December 2016

Kaitlyn Vargas was a young child when she first saw images of Australia in books and on television. Ever since then, she’s dreamed of visiting the country to explore its wonder. “It seemed like such an amazing place,” she said. “But seeing it on the Discovery Channel, it didn’t seem…

Super-dad, actor, dancer, director, Nathaniel Shaw is ready to take the reins as Artistic Director in Richmond, Virginia. Nathaniel Shaw might not have chosen a career in theatre if his older brother, Matthew Keuter, hadn’t told him about all the fun the choir and theatre kids were having in junior…

My family didn’t trek cross-country to watch me hug trees. The flipbook version of how I got here, arms flung wide around this giant sequoia, goes like this: Dena and I got married; Ben was born; Sam was born; Ben graduated from high school; we took this trip to hike…

Super-dad, actor, dancer, director, Nathaniel Shaw is ready to take the reins as Artistic Director in Richmond, Virginia. Nathaniel Shaw might not have chosen a career in theatre if his older brother, Matthew Keuter, hadn’t told him about all the fun the choir and theatre kids were having in junior…

Sorry folks! No partridge, no pear tree, and not a single turtle dove. No swans a swimming or maids a milking, and not one lady dancing (let alone nine). Truth be told, I wanted to call this piece “Twelve Things I’ve Learned from Two Decades of Holiday Parenting,” but our…

What are the two easiest gifts in the world to give grandparents? A super-sweet and lovely-to-look-at edible, or a book. Take it from a grandmother: This time, don’t go there! Gifts that please grands the most and last the longest come straight from the mind, heart, and hands of their…

Growing up, I was a child who, generally speaking, could barely contain his excitement. The night before my birthday, I’d lie awake in bed anticipating what might be under my pillow when I woke up. I would call Toys R Us every day after school to ask if Zelda II:…

With the holiday season in full swing, you’ll want to keep this issue of RFM handy all month long. I’ve heard readers say they keep their copy in the front seat of their cars after they read the articles, for quick access to the RFM calendar while they’re out and…

The holidays are a time for giving! Creating your own reusable gift bag can make your gift twice as nice. Not only does this save money, but it also allows you to put a personal touch on your gifts. What you need: • Resealable bags • Decorative duct tape •…

I have watched kids in my extended family open birthday and Christmas presents over the years, and I don’t like what I’ve seen. My kids are still preschoolers, and I want them to be different. Do you have any strategies for helping kids show gratitude? Your children are the perfect age to learn…

A little research. That’s what inspired Sarah Paxton to visit the Weinstein Jewish Community Center while looking for a preschool for her son. “I really liked their child-centered style of learning and strong focus on outdoor education and nature exploration,” Sarah recalled. “I also found children raised Jewish and children…

Are sagging eyelids causing vision problems for you or a senior you love? Do you have discomfort from eyelid folds that are rubbing together? While sagging or drooping eyelids are a common part of aging or due to medical conditions like lazy eye, treatments can help regain vision loss.  True…

Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 2 ounces prosciutto until lightly colored and crisp (about 2 minutes per side). Set aside on paper towels. Arrange 1 pound trimmed asparagus in a single layer on a…

The holidays go by quickly for most people. This time of year can be a blur of gatherings, gift-buying, cooking, and general hustle and bustle. Then, soon after, December is a wrap. Where did the year go? Many of us also tend to look at our wallets and ask, “Where…

It was an emotional decision to purchase my second Mercury Villager. My father had given me my first, an all-purpose van to transport dogs to and from the adoption stand and appointments with the vet. It was my only car, so it transported my kids as well. Five years and…

For kids, pretend play is one of the best forms of free entertainment there is. Children effortlessly produce dramatic tales with thick plots, humorous characters, and giggles galore. We often take children’s play for granted. However, a closer look at the science of play reveals how essential it is for…

In 1880, a lauded Confederate photographer, made famous for his images taken at Fort Sumter, moved his family and his photography studio to Richmond, Virginia. For the next two decades, George Cook (shown here in his studio at 913 East Main Street, circa 1890) would photograph Richmond, and buy up the collections…

The holidays are here, and you can decorate with fresh greenery to fill your home. With these easy steps, you can make a fresh wreath in no time at all. There aren’t a lot of rules, but some guidelines will give you confidence and help you get started. Here at…