Growing Up In The Valley
6 weeks – 12 years old
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Editor’s Note
Happy New Year to you and yours! Thank you for welcoming us into your homes again in 2016!
As we start off the new year, we often make resolutions to accomplish a goal that we may have pushed aside in the previous year, or perhaps we set an entirely new goal to better ourselves or our lives in some way.
This issue is dedicated to those resolutions, which often center around health and fitness. This year we challenge you our readers, as we challenge our family as well, to follow through and be healthier and eat smarter.
There are lots of great resources to help you get started. Our friends at the YMCA of Roanoke and Carilion have shared some of their tips on how to achieve your goals and make you and your family healthier in 2016.
In closing, we have some great things in store for you in 2016. We have always been focused on helping our readers better themselves individually and the community as a whole. We are making changes to the way we operate and distribute our magazines to make sure that we reach the most amount of parents and make the biggest impact on our communities. Follow us on Facebook for more information and to see what is in store during 2016.
Thank you again for all of your support!
The Eagan Family
Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn
Growing Up In The Valley
Publisher
Josh Eagan josh@growingupinthevalley.com
Anika and Evelyn’s Dad
Editor
Andrea Eagan andrea@growingupinthevalley.com
Anika and Evelyn’s Mom
Creative Director
Tracy Fisher tracy@growingupinthevalley.com
Charlotte and Evelyn’s Mom
Director of Sales
Dee Reynolds dee@mofatmedia.com
Aleyna’s Mom
Sales Executive
Kristin Bringewatt kristin@growingupinthevalley.com
Distribution
Leigh Anne Woods law@growingupinthevalley.com
Contributors Clifford
From L to R -Anika and Evelyn buying Christmas dinners for families. Saying goodbye to Karen. Evelyn rocking out on Christmas Eve.
Editor: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com
Magazines: josh@growingupinthevalley.com Advertise: dee@mofatmedia.com Submit An Event: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com General Inquiries: info@growingupinthevalley.com
On The Cover: Alex Akerman
Photos by Kevin Hurley Photography.
Photos taken at YMCA of Roanoke Valley, Kirk Family YMCA.
Provided by Laurissa Grubb from Blue Eagle® Credit Union
The Effect of Time on Investing
Investing can seem like a very risky, complex and fast-moving process. With endless combinations of investment vehicles to choose from, it can be difficult to take your first step as an investor—especially with the knowledge that all investments carry the risk of losing some or all of your money. So why bother?
Well, there are many compelling reasons to make investing a part of your overall financial plan. Investing can help preserve your wealth by overcoming the effects of inflation, help you save for long-term goals (such as retirement or your children’s education) and it can even generate income. So how can you get past all the negatives associated with investing and make it work for you? A helpful first step is to realize that, as a young investor, you have time on your side.
TIME AND LUCK
The Myth
We’ve all heard the stories (or seen the infomercials, or bought the e-book) about those people who took a chance on a risky investment and by some stroke of luck woke up the next day as millionaires. It’s easy to be drawn to “get rich quick” stories because we all secretly wish we could be the stars of those tales. Those success stories help establish the myth that being a successful investor is a lot like being a hotshot gambler—that you need to risk it all to get a worthwhile reward, and that some people are born with the innate ability to predict the market, make the right moves, buy and sell at the exact right time, and strike it rich.
The Reality
The truth is that serious investing requires a lot of time. There’s an entire education behind active trading. If you were to invest into the stock market without any prior research, you might as well be playing the lottery. Educating yourself about the stock market is no simple task and it requires ongoing research. It’s not only about understanding the way economies and
global marketplaces work—it’s also about staying up to date on what’s happening in our world. Environment, technology, politics and culture all have the ability to influence economic forces. Beyond understanding those interactions, a smart investor also keeps very close tabs on the industries and companies they invest in by monitoring things like performance, governance, public opinion and industry trends. Now, imagine all that data changing and updating daily; suddenly, it’s clear why it can—and should—take so much time to make educated investment decisions.
When we acknowledge that preparation takes an incredible amount of time, it minimizes the role that luck plays in investing. Suddenly it’s less about taking a gamble and more about making calculated and educated decisions, which is a good thing—it means that investing is something you can practice, explore and ultimately improve on, over time.
TIME AND RISK
The Myth
For every investing success story, there’s an accompanying horror story. This myth comes in different flavors—
acting on bad advice, losing every last dime, and getting taken advantage of by an evil or incompetent financial advisor are just some of the common scripts. This myth perpetuates the idea that investing is so scary and so unpredictable that it’s simply not worth the risk.
The Reality
It can be tricky trying to separate this myth from the truth, because risk and loss are both very real outcomes of investing. No investment is ever guaranteed, meaning your invested money is never absolutely safe. Some investment types may be safer than others, but the risk of losing your money is ever-present.
After making smart, thoroughly researched investment choices, your next best protection against risk and volatility is the amount of time you have for your investment to mature. The narrower your investment time frame, the more vulnerable you are to sudden and often unpredictable changes in the market. By contrast, if your investment is long term (think decades), day-to-day changes suddenly hold less influence. Plus, there is time to recover from market declines; the same cannot always be said for shortterm investments.
TIME AND RETURNS
The Myth
Yet another investment myth is that it’s impossible to find a combination of investment products within your risk tolerance level that will result in a high yield. In other words, playing it safe with your investments means measly returns.
The Reality
Do you remember learning about compound interest? Time happens to be compound interest’s best buddy. Together, they can really put your money to work for you. This is especially important to note for
long-term savings goals (retirement is a good example). Even products with a relatively low expected yield can accumulate a lot of wealth over long periods of time, so do not get discouraged by low interest rates on investment products. Look for opportunities to maximize the effect of compound interest, such as reinvesting your dividends or refraining from cashing out your investment early.
As you can see, time plays a significant role when it comes to investing. It can give you more control over your investments, it can increase your tolerance for risk and your ability to recover from any losses, and it can maximize your returns. By
starting early, investing wisely and giving yourself the time you need to reach your goals, you will discover the positive impact that a little bit of planning today will have on your lifestyle in the future. Laurissa resides in Roanoke with her family and is the Director of Marketing for Blue Eagle© Credit Union. She has worked in credit unions for more than 20 years, has a passion for financial education, and believes stronger individuals make a stronger community.
Parent of the Month Michael Teninty
What inspires you?
My wife. She is an amazing mom and whenever I feel weak as a parent, she is strong; and when I need to be strong, I know she has my back.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud that our daughter has done so well given her learning challenges, and in spite of the fact that I have had to be away from her so much for (military) service.
What motivates you?
As a father, hoping that my daughter does better in life than I have is an incredible motivator. I want the best for her, so I am motivated to do the best I can for her.
Do you have any advice for other parents?
Really listen to your children. They can’t express things as well as adults can because of their relatively limited
life experience… So I end up trying to piece together what Lorelei is concerned about from what she says. Also, allow your children to fail. Failure has been a prominent teacher in my life, sometimes it’s ok to let your child learn from failure too.
What is the biggest challenge in your life?
Maintaining a healthy family for Lorelei through all of my military commitments.
How do you help others?
On an “as requested” basis.
How would you describe your parenting style?
Tough, but consistent and unconditional love.
Fun facts
What is on your iPod? A ton of aviation stuff… And minecraft.
What can you not live without? Wifi, and airplanes.
What is your favorite date night venue?
The living room, blue 5, or the Hotel Roanoke.
What do you always have with you? My hat.
What is your favorite movie? Pirates or the Caribbean!!!
What would people be surprised to know about you? I was a rave DJ in high school.
Don’t Let the Cold Slow You Down this Winter!
By Laura Mitchell, Carilion Clinic
When the leaves and temperatures begin to fall, many people envision a winter’s worth of curling up by cozy fires, cooking traditional comfort foods and binge-watching holiday movies. But increased food intake and decreased activity can have a cumulative effect, resulting in habits and health changes that last beyond the winter months.
According to Patrick Dunham, clinical training manager at Carilion Wellness, a one- to two-pound gain over the winter months is not unusual but can be avoided by keeping active and having fun doing it.
“Exercise should not seem like a chore!” he said. “And that’s a nice thing about outdoor activities—they don’t feel like a traditional workout, but the benefits are definitely present.”
Dunham asserts that those benefits go beyond the physical.
“Exercise is known to have psychological benefits as a stress reducer and mood enhancer, and that’s especially important for those affected by seasonal affective disorder,” he said.
Kids
In general, kids follow their parents’ and caregivers’ leads when it comes to physical activity. If you’re active, they’ll be active. Try some of these ideas to make winter exercise fun: Dance—turn the music up and get down! See who can come up with the silliest dance moves.
Working Adults
It’s not easy to stay active when you arrive at work before sunrise and leave work after sunset. Dunham recommends starting a walking or workout buddy system group that allows you to hold each other accountable.
Climb—use the stairs instead of the elevator, and even use them Rocky-style for a workout.
Build an obstacle course—make it out of pillows and sheets and imaginary hazards such as alligators and sharks.
“In addition, minimal exposure to the sun during winter can lead to low levels of vitamin D, and spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to increase it,” Dunham added.
Consider some of the following winter activity ideas for yourself or your kids.
Pay to play—indoor playgrounds such as Salem’s Launching Pad Trampoline Park, Roanoke’s River Rock Climbing Gym and the ice-skating rink at Elmwood Park will keep your kids in motion.
Play video games—many games, especially those developed for the Wii, are designed to include physical activity.
Walk—add a few minutes to your commute and park in the farthest possible space so you can walk the remaining distance to work. Go outside at least once during the workday and walk around your building, parking lot or block.
Join a gym—many gyms open early and stay open late, so exercising before or after work is usually possible.
Exercise at your desk— run in place, do jumping jacks and try chairbased neck and shoulder stretches.
Most of these options are suitable for all ages. And in our region, the most time-honored winter activity is to bundle up and take a hike. This time of year offers the added benefit of solitude, as fewer hikers are on the trails than in warmer weather. Dunham reminds us to consider both safety and physical limitations when doing outdoor activities such as shoveling snow or hiking.
Whether you stay inside or head outside, the healthy—and fun—thing to do is keep moving.
Movie Reviews
The Forest
PG-13 | In Theaters 1/8 | 3.5 of 5 reels
Rising with terrifying grandeur at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan, the legendary real-life Aokigahara Forest is the suspense-filled setting of this supernatural thriller directed by Jason Zada. A young American woman, Sara (Natalie Dormer, “Game of Thrones”), journeys there in search of her twin sister, who has mysteriously disappeared.
In the company of expatriate Aiden (Taylor Kinney, “Chicago Fire”), Sara enters the forest - known as “the suicide forest” - after being warned to “stay on the path.” Determined to discover the truth about her sister’s fate, Sara must face the angry and tormented souls of the dead that prey on anyone who dares come near them.
Norm Of The North
PG | In Theaters 1/15 | 3.5 of 5 reels
A polar bear of many words, Norm’s greatest gripe is simple: there’s no room for tourists in the Arctic! But when a maniacal developer threatens to build luxury condos in his own backyard, Norm (Rob Schneider) does what all normal polar bears would do, he heads to New York City to stop it.
With a cast of ragtag lemmings at his
side, Norm takes on the big apple, big business, and a big identity crisis to save the day. Heather Graham, Bill Nighy, Ken Jeong and Loretta Devine voice characters in this cute animated comedy directed by Trevor Wall.
The 5Th Wave
PG-13| In Theaters 1/15 | 4 of 5 reels
Ooh, aliens! And girl power! Set in the present day, this apocalyptic thriller centers on “waves” of increasingly deadly alien attacks that leave Earth decimated. Against a backdrop of fear and distrust, 16-year-old Cassie (Chloe Grace Moretz) is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother. As she prepares for the inevitable and lethal “5th wave,” Cassie meets a young man who may become her final hope.
Based on the book by Rick Yancey, this movie is directed by J. Blakeson and also stars Nick Robinson, Liev Schreiber, Alex Roe, Maria Bellow and Ron Livingston.
The Finest Hours
PG-13 | In Theaters 1/29 | 4 of 5 reels
This action-thriller tells the true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. On Feb. 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck
Movie and DVD/Blu-ray reviews for you and your family.
By Jane Louise Boursaw
New England, pummeling the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) realizes he must take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to work together to ride out the storm.
Meanwhile at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring rescue operation, sending four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), out in a wooden lifeboat with an illequipped engine and little means of navigation to face frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds. Directed by Craig Gillespie and based on the book by Casey Sherman and Michael Tougias, this movie also stars Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana.
Jane’s Reel Rating System
1 Reel: Even The Force Can’t Save It.
2 Reels: Coulda Been A Contender
3 Reels: Something To Talk About.
4 Reels: You Want The Truth? Great Flick!
5 Reels: Wow! The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of.
Healthy Habits for 2016
Nearly everyone has high hopes of starting the new year off healthy. Many of us makes plans to lose weight, pick up an exercise routine, or get more sleep. However if you are like me, by March I am back to my old ways, disappointed in my progress. I have good news for you though, this year doesn’t have to be that way!
I am here to tell you that making new, healthier changes is more than possible! Last year I made a point to prove that . This year I am starting off 140 pounds lighter, with numerous new healthy habits. Now, your goals don’t have to be that extravagant to get results, but there is nothing wrong with having goals. I have learned a thing or two over the past year about making healthy habits stick. As a gift to you this year, I will share what I have learned!
First, don’t make healthy changes because someone else wants you to. Eating salad instead of cake is never fun, but if you aren’t doing it for yourself, it won’t be worth it. Remember, you are wonderful just the way you are—that is why you should treat your body right. Plus, if you are making changes for yourself you won’t need the encouragement of others to motivate you. On the other hand, the opinions of others won’t hurt you either. You are a beautiful, wonderful, amazing person who deserves to be healthy.
Second, keep your goals realistic. Losing 100 pounds, eating only salads, or exercising every day for an hour may not be the most realistic goals for your life. Determine what you can handle. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t push yourself, it just means you need make the goals you set possible. Below are a few simple healthy goals that anyone can handle.
1. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. This goal is often met with
much difficulty, but it’s about changing habits. Try drinking one glass first thing in the morning and one with every meal, this has you half way to your goal! Other helpful ways to take in more water include: carrying a water bottle with you, drinking a glass of water every time you feel like snacking, and flavoring it with fresh fruit and vegetables. If plain water is difficult at first, try using calorie free water flavors to help you reach your goal.
2. Sleep! Don’t skip out on your sleep. Sleep should be refreshing, if it is not, you probably don’t get enough. Try increasing your sleep by at least one hour per night. Keep increasing until you find the amount that works for your body and lifestyle.
3. Stop eating after 7 pm. After a certain point in the day you don’t have time to work of the calories. No matter what you eat during the day, by stopping earlier, you are less likely to gain extra pounds.
4. Make your plate more about the veggies. At least three quarters of your meals should be coming from the ground. When making choices for
By: Amanda Powers
breakfast, lunch, and dinner, be sure to include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
5. Our bodies need movement. Exercise is key to our health. If you are already active, great! If you are not, try adding something into your routine. Start at five to ten minutes a day of physical activity and work your way up, or you can go for longing stents a few days a week. I like to do five minute workouts at my desk during the day to keep me from sitting too long. Don’t let the fact that you struggle stop you, it’s more about the fact that you are moving!
Lastly, I know I said that you should be only making healthy changes for yourself, but having support is great! Build a support team of encouraging, motivating, and uplifting friends and family to help you along the journey. Find someone to keep you accountable so when the cake is calling, you can turn it down. Another good option is to get your family involved. Explain what it means to love who you are and why it is important to keep yourself healthy. If everyone in the family is involved, it won’t be so hard to make healthy choices at home. Making these changes is more about finding a happier, healthier lifestyle than looking better. Looking better is just icing on the cake, because when you feel better, you look better too!
7 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Immunity
by Sandra Gordon
Unfortunately, in some ways, getting sick when you’re young is simply part of the job description. “We all enter this world with an inexperienced immune system,” says Charles Shubin, M.D., director of pediatrics at Mercy FamilyCare, in Baltimore. Slowly, children prime their immunity by battling an ongoing series of germs, viruses and other organisms—which is why many pediatricians consider six to eight colds, bouts of flu, or ear infections per year normal. But there are healthy habits you can adopt that will give your child’s immune system a boost.
Serve More Fruits And Vegetables
Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries: They all contain such immunity-boosting phytochemicals as vitamin C and carotenoids, says William Sears, M.D., author of The Family Nutrition Book. Phytochemicals may increase the body’s production of infection-fighting white blood cells and interferon, an anti-body that coats cell surfaces, blocking out viruses. Studies show that a diet rich in phytonutrients can also protect against such chronic diseases as cancer and heart disease in adulthood. Try to get your child to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day. (A serving is about two tablespoons for toddlers, ¼ cup for older kids.)
Boost Sleep Time
Studies of adults show that sleep deprivation can make you more susceptible to illness by reducing natural killer cells, immune-system weapons that attack microbes and cancer cells. The same holds true for
children, says Kathi Kemper, M.D., author of The Holistic Pediatrician Children in day care are particularly
in disease-fighting antibodies, says Dr. Shubin. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that moms
Exercise As A Family
Research shows that exercise increases the number of natural killer cells in adults—and regular activity can benefit kids in the same way, says Ranjit Chandra, M.D., a pediatric immunologist. To get your children into fitness habit, be a good role model. “Exercise with them rather than just urge them to go outside and play,” says exercise physiologist Renee Stucky, Ph.D. Fun family activities include bike riding, hiking, in-line skating, basketball and tennis.
Guard Against Germ Spread
Fighting germs doesn’t technically boost immunity, but it’s a great way to reduce stress on your child’s immune system. Make sure your kids wash their hands often—and with soap. You should pay particular attention to their hygiene before and after each meal and after playing outside, handling pets, blowing their nose, using the bathroom, and arriving home from day care. When you’re out, carry disposable wipes or hand sanitizer with you for quick cleanups. To help kids get into the hand-washing habit at home, let them pick out their own brightly colored hand towels and soap in fun shapes, colors and scents.Another key germ-busting strategy: “If your child does get sick, throw out her toothbrush right away,” says Barbara Rich, D.D.S., a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. A child can’t catch the same cold or flu virus twice, but the virus can hop from toothbrush to toothbrush, infecting other family members. If it’s a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, however, your can reinfect herself with the same germs that got her sick in the first place. In that case, tossing the toothbrush protects both your child and the rest of your family.
Banish Secondhand Smoke
If you or your spouse smokes, quit. Cigarette smoke contains more than 250 toxins, most of which can irritate or kill cells in the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta. Kids are more susceptible than adults to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke because they breathe at a faster rate; a child’s natural detoxification system is also less developed. Secondhand smoke increases a child’s risk of SIDS, ear and respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and asthma. It may also affect intelligence and neurological development. If you absolutely can’t quit smoking, you can reduce your child’s health risks considerably by smoking only outside the house and not smoking in your car. Even with the window rolled down, secondhand smoke can creep into your car.
Don’t Pressure Your Pediatrician
Urging your pediatrician to write a prescription for an antibiotic whenever your child has a cold, flu or sore throat is a bad idea. Antibiotics treat only illnesses caused by bacteria, “but the majority of childhood illnesses are caused by viruses,” says pediatrician Howard Bauchner, M.D. Studies show, however, that many pediatricians prescribe antibiotics somewhat reluctantly at the urging of parents who mistakenly think it can’t hurt. In fact, it can. Strains of antibioticresistant bacteria have flourished as a result, and a simple ear infection is more difficult to cure if it’s caused by stubborn bacteria that don’t respond to standard treatment. Whenever your child’s pediatrician wants to prescribe an antibiotic, make sure she isn’t prescribing it solely because she thinks you want it. “I strongly encourage parents to say, ‘Do you think it’s really necessary?’” Dr. Bauchner says.
Unscramble the words to
Make Your New Year’s Resolutions a Success
In the children’s book Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Anne remarks to her adoptive mother Marilla, “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
It’s a true sentiment and one many will note as they say goodbye to 2015. The New Year is still fresh with no mistakes in it, and a perfect opportunity
to make resolutions that will help strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body.
However, many of us find our resolutions thrown out along with the holiday decorations. It’s no wonder—we start the New Year by making sweeping cuts to our diets and declarations that we’ll hit the gym seven days a week. But by reframing resolutions and breaking them down into smaller, easy-
by Kim Bratic, YMCA of Roanoke Valley
to-sustain goals you’ll see big benefits in the long run.
At the Y we see how things such as getting involved in with the community and making lifestyle changes can change someone’s life for the better. Here are five New Year’s Resolutions the YMCA of Roanoke Valley recommends for 2016:
Swap a Soda a Day
It may be difficult, but cutting soda can do wonders for your body. If you can’t cut it entirely, resolve to swap one soda a day for a large glass of water instead. Once you’ve been able to swap one out, see if you can cut soda entirely.
Volunteer Your Time
Giving back and supporting neighbors can benefit everyone involved. Not only is it a personally rewarding experience to help others in need, but it’s also a way to meet new people or discover an interest. Find an opportunity in your community, such as reading to children at the library or distributing food at a local food bank.
Schedule Family-Time
With work, school and activities family-time may seem like an impossible ask, but see if your family can have a “screen-free” night with no phones, video games, etc. Instead, use that time to play a board game, play outside or visit with family and friends.
Move More
It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Mom and dad, you should be getting at least 30 minutes. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being.
Put Extras to Good Use
Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs.
For additional tips or to learn more about how to get involved with the YMCA of roanoke valley visit ymcaroanoke.org.
Roanoke Kids Eat Free!
Everyday
Mama Maria’s
11 AM - 2 PM
3 & under free buffet with paid adult W. Main St., Salem (540) 389-2848
Golden Corral
All Day
3 & under free buffet with paid adult 1441 Towne Square Blvd., Roanoke (540) 563-8826
The Great 611 Steak Company
All Day
3 & under, 1 child buffet per paid adult 3830 Franklin Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-4675
Shoney’s
All Day
4 & under, free kids meal with adult entree purchase. Drink not included 2673 Lee Highway, Troutville (540) 992-6400
Lil Cucci’s
All Day (Closed Sunday & Monday)
10 & under, 1 child per adult meal 1396 Roanoke Rd., Daleville (540) 966-5923
Monday Country Cookin
4 PM - Close
10 & under, 2 children per paid adult
All Locations in Roanoke (540) 774-0199
Famous Anthony’s
3 PM - Close
1 child per paid adult
All Locations in Roanoke, Salem, & Vinton (540) 362-1400
McAlister’s Deli
5 PM - Close
2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407
Choose from over 35 restaurants for an affordable family night out on the town!
Buffalo Wild Wings
4 PM - 9 PM
12 & under, 1 child per paid adult
All Locations (540) 725-9464
IHOP
4 PM - 8 PM
12 & under, 1 child per paid adult
Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289
Brit and Bud’s Specialty Subs
6 PM - 8 PM
12 & under eligible for half off kids meal 4208 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 206-3684
El Rio Mexican Grill
All Day
10 & under, 1 child per paid adult
4208 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 685-4343
Firehouse Subs
All Day
11 & under, 2 children per paid adult combo,dine in only
800 University City Blvd, Blacksburg (540) 961-0371
Tuesday
Brambleton Deli
11 AM - 9 PM
12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 774-4554
Denny’s
4 PM - 10 PM
12 & under, 1 child per paid adult
All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074
Macado’s
4 PM - 9 PM
12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult
All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884
Town Center Tap House
All Day
12 & under, 2 children per paid adult
90 Town Center St., Daleville
(540) 591-9991
The Barbecue Grill
All Day
10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 126 E Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 857-0030
Firehouse Subs
All Day
12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Colonial Ave, Town Square & Salem only (540) 345-3131
Pizza Hut
5 PM - Close
10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834
Ruby Tuesday
5 PM - Close
11 & under, 1 child per paid adult
Valley View & Electric Rd. Locations (540) 265-9301
Wednesday
Dogwood
4 PM - Close
10 & under, per paid adult 106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549
The Quarter
All Day
12 & under, 1 child per paid adult
19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990
Pizza Pasta Pit
4 PM - 9 PM
1 child per paid adult. Drink not included. 1713 Riverview Dr., Salem (540) 387-2885
IHOP
4 PM - 8 PM
12 & under, 1 child per paid adult
Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289
Thursday
CiCi’s Pizza
All Day
10 & under .99 cents child buffet per adult buffet
All Locations, Roanoke (540) 344-7711
The Roanoker
4:30 PM - Close
12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746
Jerry’s Family Restaurant
4 PM - Close
6 & under, 1 child per adult meal purchase 1340 E. Washington Ave., Vinton (540) 343-4400
Friday
Saturday
See Everyday Deals!
Famous Anthony’s
12 PM - Close
limit 1 kids meal per adult
All Locations Roanoke, Salem, Vinton (540) 362-1400
Steak n’ Shake
12 & under 1 free per paid $8.00 adult
1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825
Tokyo Express
11 AM - 3 PM
4 & under free buffet per paid adult
1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303
IHOP
4 PM - 8 PM
12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289
Sunday
Pizza Den
5 PM - 8:30 PM
10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase
All locations Roanoke, Salem (540) 389-1111
Local Roots
5 PM -9 PM
12 & under eat for free (family style meal) with adult purchase 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke
Ragazzi’s
11 AM - 4 PM
10 & under w/paid adult
3843 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-9022
T.G.I.Fridays
All Day
12 & under 1 w/paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475
Jimmy V’s Restaurant
All Day
4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311
Steak n’ Shake
All Day
12 & under 1 free w/paying $8.00 adult
1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825
Kids Eat Free Inquiries andrea@growingupinthevalley.com
Editor’s note:
Restaurant deals change quickly and often without notice. Growing Up in the Valley strongly recommends calling ahead to confirm any deal listed. This listing is for
Family Event Calendar
Ongoing:
Spectacular Saturdays
Tubman Museum, Roanoke
10 AM - 5 PM
All Ages
Free Admission
Virginia Tech Hockey Games
January 8, 7:30 PM
January 10, 2 PM
January 16, 12 PM
All Ages
$5/Adults
$2/ 12 & Under
2016 Greater Home and Garden Show
January 8-10
Berglund Center, Roanoke
All Ages
$8.50/Adults
Free/ 16 & Under
Stampede Championship Rodeo
January 8-10
All Ages
Tickets start at $18
Kazim Shrine Circus
January 28-31
Berglund Center, Roanoke
All Ages
$8/Child $16/ Adult
Kid Yoga Life in Balance Counseling & Wellness Center
1st & 3rd Saturdays 11 AM - 11:45 AM
Ages 5-9
$8/class
Thursday • January 7
Annie Berglund Center, Roanoke 7:30 PM
All Ages
Tickets start at $37
$5/ Parking
Infant CPR & Safety Class
Carillon Human Resources Center Skills
Lab
6:30 PM - 9 PM
$20/Couple, $10 additional person
Registration Required (540) 266-6000
Saturday • January 9
Blue Ridge Comic Club
Jackson Park Library, Roanoke
10:30 AM
Ages 12 & up Free
Inside Out Party for Kids
Dance Tech Studio, Blacksburg
1 PM - 2:30 PM
All Ages
$5
Family Film Fest
Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg
10 AM - 12 PM
All Ages Free
Monday • January 11
Movie Monday Main Roanoke Library
6 PM
All Ages Free
(Showing Pan, PG)
Wednesday • January 13
Kid’s Paint Night
Main Roanoke Library
5 PM All Ages Free
Registration Required (540) 853-2955
Friday • January 15
Painting Storytime
Glazed Bisque-It , Roanoke
11 AM
All Ages $16
Reservations required (540) 985-4567
Winter Carnival
Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke
3 PM - 8 PM
All Ages Free Admission, $5/Activities
Kids Night Out
Bricks 4 Kidz, Roanoke
6 PM - 9 PM
Ages 5-13
$30/Child
Saturday • January 16
Kroger Eat Simple, Live Simple
Berglund Center, Roanoke
10 AM - 2 PM
All Ages
$10
Gun & Hoses Charity Hockey Game
Berglund Center, Roanoke
6 PM
All Ages
$5
Public Skate
Berglund Center Coliseum
November 7 - January 18
Fridays 6 PM - 9 PM
Saturdays 12 PM - 3 PM
Sundays 2 PM - 5 PM
Winter Break Hours:
December 26 - January 2
10 AM - 1 PM, 2 PM - 5 PM
$6 admission
$2 skate rental
Elmwood Park
November 23- February 14
Mondays - Thursdays 4 PM - 9 PM
Fridays 4 PM - 10 PM
Saturdays 11 AM - 10 PM
Sundays 12 PM - 7 PM
Winter Break Hours 10 AM - 11 AM
Closed Christmas Day
$6 admission
$2 skate rental
Wednesday • January 20
Grace Potter
Berglund Center, Roanoke
7:30 PM
All Ages
Tickets start at $25
$5/ Parking
Thursday • January 21
Car Seat Safety Check
Roanoke Fire Station #6
4 PM - 6 PM Free
Vinton Science Lab
Vinton Library 4 PM Grades 2-5 Free
Reservations Required (540) 857-5043
Friday • January 22
Monster Jam
Berglund Center, Roanoke
7:30 PM
All Ages
Tickets start at $10
Friday • January 29
Winter BeachFest
Salem Civic Center 6 PM
All Ages
$8/ In Advance
$10/ At Door
Saturday • January 30
John Green Movies
South County Library, Roanoke 12 PM - 4 PM
Ages 11-18
Free
Family Hike & Hot Cocoa
Mill Mountain Discovery Center
3 PM - 4:30 PM
Ages 5 & Up
$6/Child
Registration Required www.playroanoke.com
haPPY Kids.ALL KIDS.
From our hospitals to our pediatric offices to the educational programs we offer throughout the region, Carilion Children’s is dedicated to the brave kids, the strong kids, the big and small kids—all kids.