Tag: Children

Richmond Sing-a-Long at Childsavers’ Fall 2010 Fundraiser

A lost little mouse and hundreds of singing children will overtake Carytown’s Byrd Theater on October 30 for ChildSavers’ 4th Sing-A-Long event. The day will kick-off with performances and activities before the 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. showings of Steven Spielberg’s animated musical “An American Tail.”

Sing-a-long-logo

Children and parents will enjoy a magician, face-painting stations, music and dancing before sitting down to watch the movie and singing along to favorites like “Somewhere Out There” and “There are No Cats in America!” Ticket holders 18 and older will be eligible to enter a free raffle with the chance to win a gift basket complete with movie theater goodies.

“We had more than 1,300 people show up for last year’s Sing-A-Long. It’s incredible,” said ChildSavers CEO Mark Hierholzer. “Parents, grandparents and kids have a wonderful time, while helping other Richmond children in the process.”

Each year, Sing-A-Long ticket sales go toward funding ChildSavers’ commitment to the mental well-being of traumatized or abused children and the positive bond between adult and child. Programs incorporate clinical treatment as well as education and training services that offer reassurance, healing and the skills necessary to achieve normal life and development.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children and can be purchased online at www.childsavers.org and by calling (804) 643-7283. Will Call opens at 9:30 a.m. and seating for the first showing will begin at 10:00 a.m.

About ChildSavers

ChildSavers is an organization dedicated to helping children in mental health and crisis situations, and has been a source of hope for Central Virginia’s children since 1924. ChildSavers provides various support services to children, parents and childcare providers on-site at its Church Hill location, and off-site in crisis situations. The organization partners with emergency response organizations, schools and in-home and childcare centers in Richmond and Central Virginia. ChildSavers also maintains strong relationships with health clinics and government agencies who work to serve needy children throughout the Richmond metropolitan area. ChildSavers’ three core program areas are its Guidance Clinic, Trauma Response and Child Development Services. For more information, visit www.childsavers.org.

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The Weinstein Jewish Community Center

My husband and I have wanted to join a gym for some time and recently began looking in to options for our family.  We have several friends that belong to the JCC and rave about so we decided to check it out.  The most important thing for me is finding a gym that also offers babysitting to include young babies.  Not only does the JCC fulfill these needs, but it also offers so much more and is very affordable, in my opinion. 

Babysitting services are available to members each day starting at 6 weeks of age up to 7 years.  This is perfect for me as I will likely be cleared to start exercising again once baby #3 is that old.  You must make a reservation to ensure a space for your child or children which I think is fantastic.  You never have to worry about getting there only to find out that they are full.  I love to plan ahead anyway!  The babysitting facility is very clean and bright and full of fun things for young kids to do while their parents work out.    And when your work out is over you can grab the kids and head on over to the indoor pool which is open all year.  Now that our community pool is closed this is a perfect alternative. 

I was excited to learn about all of the other programs and activities offered for kids of all ages at the JCC.  I am especially interested in the Great Beginnings class for newborns.  It seems like a good place to take our littlest to socialize with other babies.  Once your child is 2 they can enroll in the preschool.  In the summer there are so many different camps for all ages that I cannot even list them here.  And don’t forget about the swim team.  I also recall looking in to swim lessons over the summer for our older boys.  We were never able to fit that in but I look forward to signing them up as soon as we can.  And if you are looking for a place to host your child’s next birthday party, they offer several themes including sports, dance and pool parties.  I also know that we will utilize the guitar and piano lessons once our kids are in Kindergarten.    

I have only scratched the surface when it comes to all of the things that the JCC has to offer kids and their families.  Hopefully this will entice you to explore it further.  Most (if not all) of the things that I talked briefly about above are available to members and non-members alike, although they will always be less expensive for members.  Be sure to visit their website and schedule a tour if you think you might be interested.  http://www.weinsteinjcc.org/

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A Great Neighborhood Park

With just a week to go before the arrival of baby #3, the boys and I have been trying to stay close to home.  So this week I finally took them to a park that I have literally driven past hundreds of times.  It’s actually attached to the Westover Hills Methodist Church, and they are gracious enough to allow the public to use it.  What a great find it was for us.  It is nicely shaded, completely fenced in and FULL of toys and fun things. 

When we first arrived the boys literally stood in place for what felt like 5 minutes taking it all in.  I am not sure they knew where to start.  There are 4-5 jungle gyms with slides and swings for all ages.  There are several play houses, a wooden fire truck to climb in and on, and a large covered sand box.  My personal favorite was the see-saw which is sturdy enough to hold a parent and child on each end.  They loved it!  Did I mention the toys?  My boys are at the stage where they love toys that can be pushed around.  I lost count of how many lawn mowers, vacuums and ride-in cars they found.  It was a dream come true for two very happy one year olds.  It was great for me because I could sit on one of the many benches or tables and see them, and not feel like I had to constantly run after them.  There were also plenty of child-sized picnic tables which would be great if I decide to pack a lunch and bring it with us next time. 

 Whether you live in this area or just happen to be passing by, this park is located on the corner of Westover Hills Blvd and New Kent, just over the Nickel Bridge from Maymont.  Both times that we have been it was full of very friendly parents and kids.  Now I only wish that we lived close enough to walk.  If you ever decide to stop by, I will most likely be the only one there with the 3 boys under the age of 2.

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Bottoms Up Pizza

We have been big fans of Bottoms Up Pizza for years but only recently took our kids there for the first time.  I’m not sure why we waited so long because it is extremely child-friendly.  Don’t most kids like pizza?  I have to admit that I was the one who wanted pizza, but there was no reason not to take the kids along for the ride. 

We went early and were able to get a great parking spot right outside.  We have never really had trouble finding parking in the area, but it’s nice to park close by when we have to carry the boys in and out.  We were seated right away on the covered patio.  There were only a few other kids when we arrived but more and more families with kids of all ages came in while we were there.   Like I said, most kids like pizza.  I brought plenty of snacks and toys to keep the boys happy while we waited for our food, although as usual, they were happy to people-watch. 

They do have a kid’s menu at Bottoms Up that includes not only pizza, but also things like burgers, chicken fingers and grilled cheese for the kids who don’t like pizza.  Instead of ordering from this menu though, I decided to share my Hawaiian pizza with them.  They loved it!  I love that it saved us some money by not having to order separate meals for them. 

While we were eating one of the servers began setting up a large table for a birthday party, complete with presents and balloons.  I had never thought of having a birthday party there, probably because our kids are still so young, but why not?  The group of kids that came in for the party looked to be somewhere between eight and ten.  They all seemed very happy to be there.  I will have to remember Bottoms Up as a possible party location in the future.  After our dinner we took a short stroll down the canal walk to burn a few calories, which is another reason why I love their downtown location.  You can visit their website for the menu and address.   http://www.bottomsuppizza.com

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