September-October 2022

Tutoring, like clothing, comes in all shapes and sizes. For some people, tutoring might spark memories of frustration or embarrassment over struggling to understand a particular concept. For others, tutoring might have led to that a-ha moment – the proverbial light bulb going off over the head – and a…

The Broadway musical Wicked resonated with Keeley and Evie Maddux the first time the kids saw the bewitching blockbuster musical with their family when they were in second and fourth grades.  Their mom Jen Maddux had prepped the kids for their first Broadway experience long before they headed to the…

What in the world was I thinking?” It was one of many questions I asked myself as I fumbled trying to connect my phone to a security app that would’ve allowed me through the university’s firewall. Here was one more thing I had yet to figure out as a newly…

Tutoring, like clothing, comes in all shapes and sizes. For some people, tutoring might spark memories of frustration or embarrassment over struggling to understand a particular concept. For others, tutoring might have led to that a-ha moment – the proverbial light bulb going off over the head – and a…

The Broadway musical Wicked resonated with Keeley and Evie Maddux the first time the kids saw the bewitching blockbuster musical with their family when they were in second and fourth grades.  Their mom Jen Maddux had prepped the kids for their first Broadway experience long before they headed to the…

What in the world was I thinking?” It was one of many questions I asked myself as I fumbled trying to connect my phone to a security app that would’ve allowed me through the university’s firewall. Here was one more thing I had yet to figure out as a newly…

At the tender age of six, it was my youngest who first helped me understand what twenty-first century bullying looked like. “Mommy, please don’t put raisins in my lunch anymore,” she said flatly, while going through her backpack after school one day. “Nobody likes raisins, and I don’t want to…

As a parent, it’s impossible not to worry about my son. Is he learning age-appropriate skills and meeting developmental milestones? Will he have my height – or lack thereof? Will his ear tubes ever fall out?! He’s four years old, so my current concerns revolve around preschool and kindergarten readiness.…

Writing at my desk the other morning, I heard the chop-chop-chop of a kitchen knife. It was Atticus, slicing bananas and strawberries. The cutting was followed by the shoveling of ice cubes, then a loud and sustained crunch as the Vitamix kicked on. I listened while the machine roared into…

I for one can’t wait for the cooler days, crisp nights, changing leaves, and football season. I’ve actually never said that last one before, and it felt weird just typing it, but this year is a whole new chapter for our family since we now have a marching band kid…

Darkly thrilling and suspenseful tale about people you might recognize. Cate and Roan Fours, their two teen-aged children, and their neighbor Owen Pick aren’t particularly likable. Despite this, author Lisa Jewell manages to weave a story around them that’s a compelling page-turner in her novel, Invisible Girl.  The girl in…

Encourage natural creativity by making unique stamps and a paper quilt. Kids will have fun searching for items around the house to build their stamp designs. Then with a little paint, they can design a paper quilt. What you need: • Cardboard • Glue • Scissors • Rubber bands, bottle…

If your child is headed to college, you are likely experiencing mixed emotions. While it is exciting to see your child branch out and become an adult, it can also be nerve-wracking and bittersweet for many parents. We all want to know that we are doing everything we can to…

Fifteen-year-old Aiden Willis started participating in sports at Jacob’s Chance when he was four years old. Aiden, who suffered a stroke in the birth canal and has cerebral palsy, would see the cousins in his family playing sports, and like any other child, wanted to be out there with them. …

These days, it’s convenient and easy to blame social media for many of society’s pitfalls – from the rise of the sometimes dangerous challenge trend to the state of our mental wellness. When thinking about the connection between eating disorders and social media, it’s important to understand right off the…

Easy Vegetarian Chili 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ medium yellow onion, chopped 1 large red bell pepper, chopped 1 clove of garlic, minced 2 carrots, peeled and grated 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Sea salt and ground black pepper 1 28-ounce can fire-roasted canned tomatoes 1…

Funding college expenses for children remains one of the biggest savings goals for many adults. In fact, according to recent research from studentloanhero.com, 92 percent of parents today have already paid or plan to assist with these costs when or if their children are ready for higher education.  Soon after…

When your child has been prescribed stimulant medication, it can be challenging to navigate their meals and snacks. As a pediatric dietitian, I work with kids who are prescribed stimulant medications as part of their treatment plan for ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Someone with ADHD has differences in brain activity,…

Richmond’s first organized fair occurred in 1854. The fairgrounds were built Monroe Park, the first city park, which was established just three years before. This first affair was mainly a livestock exhibition hosted by the Virginia State Agricultural Society. The social event of the year, the fair put everyone – not…

With the nastiest heat of summer past us – fingers crossed! – it’s time to enjoy our outdoor spaces again. One of the great benefits of living in our region is that we are able to enjoy our backyards, patios, and decks nearly year-round. Sure, January and February can bring…

On March 14, 2022, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened the sixty-sixth session of the Commission on the Status of Women emphasizing that “women and girls must be front and center, leading the way if we are to effectively tackle the widespread and interlinked crises of climate change, pollution, desertification…

Like kids, scientists ask a lot of questions. Take, for example, “Where did I come from?” That’s one of humanity’s most common questions, and it’s asked by everyone from children to pyschologists to biologists. Astronomers, too, are asking that question, and on December 25, 2021, they got a new tool…

After the birth of my first daughter, breastfeeding became such an important part of my postpartum experience and my relationship with her. I was surprised by how special it felt to be able to feed my baby from my own body, providing her with important nutrients to help her grow…

During the past two years, we have heard a lot about protecting our elders. Public health experts directed older adults to stay home to stay safe. While social distancing may have helped prevent the spread of disease, it did not guarantee one’s safety. In fact, the pandemic has fueled an…