Mark your calendars. The  IMPACT, Redeemer Middle School Choir, has been invited to sing the National Anthem at the Round Rock Express game on Sunday, April 13, 2024 when they play Oklahoma City at 1:05 p.m.

This is also Kids Day! Free inflatables and train rides for children outside the ballpark before the game, and kids can run the bases after the game.

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is excited to announce the relaunch of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Voucher Program in Austin.

From April 1 through October 31, eligible participants can receive $30 in WIC Vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets and mobile markets. This seasonal program aims to improve access to nutritious foods among women, infants over 4 months old, and children 1 to 5 years of age, promoting healthier communities across Central Texas.

Thanks to funding provided through Travis County Public Health, each eligible participant in the Austin area will also receive $30 in Double Up Food Bucks Texas as a match to the $30 in WIC Vouchers for a total of $60 for fresh, nutritious produce. Double Up Food Bucks can be used throughout the entire year while WIC Vouchers must be used by October 31, 2024, ensuring families have access to fresh, nutritious food beyond the summer months.

To receive WIC Vouchers, participants simply need to bring their WIC Shopping List to one of the participating locations listed below:
Farmers’ Markets:
• SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown (Saturdays, 9am – 1pm, 422 Guadalupe St., 78701)
• SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley (Saturdays, 9am – 1pm, 3200 Jones Rd., 78745) 2
• Texas Farmers Market at Mueller (Sundays, 10am – 2pm, 2006 Philomena St., 78723)
• Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline (Saturdays, 9am – 1pm, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., 78613)
• Chaparral Crossing Farmers Market (First Sunday every month, 10am – 1pm, 4601 Senda Ln., 78725

Mobile Markets:
• Fresh for Less Market People’s Community Clinic (Thursdays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm, 1101 Camino La Costa, 78752)
• Fresh for Less Market Sierra Vista Apartments (Wednesdays, 4pm – 6pm, 4320 S. Congress Ave., 78745)
• Fresh for Less Market Southeast Health and Wellness Center (Thursdays, 10am – 12pm, 1901 Montopolis Dr., 7874)
Access to nutritious, affordable food is a fundamental right that should be available to all. However, many families in our community currently face barriers to obtaining this basic necessity. In Austin alone, 14.4% of individuals experience food insecurity. While financial constraints are often considered the primary obstacle to food access, it’s also crucial to address the availability and distribution of food. The use of WIC Vouchers at local markets not only benefits families but also supports our local farmers, contributing to a healthier and more nourished future for our entire community.

For more information, including additional participating locations, hours, and eligibility requirements, please contact SFC’s bilingual (ENG/SPAN) Help Desk at 512-730-1807 Monday – Saturday 9 AM – 12 PM. SFC encourages all eligible participants in Central Texas to take advantage of this opportunity to access fresh, nutritious foods while supporting local farmers and growers.

Join us in providing nutritious food for all and supporting local farmers. Visit sustainablefoodcenter.org/food-access/wic-voucher-program for more information

This spring, Dell Children’s Medical Center has doubled the size of its cardiac critical care unit in response to the growing demand for complex pediatric heart care. The unit has increased from 24 beds to 48, illustrating Dell Children’s commitment to providing top-notch care for a broader patient population. Six of the new beds will be dedicated to heart transplants, as Dell Children’s is the only pediatric heart transplant program in Central Texas.

Dell Children’s has become a beacon of hope for families grappling with complex heart conditions, attracting patients not just from across Texas but also from 48 states in the U.S. as well as Europe, South America and Africa. The strategic vision of Dr. Charles D. Fraser, Jr., an internationally recognized pediatric congenital heart surgeon and Executive Director of the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease, has led to the program’s rapid expansion, with 30 heart transplants performed, numerous medical milestones achieved and more than 2,000 heart operations at Dell Children’s in the last five years.

When we think of school subjects, most likely the core academic classes of math, language arts, science and social studies come to mind. Often, the fine arts – music, dance, theater and visual arts – are an afterthought. These special subjects, however, can have a profound impact on our children.

Unfortunately, according to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, fine arts classes appear to be more of an afterthought in funding as well. Texas ranked 47th in funding for the arts in its 2023 fiscal year budget, which equated to a per capita spending rate of just 34 cents.

Parents need to be educated about the benefits of an arts education so that we can protect current spending levels and, ideally, advocate for increased spending in these areas. We can also be creative about how we support the arts programs in our children’s schools, fundraising for materials and other needs and volunteering our time.

Some of the benefits our children receive from fine arts courses include:

Greater school engagement and performance. According to the Texas Cultural Trust, students enrolled in fine arts courses not only attend school more regularly (the equivalent of an extra week of school each year) but those who complete more fine arts classes have up to 15% higher passing rates on standardized tests than students with fewer fine arts classes.

Improved mental and emotional well-being. The arts provide an outlet for students to express their emotions and present an opportunity to shift into mindfulness in what can otherwise be a stressful day. It is a time in the day when students can relax and have fun, without worrying so much about a grade or getting the final product “right.” Participating in the arts can reduce anxiety and improve mood, allowing students to return to their academic classes more centered and ready to learn.

Social and emotional learning opportunities. Classes that focus on collaboration, such as music and theater, provide a natural way to work on communication with peers. According to a study conducted by the John F. Kennedy Center’s Changing Education Through the Arts Program, teachers who provided their students with consistent access to the arts reported a “more positive and cohesive” learning environment, owing to improved peer collaboration and better social skills in the classroom.

Heightened creativity. Academic subjects often require students to deal primarily with facts. The arts certainly do include facts, such as how to measure time in music or the dates of various periods in art history, but they are also rich with opportunities for creative expression that can be lacking in academic subjects, particularly in upper-grade levels. These classes can be a welcome reprieve for students, especially those who love flexing their creative muscles.

Improved focus and attention. Whether it is working on memorizing lines for a play or carefully mixing paint colors to achieve the desired result, the arts require students to focus and attend to what they are learning in a way that traditional academic classes may not. Because students are taking an active role in the learning process, they are less able to “zone out” and, as a result, they strengthen their abilities to attend and focus on the work at hand. These skills can often translate into other classes and to home life.

Inherent differentiation. There is one answer to a math problem and only one date that the Constitution was signed. There are, however, seemingly endless ways to draw a still life, perform a theater piece or use your voice in song. For those students who are not traditional learners, the arts offer a place to participate in the way that works best for them and best expresses their ideas.

Improved self-confidence. True self-confidence comes from accepting new challenges and developing new skills that one can reflect on with pride. The arts offer myriad opportunities for students to push themselves and take pleasure in their new abilities and accomplishments.

Cultural exposure and awareness. The arts often highlight different cultural traditions. Learning about various cultures helps students to better understand and appreciate others’ cultures and, by extension, fosters a sense of empathy and respect for differences.

Career preparation. Fine arts education teaches skills that will be valuable to students when they are ready to join the workforce. Collaboration, communication, problem-solving, perseverance, focus, creativity and innovation are all skills that are desired by hiring managers in a wide range of fields.

It was only when I started learning more about the profound impact that the arts have on our children that I began to truly appreciate just how important, and necessary, these classes truly are. They are more than just a break from learning, they provide incredible learning opportunities themselves. We must challenge ourselves to stay aware of and engaged in how the arts are funded in our children’s schools. All children deserve the richness of a fine arts education.

Alison Bogle is a writer living in Austin with her husband and three children. A former fourth grade teacher, she now enjoys writing about children and education. You can also catch her talking about articles from Austin Family magazine each Thursday morning on FOX 7 Austin.

Q  I’m a single mother. My daughter Vivian is a freshman in high school. She doesn’t want to go to school any more. She uses a lot of negative self-talk such as, “I’m stupid. I’m dumb. I just can’t do the school work.” She procrastinates doing schoolwork or doesn’t complete the work at all. I’m afraid she won’t pass this year’s classes.

As Vivian’s mother, I have to admit that I am a negative role model. I’m somewhat of a negative thinker myself. Recently, I heard about the power of positive thinking and wondered if that could help us. What can you suggest for my daughter and myself?

A  The mind is very powerful. Positive thinking can affect your physical and mental health in many beneficial ways. Without going into a lot of theory, here’s what I suggest for you and your daughter:

1. Start practicing positive affirmations so both you and your daughter can build confidence in yourselves. You can find positive affirmation podcasts and recordings on Spotify and YouTube or you can make them up yourselves. I suggest your daughter make a list of positive statements about herself. She can tape the list to her mirror so she will see it several times a day and begin to say these things to herself. You need to do the same thing. Examples of positive affirmations include: “I am smart enough to do the work I need to do.” Or, “I can ask for help when I need it.” She could change a thought of never doing anything right to “I will do my best.”

Your affirmations as a woman and a mother might include: “I’m a good mother. I love and accept myself today and every day.”

2. Surround yourselves with other positive people. Don’t hang out with negative people.
3. Practice being happy for other people’s success. Their successes need to help you feel motivated, not jealous.
4. Practice gratitude. Every day you and your daughter can each write down one thing or more that you are grateful for. Gratitude enhances our positive thinking.

With your daughter in danger of failing her classes this year, I suggest you make an appointment with her teachers to develop a plan so she will pass the school year. Regardless of her grades in school, creating new patterns of positive thinking with your daughter will no doubt have a beneficial impact on both of you.

Betty Richardson, PhD, RN, CS, LPC, LMFT, is an Austin-based psychotherapist.

Austin is bursting with people doing exciting work, and that includes moms who work hard to raise their kids. Every other month Austin Family features a short interview with an Austin mom doing the extraordinary work of parenting.

Austin, meet Michelle Kuhn.  

AF:  Tell our Austin Family readers a little bit about yourself.

Michelle: My husband and I are both from the Midwest. We moved to Austin right after we were married so that I could complete my PhD at The University of Texas. Like so many people do when they come to Austin, we just never left. Now we’ve lived here for 11 years and have three kids ages three, five and eight. I am co-founder of an autism care organization called, Galliant. I am also an adjunct professor at St. Edward’s University.

AF: What is some of the best parenting advice you’ve received?

Michelle: My older brother and his wife are empty-nesters and while visiting us here in Austin about a year ago, he saw how frustrated I was with the 25-minute process of getting my three small children into the car to go somewhere. He laughed and said, “Believe it or not, you will forget about this frustration.” I remind myself of that perspective now when things feel hard with our kids. These hard stages will pass.

AF: Who has been a role model for you as a mom?

Michelle: My mom always keeps family at the center of everything, and I think she’s done a good job of fostering that while navigating many different stages of life.

AF: The best thing about your kids at this stage?

Michelle: I love watching them develop relationships with each other. As they grow, they play and talk with each other in new ways. It’s fun to watch them grow up together. I also love to see when my kids master something academically. It’s so great to watch them feel proud of themselves for overcoming challenges.

AF: What’s one of the biggest challenges of parenting you didn’t expect?

Michelle: We don’t have extended family here in Austin, and I am the only driver in our family as my husband is visually impaired. I have had to learn how to ask for help from friends and neighbors. I am learning how to trust that people who say they want to help actually want to help.

AF: What are a few good things about raising kids in Austin?

Michelle: Compared to Chicago where I was raised? The weather in Austin! We can hike or bike or go to restaurants with playgrounds. The outdoor quality of life in Austin is the best.

AF: If you had known then what you know now, what would you have worried about less as you entered parenting?

Michelle: By my third child I realized that kids are more resilient than we give them credit for. The world is scary, but kids can be taught that they are resilient.

AF: What do you love these days about being a mom?

Michelle: This will sound cheesy, but I love it all. I love the daily stuff. My favorite times are on the weekends when they wake up sleepy and we all cuddle on the couch and watch TV together.

In a time when digital entertainment is ever-present, the idea of flying a kite can seem quaint. But the concept of flight is magical at any age. Follow these steps to create your very own kite and then head to your nearest park, field or even parking lot to put your new aircraft to the test.

Gather Materials:

• Large sheets of lightweight, strong paper or fabric (ideas include gift-wrapping paper, tissue paper, newspaper, nylon, plastic sheets, cellophane or even kite paper)
• Wooden dowels or lightweight rods for the frame. Repurposing wire coat hangers can also work.
• String or kite line
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Optional: markers, paints or other decorative materials.

Design Your Kite:

• Decide on the size and shape of your kite. Traditional diamond shapes are popular, but feel free to get creative.
• Use the ruler and pencil to outline your design on the paper. Make sure to leave extra space around the edges for folding and attaching the frame.

Construct the Frame:

• Cut the wooden dowels or rods to the appropriate lengths for your kite design.
• Lay out the frame on top of the paper outline and trim the paper to fit, leaving a border of about 1 inch around the edges.
• Use glue or tape to attach the frame to the paper, folding the edges over the dowels and securing them in place.

Attach the Bridle and Tail:

• Cut a length of string slightly longer than the width of your kite.
• Tie one end of the string to the two top corners of the kite frame to create the bridle.
• Attach a longer piece of string to the bottom corner of the kite to serve as the tail. This will help stabilize the kite in flight.

The Extend-A-Care YMCA provides safe, enriching and educational programs for children at seven area preschools and more than 60 area elementary schools. For more information about Extend-A-Care YMCA programs visit www.eacymca.org.

Spring in Central Texas is arguably the most beautiful time of year thanks to an abundance of our state flower, the beautiful bluebonnet. If you’ve ever wondered why you see so many wildflowers along the highways every spring, you can thank the Texas Department of Transportation’s wildflower program which sows 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds each year. While the wildflowers are beautiful, they also serve an environmental purpose as well. Planting native flowers and grasses gives pollinators and wildlife a natural habitat to enjoy that controls erosion and saves water.

The bluebonnet is the official state flower of Texas, and despite its name, it is not always blue. What we think of as the bluebonnet is made up of a few different species of Lupinus and comes in several colors in addition to the classic blue, including white, maroon and pink. Wildflower season typically starts in late March and can last as late as May. Wet, dry, hot and cold weather can all affect when we start to see the beautiful buds, but April is typically the best month for bluebonnets. If you’re looking to celebrate our state flower, check out these four family-friendly spots in and around Austin.

1. Burnet Bluebonnet Festival: April 12-14

Burnet, a small town about an hour northwest of Austin, hosts one of the biggest bluebonnet festivals in the state during the second week of April. This year’s festival is full of fun events for all ages. Participate in a 5K or 10K race, watch the parade or the wiener dog race, eat at the food court and even listen to live music. Burnet is close enough for a day excursion, but if you want to make a getaway weekend out of it, Burnet has several nice options for lodging. In addition to hotels and motels, Burnet has plenty of charming bed-and-breakfasts and cabins to rent. Inks Lake State Park is a short 20-minute drive if you and your family want to camp among the flowers. Whether you choose to visit for the day or plan a weekend getaway it is well worth the drive to celebrate bluebonnets in Burnet. Make sure to stop at one of the many roadside bluebonnet fields for family pictures on the way.

2. Fredericksburg Bluebonnet Festival: April 20th

Another festival located a short drive from Austin is the Fredericksburg Bluebonnet Festival hosted at Grapetown Vineyard and Farm. This one-day festival takes place on Saturday, April 20th, and includes lots of fun activities for adults and kids. This year you can find wine tasting, a vendor’s market and baby goats! Grapetown Vineyard and Farm is not only a working farm but also an animal sanctuary. You can purchase additional tickets for a safari tour where you’ll see exotic animals like camels, zebras and kangaroos. After your safari tour, kick back and enjoy live music while your kids play in the recreational area. You can learn more about the festival at www.thebestoftexas.org and purchase tickets in advance through Eventbrite.

3. Wildseed Farms Wildflower Celebration: March-April

Wildseed Farms is a Fredericksburg wildflower farm, store, deli and vineyard grown out of a love and appreciation for wildflowers. Owners John and Marilyn Thomas are lifelong farmers and entrepreneurs who set up an oasis for nature lovers on their 217-acre property. Visit any time during March or April to experience their Wildflower Celebration where you can stroll through the butterfly garden or visit the half mile of walking trails. After you see the landscape, pick up a bluebonnet-themed souvenir in the gift shop or visit the seed shop and lantana nursery to peruse the selection of seed mixes, in-season plants and garden decor. Your family will find everything you need to start your own backyard wildflower garden. Finally, visit the Bluebonnet Biergarten to grab a snack and take home a jar of jam. Don’t forget to try the famous peach soft serve ice cream.

4. 
   Wildflower Center Bi-Monthly Sprouts Program: April 10th and 24th

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of the best places in Austin to be immersed in the native landscape. The Wildflower Center hosts a bi-monthly program called Sprouts especially for three-to five-year-olds. Trained guides lead their groups on a nature walk with sensory activities and stories. The theme of the program changes each season so your kids can always learn and experience something new. The program’s April dates will be the perfect time to spot bluebonnets and learn about them and other native plants. While the official start time is 10 am, the Wildflower Center recommends arriving early to get a spot as there is limited capacity. General admission is required for adults and children over four, but there is no additional ticket required for Sprouts.

Catherine Michalk is a native Austinite, writer and mom of three. You can follow her family’s adventures at www.catherinemichalk.com

Living in one of the fittest cities in the world, Austinites are surrounded by runners, especially during the spring and fall when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and races are happening almost every weekend. But how does someone who is new to running get started and stick with it?

Follow these ten tips to get motivated, keep moving, get stronger, run faster, and maybe even make running a family affair.

1. 
   Schedule it – Most runners would agree that getting out the door is the hardest part. Make a plan, put it on the calendar, and stick with it. Not feeling it one day? Commit to five minutes and then reassess. You may surprise yourself and enjoy the time outside. If not, try again the next day.
2. 
   Set realistic goals – Running is fun, but maybe not at first, especially if you start too hard. Start with a run/walk regimen as you build a base and work up to consistent running. Plan for training to take at least a month for shorter races and up to three or four months for longer races such as half or full marathons.
3. Speaking of races…sign up for one – What is more motivating than knowing you HAVE to perform? Registering for a race might sound intimidating, but races are fun, and more often than not, the only person who cares about your time is you. The crowd support and adrenaline rush that come with racing makes running even more satisfying and most participants catch the ‘race fever’ and will sign up for another race.
4. Slow and steady wins the race– For real! If you want to make it to the finish line uninjured, be conservative with how much you increase your weekly mileage. Aim for adding just 10% to 15% to your total mileage each week until you reach your peak mileage goal.
5. Consistency is KEY when it comes to running – One day you might feel like Forest Gump and the next you might feel sluggish and ready to quit. Challenge yourself to get out there for a few minutes on the days you plan to run. Consistency is simply showing up.
6. Dial in your nutrition – Nutrition before, during and after running can impact performance and how you feel. Aim to consume 20 to 30 grams of low-fiber carbohydrates shortly before the run. Bananas, graham crackers and apple sauce pouches are all great pre-run fuel options. For runs longer than an hour, take fluid and carbohydrates on the run. To get the best recovery for your muscles, take in a combination of protein and carbohydrates within thirty minutes of completing your run.
7. Incorporate Variety within Running – Believe it or not, running is more than the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other. Variety in training makes for faster, stronger athletes with fewer injuries.
   Each week, try to do one run that includes speed, one with hills and one long run. Any additional runs should be done at an easy pace.
8. Don’t just run – Strength training and cross training are perfect complements to running. This can be in the form of weightlifting, yoga, pilates or other types of endurance cross-training such as swimming or biking. Taking a full rest day every seven to ten days is also good for muscle repair and recovery.
9. Have fun – Even if you start running primarily to get in shape, you will be more likely to stick with it if you are having fun. Change things up to keep it exciting – try some road races, trail races or running with a friend.
10. Gear – Although fancy racing shoes may not be necessary to start running, it is a good idea to invest in some decent running shoes to help prevent injury as your mileage increases. Visit any local running shoe store and ask for help with picking out the best shoe for you.

Hopefully, these tips help give you perspective and provide guidance to get you out the door and excited about a new endeavor. Remember to give yourself grace. Every run is not going to feel amazing, but it’s all worth it for the ones that do.

Margaret Low is a registered dietitian nutritionist who lives in Austin, TX with her husband and four children. She works with families, parents and athletes on how to fuel well and feel better. 

Austin, TX – (Mar. 14, 2024) The Statesman Cap10K is pleased to announce that OOFOS, the global leader in Active Recovery footwear, has been named a premier sponsor of the 2024 Cap10K race. As the Official Recovery Footwear partner, OOFOS will support runners pre- and post-race to make sure everyone “Feels the OO” during the iconic race weekend.

OOFOS will be on site starting with the Cap10K Health and Fitness Expo, add in some surprises along the race route and greet runners as they crush the largest 10K in Texas with the exciting OOFOS Finish Line Festival. In addition to music, food, photo opportunities and more, all finishers will have the chance to “unlock” recovery and win prizes with their bib at a giant OOFOS art installation. Racers can also feel rejuvenated and kick off their recovery by checking out OOFOS’ revolutionary OOfoam™ technology and relaxing in the OOFOS recovery zone.

“We are delighted to welcome OOFOS as a strategic partner for the 2024 Statesman Cap10K,” said Jeff Simecek, Statesman Cap10K race director. “OOFOS is renowned for its innovative recovery footwear and is committed to athlete recovery and well-being. This aligns seamlessly with our strategic mission to provide a perfectly executed event that focuses on the overall health and well-being of our participants. This partnership, with local ties to the OOFOS brand, will add to the unique flavor that the Cap10K offers to all participants on race weekend.”

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Statesman Cap10K, as our brand has many roots in Austin,” said Darren Brown, Head of Marketing at OOFOS and 2009 race champion. “At OOFOS, our mission is to make you feel better and we are excited to do just that while we celebrate each finisher’s accomplishment at an unforgettable Finish Line Festival.”

The Cap10K, presented by Baylor Scott & White Health, was named the “#1 10K to run in 2024” by Half-Marathons.net and was the winner of Austin Fit Magazine’s 2023 “Best Race/Run.  It is the largest 10K in Texas.  General race information is available at Cap10K.com.

About USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures:

USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures creates impactful consumer engagements and experiences through world-class events, promotions, races and technology. We strive to exceed expectations, create unforgettable memories and drive value for our partners while leveraging our reputable institutions, including USA TODAY and more than 250 local media brands.

Our portfolio includes the largest high school sports recognition program in the country, USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, and other celebrated brands including the Official Community’s Choice Awards, American Influencer Awards, Hot Chocolate 15k/5k, Blockbuster Bucket List sweepstakes, Amazing Teachers contest, and more. Our events are managed with our proprietary ticketing and registration platform, EnMotive.

The events and promotions that we build inspire pride in local communities and connect local and national businesses with highly engaged audiences. We are an industry leader and drive results from coast to coast.

About OOFOS

OOFOS is the global leader in recovery footwear, founded by a team of industry veterans looking to help runners and fitness enthusiasts recover better from their workouts. Made with revolutionary OOfoam™ technology, OOFOS are designed to absorb 37% more impact than traditional footwear. They reduce stress on joints to keep anyone, of any activity level, feeling their best. From professional athletes to casual walkers, OOFOS footwear will make your hard-working feet and body feel better – all you have to do is feel the OO. For more information, go to www.oofos.com.