As we face the ongoing devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, our hearts are with the families, individuals, and communities in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. We are deeply saddened by the loss and destruction, but we know the spirit of resilience that runs strong through Appalachia.
Appalachian Promise Alliance Resources for helping
Helping Children and Ourselves During a Natural Disaster:
Parenting – What to watch for and how to help
After a Hurricane What You Can Do to Help Your Family
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
Young Children, Trauma, and Sleep
After a Disaster – Helping Young Children Heal
We share our community’s activities knowing how hard our community works on these events and programs and that helping our children experience some normalcy in trying times is important. Given the strain on our local resources, we do recommend checking to verify dates, times and locations and any last minute changes or cancellations.
PARENTING SWEET OCTOBER 2024
Welcome to Parenting Sweet! Parenting Sweet is a resource for parents and caregivers, featuring all the great opportunities in our region that make parenting sweet!
This issue features events and activities that help your child, and you, make friends! Find tips on helping children form healthy friendships, fall activities for the whole family, trunk-or-treats and trick-or-treats, fall break programs, local events, upcoming parenting education opportunities throughout the region, and more!
OCTOBER FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
Kids Need Friends Not Followers
Children Not Making Friends?
Child Friendship Poll
FAMILY FUN:
Bristol Halloween Parade
Scarecrow Skedaddle
Harvest Fest
Wildlife Weekend at Steele Creek
Chalk Art Contest
Stories from the Pumpkin Patch
Family Playtime
Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf
Toddler Tuesdays
Building with the Lions
Charades & Charcuterie
Holiday Ballet & Dance
Drug-Free Halloween Party
Zombie Car Wash Fundraiser
TRUNK-OR-TREATS &
TRICK-OR-TREATS:
BVPD Trunk or Treat
Addilynn Memorial UMC
Trunk-or-Treat Cruise-In
Not-So-Scary
Central Presbyterian Church
We Rock the Spectrum
PEAK – Kingsport
PARENTING CLASSES / SUPPORT:
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Guiding Good Choices
Attached at the Heart Conversations
Prenatal Classes
Prenatal Support Group
Ahh Babies
Postpartum Recovery Fitness
Hope Center
YWCA Childcare Openings
Children’s Health Open House
Strengthening Families
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
MOPS
Dad Support Group
Project Dads
YWCA Family Network
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Is MOM OK?
Find Community
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
FOR GRANDPARENTS:
Grand Connections
Grandfamilies Program
FOR TEENS:
Moms-R-Us Support Group
Fun & Games for Teens
Tuning in to Teens
CLASSES FOR KIDS:
Bristol Ballet
Kids In Motion
Fall Enrichment Camp
Low-Cost Music Lessons
READING & STORYTIMES:
Bristol Public Library Storytime
Library Book Sale
Museum Storytime
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
Storytime at the Park
Free Reading Resources
ABOUT US:
5 Promises
Parenting Program Catalog
Volunteer!
Parent Educator Network
Babywearing Library
Contact Us!
Appalachian Promise Alliance is Making Parenting Sweet!
We have tips, information, practices, and parenting classes, sessions, workshops, support groups, seasoned educators, and friendships that can help lighten some of your load and make parenting easier. Wish you had an extra hand? A little help? A hack that makes things a little easier? Wondering if doing something different would help? Check out the Parenting Educator Network opportunities below in the highlights.
Monthly Fun Poll: What fall activities does your family enjoy?
Looking for information or support?
Appalachian Promise Parenting Education Network Programs Find a program that fits your needs! Click to search for free or low cost, morning or evening, online or in-person, first-time or veteran parent/caregiver, and more
Visit www.AppalachianPromise.org to learn more about: The Parenting Education Network, Bristol Family Resource Center, YWCA MOMS R US, Mom Power, Hope House, Frontier Health, Highlands Community Services, Breastfeeding Essentials, Ahh Babies – Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies – La Leche League Breastfeeding Support, Cherished Mom, Attached at the Heart Classes, Twin City Reads, Buckle Up for Life, Doula by Donation, Sullivan County Family Services, Parenting Sweet, Tricities Parenting, Tricities Babywearing, High Country Doulas, ETSU Family Physicians, Bethany Services, TriCities Babywearing TN, Sullivan County Health Department, Strong Starts, TN Voices, and more.
Friends, Not Followers
Teaching Our Teens to Build Real Relationships in a Digital World
Article by Dr. Stacy Jagger at www.drsassy.com.
Do you remember that childhood friend from way back? You know, the one who knew you in your awkward teen phase? The one who is in all your best memories of growing up, and maybe the one who stood up for you at your wedding? You probably saw some dark times together too: arguments, drifting apart, reconnecting, losses, disappointments, and coming full circle to experience the awkward phase of adulthood. Can you imagine if those pure memories of messy life, belly laughing, and connection were replaced with Snapchats and a few “likes” on your weekend posts—posts that said nothing about how you were really doing that day?
Authentic friendships not only allow us to be known, but they also teach us how to resolve conflict, try out new aspects of our personalities, see parts of us that need healing and growth, support others, and be supported when we need it. Authentic connection is where we live in the joy and freedom of friendship. It’s also where teens develop who they are and how they show up in the world.
Not to be an alarmist, but our children and teens face many hurdles to building the kinds of authentic relationships that were so natural for us to build. Our increasingly technological, introverted, and isolated culture will steal authentic relationships from all of us, and especially our developing young ones, if we are not intentional. We must tether ourselves to what is real and choose connection over being plugged in. We must teach our children how to use technology as a tool in their lives, not something around which their lives are built, especially when it comes to relationships. This is not always easy, but together we can do it.
Here are a few strategies that can help:
Remember playdates?
As parents, we can’t say yes to every invitation, but making in-person interactions a priority will give more opportunities for authentic relationships to be built. If you notice your teen comes home from school and goes straight to their device, it may be time to invite some friends over or say yes to that pizza party they were asking about.
Pre-emptive strike.
Teach your kids authentic conflict resolution before they work it out on the social media stage. When you hear frustrations coming out of your teen, ask them what they could do to handle their frustration in a way that is productive for them and the other person. You’d be surprised what a teaching moment this can be. Don’t feel bad if you need to brush up on your own conflict resolution skills. This is something our trained therapists help parents and kids with all the time!
Don’t count your followers; count the number of people you go to on a hard day.
If we are consumed with our online presence, we can be tempted to believe we are popular and connected, or like we belong. It is a warm feeling whether you are a kid or not. That feeling quickly fades away when we realize we’ve spent so much time building an online persona that it would be greatly compromised if we opened up to someone about our struggles. Even when we know we need support, we may feel we can’t let anyone know the messy parts of us—the parts that don’t get posted with that golden hour Instagram filter. This is another danger zone for our teens. Encourage them to take stock of their friendships. Do they have friends they would share their hard days with?
Follow their lead.
Foster your kids’ interests and teach them to choose friendships with those who are engaged in living more than social media drama. Kids who don’t have activities and interests are easy targets for teen drama, social media style. With cyberbullying and exposure to pornography at younger and younger ages, this can be a danger zone. Friendships with common interests tend to be the strongest. Think soccer, music, theater, youth groups, etc. Find out what they love, and also teach them to try new things. They may not know what they love yet.
Be their first authentic relationship.
Kids and teens learn how to interact with others based on the relationships they have with their closest adults. Model for them what it is to be connected and truly invested. Be their best example of being truly heard, encouraged, playful, honest, and unconditionally loved. When relational authenticity is their norm, online followers and shallow interactions will pale in comparison.
Stay connected. Friends over followers, always!
Article shared with permission from Dr. Stacy Jagger
Children Not Making Friends?
“In the bustling playground of childhood, friendships are often taken for granted — with kids easily bonding while sharing a swing or trading snacks at lunchtime. For many kids, however, the art of making friends isn’t as simple as it seems.”
Read more about barriers and ways to help your children make friends.
Parent’s Role in Child Friendships
Facilitating friendships: Parents’ roleSeptember 16, 2024 | Volume 46 , Issue 1FRIENDSHIP POLL:
“Friendship is an important part of childhood. Having and being a friend helps children develop social skills and enhances their self-esteem. Having friends at school makes the school day more enjoyable and has been linked to improved school performance. However, in this Mott Poll, 1 in 5 parents reported that their child has no friends or has not enough friends; these children may feel isolated and lonely which impacts their quality of life and mental health.”
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Saturdays!
PLAYtime in the ARTspace is for littles and those who love them. A just right-sized show with Ms. Camille, yummy bagels (and coffee) from Bristol Bagel and Bakery, friendships formed, and great resources from the Parenting Sweet – Saturdays at 10:00 am at the ARTspace, 506 State Street, Bristol, TN.
Practice your ABCs or Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and take a bow on the stage!
Learn more and get tickets at TheatreBristol.org.
Free admission for Attached at the Heart attendees!
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Make parenting more enjoyable and build parenting skills and support with the Attached at the Heart Parenting Program (AHPP)! Choose from weekly sessions held online on Mondays at 7:30 PM or monthly sessions held online and in-person on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM.
Join weekly or just your session of choice!
Learn more and register at ParentingSweet.org.
Guiding Good Choices
Guiding Good Choices teaches parents how to:
- Strengthen family bonds and enjoy quality time together
- Incorporate family meetings and fun activities
- Equip children to resist peer pressure and say no to drugs
- Set family guidelines
- Manage anger and family conflicts.
If you are interested in this free five-session weekly program, visit ParentingSweet.org to learn more or register.
MOMS-R-US
What a great opportunity for expecting Teen Parents ages 19 and younger!
Thursdays, beginning September 26th from 3:30 PM- 5:30 PM! Come join us at Indian Path Community Hospital for Prepared Childbirth Classes!
Call (423)968-9444 to register or visit ywcatnva.org/moms
Family Playtime
This program is focused on providing developmentally appropriate activities for families to do with their child(ren). It is a space where parents can gain support from the Strong Starts team or peers while children explore and play.
Visit the Optional Registration page to learn about the various dates and locations around the region.
Free book provided to each family (while supplies last).
Story Time and Attached at the Heart Conversations
This is a judgment-free zone to share stories, ask questions, and gain confidence on your parenting journey. It is also a great place to volunteer and encourage and support other parents.
Join us after the Tuesday 10:00 am Story Time at the Bristol Public Library!
Museum Story Time
Join the folks at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum for a music- or Appalachia-related storybook, a tune or two by WBCM Radio Bristol show host and musician Ella Patrick, and a related activity or coloring sheet.
Aimed at toddler-age children and their grown-ups, they gather at 10:30am on the first Friday of each month .
This program is free and open to the public. You can find each month’s book on the museum’s Events pages.
Arts in the Natural World: Wildlife Weekend at Steele Creek Park
October 11 & 12, 2024
This two day event is full of interactive & educational activities for the whole family! As a special treat for young nature lovers, Chippy, the Steele Creek Park mascot, will make an appearance at various activities throughout the day on Saturday! See the schedule here.
ETSU Fall Enrichment Camp!
Dates: October 7th – 11th K – 5th Grade
This fall, our Enrichment Camp offers an exciting, hands-on learning experience to complement your child’s school curriculum. In celebration of Earth Sciences Week, students will engage in activities centered around geology, environmental science, and sustainability, alongside our core STREAM subjects—Science, Technology, Recreation/Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math. Through creative and interactive projects, we’ll explore Earth sciences while fostering curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for discovery in a fun and educational environment!
League of Ordinary Gentlemen: Dad Support Group
On Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Carter County Drug Prevention holds a Dad support group. Find them at 328 East Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN. For more information, please contact Dustin Leilich at 423-297-1335.
Appalachian Sustainable Development HarvestFest
Appalachian Sustainable Development is hosting its first annual HarvestFest on Saturday, October 21. Admission to the festival is FREE! There will be food trucks, a vendor market, lots of kid activities, a plant sale, live music, and a RAFFLE with some really amazing prizes. This event is generously sponsored by Blue Mountain Therapy and State Farm Insurance-Agent Jamie Barger.
Be a Parenting Volunteer
The Appalachian Promise Alliance’s Parenting Network meets the third Thursday of each month at noon and works to support parenting education in our community by sharing efforts, communicating the value and importance of parenting education, and learning more about how we can better serve families. If you are interested in helping teach classes, mentor parents, or have parenting educator updates to share, please contact us at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org!
Learn more about the Parenting Educator Network on Appalachian Promise Alliance’s website.
Theatre Bristol: Charades & Charcuterie
Join us for an evening of fun, laughter, delicious food, and Halloween at Charades & Charcuterie: Spooky, Scary Skeletons!! This in-person event will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 9:00 PM. We can’t wait to see you at 506 State Street, Bristol, TN 37620.
Get ready to showcase your acting skills in a lively game of charades while indulging in a mouthwatering spread of charcuterie – a delightful assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. Make sure to wear your Halloween costume! RSVP required.
Babywearing Library and Coaching
The Parenting Sweet has a variety of wraps, slings, buckle carriers, and more for parents’ convenience! Come in to try out different styles and learn the best fit for you and your baby.
Contact us at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org to learn more!
Kids In Motion Exercise Program
The City of Bristol, TN, Department of Parks & Recreation is proud to present Kids in Motion, an 8-week series designed to get kids moving and having fun! The class is for kids between the ages of 6 and 13 and will be taught at Steele Creek Park each Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30, beginning October 8, 2024. Registration is now open and includes a $2 fee. For additional information, please contact Becky Olinger at bolinger@bristoltn.org or call the Department of Parks & Rec at (423) 764-4023.
Prenatal Classes
High Country Doulas is offering classes on Infant Feeding, Early Postpartum and Newborn Care, and Childbirth preparation classes in Kingsport and Johnson City!
Classes begin at $55 per couple, and can be offered privately for an additional fee.
Email info@HighCountryDoulas.com for more information.
Postpartum Recovery Fitness
Join this mommy and me series for postpartum women! Learn how to improve your posture, core and pelvic floor strength and recover well from pregnancy and child birth.
WHO: Postpartum women and (non-crawling) babies!
WHAT: 6 week series, meeting once per week for 75 mins.
WHEN: Thursday’s at 10:00 am, beginning October 10th
WHERE: We Rock The Spectrum – Bristol (1241 Volunteer Parkway)
Questions? Contact Mary Hobbs, PT, DPT at strongherphysio@gmail.com
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.
Theatre Bristol presents “Scrooge! The Musical”
November 22-24 and December 6-8, 2024.
“Scrooge! The Musical” presented by Theatre Bristol comes to the Paramount Bristol live on stage Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, November 22-24 and December 6-8, 2024.
Tickets are on sale on Paramount Bristol’s website and make the perfect gift of time together!
Tuning in to Teens
Would you like guidance on how to help your teen cope with big emotions and reduce conflict? This free parenting program led by Dr. Rachel Miller-Slough at ETSU was built for those in your position.
This free program is ideal for caregivers of children 10 to 17 years of age, and is held virtually via Zoom.
Contact Dr. Rachel Miller-Slough at slough@etsu.edu or 423-439-8307 to register or for more information.
Bristol Ballet: Register for Ballet Classes
Welcome to Bristol’s only non-profit dance school. Click here to register for classes, ages 12 months and up!
Established in 1948 by the late Constance Hardinge, Bristol Ballet’s mission is to educate students and the general public about dance as an art form through education about dance, including quality, technique, artistry, production, and awareness of other art forms.
Join us for our 2024-2025 season! Registration is on-going.
Grandfamilies Program
Sullivan County Cares Grandparents Education Program 2024 Grandfamilies Program meets monthly in Bluff City. Email Paige M. at Paige@GoodSamJC.org with any questions or how to attend.
Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum!
JAM Kids introduces music through small group instruction on acoustic instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as guitar, banjo, and fiddle.
Open to children grades 4-8 and beyond!
Where: The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
When: Weekly on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 11:30 AM. Running through November 16, 2024.
Cost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons
Registration is required to participate in this program.
Hope Center Parenting Classes
314 Tusculum Blvd., Greeneville, TN
The Hope Center is offering parenting classes for parents of babies and parents-to-be in March, May, August and November of 2024!
A crib and mattress / carseat will be given to those who complete all 5 class sessions.
Contact the Hope Center at 423-638-5433 or visit their website for more information.
Learn About Parenting and Find Community
Life is busy. Parenting keeps you even busier. As a parent, it can feel like your whole schedule revolves around your kids– it’s time to do something for yourself that will benefit the whole family.
Join us the first Tuesday of every month at the Bristol Public Library to chat, connect, rant, and find answers to parenting problems!
Children’s Health Open House
Autumn Open House (Let’s Talk Health for Children’s Health Month)
Event by Sullivan County Regional Health Department
154 Blountville Byp, Blountville, TN, United States, Tennessee 37617
Monday October 7, 2024
From 2 to 4pm
Fun – Games – Prizes – Diapers!
Project Dads
Project Dads is a comprehensive and innovative parenting class for fathers that utilize the 24/7 Dad curriculum developed by the parenting experts of the National Fatherhood Initiative. This program helps men develop the attitudes, knowledge and skills they need to get and stay involved with their children. Topics covered include discipline, working with mom and co-parenting, showing and handling feelings, masculinity, dealing with anger, improving communication skills, stress, substance use, work and more.
Storytime at the Park
Wednesdays, 10:30AM – 11:00AM
Enjoy stories and songs in the great outdoors with a repeat of story time at Munchkin Park at 328 Clark Street in Abingdon, VA! Hosted by the Washington County Public Library System.
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies (Ahh Babies)
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies, or AHH Babies provides free breastfeeding information and encouragement. Three opportunities each month provide a variety of days and times to attend the series of meetings.
AHH Babies provides:
- Mother-to-Mother support
- Leaders accredited by La Leche League International
- Latest breastfeeding information
Virtual and in-person options help you get your questions answered and/or offer support to other parents. Visit AhhBabies.com/Meetings for meeting schedules!
Bristol Public Library Storytime
Enjoy storytime with your littles at one of the Bristol Public Library branches!
Main Branch:
Mondays – 11:30AM
Tuesdays – 10AM
Avoca Branch:
Wednesdays – 11:30AM
Prenatal Support Group
Focused on preparing for baby and ways to care for your health, self, finances, mind, safety, and baby. It is a space where expectant parents can gain support from our team, the community, and peers while they learn about preparing for their baby.
Free diapers for each pregnant individual (while supplies last)
At the end, Ballad Health will provide a gift card for completion of curriculum and attendance.
Registration encouraged but not required at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/niswonger-childrens-hospital-31133152145.
YWCA Childcare Openings
Limited spots available! We’re excited to announce that we now have openings for all preschool ages (6 weeks to 5 years) at our State Street childcare facility in Bristol, TN!
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (5 days per week, year round)
Call us at 423-968-9444 today!
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Growing Stronger Together is a weekly podcast for people who care about children and families developed by faculty at East Tennessee State University, including members of the ETSU Health Department of Pediatrics, the ETSU Center for Early Childhood Learning and Development, and the ETSU Child and Family Health Institute.
Avoca Library Book Sale
Do you like great deals on used books? Then you don’t want to miss the Avoca Branch Library Friends of the Library Book Sale!
Stop by October 10 & October 11, 2024 from 10 AM to 5PM, or October 12, 2024 from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Books and other items will be available to purchase!
Bristol Halloween Parade & Festivities
Bristol continues its tradition of Halloween festivities this year on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Kicking off with Pumpkin Palooza at Downtown Center, children will be able to select and decorate free pumpkins beginning at 9am. Trick-or-Treating with Downtown Bristol businesses from 5pm-7pm will be followed by the 2nd annual parade. See the full schedule on Believe in Bristol’s website.
Are You a Grandparent?
INTRODUCING GRAND CONNECTIONS
Grandparent Workshop Series: Bristol’s Promise will be offering a workshop series just for grandparents of children ages birth to five! Why? We love our grandparents! Whether you are “sharing the care” or a custodial grandparent, we recognize the vital importance of grandparents. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about this program, please submit your information here. Questions? Email Samantha at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.
Use our Google Form to learn more or to be added to our interest list!
Fun & Games for Teens
Bristol Public Library Teen Space | Wednesdays from 3PM – 6PM
The BPL Teen Space hosts a weekly gaming club where teens and tweens are invited to hangout and use the library’s gaming console, board games, and LEGO collection! Other gaming clubs, board game tournaments, and arts & craft activities are offered throughout the month. Visit https://www.facebook.com/bplteenreaders for upcoming events.
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program is a family-focused parenting class for parents, grandparents and caregivers. The class includes highly interactive topics geared toward managing stress, improving communication skills, goal setting, solving problems as a family and discipline. The program utilizes role-plays, discussions and family projects along with providing developmentally appropriate examples for common problems from preschoolers to teens.
Bristol Virginia Police Department Trunk-or-Treat
The BVPD will be hosting a Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, October 31, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm in the back parking lot of the police department. Come out and share in the fun! Also, BVPD is are accepting candy donations for this event, at the Police Department, 551 Scott St., Monday-Friday, 8 am – 4 pm, or they can be given to police personnel anytime.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Sullivan County
The organization is looking for mentors age 23+ to volunteer 2-3 hours for 2-3 weekends a month as part of their Community-Based Program.
Big Brothers/Sisters can be 15+ years in age; the organization works with schools to allow meetings to occur during school hours.
Addilynn Memorial UMC
Trunk-or-Treat
October 2, 2024 from 5 to 8pm
3225 Avoca Rd, Bristol, TN 37620
Come and Join us!
The MomCo (Formerly MOPS)
MOPS is now “The Mom Community” – or MomCo for short. MomCo encourages and equips moms of young children.
A local chapter meets at Highlands Fellowship Abingdon Campus on the first Wednesday morning of each month at 9:30am.
Or, find a MomCo near you: https://www.themom.co/home
Free Reading Resources
Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Education to provide at-home reading resources for free to all Tennessee families of K–2 children to help young learners become stronger readers. Based on your child’s grade level, they will receive the At-Home Decodable Book Series, a collection of seven booklets containing 20+ exciting stories full of sounds and words to practice, and age-appropriate, high-quality Scholastic books. Click here to order your kit.
Mount Carmel Library Chalk Art Contest at Fall Festival
The Mount Carmel Library presents a Chalk Art Contest! Join in the fun on October 5, 2024 from 12pm to 3pm at the Mount Carmel Fall Festival. Visit the Fall Festival Event Page to learn about all the day’s festivities!
The Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf
Enjoy some family fun entertainment that showcases the unique places that make this area our home with discounted prices on Wednesdays!
Also, Thursdays from 10 AM to 3PM are Homeschool Days at $8 per homeschooled child.
Toddler Tuesday
Tuesdays at Little Bloom House | 9AM – 12PM
Bring your toddlers and let them dive into a world of excitement! Little Bloom House is offering a delightful time filled with fun designed just for them. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to explore, learn, and make new friends!
For this special event, admission is just $10.50 per child (plus tax)!
Southern Appalachian Dance Collective
Composer Sergei Prokofoiev’s beloved children’s symphony Peter and the Wolf will come to life on stage thanks to this beloved production choreographed by Will Smith. Students will love learning about music, dance and theater in this exciting, fun-filled production.
Every adaptation of The Nutcracker is the same, yet each Nutcracker is different from all others. Create a holiday tradition with Southern Appalachian Dance Center & Collective and enjoy A Taste of Sweets! Join Clara as she meets all the different characters in the Land of Sweets. Meet hot chocolate, candy canes, cream puffs, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and more in this holiday tradition that will get everyone into the Christmas spirit!
YWCA Family Network
On-site Family Navigators work closely with family members to ensure families are receiving the care, training, education, services, and financial assistance they need. As part of the program, you will be invited to participate in community events with your family. From family cookouts to karaoke, you’re sure to find something entire family will enjoy!
For more information or to join YWCA Family Network, please visit the website, email FamilyNetwork@YWCATNVA.org, or call (423) 968-9444.
Scarecrow Skedaddle & Shindig
Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network is excited to announce the return of the annual Scarecrow Skedaddle and Shindig! Having been postponed for the past two years, we are thrilled to gather again with our community and bring back this signature event. This event offers a 5k, 1 mile fun run and modified race. All ability levels are encouraged to join the fun! Following the races, please join us in King Commons Park for the Shindig! Kid-friendly vendors and photo opportunities will be provided. Costumes are encouraged!
Date: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024
Time: Modified race start 1:45 p.m. / 1 mile fun run 2:00 p.m. / 5k race start 2:30 p.m.
Location: King Commons Park
Cost: $10
Stories from the Pumpkin Patch – at Tipton Haynes State Historic Site
Saturday October 12, 2024 from 3 PM to 8 PM
Enjoy a family friendly evening with fun crafts and great stories. Halloween crafts for kids will be offered during daylight hours. Storytellers will be within the mid-1800s barn. Take a spooky hayride around the historic grounds. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children twelve and under. Tipton-Haynes members are free!
Building with the Lions
Families are invited to drop by the Johnson City Public Library’s Jones Meeting Center the second Saturday of every month between 10:30AM and 12PM for Building with the Lions. You can build creations using LEGO blocks and other construction materials. Your creations will be displayed in the Children’s Library. This program is facilitated by the Johnson City Lions Club. Upcoming dates include October 12, 2024 and November 9, 2024.
“Not-So-Scary” Trick-or-Treat
On October 27th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, bring the whole family to our Not So Scary Trick or Treat event! This fun-filled afternoon is perfect for kids of all ages who are looking for a spook-tacular time without the fright. Enjoy walking thru our Corn Maze with candy stations along the way (stroller accessible). And if you’re brave enough, you can walk our main trail, (it is not stroller accessible), find a variety of vendors, delicious food, a bouncy house, petting zoo and so much more!
Admission is minimum $10 per family, 20 pound bags of cat food or dog food, large kitty litter, cat treats, dog treats and cleaning supplies.
Pharoah’s Car Club Trunk or Treat & Cruise-In
Really cool cars and candy! Come on out to the Trunk-or-Treat Cruise-in, presented by Pharoahs Car Club of SWVA. Canned good donations for food pantry will be accepted at the event, and awards will be given for the best costumes and the best decorated vehicles!
Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Hardee’s, 1313 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN
Trunk-or-Treat at Central Presbyterian Church, Bristol, VA
Sunday October 27, 2024, from 3:30 PM to 5 PM.
Please join us in a safe, friendly environment for some trick or treating! The address is 331 Euclid Ave, Bristol, VA 24201.
Lady Jeep Warriors Presents: Rocking the Spectrum Trunk-Or-Treat
Saturday October 26, 2024 at 3PM
The Lady Jeep Warriors have chosen We Rock the Spectrum-Bristol to host their annual Trunk or Treat at 3:00pm!! Come let your kids go from JEEP to [awesomely decorated] JEEP and fill their bags with CANDY! We’ll have Halloween-Themed Activities and Sensory Bins, Face Painting, Costume Contests, Giveaways, Character Meet & Greets, and Open Play, too!!
*NOTE: The Trunk or Treat is *FREE but an Open Play Pass ($14/per child) must be purchased for each child wishing to enjoy face painting, costume contests, giveaways, Halloween activities & crafts, and the character meet & greets!
PEAK’S 3rd Annual Trunk-Or-Treat
Saturday October 26, 2024 from 12 to 2 PM
Section of Broad Street between West Center St and East Market St, Downtown Kingsport, TN
Carter County Drug Prevention Car Wash & Halloween Party
Elizabethton Carter County Public Library, 201 N Sycamore St, Elizabethton, TN, United States
Saturday October 26, 2024: Support the CCDP Youth Coalition’s Zombie Car Wash from 3 to 5pm, and stay for the Halloween Party from 6 to 9 pm! Wear your favorite costume, dance, play games, eat and enjoy an alcohol & drug free environment for all ages. Learn more at the CCDP Event page.
IS MOM OK?
Raise awareness about maternal mental health and suicide prevention. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes for mothers and families.
Cherished Mom works to transform the dialogue around Maternal Mental Health and is committed to ending the stigma associated with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and enhancing awareness.
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Meet other parents and caregivers, gain and give support and knowledge!
- Moms R Us support group & Friday sessions- FREE, IN PERSON
- Attached at the Heart Parenting Program – FREE, ONLINE, IN PERSON
- Strengthening Families open enrollment every Tuesday and Wednesday – FREE, IN PERSON
- Family Playtime being held in local libraries – FREE, IN PERSON
- Attached at the Heart Conversations after Storytime in the Bristol Public Library – FREE, IN PERSON
- Prenatal Support Groups at Ballad Health OB/GYN offices – FREE, IN PERSON
- AHH Babies breastfeeding support – FREE, IN PERSON, ONLINE
- Parenting Cafe – FREE, IN PERSON
Visit the Parenting Sweet Program Notion Catalog for Details and Registration or email Samantha@AppalachianPromise.org! Don’t see a class you need? Let us know!
Parenting Sweet is here to help make parenting sweet!
Parents get connected to support and information because learning about parenting and getting support does make a difference. If you would you like to continue receiving Parenting Sweet, you’ll need to be sure to sign up on the website. If you know a parent, caregiver, grandparent, or anyone who cares about children, share the sign-up link with them and help them find all that’s great for children and families in our community. Past issues and all the events are available anytime on the AppalachianPromise.org Blog.
Support for this program is provided by Ballad Population Health Community Health Initiative and Bristol Public Housing. Parenting Sweet Team: Samantha Gray, Becky Evenden, Brandi Peters, Samuel Jones, Emily Macbeth, Shandee Childress, Katherine Wilson-Thompson, Melissa Roberts, and Margaret Feierabend. Have information to share? Submit it to ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.
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