Fun Learning for Little Ones and a Big Honor for a Piano Teacher

Young kids in Rogers have a new way to learn and have fun at the same time. The Rogers Historical Museum and the Rogers Public Library are teaming up to offer "Museum and Me. " This is a free, hour-long program just for kids aged 3 to 5. It happens once a month at the museum. The goal is to spark interest in history, reading, and museums. Each month has a different theme. In January, kids learn about how people stay warm in winter. February is all about the Lunar New Year. March brings a focus on baseball and its history in Northwest Arkansas. April is about milk, the state beverage. May is all about trains and why they're important to Rogers. There's a limit of 30 kids per session. Parents can sign up their little ones at rogershistoricalmuseum. org/museum-and-me. This is a great way for kids to start learning about their community and the world around them. Meanwhile, a local piano teacher has received a big honor. Tomoko Kashiwagi, who teaches at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame. This award recognizes teachers who are passionate and committed to music education.Kashiwagi is not just a teacher. She is also the artistic director of the Ozark Music Initiative. This nonprofit group offers educational opportunities for young musicians. It also enriches the cultural life of Northwest Arkansas through performances. Kashiwagi is one of 66 teachers from the United States and Canada to receive this award. She was nominated by the Steinway Gallery in Fayetteville. To be eligible, teachers must have taught for over a decade and shown outstanding leadership in piano education. Kashiwagi has performed all over the world. She has been the official pianist for many competitions and festivals. This includes the Menuhin International Violin Competition in 2014 and the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference in 2019. This honor is a big deal. It shows the impact that dedicated teachers can have on their students and communities. It also highlights the importance of music education. Music can enrich lives and bring people together.