In the charming state of Virginia, tucked between the grand Blue Ridge Mountains and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, a peculiar little bunch of children known as the Green Thumb Goblins were causing quite the stir. These kids were not your ordinary play-in-the-mud-and-eat-ice-cream-for-breakfast kind of kids. No, they were on a mission, a mission to turn every inch of Virginia into a blooming paradise! Each Green Thumb Goblin had a special gardening power, thanks to their magical gardening gloves. Little Benny could make the tallest sunflower in a minute, Suzie could create a rainbow of pansies with a simple wave of her hand, and Tommy, oh Tommy, he could grow a pumpkin the size of a car! The leader of the Goblin gang was Granny Gerty, a sweet old lady with twinkling eyes and a laugh that could scare away the hungriest of rabbits and the cheekiest of squirrels. Every day, they would dash out of their homes in towns like Richmond, Virginia Beach, and even the small town of Abingdon, to work their magic on gardens, parks, and any small patch of land they could find. As they worked, they would laugh, sing, and sometimes, they would even break into an impromptu mud fight, because, well, they were kids after all! Their passion for everything green and blooming was infectious. Before long, Virginia was sparkling with beautiful flowers and lush greenery. The Green Thumb Goblins had transformed the Old Dominion into the Bloom-inion, a paradise for everyone who loved nature. They reminded everyone that with a little bit of magic and a whole lot of love, even the tiniest seed could turn into the tallest tree.
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Chi-Slam Table Tennis Club (Age 6–Adult) is Chicago’s premier table tennis destination, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners just getting started to advanced competitors. Founded in 2003 and located at 2412 W. North Ave, Chi-Slam offers everything a table tennis enthusiast could want: one-on-one and youth lessons, open play sessions, league play, table rentals, and even pro shop selections like Butterfly equipment. Lessons are tailored by Coach Ardy, who brings over 20 years of experience and a passion for teaching that not only builds skill but also fosters confidence, coordination, and competitive spirit. Whether you’re looking for a fun after-school activity or serious training for tournaments, Chi-Slam delivers a community-oriented, energetic environment that makes every swing count.
And now, with the opening of our Ballston center, families have access to the same innovative, high-quality childcare and early education our company has been trusted for over 30 years. The Bright Horizons Ballston center offers full-day, full-year care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Our creative and caring teachers provide the very best early education and nurturing environment, helping to ensure your child's development and success. Plus, families can take advantage of our convenient on-site amenities, such as our clean and modern playground and our spacious and welcoming classrooms. Our commitment to providing the best childcare and early education extends beyond the walls of our Ballston center. Bright Horizons also offers solutions for employers, such as back-up care and eldercare, as well as employee benefits like college savings plans and tuition discounts. With more than 30 years of experience, we remain a trusted partner for families and employers.