Central Virginia Family Guide 2017 by VistaGraphics

CENTRAL VIRGINIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PREMIER FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE

VAFamilyGuide.com

2017

Make it Count Ideas to Improve Your Family Time

Summer Fun on a Bargain 16 Activities

inside! Top TheaTer Camps | Book reCommendaTions for all ages should Your Child see a Counselor? | loCal lisTs & resourCes

LYNCHBURG PARKS AND RECREATION & MEDEXPRESS URGENT CARE - PRESENT -

MOVIES IN THE PARK APRIL 29

JULY 29

THE LORAX

THE PRINCESS BRIDE

FOLLOWING TREE-HUG RECORD ATTEMPT

PRESENTED BY: Downtown Lynchburg Association

PEAKS VIEW PARK

RIVERFRONT PARK

MAY 27

BACK TO THE FUTURE PRESENTED BY: Downtown Lynchburg Association

RIVERFRONT PARK

JUNE 16 SING!

AUGUST 25

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STONE PRESENTED BY: RIVERSIDE PARK

SEPTEMBER 23 SPACE JAM

PRESENTED BY: Downtown Lynchburg Association

PRESENTED BY: RIVERSIDE PARK

RIVERFRONT PARK

FREE EVENT | ALL MOVIES BEGIN AT DUSK WWW.LYNCHBURGPARKSANDREC.COM FOR MORE INFO

from the

editor

“This is such a great place to raise a family.” Upon moving to Lynchburg, I heard this statement often. At the time, as a single woman in my early 20s, it sort of went in one ear and out the other. But now, about 10 years later as a mom/stepmom of three kids (goodness gracious time flies, doesn’t it?)—I get it. Lynchburg is the best of both worlds—a small town feel but big enough to have plenty to do. For families, this is the perfect balance. And speaking of balance, we’re kicking off this issue with some ideas to take your family time to the next level, and make each moment count by focusing on mind, body and spirit. From creating a quality craft at Rivermont Makery to new family exercise opportunities at the YMCA, we hope you get some ideas for your tribe in our feature story on pages 9-12. Another great thing about Lynchburg—you don’t have to empty your wallet to make memories around town. On page 33, former Central Virginia Family Guide editor (and mom of two, going on three!) Jennifer Redmond did some research to create a list of affordable, creative and local activities that will keep everyone entertained during the dog days of summer. And we expanded one part of her list into its own story—Lynchburg’s Parks. Starting on page 47, you’ll find an overview of some “hidden gems” of our park system and a comprehensive list of where to visit. Aside from being your resource for events and activities, this issue is also your go-to guide for information that will improve your family’s health and safety. Ever wonder if your child or teenager might need to have a conversation with a professional? In our Parenting department, we talked to experts about when counseling is really necessary. A local lifeguard gets very honest with parents about water safety in our Health department. And for parents who are doing everything they can to encourage a love for reading, writer Emily Hedrick—a local librarian with a passion for childhood literacy—has her book recommendations for all age levels on page 40. Flip through to find what you need or read from front to back. Either way, save this guide for your family or better yet, get two and share one with a friend! Enjoy,

Shelley Basinger, Managing Editor Shelley@lynchburgmag.com P.S. Want the best local family information right at your fingertips? Download our new Central Virginia Family Guide app today! It’s available for iPhone and Android users.

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The Central Virginia Family Guide is a fundamental resource for families, offering events, family-friendly activities, a planning calendar, and important contact information. The Family Guide prints a minimum of 10,000 copies per year and offers a complete service directory designed to refer the family to your products and services. Our goal is to appeal to families and create a demand for the publication by offering the most complete information and resource-filled guide this area has to offer.

Publisher Randy Thompson Managing Editor Shelley Basinger Editorial Director Angela Blue Contributing Writers Jeremy Angione, Lauren Barnes, Shelley Basinger, Claire Foster, Emily Hedrick, Drew Menard, Jennifer Redmond, Danielle Verderame Vice President of Production Holly Watters Art Director Chris Meligonis Lead Designer Kaye Ellen Trautman Client Relations Manager Brittany Proctor Contributing Artists Christina Sinclair, Corey Watson Web Creative Director Chris Murphy Sr. Web Developer & Site Administrator Brandon Litchfield Web Developer Caleb Whitehead Digital Marketing/SEO Analyst Michael Saks IT Marketing Consultant William Warford Marketing Director Lisa Davenport Web Marketing & Promotions Manager Kathryn Kelly Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Account Executive/Team Leader Missy Celli Account Executives Healther Alto, Keely Miller Customer Service Representative Kiara Davis Lead Sales Artist Paul Cenzon VistaGraphics Staff Copy Editor Robin Cather Controller Anita Burns Accounting Manager Dawn Meehan Accounting Clerk Kelsey Stephens Office Manager Tracy Thompson Contributing imagery supplied by Thinkstock.com WWW.VAFAMILYGUIDE.COM

Find Us on Facebook! @Central-Virginia-Family-Guide Central Virginia Family Guide is published annually by VistaGraphics, Inc. The corporate office is located at 1264 Perimeter Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. © 2017 - all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material prepared by VistaGraphics, Inc., and appearing within this publication is strictly prohibited without express written consent of the publisher. Publisher does not purport to authenticate and is not responsible for claims made by advertisers found within this publication.

UPCOMING: 2018 ISSUE For Advertising Information, please call 757.213.2461 or email paul@vgnet.com

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2017 Issue

Feature Make Your Family Time Count................................................................. 9

Health & Nutrition Honest Advice from a Lifeguard...........................................................18 5 Healthy Snack Recipes...........................................................................20 Local Farmers Markets...............................................................................21

Parenting When is Counseling Necessary?...........................................................26 Healthy Mamas=Healthy Families......................................................28 Support Groups...............................................................................................29

Saving Money Local Summer Fun on a Bargain...........................................................33 Kids’ Meal Deals...............................................................................................36

Popular Money-Saving Apps.................................................................. 37

Education Book Recommendations for All Ages..............................................40 Homeschool Resources.............................................................................43 Test Prep Advice from Local Experts..............................................44 After School/Tutoring Programs.........................................................45

Arts & Recreation Hidden Gems, Unique Activities at Lynchburg’s Parks........48 Parks and Picnic Areas................................................................................50

Sports and Recreation................................................................................52 Top Theater Camps.......................................................................................53 Where to Visit....................................................................................................56

Also Inside: Calendar of Events.........................................................................................59 Creative Advice from Local Moms.....................................................62 VAFamilyGuide.com |

Make It Count

Take Your Family Time to the Next Level

By Danielle Verderame

Each person on this earth receives a finite amount of time to experience the world. These days, we often find ourselves looking for ways to pause the busy, device-filled buzz of daily habits and make time for familyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and not just clocking hours, so to speak, but spending meaningful time with our loved ones. As you look ahead to your summer, we hope you will take your family time to the next level on three fronts: mind, body and spirit. The following activities are a great place to start. >> VAFamilyGuide.com |

FEATURE

Expand Your Mind

Within the walls of Vector Space, families can participate in a variety of classes and activities grounded in science and inspired by the Maker Movement. Elise Spontarelli, co-founder and executive director, created the space, “…as a physical place for people interested in science, technology, engineering, art, and math to collaborate, invent, discover, and build the things that interest them.” For parents and older children who are already “makers,” the facility conveniently

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provides access to tools, supplies, and more for a plethora of different projects. For those who are just starting to explore hands-on learning, Vector Space offers classes, such as the Arduino programming class. The best part about these activities is they supplement book learning without the boredom; kids can see the application of principles they learn about in school. And parents can enjoy working on a project with their children for fun—not because it’s due the next day in science class. Merging pop culture with crafting, Rivermont Makery also blends knowledge with child-friendly activities. This place is perfect for parents who want to promote creativity but would like to avoid buying a lot of extra supplies and cleaning up a big mess. Parents and children may see their favorite movie or book come to life in a themed craft, learn to make slime or crayons, or enjoy activities such as Lego brick play. Laura Watts, owner and instructor, points out that the classes cost less than a movie ticket. But in contrast to a trip to the movie theater, their classes and sessions are a chance to get away from glowing screens. And you get what you pay for—Rivermont Makery uses high-quality materials and their skilled instructors focus on teaching the child, not the craft. This ensures a unique experience that brings out a child (and parent’s) inner creativity. Inside the four walls of that building covered in bugs, Amazement Square is the go-to destination

for a lesson in history, social studies, science and more. On the top floor, you’ll see a working model of the James River flanked with pictorial images of Lynchburg’s city skyline at different points in time. You’ll also see a Native American exhibit—with a life-size teepee—on this floor as well. Amazement Square recently broke ground on an education center that will allow them to have a dedicated classroom space for events and workshops. Also, the museum was selected to host a nationwide exhibit focusing on Korean culture; “Heart and Seoul” is on display through September 2017 at River Ridge Mall. While most people know about the options for young children, the organization also offers internships and volunteer opportunities for middle and high school students.

Challenge Your Body

The YMCA of Central Virginia makes it easy to crank up your heart rate while having fun with your family. New to the staff is a family strengthening coordinator—her goal is to create programs and classes to enhance family time. Family yoga and other fun fitness classes/activities will be rolled out each month. Another unique YMCA offering is the KidzGym at the Jamerson Y, which serves two purposes. Director of Communications Misty Vinson-Spitzer explains, “It’s a great place for children [ages 5 to 14] to play while their parents work out, but it’s also a family gym that encourages parents and kids to exercise together.” The YMCA also organizes several youth sports teams and offers both group and private swim lessons for children. These and various other programs allow parents to introduce their children to new activities in a safe and nurturing environment. New to the area is Jump Lynchburg, a highenergy trampoline park, in the former Movies 10 theater. For families seeking a fun time, the facility offers several different spaces to play including: battle beams, foam pits, open jump and dodge ball. Jump Lynchburg also features special jumping sessions for young children, children with special needs, and families. On the trampolines, you will find yourself exercising without even realizing it and taking fun family selfies that you will cherish for years to come. According to General Manager Brent Fortenberry, Jump Lynchburg encourages families, “…to branch out and experience our facility and have a good time with their kids in an atmosphere that is fun, friendly, and engaging.” If you want to stay out of the sun or it’s a rainy summer day, facilities like Jump Lynchburg can help get your blood pumping. >>

VAFamilyGuide.com |

FEATURE Renew Your Spirit

Focusing on nature is a great way to help your family recharge. Planting new flowers or a small garden at your house is a project the whole family can participate in. Or, you can visit Lynchburg Grows and find many ways to get involved. The sevenacre urban farm expands access to produce for Lynchburg residents, restaurants and organizations while also providing onsite vocational training for disabled and low-income individuals. According to Shelley Blades, farm manager and executive director, the organization relishes community support from citizens of all ages. Families can stop by anytime during the farm’s open hours to help with tasks such as weeding, planting or harvesting. Give your family a much-needed break from all of the screens, and check out some of Lynchburg’s best arts and culture options. One show that’s certain to draw some laughs (and also teach your child a few things) is Endstation Theatre Company’s “The Complete History of America (Abridged).” This wacky history lesson is performed at Thomas Jefferson’s Popular Forest July 13-22. For more family-friendly shows, be sure to keep tabs on the Academy Center of the Arts and Liberty University Tower Theatre. Another way to spend meaningful time with your family is to help others, and take advantage of your open schedules to work in various volunteer opportunities. For parents of younger children, you can make gift bags for local nurses or EMTs or toiletry bags for Miriam’s House, Salvation Army or Hand Up Lodge. Older children can assist their parents by delivering lunches for Meals on Wheels recipients or spending time serving at Lynchburg Daily Bread. These volunteer opportunities help children of all ages see the world differently and often lead to important conversations about their community.

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Forest Dental Center:

Providing Comprehensive Care in Central Virginia Most of us know that going to the dentist is essential for our dental health, but did you know that a visit to the dentist can also improve your confidence and overall health? If you want to achieve a healthier smile, a more beautiful smile and have better health overall, Forest Dental Center is the place for you! Forest Dental Center was founded in 2001. The owners of Forest Dental Center are Dr. Joshua Binder and Dr. Daniel Yeager. Dr. Binder and Dr. Yeager, along with Dr. Victoria Yeager, Dr. Jennifer Johannsen and the newest member of the team, Dr. Claire Farr, comprise the expert team of dentists who serve the patients at Forest Dental Center. The staff at Forest Dental Center is first and foremost dedicated to the patient, with a goal to exceed the patients’ expectations at all times. A major concern people have when it comes to dental care is cost, but Forest Dental Center seeks to alleviate that apprehension by keeping the lines of communication open. They strive to develop relationships with patients and understand where they are coming from, ensuring that they are able to afford the care they deserve and to offer more than one way to help them. Forest Dental Center extends this commitment by offering patients in the community an annual free day of dentistry called “Dentistry from Our Hearts.” At this event, free dental care is offered to over 200 members of the community, with three different choices of treatment. This year’s event will take place on September 23. The doctors at Forest Dental Center provide comprehensive dental care. The services they provide include preventative care and exams, pediatric care, restorative services such as crowns and fillings, the surgical placement and restoration of dental implants, full and partial dentures and sleep apnea services. For those patients with anxiety, the doctors offer nitrous oxide.

They also offer teeth whitening (Zoom) and cosmetic dentistry including veneers and all porcelain crowns. All of our doctors are committed to furthering their dental education and expanding the dental services that they provide. To ensure that patients get the best care possible, Forest Dental Center seeks and utilizes advanced technology. Forest Dental Center prides itself on offering cutting edge technology. This includes digital x-rays, 3-D imaging, intra-oral cameras, lasers, a digital scanner for same day fabrication of crowns (CEREC), along with oral cancer screenings. The practice has upgraded their dental software so that all records and charts are digitally protected. Although innovative technology can certainly help patients get the dental care they need, basic routine visits are the key to achieving and maintaining good dental—and overall health. The most common mistake people make with their teeth is not coming in for routine care, but the old saying is true, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. High blood pressure, diabetes and other systemic diseases are examples of things that can be detected during a routine periodontal exam. Regardless of your dental care needs, Forest Dental Center is committed to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams and improving your dental and overall health. Whether you need a basic filling or want a smile makeover, the dentists and staff will be there to assist you every step of the way. It’s fitting then, that the acronym for the core values at Forest Dental Center is “STEP.” Spirituality, Teamwork, Excellence and Professionalism. Every day they strive to follow these values, and to reach their vision of becoming the premier dental practice in Central Virginia. Visit www.forestdentalcenter.com for more information.

Dr. Joshua Binder • Dr. Daniel Yeager • Dr. Claire Farr Dr. Victoria Yeager • Dr. Jennifer Johannsen

WE WELCOME NEW PATIENTS

Our friendly and compassionate staff will make your visits comfortable.

434-385-7307

Open: Mon. 9am-5pm, Tues–Fri 8am-5pm www.ForestDentalCenter.com 1604 Graves Mill Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502

VOTED #1 DENTAL CENTER

Thank you Lynchburg, for voting to make us #1, and to all our patients for trusting us with their smiles.

Pool Safety PAGE 18

Healthy Snacks PAGE 20

Farmers Markets PAGE 21

Health & Nutrition VAFamilyGuide.com |

HEALTH & NUTRITION

Swim Lessons

Honest Advice for Parents from an Experienced Lifeguard One of the best ways to pass the time during the warm (or hot) months is to find the nearest pool and tell the kiddos to jump in. While this may become a mindless routine for your family over the summer, it’s so incredibly important not to become complacent about water safety. Below, Josh Gravette, Association Aquatics Director for the YMCA of Central Virginia, will get your attention with five, life-saving pieces of advice.

Lifeguards are not babysitters.

Unfortunately, Gravette sees a certain scenario more than he would like. “We had a mom here at our family pool just the other day with several children under the age of 8. She was sitting on the side of the pool looking at her iPad for two hours,” he said. While lifeguards may give you peace of mind as a parent, that doesn’t mean you get to take a break while your kids swim. “Lifeguards are watching every single person in the pool. They are not watching one specific child,” said Gravette. Consider this—60 percent of drownings occur under adult supervision. The more eyes on your child, the better.

…and neither are life jackets.

“A lot of parents think, ‘I put a life jacket on my kid, so they’re good,’” said Gravette. Just as with lifeguards, don’t let a life jacket give you a false sense of security. You should still be watching your child very closely. Also, Gravette says he sees a lot of parents who don’t know how to properly secure life jackets, adding: “We’ve seen kids slip out of them.”

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As a part of the YMCA’s swim classes, children learn how to properly put on a life jacket so that it’s tight and secure enough to keep them afloat.

Your child might swim well one day—but struggle the next.

Anyone who visits the family pool at the Jamerson YMCA knows their child (under the age of 11) must take a swim test every visit. They either get a green band (more advanced), red band (less advanced) or don’t pass and must stay within arm’s reach of an adult. Obviously, the test helps the YMCA create a safer environment by helping lifeguards see each child’s swim level. But there’s another reason for the swim test you might not realize as a parent. “We don’t know how much sleep they’ve had, whether they had baseball practice that morning, whether they’ve had anything to eat that day. You’ll see, quite often, kids will pass it perfectly one day and

two days later they won’t pass it. And we attribute that to how they are feeling,” said Gravette. If you aren’t in a setting with a lifeguard, keep this advice in mind. Has your child been playing hard in the waves all day? Have they had lunch? Too much sun? All of these factors can affect their swimming performance.

Drownings don’t happen like they do in the movies. “A lot of times you think of someone drowning as someone flapping their arms, yelling out. But sometimes, it’s a good swimmer who silently slipped under water,” said Gravette. He says contributing to these “silent” tragedies are the breath-holding games that have become a lot more popular in the past five years or so. He says one in three drownings are attributed to these games among kids. You know the old, “Let’s see who can stay under the longest!” challenge. “Those games are one thing on land, but if you pass out under water, you won’t be able to breathe,” said Gravette. He also says because of concerns about breath holding, even swim teams have moved away from training that involves swimming back and forth underwater for a long time.

Swim lessons are less about strokes and more about survival.

If you don’t know a lot about swimming, the concept of “swim lessons” may have you thinking about the Summer Olympics and your kid being the next Michael Phelps. But unless your child takes advanced lessons down the road, swim lessons are really focused on getting them comfortable and confident in the water. “I strongly encourage parents to enroll their kids. We start at six months old,” said Gravette. The main focus of the YMCA’s new Safety Around Water program is floating. “One tough statistic is that 10 percent of drownings occur within 10 feet of safety,” said Gravette. “We are really working on getting these children to learn how to float first.”

Swim lessons are really focused on getting them comfortable and confident in the water

VAFamilyGuide.com |

HEALTH & NUTRITION

Revamp Your Snack Menu Healthy (and Tasty) Ideas for Your Family

Whether it’s because they’re truly hungry or just bored, kids love snacks. While a handful of chips or a few cookies here or there may seem like a small part of their diet, those unhealthy snack choices can really add up in the long run. Melody M. Ailsworth, D.O., of Richeson Drive Pediatrics, says one of the biggest mistakes parents make is letting kids choose their snacks, explaining that “human nature will be to choose the sweetest, fattiest foods.” She says parents should use snack time to increase fruit/vegetable intake and try to keep a range of healthy snacks at home. And another big piece of advice: Avoid processed food and added sugar. “Processed foods made in a factory do not have many nutrients and often have too much sugar and salt for little ones,” Ailsworth says. If you need some inspiration for your snack menu at home, we asked Jeanell Smith, Family Nutrition Program Assistant for the City of Lynchburg, to tell us a few of her favorite choices.

Tzatziki Dip

INGREDIENTS ½ a large cucumber, unpeeled 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder) 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill) Cut the cucumber in half, remove seeds and chop fine. Then, wrap in a kitchen towel and twist to remove as much liquid as possible—like you are wringing out a towel. Combine cucumber and all remaining ingredients in a bowl and serve with raw veggies or 100% whole grain crackers. “For adults, this makes a great spread for a sandwich or topping for a salad.”—Smith

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Fruit & Peanut Butter Dip

Blend together ½ cup peanut butter with 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt. Enjoy with banana slices, apple slices, celery sticks and more. “Plain Greek yogurt is packed with protein and very low in sugar. Yogurt cups can have over 30 grams of sugar— every 4 grams of sugar equals 1 teaspoon (or packet) of sugar, so a yogurt with 32 grams of sugar has 8 teaspoons of sugar inside!”—Smith

Meat & Cheese Roll-ups

Cut cheese into a stick or purchase cheese sticks then roll in lunch meat of choice. Create another version using a pretzel rod, drizzle with mustard then roll the cheese and lunch meat around the pretzel. “Both versions are very portable for those on the run. Also, they are easy to make ahead and have on hand.” — Smith

Frozen Grapes

Wash grapes and pat dry then spread on cookie sheet or any flat pan and place in the freezer, leaving space to prevent sticking. Once frozen, place in container with lid or zip top bag for easy access. “These are great after a hot afternoon outside and packed with vitamins and less sugar than popsicles.”—Smith

Salad Sammies

Choose a leaf of choice (kale, Swiss chard, lettuce). Lay out and place sandwich ingredients on top (meat, cheese, veggies). Then fold or roll up to enjoy. “This is a great choice that will pack more veggies in a meal/snack.”—Smith

Encourage Healthy Eating! Visit These Farmers Markets to Find Healthy Local Products

Altavista Farmers Market 1112 Park Street, Trade Lot, Altavista Open Wednesdays and Saturdays

APX Market

1848 Church Street, Appomattox Open year-round after spring/summer seasons start.

Bedford Farmers Market

On corner of Washington and Center streets, Bedford Visit on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1st Saturdays of the month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Opens May 3 to October 1

Cornerstone Community Market On the grounds of Cornerstone Christian Academy on Police Tower Road, Appomattox Tuesdays from 3 – 6 p.m.

Forest Farmers Market

Forest Library, 15583 Forest Rd., Forest Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to Noon

Liberty University Farmers Market Parking lot near Doc’s Diner on campus. Local vendors and produce from the Morris Campus Farm. Expected to open in August 2017.

Lynchburg Community Market 1219 Main Street, Lynchburg www.lynchburgcommunitymarket.com Open Tuesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Westlake Farmers Market Intersection of Booker T. Washington Hwy & Enterprise Lane, Moneta Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VAFamilyGuide.com |

When trust matters. Studies reveal trust is one of the most important factors parents consider when choosing services and products for their children. From schools to cars, your children’s health and safety is a number one priority. When trust matters most, choosing a dental practice with a skilled, caring staff ranks high on the decision list. Proactive care begins with creating healthy habits at home, combined with scheduling consistent hygiene appointments for the entire family. Choosing a trusted dental partner enables you to identify potential concerns during routine appointments, making treatment typically less complicated and more comfortable. Lynchburg Dental Center’s Dr. Karen Kenny shares, “We embrace creating trusted relationships with our patients. We understand the importance of building confidence in our young patients so they, and their families, feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and trusting in the skills of our staff.” For over 40 years, Lynchburg Dental Center has been providing comprehensive family dental care to patients throughout the greater Lynchburg area. Setting them apart is their advanced equipment and commitment to continuing education. “Every year we provide our team the most current technology and training to confidently serve our patients. Families need to know they are receiving the best care available,” explains Dr. Carrington Crawford.” Lynchburg Dental Center offers services in the areas of family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, implants and restoration, and dental hygiene.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00-5:00. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 434.384.7611 or visit www.LynchburgDentist.com.

When trust matters.

The Practice Offers: Comprehensive Exams

Extractions

Whitening

Hygiene Services

Permanent Implants

Crown and Bridge Work

Treatment of Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Fillings

Digital Radiography and Screenings for Oral Cancer

Dentures

Lynchburg Dental C E N T E R

Carrington Crawford, D.D.S. Karen Kenny, D.D.S. Brad Lentz, D.M.D. 434.384.7611 â&#x20AC;˘ 3719 Old Forest Road â&#x20AC;˘ www.LynchburgDentist.com

WHATEVER THE NEEDâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Hope For Tomorrow Counseling, an outreach of Patrick Henry Family Services, celebrates 10 years of serving Central Virginia.

Counseling Questions PAGE 26

Healthy Mamas PAGE 28

Support Groups PAGE 29

Parenting VAFamilyGuide.com |

PARENTING

Is Counseling Really Necessary? Local Professionals Answer 4 Top Questions

By Megan L. Horst

Living in a society where people are encouraged to talk about their problems is good, but it can sometimes be difficult to know when a child needs more than a conversation with a parent or friend. How do you know when your child needs professional counseling? Professionals from Wishing You Well Counseling Center and James River Counseling Center answer some of the commonly asked questions.

Is my child’s anxiety normal?

“Anxiety is normal for many children when there is something they have not done before, such as the first day at a new school,” said Lavinia Garbee, co-owner of Wishing You Well Counseling Center and licensed counselor since 2000. “When there is a prolonged period of difficulty or a child had adjusted well previously and begins exhibiting changes in behavior, counseling may be warranted. Problems may include reluctance to going to school, physical complaints, crying, difficulty sleeping, social withdrawal, irritability, change in appetite and/or a drop in grades.” Elizabeth Jenkins from James River Counseling Center says some anxiety is normal for everyone and is not always a bad thing. She said, at times, anxiety can even cause motivation, but there comes a point where it passes a “normal” level.

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“When anxiety about school interferes with a child’s ability to go to school and feel successful about their day, counseling may be indicated,” Jenkins said. “Also, if a child can go to school but anxiety compromises the quality of the child’s life and their ability to function, interferes with sleeping, ability to concentrate, etc., counseling is indicated.”

My teenager has shut me out of his/her life. What should I do?

In the teen years, is it not abnormal for children to start pulling away from their parents. Becoming more individualized is part of a young person developing into an adult. “At the same time, it is very important for parents to stay connected to their adolescents and be involved in a supportive role with their academics and

extracurricular activities,” Jenkins said. “Parents need to ‘be in the know’ regarding their children’s friends and their involvement on social media. Teenagers need privacy, but that is different than secrecy.” Jenkins advises that if a young person begins to withdraw completely from parents or family, and exhibits behavior such as spending inordinate amounts of time in his or her room, constantly being angry or sad, and is extremely resistant to offering parents any information, counseling may be helpful. “Some degree of shut down is developmentally appropriate,” Garbee said. “Teens generally begin spending more time alone and desire more time with their friends. An extreme change in behavior, however, might indicate that counseling would be beneficial.” Garbee defined extreme behavior as changes in personality, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, decline in grades, tearfulness, crying spells, and in more serious cases, drugs or self-injury. “If a parent is unsure, I would encourage them to seek professional help,” Garbee said. “It is important to ‘trust your gut’ when it comes to your child.”

Something big happened in our family. Should I seek professional help for my child?

Another reason you might need to consider counseling for your child is when your child experiences significant life changes, such as a death in the family, divorce, new siblings, a new stepparent, and so on. “Children may experience a number of responses from anger to sadness to denial to ambivalence,” Jenkins said. Garbee encourages people to be “proactive” rather than “reactive.” “This often helps minimize escalation and avoid situations that could cause a child to act out or begin self-harm,” she said.

Helping your child cope with a loss or change is crucial. Jenkins explained that it is important to acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings. “Accept that their feelings are valid, even if you do not agree with them,” she said. “Encourage conversation about the event that is triggering the feelings.” Trying to maintain “normalcy” in a child’s life, such as the child’s school placement, staying in the same home, keeping in touch with friends and extended family, and so on, will help a child. “It is important to know that children grieve differently at different developmental stages,” Garbee said. “Loss or trauma experienced at the age of four may need to be dealt with again at the age of nine. The assistance of a counselor can be helpful with this.”

Is counseling really worth it? Why can’t I just talk to my child?

According to Garbee, there are numerous benefits to seeking counseling, including improving self-concept, enhancing communication skills, and expanding emotional vocabulary. Additionally, it can improve family relationships and prepare children for future life stressors. Jenkins also explained that “counseling can reinforce the idea that it is okay and, in fact, beneficial to seek help when needed.” It’s also very important to make sure a child understands that counseling is a good thing. “Counseling is never to be presented to a child as a punishment. If counseling is presented as seeking support during a difficult time or as a problem-solving intervention, a child will hear that message and likely respond accordingly,” said Jenkins.

VAFamilyGuide.com |

PARENTING

Healthy Mamas = Healthy Families

Why Motherhood Martyrdom Is Hurting Our Community By Lauren Barnes

For generations, women have sacrificed themselves to “Motherhood Martyrdom.” Brownie points are earned for extreme birth stories, nights without sleep, lack of exercise, and the number of meals left unconsumed. Self-deprecating, humble brags populate social media. Somehow, we have twisted and misaligned the role of mother to equal an overtired, overworked, overexerted human who cares selflessly for the smallest citizens of our community. But does motherhood martyrdom benefit anyone? How does our community grow stronger when large segments of our population are barely surviving? How do our families raise empathetic and compassionate children when a core piece of their family is suffering without reprieve? A woman’s body is biologically designed to give life and nurture life. A mother possesses a unique ability to provide for the needs of her young. But we get off track when we assume that the needs of those she nurtures come before her own. Just as flight attendants insist that oxygen masks be applied to oneself before assisting others, so must mothers care for themselves in order to best care for those in their charge. Simple self-care will look different for every mother in every stage of life:

Mothers of Newborns – 1 year For some, an uninterrupted shower and a hot meal will refresh enough for another night of restless sleep with a newborn.

OTHER IDEAS FOR THIS STAGE INCLUDE: • A “mommy only” • A date with your partner post-bedtime treat • A girls’ night out • A 30-minute walk • 10 slow breaths outside • A warm cup of coffee/tea • A supportive • A regular session mothers’ group with a counselor NOTE: Partners, family, and friends play a crucial role in this stage. Here are additional ideas for assisting the mother in your life: • Set snacks beside her bed for nighttime hunger. • Refill her water. • Wash dirty clothes and dishes. • Make a meal.

• Encourage alone time and/or friend time. • Ask what you can do and DO IT. • Validate her feelings. • Help her get help.

Mothers of Toddlers

For mothers of toddlers, self-care such as a daily exercise class will strengthen the body as well as the mind, granting sanity amidst toddler temper tantrums. OTHER IDEAS FOR THIS STAGE INCLUDE: • A phone call • A regular yoga class with a friend in a • A regular session different season with a counselor • A calming essential oil

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• A date with your partner • 10 slow breaths outside • A girls’ night out • A supportive mothers’ group

Mothers of Older Children or Children of All Ages Once past preschool, mothers in the elementary years and beyond might enjoy expanding the above-mentioned ideas!

OTHER IDEAS TO CONSIDER INCLUDE: • Joining a recreational • Volunteering for a cause sports team you’re passionate about • A girls’ weekend • Starting a book club • A weekly art class • Trying something new • A semester of adult ballet classes Whatever you choose, remember it is only right to pour into the vessel that pours out for so many. Women who practice self-care in motherhood should be applauded for the investment they are making, not chastised for selfishness. A woman who values the health and well-being of her family understands that her physical, emotional, and mental well-being are of utmost importance. It is time for motherhood martyrdom to be extinguished. Healthy mamas equal healthy families—and healthy families equal a stronger and more vibrant community. Lauren Barnes is the Executive Director of The Motherhood Collective, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to equipping and empowering women through FREE evidence-based education and social support programming from preconception - postpartum.

Support Groups Centra Warm Line and Lactation Assistance Centra offers 24-hour lactation support services through the Warm Line at (434) 401-9344. Lactation consultants are also available for one-on-one appointments after moms return home.

YMCA Women & Children’s Support Group 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 626 Church Street, Lynchburg (434) 528-1041

Kids’ Haven

For children, ages 3-18, and their families dealing with the death of a loved one. Group Grief Support Nights are held twice a month at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 200 Boston Ave., Lynchburg. Administrative Offices: (434) 845-4072

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

www.MOPS.org Local Chapters: Clifford Baptist Church (434) 946-0555 Forest Baptist Church (434) 525-4841 Hyland Heights Baptist Church (434) 821-6906 Lane Memorial UMC (434) 369-5844 Randolph Memorial Baptist Church (434) 845-8855 Timberlake Baptist Church (434) 237-6464 Thomas Road Baptist Church (434) 239-9281

Lynchburg Area Mothers of Multiples (LAMOM) Monthly meetings. Affiliated with the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club (NOMOTC). (434) 845-3511

The Motherhood Collective

www.themotherhoodcollective.org • The Motherhood Café: Provides a sense of community for moms and provides education on important maternal health issues. 2nd and 4th Monday of every month, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mosaic in the Plaza, 2323 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg • The Motherhood Playgroup: Fosters an environment for further connection and deeper relationships between mothers and children. 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at 10:30 a.m. Email playgroup@themotherhoodcollective.org for location information.

• The Motherhood Café Express: A condensed Café experience. 3rd Saturday of every month, 9 – 10:30 a.m. at Mosaic • Grief Support Group: Helping mothers through miscarriage, infertility & child loss. 1st Monday (7 – 8 p.m.) and 3rd Wednesday (12 – 1 p.m.) of each month at Wyndhurst Counseling Center • Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders Support Group: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 7 p.m., at Wyndhurst Counseling Center

The Motherhood Collective in partnership with Lynchburg Parks and Rec: • Healthy Mama Self Care Series: June 1-29, every Thursday, 7:30 – 8:45 p.m., The Miller Center. Each session begins with an educational workshop and ends with meditation. More info at lynchburgparksandrec.com. • Mamas on the Move: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays through Aug. 31, 9 – 10 a.m., Peaks View Park (meet by upper restrooms). This walking group is designed to foster relationships and healthy habits. Advance registration appreciated at lynchburgparksandrec.com.

Thomas Road Baptist Church

Freedom Ministries: Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m. Care Groups: 13-week sessions, Monday evenings • Divorce Care: A group for separated and/or divorced people • Grief Share: A group learning to deal with the loss of a loved one • Single & Parenting: A group for tips and parenting wisdom • Divorce Care for Kids: A divorce care program for children ages 5-12 • The Caring Journey: A support group for caregivers. For more info, call (434) 592-5630 or email at counseling@ trbc.org.

VAFamilyGuide.com |

The YMCA

of Central Virginia has something for everyone... kids, teens, and families. At the Y, our supportive staff helps our members find health and balance in their lives. That's why we're here every day, making sure you know what you're capable of and encouraging you all along the way. When you join the Y, you join a family. We Have Something for Everyone – seniors, families, young adults, active older couples, and youth. From working out with friends to working together to make our community better, we are doing what it takes to build a better tomorrow for us all.

active

strengthen

connected

fun FAMILY be & do

goalsHappy TOGETHER community

support

FOR YOUR TODAY,

FOR THEIR TOMORROW

Visit the YMCA of Central Virginia This is what we know... • 40% of all children are overweight or obese today to learn how you • kids spend an average of 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen and your family can • one third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from live a healthier, more diabetes at some point in their life • it doesn’t have to be this way - with support from organizations connected life. like the Y, we can make a difference in our children’s lives, today and tomorrow - www.ymcacva.org

Cheap Summer Fun PAGE 33

Meal Deals PAGE 36

Coupon Apps PAGE 37

Money VAFamilyGuide.com |

MONEY

Summer Fun on a Bargain:

Affordable, Creative—& Local—Activities

By Jennifer Redmond

The early days of summer hold such promise and excitement—and plenty of grand schemes to do “new and fun” family activities. But it doesn’t take long for everyday life to set in and repeated “I’m so bored” choruses echo through your home. Have no fear—here’s a variety of activities that are sure to give even the most stubborn child a new adventure. Bonus: these are local and won’t break the bank either.

Entertainment VENUE CINEMA If you haven’t been following Venue Cinema’s Facebook page, go “Like” them now. Not only do they feature recent movies at a discounted rate (think $2.25 for a matinee), they are also offering a Kids Summer Film Fest with $1 tickets to popular flicks. More info at www.venuemovies.com.

FIRST FRIDAYS If you haven’t experienced this community event yet, then you’re missing out. Another free option that’s held on the “First Friday” of every month, you can enjoy complimentary trolley rides (a huge thrill for young kids) and hop off and on at will to explore new art exhibits, shops and eateries all around the Downtown district. More info at www.firstfridayslynchburg.org. >>

RIVERFRONT PARK CONCERT SERIES This summer marks the first season of what will hopefully become a new tradition in the Hill City: live concerts downtown. From June through September, you can catch a variety of musical acts at these monthly concerts with the first one (June 10) being free. With the remaining three shows only $10 a ticket, we can think of worse ways to invest in some cultural experiences. More info at www.academycenter.org/riverfrontparkconcertseries. MOVIES IN THE PARK Lynchburg Parks and Rec has returned with this popular event series—this time spanning two city parks. Read more on page 48. VAFamilyGuide.com |

MONEY

LYNCHBURG HILLCATS The Hill City’s beloved team has a new look this year—and lower ticket prices too. Bleacher tickets start at just $6. Or for $17, you can sign up your child for Southpaw’s Kids Club to guarantee their free admission to all 70 home games. (There are also perks such as getting to run the bases and autograph sessions with players.) More info at www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t481_.

Water Fun SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE Visit Smith Mountain Lake. Enjoy the beachfront at the state park where you can bring lunch or purchase food on site, or even find a family to split the cost of a rental boat; pontoons are a great option for a relaxing and slow afternoon of floating, swimming and soaking in some rays. More info at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake. SPLASH PADS You can find a small, toddler-friendly splash pad bordering one end of Riverfront Park along Jefferson Street, or, for the more adventurous and older kids, check out the much larger and more exciting splash park at Riverside Park. More info at www.lynchburgparksandrec.com/our-parks. MILLER PARK POOL As the only public outdoor pool in Lynchburg, this may be one of our best-kept secrets. Open weekdays and weekends from May 29 to August 14, it features an Olympic size pool complete with a twisting water slide plus a separate wading pool for young kids. At only $2-$3 daily per person —or $120 for a seasonal family pass—and the option to sign up

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for swim lessons, you’ll find us poolside more often than not. More info at www.lynchburgparksandrec. com/pools-aquatics/miller-park-pool.

Outdoor Exploration LU MONOGRAM / SNOWFLEX For older kids and those more adventurous, spend a summer evening catching an amazing sunset from the top of the monogram (Have some extra energy? See who can climb up to the top first!). Then, head over to SnowFlex where you can “hit the slopes” under the lights. More info at www.liberty.edu/snowflex. BLACKWATER CREEK TRAILS Another treasure hidden in the middle of Lynchburg is our trail system, which intersects all throughout the heart of the city. More info at www.lynchburgparksandrec.com/trails.

Community Involvement CIVIL SERVICE TOURS Give your kids the chance to interact with some of the our community’s best civil servants and sign up for a tour at a neighborhood fire station; for those a bit older, attend a city council meeting or go a step further and schedule a meeting with your local representative. More info at www.lynchburgva.gov. LYNCHBURG HUMANE SOCIETY Let’s not forget some of our favorite furry friends; our community has a wonderful humane society where you can play and interact with the animals in their community and themed rooms. You may even find one (or two) to take home! More info at www. lynchburghumane.org. VOLUNTEERING One of the most impactful things you can do as a parent is model the importance of giving back. Read about more ideas on page 12.

History and Education POINT OF HONOR What was life like for those in the early 1800s? Find out with a visit to Point of Honor, the restored home of Dr. Cabell, where you’ll see firsthand what they would eat, how they entertained and what daily life consisted of. At the end of the tour, you’ll also appreciate the focus on medical practice during that time where a skeleton is displayed! Bonus: take advantage of the gorgeous river and city views to snap some family photos. More info at www.pointofhonor.org.

PATRICK HENRY’S RED HILL Virginia’s first governor and one of America’s founding fathers lived a surprisingly modest life on his idyllic family spread just south of today’s Brookneal. Take a day to travel back in time where you’ll learn about this remarkable man and even step inside his office where he practiced law and worked on his writing. Bonus: be sure to visit on July 4 when they throw a huge celebratory festival! More info at www.redhill.org. AMAZEMENT SQUARE On Thursdays only from June to August, this downtown gem lowers admission prices to $5. Read more about the educational fun at Amazement Square on page 11.

VAFamilyGuide.com |

MONEY Big Lick Tropical Grill—All kids’ meals come with a free beverage and a scoop of ice cream for dessert. Bob Evans—Visit Bob Evans’ website (www.bobevans.com) and sign up your child for the Birthday Club. They will receive a free kid’s meal on their birthday. Captain D’s—Visit Captain D’s website (www.captainds.com) and sign up your child for the Kids Birthday Club (ages 12 and under). They will receive a free Kid’s Meal on their birthday. Cici’s Pizza—Children 3 and under eat free every day. Drink not included.

Choice Hibachi Buffet—Kids 3 and under eat for free everyday. Golden Corral—Kids 3 and under eat for free everyday. O’Charley’s Restaurant—Kids eat free all day everyday. Zaxby’s—Visit Zaxby’s website (www.zaxbys.com) and sign up your child for the Zax Kidz Club. They will receive a Free Cookie Card for joining and a Free Kidz Meal Card on their birthday (kids must be 10 and under to join).

Meal Deals for Kids

Enjoy a night off from dinner duty… without breaking the bank!

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

Moe’s Southwest Grill—Every $5.99 purchase receives one free kid’s meal.

Applebee’s—Kids eat free when an adult purchases a full price entrée.

T.G.I. Friday’s—Kids eat free. One free kid’s meal with adult entrée purchase. Child must be 12 or under.

Bob Evans—Kids eat free after 4 p.m. For each child eating free, an adult must purchase a meal.

MONDAY

Golden Corral—Kids (ages 4-12) eat for $2.99 with the purchase of an adult meal.

Buffalo Wild Wings—Kids eat for $1.99 with an adult purchase. 11 a.m. to closing. 12 and under (dine in only).

Macado’s—Kids eat for $1 from 4–9 p.m. Kids must be 12 and under. Dine in only.

Famous Anthony’s—Kids eat free from 3 p.m. to close (dine in only). One free kid’s meal with each adult meal purchased.

Zaxby’s—Kids eat free from 5 – 8 p.m.

Country Cookin’—Free kids meals (ages 10 & under). Limit two free kids per paid adult. 36

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McAlister’s Deli—Kids eat free from 4 – 8 p.m.

SATURDAY Famous Anthony’s—Kids eat free from 12 p.m. to close (dine in only). One free kid’s meal with each adult meal purchased.

Financial App-titude

4 Ways to Save Money on Your Smartphone Smartphones have made it a breeze to save money here and there through different budget tracking or couponing apps. There are a lot to choose from, but we suggest these four as a great way to get started.

Just a heads up: While the app links to your checking account, Digit will open a savings account for you with one of its partner banks, Wells Fargo or Bofl Federal Bank.

Ibotta

How it works: This couponing app sends coupons or other deals to your phone based on your location. And once at the checkout line, the cashier scans the coupon from your phone. So much easier than clipping from the Sunday paper! Just a heads up: This is only available for iPhone users.

How it works: The app offers rebates listed by store. After you shop, scan the barcodes of products that qualify, and take a photo of your receipt to get cash back. You can send your earnings straight to a PayPal or Venmo account, or trade it in for gift cards. By stacking rebates with coupons or other deals, you can basically get items for free. Just a heads up: You must save a minimum of $20 to transfer your cash or redeem it for a gift card.

Digit

How it works: The app tracks your income and spending habits then transfers a little bit here and there to an online bank savings account (FDIC insured) that syncs with your current bank account. You save money without even knowing it.

Yowza!!

ShopSavvy

How it works: This is comparison shopping, simplified. Instead of driving around town comparing the cost of “this to that,” ShopSavvy pinpoints the lowest cost on many products where you live. Just a heads up: The app will send you push notifications of the best sales. If you don’t want to receive them, go into the app settings to turn them off.

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Pediatric Medicine Medicine in in aa Caring Caring Environment! Environment! Personalized Pediatric Office Hours: Hours: Office

Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm

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where kids love to learn Call 434.455.4763 to schedule a tour www.jrds.school 38

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434.385.7776 434.385.7776 105 RICHESON DRIVE

105 RICHESON DRIVE LYNCHBURG, VA 24501 LYNCHBURG, VA 24501

Good Books

PAGE 40

Homeschool Resources PAGE 43

Test Help

PAGE 44

After School Care PAGE 45

Education VAFamilyGuide.com |

EDUCATION

Make Summer Reading Fun

Book Recommendations for Preschoolers through High Schoolers By Emily Hedrick

If you have a child who is a reluctant reader during the school year, trying to encourage recreational reading during the summer might seem like a Herculean task. Many factors can contribute to a child or teen being a reluctant reader, and one of the most common reasons is a lack of interest in the books they have encountered thus far. It is sometimes difficult to balance the subject matter a child is interested in with appropriateness in terms of both reading level and content. As an experienced youth services library assistant at the Lynchburg Public Library, I am here to help! With consideration for both appeal and appropriateness, I am sharing my top three book (and book series) recommendations for children ages 3 to 18.

Picture Books

(to read to or with children ages 3 and up) ELEPHANT & PIGGIE books by Mo Willems—

These adorable and hilarious books chronicle the many adventures of best friends Gerald and Piggie. Themes of friendship, sharing, and acceptance abound, as do unexpected endings, witty one-liners, and silly noises that will keep kids (and adults) in stitches! My favorites in this series are I Really Like Slop! and We Are in a Book! PETE THE CAT books by Eric Litwin— Pete is a cool

blue cat who loves school, his brand-new white shoes, and his favorite shirt with its four groovy buttons; these are the three subjects at hand in Litwin’s original Pete the Cat series. These short 40

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and sweet books introduce and reinforce concepts like colors and numbers, and all three books have catchy accompanying songs that are available to download for free online. Be warned: these songs will be stuck in your head long after reading! LOVE YOU books by Emma Dodd— Emma Dodd is

an author and illustrator, and her picture books are so beautiful and sweet. She has written and illustrated many books, but my favorites are from her Love You series. Each of these books focuses on a different parent and

child animal pair, describing their interactions with simple but profound sentences. Calming and reassuring, these are ideal bedtime stories.

Easy Readers (for children ages 4-5

who are learning to read independently) BOB BOOKS—The Bob Books series is widely considered the definitive “learning to read” phonics series. It is comprised of many levels that build on each other, and each level correlates to a box set containing several small books. In a sea of often confusing and conflicting leveled easy reader books, level one Bob Books are truly for readers at the very beginning of their reading journey; subsequent levels will help them gain literacy skills every step of the way. GREEN LIGHT READERS— Like

Bob Books, Green Light Readers are leveled easy readers. Although these books are slightly more difficult than the advertised level indicates, they use repetitive phrases, some rhyming text, and picture clues to help beginning readers with fluency and comprehension. Some of the books even have a short reading comprehension quiz at the end that will encourage focused reading! NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC READERS— In addition to

fictional stories and illustrations, kids also love reading facts about and looking at pictures of the world around them. National Geographic Readers are leveled nonfiction easy readers that cover topics like penguins, planets, trains, and weather, as well as famous historical events and people.

MERCY WATSON series by Kate DiCamillo— Mercy

Watson is a sweet and sassy pig who acts like a person. Her funny adventures are recounted in these short and sweet chapter books. With large text and lots of full-color illustrations, these books are a perfect stepping stone between easy readers and other, more challenging chapter books. THE PRINCESS IN BLACK series by Shannon Hale—

Princess Magnolia is not your typical princess; she unleashes her ninja moves on monsters and wears a black cape. These books are laugh-out-loud funny, empowering, and action-packed, and they are also on the easier end of the chapter book spectrum.

Youth Fiction (for ages 9-10)

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS series by Lemony Snicket—With the

recent release of a hugely popular new Netflix series starring Neil Patrick Harris, this book series is gaining renewed interest, but it was already widely recognized as a modern classic. Darkly humorous and sometimes absurd, these books are unlike any other children’s book series out there—in a good way. ROALD DAHL BOOKS— Roald Dahl remains one

of the most prolific and popular children’s book authors of all time, and his books continue to delight readers of all ages. Most of his children’s books have been made into popular movies, but it is in the imaginations of their readers that his books truly come to beautiful, vivid, zany life. My favorites are Matilda and The BFG. >>

Chapter Books (for ages 6-8)

MAGIC TREE HOUSE series by Mary Pope Osborne—The first Magic Tree House book was

published in 1992, and new books are still being published to this day. Siblings Jack and Annie embark on myriad adventures and encounter many different animals, historical figures and historical events. This mix of adventure fiction and factbased, educational nonfiction make this series a hit for kids and parents alike.

VAFamilyGuide.com |

EDUCATION WONDER by R.J. Palacio – If I had to choose a

single book to recommend to all young readers (and adult readers, for that matter), R.J. Palacio’s Wonder would be that book. It tells the story of August Pullman, a 10-year-old boy born with a facial deformity but also indomitable optimism. Expect to laugh and cry as August teaches his classmates, and us readers, unforgettable life lessons about true courage and acceptance.

Tween Fiction (for ages 11-12) HARRY POTTER series by J.K. Rowling—Widely

recognized as one of the best book series of all time, the Harry Potter books have instilled in countless children (and adults) a love of reading. Magical adventures and an epic battle between good and evil drive these novels forward, but themes of love, friendship, courage, and acceptance are what truly make them modern classics. RICK RIORDAN BOOKS—Tweens who like mythology

(Greek and/or Egyptian) will undoubtedly love Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson, Lost Hero, and Red Pyramid series, but even tweens who aren’t interested in mythology will likely love these actionpacked, funny and relatable books. Riordan has a knack for writing authentic characters and dialogue. A WRINKLE IN TIME series by Madeleine L’Engle—

This series has been around for a while (the first book was written in 1962), but it is timeless and remains beloved to this day. Protagonist Meg, her little brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin travel to another dimension to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace’s father with the help of an unforgettable trio of supernatural beings, and their journey is surprising, moving and life-affirming.

Young Teen Reads (for ages 13-15) JACKABY series by William Ritter—Teens who

like Sherlock Holmes, true crime stories, and/or forensics are likely to love Ritter’s Jackaby series. R.F. Jackaby is a brilliant and socially awkward but affable detective with a knack for solving supernatural crimes, and his reliable assistant Abigail Rook keeps him focused and grounded. These books are thrilling without being too scary. THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL series by Soman Chainani—The premise of The School for Good

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and Evil series is so original and ingenious. Two children from a particular village are kidnapped by an unknown force every four years and sent to one of two schools of magic: The School for Good and The School for Evil. When best friends Sophie and Agatha are kidnapped, they are both certain of which school they will attend, but they are wrong. Hilarity and adventure ensue! EARTHSEA CYCLE series by Ursula K. Le Guin— Often

considered a precursor to the Harry Potter series, the Earthsea Cycle series tells the coming-of-age tale of a boy wizard named Ged. These books lean more towards high fantasy than Rowling’s series (there are magic staffs rather than wands, and dragons play a more prominent role), and they have a magic all their own.

Older Teen Reads (for ages 16-18) RAINBOW ROWELL BOOKS— Rainbow Rowell has

written three books for teens (Eleanor & Park, Fangirl, and Carry On) and I adore all of them. They are all love stories, but they are unconventional and profound rather than formulaic and superficial. Teens and adults alike will relate readily to Rowell’s quirky and endearing characters. JOHN GREEN BOOKS—John Green is one of the biggest names in young adult fiction, and it’s no surprise. He won the Printz Award in 2006, two of his popular teen books have been made into popular films, and he’s a YouTube sensation. Green’s witty, ironic, and often heartwrenching coming-ofage stories are beloved by readers of all ages but may prove especially meaningful to teenage boys. THE RAVEN BOYS series by Maggie Stiefvater— For

teens who prefer fantasy stories to realistic ones, The Raven Boys series is one of the best options. Magic, tarot cards, and an ancient legend bring together an eccentric girl and four friends from an all-male private school in this complex and dark fantasy series.

Homeschool Resources 2017 4-H Homeschool Clover Club

A member-run organization where children learn leadership skills. Free participation is open to homeschoolers ages 5 to 18. For additional information, call the Campbell County Extension Office at (434) 332-9538.

Advanced Placement Courses and Tests

Homeschool Ice Skating Lessons

This program is for children ages 5 and up. Five 30-minute lessons are offered, along with combined ability groupings in two different 30-minute sessions. Call (434) 592-3953 for more information. Register at front desk of LaHaye Ice Center.

Subject material is covered in a year-long or semester-long class and the student prepares to take the AP exam administered by the College Board in May. If a student scores well on this test, it is possible to earn college credit. Contact the counselor’s office at a local public or private school to make arrangements to take an AP test. Visit www.collegeboard.com for more information.

Homeschool SportsNet (HSPN)

Alliance Christian Academy (ACA)

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

ACA supports homeschool families by providing classes for college-bound students in Grades 6 through 12. Classes meet on Mondays and Thursdays (higher-level math classes also meet on Tuesdays). Supervised study halls are also available. For fee information visit www.alliancechristianacademy.org.

Book-It Program

Book-It is a National Reading Incentive program sponsored by Pizza Hut. This program allows homeschoolers to take part. To join online, visit www.bookitprogram.com.

Classical Conversations

Classical Conversations is a nationwide network of cooperating families dedicated to instilling their children with a lifelong love of learning. In our area, groups meet in Lynchburg, Danville, Roanoke, Christiansburg and Charlottesville. Visit www.classicalconversations.com for more information.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP tests offer a way to accumulate college credits economically. Doing well on a CLEP test may earn college credit with the cost of the test ($80). Homeschoolers register directly with their local test centers. To find a test center near you, visit www.collegeboard.com.

Dual Enrollment Courses

When a high school student completes a college level course at a local community college or four-year university, or completes a course online through a distance-learning program, the course is called a dual enrollment course. The student typically receives both high school and college credit for completion of the course.

Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV)

This organization offers the annual HEAV of Virginia Homeschool Convention. HEAV also serves the homeschoolers of Virginia through information, legislation, and resources through their website. For articles and information on how to begin homeschooling, visit www.heav.org.

Home Front Educators

The mission of nonprofit support group Home Front Educators is to offer support for families with children grades kindergarten through 12 by providing practical educational opportunities, support for parents in their homeschool endeavors and familyoriented social opportunities such as Friday Arts and Fun. Visit www.homefronted.org for more information.

HSPN is a nonprofit, national Christian homeschool sports network and ministry. They have held the East Coast Homeschool Basketball Tournament at Liberty University for a number of years and offer tournaments for other sports as well. Visit www.hspn.net/homeschool-sports.asp for more information.

A nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. Through annual memberships, HSLDA represents tens of thousands of families. Visit www.hslda.org/about/ for more information.

YMCA H.Y.P.E (Home School Physical Education)

H.Y.P.E. is led by a former Health and Physical Education teacher and offers children in grades 1-12 hands-on instruction in health, wellness and P.E. Children are divided into “classes” determined by their age and ability, which are held twice a week for two hours. Free for members. Non-members are $60/month. Visit YMCA.org to register.

Lynchburg Area News and Information for Christian Home Educators (LA NICHE)

It is LA NICHE’s mission to share news, information and fellowship opportunities pertaining to home education, family and community life and related endeavors. Visit www.lynchburghomeschool.com for more information.

REACH Homeschool Group

REACH is Christian-led but is open to all, regardless of religion, race or politics. This group participates in many field trips and workshops for children of all ages, averaging anywhere between 30 to 80 field trips per month. Visit www.reachhomeschoolgroupva.com/ for more information.

Scholastic Reading Club

Scholastic Reading Club catalogs range from toddlers to 8th grade and up. Discover books and software for children at every reading level and interest at reasonable prices. Visit www.scholastic.com for free downloads and information.

The Lynchburg Home School Athletics Association

The Lynchburg Home School Athletics Association (LHSAA) is the premiere venue for home school sports in the greater Lynchburg area. Currently, the LHSAA fields teams in soccer, basketball, volleyball and cross country. For more information, visit their website at www.lynchburgpatriots.assn.la/ or call LHSAA athletic director Todd Asselborn at (434) 851-5513.

Under the Son Academy

Under the Son Academy ministers to homeschool families by providing a Christ-centered atmosphere and options for educational and social support. For more information, visit www.utsacademy.wordpress.com.

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EDUCATION

Test Time!

Preparing Your Kids for Standardized Testing By Claire Molineaux Foster It’s that time of year again—test time! From typical routine tests to those big standardized ones, just saying the word “test” around kids can make them panic. So, as a parent, what are some strategies for success? How do you help your child succeed without putting too much pressure on them? We asked local testing experts, Bob Morgan and April Bruce, for advice. Bob Morgan is the Regional Director of Sylvan Learning and April Bruce is the Director of Data, Assessment & Accountability for Lynchburg City Schools. Here are your top questions, answered by these test prep professionals:

Q: As a parent, what are the most important things I should know about standardized testing? BOB MORGAN: “You need to remember

perspective, performance, and process.” “Perspective: For students, up until high school, testing is simply a benchmark; a look at one student on one day in one subject. So, parents need to relax. No child’s future was determined by how she performed on a standardized test in math in 7th grade.” “Performance: As a student gets older, tests have greater consequences. An SOL tied to a core high school subject must be passed in order to gain the necessary credit toward graduation.” “Process: Learning to manage tests requires ongoing effort by a student. Developing a study process along with sound academic understanding, like vocabulary, is necessary for ongoing success.”

Q: My daughter gets really nervous during tests. How can I help her stay calm and focused?

APRIL BRUCE: “Most students get nervous when

facing a test. That’s normal. The best way to calm her nerves is for her to feel confident that she knows the material. Her teachers work hard to 44

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cover all testing material, but it’s also important for you to review a little information with her each night in order to avoid intense cramming sessions the night before or the morning of a test. Help your daughter with relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Help her eliminate distractions. Encouraging her to do her best and rewarding effort will help her succeed.”

Q: My kids are young and are unsure what to expect from standardized testing. What can I do to help them?

BOB MORGAN: “How you talk to young students is important. As a parent, you must consider not only what you say, but also what your child hears. Some parents try to convey a message of ‘just do your best.’ That may sound good, but elementary school students might construe ‘best’ as the best grade, or an A. So the child may think, ‘Mom says I have to get an A.’ Focus on the effort and not the result. The effort is what counts, and a good effort leads to a good result. Parents should explain that doing your best is studying, reviewing, and then showing what you know.”

Q: My son is experienced with standardized testing, but lacks motivation. How can

I help him understand the importance of these exams?

APRIL BRUCE: “Testing serves an important

purpose: it allows teachers and parents to see how students are progressing. It also allows teachers to customize instruction for each student.” “Encouragement at home builds students’ confidence and increases motivation. Tell your son how proud you are of him, and encourage him to do his best. Strong classroom instruction coupled with support from home will equip him with what he needs to be successful.”

Q: The morning of a big test, what can I do to ensure the kids are ready?

BOB MORGAN: “For a child to be ready on test day,

the process truly starts months in advance. Our local schools work throughout the winter and spring months to create a preparation system. The morning of a big test, make sure your children are well-rested, eliminate or reduce distractions, and

give them a protein-rich breakfast. Also, reduce screen time the night before or—better yet—the week before the test. Focus conversations on making a good effort. Younger children need to know that, regardless of the outcome, mom and dad will still love them unconditionally; an academic test is not a relationship test.”

Q: Any tips for teens preparing to take the SAT/ACT?

APRIL BRUCE: “SAT/ACT scores are used as an

admission requirement for 4-year bachelor’s degree programs. Lynchburg City Schools have created a support system to help high schoolers prepare for these exams. The PSAT (preliminary SAT) is administered to all tenth graders in October. PSAT scores help students know areas of strength and weakness prior to taking the SAT. Each Lynchburg City high school offers courses to help students prepare for these tests. Parents can also purchase study guides that include practice tests. Colleges are interested in the highest score obtained, so a student can choose to take the SAT/ACT multiple times, then send the highest score to colleges.”

After School Programs Lynchburg Community Centers

If your child is 6 to 17 years old and a Lynchburg resident, they may participate in after-school programs, including movies, concerts, arts and crafts and wellness programs. Free tutoring and homework help is also available at all neighborhood centers for Lynchburg City Schools students. Registration is required. Programs are available Monday through Friday. COLLEGE HILL CENTER 811 Jackson Street • (434) 847-1418 DANIEL’S HILL CENTER 317 Norwood Street • (434) 847-1396 DIAMOND HILL CENTER 1005 17th Street • (434) 847-1409 FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS CENTER 3621 Campbell Ave. • (434) 847-1751 YODER CENTER 109 Jackson Street • (434) 847-1645

YMCA Before and After School Care

Opportunity for structured homework time and physical activities will be available for your child each day. All site locations (Lynchburg, Amherst, Appomattox, Nelson) are licensed by the Department of Social Services. (434) 582-1900 • www.ymcacva.org

Little Wings After School Program

Located on the HumanKind campus (150 Linden Avenue). Serves families with children enrolled in grades K-5 within the Lynchburg school zones of Paul Munroe, Bedford Hills, Linkhorne, T.C. Miller, and R. S. Payne, and W.M. Bass and Dearington (invitation students only.) Contact Director Bethany Hill at (434) 485-8124 or bhill@humankind.org.

TUTORING ASSISTANCE SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER (434) 832-1000

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Explore the Parks PAGE 48

Sports & Rec Options

Theater Camps

PAGE 52

PAGE 53

Where to Go PAGE 56

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ARTS & REC

Get Out More

Relax, Explore and Learn at Lynchburg’s Parks

By Drew Menard

There’s something magical about summertime in the Hill City—the vibrant greenery, chorus of birdcalls and crisp air swirling with floral notes—and Lynchburg Parks & Recreation strives to make it easy for everyone to get out and enjoy nature. Numerous scientific studies reveal the mental and physical benefits of being outside, explained Debbie Hoffbeck, Parks & Rec Chief Naturalist, so getting the community outdoors is crucial to Lynchburg’s vitality. With over 1,000 acres of parkland and 36 miles of trails, one does not need to step very far in Lynchburg to find themselves on the right path. In addition, Parks & Rec offers lessons in archery, fishing and more, as well as day hikes, family campouts and a number of other activities to help get people of all ages to experience new things. “Around here we have so many opportunities for activities it is a shame people are afraid to try it the first time,” Hoffbeck said. “So we try to make it easy.” The department also strives to keep events low or no cost. Below are some unique activities and hidden gems for people of all ages and stages of life to check out.

Parks HOLLINS MILL PARK is a quiet, shady destination

set before a beautiful stonework dam. Hoffbeck said that while Percival’s Island is a popular location—and rightly so—and easily accessible, Hollins Mill is her favorite due to it being a bit less visited, giving it a more peaceful aura. At 521 Hollins Mill Road, the park is right along the Blackwater Creek Trail and has picnic tables and fishing access.

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IVY CREEK PARK has plenty to offer, from fishing

in a lake stocked with trout and catfish (state fishing license required but it’s catch and keep) to some short, scenic trails. There are also canoe and kayak rentals available at the 118 Clemmons Lake Place destination. It’s no secret, but in addition to extensive playground equipment, tennis and basketball courts, plenty of picnic areas (including shelters and a gazebo) and 49 acres of scenic parkland, RIVERSIDE PARK also has a sprayground. What’s not to love?

Rec Lynchburg is looking to light up the night on Saturday, Aug. 5, with the city’s first GLOW RIDE. The event is free and open to all ages with prizes awarded for the most festive bike. Percival’s Island is the setting for this luminous 6-mile round-trip ride, beginning at 9 p.m. Attendees must decorate their own bicycles with lights; color and creativity is encouraged. Who says games are just for children? An ADULT FIELD DAY will be held in City Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 5 – 9 p.m. Teams of six (up to 12 can register by Aug. 18) will take part in a number of events, including a water balloon toss, three-legged race, corn hole and dizzy T-ball. Players must be 21 or over.

ETC. THE NATURE ZONE AT MILLER PARK is a great place

for children to develop a love and appreciation for nature. A variety of local critters and live exotic animals are kept there, some of which may be pet with permission and assistance from a staff member. There are also a number of hands-on discovery items, from animal hides and bones to insect jars, pine cones and feathers. Touching is as welcome as looking so kids can get a firsthand learning experience.

about five to seven trucks visit the park. The event encourages families and friends to meet up, professionals to get out of their offices and everyone to stretch their legs while getting to know some of their neighbors. There’s no better way (at least in this writer’s mind) to close out a perfect summer day than to see the sun set behind the Blue Ridge (painting the horizon a marvelous blend of teal, orange and purple) and then relax to a movie with family and friends. And to vary up a cinematic experience, check out the free MOVIES IN THE PARK, which now alternate once-per-month between Riverfront and Riverside parks from May to September. All flicks are family-friendly, though the Riverside Park titles are more kid-oriented. Last year’s events were a hit, with 800-1,500 people each time. Guests need to bring their own chairs or blankets. Food trucks are on-hand around about an hour-and-a-half before sunset, when the film-under-the-stars begins. Find the Movies in the Park schedule on page 2. Learn more about Lynchburg’s Parks at lynchburgparksandrec.com or Facebook.com/ LynchburgParks.

Also at Miller Park, FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS gives everyone an excuse to get outside and enjoy good food from local vendors, together. Until the end of September from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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ARTS & REC

Unique Activities You can learn or experience just about anything through Lynchburg Parks & Rec. Here is just a snapshot of the classes they are offering this summer.

Family Meal Planning on a Budget June 13 at Miller Center 7 p.m.

Beginners Tap June 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aug. 8 at Miller Center 11 a.m. Ages 18+

Rain Barrel Workshop June 28 at Miller Center 6:30 p.m.

Creek Critters July 15 at Peaks View Park 10 a.m. Ages 5-12

The Jungle Home of Borneoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orangutans (Presentation) July 18 at Templeton Senior Center 10:30 a.m.

Parks & Picnic Areas Biggers Neighborhood Park

Fort Avenue Neighborhood Park

This small park has a lot of activity, and features a full basketball court, benches, picnic area, tables, grills and play equipment.

Fort Avenue Neighborhood Park contains a full basketball court, benches, picnic area with tables and a grill and a small playground.

Blackwater Creek Athletic Area

Hollins Mill Park

Blackwater Creek Athletic Area has one multipurpose, lighted field for football, softball, baseball or soccer. Other features include restroom facilities, picnic shelter, open area for play, connection to Creekside Trail and is home to the off-leash Lynchburg Dog Park.

Hollins Mill Park provides trail access and picnic tables/grills. Read more on page 48.

Blackwater Creek Natural Area The natural area contains eight miles of both paved and earthen hiking and biking trails that follow Blackwater Creek throughout the city. This natural area contains the Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve, a plant and animal sanctuary. Parking is available.

College Park Highlights of this park include a basketball court and three separate picnic areas with grills and a small creek. Parking is available. 50

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Ivy Creek Park Located in the Lynchpin Industrial Park, Ivy Creek Park includes a lake and trails. Read more on page 48.

James River Canoe Ramp The canoe ramp is designed to provide access for small boats to the James River. Very limited parking is available, and boats are restricted to non-motorized watercraft. Please note that boat trailers are not allowed.

Jefferson Park Jefferson Park offers a neighborhood recreation center, picnic shelter with tables and grill that can accommodate up to 80 people, a playground,

athletic fields, two tennis courts, horseshoe pits and a basketball court. The Jefferson Park Trail connects hikers to the Blackwater Creek Natural Area and additional hiking trails. Parking is available.

Miller Park Historic Miller Park features two baseball fields, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, restrooms, two picnic shelters with tables and grill that can be rented and Miller Park Pool, the only public outdoor pool in Lynchburg. The park includes several monuments, including the Firemen’s Memorial and the 7th Virginia Cavalry Memorial, as well as the historic Aviary, which can be used for weddings, parties and other events, and the bicentennial grove of native trees. Parking is available.

Peaks View Park As the second largest park in Lynchburg, Peaks View Park offers an abundance of active recreation options including two playground areas, three lighted tennis courts, seven multipurpose fields used for soccer, football, softball and baseball, volleyball courts, basketball court, mountain bike trails, disc golf course, playground, picnic shelters and the Ivy Creek Interpretive Loop Trail, located near a small pond. There are three main entrances to the park and parking is available.

Percival’s Island Natural Area Located downtown along the river, Percival’s Island is approximately 1.5 miles long. The park is maintained in its natural state as a haven for plants and animals. Fishing is permitted. There are biking and walking trails, picnic areas and a parking area near Jefferson Street and Concord Turnpike which are open all year long.

The park also connects to the Riverwalk trail that bisects Percival’s Island. Parking is available on Jefferson Street.

Riverside Park The second oldest park in Lynchburg, Riverside Park has wonderful views of the James River. Read more on page 48.

Sandusky Park Sandusky Park includes athletic fields, a picnic area and a paved pathway. A large, well-lit parking area is also on-site.

Westover Neighborhood Park Westover Neighborhood Park offers a half basketball court, play equipment and picnic tables, with parking available on a nearby street.

Younger Park Younger Park features a basketball court, playground area, two picnic tables with grills, trike track and small parking area. For more information about any of the above parks, call (434) 455-5858 or visit http://www.lynchburgparksandrec.com/

PICNIC SHELTERS Blackwater Creek Athletic Area Jefferson Park Miller Park Peaks View Park Riverside Park

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTORY www.lynchburgva.gov/parksandrec (434) 455-5858 ARTS/CLASSES

NATURE ZONE

(434) 455-5865

(434) 455-5828

Perrymont Park

PARK MANAGEMENT

ATHLETICS/AQUATICS

With a wooded grassy area, three tennis courts, two softball fields and a playground, Perrymont Park is picturesque. Parking is available.

(434) 455-5876

(434) 455-5882

SPECIAL EVENTS

COMMUNITY MARKET

(434) 455-5871

(434) 455-4485

Riverfront Park

TEMPLETON SENIOR CENTER

FACILITY RENTALS

(434) 455-4115

(434) 455-5875

Located right off Jefferson Street downtown, Riverfront Park is located adjacent to the James River, and includes a large open field suitable for festivals and other special events.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

(434) 455-5886

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ARTS & REC

Sports and Recreation Listings

Group Sports

APPOMATTOX SOCCER ASSOCIATION (434) 352-1740 www.appomattoxsoccer.com

LYNCHBURG HILLCATS (434) 528-1144 www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t481

BLUE RIDGE LACROSSE CLUB www.blueridgelax.org

PUTT-PUTT GOLF, GAMES & GO-KARTS (434) 237-7888 www.forthefunofit.com

CENTRAL VIRGINIA UNITED SOCCER (434) 846-6540 www.centralvirginiaunited.com

RISE UP CLIMBING, LYNCHBURG (434) 845-7625 www.riseupclimbing.com

FOREST YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (434) 525-6866 • www.forestyouth.org

TINY TOWN MINIATURE GOLF, LYNCHBURG (434) 239-7527

LYNCHBURG LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL www.lynchburglittleleague.com

Pools, Tennis & Swimming

MADISON HEIGHTS YOUTH BASEBALL ASSOCIATION (434) 845-5367 • www.mhyba.com

ELON COMMUNITY POOL, MADISON HEIGHTS (434) 384-1154

RUSTBURG DIXIE SOFTBALL www.rdsoftball.com

FOREST LAKE POOL, FOREST 316-9635

TIMBERLAKE DIXIE YOUTH, LYNCHBURG timberlakedixieyouth@gmail.com www.timberlakedixieyouth.net

HILL CITY SWIM & TENNIS CLUB, LYNCHBURG (434) 239-8887 • www.hillcitypool.com

Recreation

CROSSWHITE ATHLETIC CLUB (434) 385-7534 www.crosswhiteathleticclub.com FORT HILL BOWLING CENTER, LYNCHBURG (434) 239-9261 www.forthillbowling.squarespace.com FUNQUEST FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, LYNCHBURG (434) 239-6411 • www.funquestfun.com JUMP LYNCHBURG (434) 338-1376 • www.jumplynchburg.com KIDS COVE AT THOMAS ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH (434) 239-9281 • www.trbc.org LAHAYE ICE CENTER, LYNCHBURG (434) 592-3953 www.lahayeicecenter.net LIBERTY MOUNTAIN SNOWFLEX CENTRE (434) 582-3539 www.liberty.edu/snowflex

MILLER PARK POOL (434) 847-1759 PEAKLAND SWIM & TENNIS CLUB (434) 384-9853 RAINBOW FOREST POOL 237-6317 www.rainbowforestpool.webstarts.com/ THE CLUBHOUSE AT FARMINGTON 525-2782 • www.clubfarmington.com VILLA SWIM & TENNIS CLUB, LYNCHBURG 239-1922 VISTA ACRES SWIM CLUB, LYNCHBURG www.vistaacrespool.com WILDWOOD AREA RECREATION ASSOCIATION, CAMPBELL COUNTY (434) 525-9834 www.wildwoodpoolva.com

Country Clubs & Golf Courses BEDFORD COUNTRY CLUB (540) 586-8407 www.bedfordcountryclub.com

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BOONSBORO COUNTRY CLUB 384-2111 • www.boonsborocc.com COLONIAL HILLS GOLF CLUB, FOREST 525-3954 • www.colonialhillsgolf.com FALLING RIVER COUNTRY CLUB, APPOMATTOX 352-7037 • www.fallingriver.com IVY HILL GOLF CLUB, FOREST (434) 525-2680 • www.ivyhillgc.com LONDON DOWNS GOLF CLUB, FOREST 525-4653 • www.londondowns.com MARINER’S LANDING GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, HUDDLESTON 297-7888 • www.marinerslandinggolf.com OAKWOOD COUNTRY CLUB, POOL & TENNIS 384-8181 • www.oakwoodcc.net POPLAR FOREST GOLF COURSE, LYNCHBURG (434) 534-9418 www.poplarforestgolf.com POPLAR GROVE GOLF CLUB, AMHERST 946-9933 • www.poplargrovegolf.com SHADOW RIDGE GOLF COURSE, AMHERST (434) 946-2008 WINTON COUNTRY CLUB & GOLF COURSE, AMHERST 946-7336 • www.wintoncountryclub.com

Other Contacts

DOWNTOWN LYNCHBURG ASSOCIATION Developing and sustaining downtown Lynchburg (434) 485-7250 www.downtownlynchburg.com VISITORS’ CENTER Discover the Lynchburg region and its offerings 856-2489 www.discoverlynchburg.org HISTORICAL FOUNDATION Preserving and restoring the historical culture of Lynchburg 528-5353 www.lynchburghistoricalfoundation.org

Future Showstoppers

Local Theater Camps for the Budding Actor or Actress

By Jeremy Angione

Summer camp is a staple of the American childhood. Whether the focus is sports, music, or an adventure in the wilderness, camp offers opportunities for new experiences, social growth and just plain fun. In Lynchburg, there are a variety of summer camp opportunities that serve different interests—including the region’s future Tony and Oscar winners. Something of an aspiring actor myself, I remember my time at the Star Academy in West Haven, Conn., every day after school. Acting in the stage plays of Annie and Cinderella gave me a boost in confidence and the ability to socialize with all sorts of kids. Here are a few summer theater programs that are continuing that tradition in Central Virginia.

The Miller Center

The Miller Center is a multipurpose facility that is no stranger to the arts. However, musical theater camp is a relatively new addition that came a short while after the center’s 2015 renovation and reopening. In 2016, Miller Center collaborator Masterworx Community Theater hosted the “Acing Your Audition“ camp with 35 students. Masterworx will return with a similar musical

theater camp in 2017. Campers will spend the week learning music, choreography and lines for “Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS,” an adaptation of the fourth of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series. The Masterworx summer theater program operates like a typical day camp, with drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon. At the end of the week, parents get to see what >> VAFamilyGuide.com |

ARTS & REC

their child has been working on during two special performances of the play. Aside from this camp, the Miller Center will also be offering a host of new enrichment camps that explore a wide variety of arts and creative endeavors. Masterworx Theatre Camp runs July 24-28, 2017. More info at lynchburgparksandrec.com.

Liberty University Theatre Camps

Liberty University’s Theater Arts program has been widely successful over the years, especially since the opening of the Tower Theater in 2010. Through Liberty University Theatre Camps (LUTC), there are several options for younger children: Elementary Camp, Middle School Camp and KIDS Ignite (a free program for students who have completed 4th, 5th or 6th grade.) This year’s elementary camp theme is “The Jungle Book KIDS” and for middle schoolers, “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” According to Summer Arts Coordinator Chris Nelson, in all camps children are exposed to acting and behind-the-scenes work, while building 54

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toward a performance. LU students who help staff the Tower Theater have the opportunity to teach and mentor some of the kids. “Children who attend programs like this really grow in confidence and gain a greater respect for working together with others,” said Nelson. Another camp offered by LUTC is Acting Uncut, a nine-day program geared toward high schoolers who are interested in taking their acting to the next level. All of LU’s programs are taught with a Christian focus. “There is freedom to talk faith and discuss how faith works within the arts. We look to build students up physically, mentally, artistically and spiritually,” said Nelson. As this guide went to print, all 2017 LUTC camps were full. Email Chris Nelson (cnelson@liberty.edu) if you are interested in a waiting list.

Endstation Theatre Company

The Embark! Youth Theatre Conservatory is a brand new program offered by Endstation Theatre Company. But it’s also familiar to Central Virginia. According to Maryam Brown, Endstation’s managing director, this is the same theater

program held at Randolph College (instructed by Mace Archer) for several years. It was rebranded and is now hosted by Endstation. Embark is available for 3rd through 12th graders. During the camp, students will work with professionals from around the region and nation in a series of different classes. The camp focuses on teaching the three C’s: Creativity, Confidence and Communication. “This is a great program for ‘theater kids’ because they will work with professionals from all over the country. But it’s also great for kids who are not ‘theater kids’ because the emphasis is on developing life skills as well as theater skills,” said Brown. Brown also explained Embark is not a performancedriven camp. There is a showcase for parents at the end of the week. But instead of prepping for that performance, the emphasis is more on teaching the children “transferrable skills.” The camp will still be held at Randolph College and the final showcase on July 1 will take place at the Miller Center Theatre. Embark! Youth Theatre Conservatory: June 19-July 1. More information at endstationtheatre.org/embark

Academy Center of the Arts

Nestled in perhaps the most artistic part of Lynchburg, the Academy Center of the Arts is another multifaceted facility that provides kids with a haven for expression and fun when school is out. Director of Education Kelly Posenauer says the youth theater camp program is one of their biggest draws. “We have a lot of fresh faces each year, which is really awesome,” Posenauer said. She estimates about two thirds of campers are already involved in theater in some form but explains that “depending on the camp, you could really be at a beginner level and be completely fine” at any of the camps they offer. For example, “Take the Stage!” is for children ages 4 to 7 and helps them learn the parts of the stage, how to walk/talk on the stage and much more. Older children ages 9-12 can enjoy a twoweek camp in 2017 called “Seussical Kids” where they are guaranteed a role in this fun play. With all the camps combined, the Academy serves children from ages three to 18. Posenauer says that wide age range means older students often mentor the younger campers. And no matter their age, there is a common goal. “They have a lot of fun, but they work very hard, “ said Posenauer. For more info on Academy camps/dates: academycenter.org

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ARTS & REC

Where to Go and What to See in Central Virginia

Academy Center of the Arts, Lynchburg This venue offers theatre performances, jazz, opera, improv competitions, magic shows and classes. Call for tickets and availability. (434) 528-3256 • www.academycenter.org

Amazement Square, Lynchburg

Amazement Square features interactive exhibits and programs to motivate children and adults. Explore the arts and humanities, culture, history, science and technology. Admission fee. • Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. • (434) 845-1888 www.amazementsquare.org

Appomattox Court House National Historic Park

This historic area is the site of the end of the Civil War. Costumed guides are available on-site for tours and questions. Admission fee. • Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed holidays. • (434) 352-8987 www.nps.gov/apco/index.htm

Avoca Museum, Altavista

Guests can tour the restored and refurbished historic Victorian home and five acres of grounds in Altavista. Admission fee. • Thursday–Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (434) 369-1076 • www.avocamuseum.org

Bedford City/County Museum

Open daily from dawn to dusk. • (434) 263-7015 www.virginia.org/Listings/ OutdoorsAndSports/CrabtreeFallsTrail

Daura Gallery Museum, Lynchburg College

This gallery houses more than 1,000 paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. Academic year: Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Summer hours, Monday–Friday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. • (434) 544-8343 www.lynchburg.edu/daura

Fish Hatchery in Nelson County

Nearly 170,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout can be seen at various stages of maturity in the cascading pools at this rearing station. (540) 377-2418 • www.dgif.state.va.us

Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery, Nelson County

A leader in Virginia’s specialty wine industry, the farm and winery produces a unique experience for fruit lovers and historians. Seasonal blackberry picking is available. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • (434) 361-1266 www.hilltopberrywine.com

Historic Centertown Bedford

This charming and unique small town offers shopping, local artisans and a walking tour. (540) 586-2148 • www.centertownbedford.com

This museum showcases Bedford’s history from the Native American period through the Civil War and into the 20th century. Monday–Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: Closed. • (540) 586-4520 www.bedfordvamuseum.org

Johnson’s Orchards, Bedford

Clover Hill Village, Appomattox

LaHaye Ice Center, Liberty University, Lynchburg

Enjoy the history and heritage of Appomattox County’s past, featuring a log cabin, chapel, school, blacksmith shop, general store and post office set from 1840-1920. Admission fee • Tuesday–Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (434) 352-3910 • www.virginia.org/ Listings/Museums/CloverHillVillage

Crabtree Falls Trail, Montebello

Hike three miles to the top of the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River and enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains and forests of Central Virginia.

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This family-owned and operated farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains features 200 varieties of apples and other fruits, cider, jellies and jams. Open daily, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. • (540) 586-3707 www.johnsonsorchards.com

Open for public skating, events, leagues and lessons, as well as private parties and rentals. Call for weekday times. (434) 592-3953 • www.lahayeicecenter.net

Legacy Museum of AfricanAmerican History, Lynchburg

This museum has rotating exhibits and programs on all aspects of local African American history and culture. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children over age 6. Children under 6 are free.

Wednesday–Saturday: Noon to 4 p.m.; Sunday: 2 to 4 p.m.; Appointments available. (434) 845-3455 • www.legacymuseum.org

Liberty Mountain Snow Flex Centre, Lynchburg

Liberty Mountain Snow Flex Centre the first year-round Snowflex facility in the United States open to the public. For pricing, hours of operation, ski school information and more, visit www.liberty. edu/snowflex or call (434) 582-FLEX.

Maier Museum of Art, Randolph College, Lynchburg This museum features 19th and 20th century artwork. Free Admission. Tuesday–Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. (434) 947-8136 • www.maiermuseum.org

Monacan Indian Nation Ancestral Museum, Amherst

Composed of about 1,000 people, the Monacan Indians are one of the oldest groups of indigenous people still existing in their ancestral homeland. The museum is inside a restored log cabin that houses authentic Monacan artifacts. Admission fee. • (434) 946-0389 www.monacannation.com

National D-Day Memorial, Bedford A tribute to the Allied Armed Forces on D-Day. Open daily: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • (540) 586-3329 www.dday.org

Old City Cemetery and Arboretum, Lynchburg

This historic landmark features four small museums, exquisite gardens and the gravesites of 2,200 soldiers. Self-guided tours. Open daily from dawn to dusk. (434) 847-1465 • www.gravegarden.org

Point of Honor, Lynchburg

This 19th century Federal style home allows visitors to experience the legends and elegance of a time when Virginians were making their mark upon the land. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students, $3 for children 6-17 and children under 6 get in for free. • Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m. • (434) 455-6226 • www.pointofhonor.org

Red Hill – Patrick Henry National Memorial, Brookneal Visit Patrick Henry’s last home and burial place, featuring a museum with the largest collection of Henry memorabilia in the world. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children.

November–March: Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday: 1 to 4 p.m. • Regular Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. • (424)-376-2044 www.redhill.org

Sandusky Historic Site & Civil War Museum, Lynchburg

A historic Federal style home-turned-museum interprets Lynchburg’s role in the Civil War. Tours are available for individuals and groups by appointment. Admission fee. • (434) 832-0162 • www.historicsandusky.org

Saunders Brothers Orchard & Farm Museum, Piney River

One of the largest privately–owned collection of farm antiques in the state of Virginia, plus Native American artifacts and more. June–November: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to noon; Closed Sundays. (434) 277-5455 • www.saundersbrothers.com

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Bedford County

Thomas Jefferson’s personal retreat and home. Open March through December, seven days a week: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (434) 525-1806 • www.poplarforest.org

Walton’s Mountain Museum, Nelson County

This unique attraction offers a special blend of history, nostalgia and entertainment. Admission fee. • Open daily, March-November: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. • (434) 831-2000 • www.waltonmuseum.org

Windy Hill Farm, Amherst County

Family-owned and operated American Saddlebred Horse Farm open for lessons and trail rides as well as rentals for birthdays and weddings. (434) 386-4350 • www.windyhillsaddlebreds.com

Wintergreen Ski Resort & Performing Arts, Wintergreen

Seasonal skiing, year-round cultural education, entertainment and special events provided by the performing arts music organization. Admission fee. • (434) 325-2200 www.wintergreenresort.com

Virginia Dare Cruises, Moneta Enjoy an afternoon of dining and relaxation on Smith Mountain Lake. Admission fee. • (540) 297-7100 www.vadarecruises.com

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Introducing the All New

CeNtRAl VIRGINIA FAmIly GuIde App! update d ever y Season with Fr e Conten sh t!

Packed Full of Great Resources! Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Picks Every Summer / Fall / Winter / Spring

Health & Nutrition Parenting Tips Local Activities Unbeatable Deals! Calendar of Events Mom Picks Local Dining

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 9-11

Opening Night: The Hunchback of Notre Dame 246 The Main Cultural Arts Theatre, Brookneal Evening shows at 7 p.m. Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Other show dates June 16-17. Admission $15.

June 10

Community Day with Rockn’ to LOCKN’ Finale

Infinity Downs Farm • 1500 Diggs Mountain Rd., Arrington 12 p.m. The best in local food, wineries, vendors, and family activities. 6 bands will compete to be one of 3 bands chosen to play Lockn' Festival. Benefits The Giving Hope Foundation.

Riverfront Concert Series: Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra

June 19-23

Flag Football Tournament

June 20

Riverfront Park, Lynchburg 7 – 10:30 p.m. Free. Attendees encouraged to bring blankets/chairs. Food and beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be onsite. Rain or shine. Presented by BWXT. City Stadium, Lynchburg 9:30 a.m. Ages: 14+; $50/team or $7/free agent

June 12-16

Discover Lynchburg Summer Camp

World War II Camp

National D-Day Memorial, Bedford 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For rising 1st Graders: June 19 For rising 4th-6th graders: June 21-23

“Wings of Life” Screening

Miller Center Theater Room 205 1 p.m. Free for all ages.

June 22-24

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For kids ages 8 to 12 to discover Lynchburg and its history through hands-on educational activities at the Lynchburg Museum and Point of Honor. Email whitney.roberts@lynchburgva.gov for more information.

‘Doc McCabe 21st Annual Memorial Bluegrass Festival

June 16

Lynchburg Beach Music Festival

Movies in the Park: Sing!

Riverside Park, Lynchburg Food trucks available at 5 p.m. Movie begins at dusk. Presented by Jump Trampoline Park. Parking and other information available at lynchburgparksandrec.com/movies-in-the-park

June 17

HumanKind Sports Outreach 5k & Youth Run 150 Linden Avenue, Lynchburg 8 a.m. Run the most beautiful course in Lynchburg. Proceeds benefit HumanKind and Sports Outreach.

D-Day in Miniature

National D-Day Memorial, Bedford 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. A one-of-a-kind display featuring miniature World War II model planes, tanks, ships and more.

32nd Annual James River Batteau Festival

Sedalia Center, Big Island Ticket information at sedaliacenter.org.

June 24

Riverfront Park, Lynchburg 12 p.m. Featuring The Embers, The Band of Oz and more.

Summer Solstice Wine Festival

Lazy Days Winery, Amherst 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Local wines, live music, festival foods, local growers, arts/crafts.

June 29-30, July 1, 5-9

Million Dollar Quartet by Endstation Theatre Company

Randolph College Thoreson Theater, Lynchburg Evening shows at 7:30 p.m., Matinees at 2 p.m. Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash make up the Million Dollar Quartet, which tells the story of Dec. 4, 1955, when each of these artists were signed to Sun Records.

Percival’s Island, Lynchburg 11 a.m.

June 30-July 1

Juneteenth Celebration

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest 7:30 p.m.

Booker T. Washington National Monument, Hardy 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Freedom is the focus of this emancipation celebration for the whole family. Tour the Burroughs. Plantation-music performed by local gospel groups.

Evergreen Lavender Festival

Evergreen Lavender Farm • 7169 Old Evergreen Rd., Appomattox 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission $7. Kids 10 and under free.

1776, the Concert Musical

July 1

Percival’s Island 5 Mile Race Percival’s Island, Lynchburg 8 a.m.

FireWORX FEST

Downtown Moneta 5 – 10 p.m. Music of The Worx and a fireworks show. Food, drinks, children’s games and more. More info at www.monetafire.com. >> VAFamilyGuide.com |

CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 4

A 1940s Homefront Festival

Independence Day Celebration

National D-Day Memorial, Bedford 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Experience life in the 1940s, meet World War II veterans, view artifacts, see demonstrations and more.

4th of July Celebration

7th Annual Watermelon Wine Festival

Fourth of July Parade

Virginia Dare Pirate Cruise

Concord Elementary School • 9339 Village Hwy., Concord 10 a.m.

Virginia Dare Cruises, Moneta 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. More info at vadarecruises.com.

July 7

Movies in the Park (Bedford)

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill Estate, Brookneal 3 – 9 p.m. $10 per car, up to 5 passengers. $2 for additional passengers. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. $9 for adults, free for children 14 and under.

First Fridays Lynchburg

5 p.m. Highlighting local artists, performers, exhibits and more in the Downtown area.

July 7-9

West Side Story

DeVault Vineyards • 247 Station Ln., Concord 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Family-friendly event.

Falling Creek Park 8 p.m. Featuring Moana. Bring your own blanket/chair. Presented by Centra.

July 21-23

Virginia Commonwealth Games Liberty University

Academy Center of the Arts, Lynchburg Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. $15 adults, $8 students

July 23

July 8

Drumheller’s Orchard • 1130 Drumheller Orchard Ln., Lovingston 11 a.m – 5 p.m.

Family Fun Night

Amazement Square, Lynchburg 4 – 7 p.m. Admission reduced to $3.

Riverfront Concert Series: George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic

Riverfront Park, Lynchburg 7 – 10:30 p.m. General Admission $10. Kids 12 and under free. Attendees encouraged to bring blankets/chairs. Food and beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be onsite. Rain or shine. Presented by Areva.

New Horizons to Pluto

Peaks of Otter Lodge, Bedford 9 p.m. Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador, Greg Redfern, for a presentation to learn about the famous dwarf planet.

July 8

Aqua Flix Dive-In Movie Miller Park Pool, Lynchburg 7:30 p.m. Ages 12+. Admission $5.

July 13-22

History of America, Abridged by Endstation Theatre Company

Super Peach Sunday

July 29

5th Saturday Craft Fair

New London Ruritan Club, Forest 9:30 a.m.

SML Cardboard Boat Regatta

W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center 775 Hermitage Rd., Wirtz 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Movies in the Park: The Princess Bride

Riverfront Park, Lynchburg Food trucks available at 5 p.m. Movie begins at dusk. Parking and other information available at lynchburgparksandrec.com/movies-in-the-park

August 4

First Fridays Lynchburg

5 p.m. Highlighting local artists, performers, exhibits and more in the Downtown area.

August 5

Glow Ride on Percival’s Island

Percival’s Island Trail, Lynchburg 8 p.m. Decorate your bikes and take part in this free ride for all ages.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest 7:30 p.m.

August 12

July 15

Amazement Square, Lynchburg 4 – 7 p.m. Admission reduced to $3.

Virginia Commonwealth Games 5K Liberty University 8 a.m.

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Family Fun Night

Riverfront Concert Series: Blues Traveler

August 19

Face the Forest 5k and Obstacle Course Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest 8 a.m.

September 23

Oyster and Seafood Festival Clover Hill Village, Appomattox Noon – 6 p.m.

Movies in the Park: Space Jam

Riverfront Park, Lynchburg Food trucks available at 5 p.m. Movie begins at dusk. Parking and other information available at lynchburgparksandrec.com/movies-in-the-park

August 24-27

September 28-29

Arrington

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, Brookneal 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $5/children 9 and up. $3 for ages 4-8. Under 4 are free.

Lockn Musical Festival

August 25

Movies in the Park: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Riverside Park, Lynchburg Food trucks available at 5 p.m. Movie begins at dusk. Parking and other information available at lynchburgparksandrec.com/movies-in-the-park

September 1

First Fridays Lynchburg

5 p.m. Highlighting local artists, performers, exhibits and more in the Downtown area.

September 2

Sedalia Country Fair

Sedalia Center, Big Island 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. $5 admission

September 7-10

Bedford County Fair

Glenwood Center, Huddleston Free parking and entrance fee.

Living History

September 29

Amazing Mile Children’s Run

Amazement Square, Lynchburg 6 – 9 p.m. Register online through Sept. 20. $15.

September 30

Virginia Ten Miler and 4 Mile Walk/Run E.C. Glass High School, Lynchburg 8 a.m. – Noon Register at www.virginiatenmiler.com

Riverfront Concert Series: The Lone Bellow Riverfront Park, Lynchburg 7 – 10:30 p.m. General Admission $10. Kids 12 and under free. Attendees encouraged to bring blankets/chairs. Food and beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be onsite. Rain or shine. Presented by Centra.

September 8

October 6-8

Downtown Lynchburg 6 – 9 p.m. Free to the public.

Visit eight beautiful waterfront homes reflecting a variety of architectural and decorating styles. Tour the featured homes by car or boat. For more information contact (540) 297-8687.

Get Downtown Street Festival

September 9

Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour

Day in the Park

Now through October

Family Fun Night

Downtown Lynchburg Look for seven pianos, each creatively painted by local students, on display in front of the downtown locations listed below:

Miller Park, Lynchburg 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Organized by the Junior League of Lynchburg. Amazement Square, Lynchburg 4 – 7 p.m. Admission reduced to $3.

September 14-15

Over the Edge with HumanKind

Bank of the James, Downtown Lynchburg Friday, 4 – 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

September 16

Boones Mill Apple Festival

Boones Mill Main Street 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. A tradition for the past 37 years, the festival features food, fun, crafts, entertainment and games.

4th Annual Hill City Keys

Visitor Center (Brookville High School) Community Market (Altavista High School) Kegney Brothers Irish Pub (Jefferson Forest High School) Schewels Furniture (Virginia Episcopal School) The Galleria (Dunbar Middle School) Bank of the James (Heritage High School) Amazement Square Children’s Museum (EC Glass High School)

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MOM HACKS

Mom Hacks

Tips and Tricks to Make Life Easier Whether it’s something that saves time or saves your sanity, those “aha!” parenting moments are priceless. We asked a few local moms to share some of their best breakthroughs.

Just for Mom

Overnight Accidents

Bridges Spiva: “When making the crib, put on as many layers of crib pads and fitted sheets as possible. I could usually fit 3 to 4 sets. Then, when your baby wets the bed in the middle of the night, all you have to do is pull off one sheet and mattress pad and a new set is ready to go.”

Food

Jeanine Maxwell: “I always carried Cheerios in a Ziploc baggy everywhere. Keeps kiddos occupied and happy.” Heather Cravens: “Unflavored gelatin and fruit juice makes a healthier alternative to Jello.”

Messes

Angela Lynch: “The other day I cut head and arm holes in a trash bag for my daughter to wear as a smock while painting.” Blair Hodnett: “You can remove permanent marker from almost any shiny hard surface if you color over it with a dry-erase marker and then erase (does not work on matte finishes).”

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First Aid

Amanda Grizzle: “I used to use those gel ice packs for boo boos until my son decided to bite into one. Then, I started freezing a wet sponge.”

Megan Clark: “I have a secret cabinet for all the things you want to hide from children— the big children, not the poison stuff. I hide Oreos specifically.”

ON SALE NOW SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS

For show dates and event details, visit www.endstationtheatre.org 1101 Jefferson Street Suite 100 | Lynchburg, VA 24504 Box Office and Administration: 434-826-0391