Issuu

Growing Up

In The Valley

Teaching Empathy

Foster

It Takes A Village

Creating

Swimming Safety

the power of

LOCAL

We are committed to serving people of all ages, starting with our Kids’ Club savings account. It not only provides our youngest savers with a place to keep their money, it also helps teach them about financial principles at an early age. We invite you to bring your kids (or your pets) and let us know how we can help you succeed. And yes, we have treats for everyone! That’s the power of local banking. Homer,

Campbell Proud Saver & HTB Kids’ Club Member

HTB Kids’ Club Mascot

Letter from the Editor

Summer is in full swing and we are enjoying the weather and all of the beautiful things Roanoke has to offer! One of our new favorites? Biking on the greenway with a rest stop at Blue Cow Ice Cream! Delicious and refreshing! Who can say no to ice cream?

We have a lot on our plates this summer! Tot Rock at the Spot returns in July and our big Mother-Son adventure, Guardians of the Valley, brings Moms and Sons together in an effort to save the Valley, have some fun, and of course win some prizes!

Facebook Facebook.com/ growingupinthevalley

Tweet Us on Twitter @GUPinthevalley

Email The Editor andrea@ growingupinthevalley.com

Story Ideas

Share your story ideas with us by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com

We also just announced our MASSIVE 5th Birthday bash in October at Roanoke Catholic where we will be throwing the BIGGEST birthday party in the area with tons of prizes and giveaways including a HUGE prize that will be sure to make you want to enter to win!

In this issue we also feature an article on pool safety courtesy of our friends at Aquatic Adventures. One of the most enjoyable things of summer break is the pool and the beach. However, these two things can also be some of the most dangerous. Make sure to read the article so you can keep yourself and family safe this summer.

So, have some fun, stay safe and don’t forget that sunscreen!

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Josh, Evelyn and Anika at the Royal Ball on June 16th!

the Cover: Brad and Dawn Crockett with their children Levi and Rylee. Photos Courtesy of: Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography

DIY DONE SIMPLE

5 Projects You Can Tackle In A Weekend

This time of year was made for DIY projects. The weather is perfect, the projects have mounted, you’ve got the time and the motivation. Now if only you had the budget. DIY doesn’t have to be synonymous with expensive! There are plenty of impactful DIY projects that can be tackled quickly and affordably in just a single weekend. Below is a list of five projects that you can use to scratch that project itch without putting a noticeable dent in your wallet.

Seal the gaps.

Hidden gaps and cracks in your home could be allowing air to escape, making the temperature in the house more difficult to regulate and your energy bill more expensive than it needs to be. Seal these gaps with an air-sealing insulating foam to help protect against air and moisture infiltration. It will create a tighter building envelope that helps to reduce your energy waste and your monthly bill.

A fresh coat of paint.

How many times have you walked by that wall, those cabinets or that wooden chair and thought, “I need to repaint that”? Well, now’s the time. Painting small spaces and furniture yourself is a small, inexpensive project that can be finished in a single weekend. So start picking colors today. Once you’re done, you can feel proud knowing that you put in the hard work to give your home a fresh look.

Ward off vermin.

You’re not the only one who’s happy to see that warmer

weather has arrived. Vermin of the mammal, reptile or insect variety will also be more active during the warmer months and they may set their sights on your home. An insulating foam sealant helps block vermin from entering your home through gaps, cracks and holes. Spray the foam to block these points of entry and the only guests you’ll greet this season are those you actually invited.

Update your window treatments.

If “treatment” is a generous word when describing the accent pieces around your windows, it’s time for an upgrade. Whether curtains, blinds or drapes, window treatments can be as cost effective as you want them to be, so don’t be afraid to be picky. And once you find treatments that appeal to you, use them to block the sun on the hottest days to reduce your energy expenses.

Expand your DIY.

Your DIY projects don’t have to be confined to your home; they can also involve your boat, your RV or your other vehicles. Refinishing interiors can give new life before you start your summer vacations.

You can scratch that DIY itch without a month-long commitment or completely draining your bank account. All you have to do is pick the projects that match your budget, your time frame and your goals, and get to work. And when they’re done, you’ll have the rest of the season to enjoy your new and improved home.

Dorm Decor 101

A simple curtain rod can be a great way to display photos without damaging the plain rented walls.

As students prepare to return to universities across the region, don’t forget to grab a few items that help spice up the boring beige of their dorm rooms!

Storage space is often hard to come by in a dorm. A free standing sturdy ottoman is a great solution to store seasonal items and provides space as a table or chair.

A novelty pillow is not only comfy but adds a bit of whimsy to a room

Dorm rooms often have ugly, scuffed, and old industrial flooring. A rug can completely change the look of the space. Bright colors and unconventional patterns give the room a youthful appearance.

Nomination

Wednesdays WINS Teacher of the Month

Nominate a worthy teacher to be featured in Growing Up in the Valley’s Teacher of the Month by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com or mailing the following questionairre to PO BOX 12263, Roanoke, VA 24024.

Winners receive a gift card to Famous Anthony’s for a well deserved night out!

Your Name:________________________________

Your Email Address:__________________________

Nominee’s Name:___________________________

Nominee’s Email Address:_____________________

Why Should Nominee Be GUITV’s Teacher of the Month?

Follow Growing Up in the Valley on Facebook for a chance to win a great prize EVERY wednesday!

You could win:

Roanoke Children’s Theatre Tickets

Tickets to the Salem Red Sox

Harry Potter Merchandise

Gift Certificates to local businesses & More!

Exclusives

Need ideas on entertaining the family this weekend? Planning a birthday party or maybe you just want to know which park is having a festival soon?

Sign up for Growing Up in the Valley’s weekly newsletter to get the details about the best family friendly events in the valley! Subscribers to our newsletter are the first to see our newest issues, receive special deals & coupons from advertisers, and hear all the news from the Roanoke, Lynchburg and New River Valley areas. www.growingupinthevalley.com. Homestead Creamery’s Home Delivery Service is MORE

•Over 100 local & high quality products

•Delivered to your door

•Easy online ordering

•From a local company you can trust

Weekly routes in the Roanoke Valley, Lynchburg and Forest areas!

Email matt@homesteadcreameryinc.com or call 540-719-1020 to register today!

Provided by Laurissa Grubb from Blue Eagle® Credit Union

Identity theft is nothing new, and yet it still manages to cost its victims billions of dollars (yes, that’s billions with a “b”) globally each year—not to mention the time and hassle involved in recovering a stolen identity.

The good news is there are tons of things you can do to deter identity thieves. The bad news is that many of us do little beyond choosing a decent password (and some people don’t even bother doing that!). Here are the top five information jackpots for identity thieves, along with helpful tips on what you can do right now to protect yourself.

1. Your Trash Can

Even if you’re really careful about the information you put online, your trash bags and recycling bin can still be an easy target for identity thieves. Dumpster diving may sound old-school, but it’s still an easy way for identity thieves to get access to your personal information.

• Get a shredder (a basic model will run you $20 to $30 at a big-box store) and use it!

• Get into the habit of shredding things before throwing them out, especially things like bank statements, expired credit cards, utility bills, cell phone bills, pay stubs, old boarding passes and travel itineraries, and ATM receipts.

• Don’t forget to check your envelopes! Anything with your name and address on it needs to be shredded, too.

2. Your Phone

Odds are you’re carrying a lot more in your phone than just your contact list. With smartphone theft on the rise, protect yourself:

• Have a password-protected lock on your home screen. This is a standard feature on all smartphones for a reason, so take advantage of it! Bonus points if your smartphone also has a location tracking (also known as the “find my phone” feature).

• Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure, so avoid checking your bank accounts or doing your online shopping from the local coffee shop or during your layover at the airport.

• Do not store sensitive information on your phone–storing passwords or login information in a note taking app is bad news.

3. The Pin Pad

It seems like every few months a new point-of-purchase scheme emerges– skimming devices, keystroke loggers, ATM

hacking… the list goes on! Here are some good practices for when you’re out and about:

• When making a purchase, keep your debit or credit card in sight at all times.

• Use your hand to block the buttons when entering your pin number, even if there’s no one immediately behind you–a camera can always be watching.

• Choose a good PIN. Avoid PINs derived from your personal information, like your telephone number, address, or birthday. Avoid easy-to-guess pins, like the dreaded “1234.”

• Change up your PIN, especially if you use the same combination to unlock your phone as you do for your debit card.

4. Your Mail Box

Like the trash-picker approach mentioned above, mail tampering is a low tech but relatively easy way for identity thieves to compromise your personal information. Here’s what you can do:

• Familiarize yourself with your billing cycles. A late credit card statement or a bill that never shows up could be a sign of mail tampering.

• Identity thieves will sometimes request a change of address to illegally reroute your mail to a different location. If you suddenly stop receiving mail, check with the post office to make sure this isn’t the case.

• Use a mailbox with a locking system to deter thieves.

5. Your Computer

You think this one would be common knowledge by now, but every so often a virus or scam comes along that trips us up. Stay one step ahead of scammers:

• Keep your firewall, anti-virus and operating system software up to date. No matter how new and fast your laptop is, it still needs protection.

• Enable spam filters on your email accounts.

• Look out for sketchy links and emails. Ignore any suspicious password reset requests, unexpected mail tracking numbers, or anything that asks for your personal information over email.

• Don’t over share on social media. Do your Facebook friends really need to know what year you were born? Can people tell when no one is home based on your Instagram feed? Keep your accounts private and make sure you’re not accidentally broadcasting sensitive information.

By being aware of top five information jackpots and implementing these simple strategies, you can keep identity thieves at bay.

The Importance Of Swimming Lessons

Summer: that time of year we all look forward to, filled with vacations, time off from school, outings with the kids and all around FUN. For most of us this will include activities in or around the water such as pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, and water parks. Many vacations are taken to a water oriented place, leaving us easy access to cooling off and relaxing on a hot Summers day.

All of this enjoyment however, can turn tragic quickly and unfortunately, for far too many when a child drowns. This is a story I have heard more times than I care to count and sadly, it is often preventable.

For the past 30 years, I have dedicated my life to preventing such tragedies by providing swim lessons to thousands of children through my Swim School, Aquatic Adventures. Every year I hear of drowning incidents and while it breaks my heart; I am also amazed at the number of people who don’t think that learning to swim should be a top priority for their children. As the mother of 4, I felt it was my duty to teach my children to swim at an early age. It was a top priority, just as I taught them how to look both ways

before crossing the street, always wear a seatbelt, not to go with strangers, and all the other safety skills we teach our children. I wanted my children to know how to understand danger and stay safe.

First, let’s talk about the statistics. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-14 and children ages 1-4 are at highest risk of drowning. Below are just a few more statistics every parent should know.

• Approximately 10 people drown every day in the U.S. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• More than 1 in 5 fatal drowning victims are children younger than 14 (Source: CDC).

• Drowning is also a silent killer; most young children who drowned in pools were last seen in the home, had been out of sight less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time (Source: Present P. Child Drowning

study).

• Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children aged one to four years. (Source: Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 2009)

If I have not yet convinced you, swimming lessons are important and valuable, let me outline some of the benefits to being a good swimmer.

• Swimming is a skill they will use for the rest of their lives.

• Swimming provides a fun way for kids to get and stay fit, helping to prevent childhood obesity.

• Swimming improves stamina, strength, flexibility and balance.

• Swimming improves emotional health and well being.

• Swimming provides opportunities for children with disabilities who may not be able to participate in other sports.

• Knowing how to swim provides opportunities for many fun activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, water skiing, surfing, and more.

• Knowing how to swim can provide career opportunities in the Military, Coast Guard, Marine biology and related Marine fields, Aquatics management, teaching, coaching and more.

• Knowing how to swim can save your life.

These are just a few of the benefits knowing how to swim can provide. As a parent, I cannot imagine not providing my children with such valuable life skills. As a person, I cannot imagine how many things I would never have done, had I not been able to swim. So, take a moment and consider the value and importance of swimming lessons and sign your kids up today!

Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children

Article by: Mary Kerr,AquaticAdventures

3 Ingredient Edible Slime!

Slime was definitely on trend this year- but now you can make it with 100% edible ingredients! You don’t have to worry about your little ones accidentally tasting this slime and getting a mouthful of borax or contact solution.

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon of finely ground psyllium powder (available at health-food stores and online)

1 cup of water

2-3 drops of non-toxic food coloring

Note: too much food coloring can result in the color rubbing off on skin and clothes, it’s better to use just a little!

Directions:

1.Put all ingredients into a non-stick saucepan.

2. Place saucepan on the stove on medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon until it starts to bubble and congeal together. Keep stirring until it’s stretchy and sticks together in one clump as you stir.

3. Let cool in fridge until cool to touch.

4. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

Oreo Cheesecake Truffles

Ingredients

8 oz. cream cheese, softened 36 Oreo Cookies, finely crushed, divided 16 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted

Directions:

1. Mix cream cheese and 3 cups cookie crumbs until well blended.

2. Shape mixture into about 48 (1-inch) balls.

3. Dip balls in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs. Optional: drizzle melted white chocolate on top of truffles.

4.Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

How to Easily Dip Truffles

To easily coat truffles with the melted chocolate; add truffles, in batches, to bowl of melted chocolate. Use 2 forks to roll truffles in chocolate until evenly coated. Remove truffles with forks, letting excess chocolate drip back into bowl. Place truffles on prepared baking sheet; let stand until firm.

Three Questions with Nancy Agee, President & CEO of Carilion Clinic

With 12,800 employees in almost two billion dollars in annual revenue, Carilion Clinic is the largest employer in the Roanoke Valley. Among those 12,800 employees, there is one person to which everyone must report. She’s the President and CEO of Carilion Clinic and her name is Nancy Agee.

I’m here to talk with Ms. Agee and find out more about health care in America and what it takes to help a community be healthy.

Ava Rosa: Thank you for meeting with me today Ms. Agee. You started your career at Carilion in the 1970s as a nurse and have since worked your way to the top of the same organization over your career, what do you think has been the most important factor in your success and lead to your ability to move up within your organization?

Nancy Agee: Thank you for asking that and it’s a kind of hard question to answer. I would say what’s been the most important characteristic that I’ve had is curiosity, which is also one of our Carilion values. So, it’s really being interested in and anxious to learn more and just continue that evolution, that journey. Whether it’s formally, through education, or just in general, learning more and more about the organization. I think the other thing, and this is perhaps important for everyone, but especially for women, and that is to lean in. To say “Hey I’m here, I’ll do that”, you know “I’d like to do something” and not so much, not saying no, but putting your best face

forward or your best foot forward and enjoying what you’re doing. So there’s just a lot of joy and passion for me about every step that I’ve had in this organization.

Ava Rosa: I learned as much as I could about health care in the last few weeks since I knew we were going to meet. It seems like there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of health insurance in America. I discovered that with current proposed changes to the U.S. budget, there could be over 23 million Americans who lose their insurance. As a CEO of Carilion and the incoming chairperson of the nationwide American Hospital Association, what do you think is going to happen to our health care system in America and what keeps you up at night?

Nancy Agee: There’s three simple words to your question, “I don’t know,” but let me expand on that. So, the Affordable Care Act was at its heart an insurance product, so that many more Americans could get insurance, either through Medicaid expansion or through the exchanges. The exchanges have been unstable because of the subsidies necessary and because, as it turns out, older and sicker people got

into the insurance exchanges and that cost more than what was expected. So that’s been real frustration and it [has] in some ways, created pressure for employers, who are buying insurance, because their rates have gone up to offset that. So, it’s a quagmire and we know and I have to understand that employers are concerned because their costs are going up. Legislators are concerned because they’re hearing from their constituents that their healthcare is unaffordable. At the same time, we’ve got plenty of people who are now newly insured and we know that people who have health care insurance, actually have better health care. They have better health outcomes. They seek health care sooner when it’s easier to control their illness, to diagnose things. So, against all that backdrop, then is this concern to fix it, fix the Affordable Care Act or get rid of the Affordable Care Act. So, we now have this new bill that the house has passed and in it, it looks like many people will would be without health insurance. That’s now gone to the Senate. My best guess is the Senate won’t do quite as much, but you know, if I was a betting person, I would say sometime between now and July 4th, they will pass a bill and I’m very worried about it. So I’m very

concerned about people being without insurance, as well as concerned about affordability of health care in general and that’s where, here in Southwest Virginia, we focus on how to improve health outcomes, how to be a part of our community’s health, and how to reduce health care costs.

Ava Rosa: Roanoke Valley is an amazing community, but like any other, it has challenges. According to the Carilion Community Needs Assessment, there are large groups of people facing high rates of poverty. How do poverty and health go together and what are you and Carilion doing to improve the health of those in our area who struggle with poverty?

Nancy Agee: So I love that question, because it’s right at the heart of why I do what I do and you’re right, we have concerns right here in the Roanoke Valley. We know that people who are poorer are often sicker and don’t have a sort of a network to help them get well and live a healthy life. Socioeconomic determinants of health are well known issues that really cause health care to be more expensive and health outcomes to be less good. So, right here in our region, we have some of the lowest health outcomes, poorest health outcomes, in the whole state. So, we’re really looking at how do we make a difference right here in the Roanoke Valley and what I see the role of Carilion to be is a convener.

So, let me give you an example. We can take great care of you when you’re sick, but what we really need to do is create an environment for you to stay well, right? And that’s not just Carilion’s job, that’s a way for all of us come together, whether it’s the school system, the police department, the economic development. We want to create a real vitality around Roanoke, where people are safe, healthy, have good jobs, and that actually makes a huge difference to socio-economic determinants of health. So what Carilion’s trying to be is a convener, reaching out to the wonderful organizations all across our area.

We’re so fortunate to have a good United Way, to have a good Rescue Mission, to have a vibrant city manager and the leaders of this city who want to make a difference, a great school

system. So how do we take those pieces and then focus in the areas where we have a poorer or less healthy region and what can we do about that? So, for instance, in the southeast we’ve been a convener and it’s a really important word, a collaborator, with a variety of organizations to look at what are the needs in that area and that ZIP code, in that section of the city, and how can we address those needs specifically. Whether it’s with primary care, with dental services, with funding certain services, whether it’s providing more food. So for instance, we have a prescription food program, so if you can’t afford your food or we know that better food is going to make a difference, we can actually give you a prescription and funding and you can go to a market or to the grocery store and get better food. All of that fits in safe housing, so we’re really trying to organize a lot of community resources to make a difference.

The other thing we do is take the long view. This isn’t something that’s going to get fixed overnight, it’s going to take months, it’s going to take years, it’s going to be “okay, what does this region look like five years from now and how do we get there?”, very exciting you know. I don’t think we’ve ever really done this before in our region, to pull multiple resources together and harness this together, so we can very much focus on improving health outcomes improving the economy, and making this region a vital region. I haven’t even talked about the relationship with Virginia Tech and what we’ve done to grow research to create this innovation district with entrepreneurship and more business. We’ll save that for another day.

Ava Rosa: Thank you so much for meeting with me today Miss Agee. As promised I just asked three of the millions of questions I could have asked you. Please share any last thoughts you might have for our readers.

Nancy Agee: Ten years ago, before you and your family even moved to Roanoke, this area where my office is now was a brownfield and a floodplain, if you can imagine, and now it is a vibrant community with health care resources and a relationship with Virginia Tech, Carilion and Virginia Tech

coming together to build a medical school and a research institute. So, we have one of the most competitive schools of medicine in the country now, with over 4,500 applicants for 42 slots a year. We have a Research Institute that seven years ago didn’t exist and now has more than 80 million dollars of funded research, in research that makes a difference globally in the area of biomedical sciences. We’re going to double the size of that. We’ve become very focused on creating a region of Health Sciences and technology on this campus and then spawning from that this innovation district. Where we’re going to, where I think 10 years forward, we’ll see new businesses coming to Roanoke, we will feel just a different vibrancy around the areas of Health Sciences technology and education and other businesses that are related.

So it couldn’t be a more exciting time to be right here, not just in healthcare, but in what we’re doing to really advance Virginia.

Health is a challenging topic. It’s life and death stuff. On one hand, doctors have figured out how to cure diseases, ease pain and suffering, and help people live longer better lives. On the other hand, every new drug and every new machine which saves and improves lives, adds to the cost of healthcare. I don’t know what the future holds for healthcare in America, even after talking with one of the nation’s top experts.

In America, we pay for our own healthcare as a personal cost, a cost which too many citizens simply cannot afford. In other countries, the government provides access to healthcare as a shared cost that comes with citizenship.

I can tell after meeting her that Nancy Agee is a compassionate medical professional who genuinely wants to do what she can to help patients. I know there are millions of nurses and doctors and researchers and medical professionals like Ms. Agee, who just want to provide excellent care. I can’t help but wonder what we must do as a country to let them do their jobs.

To explore and develop at their own pace To be able to respond to teachable moments and student interest To engage in off campus learning and community enrichment For parents to be part of the educational process To play and be a child Roanoke County Foster Parent Program Local Families - Local Solutions #FosterLocal • 540-283-8850 Give a child the chance to soar!

www.communityschool.net

Thousands of Virginia’s children are already behind when they start kindergarten. And too often, parents are surprised to learn their child is one of them. It’s devastating, and can lead to a higher risk of costly social and emotional problems for the rest of the child’s life. It hurts our kids. It hurts our communities. But it is something we can change. Make sure your child is ready for kindergarten. *The Annie E. Casey Foundation: KIDS COUNT Data Center. (2010). PALS-K Scores. Thousands of Virginia’s children are already behind when they start kindergarten. And too often, parents are surprised to learn their child is one of them. It’s devastating, and can lead to a higher risk of costly social and emotional problems for the rest of the child’s life. It hurts One in seven children won’t be ready to start kindergarten.*

let your child be One in seven children won’t be ready to start kindergarten.* Don’t let your child be the one.

One in seven children won’t be ready to start kindergarten.* Don’t let your child be the one. For more information, please contact: Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke sbroanoke@uwrv.org | (540) 283-2781 | smartbeginningsroanoke.org

Thousands of Virginia’s children are already behind when they start kindergarten. And too often, parents are surprised to learn their child is one of them. It’s devastating, and can lead to a higher risk of costly social and emotionalproblems for the rest of the child’s life. It hurts our kids. It hurts our communities.But it is something we can change. Make sure your child is readyforkindergarten. For more information, please contact: Meg Fitzwater, Director, Early Learning Strategies Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke mfitzwater@uwrv.org / (540)283-2786 / smartbeginningsroanoke.org / Find us on: * The

Parent of the Month

Nominate a local parent to be featured in Growing Up in the Valley’s Parent of the Month by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com or mailing the following questionairre to PO BOX 12263, Roanoke, VA 24024.

Winners receive a Gift Certificate to Famous Anthony’s for a well deserved night out!

Your Name:____________________________________________________________ Your Email Address:______________________________________________________

Nominee’s Name:_______________________________________________________ Nominee’s Email/Phone:_________________________________________________ Why Should Nominee Be GUITV’s Parent of the Month?

Healthier Kids, Healthier Communities: 4 Ways To Get Involved

It’s no secret that experiences in early and middle childhood are extremely important for a child’s healthy development and lifelong learning. Yet schools - the places where kids spend the majority of their time outside of the home during the week - often lack the resources and support needed to enable and inspire students to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The solution is within reach; it rests in the hands of parents and other concerned community members who make investments (even small ones) in kids inside and outside of school to help build healthier communities and a healthier world.

Dominique Dawes, an Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time Olympian and child nutrition advocate, shares her tips on how caregivers can get involved in manageable, meaningful ways to impact change within their children’s schools and communities.

3. Make it fun. Talk to the administration at your child’s school about activities and competitions to help students take ownership of their own health. Action for Healthy Kids offers free online activities to help improve physical activity and nutrition in school, but you can also encourage your school to apply for a grant to expand your local resources. Sponsors like GoGo squeeZ fund new grants every year!

Just one small change can make a significant difference in the life of a child and the health of a community.

4. Don’t underestimate your own abilities. Did you grow up learning gymnastics? Speak to the parents of your kids’ friends about organizing a gymnastics workshop at the park one weekend. Do you have a passion for making (and eating) healthy food?

Volunteer to bring easy, nutritious snacks to a local after-school program, sports group or camp whenever you’re able. Bonus: nothing builds new friendships faster than food!

1. Understand you’re not alone. Look to organizations with a footprint in your community, and seek out ways to volunteer. There’s a great organization called Action for Healthy Kids. With the help of sponsors like GoGo squeeZ, their volunteer network works to improve the health and wellness of students in schools nationwide and highlight the link between nutrition, physical activity and learning. They even have an “Every Kid Healthy Week” to celebrate the great effort schools are making. Programs like these are impactful resources for parents, students and teachers alike.

2. Reach out to your local parks and recreation department. Chances are, they’re looking for volunteers. You may be able to help out with something on a recurring basis - a wellness or athletic program of particular interest to you. Also, ask about other ways you can serve your community. They may have park clean up programs or other projects that can get your whole family moving and contributing.

“I talk to so many people who care about the issues we’re facing with childhood health and wellness but don’t know how to get their foot in the door,” Dawes says. “My best advice is to start small, but start somewhere. Just one small change can make a significant difference in the life of a child and the health of a community.”

AM Growing

July Schedule

July 13

Bark in the Park Bring out your furry friends for Bark in the Park Night! Fans wishing to bring their pups can purchase a “pooch pass” at the gate for $5 which will be donated to area SPCAs.

July 15

Nine Innings of Winning Win great prizes all night long as the Red Sox and The Roanoke Times recognize winners every inning! Win gift cards, memorabilia, bobbleheads, gift baskets and even CASH!

Grab-n-Go Breakfasts

Approximately 30% of Americans are still failing to fuel themselves in the morning, according to WebMD. Earlier this year, the Washington Post pointed to research showing millennials consider even breakfast cereal too inconvenient. And research cited in the Huffington Post indicates Americans 18 and older who miss their first daily meal most frequently blame lack of hunger or an overly busy schedule.

“Don’t skip breakfast,” advises researcher Dr. Leah E. Cahill of Harvard Medical School. “Incorporating many types of healthy foods into your breakfast is an easy way to ensure your meal provides adequate energy and a healthy balance of nutrients.”

Experts recommend those in the habit of skipping breakfast instead optimize ultra-easy and ultraconvenient comfort food meals. Most recipes can be made ahead and stored in your fridge for mornings when you’re short of time and energy.

Below are a few easy microwave recipes for busy mornings:

Toasty banana bread oatmeal: In a microwaveable mug, combine 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats, 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 smashed banana and a little flax seed, cinnamon and/or honey. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stir and eat.

Savory French toast in a mug: Just cube a slice of white bread and soak it for 5 minutes (press it down) in a mug holding a whisked egg, 5 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons grated cheddar, 3 tablespoons cooked ham and salt and pepper. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, then eat warm.

Warm apple muffin: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a microwaveable mug. Mix in a beaten egg, 3 tablespoons flour (almond or coconut works well), 1/8 teaspoon baking powder and a little maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Top with finely chopped apple and walnuts and butter. Microwave for a minute. Grab and go.

Tasty breakfast sandwich: Add to a mug 1 teaspoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon milk, an egg and some chopped onion, green pepper ham and hot sauce to taste. Microwave about 30 seconds, then scoop out and add to a toasted English muffin topped with a slice of your favorite cheese. Grab, then enjoy the savory goodness.

Cobra Pose:

1: Lie prone on the floor. Stretch your legs back, tops of the feet on the floor. Spread your hands on the floor under your shoulders. Hug the elbows back into your body.

2: Press the tops of the feet and thighs and the pubis firmly into the floor.

3: Hold the pose anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds, breathing easily. Release back to the floor with an exhalation

Downward Facing Dog:

1: Come onto the floor on your hands and knees. Set your knees directly below your hips and your hands slightly forward of your shoulders. Spread your palms, index fingers parallel or slightly turned out, and turn your toes under.

2: Exhale and lift your knees away from the floor. At first keep the knees slightly bent and the heels lifted away from the floor.

3: With an exhalation, push your top thighs back and stretch your heels onto or down toward the floor. Straighten your knees but be sure not to lock them.

4: Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes. Then bend your knees to the floor with an exhalation and rest in Child’s Pose.

Happy Baby Pose:

1: Lie on your back. With an exhale, bend your knees into your belly.

2: Inhale, grip the outsides of your feet with your hands (if you have difficulty holding the feet directly with your hands, hold onto a belt looped over each sole.) Open your knees slightly wider than your torso, then bring them up toward your armpits.

3: Position each ankle directly over the knee, so your shins are perpendicular to the floor. Flex through the heels. Hold this position for 1-3 minutes, then relax into corpse pose (flat on floor)

Virtual Mental Health Care

While stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders impact an estimated 43 million adults nationwide each year, the World Health Organization reports that only about one in four people with a diagnosed disorder is likely to pursue treatment.

Unfortunately, barriers prevent people from getting the mental health care they may need. The reasons are many. Consider these statistics: 4,000 areas in the U.S. have only one psychiatrist for 30,000 or more people; the average waiting time for a first psychiatric visit is 25 days; and stigma is the fourth highest-ranked barrier to help-seeking.

Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge from a friend or loved one to help someone take that first step on their path to recovery.

For some people, that best first step may be a virtual visit with a mental health provider via a mobile device or computer. For many, access to virtual care may already be available as part of their health care benefits.

Virtual care can shorten wait times for an appointment, fit work and personal schedules, and eliminate travel time and expense. An appointment conducted in the safe, comfortable environment of home may reduce stigma. And, research shows that outcomes of a virtual visit with a mental health provider are similar to in-person sessions for multiple disorders.

Raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health issues are keys to supporting well-being within our communities. Today, people can access effective, proven treatment in a variety of formats, including using video-calling technology. It’s up to all of us to reach out and encourage our friends, neighbors and family members in need to access these available resources.

For more information and links to recovery support resources in your area, visit www.optum.com/recovery.

Photobooth Balloons Party Supplies Favors Rentals &

Swim

Learning to swim is an essential life skill that will benefit your children throughout their life.

Survive

Knowing survival and swim skills can save your child’s life. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children in the United States.

Thrive

Having competent swim skills builds confidence in children leading to success in many other aspects of life.

Summer Registration Open Now! fb.com/swimsurvivethrive

2007 Oak Grove Plaza Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 989-0520 info@ijustswim.com

Never Too Early To Teach Compassion & Empathy To Children

The news is filled with articles about the opinions and attitudes of the millennial generation and now, Generation Z. But what about the youngest generation - youths 4-9 years old? These children are growing up in a time of unprecedented access to information, when civility, kindness and compassion have taken a back seat to bullying and violence. Experts say it is more important now than ever for parents to seek learning moments in which children can experience compassion and empathy.

The Jensen Project is a program designed to foster compassion, inspiration and courage in young people as a path to avoiding the bullying and sexual harassment prevalent on college campuses. The program examines the attitudes and opinions of young people with the goal of inspiring a gentler, kinder, more empathetic dimension in their lives.

Janet Jensen, founder of The Jensen Project, says, “Children are at their most vulnerable when they are forming their social skills. They are a reflection of what they see and hear around them. Parents, educators and media influencers need to take extra care to teach compassion and courage at an early age.”

Recent research conducted by YouthBeat and commissioned by The Jensen Project, asked youths ages 4-9 if they thought the world would be a better place when they grow up. Fortyone percent said yes, while 38 percent felt the world would be the same or worse.

In an alarming statement about what stresses them the most, death and bullying each rose to the top third of concerns after family and school issues.

Experts agree bullying is becoming a critical issue at a younger age and must be addressed proactively if future generations will be able to reduce the incidents of harassment and sexual abuse in colleges and beyond.

Jensen offers the following recommendations for parents to raise children with compassion:

understanding.

• It’s been said before, but is worth emphasizing, that monitoring a child’s exposure to video games, live streaming and television time is one way to reduce exposure to bullying and violent behavior in entertainment.

Children are a reflection of what they see and hear

• Children learn by example, so let them join you in volunteer projects or encourage them to get involved in ageappropriate volunteering.

around them.

• Actively engage them in conversation about behavior that is troubling to you, whether it be playground taunting or headlines in the news. Ask them why that behavior is hurtful.

• Inspire children to select friends of all races, creeds and economic status - not just friends who look like them. Exposure to cross-cultural families and friends teaches tolerance and

News shows are filled with broadcasts of murders, robberies, fires, war, and political corruption. Small children are taking this in and processing it, along with their visions of superheroes. Today’s youth are the longterm future of our country, Jensen says. Watching how the world influences their thinking at a young age is truly an investment in the future of the country.

“Adults must become agents for positive daily behaviors that can lead to long-term change,” Jensen says. “The Jensen Project is committed to providing the inspirational resources to help make this happen.”

For more information about The Jensen Project, go to www.thejensenproject.com.

On-Going Events:

City Market Saturdays. Every Saturday at 11 AM through 2:30 PM at the City Market Building in Roanoke. Head to historic downtown city market for fun each weekend with live entertainment, street performers, “how-tos”, and more. FREE

Psychedelic Saturdays. 8 PM through 10 PM at the Launching Pad in Salem.

Jump in lasers and black lights and turn up the beat! All ages are welcome, $17 per person.

Salem Fair. June 28 through July 9 at the Salem Civic Center. The Salem Fair returns with carnival favorites, festival food and

amazing shows & demonstrations. Tickets range from $15-$25 per person depending on day and promotional partners. Be sure to check their website for their full schedule. www. salemfair.com

Willy Wonka Jr. July 26 through August 6 at Mill Mountain Theatre in

Roanoke. Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. follows candy maker Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. MMT’s version puts young actors in the spotlight, singing

Roanoke City’s Celebration. 7 PM through 10 PM at the River’s Edge Sports Complex. Live music, food trucks, & family entertainment with firework show starting at 9 PM.

memorable songs including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candyman,” “ I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “ OompaLoompa,” and “I Want it Now.” Tickets range from $15-$22 per person. For more information visit www.millmountain.org

Kids Make Art. First Saturdays at 1 PM through 3 PM at Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Hollins University, Roanoke, VA. Kids Make Art is a once-a-month first Saturday program offering opportunities for the whole family to connect with art. Children require parent/guardian supervision at all times, and we encourage everyone to take part in the activities – adults and children alike! Local artists and educators design and lead art-making projects and movement -based activities for participants of all ages. Kids Make Art is free and for the whole family. FREE

Kid Yoga. 11 AM on first & third Saturday at the Life in Balance Center in Christiansburg. Join us for a relaxing yoga class aimed at children ages 5-9. Classes are $8 each.

Family Fun Nights. The second Saturday of every month at Amazement Square in Lynchburg. Families are invited to enjoy Family Fun Night at Amazement Square at 4:00 to 7:00 pm when admission is just $3. Family Fun Nightis made possible through the museum’s Sponsored Admission program. www.AmazementSquare.org or (434) 845-1888

Sensory Sensitive Sundays. First Sundays. 9 AM at Roanoke Chuck E Cheese’s. For children with autism and other special needs there will be reduced lighting and noise, food and games and trained staff on hand. For more details call 540989-8193

merchants also hold their much-awaited final clearance sidewalk sales during Steppin’ Out. And those festival foods you love are provided by downtown restaurants. Three stages of live performance make Steppin’ Out one of this region’s premiere arts events. For the complete entertainment schedule, visit www. blacksburgsteppinout.com FREE

Tuesday | July 4

Roanoke City’s Celebration. 7 PM through 10 PM at the River’s Edge Sports Complex. Live music, food trucks, & family entertainment with firework show starting at 9 PM.

Saturday | July 8

Art Gone Wild. July 26 and 28 at the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke. Does your child like animals? Does your child also like art? Why not combine the two together?!? This 2 hour class will give children the opportunity to use the zoo’s residents as inspiration for fun, colorful and unique art projects. Painting, 3-dimensional work and multi-media projects are just a few of the possible, critter-themed activities children will have a chance to participate in.

Member: $15 | NonMember: $20. Classes for ages 6-9 and 8-12.

37th Annual Steppin’ Out Festival. August 4-5 in Downtown Blacksburg. Steppin’ Out® features over 200 artists and crafts people from around the United States selling unique handcrafted items – jewelry, pottery, textiles, metal work, basketry, stained & fused glass, yard art, fine art, furniture, toys, artisan foods and so much more! Downtown Blacksburg

Music Together In Roanoke. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at the R.S.O Green Room in downtown Roanoke. Come enjoy a music and movement for infants through preschoolers and their parents or caregivers who love them! For details please email carla@ musictogetherinroanoke. com. FREE

Monday | July 10

Teddy Bear Picnic. 11 AM through 1 PM at the Mill Mountain Discovery Center in Roanoke. Celebrate National Teddy Bear Picnic Day! Grab your favorite stuffed friend and head to Mill Mountain. Enjoy your own packed lunch and a special treat surrounded by human and teddy bear friends alike. After lunch, learn all about black bears through story and craft time. Finish the celebration with an exciting “bear hunt” adventure. Please bring along a bagged lunch and a picnic blanket. A special

Showcasing FREE Entertainment

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

Individual tickets: $45

Table for 10: $400

Join Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Southwest Virginia to help raise funds and awareness for Carilion Children’s, our local CMN hospital.

To purchase tickets, please visit give. carilionfoundation.org/heelsforhealing. For more information, call 540-224-4747.

A special treat and all other supplies will be provided. Registration is required, please visit www.playroanoke.com for more information. Children 2-6 years old $10, Children 6+ $20.

Tuesday | July 11

Animal Enrichment Fun. 10 AM through 12 PM at Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke.

A lot goes into taking good care of the animals at the zoo. Besides feeding and cleaning, keepers also need to find creative ways to entertain the zoo’s residents. This is called enrichment, and if you sign up for this class, you can help create some! Not only that, you’ll get to see the animals enjoy their enrichments at the end of the program. This event is for children ages 12-16.

Member: $15 and NonMember: $20

BLAST! (Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training). 2 PM through 4:30 PM at various locations. The BLAST! class is an interactive program designed to be fun while providing future babysitters all the tools necessary to be effective and dynamic babysitters. The class provides extensive training in pediatric first aid, household safety, and the fundamentals of childcare. The BLAST! program can prepare children to interview for a babysitting job, select safe and suitable games and activities, prevent accidents, perform first aid, and begin babysitting safely and competently.The program consists of 2

class dates. Designed for girls and boys ages 11-14. $75 per student. Space is limited, Email SitterSkills@gmail.com for more information & registration details.

Thursday | July 13

Infant Massage Class. 10 AM through 11 AM at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. This is a one hour per week, 2 week infant massage course, taught by a certified infant massage trainer for infants one month to one year of age. In this class, you will learn how to massage your infant to assist with bonding, constipation, crying and colic, sleep, teething, and communication. Recommended for mothers and fathers with infants between 1-12 months old. $30 per student. Contact Carilion to register 540-9858000

Friday | July 14

Movies in the Market: Rogue One. 6 PM at Downtown Roanoke’s Market Square. Unwind after a long work week and enjoy FREE, family-friendly entertainment in Market Square! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, some snacks or stop by one of our great Downtown restaurants for something to eat! A concessionaire will also be on site. The movie begins at dusk in Market Square, with kids activities beginning around 6 PM. FREE

Movies at Longwood: Finding Dory. 6:30 PM at Longwood Park in Salem. Bring a lawn chair and blanket! Food will be available for purchase. First 50 families get free popcorn! FREE

WWE Live “Summerslam

Heatwave Tour” 7:30 PM at the Berglund Coliseum in Roanoke. Ticket Prices range from $17-$102. Parking is $5 per car.

Saturday | July 15

Cause why not party with bacon?

Breakfast with the Animals. 8:30 AM at Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke. Snacking with the Snakes! In honor of World Snake Day on July 16th, this breakfast will celebrate our slithery residents. Many people get nervous around snakes, but they are really fascinating animals! Have breakfast, and then explore the wonderful world of snakes, and you’ll see that they’re really not so bad after all. After the keeper chat, guests will make fun paper pythons and do a snake themed activity sheet.Registration required. Members: $9 for Children/$12 for Adults/$35 for Family of 4 Non-Members: $12 for Children/$15 for Adults/$45 for Family of 4. www.mmzoo.org for more details.

30th Anniversary of Dirty Dancing. 7 PM at the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg. Watch a locally-filmed beloved classic on the big screen like it’s 1987 and then following the movie, join us outside on College Avenue for a special “Dirty Dancing Street Dance Fest,” featuring live music from Blacksburg’s very own “Breakfast Club Band” doing all the favorite hits from the movie, as well as other songs from the Dirty Dancing era. Be sure to get your Dirty Dancing groove on with special dance instruction from professional dancers from Sapphire Ballroom! $12 per person.

BaconFest VA 2017. 10 AM through 5 PM at the Berglund Civic Center in Roanoke. Delicious bacon dishes beyond your wildest dreams! Everything from baconwrapped pork belly to bacon hot sauces, bacon tacos to bacon cupcakes, every bacon creation imaginable! $5 general admission, kids 12 and under are free! Tickets available at the Berglund Civic Center Box Office.

Sunday | July 16

Flo Rida in Concert. 7 PM in Elmwood Park in Roanoke. Flo Rida is a charttopping rapper, singer, and songwriter. Flo Rida’s debut studio album, 2008’s “Mail on Sunday”, reached number 4 in the US. $37 per person, children 6 and under are free.

Thursday | July 20

Party in Elmwood ~ Downtown’s Beach Music Thursday. 5:30 PM through 8:30 PM at Elmwood Park in Roanoke. Join us for all of your favorite bands and jams! Get your shag on and enjoy friends, food, and drinks in the region’s most vibrant and exciting destination: Downtown Roanoke. Bring your lawn chair and relax to the some of the greatest beach bands. No coolers, please. $5 at the gate and kids under 12 are free.

Saturday | July 22

Free Planetarium Kids Show: One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure. 10:30 AM at Radford University. Especially appropriate for

5 Budget Strategies To Enjoy Your Summer Vacation

The American summer vacation is a seasonal tradition. It’s when memories are made, experiences are shared and sometimes when bills pile up. In fact, research shows that more and more families across the country are planning responsibly and considering their budget when it comes to summer travel plans.

Nearly 70% of parents planning a summer vacation said they expect to spend the same or less this summer than they did last year, according to a survey among U.S. adults. In addition, 68 percent said they plan to fund their vacation using cash on hand. The top three goals reported for summer vacation include rest and relaxation, increased family bonding and enjoying outdoor activities. Fortunately, all of these activities can be enjoyed inexpensively, a sign families aren’t willing to cut their fun as they trim expenses.

Take the road less traveled. You can make your vacation more affordable by traveling to a location that doesn’t typically see heavy summer traffic. There are plenty of exciting destinations in the U.S. that may be off the beaten path. Check out Groupon offers for getaway deals and you may just find your best trip was to a location you never expected to love.

Stretch your budget with found money. You may have vacation funds that

you’re not even aware of - like that hidden jar of change in the closet. It’s like a mini savings account, so cash it in! If you don’t have a coin jar, start a vacation fund using the change you collect over the next year and encourage your entire family to add to it when they can.

Travel together for savings. When it comes to cutting costs, don’t be afraid to use the buddy system. Go on vacation with family or friends and rent a home together or split other costs. Look for accommodations that have a kitchen and you’ll be able to save on restaurant expenses.

Look for free or low-cost activities in and around your travel destination. There are plenty of family-friendly activities that can also be free. Walking tours, museums, historic landmarks and parks all present options for places you can visit without putting a dent in your budget. To find opportunities around your travel destination, check out the local travel and tourism office.

A ready vehicle will ease your mind and budget. If you plan on driving to your destination, make sure your car is ready. Change the oil in your vehicle and fill your tires properly. These simple steps will do more than just help you avoid a breakdown, they will maximize your fuel efficiency and save you money.

younger audiences, ages 3-7 in particular! The show follows Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from Zhima Jie, the Chinese coproduction of Sesame Street. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the Moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. All shows start with a tour of the nighttime sky as well as some other amazing sights in space using our full-dome Digistar 5 projection system. Many of these are following by a professionally produced dulldome multimedia shows on various exciting astronomical topics. FREE

Saturday | July 29

Touch a Truck - Wings, Wheels & Water. 10 AM through 3 PM at Green Hill Park in Salem, VA. We invite you to see, touch, interact with, and climb on hundreds of cool vehicles. Your kids

will love exploring fire trucks, helicopters, planes, boats and so much more at Green Hill Park. Additional activities include water-spray areas, fireman’s foam, face painting, balloon sculptures, a petting zoo, costumed characters, food vendors and more. FREE

Monday | July 31

The Summer Music Games of Southwest Virginia. 7 PM at the Salem Civic Center. Drum Corps International will showcase six amazing corps this year at the Salem Football Stadium: Boston Crusaders - Boston, MA; Carolina Crown - Ft. Mill, SC; Jersey Surf - Camden County, NJ Madison Scouts - Madison, WI; Pioneer - Milwaukee, WI Spirit of Atlanta - Atlanta, GA. Ticket start at $20. Tickets on sale now 888-5476478 or at the gate. For more information visit www.summermusicgames.org

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure.

Radford University 7/22 @ 10:30 AM

Photos by: Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography

Kids Eat Free

Every Day

• 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

IHop

4PM-10PM • 12 & Under

All Locations

• Shoney’s

All Day • 4 & under, free kids meal with adult entree purchase. Drink not included 2673 Lee Highway, Troutville (540) 992-6400

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

• Buffalo Wild Wings

4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

All Locations (540) 725-9464

• 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 800 University City Blvd, Blacksburg (540) 961-0371

• The Green Goat

All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

802 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke (540) 904-6091

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 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 265-9301

• K&W

All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

Hershberger Rd. Roanoke (540) 563-4977

Wednesday

• Dogwood

4 PM - Close • 10 & under, per paid adult

106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549

• Pizza Pasta Pit

4 PM - 9 PM • 1 child per paid adult. Drink not included. 1713 Riverview Dr., Salem (540) 387-2885

• The Quarter

All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990

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

See Everyday Deals!

Saturday

• Steak n’ Shake

All Day • 12 & under 1 free per paid $10.00 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

• F.P.S

All day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

611 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke (540) 400-6879

• Famous Anthony’s 12 PM - Close • 1 child per adult meal

All Locations Roanoke, Salem, Vinton (540) 362-1400

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 -7 PM • 5 & under eat for free, discount for ages 5-7 per paid adult 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610

• Ragazzi’s 11 AM - 4 PM • 10 & under with paid adult

3843 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-9022

• T.G.I.Fridays

All Day • 12 & under 1 with 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 with paying $10.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825

• Moe’s Southwestern Grill

All Day • 1 free per paid adult All Roanoke & Blacksburg locations

• Firehouse Subs

All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Keagy Road, Roanoke 540-204-4471

• O’Charley’s

All Day • 10 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-563-9870

Please Take Note: Restaurant deals change quickly and often without notice. Growing Up in the Valley strongly reccommends calling ahead to confirm any deal listed. This listing is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee a discount.

ave

El Toreo Thiralane

El Toreo Franklin Rd

The Game Room Activities presented by

Education Guide

SOUTH COUNTY

ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

621 N. Jefferson St. Roanoke

540-982-3532

www.roanokecatholic.com

Ages: 3-18, Preschool, After School, Private School K-6, Private School MS-HS

We are dedicated to excellence in education and to the spiritual development of youth within the framework of the Gospel and the tradition of the Catholic Church. Our mission is the education of the whole person, blending learning with faith and faith with daily life.

CHILDCARE NETWORK

4225 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke

540-989-0144

www.childcarenetwork.com

Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Yrs. Preschool, Day Care, After School

Come join us at Childcare Network #65!! We pride ourselves on being the working parent’s best friend!

COUNTRY BEAR DAY SCHOOL

5220 Starkey Road, Roanoke

540-797-1456

www.countrybeardayschool.com

Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Yrs. Preschool, Day Care, After School

Country Bear Day School has a thirty year tradition of offering an exceptional program for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. A child’s happiness and development is our main objective, offered in a secure, nurturing enviroment with opportunities to grow. learn, and play. Your child’s well being is not only your top priority--it is ours as well. Please visit us soon to see why we lead in creative educational programs, parental service and an environment that is loving, safe and secure.

FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

3585 Buck Mountain Road, Roanoke

540-769-5200

www.fcsva.com

Ages: 4-19, Preschool, After School, Private School K-6, Private School MS-HS

We are one of fewer than 200 school across the nation implementing a powerful & proven classical method of education that for over 2,000 years has developed some of the world’s finest authors, scientists, mathematicians, artists, philosophers, theologians & composers. At Faith Christian School students are encouraged to love God and be captivated by His created world. Check out our new indexed tuition program~private education may be more affordable than you think!

GRANDIN COURT BAPTIST CHURCH

2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491

http://grandincourtbaptistpreschool.weebly.com

Ages: 2-5, Preschool

Grandin Court Baptist Church Preschool partners with families to provide a high-quality learning environment and to begin fostering an understanding and appreciation of God’s presence in each child’s life. As a VA Quality participant, we achieve this goal by providing environments and student-teacher interactions which promote a child’s natural curiosity and we delight and encourage them in their discoveries.

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491

www.HoneyTreeELC.com

Ages: 2-5, Preschool

HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

NORTH CROSS

4524 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke

540-989-6641

www.northcross.org

Ages: 3-18, Preschool, Private School K-12

North Cross School is an independent, nonsectarian, college-preparatory school that serves children from early childhood through twelfth grade. North Cross provides a rigorous academic curriculum, competitive with the best college-preparatory schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia. While we explicitly recognize the importance of intellectual development and academic achievement, we also strive to promote personal integrity, empathy, and responsibility to self and community. Through this, our graduates will act as leaders in the local and global communities, persons of intellectual and moral courage, and scholars in the service of others.

GRANDIN

GRANDIN COURT BAPTIST CHURCH

2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491

http://grandincourtbaptistpreschool.weebly.com

Ages: 2-5, Preschool

NOAH’S LANDING PRESCHOOL

2011 Brandon Avenue, SW, Roanoke 540-982-2254

www.noahslandingpreschool.com

Ages: 12 Months - 5 Yrs, Preschool

Noah’s Landing Preschool offers Mother’s Morning Out (MMO) as well as classes for 2, 3, and 4 year olds (Pre-K). Space is limited due to small pupil/teacher ratio per class. Our program runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm MondayThursday. We have an early drop-off at 8:30 am and an extended day Lunch Bunch program during the week until 1:00 pm for additional fees. Our philosophy of education is based on the belief that children learn and grow best through hands on experiences.

HOLLINS

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

7507 Plantation Road, Roanoke 540563-1724

www.HoneyTreeELC.com

Ages: 2-5, Preschool

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

7815 Williamson Road, Roanoke 540-563-5036

www.communityschool.net

Ages:3-14, Preschool, Private School K-8

Founded in 1971, Community School is an independent, non-profit institution. We provide education of the highest quality for children of all racial, cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds.

Community School provides a program that is unique in the Roanoke Valley and a rarity statewide, a haven for those who value experiential education over standardized test results. Our school nurtures children’s individual learning styles and fosters creative and analytical thinking. Our students develop personal responsibility for their education and a passion for learning.

SOUTHVIEW PRESCHOOL

3539 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke 540-362-1767

svumpreschool.webs.com

Ages: 2-5 Yrs

Our purpose is to provide a warm, nurturing, yet challenging atmosphere in which children can learn and develop physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and creatively. We offer Lunch Bunch, Curbside Drop Off and Pick Up, Music, Weekly Chapel, Field Trips, Multiple Child Discount, and Referral Discounts.

BONSACK

BONSACK BAPTIST PRESCHOOL

4845 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke 540-977-0485

www.bonsackpreschool.com

Ages: 2.5-11Yrs, Preschool, Afterschool

Bonsack Preschool/After School is a faith based, developmentally appropriate program focused on Kindergarten Readiness for preschoolers, half and full day. After School Care for Bonsack, Cloverdale and Colonial Elementary Schools offered with priority on gym time, devotions, creativity and homework completion. Summer Camps available for both Elementary and Preschool

CHILDREN’S CASTLE

3743 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke 540-977-1282

www.

help your child grow cognitively, physically, spiritually , and socially/emotionally. We know that young children learn best through play, so all of our learning activities are planned to be educational and fun!

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

1980 Electric Road, Salem 2111 Roanoke Road, Salem 540-769-2300, 540-344-6811

www.HoneyTreeELC.com

Ages: 2-5, Preschool

SALEM MONTESSORI

107 Corporate Blvd., Salem 540-387-1521

www.salemmontessori.org

childrenscastleearlylearningcenter.com

Ages: Birth-12 Yrs, Preschool, Daycare, Afterschool

We offer social development, preschool education, and after school enrichment for our community in a safe and engaging atmosphere. Our experienced and educated teachers foster and build upon children’s natural interest and curiosity to teach and engage them within their environment and surrounding community. Our curriculum builds upon the Virginia Foundation Blocks of Early Learning to fully prepare children to be successful upon entering Elementary School.

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

1530 Patrick Road, Roanoke 540-344-4730

www.HoneyTreeELC.com

Ages: 2-5, Preschool

ROANOKE ADVENTIST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

4120 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke 540-798-6061

www.rapschool.org

Private School: K –8

Roanoke Adventist Preparatory School (RAPS) has been offering quality Christian education at family-friendly prices in the Roanoke area for over 75 years. RAPS mission is to foster academic excellence, passionate spirituality and outstanding character in each student. Our school is a small classroom environment where students receive grade-level appropriate individualized instruction. RAPS is fully accredited and key learning standards are available by grade level. Tuition rates are highly competitive and scholarship opportunities are available.

SALEM

ST. ANNES EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL

42 E. Main Street, Salem 540-389-4087

http://www.stpaulssalem.org/stannes

Ages: 18 Months -5, Preschool

St. Anne’s curriculum is based on developmental learning and the Virginia Foundation Blocks of Early Learning. We are dedicated to the total development of each child; intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical. Our desire is that each child knows that he/ she is loved and accepted. Registration is now open for the 2017-2018 school year! Call today to register or schedule a tour!

WESLEYAN PRESCHOOL

125 W. Main St., Salem 540-389-5144

FUMCWesleyanPreschool ( Facebook)

Ages: 1yr-Pre K, Preschool

“Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52

This is the verse on which we base our preschool. Our State LIcensed Preschool’s purpose is to

Ages: 6 Wks-6th Grade, Preschool Salem Montessori School - Bringing Joy to Learning! Children are eager, spontaneous learners, curious about the world around them. The primary goal of a Montessori education is to help every child reach their full potential in all areas of life.

Research shows that children learn best in an environment that encourages them to explore, create, and discover without fear of making mistakes, or being teased. In a classroom at Salem Montessori School, children are encouraged to ask questions, develop ideas, and learn at their own pace. Learning is active and fun! Montessori educated children become self-confident young people, who face future challenges with optimism and who enjoy a lifetime love of learning!

VINTON

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

1918 Washington Avenue, Vinton 540-890-7200

www.HoneyTreeELC.com

Ages: 2-5, Preschool

NORTHWEST

GREENVALE SCHOOL

627 Westwood Blvd. NW, Roanoke 540-342-4716

www.greenvale-school.org

Ages:3-5, Preschool Greenvale School’s mission is to provide affordable, accessible, top-quality, developmentally appropriate childcare and educational services for children of working parents, according to each family’s ability to pay. By promoting the highest standards of education and responsible behavior, Greenvale School’s program cultivates the growth of each child to his or her full potential. By providing a comprehensive range of services, Greenvale School supports parents’ efforts to build a secure and prosperous future for their families.

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

7000 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Wirtz 540563-1724

www.HoneyTreeELC.com

Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

1.We’re Catholic, but you don’t have to be Catholic. We reinforce your values: “blending learning with faith and faith with daily life.”

2. No SOLs! We focus on individual achievement, not standardized tests.

3.We are affordable. A new source of aid can cut your tuition in half!

4. We prepare for what’s next. AP and dual-enrollment classes, 100% college acceptance rate, more than $3 million in scholarships.

5. Individualized classes, endorsed teachers. From PreK-3 to Grade 12, our teachers hold valid Virginia certifications.

6. We nurture the whole student … with 26 middle school, junior varsity and varsity teams, plus Theater, Dance, Choir, Band, 3D Printing, and Visual Arts.

7. Uniforms! Save money and morning aggravations! Trust us … you’ll love it.

com

Running Over The Dream.

How I stopped dreaming and faced reality about long car trips

Article by: Peg McGuire, crankypantscaravan.com

This year, I promise that I will not dream. I will face reality, the hard truths.

This year, I will NOT think our family vacation – 15 hours in a car from Roanoke to the Ozarks in Missouri – will be picture-perfect, filled with happy memories of mom and dad and two delightful children singing songs and playing the license plate game.

Instead, I will be honest about what this car trip really is: Parental purgatory, a chance to work off my sins of the past, probably committed during a road trip as a child.

The Internet says it will take 15 hours from our home in Virginia to our cabin in the Ozarks. The Internet is wrong because the Internet has not met my children.

My two boys will fight every two hours like clockwork. My youngest will have to pee every six minutes. They will need to be fed every 45 minutes or they will pretend to pass out and die. And every single electronic device in the car will lose battery power at the exact same time causing them to scream in agony. I’m sure one of my children, if not both, will throw at least one of their shoes out a car

window.

This isn’t a 15-hour trip, my friends. This is an odyssey designed to send us careening off the edge of reason. Halfway through the trip, I’ll either decide to walk the rest of the way or tie them to the roof, give them windbreakers and eye-gear and hope for the best.*

I will try to avoid the known disasters. Carefully planned activities will be organized and packed so they are easyto-reach. Healthy, high-protein, snacks will be measured out and stored nicely in a cooler they can access. I will read all the important books from important parenting experts on how to help our children handle their “big feelings.” I will practice calming words like “Oh sweetie, it’s okay. Your brother won’t really tie you to the bumper. I promise.”

I will try, my friends. I really will.

But I won’t hope. I know that somewhere in Kentucky, my husband will pull over and we will exit the van. Our children will still be in the car, with the air conditioning running, negotiating a forced peace treaty. We will pull out our lawn chairs and crack open books. My husband and I will eat their snacks and I’ll drink my Diet Dr.

Pepper and watch as other parents exit their cars, dropping cuss words like drones over a terrorist camp. We’ll raise our drinks to them, nod, and give them a thumbs up.

We will bond with the other parents and exchange phone numbers. “In case of emergency,” we’ll say to each other, “text me. I’ll talk you out of selling your children to the circus.”

We’ll assure one another that, yes, our kids will have happy memories of these road trips and that all our planning hasn’t been for naught. Because one day, our children will have children of their own and they will plan long car trips. That’s when we’ll show up just as they finish packing the car. We’ll give them hugs and wish them traveling mercies. Then, we’ll feed our grandchildren copious amounts of sugar and slip a latte into their sippy cups. As they pull away from the curb, we’ll laugh. Hysterically.

Payback, my friends. Payback will be sweet.

(I’m kidding! However, if you’re so inclined, please design a rooftop carrier for children.)

Are you a Pinball Wizard?

Come find out! For one admission price, you can play over 45 different pinball machines all day long. No quarters needed! Family memberships are available!

URGENCY OR EMERGENCY?

When you have an injury or illness, where should you go for care?

Contact your primary care physician or visit your nearest VelocityCare urgent care center. We offer convenient, costeffective treatment for sudden, nonemergency illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening.

Coughs, colds and sore throats

VS. URGENT CARE

Earaches

Fever

Insect bites and stings

Minor burns and infections

Minor cuts and lacerations

Rashes and mild allergic reactions

Sprains and strains

Vomiting and diarrhea

Breathing difficulty

Head trauma

Heart attack symptoms (severe chest pain)

Loss of consciousness

Poisoning

Stroke symptoms

Sudden, severe pain

Uncontrollable bleeding

Vomiting/coughing up blood

Growing Up In the Valley July 2017

Growing Up

In The Valley

Teaching Empathy

It Takes A Village

Swimming Safety

the power of

LOCAL

Letter from the Editor

DIY DONE SIMPLE

5 Projects You Can Tackle In A Weekend

Seal the gaps.

A fresh coat of paint.

Ward off vermin.

Update your window treatments.

Expand your DIY.

Dorm Decor 101

Nomination

Wednesdays WINS Teacher of the Month

You could win:

Newsletter

Exclusives

4. Your Mail Box

5. Your Computer

The Importance Of Swimming Lessons

3 Ingredient Edible Slime!

Oreo Cheesecake Truffles

Three Questions with Nancy Agee, President & CEO of Carilion Clinic

Parent of the Month

Healthier Kids, Healthier Communities: 4 Ways To Get Involved

July Schedule

Grab-n-Go Breakfasts

Virtual Mental Health Care

Swim

Survive

Thrive

Never Too Early To Teach Compassion & Empathy To Children

around them.

On-Going Events:

Saturday | July 8

Monday | July 10

5 Budget Strategies To Enjoy Your Summer Vacation

Saturday | July 29

Monday | July 31

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure.

Kids Eat Free

Every Day

Education Guide

SOUTH COUNTY

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

GRANDIN

HOLLINS

BONSACK

SALEM

VINTON

NORTHWEST

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE

Running Over The Dream.

How I stopped dreaming and faced reality about long car trips

URGENCY OR EMERGENCY?

VS. URGENT CARE

EMERGENCY CARE