As students in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties begin the first full school week of the new year, the month of January stretches ahead as a blank slate. Before the calendar fills up too much, this is a good time for parents to plan for the month ahead.
January is National Hobby Month, a great time to stock up your craft kit. You will find many bargains at Michaels and A.C. Moore this month, including many kids' craft items. A.C. Moore is holding their Dollar Days sale this week with many items on sale for a dollar or less.
It's also the perfect time to start a new hobby. Whether you are interested in collecting things, games, puzzles, history, science, nature, reading, running or some other activity, being involved in a hobby is a good way to reduce stress and enjoy life. Maybe your family can find a hobby to do together. Check out some ideas at the National Hobby Month link above.
January is also the month of making resolutions for the new year. Many of us included getting organized in our list of resolutions this year. One way to get more organized is to use plastic storage boxes to hold items you want to keep. During the month of January, many stores offer these boxes at great prices so now's the time to buy. It's also a good time to shop January white sales at local stores to find bargains on sheets, towels and other home items.
As you're getting organized, be sure to decide on a system to keep up with the family's activities and events this year. Whether you use an iPhone app, a family calendar on your fridge or a pocket calendar in your purse, you will stay more organized if your information is all in one place.
Some items to add to your calendar this month include two school's out dates. January 14 is a planning day for Lynchburg City Schools and January 21 is the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Make your plans now for childcare for the next two Mondays to avoid last-minute stress.
Two area businesses can help you plan. Amazement Square will be open both days with special hours from 1-5 p.m. FunQuest Family Entertainment Center will offer an unlimited skate special for $12.50 per person on Jan. 21 from 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Lynchburg College will present a special Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Jan. 21. The free event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in Snidow Chapel and Hepps Music Center on campus.
Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Department has plenty of winter activities available for kids of all ages. You can register online for events including Dino-Mites for ages 5-8 on Jan. 8 and Wee Wild Sprouts for ages 2-3 on Jan. 9 at Nature Zone, Youth Basketball Instructional Program for ages 7-8 on Saturday mornings starting Jan. 12, and the Owl Moon Hike for families on Jan. 26.
Storytime resumes at the Lynchburg Public Library the week of Jan. 28. Tales for Twos will be held on Wednesdays at 10:30 and 11 a.m. Preschool Pizzazz will be held for 3-5 year olds on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Born to Read Storytime will be held for babies up to 24 months on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Mark your calendar for An Evening with Maya Angelou at Randolph College. The award-winning author and poet will speak at the college on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. No tickets are required for this free event and seating will be first come, first served.
Check out the links below for more January information and stay tuned here for more information about activities and events in Lynchburg. January may be filled with cold, gloomy days but you can brighten the day by planning family time events that will make everyone happy.
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