As we all know, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and assisted living communities have been hit extra hard by our current health crisis. As per the CDC, “Given their congregate nature and resident population served (e.g., older adults often with underlying chronic medical conditions), nursing home populations are at high risk of being affected by respiratory pathogens like COVID-19.” However, not only are they particularly vulnerable when it comes to their health, they’re also hit extra hard with isolation.
Many residents haven’t received in-person visits from family and friends since March, as most facilities limit community entry to essential visitors only (those necessary for resident care and community operations) and don’t allow in-house social visits, public events or outings.
In addition – and that is an ongoing situation and not specific to COVID-19 – some residents may not have family and friends close by or may not have visitors at all.
We therefore invite families in and around Austin to join us in bringing a smile to many sad faces, and this is how.
By
Birgit Sund on June 13, 2020
We did something super cool on Tuesday. Of course, we picked the hottest day of the week, but it was a blast and probably a once in a lifetime experience — although, we could do it again every Tuesday in June, September, and October (minus October 27).
So, what did we do? We rode our bikes on the only Formula 1 and MotoGP racetrack in the country — Austin's Circuit of The Americas!
By
Birgit Sund on June 12, 2020
Looking for summer camps? Look no further and join the West Austin Chamber of Commerce for its second annual Summer Camp Fair on Monday, April 1st, 2019.
This free, fun, family friendly event will feature over 50 booths with information from local summer camps and programs for children preschool age through high school.
By
Birgit Sund on March 6, 2020
Volunteering fosters many desirable traits that all parents want their children to possess. However, many children wonder what’s going to be in it for them. How will it directly affect them and their well-being? Many organizations in and around Austin are at the forefront of answering this question and are giving children an incentive to participate in creating a culture of generosity in their community while also encouraging their entire family to join in.
By
Birgit Sund on February 20, 2020
The 55th Annual Austin Trail of Lights, Austin’s largest holiday tradition, and the second biggest event in the city, will return to downtown Austin’s iconic Zilker Park December 10 – 23, 2019. The trail features 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays, lighted tunnels, and the 155-foot Zilker Tree.
Read on for details about the event, how to get there, where to buy tickets, and to enter for a chance to win 4 ZIP passes to the Austin Trail of Lights.
By
Birgit Sund on November 21, 2019
Get ready for another hair-raising adventure when Poppy, Branch and all their Trolls friends come to life on stage in Trolls LIVE!, their first ever live tour! Jam-packed with epic music, glitter, humor and happiness, Trolls LIVE! will visit H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, January 31-February 2 for six Trolls-tastic performances.
Read on for details and how to enter for a chance to win a family four pack of tickets to the Trolls Live!
By
Birgit Sund on November 11, 2019
It's fall, y'all and ArtBarnATX has some fun artsy events coming up! Choose from painting on a canvas, printmaking, mixed media (paper art/Gelli Art) or ceramics class.
Check out ArtBarn ATX's upcoming events in October and November.
By
Birgit Sund on September 29, 2019
Peppa Pig Live! is here with the ALL NEW action-packed live show featuring your child’s favorite characters as life size puppets and costume characters in her new live show Peppa Pig’s Adventure!
Come join Peppa on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunchboxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of singing, dancing, games and surprises!
Read on for details and how to enter for a chance to win a family four pack of tickets to Peppa Pig’s Adventure!
By
Birgit Sund on September 26, 2019
Come out to Barton Hill Farms and make memories with friends and family at the Barton Hill Farms Fall Festival And Pumpkin Patch!
Enjoy acres and acres of pure family fun! From taking Fall photos and picking out your pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, to getting lost in the corn maze, jumping on the jumping pillow, playing human fooseball, corn hole, and more, you are sure to have a great day!
Read on for details and to enter for a chance to win a family-4-pack of tickets to this fun event.
By
Birgit Sund on September 19, 2019
Calling all Moms of littles!
Enjoy a fabulous day at the A Day for Moms Conference organized by the Mommie Support Network, where you will hang out with other moms, listen to inspirational speakers who understand the challenges of being a mom, and shop at our mom-friendly vendor booths!
Enjoy great music, food, door prizes, and fun activities in a loving, non-judgmental atmosphere.
By
Birgit Sund on September 19, 2019