Families in need received gifts of clothing, toys and food thanks to the Newport News Family YMCA's tenth annual Angel Tree Giving Project. Thank you to members and staff who helped make dreams come true this Christmas holiday. 

The New Year is a time for new beginnings and for many to set goals that make them stronger in spirit, mind and body. For the Y - a leading nonprofit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility - one of the most important resolutions is to build or maintain family connectedness. Following are five things the Y recommends families do to be healthier and stronger throughout the year: 

1.    Eat Together - Sitting down for a meal together is a great time for parents to talk with their children, helping the family become more connected with one another. Set aside time for the family to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at least once a week or every day if scheduling permits.

2.    Volunteer - Giving back and supporting neighbors benefits everyone involved. It helps develop new relationships and teaches children and teens the value of helping others. Find an opportunity in your community that the entire family may enjoy, such as cleaning your neighborhood park or distributing food at a local food bank.  

3.    Learn Something New- Step out of your comfort zone, have fun and grow by exploring personal interests. Try something new together that you've always wanted to do, like pottery making or camping. 

4.    Start a New Tradition - Traditions are an excellent way to create activities that bring families together. Talk with each other to discover common interests and then create an activity everyone can participate in weekly, monthly or yearly.

5.    Be Active - It's important to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking places instead of driving improve your health and well-being. The Y offers many fun opportunities for families to be active together.

Experience the thrilll of man's first powered flight as Rainbow Puppet Production presents The Wright Brothers. "It's such a wonderful story with an important lesson even today," said show creator David Messick.  Orville and Wilbur were successful because they grew up in an environment that valued and encouraged reading and they had great faith in their own abilities.

We are telling this story with multiple puppet styles.  The show has been presented in Washington, D.C. for aviation museum directors from around the world.  So sit back, relax and enjoy the show.  When is it?

Friday, January 14th at 7:30 p.m. and admission is Free.