5 Things for Families

It’s the last weekend before most kids get out of school for the summer, so I’ve selected events that are a bit more mellow and do-gooder-y than our usual “ZOMG RUN THEM RAGGED” choices. Gotta ease into the insanity, ya know?

June 4, 2014; 7:21 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. Frozen Movie Fundraiser

Allow me to introduce you to Harrigan. Harrigan is a local Diabetic Alert Dog (or a D.A.D.) A D.A.D.’s main role is to be alert (through scent) of dangerous glycemic changes in his or her diabetic handler. Pretty amazing, right? Well, turns out that these dogs can also be pretty expensive. To help Harrigan’s handler offset the cost of owning, training, and caring for this fantastic pup, come on over to the Snag A Job Pavilion for a screening of Frozen. There will be games, food, and even a sing-along led by local chorus students. Word on the street is that Ana and Elsa will be there, too.

Friday, June 6th • 6:00 — 9:00 PM
Innsbrook Snag A Job Pavilion, 4901 Lake Brook Drive
$5-$10 (reserve tickets here)

2. Great Days of CPR

It’s National CPR week, and HCAVa is providing a great opportunity for us all to brush up on our skills. Heads up: you won’t get official certification with this free, hands-only CPR training, but the peace of mind you will get should go a long way.

Saturday, June 7th • 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM (classes every 30 minutes)
West Creek Emergency Center, 12720 Tuckahoe Creek Court
- Free

3. Special Olympics Summer Games: Volunteer to Cheer

I can’t talk (or write) about the Special Olympics without blubbering all over myself. So first, read this, and then sign you and your kids up to cheer for these amazing athletes (and this amazing organization) this weekend.

Friday, June 6th and Saturday, June 7th • see website for event schedule
See website for event locations
Free!

4. Nesting Purple Martins

Every summer, thousands of Purple Martins pass through the Richmond-area during their 6,000-mile migration. This weekend, the Nature Center at Bryan Park will host a talk on how Purple Martin Landlords can provide safe housing for Purple Martins and their young, as well as the migration strategies that help these birds make such a big trip each year–a wonderful way to prep you and your family for when the Martins come to town en masse later this summer.

Saturday, June 7th • 10:30 AM
Nature Center, Jospeh Bryan Park
Donations of $3-$5 per adult are appreciated

5. Ashland Strawberry Faire

The name includes old timey spelling, so you know it’s going to be great. In addition to strawberries up to your eyeballs, live music, and all kinds of goodies (edible and not) from local vendors, they will also crown a Little Mister and Little Miss Strawberry. I MEAN, COME ON.