Social Media: Today’s Hub of Info for Military Families

BY SHANNON MASON | FOR LNNUSA.COM

Just breathe. Being new to the Military or a Military Installation can be a little overwhelming at first. To be honest, that is one emotion you will get quite accustomed to as a Military family, Spouse, and Service Member. However, the Military and your Duty Station have an arsenal of services and resources to help your family for many different areas and situations. There are also other ways to gather information about a new base, whether you prepare to PCS, have just arrived, or have been here a while. Nowadays, social media is a major source of information we utilize. When we are alerted to a PCS, one of the common things first done is to add the new Installation’s home Facebook page to our feed to start the flow of information we will need. Next, Spouses usually join the Facebook page for the Spouses of that installation to do some questioning research and peruse other posts for insight.

A popular treasure trove of information can be found on the Spouses Facebook page for your Installation. There are a myriad of resources to be had there. From different Military branch acronyms and traditions all the way down to numbers for various departments at the clinic, information on the schools for our children, or hours of the Commissary during the Holiday season. Yes, you could do an internet search to aid in accumulating information on the areas that matter and affect your family. There are many articles and tidbits of information out there, but when you want something more pinpointed, and in real time such as a venue or organization with a list of requirements, the Spouse’s page will have the 411 to help you navigate your questions from those who are seasoned spouses and those who have had firsthand experience. Want a church with a certain atmosphere, a gym with childcare, a salon that specializes in a certain technique? How about the auto repair shop everyone prefers or if you’ve experienced a long waitlist with childcare on post? Are you arriving at a new duty station soon, have a list of priority questions, and were just told you have two weeks to execute a DITY move and pressed for time? The Spouses page will reign in that overwhelm and get you feeling as

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If you reside on your Military installation in housing, there are usually Facebook pages for the individual communities that you reside in. Be sure to request to join your neighborhood’s page as this can be another valuable resource for you and your family in terms of information. You usually have the helpful reminder post about when the water might be shut off for your street due to a leak or even the holiday schedule for trash pickup for those of us who space things easily. You can ask your neighbors for assistance in bringing home a furry friend who accidentally got out of the house or maybe inform someone of a missing toy or item of value that has been located at the nearby park. Most moderators of the page will usually let you advertise your home business and services or maybe you have an inquiry as to anyone having the resources to make a certain product you are in the market for. The most convenient of all is the call out for your neighbors on a certain ingredient you are missing, such as a teaspoon of baking powder while mid-baking, and the hospitality call to arms of your neighbors’ responses. Whatever it may be, you’ll tend to get a few replies in a timely manner from those helpful souls. Lastly, let us give ode to the haphazard posts of gold nuggets that tend to save us time and headaches every now and again. How many of you have ordered dinner from a delivery service?

Maybe you didn’t want to take your young children out, everyone in the house was under the weather, or maybe being new here and stuck in the hotel on post has you craving something other than microwaveable food? Knowing the best food delivery company that can get past the gate and onto post successfully, so your order isn’t canceled, is a great share. That sort of question in our feed seems to be glanced over as you scroll until you really do realize that it is important in its own right. There are also questions regarding décor advice on how to work with a difficult housing room layout, how to get ink pen out of your Service Member’s uniform, and “What in God’s creation is this insect hanging out on my back porch” posts that tend to be helpful to more people than you would think. Let us not forget that handy screen shot in your phone from the picture someone kindly posted of the hours and gate closures on post to keep us from detouring when we need to get somewhere in a timely manner. A genuine lifesaver for sure!

The need for information, and usually fast information, is the way of the Military and life nowadays. The ability to have updates, FYIs, and pressing questions answered makes life easier. Whether you are looking for recommendations on a family-friendly outing within a day’s drive, contact information for something you’re having no luck acquiring, needing advice or direction on a sensitive military issue, or the best place to shop for certain things, the Spouse’s page has you covered.

Science after Dark: Glow Science Museum of Virginia

2500 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA

Come explore a magical night full of luminous lights and mesmerizing chemical reactions! We’ve got fun hands-on STEM activities throughout the Museum like glowing drinks in our Boost! exhibition kitchen, glow bracelets in The Forge and glow room full black light art fun! Science After Dark admission is $16 for adults; $13.50 for youth (ages 6–12) and seniors (ages 60 and older) and $10 for preschool-aged children (ages 3–5). Science After Dark admission is free for Museum members, children under 2, educators, military and college students with a valid ID.

River City Taiko

Sat, March 4th: 2:00pm

Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education

11810 Centre Street, Chester, VA

Formed in 2011, River City

Taiko is a community group based in Richmond, VA, that plays traditional Japanese drums and related instruments. “Taiko” is the Japanese word for “drum,” and has also come to refer to a modern style of ensemble drumming. Many of the drums used by River City Taiko were built by the group out of barrels covered on each end with rawhide.

World Wildlife Day

Sat, March 4th: 10:30am5:00pm

Maymont

1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA

Celebrate World Wildlife Day at Maymont!

On Saturday, March 4, Maymont invites the public to come out and celebrate World Wildlife Day (officially designated as March 3). Join us for Keeper Talks and animal training sessions, and watch as the animal ambassadors are given special enrichment activities throughout the day. With 100 rolling acres to explore, bring sturdy walking shoes to get to certain wildlife habitats. All ages welcome.

Shot Thru the Heart: The Bon Jovi Experience

Sat, March 4th: 8:00pm The Beacon Theatre

207 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell, VA

Shot Thru the Heart (STTH) is a professional tribute band that pays homage to the music and showmanship of Bon Jovi, one of the greatest rock bands to ever take the stage. STTH provides a high-energy concert experience, playing only the greatest hits and staying true to the original recordings. STTH is the real-deal! Love for the music of Bon Jovi bleeds through every note played and sung. The nostalgia effect is real!

Faithfully Funny - Church Comedy Show

Sunday, March 5th - 3:00pm

Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education

11810 Centre Street, Chester, VA

The Perkinson Center and Pearl St Comedy are proud to present “Faithfully Funny”, a comedy show sure to tickle your religious funny bone! Join us at 3:00pm and have James Lawson, Winston Hodges, David Beck and host Wendy Lee, in their Sunday Best, leave you rolling in the aisles!

Thur, March 9th: 6:30pm

The Beacon Theatre

207 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell, VA

Blues legend Robert Cray graces The Beacon Theatre stage with his amazing band Thursday March 9th!!! Advance tickets are on sale now via https://myticketstobuy.com/ event/1918. VIP packages are also available. Robert is a 5 time Grammy winner and has been playing blues, soul, and R&B for close to 50 years!

Women in Business Luncheon

Wed, March 8th: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Old Towne’s Alibi

305 N. Sycamore Street, Petersburg, VA

Come and connect with women in business while dining at Old Towne’s Alibi! This is a great opportunity to access a wealth of experiences and share your story with other women in business. We have a guest speaker for the event to talk about their experiences and encourage all women in business. Register now and learn how to grow in your business!

SweetFrog Family Networking Night

Fri, March 10th: 5:00pm8:00pm

SweetFrog

72 Southgate Square, Colonial Heights, VA Come and have a sweet treat while making new connections around the community. All who come for the networking night will be offered a 25% discount on their entire purchase. We can’t wait to see you, your friends and families there!

600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA

Craftsmen’s Spring Classic Art & Craft Festival

Fri, March 10th: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Sat, March 11th: 10:00am - 6:00pm

Sun, March 12th: 11:00am - 5:00pm

Richmond Raceway Complex

The Craftsmen’s Spring Classic Art & Craft Festival! Hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople, amazing home decor, furniture, jewelry, pottery, specialty foods and so much MORE! Find something for everyone, and spruce up your home and your accessories with one-of-a-kind pieces!

Paint Party!

Sat, March 11th: 2:00pm & 6:00pm

Side Street Gallery

135 Pickwick Avenue, Colonial Heights, VA

Side Street Gallery will be hosting a Paint Party! On Saturday, March 11th, there will be two sessions of the paint party open to the public. The first will begin at 2:00pm; the second will begin at 6:00pm. Each session will be limited to around 10 people. Food and drinks will be provided. You get to choose from 4 different paint projects to create! Cost is $30/ person. To register, call 804-526-4300. This event is supporting Crater Community Hospice. Come and join us to paint and get ready for warmer weather!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Sat, March 11th: 10:30am11:30am

Historic Downtown

Smithfield

518 Main Street, Smithfield, VA

The Smithfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held the Saturday prior to St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Smithfield. Floats, marching units, and more! Line up will be at the empty lot at 518 Main Street (former Little’s Supermarket location) across from Main St. Baptist Church.

Feelin’ a Wee Bit Irish!

Sun, March 12th: 3:00pm

Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education

11810 Centre Street, Chester, VA

It’s a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, courtesy of the Perkinson Center!

Featuring performances by Richmond favorite Albafeire and the Blue Ridge Bards, featuring Matthew O’Donnell, with special guest performances by members of the Crossroads Irish Dance School. It’s a show you can’t miss!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Sat, March 18th:

12:00pm - 10:00pm

Trapezium Brewing Company

423 3rd Street, Petersburg, VA

We are celebrating all day long! Green beer, pizza specials, and live music all day! The Buoy Boys from 2pm-5pm and Shane Cooley from 6pm-9pm.

The Shamrock Show

Saturday, March 18th: 9:00pm

Good Vibes Pub & Grill

3035 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA

It’s St Patrick’s Day weekend! Good Vibes is the place to be for Hendrix Forever’s Shamrock show!

Almost Queen

Sat, March 18th: 6:30pm

The Beacon Theatre

207 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell, VA

THE most authentic QUEEN live show since the days of QUEEN themselves. A deliberate four-piece band, Almost Queen delivers a live performance showcasing signature four-part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. Donning genuine costumes, Almost Queen recaptures the live energy and precision that is the ultimate Queen experience!

Les Miserables

Wed, March 22nd: 7:30pm Altria Theater 6 N. Laurel Street, Richmond, VA Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Master of the House” and many more. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and 22 languages.

Third Eye Blind

Wed, March 22nd: 7:30pm

The National 708 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA

Alt 102.1 presents an evening with THIRD EYE BLIND! All ages. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Cory Asbury

Thur, March 23rd: 6:30pm

The Beacon Theatre 207 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell, VA

Like so many before him, singer/songwriter Cory Asbury began singing in church at the ripe old age of 14, eventually becoming a full-time performer by the time he turned 21. His 2009 independent release, Let Me See Your Eyes, officially launched his recording career, leading to a contract with Bethel Music Collective in 2015. That alliance produced Asbury’s seminal album Reckless Love, a 2018 project that landed on the top of the Billboard Christian Albums chart.

Wine Dinner: Enjoy Life One Glass at a Time

Thur, March 23rd: 6:30pm

Swift Creek Mill Theatre

17401 Route 1, Chesterfield, VA

Come to the March wine dinner at Swift Creek Mill Theatre! There is a fine dining, prefixed four course meal paired expertly with a wine per course. The menu will be released within 1-2 weeks of the event. Please contact us at the time of booking with any dietary restrictions. Our wine dinners tend to sell out early so reserve your seats now!

“Classic Meets Cool” - A Night with Barron Ryan

Fri, March 24th: 7:30pm

Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education

11810 Centre Street, Chester, VA

The Perkinson Center for the Arts is proud to welcome back to the Jimmy Dean Theater stage Barron Ryan for his latest musical tour, Classic Meets Cool! Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Michael Jackson. So when it comes to his own performing, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

2023 Tri-Cities

Home, Garden, & Craft Show

Fri, March 24th: 1

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Sat, March 25th:

10:00am - 6:00pm

Sun, March 26th:

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Keystone Tractor Museum 880 W. Roslyn Road, Colonial Heights, VA You’ll find something for everyone at the Tri Cities Home & Garden Show! It’s a HOME SHOW, GARDEN SHOW, CRAFT SHOW! Where you can hire contractors or landscapers AND shop and save on products, services, and décor from over 75 exhibitors! Tickets are FREE if you register!

“Bienvenue” by Elevé Ballet Company

Sat, March 25th: 6:00pm

Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education 11810 Centre Street, Chester, VA Virginia’s newest ballet company will premiere this Spring at Perkinson Center for the Arts. Elevé Ballet Company is a selected group of 8 ballet dancers, with 2 professional guest artists serving as mentors to the upcoming talent. Our performance Bienvenue will feature excerpts from Swan Lake, Paquita, Pas de Quatre and more. It is a journey back in time, celebrating the beauty and timelessness of classical ballet.

Shred Day & Food Drive

Sat, March 25th: 9:00am12:00pm

Homebase Credit Union

4995 Crossings Boulevard, Prince George, VA

Open to the Community! Bring canned food donations for local food banks and shred up to 3 boxes of documents. Safeguard sensitive information and avoid identity theft, all while helping your community! Hosted by Prince George County Police Department.

Frank Foster

Sat, March 25th: 6:30pm

The Beacon Theatre

207 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell, VA

Frank Foster embodies musical independence at its highest level. He not only has taken the road less traveled, but the road almost never traveled. Acting as his own record label, management, and publishing company, he has managed to find success that some major label artists may never find. This rural Louisiana native and former oilfield man has taken his songs from the campfire to the coliseum seemingly overnight, all the while gaining a following of fans whose loyalty is unmatched. He refuses to let anyone water down his kind of country music.