We offer classical education for children of all faiths from Pre-K through 12th Grade Celebrating 125 years Join us for our 25th annual Shamrock Hill Run on March 14!
88% of the Class of 2014 received college scholarship or grant monies totaling $3,928,788
It is time to celebrate with Growing Up In the Valley!!! We are throwing our 2nd Birthday Bash on February 21st at the Star City Skate Center. This event is a celebration of our magazine and the community that supports it and we want ALL of our readers to come out and join us!
Last year, over 700 people skated for free, listened to music, got their face painted and enjoyed so many other activities. This year, we think we can double that number and you can join in the fun and win some great prizes in the meantime! We really hope you and your family can make it! Afterall, it’s not everyday that we get to celebrate a birthday!
As we turn another year older, we continue to grow and evolve into a bigger and stronger publication. We have made some great additions to this issue including a new section called “Small Talk”. This section features short articles on interesting topics and current events. We invite you to read through this article, and the entire magazine, and let us know what you
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Fax: 540-808-1568
Publisher
Josh Eagan
Josh@growingupinthevalley.com
Anika and Evelyn’s Dad
Editor
Andrea Eagan
Andrea@growingupinthevalley.com
Anika and Evelyn’s Mom
Creative
Director
think! We always welcome suggestions and comments!
And mark your calendars for our biggest issue of the year! Our Camp Guide comes out the first week of March and will be PACKED full of information on over 50 local and regional camps. You can start planning your summer vacation with Growing Up In the Valley and make this the best summer ever for you and your children!
Oh and one last thing! We have started an INDIEGOGO campaign to help us raise money to purchase a new van for deliveries. You see, we are the largest magazine around, but there are still so many parents that we can reach and help. Please consider visiting our INDIEGOGO page and making a donation! You will get some awesome Growing Up In the Valley Swag - like t-shirts, mugs and more for helping us out!
Thanks for reading!
-The Growing Up In the Valley Family
Josh, Andrea, Anika and Evelyn
Mail: 2116 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24015
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Growing Up In the Valley and Growingupinthevalley.com are published by MoFat Publishing. Growing Up In the Valley is published monthly. The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represnt those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of, or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with a doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information or question. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher.
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Monday:
McAllister’s Deli Roanoke
5-10 PM
Famous Anthony’s
All Locations
5PM-Close
Country Cookin’
All Locations
All Day
Buffalo Wild Wings
All Locations
5-8 PM
Lil Cucci’s
Daleville
All Day
202 Market
Roanoke
All-Day
Golden Corral
Roanoke
All-day
Tuesday :
Macado’s**
All Locations
4-7PM
Firehouse Subs*
V. View/Keagy/Salem
All Day
Brambleton Deli
Roanoke
All Day
Denny’s
All Locations
4PM-Close
Ragazzi’s Roanoke
4-10PM
Applebees *
All Locations
All Day
Lil Cucci’s
Daleville
All Day
Town Center Tap House
Daleville
All Day
Crumb & Get it
Radford
All Day
Sharkey’s Radford
All Day
Wednesday:
Lil Cucci’s
Daleville
All Day
Dogwood Vinton
All-Day
Golden Corral Roanoke
All-day
Cork & Crust
Daleville
5 PM- Close
Thursday:
The Roanoker Roanoke
4:30 PM-Close
Lil Cucci’s
Daleville
All Day
Friday:
Lil Cucci’s
Daleville
All Day IHOP
Valley View, Roanoke 4pm-8pm
Saturday:
Lil Cucci’s Daleville
All Day
Steak N Shake*** Roanoke
All Day
Famous Anthony’s All Locations 12PM-Close
Sunday:
Lil Cucci’s
Daleville
All Day
Listings are subject to change without notice!
We do our best to keep our Kids Eat Free listings up to date but often restaurants often change their promotions based on location and without notice. Most restaurant discounts require adult meal purchases. Please call ahead of time to confirm that the deal is still taking place. This listing does not serve as a guarantee by us or the restaurant to any discount!
Check out our up-to-date listings online on Growingupinthevalley.com/kids-eat-free
Winter can be the hardest time to wrangle a child into their car and booster seats. From tiny mittens that never stay on, to their bulky jackets that seem to triple your child’s size; just getting out the door is hard enough.
But experts say to leave those poofy jackets off; as they can cause your car seat’s safety to be compromised.
The extra down and stuffing that keeps your little one warm offers no protection in a car accident, and in fact can cause more damage. To fit in the car seat, parents often loosen the shoulder straps. but this practice allows your
child to slide out from the restraints if you were to get in an accident. The padding compresses and the loose straps can’t hold your child safely.
Instead of thick coats, experts recommend wearing multiple thin layers, hats, and a covering that goes over the straps, like a blanket or car seat cover.
Adults should also head this warning, test your own jackets by buckling your seatbelt over your jacket, then without adjusting the belt, take off the jacket and see how loose the strap becomes.
Many people complain about the younger generations lack of work ethic (in fact, it may be the oldest complaint in the history of modern society, Plato himself wrote a whole thesis on it.) but you can help fix the problem by starting at home with your children pitching in with the household chores.
Even though it is probably easier to do the chores yourself instead of having an eager toddler helper, it’s very important to make it a habit and encourage their helpfullness. Toddlers can stack and sort items with minimal supervision. Making chores fun is also important. You can play dance music, have laundry sorting races, even a chore sticker chart can make it rewarding for a little one.
By Tracy Fisher
School age children begin to lose that eagerness to help, but are now able to have more responsibilities and work with less supervision. Children this age can be in charge of folding laundry, taking trash out, drying and putting away dishes, vacuuming & sweeping, and managing their own belongings like school supplies and toys. With superivison they can help with yardwork, such as mowing, weeding and raking.
Preteens are now old enough to do just about all the housework with no supervision. You can even begin to teach your children how to use the stove to cook simple meals, a skill that is vital for when a parent is having a sick day. Older children can also supervise younger siblings and teach them chores the older ones have outgrown.
Paddington the movie, featuring an all-star cast of British acting alums, such as Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, and Nicole Kidman, was released to rave reviews.
Paddington tells the story of a young bear, who, after tragic circumstances, travels to London from deepest, darkest Peru in search adventure, a new home, and, of course, marmalade. In the process and through many misadventures, he and the Brown’s learn that home means so much more than just a house.
This movie has a wonderful premise and respects the style and tone of the original children’s books. The moral of the story contains a beautiful message for both parents and their children.
Finally, at the end of the day, a really long day, the kids are asleep. But what about you? The amount of hours children need to sleep have already been tested, prescribed, and categorized by age.
But how many hours of sleep do you need? Your answer may be the popular statistic “Five hours!” or the more emphatic “Whatever I can get!” but neither answer is correct. Traditionally, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep to function healthily in mind and body. Any less and our bodies will start demanding attention with a host of side effects that go beyond
The National Sleep Foundation also provides a list of the repercussions for skimping out on sleep.
• Drowsy driving
• Increased body mass index and obesity
• Increased risk of diabetes and heart problems
• Increased risk of depression and substance abuse
• Decreased ability to react or take in new information
Working and being a parent is a tough business; most days, the kids won’t get from point A to point B without you, bright and bushy-tailed, at the wheel. But its also important to remember that life is not a sprint; it’s a race. And, as any runner will tell you, if you go full throttle as soon as the gun goes off, you won’t make it to the finish line.
You would never question that sleep was important for your kids; remember to take your own good advice.
At the time of writing this, over 50 cases of Measles, a disease declared to be eradicated in the United States in 2000, can be linked to an outbreak centered in Disneyland. This outbreak has lead to over 250 cases of measles in 7 states.
The outbreak is a direct result of the lowering rate of vaccination. One study by the CDC suggests that nearly 15% of Californian children have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Herd immunity, where those who can not receive the vaccination due to health reason (young infants, those with allergies and other conditions etc.),
is now compromised in areas with a low vaccination rate. Many point to a fraudlant study that suggested the MMR vaccine was a direct cause of Autism that spooked many families into not vaccinating when they could.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease, as it is airborne and can survive on surfaces for over 2 hours. Once an outbreak begins, it can be very difficult to control.
The American Asccociation of Pediatrians estimates that 35% of children who contract the disease are hospitalized due to extreme life-threatening symptoms.
Reviews by Marisa Vituli
by David Shannon Grades 1 - 4
Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she’d never eat them; everyone else at her school thinks that they’re dis gusting, so, to fit in, Camilla won’t touch them.
On her first day of school, Camilla wants everything to be perfect. But as she is trying on clothes to find the best outfit, she breaks out into the most curious skin condition ever: from head to toe, Camilla is covered in rainbow-colored stripes.
Camilla’s skin adds the pattern. The other children realize this too. Soon, she is covered in stars, stripes, camo, spots, and checkers.
The next day, with no fever or cough to speak of, her mother must send Camilla to school. When she does, Camilla’s classmates stare at her skin, pointing and laughing. It is then that Camilla discovers a new depth to her humiliation. Whenever someone speaks a color, shape, or design aloud,
When this condition doesn’t go away, Camilla is paraded in front of doctors, specialists, and experts with each guess at her condition only making it worse. Before long, she has sprouted everything from fluffy fungus to a tiger’s tail.
Award-winning author and illustrator David Shannon takes children on a colorful, suspenseful, and exciting adventure featuring kooky doctors, talking bedrooms, and a strange but sweet old lady that will teach children the importance of being themselves. At the very least, it will get them to eat their lima beans.
by B. J. Novak Grades
K - 2
From comedian and actor B.J. Novak comes this unlikely children’s book smash that will capture the heads and hearts of five year olds despite its distinct lack of pictures. The large text and colorful pages make this book stand out and will help children sound out the words. Although 48 pages, this book will have kids glued to the words and rolling with laughter as it is read aloud.
At its beginning, the story tricks its reader into a contract which states that the reader must finish the book and must say every word aloud on the page. The adorable silliness and odd noises that follow will have children begging for repeated readings every night before bed. And, despite the author’s adult stand-up comedian routine, he manages to create a story that will still make everyone laugh but in a manner that is not only age-appropriate but also witty and clever.
by Debbie Allen Grades 1
- 3
Since she was a little girl, Sassy has known that she wants to be a dancer. She sees ballet dancers in the ripples of the water, the ants on the ground, the shapes of the clouds. Most of all,
Sassy dreams of performing a grand ballet solo center stage. But Sassy has a mile-long list of problems that stand in her way. Her legs are too long and her feet are too big. She is the joke of her fellow classmates, her brother, and her brother’s football team. She’s even tripped her ballet instructor.
But Sassy takes none of this lying down. Hands on her hips and a smart retort up her sleeve, her attitude usually only lands her further in trouble. Too long and tall to fit in with the other dancers in her routine, Sassy is left alone to dance in the wings. But when a famous talent comes
to Sassy’s school searching for dancers to perform in his summer dance festival. Sassy will have to make some tough decisions, face a frightening audition, take on an incredibly short tal ent scout, and learn to accept herself in order to achieve her dreams. Soon, Sassy embarks on an journey that will take her long legs and big mouth all the way to Washington, D.C.
In this modern children’s classic, award-winning writer Deb bie Allen and illustrator Kadir Nelson bring us a tale nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Work that teaches children that standing out in a crowd might not be such a bad thing.
iOS, Free
Have aroad trip planned? Find featured restaurants from your favorite Food Network shows with this handy app. You’ll be surprised how many local eats have been on their shows as well!
iOS, Free
So you want to have a dinner out that won’t break the bank? BiteHunter searches all the deal sites like Groupon & Livingsocial to find out what deals are happening at your neighborhood eateries.
iOS, Free
For the younger foodies, use this app to teach children the importance of calories and healthy eating.
Interview by Sierra Lewis
do you teach?
I teach at Staunton River High School.
How long have you taught?
This is my 31st year as a classroom teacher, all in Special Education.
What do you teach?
I presently teach Science Skills classes as we as teaching collaboratively in Geometry and Earth Science.
Where did you go to school?
I got my BA in Education from Bridgewater College and have also taken classes through JMU, UVa, University of Phoenix and am preparing to take a class through Lynchburg College.
What advice would you give to new teachers?
My advice to new teachers would be
care more about the kids than you do about the content you teach.
What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is the kids. I especially like how being in Special Education has allowed to work with the same students year after year and build real bonds with them and their families.
What is your favorite quote?
“ A man said to the universe “Sir, I exist”. “However” said the universe, “that does not create in me a sense of obligation””-Steven Crane
would your students be surprised to know about you?
My students would be surprised to know I was a bit of a hellion in school.
What advice do you have for parents?
Teach your kids that rights mean nothing without responsibility. Nothing is owed to them other than a fair chance.
What advice do you have for children entering a new grade?
For kids entering a new grade, or any kid for that matter...just be true to yourself.
During December Growing Up in the Valley challenged their readership to join them in a month of random acts of kindess for the holiday season. We saw an enormous outpouring of love and support from our readers, business partners and community leaders. From the smallest of acts like hugging a friend, to larger complicated acts like delivering candy, cards, crafts & treats to all the employees and patients at Carilion Memorial Hospital. We urge our readers to continue looking for random acts of kindness you can perform all year long to make our community one of the best in the country.
By: Marisa Vitulli
Join us on a culinary journey that delves into what is traditionally considered one of the least appetizing sections of the cuisine world: baby food.
• The Swedes come closest to our tastes with their dietary choices for
Often times, this subject is a hot topic and point of contention for new moms, who are diligently seeking the best for their teething toddlers. So, what should we be feeding our children as they make the tricky transition from breast-milk to solid food? Well, the jury’s still out, but according to The Daily Meal, mothers in the United States generally start their children on soft cereals after six months of breast feeding. Other cultures, however, have their own ideas and traditions about the best solid food starter. From seaweed to ground shrimp to yak butter tea, take a look at what’s being served up as baby food around the globe!
infants as they usually serve mashed fruit and veggies. Additionally, they will sometimes feed them välling, a grainy cereal combined with canola, palm oil, and powdered milk.
• France feeds its youth foods of much heartier stock, such as warm leek soup mixed with fresh spinach and flavorful beets. As the children celebrate their first birthdays, they graduate to soft, crumbling cheeses and couscous.
• In Kenya, mothers feed their babies a local dish called ngwaci, a puree of sweet potatoes.
• Across the Saharan desert in Nigeria, six month olds are fed traditional and
adult cuisine that’s been taken to a blender and pureed. One dish commonly considered a starter meal is gbegiri, beans combined with yam flour.
• In India, children are served Khichdi, a dish of rice and veggies generously spiced with cumin, coriander, mint, and cinnamon, prepping their pallets for the fiery cuisine ahead.
• The Vietnamese pride themselves on the warm porridges and broths they feed to their kids; their soups are marinated with pork bones and fish sauce. For even more flavoring, they add ground shrimp, potatoes, butternut squash, and, if that wasn’t enough, cereal.
• High in the mountains of Tibet, babes clothed in wool are fed a paste called tsampa, which is finely ground barley flour mixed in yak butter tea.
• Over the Great Wall in China, dishes
of rice with diced fish, shredded carrots, seaweed, or soft eggs are spoonfed to children of four months old.
• In Japan, most babies are served a combination of miso soup and Okayu, a rice porridge topped with veggies, dried fish, or mashed pumpkin.
• Closer to home in Mexico and Central America, parents serve rice, beans, and soups to their little ones. Additionally, so as to encourage their infants to eat fruit, they’ve even been known to sprinkle chili powder and lime juice onto apples, pears, and oranges.
• According to Plum Organics, babies in the Dominican Republic feast on creme de habichuelas, pureed black and kidney beans, until they reach six or seven months old.
• Jamaica’s taste buds run much sweeter as parents use soft fruits like custard apples, mango, banana, papaya, and naseberry with honey to introduce infants to solid foods in addition to their daily regiment of milk.
• Finally, in the harsh cold of Alaska, the Inuits wean their children off of milk with a nine month long combination of seal blubber and seaweed.
• So, which meal is the best for your child? There truly is no right answer. Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of preference. So, the next time you are out shopping for baby food, don’t feel confined to cereal and milk. Be creative! Dig up some old family recipes! Explore your roots! The nutritional benefits might be worth the experimentation.
Complete an Ages & Stages Questionnaire via the Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke Family Access Page
Because your child's first 5 years of life are so important, we want to help you provide the best start for your child. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ -3), can help you keep track of your child's development, ages birth -5.
The ASQ-3 includes questions about your child's communication, motor, problem solving, and personal social skills Once the ASQ is completed, SBGR will send you the results, along with age -appropriate activities for optimal development If the results indicate any areas of concern, you will be provided with additional information and resources available to parents with young children in the Roanoke & New River Valley.
To get started, visit www.asqonline.com/family/f51923 or call #540-777-4211
New in 2015 - FREE Developmental Screenings will also be held each mont h at the Roanoke Main Library!
Kids have dreams. Sometimes those dreams are immediate, and for some, the dreams extend far into the future.
Our “game-changing” staff knows how to get the best out of each and every child, allowing them to excel far beyond expectations.
If your youngster aspires to score that next winning touchdown or wants to sing and dance on a Broadway stage, we encourage you to check out our unrivaled programs and activities at PlayRoanoke.com.
We handed the reins of our Pinterest Page over to our intern this month. She found handy storage solutions, yummy recipes & inspiring quotes. We picked just some of our favorites this month!
These wide bag caps from www.listotic.com are easy to use and perfect for any chip bags or leftovers.
This is a great quote by C. S. Lewis about the truly important things in life.
Marisa Vitulli is a first-year Hollins student interning with Growing Up in the Valley magazine. She is considering a Major in English and has enjoyed the time she has spent this month among the staff members and their wonderful children.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and this looks like the perfect hot drink to celebrate the holiday! I can’t wait to try out this simple but beautifully presented beverage from www.simplykierste.com.
This pin from www. spendwithpennies. com is a mac & cheese stuffed grilled cheese. Need I say more?
As a major fan of music, crafts, and the whimsical, I know I’m going to enjoy making these eggs from www. craftsunleashed.com this Easter. Or this weekend. Like I said, I’m crafty.
This was my favorite book series when I was ten. There are flying carpets, talking purple pillow people, and an evil sorcerer. It is perfect for getting kids addicted to reading.
This cool looking project from www.frugalfun4boys. com could be a fun project to do with kids. And it’s sure to remind kids of the nano-bots from Big Hero 6!
I saw these online and loved them instantly! These clothespin crafts from www.dumpaday.com look like so much fun to make with kids. They’re super cute too!
These sandwiches from www. kidsactivitiesblog.com are adorable! These would make the perfect lunch or after school snack for kids. They are super cute and look delicious: both extremely important details.
I Dream of Trains by Angela Johnson
Join a young African-American boy as he dreams of leaving the cotton fields and conducting the 382 train with Casey Jones in this 2003 Gold Kite Award Winning picture book.
It’s February! Punxsutawney Phil has already revealed how many more weeks of winter we will have left to endure, and love is in the air with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. But, February is also Black History Month, a time for remembrance and recognition of cultural diversity. So, in honor of that tradition, we at Growing Up in the Valley have compiled a list of books from award winning authors and illustrators that highlight the pain, beauty, and hope of this culture.
The Road to Memphis by Mildred Taylor
In the shadow of WWII, Cassie, a black 17 year old girl, must run away to Memphis with her brother in order to escape her white persecutors.
The Great Migration: An American Story by Jacob Lawrence
Almost to Freedom by Vaunda Micheauxn Nelson
In this story nominated for the Corretta Scott King Award, follow Lindy, a young slave girl, and her family as they travel the Underground Railroad to freedom in an adventure told through the eyes of the child’s doll.
In Daddy’s Arms I am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers by Alan Schroeder
Experience this collection of twelve poems by both well-known and new authors about the joys of fatherhood and the importance of family.
I Am Rosa Parks by Rosa Parks & James Haskins
TheIn this book, Lawrence demonstrates with artistic panels the hurried movements of African-Americans during the World Wars from the agricultural south to the industrial north.
Something on My Mind by Nikki Grimes
Revel in this anthology of poems about youth and growing up in this collection, which won the Corretta Scott King Award.
As told by Rosa Parks herself, relive this amazing story that sparked the civil rights movement.
The Singing Man by Angela Shelf Medearis
Follow the story of a young man, who is forced to leave his native village when he chooses to follow his dreams of singing instead of learning a practical trade.
Dark Sons by Nikki Grimes
In this innovative novel, Nikki Grimes explores relationships between fathers and sons through the eyes of the biblical Ishmael and a modern teenage boy.
free his enslaved family, the young boy will cross the border, risk his own freedom, and track down the robber in order to aid his friend.
Copper Sun by Sharon Draper
The heart breaking and brutal story of a young girl torn from her village in Africa and brought to a slave plantation. There, she will have to learn how to survive in order to escape and gain back her freedom.
Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary by Walter Dean Myers
This biography chronicles the contentious life of controversial and prominent activist Malcolm X.
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story by Ben Carson
This autobiography tells the story of famous and successful Doctor Ben Carson from his difficult childhood in Detroit to his rise to fame as director of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins at the young age of 33.
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
When eleven-year old Canada native Elijah finds out that a thief has taken the money his friend has saved to
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Richard Perry is a young African-American man trying to make his way in Harlem, New York. With no money for college, he decides to enlist in the army. But, he gets more than he signed up for when they send him to Vietnam at he beginning of the war.
The Middle Passage: White Ships, Black Cargo by Tom Feelings
A collection of paintings and narrations that display the horrors and tragedy of slavery during the Middle Passage, the infamously named journey from Africa to America.
I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s classic inspirational speech, which not only brought a nation to its feet but also rallied the civil rights movement.
By Rachel Robinson
For some time the buzz in the nutritional world has been centered on the effects of sugar. As a parent you may have tried to limit your child’s sugar intake. There seems to be much confusion surrounding what kinds of foods are okay and what is considered a healthy amount of sugar for children to consume each day. It might be surprising to know that 33% of children are considered pre-diabetic. If your family has tried to avoid sugars you know that this sneaky white substance seems to hide itself in even the most innocent-looking food products-from breakfast cereals to yogurt to fruit juice. But just how bad is sugar for our bodies? At Growing Up in the Valley, we wanted to take a closer look at the effects of sugar and what we can do to make truly healthy choices for our growing ones
So what is sugar exactly? Simply put, sugar is a sweetener which is high in calories and void of nutrients. That’s right, zero nutrients to help your body grow stronger and feel better in the long run. Sugar is a simple or fast-acting carbohydrate which your body uses as energy. There are two main types of sugar. The first and often lesser of the evils is “naturally occurring sugar” which is found in fruits. This sweetness is appropriately called fructose. Conversely, “added sugars” are called such because they are indeed added during sweetening processes and do not occur naturally. Table sugar, or refined white sugar is chemically named sucrose. Do you see the pattern? Chemical names for various types of sugars end in –ose. This little tidbit can be helpful when reading nutrition labels.
Sugar has many aliases. Medical professionals at family health informational site, Familydoctor.org outline some of the names that companies use to disguise sugar. These educators encourage parents to look on nutrition labels for these terms. Here are just a few of the fifty-six names for sugar:
Brown sugar, Cane juice and cane syrup, Confectioners’ sugar, Corn sweetener and corn syrup, Dextrose, Fructose, Fruit juice concentrates, Glucose, Granulated white sugar, High-fructose corn syrup,
Hon-
ey, Invert sugar, Lactose, Maltose, Malt syrup, Molasses, Raw sugar, Sucrose, and Syrup.
Lately some sugar skeptics are saying not only is too much of the sweet stuff simply not beneficial; it may in fact be downright toxic. It’s important to know that all calories are not equal, and therein lies the problem with the idea of simply counting calories. In fact, according to Robert Lustig MD, some calories cause more disease than others and different calories are metabolized differently.
In a Nature article, researchers explain that eating sugar in excess can “wreak havoc on our liver, muck up our metabolism, impair brain function, and leave us susceptible for heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.” These same researchers have called what sugar does to the human brain something like the effect of cocaine, alcohol and other drugs. Yes, drugs!
First we need to take a sort of “Magic School Bus” look into sugar’s journey as it’s processed through our digestive system. Insulin is the hormone that regulates sugar by removing it out of the blood
quickly. Nutritionist, Dr. Eric Berg calls this a “whiplash effect” when certain organs like the pancreas are bombarded with say, 40 grams of sugar from a can of soda, for example. This causes a spike of insulin or a “sugar rush” as many of us have termed it in the past. When the sugar is taken out of the blood it is stored as fat or cholesterol. Blood sugar rises, causing insulin to rise in order to counter it, and eventually our systems become worn out and fatigued. This detrimental cycle causes low blood sugar, cravings, irritability, hyperactivity, depression, anxiety and other pre-diabetic symptoms. As the system is further damaged, blood sugar remains high, causing onset diabetes as the body is unable to lower the blood sugar. Symptoms for high blood sugar can include fatigue or brain fog. Weight gain is not the only negative effect of diabetes. Nerves in the eye, circulation in the extremities and other physical problems can occur later on as well.
Sweet taste receptors on the tongue send signals to the cerebral cortex which acts like a reward system. These chemical pathways throughout the brain can ignite happy feelings. Positive experiences or other stimuli, including food, can trigger this rewarding feeling in the brain. Your intestines also contain sugar receptors which tell your brain whether or not your body is full. Dopamine, a chemical produced and sent into overdrive by drugs, alcohol, and somewhat lesser by sugars, gives us that pleasurable feeling when we eat. This gives us an idea of why we can crave comfort foods that have “satisfied” our brains or previously brought on floods of dopamine. UCLA research explains that
sugar forms free radicals in the brain and prevents nerve cells from communicating. This could have direct effects on memory, processing and moods.
As noted before, white refined sugar does not contain any beneficial nutrients. Without these nutrients, the brain does not get the signal that the body is full. But you may not know that it actually depletes our body’s nutrients, including potassium, calcium and B vitamins. This causes sodium levels to rise and fluid to be retained, thus bringing about weight gain. In a recent study featured in the Journal of American Medicine, The American Heart Association identified “soft drinks and other sweetened products” as catalysts for both obesity and cardiovascular disease. They believe that in order to fight the obesity epidemic, it is necessary for most Americans to reduce their “added sugar” intake from the average 111 grams to just 30 grams maximum per day. So what would that change in regards to what’s on our plate? Perhaps that’s the much overlooked keyword: plate.
From rushing to catch the school bus, to a quick dinner in between homework and soccer practice, we are a creating a fast-food society of kids on-the-go.. Often we reach for pre-packaged foods and convenience rather than natural produce-rich meals. Approximately 80% of grocery store foods are “spiked” with added sugar. But even those of us who are cutting out the Pop-Tarts and pudding cups and moving towards natural options may be surprised to discover hidden sugars in unexpected places. Milk and fruit juices can carry an overwhelming amount of added sugars. Children eating a school breakfast of sweetened cereal and juice would already be over their limit at around 11g just from the first “meal” of the day! Not to mention their bodies are truly being starved of nutrients and vitamins they would receive from eating whole foods instead.
According to Jamie Oliver in his “Food Revolution” campaign, 31 million children eat breakfast and lunch at school about 180 days of the year. Much of this food is handheld, fast food which is highly processed and has additives and sugar. In his TED talk, he illustrates that even in the milk that most children drink twice per day contains about the same amount of sugar as a can of soda.
“I believe food should confer wellness, not illness,” says Dr. Robert Lustig during his TEDx Talk entitled “The Elephant in the Kitchen.” He goes as far as to say that excessive sugar intake should be considered a public health crisis in a similar category as HIV, tuberculosis and teen pregnancy. Others who identify with Oliver and Lustig’s urgency advocate for more than an expectation of personal responsibility and knowledge. Lustig calls for the public and government to change the Western diet altogether. He urges his listeners to both demand and embrace real and natural foods instead of processed imposters laden with disease-causing elements.
These nutritional experts believe that food culture needs to shift. “We’ve got to put back what’s been lost,” says Oliver. He advocates for what he calls a “tangible change.”
“I wish for everyone to help create a strong, sustainable movement to educate every child bout food, inspire families to cook again and empower people everywhere to fight obesity.”
By educating ourselves and our children, learning to read and understand labels, amd decreasing consumption of added sugars and processed foods to the best of our ability, our children will be happier and healthier. So whether it’s taking a second look at what’s in your family’s cabinet, or substituting a few fresh veggies for processed snacks, small steps can make a big difference. One thing’s for sure, the choice to invest in your family’s health will never be a decision to regret.
“Added Sugar: What You Need To Know.” FamilyDoctor.org
“AHA: Added Sugar Not So Sweet.” Mike Mitka. The Journal of the American Medical Association. October 28, 2009, Vol 302, No. 16
“How Does the Human Body Digest Sugar?” Aubri John. Livestrong.com
“How Sugar Affects the Brain.” Nicole Avena. TEDEd. ed.ted.com/lessons/how- sugar-affectsthe-brain-nicole-avena
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Jamieoliverfoodfoundation.org
“Types of Carbohydrates” American Diabetes Association. Diabetes.org
Find the words below in this zag-zag puzzle. Words can be vertical or horizontal and can even twist! Every Letter in the puzzle will be used only once.
by Robert Louis Stevenson
by Robert Louis Stevenson
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, And what can be the use of him is more than I can see. He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head; And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow— Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow; For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball, And he sometimes gets so little that there’s none of him at all.
He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play, And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way. He stays so close beside me, he’s a coward, you can see; I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up, I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup; But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head, Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.
By Amanda Powers
IIf you are like me, you spend more than your fair share of time on Pinterest. There is both pros and cons to this, but one of the biggest cons is seeing all the things I can not have. Recently I have spent a lot of time looking at dream closets! All you ladies know what I am talking about, those closets with multiple shelves, shoe racks, and jewelry organization. Basically, these closets are everything I wish my miniscule closet could be. However having your dream closet may be closer than you think. Now, I can’t promise to make your closet any bigger, but I do have a few tips to organize it and make it more aesthetically pleasing.
Use the space you have wisely! Add shelves in any unused space, if your closet does not already have them.
Use a tension rod approximately 3 feet from the other pole to create a double hanging effect. This makes organizing your clothing easier. You can also store more clothing! Add hooks to the inside of the closet door or back wall. This provides storage for scarves and purses!
Simple shelving units and organizational racks can also be purchased to create more organizational space and allow you to store shoes and wallets.
You may not have everything you desire in your closet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look like you do! Organize your clothing, shoes, and accessories by color, size, and season. I like to organize my clothing in the order of the rainbow!
Use clear boxes to organize what is on shelves so you can easily find what you are looking for. Store unseasonal clothing in the back or away in boxes. There is no need to clutter up your closet with things you can’t wear.
Use your jewelry as decoration! You can hang it on the outside of the
door or place it in clear jars.
Take good care of what you have and it will last. That way you save money and can one day buy a house with your real dream closet!
Use rolled up newspaper in boots when storing them. This helps keep their shape and reduce odor.
Clean dry clean only clothing before storing it away for a season. Stains that you can not see now will be visible when you open that box next year!
Don’t hang sweaters! It ruins them by stretching them out. Store them folded in drawers or on shelves instead.
If you are looking to have a closet like the ones on Pinterest, its best not to have a whole bunch of junk in it!
If it does not fit, toss it! Don’t worry about those “some day” jeans. They are wasting space for your “now” closet If you haven’t worn it in the past 6 months, you can probably toss it. Only keep what you love.
Create a “one thing in/ one thing out” rule to keep your closet from getting over run.
Using these tips you can make whatever closet you have a little closer to your dream one. Many of these ideas are pretty budget friendly. I often find some of my best organizational supplies in clearance or at dollar stores. Keep an eye out! If you are crafty, you can even make some it yourself. Storage boxes, shelving units, and jewelry displays are all able to be DIY projects. Have fun and happy closeting!
Amanda Powers is a local mommy blogger from Salem, VA. She has been with Growing Up in the Valley for 2 years. She is a blogger, writer, and educator who loves to share her adventurers in fashion, family, education, cooking, and life. Get to know Amanda better over on her personal blog: www.CasseruolaDolceDellaVita.com
By Stephanie Specht of Carilion Clinic
At one time or another, every parent needs to find a babysitter for their child. You want to find a sitter that is mature, has common sense, and genuinely cares for children, but you also need to make sure your sitter knows how to keep your child safe.
“Accidents can happen at any time, especially with young children, so it is important that both the parents and the babysitter are prepared,” said Jill Lucas-Drakeford, a Carilion Clinic community health educator and the coordinator for Safe Kids Southwest Virginia.
Choosing the right babysitter is the first step in keeping your child safe, but finding someone you can trust can
be daunting. Lucas-Drakeford suggests asking a trusted source such as a relative or a close friend. And once you have a recommendation, meet with the potential sitter in advance and check their references.
“When you meet with the sitter, find out about their experience with children, but also make sure they are capable of handling an emergency situation should it arise,” Lucas-Drakeford explained. “It is also a good idea to ask if they have taken a first aid or CPR class.”
You can help prevent accidents and save your babysitter some valuable time should an emergency occur by doing some prep work before the sitter arrives at your home.
First, put together a sheet with all of the information the babysitter would
need to handle an unexpected emergency. This includes:
• Parent or guardian’s full name and cell phone number
• Children’s names and ages, as well birth dates, height, weight, and hair and eye color in case any of the children are lost
• Address of home
• Nearest intersections/directions to the house in case it is necessary for the sitter to give directions to emergency services
• Where you will be, including the name, address, phone number, and when you expect to be home
• Name and phone number of family doctor
or pediatrician.
• Emergency services number (usually 911)
• Number for National Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222
• Name and phone number of neighbors and/or close relatives. Be sure to include a few options in case some contacts are not at home.
Next, walk through each room of your house and fix any potential safety hazards. It is also a good idea to go ahead and bathe and feed your child beforehand to keep potentially dangerous activities to a minimum.
Once the sitter arrives, go through the house with them so they are aware of the exits and the location of the fire extinguisher and flashlights.
“It is also a good idea to test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors while the babysitter is there so that they will be familiar with the sound of the alarms in case they are activated,” Lucas-Drakeford noted.
Accidents can happen at any time, especially with young children, so it is important that both the parents and the babysitter are prepared
“If your sitter will be bathing your child, remind them to never leave a child unattended in the bathtub and always stay within arm’s reach,” Lucas-Drakeford cautioned. “This is important any time a child is near water, including pools, spas, and toilets.”
If your child has any food and drug allergies or is on any special medication, make sure to go over this at length with the sitter before you leave the house. Even better, write it all down so the sitter can refer to it if needed. If the sitter is caring for an infant or toddler, make sure they know to do the following:
• Never leave a child unattended.
• Latch safety gates at the top and the bottom of the stairs.
• Always use safety straps on high chairs, changing tables, and strollers.
Never place any soft bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals in the crib with the infant.
• Put babies to sleep on their backs in a crib - not on their sides or tummies - to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
• Cut food into small pieces before feeding young children and do not give any hard, round foods such as grapes, candy, or peanuts to infants and toddlers.
• Never shake a baby or young child. Even children as old as five can be seriously injured by shaking. Tell the sitter what you do to calm your baby if they won’t stop crying.
• And finally, before you walk out the door, go through a series of “what if” questions to make sure that you have covered everything. A little preparation and open discussion with your babysitter will ensure that you, your child, and the sitter all have a fun and safe day.
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cups - confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon - vanilla extract
1 teaspoon - light corn syrup
2 - 2.5 Tablespoons - room temperature water
Ingredients:
1 cup - butter
1 cup - granulated sugar
1 - large egg
2 tsp - vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups - all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp - baking powder
½ tsp - salt
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla, scraping sides occasionally, until blended. Beat in flour, baking powder and salt.
Step 2: Shape dough into balls of about 2 tablespoons. Arrange 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten balls until about 1/4 inch thick and shape as desired.
Step 3: Bake 14 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on wire rack; remove from sheets and cool completely before decorating.
Whisk the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons of water in a medium bowl. It should be quite thick. If it is too thick to stir, add 1/2 Tablespoon more water. If it is too thin, add 2 more Tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar.
You can tell the correct consistency by drizzling a little of the icing with the whisk. the ribbon of icing will hold for a few seconds before melting back into the icing. For color, add liquid or gel food coloring.
Spoon icing into small zipped plastic bags and snip off one corner to create an easy pastry bag. Use tip to outline designs on the cookie, and allow to dry slightly. Fill the cookies with icing, using a toothpick or knife to spread the icing very carefully. Add sprinkles & decorations as desired.
Create a fun way to display your favorite memories with this simple craft!
Supplies:
• Photos
• Jumbo Popscile Sticks
• Glue
• Knife or Scissors
By Tracy Fisher
1. Glue on popsicle sticks to back of photos, leaving a little bit of room between each stick.
2. Carefully cut between the sticks with knife or scissors. (Younger crafters should have supevision when using sharp tools.)
Try This: Instead of using photos, use postcards, children’s artwork or patterned paper. Also, put magnets on the back of the sticks to make a fun fridge game!
WE’VE GOT SPRING DRESS WEAR!
Check out our great selection of spring dresses and bows for girls, dress wear for boys, and shoes, accessories and much more for them both!
4092 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 540-774-3639
www.OnceUponAChildRoanoke.com
300 Arbor Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073 540-382-5045
www.OnceUponAChildChristiansburg.com (just off 581 South 1/2 mile from Tanglewood Mall)
SPRING NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD!
Grocery shopping is a tough task! The chart below should help you get the best deals! Prices in green are the cheapest for the item, while prices in red are the most expensive. The Av-
erage price for each item is in yellow. The overall average ($127.55) ONLY includes the 4 major Grocery retailers. For more charts, graphs and pricing comparisons, visit www.growingupin-
thevalley/grocery. Prices may vary, we will not be held responsible for errors or omissions.
Growing Up In The Valley
Monday, February 2, 10:30 am Hedgehogs Main
Tuesday, February 3, 10:30 am
Wednesday, February 4, 3:00 pm
Thursday, February 5, 10:30 am
Thursday, February 5, 6: 00 pm
Friday, February 6, 10:30 am
Saturday, February 7, 2:00 pm
Monday, February 9, 10:30 am
Monday, February 9, 3:00 pm
Tuesday, February 10, 10:30 pm
Tuesday, February 10, 3:00 pm
Wednesday, February 11, 3:00 pm
Wednesday, February 11, 3:00 pm
Thursday, February 12, 5:00 pm
Thursday, February 12, 3:00 pm
Friday, February 13, 10:30 am
Saturday, February 14, 10:30 am
Tuesday, February 17, 10:30 am
Wednesday, February 18, 3:00 pm
Thursday, February 19, 10:30 am
Friday, February 20, 10:30 am
Saturday, February 21, 10:30 am
Monday, February 23, 6:00 pm
Tuesday, February 24, 10:00 am
Tuesday, February 24, 6:00 pm
Wednesday, February 25, 10:30 am
Wednesday, February 25, 10:30 am
Thursday, February 26, 10:30 am
Thursday, February 26, 10:30 am
Friday, February 27, 10:30 am
Saturday, February 28, 2:00 pm
Saturday, February 28, 2:00 pm
Monday, March 2, 10:00 am
Melody Makers Gainsboro
Legos & Curious George Movie Main
Smart Start (Walkers) Williamson Road
Southwest VA Ballet Main
Smart Start (Laps) Williamson Road
Family Movie Gainsboro
Little Critters Petting Zoo Main
Valentine’s Craft Melrose
Melody Makers Melrose
Valentine’s Craft Jackson Park
Valentine’s Craft Gainsboro
Legos & Curious George Movie Main
Little Critters Petting Zoo Gainsboro
Valentine’s Craft Main
Valentine’s Craft Williamson Road
Lego Playtime Gainsboro
Little Critters Petting Zoo Jackson Park
Legos & Curious George Movie Main
Melody Makers Jackson Park
Little Critters Petting Zoo Williamson Road
Meet Curious George Gainsboro
Meet Curious George Main
Meet Curious George Melrose
Melody Makers Main
Meet Curious George Williamson Road
Little Critters Petting Zoo Melrose
Southwest VA Ballet Gainsboro
Melody Makers Williamson Road
Meet Curious George Jackson Park
Southwest VA Ballet Williamson Road
Curious George Movie Jackson Park
Dr. Seuss Birthday Party Main
There may be ice & snow outside, but the valley is still busy with great family events! Growingupinthevalley.com/calendar
February 21, 10:00AM- 2:00 PM Star City Skate Center FREEAdmission & FREE Skating
Spend the blustery winter-y day at the Skate Center! Growing Up in the Valley will provide kids’ enertainment, games, raffles, door prizes & more! First 100 attendees will receive a free goody bag!
Spring Middle School Presents:
February 19, 20 and 21 at 7:00PM; February 21 at 2:00PM
Step into the enchanted world of Disney’s Beauty And The Beast JR. Featuring songs from the Academy Award-winning animated feature, this stage version includes music by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. Cave Spring Middle School Auditorium - $5.00. For info call 540-772-7560
If you can’t make it to a zoo with a hippo, celebrate with the classic children’s board game!
Tuesday • February 10
FREE Toddler Storytime
Salem Library
10:00am-10:30am
Ages 18 months-3 years
Come out and enjoy fun stories for your little ones!
FREE Story Hour
Buchanan Library
11:00am-1:00pm
Ages 2 years and up
Come join Ms. Jackie for stories, crafts, parties and fun! Materials will be provided.
Wednesday • February 11
FREE Toddler Storytime
Salem Library
10:00am-10:30am
Ages 18 months-3 years
Come out and enjoy fun stories for your little ones!
FREE Drop-In Storytime
Barnes and Noble Tanglewood
11:00am-12:00pm All ages (even babies!)
Bring your little ones to the children’s area for a storytime! For more information, call 540-776-2960
Thursday • February 12
Young At Art
Taubman Museum of Art
10:30am-11:15am
Ages 2-5 years with a parent or caregiver
Free for members, $5 for non-members
Hear a story in the galleries, explore artworks, and create a hands-on project in Art Venture. For more information, visit www.taubmanmuseum.org.
Sister Act
Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
7:30pm
Ticket Start at $28.50 All Ages
SISTER ACT is Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it “RIDICULOUSLY FUN,” and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar® winner ALAN MENKEN (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), SISTER ACT tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her
in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, SISTER ACT is reason to REJOICE!
Friday • February 13
Monster Jam
Berglund Center Coliseum
February 13 @ 7:30 PM
February 14 @ 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Tickets:
$10.00 - Kids (ages 2-12)
$20.00 - Adults
Monster Jam starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam trucks!! The twelves-feet-tall, tenthousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a customer-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - OR smash through. The 2014 touring season brings more Monster Jam excitement tailored perfectly for your family’s budget, and these colorful, largerthan-life beasts are sure to capture the
hearts of both young and old.
FREE 2nd Fridays in Centertown Bedford
Centertown Bedford
5:00pm-8:00pm
All Ages Free to attend
Art Galleries and Shops will be open for your enjoyment!
Saturday • February 14
Happy Valentine’s Day
road at our annual Train Lovers Day. There will be train rides,learn how morse code works, see model trains Special presentations by our Rail Heritage partners! Crafts. Food. Music. Fun for the whole family!
Train Rides (by the Roanoke NRHS): $3 per person per ride, including Museum Members. Infants 2 and under ride for free.
Tuesday • February 17
Train Lover’s Day
Virginia Museum of Transportation
10 am-5pm
All Ages $5/person
Free for members & children under 2.
Celebrate your love of all things rail-
Hollins-Mill Mountain
Winter Festival of New Works: “An Initial Condition”
Mill Mountain Theatre
2pm & 7:30 pm
All Ages $10/person
A determination to create a miracle turns into a journey of the unknown.... Chance, a young mathematician, is brought on to help map out cancer in a young girl’s body. Chance’s determination to solve the problem of Sarah’s illness through mathematical
oncology takes him to places that are unimaginable. The action of the play takes place in a side room at a funeral parlor, and moves on from there.
Friday • February 20
Roanoke Valley Boat Show
Berglund Center Coliseum & Special Events Center
Friday: 1:00 PM -7PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Free Admission on Friday!
For 40 years, The Southwest Virginia Boat Dealers Association has hosted this Boat Show, and is proud to host the 40th Annual 2015 Boat Show at the Berglund Civic Center on February 20 through February 22, 2015.
Saturday • February 21
FREE Growing Up In The Valley’s Birthday Bash
Star City Skate Center
10:00am-2:00pm
All ages Free
FREE Skating and skate rental. Door prizes and raffles! FREE kid’s activities and entertainment. The first 100 guests will receive a FREE goody bag stuffed with awesome prizes! Invite your friends and family-EVERYONE is welcome!!
Berglund Performing Arts Theatre 1pm & 4pm
Tickets range from $20-$45 per person
All Ages
Abracadabra! It’s Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show! Mickey, Minnie and a host of Disney Friends come together with world-class magicians to perform magic from legendary Disney films right before your eyes.
See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the spectacular levitation of Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine; and the enchanted dancing brooms of Fantasia. Join Donald and Goofy, Alice and the Mad Hatter, and
many more for a one-of-a-kind stage show you’ll never forget. Mickey’s Magic Show is a whole new way to experience Disney Magic with your family!
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Taubman Art Museum
All Ages
Free
FREE Community Art Venture Day with music, martial arts, dancing, and more!
Bedford Area Family YMCA
7:30am-12:00pm
All ages
$10.00 per person. $25.00 for family of 4 ($6.25 each additional family member), Group rate 25 or more $5.00 each. Reservations are required,For more information, call 540-586-3483.
Enjoy a fun family meal! Admission includes 3 pancakes each, juice, syrup and all activities. After breakfast enjoy Indoor Climbing with an indoor rock climber, rope ladder, and centipede. There will be fun games & a bounct house!
2:00pm-4:00pm
All ages
$10.00 security deposit is due at time of reservation.
Call 866-387-9905 to reserve your space today!
Explore the Peaks of Otter in a fun new way! We’ll provide you with a map, clues, and all the instruction you’ll need to get started. Your “team” of treasure hunters will find as many of the “control points” as you can. At each control point, you’ll find a trivia question you will have to answer. Return to headquarters and use your answers to solve a word puzzle. The word puzzle will lead you to the treasure! Your journey will lead you around the lake and along numerous trails near the Peaks of Otter Lodge in an adventure you’ll remember for years to come.
Wednesday • February 25
Harry Connick Jr.
Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $89.50
The shows will feature music from Connick’s vast musical catalog, including songs from his most recent releases “Smokey Mary” and “Every Man Should Know.” To date, Connick has released 29 albums, won three Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards, and garnered sales of 28 million.
Thursday • February 26
The Harlem Globetrotters
Berglund Center Coliseum
Tickets start at $27
All Ages
Last year was the Globetrotters biggest tour ever, and this year promises to be even bigger. More incredible ball handling, trick shots, and side-splitting comedy than ever before. How can the Globetrotters’ arch rivals, the Washington Generals hope to compete against the world’s most amazing basketball entertainers?! Sources tell us that the Generals, desperate to win, have a cunning new plan of attack and will stop at nothing to come out on top at the final buzzer…
Friday • March 6
First Fridays
River Rock Climbing 10:00am-3:00pm
Homeschoolers ages 5 and up $10 per person climbing, includes rental gear
River Rock has a special homeschool climb time perfect for helping your kids stay active during their school week. For more information, visit riverrockclimbing.com.
Pump It Up 6:30pm-10:00pm
$20 per child and $15 for each sibling For more information, call 540-3457867.
Virginia Tech researchers are conducting a study to determine the validity and reliability of a beverage intake questionnaire and an added sugar biomarker derstand the beliefs and attitudes behind beverage between the ages of 12-18 years. You, as a parent/
The study involves 5 visits to the VT campus, and the total time commitment will be about 5 hours. Adolescent participants will be compensated $50
540-915-9895 btrflygrl1608@aol.com
Growing Up in the Valley’s 2nd Annual
February 21, 2015 • 10AM- 2PM
@ Star City Skate Center
• First100 guests will receive goody bag
• Free Food, Music & Entertainment
• Free Skate Rental for the entire family
• Door prizes & Raffles all day long
We know how to treat patients who can’t tell us where it hurts
Our staff of 350 pediatric professionals is specially trained to care for the unique needs of children
We make going to the doctor less scary for you and your kids
Because tests, treatments, and facilities are tailored to fit your child
Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated hospital for children and adolescents in western Virginia. From allergy shots to stitches to cancer care, we know how to care for kids because it’s all we do!
