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Just Between Us… Dear Friends, This year, the holidays included Thanksgiving “back home” in Illinois where
volume 21 issue 1 january/february 2020 PUBLISHERS
Robin Johnson Bethke Jennifer Bryerton
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Johnson Bethke EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Bryerton TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Peter D. Bethke SENIOR EDITOR Sarah Pastorek Short
we grew up and our families still live. It was a whirlwind road trip. Although the
ONLINE EDITOR Madison Stanley
kids no longer need playpens and car seats, they somehow take up just as much
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Ellen Sewell
space with their long limbs and school backpacks. Along the way, we listened
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
to podcasts, including “Dolly Parton’s America” with Jad Appenrod. I suspect the kids were tuning out, but I heard a theme emerging, one that appeared again
Barbara A. Tompkins
SENIOR MARKETING CONSULTANT Susan Powell
when I was reading Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. What is home. Home
MARKETING CONSULTANTS
is where you are known. Home is where you are loved. Home is your shared
stories.
FAMILY HEALTH EDITOR Katharine Paljug
I’m from a small town, and although I’ve lived away for 20 plus years now,
Carter Schotta, Jenny Stoltz
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jennifer Carroll, Beth Cheuk,
Rick Epstein, Katharine Paljug,
Mandy Reynolds, Katherine Ludwig,
were reminiscing about Uncle Willard’s mechanic shop, where we could ride
Julie Snyder, Bob Taibbi, Whitney
on the wheel-y thing that he used to work under the cars, as well as about our
Woollerton Morrill, Denise Yearian
elementary school playground where some of the dads used pipes to build us
BOOKKEEPER Theresa Klopp
I bet if I were to visit the local grocery store, odds are good I’d meet someone I knew. And, those connections are important. While visiting, my sisters and I
bars that we did acrobatic tricks on (Tara Ann broke her arm but we still got to play on them). Kids are still too young to understand the value of the stories… But,
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Christine DeLellis-Wheatley
INTERNS Kathryn Jewusiak, Mary Allen Talley DISTRIBUTION Ray Whitson
someday, they will tell their own, perhaps of going hiking and barely rescuing little brother from a lake of mud, or of riding the carousel on the Downtown Mall, swimming at Mint Springs Park, shopping at the Farmers Market and pushing one another on the tree swing (that they were still allowed to play on even after sister fell off and broke her arm). These are the meaningful everyday stories that knit us together. My New Year’s resolution this year is to make a more permanent collection of stories for our family—a family tree that will not only have dates but also include some anecdotes that will help to create a picture of personalities and the day-to-day adventures. It is an ambitious idea, so I’m going to just tackle one little bit at a time—call Grandma this month. That will make it fun.
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.
Wishing you a wonderful new year, 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
6
January/February 2020
Contents TABLE OF
50
OUR TOWN
News 8
The Buzz Around Town 10 Do you allow family pets to sleep with your child(ren) at night?
Snapshot 12
Katie Kishore, Mom & Owner
Our Schools 14 Changing the Narrative
Out & About Calendar 16
January & February Activities & Events for Families
LIVING WELL New Mom 26 Parenting As a Team
INSPIRATION
Dear Bob 28 Your Parenting Questions Answered Healthy Family 30 Winter Safety Tips
Tips & Trends 32 Fabulous Finds and Fun
New Year, New Home 36
4 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Family’s Nest
2019 CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Home Winners 46
Your Winning Picks for Family-Friendly Home Services
Summer on the Stage 50 Reflections of A Theater Camper
Valentine’s Day Fun 24 Craft, Recipe & Book Ideas
Editor’s Pick From sleep-away camps (pg 52) and info on area private schools (pg 64) to winter safety tips (pg 30) and other parenting advice, this issue has everything you need to start the new year off on a great note.
Education: A Choice Decision 62 What to Look for When Choosing the Best Private School for Your Child
RESOURCES
Guide to Residential Camps 52
What You Need to Find the Best Camp for Your Child
2020 Guide to Private Schools The Inside Info on Area Schools
HOME & GARDEN Food & Family 34 Better Dining Experiences
64
32
Cool Stuff 43 Products for the Home
UNTIL NEXT TIME Revving the Wakeup Machine 70 A Dad’s Humorous Tales
So Love This! “As the mom of a 3-year-old, I’m excited to read the books about kindness with him (pg 24). He could use a few kindness lessons!” — Ellen, editorial assistant
36 CharlottesvilleFamily.com
7
{our town community}
News
local buzz
CharlottesvilleFamily proudly sponsors:
Kid*Vention Key Recreation Center February 8
CharlottesvilleFamily’s Fun Fair & Camp Expo The DoubleTree Hotel February 16
Share your favorite pet photos for a chance to appear in the March/April issue and win a prize! Submissions: Jan.20–Feb.2 Vote: Feb. 3–10
CAMP EXPO!
Young Minds in Motion
It’s the perfect time for parents to plan for summer, and there is no better place to do that than at the annual CharlottesvilleFamily Fun Fair & Camp Expo. This popular event is easy, one-stop shopping for parents to select the camp of their kid’s and teen’s dreams—whether they’re into building robots, painting, horseback riding or extreme sports! Over 80 exhibitors from all over the East Coast typically attend this popular event. Nearly 3,000 people attended last year’s event and enjoyed more than $1,500 in great giveaways. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at the DoubleTree Hotel from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
8
January/February 2020
Through a partnership with the Richmond Ballet, fourth-grade students from Charlottesville City schools delivered Minds in Motion performances at the end of October. Teaching artists from the Richmond Ballet visited each elementary school for two-week residencies, meeting weekly with the students. At the end of the sessions, students performed “Journey of the Monarch” to demonstrate their dancing skills, creative expression and learning through action. The partnership culminated in two live performances at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center.
The Spirit of Theater
Supporting One of Our Own Through a Superhero Scavenger Hunt and a Kids’ Superhero Dash, JackFest brought the community together to support a local “hero.” This past February, 4-year-old Jack Callahan was diagnosed with an aggressive germ cell tumor that is rare in children and then underwent several rounds of chemotherapy at the University of Virginia (UVA) before being transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, for cuttingedge treatment. So, in honor of their community member, JackFest, an event hosted by Ragged Mountain Running Shop at Panorama Farms in Earlysville, was devised to raise funds that directly benefitted not only Callahan and his family but also the Child Life Program at UVA.
Charlottesville High School (CHS) earned the first-ever “Spirit of Theater” award at the Virginia Theatre Association’s annual high school festival in Norfolk, VA, for its one-act play “Failure.” The cast and crew, directed by CHS senior Jack Heaphy, were awarded for their collaboration, problem solving and positivity throughout the challenging execution of the love story. Well received by audience members, “Failure” was celebrated for the Charlottesville students’ hard work and excellent performance, winning this new award over 60 other public and private high schools in Virginia.
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9
{our town community} The
Buzz
AROUND
TOWN Do you allow family pets to sleep with your child(ren) at night? 40% say “yes” 60% say “no” “We stopped letting them sleep with us and we are more rested! But, I wouldn’t stop with the kiddos.” – Angie, momma of four
“We keep our pets out of bedrooms. I have allergies, and I don’t want to wash sheets every day.” – Tara, mom to two
“Our dog is part of the family. If my kids want to sleep with their pup, it is fine by us.” – Dad of two
“I don’t really have anything against it, except I’m afraid my kids would get woken up by the dog or cat. Sleep is precious, and I don’t want it getting messed up by a pet. :)” – Whitney, Charlottesville mom of four
“We allow our dogs to sleep with us, so if the kids want to do the same thing we allow it.” – Scottsville mom of two
“My son feels safer when our dog sleeps in his room, so we allow it. Every so often, the dog will hop up on his bed!” – Dad of two, Charlottesville
“It’s only because my kids are too small. It’s more for my dog.” – Mother of two boys
“I want to make sure my daughter sleeps well. Our dog moves around and makes noises when he’s dreaming, and I’m worried he would disturb her.” – Mom of one girl
Visit CharlottesvilleFamily.com to answer next issue’s question:
Have you ever caught yourself repeating something your parents said to you? 10
January/February 2020
photo: Michele Mathieson
Release the Drones St. Anne’s-Belfield School students are integrating new technology into their education—drones. Workshops have been designed to combine the coding that students are already learning in computer science with an in-depth exploration of drones. Seventh- and eight-grade students in a Quest program conducted interviews with students in grades K–4 to find a drone that could be coded with a program already utilized by these classes. Then, Quest students planned a drone workshop that included an obstacle course and a virtual reality demonstration with drones for third-grade students. In an effort to create memorable experiences for everyone involved and to challenge the Quest students to adapt their plans, the students now plan to devise a workshop for kindergarteners.
BIZ BITS OPENINGS/ RELOCATIONS Champion Grill, 2075 Bond St. #180 Charlottesville Wine & Country Shop, 4282 Ivy Rd. Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlottesville North, 577 Branchlands Blvd. Harbor Freight Tools, 440 Gander Dr. Matchbox, 2055 Bond St. Skrimp Shack, 1970 Rio Hill Center
CLOSINGS Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 1000 W Main St. Suite A Jefferson Ale House, 852 W Main St. Ste 110 Sugar Shack Donuts, 1001 W Main St. Tin Whistle Irish Pub, 609 E Market St.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Charlottesville City Council voted 4–0 to remove the statue of Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea from West Main St.
SWETT DENTISTRY CharlottesvilleFamily
Duner’s Chef Laura Fonner recently won Food Network’s “Guys Grocery Games” Cook-Off. The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce selected Juandiego Wade for the Chamber’s 2019 Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award and Christopher A. Henry of Stony Point Development Group for the Christopher Lee Small Business Person of the Year Award. The Piedmont Family YMCA shared that ACAC will take over the Crozet facility in April. ACAC will still offer after school programs, summer camps and the swim team. The former Simeon Market is under new ownership.
Submit Biz Bits to: editor@IvyLifeAndStyleMedia.com
Favorite Award Winner 2019
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11
{our town interview}
SNAPshot words by Holly Stancil
Katie Kishore Mom & Owner
Founder Katie Kishore is excitedly awaiting the opening of Kindness Cafe + Play, set to open in February in the Brooks Family YMCA. Like other coffee shops, it will sell coffee and espresso, kombucha and family-friendly food options, with space for reading, conversation and small group gatherings. But, Kindness Cafe has a larger goal in mind: inclusiveness. Kindness Cafe’s primary mission is to provide meaningful employment and a supportive community to adults with cognitive disabilities. In many ways, a coffee shop is an ideal setting for the employment of adults with cognitive disabilities. With coaching and mentoring, adults with disabilities can learn the ins and outs of cafe management, with each individual paired to the role for which he or she is best suited. In her talk at the Tom Tom Festival crowd-sourcing event, Kishore said, “In this world that often feels like a race, generally speaking people with cognitive disabilities are not concerned with finishing first. They are less likely to seek power and tend to care more about relationships—the giving and receiving of love.” With this in mind, Kishore is putting her own go-getter past behind her and focusing on Kindness Cafe as a community asset that will bring about social change, one cup of coffee at a time. Kishore is a 2001 University of Virginia graduate, where she played varsity soccer and basketball, co- captaining both teams her senior year. The 2014 arrival of her second child Kiran, born with Down syndrome, and the subsequent death of her husband Kris, changed her outlook considerably. “I’m creating Kindness as a place where both my children can feel welcomed and valued. I want Kindness Cafe to be the most welcoming place in Charlottesville.” Her goal is to create a community space where people of all abilities will celebrate the gifts in themselves and others, while interacting as peers. As a happy bonus, she hopes the spirit of inclusiveness
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January/February 2020
in her coffee shop will have a ripple effect in the Charlottesville community and beyond. Kindness Cafe has found early support from several other Charlottesville organizations. The Brooks Family YMCA facility in McIntire Park is the cafe’s current home. Grit Coffee, with multiple locations in Charlottesville, is partnering with Kindness to train employees and provide coffee in its early months. Arc of the Piedmont is serving as a fiscal sponsor, while Kindness Cafe awaits approval on its 501(c)3 status. In the planning stages, Kishore spent time in conversations with Charlottesville organizations such as Breadworks and Innisfree, which also employ adults with disabilities. At every turn, Kishore has been delighted at how receptive and helpful the community has been to the mission and vision. Reagan Stillerman is serving as Kindness Cafe’s Operations Director. With 19 years of experience in special education, most recently at Monticello High School, Stillerman is excited to take her expertise out of the classroom and into a real-world setting. Her goal is to ensure the work environment is positive, the customers are satisfied, and that the cafe is a place of belonging for all. Kishore wants Kindness to be the “warmest, friendliest space in Charlottesville.” The cafe aims to employ people with and without disabilities, and she’s hoping it will be a welcoming space for children and adults with special needs as well as typically abled customers. “My older daughter Mira is typically developing, and I want her to know that everyone has talents to share,” Kishore shares. “For my younger daughter Kiran, I want her to see adults with disabilities like hers engaged in meaningful work and contributing to our community. It will give her a picture of how she might fit into our community in her adult life.” kindnesscafecville.com
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{our town community} SPORTS ZONE
Ouorols
Sch
Covenant Brings Home Two State Championships
euk
h Ch
t by Be
Charlottesville High School students and teachers visit the unveiling of artist Kehinde Wiley’s “Rumors of War” sculpture at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA. Photo Credit: Aaron Eichorst.
2nd Annual “Play for Preemies”
Changing the Narrative When you think back on your own history classes, chances are you remember a celebratory study of major events in American and European history. But, were you asked to consider hard truths about our history and your own place in it? Today’s history classes seek to reflect a wider array of cultures, voices and experiences, helping our students see and understand themselves and others, and situate themselves in a complicated past and present. Charlottesville City Schools is working with Virginia Humanities and other partners such as Jefferson School African American Heritage Center to change the narrative. This work builds on past efforts to bring more local and diverse voices into our social sciences curriculum. Charlottesville, in particular, has vast resources for teaching American themes in local ways, from our colonial roots through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. “One way we can use local stories to tell broader narratives is by teaching the schools’ own history of desegregation while also recognizing that we have a very long way to go,” notes Neeley Minton, social studies coordinator for Charlottesville City Schools.
This year, the schools and City unveiled a historic marker describing the desegregation of Johnson Elementary School, which prompted the schools to designate November 21 as the first annual “Trailblazers Day” in an effort to teach about the students and families who bravely challenged segregation at Venable Elementary, Johnson Elementary and Lane High School. In age-appropriate ways, students considered the past and how it shapes our present. Other opportunities abound, from hearing voices of the Monacan Indian Nation who first inhabited this area to studying real estate covenants that prohibited African-American and Jewish families from living in many Charlottesville neighborhoods. Minton adds, “We are surrounded by resources, from places like Monticello, Highland and Montpelier, and Jefferson School to resources like City and University records, and to our neighbors who are willing to share their voices. The challenges are to make these resources available to our staff, to equip staff to lead challenging conversations, and to make space in our schools and community that will allow us to stumble and learn as we strive to tell a more complete and honest history.”
Beth is the Charlottesville City Schools’ Coordinator of Community Affairs and Development.
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January/February 2020
As the 2019 fall sports seasons wrapped up, The Covenant School ended things by bringing home two state titles in football and boys’ soccer. Both teams entered the playoffs with high expectations, and left with well deserved state championship titles. Prior to the Virginia Independent Schools Football League (VISFL) championship game, The Covenant School football team averaged 52 points per game throughout their undefeated season. Led by quarterback Joe Sanker, the Eagles won against in-town rivals St. Anne’s-Belfield School 64-44 for their second state title in two seasons. After a semifinal loss in last year’s playoffs, Covenant boys’ soccer returned this season hoping to use the loss as motivation for this year’s playoffs. The Eagles ended this season with a 3-2 win over Seton School to secure the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II title. Seniors scored all three of Covenant’s goals, marking a bittersweet end to their high school soccer careers. The two titles add to Covenant’s athletic achievements, bringing the school to a total of 35 state championships in school history.
Hoos Reading?
Renaissance Research Gets Published
The students at Johnson Elementary welcomed a special guest at one of their readings for Jumpstart’s 14th annual Read for the Record event in November. University of Virginia President James Ryan visited Johnson Elementary to read Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora in participation in this global reading program. The Jumpstart program is an annual campaign that raises awareness about the importance of building quality language and literacy education for all children. Through its Read for the Record event, it invites adults and children worldwide to read the same book on the same day.
Three teams of young Charlottesville scientists from the Renaissance School were published in BioTreks Journal, the first international synthetic biology journal to be authored and reviewed by high school students. The peer-reviewed research addressed a range of synthetic biology subjects. One group studied the genetic engineering of poplars with the goal of upregulating a certain gene’s expression so poplar trees can more safely remove and metabolize pollutants from groundwater. Another group examined the harmful Brevetoxins (neurotoxins that bind to channels in nerve cells) produced by red tide algal blooms and how they could be stopped by altering the genetic code. While, the third group published work on using Antifreeze Proteins as an alternative to road salts.
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{our town calendar}
&
Out
About
FESTIVALS, FAIRS, MARKETS & BAZAARS
JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2020
Check out our online calendar for more local family events and fun!
The Muppet Movie
January 19, 2pm at The Paramount Theater After a chance meeting with a great talent scout, Kermit goes to Hollywood dreaming about the world of show business. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net
Winter Madison Farmers Markets
January 11 & February 8, 10am–12pm at Hoover Ridge Park, Madison Come out to the winter markets to enjoy some local shopping. 540-948-6881, madisonfarmersmarket.info
Winter Farmers Market
January 11–March 21, Saturdays, 9am–1pm at IX Art Park Browse Virginia-born fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and prepared foods, as well as arts and crafts from local makers. 434-207-2355, ixartpark.org
Kid*Vention 2020
February 8, 10am–3pm at Key Recreation Center Explore a wide variety of fields through handson experiments, demonstrations, games and more, as the museum welcomes local exhibitors with expertise in biology, chemistry, physics, zoology and more. CharlottesvilleFamily is a proud sponsor! 434-977-1025, vadm.org
CharlottesvilleFamily Fun Fair & Camp Expo
February 16, 10am–3pm at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville The annual Fun Fair & Camp Expo helps parents
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live get a jump on camp shopping. Meet over 80 exhibitors from camps offering horseback riding, sailing, sports training, travel, robotics and much more. There will be entertainment and special kids’ activities. 434-984-4713, charlottesvillefamily.com
8th Annual ArtFest in the West
YOU CAN HELP!
February 28, 6–9pm at Western Albemarle High School Enjoy kids’ activities, worldly decorations, food, arts & crafts, a photo booth, a silent auction and live performances by local kids. 434-806-1149, artsinwesterneducation.org
STAGE & SCREEN School of Rock Movie
January 5, 2pm at The Paramount Theater Kicked out of his band and desperate for work, Jack Black impersonates a substitute teacher and turns a class of fifth grade high-achievers into high-voltage rock and rollers. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net
January 21, 6pm at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond Enjoy an interactive musical adventure to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, while sharing stories of friendship, helping others and new experiences. 804-592-3330, dominionenergycenter.com
Tandem Friends School One-Act Plays
January 24, 25 & 26, 7pm at Tandem Friends School Community Hall The Upper School Drama program presents a series of one-act plays, with assistance from local directors and playwrights. 434-296-1303, tandemfs.org
Harriet Tubman & the Underground Railroad
January 24–March 1 at The Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn This stirring drama with music shares in the joys, sorrows and challenges Tubman faced while freeing herself and hundreds of others from slavery. 804-282-2620, va-rep.org
A Symphony Sing-A-Long
January 25, 11am at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond Enjoy a “karaoke style” concert featuring some of your child’s favorite music. 804-592-3330, dominionenergycenter.com
A Night at the Movies
January 27, 6:30–8:30pm at Crozet Library Join for a night at the movies with theater-style popcorn and drinks. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org
Dear Edwina
January 31–February 9 at Four County Players Cellar A children’s one-hour musical, it features a young girl who gives her neighborhood friends and family advice through singing. 540-832-5355, fourcp.org
National Geographic Live
CharlottesvilleFamily Fun Fair & Camp Expo
February 16, 10am–3pm at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville. See this page.
16
January/February 2020
February 7, 7pm at The Paramount Theater Hear from wildlife conservationist, photographer and cinematographer Shannon Wild, who lives in Africa but works where the wildlife calls. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net
Green Book
February 9, 2pm at The Paramount Theater A film inspired by a true friendship that transcended race, class and the 1962 MasonDixon line. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net
Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert
February 15, 8pm at Altria Theater, Richmond Fans of all ages can now experience the thrilling tale accompanied by the music of a live symphony orchestra. 800-514-3849, altriatheater.com
Indiana Jones & the Raiders of the Lost Ark February 16, 2pm at The Paramount Theater The quick-witted and hardy archaeologist Indiana Jones goes on the hunt for the Lost Ark of the Covenant. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net
Yamato – The Drummers from Japan
February 20, 7pm at The Paramount Theater A high-energy and explosive interpretation of the centuries-old Taiko Japanese drumming tradition. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net
Youth Orchestra Concert
February 25, 7pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center, CHS Featured ensembles: the Rita M. Evans Orchestra, the Flute Ensemble and the Youth Symphony. 434-974-7776, yocva.org
CatVideoFest 2020
February 29, 2–3:30pm at Violet Crown Cinema Enjoy a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos and classic internet powerhouses. charlottesville.violetcrown.com
SPORTS, OUTDOORS & ACTIVE FUN Roller Skating
Now–May, Saturdays, 6–9pm at Greenwood Community Center Open every Saturday night for roller skating. 434-296-5844, albemarle.org
New Year’s Day 5K YOU CAN HELP!
January 1, 11am at 5404 Wesley Chapel Road, Free Union Celebrate the New Year with a fairly flat, outand-back 3.1-mile course. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia. cvilletrackclub.org
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
UVA Women’s Basketball Home Games
January 2, 9, 19 & 26, February 2, 6, 13 & 27 at John Paul Jones Arena Cheer on our ‘Hoos at home. January 19 also includes National Girls & Women in Sports Day. 800-542-8821, virginiasports.com
Boar’s Head Resort is owned and operatioed by the UVA Foundation
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{our town calendar} Block Play
January 24, 10:30–11:30am at Crozet Library Through play with blocks, babies learn about math, physics and language, all while using their amazing motor and social skills. Ages 6–35 months. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org
Romp & Stomp
Starry Nights Under the Dome Now–February at UVA’s Rotunda. See page 19.
UVA Men’s Basketball
January 4, 11, 18, 20 & 28, February 5, 11, 19 & 29 at John Paul Jones Arena Come cheer on our ‘Hoos at home. 800-542-8821, virginiasports.com
The Xperience Tennis Invitational
January 9–12 at The Boar’s Head Sports Club Xperience Special Olympics tennis at its best at this three-day tennis extravaganza. 800-932-4653, specialolympicsva.org
Fee Free Day at Shenandoah National Park January 20 at Shenandoah National Park In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Shenandoah National Park is waiving all entrance fees. visitshenandoah.org
PLAYTIME, ARTS & CRAFTS Wintry LEGO
January 2, 3:30–5pm at Central Library Celebrate the season by making some wintry wonders with LEGO blocks and vote for your favorite snowflake, while enjoying a tasty treat. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
Life-Sized Candy Land
January 4, 2–4pm at Central Library Gum drops, licorice and lollipops, oh my. Wind up Winter Break with a sweet treat. Bring your family and friends for a life-sized version of Candy Land. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
January 15, 4–5pm at Central Library Step inside the library to build and dress a snow person of your very own. Best for ages 5+. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
TICKETS ON SALE NOW SprintPavilion.com, Downtown Visitor Center
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January/February 2020
Family Art JAMs: Clay Constructions
January 18, 1pm & 3pm at The Fralin Museum of Art Use the bronze sculpture by Marisol Escobar to construct an abstract sculpture from clay slabs. 434-243-2050, uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu
January 30–March 5, Thursdays, 10:30–11:15am & 1:30–2:15pm at Central Library Play with your preschooler in this early literacy class of music, stories, drama, movement, art play and more. For 2to 5-year-olds with a caregiver. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
Tinkergarten Class
January 30–March 19, 10:15–11:30am at Pen Park Children 18 months–5 years old are invited to meet outdoors to explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate and create together. 413-397-2800, tinkergarten.com
Handcraft Group
February 6, 10am–12pm at Scottsville Library Swap ideas, learn new skills or just enjoy the conversations. Bring a project in progress, or the supplies you need to get started. 434-296-5544, jmrl.org
Family Art Drop-In
February 10, 2–4pm at Crozet Library Stop by anytime during the two hours to create a hand-crafted token for a special someone. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org
Babies in Artland
February 11, 10–10:45am at The Fralin Museum of Art Designed for adult caregivers and their infant companions, this event invites conversation about works of art, with baby coos and cries encouraged. 434-243-2050, uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu
Family Art JAMs: Wire Figures
February 15 at The Fralin Museum of Art After discussing small cowboy wire sculptures by Aboriginal Australian artist Johnny Perrurle Young, participants will use wire and paper mache to construct animal and human figures. 434-243-2050, uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu
Picturebook Potpourri: Art in the Family
February 18, 3:30–4pm at Gordon Avenue Library Explore the wealth of childrens’ books by the Pinkney Family and then enjoy creating your own art piece. 434-296-5544, jmrl.org
LEARNING FUN Full Day Out-of-School Fun
Now–January 3, 7am–6pm at Crozet YMCA Have fun during winter break. 434-270-7550, piedmontymca.org
Starry Nights Under the Dome
ANNUA
Now–February at UVA’s Rotunda In the evening, the Rotunda’s interior dome transforms into a stylized version of the night sky as seen in Jefferson’s time. uvamagazine.org
ation at Key Recre
10AM
Solar Viewing
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Sprint Pavilio
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January 6, 11am–12pm at Central Library Join this casual drop-in group to discuss a variety of topics with other English-Language Learners, staff and volunteers. Children welcome. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
AL
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January 2 & 3 at YMCA Participants will have fun experiences including sports, arts & crafts, and music. 434-974-9622, piedmontymca.org
English Conversation Circle
Center, near
E FESTIV
FEB.
Winter Around the World
January 3, 12–1pm at Ivy Creek Foundation The Charlottesville Astronomical Society will present and allow viewers to see flares and other signs of the sun through their special viewing scope. 434-973-7772, ivycreekfoundation.org
SCIENC L FAMILY
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RECOMMENDED FOR
Ages 2-10 @vadiscovery vadm.org/kidvention (434) 977-1025
Thank you to sponsor CharlottesvilleFamily for donating this ad on behalf of the Virginia Discovery Museum.
Mother Goose Time
January 6–March 9, Mondays, 9:30–10am at Central Library Ten to 15 minutes of simple stories, rhymes and songs chosen to enhance your wee one’s language development followed by time to play and socialize. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
Twos & Threes Together
January 6–March 9, Mondays, 10:30–11am at Central Library Stories, songs, movement and fingerplays designed for 2–3 year-olds with an accompanying adult to encourage early literacy skills through singing, talking, reading and playing. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
Free Admission
January 7–12, 9am–5pm at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Adventure through the conservatory and see orchids, passion flowers and other tropical plants. lewisginter.org
Digging For Your Roots
January 8, 6:30–8:30pm at Northside Library Susan Emer with the Central Virginia Genealogical Association will teach you how to use Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest to help you in your genealogical research. 434-973-7893, jmrl.org
BABIES IN ARTLAND for 0–12 mos
February 11 & March 10
Art conversation, with baby coos and cries encouraged.
TODDLERS IN ARTLAND for 12–24 mos
February 25 & March 24
Introduction to child development and playful engagement.
PICTURES & PAGES for 2–4 yo January 8, February 5 & March 4
Story time with children’s librarian Glynis Welte.
FUN FOR THE YOUNG for 2–4 yo January 29, February 19 & March 18
Explore artwork through observation, play and projects.
FAMILY ART JAMs for 5–12 yo January 18, February 15 & March 21
Age-appropriate tours with hands-on art activities.
uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu | museumoutreach@virginia.edu | 434.243.2050 CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{our town calendar} Pictures & Pages with Glynis Welte Unique gifts & services, fun cards, great space and a little less waste. Come in to learn more!
January 8 & February 5, 10–10:45am at The Fralin Museum of Art Children’s librarian Glynis Welte delivers artsrelated storytimes incorporating movement, songs and puppets with a variety of books. 434-243-2050, uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu
Cuentos y Canciones Bilingual Storytime
WHEREVER YOU GO, LEAVE JOY. 434.218.2481 | shopbasketful.com | @shopbasketful Main Street Market | 416 West Main Street, Charlottesville Open Monday to Friday 11-6 & Saturday 10-5
January 8 & February 12, 10:30–11am at Central Library Enjoy a special storytime in both English and Spanish featuring favorite stories, rhymes and songs to help you and your little one learn basic Spanish. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
Wee Ones
Weekdays 8:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
January 8–February 26, 10:30 or 11:15am at Crozet Library A special time for babies and caregivers to read, sing, move and play. No siblings, please. Ages 12–23 months. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org
Tales for Twos
January 9–March 5, Thursdays, 9:30–10am at Crozet Library A fun half hour that promotes verbal, motor and social skills through the use of stories, songs, rhymes and more. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org
Girls’ Geek Days
vpm.org/schedules ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESENTS…
Children’s
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
Consignment Sale
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. Consign with us and receive 65% of your sales! Easiest tagging process around! Volunteer with us and shop first! (You are not required to consign in order to volunteer.)
“...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
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 20
January/February 2020
January 11, 9am–12pm at Meriwether Lewis Elementary School Spark girls’ interest in STEM in a fun, collaborative, hands-on environment. Girls learn new tech skills and connect to other STEM programs in the community. tech-girls.org
Zap!: Graphic Novel Discussion
January 11 & February 8, 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 (one book per pair). 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
Paws to Read
January 11 & February 8, 3–4pm at Crozet Library Improve 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
Roots and Remembrance: From the Descendants of Monticello
January 13, 6–8pm at Northside Library In two sales in January 1827 and 1829, over 130 enslaved people were sold locally. Over 190 years later, their descendants reflect upon and remember their ancestors. 434-973-7893, jmrl.org
Queens Who Read: I Have a Dream
January 18, 3–3:30pm at Central Library Local drag artist Dreama Belle returns with stories about equality, community and dreaming of a brighter future for everyone as part of this special storytime. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
The Look Glass
Opening January 18 at IX Art Park This new immersive art space will be the first of its kind in Virginia. The 3,000-square-foot enchanted forest is designed to spark visitors’ imagination and childlike sense of wonder. 434-207-2355, ixartpark.org
ESPECIALLY FOR TEENS Teen Art Lab
January 7 & February 4, 6:30–8pm at Crozet Library Whether you’re an experienced artist or just want to give it a try, join other teens every month for an evening of art. Grades 6–12. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org
Jazz Master Class With Casey Turner Fun for the Young @ The Fralin
January 29–March 18, Wednesdays, 10–11am at UVA’s Fralin Museum of Art Children enjoy a story read by arts educator Aimee Hunt and explore artwork through observation, movement, play and projects. 434-243-2050, jmrl.org
Romp & Stomp
January 30–March 5, Thursdays, 10:30– 11:15am & 1:30–2:15pm at Central Library Play with your preschooler in an early literacy class of music, stories, drama, movement, art play and more. For 2–5 year olds with a caregiver. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
WAHS Robotics Demo
February 1, 1–3pm at Crozet Library See a robot demo, practice programming, and learn about robot design and competitions. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org
Stuffed Animal Checkup Clinic
February 3, 2–4pm at Crozet Library Discover how your stuffed animal measures up in size, softness and more at this drop-in STEAM session. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org YOU CAN HELP!
Nibbles & Notes Narratives Theme: Travel February 3, 4–5pm at Central Library Drop by to decorate a notebook, taste some treats and start your very own story. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
Tots and Dots: Environment and Senses
February 4, at 9, 10 & 11am at Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum This is a two-part early visual literacy program for children ages 6 months–4 years. 434-244-0234, kluge-ruhe.org
Weekly Story
February 5–26, Wednesdays, 10am at Charlottesville Barnes & Noble Fun stories and an activity for all to enjoy. 434-984-6598, bn.com
Girls’ Geek Days
February 15 at St. Anne’s-Belfield School Sparking girls’ interest in STEM in a fun, collaborative, hands-on environment. Girls learn new tech skills and connect to other STEM programs in the community. tech-girls.org
January 25, 10–11am at Charlottesville Ballet Academy This class will focus on jazz technique with instructor Casey Turner. Ages 13+. 434-973-2555, charlottesvilleballet.org
KniTeen
February 5–19, Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30pm at Gordon Avenue Library Unravel the basics of knitting as you start a simple project over this three-week program. 434-296-5544, jmrl.org
The Art of Headwrapping
February 25, 6–7pm at Central Library Learn to wrap your own headwrap with your own fabric or practice with one from the library. Enjoy learning about the history of headwrapping around the world. For grades 6–12. 434-979-7151, jmrl.org
ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS 2019–2020 Golden Apple Award Nominations
Now–January 27 Nominate a favorite teacher at a public or private school in Albemarle County or the City of Charlottesville. One winner will be selected from each school. 434-296-5820, k12albemarle.org
2020 Child Advocate of the Year Award Call for Nominations
January 3–February 14 Nominate someone for the John L. Snook Child Advocate Award that will be presented at the Annual ReadyKids Community Lunch in April. 434-296-4118, readykidscville.org
Healthy Dating Relationships
January 8, 6–7:30pm at Shelter for Help in Emergency & Planned Parenthood For parents of kids ages 12–18, join in for this parenting seminar on healthy relationships. 434-296-4118, readykidscville.org
Back to Basics Postpartum
January 10, 2pm at Bend Yoga Back to Basics is about restoring the fourth Trimester before returning to rigorous exercise. Two hour movement-based class, and babies are welcome to join. bendcville.com CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{our town calendar} Too Much Stuff: What Kids Actually Need
February 8, 9–11am at Our Neighborhood Child Development Center Learn how to evaluate materials, minimize the amount of stuff and maximize learning. 434-202-8639, ourneighborhood.community
Nonviolent Communication Community of Practice
February 20, 6:15–7:45pm at Our Neighborhood Child Development Center A session supporting the development of skills through practice exercises and exploration of personal communication challenges. 434-202-8639, ourneighborhood.community
OPEN HOUSES Explore the Past Through Archaeology
February 8, 10am–12pm at Monticello. See this page.
Oakland School Open House
January 20, 10am–12pm at Oakland School 434-293-9059, oaklandschool.net
Covenant School Coffee With Head of Lower School and Open House Is Your Family Getting Enough Sleep?
January 11, 9–11am at Our Neighborhood Child Development Center In this hands-on workshop, families are supported in creating a custom sleep plan for their child so they get the sleep they need to be able to grow, play and learn. 434-202-8639, ourneighborhood.community
Grandparents Class
January 11, 10am–12pm at UVA Hospital Prepare for the addition to your family by learning what’s new in labor, delivery and baby care. Review basic safety tips and the latest in baby gear. 434-924-9920, uvahealth.com
Parent’s Survival Night
January 18, 6:15–9:15pm at The Little Gym Parents get a night off while the kids have fun. An evening of gymnastics and tumbling followed by a pizza party. 434-975-5437, thelittlegym.com
Respectful Parenting Support Group
January 19 & February 16, 3:30–5pm at Our Neighborhood Child Development Center Join other parents and caregivers in supporting each others’ journey in respectful parenting. 434-202-8639, ourneighborhood.community
Sibling Class
February 8 at UVA Hospital A one-session class for children who are expecting a new sibling. Interactive play teaches about life with a new baby in the home. 434-924-0000, uvahealth.com
Pregnancy Prep Workshop
February 8, 8–11am at ACAC Adventure Central Registration fee includes mom and birth partner, and the class is limited to five couples. womeninmotionwellness.com
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January/February 2020
January 21, 8:30–9:30am at The Covenant School, Birdwood Campus 434-220-7330, covenantschool.org
United Christian Academy Open House January 21 at United Christian Academy 434-985-2947, ucacrusaders.com
Tandem Friends Admissions Information Session January 21 & February 10, 9–10:30am at Tandem Friends School Blue Room 434-951-9314, tandemfs.org
Field School Admissions Open House January 22, 9–11am at Field School 434-823-4353, fieldschoolcv.net
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Hemings Family Tour at Monticello
February, 1:30–2:30pm daily at Monticello A one-hour-and-45-minute small-group, interactive tour exploring the Main House and Mulberry Row through the stories of seven members of the largest enslaved family at Monticello. Ages 12+. 434-984-9800, monticello.org
Explore the Past Through Archaeology
February 8, 10am–12pm at Monticello Work with authentic artifacts and learn how archaeologists puzzle together pieces of the past to learn about the people who lived at Monticello. Ages 7–11. 434-984-9800, monticello.org
Seeds of Culture: Storytelling from Charlottesville
February 8, 3–4pm at Gordon Avenue Library Professional storyteller Page Hill of Seeds of Culture will bring to life stories from Charlottesville’s Black community and engage participants in a creative art project. For ages 6+. 434-296-5544, jmrl.org
Presidents’ Day Weekend
February 15–17, 10am–4pm at James Madison’s Montpelier Speciality tours include “Madison and the Constitution,” “Journey from Slavery to Freedom” and “Montpelier’s Enslaved Community.” 540-672-2728, montpelier.org
VALENTINE’S DAY Annual Father/Daughter Valentine’s Dance
January 24, 9–10am at The Covenant School, Hickory Campus 434-220-7330, covenantschool.org
February 1 & 2, 1pm or 4:30pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday at Charlottesville Ballet Studios The afternoon will include a mini-performance, refreshments, Valentine decorating and plenty of dancing led by the dancers of Charlottesville Ballet. 434-227-7592, charlottesvilleballet.org
Peabody School Winter Open House
Valentine’s Fun: Notes for Troops
Covenant School Coffee With Heads of Middle and Upper Schools
February 11, 9am–1pm at Peabody School 434-296-6901, peabodyschool.org
North Branch School Open House
February 11, 9:30–11:30am & 5:30–7:30pm at North Branch School, Afton 540-456-8450, north-branch-school.org
Renaissance School Open House
February 17, 9am–4pm at Renaissance School 434-984-1952, renaissanceschool.org
February 8 at Crozet Library Put those valentine making skills to use and make a note for a U.S. Military Service Person. Enjoy yummy Valentine’s Day treats. Grades 5–8. 434-823-4050, jmrl.org
UpFront: Evening of Romance
February 14 & 15 at Charlottesville Ballet Bring your valentine for an evening of romance. Watch the artists “up front” and enjoy complimentary wine by DuCard Vineyards and hors d’oeuvres by The Shebeen Pub & Braai. 434-227-7592, charlottesvilleballet.org
DATE NIGHT Frank Vignola’s Hot Jazz Trio
January 10, 8pm at The Front Porch Enjoy one of the most popular and sought-after guitarists on the international music scene. 434-806-7062, frontporchcville.org
Wood-Fired Pizza Cooking Class
January 15, 6–9pm at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards You’ll perfect the art of the pizza toss, and experiment with a variety of toppings and flavor profiles. Following the hands-on cooking demonstration, you’ll enjoy a family-style dinner. 434-202-8063, pippinhillfarm.com
The Legwarmers: The Ultimate 80s Tribute Band
January 17, 9pm at the Jefferson Theater Remember the 80s? The Legwarmers don’t just remember, they relive them. 434-245-4980, jeffersontheater.com
Wassail 2020
January 18, 4–8pm at Castle Hill Cider Wassail parties originated centuries ago in England to awaken the apple trees and wish them a healthy growing season. Continue the tradition with music, Wahoo BBQ and delicious cider. 434-296-0047, castlehillcider.com
10th Annual Grand Marquee Gala YOU CAN HELP!
January 25, 7pm at The Paramount Theater The evening includes entertainment, food & drink, a silent auction, raffle and dancing on the stage. Proceeds benefits The Paramount. 434-293-1009, theparamount.net
Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dancing
February 14, 6:30pm at Veritas Vineyard & Winery Treat your loved one to a five-course, winepaired dinner in Saddleback Hall, followed by music and dancing. 540-456-8000, veritaswines.com
Kendall Street Company’s A Loveboat Supreme
February 14, 8:30pm at the Jefferson Theater Enjoy improvised rock and a world of jazzgrass infused psychedelic bliss. 800-594-8499, jeffersontheater.com
Lewis Black – It Gets Better Every Day
February 28, 8pm at The Paramount Theater Hear from this popular performer, a brilliant trifecta of a stand-up comedian, actor and author. 434-979-1333, theparamount.net
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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calendar} day} {our town valentine’s
For My Special Valentines Homemade French Macarons by Julie Snyder
A special Valentine’s Day treat is easier to make than you may think, so get the family involved in crafting these pint-sized treats. Grab some cellophane bags and pretty ribbon, and package them up to make gifts for all your Valentines. MERINGUE: • 6 room temperature egg whites • 1 cup white granulated sugar • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2¾ cups almond flour • 2 cups powdered sugar • Red gel food coloring (for pink color: about two drops; for red: six drops or more) Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Using the whisk attachment of an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar on a low speed until frothy, then increase the speed to medium and whisk until it turns fluffy white. Continue whisking, and add the granulated sugar 1/3 cup at a time. Increase speed to high, and add vanilla extract. Continue whisking until mixture forms stiff peaks. (Test by removing the whisk and holding it upright to see if the meringue stands up and does not fold over.) In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour and powdered sugar until
well combined and is a fine powder. Using a rubber spatula, mix half of the dry ingredients into the meringue by scraping the sides of the bowl and folding into the center. When just combined, add drops of red coloring until desired color is reached. Add remaining half of the dry ingredients into the batter, continuing the method of scraping sides and folding over. Batter should have a “lava-like” consistency and fall off of the spatula in a ribbonlike pattern (not in clumps). If too thick, continue scraping and folding. COOKIES: Prepare the cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Using a piping bag with a plain round ¼-inch tip, fill the bag with the meringue mixture and pipe the batter onto the cookie sheet, about 1 inch in diameter and a ½ to 1 inch apart (batter will spread). Once the cookie sheet is full, tap the tray to release any air bubbles. Let the tray sit until “skin” forms (you can run a finger over the cookie and batter does not stick). This time can vary, but takes about 15–30 minutes. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cookies will rise and form “feet.” To know if baking is complete, touch top of cookie shell, if the cookie “wiggles” it needs another minute or two. If it sticks, it’s complete. Let cool
completely before removing from the sheet. (Tip: When using more than one cookie sheet, bake one sheet at a time for more even baking.) FILLING & ASSEMBLING THE MACARONS: Use any recipe for the center! It can be a simple buttercream, ganache, jam, or secret homemade family recipe. Try vanilla, chocolate, lemon, raspberry, anything! VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FILLING: • ¼ cup butter • 2½ cups powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Dash of milk if needed Cream together butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add milk if needed. Match up cookies, fill with filling and enjoy! Makes approximately 50 macarons.
Julie is a new mom who began Mercer Macs after countless orders for weddings and other events kept coming in. You can find her on facebook.
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January/February 2020
Valentine’s Heart Box by Jennifer Carroll
This is a beautiful craft you can make for yourself or give as a gift. One method for creating is by using a Cricut paper-cutting machine (directions are on my blog). The other method is by using an editable PDF and scissors, which makes it an easy craft for anyone. SUPPLIES: • Valentine heart-shaped box pattern (find it in my FREE Resource Library) • Adobe Acrobat Reader • Cardstock or thin cardboard • Printer
• • • • • •
Scissors Hot glue gun with glue sticks Glitter Glitter trays Mod Podge Foam tip brush
PATTERN: Sign up to receive my email newsletter, and you’ll be sent a password to access the library. Log in, download the file “Valentine Heart-Shaped Box Pattern PDF,” and print onto card stock. Once it’s printed, use scissors to cut it out.
Kindness Month With February being Kindness Month, we wanted to support the idea that “Kindness counts every day in every way.” We hope you enjoy these books that encourage kindness and teach empathy, compassion and gratitude.
ABC’s of Kindness by Samantha Berger Kindness Counts 1, 2, 3 by R.A. Strong Launching this February, both of these books by Highlights address ways kids can be kind to themselves and everyone around them.
THE BOX: Prep the side panels by bending the “teeth” of the rectangle sides so they’re ready to attach. You also want to bend the little flap on the top pieces. Assemble the bottom by taking one rectangle and placing it at the center “v” of the heart. You want to hold it firmly against that point. Then, add a drop of hot glue to a few of the tabs and begin adhering them to the bottom. Keep adding a drop to a few tabs and shaping the box until it’s all attached. Then, repeat starting at the other side of the “v.” You will have some wrap around. Give that a little squeeze to encourage the crease and some glue to attach it. I also recommend taking a little strip and folding it in half and attaching it to the “v” at the inside top to help secure the seam.
The Monster Who Lost His Mean by Tiffany Strelitz Haber This is the hilarious story of a monster who can’t be mean anymore. With the help of friends, he discovers it’s who you are that matters.
Just as you did with the bottom, you’re going to attach the top; except this time, you’ll be gluing to the underside. Put a dot of glue on a couple of tabs and attach following the curve of the heart. Once one side is complete, pick up your second rectangle and start with the tab at the opposite side to help secure together with a bit of glue. Now add some sparkle! You’ll need some Mod Podge, glitter, a foam brush and some glitter trays. Simply brush on a thin coat of mod podge and sprinkle glitter onto the side of the box, over your glitter tray. Repeat as you work your way around the sides of the box. I used a combination of coarse and fine glitter for interest. Allow it to dry, and ta-da!
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña In this #1 New York Times bestseller, CJ wonders why they don’t have what others have. His grandmother’s encouraging answers help him see the beauty and fun in their routine.
Jennifer, a Southern gal with a thirst for all things creative, wears many hats—a photographer, blogger, designer and home entertainer. From cooking to decorating, no matter what she is doing, she is committed to celebrating everyday life. Visit celebratingeverydaylife.com.
Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller In this story about new neighbors, one thing is certain: it’s best to treat otters the way you want them to treat you. Following the Golden Rule has never been so cute, smart and playful.
Just Feel: How to be Stronger, Happier, Healthier, and More by Mallika Chopra Just Feel is an easy-to-read guide that introduces kids ages 8–12 to ways to problem solve, harness inner strength and gain emotional awareness.
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{living well new mom}
Parenting As a Team 6 Ways to Work Together in the New Year
New Mom
Good things come in twos: eyes, ears, hands and feet, and even parenting partners. When a family welcomes home a newborn, there’s an abundance of both joy and work. Having a trustworthy and equal partner to share the experience in lockstep with mom makes a huge difference. Not only does co-parenting make it easier to manage feedings, naps, diaper changes, cuddle sessions and evening fussy times, but it also keeps family members close and connected during a time of many changes. A new mother’s co-parent may be her partner, her own parent, a sibling or friend, or a hired helper. Whomever mom chooses, a good partnership is defined by the following: Mutual respect for one another, and above all, trustworthiness. Philosopher Onora O’Neill explains in her oft-streamed TED talk that trustworthiness is defined by honesty, competence and reliability. by Whitney Woollerton Morrill A shared parenting philosophy. Babies and children thrive in safe, loving, consistent environments. Make sure you and your partner agree on major topics, such as baby’s diet, naps, daily routine and health care. As baby grows, partners need to discuss approaches to discipline, sleep training and work/ childcare balance. Good communication. Even with the best of intentions, co-parents sometimes misunderstand and disagree with one another. Start discussions with the premise that everyone’s doing his/her best—especially on limited sleep. Don’t argue in front of your child, and remember that you and your partner are on the same team. You both also don’t need to give an answer to your stance or opinion right away. If you need, take time to talk things through in a respectful matter. That will not only take care of your relationship but also take care of your baby. Complementary strengths. Do you excel at soothing a For other helpful advice on cranky baby but recoil from the bulb syringe? Work with how to better parent as a your partner to divide and conquer the tasks that suit you team, check out The Center best and least. And, check-in frequently to make sure the for Parenting Education at workload stays balanced. A willingness to compromise. Maybe you’re not a huge centerforparentingeducation.org. fan of family counseling, but your partner’s overwhelmed by new parenthood and wants some professional guidance. Or, perhaps you want to nurse your baby for a year, but to do so would impact family work schedules. There may be no perfect answer, but there’s almost always a middle ground. If no solution emerges immediately, give it some time. Sleep a little, and try again. Presence. During the early months at home with a newborn, we need as many arms as Goddess Shiva to unfurl baby’s limbs for a feeding, and to hold one another close. Being there for each other means putting our phones down to change a diaper or cuddle as a family. If you both agree to posting photos online, consider doing so in moderation so you can still embrace the meaningful peace and togetherness that the family needs, and notice the small things. It’s love, presence and forbearance that make a family, one that your sweet wee one needs from the start.
MORE TIPS
Whitney is an architect who designs and writes for families. Her blog is theCoconutgirl.com.
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January/February 2020
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{living well dear bob}
Expert Advice
Your Parenting Questions Answered
Dear Bob
by Bob Taibbi
Will I spoil my child if I go to her every time she cries? A lot has changed in our parenting approach in the last generation—much of it shaped by our knowledge and awareness of child attachment and with it the need to create a foundation of trust and safety in those critical beginning months and years. The short answer is no. Children need to be comforted and certainly not be ignored when they are upset. This helps them build a view of the world that it is safe and that people are there to care for each other. That said, children, even young children, also need to learn how to self-regulate and self-soothe. As you already instinctively know, there are different types of cries: the scraped knee or being sad because grandma just left are different from the frustrated cry or the minor upset when she falls down. For serious distress like the knee or grandma, you want to comfort her. But, you can distract her from a frustrated cry, or reassure or use humor for her falling down. What you want to avoid doing is making too big a deal about every cry. If you overreact to each cry, this feeds into her distress, encourages her to rely on you for comfort rather than self-soothing and subtly trains her to use crying to get your attention.
When and how should I begin using discipline with my child? I think of discipline as having two purposes. One is to teach your child about appropriate and inappropriate behavior like not hitting others or putting rocks in your mouth. The other is to help children learn self-control. Before 12 months old, your primary strategy is simple distraction and redirection. If, for example, your 6-month-old is pulling your hair, you move his hands away and give him something else to hold. Between 12 and 24 months, you can begin to set down basic rules, such as no hitting. If your child does try to hit you out of frustration, say, “we don’t hit,” and then redirect. You can also say “no” in instances like when your child heads for the electrical outlet. She won’t know Email your parenting concerns what “no” actually means, but if you say it in a firm voice and and queries to editor@ then redirect her, she’ll begin to understand that she needs to IvyLifeandStyleMedia.com. stay away from them (obviously baby-proof your house in advance Yours might be included in as well). an upcoming issue! What you don’t want to do is give a long explanation, because your child can’t understand what you’re saying and your message is therefore diluted. One sentence is enough for your child to take in at this age. Between 24 and 36 months, you can begin to use time-outs. The key to timeouts is being calm (not angry) when using them. The purpose is not punishment, but rather creating a short space to self-regulate. A phrase that could be helpful is: “You seem to be getting upset. I think you and I need a time-out for a couple of minutes to calm down.” Have a time-out chair or space, and you can teach your child to take some deep breaths to help him settle on his own. And, no matter your child’s age or stage, follow through is key and will help everyone in the long run.
WANT TO ASK BOB A QUESTION?
Author of 11 books and more than 300 articles—including the regular “Ask Bob” column in this magazine—Bob has 44 years of experience in couple and family work and is in private practice in Charlottesville (bobtaibbi.com).
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January/February 2020
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{living well healthy family}
Winter Safety Tips
Healthy Family
Keeping Every Age Safe, Healthy & Warm Between never-ending school illnesses and bad weather, it’s hard to keep your children safe and healthy during winter months. “You want your kid to be able to explore and play without you hovering, worrying or saying no,” says Dr. Katherine Smyth, a pediatrician at Sentara Palmyra Medical Associates. “It takes time to get there… but there are things that make it easier on everyone.” Safety around the house. If you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace, put a barrier in front of it that young children can’t move and be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector. Teach older children fireplace safety and establish rules about who can light fires and when. Smyth recommends skipping space heaters if you have toddlers or cruisers. If you have to have one, put it in a place a child can’t reach, and look for a space heater with safety features, like if it gets turned over it turns off, and watch out for cords. Colds and flu. “Last winter, around 80,000 people in the country died from the by Katharine Paljug flu and flu complications,” Smyth shares. Your best protection is flu shots for the entire family, along with good hygiene and hand-washing. “When you sneeze, if you don’t cover your mouth, there’s 18 to 25 feet that the sneeze can go,” Smyth explains. “And, the flu is viable for 24 hours after it lands on a surface.” She recommends teaching kids to sneeze and cough into their elbows, rather than their hands, and to avoid touching their mouths and eyes. When kids get home from school, have them wash their hands right away. Small colds in the winter are unavoidable and not always a bad thing. “Catching some colds, especially in [a child’s] first few years, is associated with having a better immune system,” Smyth explains. “A few colds are okay if you’re a kid with a normal immune system… More important than the virus itself are signs like respiratory distress or a fever for more than 48 hours.” Cold weather clothing. Dressing children of any age for cold weather is a challenge. According to Smyth, newborns and babies should have one more layer than adults at room temperature, two more layers if it’s below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and another layer if it’s below freezing. “Always add a hat with little guys,” she advises. “We lose a lot of body heat from our head.” For other safety advice for Toddlers and preschoolers should wear heavy socks, kids of all ages, especially scarves, hats and mittens. “Make sure they’ve got really good when partaking in winter gloves and socks on, because you won’t want their extremities activities, visit safekids.org. to get cold,” Smyth advises. “The nice thing about little kids is if they’re uncomfortable, they’re not going to hold it in.” With elementary school children, it’s okay to let them pick what they wear. “If they’re going to school or playing where they can go back inside to get comfortable, make sure they have the layers available that you have for yourself, and then let them wear what they need,” says Smyth. “Throw the gloves in their pocket should she realize she wants them.” It’s also a good idea, says Smyth, to let middle and high schoolers be in charge of their own winter gear. “Your preteen or your teen is going to forget their gloves sometimes, and they’ll have to put their hands in their pockets. That’s okay,” she says. “Little mistakes like that are great for them to learn from… You have to start trusting older kids to be a little responsible.”
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.
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January/February 2020
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{living well tips & trends} Nine Perfect Strangers
by Liane Moriarty
In this emotional, yet comical novel, nine strangers each with their own set of personal goals and tragedies gather together at the remote health resort of Tranquilium. Once there, the strangers find the retreat’s methods unconventional, even downright dangerous, but it may turn out to be just the thing they need. Available on barnesandnoble.com for $16.19.
&
Tips
TRENDS by Mandy Reynolds
Self Care in the New Year Show yourself some love this year with these easy self-care techniques. 1. Lip Balm. The skin on your lips is up to 80 percent thinner than the rest of your body, so make sure to show it some extra TLC in the cooler/drier months. 2. Me Time. Taking at least one hour for yourself each week has proven to lead to better decision making as well as
increased self esteem. Meditation or yoga are two ways to embrace me time. 3. Hydrate. The best start to self love is on the inside. To stay glowing, try to drink about half a gallon of water every day.
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January/February 2020
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Get top-shelf hydrated skin this season. A daily dab covers your entire face and rejuvenates skin all winter long. Available at Ulta Beauty for $23.99.
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{living well food & family} by Jennifer Carroll
“Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle.” – Gordon B. Hinckley
Veggie Mac Yummy + Healthy
My daughter and I love macaroni and cheese, and I thought it would be a great idea to add in some cauliflower to sneak a few more veggies into both of our diets. So, I played a bit with my favorite mac ‘n cheese recipe and have devised this Veggie Mac recipe. It’s so yummy! The creaminess of the cheesy noodles is one of my favorite parts, but I do like a little bit of crunch, too. So, I decided to add a crumble topping made from a combination of bread crumbs and one of our absolute favorite crunchy treats— Cheez-Its! I figured they’re crunchy and cheesy—a perfect fit for the topping.
Veggie Mac Ingredients • 8 oz. pasta (I used shells but any type will do) • ½ head cauliflower, chopped • ¾ teaspoon salt • 4 tablespoons butter • 2 ½ tablespoons flour • 3 cups milk • 8 oz. extra sharp cheddar, grated • 4 oz. Gruyere, grated • 4 oz. Parmesan, grated • ¼ cup Parmesan bread crumbs • ¼ cup Cheez-It crackers, crumbled
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January/February 2020
Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9- by 13-inch pan with cooking spray and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt and pasta, and boil according to package directions. When the pasta has just five minutes left in its cooking time, add cauliflower to the boiling pasta water. When the pasta and the cauliflower are tender, drain and set aside. Melt butter in a pot (I use the same pot I just cooked the pasta in to save on cleanup), add flour and stir constantly allowing the flour to cook for a couple of moments (this takes away the raw flour taste). Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about four minutes or so). Add cheese, and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste sauce at this point, and add salt and pepper as desired. Add pasta to sauce, and stir to coat. Pour into prepared pan and top with Parmesan bread crumbs and crumbled Cheez-Its. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, and allow to rest for about five minutes before serving.
Glass Sauce Press Jar Set Create homemade sauces like tomato or apple as well as purées with this food mill/ sauce press jar set that also includes a stainless steel hopper that screws directly onto the a 1-litre preserve jar. Fill the hopper with the ingredients and turn the handle to purée them. Available at the Charlottesville Wine & Country Shop for $40.
&
Food
Family
Little Helpers Toddler Cookbook: Healthy, KidFriendly Recipes to Cook Together by Heather Wish Staller Little Helpers Toddler Cookbook helps make cooking with your little one all the easier. You’ll find recipes labeled with difficulty, tips on keeping your child safe in the kitchen as well as space to record memories or notes together. Available on amazon.com for $10.49.
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{living well home & garden}
NEW YEAR, NEW HOME 4 New Year's Resolutions for Your Family's Nest
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January/February 2020
At the beginning of every year, we find ourselves setting goals for everything from being healthier to spending more time with loved ones. Many of us also welcome the New Year with a fresh perspective, wanting to give our homes a new and cleansed look. No matter whether we aim to better organize and de-clutter or conquer a few small home projects, setting goals and creating a plan are great ways to meet and complete these resolutions. So, here are a few of our favorite projects that can help you jumpstart your home this new year and enter the new decade with purpose.
Cleaning & Organizing Every Room After the holidays, the entire house can feel overwhelming, but perhaps none more so than the kitchen and living room. These areas of the house get the most traffic throughout the holiday season, and often become more disheveled than usual. Deep cleaning and reorganizing these rooms can jump-start the rest of the home and make the process of tidying up seem less daunting. Consider beginning with the most time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks first. For instance, in the kitchen, take time to deep clean your oven and fridge. Both appliances see intense use during this time of year, and a deep clean helps them—and you—to run more smoothly. By emptying your fridge to clean it, you create an opportunity to also reorganize the content and trash any expired items. This same concept can apply to your pantry. Cleaning the places you store food also gives you an opportunity to start fresh and replace expired goods with healthier
options. Remember those resolutions!
sure no needles are left underneath. As
Next, tackle the part of the kitchen
you take down the rest of your holiday
you (and others!) see most often. Having
decorations, be sure to either throw away
a clear counter and knowing where
or fix broken ornaments now, as well
everything is located allows you to create
as donate decorations that go unused.
without distractions. So, while you are in
This de-clutters any storage space you
the organizing and purging mood, analyze
use throughout the rest of the year and
what tools and gadgets you actually use,
makes next year that much easier. Your
and how often. Kitchen gadgets and tools
couch has also likely seen a lot of use and
that aren’t used regularly take up valuable
could use a deep clean as it enters a new
space, so find a system that works for your
year. Spot-clean any stains from holiday
family but that also limits little fingers
entertaining, and clean underneath the
from getting to sharp tools or chemicals
cushions to get out those pesky crumbs.
that can be harmful. Perhaps this process
Finish your post-holiday overhaul by
includes installing a few floating shelves,
wiping down baseboards, side tables and
storing items like spices and oils near
knick-knacks.
the stovetop, or putting away heavy-duty tools that aren’t used on a daily basis.
Cleaning the holiday clutter will also help jump-start the organizing in the rest
Like the kitchen, the living room
of your house. New toys from the holiday
receives heightened use over the holidays.
season create an excellent reason to go
After removing your tree, begin with
through all of your child’s toys together,
vacuuming up all the dropped pine
organizing
needles. Use this opportunity to vacuum
child has outgrown or no longer wants.
everywhere. Yes, everywhere, including
Organizing together helps your child
moving the couch, throw rugs and any
know where to put things back and makes
other furniture near the tree to make
it easier to maintain the new system you
and
donating
any
your
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{living well home & garden} have created together. Then, you can
remove buildup on any shower heads and
made to mimic the spectrum available
sort through any clothes and books to be
clear any clogged drains. Empty out any
from traditional wood. Installing this in
donated. Consider using boxes from the
beauty products and toiletries in your
a lighter, warmer shade makes a room
holiday season to transport items you’re
bathroom cabinets. Only keep those you
appear brighter, while going with a darker
getting rid of, or to help sort your child’s
use regularly, and reorganize the items
shade can add depth to an already bright
belongings once you have de-cluttered.
you keep as they go back into the cabinets.
space.
Update Worn-Down Flooring
is carpet. The durability and comfort
After re-organizing and streamlining your kid’s spaces, do the same to the other
Another cost-effective flooring option
rooms. Empty the closets and donate any
After deep cleaning and reorganizing
of carpeting makes it a great choice
clothes that have not been worn over the
your home, you may notice parts of the
for certain areas, such as kids’ rooms
past year. If you are unsure about what
house that should be added to this year’s
or hallways. However, be sure to keep
to get rid of, begin the year by trying the
home
worn-down
carpet away from outside doors entering
well known practice of flipping all of your
floors—whether installing new flooring or
the home that welcome in more dirt,
hangers backwards and turning them
simply adding a new rug—can completely
leaves, moisture, etc. Carpet also comes
around correctly after wearing that item—
change the look of your home. Floors can
in a wide variety of colors, patterns and
any hangers that remain backwards at
create the illusion of a bigger or brighter
styles, and is versatile enough to be a
the end of the year probably do not get
room, and an update can greatly impact
bold color that complements a space or
enough use to justify keeping. Once you
the space.
a neutral tone that ties it all together. For
have gone through closets, vacuum any
projects.
Changing
Although hardwood floors are among most
popular
choices,
families with pets and/or small children,
areas that have been neglected over the
the
another
it’s recommended that carpets be deep
holiday season, such as underneath beds
affordable, yet durable, alternative is
cleaned frequently to keep everyone in
or the corners of closets.
vinyl plank flooring. Designed to look
the family healthy and allergy free.
Finally, cleaning the bathrooms will
like hardwood, it’s stain-resistant and
If you’re not ready to commit to a
have you feeling refreshed and motivate
easy to clean, making it great for families
full flooring remodel, consider adding a
you to tackle daily tasks. Deep-clean the
with younger children and pets. Vinyl
rug as a quicker, more temporary option
floors, including the grout if you have tile,
plank flooring comes in a range of shades
to updating a room. Adding a large area
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January/February 2020
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rug to a room can also establish a focal
Backsplash
trends
are
always
point and create a warm, homey feel. For
changing, and you can’t scroll online
a bold look, a multicolored, patterned rug
without finding constant inspiration for
can become the centerpiece of a room,
chic new tiles and slabs. Bold trends are
completely altering the space with its
great options if you’re looking to spice
presence. If you’re looking to complement
up your kitchen and make a statement,
a space rather than add a statement,
but subtler shifts in style may be more
a pastel or neutral-toned pattern adds
realistic for your update.
interest without becoming the focal point.
One way to add some flair to your
Rugs can even be added to hallways and
kitchen is with metal or glossy-finished
will bring life into this high-traffic space.
backsplashes. These options don’t have to
While a backsplash literally protects your walls from getting damaged by all the cooking and cleaning in the kitchen, it can also set the mood for the whole space.
be fully chrome, but a slighter sheen can
Freshen Up Backsplashes
amplify the natural light in your kitchen.
With winter comes the temptation
At nighttime, use interior or under-cabinet
to stay inside all day and bake or cook
lighting to bring out your tile. You can use
up some comfort food or warm treats. It
anything from pennies to a zinc sheet to
helps to have an inviting kitchen where
play with this trend.
you can hide out. Instead of undergoing
There are other ways to add texture to
a whole kitchen renovation, a simple
kitchen walls. A tile medallion is an ode to
way to revamp the space is to redo your
classic architecture while adding a focal
backsplash. It’s only a quick day’s project
point for the eye on the middle of the wall.
for an experienced tile setter. While a
Experts recommend using a medallion
backsplash literally protects your walls
to highlight a large centerpiece to your
from getting damaged by all the cooking
kitchen, such as above the stove. Another
and cleaning in the kitchen, it can also set
trend is copper slate tiles, which have a
the mood for the whole space.
natural texture but vary in color from tile
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{living well home & garden} to tile for visual interest. Oftentimes, these tiles are rough around the edges for added appeal. For an
the
particularly
appealing
choice
is
indecisive, to
combine
complementing trends. For example, glass mosaic and stone look lovely together in a backsplash. Use simple, larger slabs of stone at the base of your backsplash and finish the rest with a glass mosaic to add an interesting pattern that will catch the eye, but one that won’t be as overwhelming as an entire mosaic wall. As an added bonus, glass is easy to clean in the cases of food splatter. For a timeless option, marble is always on-trend and available in a variety of types to complement an array of kitchen styles. Marble looks good with the retro, the classic and the uber-modern. You can choose from a variety of sizes, colors and patterns to suit your personal taste. Finally, a stylish choice for kitchens that lack a lot of cabinet space is to simply extend the backsplash towards the ceiling. The four-inch rule for backsplash was
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2018
wire transfers so your business can bank smarter for less.
100% Worry-Free Guarantee.
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window cleaning power washing “I definitely got my money’s worth with your window cleaning–it was extremely thorough, right down to the sills and screens. Thank you.” —Sarah P., client since 2006
“The crew is always respectful in my home and with my belongings. I especially appreciate that everyone wears shoe covers.” —Sharon Z., client since 2002
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
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1760 Timberwood Blvd Charlottesville, VA 22911 bus: 434-978-1197 kevin.mann.gzmk@statefarm.com
CharlottesvilleFamily Thank you for voting for us!
mybrb.com | 434.964.1146
member FDIC
40
January/February 2020
Favorite Award Winner 2019
(434) 823-1737 Fully Licensed & Bonded
cavalierwindowcleaning.com
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{living well home & garden}
Helping you create unique environments Decorative Concrete Pavers Natural Stone Manufactured Stone
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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
CULPEPER 16299 Allied Way 540-829-7868
ZION CROSSROADS 9815 Three Notch Road 434-220-3209 made to be broken. If you’ve got the money
Be Water Smart!
and the room, bring your backsplash up to the top of your cabinets, or to your ceiling if your cabinets reach that high. This keeps the eye moving upward and makes
CHECK for leaks from faucets & sprinklers
your kitchen seem larger. Whether you’re remodeling your entire kitchen or just looking to breathe some life into the room before it’s time to hibernate,
TWIST to tighten hose & pipe connections REPLACE fixtures as necessary with WaterSense labeled products
finding the perfect backsplash is a fun way to express your style in the kitchen.
Incorporate the Pantone Color of the Year in Your Décor As the new decade begins, Pantone has named Classic Blue as the Color of the Year
Utilize City Rebates & Resources $100 WaterSense Toilet Rebate $30 Rain Barrel Rebate Free Water Conservation Kits Check out the Charlottesville Water Conservation website for more information on saving water and money, fixing leaks, WaterWise landscapes, and more!
CHARLOTTESVILLE
IS FOR WATER
www.charlottesville.org/waterconservation
for 2020. A deep shade of blue meant to be both calming and confident, Classic Blue has been compared to calm waters or the sky at dusk, and is meant to bring in the new decade with stability and confidence. Due to its timeless hue, this classic color can be incorporated easily into your home in a variety of ways. Classic Blue’s versatility makes it a great color for any room of your home. To add tone into your space, consider the desired atmosphere. For instance, to make
42
January/February 2020
Emerson Creek Bread Baking Cloche
Kissing Wreath This handmade grapevine heartshaped wreath by twoinspireyou is the perfect decoration to add some Valentine’s Day romance to your front door. With cream berries on the outside and red berries on the inside, this wreath is available in four different sizes. Available on etsy.com beginning at $99.
$14.99.
Chalkboard Wallpaper
COOL
Casserole Dish Kaisa Basket This casserole dish basket is made from natural and dyed teal green and orange kaisa grass that’s wrapped in jute twine. The fair-trade basket is produced by rural artisans in Bangladesh. Available at Ten Thousand Villages for
Handcrafted and handpainted in Bedford, VA, this simple, timehonored bread cloche delivers all of the steam you need for that prized crunchy crust without any extra fuss. Available at the Charlottesville Wine & Country Shop for $66.
STUFF
This removable chalkboard wallpaper by Livettes offers a designated space for your kids to draw and decorate. The wallpaper is perfect for a kids’ playroom, or in the kitchen for parents to use as a chore chart! Available on etsy.com beginning at $55.
Reusable Produce Bags A simple way to reduce your family’s carbon footprint is to use reusable produce bags to transport your produce from the aisle to the refrigerator. ECOBAGS offers a variety of sizes, all made with lightweight, natural cotton. Available at ecobags.com beginning at $3.58.
THANK YOU Charlottesville Family Magazine readers and our member-owners for voting us Best Bank/Credit Union and Best Mortgage Service!
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
easy to join online or in person. Get started today.
Learn about the Credit Union Difference and how YOU can join us. uvacreditunion.org
VISIT WEBSITE FOR ALL BRANCH AND ATM LOCATIONS
434-964-2001 • 888-887-9136
INSURED BY NCUA
Membership eligibility required CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{living well home & garden} Voted Best South of the Border Restaurant!
a room deep and bold, consider using it as a base color. For a subtler look, consider utilizing the color through décor and furniture. The classic shade of blue allows
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
it to pair with neutrals, woods or even a more vibrant color. For those looking to make Classic Blue a focal point of the room, find a rug with the color in a print that mirrors the feel of your space—whether vintage or modern, the classic color will pair well with any aesthetic. For an alternative to
Locally Family-Owned & Operated since 1988
a rug, curtains are a fun way to make a statement while also exuding your inner
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
style. If you are in the market for an
GuadalajaraMexicanVa.com
frames sporting the shade. Classic Blue’s
understated look, a quick and affordable way to incorporate the color in your home is by adding in throw pillows, changing out lamp shades, or hanging picture versatility makes it easy for you to add as much or as little of the color as you desire with these easy changes. Color swaps can be made in the bedrooms, too. This can be as simple as finding new sheets or throw pillows in the shade. The deep blue can make a bedroom a more calming and relaxing space, while blending in nicely with décor already in your home. The
color
can
also
easily
be
incorporated in the kitchen and dining room, too, without overpowering the space. Integrate Classic Blue in accessories like wall art or light fixtures. Consider using it in upholstery on barstools or on the back inside of cabinets as a way to create a calming atmosphere for yourself and your guests. Remember all of those backsplash tips? Classic Blue is an excellent choice for tile color, or even just as an accent, to draw compliments from guests. Your home is where your heart is and where you go at the end of the day to unwind. No matter what updates or changes you choose for your home this year, let your personality shine through. It’s all about creating a space that’s not just warm and welcoming but also unique, inspiring and organized in a way that works best for you and your family.
44
January/February 2020
1221 Harris Street Charlottesville, VA Up the road from Cville Coffee Open Mon-Sat
cvillehabitatstore.org CharlottesvilleFamily.com
45
{inspiration family favorites}
I C N N G U . O .. N N A for Family-Friendly Home Services s k c i P g n inni Your W
home edition
Favorite Awards 2019
HOME & GARDEN APPLIANCE REPAIR 1. Davis Appliance 2. Doug’s Maytag Home Appliance Center 3. Quality Appliance Repair of Louisa
COUNTERTOPS 1. Albemarle Countertop Company 2. Better Living Building Supply (pg 39) 3. Cogswell Stone 3. European Stone Concepts (pg 49)
FENCING 1. Henderson Fence 2. C’ville Residential 3. Evergreen Fence 3. Cavalier Steel & Fence Co.
BUILDER/REMODELER 1. Southern Development Homes (pg 3) 2. Craig Builders 2. Stanley Martin Homes 3. KMAC Contracting LLC
DECKS 1. Decks by Dak, LLC 2. Integrity Building & Design
FLOORING 1. MWP Blue Ridge Building Supply 2. The L & L Company 3. Carpet Plus
BUILDING SUPPLY STORE 1. Better Living Building Supply (pg 39) 2. MWP Blue Ridge Building Supply 2. MWP Blue Ridge Paint & Decorating 3. Allied Concrete (pg 42) CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING 1. Albemarle Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners 2. Grout & Carpet Wizards 3. Blue Ridge Carpet & Tile Cleaning CONCIERGE SERVICE 1. C and D Concierge Services 2. Cville Concierge & Errand Service, LLC
46
January/February 2020
DECORATOR 1. U-Fab Interiors (pg 41) 2. Casey Eves Design 3. Kindrick Shade Solutions 3. MSS Designs ELECTRICIAN 1. Robertson Electric (pg 49) 2. Serenity Electrical 3. Buhl Electric 3. Fitch Services ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN 1. Sigora Solar 2. Altenergy Inc. 3. Apex Clean Energy
FURNITURE STORE 1. Grand Home Furnishings 2. The Artful Lodger 3. Circa GARDEN CENTER 1. Ivy Nursery 2. Snow’s Garden Center 3. Milmont Greenhouses (pg 38) HANDYMAN 1. Advantage Home Contracting 2. Handy Mike
HEATING & AIR 1. Robertson Electric (pg 49) 2. Albemarle Heating & Air 3. Mack Morris Heating & Air Conditioning (pg 47) 3. Monticello Air 3. Airflow Systems HOME ACCESSORY SHOP 1. Kindrick Shade Solutions 1. Caspari 2. Circa 3. Ivy Nursery 3. Pour la Maison HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE 1. Nooks & Crannies 2. Merry Maids 3. Capri Cleaning LLC HOME ELECTRONICS 1. Crutchfield 2. Best Buy
LAUNDRY SERVICE 1. Express Laundry Center 2. Preston Suds 3. Eco Dry Cleaners LANDSCAPING SERVICE 1. Snow’s Garden Center 2. Appalachian Landscapes 3. D & D Lawn Care and Landscaping 3. Town & Country Services MOVERS 1. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (pg 38) 2. Student Services Moving & Storage Co. 3. Leon White Movers ORGANIZING SERVICE 1. Charlottesville Organizing 2. Abundance Organizing PAINTER 1. CertaPro Painters 2. Piedmont Paint & Finish 3. Integrity Home Services
PEST CONTROL 1. Intrastate Pest Control 2. Holistic Pest Solutions 3. Dodson Pest Control 3. Foster’s Pest Control PLAYSETS, SHEDS & OUTDOOR STRUCTURES 1. Capitol Sheds 2. Byler Barns & Backyards 3. Better Built Sheds, LLC PLUMBING 1. Robertson Electric (pg 49) 2. Laco, Inc. 2. Beck Cohen 3. Pete’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 3. Michael & Son Services POOLS & MAINTENANCE 1. Vailes Custom Pools & Spas 2. Valley Pool & Spa 3. Aqua-Clean Pool Service 3. Charlottesville Sanitary Supply
BILLS TOO BIG? TAKE A SECOND AND GET A
FREE
SECOND OPINION
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Air Conditioning • Repair & Replacement Heater Repair & Replacement • Heat Pumps Maintenance • Air Filters • Whole House Generators
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
Call Today
434.979.7129
Proudly serving Central Virginia
Since 1985
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
47
{inspiration family favorites} ROOFING 1. Rooftop Services 2. Blue Ridge Roofing 3. W.A. Lynch Roofing Co., Inc.
BANK/CREDIT UNION 1. UVA Community Credit Union (pg 43) 2. BB&T Bank 2. Virginia National Bank 3. Blue Ridge Bank (pg 40)
TREE SERVICE 1. Van Yahres Tree Company 2. Metcalf Tree & Landscape Services 3. Bartlett Tree Experts 3. ArborLife Professional Tree Care WINDOW CLEANING 1. Cavalier Window Cleaning & Power Washing (pg 40) 2. First Impressions Window Cleaning 3. White Glove Cleaning SERVICES AUTO DEALERSHIP 1. Umansky Automotive Group 2. Jim Price Auto Group 3. Colonial Auto Center 3. Flow Automotive
Thank you for voting for us!
CAR/REPAIR SHOP 1. Airport Road Auto Center 2. Bob’s Wheel Alignment 3. University Tire & Auto Centers 3. C & R Auto Service CAR WASH 1. All American Car Wash 2. Greene Laser Wash 3. Aqua Cville Hand Car Wash FAMILY LAWYER 1. Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C. (pg 13) 2. MichieHamlett Attorneys at Law 3. Woods Rogers PLC FINANCIAL CONSULTANT 1. The Legacy Foundation (pg 21) 2. Stifel (pg back cover) 3. Wilkerson Wealth Management
INSURANCE AGENT 1. Gary Albert, State Farm Insurance (pg 2) 2. Beth Towe Heck, Towe Insurance (pg 48) 3. Greg Leffler, State Farm Insurance 3. Cynthia Shifflett, State Farm Insurance 3. Daniel Harper, Allstate Insurance INSURANCE COMPANY 1. State Farm Insurance 2. Towe Insurance (pg 48) 3. Allstate Insurance MORTGAGE BROKER 1. C&F Mortgage Corporation 2. UVA Community Credit Union (pg 43) 2. Mahone Mortgage, LLC 3. Crown Mortgage PET BOARDING & GROOMING 1. Wakefield Kennel 2. Autumn Trails Veterinary Center 2. The Dogg House 3. Creatures Great and Small
Auto Home Business Farm B&Bs Wineries Health Life
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
Children’s Dentistry with a Mother’s Touch® Laughing gas and Sedation Services
Kathryn A. Cook,D.D.S. Board Certified Pediatric Specialist
childrensdentistrycharlottesville.com Participating providers with United Concordia, Delta Dental, Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna.
and much, much more!
895-B Rio East Court (434) 817-KIDS (5437)
Nothing but Insurance Since 1934!
Language Assistance Services Available
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
Thank You for voting for us!
Beth Towe Heck | 434.295.5191 www.toweinsurance.com beth@toweinsurance.com 48
January/February 2020
PET TRAINING 1. Shady Mountain Pet Retreat 2. All Things Pawssible 2. Green Dogs Unleashed 3. Autumn Trails Veterinary Center 3. Pet Paradise
If you haven’t experienced our award-winning service, call us today!
VETERINARIAN 1. Georgetown Veterinary Hospital (pg 11) 2. Autumn Trails Veterinary Center 2. Monticello Animal Hospital 3. Dominion Veterinary Hospital REAL ESTATE FIRM 1. McLean Faulconer Inc. 1. Nest Realty Group 2. Roy Wheeler Realty Company 3. The Marjorie Adams Team, Nest Realty (pg 35) REALTOR 1. The Marjorie Adam Team, Nest Realty (pg 35) 2. Sasha Farmer-Tripp, Story House Real Estate (pg 48) 3. Greg Slater, Nest Realty 3. Bob Hughes, Nest Realty
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
Thank You Charlottesville for Voting us a Winner in 3 different categories! • Best Heating & Air • Best Plumbing • Best Electrician
WE SPECIALIZE IN MAKING YOU HAPPY! 5 things our customers expect... and get! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Real people answer our phones - 24 hrs a day/ 365 days a year. Protection and Peace of Mind. All technicians are fully trained & background checked. Respect for your home. Our technicians are neat, clean, and wear shoe covers. No Risk Guarantee. You will be 100% satisfied or you get your money back. We show up on time. We’ll be at your door when we promise.
(434) 973-4348
www.robertsonelectric.com
Your Partners in the Community
Thank you for voting us “FAMILY FAVORITE” in countertops!
Catering You Can Count On! Feed community spirit & raise money! Host a Fundraising Event!
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner
www.groupraise.com/jasonsdeli
2019
Central Virginia’s Premiere Stone Fabricator
We Cater & Deliver Healthy Options • Same Day Delivery, 6am-6pm Online Ordering • Box Lunches Catering for Families, Friends, Meetings, Events & Parties
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Discover more benefits of our Community Partners Program Call 434.566.0147 or order online jasonsdeli.com/cpp CharlottesvilleFamily
905 Twentyninth Place Court, CHARLOTTESVILLE
Favorite Award Winner 2019
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
49
{resources camp guide}
SUMMER ON THE
Stage Reflections of A Theater Camper
by Katherine Ludwig
I was not one of those kids who experienced your traditional, Norman Rockwell type of sleep-away summer camp, the kind where you ride a bus to a remote rural location and learn to swim or ride a horse or have your first kiss at sunset in the off-limits area between the boys and girls cabins. Oh, I went to camp all right. But, mine involved learning to be a tree, not playing in one ... I went to theater arts camp!
50
January/February 2020
Y
ou can probably imagine
feigned drunkenness as my prepubescent
drop me off with the other campers who
what teens and tweens
self could muster. It worked. I got the
ranged in age from 10 (I was, in fact, the
would
a
scholarship and a big laugh. I pronounced
youngest) to a whopping 18 years old.
theater audition in 1985—
myself a woman of the theater and
(In the theater, we don’t see age or even
lots of loud songs from Annie. By the time
set my sights on Broadway. I attended
gender as limitations, after all.) They’d
my audition slot came up, the director of
camp for several summers, and though
return to retrieve me eight hours later.
the program had had a long day of little
I never did make it to Broadway, I’m
The “Playhouse” is the performing arts
orphan after little orphan. Thanks to my
grateful for my summers on the stage.
center of Point Park University and has its
teacher’s creative thinking, I’d instead
Though untraditional perhaps, I learned
own professional theatre company and
dressed up as Miss Hannigan, complete
some universal survival skills and had
several adult and student productions
with wig, bathrobe and ripped pantyhose
quintessential camp experiences all the
throughout the year, so there were always
and performed the slimy “Little Girls” with
same.
colorful
perform
for
as much cynicism, emotional depth and
Each day for camp, my parents would
theater
characters
hanging
around the place. My parents truly must CharlottesvilleFamily.com
51
{resources camp guide} The Early Bird’s Guide to
Sleep-Away Camps It’s just as certain as hot weather and afternoon thunderstorms: Come summer, thousands of Charlottesville kids will pack their bags for sleep-away camp. For parents (and kids, too) choosing a camp can be daunting because reservations need to be made early, so we are continuing to share our Early Bird’s Guide to Sleep-Away Camps. So, make yourself some s’mores in the microwave, start panning now for summer fun and brush up on those campfire songs! SLEEP-AWAY CAMPS Camp Friendship Palmyra, VA 434-589-8950 campfriendship.com Summer activities, ranging from equestrian camp, sports clinics, field trips and teen camp, offer camp families a well-rounded summer camp experience to help boost selfesteem, encourage new friendships and more. Ages 7–16. Accredited. See ad page 61
TANDEM FRIENDS SCHOOL OF CHARLOTTESVILLE
SPECTRUM 2020 SUMMER PROGRAMS
A SAFE HAVEN FOR CREATIVE SELF-EXPRESSION art | crafts | box city | cooking | theatre | fishing programs drumming | wizardry | basketball | puppets | sewing
Camp Hidden Meadows Bartow, WV 1-800-600-4752 camphiddenmeadows.com Co-ed, non-sectarian camp offered at 1, 2, 3 and 4-week sessions. Activities include horseback riding, sports, rock climbing, backpacking, mountain boarding, performing arts, organic gardening, 1,000-foot zip line and much more. Ages 6–16. Accredited. See ad page 59 Camp Horizons Harrisonburg, VA 540-896-7600 camphorizonsva.com A premier co-ed, sleep-away camp for campers ages 6–16. Located in Harrisonburg, Camp Horizons offers 50+ activities and a specialty Equestrian Camp encouraging campers to embrace new adventures and new friendships. Accredited. See ad page 58
Session 1: June 8-19 • Session 2: June 22-July 3 • Session 3: July 6-17 Rising 1st grade through 7th grade • Extended day option Contact Director, Fran Smith | 434-760-3097 | fsmith@tandemfs.org Workshops and applications available on online 2/03/20 at tandemfs.org
52
January/February 2020
cont’d pg 57
have felt they were leaving their babe in
minds and voices for an hour each
philosophies in Thailand and India, so
the woods. Turns out, theater camp is not
morning. All 100 or so campers would
naturally, we’d also spend part of our
that different from traditional wilderness
convene on the Rockwell Theatre stage
morning ritual lying on the floor and
camp—at least, some of the same bases
and the programs director would lead
meditating to clear our heads for serious
are covered.
us through a series of weird stretches
acting—very challenging for a 10-year-
and contortionist movements that were
old to do, let me tell you. Typically, I’d
PHYSICAL FITNESS
supposed to get all our physical and
spend those awful minutes either trying
First off, there was physical exercise.
mental faculties primed for the hard
not to fall asleep or trying not to laugh,
It wasn’t a ropes course or capture-the-
theater work that lay ahead. At the time,
anything to avoid being called out by the
flag, but I certainly burned calories and
I had no idea what we were doing, but
director, who’d once shouted at a young
learned teamwork those summers. In
when I took my first yoga class in college,
camper, “Leave the stage if you are not
addition to my two-hour dance class each
I realized that I already knew the sun
serious about your craft!” The boy—I
day (I went the musical theater route;
salute from theater camp! Our theater
think he was about 12—had begun to
the drama tract had stage movement
director was an ex-hippie who’d spent
giggle during the warm-up.
class instead), we warmed up our bodies,
the 1970s studying Eastern religions and
Online Registration Opens 1/15: acac.com/camp
After all the physical and mental
FULL DAY & SPECIALTY CAMPS 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 | 434.978.7529
Live your best.
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
53
{resources camp guide} stretching came vocal exercises. We’d
area of Pittsburgh better than my parents,
sing scales and recite tongue twisters,
or that I came home one day raving that
and then we’d gather in a circle and join
I had found “the absolute best place for
hands for the “ball of energy” exercise …
bagels in the city.” The bagel craze had
the theater camp version of the campfire
yet to hit the mainstream or the “burbs”
song, if you will. Our director would tell
yet, and so I threw a fit when my parents
us to visualize this ball of energy in the
refused to drive me back into town on the
middle of the circle. We’d start by quietly
weekends for coffee and lox.
humming and then gradually get louder
I even had my first run-in with a
and louder until the ball of energy was
policeman, who scolded a friend and me
supposed to fill the entire stage. It wasn’t
for jaywalking across a four-lane road
“Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in the round,
on our way back to the theater. I think
but it was pretty cool.
he said, “You girls are going to get hurt crossing this busy street like that. Next
OUTDOOR SKILLS
time, use the crosswalk.” He was just
At my camp, the outdoors was not
giving us a warning, of course, but I guess
really involved. But, we did venture into
we felt compelled to give our new method
the sunshine for at least one hour each
acting skills a try. I don’t know how my
day. That’s when all of us were unleashed
friend did it. For my part, I recalled the
onto the streets of downtown Pittsburgh
emotional trauma of my dog Fozzy being
to find lunch from one of the college delis
hit by a car. Either way, we both coughed
or fast food restaurants along Forbes
up some tears and began whimpering
Avenue near the University of Pittsburgh.
about how sorry we were, that we were
At the time, it didn’t strike me as
late for our voice class and that we were
unwholesome or potentially dangerous
terribly worried we would get in trouble,
that I learned all the side streets, cross
hence the risking of our lives across the
streets and alleys around the Oakland
thoroughfare. Apparently, our fear and
LOOKING FOR MORE CAMP RESOURCES?
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
Compassionate, intelligent and up-to-date pediatric care at two convenient locations!
Visit the CF Online Camp Fair at CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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
CharlottesvilleFamily
™
54
January/February 2020
144 YMCA Cville Family_Layout 1 11/21/19 2:18 PM Page 1
YMCA Summer Camp ★ Brooks Family YMCA | McIntire Park ★ Crozet YMCA | Claudius Crozet Park ★ Greene Co. | Ruckersville Elementary
Thanks for voting for us! Gift Certificates Available 434.974.9622 PiedmontYMCA.org CharlottesvilleFamily.com
55
{resources camp guide} Mark your calendar!
That first summer, I kept the endof-summer production a secret from my parents so they would be fully blown away when they came to see the show.
remorse was believable, because he
happened—Police raid? Aliens?—and all
agreed to drive us back to the theater in
the patrons had fled at once.
his police car so we wouldn’t be late.
Occasionally, an entertaining room above the basement would be opened
Fun Fair& Camp Expo
2020
February 16, 2020
The only Expo of its kind in Central Virginia! Call (434) 984-4713
GHOST STORIES
for theater events, however, and the
I wasn’t bummed that I missed out on
staircase to the basement would be
ghost stories either. I’m pretty sure the
available. When such a thing happened
theater invented them. Every stage has at
during one of my stints at the Playhouse,
least a tale or two about a deceased old
a few of us jumped at the chance to
actress moping around and haunting the
dare each other into venturing down to
place or stage props going inexplicably
the haunted restaurant. We held hands
missing
The
down the stairs into the pitch black and
century-old Pittsburgh Playhouse was
stumbled about the place. If there had
no different. We had the Lady in White
once been tables and chairs, they had
and John Johns, among other notable
long been cleared. We could not see or
spectres. But, we even had a real historic
feel anything except the hairs standing
mystery and plenty of double-dog-dares
up on our own arms. And, there was that
to go with it.
dank, moldy, scary basement smell. “The
The
during
buildings
performances.
making
up
the
smell of death,” someone whispered.
playhouse had been several different
Suddenly, one of our group members
businesses over the last hundred years,
said he felt something touch his ankle.
including a social hall of sorts in the
Probably a mouse rather than a ghost, but
early part of the 20th century. The story
either way, we were out of there. Tripping
among the theater kids was that decades
over each other to get up the stairs, we
later, when the original theater was being
emerged into the light scared out of our
reestablished in the 1970s, a restaurant
wits, yet exhilarated. We began laughing
was discovered in the basement with
at how silly we were to be so scared until
plates still on the tables and food still
a girl in our group shouted with horror. “I
on the plates, albeit rotted and picked
left my dance bag down there!” Somehow
over from the subsequent rat population.
she convinced the bravest of our group
The chairs had been pushed out and
to go back down with her to retrieve
knocked over as if something terrible had
the bag, but when the two of them recont’d pg 60
56
January/February 2020
Camp Yogaville Buckingham, VA 800-858-9642 yogaville.org/camp Camp Yogaville is a two-week long yoga summer camp for kids ages 6–13. Kids will enjoy 700+ acres for activities like swimming, hiking and crafting, will learn about yogic ideals, practice Hatha Yoga every morning, learn Sanskrit and more. See ad page 60 Nike Sports Camps at UVA Charlottesville, VA 800-645-3226 ussportscamps.com Summer camps aimed to provide young players with the opportunity to improve their skills and have tons of fun. Camps offer both overnight and day camp options geared towards kids ages 9–18 of all ability levels. See ad page 60 Oakland School Summer Program Troy, VA 434-293-9059 oaklandschool.net Five-week summer program with both day and boarding options, and a mix of academic support and traditional camp fun. Campers ages 6–13, enjoy small class sizes, 1:1 instruction and
recreational activities like horseback riding, swimming, archery, arts, nature study and more. See ad page 68 SOCA Charlottesville, VA 434-975-5025 socaspot.org SOCA’s flagship Blue Ridge Residential Soccer Academy provides U9–U16 players an all-inclusive soccer experience with daily training sessions, modern dormitories, great food, new turf field, a field house, pool and lounge. See a full line up of summer camps and academies. See ad page 60 STEAM Discovery Academy Charlottesville, VA 434-987-3918 steamdiscoveryacademy.com STEAM Discovery Academy is offering STEAM and sports camps at both Charlottesville Catholic School and The Covenant School for students in grades K–12. They will have the opportunity to explore all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. See ad page 61
Triple C Camp Charlottesville, VA 434-293-2529 tripleccamp.com Day camp offering horseback riding, swimming, ropes/challenge course, nature, sports, music, art and more. Transportation available, meals included and optional weekly overnights. Licensed VA childcare. Grades rising K–11. See ad page 57 *This exclusive guide of terrific summer camps includes only the camps advertising here.
DAY CAMP QUICKLIST ACAC See ad page 53 Blue Ridge School Summer Programs See ad page 65 Boar’s Head Resort See ad page 17 Carriage Hill Farm See ad page 71
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{resources camp guide} DMR Adventures See ad page 55 First Presbyterian Church Preschool See ad page 27 Frost Montessori School See ad page 67 Grymes Memorial School See ad page 67 International School of Charlottesville See ad page 64
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
KidsCollege@PVCC See ad page 60 Peabody School See ad page 64 Regents School of Charlottesville See ad page 66 Renaissance School See ad page 66 St. Anne’s-Belfield School Summer School See ad page 69
LOOking FOr mOre Camp resOurCes?
Tandem Friends Spectrum Camp See ad page 52 The Covenant School See ad page 67
Visit the CF Online Camp Fair at CharlottesvilleFamily.com
The Little Gym See ad page 52 The Paramount Theater See ad page 23 Village School Camp See ad page 58 Virginia Discovery Museum See ad page 19
Village School SUMMER CAMPS FOR GIRLS featuring AIM True Arts For rising 1st - 9th grade girls Visit our website for more information:
villageschool.us
215 East High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-984-4404
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January/February 2020
Virginia Polo Center See ad page 59 Wildrock See ad page 59 YMCA See ad page 55
Summer Camp Wild About Animals Get hands-on with animals! June 15-19 or August 3-7 Nature Detectives Use clues and solve mysteries! June 22-27 or July 13-17 Outdoor Adventurers Survive in the Wild! July 20-24 or July 27-31
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! CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
s 2 hour f west o! C’ville
For camp information and to register, please visit:
wildrock.org info@wildrock.org
1-800-600-4752 • camphiddenmeadows.com
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. CONTACT VIRGINIA POLO AT: info@vapolo.org 434-979-0293 | vapolo.org CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{resources camp guide} emerged less than two seconds later, they claimed the bag was gone. Gone! SERIOUS. FUN.
NIKE TENNIS CAMPS
I don’t know if they actually made it all the way down the stairs again, but we were too afraid to tell the program director about sneaking into the basement and
CHARLOTTESVILLE NIKE TENNIS CAMP
JUNIOR OVERNIGHT AND DAY CAMPS | BOYS & GIRLS | AGES 9-18 | ALL SKILLS TOURNAMENT TRAINING | HIGH SCHOOL | JUNE 14-18 | JUNE 21-25 JUNE 28 - JULY 2 (+TOURNAMENT TRAINING) | JULY 19-23 | JULY 26-30 (+ HIGH SCHOOL) 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
1.800.NIKE.CAMP | USSportsCamps.com 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.
losing the bag, so that girl never did get it back, as far as I know. I always liked to think that maybe one of the old ghosts was thrilled to find herself some new tap shoes. THE SKIT Every camp ends with a performance, right? My camp was no different. But, this was serious stage work, so no goofy renditions of “Grease” or “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” for us. That first summer,
I
kept
the
end-of-summer
production a secret from my parents so they would be fully blown away when they came to see the show. Perhaps they were a little concerned when for costume purposes, I’d asked for a pair of old jeans that I could shred and cake with mud in the backyard and also a pair of my mom’s old high heels from her disco phase. If so, they didn’t let on.
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I couldn’t actually see my parents’ faces in the house of the darkened theater during our rendition of a musical called “Runaways,” an edgy, little-known
• Leagues for All Youth & Adult Players! • Summer Camp Options, Top Quality Instruction • Visit Us on the Web or Call...
show about teen runaways written and
SOCA 975-5025 www.SOCAspot.org
shocked and awed by both the content
produced by Liz Swados in collaboration with actual runaways and nominated for a Tony Award in 1978. I’m sure they were and by how hard we’d worked on it … but mostly shocked. Still, my parents were all smiles when I ran up to them beaming afterwards and said, “Wasn’t it great?” And they only paused and looked pained
2020 KidsCollege@PVCC
for a brief moment when I asked, “Can I come to camp again next year?”
SUMMER ACADEMIES KidsCollege@PVCC KidsCollege@Fluvanna KidsCollege@Louisa NEW! KidsCollege@Albemarle NEW!
KidsCollege@PVCC Learn today...Lead tomorrow
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January/February 2020
Check online for registration open date www.pvcc.edu/kidscollege 434.961.5354
Katherine is a local freelance writer and an unapologetic lover of musical theater.
Premier summer camp camp in your backyard. Premier overnight overnight summer in your backyard.
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
www.campfriendship.com
STEAM Discovery Academy
Join us this summer at STEAM Discovery Academy and let us cultivate your student’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!
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{resources private schools}
EDUCATION: A Choice Decision
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January/February 2020
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Private School for Your Child There are a host of reasons why parents send their children to private schools. For some it is a smaller teacher-student ratio and more individualized attention. For others, it is the religious grounding their children receive. For others, still, it is to better address their student’s needs and cater to his academic timetable—be it a late bloomer or one who is gifted in math or art. But since no two schools are alike, where do parents begin their search for the right academic setting? Most families start by talking with someone they know. It may be someone in the community or at work. What’s important is that you ask people whose opinions you trust. While investigating the options, avoid trying to find the “perfect school,” but rather look for a good fit—one that meets the child’s needs. “When it comes to schools, there is no-one-sizefits-all,” says Maria Barber, retired private school headmistress. “Every academic setting has a different flavor, and one is not necessarily better than another. It’s that one may be a better fit for your child than another.” For this reason, look at your child’s needs, taking into account his strengths, weaknesses, interests and talents. Also, consider what sort of learning environment he would be most comfortable in. A self-motivated learner, for example, may do well in a program where he gets to direct and carry out his own learning. But, a child in need of constant direction might be more suited to a structured environment. by Denise Yearian
Next, make a list of what you want in a school, with top priorities and non-negotiables, such as class size, a strong art program or a religious affiliation at the top of that list. Be specific about ambiance, class size, teaching style, curriculum, the role of art and music, homework and where parents fit in the running of the school. CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{resources private schools} 2020 Guide to Private Schools See what the area’s private schools have to say about themselves, and use this guide as a starting point for your research to finding the right fit. BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL
FROST MONTESSORI SCHOOL
NORTH BRANCH SCHOOL
434-985-2811, blueridgeschool.com Grades 9–12 This all-boys boarding school is committed to helping boys reach their potential through a character-based culture and personalized, structured, innovative learning practices in a college-preparatory, all-boarding community. See ad page 65
434-979-5223, frostmontessori.com Ages 24 months–6 years An enriching child-centered Montessori curriculum that promotes development of the whole child (academic, social, emotional and physical components of each child are emphasized regularly). Excited learners emerge. See ad page 67
THE COVENANT SCHOOL
GRYMES MEMORIAL SCHOOL
540-456-8450, north-branch-school.org Preschool–Grade 8 Rooted in a love of learning with an emphasis on hands-on projects, environmental stewardship, community involvement and cooperation. Students receive a foundation in academics, the arts and life skills, and experience outdoor time daily on the 11-acre campus. See ad page 68
434-220-7330, covenantschool.org Pre-K–Grade 12 A PK–12 non-denominational, co-educational day school, providing a Christian Liberal Arts and Sciences education within a vibrant school community. Students develop morally, intellectually and physically in a nurturing, college-preparatory environment. See ad page 67
540-672-1010, grymesschool.org Pre-K–Grade 8 An independent day school set on 42 acres. Small class sizes foster well rounded students and a love of learning with a curriculum that incorporates traditional values, creative arts, physical education and Spanish instruction starting in Pre K. See ad page 67
OAKLAND SCHOOL 434-293-9059, oaklandschool.net Ages 6–13 at admission A small co-educational day and boarding school that enables children with learning or attention differences to reach their academic and personal potential through small class sizes, a multi-sensory learning approach and individualized student programs. See ad page 68 cont’d pg 68
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January/February 2020
After the list has been made, call schools that are potential candidates and
that distance to let their child study or to spend quality time together.”
ask for information to be sent. Consider
Next, arrange to visit those schools
each one’s program, mission, services,
that meet your initial criteria. This will
faculty and administration. What makes
give you a feel for the school’s educational
the school unique? What is its teaching
and developmental philosophy. Note,
philosophy? Is there a vision for the
however, that even schools which adhere
future? Is there anything the school
to
does particularly well? What about the
tremendously different.
curriculum? Will it cater to your child’s talents and interests?
like-minded
philosophies
can
be
“A school that seemed to be the perfect fit on paper or over the phone
While cost and commuting distance
may prove otherwise once parents have
are factors, experts agree these are
visited,” says Smith. “And, the school they
hurdles that can be overcome.
weren’t initially drawn to may be ‘the
“It’s okay for parents to look at a school even if they don’t think they can
one.’ That’s why it’s important that you go, test it and feel it. See what it is like.”
afford it,” says Smith, another former
While visiting, spend a few minutes
private school headmaster. “Most have
talking with the principal or school
financial aid based on need, so it’s no big
administrator. Discuss your child’s needs
deal to ask about it.”
and ask if the school can meet those
As for commute, Barber suggests a ride as far as 30 minutes may be worth it
needs. If possible, sit in on classes and
if the school has an environment where
observe
your child will be happy and thrive.
Record obvious facts such as school
the
teachers
and
students.
“Parents may be able to find someone to
and class size, ambiance as a whole and
carpool with,” she says. “Or, they may use
within individual classrooms, absence cont’d pg 69
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
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{resources private schools} TO-DO LIST OF CHOOSING A PRIVATE SCHOOL
• Be realistic. There’s no perfect school or one-size-fits-all academic setting. Look for the best fit for your child. • Make a list of your wants in a school. Be specific and prioritize your list. • Consider your child’s needs. Choose one that will foster his strengths, weaknesses, interests and talents.
A ClAssiCAl ChristiAn sChool • GrAdes K-12 Challenging Academics • Biblical Worldview Affordable Tuition • Small Class Sizes • Team Sports
• Make a list of schools that are potential candidates. Call and ask for information to be sent. Then, make an appointment to further investigate.
Tours Every Thursday (434) 293-0633 • regents-school.org
• Consider a school, even if it is out of your price range. Many schools offer financial aid or scholarships.
RENAISSANCE SCHOOL
OPEN HOUSE 17 2020 FEB.
20
ol ho
ance sc s s celebrating
rena i
• Consider your child’s learning style. Is he self-motivated or does he need a structured environment? Is he an auditory, visual or kinesthetic learner?
years
of academic and artistic excellence
est. 1999
• Consider commute. • Visit the school. Sit in on classes and observe how the students and teachers interact. • Talk with the principal or school administrator. Ask specific questions and be realistic and honest in discussing your child’s strengths and weaknesses. • Meet the teacher who would be teaching your child and consider how they will interact with each other. • Keep a written record of what you observe. • Talk with other parents whose children currently attend the school to find out what they do and don’t like. • Take your child to visit once a decision has been made. If possible, let him meet the teacher and other students and sit in on the class.
www.Renaissanceschool.oRg 66
January/February 2020
• Follow your instinct. You know your child and family situation the best.
NOW ENROLLING! P R E - K T H RO U G H G R A D E 1 2
THE COVENANT SCHOOL
admissions@covenantschool.org | www.covenantschool.org | 434.220.7330
Launching Joyful Learners Music & Visual Arts • Drama & Public Speaking Small Classes • Interscholastic Sports • Bus Services Spanish starting in Pre-K • Engineering “Rad Lab”
Launching Joyful Learners grymesschool.org
Call a tour today! Callforfor a tour today! 540.672.1010
13775 Spicers Mill Road, Orange, VA 22960
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{resources private schools} PEABODY SCHOOL 434-296-6901, peabodyschool.org Pre-K–Grade 8 Offers in-depth programs to serve gifted and academically advanced students. A rich curriculum offers weekly experiences in world language, visual and performing arts, technology, athletics and service learning. See ad page 64
REGENTS SCHOOL OF CHARLOTTESVILLE 434-293-0633, regents-school.org K–Grade 12 Independent, private school based on the classical Christian model. Challenging academics, small class sizes, fine arts and a growing athletic program. Raising up leaders who can discern truth, think logically and speak winsomely for the glory of God. See ad page 66
RENAISSANCE SCHOOL
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorites awards: Favorite teaCher oF 2019 - Katrien vanCe #1 PresChool • #1 Private middle sChool #2 Private elementary sChool
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
Come see why we are a CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite! Open House, February 11 9:30-11:30AM and 5:30-7PM
Preschool – 8th Grade • Rooted in a Love of Learning
221 Mickens Road, Afton • 540-456-8450 • north-branch-school.org North Branch School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color or income & actively seeks minority students.
Come visit
Olivet Preschool!
434-984-1952, renaissanceschool.org Grades 9–12 A college preparatory high school for high ability students in the arts, sciences and/or humanities that embraces the whole student through differentiated and experiential learning, and also emphasizes creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. See ad page 66
ST. ANNE’S–BELFIELD SCHOOL 434-296-5106, stab.org Age 2–Grade 12 Dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of exemplary citizens and visionary leaders. Boarding options are available in grades 9–12. See ad page 69
TANDEM FRIENDS SCHOOL 434-296-1303, tandemfs.org Grades 5–12 A co-educational day school rooted in Quaker values. Prepares young people for higher education and fulfilling lives of integrity, creative expression and service by pursuing intellectual, ethical, artistic and athletic ideals. See ad page 69
THE VILLAGE SCHOOL
Providing a Christian preschool opportunity for families in our community. 68
Olivet Preschool at Olivet Presbyterian Church 2575 Garth Road, Charlottesville • 434.295.1367
olivetpreschool.org • olivetpresbyterian.org • rebecca@olivetpresbyterian.org January/February 2020
434-984-4404, villageschool.us Grades 5–8 Village School is a warm and welcoming place for girls to discover their strengths, find their own voices, and grow into confident, selfreliant and intellectually curious learners. See ad page 58 * This exclusive guide of local private schools includes only the schools advertising here.
AGENCY, CREATIVITY, CURIOSITY,
DIVERSITY, INTEGRITY, IMPACT, EXEMPLARY CITIZENS, VISIONARY LEADERS
or presence of a dress code and general demeanor of the students and teachers. Also record the students’ reactions. Did they feel comfortable and relaxed, or anxious and uptight? Ask for names of several parents whose children attend the school and would be willing to talk with you. Find out what they do and don’t like about the school. If you can, obtain a few names of parents who were not happy with the school and enrolled their children elsewhere. All
schools
have
success
Two-Year-Olds through Grade 12 www.stab.org | (434) 296-5106 | admission@stab.org
stories, but no school works for every child. So find out about a child who did not thrive there so you can get a balanced perspective. Once you have visited several schools and narrowed your selection, return with your child. Have him meet the teacher, and if possible, spend time in the classroom with the other students. What was his reaction? Did he seem comfortable with the school? The teacher? Other students? Finally, and most importantly, follow your intuition. You know your child better than anyone else. If you have done your homework, you’ll know if it’s the right school for your child. “Sometimes it’s not necessarily a specific program or academic feature that lets parents know it’s a good match,” says Smith. “It’s that intangible feeling— that visceral reaction. They know this is a place where their child can grow and academically succeed.”
Denise is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.
CharlottesvilleFamily.com
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{until next time humorous reflections}
Revving the Wakeup Machine
A Dad’s Humorous Tales by Rick Epstein
My dad said, “Look out, Ricky, here comes the Wakeup Machine!” It was dawn on a school day, and my teenage-self was under the covers only half-asleep. In his role of Wakeup Machine, my father would deliver a methodical series of quick slaps going up and down the length of my body two or three times. It didn’t hurt, but there was no way you could pretend to sleep through it. I liked the Wakeup Machine partly because it was funny, and mostly because even a rebellious young lout can enjoy a little father-son horseplay. When the Machine stopped, I would crawl right out of bed to prove the Machine’s effectiveness and thereby encourage the old man’s last shred of playfulness. Years later, when my daughter Marie was in elementary school, and gentler child-awakening techniques had failed, I applied the Wakeup Machine. The result—howls of anger—was disappointing. Getting Marie out of bed and into school should’ve been easy. The distance involved was only 1,000 feet. In fact, Marie Marie was conscientious could lie in her bed and and responsible in most look out her window and see it. But, there were a other ways, but when it few obstacles between came to arriving at school Marie and school: her on time, she just hadn’t tendency toward dreamy accepted the job. dawdling and morning crabbiness, and her casual attitude towards punctuality. “Marie, wake up,” I’d croon, rubbing her back. She’d snarl, “Stop it! I’m awake.” So, I’d desist and she’d go back to sleep. I’d resume, and she’d get really angry and sometimes cry. At the breakfast table, Marie ate slowly, taking time out to build herself an enclosure with the cereal boxes. I tried to get her to use a tablespoon for more efficient shoveling, but a teaspoon was the more-congenial implement in her aimless drift toward school. Then, it was time to get dressed. Marie would carefully select a garment and carry it from room to room as if in a dream, until an adult would tell her to put it on. Then she’d say with aggrieved exasperation, “I AAAAMM!” We tried to send her out the door 15 minutes before school started. She would descend our front steps as
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January/February 2020
slowly as if she were stepping onto the surface of an alien planet. If weather conditions had produced dew or frost, she would linger to write her name on our car windows. Uh oh! A cat. Marie would crouch murmuring amiably as she stroked its back. It would be hard to say who seemed to have the looser schedule, the child or the cat. Her route took her across ball fields that had no sidewalks to channel her progress, so Marie’s course was inefficient and meandering. I asked her what she thinks about. “Are you looking for feathers or interesting rocks, or are you playing your secret games of pretend?” “No,” she said. “I’m just thinking about going to school.” Ha! One morning, she left the house later than usual, so that night I asked her if she’d gotten to school on time. “Well, they hadn’t actually started any work. But, I wouldn’t say that I was ‘on time.’” You could hear the quotation marks around the phrase “on time” because it was the jargon of an alien culture. Marie was conscientious and responsible in most other ways, but when it came to arriving at school on time, she just hadn’t accepted the job. I nagged her, trying to make the idea of punctuality adhere to her, but it was like using wet Scotch Tape. She continued like that through high school, but after four years of college and two years of living away from home, she has changed. She’s back home now and working as a waitress on the other side of our little town. When she has an early shift, she’s out of bed before dawn, and is washed, dressed and on her bicycle in the amount of time she used to spend gazing into her sock drawer. Of course, I haven’t had trouble getting myself out of bed for many years. If the alarm goes off and I linger, my wife kicks me. I appreciate the support, and it does get me moving. But, I miss the Wakeup Machine. Back then, I was a fool, obedient only to my own teenage impulses, so Dad spoke to me entirely in admonitions. Consequently, his early-morning slaps were the highlight of our daily interaction. My lovely wife can kick me all she wants, but she’ll never replace the dear, old Wakeup Machine. Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.
Carriage Hill Farm
• Keswick •
Celebrating 24 Years of Equestrian Fun! SUMMER PONY CAMP BARNYARD BIRTHDAY PARTIES HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS LICENSED
434-296-2672
www.charlottesvillehorses.com
Bumble’s Picture Perfect Pet Contest Capture Your Adorable Pet —Win Prizes!
Release the clutter, free your life.
jeanninewoods.com | 434.249.6227 jeannine@jeanninewoods.com
Share your favorite pet photos with us for a chance to appear in the March/April issue! The winning photos will be published in the issue and winners will receive great prizes. You can submit from January 20–February 2, and voting takes place from February 3–10. See CharlottesvilleFamily.com for guidelines and rules.
PROVIDING COMPASSIONATE INDIVIDUALIZED MIDWIFERY CARE
EVIDENCE BASED, WATER BIRTH, FREE IUD REMOVAL
OFFERING SAFE & AFFORDABLE CARE
Led by Licensed Midwife Dominique Clothiaux a Out-of-Hospital Birth Specialist CPM, RCST®
WWW.BIRTHANDBIODYNAMICS.COM 434-996-5095
Sponsored by Thank you for voting for us!
2014-2019
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2019
TM
MILY DE FA N
42
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