Southwest & Central Virginia’s
Growing Up
On With The Show
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Design
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Josh Eagan josh@growingupinthevalley.com
Anika and Evelyn’s Dad
Andrea Eagan andrea@growingupinthevalley.com
Anika and Evelyn’s Mom
Tracy Fisher tracy@growingupinthevalley.com
Charlotte and Evelyn’s Mom
Dee Shrader dee@mofatmedia.com Aleyna’s Mom
Natashia Pierson natashia@growingupinthevalley.com
Royce and Raeanna’s Mom
Shelley Sawyer Shelley@growingupinthevalley.com
Troy and Tucker’s Mom
Ellen Prillaman ellen@growingupinthevalley.com
Lyndsay Bella’s Mom
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Leigh Anne Woods law@growingupinthevalley.com
Ryan, Krystal, Braydon, Kailey, Rome, and Sage’s Aunt
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Sierra Lewis sierra@growingupinthevalley.com Johnathan’s Mom
Shelley Sawyer
Teresa Martin
Amanda Powers
Rachel Robinson
Kristy Wyatt
Jessica Farmer
Amanda Robinson
Stefanie Weber
Daniel Castillo Marisa Vitulli
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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.
Southwest and Central Virginia’s Premier Family Resource!
Welcome to a new year of Growing Up In the Valley Magazine! We have some great things on tap for you, our loyal readers in 2015.
But before we tell you about some of them, we want to remind you that January is always the time when people make resolutions. We all say things that we will try to change in the coming year and most of the time, we fail to accomplish implementing these changes.
We should all continue making these resolutions but this year do everything in our power to actually make them a reality. You see, our kids are watching. They see us struggle with trying to get in shape, or trying to quit smoking, only to stop going to the gym or continuing to buy tobacco at the store.
Phone: 540-251-1660
Fax: 540-905-7200
Mail: 2116 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24015
To Reach the Editor: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com
To Request Magazines: josh@growingupinthevalley.com
To Advertise: natashia@growingupinthevalley.com
To Submit An Event: shelley@growingupinthevalley.com
To Nominate: info@growingupinthevalley.com
Our resolutions are important to us, because they are ours. But in reality, they can affect our children as much as they do us. No matter what our resolution, we are trying to be a better person for not only ourselves but our families. So, doesn’t it make sense to help them at the same time by demonstrating the courage, will power and strength needed to accomplish your goals?
Well, our resolution is to provide you with even more of the great content we have for over 2 years! We have new writers, new articles, new sponsors and maybe even a new publication....that’s right we have something very special coming out in the spring and you will not want to miss it!
We know we reach more parents than anyone in the region. We know we have larger circulation numbers than any local magazine, but we can still do more and reach more people. In 2015, we promise to reach more families more effectively, while creating new content and hosting community events that will be free and benefit local children. We kick off our 2015 events with our 2nd Birthday Bash at the Star City Skate Center on February 21st. It is a COMPLETELY FREE event. Don’t miss the fun!
We are excited to enter 2015 as the most read free magazine in the region and we cannot wait to show you what we have in store for you and all of the other parents in our wonderful region!
Happy New Year! -The Growing Up In the Valley Family Josh, Andrea, Anika and Evelyn
Laura Wade Kim Castner
This Issue:
K i d s e a t FREE
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
Meet Maddie
Article by Shelley Sawyer Photos by Julie Spichek
Meet Madilyn Spichek and her parents, James & Julie.
I was working the children’s area at The Stocked Market in November. Hundreds of children came through our booth over three days. Maddie walked up to our craft and cupcake table with her mom
and dad. She plopped down and began to quietly make an icicle ornament while watching Frozen from a distance. She has these big, blue eyes that pull you in as soon as you make eye contact. Every family has a story, but little did I know, that Maddie’s story includes endless pain, worry and medication regimens.
Stars of the Valley
Maddie has Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA).
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It is commonly believed that children outgrow this arthritis. It is a much misunderstood disease. Some children are able to attain medicated remission. This simply means that there is no active inflammation in the body however the child is still on medication.
In May of 2014 her dad and mom noticed three fingers on her right hand seemed brown and swollen. They were warm to the touch and she would recoil in pain if they attempted to wash her hands or wipe them off. However, she continued to use her hands as if they did not hurt.Her parents asked all of the questions - Did you fall at school? Did you hurt your fingers? Did someone hurt you? She answered no to their questions. They contacted the pediatrician and an appointment was scheduled for the next day.
The pediatrician took one look at Madilyn's fingers and concluded that she either had an unusual case of trigger finger(s) or Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Her doctor ordered blood work and conducted some range of motion testing. Her parents disclosed some eating and sleeping habits that were of concern as well as some behavior issues. The doctor noted these could all be signs of arthritis in children and the best thing to do was wait for the test results.
Two days later, the pediatrician personally called Julie and stated that Madilyn showed positive results on the Antinuclear Antibody Test (ANA) as well as others. She referred them to Pediatric Rheumatology Specialists. Julie and James felt that Duke Children's Clinic and Hospital was the best choice. Even with a referral, Maddie was placed on
an 8 week wait list because there are only 200 Pediatric Rheumatologists in the United States. Six of them reside at Duke University. Julie called Duke every day to check for a cancellation appointment. During this time, her parents began to see other changes. Madilyn's right fingers went from slightly bent to completely curled as if she were holding a tube of toothpaste. They witnessed her left fingers starting to do the same. She could no longer grasp or twist a doorknob, she could not do her toileting duties, she could not grip a toothbrush and she could not put on or take off her own clothing.
James and Juile were so focused on her fingers that they missed other signs
going x-rays, range of motion exams, and other evaluations. Two different Pediatric Rheumatologists met with her that day and then shared their evaluations.
They also indicated that Madilyn had tested positive for the marker associated with Uveitis. He called it the silent eye killer. He encouraged them to have Madilyn see an Ophthalmologist right away for an evaluation. She was scheduled to see a local Ophthalmologist immediately.
The family left Duke in a daze as their daughter had just been through multiple tests and her parents, had been officially educated on how to administer medications. She was prescribed a regimen of harsh medications that require additional medications to offset the side effects like vomiting and other side effects that lasted for weeks -- including a low dose chemotherapy.
pMadilyn was quickly evaluated by an Ophthalmologist and did in fact have Uveitis in her right eye. Uveitis, if undiagnosed or untreated, can cause blindness. It can actually cause the eye to die. Madilyn now visits the ophthalmologist every 3 months or more often if necessary. She was placed on another medication for eye inflammation. For most children, Uveitis shows no outward signs such as redness, weeping, or itching. There are no signs other than vision changes.
of things that were happening. Fortunately, they were able to get into Duke two weeks early and she was officially diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in her fingers, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles on July 9, 2014. The family spent six hours at Duke Childrens with Madilyn under-
One month after her confirmed diagnosis at Duke, JRA was confirmed in her fingers, wrists, elbows, spine, hips, knees, and ankles. It was time to add another injectable medication to her cabinet. James and Julie were stunned and scared by what unfolded in just a few short weeks.
The Rheumatologists as well as the Arthritis Foundation are vigilant in their push to treat juvenile arthritis early and aggressively. If it is not treated aggressively at first diagnosis, there is greater possibility of extreme
Maddie’s Father, James
joint damage which could lead to joint replacement. There are children with this disease that have had total hip replacements, knees, jaws, shoulders, all before age 18.
Madilyn's medications have changed since her second appointment as the second injectable medication cause great side effects for her. She since added Humira to her bag which still includes Methotrexate, meloxicam, Synera patch, lidocaine injection, folic acid, and Zofran. Her family has worked hard to develop as much of a routine as possible. Friday or Saturday night is shot night. Their lives revolve around administering shots, keeping the vomit at bay, and/or cleaning it up, and trying to stay strong
for their daughter. Julie stated, “She is terrified of these injections. It is heartbreaking to experience the begging, pleading and crying that occurs. However, we are seeing great improvements in her mobility with the addition of the Humira. While painful to administer and much more painful to receive, she seems to be slowly showing progress.”
Maddie’s specialists believe that it will be unlikely that she will ever be medication free due to the inflammation of the spine and jaw specifically.
Julie expressed that as parents, “We want our daughter to grow up being able to dance, jump, run, and play like every other child. Most days people
Maddie’s Faves
Color: Red
Fruit: Watermelon
TV Show: The Muppets
Dress up: Cinderella
Game: Hide and Seek
Snack: Crispy Apples
Animals: Olaf & Nemo
Best Friend: Emma
Holiday: When it snows!
Book: Gus & Me by Keith Richards
Toy: Anything Puppies
Pets: 2 rescue cats - Felix and Sasha
CHASING DOWN A DREAM
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.
would be amazed to find out that Madilyn has such a serious disease. She attends preschool at First Presbyterian and takes a dance class at Divine Dance Center. As a family, we work hard to keep her bad days low key by playing at home and/or resting, taking baths, and role playing shot night with various stuffed animals. This disease causes her terrific pain at night once she has calmed for the day and on cold days and rainy days. It keeps her from being able to sit criss-cross
I sat down with Maddie and her parents in December at her favorite spot -- “the coffee milk store” aka Starbucks right before her cape making party for the Jingle Bell Run. We got to chat and learn about her favorite things.
ap plesauce, turn her head directly to either side, or to flip her head back quickly just to look at the stars. Sometimes she can do these things after many attempts, she makes her own modifications by arching her back or turning her entire body to the side, or by bending both legs in the same direction when sitting on the floor. She also wears sunglasses all the time. Her family prays that her life gets easier. It is our entire goal to make sure her quality of life is top notch; that she learn to advocate for herself, and for her to show the level of empathy and caring for others like they have shown to us. She is our absolute miracle child. In so many ways.”
On December 13th, Maddie’s Caped Crusaders walked in the Jingle Bell Run in downtown Roanoke to raise awareness for JRA. You may have seen her on posters around town. What a great way to bring awareness to how this disease affects our local children!
Maddie is a very smart and empathetic little girl who has aspirations of becoming a doctorinarian. What is that you ask? It is a person who is both a physician and a veterinarian. She created this herself. Her reason? She because if mommies and daddies are sick then they cannot take care of their babies, fur babies included. This way, the whole family can get a check up in one visit.
Although Madilyn Spichek’s story is heartbreaking in some ways -- it is heartwarming in others. Her parents are determined to give her a normal childhood. And believe me --this precious little girl exudes happiness! Everywhere she goes, she fills a room with joy and laughter.
Just take a look at those big blue eyes and I think you will see a glimpse of what I saw on that cold November day when Maddie plopped down at our table, ready to make ornaments and watch Frozen --just like any other 4-year old princess.
For more information about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, please visit www.kidsgetarthritistoo.org
Growing Up in the Valley’s 2nd Annual
February 21, 2015 • 10AM- 2PM
Free Roller Skating
@ 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
Motivate Your Student
January brings a new year, and for many schools, the end of the first semester. At this point, some students give up. Seeing low grades in print on a report card is enough to make them shut down, rather than buckle down. By the time some students reach middle and high school, school has become simply a requirement, something they have to do. They don’t understand the importance of getting a good education or have decided that doing well is out of reach.
Teaching students the importance of school at an early age is key. I got to thinking about what makes a successful student and I pulled from the source I
Article by: Katie Lewis
know best—my high school students. Now keep in mind, I’m not necessarily talking about straight-A students. Not all kids are going to be straight-A students, but that’s a topic for another day. I’m talking about motivated kids. Kids that care about their education. Kids that are successful by standards that are appropriate for their abilities. So what do motivated students typically have in common? Here’s what I have noticed.
• Motivated students see the big picture. They understand that
there is a purpose behind school, even if they can’t find it in every single assignment. They see how their education will affect their future plans regarding college and the workforce. Because of this, motivated students tend to stress. So am I saying stress is a good thing? Well, in this case, it typically shows they care.
• Motivated students are involved in their school. Whether it’s band, sports, clubs or anything else the school has to offer, being involved gives them something to enjoy at school. Even motivated students don’t always enjoy their classes, so having something else to do in the building reminds them that
the place is not so bad. Sports and extra-curriculars help them fit in and find their niche. They teach character and discipline that will benefit them in the classroom. They also gives them additional teachers in the form of coaches, leaders or advisers to encourage them along the way.
• Motivated students are not only involved, but have a passion. They have a strong desire to succeed at whatever it is they are passionate about and transfer this to the classroom. These passions often translate to dreams and future life goals, which give them a reason to work hard.
• Motivated students are active outside of school. They hold jobs, volunteer, hang out with friends, and exercise. They don’t sit around and watch television and play video games with the majority of their spare time.
• Motivated students have an interest in the arts, whether it’s being an artist themselves; enjoying things such as reading, listening to music, or going to
Motivated
students are not only involved, but have a passion!
Our culture sends mixed messages about where a woman gets her value and who she should be
SHE WILL NEED TO BE STRONG.
Figuring that out will take wisdom, courage, and understanding. We invite you to find out more.
the theatre; or just having an appreciation for the arts. Students who do so,
seem to have a better understanding of the importance of school and a better appreciation of the world around them.
• Motivated students respect their parents, their teachers, their peers and themselves. They take ownership when the mess up. They don’t sleep in class. They understand that their teachers and parents have their best interest in mind. They respect the importance of
each of their classes— even the ones for which they have the most disdain. The respect the opinions and interests of those around them and recognize they can learn from one another. Motivated students have parents or guardians who play an active role in their education. They have parents who support the school, rather than bad mouth it. They have parents who push them to do their best and have consequences if they mess up. They have parents who encourage and build them up. They have parents whom they want to please.
Of course, this is not a definitive list. And I’m not saying your child is not motivated if they don’t like to read or aren’t involved in a lot of activities. These are just some things that a lot of my motivated students have in common. They are not perfect. They mess up. They procrastinate. They fall. As parents, it’s our job to catch them when they’re young and guide their path, so as they grow, they know how to bounce back on their own. Then we can sit back and watch the motivation kick in.
Today’s adoptive families need treatment specialists who understand the unique nature of building a family through adoption and the challenges that may arise that are related to their adoption story. Children and their families need knowledgeable professionals to help them enjoy healthy, loving family life.
Lutheran
Family Services of Virginia
What is the need for adoption-competent counseling?
One of the most frequent complaints from members of the extended family of adoption is their inability to find mental health professionals who are adoption-competent – that is, who understand the unique issues associated with their histories and current lives, and how adoption can color or shape their views of themselves and their relationships.
Adopted children receive mental health services at a disproportionate rate, and if they are fortunate enough to get services, research indicates that most mental health professionals lack the relevant training for effective counseling. Fewer than 25 percent of families are able to find adoption-competent therapists at all.
Lutheran Family Services is working with the Virginia Post-Adoption Consortium, a collaborative partnership that includes the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), Commonwealth Catholic Charities and Radford University School of Social Work, to provide these important services. The Consortium is funded by the Virginia Department of Social Services as part of the ADOPT Virginia initiative, which was created in response to the lack of adoption-competent services for adoptive families.
What services are available and where?
Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, is offering outpatient mental health services, including diagnostic assessment and treatment, by an adoption-competent clinician who is receiving nationally recognized, rigorous training to work with the unique needs of families who have adopted. We also offer the W.I.S.E. UP Workshop, developed by C.A.S.E. to help children, teens and their parents cope with questions about adoption and make choices about when and how to share their adoption story. These services are open to all families in the Piedmont region regardless of ability to pay who have adopted through domestic infant, international, parental placement or foster care. Another program available through the consortium is S.A.F.E., which gives teachers tools to promote a positive, adoption-sensitive environment in their classrooms. The Piedmont region comprises Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Amherst, Campbell, Pittsylvania, Craig, Botetourt, Roanoke, Montgomery, Floyd, Bedford, Franklin, Patrick, Giles, Pulaski and Carroll and Henry counties as well as adjacent cities.
Who will provide services?
Emily Webb is a Resident in Counseling; Leslie Wright, LCSW (lwright@lfsva.org) is her Board Certified Supervisor. She specializes in assisting children, adolescents, and their families experiencing mental health and/or behavioral crisis in the community. Over the past three years, she has provided mental health services to individuals, groups, and families in a variety of mental health settings. She provides trauma-focused, family-centered interventions for adoptive youth and their families. She holds degrees from Radford University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
To learn more about our adoption-competent services, please call 540.774.7100, ext. 1015, or email ewebb@lfsva.org.
Having a child with ADD/ADHD has its struggles for any parent, and trying to figure out how to help your child at school is a struggle in itself. Although having a child with ADD/ADHD is difficult to cope with at home, as a parent, you also have to help your child deal with their condition at school. Here are some tips and advice on how to make sure your child does well in school despite their ADD/ ADHD.
1. Communication and teamwork with your child’s school is critical. It is so important to make sure your child’s school is aware that your child has ADD/ADHD, so they can work with him/her and ensure they get the best possible education and care in case they need extra help with their work. If you and your child’s school work together, your child can get the best possible education and feel better about themselves when they start excelling in their studies. And since most children with ADD/ADHD have problems with listening, sitting still, and concentrating, the school can work with them on these issues so they are able to do better.
2. Create a comprehensive behavior plan. Since you as the parent understands your child’s condition better than
their teacher, you can create a behavior plan to help at school, and at home. You can also enlist your child’s teacher in creating a more comprehensive plan, using rewards and consequences than can be used both at home, and at school.
3. Help with homework. Homework can be a cause of stress in both the ADD/ADHD child and for the parent as well. In order to help this become a lot easier, parents can utilize these tips to make homework a much less stressful event:
• Stick to a certain time to do homework. By setting a certain time to do homework—say before dinner, or after dinner and before bath-time—your child will know that it’s time for homework and not for play or TV time. Since most children with ADD/ADHD do well on a regular routine system, having a set time for homework will make it much easier on them, and on you as the parent as well.
While doing homework with your child, make sure they have a break, especially if they have a lot to accomplish; this will make the time break up a bit, and your child won’t feel as overwhelmed.
• Implement a reward system. Set up a system where your child gets a small reward for meeting specific homework milestones (such as completing a reading book or writing all their spelling words, etc.). Rewards can include stickers, special dessert, a new coloring book, or a new reading book they’ve been wanting.
Try different approaches to the homework. For example, start a homework plan that suits your child’s learning style. Encourage your child to stick to the plan, and see how well they do on it, in case you have to change it up a little, according to how your child does on it.
• Make sure there are NO distractions during homework time. Distractions are a huge issue with ADD/ADHD children; make sure there are no distractions during homework, such as no TV, no iPad or iPod, no music, no phone or email, and anything else that will distract your child from completing their assignments.
• Don’t do the homework for your child. Although it might seem easier to just do your child’s homework for them, this is definitely NOT helping your child in the long run. If you do their homework, how will they learn? Help them with difficult homework assignments, but don’t do the work for them.
Article by: Kristy Wyatt
Displaying Your Child’s Artwork
Move past simple magnets on the fridge door and keep your child’s art as treasured keepsake.
1. Put up a clothesline and use clothespins to change out the artwork frequently.
2. Digitize the creations and use them as your computer’s screensaver.
3. Create binders for each child and school year as an artwork yearbook.
4. Purchase affordable frames at yard sales & thrift stores to fill with their homemade creations.
YouthBuild
Serving Others. Building a community. Changing lives.
Article by Katie Lewis Photos by Youthbuild
A high school dropout with a known reputation in the community for being violent earned a scholarship to Virginia Western Community College. Another high school dropout and young mother of five turned her life around and is
now holding down a job and going back to school. Roanoke’s Youth Build is responsible for these two changed lives and many more throughout the Valley.
According to Kevin McNeil, YouthBuild was created to “help young men and women who have the same challenge of being high school dropouts complete their education and set out on a better path.” McNeil is a Life Skills Developer
Stars of the Valley
for the Roanoke program, which is part of a larger national effort, sponsored by Total Action for Progress (TAP) and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.
He explained that the program specifically helps 16 to 24 year olds who need to turn their lives around. “If an individual really wants to change, we have some excellent opportunities,” he said. The ultimate goal of the program is for the students to earn their GED, but there are several components that help the students achieve this and much more.
First, is the education component. The students are taught English, science, math and history in preparation for the test. McNeil said the GED test is hard. He and has co-workers have all taken it so they are more prepared to help the students. The group works with Roanoke City on dropout prevention and he said he encourages kids to stay in school or go back if it’s not too late. “The GED is harder than staying in school and graduating,” he said. For many of the students, that is no longer an option. For high school dropouts, the YouthBuild
pro-
their pants up and take their hat off.” Tardiness is also inexcusable. “It’s a lot of discipline and hard work, but we are helping them become better people.”
While passing the GED is the ultimate goal, the next component of the program provides job skills and training. YouthBuild partners with Habitat for Humanity allowing students to work on construction sites, building and
ly and see the fruit of their labor.” The students spend several days a week working on the job sites, which not only develops their skills but also forms connections with possible employers and allows them to earn a variety of certifications. As part of YouthBuild’s Green Initiative, the Roanoke group also constructed the first entirely “green” house in the state of Virginia. “Our students built that,” McNeil said, with obvious pride.
The construction work promotes the required community service, but McNeil said the group’s community service efforts go beyond that. They recently volunteered with TAP’s Domestic Violence Services and at the Veterans Stand Down in Roanoke. McNeil said sometimes it takes the students awhile to buy into the importance of community service, as some have the “no one helped me, why should I help them” mentality. “We stress the idea of legacy,” he said. “We are here to leave something behind for someone else.” The fact that the program is government funded and no cost to the students (in fact, they get a stipend for attending), helps McNeil bring home his point.
“For a lot of them, it’s the most positive time they have had in their life...”
gram provides services that a public school may have not been able to. “The teaching style is different,” McNeil said. “We’re not teaching to an SOL. We can tailor it to each student.” He explained that with 8 to 12 students in a classroom it’s easier to work one on one, differentiate instruction, and allow students to work at their own pace. Discipline comes into play as well. “We’re strict,” he said. “We tell them to pull
remodeling homes in their community. McNeil explained that the students are not simply laborers. They learn skills such as carpentry and how to read blue prints that supplement their classroom learning and make them more marketable to employees. “It gives them a sense of accomplishment,” McNeil said. “They are there for every house dedication. They get to meet the fami-
“They are
benefitting from other people, so they should be prepared to pay that forward,” he said. “It’s a tough sell sometimes.” To McNeil, it’s well worth it though. “You have those cry moments,” he said, as he recalled graduation ceremonies. “They introduce you like you are really a part of their family.”
And while sometimes it can take a while, the group really does become
like a family. In fact, they teach them that that’s how it should be. “We don’t tolerate anything insensitive. We preach this idea of a YouthBuild
“It gives them a sense of accomplishment; They are there for every house dedication. They get to meet the family and see the fruit of their labor.”
family. After a while, they buy into this. They’re all in this together. You’ll hear them say, ‘You mess with one, you mess with all.’”
McNeil’s expertise brings in the third component of the program: life skills. He explained that he teaches lessons beyond the textbook such as relationship skills, stress management, and budgeting. “I teach that emotions can get you in trouble. You can’t always act off your feelings.” McNeil said he
tries to get his students to think longterm. “I ask them what they want to be doing ten years from now, not just next week. What you want to do ten years from now should determine what you need to be doing next week.”
McNeil emphasized the importance of the program’s components working together. “All of us tie it into education,” he said. “Everything is geared toward helping them pass the GED.”
On average a student stays in the program for 9 months, attending class or working on job sites from 8:25 to 3:30 five days a week. While the goal is to come out with a GED, the program goes a few steps further. Students typically leave with plans to attend college or begin working. “We inundate them with the idea that college is possible,” McNeil said. And even after the plans have been made, the tie remains. McNeil said that the stay in contact with students for at least a year after they leave the program to check their progress. They might continue to help them work through issues or revise their resume. “Students will come back three or four years later to tell us how the program has helped them,” McNeil said. “For a lot of them, it’s the most positive time they have had in their life. Once they are here, they don’t want to leave the nest.” And it’s no wonder the students want to stay. With 264 programs in existence, Roanoke’s group was named one of the top three in the nation. “We put quite a bit of work in,” McNeil admitted. “No one works just 40 hours.” Yet, the outcome is priceless. “These are great kids with troubled backgrounds,” he said. “A lot of what you see is frustration. Once you get past that, they take off and fly.”
Stuck
The Young Elites
by Marie Lu Grades 7+
Sixteen-year-old Adelina Amouteru is a survivor. The blood fever that swept through her nation when she was a child killed thousands, leaving the few who managed to emerge from the disease, mostly children, scarred forever. It wasn’t long before these marked survivors began to exhibit strange abilities; legends abound of malfettos who could control the wind, call the rain, even raise the dead. Misunderstood and feared, they were declared abominations by the king, a curse from the gods and bringers of bad luck, and they began to be hunted and killed by the king’s Inquisitors.
& Flicks
to control and hone their powers, using them to strike back at the king and his regime. When Adelina is accused of murdering her father and is sentenced to death, she is rescued on her execution day by these Elites. They call themselves the Dagger Society, and they want her help dethroning the king.
Recently, however, rumor has spread of the Young Elites, an underground group of malfettos who have learned
Adelina has the power of creating illusions, the ability to change people’s perceptions of the world around them. She wants to align herself with the Elites, to believe that their cause is just... but she can’t help the darkness that resides in her heart, her thirst for power, or her hunger to destroy any who cross her.
Author of the best-selling YA series Legend, Marie Lu has done it again with her newest novel. Set in a world reminiscent of Renaissance Italy, The Young Elites is a thrilling story about the allegiances we form and the bonds we sometimes break when we’re tested.
Paperboy
by Vince Vawter Grades
5+
Besides his buddy Rat, Little Man’s best friend in the world is his nanny, “Mam”. He doesn’t understand why Mam isn’t allowed to do some of the things he can, like sit at the front of the bus or go to the zoo whenever she wants. Rules are rules, Mam says, and maybe that’s true. But what if the rules aren’t fair?
CLEARANCE SALE HUGE
Eleven-year-old Little Man might be able to throw the meanest hard ball in Memphis, but he can’t even say his own name without falling over every word -- he suffers from a severe stutter. So when Rat goes on vacation one sum mer and Little Man agrees to cover Rat’s paper route, he’s not exactly looking forward to having to talk to custom ers.
But as nervous as Little Man is about the paper route, it’s the shifty neighborhood junkman who really starts to cause problems. Mam has warned Little Man repeatedly to stay away from Ara T, but he’s never had any trouble with him before. But when he asks Ara T to sharpen his knife for cutting the newspaper bundles, he sets in motion a series of events that will
change his life forever.
Set in 1959 in Memphis, Tennessee, this Newbery Honor book is more memoir than fiction, as the author himself has felt the pain of dealing with a stutter. Written in the voice of “Little Man”, Paperboy is a poignant and compelling coming-of-age story about a boy who learns that there’s more to life than his speech impediment.
Earth to Echo
directed by David Green Rated PG
When the construction project for a new highway begins in a Nevada neighborhood, the residents are forced out of their homes. Three middleschoolers, Tuck, Alex, and Munch, have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They’ve tried their hardest to get the construction crew to change their plans, but to no avail. They’re just kids, after all. What could
they possibly do to change things?
Then one day, all of the cellphones in Alex’s house stop working. There’s a strange picture that has appeared on all the screens, and upon closer examination, the boys realize it’s a map of the surrounding desert. So on their last night together before Alex’s family moves, they decide to follow the map for one last hurrah. And what they find out in the desert is something truly otherworldly...
Since the little creature can mimic Alex’s ringtone perfectly, they decide to call him Echo. He needs help building his ship so that he can get back home. But while gathering the ship’s parts around the city, the boys run into trouble in unexpected places. Will their adventure be ground to a halt, or will they figure out a way to get Echo home no matter the cost?
Earth to Echo is a fun, lighthearted adventure about forgiveness, being there for each other no matter what, and how even the smallest person can effect change in the world.
Add Some to your snack! POP
Kick
Popcorn Marshmallow Bars:
Microwave 1/2 cup brown sugar + 1/2 cup butter for 2 minutes. Add 12 marshmallows & microwave 1-2 minutes. Pour over popcorn. Let cool & serve!
Pizza Popcorn
Sprinkle a few tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese & pizza herbs on top of warm popcorn.
POP-ular Snack Mix
Add 1 cup of mini-pretzels, 1/2 cup of raisins and 1 bag of M&Ms to a bowl of popcorn.
Pass-me-more Popcorn
Simply shake 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning into 1 bag of popcorn.
Cinnamon Toast Corn
Spinkle on 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar on to fresh buttered popcorn.
Chocolate Drizzle
Spread out popcorn on large baking sheet. Melt chocolate or candy melts and drizzle over popcorn.
Tutti-Frutti
Mix in your favorite dried fruit to a large bowl of popcorn.
Movie Night Snacks Member One’s Magnificent
Easy Peasy Pizza Rolls
Wrap string cheese, pizza sauce and any other toppings you like up in a premade crescent roll dough. Bake until golden brown. Serves 8.
$0.50 per serving
Caramel Apple Nachos
Slice apples and arrange on plate. Drizzle caramel sauce & vanilla yogurt over the slices. Sprinkle your favorite toppings on such as mini chocolate chips, nuts and/or raisins. Serves 6.
$1.33 per serving
Cookie & Candy Necklaces
String your favorite circular treats on to a simple cotton thread and tie into a necklace. Serves 10.
$0.93 per serving
Cake Batter Popcorn
Pour popped butter-free popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Slowly stir in melted white chocolate. Add in 1/2 cup of sprinkles. Spread mixture on to baking sheet and allow to cool. Crumble the popcorn mixture up and serve! Serves 8.
On with the show
Take in a family friendly show right here in the valley!
The Roanoke Valley offers a number of venues in which families can enjoy theatrical productions. The options range from local children’s theatre and regional troupes to the traveling shows of Broadway in Roanoke. Collectively, the venues present opportunities for live theater at a variety of price points making access widely available.
Roanoke Children’s Theatre
Located in the Dumas Center in downtown Roanoke, the Roanoke Children’s Theater is professional theater designed for children and it is affordable. This spring’s shows include “Fancy Nancy: The Musical” and “Eat: It’s Not About Food.” The former is based on the popular children’s book series by Jane O’Connor, while the latter tackles eating disorders and is geared toward teenagers.
“Eat” runs from Feb. 26 to March 1. “Fancy Nancy” is slated for May 28 to June 15. Ticket prices for each production are $13 for children and seniors, while adult tickets cost $19. Tickets purchased online are subject to extra fees, which can be avoided by ordering tickets over the telephone or visiting Center in the Square’s Regional Box Office.
The theater offers additional ways to save. By catching a show on opening night, you can snag tickets for the
By Courtney Cutright
preview price of $10. Or you can save 30 percent by subscribing to a season ticket package, which include tickets to three shows. Season ticket holders also receive a copy of the books from the plays in the Read it! See it! series. Learn more at www.roanokechildrenstheatre.org
Mill Mountain Theatre
It bills itself as Roanoke’s “professional, year-round, regional theater.” Mill Mountain Theatre, which is located in Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Shows for 2015 include “Hairspray,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “On Golden Pond” and “42nd Street” on the Trinkle Main Stage.
Disney’s classic fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast” is sure to be a hit with young people and families, especially as the roles of actors, scenic designers, costumers, lighting technicians and sound technicians will be held by children and teenagers. The show runs from July 31 through Aug. 6. Ticket prices are $13 for youth under 19 and adult ticket prices are $19. See more at www.millmountain.org
Showtimers
There are six shows slated for 2015 at this community theatre in Southwest Roanoke County, including “You’re A Good Man Charlie, Brown” in February and March and “Steel Magnolias” in April.reports that most shows family friendly, unless erwise noted. Adult ticket prices are
$12 for comedies and dramas and $15 for musicals. Tickets for anyone under 18 years of age cost $5. Find out more information at www.showtimers.org
Berglund Center
Older children and teenagers may enjoy the experience of Broadway in Roanoke. The 2015 season, which is sponsored by Friendship Retirement Community, will feature six shows this winter and spring in the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre:
• “Flashdance the Musical,” Jan. 15
• “Sister Act,” Feb. 12
• “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles,” Mar. 5
• “Guys & Dolls,” Mar. 31
• “Dancing Pros Live,” Apr. 14
• “Memphis,” May 6
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $32 to $67 before taxes and fees. VIP parking and buffet dinner tickets are available for an additional charge. Purchasing tickets online is convenient, but you can avoid some of the tacked on costs by visiting the Berglund Center box office in person. Learn more at www.roanokeciviccenter.com
Salem Civic Center
This orchestra concert of Broadway tunes is billed for anyone ages 8 to 98. On April 17, four Broadway stars will join the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra on to play musical selections from “Carousel,” “Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma” and “South Pacific.” Mandy Gonzalez, Rob Gallagher, Jeremiah James, and Jennifer Hope Wills take the stage with RSO Conductor David Stewart Wiley for the Rodgers & Hammerstein Broadway Celebration. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices $32 to $42. See more at www.rso.com
Other local productions
Keep an eye out for middle and high schools’ productions. These shows offer a fun and inexpensive opportunity to introduce children to theater, while supporting local schools’ drama programs and participating students.
Pinterest Picks:
Sales representative, Dee Reynolds plans on making these cute recycled cardboard owls from www.kerryspapercraft.com with her daughter!
Editor-in-chief Josh Eagan loves this recipe for Jello Cookies. The colors can be customized easily for any occasion. You can find the recipe at www.iheartnaptime.com.
Office manager Sierra Lewis is known around the office for loving coffe & hot chocolate. She will be styling with these DIY glitter mugs from www.creativegreenliving.com.
We asked our staff to share their favorite pins from Pinterest this month. They had everything from new cookie recipes, gift ideas and funny jokes! Here are some of the best of the best:
Event coordinator Shelley Sawyer shared this unique photo display idea from ryangreenleafblog.comThere’s even another pin to show you how to make letters from recycled cereal boxes.
Designer Tracy Fisher is filling up her library book queue with snow-themed books for those long cold nights trapped in a house with a 4 year old!
uality Interactions
Research indicates that the quality of the interactions are the most important feature of a preschool or child care program— studies have tied high quality interactions to positive outcomes for children more strongly than other things we typically look for in preschool or child care programs, like the teacher’s education or the numbers of teachers and children in the classroom. Of course, skill-based training and low ratios in a classroom help teachers to deliver those high quality interactions, which is why a comprehensive rating and improvement system like the Virginia Star Quality Initiative is so helpful in providing high quality information to families who want to choose quality care for their children. Of all the quality features measured by the Star Quality Initiative, interactions have the most weight in a program’s final rating. You can search for and view ratings here (www.smartbeginnings.org/qris)
What to look for:
Children who are busily involved with activities AND teachers who are engaging with them as they work and play. Look to see whether teachers engage children during mealtimes and routines as well!
Why it’s important:
When teachers are involved with children- sitting with them at tables or on the floor- they engage in more conversations and are able to tie learning to the children’s natural curiosity. By allowing learning to follow the interests of the children, teachers can maximize engagement and add information in meaningful ways for children.
What to look for:
Teachers who seem patient and understanding as they interact with children. Look for teachers who are asking the children questions and listening carefully to their answers before responding.
Why it’s important:
Language development is rapid during the preschool years, and children are encouraged to talk with their peers and teachers in high quality programs. Back-and-forth conversations with adults are also great opportunities for brainstorming, problem-solving, and asking thoughtprovoking questions.
What to look for:
If possible, observe the start of the children’s day. In high quality programs, teachers welcome children warmly and enthusiastically. You may want to ask about the program’s policies for introducing new children to a classroom or home, or how they handle children who have a hard time saying goodbye in the morning.
Why it’s important:
Greeting children each morning is a great foundation to build positive relationships with children. And, teachers in high quality programs are sensitive to children who may be having
a difficult morning and help children ease into the group gently. In order for children to maximize learning, they must feel welcome and comfortable with the adults and children in the group.
What to look for:
If you are able to observe for a few hours, look for opportunities for children to make choices throughout their play and learning. Do children get to choose where they sit, what materials they use, which peers they play with? If you are not able to see this for yourself, you might ask the program about the children’s day to find out more.
Why it’s important:
Having choices throughout the day encourages children’s sense of independence. While it’s true that children also need plenty of structure and routine, having choices within those limits builds self-confidence and engagement because they are able to pursue their individual interests. Everyone is enthusiastic and enjoys their time together more when their perspectives and input are valued.
What to look for:
If you are looking for care for your infant, ask about whether children are cared for on individual schedules and how the teachers navigate that with multiple children in their care. If you can, observe a diaper change and take note of whether teachers use this caregiving routine as an opportunity for conversation or other interaction.
Why it’s important:
In high quality programs, infants’ schedules are individualized according to their needs—and every baby is different! It is a challenge to individualize care for multiple children, so you’ll want to be comfortable with the program’s approach for your child. When children are very young, caregiving routines make up a large part of the day, and skilled early childhood professionals use this time to talk and play with babies, building relationships and helping them learn about the world—rather than treating these times as chores to be accomplished.
“Look mommy, I’m a superhero!” my daughter yelled across the living room as she jumped from a short step stool, a simple bandana tied around her neck flapping behind her.
It’s never taken much for my daughter to pretend or imagine. If the mood strikes our floor can suddenly change to lava, with our couch as our only hope of surival, or our dining room becomes a grand ballroom for the princess to dance in. I don’t have to add much flair for her to have fun in her surroundings.
Lots of children are natural storytellers and will turn the world around them into their personal stage. A recent study done at the University of Virginia even suggested that playing and pretending can be as important to a child’s development than a traditional, formal classroom education.
However, sometimes play can be enhanced and more involved when parents and caregivers add a little costuming, props and sets.
Dress Up! Stretch their imagination with
Add to your costume box without emptying your wallet
Article by: Tracy Fisher
Look
Around Your House
Costumes don’t have to be speciality-shop exclusives. You can find a full chef set in every kitchen, a simple kithen towel tied around a child’s waist and a oven mitt is all they need to be the next Gordon Ramsey.
Raid Your Closets
Children love to pretend they are the grown up. Check your closet for older or worn adult clothes that could be easily sized down with safety pins, or if you’re handy, with a sewing machine. Don’t forget that old linens make great superhero capes or ninja headbands.
After-Holiday Sales
The best time to get dress up costumes is after Halloween, when stores mark their commercial costumes down 50-75% off. Buy a size or two larger to allow the costume to last as long as possible in your dress up box. Don’t forget to grab accessories like handbands, glasses and props!
Check out some great DIY Costume ideas on our Pinterest Board
Get The Kids Involved
Children want to be inolved in the games, not just have them thrust upon them. Make puppets together, have them draw a treasure map of their backyard or local park. Older children can even write down and illustrate the stories before they perform them for friends and family.
Make it
Yourself
A puppet theater can be made with a small tension rod and short curtain hung in a doorway. A cardboard box can be a boat, spaceship, car or tardis. You can even paint a simple stovestop on a flat board to be a pretend kitchen.
Is my child on track?
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!
by Amanda Powers
a Snow Day!
Those two words are typically met with one of two extreme opinions. On one side you have the people who exude joy and excitement in their voice. On the other side you find frustration and disappointment. Over the years I’ve found very few people who seem completely neutral on the subject.
I usually find the latter of the two opinions in most adults. In fact, I often hear comments about bad weather driving and the problems snow can cause during one’s commute. I, on the other hand L-O-V-E snow days. I always have! I guess in some ways I never really grew up. I eagerly check the news on a snowy morning to read all the closings. Now that I have kids of my own, I enjoy snow days even more. I am the first one up and putting on gloves and hats. Since I work at a school, I have the very special opportunity to be off when the children are off from school. It is part of the reason I love winter so much.
I just love when I find
other adults who feel the same way. There is a special place in my heart for the saying “let it snow.” For all you other teachers out there, I know what you are thinking. “What about all the missed work?”
“What will happen to our Spring break?” “Just think of the roads!” I know! I know! I have heard every reason to dislike snow days and I just can’t.
Today I would like you to reconsider your feelings on the words “snow day” one more time. Take a moment to look at them through childlike eyes. If you take an average elementary age student and ask their opinion on snow days, you will likely hear things like “ l like to go sledding! My dad catches us doing it on camera and its really hilarious!” You may hear a few “It’s cold outside and hot chocolate feels so good!” Or like one little boy I asked stated, “My favorite thing to do is make a cave out of snow and hide. I like to see how long it takes my friends to
find me.” All of these comments came out of real third grade students. They find nothing but possibility in the words “snow day.”
Imagine if more adults would take on the same world view for a while. I am fully aware of the pressures and complications of life. With kids, a job, school work, and housekeeping, who doesn’t understand? This Winter I want to encourage you to see the words “snow day” in a new light. Let go of the worries and the stress, just for a day. Make a point to get out there with your kids. Play in the snow. Build a snowman. Drink a big mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Play board games. Read a book!
Whatever you do, remember that the lovely, white blanket of snow is like a blank canvas. It is only what you make of it!
Make a Mask:
Sudoku For Kids
Family Calendar
Raptors Live
January 10, 2015 11:00AM • Science Museum of Western Virginia, Center in the Square Seating is limited, so reservations and advance tickets are required.
$2/members | $3/non-members (in addition to regular museum admission)
See a live Red-Tailed Hawk fly — and learn about a variety of raptor species — all inside our planetarium under the guidance of former Science Museum educator Corey Basham.
Make Believe Mondays
January 5, 2015 10:00AM • Roanoke Main Library
Come “make believe” every Monday in January and make the most of your child’s imagination. It’s Puppet Playtime! Use our puppets and stage so your child can perform! This drop-in creative play program is parent and child directed and is not managed by library staff. No registration required.
Country
School
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Monday • January 5
Make Believe Mondays
Roanoke Main Library
10:00 AM
Ages 0-11
Free
Come “make believe” every Monday in January and make the most of your child’s imagination. It’s Puppet Playtime! Use our puppets and stage so your child can perform! This drop-in creative play program is parent and child directed and is not managed by library staff. No registration required.
Upcycle Crafting
South Roanoke County Library
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ages 12-17
Free, Register by calling (540) 777-8788
Join us and create your own bottle top magnets!
Tuesday • January 6
Adventures In The Afternoon
Roanoke Main Library
4:00 PM
Ages 12-17
Free
Adventures in the Afternoon is a role playing game clubs for teens that meets every Tuesday at the Main Library.
Chick-Fil-A Family Night
Salem Chick-Fil-A
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
All Ages
Free to attend
Come to Chick-fil-A for a fun craft or other kid’s activity! Activities are free for alll!
Wednesday • January 7
Movies At Main
Roanoke Main Library
10:30 AM
Ages 0-11
Free
Enjoy a morning movie at the Main Library! Join us for a special showing of “Frozen” (rated PG) for families on the Children’s mezzanine.
Thursday • January 8
Silly Storytime And Craft
Gainsboro Branch Library
10:30 AM
All Ages
Free
Silly stories with a fun and simple craft for young children and their caretakers.
Night Howls
Mill Mountain Zoo
5:15 PM-7:00 PM
All Ages
$7.50/Children
$10/Adult
Reservations suggested www.mmzoo.org
Bundle up and come listen to the wolves howl! Enjoy a Zookeeper chat, guided tour, and refreshments to warm you up!
Early Childhood Music
Class
Imaginations Toy Store
1531 South Main St Blacksburg Va 10:30AM
Ages 1-4
First Class free!
Registration required; please email marcicraigmusic@gmail.com for more information.
First Class Free! Want to try out a music and movement class? Join us every Thursday Jan. 8 - 29 at Imaginations Toy Store - upstairs, pay a visit to the Toy Lady and then walk next door to Annie Kays to grab some groceries before lunch. We will sing, play percussion instruments and dance to live piano music.
Saturday • January 10
Storytime: Please, Mr. Panda Christiansburg Barnes & Noble 11:00 AM
All Ages
Free
Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Please, Mr. Panda. This clever picture book about manners will delight children and endear them to Mr. Panda.
Raptors Live Science Museum of Western VA
11:00AM - 12:00PM All Ages
$2/Members
$3+ Regular Admission/Non-Members Reserve a spot by calling (540) 342-5768
Check out a Red-Tail Hawk and other raptors.
Free Roller Skating @ Star City Skate Center
The Guide
Michael’s Kids Club: Stitched Felt Bag
Michael’s Craft Store
1357 Town Square Blvd.
10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Ages 3+
$2/Child
Let the kids make a fun craft while you shop!
Monday • January 12
Movies At Main
Roanoke Main Library
6:00 PM
All Ages Free
This week we’re playing The Hundred-Foot Journey! Join us for a fun family night out!
Saturday • January 17
Family Hike and Hot Cocoa
Mill Mountain Discovery Center
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Ages5+
$6/child
Registration required
Come join us at the Discovery Center and take in the winter scenery on a 1.5 mile hike on Mill Mountain. Warm up afterwards as we all enjoy a cup of hot cocoa! Register online by visiting playroanoke.com or by phone at 540853-1236
Monday • January 19
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Public Schools Closed.
Let’s Experiment Day Camp
Science Museum, Downtown Roanoke
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ages 5+
$45/Members
$50/Members
Register online www.smwv.org
Kids are out of school? Let them come out and enjoy a day of hands-on science fun!
Cave Spring Elementary School Barnes and Noble Bookfair
Friday, January 23 through Saturday, January 24
Barnes & Noble Tanglewood Mall
All Ages Free
Cave Spring Elementary School is partnering with Barnes and Noble Tanglewood for their annual Bookfair. There are special events planned for Friday and Saturday in the Tanglewood store. A percentage of purchases made in the store those two days, and purchases made in store and online for the week of Jan 23 - 30 will go to Cave Spring
Elementary. Just mention Bookfair ID number: 11455250.
Friday • January 23
Bumps & Babies
Consignment Event
3434 Buck Mountain Road
(Across from 220 Wal-Mart)
All Ages, Focusing on infants and expecting mothers.
Free to attend
Roanoke’s popular LFA Sale now brings you a new consignment event just for new and expecting moms! You’ll find everything you need for a new baby from strollers, to furniture, to clothes, and more! visit www.lfakids.com to register as a consignor.
Saturday • January 24
Footprints in the Snow
Mill Mountain Discovery Center
2:00 PM -3:30 PM
Ages 5-12
$6/person
Register online or call (540) 853-1236
Who lives here? Not everyone leaves for Florida in the winter! Learn to track wildlife by the tracks and other signs they leave behind.
Tuesday • February 3
Budding Naturalist : Animal Adaptations
Brambleton Rec Center
10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Ages 3-5
$5/person
Register online or call (540) 772-PLAY
Roanoke County’s very own naturalist is bringing the outdoor fun to you this winter! Bring your Budding Naturalist for age-appropriate experiential lessons that touch on their wintertime questions. Run a few errands or stay with your child as they enjoy stories, art, outdoor investigation, and social time with other preschoolers-all while learning about their natural world. Remember to dress your child to spend a little time outside. Closed toe shoes and jackets required. This week’s theme: Animal Adaptations- What happens to all the animals during winter?
How do the animals stay warm and find food? We’ll answer these pressing questions and make some of our own discoveries about how adaptations work.
February 5- February 7
The Adventures of Iris and Walter
Mill Mountain Theatre
Showtime vary
All Ages
$5/children
$8/adults
Hollins Theatre is excited to announce the world premiere production of the adventures of Iris and Walter! Iris is lonely and unhappy when her family moves from the big city to the country, until she climbs a tree and to her surprise meets her new best friend, Walter. A rambunctious baby sister, an ornery cousin, and the exciting school play present the duo with great adventures (and important learning opportunities).
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
btrflygrl1608@aol.com
Damsel in Defense Nicole Kidman 540-915-9895
Hello,
My husband is planning on coaching my sons baseball team (ages 7-9). This year he plans to really work on using positive parenting skills but it is always hard to transfer that to the kids on the baseball team. There is a real problem getting the kids to focus (or at least stop goofing around) during practice and also in the dugout during games when it’s our turn to bat.
Please help!! He wants the kids to have a good time but to also be respectful without making them run lots of laps as punishment.
Sincerely,
Coach Mom, Rocky Mount
I’m not an expert on coaching, but I’d say:
1. Talk with the group as a whole about expected behavior. Ask questions. Why is this the best behavior in the situation? What are the ramifications of not using this behavior? Write down the agreements -- there should not be many -- that the team members are making to each other and to the coach.
2. Ask the kids how the group as a whole can work as a team to be sure they are all focusing?
3. Kids follow presence. That means that if your husband turns his warmth and connection on those kids, they won’t want to disappoint him.
Good luck!
Dear Coach - I am not sure what baseball is, but I know it can be tough teaching puppies so I guess it would be tough with kids too. Try using one word answers like my mom does with our puppy. Sit, Stay and Paw seem to work well. Also, Give them treats like bones. You will thank me later.
Dear Ask Andrea,
We have a no Monster High Doll rule in our household. We talk about body image and adult clothes that aren’t for kids. She just turned 7 and was given 2 Monster High Dolls. She is eagerly awaiting our decision if she can keep them or not. what is the best way to handle this?
Sincerely, Worried in Roanoke
Dear Worried,
I completely support your decision not to have Monster High dolls in your house. The dolls are highly sexualized. The webisodes about the characters seem to mostly be about girls being mean to each other. These dolls give all the wrong messages.
I would say to your daughter “I know the person who gave you this present did not know our house rules, but our house rule is still no MH dolls. If they didn’t know that you can’t legally drive a car, and they gave you a car, you could still not drive a car, even though you received one as a present. So you still can’t have MH dolls because that is our house rule, even though you received them as a present. So we will return these to the store and you can use that same amount of money to pick out anything you want.
I know your daughter will be very disappointed. I would honor that disappointment but stick to your values.
Worried - Those monster high dolls are actually really tasty. I like to eat the hair on them. You should try it, you might want to keep them around the house as a snack. Here is another tip, don’t share with your doggie friends, they chew the faces off. Talk about creepy!
Ask Andrea:
My 4 year-old girl has difficulty sharing toys. How do I help her deal with sharing?
Thank you! Shareless in Salem
Dear Shareless,
It really is better to give than to receive, but that’s only true if we feel we have enough. And this isn’t something children learn through lectures, but through experience. All little ones can find it challenging to share. To them, sharing means being forced to give something up. Our goal is to change that experience for them, so they can begin to discover the silver lining of sharing -- that good feeling we feel when we make someone else happy.
So I would not force a child to share toys. Instead, introduce the concept of taking turns. In general, it’s best if each child’s turn goes on for as long as the child wants, rather than the child being forced to give the toy up in some arbitrary number of minutes. So you would say to your daughter “When you’re done with that, will you give it to Isabella? Great, thanks!”
Does that sound like a recipe for disaster? Actually, it teaches kids to be more generous, out of the goodness of their hearts rather than only when we’re watching. Why? Because when we let a child use something for as long as they want, without making them share, they get the experience of giving the toy to the other child once they really feel done with it. The natural result is that they become more generous.
I know this is an unusual rule, but what’s the alternative? Always snatching things away from children when we think they’ve had enough time with it? That teaches them to grab, and makes them more anxious about protecting their things, so it makes them less likely to share. This rule helps children feel they can use something to their heart’s content without worrying about losing it. In my experience, children who are brought up this way are usually able to share more easily.
Sharing is a realy important thing for kitties to learn. I share everything with my family. When my mom is reading, I share her book by laying on it. When my sister is playing with LEGOS - I chew a piece to try and make it fit. I even share with my dad by using his toothbrush when he is not using it. Make sure to share your stuff with them too! Like, when I catch a mouse or a bug, I always leave it right where my family can use it!
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