Handmade Father’s Day Gifts

        Father’s Day 2021 is Sunday, June 20. Instead of buying a generic gift from any big-box store, let the kids take part in making dad’s gift this year! Here are a few fun and simple handmade gift ideas to try.

Handmade Card

        Ask any parent- most of them would prefer a sweet handmade card over one you could find at any store. There are plenty of ways to use handprints or footprints for a special keepsake, or let your little one practice their writing and spelling skills. Does dad like fishing? Create a “hooked on you” card with a fish made from a handprint. How about baseball? Tell dad he’s a “great catch”. The possibilities really are endless when it comes to handmade cards and it’s sure to touch dad’s heart.

Paperweight

        If dad works in an office or has an office at home, let the kids help make him a one-of-a-kind paperweight. Simply take a smooth stone or rock and let them decorate it as they please. Add a fun phrase such as “dad rocks”.

Tie-shaped Bookmark

        If dad works in the professional field and enjoys reading, make him a special personalized bookmark. Cut a tie shape and add special notes or color it in, then laminate it.

Salt Dough Keepsake

        Salt dough crafts are a fun way to preserve handprints or footprints for years to come. They are also completely customizable with an array of ideas that can cater to dad’s hobbies or preferences. A salt dough recipe is simple: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup salt and ½ cup water mixed together. You can add food coloring as well for color. Help the kids mold and shape them as they please and personalize with prints, then let it set in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 hours. It’s best to let it sit overnight after baking to let it fully cool and dry.

Portrait Drawing

        This is a fun one for kids to have full creative reign and it’s interesting to see their interpretations of their parents. Have them draw or paint a portrait of dad and have it framed to give to him for Father’s Day. Be prepared for giggles if you’re letting little ones take a shot at this!

Coffee Mug

        Most dads love a good cup of coffee in the morning. Find a blank mug and have kids use oil-based permanent paint markers to design the mug however they please. Then, set the mug in the oven and turn the temperature to 325 (set the mug in BEFORE preheating). Let it “bake” for at least 30 minutes and leave it in there until the oven has completely cooled down. Be sure to hand wash only!

Artwork Can Cooler

        Have kids draw their own original artwork onto a piece of craft foam. Use super glue to connect the ends together and dad will have his very own koozie!

Rainy Day Activities for Kids

        Summer showers are no stranger in the south. While it’s typically a time for fun in the sun, the rain can put a halt to those plans on occasion. Thankfully, we are no strangers to being stuck inside after having gone through 2020. If the rain puts your summertime plans with the family on pause, try a few (or all) of these family-friendly activities.

• Bust out the board games. They are a classic pastime that’s perfect to focus on when you’re stuck inside. Make it as fun or as competitive as you want.
• Try a new baking recipe. A rainy day is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen because chances are, you’re planning to spend some of your time eating anyway. Get the kids involved with mixing, decorating and serving. You may even spark a new hobby for them!
• Create an upbeat playlist and have a dance party in the house. It’s good exercise without feeling like you’re doing work and can help the kids shake their sillies out!
• Bring the outdoors inside with forts, blankets and tents in the living room. Have a fort-building contest between the family for a special prize such as extra ice cream or the winner’s pick for movie night.
• Create a scavenger hunt for kids to complete (it may even give you a little bit of free time to relax while they’re searching). Come up with a list of items for them to find or find ideas online of what they can look for inside the house. Have a big prize waiting at the end such as cash or a gift card.
• Have a craft party. Look for inspiration online and see what you have around the house that can be used for a new work of art.
• Make a sensory bin. This is especially useful for little ones around the baby and toddler age- simply take a plastic storage tote and fill it with dry rice or water. Add a few toys and measuring cups and let them go to town. It’s a great way to spend time and practice their fine-motor skills.
• Have a movie marathon. Make some popcorn, grab some favorite candy or desserts and curl up on the couch with your favorite blanket.

On March 3rd, World Wildlife Day is celebrated around the world as a way to raise awareness of earth’s wildlife and plants. The theme for 2021’s celebration is “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”, which will highlight the role of forests, forest species and ecosystems that play a role in sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. This particularly affects Indigenous communities with historic ties to forested areas.

There are between 200 and 350 million people around the world who live within or close to forested areas. This means they rely on the ecosystem services provided by the forest and its inhabitants for the most basic needs such as food, shelter and medicines. The goal of Wildlife Day this year is to promote forest and wildlife management models that will help both human well-being and the long-term conservation of forests and everything they contain.

Multiple events will be taking place around the globe in honor of World Wildlife Day. You can find live streams and campaign pages here whether you want to celebrate within your region or explore other areas of the world and how they are observing this day. There are also promotional materials available to spread the word on social media and other places around you.

As far as how World Wildlife Day got its start, the celebration dates back to March 3, 1973. On this day, the United Nations General Assembly chose to take a stand to protect the endangered species of the world that face extinction. Hundreds of endangered species were threatened every year, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was put into place to hold the world accountable when it comes to preserving the lives of such species. In 2013, the UN declared that March 3rd of each year would be World Wildlife Day to keep people informed of our ever-changing world and raise awareness for the preservation of wildlife.

It is extremely important to keep the world’s wildlife healthy and thriving. By taking part in World Wildlife Day, you have the opportunity to contribute to a bigger effort in preserving the wildlife of our great world.

Why did they ever say “Don’t go chasing waterfalls”? They’re beautiful! Visiting a waterfall is a refreshing break from reality and makes for a great photo op. If you’re looking to take a day trip to see waterfalls close to the CSRA, here are a few to check out.

Aqueduct Park, Augusta, Georgia

The Rae’s Creek Aqueduct is a pre-Civil War structure in Augusta. The stone arches and rushing waters are a fascinating aspect to visitors and tourists, making it one of the best waterfalls in the River Region. Here is a map with directions on how to access the photo-worthy area.

Long Shoals Wayside Park, Pickens, South Carolina

Just outside of the bustling city of Greenville, you’ll find this gorgeous and fun attraction. There is a natural waterslide area which is perfect for the whole family to enjoy – but make sure to bring life jackets or arm floaties for younger children as a safety precaution. There is no cost for admission, but be sure to pack a lunch and find a spot at one of the picnic areas around the park for a break during the day! More information and directions can be found here.

Riley Moore Falls, Mountain Rest, South Carolina

At 12 feet high, it may not seem like there is much to see here. However, the 100 foot span and natural pool area make Riley Moore Falls the perfect warm weather destination. There is a 1 mile hike through the Sumter National Forest to reach the waterfall, but it is well worth the effort once you are there. You can find detailed directions here.

Helton Creek Falls, Blairsville, Georgia

Follow the Helton Creek Falls Trail to this beautiful area with more than 100 feet of waterfall to see. Be cautious as rocks can be slippery, but it is a fun experience for the whole family to enjoy. Admission is free as well! Here is a map to help you find Helton Creek Falls.

Exploring waterfalls can be a cheap or free activity and is a great option for getting out of the house after so much time spent in quarantine. Being outdoors, you can easily stay socially distanced while still enjoying the adventure. Pack up the car and explore these local areas this season!

Monday, March 8th is International Women’s Day 2021. According to the official International Women’s Day website, this year’s theme is “Choose to Challenge”. It is inspired by the movement of pointing out inequality, calling out biases and questioning stereotypes to help create a more inclusive world. International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the achievements of women around the world, raise awareness for equality and raise funds for female-focused charities.

International Women’s Day has been around since the early 1900s. With the booming growth of the population and the rise of different radical ideologies, critical debate was occurring among women. The oppression and inequality they faced inspired them to begin pushing for change, spurring a 15,000-woman march through New York City in 1908 to demand shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote.

In 1910, an International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The idea of an International Women’s Day was presented there and a “yes” decision was made with unanimous approval. It was officially recognized for the first time in 1911 with women participating all over the world to fight for their equality.

By the time 2000 rolled around, there was little activity happening for women to be recognized and celebrated. Feminism became an unpopular topic of discussion, and the online platform was developed in 2001 to push campaign themes and provide direction for annual International Women’s Day activities.

In our current time, the world has gone through significant changes. This absolutely has had an impact on women as far as equality and freedom. Women are still not paid with the same standard as their male coworkers and don’t always get a seat at the table when it comes to business or politics. However, great improvements have been made since International Women’s Day first began. There are female astronauts, college professors, doctors and more that may not have happened had their ancestors not paved the way more than 100 years ago.

How should you celebrate this female-focused holiday? Take some time to research and read about important women in business as well as inventors and artists. Thank a woman or two in your own personal life and spend the day celebrating all that they are to you!

3.14. March 14th. A celebration of one of the most mysterious mathematical symbols. Pi, which has been rounded to 3.14 by estimation, is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. The distance around the edge of any circle is just over three times the distance across.

Pi has puzzled people around the world for more than 4,000 years. Many well-known mathematicians as well as everyday people have spent hours upon hours trying to make sense of the math mystery. In ancient Babylon, rope stretchers that marked the locations of boundaries and buildings estimated pi to be 3.125. Eventually, a Greek mathematician named Archimedes used an algorithmic approach to try calculating pi. He continuously drew polygons until he had more than 90 to prove that pi equals 3.14.

Pi didn’t get its official name until the Renaissance era when an English mathematician began calling it pi; however, it wasn’t until 1737 that it became widely embraced. The Greek letter for pi, π roughly translates to “circumference” from the Greek word perimetros.

Thanks to modern advances in technology, pi has been calculated up to 31 TRILLION digits! However, it only takes the first 39 or so to perform universal calculations with little to no error. We will likely never find the accurate area or circumference of a circle since the exact value of pi cannot be calculated.

Celebrating Pi Day has become a fun tradition for schools and learning centers worldwide. It is especially popular among math classes, for obvious reasons. Teachers will use the day to present new pi-related equations as well as PIE eating contests where students bring circular foods to share (although this may need to be done differently given the current pandemic). Even if you’re not in school anymore, you can celebrate Pi Day too! Order a pizza and bake a pie or cake for dessert. Don’t forget to add the pi symbol in frosting for a special touch and a photo op.

Whether you choose to celebrate Pi Day with math equations, food or games, enjoy it and use it as an excuse to have fun!

With the amazing spring weather on the horizon, you may be looking for fun activities to enjoy outside. Disc golf is an interesting alternative to the regular game of golf and is a great way to incorporate exercise into your outdoor leisure. If you’ve considered playing disc golf for fun or joining a team, here are a few courses around the CSRA to explore:

International Disc Golf Center, 3828 Dogwood Lane, Appling, Georgia

This is one of the most prominent disc golf locations in the area. With three different courses to choose from, you get the choice of how much of a challenge you want your game to be. The Steady Ed Headrick Memorial Disc Golf Course boasts 18 holes, 6 of them along the beautiful Clarks Hill Lake. The area is mostly wooded with a mixture of flat and hilly spots.

WR Jackson Memorial Disc Golf Course is the longest and most challenging of the 3 with a mostly hilly area and semi-open large holes.

Jim Warner Memorial Disc Golf Course is heavily wooded with higher elevation, yet has a few wonderful lake views. It is the only complete short layout course in the International Disc Golf Center area.

The Players Course at Lake Olmstead, 2220 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia

Large shade trees and rolling terrain cover this short and technical course. You can catch scenic views of Lake Olmstead and may even spot jumping fish or ducklings on a good day.

Patriots Park Disc Golf Course, 5445 Columbia Road, Evans, Georgia

The diverse layout on a rolling terrain is challenging, yet fun. There is a winding creek mixed in on 4 of the holes out of this 6,030 foot course.

Riverview Park, 100 Riverview Park Drive, North Augusta, South Carolina

The front 9 holes of this course are short and tight with significant changes in elevation. Expect longer, more wide open holes on the back 9.

Grab friends and family today to take a look at some of these local hot spots for disc golf. It will help everyone stay physically engaged and can be challenging, so don’t forget to hydrate!

The bitter cold is on its way out and the bright, warm sunshine is quickly approaching. Spring is here, is your home ready? Check this list to make sure you have your home prepared for the spring weather.

Clean Gutters

Climb on a ladder and check your gutters for debris. It is a common thing to happen after fall and winter when leaves are shedding from the trees. You can likely pull a good bit out with your hands (with gloves on, of course), but can also take a hose to the gutters to flush out some of the debris.

Scrub Walls and Baseboards

The kitchen, bedrooms and living areas could all use a good spring cleaning. Take a sponge or brush with mild soap and lukewarm water to gently remove stains and dust. Don’t forget to remove outlet covers and wipe those down as well to avoid discoloration and dust buildup.

Change Filters

Water, range hood, and air filters should all be replaced every 3-6 months at a minimum. If it’s been a while since you switched them out, go ahead and get new ones for spring.

Clean Faucets

Unscrew the aerators to all faucets and soak them in equal parts vinegar and water for at least an hour. Rinse with warm water and enjoy your shiny new fixtures!

Clear out the Dryer Vent

A clogged dryer vent is a serious fire hazard. Disconnect it from the back of the dryer and use a brush to remove the excess lint. Remove the vent cover on the outside of the home and remove the lint from that end as well.

Wash the Exterior Windows

Roll up your sleeves and grab a squeegee to shine up that glass, or hire a professional window cleaner to get the job done for you! You’ll want a clear, crisp view outside with the wonderful weather approaching.

Clean the Grill

Warmer weather means cookouts galore. It tends to collect dust during the winter, especially if it’s left uncovered. Scrub it inside and out to be ready for some delicious meals with family and friends.

Don’t get overwhelmed by the pollen clouds when they roll in. Take care of these tasks inside and outside of your home to be perfectly prepared for the beautiful spring weather!

A trend that started in the early 2000s, geocaching is still going strong thanks to a social media renaissance of sorts. Geocaching is a recreational activity that is practiced outdoors with the use of a GPS or mobile device to hide and seek containers called geocaches. Typically, a cache is a waterproof container with a small logbook. When a geocacher has found it, they are to sign it as proof that they were there and leave it in the same place it was found. This modern-day treasure hunt originated in Oregon and took off quickly with the help of the internet. 

Interested in geocaching around the CSRA? Here are a few ways to get started: 

Georgia State Parks GeoTour

Begin by downloading the Geocaching App on your mobile device. You can search Georgia state parks and historic site locations for hidden caches. The Georgia State Parks GeoTour has caches at 45 parks all over the state. You can download and print this passport to take on your adventures and follow the available locations with their coordinates here. There are code words in each cache container that you can record in your passport and send in for special edition geo-coins to collect! 

History Trail GeoTour

19 historic sites across the state of Georgia contain caches that are both fun to find and help you learn about local history. There are clues that help you open the combination lock for each cache for a mind challenge. Find the history trail here and print out this GeoTour Time Travel Ticket to record your findings. Once you have completed your ticket, send a photo to the address listed on the bottom and you will receive a special geo-coin in the mail! 

Both of these GeoTours will take you to some of Georgia’s most scenic and historic locations. Take in the rich history of these spots as well as the natural beauty you’ll cross along the way! With spots to find caches at such as Red Top Mountain, Tallulah Gorge, the Dahlonega Gold Museum and more, you’re sure to learn new things and enjoy the adventure as well as the challenge that comes with locating geocaches. Get outside and explore today!