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Community & Culture

Stocking Stuffers for Kids

December 6, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture, Family|

Stockings are a fun holiday tradition. Typically filled with knick knacks, candy, and even fruit, the simplicity of stockings doesn’t take away from the excitement of unpacking them. If you’re looking for some new ideas regarding items to put in your children’s stockings this year, look no further. This comprehensive list of stocking stuffers covers it all, from fruit to gift cards and everything in between.

The Legend of Stockings 

The legend of stockings features Saint Nicholas. The story goes that Nicholas overheard a widowed father saying that he couldn’t afford to pay his three daughters’

EAC Y Fun: Cake Mix Playdough

November 27, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture|

During the week of November 28th through December 2nd, Extend-A-Care YMCA Afterschool Care centers will celebrate National Cake Day and all of the yummy magic of cake! Try out one of our EAC Y crafts at home with this sweet cake mix playdough activity.

GATHER MATERIALS  

• 1 Box Cake Mix
• 1/2 Vegetable Oil
• Sprinkles
• 3 tbs Corn Starch
• Powdered Sugar

1. Begin by combining the cake mix and oil in a stand mixer

DIY Gratitude Jar

November 8, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture|

Make Your Own Gratitude Jar

While being grateful seems simple enough in theory, it can actually be hard to put into practice. We can get so caught up in our busy schedules that we often forget to pause and think about the things and people we are thankful for.

Today’s DIY activity is all about gratitude. Specifically, it’s about implementing practical tools to remember to be grateful—in this case, a gratitude jar! One thing we love about this activity is that it can be as simple or as creative as you want it to be. We’ll share

The Benefits of Classical Music for Children

September 12, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture|

Beethoven, Bach, Mozart…most of these names are familiar to us, even if we wouldn’t consider ourselves musical. But what we might not be aware of is the benefits that classical music has on children. If you have a little one at home, it might be time to add some Bach to your everyday playlist. Keep reading to learn why!

Classical Music Soothes

Why is it that we tend to sing lullaby songs to soothe infants and children? We often see a noticeable emotional response in children to music. Soothing music has been proven to lower heart rates

5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Common Household Goods

June 29, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture|

5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Common Household Goods

By Rachel Perez, Guest Contributor

In commemoration of World Environment Day* this month (observed annually on June 5), we’re highlighting some simple ways to make an impact locally, starting with your home.

Keeping a fresh and tidy home is a great aspect of living a healthy life. However, there are many times that call for the removal of some everyday household things. Items like clothes and toys accumulate over time, and electronics are regularly outpaced by newer models. In other words, we all end up with plenty of stuff

Documentary Directed by YMCA CEO Debuts on NFL Network June 23

June 22, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture, Sport|

AUSTINOPEN FIELD, an award-winning documentary about women’s professional football directed and produced by Austin resident and local YMCA CEO Kathy Kuras, will debut on the NFL Network, Thursday, June 23, at 9pm CDT. The film’s broadcast premiere will be part of the network’s program lineup to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the 1972 legislation that helped expand women’s participation in sports. 
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