Stars of the Valley
Mom of the Month:
Darlene Mellon-Anukpui
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“I nominated my mom to be ‘Mom of the Month’ because she is a great cook and heals all my boo-boos. She always helps me with my homework and is very funny!” - Zoey Anukpui, Daughter “Her friends and family would agree! Darlene always has a smile on her face and is a breast-cancer survivor who, despite treatment and multiple doctor visits, always kept a positive attitude and put her family first!” - Patrick Anukpui, Husband
Where are you originally from? Salem, VA What do you do for a living? I work for a medical supply company and dispatch patient service technicians to our patients’ homes so they can get set-up with medical equipment. What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I love to oil paint and my husband, Patrick, is from Ghana. What are you passionate about? Politics and teaching my daughter, Zoey, about the economy and how government works.
What advice do you have for other mothers? Spend as much time as possible with your child. Make them your first priority. What is/has been the biggest challenge in your life? Being a breast cancer survivor. How do you help others? I donate goods through my church. We also participate in all the drives at Zoey’s school - West Salem Elementary. Right now the school is doing cookies for courage. We will be bringing cookies to the school for local fire and police workers.
What hobbies do you have? Cooking and learning about how nutrition impacts health.
How would you describe your parenting style? I am very firm with what is/is not acceptable, and I follow through with the consequences.
How has motherhood changed you? It made me understand my own parents much better! :)
What is your favorite quote? “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.”
What inspires you? My grandmother
What is on your iPod? Everything from John Legend, to Hole, to Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
What is your pet peeve? Stupidity and ignorance. If you could have one wish; what would it be? That my daughter will be successful in life. How do you find balance in your life? I don’t know that I have, but I try to prioritize what is most important. Cleaning is usually at the end of the list :)
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Growing Up In the Valley • March 2015
What is your favorite food? Sushi or Mac and Cheese What can you not live without? Sadly my iPhone. It’s a love/hate relationship, but I see it as a necessary evil. What is your favorite date night venue? Blue Apron in Salem or Taste of Asia.
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What is your favorite holiday? Halloween What is always in your purse? Wet wipes, tissues, gum, nail file, lipstick, and lotion. What is your favorite movie? “Wizard of Oz” What is your favorite tv show? “Good Eats” by Alton brown. What’s your favorite thing to do with your child? Shopping!!! Do you have any pets? Yes, a Chinchilla named “Chi-Chi” What is your dream vacation? Hawaii
Nominate your parents to be our
Mom & Dad of the Month by emailing
info@growingupinthevalley.com
Winners receive dinner from Famous Anthony’s