CharlottesvilleFamily BLOOM September October 2020 by Ivy Life & Style Media

Bloom Familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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Health Guide DIGITAL EDITION

Local School News Fall Home Guide & Fresh Kitchen Updates PUMPKIN PICKING & FALL FUN

ACTIVE FAMILY FUN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

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Just Between Us…

volume 21 issue 5 september/october 2020 PUBLISHERS

Robin Johnson Bethke Jennifer Bryerton

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Johnson Bethke

Dear Friends,

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

The crisp cool days of fall are here, and I couldn’t be more excited to get outdoors more. Hikes, biking and new park explorations are feeling more

SENIOR EDITOR Sarah Pastorek Short ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ellen Sewell ONLINE EDITOR Jennifer Carroll

important than ever as we recharge from hours spent in front of computers.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

We’ve been walking different sections of the Rivanna Trail and have even tried

disc golf at Meadowcreek Park, which was a hit with everyone, and I really

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

enjoyed seeing the community garden plots (truly impressive green thumbs!). Like everyone, we wish things could magically return to something more normal, but we’re getting by well enough and trying to celebrate the positives.

Barbara A. Tompkins Carter Schotta, Jenny Stoltz

FAMILY HEALTH EDITOR Katharine Paljug CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Elena Epstein, Mandy Reynolds,

We have a college student home with us for her last semester, which feels like

Ellen Sewell, Liza Stoner, Rick Epstein,

a real bonus since she is moving out west post graduation. With Fridays off,

Whitney Woollerton Morrill

she and the boys spend the day baking, and hearing them all laughing together

BOOKKEEPER Theresa Klopp

in the kitchen as they create all sorts of delicious treats is chicken soup for a mama’s soul … even if the result is extra pounds! In the evenings, we have started binge watching “The Goldbergs” punctuated by rounds of the online

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Christine DeLellis-Wheatley

INTERNS Lexi Clatterbuck, Liza Stoner, Francis Swinson

games from Jackbox that we play with friends and family living further away. We’ve somehow generated our own list of silly catchphrases—chonk, chonks, chonkdozer, chonky boy (our pudgy cat’s nickname) and beans (my favorite food that has appeared all too often on the menu according to my regular diners). The extra time together is most certainly a gift. At dinner, we share highlights of our day or something we’re grateful for. I think this mindful exercise, which they claim to be annoying, is really important for all of us. The world has a lot of negativity going on, and we need to consciously maintain our own balance. In this issue, you’ll find lots of resources to help your equilibrium, as well as fall festivals, daytrips and Halloween fun! Local dad and Author Marc Boston shares some sage advice on balancing your responsibilities. The annual health guide is packed with active games and exercises to keep everyone moving and laughing, along with a list of local professionals who are committed to caring for families. In the cool stuff column, you’ll find the latest toys and games to bust up boredom (and get the kids off screens); while in our community news section, we celebrate the good from award-winning schools to exceptional volunteers. Wishing you a beautiful fall season,

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

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

2004 Community Award Winner

September/October 2020

Contents TABLE OF

OUR TOWN

LIVING WELL

New Mom 30 Teething Dos & Don’ts

News 8

The Buzz Around Town 10 Have you brought in outside help to assist with virtual at-home learning?

Tips & Trends 32 Fabulous Finds and Fun

Things To Do 16 Fall Events for Families

Editor’s Pick

Daytrip Fun 18 5 Favorite Fall Outings

This Digital Guide to Health is packed with family health resources, tips on balancing work and school at home, local pumpkin patches, home professionals, Halloween crafts and recipes, and much more.

Pumpkin Picks 22 Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches

INSPIRATION

Halloween Fun 26

Costume Contest Winners, Crafts, Recipes and Safety Tips

Balancing Act 34 How a Local Children’s Author is Balancing Work & At-Home Schooling Active Family Fun 52 7 Ways to Get the Family Up & Moving

RESOURCES

Fall Home Guide 47

For All Your Home Needs

2020 Family Health Guide Local Resources for All Ages

HOME & GARDEN Food & Family 40 Kid-Friendly Lunch Ideas

Fresh Kitchen Updates 44 6 Ways to Boost the Mood &

UNTIL NEXT TIME Born to Talk 60 A Dad’s Humorous Tales

Functionality of Your Kitchen

Cool Stuff 38 Toys & Games to Bust Up Boredom

So Love This! “We have done several small home projects/upgrades during this time of staying home more, so I found the Fresh Kitchen Updates article really interesting and helpful.” — Ellen, associate editor

22 CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town community}

News

local buzz

CharlottesvilleFamily proudly sponsors: Monticello’s Heritage Harvest Festival

BRHBA Virtual Parade of Homes

Virtual September–December

Charlottesville & Virtual October 3–4 & 10–11

Foxfield Races Virtual October 4

Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Virtual 3.21K & Live Car Parade Festival Virtual Oct. 10

Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival Virtual October 10

WAHS Student Helps Local Kids Celebrate Halloween Western Albemarle High School Senior Liliah Barber founded Cville Costumes 4 Kids in 2017 to help provide Halloween costumes to local at-risk children. To date, Liliah has handed out almost 700 costumes through Cville Costumes 4 Kids by working with local schools, her church, festivals and social services programs. The charity collects new and slightly used Halloween costumes to be distributed across the Charlottesville/Albemarle area to many who cannot otherwise afford them. Cville Costumes 4 Kids is currently seeking donations. Visit their Facebook page, or email cvillecostumes4kids@gmail.com for more information on how to help.

September/October 2020

Families Invited to be in Art Show Charlottesville residents can now help create a city-wide art gallery with their personal artwork pieces. The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative is working with Charlottesville Safe Routes to School to put together ART APART: A City-Wide Gallery at a Distance. To participate, residents of all ages are encouraged to display their artwork in their windows or on their porches. Once the artwork is displayed, participants can fill out an online form so their house can be added to a digital map that will show others where artwork is being displayed. For more info, visit thebridgepai.org.

Local Special Education Teacher Wins Award Greene County Teacher Sharon Gregory has been named as the USTA Mid-Atlantic Rockstar Teacher of the Year 2020. For the past 34 years, Gregory has taught special education students, and her newest role as adapted physical education teacher has led to this award. She has been working to make sports possible for everyone and to improve self-esteem among her special education students through teaching them tennis. As a result of her efforts, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) recently named Gregory the recipient for the award. Read more about Sharon Gregory’s story at usta.com/en/ home/stay-current/midatlantic/celebrating-pe-teachers--sharon-gregory.html.

UVA Invention Helps Kids With Type 1 Diabetes An artificial pancreas developed at the University of Virginia Center for Diabetes Technology has revealed positive results. The device, which has shown to help some children between age 6–13, works to automatically monitor and regulate blood glucose. The pancreas also includes a personally programmable insulin pump that uses the users information to adjust the dose as needed. This is especially helpful at nighttime, when a child’s blood glucose levels can easily spike too high or fall dangerously low. As a result of the clinical trial of the artificial pancreas, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the new device for use.

YOUR CHILD DESERVES AN EDUCATION THAT ADAPTS AS THE WORLD CHANGES.

Join 110 years of learning excellence at St. Anne’s-Belfield School. Attend a virtual admissions event at bit.ly/st-annes-belfield CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town community} The

Buzz

AROUND

TOWN

Have you brought in outside help to assist with virtual at-home learning?

50% say “yes” “Even though we work from home, it’s impossible for our kindergartner to do virtual school at home. We have been sending our son to ACAC to utilize their Education Support Program.”

50% say “no” “I am a licensed teacher, and I took a leave of absence in order to assist my daughters with virtual learning.”

“Like many mothers, I made the difficult decision to leave my job in order to be home with our kids to help them with virtual school.”

“We have older kids (middle and high school), so thankfully they have been pretty disciplined when it comes to learning at home and sticking with their virtual classes and assignments.”

– Scottsville Mom

– Charlottesville Mom of one

– Charlottesville Dad

– Crozet Mom of two boys

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

Will you still be getting together with family and friends this holiday season despite COVID-19?

September/October 2020

Teachers Team Up to Highlight Diverse Authors The University of Virginia’s (UVA) Center for Liberal Arts is working with K–12 teachers to create new resources for schools highlighting diverse authors as part of the “Teaching Hard Literature” project. The project, which is partly funded through a grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, will help K–12 teachers present literature associated with under-represented groups. The results are based on 1,700 surveys collected from teachers nationwide last winter. This initiative comes on the heels of “Teaching Hard History,” a similar program in which UVA collaborated with the Southern Poverty Law Center in response to the white supremacist marches in Charlottesville on August 11 and 12, 2017.

New Books by Charlottesville Astronomer University of Virginia (UVA) Astronomy Professor Kelsey Johnson is working to teach younger kids about the universe. Through her second book, Constellations for Kids: An Easy Guide to Discovering the Stars, aimed at children ages 6–9, she shares 20 illustrated constellations and sky maps for finding and identifying them. Her first book, Shapshots of the Universe, is available in PDF format on the website Dark Skies, Bright Kids (darkskiesbrightkids. com), a public outreach program for elementary school students run by Johnson and her UVA students.

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town community} OPENINGS Ivy Provisions, 2206 Ivy Road Passiflora, 422 E Main Street

CLOSINGS Bashir’s Taverna, 507 E Main Street BreadWorks, 923 Preston Avenue Crozet Running, 1159 Crozet Avenue Edgecomb Auto, 2005 Avon Court

ANNOUNCEMENTS For the first time in Virginia, a school has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for closing achievement gaps between their overall student population and English Learners, special education students and students from economically disadvantaged homes. Baker-Butler Elementary was selected based upon Standards of Learning test scores in reading and math over three years.

The Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia has reopened many locations at 30 percent capacity and is now serving as all-day Academic Support Centers. The local chapter was also recently awarded one of the Virginia Department of Education’s grants for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, a grant for programs that operate before and after school.

BIZ BITS In October, the Thomas Jefferson Health District is hosting free drivethrough influenza vaccine clinics throughout the region for ages 3+. Vaccines will be administered first come, first served while supplies last. The full clinic schedule is available at vdh.virginia.gov/thomas-jefferson/fluvaccine-clinics.

Charlottesville City Elementary Schools handed out STEM boxes along with school supplies to area students to help break industry barriers. To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/stemprogram-for-charlottesville-city-schools.

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello has expanded its family offerings, including free admission to those under age 12, as well as on-site socially distanced programming, self-guided tours, outdoor educational stations and a mobile family scavenger hunt.

Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® –Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

The Mid Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center recently named The Virginia Institute of Autism as the runner up for its 2020 “Breaking Barriers Through Telehealth” Award.

After visiting UVA’s Memorial to Enslaved Laborers, UVA Football Player Terrell Jana opted not to wear a name on the back of his jersey this season to honor and represent all of those listed.

Submit Biz Bits to: editor@IvyLifeAndStyleMedia.com

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September/October 2020

An Update from Superintendent Dr. Matthew S. Haas “When the Governor closed public school buildings on March 13, it challenged one of our most valuable learning assets—that of relationships and the healthy social and emotional development it yields. That’s why one of our first actions was to ask all educators to call every child in their class at least once a week for the balance of the school year. We wanted to ensure that our teachers remained personally connected to their students and that we were doing all we could to provide each child and their family with the learning support they needed. Earlier this year, one of our schools received the highly prestigious national Blue Ribbon Award for its accomplishments in closing achievement gaps among various student groups. Asked his secret formula, the principal who led the school’s strategies for success said there was nothing secret about it. It all had to do, he said, with strong relationships between teachers, students and families and in building trust and confidence by treating every child as an individual with unique strengths and needs. One of the highlights of this lessthan-ideal start to the 2020–21 school year has been the superhuman determination and capabilities of our learning communities to encourage one another consistent with this Blue Ribbon approach. To all of our staff, parents and students, thank you for making this school year so notable, not so much for its method of instruction, but for the enduring quality of care and support for one another it has revealed. Stay safe.“

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

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{our town community} An Update from Superintendent Dr. Rosa S. Atkins “We had hoped to return to face-toface school this fall, but coronavirus had other plans. So, we began with our students learning online from home or at learning centers. We are incredibly proud of our teachers, who spent so much time this summer and fall learning how to make virtual learning as good as possible. And, we are equally proud

Whether online, in person or outdoors, North Branch students and teachers enjoy engaging, meaningful experiences together. Preschool – 8th Grade Rooted in a love of learning since 1983

Small class size Hands-on, project based learning Financial assistance available 540-456-8450 • north-branch-school.org North Branch School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color or income & actively seeks minority students.

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

On any given day, there are nearly 445,000 children in foster care in the United States, with more than 5,000 in Virginia and over 900 in our region.

People Places offers: • • • • •

Foster Care and Adoption Services Comprehensive Pre-Service Training Careful Matching of Children with Foster Families Dedicated Case Workers with Small Case Loads 24/7 On-call Crisis Intervention

• Monthly Support Group Meetings • And more! “I can see lives changing while we do the ordinary, everyday things that families do.” —People Places foster parent

September/October 2020

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

of our students and families, who are bravely stepping into this new world with us and showing both resilience and grace. Looking ahead, we and the School Board continue to monitor factors, such as our local rates of transmission and our staffing and facilities capabilities. We continue to consult with state and local health experts, and we are learning from school divisions that have opened face-to-face in part or in whole. It is our goal to restore face-to-face learning, but it is our top priority to keep our students and staff safe. The Board will try to make changes to our learning plan with adequate notice for our staff and families to prepare for what lies ahead. As eager as we are to safely return to face-to-face learning, we are also excited to find new ways to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of our students. As we do so, we remember that this pandemic has reminded us that we don’t have all the answers ... and we should expect more challenges. In the face of these challenges, we are committed to finding solutions. We can only solve the problems we know about, so please keep reaching out to us. We want to be a good partner and problemsolver, even if we’re on the other end of a Zoom call or behind a mask.”

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{our town calendar}

Things Do

OCTOBER 2020

Click on the images below to go to our online calendar for events!

Events y l i m a F r o Click f Festivals &

Click for Seas onal Fun

Click f or Kids & Activ â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Classes ities 16

September/October 2020

ass l C t renties a P r tivi o f k Ac Clic &

Can you and Bumble help the boy take the pumpkin to the barn? This belongs to: _____________ Click to download and print!

{our town calendar}

Favorite Fall Outings Getting out of the house with the family can seem simultaneously daunting yet necessary these days. Luckily for us, the greater Charlottesville area features plenty of outdoor daytrip destinations where it is easy to stay socially distant, even with the entire family in tow. We compiled a short list of outing options, along with some tips for staying safe while you are out and about.

FRONTIER CULTURE MUSEUM Visiting this living history museum in Staunton is like taking a tour of Old Europe in the 1600s and 1700s. The property features farm animals and 11 outdoor exhibits with costumed interpreters made up of original buildings from England, Ireland, West Africa, Germany and Virginia, which have all been carefully documented, dismantled and transported to the museum to be restored. Masks are not necessary when outdoors, but social distancing practices are in effect. The kids will also enjoy running around and playing along the trail, where there is ample space for exerting energy. For more information, visit frontiermuseum.org.

APPLE PICKING AT LOCAL ORCHARDS Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not fall in Charlottesville without picking local apples. Located all around Charlottesville and Albemarle County are orchards featuring views, local wine, cider and other food, markets full of fresh goods and gifts, and, of course, pick-your-own apples. New this year, some orchards are requesting reservations in advance and offering drive-thru options, where visitors can stock up on apples and other fall treats (donuts, anyone?) without having to leave their vehicle. Check out our online apple picking guide, where you can find a list of local orchards and apple events: charlottesvillefamily.com/vpage.htm?pageid=512.

September/October 2020

HUMPBACK ROCK Enjoy an easy walk for even the youngest of explorers up the Mountain Farm Trail, a 0.25-mile hike thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s categorized as an easy skill level, to Humpback Rock. Park at milepost 5.8 of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Shenandoah National Park and venture to Historic Mountain Farm, a collection of historic buildings that tell the story of early mountain life. More advanced hikers have the option of taking a two-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail. Need to refuel after your hike? Enjoy a 91site picnic area at Humpback Rock with tables and grills. Some of the facilities are closed because of COVID-19 and parts of the parkway can close because of weather, so be sure to check ahead on their website: nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/humpback-rocks-mp-5-8.htm.

Soundtrack of Central Virginia since 1922

STEPHEN R. LAYMAN MUSIC DIRECTOR

2020 OUR 98TH SEASON! Our Fall SeaSOn haS changed!

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CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town calendar} Be an InsIder Get the latest updates on area fun and news!

LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN

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

Fifty acres of outdoor gardens are waiting for you at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond. You’ll enjoy more than a dozen themed gardens, including a Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Asian Valley and Cherry Tree Walk. Visitors will learn about plants and nature, all in a picturesque outdoor setting. Tickets are required for entry at this time, and they must be purchased online. No walk-ups will be permitted. For more information, visit lewisginter.org.

Want More Adventures? CHARLOTTESVILLE AREA MURAL ART-IN-PLACE

The Ultimate Go-To Guide is filled with over 50 tried and true daytrip options around the area. CharlottesvilleFamily’s Ultimate Go-To Guide 2020. Get your digital copy at

.com Daytrips • Organizer • Directory & More!

September/October 2020

Artist Sahara Clemons. Photo: Eze Amos

The Charlottesville Mural Project showcases the talents of local artists, both regionally and abroad, while contributing to the cultural and visual vibrancy of the city. Art enthusiasts can find all of the murals around Charlottesville by viewing an interactive map. Take a walk through downtown to explore the murals, or hop on a bike and choose a mural ride to experience. Talk about a unique way to experience something different from a distance. For the map and more information, visit charlottesvillemuralproject.org.

Traveling Tips It may take a bit more planning and packing, but plenty of family fun can be had while staying smart and safe during this time. Plan Ahead. Whether this means checking the website or calling, checking ahead about any current restrictions is always a good idea before traveling. Some attractions may not have all of their features open at this time, and some places may be requiring tickets and/or reservations this year in an effort to better control the number of visitors, so make sure you and your kids know what to expect. Pack Wisely. We are all traveling with masks and hand sanitizer these days. Consider keeping back-ups of these things in the car in case one of the kiddos forgets their mask. Don’t want the hassle of trying to find food along the way, try packing your own or seeing if any sites recommend anything nearby. Gotta Go When You Gotta Go. Kids touch everything everywhere, and public restrooms are no exception. Try to always have antibacterial wipes on hand, especially when some locations only offer outdoor facilities. Have little children? Consider keeping a portable potty in the trunk of the car so entering the restroom with them won’t even be necessary. Also, it goes without saying, but make sure everyone has used the restroom and washed up before you leave the house for your outing.

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Talk It Out. As if you haven’t already, talk to your kids about the importance of keeping their distance from others, keeping hands out of their mouths and to themselves, wearing their masks and sticking together at all times. We encourage you to share any tips for getting out and about while staying socially distant with other parents through our CharlottesvilleFamily Facebook page!

THE PARAMOUNT THEATER

215 EAST MAIN STREET, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA • 434.979.1333

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town calendar}

Let’s Go Get So Pumpkins!

Many would say it’s not fall until you pick the perfect pumpkin. Luckily, the Charlottesville area has plenty of local pumpkin patches to choose from, many of which host special events during the harvest season.

September/October 2020

Back Home on the Farm Harrisonburg Celebrate the fall harvest with a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a wagon ride and more outdoor fun. There are also climbing walls and obstacle courses for the kids to enjoy. 540-442-6493, backhome-onthefarm.com

Maze is hosting their Virginia Corn Maze Fall Festival Thursdays–Sundays from September 26–November 8. The festival features a huge pumpkin patch, farm animals, an obstacle course and a giant Virginia corn maze. 434-212-0413, blueridgemountainmaze.com

Belvedere Plantation Fredericksburg The Fall Harvest Festival at Belevedere Plantation will take place from September 13–November 8. Visitors can enjoy the Maize Maze, the pumpkin patch and 30+ other activities. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and the entire farm is cashless this year. 540-373-4478, belvedereplantation.com

Carter Mountain Orchard Charlottesville Pick out your pumpkin and pick your own apples at Carter Mountain Orchard, Charlottesville’s staple fall destination. New this year is their scenic drive-thru, where you can stock up on all your fall favorites like cider and donuts without having to leave your car. Tickets are required for entry this year, so visit their website before making plans. 434-977-1833, chilesfamilyorchards.com

Blue Ridge Mountain Maze Lovingston This year, this top-ranked corn maze moved from the greater Washington, D.C. area to the mountains of Central Virginia. The Blue Ridge Mountain

Chiles Peach Orchard Crozet Head west of Charlottesville to Crozet to pick your own pumpkins at Chiles Peach Orchard’s scenic patch that happens to be at the base of the beautiful mountains. The orchard also has pick-your-own apples and a plethora of fall treats to enjoy. 434-823-1583, chilesfamilyorchards.com

ome

Critzer Family Farm Afton This farm is a friendly, down-home setting, making it the perfect place for families to pick pumpkins and stock up on fresh vegetables from their farmer stand. They also just so happen to make fresh-churned ice cream with their farm-grown fruit. 540-241-3305, critzerfamilyfarm.com/

Fruit Hill Orchard Palmyra Fruit Hill Orchard features two pumpkin patches, ensuring visitors will find the perfect one for their family. The orchard also offers pickyour-open apples, and on Saturdays, guests can go on a “treasure hunt” and search for the golden donuts hidden throughout the orchard. Find one and you can redeem it for a free apple cider donut! 540-241-3305, fruithillorchard.com Graves Mountain Farm Syria This fall, the Apple Harvest Festival at Graves Mountain Farm will take place on weekends in October. Visitors can enjoy live music, hay rides, animals, fresh fall foods and, of course, pumpkins and gourds. 540-923-4231, gravesmountain.com

2020 henleYFesT aT The

shed!

saTurdaYs & sundaYs in ocToBer

APPLES

Mon. - Sat. 9 - 5 Sundays 12 - 5

434-823-7848 henleYsorchard.com

“Pick Your own” orchards are oPen! TrY our henleY’s orchard esTaTe hard ciders Fresh-Pressed cider everY saTurdaY PumPkins and Fall Garden PlanTs henleY 4G Pork and Grass-Fed BeeF Fresh Free-roam chicken eGGs (while TheY lasT!)

Round and Square Bales for Sale by Henley 4G Livestock

<1 mile>

FRESH CIDER

• • • • • •

<1 mile>

Dairy Queen

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{our town calendar} Imagine a Day without Water Art Contest Theme: what water means to me

Accepting Art: Oct 21st - Nov 23rd Open to all City of Charlottesville & Albemarle County youth in grades K - 12th! Any original 2-D artwork or photography will be accepted! Submit art digitally or through the mail! In person drop off available only at JMRL Central Library during curbside hours. Check website for full contest rules & Information!

Charlottesville.gov/ArtContest

Henleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orchard Crozet Family-owned for four generations, Henleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orchard has been producing quality peaches and apples since 1932. Every Saturday in October, fall lovers can enjoy the HenleyFest with fresh cider, hay rides, live music, pumpkin picking, family fun and more. 434-823-7848, henleysorchard.com Hartland Farm & Orchard Markham Pick a pumpkin and then enjoy an apple donut with a cider slushie at Hartland Farm & Orchard. They are open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays through October. 540-532-0436, hankschristmastrees.com Liberty Mills Farm Somerset Located just 30 minutes northeast of Charlottesville is this 33-acre fall corn maze. Liberty Mills Farm also features a farm market, an antique tractor collection, wagon rides and pick-yourown pumpkins. 434-882-6293, libertymillsfarm.com

September/October 2020

Sarah’s

Pumpkin Patch

$.60/lb and/or no pumpkin more than $10!

Pick Your Own!

Saturdays & Sundays in October Saturday 10am - 5pm | Sunday 12noon - 5pm

Along with the pumpkin patch: Please check website for COVID-19 GUIDELINES

• fill a wagon for $55 • or a wheelbarrow for $70 • pick your own sunflowers

**Sarah’s Pumpkin Patch Madison This working family farm is home to three acres of pick-you-own pumpkin patch. While you’re there, enjoy a hayride and pick your own sunflowers. Sarah’s is open weekends in October, and Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment only. 540-308-8267, sarahspumpkins.com

sarahspumpkins.com | 540.308.8267

146 Caves Ford Lane, Orange

sarahspumpkins@gmail.com | facebook.com/sarahspumpkins

Free Admission & Free Parking!

Seamans’ Orchard Tyro Nestled at the foot of the mountains, this fourth generation farm opens their pumpkin patch for the entire month of October for all to enjoy. 434-277-5554, seamansorchard.com Skeeter’s Maze Adventure at Creative Works Farm Waynesboro Join Skeeter and his friends on a trip through this six-acre corn maze, and select the perfect pumpkin for your family while you’re there. 540-290-2333, creativeworksfarm.org Round Hill Farm Culpeper Celebrate fall October 3–31 with hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a zip line, a super slide, farm animals and much more at Round Hill Farm. 540-308-8245, round-hill-farm.com

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{fall activities & fun}

winner! 26

September/October 2020

DIY Halloween Broomstick Treat Bags craft and photo by Jennifer Carroll

Supplies: • 2 paper lunch sacks • Scissors • 1 stick • Twine • Treats Directions: Step 1: While one bag is still folded, cut strips approximately 1–2 inches deep across the top edge of the bag to make a fringe edge to the top. Set this bag aside. Step 2: Unfold the second paper bag and push the bottom of the bag out just to get it out of your way. Now you want to fringe this bag like you did the first one, except now you want to cut each side down to the base. (WARNING: Do Not Cut the Base.) It’s important to keep the base intact, so make sure you don’t cut all the way through. Once cut, your bag will have four fringed sides with a solid center—like a cross.

Paper broomstick treat bags are a simple way to add wow factor to your Halloween treat display. Best of all, you probably already have the supplies you need to make them! You could even make a few “giant” broom bags to accent your Halloween décor, using full-size paper grocery bags. Just turn the bag inside-out and use the inside of the bag on the outside to hide any logos.

Step 3: Lay your fully fringed bag flat on the table. Fill your first bag (with the short fringe edge) with treats, and place it centered over your second, fully fringed bag. Step 4: Place a stick inside your inner bag and pull the fringed sides up around the bag. Secure the fringe to the stick with twine. Abracadabra! You’ve made an adorable witch’s broomstick treat bag!

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{fall activities & fun} Local Parents Share Alternative Halloween Ideas

“A mini-pumpkin hunt! Just like an Easter egg hunt, but with cute little pumpkins. We will be doing our hunt with real mini-pumpkins, and then cooking a Halloween meal with them. For the sweet-tooths out there, try plastic pumpkins that can open and be filled with candy, or tie small bags of candy to real pumpkins!”

“Set up your own haunted house through the garage, house or yard for the kids to enjoy. And then, try making your own Halloween goodies together (cookies or candy).” “We are going to carve pumpkins and have a spooky movie night with everyone’s favorite treats (in moderation, of course).”

“Turn trick-or-treating into an egg hunt style game and hide treats and toys around the yard and house.”

Tips to Keep Kids Safe During COVID For decades, parents have shared their advice about ways they keep their children safe every Halloween, and this year poses even more potential safety risks than usual. One risk to children on Halloween, or any time of the year, is child predators. And, even though studies have shown this doesn’t increase on this particular holiday, parents should take precautions and educate their kids frequently. Below are some tips to help keep your kids safe from stranger and acquaintance dangers, as well as tips on a COVID-friendly Halloween. • If trick-or-treating this year, consider going as a family (older kids included) and only visiting a few houses. • Only go to houses with porch lights on. • Carry a cell phone, and ensure kids can dial 9-1-1. • Add a tracking app to phones like Family Tracker, Footprints, FamilySignal or Life360, in case anyone gets separated. • Make sure costumes and shoes (avoid high heels) fit well. They shouldn’t drag on the ground and pose a tripping hazard. • Add health masks this year, but don’t paint them, as paints can contain toxins, and remind wee ones about keeping them on. • Try to find flame-resistant costumes, and make sure kids keep their distance from lit pumpkins and luminaries. • If walking on roads, walk facing the oncoming traffic. Where possible, stay off the road completely. • When crossing streets, use crosswalks if possible, and look

September/October 2020

both ways twice. • Carry a flashlight so cars and bicycles can easily spot you. Also, wear something reflective or add reflective tape to costumes and bags. Wearing a glow stick is another option. • Keep props such as swords and knives short, soft and flexible to avoid injury to self or others. • Don’t wear colored contact lenses unless they’re prescribed for the child wearing them. They can cause severe eye damage, even if they are non-prescription and sold to change eye color. • Clip on a travel size hand sanitizer to their costume or bag so they can use when needed. Also consider dressing kids with gloves to help avoid touching anything then touching their face or mouth. • Remind your kids about social distancing practices, especially when groups normally cluster near porches/doors. • Be sure to have your kids thoroughly wash their hands when they return home.

• If your child collects treats from a few socially-distanced neighbors, you may want to wipe the packages or let them sit for a couple days before giving them to your child. Safety Tips for Visiting Trick-orTreaters • Keep cords and tripping hazards out of your driveway and walkway. • Use glow sticks or solar lights in pumpkins and luminaries rather than candles. • Pass out sealed candy. Otherwise, many parents won’t allow their child to eat it, and wear a mask! • Keep pets away from trick-ortreaters. Costumes and excited children can scare them and lead to unexpected behavior. • Consider having multiple of your family members passing out candy in different sections of your yard to avoid a bottleneck of kids at the door, and kindly remind trick-or-treaters to not gather.

Candy Corn Krispies Rice Krispies Treats for Halloween Celebrations

recipe and photo by Jennifer Carroll

Happy Halloween, my friends! I’m excited to pass along this fun Candy Corn Rice Krispies Treat recipe just in time for the sweetest night of the year. Halloween is about the sweet treats after all! RICE KRISPIES TREATS RECIPE

FOR THE ICING:

FROM KELLOGG’S:

1 box confectioners’ sugar (1 lb.)

3 tablespoons butter or

2 large egg whites

margarine 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows

Water Orange food coloring Yellow sprinkles

6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and

Important Note Concerning Food Safety

stir until completely melted, then remove from heat. Add Kellogg’s Rice

This recipe calls for uncooked egg whites

2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool slightly. Cut treats into triangles

in the frosting. If you are concerned about

and use your hands to slightly round the edges. Allow to cool completely.

Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x

contracting salmonella or other food-borne

While treats are cooling, combine confectioners’ sugar with egg whites

pathogens, a serious concern for children

in a mixing bowl. (You might need to add a teeny-tiny bit of water to the sugar and

and those with weakened immune systems

egg-white mixture if it’s too dry. I recommend adding it a teaspoon at a time.) You

(see

consider

want the consistency of the icing to be like a heavy syrup—thick enough that

these alternatives when making the royal

it will stick to the sides of the treats but not so heavy that you can’t spread

icing:

it. Divide icing into two small bowls. Set one bowl of white icing aside. Add

• Pasteurized egg whites (found in

orange food coloring to the other bowl until you get the shade you desire.

ww.cdc.gov/salmonella),

pint-size containers near the eggs). • Pasteurized shell eggs (for example, the Safest Choice brand).

Once the treats have cooled, cover the top half (widest end) of each treat with orange icing. Pour icing onto the treat and then use an icing knife or other spreader to spread icing over top and on the sides. Immediately

• Unflavored gelatin powder (in the baking aisle).

sprinkle part of the top with yellow sprinkles (see photo) so that they “glue” themselves to the icing. Then spread white icing over the bottom tip. I hope

• Meringue powder (found alongside

you enjoy these oh-so-cute, oversized candy corn Rice Krispies Treats!

other Wilton-brand cake products). Follow package instructions, or search online

for

alternative

royal

icing

recipes.

Recipes for vegetarian treats will call for vegan marshmallows or will skip marshmallows altogether and use rice syrup instead.

Jennifer is a mom, blogger, enthusiastic home entertainer and former event planner. Find more at celebratingeverydaylife.com.

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well new mom}

Teething Do’s & Don’ts Beat the Teething Stage with Some Simple Fixes

New Mom

Starting at around 6 months old, your baby just might sink her teeth into you. If it were a book series, there’d be 20 volumes, because that’s how many pearly whites erupt from a baby’s gums in her first three years of life. And let’s not forget the prequels: the gumming, the drooling, the sleepless nights… Right about the time you exit the newborn months and start to get more rest, their teeth begin to enter, and with them more fussiness and disrupted nights. But our babies have it worse, no? Parents have coffee to cope with fatigue, plus the knowledge that this, too, shall pass. Babies just know their gums hurt like “who’d-da-thought-it,” as my kids’ grandmother often says. And for all babies know, the discomfort could go on forever. That’s enough to make anyone sad and cross. Luckily during the newborn days, you honed your soothing skills. Whatever they are, whip them out again. Bouncing on a yoga ball, shadow-boxing to radio static—no one is here to judge. But we are here to encourage you to comfort your by Whitney Woollerton Morrill little one as only you can, because he needs you when his gums are hurting. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Dental Association (ADA) offer these helpful facts about teething: • Baby teeth not only help infants eat solid foods but also aid with speech and create room for adult teeth. • The lower central front incisors erupt first, then the upper incisors, lateral incisors, canines and molars. • Teeth are often “exfoliated” (lost) in the same order they erupted. Teething Do’s and Don’ts for Parents: • Do offer safe, clean and cold chewables for your baby, such as chilled teething rings, wet washcloths and spoons. Did I mention safe and clean? • Do gently rub your baby’s gums. • Do brush their teeth twice per day once they emerge. • Do use bibs to absorb drool and to prevent skin irritation from wet clothes. Visit the AAP (aap.org) and • Don’t confuse signs of illness such as fever, diarrhea, ADA (ada.org) for more coughing and vomiting with teething; they’re unrelated. helpful tips to soothe your If your infant presents these symptoms, consult with your wee one’s gums. pediatrician to determine cause and treatment. • Don’t give topical analgesics, such as teething gels containing benzocaine, to babies under 2 years old. The AAP warns that benzocaine can have serious side effects in infants when dosed improperly, including seizures and the rare, but serious, condition methemoglobinemia. • Don’t offer your baby amber teething necklaces. According to the AAP, they pose choking and strangulation dangers. • Don’t pacify teething babies by letting them sleep with bottles. Tooth decay results from extended exposure to liquids containing sugar. If you’re nursing your baby and the, er, clamp comes down, kindly but firmly let her know you’re not a teething toy. Then consider wearing a BPA-free silicon teething necklace while you hold her so you can immediately offer an acceptable alternative—in style!

LOOKING FOR MORE TEETHING ADVICE?

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

September/October 2020

NOW ENROLLING! P R E - K T H R O U G H G R A D E 12 admissions@covenantschool.org | www.covenantschool.org |434.220.7330

An Independent Day School for Bright Children Ages 7 to 13 with Learning and Attention Issues 1-TO-1 INSTRUCTION DAILY

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Visit Us In Charlottesville Wednesday - Friday Noon – 6pm, Saturday 11am – 6pm • Closed Sundays 434-984-4713 • 4282 Ivy Road WineAndCountryShop.com

SMALL CLASS SIZES NURTURING ENVIRONMENT ON 450 ACRES

OFFERING IN-PERSON CLASSES THIS FALL! 434.293.9059 • OaklandSchool.net

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well tips & trends} Art of the Pie: A Practical Guide to Homemade Crusts, Fillings and Life by Kate McDermott

Acclaimed pie expert Kate McDermott takes the difficulty out of baking the perfect pie with these simple yet delicious recipes. Art of the Pie is the result of generations of pie knowledge passed down through her family and features recipes for sweet and savory pies, gluten free ones and homemade crusts. Available for $35 at WineandCountryShop.com.

Tips

TRENDS by Sarah Short

2020 Fall Fashion Trends 1. Add a touch of faux fur for a little glamour, and how about some sassy fringe, too. 2. From rich plums and mustards to deep blues, jewel tones are always flattering and perfect for the season. Try them on a top or go bold with some short boots for a pop of color. Try also adding a touch of metallic silver, gold or bronze.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to dress up those yoga pants. Theeverygirl. com shares tips to help you feel fall fresh and pretty.

3. Fashion has taken a turn for the preppy. Think fitted jackets, pleats, navy, stripes and lots of tailoring. On the opposite end of the spectrum, 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-era plaids are back. Pleated skirts, pants and dresses fit the bill, and for more sophistication, opt for all shades of nudes from camel tones to deep warm browns.

RENAISSANCE SCHOOL

NOV. VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Get the latest updates on area fun and news!

ol ho

ance sc s s celebrating

rena i

9 2020

Be an InsIder

years

of academic and artistic excellence

est. 1999

www.Renaissanceschool.oRg 32

September/October 2020

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

Q A

Autumn Skin Care Are there changes I should make to my skin care routine this fall? Autumn brings cooler sweater weather and a drop in humidity, which makes for dry, stale air and even drier skin. Mix this with indoor heating, and it’s a setup for skin disasters like eczema and dry, itchy skin. To keep your skin soft and soothed, switch to a thicker moisturizer, add a body lotion or oil right after you shower to lock in moisture, cut back on exfoliating, invest in a humidifier, and take your multivitamin and drink lots of water, all of which are good tips for every season!

THE SCULPT SOCIETY: MEGAN ROUP Help build coordination and confidence with this dance-cardio, total body workout app. Browse a library of 5- to 50-minute workouts and videos targeting specific body parts, and download videos for offline viewing.

Sarah is our senior editor, and her writing can be seen in all of our publications.

There must be quite a few things a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them. – Sylvia Plath

Age Perfecting Facial Serum Look your best with La Sunflower’s ageperfecting serum made of 20 regenerating, indulgent botanical oils. It not only neutralizes harmful free radicals but also helps improve age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, loss of collagen, acne, eczema and uneven skin tone. Available for $43 at WineandCountryShop.com.

Watercolor WITH

CLASSES

Lee Alter

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

• ONLINE ART CLASSES • PRIVATE & SMALL GROUP • IN-PERSON SMALL GROUP (ADULT CLASSES)

Please call for details!

We’re here to help you every day! Don’t miss our Annual Fall Supplement Sale during the month of October, featuring whole family immune support, sleep & relaxation and blue light eye support.

Shop in person, as well as online or by phone for curbside pickup or UPS shipping. Serving Charlottesville since 1987 as Health Food and Natural Supplement Pioneers! Call 760-9658 to register www.leealterartist.com

Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat-Sun 10-6 | 434-977-1965 RebeccasNaturalFood.com CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources education}

g n A i C c T n a l a B How A Local Children's Author is Balancing Work and At-Home Schooling

Virginia children’s book author Marc Boston moved to Charlottesville from Kansas City, in part, to immerse himself in this city’s strong writing community. A stay-at-home dad and lifelong book lover, Boston enjoyed bedtime stories as much as his three young daughters. But when they noticed how few books featured people of color, he says he “ felt compelled to act. His mission is to create stories that emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion and reflect on topics surrounding our own definition of family values and self-empowerment.

How have you set up your child’s learning space? The first factor we considered is their study and learning style. One of our children can get distracted at times, and we found it best to set up a comfortable and quiet, out-of-theway space that limits interruptions. Our older two are more independent learners who have assisted in creating a cozy space for themselves at desks— one in her room and one in the office. How often do your daughters take a break and how do they use that time? Our kids, who are all middle school age now, can focus on their virtual learning activities for about 40–45 minutes or so before their eyes begin to glaze over and they start doing their all-too-familiar fidgety chair dance. Typically, a 10–15 minute break will re-center them. If it’s nice out, we’ll

September/October 2020

take a quick outside break for fresh air and toss the ball around or entertain their new puppy. How do you motivate the kids when they may not want to do their work? We’ve found that positive reinforcement works best to keep our children engaged and motivated, and we tend to reward effort over outcome. If we note that they are not immediately motivated to get schoolwork completed, we tend to make space for them to decide when it will be a good time for them to come back to it later, and allow them to pick a particular subject or activity they would be more interested in tackling at moment. We’ve found that allowing them to have some choice in determining when to get homework completed minimized the drama. It may look different day-to-day, but

we’re okay with that. Plus, tons of hugs, high-fives and hurrahs for their effort go a long way toward keeping them lively and focused ... and a little ice cream never hurts either. How do you connect your child’s learning to real-world experiences? Combining academic learning with real-world experiences is paramount, and should be the true purpose of a child’s well-rounded education in our book. We are believers that schooling and parenting should work in harmony to prepare our children for real-world experiences, and this can occur with as much experiential learning outside of the four walls as possible. This can be achieved through field trips, public service opportunities, and by encouraging them and allowing them the freedom and space to discover

Books by Marc Boston Find his books at The Wine & Country Shop (wineandcountryshop. com) on Ivy Road or on his website (marcboston.com).

Dad is Acting Strange This book is about the ever-evolving changes that take place within the relationships between parents and maturing children. In this case, it's about the bond between a father and his daughter who is approaching her “strange” pre-teen and teenage years.

their own ways of being productive. Additionally, their current age and stage of development now incorporates more academic learning into subjects that would prove challenging to discuss without touching on current events and learning to be good global citizens. Not that school indoctrination should teach kids what to think or believe, but more so equip them with the tools and skills to think critically, to recognize and learn to respect perspectives, and to learn how to cope with change, which is a constant in life. Do you have any technology dos and don’ts? We live in an age where the use of technology is almost unavoidable, so guiding our children and teaching them to use it in a healthy way is key! In life, we should all seek balance in everything we do—what we think, how we feel, what we eat, what we say. All of this requires a certain amount

of awareness. It’s really easy to allow our children to sit on their phones or ipads, but I think we can all agree this isn't in their best interest. It’s not in our best interest as parents either, and that’s why we try hard to model the behavior we wish our children to emulate, which admittedly, can be hard sometimes. In our home during the school year, we don't allow any electronics Monday–Friday until all homework and extracurricular activities are completed. Even then, we set and attempt to enforce a one-hour limit. The rules are more relaxed on weekends and summer break. We’ve found that when we set limits and keep it consistent, our kids have begun to self-regulate. How do you balance working at home with schooling at home? There are many challenges to at-home schooling, but this one may be the toughest. Setting a schedule and

The Girl Who Carried Too Much Stuff The girl in this story loves collecting things and carr ying t h e m with her wherever she goes. But, she soon runs into problems when she decides to bring all her items to the neighborhood park, and realizes that carrying all her things may not be as fun as she thought!

What About Me? Little sister wants to be a part of the fun! However, she feels she’s being ignored by her older sisters. Will they eventually let her play with them, or will she have to find a way to amuse herself? CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources education} establishing a routine helps to keep the ship afloat, for school as well as mealtimes, free time, chores, getting outdoors, and taking a quiet moment to center. When they are working, I am working. Even though I’ve now been required to set up my workspace near my youngest so I can offer assistance when needed has transformed our experience into a tidy and tremendously tolerable one. How do you handle snacks and meals to keep it easy? We do our best to plan our meals for the week ahead of time. My wife oftentimes has the menu completed so we don’t have to put a lot of thought into it or waste too much time trying to figure out what to eat, which also reduces a considerable amount of stress. We do our best to have the things we need on hand so that meals can be made quickly and conveniently. How do you incorporate fitness and out of doors into your school days? Our family has always been very active, and being outdoors is a major part of our lifestyle. For years, we have enjoyed daily family walks as circumstances allow; and now with a new puppy, our time outside has increased. Just because our students are learning from home doesn’t mean we get to skip out on the importance of physical fitness. Each day, we engage in structured PE together like jumping jacks, crunches and stretching. I do the exercises with them, because for one, I’m not getting any younger, and two, it's more fun! What advantages have you found to at-home schooling? One of the most beautiful advantages of at-home schooling is the scheduling and academic flexibility it provides. Academically, we can move at our own pace and focus on subjects as much or as little as needed. Although the girls perform the same morning routine as

September/October 2020

if they are actually going to school, such as getting dressed, making beds, etc., we do enjoy less of the hustle and bustle of having to leave the house by a certain time. And, we are enjoying the convenience and efficiency of learning in the warm, familiar and friendly confines of our own home. How do you suggest parents take learning beyond the classroom? The wonderful thing about learning is that it can take place indoors or outdoors, in museums or churches, at markets or on hiking trails, or even alongside the rush of the Rivanna River. The places that learning can happen are basically limited to the magnitude of your imagination. Trade your desk and chairs for a picnic table or blanket under a shady tree. It’s nothing like mixing in a math lesson surrounded by the sound of birds chirping or mixing your reading lesson with a lesson in stone skipping. Your individual learning space can be anywhere or look however you choose, and it’s a great way to incorporate experiential or real-world learning into your program. What other advice do you have for parents who are now managing the new world of at-home school? I recommend for parents to just find their own groove and to decide what works best for them and their family. Experiment with a few things, and take it one day at a time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times with so many moving pieces that we are all trying to balance, which is normal. It’s helpful to find a practice or a productive way to help alleviate this strain. For me, it’s my daily mindfulness and mediation practice. It may also be beneficial to connect with other parents to establish a support system, because we are all in this together. I know of several parenting groups that offer this type of support, be it sharing useful homework advice, establishing pod groups, providing updates on school and community ongoings, or just sharing stories of successes and failures through this journey that we

are all currently walking. What websites do you like and use with your daughters? We use a variety of websites and streaming apps to incorporate family learning whenever possible. We often watch the show "Planet Earth," and we use Google Earth to identify places of interest. We cue up relevant documentaries to support current lessons or to expand knowledge, and we’re constantly researching interests that may come up at any moment. For example, we just adopted a new puppy into the family, which the girls have been researching for years to ensure that we were well prepared to care for our newest furry family addition. Is there a book you recommend for parents right now? Kelly Crawford's book Think Outside the Classroom: A Practical Approach to Relaxed Homeschooling: A closer look at what an education really is and how to implement it in a relaxed, homeschooling style.

Update on Public School Re-openings Our area schools are constantly evaluating in-person and online instruction, and they are working to do the best for every learner in our community. Quarter-by-quarter the school boards are assessing the current learning plan and evaluating the next steps. Be sure to bookmark these websites, and stay tuned to our CharlottesvilleFamily Facebook page to stay up-to-date. These websites also offer lots of resources, from school meal delivery details to class portal links and technology support.

Launching Joyful Learners Music & Visual Arts • Drama & Public Speaking Singapore Math • Interscholastic Sports • Bus Service Spanish starting in Pre-K • Engineering “Rad Lab”

Launching Joyful Learners grymesschool.or g

CallCallforfora atour tourtoday! today! 540.672.1010

13775 Spicers Mill Road, Orange, VA 22960

Village School Middle School for Girls

Discover the Magic Village School is a warm and welcoming place for girls to discover their strengths, find their own voices, and grow into confident, self-reliant, and intellectually curious learners.

Return to Learn at Charlottesville City Schools: charlottesvilleschools.org/returntolearn

Now accepting applications for 2021-2022

Return to School at Albemarle County Schools: k12albemarle.org/our-division/return-toschool

215 East High Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 434-984-4404 villageschool.us CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources cool stuff} BUILDZI BUILDZI is a faststacking, nerve-racking, block-building game! Grab a block, start building and see who is the first to build their tower without letting it tumble. The game comes with 32 BUILDZI blocks, 32 tower cards, 32 block cards and lots of ways to play. For ages 6+. Available for $24.95 at ilovetenzi.com/.

The Highlights Book of Things to Do: Discover, Explore, Create, and Do Great Things You’ll find hundreds of ways to build, play, experiment, craft, cook, dream, think and become outstanding citizens of the world. For ages 7+. Available for $24.99 at highlightspress.com/hp/ books/crafts-hobbies/ highlights-book-things-do.

COOL

STUFF Gridopolis Enjoy an innovative new 3D strategy game and system with only seven basic parts. Players create a multi-level ‘grid-set,’ then either move markers or use extra parts to build onto the board. Keep playing until you’ve captured all your opponents, or until time runs out. You can also use the game and accompanying free lesson plans to teach STEM skills to your students. For ages 8+. Available for $49.95 at gridopolis.games.

Preschool Flash Cards Learning Bundle Help your children learn and boost their understanding of letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and word recognition with this bundle designed to make learning fun. For ages 2–4. Available for $34.99 at thinktankscholar.com.

Washaway Lunch Box Notes These personalized peel-and-stick labels can be adhered to the outside of your child’s lunch container every morning so you can write them a fun daily message. The label will disintegrate quickly in water, whether you wash the lunch box by hand or in the dishwasher. For ages 4+. Available for $17.99 at mabelslabels.com/en_US/ washaway-lunch-box-notes.html.

Crayola Mess Free Finger Paint Station Allow young children to be creative without all the mess. Little artists can finger paint on top of the flexible covering that allows kids to experience the tactile feel of finger painting while keeping the paint and paper contained under the locked lid. For ages 12 months+. Available for $13 at crayola.com/.

For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com.

September/October 2020

Artsy Fartsy This is NOT your parents’ drawing game. From dragons to dog farts, not much is off limits in this fast-paced game where artistic skills are not required. Team up with friends and family to draw, guess and steal clues that will have the whole gang laughing out loud. For ages 10+. Available for $24.99 at artsyfartsygame.com.

Cast your vote! Favorite Awards 2020

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Kid-Friendly RECIPES No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, advice and menus of cooks present, wisdom of cookbook writers. – Laurie Colwin

Pizzadillas (hybrid of pizza & quesadillas!) Ingredients:

• Your choice of tortilla (We prefer corn, versus flour) • Homemade roasted tomato sauce • Your choice of cheese • Any additional fixings you might like (veggies, meats)

Crepey Pancake Ingredients:

• 2 cups each – flour, eggs and milk • 1 stick melted butter Directions:

Directions:

1. 2.

Add your toppings to your tortilla and then warm up on skillet. Once you see the cheese start to melt, fold the tortilla (or top with another corn tort, since they’re so small), and let it turn a pretty golden brown on both sides. Once done, let it rest before cutting and serving!

Courtesy of Yannick Fayolle of Blue Ridge Pizza Co.

September/October 2020

Order is crucial: mix the eggs and flour smooth, add melted butter next and mix smooth again, finally, add the milk last. It will become a thin batter. Spread a half cup over an 11”x 18” very lightly oiled grill pan; cut it into six squares with the flipper; and turn them once so they’re a little golden on both sides. You can top them with anything: fruit, fig spread, butter and syrup, cinnamon sugar or bacon. My daughter likes Nutella. I ran out of the usual ingredients for my pancakes once, and these have displaced them. Batter is good for a couple days.

Courtesy of co-owners Scott Smith and John Kokola of Bodo’s Bagels

Cauliflower Power by Lindsay Grimes Freedman Transition into fall with a healthy start with this cookbook filled with 75 recipes built around this versatile veggie packed with vitamin C. Available for $19.95 at workman.com/products/cauliflower-power.

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Make-Ahead Grain Bowls Ingredients:

• 1 package grains (rice, quinoa or kamut) • 1 bag dried beans • 2–4 pounds protein of your choice • 3–4 different types of fresh vegetables • 1 sauce (Green Goddess, Cantina, Romesco, Avocado Crema) • Directions:

Cooking Grains 1. Add 2 cups of grains and 4 cups liquid (water or broth) to a rice cooker. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp unsalted butter or vegetable oil. Close the lid and press the white rice cooking function. 2. After about 20 minutes, open the lid and give everything a good stir. (Alter if cooking on stove top.) 3. Check for doneness by tasting, and if grains seem softened but still al dente, they are done! 4. Leave the lid ajar to allow steam to escape so you don’t end up with mushy grains. 5. Store cooked grains in pint-sized bags and keep them in your fridge until ready to use. These bags can also be frozen for use throughout the month, so go ahead and make two different types of grains to mix and match for a good variety of meals.

September/October 2020

Cooking Beans 1. In a large Dutch oven, add dried beans and pour in enough water to cover the beans by 4 inches. Place your Dutch oven on the stovetop over high heat and bring to a boil, making sure to add a thumb-sized piece of kombu (seaweed) at this time to neutralize the phytic acid in the beans. Once beans are at a boil, cover and cook. 2. Set a timer for 15 minutes and preheat your oven to 250 degrees. 3. After 15 minutes, carefully transfer the covered Dutch oven to the oven for 60 minutes. 4. After 60 minutes, remove lid and check beans. They should be softened, yet still slightly firm. Cooking them too long will produce mushy beans that work great in soups, but not as well in grain bowls. Remember you can always cook the beans longer, if needed. 5. Remove Dutch oven, drain beans and store in pint-sized bags as noted above. Tip: Never add salt to your dried bean mixture before cooking, as it can inhibit the cooking of the beans. Add the salt later after they’ve cooked to add flavor to your liking. Beans can also be made in a slow cooker overnight or pressure cooker in 40 minutes.

Protein 1. To make poached chicken for these grain bowls, bring 2 quarts water to a boil. 2. Add chicken breasts (2–4 lbs) and set a timer for 20 minutes, making sure your water boils for the duration of cooking. 3. After 20 minutes, remove your chicken breasts onto a cutting board and allow to cool. 4. Once cooled, use two forks to shred meat and store in pint-sized bags as noted above. Reserve cooking liquid (which is now chicken broth) and refrigerate or freeze in bags or jars for use whenever you need it. To Assemble Layer grains, beans and shredded chicken in individual soup bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Use your three foundation recipes listed above (make rice, lentils and chicken) and add curry powder, peas, carrots and potatoes for a nice Curry Bowl. For the Chicken Burrito Bowl (pictured): Use brown rice, black beans and shredded chicken, top with cantina salsa, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro and sour cream mixed with hot sauce. Serve with a side of tortillas or tortilla chips. Courtesy of Lynsie Steele, VIE

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Jenn’s Apple Fritters

Purchase $45 or more worth of products from our shop (in-person or online) and receive our “LOVED in 2020” market tote as our gift to you. This canvas tote bag, valued at $25, features a toggle clasp and has two wine pockets, making it an ideal market bag, picnic hamper or on-the-go carry-all.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apples, peeled & cored • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 3 1/4 cup flour • 2 tablespoons sugar • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 beaten eggs • 1/4 cup corn syrup + 1/8 cup milk • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Vegetable oil • Powdered sugar

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Directions:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Place the oil in a deep fat fryer and turn on to 350 degrees. Place the apples in a food processor and coarsely chop; set aside. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together. Combine eggs, corn syrup/milk, vanilla and add to the flour mix. Fold in the apples and cinnamon. Drop by the teaspoonful in hot deep-fat fryer. Fry for about 2 minutes, turning after 1. Remove from oil and immediately roll in a bowl of powdered sugar.

Variations: Instead of 4 cups of apples, try 3 ½ cups of apples plus ½ cup of raisins, or 3 ½ cups of banana plus ½ cup of walnuts.

Virginia’s most respected chefs, mixologists, food artisans and winemakers are making it easy for you to prepare gourmet meals in your own home kitchen. From fresh ideas for vineyard picnics to elegant dishes for intimate parties with family and friends, we’ve curated a collection of delectable recipes along with expert suggestions for the perfect local wine, beer and spirits pairings. Visit WineAndCountryLife.com

Courtesy of Jennifer Heyns CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{living well home & garden}

Fresh Kitchen U

6 Ways to Boost the Mood and Functionality of Your Kitchen

September/October 2020

Updates

Have you ever heard the old adage “the kitchen is the heart of the home?” It’s become even more true recently with all the time we are spending at home, so why not make it your sanctuary. Try out one of these small kitchen projects that can make a huge impact on your daily mindset as well as bring new life into the busiest room of your home.

by Mandy Reynolds

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

Choose the Right Colors Don’t let the hub of your family’s home become emotionally stressful based on a bad paint job from the family that lived there prior. A study by Minnesota State University has shown that the color red causes increased stress responses, while green and white environments have the opposite effect. Not only that, but other psychological studies on color show that certain pigments affect appetite. Yellow and orange are colors that cause people to feel hungry, while red increases blood pressure and introduces a veracity for overeating. Whereas, green and other earthy tones, such as gray and beige, are associated subconsciously with ecofriendliness and nature, causing you to be more likely to make organic, healthy food choices. If sunflower yellow, scarlett hues and other bright tinges are your spirit shades, never fear! Try limiting bolder tints to smaller pops of color that draw the eye in but don’t overwhelm. As an added bonus, pops of color go well with almost any base earth tone, making it easy to change the feel of the room throughout seasons or on a whim.

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2020 Fall Home Guide FROM CLEANING TO COOKING

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FINDING A HOME

Allied Concrete Co. See ad pg 48

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BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

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Revamping your organizational system has so many benefits that it’s hard to list them all. Famed house organizer and author Marie Kondo once said, “Clutter is caused by a failure to return things to where they belong. Therefore, storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out.” Anyone with rogue tupperware lids can relate to this. Set aside an afternoon to pair containers and store pot lids with handy cabinet organizers, which come either mounted or free-standing based on the needs of your kitchen’s space. Also try adding a spice rack that rotates and has multiple tiers, and then actually throw out any that have expired—something many people don’t even think of doing regularly. No matter whether you are finally compiling all of your family recipes into a small tidy container or throwing out cracked dishware that you never use, purging and organizing can not only be cathartic and make your life easier but also free up space to move more items from countertops into cabinets. Keeping countertops clear opens up workspace, creative space and let’s face it, reduces the effort needed to clean them. Having an organizational system in place will also make it easier for everyone in the family to clean up and help put things away.

Just Clean Breath easy without grime and build up … literally. Regularly cleaning the home has been proven to have health benefits like reducing asthma and airborne illnesses. While most people think the bathroom is the biggest harborer of germs, it’s been proven that it’s actually the kitchen. It’s especially important to keep kitchen spaces clean as foodborne illnesses and built up grease, because both are very serious potential hazards. It’s not just the practical health benefits of having a clean kitchen that we want to focus on, though, but also the emotional ones. According to Dr. Rian Rowles, when you live in a dirty or messy home, you are subconsciously reminded of work that

September/October 2020

needs to be finished and have a hard time being at peace. Additionally, similar to choosing soothing colors, a study by Cornell University found that women working in a clean kitchen actually consumed two times less calories in sweets. Looking for an easy way to make a big difference? Try washing your windows, inside and out. Often overlooked, a clean window can make a huge difference in the quality of light that flows through the room and will brighten the space, making it feel larger.

Hardware Updates Upgrading your kitchen doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily have to be a long costly project that involves strangers hammering away all day. A great way to make a do-ityourself change that gives you a lot of bang for your buck is to upgrade your hardware. Things as small as changing out tarnished drawer pulls for some that are hand painted in your favorite pop of color or a rich gold can totally revise and modernize the feel of the kitchen. Changing your sink faucet can also make

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a huge difference, especially if you live in an older house where the spout tends to be lower in the sink and have only one functionality. Treat yourself to an elevated facet that can change water pressure or has a retractable spigot. Another small project that can make everything feel more contemporary and elegant is to replace your lightswitch and outlet covers. Cleaning Coach Leslie Reichart advises to clean switches and plates weekly, if not daily, because they are items in your home that are touched daily and by multiple people. All that grime can add up over the years, leaving once pristine plates an odd color not even a Magic Eraser can cope with. Like drawer pulls, there are even options for a bit more stylized plates if you feel like adding a little panache to your switches.

Mood Lighting Homes and even businesses have been trending away from harsh UV lighting for years, due to the effects lighting can have on a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state of mind and comfort level. When considering what type of lighting to install, it may be time to upgrade to a brand new fixture altogether, or it can be as simple as changing out a bulb to improve the color temperature of the room. When a color temperature is higher, it is brighter and cooler. An example is the dreaded blue light emitted from your devices, which can negatively impact your sleep cycles. By choosing a bulb or fixture with warm lights, you can make the environment feel more welcoming and relaxing. In fact, researchers investigated the immediate effect of light on emotion brain processing, and of its color composition. The results, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, show that warmer ambient-lit environments can improve moods in our day-to-day lives, particularly by applying the warm-light principle to our home and work place. Another great way to add to the lighting experience in your kitchen is by installing lights below hanging cabinets. Whether you have them professionally installed by an electrician or opt for an easy peel-and-stick touch lamp, adding lighting to your hanging cabinets will provide more light for food preparation without taking up precious counter space.

September/October 2020

Change Up Your Chairs The furniture of the olden days is solid, sturdy, a bit bulky and has its place. However, if you are working with a smaller space to prepare and enjoy your meals, the future of furniture design is for you. With the advent of sturdier modern materials and the populace of space-saving furniture stores, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier than ever to open up your space without sacrificing style or function. Instead of a full kitchen table set, opt for a high top table and sleek-backed stools that can

be stored underneath. To personalize the sitting area, try throwing in cushions for your own style and comfort. If you have an overhanging island, even better. Most traditional homes and formal dining rooms are being done away with in order to make the kitchen a more open space for cooking, gathering and living. In conclusion, no matter whether you choose to change up your color scheme, go for new hardware fixtures or simply change the light bulbs, there are many

ways to update your kitchen in a way that will bring you serenity and bliss without sacrificing personal style or functionality.

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ACTIVE FAMILY

FUN

7 Ways to Get the Family Up & Moving 52

September/October 2020

No matter whether your kids are in Zoom school, in-person or at daycare, everyone needs some physical activity in their lives, and incorporating it into daily and weekly routines will help your family lead a healthier and happier life! Exercise helps babies develop motor skills, and it supports kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hearts, lungs and muscles as they continue to grow and change. Between busy schedules and decreased access to public places like gyms, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centers and schools, it can be challenging to find time for effective and fun physical activities for the whole family. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve compiled some fun ideas for staying active at home that will keep the kids moving and entertained.

by Liza Stoner

CharlottesvilleFamily.com

{resources health} Get Your Groove On

Nature Exploration

games like Just Dance For Kids (there are many different versions of this available for Wii and some are available on Youtube), Zumba, and Youtube videos that are easy for kids to follow. You can also make family dance nights a weekly tradition by focusing on themes like disco night or a salsa party!

the younger ones, you can also create mini races during the walk, such as racing them to the mailbox or down the driveway. Most kids love showing you how fast they can run! Another great idea is to incorporate a scavenger hunt with your kids, giving them a list of items to identify and

ancing is a great way to let yourself D go and have fun while also getting up and moving. You can put on your family’s favorite jams, have the kids take turns picking a song and enjoy a dance party or dance-off right in your living room! This activity is great for kids of all ages, and even babies love to groove. Dancing not only gives you and your kids a great cardio workout, it also releases endorphins and encourages happiness. Research from medical professionals shows that dancing along to music even for five minutes can boost happiness and improve creative thinking patterns. If you prefer more structured dance workouts, try kid-friendly online dance

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Taking walks with your kids may seem like a predictable choice, but there are so many ways you make it fun! And, walking is a good way to get out of the house, get some exercise and explore the world around them. Fall is the perfect time to start this habit, as temperatures are cooling off and the leaves are changing into beautiful colors that will catch your kid’s attention. By turning walks into a family activity instead of an exercise, it will encourage your child to be more receptive. Pick a new place to explore every week, make it a post-dinner habit, play iSpy or challenge your kids to identify different objects and things in nature that you see while exploring. For

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September/October 2020

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maybe collect like trees, flowers, acorns, leaves and insects. You can even have them collect one unknown item every time you venture out and research it together when you get home. Dogs are also fantastic walking companions, and you can teach your children how to walk the dog and play fetch.

Family Olympics

A fun and easy way to get your kids excited to move around is by making a tradition out of having a family game day/night. There are so many different ways to make this enjoyable for you as well as your kids. Hold a family olympics with teams and themes so that everyone can dress up and practice together beforehand. Some great competitive games to play can include relay races, a three-legged race, water balloon toss, hula-hoop challenge, egg and spoon race, musical chairs and much more. Find which games appeal to your family the most and have a blast! If you prefer to stay inside for game night, there are a variety of competitive games that are fun for adults and kids.

For instance, Twister is perfect for indoor fun and helps your kids work on their balance and flexibility. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have Twister, you can make your own using an old sheet and painting the colors on. Bowling is another thing you can easily set up in your house by using old milk or soda jugs, or even the cardboard centers of paper towel and toilet paper rolls. Create a playing field and take turns rolling the ball at the pins, trying to knock them all down. The more you are excited for playing games, the more your kids will be excited, so dress up, create teams and let the games begin!

Active Outdoor Fun

For all skill levels and athletic abilities, outdoor sports are a really great way for kids to get exercise. Invite your kid to shoot some hoops with you and turn it into a game like PIG or KnockOut. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a basketball hoop, try kicking a soccer ball back and forth or against a wall, or throwing a football or baseball. You can even use sidewalk chalk on a cement/concrete wall and create marks they need to hit with a

soccer ball or tennis ball. Sports like these are good for practicing foot and hand-eye coordination. Another activity for hand-eye coordination is frisbee. After practicing in your yard, try venturing to a local frisbee golf course to try your practiced skills or create a course in your backyard. All you need is a frisbee and something like a trash can or empty bins to throw the frisbee into, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got yourself a game. Whoever takes the least amount of throws to get it in wins. There are other activities that are not as competitive but just as fun. Try jump roping, roller blading, hula-hooping, playing four-square or hide and seek. Make it a personalized competition by seeing how many times your kid can jump rope in 30 seconds or if they can jump or hula-hoop for a minute without messing up. Or try out bocce ball and miniature golf. Creativity is key and it will most certainly pay off when your kids are sound asleep, happy and well exercised. The trick is to stay engaged and have fun!

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September/October 2020

Get your kids moving by suggesting some fun and creative activities that are sure to bring them joy. Create an obstacle course in your house or outside that challenges your kids while keeping them moving. Tape is useful in making patterns on the ground that they have to jump through and around. You can lay pillows around the house and other objects for them to climb over or avoid. If you don’t want to get your house messy, you can set the course up outside using sticks, rocks, ropes, etc. Another element to add to an obstacle course is a balloon or a ball that they have to keep from touching the ground. Games that stimulate the mind and body are super important for kids as they grow. Another way to get your kids up and moving is to create an educational scavenger hunt. Give them a sheet of paper with the items they need to find that also practices their reading skills. As they find an item, you can teach them a little bit about each or attach a notecard of information they need to read. There are so many variations of this game and of scavenger hunts, and it is a fantastic way to educate while your kids are moving about.

Lend a Helping Hand

Most kids love getting their hands dirty, especially young kids who are curious about almost everything they can taste, touch and smell. Set up your own “Lend a Helping Hand” day, where you and your kids clean out an elderly neighbor’s garden, surprise a neighbor by raking their leaves for them or stop by their grandparents house to help with miscellaneous chores. Gardening is great physical activity especially for gaining dexterity in your fingers and working the upper body. It also provides a nice educational opportunity for your kids to learn about how and when certain plants grow and how to care for them. Other types of yard work your family can help out with can be raking leaves. Make it fun by creating the biggest leaf

2020 Family Health Guide CHIROPRACTORS Heppner Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center See ad pg 56

DENTISTS Cook, Kathryn DDS & Children’s Dentistry with a Mother’s Touch See ad pg 56 Crozet Family Dental See ad pg 54 Swett Dentistry See ad pg 59

FAMILY FITNESS Piedmont Family YMCA See ad pg 54

UVA Children’s Fitness Clinic See ad pg 56

Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics See ad pg 55

PEDIATRICIANS Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville See ad pg 3

NUTRITION & SUPPLEMENTS Rebecca’s Natural Food See ad pg 33

Piedmont Pediatrics See ad pg 59

OBSTETRICIANS/GYNECOLOGY The Center for Advanced Gynecology See ad pg 57

THERAPISTS/SPECIALISTS Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond See ad pg 24

ORTHODONTISTS Charlottesville Orthodontics See ad pg 5

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September/October 2020

pile imaginable so that after all the hard work everyone can take a break and jump into the pile. Not only will this get your family moving but also will teach them the importance of helping one another. When it comes to tackling chores, kids usually run and hide at the sound of the whistle. However, there are ways to make household chores more fun for your kids while still teaching them the importance of lending a hand. One way to get kids to do chores inside the home is to make it a family affair. Put some music on, dance around and enjoy each other’s company while vacuuming and cleaning the windows. Incorporating dance is an active way to help make chores more fun. Another way to put some more pep in your kid’s step is to create a scavenger hunt around your house. For each task your child completes, they will receive a new clue that gets them closer and closer to finding what is at the end of the scavenger hunt. These clues could also lead them closer and closer to an item or prize that you hid somewhere. You could have them make their bed, only to find a clue under their pillow, or hide one in their drawers that they will discover while putting away clean clothes. When you mix good deeds with staying active, you can learn valuable life lessons, stay active and spend quality time together.

Little Things Go a Long Way

veryone has a busy schedule and E sometimes it is difficult to block out large amounts of time for physical activity with your family. There are some things that can be incorporated into your daily routine that are not only fun but also effective in getting you and your kids moving. While watching television, add mini exercises into commercial breaks. When the commercials come on, jump up and do jumping jacks with your kids or time them as they hold a plank. Simpler activities like Patty Cake and other clapping games are great for infants and toddlers during these short intervals. One way to make this more appealing to kids is to use names from the show they are watching in the exercises you are doing. If they are watching Paw Patrol you can tell them to do “Ryder-squats,” using the main character’s name, or “Big Bird-jumping jacks” where they make themselves as big as possible while doing the exercise. There are many other ways to incorporate physical movement into other daily routines. All it takes is a little creativity and a lot of excitement.

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When many of us are working and schooling from home, these athome exercise ideas are great ways to include mental breaks from your computer and learning. Young kids are missing out on recess and many after-school activities, so it’s now more important than ever to create healthy habits. So, get outside or move around indoors and spend some quality time together as a family.

Liza is a University of Virginia student and a Charlottesville local who is dedicated to making her community a better place. She also enjoys exploring and writing about all that Virginia has to offer.

Dr. Rebecca Swett

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

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

Charlottesville Office Open 7 days a week! Now scheduling virtual visits/ telemedicine appointments!

Also offering walk-in appointments, Monday through Friday from 8am to 9am at our Charlottesville office. Charlottesville: 900 Rio East Court, Suite A Crozet: 1193 Crozet Avenue Check our website or follow us on social media for updates! www.PiedmontPediatrics.NET @piedmontpediatricsva

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{until next time humorous reflections}

Born to Talk

A Dad’s Humorous Tales

I left our 1-year-old next-door for a few minutes, and when I got back, Baby Wendy was speaking her first word: “Kgaa!” She was pointing at the neighbors’ cat and shouting: “Kgaa! Kgaa!” as plain as day. This was the breakthrough I’d been waiting for. Granted, once a child attains the full powers of speech, she’ll be whining, tattling, complaining, squabbling, questioning parental authority, broadcasting family secrets and, worst of all, retelling the plots of movies or TV shows. But, I have to admit, I can only get so excited about babies. No matter how cute they are, I tend to regard them as demanding pets that belong to my wife. Although I’m dutiful about their care and feeding, it isn’t until they learn to speak that they come across as fully human and my fatherly feelings become properly engaged. With two older kids who are avid talkers, I usually have more conversation than I With two older kids need, but I’m eager to find out what little Wendy will who are avid talkers, have to say. She babbles I usually have more and chatters and makes conversation than I need, a variety of funny mouth but I’m eager to find out noises. When she feels what little Wendy will thwarted or ignored, she gets down on hands have to say. and knees and bangs her head against the floor. A sure attention-getter, it works best in the kitchen where linoleum over plywood produces a resounding boom! boom! boom! Plainly, Wendy has a lot to tell us. The difficulty will be in finding enough silence for her to talk into. This had been such a problem when our second child, Sally, was learning to talk, that she developed a stammer that served as a sort of placeholder until she could turn her thoughts into words. At age 4, it’s hard to believe Sally ever had trouble speaking or getting the floor. She plunges in and out of conversations with the ease and impudence of Peter Rabbit infiltrating Mr. MacGregor’s lettuce patch. This drives her big sister crazy. At age 8, Marie has

September/October 2020

by Rick Epstein

a tendency to start talking half-dreamily before her thoughts have been properly assembled. Like an inept parade marshal, she sends her words marching out in twos or threes while waiting for the others to happen along. It is hard for anyone to focus on what Marie is saying, and to Sally, each pause is an invitation to start talking (as if she needed any). When she is not pre-empting her sister, Sally further plagues Marie with the glib and flashy way she enchants relatives, family friends and total strangers. Whenever she’s near a likely listener, she’ll dispense a volley of her wacky non-sequiturs, like bananas thrown from a tree by a friendly monkey. She’ll say, “My name is Sally, but my dad calls me Sparky. Do you like marshmallows? What does a frog drink? Croak-a cola! Do you know how to make purple? Mix pink and blue...” Marie will stand by quietly and grit her teeth bravely, interrupting only when Sally steals material from her. Sally, who regards herself as a comedian with Marie as her writer, prattles, “...Our baby eats sand and grass and stones; I think she’d eat the whole world--” “Hey!” Marie will shout. “She’s copying what I said!” And, if conditions permit, she’ll add that, besides plagiarizing her big sister, Sally also licks the icing off a piece of cake and leaves the rest, wears her sister’s underwear without authorization and much, much more. While Marie ticks off these damaging truths, Sally smiles or chuckles gnomishly, willing to keep quiet only as long as the conversation is about her. Except for when the kids’ chitchat degenerates into ugly bickering, I love their conversation and welcome the window into their lives and personalities. And now, Baby Wendy is about to let us know what’s on her mind. I’d probably be smart to make the most of my few chances to talk before the third chatterbox gets going. I reckon that her speaking time will be carved out of my tiny share, and the only way I’ll be able to get the floor will be by banging my head against it.

Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.