We have seen the community come together during this time, supporting each other in new, exciting ways. This month, businesses are slowly starting to open their doors again and welcome guests after a long period of staying at home. If you're still not quite ready to leave the safety of your home yet, that's okay! There are still plenty of opportunities for learning and fun from home.

Here are a few ideas to keep you busy.

Find Support

Need a little extra support these days? Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Coastal Virginia for online support groups and connect with other individuals who understand. Support groups include "Connections Support Group," "Family Support Group," "Connections Under 30," and "Art Wellness Socials." For more information, visit namicoastalvirginia.org or call 499-2041.

FantaSci 2020: Virtual Edition

The Chesapeake Public Library's annual FantaSci event goes virtual for the first time this year on July 25. Hop online for live demonstrations, panels, and activities all from home. Enjoy a conversation on Geek Parenting with Dr. John Baldari answering your questions. Learn about the ghosts and urban legends of Virginia with author Pamela K. Kinney. Panels will be posted to CPL's Facebook page throughout the day. Stay tuned for a full schedule before the event! www.facebook.com/chesapeakepubliclibrary.

Explore Books & More

The Virginia Beach Public Library will host several virtual events throughout July for all ages. Join in a Virtual Book Club, sharpen your skills, and more. Learn how to use Google Docs, connect with others, and catch family storytimes, too. Visit www.vbgov.com/library-events for a full listing of July digital events and registration information.

Connecting through Music

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra offers opportunities to connect online through the VSO Music Learning Lab and more via Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and on their website. The VSO's program "Heartstrings" has supported the community's at-risk youth and families since 2013, and continues to do so virtually during the pandemic. As the VSO relies on donations to fund these opportunities, your assistance is vital during this time. To learn how you can give the gift of music, call 757-213-1415, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Local History

Learn about the historic attractions in Smithfield and Isle of Wight county with virtual guided tours on Facebook Live and the "Ham Cam!" Catch museum presentations and tours about the Windsor Castle, Boykins Tavern and Ivy Hill Cemetery. Discover rare artifacts and enjoy a journey through history with photographs all from the comfort of home. For some extra fun, the Isle of Wight County Museum is also hosting weekly spelling bees on Facebook Live! Correct answers will be entered into a drawing for a weekly prize. Follow the links below to get started.

• HAM CAM: www.historicisleofwight.com/

• Museum's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/IOWMuseum/

Summer Gardening

Exercise your green thumb with some fun gardening tips from McDonald Garden Center via Facebook Live. On July 1, learn about keeping your garden properly watered. On July 8, discover the types of plants that are perfect for the shade. To tune in to each presentation, visit www.facebook.com/mcdonaldgardencenter on each specified day at 11 a.m. Happy gardening!

OVA Online

Explore art through Ocean View Arts' latest online workshops. Each Thursday through July 30, virtually visit different museums along with a special art appreciation slideshow. Morning and evening sessions are offered, so you can choose the best time for you! Register for these Zoom sessions by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 961-0808 for more information. See you there!

Writing Dialogue

Calling all writers! The Hampton Roads Writers are taking their Traveling Pen Writers Workshop online this month. The topic for July is "Writing Dialogue: Creating effective dialogue in order to bring your stories to life." Enhance your writing by letting your characters' voices shine through. Bring a pen and paper! To register, visit hamptonroadswriters.org/tps2020.php, or call 496-2174 for more information.

Civil War History

Itching to dive into some Civil War history? Join author and historian John V. Quarstein on Youtube Live to discuss significant events of the Civil War. On July 10, learn about the Battle of the Head of the Passes. On July 17, discuss the Capture of New Orleans. Come ready with questions for a live Q&A! Find the links to each lecture at www.marinersmuseum.org/event.

Don't Get Anxious

If the pandemic has affected you and your business, you're not alone. Join other professionals online every second Thursday for tech tips and networking opportunities. Share your questions and experiences, learn how to stay relevant during a difficult time, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected. Join in the discussion on July 9 at 7 p.m. at www.facebook.com/dontgetanxious/live.

Look for new virtual fun ideas every week on TW's Facebook page!

Stephanie Allen is the publisher's assistant for Tidewater Women & Tidewater Family. She is also a success coach helping creatives learn effective strategies for putting their work in front of others while making quality connections. Follow her on Facebook & Twitter for free tips and resources!