buy your own birthday gift. • Order a cake or get ingredients to make one. • Make a weather back-up plan if outdoors.

• Prep goodie bags or favors. • Confirm guest list. • Confirm any reservations with rentals, entertainment, etc. • Determine day-of schedule. • Plan for parking. • Plan designated areas for food, gifts, shoes and coats, etc. • Make signage, if needed. • Ask for help the day-of.

1 Week Away

• Make or purchase food. • Clean party location. • Charge camera/videocamera.

Day Of

• Set out decorations and supplies. • Review checklist. • Get everyone dressed. • Make sure family has eaten a meal. • Turn on the music and welcome your guests.

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources day trips}

OUTDOOR Adventures

Family Staycation Ideas for an Awesome Spring Break Spring Break is upon us! Do you have your week of fun planned for the family? If not, we are here to help you come up with activities and places you and the kids can venture to this year. These tried-and-true selections are a few of our countless favorites for getting outdoors. We’ve also provided you with some helpful tips on planning your outing with ease. Don’t fret over forgetting to check this and check that; we’ve given you everything you need. Be sure to call ahead and check their times for that day, and for more ideas, check out our new Ultimate Go-To Guide online. 50

March/April 2020

Courtes y of Le wis Gin ter Bota nical G arden

Batten Christy Photo:

ge ural Brid y of Nat Courtes

Lions, Tigers & Bears

A Million Blooms

Moseley, VA

Richmond, VA

Natural Bridge, VA

DISTANCE: 1–2 hour drive

No, the Richmond Zoo is not an urban

Get lost in the beauty and variety here.

One of the oldest tourist destinations in

myth! This 120-acre haven for 2,000

With more than a dozen themed gardens

the U.S., the Natural Bridge was formed

plus animals with 180 plus species is

stretching 50 acres, it is hard to tear

when a cavern collapsed and left the

thriving. Famed for their primates (the

yourself away from Lewis Ginter when

span that stands today. Standing at 215

largest collection in the U.S.), this zoo

you visit. Be enveloped in the smell of

feet tall and 90 feet wide, it is actually

boasts more than two-dozen species,

roses as you walk through the stone

higher

from pygmy marmosets to an orangutan.

arches of the Cochrane Rose Garden, or

Washington’s initials can still be seen in

You can see not only lions, bears, camels,

ease your way around the winding paths

the wall after he surveyed the property

tigers and kangaroos but also exotic

in the Grace Arents Garden. A special

in 1750. A Native American Village is also

birds, koi, turtles and peacocks. Special

Children’s Garden is designed to delight

on-site where visitors can learn about

exhibits house prairie dogs, bats and

and offers a water play area, tree house

Native American life over 300 years

snakes. Purchase a cup of food at the

and a hands-on activity center, all with

ago. Group day tours are welcome, and

entrance to feed the giraffes up on the

nearby rest areas. Pick up a Kid Quest

combinations of interactive programs are

bridge, bringing you face-to-face with

and map at the admissions desk in the

offered. The Cedar Creek Trail features

the long-necked beauties. The North

Robins Visitors Center before you head to

a saltpeter mine used during the Civil

American boardwalk provides a shady

Sydnor Lake, where you will discover facts

War for raw materials, a lost river and

wooded path where you can see deer,

about trees and more. The GardenFest of

a lush 40-foot cascade called Lace Falls.

bighorn sheep, bison and more. The

Lights, complete with illuminated trains,

discover-natural-bridge-va.com •

aviary and zoo animal carousel are hits

is a special treat each holiday season. If

(540) 291-2121

with the younger ones. For a small fee, a

you get hungry, there are seasonally and

chair lift takes you overhead some of the

garden-inspired dining options including

wild beasts. Bathrooms, covered picnic

the self-serve Garden Cafe and the

Staunton, VA

tables and a small concession stand are

Robins Tea House with table service. At

DISTANCE: 0–1 hour drive

also on-site. Parking is free. The zoo is

the end of your trip, stop by the Garden

Visiting the Frontier Culture Museum is

also near the Chesterfield Berry Farm if

Shop to take home a little piece of your

a bit like a whirlwind tour of Old Europe

you want to keep the adventure going

Lewis Ginter Botanical experience, and

in the 1600s and 1700s. This popular

for the day! Be sure to call for hours.

consider many other nearby attractions

living history museum hosts 11 outdoor

metrorichmondzoo.com • (804) 739-5666

like Children’s Museum of Richmond

exhibits made up of original buildings

and

from

Science

Museum

lewisginter.org • (804) 262-9887

Hiking Through History

Virginia.

than

Niagara

Falls.

George

Heritage Animals & Old Europe

England, Ireland, West Africa,

Germany and Virginia, which have been

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources day trips}

FUN

HE FOR T E WHOL Y FA M IL

Car

Maintenance

Checklist

ENJOY AN EDUCATIONAL AFRICAN ELEPHANT RIDE

HAND - FEED GIRAFFE , CAMEL , DEER , SHEEP GOATS , LLAMA , KUDU , BONGO AND MORE !

VIEW MOUNTAIN LIONS , TIGERS , ELEPHANT MONKEYS , BEARS , EXOTIC BIRDS , ALLIGATOR , FLAMINGOS , CASSOWARY ANTELOPE , LEMUR AND MUCH MORE !

TAKE OUR GUIDED INTERACTIVE TOUR AND GET UP - CLOSE TO SOME OF THE WORLD ’ S MOST ENDANGERED SPECIES VISIT “ PARAKEET LAND ” LET HUNDREDS OF BUDGIES SOAR AROUND AS YOU FEED THEM

BABIES IN ARTLAND for 0–12 mos

• Transmission and

TODDLERS IN ARTLAND for 12–24 mos

• Engine coolant

Introduction to child development and playful engagement.

• Brake fluid

PICTURES & PAGES for 2–4 yo

• Windshield wiper fluid

March 24 & April 28

March 4 & April 1

Story time with children’s librarian Glynis Welte.

FUN FOR THE YOUNG for 2–4 yo

March 18 & April 15

Explore artwork through observation, play and projects.

FAMILY ART JAMs for 5–12 yo

March 21 & April 18

Age-appropriate tours with hands-on art activities.

uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu | museumoutreach@virginia.edu | 434.243.2050 March/April 2020

• Engine oil

March 10 & April 14

Art conversation, with baby coos and cries encouraged.

Before hitting the road and beginning your summer adventures, be sure to check your vehicles fluids and essentials, or schedule a checkup for a second set of eyes. If you are heading to new places, be sure to update your GPS and maps. Car chargers will become your best friend, especially for directions and entertaining the little ones. Snacks and water are always a good idea too, no matter the ages.

differential fluids • Tire pressure and tread • Battery • Windshield wipers • Emergency kit (flashlight, blanket, first aid kit, basic tools) • Test the car (listen for noises, feel for shakes, watch for trouble signs)

Courtesy of C&O Heritage Center

Hands-on

Museum t Culture y of Fron Courtes

experiences,

days to the 21st century. Browse the

costumed interpreters and real working

exhibits

and

indoor and outdoor displays, take a ride

farms make this a great time for the

on a real handcar called the Little C&O

whole family. Special events throughout

and enjoy a tour of restored railroad

the year make it worth planning seasonal

equipment in Smith’s Creek Yard. The

visits. Be sure to check their website for

site honors those who contributed to

dates and themes for the Toddler & Pre-

building the railroads as well as those

schooler Frontier Time program. If you

still contributing today. Located in Clifton

are in need of ideas for kids with other

Forge, where railway locomotives used to

interests, check out the Woodrow Wilson

be serviced for their trips, the story of

Presidential Library while in the area.

the area is also told. The center provides

frontiermuseum.org • (540) 332-7850

shelters for picnics and a gift shop replicating the 1900 Passenger Station.

All Aboard! carefully

documented,

dismantled,

While in the area, feel free to adventure

Clifton Forge

to the Douthat Lake and State Park and

transported to the Staunton site and

DISTANCE: 1–2 hour drive

restored. Visitors to the museum will

Discover the great American story of how

embrace the outdoors.

learn about the Old World origins of this

the railroads brought us together. The

country’s first immigrants, including how

C&O Railway Heritage Center’s grounds

they lived in their homeland and how

are arranged as a walk through to show

their diverse culture molded our country.

the story of railroading, from its earliest

cohs.org • (540) 862-2210

KIDS RAFT FREE* WITH ACE ADVENTURE RESORT! *A child age 6-11 yrs. old rafts The Upper New River Gorge FREE when booked with a full price adult.

WHITEWATER RAFTING, ZIPLINE TOURS, PAINTBALL, LODGING & MORE...

8 0 0 .7 8 7. 3 9 8 2

A C E R A F T. C O M

AFTER THE RIVER, CHECK OUT OUR 5 ACRE WATERPARK! CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources camp guide}

Mud Hikes & MORNING SWIMS Memories of Camp By Louise Hemingway

March/April 2020

Remembering summer camp is like dusting off a manila folder labeled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Summer Ever.â&#x20AC;? The top page includes a memory of a big yellow bus that drove my 12-year-old self away from the city and into the country, and the final page includes a picture of me emerging with new confidence and an awareness that each day can be filled with meaning. In between lies many memories.

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources camp guide} June 22 – July 22

2020

was quite surprised when I found out that I had received a scholarship to attend camp, and since I had never been to

an overnight camp before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Would I be sleeping in a tent every night? Would I make friends? Would I see a bear, or worse, a skunk? I was about to find out. After riding that yellow bus through miles of endless cornfields, I passed beneath a large, wooden sign swinging above

the

road

that

read

“Camp

Pinewood.” Once I arrived, I was greeted by my camp counselor. She was older, a teenager, full of energy and excitement. She had a bounce in her step as she showed me to the log cabin where I’d be sleeping on a bunk bed. The cabin had no electricity or running water, Avoid the summer slide! Set on 450 acres of Charlottesville countryside, our reading camp for ages 6-13 is the perfect blend of fun and academics.

Visit oaklandschool.net/cville_family or call 434.293.9059 to learn more and apply.

and it smelled of pine logs. It was rustic convenience, quite a few steps above a tent. One by one, girls arrived, each picking a bunk. Not liking awkward silence, I set about interviewing each one, asking them about their schools and their families. This seemed to break the ice, and I soon realized that I would be making new friends. The boys were housed on the other side of the camp, far away from us. We did, however, get a chance to giggle and grin at them the very next morning in the big dining hall where we all gathered for breakfast.

Award-winning sleepaway camp in The beautiful shenandoah valley for ages 6-16. camp horizons offers 50+ activities that challenge our campers to reach their fullest potential, and experience their best summer ever! 540.896.7600 • www.camphorizonsva.com

March/April 2020

21st Annual Camp Guide R=Residential Camp options

ACA=Accredited with the American Camp Association

G=Grades

Name

Ages

Features

Internet & Phone

*ACAC Summer Camps See ad page 47

Ages 3 –G 8

Waterpark, tennis, arts, sports, cooking, outdoors, science, animals & more.

acac.com/camp 434-978-7529

*Blue Ridge Music Together See ad page 29

Ages Birth–6

Learn and play music together with a caregiver.

blueridgemusictogether.com 434-293-6361

*Blue Ridge School See ad page 65

Ages 8–18

Canoeing, coding, mountain biking, climbing, blueridgeschool.com games and more. 434-985-2811

*Boar’s Head Sports Club See ad page 59

All Ages

Knockerball, swimming, paddleboarding, geocaching, tennis, outdoors & more.

*Camp Friendship See ad page 69

Ages 7–16

Swimming, equestrian, field trips, sports, arts campfriendship.com & more. Weekend option. R, ACA. 800-873-3223

*Camp Hidden Meadows See ad page 69

Ages 6–17

Outdoor adventures, horseback riding, arts & crafts, organic farm & more. R, ACA.

boarsheadresort.com 434-972-6031

camphiddenmeadows.com 800-600-4752 cont’d pg 60

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources camp guide} TANDEM FRIENDS SCHOOL OF CHARLOTTESVILLE

SPECTRUM 2020 SUMMER PROGRAMS

The dining hall, a large structure made of logs, had long wooden tables and wooden benches. The food was delicious—fresh fruit, fluffy pancakes, tasty sausages, eggs with cheese—all in abundance and served on large platters passed around the table. Each age group

DANCE CAMPS!

SUMMER 2020 CAMPS: JUNE 15 - 18, 22 - 25 JULY 13 - 16

could sing the camp song the best? The

in part: “I got that feeling down in my heart, down in my soul to stay-eh-eh!”

HIP HOP! JAZZ! TAP! BALLET! LYRICAL! (Age 6-16) Latest pop music & moves Acting • Stage Makeup

Those who lost the challenge had to clean the dining hall. The older kids took pride in the fact that we never once had

INTENSIVE WORKSHOP: Ballet & Jazz (Age 10-17) • Choreography • Gain strength Advanced steps & turns • Individual attention! SAVE THE DATE! OUR SPRING PERFORMANCE IS MAY 2 AT PVCC

to clean! Lake Echo became a constant feature of my days at camp, the setting for swimming,

Favorite Award Winner

Build Confidence • Gain Poise • Have Fun!

ONLINE ANYTIME:WilsonSchoolofDance.com

(434)

canoeing,

kayaking

and

learning how to fish; but, it also became

CharlottesvilleFamily 2019

March/April 2020

challenge was put forth: which group

harmonica, and we would, in turn, sing,

(Age 3-6)

American name. Every morning the

camp owner would set the tone on his

FROZEN! PRINCESS BALLET/JAZZ

3114 Proffit Road (Next to Forest Lakes)

had a designated table and an Native

973-5678

Director: Juanita@WilsonSchoolofDance.com

the

home

embarrassment.

One afternoon, I emerged from an underwater swim. Unbeknownst to me, the straps of my swimsuit had come undone. Thankfully, my camp counselor warned me of my predicament before anyone else had noticed. Unfortunately, nothing could be done to fix the plastic hook that held the straps to my suit in place, so with every dip in the water,

there was a constant grab-pull-andcheck of my swimsuit. Why, oh why, hadn’t I brought two? Even that worry, though, didn’t stop me from taking an early bird swim at 6:00 a.m., an hour before the counselors rung the bell for everyone to rise. In those thin hours of morning, the summer air was cool. Steam snaked above the lake. Dew kissed the grass. And no one was around, save one counselor, so I had the lake to myself. Why the lake felt so warm while the air was cool and yet so cold when the air was hot, I did not know. But, there was nothing like that first jump into the lake for an early-morning swim. It amazed me that by simply rising early I had changed my day for the better. I felt empowered by the choice. Besides, after my swim, I had the bathhouse to myself, able to take a hot shower without the company of a gaggle of girls. Making crafts out of nature’s bounty, designing key chains of colored lanyard ribbon and singing rounds with friends made me realize that boredom had a

With a state-of-the art sports club as a base camp and 600 rolling acres to explore, the summer camp program at Boar’s Head offers an experience like no other. Campers will enjoy an array of outdoor-driven activities from Knockerball and splashing in the pool to paddleboarding and geocaching. To inquire about becoming a member and sending your child to one of the most dynamic camps in Charlottesville, contact Samantha Strong. Sstrong@BoarsHeadResort.com or (434) 972-6031

simple solution—doing something! Camp gave me a specific sort of determination, and I decided never to allow boredom to occupy a place in my life. Certainly, it had no place at camp. One entertaining pastime we enjoyed

Boar’s Head Resort is owned and operatioed by the UVA Foundation

was hand jives, those hand-clapping cont’d pg 62

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources camp guide} Name

Ages

Features

Internet & Phone

*Camp Horizons See ad page 56

Ages 6–16

Outdoor adventures include horses, water, arts, sports, science & more fun. R, ACA.

camphorizonsva.com/ charlottesville 540-896-7600

*Camp Rim Rock See ad page 62

Girls Ages 6–15

Tennis, climbing, kayaking, pottery, arts & crafts, and more. R, ACA.

camprimrock.com 347-746-7625

*Camp River’s Bend See ad page 65

Boys Ages 8–15

Canoeing, fishing, archery, basketball, horseback riding and more. R, ACA.

campriversbend.org 804-314-6656

*Carriage Hill Farm See ad page 70

Ages 7–12

Summer pony camp includes riding, gardening, hiking, picnics, art & more.

charlottesvillehorses.com 434-296-2672

*CASPCA Critter Camp See ad page 49

G 3–6

Hands-on learning, animal interactions, arts & crafts, and more.

caspca.org 434-973-5959

*Charlottesville Parks & Rec See ad page 67

Ages 5–15

Swimming, sports, arts & crafts, nature, field trips and more.

charlottesville.org 434-970-324

*The Covenant School See ad page 7

G PreK –12

Specialty camps for Grades K–8 & sports camps for Grades 1–12.

covenantschool.org 434-220-7330

*DMR Adventures See ad page 61

G K–12

Week-long drama and technical theater camps, as well as auditions.

dmradventures.com 434-227-4710

AGENCY, CREATIVITY, CURIOSITY,

DIVERSITY, INTEGRITY, IMPACT, EXEMPLARY CITIZENS, VISIONARY LEADERS

Come learn to play *Boys and Girls the sport of kings ages 10-15 (and queens) while M-F 9am-4pm having a fantastic summer $400/week experience on the farm. *Must be a We will teach you the confident rider who knows how to walk, rules of the game, the trot and canter. language of polo, and have you hitting a ball while riding a horse by the end of the week.

Two-Year-Olds through Grade 12 www.stab.org | (434) 296-5106 | admission@stab.org 60

March/April 2020

CONTACT VIRGINIA POLO AT: info@vapolo.org 434-979-0293 | vapolo.org

STEAM Discovery Academy

Join us this summer at STEAM Discovery Academy and let us cultivate your studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Students learn to think on their feet, evaluate challenges, and experiment CharlottesvilleFamily their way to solutions.

Favorite Award Winner

Visit our website at

2019

STEAMDiscoveryAcademy.com to view our course catalog and apply!

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources camp guide} games with friends set to spoken music. The girls in my cabin were not from the same area as me and weren’t familiar

Village School SUMMER CAMPS FOR GIRLS

with this activity, so I gathered my friends and took it upon myself to teach them. The name of the particular jive I introduced to them was “Rockin’ Robin,” which needs four people to play: Clap with the girl to your left. Clap with the girl to your right. Then clap with the girl across from you, one set of hands going over, one set of hands going under. All

For rising 1st - 9th grade girls Visit our website for more information:

the while, hands are clapping, voices are singing the lines of the nonsensical song, all to a steady, jazzy tempo. “Tweedle deedle deet. Tweedle deedle deet. Tweedle

villageschool.us

deedle deet. Tweedle deedle deet. Tweet baby, tweet baby. Bombeet!” Soon, all the girls wanted to learn, even the younger ones in other cabins. And before I knew it, the entire girls’ side of the camp was tweedle-deedle-deeting like little rockin’ robins.

215 East High Street, Charlottesville Virginia 22902 | 434-984-4404

I thought it awesome that I was the one that began the hand jivin’ phenomenon at camp that summer. The camp owner was so impressed that a few years later, when I was a teenager working at a retail store, he offered me a job as a camp counselor. I couldn’t accept, but I was pleased at the offer, which I believe was extended because of the success of that hand jive. I remember, too, a long, hot day of Capture the Flag. Two colored co-ed teams were formed, and all seemed quite elated

PERFORMING ARTS

with the quest of finding and capturing

AQUATICS

the other team’s flag that was tied to a

HORSEBACK RIDING

pole somewhere. Each team was to seize

ARTS & CRAFTS

not only that flag but also the flags tied

SPORTS

around any opposing team members’ waists. Those who lost their flag to the opposing team were “captured.” Thus, each player had two missions: not to be

VOTED “BEST OVERNIGHT CAMP” Multiyear winner by a leading Family Magazin

CAMP RIM ROCK.COM INFO@CAMPRIMROCK .COM · 347-RIM-ROCK

March/April 2020

captured, and to defend his or her team’s own flag. Such competitiveness was not my cup of tea, so I found a quiet spot under a tree where I hoped not to be discovered. I listened to birds twitter, watched squirrels scurry

and

daydreamed

under

the

moving clouds until I heard a counselor sound a loud whistle announcing that a winner had been found. When all of us had gathered to hear who won, everyone

Name

Ages

Features

Internet & Phone

*Duke Youth Programs See ad page 68

G 6–12

Offers programs in writing, cryptology, journalism, bioengineering and more.

learnmore.duke.edu/youth 919-684-6259

*First Presbyterian Church Preschool See ad page 29

Ages 20 mo –5

Themed day camps in a nurturing Christian environment.

firstprescharlottesville.org/ preschool 434-296-1447

*Frost Montessori School See ad page 12

Ages 3–6

A rich curriculum promoting a knowledge of the world and a development of skills.

frostmontessori.com 434-979-5223

*iD Tech Camps See ad page 63

Ages 7–19

Code apps, design video games, minecraft, engineer robots and more. ACA.

idtechcamps.com 888-709-8324

*International School of Charlottesville See ad page 11

Ages 3–6

Language-based day camps offering enrichment activities in French & Spanish.

theisc.org 434-984-2174

*KidsCollege@PVCC Summer Academies See ad page 64

G 3–9

Maker labs, robotics, coding, drones, sculpture, 3D art, music and more.

pvcc.edu/kidscollege 434-961-5354

*Lee Alter Summer Art Camps See ad page 66

Ages 3–12

Watercolor painting, sand tray work, graphite and making art with nature.

leealterartist.com 434-760-9658

*The Little Gym See ad page 48

Ages 3–12

Physical activity, gymnastics, games, arts & crafts, and more.

thelittlegym.com/charlottesville 434-975-5437 cont’d pg 66

THE #1

FOR AGES 7-19

TECH CAMP

Coding. Game dev. Robotics. Digital arts. This isn’t just a camp. It’s an experience unlike any other. Here, you push past the boundaries of school, ﬁnding your squad and bonding over the latest tech. Led by expert instructors, you will build the skills needed to forge a brilliant future.

Request your brochure today!

iDTechCamps.com | 1-888-709-8324 CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources camp guide} Keep your child’s literacy and math growing this summer.

looked hot, tired, dirty and exhausted— well, almost everyone. At least one of us was feeling peaceful and refreshed! There was one special event the older kids highly anticipated—the mysterious mud hike. This event was reserved only for the oldest campers and was from year to year kept secret from all the younger ones. We wondered what this mud hike would entail. Was it as awful as the counselors made us believe? The first clue, which I couldn’t understand, was that we could not wear underwear or socks. We girls had to wear two t-shirts. Those instructions seemed very peculiar, but the warning prevailed. The morning of the hike, we rose early. Anxiously, we dressed and began our trek out of the campground. We

See our website for more information and to register!

Join us for:

ehlearningcharlottesville.org • Phonics camp ages 6–11yrs • Touch-typing camp for all ages • Individualized one-to-one support 308 E Market St, Charlottesville 434-284-5608

Emerson House Learning

made our way through a small stretch of woods, and then the hike began … not near a creek but in it. By now, the hot summer sun was shining brightly, and it was a good thing, too, or else our feet would have become frostbitten, walking through the bitingcold creek water. Onward we marched and sloshed until soon the creek bottom turned into a miry avenue of thick brown

KIDSCollege Summer Academies 2020 Over 100 STEM & Arts Academies

mud. First, it clung onto my ankles and oozed into my canvas tennis shoes. As I plodded on, it crept up to my knees. And further on, if my memory has not been

SCHOLARS HIPS AVAILABLE !

June 1-August 7 • Rising 3rd–9th Graders

Call us for

more inform ation 434.961.53 54

OFF-SITE ACADEMIES:

EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS!

KIDSCollege@Fluvanna • June 1–12 KIDSCollege@Louisa • June 15–25 KIDSCollege@Albemarle • June 22–July 10 Online registration at www.pvcc.edu/kidscollege | 434.961.5354

March/April 2020

blighted by an exaggerated view of the cont’d pg 68

WHERE BOYS LEARN BEST At Blue Ridge School, we are the experts in how boys learn best. The result is a college prep program that guides boys to reach their full potential. Individual success is achieved through a tailored learning environment and an accepting culture that fosters the best in each of our students. ALL BOYS. ALL BOARDING. ALL COLLEGE BOUND. WWW.BLUERIDGESCHOOL.COM

Looking for more camp resources? Visit the cf online camp fair at charlottesvillefamily.com

CamperCounselor Ratio

For Ages

6-15

4:1

years old

At Camp River’s Bend, campers spend the summer living in a community dedicated to character development and living by timeless values such as gratitude, humility, sportsmanship, resilience, and teamwork.

CharlottesvilleFamily

campriversbend.org

•

804-314-6656

™

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources camp guide} Name

Ages

Features

Internet & Phone

*Living Earth School See ad page 70

Ages 5–17

Day & overnight nature camps. Adult & family programs, too.

livingearthva.com 540-456-7339

*Nike Sports Camps at UVA See ad page 70

Ages 9–18

Tennis camps blending instruction and fun both on and off the court. R option.

ussportscamps.com 800-645-3226

*Oakland School See ad page 56

Ages 6–13

Swimming, horseback riding, tennis, archery, oaklandschool.net nature study, schooling & more. R option. 434-293-9059

*The Paramount Theater See ad page 25

Varies

Try out for parts in local productions, and experience stage life first-hand.

theparamount.net 434-979-1333

*Piedmont Family YMCA See ad page 47

G 1–6

Adventurous field trips, swimming, crafts and guest speakers. Weekly themes.

piedmontymca.org 434-974-9622

*Spectrum Summer Programs at Tandem Friends School See ad page 58

G 1–7

Arts & crafts, cooking, theatre, fishing, yoga, tandemfs.org drumming, sewing, filmmaking & more. 434-760-3097

*SOCA Summer Soccer Camps See ad page 68

Ages 4–18

Basic & advanced skills training, position training & mini-tournaments. R option.

socaspot.org 434-975-5025

*STEAM Discovery Academy See ad page 61

G K–12

Science, technology, engineering, art and math. Students learn to think on their feet.

steamdiscoveryacademy.com 434-987-3918

*Tina Thompson Basketball Camps See ad page 70

Girls Ages 6–17

Learn basketball skills from former professionals.

tinathompsonbasketballcamps.com 434-872-3392

Watercolor WITH

CLASSES

Lee Alter

Painting & Drawing | Clay & Collage @McGuffey Art Center in Studio 6 (in the basement on the park side)

SUMMER ART CAMP FOR CHILDREN 10am – 12:30pm June 8-12 and 22-26 July 6-10 and 20-24 August 3-7 and 10-14

A ClAssiCAl ChristiAn sChool • GrAdes K-12 Challenging Academics • Biblical Worldview Affordable Tuition • Small Class Sizes • Team Sports

Tours Every Thursday (434) 293-0633 • regents-school.org 66

March/April 2020

Call 760-9658 to register www.leealterartist.com

Name

Ages

Features

Internet & Phone

*Triple C Camp See ad page 57

G K–11

Offers horseback riding, swimming & ropes course. Transportation included. R, ACA.

tripleccamp.com 434-293-2529

*The Village School See ad page 62

Girls G 2–7

Explore math, myths, science and several themed camps.

villageschool.us/summer-programs 434-984-4404

*Virginia Discovery Museum See ad page 16

Ages 4+

Weeklong half-day camps with different themes.

vadm.org/summer-camps 434-977-1025

*Virginia Polo Center See ad page 60

Ages 10–15

Learn polo skills, participate in lessons, clinics and scrimmages.

vapolo.org 434-979-0293

*Wilson School of Dance See ad page 58

Ages 3–17

Offers Princess ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, contemporary & intensives.

wilsonschoolofdance.com 434-973-5678

*Woodworking with Children See ad page 70

Ages 5–14

A woodworking experience for beginner and intermediate levels. 434-979-1220

www.kidsoutandabout.com/ content/childrens-woodworkingclasses-charlottesville-va

*World Peace Game Camp See ad page 69

G 4–7

Learn about global community through a hands-on political simulation.

worldpeacegame.org

Parents Please Note:

At the time of publication, many of the businesses and organizations planning summer camps this year had not yet firmed up the details for their programs. Please use the information we’ve gathered here as a “springboard” for your research into finding the right summer program for your family. We urge all parents to visit and interview each camp to make certain it is safe, there are qualified staff and it is a good program fit for your family. We do not in any way represent the businesses and organizations presented herein. The information presented here is for informational purposes only, and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein.

SUMMER DAY CAMPS EARLY CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 2

for city resident day campers and all adaptive campers REGULAR CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 13 for non-resident day campers

REGISTER ONLINE: WWW.WEBTRAC.CHARLOTTESVILLE.ORG REGISTRATION/SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONS: (434) 970-3260 DAY CAMP QUESTIONS: (434) 970-3243 ADAPTIVE CAMP QUESTIONS: (434) 970-3264

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources camp guide}

grossness, the slimy sludge was up to my waist. Though most of us girls squealed, frowned and protested, the adventure made the boys full of exuberance. The joy possessed them, and they began to fling the mud until each and every one of us resembled children who had been dipped in chocolate. The mud knew no boundaries. I understood why the undergarments had been left back at camp. Finally, the camp counselors stopped the boys from hurling mud and began to lead us to a waterfall—a run-off from a drainage pipe, really—to rinse off. As I made my way through the water, my legs

Be an InsIder Get the latest updates on area fun and news!

Visit us at CharlottesvilleFamily.com and sign up for our weekly E-Newsletter packed with calendar highlights, daytrip ideas, and much more!

felt as if they weighed 50 pounds each, until, at last, the mud was rinsed away. Before I knew it, we had hiked back to camp, and we arrived as dry and almost as clean as if the mysterious mud hike had never occurred. No matter how much the younger ones begged, they could not pry the secret of the hike from us. With nighttime came the best camp experiences.

Watching

the

crackling

campfire with its orange embers floating

Thanks for voting for us!

amily CharlottesvilleF d Awar Favoriteinne W r 2019

Soccer!

• Leagues for All Youth & Adult Players! • Summer Camp Options, Top Quality Instruction • Visit Us on the Web or Call...

SOCA 975-5025 www.SOCAspot.org 68

March/April 2020

Thank you for choosing SOCA!

toward a bejeweled night canopy. Singing the never-ending “500 Bottles of Pop on the Wall.” Munching on s’mores, burning hot dogs and marshmallows on sticks, and cringing at the scary parts of spooky stories. No camp would be complete without these pursuits, and ours was complete. For a while, though, I was anxious that one of my strongest camp wishes would go unfulfilled. As far as I was concerned, a true camp stay included sleeping in a tent, and for most of my stay at Camp

Premier summer camp camp in your backyard. Premier overnight overnight summer in your backyard.

CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019

www.campfriendship.com Charlottesville

World Peace Game Camp with John Hunter

June 15-19, 2020 8:30am - Noon Location: Mountaintop Montessori

Children ages 9-12 Reading on grade level and fluent in English

CAMP Hidden

Meadows 1–4 WEEKS BOYS & GIRLS AGES 6–16

Horseback Riding • White-Water Rafting • Sailing • Sports • Mountain Boarding Canoeing • Backpacking • Swimming • Arts & Crafts • Organic Farm • Mountain Biking Rock Climbing • 1,000 Ft. Zip Line • Performing Arts & more! s 2 hour f o t s e w C’ville!

1-800-600-4752 • camphiddenmeadows.com CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources camp guide} Pinewood, I wondered whether I would ever get to experience this. I wanted the peaceful feeling of sleeping under the SERIOUS. FUN.

NIKE TENNIS CAMPS

stars, of feeling the velvety night around me, of hearing the quiet of the woods. The last night before my departure, I

CHARLOTTESVILLE NIKE TENNIS CAMP

finally got my chance. All of us girls were

to sleep in one tent while the boys were to sleep in another. Though the boys’ tent was some yards away, it was, in my

DIRECTED BY: Jon Sarosiek: Director of Tennis at Boar’s Head Resort Brian Rasmussen: Volunteer Asst Coach at UVA; Scott Brown: Asst Coach at UVA

opinion, entirely too close. I’m not sure

1.800.NIKE.CAMP | USSportsCamps.com

where the camp counselors’ tent was,

All Rights reserved. Nike and the Swoosh design are registered trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under license. Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps.

but they certainly didn’t stop the boys from trying to scare us silly. All night

Experience something special! Voted one of Charlottesville’s Favorite Camps ! Day & Overnight Nature Camps for boys & girls, ages 5-17

long, we girls were tormented by the ghoulish laughter of boys lurking outside our tent, their flashlights glaring through it, plastic snakes being tossed under it and other such pranks, which I have conveniently blocked from my memory. One fact, though, was firmly imprinted there. I was absolutely, positively, without a shadow of a doubt, deprived of a peaceful sleep under the stars, the kind

Check out our other

adult & family programs!

CharlottesvilleFamily

that I had expected. Indeed, I greeted

2019

the rising sun with a desire to bop those

Favorite Award Winner

www.LivingEarthVa.com  540.456.7339

(Lack of sleep does crazy things to one’s

Carriage Hill Farm

disposition.) My manila folder about camp has

• Keswick •

many such memories, and it’s fun to dust it off, take out its contents and

Celebrating 24 Years of Equestrian Fun!

share them with my kids. I know for a certainty that I am not alone in thinking that attending summer camp makes

SUMMER PONY CAMP

the best summers ever. Surely, if all the

BARNYARD BIRTHDAY PARTIES

recollections of those who experienced

HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS LICENSED

434-296-2672

www.charlottesvillehorses.com

tiresome boys upside their silly heads.

Opening Doors to Bright Futures for Kids

434.296.4118 readykidscville.org

weeks of summers at camp were written down,

placed

within

literal

manila

folders, and then stacked one atop another, those memories reach clear to the shining moon. Perhaps, it is those that twinkle in the big tent stretched over the night sky.

Summertime

WOODWORKING WITH CHILDREN

Classes • Camps • Birthday Parties Scouts or Any Group • Adult Beginners JUDY CAHILL 434-979-1220 JCahill5@aol.com www.kidsoutandabout.com/content/childrenswoodworking-classes-charlottesville-va

March/April 2020

Louise is a freelance writer who still enjoys listening to good stories told around a campfire while munching on s’mores.

{until next time humorous reflections}

Saved From the TV Abyss

A Dad’s Humorous Tales by Rick Epstein

Many years before Wendy was born, I interviewed a man who was celebrating his 100th birthday. He struck a chord with me when he said, “I retired in the 1950s to watch television.” Looking back, I’d have to say that was a bad time to turn pro. As a rising amateur in those years, I experienced few channels, no color, poor reception and a long stretch of nothingness in the wee hours until “Modern Farmer”

brains would, as I say, “form properly.” When they were bigger, knowing how distracting TV can be, we kept the set turned off on school nights. In the interest of family togetherness, we had only one television set in the house, so we were limited to shows suitable for kids. Also, I would discontinue the cable service for years at a time to limit a major source of inappropriate content and body-image overload. During

came on at 6 a.m. But, I understood the attraction. I grew up watching as much TV as possible, and probably some of the same shows that this retiree was enjoying. But unlike him, I was impeded by my mom who wouldn’t let me watch professional wrestling; my dad, who objected to Westerns because “they’re always fighting;” and my bookish brother, who made me ashamed of watching baseball. Besides the familial interference, there was technical interference from the vacuum cleaner, the electric mixer and the weather. But, worst of all were the demands of school. I didn’t mind going to school, because there was nothing on except soap operas. In the interest of family But, every minute spent togetherness, we had only on homework was a one television set in the minute stolen from my tele-viewing schedule. house, so we were limited to My motto: “So many shows suitable for kids. shows, so little time.” From “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Red Skelton Show” to “Rawhide,” “Combat,” “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and “The Twilight Zone,” they all beckoned, and I yearned for a time when I’d be done with school work and could spend my evenings among them. But after college, my roommate and I realized that this was our prime time, and we agreed that even an evening spent in a bar arduously underwhelming uninterested women was at least living instead of merely watching. We always worked David Carradine’s “Kung Fu” into our schedule, though. Later, I got married and became a workaholic, and had no time for the television. When our three daughters came along, we held back on the television so their

those years, anything we watched at home was brought in on videotape or disk. The girls, now 19, 23 and 26, are still messing with my TV time. Marie, the oldest daughter, is an artsy intellectual and extremely critical of the shows I order from Netflix, which usually involve police, cowboys or soldiers. She has outgrown having me as a mentor, but she still tries to think of me as a peer and is always disappointed in my unsophisticated tastes. When we watch something of her choosing, it is so edgy and nontraditional that I don’t even know what it’s about until it’s over and she explains it. Sally, the middle daughter, lives 20 miles away. When she drops in, it is to visit, not to watch me watching TV, and I respect that. And then there’s Wendy, who watches reality TV shows, which to say the least are far from reality. I can’t bear it, and I want to turn off the cable again and rely solely on Netflix. However, my wife loves to watch baseball and football games. When no one’s around, I sit on the couch with the cat and we watch what I like. Mr. Mittens will jump down and pace around nervously during noisy gun battles that, for me, are the hallmark of quality entertainment. But, I don’t care. When I’m by myself for a long time, I think of that old retiree, putting in a full day in front of a little blackand-white TV screen and I have to salute a pioneer. I’ve found that after soaking up a few movies and TV shows in one day, I’m ready to do something else like read a book or take a walk or maybe even spend time with the lovely people who have kept me out of the TV abyss all these years.

Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.

CharlottesvilleFamily.com